Mountain Bikers' Blog

Adam conquers Kennedy Creek

2011-09-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Adam's introduction to Kennedy Creek, a fair "mountian" bike ride compared to his flat Kansas home, was a success. While a bit of a slog through intermittent rain, steady determination got Adam up the hills to the top. The seat on his bike was being a real pain in the a#$, so we swapped saddles at the Y before the long climb to Windy Gap. Picture is from the top near Windy Gap.

Noticed a signed horse trail between the top of the climb and Windy Gap - off to the right, going down the side of the hill. Did not attempt it today. Exepect it may be quite steep, but look forward to seeing if it is rideable and where it dumps out the next time I get a chance to spin around Kennedy Creek.

Race Track Takes On Don & Val

2011-08-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Another day of bliss of single-track riding, oh so close to Olympia. Only 8 miles out of Oly! This time around Don and Val join in on the fun!

Bloggers, meet Don & Val. Don and Val, meet your fellow Bloggers.

Here's the trail we did today (it's mapped from an earlier trip yet still accurate) -- http://connect.garmin.com/activity/101548384
Best,

2011-08-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

New Trail & New Riders @ Fort Lewis (Rainier Road) = Horses & Bikes Collaborate 4.5 miles of trail survey tape marked and punched in by Nisqually Chapter of Back Country Horsemen (equestrians) who did an awesome job. Swoopy, swerving, roller-coastering through the trees and meadow! Maximum FUN factor for mountain bikers and 4 hoofs!

Mountain bikers cleared logs, spoke-breakers, and treacherous derailleur-detachers.

Mountain-bikers recently bush-wacked ~2.5 miles of the trail.

While bush-wacking, ran into two (2) Black-Faced hornet nests -- at a cost (4 stings and swelling factors -- ankle, back areas, groin area ). Next day = Heavily sprayed the areas and put signs up to warn all trail-users of areas that were sprayed. Happy riding for all now!

Met two awesome stewards of the area, on the trails today. Riding totally awesome Tennessee Walkers (horses, NOT a bike type). Very respectful of bikers, can outrun wasps too: Carrie & Barry

Also joining us today -- a totally new rider to mountain-biking. Bloggers meet Jacques. Jacques meet your audience/readers.
We've been having a totally awesome times on the "Race Track". Contact us if you want a neat experience of a ride just 8 miles outside of Olympia. Johnspecht1@comcast.net

Stottlemeyer 30

2011-05-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

It was clear within the first mile that I was way out of my league and the goal would be to simply finish this race/ride. Notwithstanding all of my "I've been sick and have not ridden in over a week" excuses, the field of riders was obviously more fit and way into the racing scene. Get past all of that and what you have was a truly epic ride on a great, challenging course.

A couple miles of road to string out the pack and then we hit it: tight, twisty, rooty, uppy-downy, muddy, don't catch a handle bar on that tree or a pedal on that stump single track. In smaller doses, this would be downright fun to ride. A couple of miles later it opened back up for a stretch of gravel road and then REALLY FUN sweet, swoopy, slightly downhill and fast single track. This was definitely the best part of the ride - even on the second lap where things were really starting to drag. Then it was back into the tight track with some pretty good climbs to complete lap one.

Felt okay at the end of the first lap (see pic), but began to worry that if my legs held out, my upper body would not and I'd be in trouble trying to muscle through the tight track. In the end, the arms held up, but severe leg cramps at mile 24 put me off the bike and walking the final climbs. Took a wrong turn and lost a few minutes and a couple of riders I had been in intermittent contact with. Rats on that! Was able to get back in the saddle for the last push home, feeling like my own little version of "Bert the Conqueror" as I crossed the line.
For the record, finished in 4:11:53, 24th out of 32 riders in the old guys division. My GPS put the route at closer to 27.5 miles.
Don't think I'll follow up with the Echo Valley race - this definitely showed that you need to train for a ride like this, let alone race. And, with only 4 weeks to go, don't think I can make enough improvement to justify the expense. But, I may be back next year to race against the clock and see if Jeff.12 can beat Jeff.11

Final comment: what fun to watch the real racers race - incredible how fast they could move through that single track. A testament to their skills and fitness.

Race Day

2011-04-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to BuDuRacing for introducing Thumper to race day. Nine miles of realtively tame trail, mostly doubletrack, around Ft. Steilacoom. Rode the 40-49 yr old virgin (beginner) class. Finished dead center - 6th out of 12 riders, clocking a time of 55:28. Happy to note that only 1 of the 9 riders between the ages of 19 and 39 was faster. As for the race itself? Well, lost contact with a group of three about mid-way through the first lap and by then had also gapped the guys behind. So after that it was just me and Thumper riding alone to the finish line. I think that probably took some of the fun out of it, but it also presented it's own mental challenges with no one there to help pull or push me along. Shout out to my wife Suzanne, who buzzed down from the kids volleyball tourney in time to yell some encouragement as lap one was completed and was there to give a kiss at the end!

Osborne Affair

2010-11-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Thought: an 11 mile uphill ride to 4,000' to obtain 11 miles of swooping single-track all back down.
The reality: 11 miles up to ~3,340' -- the last 2 miles in 3-4" of snow and getting deeper every minute. The legs finally said "enough." Stats: Time: 4:07:54 hrs. Distance: 24.33 mi. Calories 2,505

Here's the map from yesterday's ride. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/56521259
(Click on “Terrain” to get a better perspective.)

Getting Healing

2010-11-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of months I’ve being going to physical therapy for my knee. I hit it on a rock a year ago in December. The accident wasn't due to biking though. It happened while trying to remove snow off Arborvitaes in our yard. I was standing on a rock wall, slipped and came down full force on the knee cap on a sharp rock. Felt a sharp stabbing sensation and was about to puke yet held it together.

There's a tendon (line #5 on the photo) that stretches down the side of the leg and across the knee cap (where it got hit) that had never healed and had become very agitated with some liquid in the tissue. I could ride and everything but if I knelt down or went down stairs the wrong way or did squats, it felt like jabbing an ice pick into the knee. Fortunately, the ultra sound, deep tissue massage, ice massage, and stretching the muscle and tendons out has done tremendous wonders. It’s nearly back to normal. (And, I’ve been riding with mountain bike knee pads now for protection.)
Knees are one of the areas that take the longest to heal (besides torn rotator cuffs!) Here's to YOUR health in the weeks and year ahead!

Newberry Caldera

2010-07-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ride No. 2 on the Stumpjumper was the epic Newberry Caldera Rim Trail. Bagged Paulina Peak, climbing 1,500 feet to a final altitude of 7,915 over four miles of access road. A mile back down the road to the Rim Trail trail head and a bit of nice single track took me to the lovely view of the bike overlooking Paulina Lake. A bit further along encountered a bit of snow still on the trail in mid-July. Did not see a soul for the 20+ miles of single/double track around the caldera rim. Definately appreciated all facets of the Stumpjumper - climbing for sure, but also a couple of realatively steep and technical descents. Can't wait to get back to Central Oregon, but in the meantime will look forward to introducing the Stumpjumper to our home trails.

Goodbye Pinky, Hello ?????

2010-07-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

After the demise of my first ride - Pinky - A Trek Liquid 25, had an opportunity to try out three replacements for full rides - a Trek Fuel EX 8, Santa Cruz Blur LT and Specialized Stumpjumper Elite. Short answer is the Trek was too stiff and did not hold a line going down, Blur flowed like an angel going down, but was a real push to get to the top of the route. The Stumpy was "just right." Climbed like a goat and descended with just as much confidence as the Blur, though not quite as plush. The Stumpy was the hands down winner on all fronts - climbing, descending, components, weight and price was right there given the component set.

First ride on my bike this AM - Sunriver up to Lava Lands Visitor Center, topped off with a ride up to the top of Lava Butte. What a complete screaming joy! After three days of good hard test rides with some pretty good climbs, did not think I would have the legs today, but a combination of excitement and the qualities of the Stumpy went for another 21 miles.

Pictures are "just off the showroom floor" clean and pretty and the bike and I at the top of Lava Butte.

Happy Trails My Dear Friend

2010-07-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

How do you say good-bye to your first ride, the one who has faithfully carried you through the ups and downs, the twists and turns? Happy Trails, Pinky and thank you. You've been a great friend. After four years, Pinky's rear triangle gave out - a broken frame, not to be repaired. But not before one last spectacular ride - 15 miles of single track - total ride of 19 - with the lights, getting home just after midnight. What a blast. But, today she gave in.

