did you ride today?

[OneSpeedWonder]

'Nother 60ish K's on the trike ,many beers at Willunga,looks like GreenEdge may win their debut event?? watch espn or wherever TDF is shown for final stage details??? TourDownUnder.com.au ...;)

[OneSpeedWonder]

Simon Gerrans wins inaugural Green Edge event!! Bloody dodgy DH tYre gets puncture on both trips into town AND home!! no pump/spare etc,new tube on return trip picked up a stick 1/2" long*3/16" diameter!!! on a tarmac sealed bikepath FFS!!!! needed the chainsaw to remove it!!....so 18km riding,3 km walking today ...total Km for the tour about 280Km!! not a bad weeks pedaling,pity I dont have the motivation or time during the rest of the year to continue this type of effort????

[kpomtb]

Got out for a little over 16 miles today. Wind was blowing 36 mph with some gusts that were higher up to 50mph apparently. By some rare miracle, it actually shifted around from the northwest so it was mostly pushing us on the way back.

[Mo0se]

Back home to the land of Dorothy and sampled Clinton White, Blue and Red @ 27 degrees. Did Lawrence River trail on Sunday @50 degrees.

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Max my homie.
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[OneSpeedWonder]

27s a bit chilly to be riding around a lake ,innit Mo0se?? good memories from there tho,thanks,;)

[Mo0se]

27s a bit chilly to be riding around a lake ,innit Mo0se?? good memories from there tho,thanks,;)

Nah..I have my natural insulating layer in place so it wasn't horrible. :D

[Spalls]

MoOse:

Where DO you live that you have such temperature extremes?

I did not ride today, but the snow and ice are mostly gone and I plan to get out this weekend, whether riding or doing a bit of trail maintenance after our recent snow and ice and wind events (don't tell anybody who might be thinking about moving out here to work for M...SoftEez that it snows and gets icy here). I'll be outside. We actually have a pretty good forecast for the weekend, for what it is worth.

"There is no such thing as bad weather - just poor clothing (riding) choices".

[rockyrider]

"There is no such thing as bad weather - just poor clothing (riding) choices".Isn't that a Mountain Equipment Co-op quote?

[Mo0se]

MoOse:

Where DO you live that you have such temperature extremes?

I did not ride today, but the snow and ice are mostly gone and I plan to get out this weekend, whether riding or doing a bit of trail maintenance after our recent snow and ice and wind events (don't tell anybody who might be thinking about moving out here to work for M...SoftEez that it snows and gets icy here). I'll be outside. We actually have a pretty good forecast for the weekend, for what it is worth.

"There is no such thing as bad weather - just poor clothing (riding) choices".

I live in NW Arkansas..today's high is 50, and the sun is shining. Time for another ride. :D That 27 degree ride was in Kansas..where I'm from..we took a road trip and I rode with a buddy.

p.s. Tomorrow is 56 in Arkansas :)

[Spalls]

Isn't that a Mountain Equipment Co-op quote?

It may be, Rocky, but I heard it when Garrison Keillor was interviewing some fella in northern Minnesota when it was about 50 below.

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

muggy.......

[Mo0se]

50 degrees Yesterday and nearly 60 today!

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[Mo0se]

Almost 60...

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[Spalls]

60 degrees - spare me, please!!!

Good on ya, as they say.

It was in the low 40s here today, with light to moderate rain and light to moderate winds. Lots of new blow-down branches and the occasional tree at St. Ed's State Park and Big Finn Hill Park after our recent SnowMageddon event. Good riding, though. All of those wet and slimy roots make me want to try the Continental Race King tires with Hot Spicy Really Hot Chilli Jalapeno Pepper rubber compound that Rocky keeps talking about!

Great time was had by all (me and my buddy Larry). Spent 20 minutes hosing off the bike and me when I got home, though. Not mud, really, just slimy organic stuff mantling the trails. And me.

It is sooooo nice that the ice is gone.

[rockyrider]

The Conti X-King 2.4" Racesport are pretty good too, still not a mud tire but fat and grippy at low pressure on the wet roots and rocks. I am amazed at the effectiveness of the RK 2.2 Supersonics even when it's muddy.

[crankskins.com]

Awesome Day of Winter Racing in Buffalo NY, Great to get out in January and Race, nice Job Team Crankskins Riders Ben Bixby, Jeff Walker, Trevor Wolf , Rookie Danny D
Spring will be here soon!
ej

[Spalls]

The Conti X-King 2.4" Racesport are pretty good too, still not a mud tire but fat and grippy at low pressure on the wet roots and rocks. I am amazed at the effectiveness of the RK 2.2 Supersonics even when it's muddy.

