Riding in Edmonton - The No-Snow '09 Thread

Psycho Mike · 05-07-2009

Well...we're starting to get a little long now in the previous thread, so I figured it was time to speed things up and drop from 6 pages to one

Anyway, last night I went for a little spin on the CX bike in the rain. I'm happy to report that my tire selection appears to be good....puddles or no, I seemed to be well planted.

Anyway, does anyone know how well a Sharpie will stay on a bike frame....like if someone were to autograph it?

civil · 05-07-2009

I saw some snow on yesterday's ride. So you have to close this thread

I've had a sharpie stay on my bike for about 500km so far.

Spacemonkey1420 · 05-07-2009

I bet you that if you put a thin layor of clearcoat over it, it would last indefinitly. A signed Fisher?

Excel · 05-08-2009

I think there are patches of ice near the creek in Mill Creek, and McKenzie ravine had ice in the bottom, too.

I strongly recommend avoiding McKenzie ravine because of extreme slumping and bridge damage at the bottom of the ravine. You will have a hard time linking up to Laurier Park or Summit Drive.

Anyways, new Crossmax SL's and Crossmark UST's are getting flogged this weekend. First easy test ride yesterday left a good impression. Going to drop the pressure some more - running 35 psi front/rear.

Psycho Mike · 05-08-2009

Hehehe...Space, you're thinking what I'm thinking

I doubt it'll happen, but...

Speaking of my Cake...I got out for a little ride yesterday. Went through the lower Ewok area and had a great time. Sports were a little wet, but overall it was pretty good.

dana109 · 05-08-2009

My wife asked me if i'm going to get Gary Fisher to sign my hifi and I had never though of it. I'd rather not. Although I'll probably get a picture with him.

I just bought some new tires for racing that should be better than the 2.2 XDX that come with the hifi. i'm excited to try them out. I got a 1.95 DTC nevegal and a 2.00 karma that should be an interesting combo.

I went out for a short ride yesturday but I haven't been feeling so well this week and haven't ridden much.

Spacemonkey1420 · 05-08-2009

OK so who is riding to mud sweat and gears, and what route would work best from Rundle?

dana109 · 05-08-2009

I wonder if there will still be a ride with gary fisher tomorrow if it rains. there are supposed to be thunder storms tomorrow

Psycho Mike · 05-08-2009

I'm going no matter what, but I'll likely come out on Baseline Rd. The Cake is clean, in case I do as him to sign the frame....we'll see about that.

Anyway...someone said if I didn't post a pic of the Jake then it was a figment of my imagination....well, here it is...

Psycho Mike · 05-08-2009

Oh...that reminds me. Sixty-Fiver...I got my light project done and I'm a little brighter now.

I went from this (which you've seen):

To this (my DIY light):

All from a nice little unit that looks like this:

dana109 · 05-09-2009

I saw a guy with a cake. I assumed it was you Mike but not sure enough to just go talk to you.

Psycho Mike · 05-09-2009

Depends on what he was wearing.

I was a study in blue and so was the Cake

If the person you saw had a red IMBA NMBP patch on one sleeve, then it most definitely was me.

Spacemonkey was there too (at the EMBA table)

sherijumper · 05-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

I saw a guy with a cake. I assumed it was you Mike but not sure enough to just go talk to you.

I have to admit , the guy looks pretty cool ! Not to many people can pull a look like that off . Gary Fisher looks cool too

What a life that guy has , he never worries about money , all he does is ride (around the world) and his name is on some pretty reputable high end bikes ................. Yeah I`m jealous . Did they still do the ride ? Looked dark in that area of the city .

I would have made it down but today was the first ride on the new hardtail , so that pretty much trumps anything .

dana109 · 05-09-2009

I went on the ride with Gary Fisher tonight. It was beautiful out and no rain at all. The ride was ok. I'm not a huge fan of strathcona science park area. Some of the trails were alright but not as good as edmonton river valley stuff.

The coolest part of the evening was after the ride we went back to the shop and had pizza and beer. I had a beer with him and talked to him for like 20 minutes after a lot of people took off. It was cool we talked about some of his travels, the bike racing scene in the US with high school league racing, bike commuting, and economics.

It was a good evening.

sherijumper · 05-10-2009

Cool , that would have been pretty neat . He seems like a pretty good guy .

Excel · 05-10-2009

I had a good time at the gear swap today. Managed to make $270, and liquidated a bunch of old stuff I did not want. It's going right back into the black hole that is the race bike, especially if I need new shoes after crashing yesterday.

