Tis the season fella's!
Weather is looking great and wanted to extend an invite that Tom and I were meeting up at Harbison in the morning if anyone would like to join. Planing to meet up in the front lot at 8:00 AM incase anyone else feels like joining .
Friday, March 6, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Frigid Ride
Whew it was a chilly one out there this morning. I had afternoon plans and had to make a quick solo ride this morning to get back in time. Sure wanted to wait till things warmed up a little but with other things to do it was early morning or no ride at all. Ended up hitting the trailhead around 7:30 and I swear it had to be below thirty out there. I had thought I rode around the 30 mark before but after this morning I have to think it quite wasnt as cold before. I had all intentions on laying down some hammer to keep warm and make the most of the short ride but this plan quickly came to realization that it wasnt in the cards. It was a slow pocky going as my fingers felt like frost bite was setting in and I had to make three long stops before the steuardship harder section just to warm them up. Apparently the gloves I got just dont cut it for me and I figured it was the wind that was making it so unbearable so I just had to poke around for awhile afraid anything faster would just make me have to stop again. Thank goodness the cold mornings are about over as this is pretty pathetic (or stupid one). Anyway, the entire first loop I was so slow that by the time I was warmed up and ready for to do some real riding I had to cut it way short and and just do a modified short second loop as I was running out of time. Spent 2 hours out there and only got 22 miles to show for it. Maybe next time :)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Eye Opener
Got a taste of a little road riding today and gotta say definately opened my eyes to my fitness level (or lack of). Respect and hats off to all the roadies and commuters for sure, never did I imagine the paved road could work you like it does and whats up with that headwind. Were on bicycles for goodness sake, but dang if that wind cant put it on ya.
Tom was up for a Dam ride to HSF today but having never put the Trance on the road I was a little hesitant at first I admit, but figured what the heck and was time to give it a go. Ever since last year when Jason and Monty would do those runs I had been meaning to try it but always fell back on timing issues, one exuse or another so was time to step up. We parked at the walking lot at the dam and just road from there to HSF, Lost Creek, outer loop, Spider Woman, Bluffs and back. It was a good paced ride and opened my eyes to how bad I am trying to fall into a good cadence and shift timings on the road part that I hadnt experienced before. Heck by the time we got to HSF I was already starting to feel it. Definately need to do this one again or atleast some of these higher mileage rides to start getting back in shape. Good eye opener for sure!
Distance : 35.42
Avg: 12.0 (I'm sure not fast for adding some road mix, but enough to put it on me today)
Max: 30.4
Time: 2:55
Tom was up for a Dam ride to HSF today but having never put the Trance on the road I was a little hesitant at first I admit, but figured what the heck and was time to give it a go. Ever since last year when Jason and Monty would do those runs I had been meaning to try it but always fell back on timing issues, one exuse or another so was time to step up. We parked at the walking lot at the dam and just road from there to HSF, Lost Creek, outer loop, Spider Woman, Bluffs and back. It was a good paced ride and opened my eyes to how bad I am trying to fall into a good cadence and shift timings on the road part that I hadnt experienced before. Heck by the time we got to HSF I was already starting to feel it. Definately need to do this one again or atleast some of these higher mileage rides to start getting back in shape. Good eye opener for sure!
Distance : 35.42
Avg: 12.0 (I'm sure not fast for adding some road mix, but enough to put it on me today)
Max: 30.4
Time: 2:55
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Rollin again
For about three weeks now my BB has been creak'n pretty good whenever I would put any significant amount of pressure on in so figured it was time for "another" greasing. This was the third time since Ive had the bike that I had this problem and each time under warranty they were able to quiet it down by removing the BB and applying grease between the BB and shell. It would last a few months then would have to repeat. This last Saturday was gonna do the saturday morning ride with Dennis then drop it off for repair afterwards but ended up having our ride rained out so decided I would use the morning and try it myself if nothing else to see how that sucker comes apart and all. So after drilling Dennis for questions and picking up a puller took it apart only to find the BB was shot. I had an old FSA ISIS splined cartridge that with the cartridge off the bike turned like a meat grinder full of bb's. I had the 3yr warranty with the bike so ended up taking in to see what my options were on upgrading to a better crank rather than just getting this replaced. I was hoping to move up to XT grade but the budget didnt permit and ended up going with a 09 SLX they had onhand from an order that fell thru.
Was finally able to go for a ride this afternoon for the first time in over a week and was good to get out. Was the first time ride with the new crank and woa baby, what a difference in how smooth this thing rolls. Guess thats one of those slowly degrading parts that I was just accustomed to how it felt (meat grinder), I really didnt pay any attention before other than the anoying noise but now that this new BB and crank is installed this thing feels like butter compared to those wiped out bearings.
