Saturday, April 29, 2006

Tim on Trail Ridge





So they've started plowing Trail Ridge and Tim had to see for himself. These pictures are from Farview, or nearby anyway. He had fun but by the time he got back home, he was pretty much frozen. Apparently flying down the mountain is colder than the long slow climb; who'd've guessed?! Just kidding Tim, you're a trooper.

Friday, April 28, 2006

Two paths diverged in the woods...


or, two trails diverged in a field and Jim took the one less traveled, and it has made all the difference! I bet if Robert Frost rode a bike, we'd have a lot to read about it! Anyway, this is the end of Prime Cut, again near the Bookcliffs. That is one fun downhill section.

Highline State Park


May 5th-6th Tim will be racing an 18 hour event at this area so the boys were pre-riding the course. Good luck Tim; we like you, but you're crazy! We were out there last week, too, and I found out that if you make one wrong move, you're in the drink. I was tenatively planning to race with him but loose rock in sketchy corners changed my mind.

Prime Cut trail by the Bookcliffs



Jim on his new ride, after the "incident" and still riding!

The Travels of Tim & Jim



Guess which one is Grand Lake and which one is Fruita.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Fred's New Ride!!



Lucky Fred on his new Specialized Roubaix Expert! Sorry to cut off your head, I was obviously focusing on the bike! Have fun Fred.

A Moose, For My Dad


I looked outside and thought, "Gee, town is busy right now!" But then I saw the main attraction: a moose!! I had to take a picture to post for my dad to see. So, here you go.

Boatin' Time


This would be scary to drive in a stiff wind!

Gather Round The Campfire




S'mores, wine, and fun.

B-Day Fruita Trip




This trip to Fruita was (thankfully) a lot less eventful; not even one flat tire! We had a few more join us this time so thanks to Gillmore, Cassidy, and Jon. Good trails and good company (and good wine!). Check out this trail we rode!

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Tim's New Set Up




Check out the next XTR crankset, dual control levers, and then most importantly, the sweet new Jones bar. So much easier on your wrists, these things ride beautifully. A good blend of form and function! The upgrade didn't really take off too much weight but it will be a lot more comfortable.

Vicious Cycles Groover............27.93lbs

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Fruita Fun!





This should save some weight!

A Comedy of Errors

So, where to begin...As you may know, we've been planning the Fruita trip for a little while now; we thought a bunch of people were going to join us and it would be an awesome trip full of riding, camping, and fun. We were a little bit off with our expectations I guess you could say. Everyone seemed to bail on us last minute (luckily we're all going next Tuesday and Wednesday the 18th&19th) but Skinny J, Tim, and myself headed down the road anyway. We traveled through rain, sleet, and snow but thankfully when we arrived there were nothing but blue skies to greet us.
Our first stop was at what we have been calling "Dinosaur Burger" because of the large dinosaur mascot that adorns the top of the building; turns out it's called Munchies and they happen to make a damn fine pepperjack burger. After gorging ourselves there, we decided to hit the trails. Full as all get out, we unloaded our bikes from the truck and applied sunscreen liberally before starting a quick ride to wear out the dogs on Rustler's Loop. Good times.
Then, after dropping off the pooches, we headed up Mary's Loop. The first climb was invigorating and we could start to feel the heat of the day beating down on us. It started off great! Then about 40 minutes into it, after a harrowing rock ledge, and a few other sketchy sections, we stopped to take a picture or two and that's when we heard the hissing. Skinny J. pinch-flatted after jumping up a pointy rock ledge. No problem, we think; we work at a bike shop and are certainly prepared and equipped for whatever the trails throw at us. The 3 of us started digging in our packs for tube-changing gear and no one could believe it: Skinny had some tire levers, I had a patch kit, and Tim thought he had a pump. Thought being the key word. Not one of the 3 of us had a freaking pump!?!! How embarassing! So, Tim and I decided to race back to the truck where we had all of the equipment and left Skinny to his own devices walking his bike down the trail. The ride back to the truck was fast and fun. Tim rode the pump back up and changed the tube. On the way back J flatted again! Back at the truck we discovered that Tim also had a flat rear tire. What bad luck we thought; little did we know.
We loaded our bikes on the top of the truck, left the trailhead, and stopped for apps and margaritas at a great Mexican joint before seeking out our campsite. We decided to stay at Highline State Park for the night and then ride the 18 hour course the next day. After fighting with the permit machine we pulled in and drove around looking for a good campsite. "How about that one by those trees over there?" says Tim. "Looks good" I reply.
And then it happened. Right as Tim pulled into the parking spot we heard a crash and then Skinny started honking in his car behind us. I jumped out to see what the noise was and saw my bike laying on the top of the truck. I think I saw tears coming from my Stumpjumper. When we drove under the trees, a low branch decided to reach out and snag the handlebars of my bike, wrenching the fork and snapping off the dropout. The fork is ruined and so is the bike rack. It turns out that Tim was just really concerned with the bike weight contest, and thought that by removing part of my bike, he'd help me out! Thanks a bunch, Tim. No worries, now I'll probably get a nicer fork!
To make a really long story a little shorter: *forgot fire wood, *didn't bring enough breakfast *couldn't set up the tent, *rented a bike that didn't really work, *sunburns had by all, *3 dogs w/27 cactus needles total pulled from their paws.
Yay for Fruita! We're going again next week! See you there!!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Oh, oh, the Spensio!