Crossmarks are very scary tires when it is wet.

zadey1234 · 05-11-2009

Got out to terwiliger yesterday for a couple hours. Won't be out till this weekend probably since I have a cold right now. My dad wants me to go look for some fishing spots down by the river. I found a few spots. I just hope the cold is gone by the weekend.

Might be picking up some 2.35" Kinetics for the F8, maybe some specialized ergos, and tire levers. Don't really need the grips though. The Komodo's on the F8 don't grab well in most stuff so thats why I'm hopefully upgrading to kinetics.

Spacemonkey1420 · 05-12-2009

I'm glad the ride with garry was good, about how many people were out? And a giant flippin' wak in the head for missing The gear swap! Oh well.

dana109 · 05-12-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacemonkey1420

I'm glad the ride with garry was good, about how many people were out? And a giant flippin' wak in the head for missing The gear swap! Oh well.

There were about 30ish people.

I met the chairman of the EMBA there and we had a beer and a good talk but i can't remember his name.

zadey1234 · 05-12-2009

Still sick and this weather ain't helping. I have to get my butt in gear if I want to ride more because I'm wayyy behind in school.

Pulled off the kinetics I had on my old bike and switched it to the rear on my F8. Took forever to get off of the ryhno lite rim, but it was much easier to get on the F8 rim.

dana109 · 05-13-2009

Is anyone else going to race this year. I've never raced before in my life. I just signed up for the Perogy Cup XC race.

I don't know what I just got myself into. I'm probably going to get crushed.

zadey1234 · 05-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

Is anyone else going to race this year. I've never raced before in my life. I just signed up for the Perogy Cup XC race.

I don't know what I just got myself into. I'm probably going to get crushed.

I want to sign up for the Perogy cup, but I'm busy that day, and I would probably come in after the dude who was in dead last.

dana109 · 05-13-2009

My main goal is to finish. That's about it. A bonus goal is to not to get last place.

I have no pretence that I'm going to be good. If i finish mid pack or anywhere in the first half i'll be celebrating like I won the world cup.

gord962 · 05-13-2009

This is my first year racing. I'm signed up for the Bacon Race this weekend and the Perogy next weekend. After I finish last at the Bacon this weekend I will have an idea of how many minutes behind I will finish in the Perogy.

My first goal is not to get lapped before I finish my 2nd lap. My second goal is to finish the race. I don't even know what I would do if I did better than a last place finish, probably die from shock.

dana109 · 05-13-2009

I just did a learn to race clinic with Roddi Lega, which was really cool. That made me feel better. I learned a lot but it's not going to help me when i'm suffering through an hour and 15 minute of hell.

You'll have to let us know how this weekend goes at the bacon race. I'd do that too but i'm going to jasper with my wife over the long weekend.

gord962 · 05-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

I just did a learn to race clinic with Roddi Lega, which was really cool. That made me feel better. I learned a lot but it's not going to help me when i'm suffering through an hour and 15 minute of hell.

You'll have to let us know how this weekend goes at the bacon race. I'd do that too but i'm going to jasper with my wife over the long weekend.

Any tips you can pass on from the clinic that I could use other than 'move to the right when someone is going to pass'?

dana109 · 05-13-2009

A lot of the tips i picked up are about efficiency. There were a few good race tips about finding the balance between not starting in the back and having to pass everyone (as if that is my concern), and not going out so hard that you blow up.

But a lot of what i learned was about trying to ride more efficiently to stay mid pack but also to have a bit left in the tank because a lot of people go out to hard and really slow down at the end and you can get past them if you save something for that last lap.

Excel · 05-13-2009

Enjoy the Bacon race, and make sure you take bacon on every lap! Mmmm bacon...

At the novice/sport level, you need to go as hard as you can and just blow up if you have the fitness. The races are so short that you don't want any leftover gas in the tank. Get the singletrack early before the crowd - the start and holeshot are crucial!

For longer distance races and marathon racing that is an excellent tip. I passed half the field at the 60km Nordegg race and won my category last year because I didn't go out and kill myself early.

I am signed up for the Bacon Race, the Trans Stony enduro the next day, and for the Perogy Race. My friend and I are probably camping overnight at the farm. Can't wait!

