did you ride today?

[S. cerevisiae]

Managed 35 miles today, and kept off the dirt the whole time! I feel joyous anyway.

[mimbresman]

Did a nice country road loop today to try out the drop bar setup. No idea how far I went except to say it was far enough :)

That Phoenix is sweet! Its always been one of my favorite bikes. :cool:

[OneSpeedWonder]

The dingoes ate your baby?

Nah,Rocky,that was Lindy!! anyway that was a roo!! But they still stink after a week or 5!!! 70K's in the deckchair yesterday,ales with the Budgie at Willunga at half time ,then tail wind home :)Off to town on the Dissey after lunch to watch the final stage of the tour de lance:D

[K-Man]

Warmed up into the mid-40's (F) and the sun managed to make an appearance for a good part of the day. Our little group managed about 29 miles, bagging some major climbs, including the one pictured — atop Mt. Washington overlooking Pittsburgh.


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[wv_bob]

WVBOB, now, I must say that is very different looking.:rolleyes: How did they feel to ya? Not sure I could ride my 29'r in a "dropped" position though?:p Hope the ride was a good one, or at least "far enough"!:D

It felt great, but I only rode it on the pavement. It might not be as fast as a road bike, but it has the benefit of being able to dive off the pavement if traffic gets hairy on narrow roads.

The best description I've heard of singletracking with a drop bar is "scary, but fun". We've got a fairly flat rolling trail here that I plan to check it out on - as soon as it dries up in about May or so.

If you look close, the bar's not really dropped. To use off-road drops you have to use a high-rise stem and adjust it way up. I didn't cut the fork steerer at all. That stack of spacers will have to go if I stay with it, so I'll be looking for a specific stem, or having a custom built.

[wv_bob]

That Phoenix is sweet! Its always been one of my favorite bikes. :cool:

All you have to do is outlive me and it could be yours :eek: :p

[mimbresman]

All you have to do is outlive me and it could be yours :eek: :p

Deal! I guess its reciprocal with the Merlin. :eek:

[mimbresman]

From the top of the Fausto switchback. This system of trails climbs from sea-level to 100 meters in 1 km. We were climbing with other riders coming up. I was the first to the switchback.

[rockyrider]

Hard to believe all this can be packed into this little patch of green neighbourhood park a few minutes from my house. :D

[S. cerevisiae]

Tripped the light fantastic for 75 minutes this afternoon. Confused untold motorists by being visible.

And it even made it to 40*F when it was raining.

[Spalls]

I spent yesterday and today getting the heart rate up on pavement. I like riding it this time of year as only the hard core roadies are out and traffic on the trail is not a problem. It is also a great time to bird watch along the river. Saw a huge full grown bald eagle yesterday and two again today. Great blue herons as well. I have been riding my roadie since 1973 and I like it better each time I take it out. It's in singlespeed mode these days.

[1mystk]

noticed the climb we tried to kill Mysty on has elevation of almost 1000ft in 4 miles ish so the abuse we copped was warranted.....

now you tell me... did you happen across the lung I lost when on my visit!:eek::p:p

[Mo0se]

We decided to explore some new trails that are local... we never new existed. The trail is called Lost Bridges (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1264387491598.jpg) it is located between Bella Vista, (where I live) and Eureka Springs, in Garfield AR. On Beaver Lake. KM (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1264387490537.jpg) had a great time! The trail had nice features (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1264385238635.jpg) that KM and I took full advantage of.
I basically spectated (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1264380169874.jpg) while KM continued to impress me.

[Katie Mae]

I did more of the spectating than Moose :P He is just being nice lol. It was refreshing to ride a new trail even if I felt like I was going to pass out at the end. We rode to the top of a road trying to find our car... only to find out it was at the bottom of a hill...LOL. All in all, Lost Bridge was great!

[OneSpeedWonder]

now you tell me... did you happen across the lung I lost when on my visit!:eek::p:p

Nah,sorry cobber,haven't seen any body parts on that hill yet!!;)

[real_ss_budgie]

All you have to do is outlive me and it could be yours :eek: :p

cheers chopper.....merlin or the litespeed??????????

[OneSpeedWonder]

Hard to believe all this can be packed into this little patch of green neighbourhood park a few minutes from my house. :D

Dude,it's so unfair that you have that stuff right over your back fence and most of us have a commute to the trailhead...can I come live at your place for a while...at least til the novelty wears off!!!!!!:)

[rockhound]

Our little group managed about 29 miles, bagging some major climbs, including the one pictured — atop Mt. Washington overlooking Pittsburgh.


Ugh, Mt. Washington would be one h-e-double hockey sticks of a climb...I've only driven it, cabled down, cabled up, ate steak, and drove back down.

[rockyrider]

Dude,it's so unfair that you have that stuff right over your back fence and most of us have a commute to the trailhead...can I come live at your place for a while...at least til the novelty wears off!!!!!!:)Since I moved here 19 years ago the novelty has yet to wear off. That little park patch is one of many, and of course it is only another 10 minutes to get to trail heads for real trails that will take you off on a ride lasting hours with 1000m + of elevation change (and then I need a nap).

[lubes17319]

The backyard hill (http://www.lakewood.org/comres/page.cfm?ID=60&WilliamFrederickHaydenParkonGreenMountai n/) has finally dried enough to pedal it w/out damage.....& I came to realize that brownies & Space Invaders (http://www.neave.com/games/spaceinvaders/) don't keep you in shape as well as I was hoping. :(

The brown cloud over the big city.
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It's gonna start getting cold soon.
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[K-Man]

Ugh, Mt. Washington would be one h-e-double hockey sticks of a climb...I've only driven it, cabled down, cabled up, ate steak, and drove back down.

The main road up there is hellasteep. I try and avoid that climb. ;)

We use a lesser-known road that has less traffic and is less steep (though still a good workout). :cool:

[rockyrider]

I played hooky today...

[mimbresman]

I played hooky today...

More UPC trees. :p

[rockyrider]

More UPC trees. :pNot to be confused with UBC trees.

[OneSpeedWonder]

Since I moved here 19 years ago the novelty has yet to wear off. That little park patch is one of many, and of course it is only another 10 minutes to get to trail heads for real trails that will take you off on a ride lasting hours with 1000m + of elevation change (and then I need a nap).

Thanks:) I tried to ride that stuff during my last visit,but some firebug made it off-limits:mad::( so I would love to move there-if they would have me!!!!-and have a go at finding trail induced boredom!!!!.....and I too would need a nap after a K's worth of climbing!!!!

[rockyrider]

There's been a couple of summers where it was so unusually hot and dry for weeks at a time that you weren't allowed on trails in the woods anywhere, as it was tinder dry. Both of those were in the past decade, the hottest on record. The trail closures lasted almost a month one summer. We've had other summers which weren't quite that bad for trail closures, but it has been so dry that the trail surfaces just turned to dust and had no traction or weight bearing capability. We definitely need the rain to keep the forest happy in the rain forest.

[rockyrider]

Another ride squeaked in between work bits this aftie.

[lubes17319]

Got on the local hill last night.
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pic by/stolen from 'The Goat'

Seems we're hitting it again in the am as it's the only non-slop around right now.

[mplsmtb]

Great ride today!! The first real test of the studded Endomorph:
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[lubes17319]

4hrs of joy, well, except for that last climb that almost left me for dead by the trail.


Don't know how/why I'm in front of PBR Me! (http://freeyourchain.blogspot.com/) on a climb!
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KM taking a break following a lil' chunky goodness.
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[K-Man]

Makin tracks....

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Thanks to this....

[kingstumps70]

Finally got off my ass today after not riding for like a month cause of this F@#$ing brutal snow mixed w/hella cold temps,gotta tell ya it sucks.But Got my rig all set up,one studded up front,semi slick in rear,one f#$%ing speed,no cotton,even got that "cat crap"so my glasses don't fog up.Oh yeah I fell on my bad knee a few weeks back,so its been kinda slow.But I gotta tell ya,today I felt like I was a kid again,riding over impossible sections!(thanks to the nokian upfront)and the ass just followed.I was surprised that a semi slick could hold on like that although some slushy spots had me taking it careful.but for the most part the snow in -5 degrees was packed sweet for this kind of riding.Took me back like 13 years ago when I rode my chrome mongoose legend w/blue cobra grips thru snow like it was dirt.Bunnyhopping off snow banks and carving hard on corners was like my payback to winter being such a bitch.And man was it fun.I felt that surge again today,not as crazy but agressive enough to put me in "oh shit" mode.The knee is healing slow,but all my injuries never slowed me down.I just have to be careful now,time for knee pads.Hopefully my ride takes me farther tomorrow.Until then...gotta get some ibufrofin in me.

