We had a great ride Bryan was out on his new 29er which I wish I took a picture of because it is a damn nice looking bike, and a huge upgrade.  Eric with a few changes to the tires and some confidence in himself will become a very strong rider just like Bryan is.  Bryan found out that he needed to do some tweaking but with a few small changes we'll get his bike feeling like it was built just for him.  

We had a great time and I hope Eric comes out again, he seemed to like it, those Army boys take and lickin' and keep on tickin'.  I always love having new guys show up or meeting them on the trail, and today was a beautiful day on the lake, so I got to enjoy the two things I love most about riding, the people and the scenery.  Too bad I left the camera in the Jeep there would have been some really sweet pictures of the lake today.  I hope the leafs stick around for a few more days, at least until tomorrow or even Saturday morning for the Pre-Halloween ride!

Willis out!

Aaron and Tyler both notified me they would be interested in a ride but due to a schedule conflict I couldn't work out a time that worked for the both of us.  So, Aaron was left and luckily he could make the trip out after finishing up lunch with his girlfriend.  He brought the Kona out for some punishment and a reminder of what riding used to be like before he crossed over to the dark side...

I convinced Aaron to ride the same route that I had ridden yesterday to switch things up from the ordinary.  As we arrived in the lot a fellow rider was looking a bit lost and after a few seconds of getting the story, we found out his riding partner had come up MIA after they got separated in the woods.  Aaron let him use his phone and we got a quick description of the rider to be on the look out to let him know he was safe.  After a quick unload we rolled down the trail and off towards the dam on Lake View.  This was the casual roll out and was a bit faster today with Aaron on my heels.

After crossing the dam we went straight into the first climb and with only one minor hic-up we made it to the top and on our way.  Aaron commented that this section of the trail was much better riding the other way.  I let him know that it goes both ways we would encounter a few sections that would quickly make up for the first climb.  We both rode strong and I made up completely for my Pain of yesterday.  In the next few rides I will be focusing on a more complete control while bombing down the hills, avoiding obstacles and tapping the brakes as often.  We'll see how it all turns out, its all about the confidence, prove to yourself you can do it once and you'll never look back.  It'll be just one less thing I will have to focus on.

Willis out!

My only answer, I love it.

Today started out at Dow Lake and a quick chat with a female professor who was getting ready to ride Thunder Bunny trail.  I had decided it would be a good day to ride my usual Dow Lake ride in reverse.  This gave me a quick 3 mile warmup to the dam and then right into the climbing.  This is my first ride with the new springs in the Fox to give a stiffer platform to start with.  I figured I would use it as a tuning ride to dial in the setting for rebound and compression.  This ended up being a less than important task for today's ride, and a more important task of staying on the frickin bike took priority.

I knew something was up when I put a foot down the first time on the initial climb which really got me discouraged at first but after thinking how technical the trail is I was lucky that it was only a foot down and not a total off the bike climb.  I trucked around the trail and had a few major incidents, first of which I can remember was at a dip where I slowed to a complete stop and had to bail out and luckily I ended up on my feet and the bike landed above me.  The next wreck happened as I transisitioned off of the bike only trail and back onto the multiuse trail where I hit a leaf covered rock that threw me over the handle bars and again I was lucky to end up on my feet.  Both of these had my head upsidedown and as I started the last section I was finally feeling like I had things together when I caught my seatpost on a tree (yes the seatpost), and flipped over the bars catching a few things on the way including my leg on the tree.

Nothing was broken, the bike was straight and working perfectly, it was just me.  I reassured The Cove that it wasn't her fault it was all me today.  I couldn't keep my head straight it was all mental the bike performed great all the mistakes were my own.

Like I said above though I love it.  I loved the pain I loved the scars, I may have to walk slowly up the stairs tonight and I can't sit down too fast but I love it.  Whether its the endorphins or the adreline I love it.  I can't wait to go for another ride.  

Willis out!

Tyler and I started up the Dow Lake trail from the usual meeting spot near the beach.  I let him lead since I was on the SS today for the Retro Monday ride and he was on his full suspension.  I didn't want him to be held up by my slipping tires since that seems to happen alot.  We did a nice warm-up pace with some power into the first steep climbs which Tyler was feeling shortly after that but he kept trucking along.  Luckily we had some rolling downhills to ease the pain.  After making our way through the first two sections of technical trail we ended up down at the Lake View Trail.  Tyler decided that it would be best if he headed back to the cars so he didn't miss his entire class.  

I started on my solo trek up the longer section of trail towards the dam.  As I attacked the hills I soon found out that switch bike geometries is not a good idea for longer rides.  The Cove is set up as a Long Travel Trail Bike (LTT) and the SS is a Cross Country Bike (XC).  With different angles and body positions I started to get some pains in my back but all that soon subsided due to other pains.  Pushing up the hills had really started to take it's toll and I was getting a deep deep burn so deep that it had moved up my thigh and into my hips (probably due again to the geometry). 