My camera is terrible, but I'll try to get some pics of you guys. For anyone that I haven't met yet, I will be in Juventus kit on an old red GT. Good luck on race day everyone!

dana109 · 05-14-2009

I have been told by a few people now that fort sask has one of the best trails around. I've heard some mention of it on here. Can anyone describe how to get to the trailhead of this great singletrack?

zadey1234 · 05-14-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

I have been told by a few people now that fort sask has one of the best trails around. I've heard some mention of it on here. Can anyone describe how to get to the trailhead of this great singletrack?

I'm wondering this too.

But is it in the city? Or outside the city in fort sask.

Travis Bickle · 05-14-2009

http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/trails-ar...0_4522crx.aspx

It is very good!

sherijumper · 05-14-2009

Oh yeah , it was probably me talking about the Fort ..........I freakin love that place !

sherijumper · 05-14-2009

I got too excited

Here are a couple shots from last year of my buddy riding . The photo of him climbing is one of many steep short climbs that seem to sneak up on you . There is an awesome bike club that takes great care of the trail , they have also added a new loop to make it last a little longer . If anyone wants to go there and wants a "guide" just pm me and I would be happy to take you ...........For a small fee of course

Psycho Mike · 05-14-2009

Well, I'm back in town now...I was up in the NWT for the early part of this week...now hopefully the weather will be good for Sat. I need a little saddle time.

gord962 · 05-16-2009

I'm back in one piece from the bacon race. Do to my own poor timing on a practice lap not realizing how long it would take, I arrived at the staging area with about 1 minute to spare which didn't allow me to get back to my vehicle to get my power bar.. Needless to say I ran out of gas with about 2/3 of a lap to go and I barely crossed the finish line. I figure between those two ill advised mistakes I lost close to 10 minutes. A valuable lesson I will ensure doesn't happen again! I did complete the race and better yet, I didn't finish last! It definitely gave me some confidence going into the perogy race and some valuable experience to improve my results.

Psycho Mike · 05-17-2009

Well, yesterday I did my first metric century of the year in training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Nice thing is, I can still walk and climb stairs today....which is amazing considering the last 1/2 of my 108 km jaunt was into the wind (I went out to Lindbrook...out near Tofield) and came back).

I may need a different saddle for the Jake, but this is the earliest in the year I have ever done a Metric, so it bodes well for the end of June.

sherijumper · 05-18-2009

Nice weather out there

Anyone get caught camping in the snow ? The good thing is it should be quiet in the valley today .

zadey1234 · 05-18-2009

I'm probably going out for a ride today. Need to stop at rev if there open to get my wheeles trued up a bit and I want to check out some new brakes.

Got out at terwiliger yesterday with my dad for about an hour and a half. The rain was fun.

dana109 · 05-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

I'm back in one piece from the bacon race. Do to my own poor timing on a practice lap not realizing how long it would take, I arrived at the staging area with about 1 minute to spare which didn't allow me to get back to my vehicle to get my power bar.. Needless to say I ran out of gas with about 2/3 of a lap to go and I barely crossed the finish line. I figure between those two ill advised mistakes I lost close to 10 minutes. A valuable lesson I will ensure doesn't happen again! I did complete the race and better yet, I didn't finish last! It definitely gave me some confidence going into the perogy race and some valuable experience to improve my results.

Congrats on finishing the race and not getting last place.

Any tips for preparing for a race? I'm doing the perogy race on sunday. It will be my first race ever.

I'm worried if i train too hard i'll be exhausted on race day but if i don't work hard enough i won't be in good enough shape.

gord962 · 05-20-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

Congrats on finishing the race and not getting last place.

Any tips for preparing for a race? I'm doing the perogy race on sunday. It will be my first race ever.

I'm worried if i train too hard i'll be exhausted on race day but if i don't work hard enough i won't be in good enough shape.

What class are you racing in?

Of all things you need to be prepared for, make sure you have proper nutrition on race day.

As for training, if you aren't in good enough shape now, there is no amount of training you can do before Sunday to get you into shape. If you are going hard for the next few days putting the finishing touches on your training, make sure you are fresh on race day - I recommend a full day recovery from your last training and plenty of sleep the night before.

As last weekend was my first race it may be helpful if some of our more seasoned racers could chime in if I am not on the right track or if I am missing something obvious.

dana109 · 05-20-2009

I will be in novice. I've never raced before.

It isn't so much that I'm trying to get in better shape and do a lot more training this week. I just find that if i don't ride for 4 days I feel sluggish the first day i ride again. I don't want that to happen.