[Mo0se]

Katie Mae and I are gonna meet up with a group today...and ride the 7 in. of snow we received Friday. Should be a ho0t!

[kpomtb]

Rode yesterday. 26 miles. Race course was a little bit sloppy.

[rockyrider]

What the heck is going on... The southern US is cold (48F in Daytona Florida?) and getting dumps of snow, and we have the Winter Olympics starting in 12 days and you need a search party to find snow here. :confused:

[Repack Rider]

Went for a ride, and encountered Jacquie Phelan out on her own ride.

So we took a snap.

[real_ss_budgie]

took the la cruz for a cruise sans the studded tyres..mate i was all over the shoppe!!!!

and now i drink a short black and reflect last nights sesh....

[animalsrtasty1]

Not a bad day at all. The sun came out and warmed us up to 40.

[mimbresman]

Rode with Daniel...he wasn't feeling too good. He was ready to puke here. We rode back to town and he went home. I continued riding urban stuff and my rear wheel bearings finally gave it up. The tire was rubbing the frame so bad, I didn't think I'd make it home (see Shop post).

[NWOKCMTBR]

yep.....went on a ride for a little under an hour....

terrible conditions for riding (without proper tires).

around 6 inches of snow on the ground plus a sheet of ice under that.

tough in every aspect of the ride.

didn't set any speed records or anything, but I did get out and ride....so that's something I guess.

[NWOKCMTBR]

oh, and snow and ice will clean any mud and dirt off your bike better than anything else......

looks nice and shiny now.....:(

[rockyrider]

Yep got out and rode at twilight when the constant misting rain stopped....

[Spalls]

Yep. Hit St. Edwards State Park and Big Finn Hill Park this morning with a couple of buddies I have not ridden with for a year and a new buddy riding there for the first time. Good times. Trails were in pretty good shape and we had a great time. 'nuff said.

[real_ss_budgie]

if you leave your kryptonite at home............

[real_ss_budgie]

off to Lobee for a nut scroll!!!!!!!!

[Mo0se]

Not today... got produce on order from across the pond (UK). For Ragley (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1265168144525.jpg) Carnegie (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1265168144588.jpg) bars, and some phatter! high volyume rollin stock!

[kingstumps70]

rode yesterday thru ankle deep snow on the unpaved bike path,about 10 miles out.Man,this winter riding is getting gnarlier by the day!!It would be nice if the town finished plowing the rest of the friggin path!!!Some of the snow was so deep when it got dark I felt like I was in one of those multi day winter races.Good thing I got that planet bike blaze 1,I would've been lost in the sauce.But damn,I'm having mad fun out there.Studded tires really help out in some questionable jams,and I surprised myself a few times out there tonight.Tackling thru knee high banks is gnarl fun.Getting all that thick ass snow off my rig,then cleaning and lubing,sucks mad hella.Winter is actually becoming more tolerable.Never thought I'd hear myself say that.

[K-Man]

... got produce, and some phatter! high volyume rollin stock!

Jah, mon......

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[animalsrtasty1]

Got out for a couple of hours today, a little wet but not too bad. Mostly back and forth over a half mile of grass that connects our new four mile loop to existing trails. Damn praire grass is stubborn.

[lubes17319]

Had a huge gang Tuesday night, the Lyons (http://www.redstonecyclery.blogspot.com/) crew came down & joined forces w/the T.I.T.S. (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=589755) crew for a total of 20 pedalers. This of course forced the testosterone to work its way to the surface for the front runners. Hammerfest all night, and it hurt!! Track here (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23854471), really cool player!

Hit it up again for a lunchtimer today: 23 miler, 2,600' & feel 10x better than Tuesday's legacy of brutality (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legacy_of_Brutality).
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[real_ss_budgie]

oath i did and when i get home i'll slice the images off the cam and onto this bloody forum.

[real_ss_budgie]

oath i did and when i get home i'll slice the images off the cam and onto this bloody forum.

available NOW as POSTERS
order today!

[mimbresman]

The Merlin is out of commission due to completely worn out ENO wheel bearings. New parts coming this coming week...Anyway, just tried riding my wife's K-2 but Monkey Boy has neglected and abused it to the point where it is unridable...brakes gone, wheels out of true, bent derailleur hanger, headset loose. I tweeked it best I could, but it is still is too small for me to enjoy, so I turned around after a mile or so. :mad:

[mimbresman]

Got out on the Merlin as a 1x9 for 2 1/3 hours. Faster in the flats, steep climbs are easier and faster.

The monument maker is back! :cool:

[K-Man]

Ride? Yeah, right.

Thanks to this...

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We were able to do this....

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[mscotch]

now that's makin' some damn sweet lemonade!

[K-Man]

now that's makin' some damn sweet lemonade!

:D How sweet it is....

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[rev106]

rode the klunker for about 2 hours today. Much harder on this 40+ pound pig than my regular bike. Full rigid with drum brakes on a1952 Schwinn frame. Sweetness, I just need a better seat.

[Ripp]

Rev that bike is super cool! I'd lose the teal grips but whatever, the bike rocks!

Did about an hour and a half on the cx bike today. Studs in the back regular tire in the front. That made for some pretty sketchy sections on streets with hard pack snow/ice but I survived without hitting the ground, and those sections always make me smile. :D

[rockhound]

Ride? Yeah, right.


What is that bike on top of the Subie?

Upside down Mary bars?

[rev106]

Rev that bike is super cool! I'd lose the teal grips but whatever, the bike rocks!

Did about an hour and a half on the cx bike today. Studs in the back regular tire in the front. That made for some pretty sketchy sections on streets with hard pack snow/ice but I survived without hitting the ground, and those sections always make me smile. :D

Yeah, I had them laying around when I paint it, they will go (the grips). I plan on riding it for a few months to work out all the bugs before I put a finish on it. The ride quality is very good, it corners better than my regular mtb, I'd say climbing I'm missing something perhaps some wider bars...

[K-Man]

What is that bike on top of the Subie?

Upside down Mary bars?

My buddy's rig. Not sure what he's running.

[Zinger]

Yep, or well, yesterday. Had a good ride on the Bethel trails, 30 miles' worth, and the weather was just on the cool side of nice. Just what I needed.

[lubes17319]

Less that planned. Had a BB malfunction at the top of 1st steep climb. Cup started to spin out, leaving me coasting, fortunately all down hill back to the cars.
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Grabbed a buddy's car & rocked down to another bud's garage to pull it, clean threads & slap it back in. Floor it back up to the trailhead & reverse the way I thought they'd be heading out, getting in a nice lil' loop meself. Left a clue for 'em in case they came this way.....
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They didn't hit that section, but still ended up rolling into the lot about 5 minutes after me.

Better than nothing!

[Repack Rider]

It's been raining a lot and the trails are pretty muddy, so yesterday I went for my first road bike ride in a year, with a couple of friends on a tandem.

On the flats I sat in, then blew them away on the climbs, then waited for them to storm by on the flat and sat in again.

I haven't had to spin a high RPM in a while, and I was hurting by the end of forty measly miles, but I could do it again today. Maybe I will.

[BubuElizadushku]

Left a clue for 'em in case they came this way.....
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They didn't hit that section, but still ended up rolling into the lot about 5 minutes after me.


the "P" isn't complete

[lubes17319]

the "P" isn't complete
Did we go to primary school together?

[rockyrider]

Yep, a bit of hooky playing in the warm sun this aftie.

[real_ss_budgie]

i took the el mariachi for a comuttee to the city..then slinked into the conservation park for the snipe home up in the hills at dark with strange animal sounds and all!!

[K-Man]

:) Yeah, Franklin Jefferson and I rode in the morning....

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:D Then after lunch, it was kick and glide......

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:( Back to work tomorrow.

