A rough ride last Sunday - only 2 miles, but my dog got caught in a leghold trap on a side trail off the snowmachine trail. It was minutes after I stopped for the pic. He screamed and flailed and bit at the trap. In the 10 minutes before he was freed, he broke 3 teeth, but his foot, amazingly, is fine. He was able to walk the 2 miles home (I pushed the bike and kept him on leash), but it's wait and see because the teeth are bothering him.
A rough ride last Sunday - only 2 miles, but my dog got caught in a leghold trap on a side trail off the snowmachine trail. It was minutes after I stopped for the pic. He screamed and flailed and bit at the trap. In the 10 minutes before he was freed, he broke 3 teeth, but his foot, amazingly, is fine. He was able to walk the 2 miles home (I pushed the bike and kept him on leash), but it's wait and see because the teeth are bothering him.
Holy ****, that is horrifying! Does your state have laws against setting traps where domestic animals can get caught in them? I would be billing the trap owner for the medical costs
^^ No, I believe he was trapping legally on his own property. We were on unposted trails through his maple sugaring saplines, but apparently they go through his traplines too. He also helped me free the dog, I got it a little open but not enough, so I have to be somewhat thankful. We won't go back though, needless to say.
^^ No, I believe he was trapping legally on his own property. We were on unposted trails through his maple sugaring saplines, but apparently they go through his traplines too. He also helped me free the dog, I got it a little open but not enough, so I have to be somewhat thankful. We won't go back though, needless to say.
^^Thanks all! We got another foot of snow since the pic, so I have to get it packed down by snowshoeing before I can ride out the back door again! The area fatbike trail systems are starting to groom though.
16 weeks post total ACL reconstruction. I've been released to workout at the gym and do a little bit of running. I can jump some - no more than 70 jumprope at a time, 3x a week. PT is going well but he's brutal. I'm on an "active adult" rehab plan, not "sedentary office worker" plan.
16 weeks post total ACL reconstruction. I've been released to workout at the gym and do a little bit of running. I can jump some - no more than 70 jumprope at a time, 3x a week. PT is going well but he's brutal. I'm on an "active adult" rehab plan, not "sedentary office worker" plan.
Good work formica! You are making excellent progress. When do you think you will be ready for riding?
It's been brutally cold (for us anyway) in the northeast for over a week, and it looks like it will continue through next weekend. Despite the cold and holiday obligations, I did get out and ride quite a bit. My FS steed is hibernating and the fat bike is now reveling in its preferred climate. Layers have been key as well as wool socks and a warm pair of snow boots to enjoying my time on the trails.
And this wasn't including the wind chill
Believe it or not, I'm not a big fan of the cold. But there is just something about being on a bike, enjoying the quiet beauty around me, that draws me out, in spite of the chill
White ribbon of trail snaking its way through the field
Some mallards participating in their own Polar Plunge
I had the lakeside trail all to myself
I spied this from the shoreline - kind of reminded me of a Christmas ornament
A splash of red against stark background
The extreme cold weather froze the river... making ideal riding conditions during the holiday period. Temps hovered around -10c to -20c (windchill -15c to -27c)
^^^Great shots Petey and Cyclicious! We've been in the deep freeze in VT, not just record lows, but for an extended period. Quite a few days did not get above 0F. Today was a break, but back into a snowstorm, high winds, and then below zero again. It's been all I can do to keep my trails packed by snowshoe and the pipes not frozen.
I concur with mtbxplorer - great pics cyclelicious! We're supposed to get a couple more inches of snow with the storm blowing up the east coast, but nothing like what they're going to get in Boston. Then it's back to the deep freeze again for a few days. It's funny how warm 23 can feel - isn't it? Especially when there is no wind to go along with it. Stay warm 'xplorer and fingers crossed for your pipes .
Silly selfie after a fatbike ride...did laps close to home, a bit gun-shy since that leghold trap incident, and also concerned for the deer if he were to chase one with this hard crust.
What a weather rollercoaster we've been riding in the Northeast. 61F on Friday followed by rapidly falling temperatures, sleet, freezing rain and then a few inches of snow before temperatures once again plummeting to below zero. I did take the opportunity to get out on Monday, when temperatures climbed into the teens to near 20 for what I jokingly call a "ride". I found out first-hand how difficult it is to break trail, even with fat tires and my low-pressure gauge decided to quit, so I had no idea what I was running in my Surly Nates. Needless to say - I don't like breaking trail, but it did force me to slow down and enjoy the quiet beauty around me.