I finally got past the point of pain and rounded one of the last climbs to hear the sounds of the Highway nearby signaling only a mile or so to go.  This is also the start of the downhill section.  It seems that all the trails around here start with a major uphill, have a rolling middle and end with a major downhill.  This would be the same if you rode it in reverse.  The only unfortunate event of the day ended up being my first major wreck of the year.  Well it was more like my front wheel slipping and me ejecting from the bike over the handle bars.  Fortunately I was okay, only the bike had it's stem move a little but no big deal I just kept it straight and finished the ride back to the jeep on the Lake View trail.

I ended the ride and only my legs wished for some more gears and my back for some more suspension.  I wouldn't give up the SS for anything it is a real skill builder as well as a great training tool.  My legs might have been sore but it really helped with my power and keeps you pushing past the bail-out point on climbs.  Plus it makes you feel like a kid again I just need to start investing a little bit into the bike to make it a more capable machine.

Ride planned for tomorrow and the day after and well most likely the day after that.  Hopefully we can get a few more new guys out to experience a little Johnivation.

Willis out!

We made it a quick single loop with some bombing down hills. With some recon of a major upcoming ride I'm thinking maybe a snow ride... Do the whole loop in the snow Sell's + Dow + whatever else awesome ride.  With Retro's coming out for tomorrow it should be an interesting one.

Willis out!

After picking up Bryan we headed to Dow Lake to ride the trails there.  After Friday's ride at Dow Lake I was glad Bryan was up for something new and challenging.  Bryan and I decided to ride from the same place Aaron and I had started Friday and see how we were doing when we joined back up with the Lake View trail.  I had a meeting at 6 and needed time to take a shower and eat something beforehand.  We were riding great and as I would work my way away from Bryan I would wait and around the corner he would coming trucking up the hills, with no complaints.

We made the first section of the trail and rolled right into the second section of the trail which consisted of a section we had ridden the last time the two of us were at Dow Lake just in reverse.  This make is about 43% better since the last half the section is a slight rolling downhill section that makes for a sweet ride down to the Lake View trail.  Our time was at about 20mins into the ride with the first two sections done and a trail repair thrown in there at least another hour of ride time left.  So with Bryans approval we hit the last trail section for some technical riding.

Today I took it easy on the first two sections so I was ready for the mental pain of the final section.  But I had no idea the things I would be considering today... "What kind of poop was that?"  Thats right I just happened to look down at the trail and see a pile of what looked like mammal poo with some berry seeds in it and immediately thought better keep moving.  With the talk of some bobcats/wildcats/black bears in the area I figured it would be best if I just kept an eye out and kept right on riding.  Bryan was close behind and I kept a pace such that he was never out of sight.  Whether or not I was being parinoid or not I figure better safe than sorry, two guys on bikes look much bigger than one guy by himself.  This did however get me to look around and notice some of the hidden beauty of the area.  The leaves have started to fall and it is allowing alot more sunlight through into the forrest and the leaves also make it look like orange snow is covering the hillsides.  With the single track under us and only able to barely see where to go by following the other matted down leaves we made our way back up to some of the cross-roads over the horse trails.  This is where I informed Bryan of the poo I saw and we discussed possible animals that could have produced it all the time he reassured me that it was nothing too scary since the last time he rode that trail he ran over a Copperhead...

Ahead of us was the final downhill descent to the dam where we would follow the Lake View trail around the far side of the lake and end our ride.  However don't think that this final downhill is just any downhill it is a very technical section full of rocks narrow paths switchbacks washed out trails and steep drop offs.  What an awesome way to come to the finish, I rolled the front like I had been the whole ride taking all the spider-webs in my face but keeping an eye on Bryan.  With his lack of suspension it could be any root or small rock that could throw his bike and cause him to end up off course.  Well after finishing my descent I turned around to wait for him and about 45 seconds later I see him turn the last corner and bail out.  I thought he had lost his bike down the hill but a second later he was back on a riding down to meet up with me.  After a few words and some sips of H2O we praised the ride and finished our loop back to the Jeep.  I was on a mission I had planned to try to be back to my apartment by 5 so with us finishing the main part of the ride at 4:20PM I knew we would have plenty of time but still rolled a quick pace to allow us ample time to load up and chat at the end of the ride.

Bryan and I got back to the Jeep by 4:40PM and spent a little time chatting about bikes and other stuff like my wrestling suit... lol... We moved our conversation onto some economics and other bable in the jeep that ended with us planning for tomorrow.  It'll be Tuesday and that means a 4:15 ride, all I need to do is figure out where?

Willis out! 