[real_ss_budgie]

kicked and glided too after the rided....coopers dark aled

[free spirit]

:D How sweet it is....


Hey K-Man! You get a much better work out if your breakin' trail rather than following in somebody else's footsteps.

It's the only way I know how to snowshoe up here. When we are forced to have winter that is. I'll take the clear roads and sunny skies any day. And wait for the ice on the trails to melt. :D

[K-Man]

Hey K-Man! You get a much better work out if your breakin' trail rather than following in somebody else's footsteps.

It's the only way I know how to snowshoe up here. When we are forced to have winter that is. I'll take the clear roads and sunny skies any day. And wait for the ice on the trails to melt. :D

Roger all that!

[WesNile]

Nope... I sure didn't. The weather was so good it's fitting for me to sit on my butt. Rain & rain with a grey sun. So I dropped by the bike shop to bother people. Picked my nose. Fart... and do this.

[Zinger]

Sure did, but it was only a lunchtime road ride. Went a little early to avoid the incoming weather, ended up getting pelted with frozen rain on the way back to the office. Lucky was frozen. Five degrees warmer and I would've been soaked and cold.

[real_ss_budgie]

Nope... I sure didnt.........

[rockyrider]

ridey ride ride... left in the dark, came back in the light. Trees were down, needed some clambering over. Very wet in the woods... and misty.

[PutAwayWet]

Nope... I sure didnt.........

I'm sure it isn't, but that shot looks like it's from the road to Lamington Nat'l Park... Watch out for the leeches :eek:

[Mo0se]

Nope... still waiting on phat tires for the Flight... but in the meantime I got This (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1266008425954.jpg) to pass the time. Est. 1833 (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1266008455871.jpg) Another fine company in Pennsylvania.

[K-Man]

Not yet, but soon....

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[real_ss_budgie]

I'm sure it isn't, but that shot looks like it's from the road to Lamington Nat'l Park... Watch out for the leeches :eek:
close....looking away from morialta national park towards town....no leeches here

[NWOKCMTBR]

did you ride today?

yes.

Just purchased a Fuji All Carbon (Mt Fuji Pro) 19" mountain bike and took it on its first ride......

quite a step up for me from the 3 and a half year old Trek 4300.

gotta say the ride is sweet.....light, smooth.....the lock out shocks are the real deal.

the Conti 2.1's (speed kings) are pretty solid, but I could feel a bit of slipping on a few tight turns (although it may of been my own handle bar movement/placement and not the tires).

this is my 1st set of disc brakes.....so I kinda have mixed feelings about them but have NO real technical observations (positive or negative) from the 1st ride.

the amount of power transfer that is utilized seems much more evident with this bike.....has a lot to do with the weight of the bike I am sure, but the SLX components vs. the Deore on the 4300 has to be a positive.

handle bars seem a bit short.....and the SLX shifters, the brakes and the pop-lock for the forks makes for a very small hand use area on the grips. I kinda wish the brakes and the shifters were all one unit instead of two seperate components.......cockpit seems a bit cramped, but I am sure it will just take some getting used to.

I need to get some crankskins and a protection skin for the bottom tube.........don't want the rocks and stumps and shoes taking their toll just yet.

other than that, a good day to ride.

[rockhound]

Not yet, but soon....


Oh baby, baby!

[OneSpeedWonder]

yep,beach run on the roadie:( but it was gr8 weather for it and the company was good so just enjoyed ourselves and the hundred or so other linear path users(traffic cops almost required:D) nice cruisey day !!!p.s. added some FSA carbon cranks to the Cannondale,all I can say is why does anyone make them out of anything else,if power transfer loss is a cyclists enemy there is nothing that alloy cranks can do to match carbon for weight,antiflex and Bling Factor!!They were heaps cheap too!!

[K-Man]

yep,beach run on the roadie:( but it was gr8 weather for it and the company was good so just enjoyed ourselves and the hundred or so other linear path users(traffic cops almost required:D) nice cruisey day

Australia dreamin, on such a winter's day. :(

[mimbresman]

Australia dreamin, on such a winter's day. :(

To rub it in...10 degrees N latitude was perfect this morning.

Just did a killer ride! Loving the Merlin as a 1x9! Its faster in the flats and on the climbs. Just more enjoyable. :D

Anyway, two friends and I rode around on the dirt for about 3 hours. Loads of fun even if friend Daniel had two flats; one back, and one front.

[rockyrider]

Yep, there's 70mm of rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours but it was not falling this morning. It was very wet in the woods, so it ended up as a half and half pavement and forest ride, starting in the dark and riding through sunrise.

[Spalls]

Yep. Rode the Woodinvilla Thrilla with my buddy Larry. This is a 21 mile loop with several steep pitches in it (about 2,100 or so of vertical overall). I was DEFINITELY feeling the absence of the 22 pounds that I have lost since my heart attack in November :D

[mimbresman]

Nice one Spalls! Glad you're doing okay.

My ride this morning was cut way short due to a worn out bottom bracket. Sounded like I was grinding coffee beans down there or something...really embarrassing. I think I have a spare around, I will put it in today so I can ride tomorrow (4-day Carnival weekend).

Edit: BTW, The buzz on El Morro now is..."The Gringo put gears back on his bike!" Funny!

[Zinger]

My ride this morning was cut way short due to a worn out bottom bracket. Sounded like I was grinding coffee beans down there or something...really embarrassing. I think I have a spare around, I will put it in today so I can ride tomorrow (4-day Carnival weekend).

Double-wash out today:
(1) was supposed to go a-Carnivaling with The Darling Daughter in N.O., but she called last night to say that her roommate's sister was in town, they'd gone to FIVE parades, the town had gone bonkers, and she was ready to hang up this whole Carnival bidness until next year, and could we please just have a quiet dinner sometime next weekend?
(2) OK, so Prepared Man is prepared -- last week's three broken spokes were fixed already -- so I headed to the trails this morning. Then headed back out about halfway through the ride, with two more spokes broken. Something is definitely up with that back wheel. Will debug it this week.

So I sorta rode, sorta didn't. Sorry to hear about your BB, mimbresman.

[mimbresman]

(2) OK, so Prepared Man is prepared -- last week's three broken spokes were fixed already -- so I headed to the trails this morning. Then headed back out about halfway through the ride, with two more spokes broken. Something is definitely up with that back wheel. Will debug it this week.

So I sorta rode, sorta didn't. Sorry to hear about your BB, mimbresman.

Turns out the UN-72 I had was an old one I pulled out last time, so I am going to have to get another at the shop. Of course they were closed, so this will have to wait till tomorrow. I hope they are open, but my wife now wants to go to the new water park and check it out, so not sure if its going to happen tomorrow or not. :rolleyes:

[Zinger]

Turns out the UN-72 I had was an old one I pulled out last time, so I am going to have to get another at the shop. Of course they were closed, so this will have to wait till tomorrow. I hope they are open, but my wife now wants to go to the new water park and check it out, so not sure if its going to happen tomorrow or not. :rolleyes:

Man, I hate it when I put the *old* part right back in! And I've done it too, usually by accident, sometimes when it's the only spare at hand. Double work, ugh.

But... things are open down your way? Man, between Superbowl last week and Mardi Gras next week, business-wise around here it's like the week between Christmas and New Year's: don't bet on anything more than the grocery store being open, and sobriety is pretty much optional. And President's Day is tomorrow, so all the bank, PO, & Fed employees are off. It's like a triple whammy vacation time. With parades. Well, enjoy the water park, sounds fun.

[animalsrtasty1]

Didn't just ride, I dragged 60 lbs of sweet trial building goodness along. Add in the dedicated group of folks and a couple brand spanking new rides...Viola!!! Great day!! Got about two miles cleared this weekend, we'll have to do a little finish work when the ground isn't frozen but there is still plenty of time for that another day

[rev106]

Did a BMX ride last night. Met up with 90 + BMX nuts and rode the mean streets of Hollywood to down town LA. Rolled on the Kos Cruiser with some new rims! Not a trail ride but a fun ride none the less.

[Spalls]

Yep, there's 70mm of rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours but it was not falling this morning. It was very wet in the woods, so it ended up as a half and half pavement and forest ride, starting in the dark and riding through sunrise.

