Announcement - Watermelon Death Ride 5/13/2006 (Albuquerque Area)

[Timo]

CHANGED DUE TO FOREST CLOSURE:

Santa Fe Big Friggin Loop,
a 70-mile, 12k of climbing singletrack affair.


When: Saturday May 13, 2006., 7:30AM

Where: Zele' corner of Galesteo & Water Streets (201 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501)

Route: Ride the SF river trail out toward St. Johns, then ride Dororthy Stewart, South Dale Ball, Central Dale Ball, North Dale Ball, paved road to Chamisa, Winsor, Big Tesuque, Aspen Vista Road to top of ski area, Sunset trail to bottom of ski area, Winsor to Rio en Medio, to Borrego to Nambe Creek, to Tr 179 back to Rio en Medio to Chupadero, to Pacheco Canyon Road, back up to Winsor, to Chamisa, to Sidewinder, to Little Tesuque, to Bishops Lodge road to back in town. Expect to climb, climb, climb...


Beer at 2nd Street Brewery end of the ride.


************************************************** *********
Watermelon Death Ride (NM-MTB Endurance Series # 2)

When: 7:00AM May, 13, 2006 (Saturday) CANCELLED
Where: Wooby's/Ribs Parking lot (12220 STATE HIGHWAY 14 N CEDAR CREST, NM 87008)
What: A very long and challenging mountain bike endurance ride/semi race.

As usual everyone will be responsible for themselves. You will need to bring maps, warm clothing, food, money, etc as the ride WILL NOT have regroup points. the goal is to ride this at your pace and meet up with others either aloing the route or back at Ribs for post ride beer and great food.

We will start at Wooby's/Ribs P-lot and head up toward Cole Springs via Canoncito Road (accross the street from Wooby's).
At Cole springs, we will pick up the very technical singletrack on Faulty Trail heading down and over to Doc Long.
At Doc Long, we will then head over to North Faulty (called North Mystery Trail by some) and coming out on Placitas Road (FR165), via Palomas Cliffs Trail. The North Faulty trail is located on the RHS of the Crest Road on the first major turn past Doc Long.
Once on Placitas Road - Descend there, and head to little store in Placitas, buy a $1 lottery ticket, then head back up Placitas Road (FR165) <8miles dirt, 2 road> all the way to the Sandia Mountain Ski Area.
At the Ski Area, climb King of the Mountain trail to the top and then turn right and head over to Rocky Point Trail.
Once you finish Rocky Point Trail, cross the Crest Road again and pick up the Ellis-10k Loop.
You will return on the 10k Trail coming back accross the ski area and descending on 10k-Tree Spring-OsoCorridor-Faulty-Cole Springs etc, back to Ribs for beer and a well earned meal.

A general map here - but it does not show North Faulty/Mystery. Maps that will help you;
1. Sandia Peak Ski Area Trail Maps.
2. Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide Map, by Mike Coltrin ($7.50 @ Holmans) Highly recommended.
3. Cibola N.F. Sandia District Map

The 2 refuel spots will be the Placitas store and the Ski area (top & bottom).

Gonna be some very technical climbing and gnarly descending here so technical skill as well as strength and endurance will be required.

*** I also am proposing a shorter ride for thos of you who want to cutout the Placitas Road out-and-back. Therefore for those that choose this option, from Palomas Cliffs Trail, they would turn left on Placitas and climb the 2-mils to the Ski Area to pickup King of the Mountain.

So who's in???

Also for those interested in information about the Mountain Bike Endurance Race Series click HERE.

[Eric B]

I'm pretty sure I'm in for this one. I'll probably cut out the out and back to Placitas as I don't care for riding dirt roads too much.

Eric

[Timo]

A few more maps - note that not all trails are shown; Click on link

Sandia Crest

Sandia Park

Placitas

Sandia Peak Ski Area

[SSjeff]

I wish I could make this one but I will be in Prescott for the Whiskey Off Road 50 miler. Seems wimpy compared to what you all will be riding.

[Juan Speeder]

Yeah, I might just do it.

What, maybe a 34:20? That's as low a gear as I've got.

[Timo]

Sorry everyone for not replying sooner....I've been a little busy of late. :-)

[Timo]

Originally Posted by Eric B

I'm pretty sure I'm in for this one. I'll probably cut out the out and back to Placitas as I don't care for riding dirt roads too much.

Eric

Great Eric! Been a few years since we've ridden together, but I still remember you clearing that nasty climb up in the Jemez no one else could muster that day. Hope you can make it.

Understand on the dirt road too. I hope there is considerable interest in the route you are chosing, because that should be interesting to see how the technical riders can use skills to their advantage over some of the pure xc riders. Thats a nasty route that can slow people down in either direction ...

[Timo]

Originally Posted by SSjeff

I wish I could make this one but I will be in Prescott for the Whiskey Off Road 50 miler. Seems wimpy compared to what you all will be riding.

Yeah I thought about doing that one, but I can head to Durango or Flagstaff and do a 50-miler and have a hellofa lot more fun. Epic Rides events though are top notch. Nah...I'll just wait until the Soul Ride.

Good luck @ Firestone. I rode with some Santa Barbara guys this weekend and they mentioned the route was pretty epic. Represent for us New Messicans, ok?

[Timo]

Originally Posted by Juan Speeder

Yeah, I might just do it.

What, maybe a 34:20? That's as low a gear as I've got.

Hey Juan. I usually run 34x18 on the 26er and have settled into 32x19 on the 29er. Both still are not enough gearing for the foothills, but work well at Cedro-Otero. For this one, I can't imagine there would be a problem using a ratio like that (or what you are used to) for Faulty and KoTM. But for Ellis-it might be a problem. 10-k Should be a little streneous but doable. However the one that will give you problem for sure is North Faulty (or North Mystery Trail). It's steep like Chamisa in Santa Fe, but ultra thin, narrow and twisty. On a good day, I've cleared all but 2 sections on the geared bike climbing that thing.