And so, the return to the dating world begins, with a rented Trek Fuel EX 8 on top of the car right now and plans to do the ride planned for today - a run down the Deschutes from Sunriver into Bend. A Specializd Stumpjumper Elite is reserved for Saturday and will be looking to rent a Giant Trance on Friday. Hopefully, I won't come home from vacation alone.

No memorial service will be held as Pinky wished it to be. She would be happy if you would just oil your chain in her memory before heading out on your next adventure.

Sage Hill's Trail: Wenatchee

2010-06-06T17:40:00.001-07:00

The annual trip to Wenatchee for the Access to Justice Conference usually means a run at Devil's Gulch, but word was the water was still running too high to ford some of the lower streams. So, on bright sunny Saturday afternoon I went to check out the Sage Hills Trail which is a full five minutes from downtown W. Think tree-less, grassy foothills with some nice switch back climbs which feel very flowey on the descent. Can't imagine doing this mid-summer with the sun bearing down, but on an early June afternoon, it was great. Highly recommended and much more trail laid down than the map I had, so plenty of opportunity for variety and loops (as opposed by the out-n-back route I took). The first link has a map, but better ones are out there somewhere as the couple from Seattle I chatted with mid-ride had a much more complete map in their pack.

I Looked, They Looked, I Smiled, They Smiled

2010-05-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

While coming back from some great (single-track) riding today at Fort Lewis . . .
I looked at them, they looked at me
I smiled at them, they smiled at me
And we're on our way
I rode to them, they flew to me
I didn't talk to them, they didn't talk to me
And we're both on our way.

Snow Hanging '10 (April 2010) and Cold Lingering!

2010-04-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

It started out at nearly 50° in summer biking shoes (thin socks), and one long-sleeved shirt near Summit Lake. And, it ended with riding on snow to the top of Rock Candy Mountain, below freezing temps, a second winter long-sleeved shirt added, a jacket added, numb feet, a total of 20.96 miles and 2,180 feet in elevation gain.
Today’s ride was electronically monitored for keeping the heart rate within the “fat burning” range. (Ha! There was no frigging way that was going to be consistent!) Some of the headwall hills (steep 1.2 to 2.7 mile lengths) spiked the heart rate to 175 BPMs. Mtn-Biking Man “hit the wall” and felt flat-lined near the 10 mile mark to Rock Candy Mt. It had been all uphill to that point and he had to seek resurrection with some HammerGel. The head started to experience some lightness and sort of “stairway to heaven” delusions climbing the last 500-800’. Then . . . it was all downhill.

After returning to the Summit Lake start point, Mtn-Biking Man sought sanctuary with coffee and a Turbo Cookie at Blue Huron Bakery. $3.96 -- not quite priceless but worth the workout!

Is a Ride Worth a Venti Milkshake? Ask an 11 yr. old.

2010-03-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Mtn-Biker Man had recently been riding loops with Winston (dog) around the trails just outside LBA Park when he ran across "Tim," also out for a leisurely ride with his daughter. We got to talking and planned a ride in Ft. Lewis Area #19 with his son's Tyler and Alex today. [Pictured: L=Tyler, Tim & Alex = R]

We met up with Dr. Ron (@ Rt. picture) at the trail head (behind JZ Knight's ranch compound) and made our way out 7-8 miles toward Rainer then back. Here's what Tim had to say:
"It’s always a bit of a struggle to include kids into something strenuous, especially when they are so-so about the sport in the first place. There are only so many promises of milkshakes and computer-time that will get them up the next hill or past the upcoming mud-bog before they shut down in protest. Somehow within them they need that memory…that reserve strength of having survived something monumental in their experiences…to dip into and get them past themselves. I was mountain biking with the boys (15 and 11) on a trail wrought with ups and downs, mud and stinging nettles that required not only some physical toughness to endure the ride, but a mental toughness to continue on with out knowing when we’ll stop or where we were. (You have to appreciate the trust they [kids] put in us to make the right decisions and somehow pull us through it!!)"

Tim witnessed his youngest, Alex in one of life’s finer moments. Alex faced a predicament. While he was tired, frustrated in facing numerous hills, and not knowing what was ahead… he reached down and found within himself the endurance to continue and declined Tim’s help (with respect) with his bike up the hills. “Alex displayed, the positive attitude he wanted, to older bikers on the trip see . . . and he ended the long ride with some funny comments about how tired he was.”

Tim stated: “I’ll take some of the credit as I made it a point NOT to criticize his struggle and to express empathy for his pain…after all…we WILL be doing this again :) So I hope the lesson sinks in and he learns to appreciate his experiences as something to help him with future struggles. On the other hand, at 11, he may only remember that he was FINALLY able to drink a whole Venti vanilla bean milkshake by himself."

Mtn-Biker Man missed getting a milkshake himself and instead got more chores from the "Honey Doo" (word pun intended) list when he arrived back home.

Good having you join up for a ride Tim. And, welcome. (Tim's picture to the far right page -->)

Bike Computing Shortcoming

2010-03-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

Here's an earlier attempt and failure to provide adequate technology for mobile computing and biking. Multi-tasking can prove to be dangerous in this situation. Do not try this at home!

Bail Outs = Your Friend to Missing Links

2010-02-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

Notice anything missing from the bike in this picture?

Went out strong on some single track with Jeff H. weaving along the fringe of meadows and up through the tight-knit Black Forest trees. Feeling alright yeah! I stomped on the pedals to attack a short steep pitch when suddenly a loud "SNAP" resonated and the bike quickly started to drift backwards. Yep, the chain broke. No problem because I've got a chain tool. Oops, it busts trying to re-link the chain. No problem because Jeff H. has a chain tool! "Oh-oh guess what" . . . Jeff's tool was broken too. (It broke on him over a year ago and he forgot to replace it.)

Jeff decides he'll ride back the 6-7 miles to get the vehicle. Before leaving he states that I'd at least get to ride the down hill sections. Only problem is that we've dropped about 600 feet so it's uphill going back. I ran back to an agreed upon bailout route that was about 4 ½ miles. Running in bike shoes is an oxymoron.

Welcome to Jim & Adam

2010-01-31T19:29:00.000-08:00

Sunday, a beautiful semi-sunny afternoon. Riding solo Mtn-Biking Man ran across Jim -- Ft. Lewis area 21. Welcome Jim (left pic).

As we chatted, two other riders came upon us. Adam (right pic), and John PR.

On Injury List: Mtn-Biking Man is on the injured list with a torn "Rotator Cuff Tear." On Jan 10th going over two 4-5" roots about two feet apart (something he normally clears), the front wheel hit the second root and instead of being able to pop it up over -- the wheel sank deep . . . sickenly deep, and bottomed out the fork and pitched 'em hard over board on his left shoulder -- still clipped in. Hit the ground full force he did and heard a pop and a yell. Another three to four weeks will tell if recovery is s-l-o-w-l-y working or if surgery is required to "get 'er fixed." :(

20 Things Mountain Biking Teaches You About Life

2010-01-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

Good writers have often used sports as a metaphor for life: the lessons of the playing field, teamwork, or the agony of defeat . . . applied to daily living. If John Muir, Leo Tolstoy, or Khalil Gibran had spent time on a mountain bike, they would perhaps have learned and reflected that:
20. Boldness pays.
19. Desperation breeds mistakes.
18. The hardest parts are also the loneliest.
17. There's fresh horse flop in the trail ahead.
16. Balance is first among the virtues; momentum is second.
15. Success requires confidence, but cockiness invites failure.
14. Sometimes, the best way past an obstacle is straight through it.
13. Some people get lucky at parts; nobody gets lucky at everything.
12. It's all about the being and the going, not the having and the arriving.
11. At each intersection, there's the easy way and the hard, rewarding way.
10. It's tempting to focus on the immediate problem to the exclusion of the big picture.
9. The thing that nails you is the one you don't see coming.
8. It's worth stopping for a breather to see where you are.
7. Thousands of tiny decisions shape the trip.
6. The fun starts when you push the limits.
5. You can get hurt, heal and go again.
4. Ups are followed by downs.
3. Practice makes you better.
2. No quitting allowed.
1. Love hurts (but don't let that stop you from falling in love.)

What have you learned from mountain biking?

Goal To Do Yoga -- Tell Us There's Hope

2010-01-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

Mtn-Biking Man tried a new Yoga pose tonight and nearly died because he was so tight. (He lost balance and fell over twice too - ha!) He's working up the nerve to start Yoga to help with mountain biking and for balance. Here's a pic of the pose tried, a pic of what balance can do and link to a stellar rider who took up Yoga and swears by it http://nsmb.com/3470-ryan-leech-and-yoga/

I Heard The Thumping on My Brain . . .