I went pretty hard last night on the pavement. I might do a pedalhead group ride if it doesn't get canceled tonight. If it does i might still do a light spin or i might take the night off. Thursday i was going to just ride some technical singletrack that i'm struggling with just to work on bike handling and getting smoother. I was going to take friday totally off the bike and saturday i was just going to do a slow pre-ride of the course without much effort. I want to be rested, but I want to be familiar with the course as well.

I guess I'll see you sunday. I'd the guy with a very nervous look and the grey Gary Fisher HIFI deluxe.

gord962 · 05-21-2009

IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR ANYONE RACING IN THE PEROGY ON SUNDAY!!!

They have cut it down to 2 start times - see the revised tech guide for your details:
http://albertamtbracing.files.wordpr...de-revised.pdf

dana109 · 05-21-2009

Ya I got that email today.

I'm glad I don't have to start at 9:30 am. That's too early. But I'm not happy about being on the course at the same time as the elite and expert guys. I'll probably be lapped 2 or 3 times by everyone in elite.

Psycho Mike · 05-21-2009

Last night I took part in the Ride of Silence here in town...kinda a sombre tour to see where Ghost Bikes were set up in '08. The CX seems to handle the hills well and I didn't need to stand and mash.

Hey Spacemonkey, was that the Raleigh I saw near 87 and 109 St last night?

zadey1234 · 05-22-2009

Probably riding terwiliger tomorrow and heading out again on sunday to do more riding.

dana109 · 05-22-2009

Keep in mind that there will be a race going on in Terwilliger from 11:30 until about 4. The trails won't be closed but there may just be 10 elite racers riding crazy fast trying to get by.

Gord and i think excel and I will be racing in terwilliger on sunday.

You should probably change it up sometime. there are some good trails at terwilliger but you might get bored with them. There are some great trails in mill creek, around kinsmen, over by mcnally (ewok), going over towards capilano on the northside of the river there is some great singletrack.

zadey1234 · 05-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

Keep in mind that there will be a race going on in Terwilliger from 11:30 until about 4. The trails won't be closed but there may just be 10 elite racers riding crazy fast trying to get by.

Gord and i think excel and I will be racing in terwilliger on sunday.

You should probably change it up sometime. there are some good trails at terwilliger but you might get bored with them. There are some great trails in mill creek, around kinsmen, over by mcnally (ewok), going over towards capilano on the northside of the river there is some great singletrack.

I like terwiliger, so much more fun then mckinnon. I haven't ridden much at terwiliger, really just up to the t-intersection where you can go down do the river and right across from a water treatment plant I think. Where's mcnally? The school right? I can never find it.

gord962 · 05-22-2009

Keep in mind that Ewok area is closed. We, as responsible riders, should not be promoting riding in that area.

The singletrack at Strathcone Science Park is fun and there are a few good spots around the Gold Bar XC ski trails.

Travis Bickle · 05-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

The singletrack at Strathcone Science Park is fun and there are a few good spots around the Gold Bar XC ski trails.

SSP is great fun. I live nearby and have been taking my single speed there and have been learning which tracks are ssable. Oh my poor legs

dana109 · 05-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

Keep in mind that Ewok area is closed. We, as responsible riders, should not be promoting riding in that area.

Really?

I was just in ewok, or at least what i think is ewok on wednesday and there were no signs. I was up at mcnally high school and dropped down that steep hill by the bench, not the one that is the brutal climb right from the parkinglot on the southside of dawson bridge but right next to it in front of the bench. I rode all through there and came out on the multiwaypath shortly before the pedestrian bridge by the Queen. I never saw a sign either when i was entering the area or when i was leaving.

But if it's closed don't ride it.

Psycho Mike · 05-23-2009

It's the Ewok MUT that is closed...big slope failure that has made part of it almost impassable. The lower Ewok and upper Ewok are not blocked off.

Excel · 05-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho Mike

It's the Ewok MUT that is closed...big slope failure that has made part of it almost impassable. The lower Ewok and upper Ewok are not blocked off.

I rode *up* the slump the other day. Not quite impossible, but pretty hard.

Good luck at the race tomorrow everyone! The perogies go down easier than bacon mid-race.

gord962 · 05-24-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho Mike

It's the Ewok MUT that is closed...big slope failure that has made part of it almost impassable. The lower Ewok and upper Ewok are not blocked off.