I'd say head out to the area and ride North Faulty to test what ratio you want. To get there specifially drive out to Doc Long on the Crest Road, drive past it and park on the left-hand-side about 2 tenths of a mile past Doc Long. Where the road makes a sharp switchback bend, there is a trail right accross the road (or go under the water channel that heads under the road). Folow the steep trail on the right hand side...and follow the trail maked with diamonds cut into trees. After 5 miles - this part is critical - you will get to a meadow. As you cross through the meadow look for the trail on your left hand side (and it is buried behind some pinon trees). Do not take the more well worn in trail on the RHS.

Let us know what you find. However, I do not think I'll run SS for this event...or perhaps at all for a few more weeks. I've been running SS all winter plus a lot of road and I developed a pretty painful knee injury this weekend. I need to layoff the cartiledge mashing for a while.

M

[Juan Speeder]

Yeah, I've never been on "mystery trail", as I've heard rumors that it didn't actually go anywhere, it just kinda ended.

I guess that's not the case.

I've ridden all the other trails in question in a 2:1 (26") ratio, so I know they won't be a problem (I just wanna undergear to ward off the fatigue of stringing them all together). I was planning on riding mystery beforehand, and if it's too steep, I have no problem shouldering the bike and running.

[Timo]

Originally Posted by Juan Speeder

Yeah, I've never been on "mystery trail", as I've heard rumors that it didn't actually go anywhere, it just kinda ended.

I guess that's not the case.

I've ridden all the other trails in question in a 2:1 (26") ratio, so I know they won't be a problem (I just wanna undergear to ward off the fatigue of stringing them all together). I was planning on riding mystery beforehand, and if it's too steep, I have no problem shouldering the bike and running.

I hear you on the fatigue. One thing to mention....when I just ride up North Faulty/North Mystery just from Doc Long it is very, very difficult. But if I start near Cole Springs and ride Faulty first then cut over, somehow I'm in a good rythym and Narth Faulty is much easier. Weird but true.

Yeah that dead-end rumor of North Faulty is pure BS. Once at the 5-mile meadow, I've ridden the RHS trail too and it lead to a motocycle network that I'd like to explore sometime this summer. Obviously the motorcyles aren't coming from the direction of North Faulty, so I believe there is connection to something off of Placitas road or other area?? Unfortunately I broke a handle bar exploring it last year and had to cut exploration short...and never made it back to finish the job.

Anyway, the LHS of the meadow takes you directly to Placitats road.

[Wzl]

Originally Posted by Timo

Yeah that dead-end rumor of North Faulty is pure BS. Once at the 5-mile meadow, I've ridden the RHS trail too and it lead to a motocycle network that I'd like to explore sometime this summer.

Hmm....So I've been out to some rock bands maybe a mile or ss past the meadow, out on a ridge which I guess would be on the northeast side of Palomas peak. There I found a nice bench to sit on and gaze out towards Pakko and beyond. I did spend at least an hour banging around, trying this trail and that one, but in the end I found nothing but dead ends. Guess I need to go back and do some more reconnoitering. At the time, two summers ago now, there were no other obvious options.

I have heard there is a MX area out that way. Wonder if that's it?

[red5jedi]

OK, before I commit myself to more punishment, how many miles is it? How would you rate it to the SYDC?

[Timo]

Originally Posted by red5jedi

OK, before I commit myself to more punishment, how many miles is it? How would you rate it to the SYDC?

45-65ish miles depending on the route you take (out-and-back to Placitas with the big dirt road climb being the seperator).

But it's the Sandias, so it will not be easy heading up...or heading down. This one again is probabaly the truest test for all-around-mountain bikers because it is such a technical course.

SYDC is like a road ride in that if you have great endurance it's a spin in the park for you. This will work the fast twitch mucles too and have more stopping.

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by Timo

This one again is probabaly the truest test for all-around-mountain bikers because it is such a technical course.

woohoo

[LCdaveH]

[quote=Timo]Yeah I thought about doing that one, but I can head to Durango or Flagstaff and do a 50-miler and have a hellofa lot more fun. Epic Rides events though are top notch. Nah...I'll just wait until the Soul Ride.[quote]

Now now, don't go bagging on the Whishkey [sic]. It's more than just the ride (which is a blast). It's the town, the event buzz, the brewery, the road trip, the whole shebang.

Dood, dissin' the Whiskey, dissin' the NMORS - we are so gonna give you extra mystery miles on the SNM epic edition. Hey, there's a name - the SNM SnM.

.d.

[Timo]

[quote=LCdaveH][quote=Timo]Yeah I thought about doing that one, but I can head to Durango or Flagstaff and do a 50-miler and have a hellofa lot more fun. Epic Rides events though are top notch. Nah...I'll just wait until the Soul Ride.

Now now, don't go bagging on the Whishkey [sic]. It's more than just the ride (which is a blast). It's the town, the event buzz, the brewery, the road trip, the whole shebang.

Dood, dissin' the Whiskey, dissin' the NMORS - we are so gonna give you extra mystery miles on the SNM epic edition. Hey, there's a name - the SNM SnM.

.d.

I'm not dissin on anyone or any event. Sheesh, can't a person have a preference without it being taken as a slight?

[LCdaveH]

Originally Posted by Timo

I'm not dissin on anyone or any event. Sheesh, can't a person have a preference without it being taken as a slight?

Of course not. Every choice of one thing is a slight of the other thing.

Have fun slicing the Watermelon. I'll have a whishkey in tribute for your travails.

(You're still getting bonus miles.)

[Timo]

Originally Posted by LCdaveH

You're still getting bonus miles.