2010-01-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

A constant "thump, thump, thump" sound overhead while riding today then they landed right in front of Mtn-Biker Man . . .

Skull & Bones Sign Solves Mystery of Cleared Hill

2009-12-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

One of the highest hills in the Fort Lewis area between Yelm Highway and Rainier Road was completely stripped clean of every piece of vegetation late in this last summer. The hill (about 900-1,000 climb) has phenomenal views of Mount Rainier, and the surrounding hills when its not fogged in or clouded over. You may recall pictures taken late in the summer of a Chinook helicopter flying overhead? That was taken right on the very top of that hill. Well today . . . we found out what was going on with the clearing of the one particular hill. By the way, it's about 9 miles in from Yelm Highway. Have a look . . .

This morning we parked right out from of the Nisqually Police station's jail on Yelm Highway. (Parking out in some parts of Fort Lewis can be an invitation for vandalism.) Officers that Mtn-Biking Man had previously met up with while they were patrolling the nearby Yelm Highway and Fort Lewis area had said the location is THE safest place to park because police cars are always in and out. And, the inmates tend to look out the window and drool . . . for what they don't have, wheels and freedom and no lies to live.

Just As The Snow Begins . . .

2009-12-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Under the falling snow, I feel the pounding in my brain, ice cold water running through my veins, got a bad taste in my mouth from bitter tears, ah I'm feeling glad now cause it's not bad . . .

Pictures of a Cool Winter Ride

2009-12-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Chores done. Lights were up on the house after one's repeated delays yet wife's friendly and increasing number of reminder notes. It was time for a cool ride. And, some pics as a reminder of why I didn't want to put lights up in the first place. Funny, there was so much procrastination in taking the lights down last year that at first the Rubbermaid container with lights couldn't be located. Darn! Turns out they never made it off the garage floor to the attic. It was holding up a bike in one of the garage bays!

Find of the Week

2009-11-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

Found . . .
while riding single track 5 miles out from Yelm Highway. Flare?

29(er) Meets 1937

2009-11-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

Seven miles out in the woods from the Nisqually Casino & Yelm Highway area and Mtn-Biker Man runs across some kind of marker from 1937 out in the middle of the woods! (3.5 hour ride today Yelm to Rainier vicinity.) Was 1937 better off than 2009?

Map to Rescue Bike

2009-11-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

If you are desperate for a new (to you) bike, here is the map to the Rescue Bike. It can be found at the top of the last loop.

Rescue Bike?

2009-11-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Found . . . a bike out in a fairly remote wooded area of a ride today. Someone with a sense of humor labled it "rescue bike" but to Mtn-Biking Man and Jeff, we think it'd be a pain in the ### (take a look at the seat.)

In Memory of Jeff Holm

2009-10-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

It is with sadness we announce the passing of a fellow mountain-biker. Jeff Holm, state GIS Coordinator (1994 to 2007), friend, co-worker, and husband passed away last night October 22, 2009 surrounded by his family and friends.

Shortly after retiring from state government in 2007, Jeff was diagnosed with methothelioma cancer. He had aimed to do more mountain bike riding, to work on putting his Porsche sports car back together, to travel with his wife Susan and do many other things that retirement affords.

I (Mtn-Biker Man) will remember forever the 6-day mountain bike trip that Jeff’s wife Susan, and my wife Naomi gave us both for Christmas a few short years ago where we were able to s-t-r-e-t-c-h it out to 13 days of hard riding in areas from Fruita Colorado to Moab Utah.

Background: Jeff was born and raised in Minnesota. He served in the Navy for two years, based out of Bremerton, was stationed for some time in Viet Nam and worked special operations in other unnamed places. (His family laughs over the letters from Jeff that were screened and mostly blackened out.) After the Navy he attended college here and decided to stay in the Northwest because of the mountains, hiking and climbing. Jeff worked in various IT capacities for the state, the vast majority with the Department of Information Systems. Jeff had a profound passion for GIS work and stewardship that overflowed to his outside activities and passions with mountain biking, cross-country skiing, board-sailing, sailing, and good coffee. And yes, his wife Susan was involved in these as well! Jeff is survived by his wife (Susan), mother (87), three adoring sisters, two compassionate sister-in-laws, and a wonderful mouser cat “Sneakers.”

Let there be thanks we had the opportunity to know, work, and bike with him.

Greetings to New Participant Jim G.

2009-10-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

"Mountain Bikers’ Blog" extends a warm welcome to a new participant . . . Jim G. One of your editors and Skyler were just finishing up an hour’s + rush / big push on single track at Fort Lewis (area 23) when we literally ran by Jim on the trail.

We chatted up a bit and found that Jim has a passion and interest in riding the trails in the area with others. (Jim's ride is a sweet Motobecane Fantom Team Mountain bike, which does have pedals, unlike this pic.)

A warm welcome to Jim!

"Heart Attack" HA Hill Ride @ Kennedy Creek

2009-10-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

One of your other "editors" Jeff H. recently rode Kennedy Creek area and rode up “Heart Attack” (HA) hill and did a figure 8, cutting across at the mid point dual-track. Jeff is thinking it would be a nifty challenge to run it the other direction, taking the mid-point road uphill twice… ….someday. Here is the link to his ride and "stats": http://connect.garmin.com/activity/15310474

Stellar job Jeff! The stats speak for your work.

Bike "Trick or Treats" at Lake Chelan

2009-10-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Lake Chelan’s Echo Valley Trail system (9 miles out of town) serves up a real treat and is a blast for riding. A map of the area is located here at this link http://www.uncletimstoys.com/echo_trails.htm.
If you’re riding with a group that has mixed skills and abilities you won’t want to pass this opportunity up. We stayed at a condo at Lake Chelan Shores and drove up to go ride every day. We found out “Uncle Tim's Toys” has some awesome up-to-date cabins, each very private, well appointed, wood stove, stellar views, private hot tub, and smack in the middle of some great trails. Check it out at http://www.uncletimstoys.com/

My wife loved the area (about 3,500’ to 4,000’ elevation), the riding, open and panoramic views, and the winding fast downhill rewards. The hills are not so steep to be overwhelming or a discouragement. Elevation gains are mostly gradual.

At the end of your ride, check out Uncle Tim’s for your favorite beverage and some good conversation. Tim is a fun character. (He rents full suspension bikes there too.)

Oh, the wine touring and tasting of the some 15 or so wineries was fun as well.

Saturday's Route

2009-09-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to Saturday's Ride. Have not got to it yet, but hope to start making real maps soon...

Trail Work & Special Forces Squirrels

2009-09-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today was all about stewardship of the trails. Jeff H took Mtn-biking Man out to help document the situation and to help with clearing trails from a number of large problematic “non-jumpable” logs disrupting the Ying/Yan and Feng Shui flow of one of the most challenging yet fulfilling pieces of single track at Ft Lewis.

Unfortunately, Ranger-trained Special Forces (attack squirrels) were on a rampage to frag and discourage us from removing their log freeways. The attacks were numerous especially near the oak trees and it got to the point where it could of become a gnawing situation.

Jeff has mapped out the route we did today and we’ll add a link to it soon.

Soggy Saturday

2009-08-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

A soggy "early winter" ride in the waning days of August. Exploration ride of Ft. Lewis area off of the Yelm Hway by the Nisqually reservation. Lots of nice double track, a few decent hills, but no single track discovered. High potential for spouse rides. See the ride here.

Sunriver Trip & Riding

2009-08-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

One of your editors (Mtn-Biker Man) just returned from a week of relaxation and glorious riding at Sunriver, OR area. Our family stayed at a place right on the Deschutes River. Floated the river some. Rode a lot more than anything else.

Editor’s wife tried out a new Giant Yukon FX (4” full suspension) and she liked its all-mountain performance very much. Great trip, even better riding!

Oh, and wonderful time with the family (including mom and dad up from CA). Every biker-dude should have a like experience

While Riding Through A Park . . .

2009-08-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it’s hard to know what this world is coming to. Everyday the news brings a new boundary that’s been crossed -- a new taboo breached -- a new convention that has been trampled underfoot.
Recently in Sweden, a 50 year old man was innocently riding his bike through the park when he was horribly and disgustingly violated. As he was enjoying his bike ride, someone grabbed the basket on the back and pulled the bike to the ground. Turning to see who might have done such a thing he realized that it was a ruffian gang of women sporting tattoos.

