Fruita Fat Tire Festival Official Thread

[francois]

Please post Fruita Festival content here.









Here are links to existing posts:

Singletrippin' USA - Fruita! by Hollywood
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=98920

So let the Fruita Fat tire festival start tiggerider
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=98485

fruita girlie ride on a wednesday afternoon by grannyannie
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=96727

Fruita and Moab Pics by phatbiker
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=97584


A Fruita Photo Gallery is available for uploading pix. Please use!
http://gallery.mtbr.com/showgallery....=630&password=

[Over the Edge]

So here I sit on Sunday with my feet up and my voice coming back and a feeling of relaxation that has eluded me for the past 10 days (if not weeks). The Tenth annual "way too big" Fruita Fat Tire Festival has ended.

For me it was special; OK they have all been special, but what made this one the best was that in a time we should be falling out of the "what's cool" circle (being OLD SCHOOL and all) we are finding the coolest people in the world still come to Fruita and make this the most rewarding week of the year for all of us here. Thanks to all of you for being here, believing in Fruita and "the magic".

I very much appreciate your support, friendship and kindness. It's special Thanks to you!

Now... it's time to go ride...
(anybody still around meet at the shop at 9AM Monday)

[lidarman]

Fruitalicious!

[lidarman]

Marla Streb was also seen at the fest--you can tell by the green wristband which indicates "livefruita"

[lidarman]

yep,....the cast that makes this place happen at the coffee window of OTE. Screampint in the background. BTW, none of those starbucks "dubble whipped nofat cream cap" words are used here...I hope!

[francois]

Wow, where do I start? Just got back from the 8-day Fruita road trip. My mind is racing with great memories as I scan through almost a thousand photos.

The road trip was perfect. The rides were spectacular. The locals of Fruita are amazing people and their passion for riding infected everyone who was there. Fruita and the neighboring trails will be a key part of mountain biking's future.

I'll start with photo highlights here and just go day by day through our riding experience.

fc

                                         


     

     

[hfly]

Didn't make it to Fruita but I really enjoyed my ride here with lidarman, NuMexJoe, BrianC, Clay, Pete, et.al.

[brianc]

It was really great meeting and not riding with you too. AndyN and I found some petroglyphs on a local ride he'd ridden past 50 times and never new were there.

[cbrossman]

Originally Posted by francois

Wow, where do I start? Just got back from the 8-day Fruita road trip. My mind is racing with great memories as I scan through almost a thousand photos.

The road trip was perfect. The rides were spectacular. The locals of Fruita are amazing people and their passion for riding infected everyone who was there. Fruita and the neighboring trails will be a key part of mountain biking's future.

I'll start with photo highlights here and just go day by day through our riding experience.

I met you guys at the hot tub at the hotel and around breakfast time.
Nice pics, good to see you made it home safe.

[grannyannie]

Originally Posted by hfly

Didn't make it to Fruita but I really enjoyed my ride here with lidarman, NuMexJoe, BrianC, Clay, Pete, et.al.

hi,
apparently we have your camelbak sitting in over the edge sports...courtesy of lidarman, it's there, in the back closet, and has your name on it.

cheers

[radair]

Annie, you made Dirt Rag again!

Congrats, but I think you should have made them pay for this one. Good stuff!

[/thread hijack]

[KgB]

It wouldn't be the FFTF without me breaking my nose.
Sorry to Marla as my bike had hit her as it was careening out of control
while I lay face down and bloodied in front of the entire MTBR crew.
Good Times,nice to meet/ride drink with all the passionites.

[screampint]

stalker...

[screampint]

You do like to mess up your face for the festival, don't you?

[KgB]

Originally Posted by screampint

You do like to mess up your face for the festival, don't you?

Hey do you want to ride tomorrow,I'm building the SS that the guy won at the festival and taking him on his first SS ride in the morning.

[screampint]

Yes! I have to be back in town by 1:00 to get ready for a client, but until then I'm free. At the shop at 9am? I probably will be there anyway to take care of my breve fix.

[francois]

Travel Itinerary:
Sun May 1 -- drive from SJ to Hurricane, UT (10 - 12 hours, 650 miles)
Mon May 2 -- ride Gooseberry Mesa and anything else we can find
Tue May 3 -- travel from Hurricane to Moab (5 - 6 hours, 340 miles),ride Porcupine Rim Trail
Wed May 4 -- ride Amasa Back,travel from Moab to Fruita, Fruita Party!
Thu May 5 -- FFTF- shuttle the Ribbon trail in Grand Junction
Fri May 6 -- FFTF - ride 18-road trails
Sat May 7 -- FFTF - ride Kokopelli trails, Fruita Clunker Crit, begin drive home
Sun May 8 -- arrive home totally exhausted but with lots of good stories

So there's the itinerary and here's the May 1-2 report:

Leaving San Jose, I have a bit of apprehension. With a two and a four year old, I haven't been on any extended road trips in the last decade. Will the family be ok? Will work be ok? Will mtbr stay up? Will stay healthy? Yadiyadiyah?