Rocky - you are probably the only guy in Vancouver who knows where to go so you can take photos this week that don't show 1,000 people in the background.

[Spalls]

Nice one Spalls! Glad you're doing okay.

Thanks, Mims. I'm lovin' being vertical! I love each ride just a bit more than I did before.

[rockyrider]

Rocky - you are probably the only guy in Vancouver who knows where to go so you can take photos this week that don't show 1,000 people in the background.I did have to ride past a spot that would have a 1,000 people in the background later in the day, And a few days ago it had 6,000 or 8,000 people in it. I prefer the quiet of the woods to the hustle and bustle of crowds.

What's interesting is that the unpopulated trail is only 15km horizontally and 750m vertically from the Olympic site where we snagged the first Canadian gold medal in the winter Olympics.

[real_ss_budgie]

yeah...took the ss km for a few km's and a few p's of da's in the hills

[mimbresman]

Sprayed the BB with penetrating oil, and I was able to squeeze a ride out it. Did about 20 miles this morning. Very nice! :)

[Andy505]

Sprayed the BB with penetrating oil, and I was able to squeeze a ride out it. Did about 20 miles this morning. Very nice! :)

That's what she said.

[mimbresman]

That's what she said.

Sometimes a banana is just a banana, Anna. :rolleyes:

[RacerK]

NO. :mad:

Some of you lucky snow-less folks may have stray Dirt Rag staff showing up on your doorsteps soon...

[phlatlander]

NO. :mad:

Some of you lucky snow-less folks may have stray Dirt Rag staff showing up on your doorsteps soon...

So will the next issue of DR have a review of a full suspension bike that "hooks up great on rollers despite minimal pedal bob and tire-knob slip"...? or "There's enough sodium & electrolytes in BrandX energy drink mix to lower the freezing point to 24°F"...? :)

[RacerK]

We might... or we might just review XC skis instead!

"This set of vintage 1979 Dobre skis works great despite not having been waxed in several decades. (Cobwebs may have functioned as impromptu wax; more testing is needed.) The simple, understated color scheme of scuffed and yellowed white with blue logo doesn't attract thieves. I used the 200 length because that's all I had."

[fudgedit]

Karen- I can actually picture those very skis in my head as you described down to the yellowing. I am going to retire my Fisher to rock ski status after this season. You folks need more snowmobile trails to ride on. I even did a short 5k leg in a quadrathalon at 9 Mile County forest two weekends ago on my bike and then on my skis. Snow is fun!

[K-Man]

Coupla hours on the farm roads this aftie....

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(Coffee in the Thermos, peanut butter 'n chocolate chip cookies in the back pocket.)

[S. cerevisiae]

Coupla hours on the farm roads this aftie....

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(Coffee in the Thermos, peanut butter 'n chocolate chip cookies in the back pocket.)

Butler county?

[Zinger]

Short, fun, no-drop ride with the club on our home trails in the Desoto NF. Rode my '99 Karakoram hardtail again for the first time in many years -- son'd claimed it as his own, but he's completely outgrown it, so it comes back to me. That little bike is just so damned much fun to flick around in the twisty stuff! Rollamagig (remember those?) broke about halfway through, but trailside application of multitool had me soon rolling again with a 3x1 drivetrain. No hardship there!

[mimbresman]

Woke up with a serious earache and had to cancel going on a big group ride into the cloud forest this morning. :mad: Ended up in the emergency clinic instead.

[K-Man]

Butler county?

My route took me into the southern reaches of Butler Co. There are few boundary markers so not sure which side of the border is pictured.

[kpomtb]

20 miles in the West Texas sun wearing shorts and a tee shirt.

Wind was gusting to 25 or son from the northwest temp right around 70 degrees. Went into the wind for the first 10 or 11 miles then turned back south. Was a beautiful day to be outside especially for February.

Karen -- we do have a small guestroom and our rates are reasonable.

[imabuzz]

1.5 hours mountain biking
22 degrees and snowing pretty good
__________________
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[lubes17319]

Yes, and it was chilly.
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[1mystk]

ventured out at Ravenshoe and had a great snow ride:D

some areas were "soupy" but we survived ... I had a different set of tires on because I had been riding indoors at JOYRIDE150 (http://www.joyride150.com/) and decided to see how the ExiWolfs would work out for me...

Stouts are going back on...

Huge snowfall up here, the trails will be deep over the weekend... need traction:D

[S. cerevisiae]

decided to see how the ExiWolfs would work out for me...

Stouts are going back on...

Yeah, Exi's are for dry conditions and hard pack, IMHO

[kpomtb]

20 miles in the West Texas sun wearing shorts and a tee shirt.

Wind was gusting to 25 or son from the northwest temp right around 70 degrees. Went into the wind for the first 10 or 11 miles then turned back south. Was a beautiful day to be outside especially for February.

Karen -- we do have a small guestroom and our rates are reasonable.

Although 2 days later we had 3-4 inches of snow here today. It'll be gone by tomorrow though. They say if you don't like the weather around here, just wait a half hour and it will change...although, I've heard that about a lot of places, I wonder if there is anywhere that does not say that about their weather?

[animalsrtasty1]

Although 2 days later we had 3-4 inches of snow here today. It'll be gone by tomorrow though. They say if you don't like the weather around here, just wait a half hour and it will change...although, I've heard that about a lot of places, I wonder if there is anywhere that does not say that about their weather?

San Diego?

[kpomtb]

San Diego?

That could be one of the few spots.

[OneSpeedWonder]

Although 2 days later we had 3-4 inches of snow here today. It'll be gone by tomorrow though. They say if you don't like the weather around here, just wait a half hour and it will change...although, I've heard that about a lot of places, I wonder if there is anywhere that does not say that about their weather?

Adelaide??? Nah,It takes a couple a days to get a serious change down here;)

[real_ss_budgie]

Adelaide??? Nah,It takes a couple a days to get a serious change down here;)

flatlander!!!!!!

[RacerK]

Kpomtb –*sounds lovely! Even the snow. Better than about 10" of hardpacked, crusty crap. Soon to be topped off with another 6" or so of fresh stuff. XC skiing time again! I'm looking forward to it though.

I went for a ride on Sunday, or at least tried to... stuck to the doubletrack "walking" trails for a bit, but that's just so boring. Let the dogs convince me to try some smaller trails and ended up mostly pushing through melting slushy piles.

[animalsrtasty1]

I guess I'm glad all we have is a little mud to deal with:)sorry, I'm not trying to rub it in

[1mystk]

Yeah, Exi's are for dry conditions and hard pack, IMHO

it's call laziness on my part... didn't feel like fighting with tires:D

going to try and check out the conditions this sunday... snow is really deep now... may have to wait another week before I venture out over there...

maybe snowshoes!

[NWOKCMTBR]

did you ride today?

yes.....great ride.

muddy (but sunny) and no wind....

good, solid day.

[kpomtb]

Kpomtb –*sounds lovely! Even the snow. Better than about 10" of hardpacked, crusty crap. Soon to be topped off with another 6" or so of fresh stuff. XC skiing time again! I'm looking forward to it though.

I went for a ride on Sunday, or at least tried to... stuck to the doubletrack "walking" trails for a bit, but that's just so boring. Let the dogs convince me to try some smaller trails and ended up mostly pushing through melting slushy piles.

Snow's all gone, trails should be dry after tomorrow. Looking forward to a nice long ride Saturday morning, going to try and get 30 or so miles in.

[Mo0se]

I have a ride planned today... now that my Phat (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1267066766335.jpg) tires (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1267066765769.jpg) are mounted up. These tires have significantly more volume than the ones they replaced. Nice wide (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1267066766050.jpg) footprint and my pooch (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1267066765444.jpg) seems to approve. I will give some feedback in the proper forum after some trail time.

[OneSpeedWonder]

Quiet freight day:(so bailed early ,hooked up with the Budgie for the long loop to the pub-kicked his hairy arse! for a change !! 55km 2.5hours all road but needed the saddle time!! warm 25ish degees metric!! perfect conditions for an arse kicking!!!

[real_ss_budgie]

my arse is sore

[K-Man]

my arse is sore

Howz come we never get any pics of the hairy beast when it's red and sore from a fresh kicking?