These women proceeded to hold him down on the ground, remove his pants and underwear and then sexually do things to him. After having had their way with him, the women then quickly ran off leaving the man unable to pursue. As of this writing they remain at large, doubtlessly lying in wait for their next unsuspecting victim.
Back in my day, I remember when being sexually assaulted by a gang of women was the purview of adolescent boys who might let their imagination do unrest. (We only heard there were also a few magazines that explored this issue but it was only ever dealt with in literature.)

Anyway, the victim provided the police with a description of his attackers featuring the 5′ 7″ woman with tattoos on her forearms who actually grabbed his basket first. It is hoped that this information might be used help bring these ruthless and unmerciful succubi (def. -- in medieval times, a deviant woman that was believed to have sexual ********** with men while they were asleep) to justice.

Before anyone else gets hurt, it might be time to step in and take direct action on this. Maybe we should all start an organization of like-minded middle-aged men who might regularly patrol parks and pathways and act as lures to bring women like these out of hiding. It sounds like the perpetrators have perfected their getaway technique but these men would simply need to understand that they might be repeatedly subjecting themselves to this degradation until these disgusting perverts are finally brought to justice.

We’re open to accepting donations to begin founding this type of organization. Please notify us if you’re interested. Since the funds will be lacking at first, we might have to undertake this task alone for a while. Please wish us Godspeed.

Acknowledgements for breaking story: John P. Frade , Database developer and analyst in NJ, USA
Source:

http://www.thelocal.se/20694.html

Chinooks Fly Fire Maneuvers Over Biking Route

2009-08-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

While doing LSDs (long, slower, distances) today we came within 200-250' of Chinooks doing fire prevention over dry meadow areas. One flew directly overhead within 75-100' with the water bucket and we feared / thought they were going to drop its contents but they were nice and didn't. The "rotor wash" pushed water out of the bucket like rain and the bucket was the size of a small import car (at least the size of a VW bug).

Today's ride was from Rainier Rd to Yelm and back in 90°. Yowser!

I Like My Bike

2009-07-29T18:46:00.001-07:00

Join the "I Like My Bike" campaign and write to Pearl Izumi today! This fabulos riding shirt is currently only available in kids sizes, so big kids like us cannot proudly proclaim "My bike is fast" or "My bike makes me strong." After asking at a coulple of retailers about adult sizes, the unversial response has been "no, not available, but tons of people ask." The manager of the Pearl Izumi outlet in Bend had the same response, but then encouraged me to contact the home office - "maybe they'll listen to you" she said.

So, if you "Like your Bike" and want to tell the world, join the campaign and contact Pearl Izumi at: info@pearlizumi.com I did and got a nice response that my e-mail was being forwarded to the product development folks. Maybe if they hear from enough of us kids, we'll soon be riding in style too.

Lost Rides Found

2009-07-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought it was lost, found my device still held the June 14 Magnificent 7 ride. Also found the Ft. Lewis Summer Classic from June 20. Still have hopes of overlaying these rides onto a topo map to begin laying out the trail network. Someday...

Spouse and Spokes

2009-07-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

Suzanne's first big ride on the Giant Yukon full-susser: An Out & Back from Circle 7 to Lava Lands Visitor Center. Nice flowing single track with a good rise on the way out making for an easier return. Total ride just over 14 miles. A good time together and a good milestone ride for Suzanne to measure progress against. Looking forward to more time in the saddle with my best friend.

A couple of ride maps....

2009-07-16T08:27:00.001-07:00

Still figuring out the Garmin. Lost the big Ft. Lewis ride with the magnificent 7 (June 14 post), but here are links to:

Peter Skene Odgen - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/8951034

Skokomish River (see July 3 post) - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/8951056

Peter Skene Ogden Trial

2009-07-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

A perverse reverse ride yesterday morning: Ride single track up the mountain and take the forest service roads back down. Apparently user conflicts over the years have made this the rule on the Peter Skene Ogden trail. And after having climbed 2,000+ feet on just over 8 miles of trail (starting elevation 4,250), I can see how it would be screaming fun to flow back down, but the unexpected meetings with hikers and horses coming up would be a problem.

A good ride overall - trail was sandy for the first 2 miles, but riding the trail edge kept the tires rolling. Miles 2 - 5 were a nice easy "I could do this forever" rise. Miles 5 - 7 were peppered with short steeps and switch backs with just enough recovery in between to keep you riding. The last 1.3 leveled off, but by then the legs were tapped, so felt like it would never end. Then victory - a quick peek at the lake and then down, down, down (rather borning going down, though some good speed at times). 2:10 to the top and 40 min back down. Pic is at one of many falls along Paulina Creek which the trial paralells on the way up.

Big “Shout-Out” to John PR (JPR) for Trail Clearing

2009-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

A big thank you and “shout out” goes out to John PR who

(we just found out) cleared a long stretch of single-track from Scotch Broom, tall grass, and ferns which previously overflowed / overgrew the trail in area 21 (Ft. Lewis – off Rainier Rd). The editor can attest that . . .

“this trail absolutely rockets

from the start to finish.” (One can look well ahead and see the trail!)

Today was a recovery ride for the editor after yesterday’s ride on Capital Peak Green Line #6 to #20, to #8 from Mima Mounds.

Today’s ride took place in area #23 – single track through woods, up the hill to near the top of the old “Rainier Lookout,” and back. Mind you . . . JPR was on a single speed, 23 lb’er hard-tail bike. Editor = dual-suspension, 37 lbs (the bike) and about 10-14 lbs overweight (editor). Nothing like a good ride (humbling) for getting motivated to eat less, and ride the same, if not more. At least we were out on bikes for 1 ½ hours! (Could have been doing something far less healthy.)

Find of the Day

2009-07-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Came across this while riding tonight out in the middle of a meadow. Neato . . .

Video of Don riding "Primal Scream" Trail

2009-07-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

On a recent July 5th ride at Ft. Lewis (area 23), William W. took this video shoot of Don D. riding the tough, and steep pitched “Primal Scream” trail.

Preping for Primal Scream takes some
psyching up and mental preparation.

Welcome to William W. & Dog Rescue

2009-07-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

We’ll have more to pics and a video to follow on this shortly yet first an introduction to William W (Left) who joined Don D., and John for his first mountain bike ride today. William rode a nice full suspension bike (Kona King Kikapu) rented from the Bike Stand. For a first-timer, he did amazingly well in hopping over logs and navigating some of the more technical pieces today. A dog also joined us today. In spite of providing him a lot of water, the distance and heat just got to be a bit too much. We drove a truck in to extract him out of the woods with about a mile to go. Not worth risking the well-being of “man’s best friend.”

(@Right- Don & William)

Remote Trails Can Be Lonely -- Affected by Recession Too?

2009-07-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

A few of us went up to the South Fork Skokomish River area (South of Lake Cushman) for what we recalled two years ago as “heavenly single-track.” Things change over time. Marriages do. Friends do. The type of cars we drive. Our bodies do. Work and trails do too. Over time, trails can become overgrown, and in a tough economy, coupled with remoteness can yield tough passages, whether biking, or hiking. So no heaven today. We parked a ¼ mile up North from the Brown Creek Campground area, rode up FS Rd # 2300 to #2361 to its end – about 12 miles.

Going back down the river involved taking trail #873. The first 1.6 miles goes fine until you come to a river crossing. When you cross (wade) the river you end up with a “hike-a-bike” bush-whack for about 3-4 miles. There were several sections of trail completely washed out by the river, and other sections of trail with 4-6 huge trees to climb over, under or largely deviate around -- places where one only gains a mile in a single hour. If you decide to not to cross the river (like we did initially) you end up with a “hike-a-bike” that drops over a cliff down to the river, or leads up a jeep trail back to #2361.
Here’s what we recommend based on our lessons learned.

Park at Lebar Creek Horse Camp. (Don’t forget the $5 day fee like we did or you could receive a citation.)
Ride trail #800 out that then connects to #873 after about a mile (heading in a northerly direction). The first 5 miles of the trail is quite well maintained along with a few technical pieces, including 7-8 quite steep, sharp-turning, and very exhilarating down-hill switch-backs as you head out. Coming back you may likely find some way too steep and long to ride.
After 5-6 miles out on the trail, it sort of disappears and it becomes quite overgrown with vegetation. When you start hitting / seeing logs across the trail or see the trail head over a cliff to the river, that’s the sign to turn around and go back down (by sometimes going up very steeply).