Okay, Rocky, we have X-Kings, Racesports, and Supersonics. Do you have separate wheelsets for different conditions or are you just swapping tires? Here I thought I might try the X-Kings with that rubber compound you like so much, but now I have to make a decision :eek:

[Spalls]

Awesome Day of Winter Racing in Buffalo NY, Great to get out in January and Race, nice Job Team Crankskins Riders Ben Bixby, Jeff Walker, Trevor Wolf , Rookie Danny D
Spring will be here soon!
ej

BRRR! That looks pretty icy! Were you riding studs? Let's see, Buffalo, Buffalo. Yeah, spring arrives IN LATE MAY! :D

[rockyrider]

The big difference between the Race Kings and X-kings are the height of the side knobs, the X-kings have higher shoulder knobs and a bit more open carcass between knobs. That improves the grip in loamy conditions but makes it a bit squirmier on hardpack and on wet roots and rocks. The X-kings also twang the knobs on the edge more when you're close to the edge of things. I find that it feels like the tire "falls off" of more objects like roots and half buried rocks with that loud rubbery twang.

X-KING 2.4

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The Race Kings are more predictable on wet roots and rocks but have a lot of side slip in gooshy mud. I am still amazed how much grip they have, but on the front in that typical oatmeal "mud" that we have in the temperate rain forest, they don't always inspire confidence while cornering (so I just slow down).

RACE KING 2.2

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The Mountain King 2.4 Supersonic work very well in what passes for deep mud here as the knobs are tall and they clear any sticky mud quite well. But they are squirmy on hard pack and have slightly less contact patch on roots and rocks.

Mountain King 2.4

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The Race Kings are still my default tire that can tackle nearly anything with some attention to the situation. They grip like Stick-E Nevegals as long as you ride in conditions that allow direct rubber contact with the surface.

The RK's were scary on the loam/clay grease at Mont Sainte Anne, they didn't clear mud well and the mud was sticky. I wished I would have had the Mountain Kings at MSA. Surprisingly I haven't tried the new MK II tires yet, they're supposed to be less squirmy and still clear mud well.

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MSA mud

Okay, Rocky, we have X-Kings, Racesports, and Supersonics. Do you have separate wheelsets for different conditions or are you just swapping tires? Here I thought I might try the X-Kings with that rubber compound you like so much, but now I have to make a decision :eek:

[Mo0se]

Sunday goodness...
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[Spalls]

Thanks, Rocky.

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

yeah... oath mate!...

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

pest.......

[rockyrider]

No dang it, I didn't

[OneSpeedWonder]

Rocky,he dragged my roadie kitted arse along that road 2 thursdays ago,not the best thing for 120 psi skinny tYres,but it was fun and the beer tasted better with a twist of dust thru the first sip!!!!:D

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

mate, he's going down......

[crankskins.com]

I will ride Anything in the Winter!

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

summer..yeah!
5 extra gears..yeah!
snakes...oooooooooo

[crankskins.com]

Pre-Ride in the Winter , Groom your Trails

[rockyrider]

A break in the gray and rainy day. Simply irresistible... yes, that's actually an uphill trail.

[Mo0se]

Yesterday I rode a new trail in Arkansas..a 40 minute drive from my house. I've lived here nearly 4 years and never sampled this slice of technical heaven until yesterday. I WILL be going back. From the parking lot I climbed 5200 ft. to the top... I spent my energy reserves early just getting to the good stuff. So I decided to play on every technical feature I could find, and take a break to regain some strength, and the ability to make good decisions.

If you've ever been so entirely worn out, you are probably guilty of making poor decisions in your choice of riding certain obstacles... at least I have. The pic below is at the highest elevation in this trail. I have more pics to post later, this one is from my mobile, but I did bring the ol' Canon with me. Search Mt. Kessler Greenways for info. The second pic is near the entrance to the trail.

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[rockyrider]

When the rain stopped on Sunday I went out and rode the harder surfaced trails. The dirt was all mud so I had to find the rock and hardpan, or the trails like stream beds.

[Mo0se]

I got a quick 11 mile ride in after bringing my new daughter home from the Hospital yesterday.

:D

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[K-Man]

I got a quick 11 mile ride in after bringing my new daughter home from the Hospital yesterday.

:D

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Congrats on the new addition to the Moose herd.

[Mo0se]

Congrats on the new addition to the Moose herd.

Thanks!! :)

[rockyrider]

Very very very wet in the woods today. And I am still in the fat, slow and clumsy part of the season.

[Spalls]

I got a quick 11 mile ride in after bringing my new daughter home from the Hospital yesterday.

:D

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Congratulations, Moose!! I was kinda wondering about that, given some of the photos that you have posted over the past couple of months.

[Spalls]

We woke to snow coming down like a mutha' today. Went out for a short ride around the 'hood, but due to the miracle of digital photography and dead batteries, the photos that I thought I took are off in the ether someplace.

