iRide

My friend Ben and I decided to SS Lake Hodges, a fairly tame trail in Escondido, San Diego county. It is a good place for a newbie SSer like me to practice SS’ing. Final tally was 15.88 miles with +799 / -799 elevation.

So Ben and I had both heard that some knucklehead tried to drive a Chevy Tahoe down a section of trail and rolled it and the vehicle was still there. We wanted to go find it, not only to see if it was true, but also because it was on a trail neither one of us previously knew existed. So, SUV or no SUV, at least we could explore some new (to us) trail.

We found the start of the trail section just fine. The trail was in pretty bad shape–rutted and loose. To top it off, almost the entire trail was lined with cactus.

Ben was out in front when we rounded a slight downhill bend and saw the SUV up ahead. I decided at this point that scanning waaaay ahead to the SUV was more important than watching where I was going and promptly clipped a large cactus and got tossed off trail.

At first I thought I hit a large branch of some kind. I distinctly remember yelling “OH $H!T” and thinking “this is gonna suck” as I got launched head first into the off trail bushes. Fortunately, the bushes were pretty thick and I didn’t go too far, which was a good thing because the slope was pretty steep and I could’ve gone 20′ or so down the hillside.

Ben ran back and helped me up which was actually a bit of a chore as neither one of us could get any leverage. I then realized I had clipped a cactus and not a tree, as I had 20-30 needles sticking out of my left arm. Ben was nice enough to help pull out the needles in the back of my arm I couldn’t see.

About 10 seconds into this, I realized I had bigger problems than the needles in my arm. I suddenly became VERY aware that I also had needles poking me in my “Southern rear flank” if you get my meaning. I decided right away that removing these intruders was more important than working on my arm.

For some reason, Ben refused to help me remove the southern section of needles. Some friend eh?

Ben took a walk and I found a nice secluded section of trail to have a little “me” time and rid myself of cactus needles.

I managed to get them all out with the help of the needle nose pliers on my multi-tool and we decided to have a look at the SUV. It ended up being a Chevy Blazer and not a Tahoe. It must have been a fairly recent occurrance because it was still in pretty good shape.

We rode the rest of the way back without any issues (fine by me!!). It could’ve been much worse I suppose. I got all the needles out and am only left with a rather sore arm.

On with the pics

I clipped these

And got launched 5-6 feet into these

The SUV

Ben sports the latest in CamelBak fashion: the CamelBak “Cougar”

Obeying the new DMV Bicycle Registration Law

We are planning on riding Daley tomorrow morning. Should be more good times. Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride Lots…

As I have mentioned before, I set a rather small personal goal to climb 100,000 verticle feet this year on my bike. I knew I could do it, but actually thought it was going to be tough. After all, I only climbed 80,000 last year.

So, to be on track, I would need 50,000′ by the end of this month. Well, after today’s ride, I sit at 102,605′ of gain so far!!! YEE-HA!! I never thought I would reach it so quickly. I suppose it was a rather meager goal in the long run. It will be interesting to see if I can pull out 200,000′ though.

My other goals of 200 rides and 2,000 miles are still up in the air though. Right now I sit at exactly 100 rides and at 1,069 miles. So I am still on track for both–a little ahead actually–but nothing is certain.

I’m helping my sis and bro-inlaw move Saturday, but I have tentative plans to bust out a Singlespeed ride at Hodges on Sunday afternoon. Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride Lots…

Yes, it’s summer and yes, I am going through ride withdrawls. I haven’t been able to ride as much and it’s killing me. As I have complained about before, it’s hard to ride in the summer due to the kids being out of school and child care issues. My mom is always great in trying to accomodate me and help me out, but it’s rough.

This week isn’t very promising either. I was sick the last 2 days so I couldn’t ride. We are going to the Del Mar fair on Friday, so no ride there. Saturday I’m helping my sis and bro-in-law move, so no ride there.

I’m just going to have to make an extra effort and ride whenever I can.

I did get to attend the SoCal BOMB event at SART on Saturday. That was pretty cool!! I got to meet some people I’ve only talked to online and of course, ride SART again. The ride was good, but I had more fun when I rode with the STR group a couple weeks ago. There was a lot less parity in the BOMB group. I was either a lot slower than some, or a lot faster than the rest. I ended up riding by myself for like 75% of the ride. I might as well have been out there solo.

There was a point when the riders in front of me were nothing but a distant memory. I decided I was sick of riding solo so I pulled over to let the people behind me catch up. After swatting flies for 10 minutes without seeing a soul, I gave up and continued on.

Don’t get me wrong, the STR folks are crazy fast, it’s just there were some riders right at my skill level and the riders who were a hair faster would stop for regroups. It was weird though. I was on trail Saturday with a large group and felt alone all day.