Here's the road trippers getting ready. We got two vehicles but our trailer falls through and our two roof racks don't materialize. We leave 3 extra bikes and it's all good. Except my 4-year old Miguel is not talking all morning. He knows how long I'll be gone.

                       


Gooseberry is a gem of a trail near the town of St. George Utah. It takes a hearty vehicle to get through the dirt road to the trailhead. The trail is mostly rock. Traction is amazing. It's a natural playground and there are a ton of alternate, fun lines. The true line though is marked by white dots and riding with dots is a good thing.

                       

                       

Panorama. Utah is the panorama state. Everywhere you look, the sky and the landscape is deep and expressive. Here's a few wide photos.









fc

[elsaltamontes]

hey keith, hi sarah,
that was quite an epic week. more to come on this thread... but i just wanted to point out that that edge ss is one of the sweetest bikes i've ever seen. tell jason and troy to build more.

- the not-so-great raymond (back at work on monday)

Originally Posted by KgB

Hey do you want to ride tomorrow,I'm building the SS that the guy won at the festival and taking him on his first SS ride in the morning.

[lidarman]

I wound up with this cool thing that was thrown out in the mosh...not a bad grab for a drunk like me.



Thank you surly...I promise I won't put nothing less than good 100% agave anejo in it and only take it on my SS rides.

[Photo-John]

Yes - right in front of the MTBR crew. Next time, please let me know in advance so I can set up and get the full OTB photo. It was an impressive (and scary-looking) launch. Glad you're ok. And I wish I'd been less sensitive about taking a picture. I should have taken a much closer one

It was great meeting and riding with you. Can't wait for the next time!

[screampint]

Since the bulk of my riding was during that time, it stands to reason that the bulk of the photos of me on my bike are from that time.


This is me, grimacing in pain as I climb the last hill:



And my team mate Anne, looking a bit better on that hill.

[ibmkidIII]

Originally Posted by lidarman

on my SS rides.

You SS? I'll have to see it to believe it....

wish I was there

[hfly]

Originally Posted by grannyannie

hi,
apparently we have your camelbak sitting in over the edge sports...courtesy of lidarman, it's there, in the back closet, and has your name on it.

cheers

Thanks a bunch for holding it. I'll be by on Friday to pick it up.

Thanks, Rich, for finding a temporary home for that ratty, old pack.

hfly

[Photo-John]

I've sorted my 600+ roadtrip photos down to one hundred. Here are a few, random items, starting with a group photo from the monster slickrock slab at the top of the Ribbon, followed by some pure randomness from the Clunker Crit..

[Photo-John]

It's a puzzle. You have to figure it out.

[Photo-John]

I couldn't help myself.

[Photo-John]

Eric has three more inches than you. And he knows how to use them.

In the first photo he's drinking all the beer and telling me and Ray lies about his riding and how great the Ribbon Trail is. In the second photo, he's making all our dreams come true. And in the third photo, Francis is proposing marriage.

[Photo-John]

Camping in Sarah and Troy's front yard....

Ft. Jericho and the Surly motorhome.

Something smells funny...

[Hollis]

Originally Posted by KgB

It wouldn't be the FFTF without me breaking my nose.

The light bulb goes off ...KgB = Dude with broken nose at OTE.


Hollis
(Blk Isis...toasted Avid rear caliper)

[tiggerider]

Back to work for me. I hope everyone had a safe trip home. The festival is always to long but then it's to short once all the friends head home. Sorry I missed the whole mtbr gang but that how it goes. So very much going on and It's hard to see all.

Some pics from the holy cross
Sorry I do'nt know how to edit in between them

1 Ken by the wall
2 Mike working the roller
3 Ken showing how to roll the cross move
4 Pete going back up.

[Hollywood]

"Francois got yer ears on?"

I tried y'all on the CB but no luck. But I did have a conversation with a trucker about a bloody car wreck, so that was nice.

the mtbr crew musta been just a day or so on our tail....Gooseberry, Moab, Fruita. I imagined them picking up some dirt on the trails and smelling it..."Hmmm....Hollywood was here not long ago". Long road trips have that effect.

Big thanks to everyone involved with FFTF. My first time and I'll be sure to return. (Note to self: Don't drink from the Surly crew's flasks next time. Or stumble into the Jericho Dome. I found myself laughing at dirt about an hour later).

Thanks to Hfly for the groovy cd. I was too escared to ride his secret Moab ride...puss.

Where the H was Ken in KC??? huh punk?