JP saw the post of my Pinarello's weight and thought he might give me a run for my money with his titanium single-speed. Close, but not quite. But your stickers get you extra cool points. Oh yeah, I think he's hoping to sell this one-of-a-kind beauty. Post with questions.
Spensio Titanal.......22.54lbs.

More Trail Ridge Riding




Since the weather is getting nicer, we're actually getting some folks to ride with us! Matt and his buddy Amy went with us last night up Trail Ridge Road, once again. Another great evening! Thanks for riding guys!!

Sunday, April 09, 2006

End of Trail Ridge Road


Last night we rode to the end of the plowed section of Trail Ridge Road and back. Skinny J met up with us for a few miles on the way back. Nice night; strange getting home at 7:30 and still having some daylight left!

Willow Creek Resevoir Ride




Another fun 30ish mile ride. We rode to the dead end after a bunch of muddy hills. We got a little rain on the way back, but not as bad as the dark clouds made it look. The clouds definitely made us pedal faster! Good stuff.

Hello Daylight!




We've been so busy riding lately that I've neglected the blog. Last week we put in 80something miles. Here are some pics from our first ride towards Monarch Lake, down CR 6. It was a beautiful night.

Monday, April 03, 2006

My Favorite Bike (and the lightest thus far, incidentally)





It's true, my old school steel Pinarello single speed takes the cake (so far). I guess it should be in a separate single speed class if we're being fair; and we are. This used to be a cross bike and was turned into a single speed not too long ago. My latest addition was the moustache bars, which I love and are perfect for climbing. Keep in mind that the 22.21lbs includes my neon spokey-dokes, cross tires, and rear fender (to get obsessive).

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Frrrruita Trip!!!


Just imagine...epic singletrack, slickrock, beautiful vistas, good company... Come one, come all; join us on a quick Tuesday-Wednesday bike trip to Fruita for some mtb riding. All experience levels will be there; from myself (the beginner of all beginners) to Tim (crazed 24-hour bike racer). So, don't be shy, it's only a 4 hour road trip. April 11th-12th is the date so mark it on your calendars. This is a personal invitation to anyone and everyone who has a mountain bike. I'm also specifically calling out JP, Mattman, Jim C., Wino John & Cassidy, Skinny J, Fireman Mike, the Choates, & Gillmore.
We plan to camp at the state park and grill & chill. It will undoubtedly be one you don't want to miss. So, um, do it. E-mail, stop in, or call us w/questions!!!! See you on the trail!