Tuesday, February 19, 2008

TW Huckfest, part 2

Mark and I returned to TW Saturday after I got off work to re-visit the “hucking platform” from the Pac Man Grows Wings video from the last post. This time Jeremy joined us and I was onboard the Haro instead of the Yeti. The climb up sucked big time. What with the extra 12 lbs the Haro carries, the chain tensioner creating extra drag and the slacker angles, let’s just say I suffered a bit. It was no big deal though. I cleaned about 95% of the climb up and I knew the DH payoff on the way back down was VERY worth it.

I was slightly worried that the Haro would be harder to huck because of its extra weight. It is about 12 lbs heavier than the Yeti and the front fork is about 1.5 lbs heavier than the fork on the Yeti. I am still working on keeping the front end from diving and was worried the extra weight would make it that much harder.

Well, it didn’t end up being any harder at all. In fact, the whole experience was WAY more enjoyable. The extra 1″+ of coiled suspension the Haro has made the landings a lot more comfortable and a lot less jarring. It was similar to jumping a sofa. Those landings were PLUSH baby!!

The way down was a lot of fun too. When Mark and I rode there last Tuesday, I made a wrong turn and didn’t get to take him down our usual DH route. With Jeremy’s help, we went down our usual rote and I think Mark had a better time.

I also totally forgot to post my newest bike “purchase”. I was able to get a crazy deal on this from Haro. My networking skills lead me to an inside source at Haro and let’s just say the deal was nice <cough>free<cough>. My boys got some BMX jump ramps for Christmas and this is my new toy to join them. My next goal is to not kill myself.

http://www.harobikes.com/bmx/bikes/backtrail_x24.php

Haro X24–it brings me to 8 bikes.

Please note that since this pic was taken, I have removed the reflectors and plastic chain guard.

Anyhoot, I am going to be EXTREMELY busy this week with some things and probably won’t get to ride until Friday at the earliest. Until then, seek your bliss.

Ride lots…

Posted by PacMan in 02:32:58
Comments

One Response

  1. James says:
    February 19, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    Hey Doug,

    Thanks for dropping by my blog again. Right now you’re my only visitor! I’d be glad to show you and your crew around Anderson sometime soon, it’s a lot of fun if you’re into DH riding or interested on working on your hucking skills. For my part, there are several sections of World Cup that I have to walk, so I can play tour guide but won’t be much help as to technical advice. Also, I’m not down with climbing Anderson yet, shuttling is still my method of choice. I’ll also be sure to either post upcoming rides on STR or shoot you a quick PM or blog comment when we have something going. I ride at least once a month with a small group from Skyline Church, and we always enjoy meeting new people. It would have been nice to meet and ride with you two weeks ago at LPQ. Finally, I saw your post on South Hodges, and have wanted to get back over there soon, so let me know the next time you do either side of Hodges, I’d love to come along.

    Blessings,

    James

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