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

real mtb-ing is bloody taxing!!

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

but due to the miracle of digital photography and dead batteries, the photos that I thought I took are off in the ether someplace.

a pint thanks spalls....

[crankskins.com]

Sometimes Imagination Helps

[Mo0se]

Crazy beautiful weather today...so I had fun with self timer shots...14 miles of smiles. I also ran across some naked ladies...no not that kind, the floral variety.

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[Spalls]

a pint thanks spalls....

I owes ya one, Budgie. Hoppy, or not?

[Mo0se]

Congratulations, Moose!! I was kinda wondering about that, given some of the photos that you have posted over the past couple of months.

Thanks!! :D

[Mo0se]

My wife, newborn daughter and I went for bike-n-hike combo today.

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[KDWeb]

i got a quick 11 mile ride in after bringing my new daughter home from the hospital yesterday.

:d

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atta boy moose!

[UniGeezer]

"did you ride today?"

Yes! I rode the infamous "Waterfall" at Santiago Oaks in Orange, CA. It's literally like a rampaging river of rock! Hard enough ride on TWO wheels, but just ONE??? :eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j4ZUUTSowE

[crankskins.com]

Warm and Windy , missed this Tree by a couple hours
GO RIDE!
ej

[Spalls]

Yes, but not on knobby tires. I made my annual 52 mile roundtrip trek to Seattle for the Bike Expo. Maurice and Robert were manning the DR and Bicycle Times booth handsomely. Bonked big time 10 miles from home - did not take in enough water and sample energy bars at the Expo! Rode my new "old" roadie today (early '80s Revell with some updated components).

[rockyrider]

Yep got out this AM when the forecast rain didn't show up, still pretty wet in the woods, but I stuck to the multi-season trail surfaces, which were plenty challenging at times.

[OneSpeedWonder]

Went to Fox Creek for my first off road session this year (not including following(on my road bike!!) Budgie to the pub on Australia Day!!) awesome 25+* day down here ,trails were sweet,found my fitness has dropped a bit while the trails have been hiding from me(??) New Heckler Enduro Race build was perfect for where I was,but those damn camera batteries that go flat waiting for the perfect shot give me the sh!ts,and let's not forget,forgetting to pack the cell phone in the camelback,since I was riding solo-so no pics from that one either!!!!! 2 hours of chumpy goodness :D:D:D

[rockyrider]

I love having a camera with me as it is a great prop and excuse for when you need to stop for a rest. Early in the season I stop for a lot of pics. :D

[Spalls]

I love having a camera with me as it is a great prop and excuse for when you need to stop for a rest. Early in the season I stop for a lot of pics. :D

Rocky: You seem to stop to take photos no matter the season.

Thanks! :D

You help keep me pumped up for my annual trip to Whistler in July or August. The roots are generally a bit on the drier side by then..

[Spalls]

Made it out to Duthie Park this past Sunday after my long roadie ride on Saturday. I have to admit that I was feeling a bit quad-deficient. No matter how many steep hills I ride on the mountain bike on the weekends, it does not translate into miles in the saddle on the roadie.

However, my buddy, Larry, and I had a good time. The trails were really wet after the previous night's rain, and I admit that I was a bit skittish on the jumps. Looking forward to riding there more this spring and summer under drier conditions.

[crankskins.com]

Little Trail work with Danny D, Flying Branch got me! glad my glasses & helmet were still on.
GO RIDE!

[longhaultruker2]

Yup. Took the Boy on his first ever trail ride. Been trying to post this for almost an hour,site (or my new PC's settings) don't seem to be working right,every time I try to post,it boots me off (or is that a sign? :p),and it won't allow me to post pics neither...that's why I hain't been around here (nor BT's site) much lately :mad:

OK,it let me post this one,lets try pics...
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/001-1.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/007-1.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/005-1.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/004-1.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/012.jpg

And a Youtube link for 25 seconds of him riding (check that hair sticking out of his helmet,hahaha!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu-3s5Y659g&feature=youtu.be

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

i like hims alot..cx!

[longhaultruker2]

Took the Boy and the CX bike (my around townie-grocery run bike,no less) and hit some sweet singletrack today. We rides nearly EVERY day now :D

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/002-3.jpg
See,grocery hauler!

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/005-3.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/007-3.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/008-3.jpg

[Spalls]

Great shots, LHT :)

[longhaultruker2]

Thanks,my friend! I didn't mean for them to be such big pics though,LOL,I went through the edit process at Photobucket and they were supposed to be 640x480...for some reason that's the only way I can get pics posted,weird.

