I made it!

Its official, I made it!

Not only does internerd phenom Dicky read my words, he shares them too!

Wait just a minute there, we aren't done. Thom P, the great media guru, then acknowledge Dicky's sharing of my nonsense!

You don't even understand how giddy this made me. Yes, I'm a little school girl. 

Did you not believe me when I said it is the little things?  I'm a pretty simple guy: bikes, beers, battle star galactica...

Some day?

Media Fridays

We'll post videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.

This is one of the first "big" races I became aware of years back thanks to Thom P.  Its all the way on the other side of the country, and just seems to hold some sort of magical place in all that is mountain biking.   Will I ever ride it... who knows.  I think I should start with some of the other big guys in my back yard, ever hear of Pisgah?  

Anyway, the Breck Epic is coming... here's a little overview of the whole deal.

fixed with beer?

Some people have creaky EBBs.  I did, once.  But I was able to fix that issue... and it was just a cleaning thing - gritty as F down in there.

I have a slipping thing.  And I don't know what it's all about.

As mush as I'd like to think it is a wattage thing (cause, you know, I'm a beast and all...), it can't be.  How do I know?  Well, because Thom P rides the same damn bike and he's a monster.

classic...

Since the EBB wasn't staying put, I started my way up the ladder of fixes.  I got myself some Oatey's as recommended by Niner and my Niner insider.  I got my bike cleaned and in pieces and headed out to the Deeps (Home Depot).  Wouldn't you know it, my neighborhood" branch didn't have what I needed in stock so I hustled my ass over to the local ACE (cause it's "the place") getting there 7 minutes before they closed.  They had it.

Back to the bike haven to see if it would do the trick.  This time, things would be done right.

Cleaned the chain while I was at it.  Greased up everything proper and hopefully got the cure...

That isn't something nasty like MountainDew in that koozie.  I did bike maintenance correctly this time, with beer!  It only too one beer (less than one really) to get the EBB coated and back in there.  Will it do the trick?

I hope.  If not, EBB II will be purchased and on the way.  After TheMutt had to warranty his frame due to BB issues I don't want to take too many chances with the Glow Worm... it's the last of it's kind, dontcha know?

It's supposed to be hot as balls this week, maybe that means trails will be open??  Hey hey, let's not get ahead of ourselves here!

Nonsense

Media Fridays

We'll post videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.

I don't know if you saw this, but TheMutt was talking some crazy talk over on his side of the internerds yesterday.  My prediction, no gears.  

Why do I think that?  

Because this is how excited TheMutt looked to be riding his squishy/shifty (the wrong kind of ss) bike on our group ride on Tuesday.

So, to remind TheMutt of the glory of singlespeeding... I present this for all to enjoy.  And by "this," I mean two vidoes.

The first is a bunch of singlespeeders going fast!  Check out Charlie before the start with the 2 numberplate.  

This next one TheMutt should remember.  We also get to see George for the 2nd time, and the great and wonderful ThomP makes an appearance in there (a 
couple of times)

Oh, and if everyone could do me a favor... ride some trails this weekend while I'm moving heavy shit.  Thanks.

2 v 0

Our national treasure known as Thom P posted up a little video today (which I can't share here because he's got some magical properties that bar me from figuring out how to embed it here...) that reminded me of something I wanted to mention.  If it hadn't been for the big TP, there would be no post today - so a round of applause for Thom.

What I wanted to reflect upon were my thoughts on the adjustment of going from a full suspension ride to a fully rigid one(9).

First big adjustment: NO front suspension.
Might sound harsh, but this was actually a welcomed change - weird I know.  On the Big Worm's maiden voyage I felt that the lack of front suspension helped me connect with the trail better and get into the berms with more confidence and speed.  On a trail going up or maintaining elevation there is no need for the front suspension - one can just loft the front tire over menacing roots and rocks.  Going downhill it's not so bad either.  Again, give your front end a little love and pick those lines quickly and precisely and you're good to go... sure your arms seem to get more of a workout than usual (which may be a function of lazy riding on the dual suspension) but it hasn't been a huge adjustment.  Or, maybe it's the big tractor tire I've got on there that helps.

So, when do you miss the front end suspension.  Haven't been missing it too much.  The weirdest riding experience sans front end suspension is when hitting little gully dips in the trail... you know, where the trail sharply dips and immediately comes back up at you.  That has been an interesting experience to ride without the front end soaking that up.  I've had to relearn the handling of those situations on the fly - and let me tell you, that can be a scary thing to learn at full speed.

Second big adjustment: the back wheel bounces!
My first impression was that I LOVE not having rear suspension (in some applications).  Climbing is even more fun then it was before!  That isn't a joke, I like climbing.  Not gravel grinds or forest roads that go on for miles on a super annoying incline that just keeps you in misery for extended periods of time.  But technical climbs that force you to motor on and find your way through the crap to get to the top - super sense of accomplishment!  I can look back and think to myself, I just laid a whooping on that trail - sucka!

