Although, let's just knock on wood to make sure nothing is crazy wrong with anything that will prolong that time line, or more importantly, jack the price tag.
I dunno why, but it's neat!
We don't just bike you. We bike-bike you.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
ahhh
Dropped the HiFi off yesterday. And the most wonderful thing happened... "we can probably get it back to you in a day or two." Music to my ears!! I was half expecting to be waiting until the weekend before the bike would be back, so money! Another plus for the LBS.
Although, let's just knock on wood to make sure nothing is crazy wrong with anything that will prolong that time line, or more importantly, jack the price tag.
I dunno why, but it's neat!
Although, let's just knock on wood to make sure nothing is crazy wrong with anything that will prolong that time line, or more importantly, jack the price tag.
I dunno why, but it's neat!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
dragging
So, I'm in the parking lot waiting on the rest of the riders to show so I figure I'll get the bike all ready to go - you know... check the tire pressure and whatnot. So I pull the HiFi off the rack and set it down. Grab the pump out of the back of the pterodactyl and rotate the front wheel so the valve is towards the bottom. Throw down a couple pumps and the front is good to go.
I move to the back wheel. Give her a spin to get the valve at the bottom and notice something isn't right. The wheel isn't turning freely. I get a half spin out of each effort... yikes. The disc is clearly resting on the brake pad. I release the tension on the skewer and of course the wheel is free to spin for days. Without any further adjustments I close the skewer and all is right with the world. Weird, I know.
BUT. That explains a lot about my previous ride where everything was off kilter. A dragging rear wheel would certainly explain why I was feeling so weak and out of it. Which could then lead to sluggish handling, and an overall "stuck in my head" sort of ride. I guess I really should be showing the HiFi a little more love between rides.
The plan is to get it into the shop today for an overhaul. Get it nice and spiffy for the Winter Series. So that means road riding for a bit - but that's ok, seems that "winter" is here cause we've been hit with a few showers over the past few days.
I move to the back wheel. Give her a spin to get the valve at the bottom and notice something isn't right. The wheel isn't turning freely. I get a half spin out of each effort... yikes. The disc is clearly resting on the brake pad. I release the tension on the skewer and of course the wheel is free to spin for days. Without any further adjustments I close the skewer and all is right with the world. Weird, I know.
BUT. That explains a lot about my previous ride where everything was off kilter. A dragging rear wheel would certainly explain why I was feeling so weak and out of it. Which could then lead to sluggish handling, and an overall "stuck in my head" sort of ride. I guess I really should be showing the HiFi a little more love between rides.
The plan is to get it into the shop today for an overhaul. Get it nice and spiffy for the Winter Series. So that means road riding for a bit - but that's ok, seems that "winter" is here cause we've been hit with a few showers over the past few days.
Monday, December 10, 2012
mechanicals
I've been lucky (knock on wood) to not have experienced ride ending mechanicals. I've broken spokes mid ride, I've nudged my derailleur enough to making shifting annoying, but not impossible... but haven't had any huge snafu that would completely end a ride. (Ok, the spoke "shortened" the ride)
Well, on Saturday I met up with Sean and a couple other guys for a tour de Lake Norman. With the new section open, they boast 30 miles of trails. I wasn't sure what the plan was for the day, but I was up for a fun ride. As I drove up to Lake Norman the skies looked kinda dubious and I was second guessing if the earlier trail report would hold true. Things held out and a ride ensued. Even with two mechanicals - both occurring for the same unfortunate rider, the ride was swell.
We hit up the Laurel trail to start, which now leads to the new section, and it was a blast - sans the mechanicals. The bummer of the ride was realizing how much mileage I was "losing" with the garmins. At the end of our first section my garmins read 14 miles whereas a magnet reading computer read 17 miles... at the end of our ride (which unfortunately didn't comprise of ALL the trails - but a thigh saving call to quit indeed) I was short almost 5 miles! So my "22.something" was actually 27.somthing. F-that.
First thing I'm doing (after a full tune up) is throwing a magnet on the front wheel to try to remedy that nonsense. Here is what I don't get - why not put it on the front wheel?? I dunno. In the past I put the magnet on the rear of my HiFi - which never really made sense to me, being it is a fully and stuff moves and whatnot... But my fellow rider (who was on a hardtail) had his magnet on the front - why not? So yeah, I'll do that, maybe straighten out the chaos all these switchbacks cause on the mileage front.