Today the Wife and kids played at the park's playground while Daddy (me) hit all the "Advanced Skill Level" trails offered,but I haven't gotten the pics uploaded or the vid I drug my Daughter a mile up the trail to shoot on Youtube yet :p I'm LOVING this early-Summer-like weather! :D

[longhaultruker2]

OK...I'm bored and cannot sleep,so here we go. After school,we (the entire family) headed back out to Steele Creek Park. It was a strange trip,in that the females went with Nck and I,we did not ride TO the park from home,and he didn't ride with me (he stayed with and rode around the playground and when the women were walking). None the less,all had awesome times :D
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/002-5.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/008-4.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/001-4.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/007-4.jpg

And the obligatory Youtuber (yes,I made my 15 year old daughter hike a mile up to shoot this,but in my defense,it was her idea :p)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9swM6WMf80s&feature=youtu.be

[Spalls]

Wow - dry trails. What a concept... I woke up to almost 2 inches of snow on the ground Sunday morning. It is just not fair that it was 83 degrees in Chicago today and might have hit 46 in the Seattle area. Whine whine whine bitch bitch bitch... :rolleyes:

I have fenders and I am not afraid to use them!

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

warm and chumpalino

[longhaultruker2]

Wow - dry trails. What a concept... I woke up to almost 2 inches of snow on the ground Sunday morning. It is just not fair that it was 83 degrees in Chicago today and might have hit 46 in the Seattle area. Whine whine whine bitch bitch bitch... :rolleyes:

I have fenders and I am not afraid to use them!

Man that sucks...I like the last thing you said,making pudding out of mud,LOL! If you look,the pics where the Boy and I hit trail when I was on the CX bike...I gots fenders too (also fenders on both folding bikes as well),come rain,nor shine,nor hell nor high water,nor woman scorned....:cool:

warm and chumpalino

Nice,Brother! Been bumping against 80 for a week here (porch thermometer said it finally busted it wide open yesterday),how warm out your way so far?

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

yesty was around the mid 20's in our money and getting cooler by the week...great for mtb-ing

[longhaultruker2]

When the Boy got in from s'kool today,he wanted to go to the park to swing and play b-ball,and what better way to get to the park then by 2 wheeled peddle locomotive devices? :D We had another nice 14-15 mile day,a nice PB&J snack,and I smoked a nice stogie while Nick played-then we rode the 7.something-or-other miles back home :cool:

Rode the folder,it had been sitting in the corner of the kitchen growling at me for lack of mileage lately :rolleyes:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/001-5.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/002-6.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/006-5.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/009-4.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/012-3.jpg

NOT our best video,but it's kinda funny,so here's link :p
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1h6Co74UPY&context=C48a3065ADvjVQa1PpcFN_F_n2fanO8-M9G0F3tXuAoyo4tUS7Z0c=

[Spalls]

Budgie:

And all this time I thought that Australia was flat and either on fire or flooding. You have hills and trees! Sweet!

Where are the crocs and spiders and deadly octopi that we read about?

As always, I remain,

Well Informed Spalls

[longhaultruker2]

No pics (didn't slow down enough,nor pack the camera...it was a rde ride anyways :p),made 3 laps around my 10 miler route today :)

[OneSpeedWonder]

chased the one formally known as sammy slocog to town n back yesdy arvo,she has new electric assisted folder from somewhere in the US of A -300w front wheel mounted motor and she wasnt afraid to use it,my legs could barely keep up!! got fed by the Budgie at half time food/beer stop and got my arse kicked on the way home-she ran out of sparks with 4 Km to go-approx range of 30 ish KM...36842

[rockyrider]

Got out on Saturday in the fairly warm sunshine (10C) and the mud was surprisingly manageable considering how much precip there was this week. I'll try one of the classically soggier trails this afternoon they might just be pleasantly ridable.

[rockyrider]

This morning's ride was great, lots of sun in the eyes at times but the trails were in terrific shape and I was much less pathetic than yesterday. Today I felt like a mountain biker, yesterday I felt like a couch potato turned mountain biker. Still needed to find the trail rhythm to avoid pedal strikes on roots and rocks.

[Spalls]

Got some cross country time in this morning - finally on a dry trail! We had some sweet weather yesterday and today, with highs in the 50s and no rain. It felt great to put in some miles on knobby tires.

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

Budgie:

And all this time I thought that Australia was flat and either on fire or flooding. You have hills and trees! Sweet!

Where are the crocs and spiders and deadly octopi that we read about?

As always, I remain,

Well Informed Spalls

mate...mate!!

plenty of hills round here, spalls..mountains..no.

that pic is 1 hour riding from my joint up some killer climbs without granny.

fires yes, floods no, spiders yes, octopus yes, snakes yes yes, crocs no

[Spalls]

I don't do snakes. I have a completely inexplicable but ridiculously real fear of them. I will take bears, bobcats, cougars, and earthquakes any day. (insert international "No" symbol across snake image here). More power to ya!