Threading boulders at Gooseberry


Ditto on Porcupine Rim


PorcRim awaits


Does your LBS have live music, freshly brewed espresso and sweet bikes? OTE in Fruita does, so pfffft.


Home Sweet Home at Fruita's "H Motel". I realized the "H" stands for "Ho" after our neighbors invited some "company" over to their room. *shudder*


Fruita!
HW

[francois]

May 3 Report:
Tue May 3 -- travel from Hurricane to Moab (5 - 6 hours, 340 miles),ride Porcupine Rim Trail

Porcupine Rim... we hear this is the premier ride in Moab. Shuttle ride too. Cool! Rally, the shuttle dog escorts us in the van and bounces from lap to lap. Kyle, our driver turns on the windshield wipers and Rally jumps to the dashboard to chase down the wipers. When we reach the top and the van doors open, Rally looks for the biggest rock on the lot and proceeds to bark at it and knock it around. Yeah, we like Rally.


Rally the shuttle dog in action



Porcupine starts with a 1000 foot technical climb. Just as the FS bike starts to be a drag, a vista point appears and rewards the rider with spectacular views. If there is a better place to take a food break, we haven't found it yet. The ride then proceeds to a fun and technical fire road. It is filled with rocks, drops, jumps and chutes.
                       

                       

Panorama again:

[KgB]

[quote=. At the shop at 9am? I probably will be there anyway to take care of my breve fix.[/QUOTE]
Sweet can you make me one also

[KgB]

Originally Posted by elsaltamontes

but i just wanted to point out that that edge ss is one of the sweetest bikes i've ever seen.)

we built it up this evening over beers at the shop.
Innaugural ride tomorrow in the Bookcliffs.

[Photo-John]

That first Porcupine Rim photo is a winner. Great angle and awesome compressed space. That's the photo I've wanted to take of that section. It's awesome.

[PhillyD]

Back at work in London life already looks pretty grey.
But what a great week.
Riding the best trails. Meeting such good folk. Drinking lots of beer and eating Mexican almost all week. Looking at the helmet cam footage I shot out there already makes me want to go back.
Thanks to Troy and the gang for such a good event ,thanks to all the cool folk from Minnesota, Surly and everyone I met and rode with.

Philip

[Ken in KC]

Originally Posted by Hollywood

Where the H was Ken in KC??? huh punk?

In fact, we rubbed shoulders at the party on Thursday and didn't realize it. I was the drunk guy drinking 1554. Pete mentioned that you were there, but I never could find you and my attention span was somewhat limited as I was focused on other things that night.


Ken

[FreeRangeChicken]

Originally Posted by PhillyD

Back at work in London life already looks pretty grey.
But what a great week.
Riding the best trails. Meeting such good folk. Drinking lots of beer and eating Mexican almost all week. Looking at the helmet cam footage I shot out there already makes me want to go back.
Thanks to Troy and the gang for such a good event ,thanks to all the cool folk from Minnesota, Surly and everyone I met and rode with.

Philip

Hey Philip,

I think you were one of the guys that had dinner with us (Cynthia and Dave) at the mexican restaurant on Saturday night. Can you name the rest of the guys that were on the trip? Sorry, I'm horrible at remembering names and there was so many of you. We had a great time hanging out and talking with you guys. Wish we'd had the opportunity to ride and hang out more with you guys.

FRC

[PhillyD]

Hello Dave, that was us.
Im rubbish with names as well. I was one of the 2 brothers (the taller one) Andrew was the other one, you rode with Dean, Seb and Adam, and Phil was the 6th man in the group. It was really cool to meet you guys. It made me think how much good stuff in common Ive got with loads of good folk, wherever they are from.

Hope Boulder looks prettier than London does right now.
It cant be hard.

Philip

[FreeRangeChicken]

Originally Posted by PhillyD

Hello Dave, that was us.
Im rubbish with names as well. I was one of the 2 brothers (the taller one) Andrew was the other one, you rode with Dean, Seb and Adam, and Phil was the 6th man in the group. It was really cool to meet you guys. It made me think how much good stuff in common Ive got with loads of good folk, wherever they are from.

Hope Boulder looks prettier than London does right now.
It cant be hard.

Philip

Thanks, Philip.

Yeah, mountain biking brings together a lot of great people from all over.

As far as Boulder weather.... It is sunny and mid 70's here, but we're expecting snow by Thursday. Go figure! Weather here is usually very dynamic, but they say Colorado has over 300 days of sun per year. This year has been especially strange. I think you Brits must have brought something over with you.


Dave

[PhillyD]

Yes, it probably was us that brought the weather. Although Ive just been watching my footage I took of porcupine rim and even we wouldnt have brought hail like that.