Anxious to get out again to get some hammer out now, this afternoon was a lot of babying going on admiring how smooth it was, checking out how she shifts and messing with cable adjustments. The chainline seems a bit more outboard with this crankset and not sure if thats dialed or not yet. Was installed per the specs with 2 shims on the crank side and 1 on the left but it definately sticks out a tad more than the old.
Was finally able to go for a ride this afternoon for the first time in over a week and was good to get out. Was the first time ride with the new crank and woa baby, what a difference in how smooth this thing rolls. Guess thats one of those slowly degrading parts that I was just accustomed to how it felt (meat grinder), I really didnt pay any attention before other than the anoying noise but now that this new BB and crank is installed this thing feels like butter compared to those wiped out bearings.
Anxious to get out again to get some hammer out now, this afternoon was a lot of babying going on admiring how smooth it was, checking out how she shifts and messing with cable adjustments. The chainline seems a bit more outboard with this crankset and not sure if thats dialed or not yet. Was installed per the specs with 2 shims on the crank side and 1 on the left but it definately sticks out a tad more than the old.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
CAW - Mush Ride
Had the urge to get out and hit something different today especially after missing out on two Fats rides and having to settle for 1 ride a week lately. After a little finagling with our schedules Tom and I were able to work out an after lunch pass and plan a Carolina Adventure World ride. While we were heading to the meet point Dennis called and was able to pull off something similar and we were able to turn this into a good group ride now, alright! Something about the group ride just gets ya stoked and we were ready to hit the trails.
Well, we really did start with high ambitions anyway, talking how we wanted to get in three loops, hit all trails and such. Off we went. Hmmm, I didnt remember this much climbing last time and 30 minutes later we made it llke 2 or so miles(lol), whew, then we crested the heli pad climb and was starting to get doubts. Think Dennis made a comment along the lines of "so are we gonna ride some trails today or just climb"(lol). The trails were wet, mushy and it sure wasnt like riding on anything that you could call hardpack.
After we crested the heli pad section we got to roll good for a section or two but then hit the leaves where it really didnt seem like they did any cleaning since the last time we were there. There may have been less trees in the path but the overall condition may have led you to think it was mainly just clean up and strewn about from other riders clearing the way here or there. We probably ended up moving about 8 small trees ourselves during our first loop.
About half way or so was beginning to feel the work we were having to put in and thru most of the inner areas it was really soggy and felt like you were riding on mush robbing any momentum you would otherwise be carrying. We gave all trails a go the first loop but when we hit D we managed to loose the trail once again due to the trail litter. By the time we were rapping up our first loop we needed to hit the parking lot for some fuel. Boy what a difference the terain can make, we were out thee over an hour and just covered around 12.x miles.
After a short energy bar snack and a bottle refil for me we hit it again. When we crested the heli pad the second go round there was no mistaken this wasnt gonna be a 3 loop ride today. While we definately were making better time the second loop the burn was setting in. Funny how you get used to your normal routines where you would knock out a 12 mile HSF outer loop rather quick and but here we were pokin around and working for those miles. Ended up skipping 'D' round two since it was so littered but gotta be honest and say I'm glad we did also to save the legs. Was pretty much spent by the end. I really do like this place, just cant wait till it gets packed in and cleaned up.
Stats:
Time: 2:19
Distance: 17.94
Avg: 7.7
Max: 18.5
Well, we really did start with high ambitions anyway, talking how we wanted to get in three loops, hit all trails and such. Off we went. Hmmm, I didnt remember this much climbing last time and 30 minutes later we made it llke 2 or so miles(lol), whew, then we crested the heli pad climb and was starting to get doubts. Think Dennis made a comment along the lines of "so are we gonna ride some trails today or just climb"(lol). The trails were wet, mushy and it sure wasnt like riding on anything that you could call hardpack.
After we crested the heli pad section we got to roll good for a section or two but then hit the leaves where it really didnt seem like they did any cleaning since the last time we were there. There may have been less trees in the path but the overall condition may have led you to think it was mainly just clean up and strewn about from other riders clearing the way here or there. We probably ended up moving about 8 small trees ourselves during our first loop.
About half way or so was beginning to feel the work we were having to put in and thru most of the inner areas it was really soggy and felt like you were riding on mush robbing any momentum you would otherwise be carrying. We gave all trails a go the first loop but when we hit D we managed to loose the trail once again due to the trail litter. By the time we were rapping up our first loop we needed to hit the parking lot for some fuel. Boy what a difference the terain can make, we were out thee over an hour and just covered around 12.x miles.
After a short energy bar snack and a bottle refil for me we hit it again. When we crested the heli pad the second go round there was no mistaken this wasnt gonna be a 3 loop ride today. While we definately were making better time the second loop the burn was setting in. Funny how you get used to your normal routines where you would knock out a 12 mile HSF outer loop rather quick and but here we were pokin around and working for those miles. Ended up skipping 'D' round two since it was so littered but gotta be honest and say I'm glad we did also to save the legs. Was pretty much spent by the end. I really do like this place, just cant wait till it gets packed in and cleaned up.