[longhaultruker2]

Well...it looks like that one was priorly dead anyways :p

[rockyrider]

I don't do snakes. I have a completely inexplicable but ridiculously real fear of them. I will take bears, bobcats, cougars, and earthquakes any day. (insert international "No" symbol across snake image here). More power to ya!Indiana Jones?

[Spalls]

Indiana Jones?

:p:p:p:p:p

[Spalls]

After a week of record rainfall (third wettest March in the Seattle area since records have been kept), we had a respite this morning. Decided to stick to gravel trails and not tear things up and I hit the Tolt Pipeline and Trilogy trails. No rain!

[rockyrider]

Likewise a pause in the rain and a ride on all weather trails (mostly gravel). Lots of fresh snow not more than a couple of hundred metres straight up from the weekend precip.

[longhaultruker2]

Not yet,but I'm about to roll out for one around town...today begins the "30 Rides in 30 Days of April",and I've been procrastinating all day due to the drizzle,LOL! I'll spin around town about 10 miles and roll home. No pics,don't wanna wet my digicam :)

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

cruisin.......

[Spalls]

No, I did not ride today, I was a total slacker and I admit it. I got home from work and after doing dinner for the family I finished the wall mount for my turntable that I have been working on for about three months. Bike stuff and working nights and weekends put a dent in my schedule, but it is done. No, it is not necessarily bike-related, but the platter is round and it does rotate. So there! This is my other passion... Perhaps I am breaking protocol here, but so be it.

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

......................

[rockyrider]

scratch and gouge mix?

[Spalls]

Undoubtedly a give-away from Toad the Wet Sprocket's first album...;)

[rockyrider]

This is rare, I actually managed to have my ride schedule coincide with another person, so I have a photo of me on my bike riding, instead of taking lonely bike shots in the woods. :D

If I do an artful crop on the second photo, I look less like some middle age guy on a mountain bike, and more like someone with some cycling legs.

[Spalls]

I look less like some middle age guy on a mountain bike, and more like someone with some cycling legs.

I resemble that remark! So what's wrong with a middle age guy on a mountain bike? Somebody has to support the industry and post on DR!

[Spalls]

Lookin' good, Rocky, by the way :D

[rockyrider]

Some artful cropping of that first photo and I could be any fit mountain bike tester working for some flashy magazine. You start to add in the face and it's easier to tell that climbing isn't the only time the fight against gravity that is being contested all the time. :D

[Spalls]

Rocky - sorry, but if you wanna be in Bicycling Magazine, yer gonna hafta shave yer legs. They only feature androids in the photo shoots. So much for the rest of us humans... :rolleyes:

I had a GREAT day riding at St. Edward's State Park today! The FIRST day of the year when riding in short sleeves was the order of the day, not to mention the use of capital letters in posts. Whilst the rest of you fortunate souls have been basking in warmer than usual temps for the past month or so, those of us in the Great NorthWet have been doing yeoman's chores riding winter's trails.

It was SO NICE to be out in the warmth today! Almost like riding down under, eh Budgie! My buddy, Larry, and I hit St. Ed's pretty well and had a great time. St. Ed's is populated with a ton 'o roots which are wet and slimy all winter. Today we cruised through it all at high speed (at least as high a speed as middle age mountain bikers can manage). :D

Dry is nice!

[rockyrider]

I've been told in no uncertain terms that I will be made fun of mercilessly by members of the fairer sex if I shave my legs. And they'd do it too.

Out for a ride in Squamish yesterday with a couple of friends and the trail conditions were beyond perfect. 14C in the woods, trails were beautiful tacky loam and well glued together packed sections. Very few hikers and not many bikers. I just might have to go back again today.

[rockyrider]

Another great ride today, but without action photographers or riding buddies so I only have pictures of dirt and riderless bikes.

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

ive done it once years ago....if i done it now i;ll have half the pub fondling my sculptured tanned calf muscles..dont want that hey?

rode yes

[Spalls]

I did ride today, but it was on my new old roadie that I built this past winter. I have a 369 foot climb from the Sammamish Valley Trail up to my house. The Redhook brewery just happens to be at the foot of the hill. I learned a couple of things today: I can fit a six pack of Redhook bottles in my handlebar bag (no need to stash bottles in the shirt back pockets) and I need to lose a few pounds to compensate for the extra weight...

[Spalls]

Yes I did. No need for a rear fender today - nice and dry! Old school ride, but a sweet ride nonetheless. :D

[rockyrider]

Got a great ride in on Saturday, some trails were a bit muddy and some weren't. Riding with better technical skills (which is good - as it's necessary).

Another fine ride shaping up for today... well I hope it is.

[Spalls]

Rocky - where were your most recent photos taken?

[Mo0se]

Thankfully, our trails are pretty much immune to rain.