Man I need to ride.

Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride Lots…

I finally finished it up Thursday and took it out on its maiden voyage Friday after work at Lake Hodges–a fairly easy trail here in SD county.

It was more fun than I thought it would be. I don’t really know how to describe it, though I’m sure all of you with single speeds already know what I’m talking about. It was so cool to not have to worry about shifting gears. I really liked the different mindset you have to ride with. No more shifting into an easy gear and lazily spinning to the top of a climb. I liked how you have to be aggressive on the ascents.

I also thought the sense of accomplishment was cool too. Now, you need to understand that as a person who not to long ago was a 270 pound fat boy, this is a big deal to me.

I was resting on a climb–I cleaned 90% of it and was resting up for the final crazy steep ending–when a couple of XC guys rode by. They barely cleaned the end of the climb and were resting at the top. My buddy had already made it and was waiting for me and started to cheer me on. The 2 other guys kind of gave a “what a couple of fat boy posers” look to each other and I set off. Standing on the pedals all the way, I made it to within 10 feet of the top and ran out of gas. The guys were kind of looking at each other like I was a fool and then when I got to the top they did a double take when they saw I was on a SS. That made me feel pretty good.

Now by no means will this be my everyday bike, but it sure will be breathing some new life into some of the easier trails around here.

The component spec is decent and the frame is nothing special, but I love it. I had all the parts laying around except of course for the SS conversion kit, so my money into the bike is minimal. I’ll replace a few parts here and there eventually.

Build: I’m running 32:20 for now.

Frame: Access–Performance’s brand HT, cheap I know but I got it from a friend for $20 so I’m not complaining. I was thinking about scraping off/painting over the “ACCE” so just the “SS” was showing. SS for singlespeed–damn I’m clever. I’ll be upgrading the frame eventually.
Fork: Marzocchi All Mountain SL in 110mm setting. I will get something lighter VERY soon.
Cranks: Shimano LX w/ int. BB, 32/bashguard
Pedals: Azonic A-Frames
Bars: Easton EA50
Grips: Oury lock-ons
Stem: Thomson
Seatpost: Thomson
Seatpost collar: Salsa QR
Brakes: Hayes HFX-9’s
Wheels: Mavic Cross Rides w/ Mavic hubs
Tires: Ritchey Z-Maxx Millenium 2.1’s
Chain: SRAM SS
Rear Cog/Tensioner: Forte–Performance brand again. I was going to get a Surly Singulator and a Gussett SS conversion kit, which would’ve run me $60. Performance sold a kit that had the spacers, tensioner, lockring and 16,18, and 20 tooth cogs for only $20. I’m currently running the 20 tooth. My lame joke is that going with it saved me Forte dollars ($40)

I was able to order a newer and better GPS unit. The Garmin Forerunner 301 I have been using was OK a year or so ago, but has since become obsolete with the new stuff that has been released.

I ordered a Garmin Edge 305. It has an altimeter built into it–a feature I am very much looking forward to. The GPS I’m using now is incredibly innaccurate on elevation figures.

Not too shabby, eh? It’s a good thing I ordered it too. I’ve decided to start riding Daley Ranch for my Monday before work ride. Well, this past Monday, I lost my GPS somewhere on the trail and didn’t have the time to go look for it. It just popped off its bracket somewhere. I am pretty ticked about that. Granted I’m replacing it, but I had planned on selling it. I probably could’ve gotten $50-$60 for it. Oh well.

Rides have been OK lately, although they feel sporadic. I went a whole week without a ride recently. I am going to be making a return trip to SART this Saturday though, so that’s a good thing. I’m really looking forward to that.

My singlespeed is just about done. I know, I know. I’ve been saying that for awhile now, but this time it’s for real. I dropped it off at Bicycle Warehouse today so mechanic extraordinaire Tom can install the spacers and run the chain for me. I could do it myself, but it would be slightly tedious work and I frankly don’t have the time or patience right now. Plus, he’s done it before and is cutting me a huge break on the labor, so why not? Tom promised me it will be done by Friday–just in time for me to take it to Hodges for J and I’s Friday ride.

We rode Hodges with Sean last Friday. I rode my Trek and got the idea to not shift gears and ride in 2:5/32:20 the whole ride–which is the gearing my singlespeed will have. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. It just takes a different mindset that took/takes a little getting used to. You almost have to have the mindset of a warrior. I’m not being over-dramatic here, I’m serious. You can no longer look at hills/climbs with apathy, ready to shift into an easy gear and lazily spin to the top. Nope, you have to attack every hill with a determined effort. Being in a tall gear definitely changes your perspective. It was fun though, and also nice to not have to worry about which gear to be in. Granted, I’ll be limited to trails like Lake Hodges and Los Penasquitos for awhile, but it will be fun nonetheless.

