Shawn McKinney

Nec aspera terrent

[Arkansas Outside @ArkansasOutside]

Could the Ouachita Trail become one of America's officially recognized long-distance bike trails?

The new BOLT Act is putting trails like this on the national radar.

https://t.co/81dD9gRH8r

#Arkansas #Bikepacking

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

This is now my primary light source. Won't say I like everything, it works well enough. The replaceable LI-ION battery is the deciding factor. Carrying spares means not having to mess around with multiple lights or plugging into a power bank.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

Pretty cool catching up with Robb Finegan at the Unbound Expo last week. He's now in North Platte, NE. Roughly halfway into the 3500 mile Great Plains Gravel route.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@JLKilbourne 💯

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

No doubt you've heard this year's Unbound was another mudfest. Something like 25% of the XL riders finished. I was among those who didn't. Made it to Florence (208) and pulled the plug. No regrets. We signed up for adventure, glory's not a given.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

https://t.co/ywYqsSghHN

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@Cycle_Steve Thanks Steve!

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@klinovp Oof, that looks rough! What race?

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@JillianKozyra Mother nature put on light show overnight. A nearly full moon with lightning off in the distance. In the morning the showers brought more lightning and even a rainbow. Beauty and beast!

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@guitarted1961 Now you tell me ;-)

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

Tonight we ride!
https://t.co/T4r99BYCAx

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@guitarted1961 I've yet to be buzzed by a farm implement.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

With Unbound race day fast approaching the talk is weather. How it's going to be another mud year. Well I have news for them, my bad knee is saying it's going to be fine.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@guitarted1961 Yeah, it was pretty dang cool. I'm sure they saved a seat for you at the front.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

Jim Cummins' return to the Granada was what we expected, and had been hoping for / looking forward to. It was honest, direct, inspiring, humble and spiritual. He gives credit throughout the 9 minute acceptance speech and I doubt there were many dry eyes in the theater.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@kellymnyc We were just scared puppies back at those first couple of riders meeting and he sort of calmed us all down. Took us out of the trees.

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@kellymnyc Hey, that's not helping! ;-)

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

The best shot from last day of recon, 10 miles west of Madison ... here comes "The Judge" (descent) ...

[Shawn McKinney @ABikeMonkey]

@guitarted1961 I'd say the feeling's mutual as he mentioned how Trans Iowa had a huge impact on them. I forget the exact words, got it on video.