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[rockyrider]

Rocky - where were your most recent photos taken?That's the Circuit 8 Trail in North Vancouver. Although truth be told, it could be any number of trails here in North Vancouver, and even a few in Squamish. Here's 3 pics of Richard Juryn Trail, Serra's Trail and Circuit 8 in North Vancouver.

[rockyrider]

Middle age has been dropped, but 2/3 Age is pushing hard.

[Spalls]

Age is a function of knee condition, I have decided. I have beaten the heart thing, and my knees are, gratefully, allowing me to follow my lead! :)

[rockyrider]

Knees and sit bones. :D

[REAL SS BUDGIE]

^
< >
?
.......................

[rockyrider]

Another grand day out on the trails of Squamish today with friends. We got our ride in before the clouds rolled in and rain was expected.

And we all paid our dues by buying SORCA trail passes.

Here's some video footage (by someone else) of a few of the trails we rode today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWmz932cVTc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlNBi0MxIc0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgu2dVEGeco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9_ct3A1QxY

[rockyrider]

Another decent ride today, although my tech skills were missing in action. Too much drunk monkey on tech sections, including getting pogo'd off the trail in a couple of spots. But a bad day on the trail is still better than a good day doing anything else.

[Spalls]

Had a really nice time at Duthie yesterday. The past few days have been warm AND dry and it made all the difference. The trails were in great shape and darn fast. I even rode without a rear fender - first time since October. It was nice to see so many riders out there, including a lot of parents with kids. These kids are, hopefully, going to grow up to advocate for greater mountain bike access to the woods.

[Spalls]

Not today, but on Sunday my son, John, and I headed out on the Tolt Pipeline Trail to get some exercise. Certainly not technically challenging by any means, it does, however, have some nice long and steep climbs as well as beautiful scenery this time of year. John was kind enough to wait patiently for me at the top of each of the steeper climbs...

I cherish the rides that I have with my kids. They are fewer and far between these days as they get older and busier.

[longhaultruker2]

Been riding EVERY day since last Saturday. I hadda bail on that "30 Rides in 30 Days Challenge" due to regular random issues with my old injuries,but I'ma gunna try and do 30 rides in the 31 days of May,LOL! Anyways,the first pic was just published in Urban Velo's newest issue in "I Love Riding In The City",the rest is from last Sunday's VA Creeper Trail family day (the females walked,us boys rode 20-some miles) :cool:

[Spalls]

LHT:

Looking at the third photo, even though it is not in sharp focus, you just cannot miss the big grin on your son's face. Priceless! :D

[longhaultruker2]

Yeah,that's one of my favorites :D

I was hoping to head back out there today for a repeat,but he's a bit under the weather today (I think it's his ab's hurting a bit after playing so hard yesterday,but he's adamant in saying it's a stomach-ache,LOL),but we had his b-day party yesterday,he had lots of school friends over,and since he got a new b-ball goal and b-ball,they played hard.

I'll still go out and do a lap of the town solo today though :)

[longhaultruker2]

Yesterday's ride was just a lap around town (which includes a gravel-read: DIRT-MUP) was a regualr lap around town,and I rode down by Nick's school to see if there was anything we didn't know about before he and I ride him to school some this week (he has a ead cold and I kept him home today). I guess I'll just post stats when I shoot no pics...

Bike: 2011 Origin 8 700CX


Place: Bristol,Va/Tn

Type of Ride: Laps and to Nick's school

Time of Day: Evening

Ride Time: 1:32:23

Average Speed: 11.7 MPH

Max Speed: 32.9 MPH

Mileage: 18.12 Miles

Mileage This Week: 18.12 Miles

Mileage This Month: 95.24 Miles

[longhaultruker2]

Bike: 2010 Vassago Bandersnatch


Place: Bristol,Va/Tn

Type of Ride: Night Laps

Time of Day: Night time

Ride Time: 2.57.13

Average Speed: N/A

Max Speed: N/A

Mileage: 30.02 Miles

Mileage This Week: 64.42 Miles

Mileage This Month: 141.46 Miles


Sadly,this will be the Bandersnatch's last ride for a long while (depending on whether I can move some things on Fleabay or CL to add funds)...I pirated it's drivetrain,brake levers and handebars for a new project...which means that other than the CX bike (since I sold the Jabberwocky a few weeks ago),for the first time in 2 decades,I HAVE NO COMPLEE MOUNTAIN BIKE to ride trails on :( Anybody wanna buy a brand new (ok,I have 3 miles or so on it...) Schwinn LOOP folding bicycle? :p

[longhaultruker2]

Wednesday's...
Bike: 2012 Citizen Miami


Place: Bristol,Va/Tn

Type of Ride: Errands and recovery ride

Time of Day: Afternoon

Ride Time: 1:01:58

Average Speed: N/A

Max Speed: N/A

Mileage: 8.77 Miles

Mileage This Week: 73.19 Miles

Mileage This Month: 150.23 Miles

Today's...