I was kindly informed my the park rangers that the entire area is closed.

zadey1234 · 05-24-2009

Dunno if I'm heading to terwilliger later or not. I might go look around for some trails by hawrelawk.(Spelt right?). Bomb through mckinnon, across the river on the bridge, take the gravel path to hawrelawk then find some trails. Gonna be busy down there to I bet.

dana109 · 05-24-2009

I went to terwilliger yesterday for a pre-ride of the course and parking was a gongshow. I have no clue where i'm going to park today. I'd stay away from there if i wasn't racing, just based on how busy it was yesterday. But you are more than welcome to go for a ride in terwilliger and stop and cheer us on.

I'm seriously nervous. I can't get my heartrate down. I'm having to do deep breathing excercises just to calm down.

zadey1234 · 05-24-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

I went to terwilliger yesterday for a pre-ride of the course and parking was a gongshow. I have no clue where i'm going to park today. I'd stay away from there if i wasn't racing, just based on how busy it was yesterday. But you are more than welcome to go for a ride in terwilliger and stop and cheer us on.

I'm seriously nervous. I can't get my heartrate down. I'm having to do deep breathing excercises just to calm down.

I decided to go. Pretty busy, my dad just dropped me off though. When I got there, they said go ahead and ride the course and be careful not to get plowed over. Pretty intense. I didn't know it was possible for anyone to ride up a hill that fast on a bike.

dana109 · 05-24-2009

ha ha ya. I didn't either. Tim Heemskerk lapped me on the long gravel climb up the firemans loop on my second lap and i saw him pass the people i could see in front of me. That guy is crazy fast.

I did a lot better than i expected. I'm really really happy with my results.

zadey1234 · 05-24-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

ha ha ya. I didn't either. Tim Heemskerk lapped me on the long gravel climb up the firemans loop on my second lap and i saw him pass the people i could see in front of me. That guy is crazy fast.

I did a lot better than i expected. I'm really really happy with my results.

Did you see a kid with a white helmet, black backpack and a Cannondale? I was there from about 1-3. Pretty much when the elites were going at it. Those guys were freaking fast.

dana109 · 05-25-2009

No I didn't see you, well I might have seen you but I was pretty focused on my race. It was a lot of fun. I'm glad you came out and I hope you had some fun.

I was really nervous the week before the race, but it wasn't really that big of a deal. In the end I had fun. It was painful but it wasn't a brutally painful as i thought it would be. Ya there is a bit of strategy that comes into play and as I race more I'm sure I'll learn more. But for me in novice I basically realized that I'm as fit as I am and I basically raced as hard as I could given my current fitness and skill and that's all i could expect from myself. I'll just try to improve on it next time. No strategy would have helped me catch people 5 minutes ahead of me. finishing mid pack in the top 1/2 of the field is about as good as I expected for my first race ever.

I had a lot of fun. I don't have a real license. So if they allow day licenses for the canada cup i'll probably do that one too. I live just south of kinsmen and I ride the singletrack that the canada cup is going to be held on all the time. I know it won't help me be more fit but I feel like i have a bit of home field advantage.

dana109 · 05-25-2009

Does anyone have any good pictures from the race? My wife took some pics but our camera sucks and doesn't work well at all with moving shots so they kind of blurry.

Excel · 05-25-2009

Everything is usually posted on www.bikealberta.com

gord962 · 05-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excel

Everything is usually posted on www.bikealberta.com

There is a ton of pics here: http://www.kayphoto.smugmug.com/gall...45145609_aywba

Psycho Mike · 05-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

I was kindly informed my the park rangers that the entire area is closed.

If that's the case, they seriously need to do a better job of posting it. Every time I've been along lower Ewok this year, there has been a fair bit of traffic. On the Muttart end there is no notice of a trail closure for the lower Ewok. The MUT does have one, but it is much further along than the drop in for the lower Ewok (I usually run W to E on there, so that's what I see most often).

dana109 · 05-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho Mike

If that's the case, they seriously need to do a better job of posting it. Every time I've been along lower Ewok this year, there has been a fair bit of traffic. On the Muttart end there is no notice of a trail closure for the lower Ewok. The MUT does have one, but it is much further along than the drop in for the lower Ewok (I usually run W to E on there, so that's what I see most often).