I'll stick up a link once the film is completed, although it may be a while till it is, as Ive got about 4 hrs of tapes to edit down, including Horsethief, Chutes & ladders, March ridge, Holy cross, the ribbon and loads of clunker crit.

Cheers
Philip

[catch22]

Keep them up! This was going to be my inaugural FFTF but buying our first home got in the way of that. We ended up prepping all weekend and closing yesterday, definitely excited to be a homeowner but bummed it had to be this weekend. I'd been planning the trip for a while and seeing all the good rides/times is killing me. Oh well, guess I'll just have to use it as motivation for making it to FFTF XI next year and I'll definitely be making a trip there in a few weeks after we get moved in.

[Hollywood]

dang. I was the guy hip-shooting Polaroids of people at the party.

I asked Hurl and Sarah about you a coupla times. I ass-umed you didn't make it.

did you pedal any?

next time -
Jeff

Originally Posted by Ken in KC

In fact, we rubbed shoulders at the party on Thursday and didn't realize it. I was the drunk guy drinking 1554.

[FrontRanger]

Some more clunker crit randomness from my collection

cave man with tan lines. who would of thought?

never get too much Roller Girl..........

And yes some pictures should just go untaken.

This was actually the intended trick believe it or not.

[Ken in KC]

Originally Posted by Hollywood

dang. I was the guy hip-shooting Polaroids of people at the party.

I asked Hurl and Sarah about you a coupla times. I ass-umed you didn't make it.

did you pedal any?

next time -
Jeff

I rode the road on a sweet carbon fiber/aluminium Titus demo. No dirt for another 3 weeks.

Yes, next time fo shizzle.

Ken

[J.D.]

Originally Posted by KgB

we built it up this evening over beers at the shop.
Innaugural ride tomorrow in the Bookcliffs.

Sorry to not have had a chance to ride together, which is par for the course for OTE employees during the FFTF and something we're all used to. It's great that you were able to escape the shop as much as you did, which says a lot for the current crew in there. Jon and I switched up rides and went on an afternoon ride where I had originally planned to on singlespeeds. It was a little hacked, but not unbearable at all and the work we had done last Fall has held up surprisingly well. In fact, some parts were just plain fast already. That said, I think some of the best days and rides I've ever been on for FFTF have been on the Sunday of the Festival. Hell, that's where the name "Perimter" was born about seven years ago and that tiedye wearing kook Kristian was on that particular ride. It was good to be back HOME.

[CraigH]

LOL! I just figured that out too...

Good to meet and ride with you KgB.

[CraigH]

Thanks to Troy, Sarah and the volunteers who put on the festivities!

It was great to meet a bunch of new people and ride with old friends.

I had a great time, and will be back next year.

I'll post pics and a write up once I get the photos back from the shop. (still shooting film)

[Photo-John]

FrontRanger-
It was nice to meet you. And these photos are sweet! I like my fisheye for party photos. But it's sort of limiting at an event like the Clunker Crit. Especially when the participants are so unpredictable. I never wanted to get too close. Your photo of roller girl is great!

[francois]

Ok, my wretched life is catching up with me. I can't do my write-ups for a while. If you're insanely curious about photos or you rode with us and want to see your pictures, all 600 roadtrip photos are available here:

http://mtbr.com/author/fruita/

fc

[Shannon-UT]

You know we drove 6 hours to go to the FFTF, but we did not do one thing festival related! We did not intend for this, it just happened this way.

Rode ourselves silly by day and crashed at the campground by night. But we had an absolute blast and loved riding in Fruita. It's an amazing place.

I almost yelled out Sarah to a woman who I thought may be Sarah (I've never met Sarah). Horsetheif Bench on 5/4?

Photo John I like your photos.

[screampint]

That might have been me. I did ride Horsethief that day. I was with one other person (K'Endo)? If I remember correctly I had to move quickly due to impending kid pick up and drop off. I was riding my singlespeed, burgandy in back, pink in front, black rigid fork.

[scorcher seb]

Originally Posted by francois

Ok, my wretched life is catching up with me. I can't do my write-ups for a while. If you're insanely curious about photos or you rode with us and want to see your pictures, all 600 roadtrip photos are available here:

http://mtbr.com/author/fruita/

fc

I'm just insanely curious about pics (and unable to sleep still being on Co time). Nice pics, and good to meet you and the crew, albeit briefly.

[CraigH]

I think this is my favourite...



although I think Raymond took it.

[CraigH]

This one is a close second!

[FrontRanger]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

FrontRanger-
It was nice to meet you. And these photos are sweet! I like my fisheye for party photos. But it's sort of limiting at an event like the Clunker Crit. Especially when the participants are so unpredictable. I never wanted to get too close. Your photo of roller girl is great!

PJ, great finally meeting you after seeing your pictures for so long. Yeah the fisheye is awesome but damn I thought you were going to get taken out by one of the riders. Way to take one for the team, man.