I'll take em'.

[bcd]

north faulty, lol

my brother did a ben hall mamorial ride on this loop.

he has been clearing it some.

i made the north freeride track 6 years ago.

you can hit it off 10k parking lot

[Timo]

Originally Posted by bcd

north faulty, lol

my brother did a ben hall mamorial ride on this loop.

he has been clearing it some.

i made the north freeride track 6 years ago.

you can hit it off 10k parking lot

Thanks for the map, Alex!!. That is fairly close to what we are proposing, although we will start near Cole springs and pick up the ~8-miles of Faulty to take over to Doc Long, and also we will pick up Rocky Point-Ellis-10k once up at top. In addition as we climb up north faulty, some of us will drop down to Placitas on FR 165 for an out and back...and we will come out nearer to Lagunita Seca via Palomas Cliffs Trail.

But i did not know about that cutover from the ski area - although I know where it connects into north faulty, as I've seen the intersection, but just never followed it through.

Nice map...wish my grapic skills were as good as yours.

Thanks for doing the Ben Hall Memorial...I hope everyone here knows who he was at least.

[Timo]

Roll Call. Please let me know ASAP if you will attend (definites ok?), or I will cancel and take up an alternative plan. I need to know by next Monday.

[sportsman]

count me in, I just haven't decided between single speeding or hauling up multiple redundant gear ratios and a couple of shocks...

any of you los alamosans or santa feans want to car pool? the ride home from the SYDC was brutal, and that was when gas was 60 cents per gallon cheaper (or so)

[Timo]

[quote=sportsman]......multiple redundant gear ratios and a couple of shocks.......quote]

Hey I have one of those...haven't ridden it since I ripped the derailleur off with AndyN in December

No Wily on this one for me..... Although the pace I kept on Placitas road with the SS last Sat. will be hard to match on the geared bike. Probabaly bring the Intense.....somehow I climb KotM 5 mins faster on the squshy bike than I do the hardtail - although it feels less nimble.

See ya. Who else?

[Juan Speeder]

I'm gonna do it.

Bringin' the single.

[Timo]

FYI.... NM MTB Endurance Schedule is located here

[bbroome]

I know I lack credibility at this point (having waffled, then bailed on the SYDC), but I plan on being there on my SS.
I'm trying to get Travis (Coleman) to come on his SS too...

[Timo]

Originally Posted by bbroome

I know I lack credibility at this point (having waffled, then bailed on the SYDC), but I plan on being there on my SS.
I'm trying to get Travis (Coleman) to come on his SS too...

Great! I've got some emails from a few others so it looks like we should have a good groups forming up.

Damn....this might mean I have to bring my SS bike too. My knees already hurt!

[sscage]

i plan to ride my single speed. i live a couple miles from the placitas store, so it will be a test of will power to turn around and continue after buying the lottery ticket. how late is woobys open??

tim

[bcd]

Originally Posted by bbroome

I know I lack credibility at this point (having waffled, then bailed on the SYDC), but I plan on being there on my SS.
I'm trying to get Travis (Coleman) to come on his SS too...

travis on here much?
i used ot dh with him.

alex morgan

[Timo]

Originally Posted by sscage

i plan to ride my single speed. i live a couple miles from the placitas store, so it will be a test of will power to turn around and continue after buying the lottery ticket. how late is woobys open??

tim

Hi Tim. What bail on us and miss that great climb back up? ;-)

Damn another singlespeeder. I've run out of excuses now. Anyone else gonna run fully rigid?

I don't know how late Wooby's will be open......but at the ride's conclusion most everyone will head a few doors down to Ribs for their great food and beer selection. Thats sort of how this one works - Woobys in the morning for the bean and Ribs in the afternoon for the beer.

M

[glenzx]

Originally Posted by bcd

travis on here much?
i used ot dh with him.

alex morgan

Not around here - but good grief! That is one strong dude - we race on the BnS team together and he's beatin' the heck outta us "B's".

Heard he was a rippin DH'er too - and all-around bike natural. If he shows up for the WDR - look out!

[red5jedi]

Hey Timo,

Finally getting over some lung cookie thing my kid gave to me last week. Doing a long ride this weekend and see how I feel. Either way I was thinking of doing the ride and if I have to I could skip out on parts, but if I know me like I think I do (who said that, the voices are back) I will stick it out.

[Timo]

Originally Posted by red5jedi

Hey Timo,

Finally getting over some lung cookie thing my kid gave to me last week. Doing a long ride this weekend and see how I feel. Either way I was thinking of doing the ride and if I have to I could skip out on parts, but if I know me like I think I do (who said that, the voices are back) I will stick it out.

Great Rich! I was hoping that you would make this. Dan said he'll be there too, but he was going to skip the Placiats road part, like Eric B was thinking of.

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by Timo

Damn....this might mean I have to bring my SS bike too. My knees already hurt!

jeez

with so many fad-following ssers showing up maybe I should buck the trend and ride my truth. or maybe a fixie

[Juan Speeder]

Originally Posted by Timo

Anyone else gonna run fully rigid?

~Yup.

[Timo]

Originally Posted by sportsman

jeez

with so many fad-following ssers showing up maybe I should buck the trend and ride my truth. or maybe a fixie

We can't hope to be you, we can only try to imitate you Sensei

[slick51]

North faulty was a great discovery for me. Challenging climbs, narrow traversing trail, and tree-tight. Rode north faulty last weekend past lagunita seca on east side of palomas pk to limestone ridge and bench you mentioned. At that point fairly fresh-cut trail falls off north-west side of palomas and down to las huertas rd at sandia man cave parking lot. Pretty impressive bit of trail building, but i'd prefer not to burn so much el. at that point in the ride. Next time Ill cut left at laguita, and connect at palomas TH (i think).