Net for the day: 25-26 miles, 5 hours, 2,100’ in elevation gain, and twitching muscle spasms towards the end makes for spastic partners for one’s significant other (the wives). Fireworks and a good meal soothes the worst parts of this though.

“Magnificent Seven (7)” Ride

2009-06-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Seven of us gathered (gaggled?) today and had one swell ride from Yelm area toward Rainier direction and back. There was lots of fun single-track and friendly yammering throughout the “3-hour-tour.” A fair amount of the trail was so overgrown it segued to “ride-by-faith.” The weather never “started getting rough” and the bikes never got “tossed,” and no bike or rider ever got marooned (on a “tropical isle” -- weak analogy to “Gilligan’s Island” here). Someone (think it was Al?) coined the group “magnificent seven.” The question surfaced, “what happens if there’s an 8th . . . and, someone pronounced . . . “I thought there’s only 6 of us?” There was either too much lactic acid buildup or not enough oxygen intake at that point because I don’t recall anyone responding. Sad to say we had to “take a body count” a number of times just to make sure there was actually seven. SOME thought there truly was only 6.
Video: Bill and Al.

Join us in saying “welcome” to Bill. E. (far Rt.),
and
Barrie W. (we never use last names for privacy).
Barrie shot many of these pics. Thanks Barrie!

Armor & Low Slung Top Tube = Amour

2009-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Tried out a Specialized P2 “Jumper” bike this afternoon on single-track for 1 ½ hours. Jumped on and off everything one could - rocks, big roots, gaps, holes, but the 5-6” high log was a TOTAL show-stopper. I literally became “hung up” attempting to jump over it. The front tire cleared it perfectly and like perfect science the momentum started to carry forward and glide over the front chain ring and bash guard until it met . . . the rear tire and science decided to flunk my sophomore moves and the bike from any forward inertia. Science stopped everything. Mr. Zech, my high-school science teacher, was undoubtedly laughing. Is it ironic there are skulls and cross-bones painted on the bike’s down tube?

In another bold (asinine?) move one launched off of a 6” ramped up log only to find out that both feet CAN actually LIFT completely OFF the pegs a couple of inches and land back down with a “thump.” NOTE: this is not a good sign, and it should scare the bejeebees out of one if it happens.

Today’s science lesson is: Body Armor = Amour. Low slung top-tube = precious and priceless.

Short Intense Ft. Lewis Area #23 Ride Today

2009-05-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

An interesting profile of an intense ride today.
Thanks Jeff for the mapping provided at this link:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6350343

Roadies Suprised by Non String Being & Pimped Mtn Bike

2009-05-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

One of us P.O'd a couple of "roadies" on separate occasions Friday afternoon on a paved Chehalis-Western "recovery" (HA!) ride of 32 miles. The riders weren't happy to see your editor being less than 6', and . . . stocky keeping up with them as "string beings" for respectable distances on a "Pimped Out" mountain bike compared to their fancy-smansie racing bikes. This editor thought he lost one particular rider only to come around a corner to see him red-faced, drinking, and leaning up against his bare-boned elegant racing bike. He looked stupefied to see someone on a mountain bike, full Camelback pack on, and mouth guard hanging from a chin strap. He was panting, mouth wide open, and eyes followed suite. He looked absolutely stunned. It was precious and worth every forced pedal stroke this editor delivered. The muscle burn was worth it! (Okay, tomorrow we'll recover.)

Sprint and Leisure

2009-05-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Started the day with a 9 mile sprint up and back from Benham Falls parking lot to Lava Lands Visitor Center. 777 feet elevation gain, running 32 minutes out and 26 minutes home. Sweet ride - i.e., no snow or falls like yesterdays five hour hike-a-bike marathon. Just what the doctor ordered.

Second ride of the day was a nice family ride - about 9 of us altogether. Helen and Maggie toughed it out for 10 miles, though Helen did not enjoy the single track and Maggie is now running a fever. Suzanne took her Yukon on it's madien voyage and has a couple of bruises to prove it. Pinky's rear brake seized up - only one bolt left on the disc. Took one from the front and nursed it home on the front brake when required. Picture is of Suzanne on her new ride with Maggie and Uncle Pete trailing behind. Heading home to Olympia in the morning.

Doing "B52 Bomber"

2009-05-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Awesome views today with a 19 mile, 4 hour, 2,400’ elevation gain ride. Started from Summit Lake area up B5200 (a.k.a., the “B52 Bomber”) to Rock Candy Mountain saddle and back. Legs got spent way early in the ride while trying out a new seat. During the first 2.5 miles and steep 1000’ pitch, the seat was initially angled down far too much. It changed the whole dynamics of leg leverage and peddling. Adjusted the seat two more times and finally found the sweet spot but legs were tapped after already experiencing such a l-o-n-g edgy muscle burn. Here’s pic of the Sound from Rock Candy and a vid of Summit Lake and South Sound.

Hike-a-Bike-athon

2009-05-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Note to self: Memorial Day weekend is too early to ride Cultus Lake. A normal 2 hour, 12 mile ride was a five hour marathon of pushing bikes through snow and much hoisting of iron ponies over winter falls. Egads. Notwithstanding, Pete and the boys (Christian, Michael and Bryant) were troopers. The effort was rewarded with shakes and fries for the boys and pie a-la-mode for the men at Cultus Lake Resort when all was said and done. Looking to ride the lower elevations around Sun River tommorow with the wife (on her new (used rental) full-sus Giant Yukon FX). Here's to seeing today's ride in the rearview and tommorow's ride yet a dream of bliss on rubber on dirt.

mtbMistress.

Edge 705 Initial Exploration

2009-05-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

A 01:44:20 ride covering 11.48 miles and 623 ft of elevation gain. That is what Edge tells us. The Edge misses, of course, the sun, the trees, the roots, the puddles, and the companionship. A good exploration ride today, mostly on double track and a few single track sections which had been previously discovered. And, the maiden voyage for the Edge. Will be nice when the Topo Maps are loaded - still hoping I can add trails to the Topo using some third party software. Will have to wait for that. In the meantime, you can (I think) check out the ride.

Mystery Poles & "Go Figure 8" Work(aholic) Out

2009-05-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

One is wondering about this mystery of poles found today on a trail waaaaay out in the woods off of Kennedy Creek area. Any ideas? (They are 6-7' tall poles, and mostly all debarked.)

Today was “Go Figure 8” (like last weekend) and “Then Some” (extra special pain hill-riding) today at Kennedy Creek. Goal was and has been to focus on hill climbing skills, and middle-gear workouts. We didn’t do the very steep “Heart Attack Hill” today but the next one, “LSDH” – Long, Steep, Daunting, Hill.

Today there were about 80-100 horse trailers parked under the power line at Kennedy Creek for the “Back Woodsman, Fun Trail Ride.” We talked to the organizer and she told us they got approved a bunch of new trails in this area (Green Triangle), and started punching them in shortly before this ride. They are well marked with yellow and orange hanging survey tape. We went on a few tails but kept running into horses. Some of the new trails are steep, very narrow, and rocky "baby-head" rough, especially dropping DOWN from “Windy Gap” (the scenic area previous pics were taken from.)

Stay in touch. Phone is on. So are we, except for Jell-O-ee legs. (They're out of commish for the evening until they can "get pumped" . . . up again tomorrow, maybe? Please? Please!)

Garmin Edge 705

2009-05-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

At last I have taken the plunge and it has arrived. The Garmin Edge 705 - the ultimate in bike tech geek according to one article I read. Just out of the box and no playing with it yet. It is smaller than I thought it would be. Not a lot of information out there on how to use it, particularly in the manner I hope to - cartography 101: riding our home trials and creating accurate maps to share. Looking forward to the first ride this Saturday and the ensuing learning experience in map making. Stay tuned - hope to post maps of Ft. Lewis riding areas soon that make sense of the maze.

Remembering Mother's Day in a Fatherly Way

2009-05-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

In honor of Mother's Day -- an early Father's Day ride yesterday with 2.25 hrs of hill-climbing, 12 miles & 2,200 feet elevation gain. 1st pic shows Eld inlet (?) near Shelton, and 2nd pic shows Olympics in the background.

Gum Surgery Recovery Ride and Nothing to Say

2009-05-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

A ride with friends that took John's mind off throbbing pain (in the mouth). [Jeff, Don, Todd, Lisa]

This just in over the AP wire...