Either way, 22 or 27 miles, it was a good ride. Lake Norman is fun. Some flowy fast stuff out there, and more climbing than you would expect. The new stuff didn't really feel all that new. In fact, you couldn't discern a difference between the new trail and the "old" trail. The new stuff was well broken in - no loose dirt that you might expect with new trail... so that was nice! That just meant the speed could be maintained and there wasn't as much worry of washing out on corners ( I mean, leaves were still a concern). But thankfully there were no wipeouts on the ride.
It was interesting riding in a group. I mainly ride solo, which allows me to push it where I want and recover where I need. The thing about riding in a group that gets to me is worrying about the rider in front (more so than the rider behind). If I don't really know the rider in front of me I tend to want to give a good distance as I don't know how they are going to react to the trail and I don't really want to end up, well, up their ass if they slow significantly out of no where. On the other hand, when you have people behind you it pushes you a bit. Which can be positive - not allowing you to "wuss" out when you can keep the pace up. In the end, I appreciated riding with other people. But, I also recognized that one of the things I cherish about mountain biking is the solitude. Being able to get out alone, push yourself, and enjoying nature.
Which reminds me, as I was waiting on my fellow riders I discovered why it was I was so off on my ride at BYT last week... but I'll save that for tomorrow.
Well, on Saturday I met up with Sean and a couple other guys for a tour de Lake Norman. With the new section open, they boast 30 miles of trails. I wasn't sure what the plan was for the day, but I was up for a fun ride. As I drove up to Lake Norman the skies looked kinda dubious and I was second guessing if the earlier trail report would hold true. Things held out and a ride ensued. Even with two mechanicals - both occurring for the same unfortunate rider, the ride was swell.
First thing I'm doing (after a full tune up) is throwing a magnet on the front wheel to try to remedy that nonsense. Here is what I don't get - why not put it on the front wheel?? I dunno. In the past I put the magnet on the rear of my HiFi - which never really made sense to me, being it is a fully and stuff moves and whatnot... But my fellow rider (who was on a hardtail) had his magnet on the front - why not? So yeah, I'll do that, maybe straighten out the chaos all these switchbacks cause on the mileage front.
Either way, 22 or 27 miles, it was a good ride. Lake Norman is fun. Some flowy fast stuff out there, and more climbing than you would expect. The new stuff didn't really feel all that new. In fact, you couldn't discern a difference between the new trail and the "old" trail. The new stuff was well broken in - no loose dirt that you might expect with new trail... so that was nice! That just meant the speed could be maintained and there wasn't as much worry of washing out on corners ( I mean, leaves were still a concern). But thankfully there were no wipeouts on the ride.
It was interesting riding in a group. I mainly ride solo, which allows me to push it where I want and recover where I need. The thing about riding in a group that gets to me is worrying about the rider in front (more so than the rider behind). If I don't really know the rider in front of me I tend to want to give a good distance as I don't know how they are going to react to the trail and I don't really want to end up, well, up their ass if they slow significantly out of no where. On the other hand, when you have people behind you it pushes you a bit. Which can be positive - not allowing you to "wuss" out when you can keep the pace up. In the end, I appreciated riding with other people. But, I also recognized that one of the things I cherish about mountain biking is the solitude. Being able to get out alone, push yourself, and enjoying nature.
Which reminds me, as I was waiting on my fellow riders I discovered why it was I was so off on my ride at BYT last week... but I'll save that for tomorrow.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Outshined
Media Fridays
We'll post videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.
Seems like it's been a while since I've done a true Media Friday, oops.
Last night I went to the monthly Tarheel Trailblazers meeting and I must say, I was pretty impressed. A HUGE difference from the NEMBA meeting I attended up in Boston. I had to boogie on out of there as soon as it ended as Annie has a WICKED early interview this morning so I wanted to get home before she had to get to sleep.
Last night I went to the monthly Tarheel Trailblazers meeting and I must say, I was pretty impressed. A HUGE difference from the NEMBA meeting I attended up in Boston. I had to boogie on out of there as soon as it ended as Annie has a WICKED early interview this morning so I wanted to get home before she had to get to sleep.
Ok, to the media portion of our program...
Found this neat little video - almost feels like a music video - from an IMBA trail system out in Minnesota.