[francois]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

Eric has three more inches than you. And he knows how to use them.

In the first photo he's drinking all the beer and telling me and Ray lies about his riding and how great the Ribbon Trail is. In the second photo, he's making all our dreams come true. And in the third photo, Francis is proposing marriage.

The most amazing riders I witnessed were on 29er bikes.

The first is Eric who was our guide on the ribbon trail in Fruita. He was on an Edge Cycles 29er with cross tires and v-brakes.

On the hike-a-bike section, he rode it. It was insane! Obviously, he is a gifted rider but he loves his 29er and he likes how the contact patch helps him. His climbing was just as impressive.

Photos:

     


     


     


     


Here's a video of the great technical rider Gene on the same section:
http://www.mtbr.com/author/photos/mvi_2383.avi

[BetterRide]

Hey MTBR crew,

I had a great time riding the Ribbon with you guys. That was the first time I have ever seen water flowing over the waterfall and hid under a rock ledge with 11 other riders while a storm passed over. Big props to Eric for riding the "hospital drop"? on his 29'r!

Come play longer next year!

Gene

[lidarman]

Originally Posted by francois

The most amazing riders I witnessed were on 29er bikes.

Well, The most amazing rider I saw was this sweet girl name Megan. She was on her moderate travel Kona riding with the other Canadians who were on Long travel double crown DH bikes and showed us that every single move can be ridden smoothly sight unseen on the first go. EVERY ONE! School was in session.

Francis, you were here when it rained so you know how slippery this section of the ribbon was. She made it looks silly. Then she tore down the portage with a smile later on.

[Photo-John]

Too lazy to carry an extra lens. Gotta take some risks for the cause. I just hope I never get hit by a big fat guy. Only nice, soft girls

[Photo-John]

It was great to meet you, too. And don't worry. We didn't forget about you, even though we were all dazzled by Eric's 29er skills. Here's a little sumpthin for ya. It's one of my favorites from the trip. And there's one of you hitting the same drop Eric flowed, in the gallery. Come give us a visit in Nor Cal!

[tiggerider]

She was so smooth on the bike unreal control.

[BetterRide]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

It was great to meet you, too. And don't worry. We didn't forget about you, even though we were all dazzled by Eric's 29er skills. Here's a little sumpthin for ya. It's one of my favorites from the trip. And there's one of you hitting the same drop Eric flowed, in the gallery. Come give us a visit in Nor Cal!

I thought I was going to hit you in that corner! That is a great shot!

Where is this Nor-Cal that you speak of? I want to ride new trails with new friends.

[Photo-John]

Good angle. But we're going to need to cut down some of those trees to get the shot. Too bad. But the photo is top priority.

I keep thinking about that drop. I need to do it.

Good to see you again, Kevin!

[Acadian]

Originally Posted by FrontRanger

This was actually the intended trick believe it or not.

haha...is this guy trying to compete with Biker Fox?


I'm jealous...looked like a great time!

[Go Kart Motzart]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

It was great to meet you, too. And don't worry. We didn't forget about you, even though we were all dazzled by Eric's 29er skills. Here's a little sumpthin for ya. It's one of my favorites from the trip. And there's one of you hitting the same drop Eric flowed, in the gallery. Come give us a visit in Nor Cal!

Nice shot. What kinda camera and lens?

[scorcher seb]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

It was great to meet you, too. And don't worry. We didn't forget about you, even though we were all dazzled by Eric's 29er skills. Here's a little sumpthin for ya. It's one of my favorites from the trip. And there's one of you hitting the same drop Eric flowed, in the gallery. Come give us a visit in Nor Cal!

The pic of Gene in the gallery doesn't seem to want to work.

[FreeRangeChicken]

Originally Posted by lidarman

Well, The most amazing rider I saw was this sweet girl name Megan. She was on her moderate travel Kona riding with the other Canadians who were on Long travel double crown DH bikes and showed us that every single move can be ridden smoothly sight unseen on the first go. EVERY ONE! School was in session.

Francis, you were here when it rained so you know how slippery this section of the ribbon was. She made it looks silly. Then she tore down the portage with a smile later on.

Megan was very impressive. She made it all look easy. Very cool too.

Talked with Knolly some at Kevin's house after the ride. Really nice guy. Met some of the other northerners too, like K'Endo.

Those Canadians aren't really as bad as they say.

Anyone know Mark? The guy that I was helping nurse the Jack Daniels bottle with at Kevin's? Heard he "took a nap" after that.

Dave

[FreeRangeChicken]

Hey Seb,

Cynthia and I had a great time hanging out with you and the British contingent at the Mexican restaurant on Saturday. Never got in sync with you guys again to buy you a beer later.

Hopefully we'll catch you guys again sometime.

