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- Nov 12, 2015
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So much pollen today that my tires turned green!
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Oh nice ride!! What were you riding before? Wheel size? I debated going 27.5+, but the new geometry of my 29er has made it handle my former nemesis, switchbacks, WAY better. So, I'm happy!Took the newest member of the family out for a little jaunt in the park last week. I was a little skeptical about purchasing a plus bike, but took a leap of faith, and have zero regrets...she has everything I want in a daily driver. Climbs New England roots and rocks like a champ, and resembles a mini monster truck going downhill. More brute than finesse, but I'm not exactly the most graceful person out on the trails, so it's looking like the start of a long and happy relationship .
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Well, Moab was AMAZING! Started at Dead Horse Point SP with some sight seeing and a quick lunch to fuel up before the ride. The trail was a HOOT, with only a few sections outside of my comfort zone (and well within it if I knew the trail and was "ready" for what was coming up.) The sections that were marked as "black diamonds" were definitely out of my comfort zone, but they were pretty infrequent. The sand did take me down once, almost like the hidden snow snake.
The second day, hit the Navajo Rocks area. Did 10 miles, with much of it above my skill set. Beautiful trail, great views from high up above Moab. The slick rock, on an "off-camber" section on the Big Mesa trail, got me HARD. Pedal strike on the uphill foot, followed by a sharp dip in the rock, and over I went. It hurt like hell, and my ankle is pretty sore today.
Anyway, after living in UT for 3 years, I cannot believe it took me so long to ride here! I wish we had more of this type of riding up north, because it's definitely a different skill set and skill-building type of stuff. What I struggle most with? Ascending steep pitches that have pedal strikes involved. Riding up steep pitches of slick rock? NO way. Down, yes! Fun!! Anyway, here are some pictures.
(Yes, I did get to Arches and Delicate Arch, and it was awesome!)
Dead Horse Point:
Riding the slick rock on the Navajo Rocks loop:
Delicate Arch:
I cannot WAIT to go back. I will leave Navajo Rocks out in the future until my skill set is ready for it. I can handle bits and pieces of that much technical riding, but after awhile, it was exhausting and defeating and not particularly good for skill development and confidence. A beautiful ride, for sure!
So much pollen today that my tires turned green!
That's on the list for the next trip. Might try to hit the area again in two weeks! I'm hooked!!i you like Dead Horse Point you will also probably like Klondike Bluffs as well.
Maybe you could show me around when my knee is cooperating again?I did the skills clinic last night which was good. We worked mostly on body positioning, body/bike separation, braking, and turning (both higher speed wider turns and low speed switchback type, a bit of pump track, a few obstacles/drops, and some discussion of climbing technique. I definitely felt more confident when we went over the obstacles/drops, like I was actually using some skill rather than just sitting on the saddle while it rolled over them. I'm planning to head out and try the Erie Sunset singletrack trails tonight. I've never been there, actually didn't even know they existed until recently.
http://eriesingletrack.com/
Maybe you could show me around when my knee is cooperating again?
The funny thing is it's May 26 and the kickstand is still wearing a heavy wool sweater!!Interesting kick stand you got there!
Interesting kick stand you got there!
The funny thing is it's May 26 and the kickstand is still wearing a heavy wool sweater!!
Can't wait to hear the ride report! What wheels are those?
Oh yeah. Toronto Islands have been closed because of flooding. They're half underwater. A lot of water out there.Well, more to the point, it's been raining like crazy. Ground is like soup.