If it is closed that is very odd. i've ridden both lower and middle ewok several times East to West and West to East more than once this year and never saw a sign besides on the MUT. If they ever post a sign, or someone from the city tells me it is closed I'll stay out. But if it is closed the should mark it better.

gord962 · 05-26-2009

I wasn't impressed either. Perhaps our friends over at EMBA can raise this? Spacemonkey - have you guys had these discussions with the city??

zadey1234 · 05-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

There is a ton of pics here: http://www.kayphoto.smugmug.com/gall...45145609_aywba

Awww, there's no pics of the stuff on the way down. After the gravel climb then pretty much downhill. There was a person with a camera when I went down. That stuff was crazy.

dana109 · 05-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by zadey1234

Awww, there's no pics of the stuff on the way down. After the gravel climb then pretty much downhill. There was a person with a camera when I went down. That stuff was crazy.

ya i saw a guy with a camera when i was coming down there. I want to find those pics.

sherijumper · 05-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho Mike

If that's the case, they seriously need to do a better job of posting it. Every time I've been along lower Ewok this year, there has been a fair bit of traffic. On the Muttart end there is no notice of a trail closure for the lower Ewok. The MUT does have one, but it is much further along than the drop in for the lower Ewok (I usually run W to E on there, so that's what I see most often).

I completely agree . Sometimes I take a little break by the golf course parking lot on the east side and watch Mothers with strollers and children pass through the red barrier ( which is rolled up ) and hike through . The only time I see park rangers anywhere in the valley is when I go through Hawerlak and they are busy ticketing cars illegally parked

I don`t understand why it would be closed , it has improved alot from 2-3 years ago , upper Ewok is pretty much runnable where it wasnt a while ago . If the city shut down the rest of the Ewok area I would be very pissed ............Just so you all know , I`m not one of those guys who rides illegal trails . Although tempting , I realize how that activity could tarnish the image of mountain bikers in the city . So I respect that and stay away . If they closed the Forest Park area it would be ridiculous .

sherijumper · 05-26-2009

Would anyone be up for a group ride ? If so let me know what times and areas would work .

sherijumper · 05-26-2009

I guess I should have posted this next week cause I am heading to the mountains this weekend (weather permitting). For the group ride I was thinking maybe Friday night or Saturday morning . I understand lots of you are busy Fridays but it is the best time to go riding cause there is very little traffic .........................I don`t know , just my suggestion . Whatever works for most people would be the best . Would meeting in Millcreek be o.k ? How about Terwilliger ? Anywhere else ? PM me or just post on here .

Cheers
Ken

dana109 · 05-26-2009

I'd probably be down. It would depend on the day and time. I've spent a ton of time in the saddle and not with my wife, between training a lot last week, pre-riding saturday, racing sunday, racing today, pedalhead group ride tomorrow. I've been pushing my luck by not spending enough time with the wife. I promised her we'd go on a bike ride together on saturday. Friday would probably work better for me but even that i'm not 100% sure of. What time were you thinking? Like a few hours from 6 to 8 would work best for me.

I love mill creek and Terwilliger. Millcreek is closer for me though.

Psycho Mike · 05-26-2009

I would, but I'm now in "break in" mode for a B17. Trying to get my butt in shape for the Ride. I've found I can do some shorter 20% grades on the CX bike...but road gearing is not ideal for climbing hills when the panniers are full

Besides, I still need to get my mitts on some auto wax for the Cake

gord962 · 05-27-2009

Saturday mornings would be nice as I have Friday night commitments. This weekend is out for me as well for reasons such as Dana mentioned, but next weekend I could probably make that happen on non-race weekends. I would prefer Terwillegar but I would also be open to Mill Creek. Even better, we could always shuffle it around the city and post here where it would be each week. Perhaps take turns - each week a different person could pick a venue and then lead that week's ride. Thoughts?

gord962 · 05-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

ya i saw a guy with a camera when i was coming down there. I want to find those pics.

I too would like to see those pics. I heard there were a few people who went over the bars down that hill.
There seems to be more added to the smugmug site every day as another 50 or so were added since yesterday, so I'll try to keep an eye on that.

Spacemonkey1420 · 05-27-2009

Gord and those asking about the Forest hights Ewok area, We talked to the city about doing trail work there a year or two back. At the time they would not consider it because it was " a closed trail" we have not revisited the issue with them since.

We could talk to the city about this again and see what they think. Even if Only to clarafy if it is all closed or not.

I'll bring it up at the next meeting.

gord962 · 05-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacemonkey1420

Gord and those asking about the Forest hights Ewok area, We talked to the city about doing trail work there a year or two back. At the time they would not consider it because it was " a closed trail" we have not revisited the issue with them since.

We could talk to the city about this again and see what they think. Even if Only to clarafy if it is all closed or not.

I'll bring it up at the next meeting.