[rockyrider]

Howz come we never get any pics of the hairy beast when it's red and sore from a fresh kicking?Be careful what you wish for.... when the gods wish to punish us, they grant our wishes.

[K-Man]

when the gods wish to punish us, they grant our wishes.

Why should today be any different than the rest of my life?

[S. cerevisiae]

Why should today be any different than the rest of my life?

Mentioning a pic of Carlo's hairy kicked ass and you need to ask this question?

No ride...waiting for the alleged snow to arrive. Would really like another chance to ride some 210cm skinny boards Nordic stylie.

[real_ss_budgie]

hey i hoisted the digi cam from the camelbak, gingerly depresed the starter moter........flat battery.....

yes a very casual pedal for this burnt out budgie....may have to sneak in some fossil fuel burning commutes....maybe!

ding ding ding!!!!!! we have a weener!!!

[real_ss_budgie]

yeah............

[gti2k2000]

If I ride today, it will be on the trainer again. We have snow up to our...um...water bottle cages. I can't wait for Spring to get here. I HATE SNOW !!!!

[Mo0se]

Yes we did... nearly 50 degrees! A friend drove down from KC. We wore ourselves out!! My new tires rock for this terrain. WTB Weirwolf 2.55's front and rear on the Flight. Nice and cushy... and great grip.. sans any mud. Otherwise it's a great tire.

[kpomtb]

Yes I did, a good friend was in town and we got out for about 25 miles. Beautiful day today, mid 60s clear, moderately breezy. Another good day to live here. We did wake up to snow last Tuesday, but it only lasted a day. That's about as long as I want to deal with it.

Trails were in primo shape, have had some moisture lately and everything was packed and tacky.

[mimbresman]

Did a great ride this morning...about 3 hours. Included a coconut stop towards the end of the ride. Daniel opted for a coco frio, and NewVertexGuy and I opted for a a cocadada (coconut milkshake).
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Camera failed to focus on the cup...I didn't notice that before.

[S. cerevisiae]

Included a coconut stop towards the end of the ride. Daniel opted for a coco frio, and NewVertexGuy and I opted for a a cocadada (coconut milkshake).

Have I ever explained how I came to have an aversion to all things coconut?

Think shocky injured cyclist in a helo having just had morphine added to his IV...the last thing he had eaten were several coconut loaded granola bars.

They did not look good splattered against the bulkhead of that chopper.

[mimbresman]

Have I ever explained how I came to have an aversion to all things coconut?

Think shocky injured cyclist in a helo having just had morphine added to his IV...the last thing he had eaten were several coconut loaded granola bars.

They did not look good splattered against the bulkhead of that chopper.

I guess that'd do it.

I call cocadas "liquid PowerBar". Instant energy. 12 oz probably has 500 Calories.

[kpomtb]

Got out again for about 15 miles today, colder...ok cooler and windier than yesterday, but was good to get out.

[real_ss_budgie]

yes, and i was dicing with some bloke from the credit agricole team.....blew his doors off when we reached pretty corner lookout

[mimbresman]

About 29 km (~18 mi) a mix of dirt and pavement.

[Zinger]

Two broken bikes and I'm just getting over a head cold, so of course I rode. But it was an easy afternoon spin on the beater, 10-12 miles along the beachfront and over the bridge to Pass Christian. Nice weather, mid-60's, good sunshine on my virus-encrusted nose.

Should have everything back in working order (including me) by next weekend.

[rockyrider]

Yep, and it was perfectly warm and sunny day to end the winter-ish Olympics. And since a flag would have had too much wind resistance, this seemed to be the best way to celebrate the final medal in the Olympics and get a ride in at the same time.

[Ripp]

Pretty sure there was something fishy about that last medal in the olympics...canada beating the usa in hockey? come on, somethings up there! :D

Seriously though, our mtb club met up with members from the one 45 miles down the highway for an urban bikes-n-brews cruise. We met at 1pm and rode in no particular hurry to a bar we knew had good beer, followed by another and another, with actually quite a bit of riding in between. This included lots of playing on things like assorted skinnies, planters to hop up on (and off of), and riding off anything that even barely resembled a jump or drop.
I'm now home, 6 hours later, largely shitfaced, and having had a great time. All sundays should be like this! Except the ones where we can actually ride singletrack.

[Mo0se]

We had beautiful weather Sat. and Sun. So we took advantage of it.

[rockyrider]

Pretty sure there was something fishy about that last medal in the olympics...canada beating the usa in hockey? come on, somethings up there! :DIt's on our money... that's why we won.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VMxt-MqTiI

[Mo0se]

a snippet (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1267653648243.jpg) from our ride Sunday.

[Andy505]

Did a nice 15 mile ride in the foothills here. 62 degrees and sunny. Absolutely beautiful riding weather :D

[gemper]

51 degrees here, but with the rain following the melting snow, the trails are too soft to ride.

[S. cerevisiae]

S'poda make it north of 40F here this weekend. Trotting out all manner of two wheeled transport I suspect.

Edited to add:

Every damn time I ride that old French bike of mine I like it more. Now the question becomes: Do I put the old Simplex® shifty-bits back on or go fixxie?

[mimbresman]

Did about 20 km (12 miles). I did a perfect descent of Acuario (video reference of the trail (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUDZiodTbbg)...that nasty slab of rock is no longer there so its a bit easier)...anyway, no dabs...and I am using a full rigid Merlin. :D
And the mysterious Monument Maker build a new tower. This one is about 1 meter tall. Very nice! :cool:

[wigger thomas]

Did a sweet loop n Tsali,NC:cool:

[rockyrider]

A fan-frickin'-tastic day in Squamish today. Warm, sunny and the trail surfaces were perfectly tacky. This is the earliest in the year I've ever ridden these trails.

[real_ss_budgie]

two wheeled transport suspect.

Edited to add:

Every damn time I ride that old French bike of mine I like it more. Now the question becomes: Do I put the old Simplex® shifty-bits back on or go fixxie?

ease off the produce mate!....pbr!!!!!!!!!!

[mimbresman]

Down the Acuario this morning...
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frame from (pending) video.

[K-Man]

Sun shining Saturday in Pittsburgh made 40F feel pleasant. View of downtown from "The Hill" with the Civic Arena to the right (dome) and the under-construction arena to the left (foreground).

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[2wheeler]

WooHoo
First ride outdoors. I thought I was about to go batty.
Sun was shining and the roads were clear. Still a couple of weeks before we can hit the trails but felt good to have the ass in the saddle and actually have the wheels going some where.
Spring is here!!!

[free spirit]

Mtbers are smarter than rednecks. At least most of us know to stay off the trails 'till things firm up.

[mimbresman]

From today's ride...Who says you need suspension? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUlZIsaddmM):D
Not bad for an old guy eh?

[rockyrider]

Mtbers are smarter than rednecks. At least most of us know to stay off the trails 'till things firm up.Imagine how crazy we'd be if we had winches on our MTB's.

[mimbresman]

Mtbers are smarter than rednecks. At least most of us know to stay off the trails 'till things firm up.

As a kid, I was a proto-cyclist, then as a teenager I was a Jeep CJ-5 fanatic...in my early 20's I was a touring cyclist, and from the mid-20's on, a mountain biker. Mountain bikes are way cheaper and more reliable than Jeeps, and they can go places where Jeeps can't. :cool:

[free spirit]

As a kid, I was a proto-cyclist, then as a teenager I was a Jeep CJ-5 fanatic...in my early 20's I was a touring cyclist, and from the mid-20's on, a mountain biker. Mountain bikes are way cheaper and more reliable than Jeeps, and they can go places where Jeeps can't. :cool:

Yeah. And when they break down, you can walk or carry them out of the woods. :D

[Zinger]

Oh yeah, rode all morning in Desoto NF. Here's a pic of Tuxachanie Creek along the Couch Trail. (BTW, all that white stuff is beach sand from umpteen thousand years ago, not snow. Just so y'all up in the frozen wastelands north of I-20 are clear on that.) Started the ride in the 40's, finished in the high 60's.

[Billy2FAT]

:DYes Rode about 27 miles of the Sheltowee Trace utside of London,Ky. it was awesome int the woods! Shorts for the first time in months. And a great bunch of friends too!

[S. cerevisiae]

...but I hit it for a quick hour over to the workplace and back this afternoon. Made the paperwork I had to do easier to stomach.