I encountered a herd of deer that was completely unperturbed by my presence, probably because they were much less encumbered by the snow than I was, lol. A brook that was frozen solid the week before, then freed during the thaw, was once again icing over as I stopped to take some photos. Some dried flowers reminded me that what once bloomed, would again in the spring and even though breaking trail was tiring, I still had a good time out on the bike!
I've been working on this little project for a while now. Hubby surprised me with a ski bike kit and a set of snow blades for Christmas. Today was day #3 and I think I finally have it dialed in.
I built this up from my old mountain bike frame. The old fork needed a service and when I took it apart it turned out to be dead. No worries, I thought, and picked up a cheapo coil fork on Craigslist. The second fork was so stiff that it wouldn't budge when sitting on the bike, or even jumping on it. Fork #3 (an old Rockshox air fork) turned out to be the thing I needed... I finally had sag!
Then there were the bars. First off I tried the original bars... no go, they weren't wide enough and were too low. Next I tried some super wide bars with a big stack of spacers underneath. These were also too low, and horrible on the shoulders. BMX bars turned out to be the right thing... lots more control and no shoulder pain.
So here it is, my franken-skibike. So far I've only been riding the fairly mellow slopes. It's easy to carve long, fast, arcing turns, but surprisingly difficult to make short skidded turns. You have to kind of whip the back end of the bike around, but not too far. It's also very easy to get going way too fast (it's super stable at speed) and then you realise that it's not that easy to stop! It's a fun toy though!
A few laps around the reservoir Sunday. We've had some warm days and some rainy days alternating with cold days, so most of it was clear of snow, even though there is still snow in the woods. I used the 26" commuter with studded tires. Ice is always a bit of a psych out at first before you trust the studs and the ice. It was plenty thick but the top layer was wet and crackly. We went about 5 miles, the dog, who knows!?!
Six months out today from surgery; 8 from the crash. Rehab goes well. I feel fortunate to be working with PT that does "return to sport" rehab, not return to the sofa. I meet with the surgeon in two weeks to assess. I don't know if I get cleared at 6 months or 9---I'm a little confused on this. You can follow the rehab on instagram @geargrrl lot of fun videos... first pedal on the stationary bike.... first box jump... things like that.
Our snow has melted but we're likely due for more snow before spring. It was still fun to ride
Yay 'licious!! So jealous - wish our snow would melt. Could be worse - could be closer to the coast and buried right now. I'm itching to ride my FS bike - my rigid fatty is kinda harsh, lol. Out of curiosity, how wide are your bars? If I recall, you're smaller in stature. I got a new pair of bars for my bike late last fall and didn't cut them down initially just to see how it felt - they were 787mm. They just felt ridiculous. I trimmed them down to 760, which was the length the original bars were. I know you ride downhill, too, so wondered if you had a preference.
^ Hi Petey . Most of the snow is gone but temps at night are below 0c and slightly above 0c during the day. The frost hasn't left the ground so trails are dry. I'm going to ride my Canfield (Balance) today. I'm liberated from studded tires until next year
Re bar width. I've never measured mine but my hubby's are 775mm. Mine are less... so probably around 760.
Still plenty of snow here in Barre VT. Went for a short 3 mile fatbike ride this morning. The conditions were good and then my dog came within inches of biting a porcupine but stopped and came back just in time. Good boy! I was thankful and decided to end on a good note.
Beginning of the season. Lots of time sessioning all the things. Drops, corners, and dirt jumps. With personal stuff, it’s been hard to get any trail time, but at least I have saddle time.
^^^Nice riding, women of dirt! Still snow on the ground here, trail riding seems so far away. Trail work starts up soon though. We had 40mph gusts yesterday, so I expect a lot of blowdowns.
Yay!! Love that smile, 'licious! Always making any ride experience a positive! We've had lots of blowdowns in Upstate, NY, too and who knows when our local trails will dry out. Luckily there's a trail system I ride frequently that has terrific drainage and I can ride - though bringing a folding saw is a good idea. I am looking forward to green shoots and blossoms and warm weather!
Warmer temps this weekend (got to wear shorts!) but trails aren't ready yet for long rides. We did an urban ride on Saturday and found a small trail section where the ground is still frozen.
The LBS sponsored a Take a Kid Adventure Biking Day. There were free helmets for the kids, and a 6 or 12 mile ride on this rail trail through the woods. I was unable to borrow a kid but went to help out.