So we planned for a 4:15 start on Tuesday so some quick laps at Sell's Park were on the menu.  Aaron had never "offically" ridden around the trails so I thought it would be a great ride for the both of us.  I could size up his skill and he could get to see a new trail system.  He immediately impressed me with his bike skills.  Not only could he handle the bike well but he had the motor behind him to keep up.  We flew through the first lap and I asked if he wanted another and he said yes.  So I decided we would make it a hot lap to see how he would do.  After the first half I could tell he was strong he kept right on my wheel and I'm sure if I told him to go ahead he would have left me behind.  No problems there though I love having someone to chase.   We flew through the second lap both tripping up on the steep climb but having a blast on the Athens' Trail downhill section.

After the ride we chatted and planned to ride again soon.  Well after a busy week Wednesday and Thursday came and went with no rides, so Friday morning I sent out the Athens wide text message and with a few people busy Aaron popped up with a confirmation if he was done with his lab in time.  So we decided to hit up Dow Lake and do some trails there.  I knew of a nice section of trail but not much else other than the Lake View Trail.  Aaron on the other hand knew of a different trail head that started near the Stroud's Run entrance.  So we decided to head up that way and ride some new trails.  This trail leads to a Mountain Bike only section that hasn't been brutalized by the horses.  It is a wonderful trail with lots of logs, and trees and rocks and lots of really technical sections.  Unfortunately whether it was a lack of sleep or something else I wasn't feeling it today.  I had several times where I just couldn't keep my head straight but luckily for Aaron I let him go ahead and that way he didn't have to wait behind me.  After each mishap I would catch back up to Aaron who was riding great.  I loved the trail and can't wait to make another trip back out there this week hopefully on Tuesday.  With a week of great weather lets hope the guys are up for some riding.

Saturday was another ride with Aaron this time we rode from college park and hit some of my favorite urban spots with alot less curb jumping than usual, too many spectators.  We did make it up to The Ridges and made a ride down from the top but due to a creep in the parking lot we strayed away from riding back up and made a long ride back to the complex.  Aaron and I had another great time, less offroad riding but got to know each other a bit better, and that's one thing I love about riding.   It opens doors to friendships you might have never imagined (V, T & CK).  

Sunday was not a day without riding.  Brittany has been wanting to ride and with the weather being great I decided it would be a great day to get out and enjoy some of the fall colors with her.  We made our way over to the Union Street park to start in the shade and ride towards The Plains.  With only a goal of having a wonderful time we rode casually out about half way to The Plains and back.  Brittany did a great job of riding and with a few adjustments still to be made on her bike soon we'll be taking her out to the trail for some real riding!

With another week down only a few more until Halloween, anyone up for a Saturday pre-halloween mountain bike ride?  Maybe move it from Lake Hope to Dow Lake?  Either way I'd like to get some people together for that.  So chime in if your down.

Willis out!

With Vince, Zach, and I planning a morning start at Lake Hope I wanted to be up and as ready to ride as I could be.  I had plans to take a long underwear top to stay warm but in the confusion of packing up and getting ready I didn't even get it out of the drawer.  Instead I throw on my bibs, tights and sweat pants and hit the road.  I made a quick stop to pick up some extra water and some protein (beef jerky) at the cross-roads gas station on the way out of Athens to help fuel me on my ride.  I knew it would be a long day if I went on only my bowl of cereal.

After rallying the jeep through the hills I arrived to a full lot at the Hope Furnace, and I imedately thought "The Spoke Junkies are here"... I usually get their emails letting me know where they are riding and I always notice when they visit Lake Hope so why on this Sunday had I not noticed the email.  I didn't think anything of it since they were all on the trail already and we shouldn't have any problems riding.  There are enough trails for everyone to ride and the probability that we would ride the exact same ride is well not worth my time to calculate (I may throw a figure up there later...).  Even if we did ride with them it would have been fun.  Right at 9 Vinny and Zach roll into the lot and I can see they are both ready to get at the trail.

Zach a friend of Vince's had some misfortune while riding at Lake Hope earlier in the year and thanks to the lovely bike shops in Athens would be without a ride if it hadn't been for The Green Monster (for those with monster legs).  I let him borrow the SS and warned him he may be in for a little pain but gave him the option to switch out the rear cog from a 16 to an 18 tooth to make the hills a bit easier.  So after some quick parking lot repairs we got on our way.

Our first trail was the Hope Furnace Trail around the North side of the lake.  This was a good fast warm-up with Vince leading the way and setting a solid pace I was content with following today, I get to lead when I ride solo so its nice to see another tire in front of me besides my own.  Zach did a great job keeping up and after getting used to the riding I think he started to like it.  With our first trail out of the way we came to the base of Sidewinder and faced with a our first decision.  Sidewinder or road?