Wis the trails in the woods would thaw and drain up here.

[BMAC]

From today's ride...Who says you need suspension? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUlZIsaddmM):D
Not bad for an old guy eh?

If you had 29" wheels you could have gone faster and smoother.

[mimbresman]

If you had 29" wheels you could have gone faster and smoother.

I had the feeling someone was going to say that...:rolleyes: I think I was pretty smooth there despite those puny 26" wheels. :p

[BMAC]

I had the feeling someone was going to say that...:rolleyes: I think I was pretty smooth there despite those puny 26" wheels. :p

Yes you were,I can hardly hold a straight line with 26"wheels now,but I just laced up a King hub for the rear and plan on giving my small wheels a try again.

[Mo0se]

We rode Devils Den for half an afternoon on Sunday... 68 deg. and dry trails! Spring has arrived in Arkansas!! Yay!

[Marticus]

A week ago, I rode Valley Green in Philly and it was awful -- 100 yards of riding followed by 200 yards of hike-a-bike in 6 inches of slush. Last night ... what a difference a week makes!!!! I got a full figure eight loop in (about 17 miles) and only had one real problem with mud (which was my own fault -- the area was basically blocked for work being done and I tried to ride around it. Ended up in about a foot of very soft mud.) But for the most part, the whole thing was not only rideable, but surprisingly dry! I haven't had a ride like that in a while, so when I finished, I was totally happy and completely tired. I'm still way off my mileage for this time of the year (last year, I was averaging about 30 miles per ride at this point), but after this winter, I'll take it!

Of course, it's going to pour for the next few days so that will suck, but maybe I can get out once more this evening before it hits.

[free spirit]

No. Not today or yesterday. I did get in a glorious 2hr roadie ride with a friend last Saturday.

Alas, all I did today was run 2 and 1/4 miles. Indoors.

[gemper]

Well, I got out in the local town woods (Ashland, MA Town Forest) this morning for a little over an hour. I did a nice 6 mile loop. After a week of no rain or snow, weather reaching as high as sixty, the trails were in good shape.

Despite going to the gym all winter, lifting weights, riding stationary bike, I found I still need to get some of my wind back. I will admit some of the hills went easier, still rusty on my skills but no falls or wipeouts.

[Spalls]

Yep. 55 miles on the road bike to make the trip to the Seattle Bike Expo. Great time! I stopped by the DR booth and picked up a copy of Bicycle Times and chatted with the crew. The Expo was packed with lots of eye candy (both factory bikes and lots of hand-builts), talked with Paul himself of Paul Components (he had a great display with tons of their hand built bike niceness), ate about 5 pounds of Clif and Lara bar samples, and - the real reason I go to this thing - I picked up lots of maps and ride info. If you are ever near Seattle when the Expo is going on, I recommend that you stop by. The weather was great this year for the ride. In previous years I have ridden over there in sub-freezing conditions, in snow, in rain, and in very heavy winds. I especially enjoyed it this year: I definitely feel the benefit of the 25 pounds that I have lost since November. I like this thin thing.

[kpomtb]

Got out for about 3 hours today. Bonked a little towards the end. I weighed myself yesterday which confirmed that I had put on a few winter pounds, so to make up for that, I had too small a breakfast. Was glad to get back to the trailhead.

But it was 3 hours out on the trails and the temps were in the low 80s for the first time this year.

Cleaned a section early in the ride I don't think I'd made since last summer. So that felt good.

All in all a good day, just need to eat more before I ride, and less other times.

[PutAwayWet]

Didn't get to ride today, but did go out with a crew of guys and start the process of cleaning up some local trails after the major wind/rain storm of a couple weeks ago. Tons of big pines just snapped off halfway up, landing in trails, on bridges, etc. A couple pics of some cleanup other guys did at the same spot are here (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=6681558#post6681558). The trails aren't ready to ride yet anyway, there's still frost coming out in a lot of places.

[Mo0se]

We are headed here (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1268016911941.jpg) Today around noon. Devils Den State Park. We did this (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1267653648243.jpg) last week. Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs AR.

[rockyrider]

On Saturday afternoon I watched the weather for a break in the rain that looked like it might look long enough for a ride, and when it finally brightened up and seemed to have a real break, I shot out on the bike. Out for about an hour and started to get some showers, so I decided to head back before it broke loose. I seemed to be keeping ahead of the showers until I was about 20 minutes from home and just starting the last long uphill when the rain started pounding down, along with a good bit of sleet. :rolleyes: That really hurt on the last downhill back home. I had little drifts of sleet stuck to my jacket. I eventually had to take my riding glasses off as there was just too much rain and sleet on them. I have 20/200 vision but with them off I had better vision than with them on. And now even more high speed sleet in the eyes.

Despite the weather misadventures, it was an alright ride, found more wind fallen and mud slide damaged trail. And I passed a couple of people on the long climb just before the rain started in earnest. The Altitude sure does climb well, even with tired "end of the ride" legs.

[Billy2FAT]

Yeah on the trainer:rolleyes:....boring. Just a little too wet outdoors yet:(

[mimbresman]

Did a couple of days of riding. Basically the same route both Saturday and Sunday, but good workouts. About 2 hours each day. Some climbing, some descending, some rat-racing...generally just goofing off on the bike and having fun!

At the end of yesterday's ride, got hooked onto the train of local riders.
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Today's ride, the Mystery Monument Maker has other small stack built. Its fun looking for these things.
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[rockyrider]

Got out this morning before the rain came back and also before the temperatures came up. I had a Slurpee headache a couple of times on the ride.

[Spalls]

Rocky:

I am waiting... When are you going to publish Rocky's Rider's Guide to Greater Vancouver - complete with your most excellent photos?

[rockyrider]

Rocky:

I am waiting... When are you going to publish Rocky's Rider's Guide to Greater Vancouver - complete with your most excellent photos?There's never an opportunity to take pics of any of the really interesting bits of trail, you either have no view along the trail or there's no place to stop and snap pics, the only way to do it is to walk back and snap photos of those areas. And cameras just don't show the elevation change on hills.

The best collection of Vancouver trail photos is here... (including the ones I'm too chicken to ride). Cypress, Fromme and Seymour are the three North Shore mountains. If you click on the links to the mountain maps, each green dot is a trail shot, and when you click on them they pop up a photo window.

http://www.gutsploder.net/

[Spalls]

Wow - nice link, Rocky!

After watching the Upper Oilcan video I came up with a business plan that I am absolutely sure will work; nobody has done this before: I am going to start posting videos of my climbs. All these videos of descents all over the web. We need more variety in life.

[KDWeb]

The kid is home for spring break and it was 78 degrees F so we did a little spin around the hood...what a treat. She even called the bike I build her "classy:" :D

[rockyrider]

Wow - nice link, Rocky!

After watching the Upper Oilcan video I came up with a business plan that I am absolutely sure will work; nobody has done this before: I am going to start posting videos of my climbs. All these videos of descents all over the web. We need more variety in life.Ohhhh, Upper Oilcan would have some climbing, it's just that most video recorders run out of time on the way up Mountain Highway. The entry to that trail is at 2500' elevation, the shoulder of the mountain I live on is at roughly 400' elevation.

[real_ss_budgie]

yes and i was forced to take the ss km for a spin after flatting twice on the la cruzzz....the walk home sorted my legs out..i then proceeded my way to a full day and night of stuff with people..check the link here...here..here and here..

xxhttp://www.zonicweb.net/badalbmcvrs/http://www.zonicweb.net/badalbmcvrs/stuffparty2.jpghttp://www.zonicweb.net/badalbmcvrs/kenbyreq.jpg

[Marticus]

Took the SS out for the first time last night. Beautiful night, beautiful ride, beautiful bike. A few minor adjustments needed (to me and the bike!), but otherwise just an awesome ride!

[skidder]

Yep and yesterday too

[mimbresman]

Got out this morning at 7:00, rode El Morro til 8:30, then rode to my old school, and showed it to a potential buyer (long story how I ended up with that responsibility). [I was somewhat amazed how this potential buyer was mumbling to himself about the modifications to the building ($$$$$) without worrying about it (I know this guy [kind of]...he's loaded)]. After showing the building, I continued my ride, I first paused for a breakfast empanada, then rode another 15 miles or so on the flats, just getting miles in, working against a headwind. Good fun. Total miles about 25 - 30. Got home at 10:45. Good ride!