I hesitated to go on a ride Sunday, but was really glad I did. I told myself, just try it, and you can turn around if it is no fun. I was correct that it turned out to be 8 guys and me that showed up, and while I was not leading the pack I felt I held my own, and made some hills that a few walked (not that I was going much faster, just still on the bike). It was 20 miles of ATV trail, class IV roads, and some gravel roads. We went through Atherton Notch which tells you right there it was hilly. Most opted for their fatbikes, I took the full sus MTB, and one guy did amazing on his monster cross, even in the muddy parts of the ATV trail. I was glad for the suspension on the rough downhills, and to save 4 lbs over my fatbike on the uphills.
In addition to building and maintaining trail, our volunteer trail crew also leads weekly no-drop group rides. I led one last night and promised a beginner-friendly route. The route I chose got good reviews and 4 women showed up, which may be a record for these rides - last week I was the only one. In addition to making it fun for the less experienced, I also tried to show off some of the unique aspects of the trail system, like this lookout, and the granite quarries with big cliffs. I took the pic so I'm not in it:
Awesome pics, cyclelicious! I have been slackin' lately with posts. Just got back last week after an awesome long weekend at NEMBAfest at Kingdom Trails, VT. It was my third time at KT (wish I lived a lot closer!) and the first time for three of my friends. We all had a great time and I enjoyed seeing how much I progressed from my first visit and comfort level with the trails. I wish I had a picture of me descending Sidewinder - what a rush!
NEMBAfest Expo
Heaven's Bench
Cathedral on top of Old Web's Trail
Pond on White School Trails
Gathering at the top of Moose Alley
Moose Alley got interesting right at the start
Awesome pics, cyclelicious! I have been slackin' lately with posts. Just got back last week after an awesome long weekend at NEMBAfest at Kingdom Trails, VT. It was my third time at KT (wish I lived a lot closer!) and the first time for three of my friends. We all had a great time and I enjoyed seeing how much I progressed from my first visit and comfort level with the trails. I wish I had a picture of me descending Sidewinder - what a rush!
NEMBAfest Expo
Heaven's Bench
Cathedral on top of Old Web's Trail
Pond on White School Trails
Gathering at the top of Moose Alley
Moose Alley got interesting right at the start
Niiiice, looks like a great time! I really should go to that next year, I'm only an hour away...
Cool trip and pix petey! I have not been there for a while but always maintain a year-round membership ! Ryetoast, consider the Millstone Wednesday night rides!
A rough ride yesterday, I was on a group ride on pavement, gravel, and trail, and at mile 2 a boxer dog ran out into the road from the other side when he saw us. I yelled at him but he kept coming, and the pickup truck coming the other way kept coming and I knew he was going to get hit. Riding sweep I saw the whole thing. The owner was understandably hysterical and could not approach the dog, so I went to him and petted him and talked to him as he passed, and asked her to get a blanket so we could get him out of the road. I think that helped her a tiny bit to be able to do something. There was a lot of blood and fluid coming from his mouth but he did not seem in terrible pain. Another rider helped me move him with the blanket, by this time he was gone. I tried to say a few comforting words to the owner and asked the dog's name, Liem. She said her husband was coming home in 2 minutes, and when he did he drove in like a crazy man, not even using the driveway, he went right over the lawn and nearly hit the dog. If we had still been moving him we might have gotten hit. We left then, and continued the ride with heavy hearts. The leaders happened to stop later at a graveyard and I said a few choked words for Liem. R.I.P.
^ Very sad story mtbxplorer I think you did everything you could.
When I used to road cycle there were a few times when a dog from a property would run along side the group... it would make me very nervous for my own safety. (as well as for the dog) I would also feel upset that the dog owner would be irresponsible to let this happen. Currently, the back roads I ride now to the trails and where I run long distances, I notice many of the properties have dogs but all the pet owner have taken responsiblity for their dog's (and other's ) safety. Some of the properties have invisible fences, or tether their dogs, one property has a fenced kennel. A pet can escape, though, nothing is really foolproof. It can happen, and it must have been a shocking experience to witness. As a past dog owner (presently cat owner) I feel sad for the owner.
^^^ Thanks for the kind words Petey and cyclelicious, it was very sad. I was glad to be able to give a little comfort to the dog and owner. Three of us went back the next morning with some flowers from one's garden, so that at least they would know we were still thinking of Liem too, and just to be kind. It had been a tough night for them and they had brought him to be cremated. I think he was just a dog being a dog and not 100% predictable, as the woman was right outside with him, he was not left to roam.