2009-04-28T20:03:00.001-07:00

Galbraith Mountain, Bellingham, WA. - On a bright, sunny Monday afternoon, two brothers set out to conquer the mountain and did. A nice long burn going up as the elder adjusted to clipless pedals. The younger stopped at one point causing the elder to also stop. This led the elder to gracefully tilt to the left, whilst struggling to unclip, ending with full contact with the gravel road. Much loosening of the pedal tension later, the elder began clipping and unclipping with practiced ease. Upon arriving at the top of the mount, with cell towers pointing to the skies, the descent began. A full vista of Bellingham and the Northernmost waters of Puget Sound glistening before them, the brothers carved up succulent single track like it was so much medium-rare prime rib. With horseradish spicy dips and turns, the trail led first down and then across the mountian. An unbelievable run with only short intervals of gravel road to traverse before the next course was served up. But for a fading sun and a child to be picked up, the two would have stayed for dessert. A four-star day - both the company and the trail. Will look to repeat in June, perhaps starting earlier in the day so that we may repeat the repeat in a single repast. (Sorry no photos - the knucklehead younger left the camera in the car!)

Gum Surgery and Not Really A Ride

2009-04-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Other day one had gum graft surgery. Plus drugs. One tried to ride a bike on flat trail surface tuday and tupid bike wobbled way much side-to-side. So, after hour. One quit. But had to go down steep hill and fall down. No pain though! Happy happy!

Teen Nephews Visit to “Kick-Out-The-Jams” (Ref. MC5)

2009-04-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Jeff’s teen nephews Christian (center), and Eric (right) were up from Redding, CA for a visit, and joined us for a MTB ride today. They did excellent on the single track (well duh, they’re young, and full of testosterone!), and though we sort of got slightly displaced (never lost), they still were exclaiming “at least we’re having fun.”
Today’s jaunt was about 2 ½ hours, 90% up and down swooping, and twisty-turning single-track at area #21 and numerous trails at the power line. “Love the paths off the line."

Have a healthy and stellar week ahead . . . and better than the last!

More Please . . . Cross Country?

2009-04-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

Little to say here yet could we have a little more please? Pic: John E, Ron (pointing to more), and Al on Saturday. Sunday, Jeff H. and John S. walked out the door to push for more . . . new single track -- some brutal. John went "man down" two times and another "stupid one" over the handle bars going over a log. (Jeff: "Let go of the front brake dude!")

Riding time this weekend about 6 hours. It’ll have to do. Whoot for more!

Wet, Not Slippery, Little Mud, and Man-euvers

2009-03-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

Don (right side of photo), and Tom (middle) a virgin rider to the area we rode today, area #21 at Ft. Lewis, joined Jeff (left), and John on a 2 ½ hour ride on many great trails today. Even though it was wet (and sleeting at times), there was little mud and not much slowing down either! Having them along was great company and a boost in the sense of humor department. (See video) There was one mishap today when a stick jumped out and overly probed Tom’s derailleur, bending his derailleur-hanger in toward the spokes. He finished out the last 2-3 miles just fine yet confined to only a gear or two. (We are all sorry for and regret the “trail-hazing" Tom received. The only thing that makes it better is knowing that we’ve all experienced this in various degrees at one time or another.) As far as finds today? The ride almost climaxed at a point when Tom found a box of Trojans near a trail head at the end of the ride. It was a conundrum (Sp? or, is it condomdrum?) yet Tom proved to be a man of wisdom because he sited to the rest of us that most likely the troops were out on man-euvers.

Meet Noah -- Meet Bruce

2009-03-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today Noah (at Right)

and a friend Bruce (below) went out with us to some of the trails at the place we usually ride.

Your host can’t speak for Noah or Bruce yet what I can do is show a few pictures.

Brothers Mop Up . . .

2009-03-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Jeff (left of the pic) and his bro' Mark (from Ferndale) joined us for ride today that had everything. Gradual yet long lung-busting hills, steep heart-spiking short hills, sweeping / swooping single track, twisting technical single track, low jumpable, and high groin-busting logs.

The boys mopped up for 2 ½ hours.

Your editor was sucking wind really good today (not a good thing!) after one particular steep hill shown in the video. It took him four tries to finally make it up. (His excuse = not having worked out for three days because of intensive training, late nights studying, and an exam.) Jeff cleaned the hill in the video 3 times just to "encourage" the editor and show him how to keep a steady line. (B.S., it was to keep the editor humble and on the teetering edge of puking or losing it.)

All was well at the end though -- especially with a "good cup-o-Joe" at the end. (Thanks Mark for the caffeine hit afterwards.)

Digital Camera Gone Wild

2009-03-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

You are so right.
The digital camera and mount went wild and didn’t prove to be stable enough for the dual track today. We’ll work for better stability this next week.

Barbed Wire, Bleeding First Aid Sign, and a Roadie

2009-03-03T19:27:00.000-08:00

Went for a late ride today. No e-mail. No calls. Just . . . quiet. Found stacked up barbed wire along with a first aid sign near single track I was riding. The First Aid sign was bleeding (ink, no kidding).

On the way home in the dark I passed a “roadie” who was pulled off the side of narrow Rainer Road with a flat (sew-ups so no spare). He was “texting” for help and a ride home. Name of Vaughn – road races with The Valley (first year on the team). Real nice guy, late teens, stellar shape, loves speed of the road. Gave Speed Road Racer Vaughn a ride home. The end.

Little Mud -- Great Single Track @ Secret Forest

2009-02-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

Little mud today and some great fast single-track at a secret forest.

No Snow Birding or Migrating . . .

2009-02-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

We’ve been busy consuming large amounts of single track on the weekends but not at Capitol Forest and most certainly not “down South.” Every weekend since January we’ve been hitting up single track at Fort Lewis and working hard to clear and punch out trails.

But, today was . . . “and now for something totally different” (Monty Python). Today was all about climbing B5200 (very steep road) at Capital Peak just for the endurance – an hour of nothing but climbing (1,400’) from no snow to snow. And sadly, about 10 minutes to descend.

Vail Exploratory and Conditioning Ride

2009-01-19T16:27:00.000-08:00

How does a dose of 1,000’ elevation gain in approx. 1 ½ mile sound? A couple of us headed out to do a different ride today by exploring the Vail area - - in the sun no less!. Did you know you can ride from Vail (near the town of Rainier) all the way to Alder Lake (Elbe area) on dual track – logging roads? (That’s not what we were after today.) Today was about exploring a new area for single-track. No such luck. Everything we saw was old overgrown logging roads-- very steep climbing, and great conditioning.

At one point, John swore he saw single-track (he was friggen’ delirious from sucking wind going up hill), and took off riding after it and immediately (yet ever so slowly), plunged over his handle bars. (Hit a hidden rock in the grass he did!) Well, he got up laughing (way to cope with stress and relief he wasn’t injured), and upon getting up, saw a scale for weighing big meat. We didn’t have any big meat. So, Jeff thought it’d be a good idea to see how the bikes weighed in on the matter.

We took a couple of improper turns today. One went downward for about 2 miles appearing very hopeful. Nope, it dead-ended. Up once more. Pound-for-pound a great conditioning ride!

2009-01-08T23:51:00.000-08:00

Foghat would be proud: It was a "slow ride" in the snow ride, we had to "take it easy." The Great Northwest Snow Storm of 2008 led to two Kennedy Creek rides of note: The first was a journey of discovery as we left the normal route and found ourselves in a mystical place where distant banjo strums from the Deer Hunter (squeal, HEEEEE, squeal) melded into the background around a half-built log cabin in the middle of nowhere. Just a bit freaky, but an interesting discovery all the same. The second ride was simply a brutal push of time against a short distance in deep snow - see John ride: Ride, John, Ride.

Solo Ride on Single-Track

2008-12-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

Rode fairly clean single-track (near the old landing strip) at Ft. Lewis area #23 today for 2 hours. It was a solo ride. The trail was solo. I was solo. And . . . it was so very quiet not just in my mind.

Day After Christmas Ride

2008-12-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pics returning from a 2 hour snowy ride at Kennedy Creek. There's video too but don't have the disk yet.

Dog Day Snowy Afternoon

2008-12-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

Went for a easier (recovery)
ride today
in the snow
along with
the dawg (Winston).

Truly Downhill Kennedy Creek Single Track

2008-12-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Don’t know what to say, but do know what to do – ride the trail. Jeff (in the video) found a new roughed out, truly down-hill trail today at Kennedy Creek, just down from the “Windy Gap.”