Stats:
Time: 2:19
Distance: 17.94
Avg: 7.7
Max: 18.5
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve
Almost time, for those with kids you know the shuffle of running around picking up last minute things. Dennis and me hit harbison this morning hoping to get in a good ride hitting and hit all the trails but I ended up having to cut it short to run and get a few last minute items for my son. We ended up doing lost creek and the outer less spidey or crocked pine, but we dropped what hammer we could muster there on the back stretch to as Dennis would say make sure we leave it all in the woods. Also ran into Jason and family in the front lot and was good to see ya.
You know how it is, doesnt matter what or how much you spend, after you start getting things wrapped sometimes just didnt seem like he would have enough toys to open so had to do a couple little last minute pick ups. Christmas sure is about them kids, nothing like that excitment they have ready to tear into some presents :) . Our little girl is only 20 months but this year she's actually starting to get the hang of this christmas stuff and goes around saying Ho Ho Ho, in the cutest little voice. Cant wait.
Merry Christmas
You know how it is, doesnt matter what or how much you spend, after you start getting things wrapped sometimes just didnt seem like he would have enough toys to open so had to do a couple little last minute pick ups. Christmas sure is about them kids, nothing like that excitment they have ready to tear into some presents :) . Our little girl is only 20 months but this year she's actually starting to get the hang of this christmas stuff and goes around saying Ho Ho Ho, in the cutest little voice. Cant wait.
Merry Christmas
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Carolina Adventure World - New Trailsystem
Eager to check out the new trail system at Carolina Adventure World Tom and I headed out this morning to give it a go. They just opened up the MTB trails this October and heard they were trying to get riders out there to start working the trails in so we had to check it out.
http://www.carolinaadventureworld.net/new.htm
Gotta say this place will rock pretty darn good once they get it packed in a little more and a couple of the inner loops drasticly need blown and cleaned up a bit but definately think it has potential to be pretty awesome. Even though there isnt alot of total mileage its pretty much climb and descent from one section to the next but the elevation changes are enough that you definately have to put forth some effort on some of the climbing. I know its not the mountains but its pretty hilly and kinda gives you an in betwen mix like Lynches Woods/FATS. It has some real good flowing sections and berms that had it been a little dryer and cleaner bet you could really rail. Drainage isnt so well though, not sure the last time Winsboro got rain but the trail was pretty wet in the clay sections and my low knob fast traks were turned to slicks. Trails B & D which run you thru some hardwood sections were rideable but covered really bad and we had a hard time following the trail in several sections, in some it was like riding thru a pile of deep raked leaves but full of twigs. Tom had one catch in his derailer that either that or in addition to that casued shifting problems for him the rest of the day.
A couple of the staff had asked us to give them feedback on the trails so hopefully they will followup on our feedback and go thru and clean/blow off some of the littered sections.
Go check it out and help work this sucker in, always great to have another good riding place in our vicinity. Heck, lets make it a group ride :), Im ready to go back, just dont want to hit it after a rain for sure.
Stats: Forgot the cycle computer, but we must of been poking, spent three hours out there and only did two loops due to the trail conditions and trail unfamiliarity.
http://www.carolinaadventureworld.net/new.htm
Gotta say this place will rock pretty darn good once they get it packed in a little more and a couple of the inner loops drasticly need blown and cleaned up a bit but definately think it has potential to be pretty awesome. Even though there isnt alot of total mileage its pretty much climb and descent from one section to the next but the elevation changes are enough that you definately have to put forth some effort on some of the climbing. I know its not the mountains but its pretty hilly and kinda gives you an in betwen mix like Lynches Woods/FATS. It has some real good flowing sections and berms that had it been a little dryer and cleaner bet you could really rail. Drainage isnt so well though, not sure the last time Winsboro got rain but the trail was pretty wet in the clay sections and my low knob fast traks were turned to slicks. Trails B & D which run you thru some hardwood sections were rideable but covered really bad and we had a hard time following the trail in several sections, in some it was like riding thru a pile of deep raked leaves but full of twigs. Tom had one catch in his derailer that either that or in addition to that casued shifting problems for him the rest of the day.
A couple of the staff had asked us to give them feedback on the trails so hopefully they will followup on our feedback and go thru and clean/blow off some of the littered sections.
Go check it out and help work this sucker in, always great to have another good riding place in our vicinity. Heck, lets make it a group ride :), Im ready to go back, just dont want to hit it after a rain for sure.
Stats: Forgot the cycle computer, but we must of been poking, spent three hours out there and only did two loops due to the trail conditions and trail unfamiliarity.
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