[Mtn. Biker123]

Originally Posted by Timo

Great Rich! I was hoping that you would make this. Dan said he'll be there too, but he was going to skip the Placiats road part, like Eric B was thinking of.

FYI...Timo...I spoke with the Forest Service today (Saturday) and was confirmed through an inside source that Sandia Wilderness closures are in full effect starting Friday 12th.
I don't know what Santa Fe is doing. May want to consider moving DR there.

[nmtim]

Did your inside source say wilderness or forrest too?

[Mtn. Biker123]

Originally Posted by nmtim

Did your inside source say wilderness or forrest too?

I could have sworn that you were standing right beside me when he was talking to us ...maybe that was some other reckless out of control yahoo that tried to run me off the trail today If you heard what I heard Sandia and surrounding Wilderness will be closed to recreation, ie...hikers, bikers, etc... starting Friday.:mad2:

See you tomorow...Oh...congrats, I hope she says yes. I get it she must be expecting

[Timo]

Thanks for the Info Brian. It would not surpise me as they have been planning this - and the usual deal is ban starts BEFORE Memorial Day Weekend, and ends AFTER after Independence Day.

Anyway...it isn't closed right now and it isn't closed until they make an announcement. So ride is still on, but it will obviously be cancelled IF there is a closure, which I will monitor and announce if it so happens.

[Timo]

nmnmnmnm

[Timo]

Well, the announcement will come out in a few hours from now - and I'll update to include a link, but the Cibola NF will go to Stage III Restrictions at the end of this week. Foothills and Ski Area will be open, and a few folks are lobbying for trail north of ski area between the road and ski area to remain open too. But that's all for another post. What matter here is that the WDR will NOT take place this weekend and will be postponed til later in the year.

The SFNF for sure, and hopefully the Carson NF will be open, so for those of us who are jonesing for this big enduro ride on Saturday we have a few options that I will throw out;

1. Regroup and head to Santa Fe for the Santa Fe Big Friggin Loop (SFBFL) A 70-mile, 12k climbing affair in which we will climb the mountain twice and cover pretty much all trail systems in the area.
2. South Boundary + Jaracita Loop out and back. Basically climb up Ojitos to SBT @ Osha Mountain then head over and do the Jaracita loop (my favorite) and steer back to SBT. Very SS friendly.



I'm leaning toward the SFBFL, but the SBT+Jaracita will be easiest to manage.

M

************************************************** **
Here is the announcement from the USFS;

PARTIAL CLOSURES ON CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST BEGIN MAY 12, 2006

Albuquerque, NM, Albuquerque, May 9, 2006 – Beginning Friday, May 12, many portions of the Cibola National Forest will be closed. Fire danger remains extreme and warrants closing a number of areas to visitors. “Closures are a last resort and they are not taken lightly. We all must work together to keep our forest as safe as possible and this includes staying away from areas that have been closed.” stated Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose. “Recent isolated rain showers have brought little, if any, measurable moisture to the forest” she added.
Beginning 8:00 am, Friday, May 12, the following areas are affected:
SANDIA RANGER DISTRICT - Closure Map North end - Closure Map South end Manzanitas: The following campgrounds and recreation sites remain open: La Cueva, Juan Tabo, Cienega Canyon , Sulphur Canyon , Doc Long, Dry Camp, Balsam Glade, Capulin Spring, Nine Mile, Pine Flat, and Oak Flat recreation day use sites are open. Cedro and Deadman Group Reservation Area Campgrounds are open. Sandia Peak Ski Area, Sandia Crest Electronic Site, Sandia Crest Observation Area, Sandia Peak Tram, High Finance Restaurant and associated facilities, and Sandia Crest House are open. State Highway 536 (Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway) is open. All major roads on the district remain open with the exception of Highway 165; most secondary roads will be closed. Forest Road 445 is open to foot traffic and authorized vehicles. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters are NOT allowed – Cold camping only. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
The following trails and areas remain open: those portions of Forest Trail 365 (Foothills Trail), including secondary trails associated with Forest Trail 365 and outside of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness; Sandia Peak Ski Area mountain bike/hiking trails within the ski area boundary only; the Crest Trail (Forest Trail 130) from the Crest House/Crest Observation Area to the Sandia Peak Tram and associated facilities; and Kiwanis Cabin Trail 94. La Luz trail will be closed. All other sites, trails and backcountry areas are closed.
MOUNTAINAIR RANGER DISTRICT - Closure Map: Red Canyon Recreational Site is open daily from 8am to 6pm (DAY USE ONLY – NO CAMPING) and accessible only through Forest Road 253. Please note all trails accessible from Red Canyon Campground are closed. All other campgrounds, trails and trailheads are closed. The Manzano Mountain Wilderness is closed. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed at Red Canyon Recreational Site. The Gallinas Mountains near Corona are open; however Red Cloud campground and Forest Road 99 are CLOSED . Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, coal or wood stove are prohibited . All personal use firewood cutting will not be allowed until further notice. Extensions will be granted to individuals with existing personal use permits. Personal use firewood cutting will recommence when weather conditions permit. All vehicles must remain on Forest roads. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
MAGDALENA RANGER DISTRICT - Closure Map: The following campgrounds are open: Luna Park and Springtime Campgrounds in the San Mateo unit and roads leading to them. The south end of the San Mateo Unit is open south of West Red Canyon . The Bear and Gallinas units are open. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, coal or wood stove are prohibited . Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed. All personal use firewood cutting will not be allowed until further notice. Extensions will be granted to individuals with existing personal use permits. Personal use firewood cutting will recommence when weather conditions permit. All vehicles must remain on Forest roads. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. All other areas not mentioned are closed.
MT. TAYLOR RANGER DISTRICT - Closure Map: The following recreational areas remain open: Coal Mine Canyon , McGaffey Campgrounds and McGaffey Lake and only main access roads leading to them. Forest Development Road 239, which is designated as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail access through the closure area is open to non-vehicular traffic by permit only. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, coal or wood stove are prohibited . Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed. All personal use firewood cutting will not be allowed until further notice. Extensions will be granted to individuals with existing personal use permits. Personal use firewood cutting will recommence when weather conditions permit. All vehicles must remain on Forest roads. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
Some additional roads are open. Call the Mt. Taylor District office for additional road information. All other sites, trails and backcountry areas are closed.
The following restrictions apply to the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, coal or wood stove are prohibited . Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
• All vehicles must remain on Forest roads.
• Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forests and national grasslands.

