Carnival in the Cul-De-Sac

This was the inaugural installation of the Carnival in the Cul-De-Sac hosted by Joshua Guerin in Greeley, Colorado.

The drive up was pleasant enough and enjoyed the hour drive up listening to The Grip Show recap of US Nationals and Canada Nationals.

Arriving at the venue, Josh had set everything up and was a very accommodating host. I emptied my bladder and just squeaked into the 95 kg weight class after taking off my shoes and my t-shirt. I was pleased with my svelte 208.5 bodyweight and began to get in some food and hydrate. We took a group picture before hand. Joshua even had stick on old time mustaches for us to try. With rainbow and black choices, I opted for rainbow in honor of pride month.

After rules briefing we started with the Steinborn Squat. I went 3 for 3 with good lifts at 89, 109 and 131 pounds. With some practice, I would like to get this up to 150 pounds, but will not be breaking Al Springs 200 pound record anytime soon. This was a 36 pound PR over my 95 pound lift at Nationals in 2023.

Next was the Dinnie Lift. I have a love-hate relationship with this lift. I really dislike loading the pins and the uneven load on my frame. I do love how much weight I can move. I went 3 for 3 with good lifts at 334, 364 and 404 pounds. This was a 55 year old 99kg record and just a little off my 418 pound PR.

The final competition lift was the Goerner Stroll. This is remarkably challenging and I opened with 270 pounds. I felt done. Josh loaded 310 and I decided to test it. I had a good pick, but was not ready to travel a rod with it.

Next was the Fulton Dumbbell Press Exhibition Lift. I exceeded what I normally do with a dumbbell and was thrilled to go 3 for 3 with good lifts at 40, 50 and 58 pounds.

Finally, the event everyone was waiting for, Nail Bending. I decided to go first with 20d 4 inch nails and was relieved to have (4) good bends without injuring my hands. Next, Joshua put on a clinic with (3) good bends on 6 inch galvanized common nails. Finally, Kim finished the competition with (2) good bends and (2) bends that did not meet the 2 inch width. The one minute time limit was very reasonable and the variety of nails made for a great competition for all of the competitors in the field and I would expect most athletes in USAWA.

After the competition we did awards and chatted briefly. It was nice to lift with Kim and Joshua. I was most impressed with Kim's 259 pound Dinnie Lift and Joshua's 222 pound Steinborn Lift.

Dave Tate's Table Talk with guest Jared Bidne was my accompaniment for the 1.5 hour drive home with a little more traffic, but not too bad.

I thought I had a pretty well equipped home gym until I saw Josh's space. I cannot describe it with any justice so will just pass along the highlights.