I'm looking California, and feeling Minnesota... oh yeah - a little Soundgarden for you!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Get out
Ever have one of those days when you hit the trail and something is just off??
I started off with some sort of squeak going on... couldn't tell if it was brake rub or something with the cranks... it was intermittent, but annoying enough. I think it's about high time to get the HiFi in for a full tune up anyway...
So, it started with a squeak that had me thinking. Then I just couldn't get out of my head. It felt as though my bike handling skills had dropped in the toilet this morning and I never fished them out. I was fumbling over the simplest things. And when it got to sections that are actually a challenge to clear things didn't really improve. I tried to slow myself down and rerun any section I had trouble with... but something was preventing me from going full tilt and just clearing the damn things. I was there but just couldn't get it up and over, so to speak. I felt drained. I felt defeated.
Halfway through the ride I grabbed hold of myself (figuratively) and shook. My handling skills aren't gone, I'm just way too far inside my own head right now. I decided to throw out the idea that my handling skills were garbage and tried to get back to basics. Pay attention to body position. Get up out of the saddle. Just F'n ride!!
And wouldn't you know, things started turning around. By then though the ride had taken a toll on my legs and energy and I almost bailed on the last section of trail. I stopped at the trailhead balancing my choices: End while behind, or ride it since you are here! I decided for the later, but my inner debate brought up a valid question. At what point should you call a ride quits in order to preserve yourself, and avoid unnecessary risk or crashes? I wasn't completed wasted, so it wasn't like I would be on a death march just to finish off the trail. But having been off my game for the majority of the ride, is it better to call it and just ride another day?
I dunno. It seems more often then not my limiting factor (both JRA and in races) is the mental part. When I get too far in my own head things fall apart. Body position goes to hell, trail vision disappears and I'm only looking in front of the front wheel, and I just lose the push... Riding will improve skill, but what improves the "headiness"?
When I figure that one out I'll be taking a huge leap forward.
Anyway, I took a bunch of pictures while out on the trail as they keep adding and building out there. I just wanted to share a photo or two. I took a picture of thins nasty "root ball" that tops a short steep climb that you run into as you turn towards the top. It is just annoying. I had to take a picture because of all the stuff that up and overs are built on, this would be just about the only place that I would really appreciate a little help with!!
After looking at my photos I'm thinking it isn't the root so much that gives me the trouble.... it's that evil spirit living in the tree!!
I started off with some sort of squeak going on... couldn't tell if it was brake rub or something with the cranks... it was intermittent, but annoying enough. I think it's about high time to get the HiFi in for a full tune up anyway...
So, it started with a squeak that had me thinking. Then I just couldn't get out of my head. It felt as though my bike handling skills had dropped in the toilet this morning and I never fished them out. I was fumbling over the simplest things. And when it got to sections that are actually a challenge to clear things didn't really improve. I tried to slow myself down and rerun any section I had trouble with... but something was preventing me from going full tilt and just clearing the damn things. I was there but just couldn't get it up and over, so to speak. I felt drained. I felt defeated.
Halfway through the ride I grabbed hold of myself (figuratively) and shook. My handling skills aren't gone, I'm just way too far inside my own head right now. I decided to throw out the idea that my handling skills were garbage and tried to get back to basics. Pay attention to body position. Get up out of the saddle. Just F'n ride!!
And wouldn't you know, things started turning around. By then though the ride had taken a toll on my legs and energy and I almost bailed on the last section of trail. I stopped at the trailhead balancing my choices: End while behind, or ride it since you are here! I decided for the later, but my inner debate brought up a valid question. At what point should you call a ride quits in order to preserve yourself, and avoid unnecessary risk or crashes? I wasn't completed wasted, so it wasn't like I would be on a death march just to finish off the trail. But having been off my game for the majority of the ride, is it better to call it and just ride another day?
I dunno. It seems more often then not my limiting factor (both JRA and in races) is the mental part. When I get too far in my own head things fall apart. Body position goes to hell, trail vision disappears and I'm only looking in front of the front wheel, and I just lose the push... Riding will improve skill, but what improves the "headiness"?
When I figure that one out I'll be taking a huge leap forward.
Anyway, I took a bunch of pictures while out on the trail as they keep adding and building out there. I just wanted to share a photo or two. I took a picture of thins nasty "root ball" that tops a short steep climb that you run into as you turn towards the top. It is just annoying. I had to take a picture because of all the stuff that up and overs are built on, this would be just about the only place that I would really appreciate a little help with!!