For more information contact Mark Chavez, Cibola National Forest Supervisor's Office at 505-346-3900 or one of the following district offices:

• Sandia Ranger District, 505-281-3304
• Mountainair Ranger District, 505-847-2990
• Magdalena Ranger District, 505-854-2281
• Mt. Taylor Ranger District, 505-287-8833
• Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands, 505-374-9652

Additional fire information for the Southwest Area is available at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm

[red5jedi]

Well, I'll vote for the SFBFL.

[Timo]

Thats good enough for me!

Santa Fe Big Friggin Loop,
a 70-mile, 12k of climbing singletrack affair.


When: Saturday May 13, 2006., 7:30AM

Where: Zele' corner of Galesteo & Water Streets (201 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501)

Route: Ride the SF river trail out toward St. Johns, then ride Dororthy Stewart, South Dale Ball, Central Dale Ball, North Dale Ball, paved road to Chamisa, Winsor, Big Tesuque, Aspen Vista Road to top of ski area, Sunset trail to bottom of ski area, Winsor to Rio en Medio, to Borrego to Nambe Creek, to Tr 179 back to Rio en Medio to Chupadero, to Pacheco Canyon Road, back up to Winsor, to Chamisa, to Sidewinder, to Little Tesuque, to Bishops Lodge road to back in town. Expect to climb, climb, climb...


Beer at 2nd Street Brewery end of the ride.

[bbroome]

damn... i was all psyched up for the watermelon death ride. hopefully it'll still happen this fall.

unfortunately, i won't be able to make the SFBFL because
1. i'm scared
2. i have to be back by 3pm, which was going to be a push with the WDR in the first place and would be impossible (for me) with the SFBFL

have fun without me. hopefully next time...

[Timo]

Originally Posted by bbroome

damn... i was all psyched up for the watermelon death ride. hopefully it'll still happen this fall.

unfortunately, i won't be able to make the SFBFL because
1. i'm scared
2. i have to be back by 3pm, which was going to be a push with the WDR in the first place and would be impossible (for me) with the SFBFL

have fun without me. hopefully next time...

Hi Brent. I should say that there are plenty of bailout points, and you can be sure to make it back to town at anytime you need to. You could definately make the Tesuque climb if you wanted to.

[red5jedi]

Hey Timo,

Want to carpool? My truck is a diesel hog so I don't drive it unless I have to. I’ll give you $10 if you drive :' )

[Timo]

Originally Posted by red5jedi

Hey Timo,

Want to carpool? My truck is a diesel hog so I don't drive it unless I have to. I’ll give you $10 if you drive :' )

Should be a good idea to carpool - How about the Burque people could meet up at the Bernalillo Park & Ride around 6:00AM. Anybody interested? (I'll commit later - I have to see what the plans are on the homefront)

Also let's get a roll call here again (sorry....just want to see how many locos are up for this..)

[sscage]

carpool wise, i get good mileage and have a 3 bike strap on rack and could maybe fit one in the back end of my highlander if the wheels are off. bernalillo at 6 sounds good to me

Tim

[sscage]

i'm running 32x19 on a 29er. should i switch to a 20t freewheel?

[Timo]

Originally Posted by sscage

i'm running 32x19 on a 29er. should i switch to a 20t freewheel?

I run the same on my niner and 19t should be, but at the end of the day the 20t will be noticeable when heading up that last chamisa/sidewinder climb. Check with SSweatleaf, as he did the Rancho Viejo loop a while back, I assume on his Rig.

Most of the climbing will be at a steady grade, and not as technical as the Sandias. However, the South Dale Ball, & Tr. 179 will be challenging.

M

[Timo]

Originally Posted by Timo

Santa Fe Big Friggin Loop,
a 70-mile, 12k of climbing singletrack affair.


When: Saturday May 13, 2006., 7:30AM

Where: Zele' corner of Galesteo & Water Streets (201 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501)

Route: Ride the SF river trail out toward St. Johns, then ride Dororthy Stewart, South Dale Ball, Central Dale Ball, North Dale Ball, paved road to Chamisa, Winsor, Big Tesuque, Aspen Vista Road to top of ski area, Sunset trail to bottom of ski area, Winsor to Rio en Medio, to Borrego to Nambe Creek, to Tr 179 back to Rio en Medio to Chupadero, to Pacheco Canyon Road, back up to Winsor, to Chamisa, to Sidewinder, to Little Tesuque, to Bishops Lodge road to back in town. Expect to climb, climb, climb...


Beer at 2nd Street Brewery end of the ride.

roll call here again (sorry....just want to see how many locos are up for this..)