We spent a fair amount of time clearing out baby-head sized rocks. It’s got a number of drop-offs, lots of steep, and speed. Although, it may be a crawl to get up to the start it shows good signs of becoming a great loop for training rides and conditioning.

A Fine Winter Day

2008-12-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

Morning found us basking through a sunny ride of sumptuous single-track. A group of four ended up meeting and riding Ft. Lewis areas off of Rainer Road. We had some good times and they’re not gone even with winter here. Today’s ride is proof of that -- and shorts. It didn’t seem like it at all but folks ended up with about 18 miles and roughly 3 hours or varied trail. Dry trail riding! No mud!
Ron joined in the ride today. He returned from traveling though foreign parts of the world throughout the summer. Ron was thankful not to be on a plane for another 40 hour trip. Good to see and ride with you again!

And, John P-R hooked up again with his single-speed hard-tailed bike this time. (It weighs about 21 lbs and has carbon-fiber frame components.) Jeff H. was back riding after having been out from a head-code.

Santa Came Early –
We found a number of new trails equestrians punched in that have a lot of promise. (They just need a little clearing of snags here and there.) There is such a network of trails to explore! We passed by at least two junctions with trails leading out in other directions. Much to look forward to.

Tutu -- Tata

2008-12-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

Lots of riding at Ft. Lewis single track up until recently when one of us either tore (or pulled) a hamstring while stepping over a “doggie gate” in the house. Of all things!
(Ungraceful as it was and without a Tutu, one did the splits and heard a "pop" then, pain rang out from all corners.) That was early Thurs. AM Thanksgiving.

By Sunday . . . mustered up some guts and courage to introduce a rider to the domains of Ft. Lewis single-track, John P-R. Here’s John P-R’s pic (on the right).

And a bit of a profile on him:
JPR started riding MTB in '96 and rapidly got hooked. “Riding is like being a kid again, except that I have a way cooler bike and Mom can't make me come in when it gets dark.” Since that time he’s picked up road and cyclo-cross as well. JPR raced off and on over the years, most recently 'cross. “The whole thing's an addiction... All-mountain bike, x-c race bike, freeride / park bike, single speed, 'cross bike, single speed 'cross bike, 2 road bikes, tandem....you get the idea.” As far as pace goes, JPR can hang with just about any group and he’s just as happy to just ride around (JRA) as he is to hammer. "Stopping on the side of the trail to session a log ride is cool too. Fast and swoopy or ridiculously technical, it's all good.”

Tata for now.

Recovery & Trail Maintenance Work

2008-11-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

We did a recovery ride on Sunday and conducted some trail clearing at Fort Lewis unspecified single-track area (hint: near old landing strip). Built up a couple of ramps over trees that were too large to move or difficult to sail over without having to slow way down! Enjoy . . .

A Best Birthday One Could Wish For . . .

2008-11-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

It happens every year, like it or not -- one’s birthday. This last weekend I witnessed a very positive birthday experience. Not Mtn-Biking Man’s but MTBmistress’s (Jeff H). There were a couple of elements that made it most positive and a standout:

Jeff's significant other was extremely supportive and encouraging to go “have a nice ride.”

Jeff was riding in his new self-selected ¾ highly waterproof pants and . . . it rained during part of the ride.

Jeff was wearing the “right gear” (¾ pants)!

Jeff conquered, non-stop, a very steep 1¾ hour ride up to “triple towers” (due West from Summit Lake and across from the ORV park). We’re talking about "front-wheel-popping, sit-on-the-front-seat-edge, leg-pounding" of a ride.

It was a great abuse of a ride for the legs! (Could only walk around at the summit.)

Great coffee at Blue Huron Bakery after the ride.

Wife of Mtn-Biking Man feels sympathy for Jeff's such tough ride and bakes him special oatmeal choc chip cookies.

Happy birthday Jeff H!

Riding Beyond Fall

2008-11-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

Completely right, totally right, seeing nothing wrong at all . . . riding fall, to its fullest. (The pictures say it all.) Riding up through and above the fog at a Kennedy Creek. A weekend day away from the otherwise bleak. A victorious way to spend the end of the day.

Gilligan's Island Ride -- More Than What You Asked For!

2008-11-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

Jeff H's brother, Mark from Bellingham joined us for a ride at Ft. Lewis recently. It was his birthday and this is how he wanted to “spend it” . . . on his new 29 incher Cannondale (nice bike) chillin’ with his bro’ on single track! It turned out to be a “Gilligan’s Island” ride though. The duration was intended for 1 ½ hours but it turned into a “3+ hour tour” due to finding new single-track and taking some countless improper turns trying to return to the start point. Here’s Mark on the (his) “last leg” at 2:50’ish hrs. into the ride and about 2 miles away from the vehicles. Even though it was raining in Olympia, we had only a mist and a light wind throughout the ride – no puddles on the trail and NO MUD!

Yes, Still Riding . . .

2008-11-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

Yes!

We're still riding -- on all types . . .

It's been a while since we've last posted. During this lag time we've been finding new riding areas in and around Fort Lewis and Kennedy Creek . . . for single track! We are really fortunate in Olympia. Today, two of us traveled all of 10 minutes away from Olympia and rode single track out at Fort Lewis (areas 22, 21, 19) for 2+ hours -- which left us speechless. Reason being, the trails were all drained with no standing water after the last couple days of rain! We’re not talking about lame single-track here. These are some of the best technical and “puzzle-like” navigational pieces around and the other “J” likened it to Bend’s single track (only a little damper). But, we get to ride it all year around and not have snow to contend with.

On another note, J & J were bad. We’ll have to confess to our wives later as we bought ourselves some new ¾ Venture Endure mountain bike knickers. Check out http://www.wiggle.co.uk/. They have by far the best price. Also, had to try the Strike winter glove. We think we do know what we’re getting for Christmas and Easter, and birthday……. Thankfully, I can deflect any blame to J. “Hey, J was complaining about how shoddy I was looking with all the holes and besides, he got the same thing.” There is safety in numbers.

Charred Field Yields Secret Jet Pack and Sudden Exodus

2008-09-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

. . . rode an area of Ft. Lewis this weekend. It can’t be properly referenced or may mean more trouble. Usually after coming out of a particular single-track section from the woods we enter more single track that cuts through a large field peppered with occasional trees. This time though, a small part of the field we ride through looked very discolored, like black. Following the trail took us to a sharp left turn around a few trees and then immediately saw it -- something bright red sitting in the middle of a scorched area.

It was a backpack device with two arms and hand sticks coming out from the sides with some switches. It was humming, no whining. Quickly I straddled my bike, got my camera un-holstered to take a picture of what we think was a military jet pack! But Just as I was raising the camera there were suddenly shouts and hands coming up from out of nowhere – right smack in front of my face. It scared the beegeebies out of me and in a panic I grabbed the handle bars – camera banging all about on the wrist strap and I just pedaled as fast as I could out of there with a bunch of loud shouting, chaos, and who knows what else all going on behind me. It was at least a half-mile of furious pedaling and jumping logs and stuff I previously never ever jumped, before I stopped.

Can’t say anything more at this point. Still too shook up.

Meet Allen H !

2008-08-13T00:45:00.000-07:00

Don D. recently introduced Allen H. to the Kennedy Creek secret “single track.” Allen works in Olympia and lives out in the Shelton area.

Say . . . can you say “special,” because that’s exactly what this ride was. You may think that ONLY Capitol Forest can reign in (“smack down”) a good workout? Guess again! Lots of hills and ample time for recovery with this ride! Allen enjoyed being the rabbit – trying (successfully) a couple of times to get Don or self to “bite” and stay parallel to his competitive advances. But guess what? Even the Clydesdale in me was able to throw (not up) a challenge in Allen’s direction and he was not quite able to meet it. (‘Course I was left far behind near the end of the ride . . . nothing left to put up. Boo hoo.)

Here's to Don and Allen. And, here's what we rode!

Off-Gear

2008-08-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

A new job can yield being “off-geared” . . . out of sorts . . . yep, a gross deviation from one’s normalcy. Two of us were recently appointed to new jobs. Big deal you say! Well, for me at least, it’s meant at least 10 to 12 hours of work over the last three months (yet with a smile), to get a handle on things. Everything I’ve newly seen is being rearranged. This is the time in life that I’m living, and I’ll face each day with a smile knowing that there is a different and better tomorrow as long as I have any influence on it.

I'm aiming to get back in the saddle of total fitness here in the upcoming weeks.