Dave

[lidarman]

Thursday night view from Kevin's.

[cycloscott]

Originally Posted by FreeRangeChicken

Megan was very impressive. She made it all look easy. Very cool too.

Talked with Knolly some at Kevin's house after the ride. Really nice guy. Met some of the other northerners too, like K'Endo.

Those Canadians aren't really as bad as they say.

Anyone know Mark? The guy that I was helping nurse the Jack Daniels bottle with at Kevin's? Heard he "took a nap" after that.

Dave

Ask Pete nicely, he has some pics.

[scorcher seb]

Originally Posted by FreeRangeChicken

Hey Seb,

Cynthia and I had a great time hanging out with you and the British contingent at the Mexican restaurant on Saturday. Never got in sync with you guys again to buy you a beer later.

Hopefully we'll catch you guys again sometime.

Dave

Good meeting/riding with you and Cynthia.

Good meeting everyone I met, actually. The Canadians, some of whom I had already met and ridden with, the NorCal crew, Rich, MTBR, everyone at the Trail Summit, Minneapolis/Surly etc and really good catching up with old friends.

Sorry to have missed a few.

[francois]

Aside from Eric the great, the other impressive ride of the road trip was Randy who travels with Big-Johnny of drunkcyclist.com. Raandy rides a karate monkey with drop bars. Randy is strong. Randy is fast. Randy was always in the top three of a fast group of twelve in the 18-road trails of Fruita.

He has a strange pedaling style though. He seems to never stop. It was only halfway through the ride that I realized he was riding fixed gear. Inconceivable! Why he was riding fixie, I don't know. But watching him go as fast as he did on all kinds of terrain was art.





fc

[Photo-John]

Originally Posted by Go Kart Motzart

Nice shot. What kinda camera and lens?

Glad you like it! But before I tell you what camera I used, I have to make the standard qualifying statement - the camera didn't take the picture. If you saw someone take a corner well, would you ask what bike they were riding? There is also heavy Photoshop post-processing to optimize for color, contrast, sharpness, etc.

That said, a good camera does help. I took this picture with a Canon EOS 10D and the Canon 15mm Fisheye lens.

[lidarman]

Originally Posted by FreeRangeChicken

Anyone know Mark? The guy that I was helping nurse the Jack Daniels bottle with at Kevin's? Heard he "took a nap" after that.

Dave

Marc...Oh yes....I have some photos at home... no news on whether the Petey machine made it home smelling like roses yet.

[cycloscott]

Originally Posted by lidarman

no news on whether the Petey machine made it home smelling like roses yet.

I haven't seen much of Petese here since the return. So he's either editing video, or cleaning the car. And if the brown jersey competition was any indication, I'd lean towards cleaning the car.

Favorite two quotes of the trip...
Jen at the VIP party: “WILL YOU JUST GO POO!!!”
Ken upon walking into Kevins house and not even seeing who was there: "MAN, it REEKS in here!"

[big jonny]

Yep, that'd be the Big Gay Randini.

I'm standing to the side in the one pic because I just had to see how he was going to plow through that rock trap. And, well, he just plowed through it. Go figure.

I never get tired of that guys style.

And, I really must mention, sitting here at work & looking at those pics makes me wish I wasn't sitting here at this damn desk. I think I'm bailing after lunch to get in a little ridey ride.

[CraigH]

Up here in Vancouver, I don't think I've even seen a 29er on the trails, so seeing 29ers in action with skilled riders impressed me too.

I had to laugh at the DC's choice in carbo loading beverage...

BTW Big Jonny, we didn't stop to ride in Boise on the way back after all, we hit rain just outside of Ogden and it didn't stop all the way to Seattle. Thanks for the trail info though, will have to hit there on the next trip down.

[CraigH]

One Mark is Pete's brother in-law. There might have been other Marks there too. (That explains Pete's comment about Mark sleeping in the truck during the Clunker Crit)

Speaking of booze, what was the brand of Tequila that Pete & Kevin were passing around? Pete metioned that Rich was the one who found it, I want to see if it is available up here. I'm not normally a Tequila fan, but that stuff is smooth and actually tastes good.

[big jonny]

Hey man, we were on vacation, why not knock a few back.

Of course, not much is different when we’re not on vacation…

Check out Boise sometime. Fun town, and good riding.

[Ebo]

This whole Fruita thread is awesome. It's hard to kick myself in the ass enough for not putting this on a higher priorty list. Thanks to all for your stories and pic's. I particularly enjoy the fact that some of the best riders out there are riding hardtails, often rigid. Very studly. Hardtails will live on. Cheers.

[CraigH]

You do have a reputation to protect...

We normally have a few too, but not usually during a ride (although lunch while riding in the Whistler park often requires something to wash the dust away).