[Billy2FAT]

Yesyes and yes! The Lynskey is stellar in the woods!!! Brown County State Park in Indiana. About 30 miles all together!!

[Zinger]

No-drop club ride at the Bethel trails this morning, followed by tacking up trail arrows. Great fun, even if the milage was sort of short.

[real_ss_budgie]

------------------->
-------------------<

[OneSpeedWonder]

is the cork still in or are you a screw loose??:rolleyes:

[rockyrider]

Yes, and managed to get a front flat in a slow technical downhill, the worst part of which was not the slow OTB that resulted, but the place I stopped to change it also had the only swarm of mosquitoes I've seen on the North Shore in years. So I have a couple of bruises and a zillion mosquito bites.

[Billy2FAT]

Sounds like no joy Rocky. Hopefully the rest of your ride was good! I got out this morning for about 12 miles just to loosen up from yesterdays ride. Ended up raising the post about a quarter inch and its even better still!

[PutAwayWet]

Kicked off the first full day of spring by riding someplace I'd never been before. I love the first ride in warm-ish weather of the year. I always have so much fun I forget to realize how tired I am :)

[K-Man]

Snake Creek Gap
30.8 mi.
Elevation Gain: 6,147 ft
Elevation Loss: 5,970 ft
Min Elevation: 696 ft
Max Elevation: 1,822 ft

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[S. cerevisiae]

Snake Creek Gap
30.8 mi.
Elevation Gain: 6,147 ft
Elevation Loss: 5,970 ft
Min Elevation: 696 ft
Max Elevation: 1,822 ft

All trail or was there some enduro riding too?

All non-paved stuff around here is still too sloppy to be ridden ethically. I rode back roads about 40 today and about 25 yesterday (a college baseball game caught my attention Sat).

[mimbresman]

Nice one K-man! Looks like a fun route!

I got out for about 2 3/4 hours this morning. Same old stuff, but still enjoy it. Stopped for an almost post-ride cocada (coconut milk shake)...always a good way to end a ride!
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pic: Looking down on the Acuario trail.

[steveeldr]

Is that guy going over the handlebars?:eek:

[mimbresman]

No, he's riding a Scott Spark RC (http://www.scottusa.com/us_en/product/8281/44689/spark_rc) with an integrated seatpost, so he can't lower it. Its fairly steep there and he wasn't off the back of his seat, and gets steep at that shadow right in front of him. He cleaned it, but so did I on my full rigid bike. He kind of dissed my bike (http://dirtrag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15797)...I guess titanium is out of fashion these days. I told him it was 14 years old but still good. He kind of gave me the "whatever dude" shrug. :rolleyes:

[WVMTNBIKER]

YeeHaw. For the first time this 2010 season, I got to put about 25 miles of inner city riding under my saddle on quiet side streets with lots and lots of hill climbing. Gosh, I was sucking for air, but it felt great to get back on a real bike(I hate the dreaded basement trainer thing) and hammer on.:D Gee, only 1475 miles to go to make this year's goal of 1500 miles. At least it's a start, eh?:p

[RacerK]

First ride on real, live, firm, non-snow-covered dirt yesterday! Woooooo!

Spring is bustin' out all over, it looks like, from the variety of these "first ride" posts...

[real_ss_budgie]

this is a first..i went for a mtb ride tonight..yeah fun fun fun going down...ride walk walk walk going back up..

fuggin hell i need a bike with at least 8 more rear cogs....

[PutAwayWet]

this is a first..i went for a mtb ride tonight..yeah fun fun fun going down...ride walk walk walk going back up..

fuggin hell i need a bike with at least 8 more rear cods....

it's not the gears, it's that giant crack in your frame

[real_ss_budgie]

it's not the gears, it's that giant crack in your frame


oi!...........

[K-Man]

Mostly trails.

[Billy2FAT]

28+ on the road!! After 9 hours at work Lovin it!

[rockyrider]

Sunrise ride (overcast day so the sun wasn't all that apparent), only an hour but at least I won't feel so restless while working today since the rain is coming back later.

[rev106]

Wow that looks awesome. Did some single track and fire road riding on my 1964 Schwinn single speed today. A bit too steep for the bikes gearing, my lower back was telling me to knock it off but I managed to hobble up the steep part and combine three loops into one good ride. I live in the greater Los Angles area and while there are millions of people around me, I was only one of two people on bikes out this morning.

[gemper]

I cheated in a way. Did 6 miles on a gravel rail-trail some puddles but not bad, because gravel was underneath, not mud. Then did another 20.5 miles on a paved rail trail. I wish it was just the opposite, 20.5 miles gravel vs. 6 paved. I hate when roadies blow by you, but I hate roller blade public wearing Ipods even more.

Trails road today, Minuteman Rail Trail and Bedford Narrow Gauge Rail Trail. Ground is still soft up here in eastern Mass, and we are supposed to get two more inches of rain Mon-Wed. My weekends so far have been cleaning up my basement and finding where the water came in. Only an inch of water, but enough to ruin a rug and and a few other things.

[mimbresman]

Wow that looks awesome. Did some single track and fire road riding on my 1964 Schwinn single speed today. A bit too steep for the bikes gearing, my lower back was telling me to knock it off but I managed to hobble up the steep part and combine three loops into one good ride. I live in the greater Los Angles area and while there are millions of people around me, I was only one of two people on bikes out this morning.

Rev, When I lived on a sailboat in Marina del Rey, I often experienced that. I'd ride up to the Santa Monica mountains via the bike path to Santa Monica then to Will Rogers S.P. and once on the trails I'd be the only person up there!
MM

[Mo0se]

The more time I spend here.. the more I like it. We met a couple that drove down from Kansas City to sample the goods. We had a great time! Tom & Kristi (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1268619460671.jpg)from KC. The lovely KM (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1268016911941.jpg) Then there is me.. The Big Dummy (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/img1268331043643.jpg)

[rockyrider]

Managed another short pre-rain sunrise (well, sunrise by Vancouver standards, where the overcast gets brighter) ride. Climb up on pavement and ride down on dirt.

[Super T]

I had an EPIC ride with my wife today! The Trail was a mud pit! I would like to know how she came out as clean as she was on the way in and I came out looking like the Swamp Thing! This Rain Has GOT TO STOP!!!!

[S. cerevisiae]

coupla enduro hours on the singlespeedpushie

(-) cyclo'puter, sir, nor camera

[mimbresman]

Started as usual; a cup of coffee, then head to the trail. On the way there, I broke a spoke, but I continued.
Later a ship from the Uruguayan navy steamed by...:cool:
33605
BTW, doing research to confirm the flag's country of origin, the flag Uruguay, adopted in 1830, is one of the oldest national flags in the world.

Note: according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Navy_of_Uruguay), this is ROU 04 (see the 4 on the bow), the General Artigas.
(Thanks for the link Rocky!)

[rockyrider]

It wasn't quite wet enough to have a frigate steam past, but I thought a I saw a gator on my second ride of the day. It rained a lot since Thursday morning when I was on this trail last, and the roots and logs were super slick again.

[rockyrider]

Another reprieve from the torrential rain in the forecast, it's to arrive later this evening. So I managed to get out and ride on the spongy/swampy trails before they become truly sodden. As muddy and gooey as that looks now, it is like a thin bowl of black oatmeal or rice pudding, so very little of it sticks and they are only 5"-6" deep.

[PutAwayWet]

We're in a weird weather pattern right now - rain 3-4 inches on Mon/Tues, then be ok the rest of the week. I got out last Sunday pre rain, and did the same today. Last week, it was gorgeous out - almost 70 on Saturday. I dressed for that weather today, and was greeted with upper 30's (and puddles still frozen) this morning @ 10 AM. It's easy to forget it's still March and the trails are usually still under feet of snow right now when you get treated to weather like we had last weekend. We did ~ 20 miles or so today. It felt great to be out on familiar trails again, and I managed to stave off quadriceps cramps until the last 10 minutes of the ride. :)

[Repack Rider]

Didn't call anyone else, waited until noon to get out the door, so I saw groups that had already finished their rides on my way to the Tamarancho singletrack.