Much appreciated. I want to ensure I am abiding by the law and not setting a bad example. If it is just the MUT (let's hope!) then they should better inform their staff. :/

sherijumper · 05-27-2009

How about next weekend ? Friday night at 6 or Saturday morning at 9 ? We could make it Terwilliger for the first ride . Gord I was thinking the same way you were with switching start areas on each ride with somebody choosing a place to start .

gord962 · 05-28-2009

Fridays are out for me, but I can make the Saturday morning ride if that is what we decide on. I'd be more than happy to lead the Terwillegar ride unless you want to do that SJ, as you are the one who brought it up. It's the only single track that I know enough of that I could lead a ride!

Silvestri · 05-28-2009

If you're open to having a middle aged slightly overweight and out of shape guy in the group I'll come down.

Used to ride to work daily when I lived in Calgary but since moving up last year I'm just starting to ride again.

sherijumper · 05-28-2009

Cool , next Saturday morning should probably work for everybody ! The only thing that could stop me is my trip to Jasper has been postponed till next weekend . It should work though cause I might head down Friday just for a day trip . So my legs might be a wee bit sore .

How does Terwilliger park Saturday June 6th 9:30 a.m sound ? Gord leads , everyone is
welcome to come Silvestri . I was down there tonight and had a little incident on firemans loop coming down the hill , I`m still not used to the Moots yet and went over the handlebars and had the bike land on top of me . Suffice to say as bad as the crash seemed at the time I came away with only a few scrapes .

dana109 · 05-28-2009

You guys might want to consider that there is the corporate challenge mountainbike race in terwilliger on saturday. it is going to be very crowded and some of the trails will be roped off. Just thought i'd warn you.

I won't be able to go on saturday. However, Roddi showed all the pedalhead guys the exact canada cup course. Although Excel probably knows too because I saw him doing a lap with the hardcore guys. If any of you are planning to do the canada cup race I'd be more than happy to lead a ride sometime next week or next weekend and we can do a lap or two around the course and if people still feel good we can go into mill creek afterwards because mill creek is really close. I've probably done about 6 or 7 laps already. I'd really like to do well and figure the more times laps i do the more confident i'll be. At least in theory. I am busy all day saturday but I have nothing going on sunday.

sherijumper · 05-28-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

You guys might want to consider that there is the corporate challenge mountainbike race in terwilliger on saturday. it is going to be very crowded and some of the trails will be roped off. Just thought i'd warn you.

Oops , I saw the sign but didn`t look at the date , does anyone know the times ? I think we should probably avoid the area cause it will be very busy . Can we start in Millcreek ?
How about Kinsmen ?

gord962 · 05-29-2009

Corporate Challenge is this Saturday (30th) and we are planing for June 6th so that will not be an issue.

sherijumper · 05-29-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

Corporate Challenge is this Saturday (30th) and we are planing for June 6th so that will not be an issue.

Yes you are right , I`m a little embarrased cause I was there last night and never paid attention to the sign . I just checked the website and it is the 30th. Is the time o.k with everybody ? I`ll probably repost on Thursday just to confirm .

Excel · 05-29-2009

I did a lap of the Canada Cup course Wednesday night with the Hardcore guys. The biggest surprise was the brand spanking new singletrack cut into the bush between Old Timers and the Queen E. Pool. It needs some serious riding-in.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with riding Ewok if the city can't be bothered to close the area properly and inform the public. Just because stroller moms and your grandpa can't hike on the MUT doesn't mean the singletrack is closed, and I can't see any real liability reason to close it. It's only getting better now that people are riding it

.

Riding trails that are permanently closed is one thing (i.e. from Rainbow Valley southward), but if they aren't actively trying to fix the Ewok MUT, which is NOT dangerous, nor are there user conflicts/environmentally sensitive areas, then ride away. The city is just covering their asses.

dana109 · 05-29-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excel

I did a lap of the Canada Cup course Wednesday night with the Hardcore guys. The biggest surprise was the brand spanking new singletrack cut into the bush between Old Timers and the Queen E. Pool. It needs some serious riding-in.

I think the EMBA are going to be working on that section of trail tomorrow. I would like to help but as mentioned in a previous post. My wife isn't super happy with the fact that basically every night for the last week has been dedicated to mountain biking and next week isn't looking much better. I have scheduled rides on Monday, tuesday and wednesday.

What did you think of the canada cup course? I liked it.