Will be back next year and will check out Boise.

Would also like to check out the riding in the mountains above Ogden, SLC, Provo & Price. Looks like it should be great!

Looking forward to reading your trip report.

[lidarman]

Originally Posted by CraigH

Speaking of booze, what was the brand of Tequila that Pete & Kevin were passing around? Pete metioned that Rich was the one who found it, I want to see if it is available up here. I'm not normally a Tequila fan, but that stuff is smooth and actually tastes good.

Milagro Anejo http://www.milagrotequila.com/ was the one going around...An excellent value. Taquilas like Herradure, Patron, etc are great taquilas but pricey due to popularity. This is a sleeper brand IMO that is generally less than 3/4 the cost of those others. This is my current favorite but i'm off to mexico next week so I might have a new one when I come back.

..and for those who don't know taquila, Anejo (aged) is the style that is aged up to three years in oak. It seems to have one of the better balances of flavor and smoothness. Reposado (rested) is aged only a few months and generally has a slight kick at the end. Silver is generally the smoothess, but since it's not barrel aged, it has no extra flavors and can be kinda dull for the taquila connoisseur.

...and to top it off, being 100% agave is what makes all these actually taste good. Cheap sugar taquila is ok for a margarita but made from almost half processed sugar...and you can really tell the difference. I see no real purpose of using top shelf taquila in a marg unless it's made from really pure fruit juices and no added sugar.

[scorcher seb]

Originally Posted by CraigH

One Mark is Pete's brother in-law. There might have been other Marks there too. (That explains Pete's comment about Mark sleeping in the truck during the Clunker Crit)

Speaking of booze, what was the brand of Tequila that Pete & Kevin were passing around? Pete metioned that Rich was the one who found it, I want to see if it is available up here. I'm not normally a Tequila fan, but that stuff is smooth and actually tastes good.

There was a bottle of Milagro (Anejo?) that was finished off shortly before we left. Something else might have appeared later. They certainly had it in the local liquor store by Albertson's.

My group was kind enough to give me a bottle of Patron Silver and an OTE flask as thanks for sharing what little knowledge I had of the best rides in the area. Will bring back great memories of a special week. The half full bottle of Herradura Reposado (some of it in the flask) went to OTE, where I doubt it lasted long.

[CraigH]

Originally Posted by scorcher seb

There was a bottle of Milagro (Anejo?) that was finished off shortly before we left. Something else might have appeared later. They certainly had it in the local liquor store by Albertson's.

That was the one. Pete told me it was available at that liquor store, I just wasn't able to hit it before leaving town. I'm hoping it is available up here.

[CraigH]

Thanks for the education.

Just checked the BC liquor store catalog and it looks like I'm SOL. Will have to check down in Washington the next time I'm across the line.

They do have a couple of Anejo listed, starting at $39 to $124 Cdn

Where does Gold fit in compared to Silver?

I'd be curious to know what you find in Mexico. Have a great trip!

[lidarman]

Originally Posted by CraigH

Thanks for the education.

Just checked the BC liquor store catalog and it looks like I'm SOL. Will have to check down in Washington the next time I'm across the line.

They do have a couple of Anejo listed, starting at $39 to $124 Cdn

Where does Gold fit in compared to Silver?

I'd be curious to know what you find in Mexico. Have a great trip!

there are only three types; silver $, reposado $$ , anejo $ and longer aged anejos.

Gold like in cuervo gold is crap with food coloring.

If you want to experiement, go for it and stick with the 100%..try some silver and see what you think if you like smooth. I think Reposado is usually the harshish due to the after kick. I prefer it most of the time but like the anejo the best for balance.

I usually get some really odd stuff in mexico, and can never find it here. But some of it is real crap. I think there is some lying going on sometimes when they say 100% agave for some of the local stuff.

[CraigH]

LOL! Just remembering being in Cabo a bunch of years ago on one of those sunset booze cruises. They had a 5 gallon water container with a photocopied label that said something like "Jose's Tequila" on it. I'm surprised more people don't drown on those things...

The BC catalog lists Golds from $28 to $50 Cdn. Trying crap Tequila in the past is probably the reason I've never been a fan.

Will have to go shopping, will look for the 100% Agave in S, R & A. Thanks!

[FrontRanger]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

............- the camera didn't take the picture. If you saw someone take a corner well, would you ask what bike they were riding?........

most excellent disclaimer! will have to remember that one.

[teddysalad]

Originally Posted by FreeRangeChicken

Anyone know Mark? The guy that I was helping nurse the Jack Daniels bottle with at Kevin's? Heard he "took a nap" after that.

Dave

I'm alive and well! I guess I did do a little "time travelling" as I don't remember packing at Kevin's house and I woke up in the back of Pete's car hearing Troy's voice announcing the Clunker Crit. I also "saw the tiger" in the Wendy's parking lot (by choice...a preemptive strike) and recovered nicely for the drive home.