After looking at my photos I'm thinking it isn't the root so much that gives me the trouble.... it's that evil spirit living in the tree!!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
CX
Sunday I wasn't racing, but spectating a CX race. My buddy Sean started racing CX this year and low and behold he had a race less than a mile from my house, so of course I'd be there!!
Whenever I'm at a race and not racing (or my race for the day is done) I like to get out there and take photos. It's really fun!! Finding the cool places on the course to get good action shots.
Be forewarned, Sean makes the most amazing race faces.
Barriers:
Crushing it through the start/finish straightaway:
Sandpit grinding:
Run up, from two perspectives (that thing was STEEP):
If only I could make a living taking race photos...
At this race I only really took photos of Sean and his teammates, with the exception of one large cowboy hat wearin racer - you put THAT much effort in you deserve your picture taken, right?
The added bonus of taking pictures of a CX race is that you can easily get shots at various sections of the course, since it's so compact. And then there is the reason so many people like to watch a cx race... well, other than you get to see your friends pretty much throughout the whole course... the crashes.
Luckily, well maybe not for him, there was a crash in front of Sean's teammates (739) as he was coming through the sandpit which resulted in a big pile up. The luck comes in there because I was taking pictures of the whole thing. I think the most insane thing was how quickly he got up and out of the situation - really kept his head and drive going the whole time.
Overall it was a pretty fun spectating experience (not a race that I would be interested in getting involved in myself). Not as wild as I hear cx races can get with all sorts of sideline shenanigans. It was pretty tame, but still enjoyable... and you can't beat the proximity!
Whenever I'm at a race and not racing (or my race for the day is done) I like to get out there and take photos. It's really fun!! Finding the cool places on the course to get good action shots.
Be forewarned, Sean makes the most amazing race faces.
Barriers:
Crushing it through the start/finish straightaway:
Sandpit grinding:
 |
| Look how excited the spectators are... one is even stripping!! |
If only I could make a living taking race photos...
At this race I only really took photos of Sean and his teammates, with the exception of one large cowboy hat wearin racer - you put THAT much effort in you deserve your picture taken, right?
The added bonus of taking pictures of a CX race is that you can easily get shots at various sections of the course, since it's so compact. And then there is the reason so many people like to watch a cx race... well, other than you get to see your friends pretty much throughout the whole course... the crashes.
Luckily, well maybe not for him, there was a crash in front of Sean's teammates (739) as he was coming through the sandpit which resulted in a big pile up. The luck comes in there because I was taking pictures of the whole thing. I think the most insane thing was how quickly he got up and out of the situation - really kept his head and drive going the whole time.
 |
| mid air |
 |
| handlebar in the... |
 |
| ouch, looks like he's stepping on some guy's wheel! |
 |
| and he's off! |
 |
| unfortunately he had to stop in the next sandpit to fix his chain... but it could have been a lot worse!! |
Monday, December 3, 2012
SS dreamin
 |
| Even with Georgia losing, it was still a great game! |
Even with a full lot you still had the trails to yourself for the most part - catching glimpses of riders through the trees here and there. Gave me motivation to push a little hard to 1. "catch" the guy ahead of me down the trail 2. keep in front of anyone who may be coming up behind. That isn't to say I was racing out there, but it kept me honest. Of course, when a faster rider was on my tail I let him get on by.
I did come across two (separate) riders sans helmets out on the trail. It kinda threw me off and I wasn't quite sure if I should say something or not. In the end I didn't say anything as I was riding by... but should a comment be made? I mean, I guess it's their choice.
So, after my first loop I realized this is a SUPER SS friendly trail. The only real shifting I did was when hitting straight aways to pick up speed. But for the most part you could stay in one gear and just rail.... so that has got me chomping on the bit to get in on this SS thing.
The Niner is still sitting in frame state. I've got my build list together, but can't spend the money yet. Soon though (hopefully). Had an interview on Wednesday that went well, and I expect (fingers crossed) that there will be an offer coming in soon. That would be bitter sweet... Great, cause it's a job and money and whatnot, not so great in that it isn't my ideal job... but again, money and whatnot is kinda important.
Sunday was race day. But, I'll get into that tomorrow... until then, I leave you with this.
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