Sidewinder was dirt and the tires were fat so we ended up riding up sidewinder for a fun time.  Every time I ride it I think back to that Spring day when I first rode my mountain bike there.  We made good time and with plenty of rest breaks we pushed up to the top only expelling about 90% of our energy.  Vince lead about 90% of the way and Zach never let a gap form between us which for that trail on that bike is pretty amazing.  We got to the next major trail intersection and decided that we would go with the more fun of the two route of riding Wildcat Trail.

After ripping down Wildcat and explaining some Matrix algebra on the way we ended up down in the valley where we ran into our first group of other riders.  I let our a "bikes up" call to alert the oblivious riders that others were on the trail but still managed to startle them when they passed us.  An older rider tried to let us know we were probably heading the wrong way since the trail they had just come down was pretty steep, but little did he know that he was in for far worse of an uphill.  In fact we had spent more time coming down the hill he was about to ride up then it took us to ride up the hill he just came down.  I'm sure they made it just fine they looked to be enjoying their day on the trail.

At the top of Wildcat we hung out around the Trailhead to recover some when a large group of riders came off of Copperhead.  This was our chance to find out who these people were.  I asked if they were the Spoke Junkies and was firmly informed that "No we are CAMBA" to which I though ...You came all the way from Canada?... But after one of them finally braved up to talk to us "locals" I realized they were not saying "eh" and were actually from Cleveland (like I'm supposed to know/care what CAMBA is).  Anyway we chatted with a really nice guy who was riding what looked like a purple Gary Fischer 29er, most likely a supercaliber/excaliber or something along those lines.  Some nice bikes were in the mix and I could tell there were some tired riders.  We said our goodbyes and headed on our way back to the cars via Bobcat/Harbon/Hope Furnace to make it back to the lot.

Bobcat and Harbon were a blast and as we made our way closer to Hope Furnace Zach took the lead and well took off.  His gearing was perfect and he was flying, I had to work pretty hard just to keep up and just as I was about to crest a hill Vince comes tearing past me to take second position.  Immediately I knew "it's on!".  All three of us pushed through the fatigue of riding 15 miles 2 days in a row and you would have though it was a gold medal race for the olympics.  At least I thought so.  With the end growing near I knew I had to make my move so as we approached the last bridge a group of hikers on the other side Zach and Vince step off their bikes and I jumped off threw it on my shoulder and ran across the bridge tore past the hikers and barreled down the hill scaring a dog on my way.  Which I found out later was Bryan and his wife and their dog...  Sorry I was that @$$ who recklessly took up the trail, but I had full control and really only took up like 75% of the trail lol... Sorry Bryan.  Apologies aside I ended up racing myself to the finish and I'm sure it was all in my head but I could swear I tasted some gold when I opened into the field marking the finish.  I grabbed a few pictures and we headed home from some Jimmy John's and farewells to the couples.

It was a great weekend and I am happy that I could spend some time with Vince and Timarie.  Hopefully I will see them again soon and I'll bring the bikes home next time for some Miami County riding.

Willis out!

I set out for some solo laps expecting to see a few other riders on the trail I had my eyes out.  Despite seeing cars in the lot on my first lap I was by my self only passing a pair of hikers coming down the Rock-house Trail.  On the first loop I got to my hill and unfortunately between slipping on the roots and being frustrated with my shifting I ended riding half way up slipping riding back down and doing it again.  But I was still unsuccessful.  But I was not done.  I went for another lap.

Lap two was spirited I was getting warmed up and the shifting was doing better but not perfect.  So I started up the hill and immediately had problems, a root at the base of the hill would either push my front wheel to the side or cause the rear tire to slip.  After 5 tries I finally found my line and made it over, I think 99.999...9% of it was mental.  Since I made it up that part but ended up riding into a tree that is no where near the trail.  Once again all mental but through the cursing at the bike and myself I made it to the top of the first hill and got it back together to power it over the last hill to the top of Athens Trail.  After making it to the bottom of the trail I checked the time and it was only 4:30!  With all the slow downs it only took 1hr to do two laps.  So I figured I have to end this era of The Cove on a good note and decided for one final Hot Lap.

The last lap was a good one.  I powered the whole way and I had a debt to repay to that last hill, so with out missing a shift I didn't look up and rode like it was a flat trail and made it all the way to the last technical section where once again the loose dirt got the better of me as I slipped off my right pedal and ended up letting out some choice words since I was so close I'll have to end up changing my line since this one seems to not be working, but who knows maybe with some proper shifting I'll be able to make it no problem.

I ended the day with 3 laps with a total mileage for the day near 15 miles on the Mountain bike.  Had it not been too close to 5 I would have done another lap but we can leave that for next week.  With Vince coming down this weekend Hopefully we can get some good riding in. ;)

Willis out!