Also since there have been changes (like originally when this was planned for Cedar Crest! ) here is some more information;

1. Rewater point is in Chupadero. There are no guarenteed food restock points, unless you are either good at begging at the ski area parking lot, or not afraid of asking one of the residents in Chupadero or along Pachco Canyon road for food. (I've actually been invited to barbeque dinners before doing this, so not a bad idea!) If you wish to hide a cache of food and water then best to do so at lower Rio en Medio P. Lot or somewhere along Pacheco Canyon road. But on all of the SFBFL attempts I've only needed to rewater once and have always been able to carry my own food. Your call...and something you need to handle on your own.
2. Bail-out points. They are numerous and easily accessible. The most common is at Chupadero, where a lot of people have skipped the Pacheco Cyn. Road climb and went to Tesuque for food at the Village Store and then wheeled it back into town.
3. The Drake Map of The Santa Fe National Forest is the one to use for this...shows everything but Dale Ball Network - which is signed at every intersection.
4. Options for others who do NOT want to do the full loop: Meet at Chamisa Canyon, or Tesuque P. Lots.
5. Singlespeeding will be easier than the Sandia would be in relation to climable terrain. But there WILL be alot of climbing here and endurance level needs to be high - as does the pain threshold.
6. Everybody is responsible for their own well being, and no one should expect that anybody will be there to help extract another from some of the remote areas. Self-Sufficiency and ability to handle your self in the back country is required.
7. This is a ride, not a race, although people will generally be trying to finish faster than one another...while others just want to finish the thing. Bring your maps and be prepared navigate yourself through the course if you either wish to ride faster or ride slower than anyone else. Usually however - although not guarenteed - groups form up on these rides based on skill level.
8. Do not forget to pack cool weather clothing, and lights if you feel you will need them.
9. The final rally point is at 2nd Street Brewery. IPA....das good!

[red5jedi]

Originally Posted by sscage

carpool wise, i get good mileage and have a 3 bike strap on rack and could maybe fit one in the back end of my highlander if the wheels are off. bernalillo at 6 sounds good to me

Tim

Bernalillo at 6 sounds good to me.

[Travis S]

I'm there... in spirit. I'll be rolling out at the Whiskey Off-Road and putting in 50 miles. One of these rides the stars will align and I'll be able to come hang out (or be hung out to dry, however you want to look at it).

[brad h]

hey guys, i've been lurking and listening to your fantastic plans and would love to join you for the whole enchilada but its my anniversary...would you all be offended if several of us santa feans showed up for the first six or seven thousand vertical?

[Timo]

Originally Posted by brad h

hey guys, i've been lurking and listening to your fantastic plans and would love to join you for the whole enchilada but its my anniversary...would you all be offended if several of us santa feans showed up for the first six or seven thousand vertical?

Hi Brad! I plan the big route and I leave it up to others to see what they want to complete, so heck yeah, we'd be happy to have you guys join us. See you at Zele'?

Same goes for anyone else....ride what you wanna ride and join in the fun.

M

[brad h]

Originally Posted by Timo

Hi Brad! I plan the big route and I leave it up to others to see what they want to complete, so heck yeah, we'd be happy to have you guys join us. See you at Zele'?

Same goes for anyone else....ride what you wanna ride and join in the fun.

M

Hey thanks man, good news, I just had my hall pass extended, will probably be along for most (maybe all) of the day. All day epics have been my favorite kind of ride for years but I have a 3 month old now so this year its been tough to get the big ones in. My anniversary is technically Sunday and Saturday is a gift from my wife. I can't wait to meet you sadistic knuckleheads. I'll probably have a couple friends along who are interested in getting as far as the radio towers

[Timo]

Hey everybody - get your rest, load up your carbs, and Good luck for the SFBFL!! I'll see everyone at Zele' in the morning.

Tim, Rich and other ABQ people it looks like you guys will carpool by meeting at 6AM in Bernalillo at the P-n-R. The better half had other plans for me so I'll meet you up there. FWIW, I usually park at the free parking are by the Capitol Bldg, then bike over to Zele'

[rufusk]

1 full finish (Timo), and 1 ended at bottom of Chamisa (Brad h). 3 (Scott, Rich, & Tim...what happened?) alternative routes, and Tony F who left at Bear Wallow to get to work. A couple of other MTBR groups spotted along the way.

Preliminary estimate between 12 to as high as 15k climbing, 66-miles for full route. 10:30 ride time - strangely right on the nose.

One hellofa time......lots of soreness.

Let's hear the reports! Including the other groups.

[Mtn. Biker123]

Originally Posted by rufusk

1 full finish (Timo), and 1 ended at bottom of Chamisa (Brad h). 3 (Scott, Rich, & Tim...what happened?) alternative routes, and Tony F who left at Bear Wallow to get to work. A couple of other MTBR groups spotted along the way.

Preliminary estimate between 12 to as high as 15k climbing, 66-miles for full route. 10:30 ride time - strangely right on the nose.

One hellofa time......lots of soreness.

Let's hear the reports! Including the other groups.

(tipping my hat to Timo) Glad to see you made it. I lost a rear break soon after we saw you guys last but we continued to ski basin and I had to do the Windsor DH with front break only....I am just glad to be alive. Anyway, that was one hell of a route you guys chose. Freakin' animals.

[brad h]

Originally Posted by rufusk

1 full finish (Timo), and 1 ended at bottom of Chamisa (Brad h). 3 (Scott, Rich, & Tim...what happened?) alternative routes, and Tony F who left at Bear Wallow to get to work. A couple of other MTBR groups spotted along the way.

Preliminary estimate between 12 to as high as 15k climbing, 66-miles for full route. 10:30 ride time - strangely right on the nose.

One hellofa time......lots of soreness.

Let's hear the reports! Including the other groups.

My wife met me at the bottom of Chamisa (thanks for the cell use Timo!) and my Suunto had logged 13,600 vert at that point. Timo, you must of busted 15k, what did that pessimistic computer of yours say?

[red5jedi]

SScage and I made it to the top and didn't find the Sunset trail. We were felling the pain and were running low on water so we did a backtrack into town. Sportsman was going to wait for us at Aspen Vista Road and 475 but by the time we got to the top and back down he must have got tired of waiting for us and was gone by the time we got to that parking lot. On the way down I remember why I rode the FS but on the clime I was wishing I had brought the Ti HT. Not sure on our elevation clime but our mileage was 47 back to the car in town.