Bike: 2012 Citizen Miami


Place: Bristol,Va

Type of Ride: joy/recovery ride

Time of Day: Afternoon

Ride Time: 00:43:13

Average Speed: N/A

Max Speed: N/A

Mileage: 7.81 Miles

Mileage This Week: 81.00 Miles

Mileage This Month: 161.04 Miles

[rockyrider]

Yes, I managed a little over an hour of hooky playing from work today. I said I had a board meeting... close enough.

[longhaultruker2]

LOL,and nice! :D

[longhaultruker2]

Bike: 2011 Origin 8 700CX


Place: Bristol,Va/Tn

Type of Ride: Laps and out to the Corner (hot)Dawg Stand

Time of Day: Mid Day

Ride Time: 01:30:52

Average Speed: 11.5 MPH

Max Speed: 27.0 MPH

Mileage: 17.54 Miles

Mileage This Week: 98.54 Miles

Mileage This Month: 178.58 Miles

[rockyrider]

...another fine day in the woods today.

[longhaultruker2]

Sigh....this is my 3rd and final attempt to post this (what gives guys? Still ain't got the bugs outta the system? :confused:).

Headed out for a solo VA Creeper Trail ride today. I was intending a metric half century today,but around mile 13 I stopped and changed a flat for a nice lady (a lil older than myself),and we rode the remainder of the day together,a bit more than I had planned (she was good company,intelligent converse-she's an English Professor-funny,and not too hard to look at...zero flirtation went on though,just a good ride down a sweet rail trail with a new friend :D),but it was a good ride none-the-less.

Bike: 2011 Origin 8 700CX


Place: Virginia Creeper Trail

Type of Ride: Joy ride

Time of Day: Morning to Afternoon

Ride Time: 03:44:44

Average Speed: 10.6 MPH

Max Speed: 26.7 MPH

Mileage: 40.11 Miles

Mileage This Week: 138.65 Miles

Mileage This Month: 218.69 Miles


The forum won't let me upload,so photobucket away!!!
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/002-7.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/005-7.jpg
Damascas,VA
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/011-3.jpg
About mid ride,she and I had a bit of lunch at a trailside cafe (that burger was MUCH larger than the pic shows...)
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/017.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/023.jpg

OK,I'm beat and the kiddos need din din,time to be Super Dad :p

[Spalls]

Most definitely not. :mad: Worked today, then dealt with the better half's overheating mini-van, then picked up my son at college (a long stone's throw from Rocky) so's he can be home for Mother's Day tomorrow, then dealt with the usual weekend American Homeowner Livin' the Dream tasks.

However, if tomorrow goes as it should, meaning that my better half will want to be left alone all afternoon, I WILL be riding!

[longhaultruker2]

Well I sure hope you get to (it's today now,LOL),my friend :)

[Spalls]

However, if tomorrow goes as it should, meaning that my better half will want to be left alone all afternoon, I WILL be riding!

Well, I was able to sneak out for a short roadie ride, mainly because we (the family - all three boys were home for Mother's Day) had a five hour-long archery tournament this afternoon! I have to admit that I can honestly say that I did not miss being out on knobby tires today 'cause we had some much fun in the backyard in the shade of the big maple tree on what was The Best Mother's Day Ever.

Knobby tires later this week....

[longhaultruker2]

Sweeet!!! :D

I got a short)7-ish miles) recovery ride in yesterday,and looks like my entire rain gear kwill get used today (um...my $1 poncho :p:rolleyes:) for another.

Wish I could say "knobbies later this week",but as of right now (for the first time in decades),I have no complete "mountain bike",I have MOST of the Bandersnatch in 1 piece (still have the parts,going on a new project that ain't completed yet),have the folder and the CX bike...

[johnbryanpeters]

Got a couple of hours in at lunch, Sunny Hollow and certain adjoining trails in Colchester, Vermont. Odd stuff going on on some of the adjoining trails.

[longhaultruker2]

Just a short jaunt around the block a couple of times (due to having been babysitting a neighbor's son after school,I couldn't leave) for a good test ride,but yes,I rode today,and I'll be going out later this eve for a more proper introduction to the new project just completed today :D

I been wanting one since DR first reviewed it (how many issues/years ago was that? :p),but with where I lived before moving back in the city,plus the former occupation (see my username),there wasn't much need/point.

It felt like an old friend,to be riding the old TREK again (it's been years since it was complete,though 98% of it is off the parts shelf now,LOL),but the cockpit felt tiny after having ridden the CX and 29'ers for so long.
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/009-6.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/010-7.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/011-4.jpg

[rockyrider]

Yep got out for a great long lunch hour ride today, technical climbing, technical rooty descending and a terrific 90 minutes on the dirt. I wish every lunch was that good.