Excel · 05-29-2009

It's a great course. The difficulty jumped up a notch with the new singletrack, especially the section I just rode yesterday. Good bike handling skills will save you minutes per lap.

dana109 · 05-29-2009

Ya that new section is really loose. I had to get off my bike 3 times just from spinning out. But like i said before I've done quite a few laps already and i'm planning on doing a bunch more just to gain confidence on all the difficult sections. I'll still keep working on my fitness of the next few weeks but I'd really love to do a bit better and think multiple pre-rides and working on my bike handling skills might pay off more in the end. I guess they brought the difficulty up for the canada cup elite/pro riders. I find some of the sections kind of challenging. I think some of the other novice riders will be challenged as well.

dana109 · 05-30-2009

I went for a casual ride with my wife and convinced her to hit a bit of singletrack. Much to my surprise she enjoyed it. We took things slow and I gave her tips. I really want to make mountain biking a fun experience for her. She really did well too. She was shocked that the roots aren't as challenging as she had thought in her head and that she can just kind of relax or roll over them. I know she'll never be into it as much as I am, but I'm pretty excited that she's starting to enjoy getting off the MUT and onto dirt. It was a good ride. She isn't in the best shape though and she's pretty tired now, but it was fun.

gord962 · 05-31-2009

I love that new section of single track they made for the Canada Cup. I agree that it does need more riders on it, but I love riding stuff like that. I went through it for the first time last Monday during the RVC group ride and I was able to fly through that section. If I could get an entire course of stuff like that I would actually stand a chance of winning!

dana109 · 05-31-2009

Do you mean the new section by the river that goes from the tennis courts to the bridge? That one is pretty loose but I like it. There is another new section that starts in a residential area and drops out by the washrooms. That other new section is the one I was refering too when i said it's too loose and really hard to manage.

Sherijumper did i run into you on the trails today? I had a brief conversation with a guy on the canada cup course today and after I took off I realized he was riding a moots and you are the only person I know of in the area with a moots. I've never seen one before.

sherijumper · 05-31-2009

Ironically I ran into the same guy close to the Queen , he stopped me and we chatted for a bit . The wierd thing is I have been riding down there 2-6 days a week for 18 years and I have never seen a Moots in the river valley . Only three weeks after getting mine I see one .

I hit that new singletrack from the bridge to the tennis courts for the first time today . I really wish we could have something like that run the length of the valley ! That would be pretty awesome .

gord962 · 05-31-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

There is another new section that starts in a residential area and drops out by the washrooms. That is the one I was refering too when i said it's too loose and really hard to manage.

I haven't seen that section yet - I may have to do some exploring to see if I can come across it.

dana109 · 05-31-2009

That is kind of odd. I've honestly never seen a moots in real life before today so I was wondering if it was you.

That is a really nice new piece of singletrack.

dana109 · 05-31-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

I haven't seen that section yet - I may have to do some exploring to see if I can come across it.

It's really hard to find if you don't know where it is. You have to hop a curb to get into it. I don't know how to describe where it is.

Excel · 05-31-2009

You know the stairs by the steep hill at one end of Old Timers' Cabin/Treasure Island?

Go out to the steep road off of Saskatchewan Drive, go down the steep hill, and hop the curb into the bush on the left hand side of the road by the houses. I can't remember where it pops out. Somewhere closer to the pool.

Good luck with my bad directions! It is hard to find.

dana109 · 06-01-2009

Gord are you going to race tomorrow? My bike is in the shop until wednesday but I might change the tires on my old Rocky Mountain hardtail (I'm currently using it as a commuter and have slicks on there) and give it a try. Given the race course last week there isn't anything sketchy enough that a full suspension is even necessary, except for the fact that my full suspension HIFI is about 3 pounds lighter than the hard tail Rocky Mountain.

gord962 · 06-01-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana109

Gord are you going to race tomorrow? My bike is in the shop until wednesday but I might change the tires on my old Rocky Mountain hardtail (I'm currently using it as a commuter and have slicks on there) and give it a try.

I did something weird to my foot while golfing on Saturday so I am going to try the RVC group ride tonight to check where I am at. I think my biking shoes should neutralize my problem but I haven't tested it out yet. If everything is okay I will be there Tuesday for sure. Are you guys still up for a ride after the race?

gord962 · 06-01-2009

I was pain free for the two hour ride tonight so I am definitely in for tomorrow's race at Terwillegar, barring anything stupid happening between now and then. With my recent string of luck recently, its not if but when the next injury or mechanical failure will occur. :/

dana109 · 06-01-2009

good to hear. I'll see you there. If i can fix up my old hardtail in time.