Once on the trail I met a group of high school kids in school team jerseys, accompanied by an adult in a "Dirt Rag" wool jersey who addressed me by name.

Just last week I cleaned a tight switchback at a trail junction for the first time. Most people don't even try, they stop and spin the bike around. Today as I approached it again two other riders 30-40 years younger approached from the other side and stopped right at the fork. I said hello, made the tough turn like I make it every day and kept going.

[wigger thomas]

Nice little night ride on the trails last night. Had decent engine power with the SS on the climbs.

Replaced the carbs with Bigfoot Ale.

[Karma Ragusa]

I said hello, made the tough turn like I make it every day and kept going.

pleasant-trees

[gemper]

Rain, Rain, Go Away! With all the rain in eastern Mass (rainiest month in 55 years and a 100 yr record for March), I would have better luck riding my trails while sitting in a canoe. I guess it's back to the exercise bike at the gym.

That siren song you hear in the back ground is actually the sound of a wet-vac.

[kpomtb]

Rode a few miles. Trying to get a regular ride going on Wednesday nights. Had 2 signs of spring tonite. 1st the mesquite trees are starting to bloom. They always know when all the freezes are done. 2nd, was about 30 seconds late for needing to bunny hop this guy. He was just off the trail when we came by. About 4 1/2 feet of Western Diamondback.

[real_ss_budgie]

burning off a gourmet vego pizza...

[S. cerevisiae]

Three hours...46 miles...friend borrowed one of mine...he got to break in the Wright's™ 'taint smasher.

It was his choice...

[Billy2FAT]

Yep about 2 hours at Versailles. 17 miles,small sprinkle but good ride..sorry no shots today:(

[rockyrider]

Yep, and winter was lurking just 500m away vertically, snow line was at roughly 650m. I was turning into a popsicle at higher elevation.

[Spalls]

Yessir. An hour ride on the hilliest section of the Tolt Pipeline on the STP 400. We have had a substantial amount of rain the past several days, so I stayed out of the woods. As Peter Sellers once sort of said, "I like to climb".

Had a gourmet veggie pizza last night, too. No cheese, though.

Spent the afternoon working on my son's Redline Conquest cross bike. He had it set up with flat bars and I switched it over to drop bars for a hilly 50 mile road ride I am planning to do with some friends in a few weeks. My son is away at school and will never know... As you can see, the reflective stripes on the Michelin's sidewalls do their job. The frame is a bit small for me, but it works.

Also spent some time re-capping my Crown D 150A power amp. Bikes and audio, a great way to while away a Saturday.

[Saclydesdale]

Started out a fair ride today. First time on the ridge trail this season. Life was going well, running the new 650 nevegal instead of the panaceti crap. Just before the really fun section came off the log pile and manger to roll the rear tyre off the rim, didn't know at the time. A few rotations later heard something rubbing and then as I stopped bang!!! Huge hole in the inner tube where blew out between tyre bead and rim. Time to walk as I had no spare tube, patch kit yes, tube no gave that away in Dec to a friend in need. 20-30 min later some bailed me out allowing meet to limp back to the car. Hate pumping tyres up on the trail. Two lessons learned today, you must carry a spare and the rear tyre pressure needs to be above 28 to carry my far ass at the moment:D

[longhaultruker2]

Nope...been almost 4 l-o-n-g months since I put pedal to dirt (or even pavement) :(

[rockyrider]

It was very very very wet, but ride I did.

[Ripp]

Saclydesdale, get yourself a topeak mountainmorph pump, you won't mind pumpiong up tires trailside nearly as much as with almost any other pump! It's all about the volume.

Rode the local trails this evening, with two riders faster than I am, ouch! But a big storm just rolled through so I'm feeling a bit smug for having gotten out for possibly the only (dirt anyway) ride of the week, or at least till late in the week.

:)

[lubes17319]

A long 3 weeks away, but I got back on it 2 days in a row.

Sat hurt real bad.
Sun went much better.

Might go the trifecta tonite since crappy weather is expected tomorrow.

[Super T]

I rode today . Im Trying out a new Tire. 2.8 Michellin! Huge and Heavy but it Rides Sweet!!

[1mystk]

Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday... now it's been raining all week - hopefully it will stop for this weekend coming so I can do another 4 days in a row...

Paris to Ancaster Race next weekend... 60 km... eek!:D

[rev106]

Rode, do so 4-7 times a week. By own choice , I usually don't were a helmet. My point of view is I'm on fire roads and I'm not racing and really it's my choice. I see other people riding bikes and they make no helmet comments under their breath to me as I pass them by. Really it's not anyone's business if I do or do not wear one. I feel that helmets do more to deture people riding bikes because it has the trappings of something very dangerous. Doubt me? just look at any mtb magazine and there is nothing but pictures of people riding on very expensive bikes doing very crazy things where 90% of the riding most people do is of the semi-casual trail riding that I enjoy. I do not "huck", very few people do. I also think that it can lul one into a safe zone where they feel protected by the helmet and armor so they take risks they would not do otherwise. We've all heard stories of how helmets have saved people's noggins, me too. When I race I wear one because I'm doing things that I would not normally do. And I've hit my head, the helmet did it's job. But do I have to wear it all the time? No.

I guess I feel alot of people just go into the bike shop and buy whatever the sales guys tells them to get so they can feel and look the part. I ride for my own reasons and wearing a costume that makes me look like I'm going out to fight crime instead of riding my bike is not one of them.

[rockyrider]

Yep a sunny and cool day, trails aren't drying up much yet, but it wasn't raining. Unless I have become a master of technical trail surfaces, someone has been in buffing this trail up removing logs and big roots, or doing reroutes because there were no dismounts or even bash rings required, and that's very different than it was last winter. :confused:

[Zinger]

Yes. And it was good. Cool weather, 60-75 deg, dry trails, pretty day. Could hear snakes and pine lizards slithering off through the trailside grass, but didn't see any. Actually saw more snakes (3) on my weekday lunchtime road rides this week.

Anyway, nothing special beyond just being a good morning in the woods. Which is pretty special.

[2wheeler]

Yes oh Yes. First ride on the trails this year, have been waiting like a good little mountainbiker for the trails to dry out a bit and I was nicely rewarded today. Two hours in the Ganny with the pooch and not another soul. Just the sound of tires rolling over dirt and leaves; whirr whirr crunch krinch whirr zzz whirr crunch zzz
Bring it on, riding season is now fully in swing.

[KDWeb]

Got out to the power lines for a late day ride to try out my new big chain ring…nice not to hear that grinding sound with every pedal stroke. Check out the nice sunset I happened upon. Just wish I wasn’t getting those tingling little shocks on my fingers every time I gripped the brakes …yeah, power lines are harmless ;)

[real_ss_budgie]

yes i did..as you funky mericans scam some warm produce slowly.. im freezing me arse off as i set out in the morn....credit card out...helly hansen ultra lite jacket to the rescue this arvo....

up and away on my la cruzzzzzz


monday might whip out the disney..//'';;[[]]==--

[OneSpeedWonder]

6Hr enduro ss 11ish Km lap ,first 1 1hr 5 min second one a bit slower 3rd one even slower ... fifth one who cares!! 400 metres..ish of climbing per lap and 400 meters of down too:D slight drizzle around midday but no-one really noticed!! but shit am I unfit as my ass got kicked twice by the leading SSer:eek:....as for the budgie it appears he is over the competitive thing :( still love my Dissy!!!

[rockyrider]

Track so single that it's actually a confirmed bachelor and a cruise down by the riverside (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xzr_GBa8qk)

[PutAwayWet]

Went out on a 3-hour soul-o ride for some much needed cobweb clearing. The weather may have said 'early June', but the legs and the lungs definitely said 'April'. It was great to be out again on dry trails :)

[2wheeler]

5 hours of building some great mountain bike trails this morning but the trails are still a little too slick to ride them. One kick ass berm, I'll add photos when I've got them.
Now off for a quick ride before dinner, just got me an entry into the Lumberjack 100:eek:, better get my sorry ass into shape.

[Billy2FAT]

Oooohhhyyeeeaaaaahhhhhh!!! DIggin the springtime sun!!!