A big thanks to TIMO for setting this up. I wish I was felling better so I would see the whole loop, but hey, maybe next time.

[sportsman]

good ride ot the rest of ya

my body was just shutting down. I waited at the lot for a little over 2 hours, but I was getting cold and sore so I finally had to bust on down. It was a fun descent though, I hope that you and sscage had a good descent

[Timo]

Originally Posted by Mtn. Biker123

(tipping my hat to Timo) Glad to see you made it. I lost a rear break soon after we saw you guys last but we continued to ski basin and I had to do the Windsor DH with front break only....I am just glad to be alive. Anyway, that was one hell of a route you guys chose. Freakin' animals.

Thx Bryan...So that was you we saw up near Tesuque. Sorry, I had tunnel vision on. Yeah it's a hellofa a ride no doubt. I lost my rear brake on one of the SFBFLs last year too...scary ride for sure.

[Timo]

Originally Posted by brad h

My wife met me at the bottom of Chamisa (thanks for the cell use Timo!) and my Suunto had logged 13,600 vert at that point. Timo, you must of busted 15k, what did that pessimistic computer of yours say?

Hey Electic Sweetart Man...awesome riding with you. Can't say I've ever seen someone descend so fast on a hardtail bike....fastest Moots in the area for sure!

Yeah, my altimeter is just a wee bit off. Not even close to what you logged. I'll call it 15k....I've known for a while mine underestimates as it's always quite a bit below everyones elses. A ton of climbing and damn those were some steep routes in the South Dale Ball area too.

Hope you can make the Tour de LA II next month...if not you have me convinced for Crested Butte so I'll see you there for sure.

Roll Tide!

[Timo]

Originally Posted by red5jedi

SScage and I made it to the top and didn't find the Sunset trail. We were felling the pain and were running low on water so we did a backtrack into town. Sportsman was going to wait for us at Aspen Vista Road and 475 but by the time we got to the top and back down he must have got tired of waiting for us and was gone by the time we got to that parking lot. On the way down I remember why I rode the FS but on the clime I was wishing I had brought the Ti HT. Not sure on our elevation clime but our mileage was 47 back to the car in town.

A big thanks to TIMO for setting this up. I wish I was felling better so I would see the whole loop, but hey, maybe next time.

Thanks Rich. We skipped Sunset trail - which was the catwalk ski trail and would have been vissible to you on the HUGE ski area map because it was muddy. Sort of obvious, but not really if you don't know what you are looking for.

We took the hikers trail almost straight down the ski run called Gay Way to the lower chairlifts at the resort. We then made it over to Totemoff and rewatered from a stream as the resident/ski area manager was gone. Actually I only refilled the water bottle, but Brad refilled his bladder.

Thanks for coming...and yeah I wondered about the huge Ellsworth you were hauling up. Seems like the ti bikes were the weapon of choice.

Hope you can make the TdLAII. Best trails in the area.

[Timo]

Originally Posted by sportsman

good ride ot the rest of ya

my body was just shutting down. I waited at the lot for a little over 2 hours, but I was getting cold and sore so I finally had to bust on down. It was a fun descent though, I hope that you and sscage had a good descent

Thanks for coming Scott. Sorry to see that cold of yours kicking your butt, but damn hellofan effort. Can't imagine those Dale Ball climbs right off the bat helped you and Tim on those SS bikes. Freakin amazing.

See ya next month!

[Timo]

So the SFBFL happened much earlier than planned in 2006 due to the cancellation of the Watermelon Death Ride (WDR) because of the Cibola NF closure. We scrambled to add this at the last minute and a good group of 6 riders showed up.

Scott Sportsman
Tony Farrar
Brad (Brad h)
Tim (SScage)
Rich Capener
Matt Turgeon

2 ti hardtails -geared, 1 Specialized FS bike, 1 Ellsworrth FS bike, 1 fully rigid SS Gunnar, and 1 fully rigid 29er On-One Inbred.

So 1 full finisher (Timo), one 98% Finisher (Brad h), and 4 alternative route finishers (Tony, Sportsman, SSCage, and Rich). All awesome effort by everyone.

Mechanicals: I broke my chain literally 20-yards at the end of the last piece of singletrack on its last climb on Little Tesuque. Had to laugh at the timing on that one. Did some repair work and got things rolling. I do not know of any others.

The Crimson Tide were well represented for the day as two alumni rode the furthest. No doubt both of us were thinking of Dreamland BBQ.

Alot of small diameter trees are down on upper REM. Some bigger ones on Nambe Creek. Tr. 179 is as clear as we left it last fall, and it was good to see some other tire tracks on it.

NEXT UP: The Tour de Los Alamos II hosted by Scott Sportsman on June 24, 2006. Some of the best riding in the area and definately ANOTHER challenging route. See ya then and let's hope for some rain in the meantime.

Thanks again everyone.

[Mtn. Biker123]

Originally Posted by Timo

Thx Bryan...So that was you we saw up near Tesuque. Sorry, I had tunnel vision on. Yeah it's a hellofa a ride no doubt. I lost my rear brake on one of the SFBFLs last year too...scary ride for sure.

Yeah...that was me. I was giving RCC the Windsor tour and trying to get in some saddle time up there as I had a feeling that SF would close soon too. Looks like my instinct paid off. I talked with Scott and Tim for a while. Honestly I was bonkin' pretty hard by then so I wasn't much in the mood for conversation either. Should have followed you guys though. I had forgoten how truly unforgiving Windsor is from the split at little Tesuque. Right after that my brake cable ruptured...Damn Hayes Oh well...gave me an excuse to get that upgrade I had been wanting. Good luck at Tour de LA II you guys!! Anyone going to Chilli Challenge this year?