[mr chriss]

humber watershed

[longhaultruker2]

Two distinct rides,one morning,one late afternoon,both on the Trekstracycle in search of a decent sleeping bag for Nick (son). Earlier at thrift stores,and picked up a DVD for tomorrow...
Bike: The Trekstracycle


Place: Bristol,VA/TN

Type of Ride: Errands

Time of Day: Morning

Ride Time: 00:47:24

Average Speed: N/A

Max Speed: N/A

Mileage: 7.77 Miles

Mileage This Week: 64.20 Miles

Mileage This Month: 282.89 Miles
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/001-7.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/003-7.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/004-8.jpg


The later trip (just got in 20 minutes ago) we just went to Kmart. Hauled a new sleeping bag,2 camp pillows,and eight (count em,EIGHT) gallons of water for the Wife :cool:

Bike: The Trekstracycle


Place: Bristol,VA/TN

Type of Ride: Utility

Time of Day: Afternoon

Ride Time: 01:06:37

Average Speed: N/A

Max Speed: N/A

Mileage: 7.48 Miles

Mileage This Week: 71.68 Miles

Mileage This Month: 290.37 Miles

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/005-8.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/006-7.jpg

[Spalls]

Hey LHT: That new rig makes yer butt look big - better work on that! :D

(Serious XtraCycle envy here...)

Rocky: A lunchtime ride? You are killin' me!!! Do Canadians get a lunch hour? :eek:

[OneSpeedWonder]

Well if downhill is your thing ,yes I did ride today...and I'll be back there bright and early tomorrow!! Round 2 of the state series of DH racing here in SA(Rd.1 clashed with that 6hr xc race )Built up the recently been to the USA & Rocky's backyard Heckler for our soft..ish DH racetracks..swapped out the Talas 150's for some 36's and a fatter set of rims(wheels I had already!!)and instantly shaved 10 ish KG from my usual DH rig(VPFree) Was the right bike for the job!! so had a great ride-arrived @ 1130am ,reg'd $ on the line for transport by 1145,got to the top @12 back by 1205 ,next run @ 1255 ,then 155,250& 345,most of that was waiting for the frigging bus to shuttle us back to the top of Fox Creek( yeah the place Budgie posted recent pics from!!)probably rode no more than 8Km all day,but it's quality,not quantity if you wanna race DH in SA!!! should get at least 2 runs in in the morning b4 racing starts @1130..could be some competition for DFL in Masters this year!!!!:p

[rockyrider]

Rocky: A lunchtime ride? You are killin' me!!! Do Canadians get a lunch hour? :eek:We get a metric lunch hour here. It's 60 mph down south, but 100km/h here. Same with lunch hour.

[longhaultruker2]

Hey LHT: That new rig makes yer butt look big - better work on that! :D

(Serious XtraCycle envy here...)


Soooo.........you've been looking at my butt then? :confused::eek::p

LMAO,and thanks (for the Xtracycle envy)...you orta get yerself one,my friend,it's a blast! :D

[Spalls]

I think that I need to go looking for an XtraCycle the next time I have a lunch break...

[longhaultruker2]

It's a fun ride,and fun to plans rides for too...thinking "what can I try hauling this ride?" :D

[rockyrider]

Had a terrific afternoon in Squamish on Saturday. Rode a loop of intermediate trails (plenty of challenges thank you very much): White Rabbit, Wonderland, Trestle, Cherub, Coho Park Trail, Sweet Judy, Rusty Bucket, and Larry's loop. Just shy of 3 hours on the trail. Legs were toast.

A shot of the crew at the giant rock just off of Wonderland

[longhaultruker2]

The Boy n me rode to Kroger and hauled home four 12 packs of Coke on the Trekstracycle :cool:...
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/022-1.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/019-1.jpg

It swallowe dem like they weren't even there...
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/024-1.jpg


Then we ate a Lunchables snack before hauling home...
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/016-1.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/018-1.jpg

Bike: 2000 Trekstracycle


Place: Bristol,VA/TN

Type of Ride: Utility

Time of Day: Early Evening

Ride Time: 01:00:02

Average Speed: N/A

Max Speed: N/A

Mileage: 7.45 Miles

Mileage This Week: 7.45 Miles

Mileage This Month: 302.91 Miles


I'm LOVING that thing! :D

[longhaultruker2]

Rode with Nick to school this morning...
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/5-21-12TOSchool1.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics%202012/5-21-12TOSchool2.jpg

...will ride to pick him up,and do a lap somewhere in between :cool:

[Spalls]

Does that Xtracycle have a backup alarm? :cool:

[longhaultruker2]

LOL!If I backed up much it could use one :p

Haven't been posting it all,but still riding EVERY day so far...actually,have more ride in for May then there are days so far :D