^^^ Thanks for the kind words Petey and cyclelicious, it was very sad. I was glad to be able to give a little comfort to the dog and owner. Three of us went back the next morning with some flowers from one's garden, so that at least they would know we were still thinking of Liem too, and just to be kind. It had been a tough night for them and they had brought him to be cremated. I think he was just a dog being a dog and not 100% predictable, as the woman was right outside with him, he was not left to roam.
Yes. So sad. And you being there I am sure made such a difference in comfort and healing. Aloha.
Yes. So sad. And you being there I am sure made such a difference in comfort and healing. Aloha.
I’m sorry about this experience. I didn’t reply to this because this happened a week after we put down our 16 year old dog, and my husband broke his shoulder, then I started a new job.
This post made me really sad, mainly because it brought up memories about me losing my own dog but I can’t imagine how it was to be there Thank you for doing that. RIP.
I remember when I was a kid, I was playing on a street corner with a friend. There was a puppy running around, we didn't know whose it was. A lady turned into the road and she was watching us and completely missed seeing the dog.
Very nice of you to show such support of the owners.
This post is a natural product. Variances in spelling & grammar should be appreciated as part of its character & beauty.
^^ Nice! We had a fun overnight with the LBS. Here's me and "Keeper", but we had a nice variety pack crew of a dozen. That is my 20 year old Litespeed, still a killer machine!
Finally got to ride my new bike today! I went out to the local trails and pedaled around for a few hours getting to know the Spot.
Had a deer dart about 15 feet in front of me that startled the bejeebies out of me since it came out of nowhere, then almost rode over two turtles that were hanging out in front of a log that I was about to ride over. For whatever reason, the pics of the deer right in front of me, won't upload.
I forgot to eat lunch before I left so, I ran out of energy otherwise, I would have stayed a couple of more hours. :-(
The Spot Mayhem exceeded my expectations. I had tested a Niner RIP9 and that bike was very plush and I could feel the bike kind of squirt forward whenever I pedaled hard. The Spot really makes climbing a joy, if you can even believe that. I was expecting it to squirt forward like the Niner so, I was disappointed at first that it didn't. After more time, I started to realize that it does but the acceleration is so smooth that its hardly noticeable. You just motor on and whatever power you put into it, it just goes, and goes, and goes. The front end stays down, even in the granny gear and it'll just motor over and around everything while going up. I actually had fun climbing!
The fit of the bike is just perfect. Cornering makes you feel like you're in the bike vs on it and standing is very comfortable. I wish I had eaten before b/c I was having so much fun and not winded, I could have stayed a lot longer!! My legs and rear end (new saddle) were what held me back so, I never felt like my energy was wasted. If you have a chance to demo one where you live, definitely give it a try!
Sorry, forgot to translate the name Muumi, it is one of these: https://www.moomin.com/en/
They had done some logging in that area and somebody had created that one from old tree. It was nice a surprise when I saw it first time
Leafblowing at Millstone trails in my new trail crew beanie (we have an Angry Gnome trail) last weekend and the first sticking snow on Thursday (Barre VT).
First ride on the fatbike since last winter, I was glad of the extra traction. "Last ride of the year" before the trail system closes for hunting season.
^ Since I posted this ride 2 weeks ago. The weather has been changing: snow melted and the temps have gone up and down. One thing that's consistent is that I've needed to bring along the lights on rides. Still, it's been fun
^^Well done Stripes! Beautiful scenery and bluebird day too! Is a fatbike in your future?
Thanks! Yep it was quite the experience It was really hard to ride in some places. I think I need less psi in the rear. I was running between 10-12 in the front and a little more than that in the rear.
So I built this plus hardtail for winter riding, and I’m trying out snow riding. So I have 3.0 studded wrathchilds on the back. I think I need a 26t on the front though.
I’ve tried a fat bike in the snow. It felt like a bicycle shaped steam roller but it’s the steering that feels weird to me. I think it depends on how much snow riding in the deeper stuff if I do if I end up with a fat bike.
^ Beautiful scenery, Stripes. Riding in the winter/snow is different. There are some advantages to riding a fat bike but you can still get by with wider rims. My winter bike is a 26" hard tail with 2.4 rims. I have studded tires because our trails tend to be icy and I also ride river ice or ponds/lakes when they freeze.
I typically ride 5-10 km to a trail head and I find it smoother and faster on my ht. With the steel bike there is less corrosion due to the road salt.