I will post pics as soon as I get it back from Tom. Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride Lots…

I love going to my Tuesday and Thursday evening spin classes, but I dread how sweaty my clothes will be at the end of the class.

I find it silly sometimes that something as simple as riding my bike can make me so happy.

I find it silly sometimes that not being able to ride my bike can make me feel so down.

I wonder sometimes if anyone besides me even reads these words. I rarely get comments, so I don’t know. Of course, I religously read 5-6 blogs from friends and family, but never remember to comment on those either, so maybe the same thing is happening with mine. It doesn’t matter anyway. I mainly do this for my own record and enjoyment. It’d just be cool to know other readers are out there.

I wonder why it is I never stop to take more pictures on rides. I always wish I had, I’m just hoplessly lazy when it comes down to it.

I wish I knew how to drop 3-4 footers. I don’t really closely know anyone who does, so I have no one to teach me. It is a huge goal of mine though.

I find it amusing that my rapidly growing “wheelie drop” skills make me so proud of myself. I guess it’s because I’ve always been hard on myself, to the point of convincing myself that I “can’t do it”. I have no idea where that attitude came from. My parents were always very supportive when I was growing up.

I still find it hard to believe I have a single speed project in the works. I find it even harder to believe that I actually think I’ll be able to ride it anywhere other than the street.

I wish there was a magic potion I could take that would give me enough time in the day to ride all I wanted, work, enter races and go on riding vacations and still spend time with my family.

I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about entering races.

It will be nice when my boys are older and can ride everywhere with me. Until that day, I believe I will be forced to spend most of my riding days in solitude.

I wish I had 1 friend who was as into riding as I am and was willing to make the sacrifices I make to ride.

I wonder if my youngest son is going to take to MTB’ing as quickly as my oldest did. He’s already chomping at the bit to hit the trail, but you never know until he goes out for the first time.

I am glad I lost all that weight. I am now comfortable and confident enough with myself and my abilities to ride with new groups of people like the ones over at SoCaltrailriders.org. I think that is where my best chance to find other extremely passionate riders lies.

I wonder if I will ever have enough bikes to quench my desire to add to my stable. My singlespeed is all but done. I’d like a full suspension 29er. After that, I would have one of everything. Will that be the end?

I wonder what Lance thought about when he was riding alone for 6 hours a day training? Six hours is a long time to be by yourself on a bicycle.

I wonder why I have such an aversion to solo riding?

I am nervous at the thought of entering the Counting Coup bike race next year. Not nervous about the ride or the course or how hard it will be. I’m nervous because I will more than likely have to train for it alone. I will then have to ride it alone. In a sea of other people, I’ll be alone in my struggle, with no one to lean on when I’m hurting. That fear itself is so great, it may actually keep me from entering. I don’t know, I’ll have to wait and see.

I want to ride this weekend. So far, it appears that I’ll be riding by myself if I want to ride. I posted the ride on a public message board a week ago. No one has yet to say they will go. I wonder why it seems like my luck always goes that way?

I’m nervous about belt testing at Taekwondo tomorrow. I know the form. I know what’s expected of me and I know I can do it. Yet, the very thought of it petrifies me.

That’s enough “baring of the soul” for one evening. I’m going to wash away the remnants of spin class and go to bed, nervous at the thought of tomorrow’s test and hopeful that I’ll be able to sneak a ride in. Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride Lots…

I was able to breake the week’s dry spell in grand fashion this weekend. June is off to a good start!!

On Saturday, I hooked up with close to 30 other riders from SoCalTrailriders.org to ride the famous SART–Santa Ana River Trail–in the mountains north of San Bernadino. It was one of the most fun trails I have ever ridden. About 28 of the 31 miles we rode was sweet, blessed singletrack. Very exposed singletrack at that. You definitley had to keep your eyes on the trail and pay attention. Final tally was 30.71 miles and 3,944′ of climbing. Enjoy the pics:

Like I said, exposed singletrack

This is considered a wide spot on the trail

Just a wee bit of exposure

A little regroup and chit chat

Lunchtime!! Steak and taters

Stunning views throughout the ride

Today Chip, dad and I decided to ride Santa Rosa Plateau. I thought it would just be another tame ride there. Boy was I wrong!!

The Superman trail is finally open after being closed for almost 2 years!! Yee-ha

Dad spotted a Tarantula Hawk dragging a fresh kill down the trail

When we got back to the car, I had a message left for me. Seems a couple friends were on a road ride and spotted my conveyance and wrote a little “hello” in the dust on the window.