Final Ride and Good Memories Made

2008-07-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

Rode from Sunriver (across the river’s bridge) up to Benham Butte down to Benham Falls and back. Nice memory of a ride.

As an extras plus, it was especially pleasing to ride into my wife (Naomi) during the last 4 miles of paved pathways in Sunriver. She deserved a break at that point so I let her ride Enduro while I walked back much of the way in cleats on the paved pathway. (We got strange looks and comments from people – I just explained that the bike fit the princess perfectly.)

Sun River to Black Butte

2008-07-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Sun River to Black Butte Ride – 18 miles round-trip, 92 degrees. Nice . . . and . . . HOT!

Hinnerup, DK

2008-07-09T00:52:00.000-07:00

A nice ride this evening which began along a rolling country road with great pastorial views and through an old village. We then descended into the Count's forrest on dirt logging roads (this particular Count owns the largest track of forrested land in Denmark!). Much of the forrest was reminescent of the "black forrest," though the Iron Age burial mounds added a deeper touch of mystery. The weather was just like at home: it began in the sunshine and ended in the rain. About a 12 k ride. Hope to have one more of the same prior to departure. Thanks to Aksel, my riding partner, host, and cousin-in-law (pictured). Thanks also to Jasper for loan of the bike. MTB Mistress.

Ride from Sunriver to Inn of 7th Mountain & Back

2008-07-08T23:55:00.000-07:00

Naomi and John rode the Deschutes River today from Sunriver to Inn of 7th Mountain and back (~18-21 miles). The trail access from Benham Falls had been previously closed from Sunday 7/6 to early Tuesday AM 7/8 when we did this ride. It had been closed because a local Bend Emergency Room doctor was reported missing on Monday. We found flowers left where he disappeared . . . such a loss. Many locals grieving . . .

"The search is over... The body of a missing 58-year-old Bend emergency room doctor was found in about ten feet of water around 7 o'clock Monday night. It was more than a mile downstream from Benham Falls. Lynn McDonald's bicycle was found Sunday near that area. Officials are not speculating as to how or why McDonald entered the water, but the investigation continues. McDonald had been employed as an ER doctor at St Charles-Bend for the last 27-years." Married with two 16 year old kids.

Out-of-office July 6-12

2008-07-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hi all . . .

There may be very few posts for the next two weeks. John & Naomi are down in Sun River / Bend area for mountain biking.

We’ll try to post some pictures.

Glostrup, Denmark / Sunday, 29 June

2008-06-29T22:31:00.001-07:00

Less than 8 hours in country and I found myself on a bike on dirt. Okay, it was the Scandia Hotel single speed and just a couple of blocks of dirt trail along a canal, but I am going to count it anyway. There is a bike shop just up the road a bit - peeked in the window and spied a full-suspension "Focus" that looked to be a full carbon frame with a wicked design. We are off to a castle and Tivoli today. Not sure if the first real ride will happen in Germany this week or later back here in Denmark again. Will post when it happens. Holiday!

Go Figure . . .?

2008-06-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

Go figure this out:
Mystery Icon in Middle of Ft. Lewis Boonies-

No more riding up Mount Rainier?

Highway 99 on ramp closed to Mountain Biking?

Today we rode: 4.15 hours, ALL HARDTAILS ~23-27 miles (Rainer Rd. to Yelm High School and back – poking up any trail and dual track possible).

Meet Don

2008-06-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

One of us folks started a new job recently. And, well word got around the office there was yet another mountain biker incognito as “an IT person” during most hours of the day but whose real life surrounds his passion for mountain biking. Everybody, meet Don D. Don D. meet your blog mates.

Don is a previous MTB racer. (He whipped up a good batch of “Kick Your B_ _ _” for a few of us along with a good portion of "Humble Pie" Wednesday night at Kennedy Creek. (Rode 7-9PM about 10 miles – good hill training and some “invisible single track.” “Are you SURE we’re riding single track – I can’t see a friggen’ piece of the trail!)

It’s a Small World . . .

2008-06-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

After yesterday’s 3 hour thigh-banger – today was meant for a recovery ride. Bizarre it was. No, it was probably “Devine Intervention.” Ask Sister Hazel (“Battle Axe Nun”) or your priest or pastor if you aren’t able to “work with me here.”
Started riding from #21 lower Weir Prairie at 1 PM. Did “the hill.” (Okay, so I walked it alright.) Circumnavigated all upper Weir Prairie (3 miles), and looped back to then do the single track along the ridgeline. Took my sweet time -- popped out at the end, and low and behold . . . there’s my previous boss Dave, and his wife Aggie, on a tandem mountain-bike pedaling up the last piece of a hill. (Note: I had left my job and started new work 3 weeks ago.)

I had been sharing with Dave over the last year about the quietness and pristine nature of the meadows -- how peaceful and therapeutic they were. It turns out they had just decided to come check it out that very day. And, they nearly turned away from going up the hill that put us at the same place at the same time. Bizarre? Devine Intervention? What do you think?

Nirvana Again . . .

2008-06-21T23:38:00.000-07:00

Found lots of new single track today (area #23 where the pipeline runs). Jeff and John discovered new track to the South of the pipeline that goes over a ridgeline and back a couple of times for approximately 2.5 to 3 miles. Two of the miles are very challenging technical pieces with lots of big roots (3’- 6”) to jump / lift over and sizeable “adult-headed” rocks peppering short steep hills and descents around sharp corners. We ended up down near the Landing Strip, crossed the pipeline track and . . . found newly placed steep single track. That led us to a new single track hill we coined “Primal Scream.” (One of us screamed as we were only able to ride it ¾ of the way up before flat-lining each time out of 3 attempts.) An hour later we ended up at Stedman Road and did some back-tracking in order to hit the pipeline for a quicker way back.

Upon return home: Jeff’s wife had already BBQ’d their dinner and it was sitting on the table. (Yes, we were late!) And, John’s wife . . . “we’re almost ready for dinner, was IT THAT MUCH FUN?” John only smiled (“yep, it sure was – Nirvana again”).

Solo Saturday: Attack roots and dogs

2008-06-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

My first post: An exciting Saturday heading out to the new Yelm area playground from the Military Road entrance. Started off by going head over handlebars as I tried to navigate a large root, landing squarely on a fist under the breastbone. Ouch. Inauspicious beginnings led to a great 2 + hours on recently discovered (and perhaps some new) very overgrown single track. Met a new friend on the way home by the name of "woof 'I want to chew on you' woof." Came out from the house you pass just as the ride starts out (or ends). Looked to be a Rottweiler. He/She/IT finally gave up the chase when I gave a good loud scream and shout. So, heads up when riding by the house - not sure if the puppy was just into the chase or really did want to chew. All in all, a great Saturday evening and just what the doctor ordered.

Summer Solstice Bike Ride in Eatonville, June 21st 2008.

2008-06-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

From Len T. (Eatonville Outdoor) --
To celebrate Summer Solstice we're going on late afternoon/early evening bike ride. We will meet at Eatonville Outdoor located in downtown Eatonville at 6:15pm, leaving there at 6:30 sharp. The ride will be out to the future Nisqually-Mashel State Park land where we will ride to the Nisqually River and return. The distance will be about 12 miles, on both paved road and gravel logging roads. Though it's a short ride, plan a moderate pace to get back to town to enjoy dinner in Eatonville on the longest day of the year!

(John can take 1-2 people -- who's interested?)

Happy Fathers' Day

2008-06-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here is to giving thanks for Fathers. And, a day of appreciation and . . . rest?

Naaaa! Let's go ride!

"Easy-Rider Ride" Not So Easy . . .?

2008-06-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be an “easy-rider ride.” Don’t think so. We headed toward Flander’s Lake – a hidden gem of a lake.

Made it to the hidden lake and then headed out on dual track “toward home.” Jeff H. and John were bringing up the rear and were heading down a fair amount of grade when Jeff spotted (and spouted) “SINGLE TRACK!” [Hmmm . . . me thinks this looks VERY familiar.] It is familiar! It’s the same single track coming out and up from behind JZ Knights’ kingdom.

Jeff and John caught up to Todd and Lisa who appeared excited that we’re apparently close to home (Area #22 near Rainer Road). Not so. We’re less than 4 miles away from Yelm central. Oops. We retrace ground covered and take the single track up through the “Black Forrest” around areas #19, #20 and #21. An hour and a half later we make it back to the vehicles. 3 hours. ~17-18 miles. 1,300’ elevation gain. Happy, happy, joy, joy for these “easy-rider ride” days.