Our temperatures are probably colder so the less components on the bike ... the less chance of failure (ie no dropper post, or rear suspension). I still get a good workout
^ Beautiful scenery, Stripes. Riding in the winter/snow is different. There are some advantages to riding a fat bike but you can still get by with wider rims. My winter bike is a 26" hard tail with 2.4 rims. I have studded tires because our trails tend to be icy and I also ride river ice or ponds/lakes when they freeze.
I typically ride 5-10 km to a trail head and I find it smoother and faster on my ht. With the steel bike there is less corrosion due to the road salt.
Our temperatures are probably colder so the less components on the bike ... the less chance of failure (ie no dropper post, or rear suspension). I still get a good workout
We get a lot of ice so I opted to outfit my pedalhead (plus hardtail) with 3.0 studded tires. We get a lot of ice here in Colorado so that made more sense to me for now.
The front range is fairly warm for a place that gets snow so I’m not worried about component failure. Also, like yours, my hardtail is steel
Do you find the studs wear out fast if you ride on the asphalt?
Are these N45th tires? I can’t find out what the studs are made of.
Most of the good ones have carbide tips to last longer. Click the specs button at 45N tires and it tells you the material, which look to be steel/carbide or aluminum/carbide. The carbide tip is the part that grips the ice, the steel or aluminum hold the carbide tip. The aluminum/carbide should be much lighter, I have those on Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pros on the 26" commuter. I have worn them down somewhat on asphalt, with some loss of grip noticeable on off-camber ice, but still fine on flat ice.
On Sunday, we did a ride down to the river. Trails were icy (studded tires helped). The recent rise in temperatures caused the ice to break up and cough up big ice chunks onto the banks
On Sunday, we did a ride down to the river. Trails were icy (studded tires helped). The recent rise in temperatures caused the ice to break up and cough up big ice chunks onto the banks
Love you posts licous! Makes me realize I'm such a whimp out here in Hawaii.
^^ Oh wow, you are getting there! I can't even see out of my kitchen window due to the snow (it slides off the roof and piles up), so it feels like forever until trailriding.
After being out for a few months between snow and attempting to snow bike while recovering from a car accident, I was able to get a couple of hours at valmont Sunday.
And I’m finally able to clear the small kicker consistently at the mid point, which is about 6 feet across. Next is the longer part, which is about a 8-10 feet across.
Also, I got quite a bit of height: Russ said I got at least a wheel high, so 27.5”+ inches
Gettin' some gravel with friends. The trails typically are closed until around Memorial Day. This was an hour north but less snow than at home due to being in the "banana belt" near Lake Champlain. A really nice 15 mile loop, even though my friend got a flat (I am in green).
Some Rake AND Ride today,at Millstone Trails...
About 3 hours raking/lopping/sawing/rerouting drainage, followed by an hour or so riding. Not everything is open yet, but the stuff that is open was in good shape!
Hi! All the places you went to are great. We would love to go to these places as well! Visit and maybe try some activities like cycling and running. Thanks for this!
2 weeks ago while on vacation on Vancouver Island, we rented bikes in Victoria and did a 5 hour ride. Rode the mup to Mt Douglas (7% grade steeeeep) and to the top (without a break!) for spectacular views; then around the coast to the downtown harbour. Stopped at Finnerty Garden at university of Victoria, watched the draw bridge, spotted some unusual bikes, spotted harbour home boat.
Victoria has an awesome network of bike lanes and Chris was able to piece together a long and picturesque ride as well as tying in big sections of the Tour de Victoria which is taking place today.
We did a 52km loop on our rental hybid bikes A portion of the ride was 1/3 of the Tour de Victoria century ride
Early in the century race, the top 3 riders in the Tour de Victoria (police motorcade just ahead). They were coming in fast! 2297 more cyclists to follow
Bikecommute home pissed me off , my FB post summed it up:
WANTED: Large black truck rolling coal on Berlin St. Montpelier VT tonight as I biked uphill.
Other distinguishing features: REALLY SMALL D*CK AND LESS BRAINS.
PM me any info. Not the actual truck but you get the idea....
(I don't know how to make GIFs work herre, sorry) https://images.app.goo.gl/XsWS1FVua88HnfoB8
Getting ready for the holiday parade with the LBS peeps. Parade pace is a little chilly with temps in the teens F. Lots of kids braved the weather to see Santa and the cement truck 100% covered with lights.
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Originally Posted by mtbxplorer
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