The switch from dualie to zero has forced a change in positioning on the climbs.  You know, cause with one gear I'm standing more.  Inherently there is more balance to consider and weighting issues to ensure traction on the rear tire.  With the fully I would sit and spin more to account for bob.  I've experienced some loss of traction already on roots due to me being up and out of the saddle trying to fly up a hill.

But where I miss my rear suspension is in the gnarly stuff that the suspension would just eat up - allowing my rear wheel to stay grounded.  With nothing in the back, I actually have to think about the back wheel.  That's something I didn't realize until I felt the rear end go squirrely on me as roots and rocks were tossing my rear-end towards the sky.

Mind you, none of these are gripes... the Glow Worm is a super fast and maneuverable bike.  All of these "issues" can be overcome with rider adjustments.  They are just differences.  Do I love how on the HiFi I can point and shoot a decline over roots, rocks, and drops without too much concern - sure.  But I equally (if not more so) love the speed, connection, and "flickability" of the Glow Worm.

The Glow Worm keeps me focused and on my game cause the Glow Worm don't play!

A day late in the wrong state

Media Fridays

We'll post videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.

Seriously... after I move down south a race pops up in one of my favorite riding spots, ARG!!  Another race also popped up at the trails right beside where I used to work... two home courts I won't be able to take advantage of.  

Well, if you are in the area you better race this one, it will separate the men from the boys!

so yeah...

Media Fridays

We'll post videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.

Yesterday I said I would today talk about what I'd be doing tomorrow and the day after...  no, I won't.  I forgot what day it was again, but now I remember.  It's Friday - and if you can read the bold big bit above, you know what that means.

Ok, even though I just directed your attention to the bit above, I'm going in a little different direction today.  THOM had face informed the world of a little event held by Roll It Forward (a sweet little initiative in good old Beaner).  On the page there is a video, that involves GIANT MONKEYS, bikes, and a very strange but catchy song.  Unfortunately, I couldn't manipulate the video in such a way as to present it to you here... so I will send you there.  If you would just be so kind to click the link.  

LINK

Well... since I couldn't provide the video entertainment here, I guess I'll give you a glimpse at what I'll be hitting up (with a gnar thrashing fu manchu) tomorrow.

Hopefully, there will be no crashing. (1:03)

Presidential Bike Racing

Media Fridays

We'll post videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.

So, this is just too funny not to post: enjoy!

And for some real footage - here is a video from Thom P's recent visit to Highland.

Watch more videos on Big Bikes Media & cyclingdirt

Mini trails

Friday I went for a mid-day ride over at North Mecklenburg Park.  I'm really digging getting to hit up fresh new-to-me trails.  North Meck is one of the stops on the Charlotte Mountain Bike Series which is a race series that happens on Wednesday nights at various trails around Charlotte.  A pretty sweet idea if you ask me.

So, from what I gathered it was a short track - 3.5/4 miles long.  I was getting closer to (the shorter side of) 3 miles per lap.  So after the first lap I was worried I missed a section.  I poked around a little and used the intelligent resources given to me by my phone but it looked like I was hitting the trail correctly...  I ran through 4 laps.  It was a fun fast place.  A few rooty sections but mostly the fast buff flow I've been seeing thus far.

As I was tearing around I did have to wonder how they hold races here... there were passable sections here and there, but for the most part I could see getting stuck on the wheel of the rider in front of you for far too long.  So many switchbacks to maneuver at speed - throw in trying to jockey for position and you have a recipe for disaster.  I guess it would all come down to good communication with your fellow racers and good sportsmanship on their part to give up a line when appropriate.

As I was leaving the trails Sean texted inquiring about an after work road ride.  As the sweat poured from me I pondered the proposal.  Might be a good idea with the impending day on the lake and pulled pork to follow coming up on Saturday (not to mention the adult beverages to be enjoyed on the lake and afterwards...).  As I pulled into the driveway at TH the skies opened up and it started to pour.  Had ourselves a righteous little thunderstorm - had the whole house shaking.  So that was that, no road ride that evening.  

This week I expect to hit some more new trails.  Between looking at houses and searching for jobs I've been looking at single speed options.  Since I started riding I've always been mesmerized by the kermit green Niner One9.  Now that they've gone on to a new design the older kermit green models are on discount...  I don't know if I can justify the money that would cost, or if I'd be fast enough to merit a Niner, but that doesn't stop me from drooling!

Bare Assed

Thom P's ride - before he blinged it out in pink.

Of course there are many other bikes I've been mulling over... more financially "responsible" bikes.  And of course, nagging me in the back of my mind, do I want to drop a lot of cash on a bike that I may end up not enjoying... Although, to be completely honest I could see ABSOLUTELY loving running one speed on the trails down here.  So far everything I've faced I could see railing with a ss.  

mmmmmmm.  Don't you just love biking?

Thursday Night

So I'm doing it.

I'm finally jumping in on the group ride put on by GBNEMBA over at Burlington Landlocked Forest.  I've been wanting to get in on a regular group ride since... well the beginning of this season.  Since I got back into mountain biking I've been riding on my own - well, with the occasional ride in strange places with Mongo, and now my rides with Annie - but for the most part I've been tackling trails solo.