[brad h]

Originally Posted by Timo

Hey Electic Sweetart Man...awesome riding with you. Can't say I've ever seen someone descend so fast on a hardtail bike....fastest Moots in the area for sure!

Yeah, my altimeter is just a wee bit off. Not even close to what you logged. I'll call it 15k....I've known for a while mine underestimates as it's always quite a bit below everyones elses. A ton of climbing and damn those were some steep routes in the South Dale Ball area too.

Hope you can make the Tour de LA II next month...if not you have me convinced for Crested Butte so I'll see you there for sure.

Roll Tide!

Timo, it was great riding with you. Like I said, I've been doing big rides for years but mostly solo. Who knew you could meet great riding partners on the internet? Sort of like online dating for mtn bikers... I'll definately make an effort to be in Los Alamos and I want to see all you guys in the Butte July 15th for the greatest(I'm not biased) 100mile race in the world, the 3rd annual CB Classic(its free!)

In regards to elevation, my Suunto measures altitude every ten seconds. I've found it to be consistently accurate within a couple hundred vertical. Although on rides with more than 10k of climbing, it could be 500ft either way, but still fairly accurate I think. When I tell folks about this ride I definately credit you with 15k.

So you know how if you take the lower chamisa trail down you are approaching mach 5 near the parking lot? Well just about five seconds before I hit the gravel parking lot my wife pulled in with little Henry in the back seat. Couldn't of planned that any better. I hate to leave a man to finish such an epic chore alone but hell, it was my anniversary and family (and a bottle of first growth burgandy) awaited me at home. I shouldn't have any scheduling conflicts next time!

In regards to my bike being faster than yours on the descents, my fingers are probably just weaker! Let go of those brakes man.

[red5jedi]

Originally Posted by sportsman

good ride ot the rest of ya

my body was just shutting down. I waited at the lot for a little over 2 hours, but I was getting cold and sore so I finally had to bust on down. It was a fun descent though, I hope that you and sscage had a good descent

Glad to hear you made it down safe. I know I scared myself a couple of times on the down hill, a little too much speed.

[Timo]

Originally Posted by brad h

Timo, it was great riding with you. Like I said, I've been doing big rides for years but mostly solo. Who knew you could meet great riding partners on the internet? Sort of like online dating for mtn bikers... I'll definately make an effort to be in Los Alamos and I want to see all you guys in the Butte July 15th for the greatest(I'm not biased) 100mile race in the world, the 3rd annual CB Classic(its free!)
In regards to my bike being faster than yours on the descents, my fingers are probably just weaker! Let go of those brakes man.

Back at ya Brad. As is the case with this NM Endurance Series, so far everybody has shown up with an excellent attitude. It's not about the finish, its about the journey...and whatever route you chose or whatever path you ride, well thats your trip for the day, and we're damn glad you made it!

At the SYDC we had a lot of others who have been doing solo endurance rides for years. The switch at the last minute from Cedar Crest to Santa Fe I think caused some problems - that and this was the same weekend as the Whiskey - so the numbers seem to be a little lower. But it accomplished my goal, because I've done the SFBFL quite a few times alone, and thats betting against the house.

Since so many of us New Mexicans are heading to CB100, I think i'll just put it on the NM Endurance Series calender. :-)

Glad to hear the hookup with your wife worked...she's pretty darn cool for letting you out on the anniversary.

See ya at the next one. FYI....looks like a lot of snow now up on the mountain.... WAHOO!

[sscage]

Timo, thanks for setting up the SFBFL I had a great time (in a twisted sort of way). I've ridden several big climb road centuries and long distance triathlons, but I think Saturday was my toughest day on a bike--and I did much less than you and Brad. You guys are STRONG!!

Like Rich said, we made it to the top of the ski area and then reversed route for a killer downhill run. I was pretty well bonked by then and had a few trail excursions, but my newly installed disc brakes kept me from doing serious damage to any big trees, my bike or my nugget.

Not sure what the optimum gear is to singlespeed this route, but I don't think it is 32-19 on a 29er.

Looking forward to riding again. I hope to make it to CB but it depends on my work travel schedule.

Tim

[brad h]

Not sure what the optimum gear is to singlespeed this route, but I don't think it is 32-19 on a 29er.

Looking forward to riding again. I hope to make it to CB but it depends on my work travel schedule.

Tim[/quote]

Tim, great meeting and riding with you, Rich, and Scott. As far as the ideal SS gear for that route, may I suggest a 22-34? Seriously, I've climbed to the towers on a 2 to 1 single 26'er several times but I ALWAYS take the paved route to the dirt road, and that's still a major chore. I can't even fathom riding South Dale Ball stuff to Chamisa on one. You guys are freakishly strong.

In regards to the CB Classic, it is three individual loops from town and can be done solo or on a team of three. FYI, the third loop (dyke trail) is very SS friendly. The first two are not. Hope to see ya there.

Brad

[Timo]

Originally Posted by brad h

. .

In regards to the CB Classic, it is three individual loops from town and can be done solo or on a team of three. FYI, the third loop (dyke trail) is very SS friendly. The first two are not. Hope to see ya there.

Brad

Hey Brad - I just got the new Mountain Bike Magazine and it did a story on Santa Fe - looks like they got your picture in the magazine...one month after Scott got his picture(s). Damn, you guys are celebrities now. ;-)

M

[brad h]

Originally Posted by Timo

Hey Brad - I just got the new Mountain Bike Magazine and it did a story on Santa Fe - looks like they got your picture in the magazine...one month after Scott got his picture(s). Damn, you guys are celebrities now. ;-)

M

Thanks for the heads up Matt,
Is that the July issue?
Brad