The gas light in my car came on on the drive there and I thought I’d be OK to get gas on the way back home. I ran out of gas about 1 mile from the trailhead. Luckily, dad was behind me in his car and was able to go and get me some petrol. And I thought it was just gonna be a boring ride at SRP.

I should be able to get in a decent amount of rides this week. I’m pretty excited too–the boys and I have belt testing at Taekwondo on Wednesday. Just one step closer to Black Belts and the ability to kill a man with nothing but a stick of gum and a toothpick. At least, that’s what they told me. Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride Lots…

Article from Rocky Mountain News

May 29, 2007,

For years, land managers, hikers and others have argued that mountain bikes shouldn’t be allowed on trails, and for years, a number of the region’s urban trail systems have been all but off-limits to bikers. There were a number of reasons for the calls to limit fat-tire access, including safety concerns - that bikers might hurt themselves and others - and social conflicts between bikers and people, usually hikers or equestrians, who simply didn’t like to see bikes speeding past them on the trails.

But for years, the strongest argument against allowing mountain bikes on trails was that mountain bikes would accelerate environmental damage on the trails. Recently, though, we have learned that argument largely was wrong.
It has long been clear that any trail use causes some environmental degradation, including vegetation loss and changes, soil compaction and erosion, muddiness and disruption of wildlife. The effects are especially aggravated when trails are poorly constructed and located.

It was not clear, however, that mountain biking caused more damage than other recreational pursuits. Until recently, there had been little empirical study of the relative environmental impacts of mountain biking versus hiking, horseback- riding, off-road vehicles and off-trail uses such as fishing and birding. In the absence of adequate research, land and trail managers tended to err on the side of caution and banned mountain bikes from many of the trails they managed.

 But last year, recreation ecologists Jeffrey Marion, a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, and Jeremy Wimpey, a doctoral candidate at Virginia Tech University, conducted an extensive review of the current scientific research on the sport’s environmental impacts for Managing Mountain Biking: IMBA’s Guide to Providing Great Riding, a book published by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

The review concluded there is little evidence mountain bikes accelerate environmental problems any faster than other trail uses. In fact, mountain bikes cause no more harm to the trails environment than hikers do, and wreak far less damage than do equestrians and motorized users.

For the review, Marion and Wimpey examined more than 30 studies on mountain biking and recreational trail impacts and divided the research into four broad categories: vegetation, soil, water and wildlife. The studies reviewed by the two ecologists found while all trail use can cause damage and changes to vegetation, impacts from bikers tend to be similar to those of hikers and generally are confined to the center of the trail.

The same was true for soil loss - mountain biking differs little from hiking in its contribution to ruts and erosion, and equestrians and motorized users have far greater effect. Any type of use on wet trails, however, causes significantly more damage than when soils are dry. There have been no studies on the specific role mountain bikes might play in watershed degradation, but the science suggests properly designed and maintained trails should minimize trail-related water quality issues caused by all users.

And because bikers usually stay on trail, they tend to have less effect on wildlife than those who travel off-trail more frequently (such as some hikers, birders and fishermen), although bikes do travel farther and cover more ground than typical hikers and therefore have potential to disturb more wildlife. In fact, Marion and Wimpey say, what the current research suggests is that when it comes to trails, the major issue is not the type of user, but the way the trail is built - the trail’s grade, alignment angle related to the fall line, and soil type. If a trail is sustainably designed and constructed, it should be able to handle bikes, hikers and, in some cases, even horses and ATVs, without significant damage to the environment - beyond the basic potential harm caused by any human traffic in the backcountry.

As more research on the environmental effects of recreation on trails and wildlife comes in, land managers will be able to make better and more informed decisions about what type of activity is acceptable on our trails.
In the absence of a body of peer-reviewed, empirical research, however, we too often end up engaging in speculative and frustrating echo-chamber debates like those that recently have raged in Boulder, where recreation advocates and preservationists continually spar about the consequences of recreational trail use.

Everyone agrees it’s important to practice good stewardship of the trails - but no one really knows what that entails. More studies and reviews of the environmental effects of recreation on trails, like the one Marion and Wimpey conducted for IMBA (imba.com), would help ground these emotional debates.

So, through no fault of my own, I haven’t gotten any riding in since Saturday’s Birthday ride at Daley. I hate it when weeks turn out like this. Things go sideways and the next thing I know, I’m 5 days without a ride. My next ride won’t be until Saturday’s SART adventure. At least I’ll be breaking the dry spell with an epic ride on a new trail (well, new to me anyway).

I finally got around to taking pics of the new and improved Haro and Reign. Without further ado…

I am ordering the rest of my Singlespeed parts tomorrow and I should have the build done by late next week. Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride Lots…