Riding solo can only get you so far... because you will inevitably keep getting in your own way.  The fears creep in and keep you from trying that technical section.  The legs asking to go home - and when alone there is no escaping their cries - leaving you incapable of mustering enough willpower to stay out for a few extra miles.  Missing the unknown trails for many rides until you accidentally stumble upon them...

Riding with others (hopefully stronger riders) lets you see that the scary rock in the trail isn't so scary and can truly be conquered.  It helps you pick up your pace (and keep it up) instead of sitting back and coasting when you feel a little tired.  It introduces you to new features, better routes, or better lines for that matter.  So, a few days before my next race, I'll be finally jumping in on a group ride tonight.

Thom P. has been frequenting the ride lately and his little videos got me itching to get back over to LLF.  I haven't ridden there in a bit, but I've always enjoyed it.  And from his video, there are sections I must have missed in previous visits.  So I'm excited to explore.  I won't be riding with Thom P. and the speed demons, but it will be fun nonetheless.

Side note.  I've ordered myself a product that has been pimped by Dicky, and I'm hoping it will be here in time for the race.  No biggie if it's not, it isn't vital to bike performance... but it would be nice to get a "racier" race set up going on... or at least one step closer to that.  The actual reason isn't so much race inspired as it is practicality laziness on my part.  It would be nice to be able to bundle a 26er tube on the 4300 so I don't have to worry about checking tubes and digging out the right one when I jump from the HiFi to the 4300 to ride with Annie... but on the race tip - I did get a sweet orange strap for the HiFi.

Don't play with that wand! It holds vast powers. Only a real sorcerer can use it, not a stupid peck like you.

Media Fridays

We'll posts videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.

Footage from last year's Weeping Willow (Willowdale).  Check it out, local hero Thom P is in there.  You can see him at the line-up waiting to go wearing the black 29er crew jersey.  

Risking fear of sounding stalkerish - I believe I spotted Thom P riding at the Fells last year and excitedly told Annie all about it - at the time she had no idea what or who I was talking about, yet she entertained my excited retelling of the tale none-the-less.  

I love her!

CSI: State Forest

My ride on Saturday was... a mix of sweet singletrack, puzzling scenes, and anoyances Mother Nature likes to throw at us.  This was the second time I've ridden Willowdale, the first time was last year in early March.  Last year the doubletrack/fire roads were in horrible condition with mud/snow/ice still littering the trails, but I remember the singletrack was magnificent.  That ride was cut short as I was bombing down a short downhill and a stick jumped up and snapped a spoke or two in my rear wheel - luckily leaving my derailleur untouched.  I had to cut that ride short, but vowed to be back....

A year later, ROUND TWO!  As I started the ride I jumped right into the singletrack and things were looking good.  Even better, things were feeling good.  My legs were feeling good (could spin class already be proving to be beneficial??) and my bike was outstanding.  As I tore through the trails I was already recognizing the route from the previous year and boy how the HiFi was just tearing it up out there!!  Short rooty inclines that I remembered as being a bastard on my hardtail weren't a second thought (except for "wasn't that an annoying section last time I rode it?").  Once again the HiFi proved to be an absolute billy goat on any climb I charged.  So happy with this bike!!  Over all the ride was eh.  The first half rocked, there was some sweet singletrack blazed with blue that was an absolute blast.  But as I got to the western side of the park I was greeted by snow.  And not just patches of snow here and there but firm, hard, not even close to being gone snow.  I came across stretches of snow that were basically telling me "come back after April vacation and maybe we'll clear out by then."  It was deep, firm snow that could handle the weight of me walking through without much sinking in.  Well, you know what snow??  I will come back after April vacation because during April vacation I will be railing smooth hard packed trails down in NC.  So how do you like me now???

The other week Big Bikes mentioned the inherent dangers of ravenous coyotes.  Which led me to make mention of coyotes here.  At the time I thought his was the ramblings of a mad man, and even pitied the rag tag life coyotes live (as evidenced by my comment expressing my hopes the coyotes had a success) but maybe Thom P knows more than he lets on??
I'm not sure about you, but I've come across evidence of animal on animal hatred on trails.  It's kinda curious and I often wonder who was involved and what the outcome was... was it just a scrap?  a courting gone wrong?  a straight up "get in my belly" murder?  Well, on this ride there wasn't just fur tossed around the trail, it went off into the woods.  So, me being me, I jumped off the bike and followed.  As I neared a clearing I saw a "chunk of fur" that I could not identify.  Was it a hurt animal?  A napping killer?  I grabbed the sturdiest stick I could find (first rule of horror movies - grab a damn weapon!!) and approached.  I had found the kill zone and it appeared relatively fresh.  What I had found was a chunk of the victims hide and nearby I found the spin/hips/leg bones.  Footprints were abound in the snow and it looked like possibly a coyote(s) had taken down a deer?  - check out 7/8 for visual evidence

To follow - a pictorial guide of my ride.