I'm trying to figure out where I went wrong..light breakfast, no food on the climb or descent of the Ribbon and cap it off with two barley wines and tequila before moving onto Old No.7 with y'all. Scott wasn't hammered. I guess I just needed to ride my singlespeed instead. Seems pretty logical.

Great meeting you!

-Marc

[lidarman]

Originally Posted by teddysalad

I'm alive and well! I guess I did do a little "time travelling" as I don't remember packing at Kevin's house and I woke up in the back of Pete's car hearing Troy's voice announcing the Clunker Crit. I also "saw the tiger" in the Wendy's parking lot (by choice...a preemptive strike) and recovered nicely for the drive home.

I'm trying to figure out where I went wrong..light breakfast, no food on the climb or descent of the Ribbon and cap it off with two barley wines and tequila before moving onto Old No.7 with y'all. Scott wasn't hammered. I guess I just needed to ride my singlespeed instead. Seems pretty logical.

Great meeting you!

-Marc

It took JD to finally get you to join buddy. Welcome to mtbr, fool!

And good to ride with you again!

(PS and you don't remember packing because you didn't pack!)

[teddysalad]

Originally Posted by lidarman

It took JD to finally get you to join buddy. Welcome to mtbr, fool!

Thanks. I've been lurking for years and met many of you. BTW, do 2 posts graduate me from newbie status? I hear there's a guy named Pete who is rough on the cubs.

[K'Endo]

Originally Posted by teddysalad

Thanks. I've been lurking for years and met many of you. BTW, do 2 posts graduate me from newbie status? I hear there's a guy named Pete who is rough on the cubs.

Ahhhh, Pete's all right if you ignore da bum. I suppose that could be tough for you.

Pic taken just north of Green River as I headed home kinda sums up the trip.

Kn.

[scorcher seb]

Originally Posted by K'Endo

Ahhhh, Pete's all right if you ignore da bum. I suppose that could be tough for you.

Pic taken just north of Green River as I headed home kinda sums up the trip.

Kn.

Stunning pic.


I think Pete left anyway. I remember him saying goodbye and everything.

[FreeRangeChicken]

Originally Posted by teddysalad

I also "saw the tiger" in the Wendy's parking lot (by choice...a preemptive strike) ....

LOL.... "saw the tiger" That's hilarious.

I weathered the storm pretty well. I had a barleywine, a beer (or two), then started in on the bottle with you, then some te-kill-ya(thanks to Rich), then some more beer at the crit/party. All-in-all I did well. Never really felt sick, though I was moving a little slow on Sunday morning and didn't do the ride.

Good to meet you too, Marc. Watch out for them tigers.

[Ken in KC]

Originally Posted by big jonny

Hey man, we were on vacation, why not knock a few back.

Of course, not much is different when we�re not on vacation�

Check out Boise sometime. Fun town, and good riding.

Was it an import in a green bottle? Hard core, dude.

Ken

[francois]

The man, the myth. It's good to see you in your element Troy. You and Sarah have a lot to be proud of. You can count on us to be there again next year. And we'll bring more of Norcal into your hood next time.

fc

[tiggerider]

One of the so many good times. This year started with a climb up to the top of the Ribbon.
Riding by 8:30 is good for this group. To meet the main group at 11:00 at the top. It start out great the wing to Andy to the ribbon to the top. Easy pace once we hit the ribbon the rain started not to hard felt good. I never added a layer on the climb I was making enough heat to Boil the rain off. We were early so we had to hang out a bit. Then we meet the group at the top to turn around for the downhill.

1 rain on the rock of the ribbon looks great
2 Bryce on the first drop.
3 KNolly
4 Alex did the greatest line way over to the left inline with the trail. But I missed the shot. Shows I'm not a Pro at pics I had to just watch.

[tiggerider]

Knolly on a secound line
Then it was time for the group to come down.

[francois]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

Yes - right in front of the MTBR crew. Next time, please let me know in advance so I can set up and get the full OTB photo. It was an impressive (and scary-looking) launch. Glad you're ok. And I wish I'd been less sensitive about taking a picture. I should have taken a much closer one

It was great meeting and riding with you. Can't wait for the next time!

KGB, don't worry about it. I don't think anybody noticed your little dab. I don't know what's so hard about that trail though.

And about hitting Marla, it could have been worse. You could have hit Katarina too!

Anyway, I didn't know you were the great KGB until I got home. Great poster, rides an SS and a Turner like moi. We ride so much alike although you are more brave.

Come to my norcal hood sometime I'll show you my crib. We'll come back next year anyway.

Take care of that nose since the ladies will be chasing you when the your Hayes ad hits the news stands.

fc