Hey, guys, I thought I'd start up this thread for our weekly mountain biking activities. We discuss our next ride each time we get together, so PM me (sonicsuby) time/date of the next run!!

We're not pros, we just ride for fun, so if you're a beginner don't worry about coming out with us. We'll work with you :D

NEXT RIDE: Quarry Trail

Some previous rides:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb1.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb2.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb3.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb4.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb7.jpg

I'll be there! :D

wooohooo for SRIC/MTB Squad!
:banana:

come get muddy with us!

I should be there, dunno if I'll get my front derailer tuned before then, but I suspect I'll be sticking in 1st most of the way anyways. :eek:

I'm hoping to be there. I have to deal with mounting wheels/tires and I am still getting over this cold. I'm having trouble breathing so I'm not sure if I'd do too well :o

I'm hoping to be there. I have to deal with mounting wheels/tires and I am still getting over this cold. I'm having trouble breathing so I'm not sure if I'd do too well :o

We can do a simpler trail if you guys want. Cool isn't too bad and Quarry is a breeze.

I'd be down to run Quarry. I was dissapointed I missed it last week :(

I'd be down to run Quarry. I was dissapointed I missed it last week :(

Cool - send out some PM's with time & location.

How long (time and distance) are these rides?

Quarry trail won't be more than 1.5 hours or so. It's 5.5 miles out to the picnic area and another 5.5 back to the cars. It's an easy climb (maybe 3 steep, but short hills) and then a fast bomb back down. :D

I need to be home by 12:00 Saturday, so we need to start at 9:00AM.

Quarry trail won't be more than 1.5 hours or so. It's 5.5 miles out to the picnic area and another 5.5 back to the cars. It's an easy climb (maybe 3 steep, but short hills) and then a fast bomb back down. :D

I need to be home by 12:00 Saturday, so we need to start at 9:00AM.
updated first page, sent out pms. See you dudes then.

I'm all loaded up on carbs now.

I need to go score some mac n cheese :D

I need to go score some mac n cheese :D
:barf:

mac & cheese....i don't think that any nutritional value, unless you count the value of the cup of milk in it...

:barf:

mac & cheese....i don't think that any nutritional value, unless you count the value of the cup of milk in it...
don't you dare talk badly about mac n cheese :mad: :p

Doh, I forgot to load up on carbs. I have been snacking on Ike's Pita bread all day though...does that count?

um, sorta :rotfl:

I'm eating oatmeal and eggs in the morning. I'll be all set. Hopefully I'll be able to breathe :o

Fun ride today (as usual)!

And finally we didn't have Aaron there to slow us down. ;)

lol. That last downhill is kick ass :D

Do these rides/events take place on Saturdays only?

lol. That last downhill is kick ass :D

Did you say you got to 35 MPH down that??? That's crazy mofo!

Do these rides/events take place on Saturdays only?
Typically. We had one ride on a Saturday but a lot of people couldn't make it due to Church and stuff.

Did you say you got to 35 MPH down that??? That's crazy mofo!
34.7 baby! I'm gonna take a pic of my speedo later :D

34.7 baby! I'm gonna take a pic of my speedo later :D

NONOnonononononono!!!!!!! Please no Matt Speedo pictures! :eek:

NONOnonononononono!!!!!!! Please no Matt Speedo pictures! :eek:
lol, bastard.

Do these rides/events take place on Saturdays only?

Typically. We had one ride on a Saturday but a lot of people couldn't make it due to Church and stuff.

What Matt really meant was that we were riding on Sundays, but the only other SRIC people that wanted to ride had church on Sundays so we ended up moving it to Saturdays.

What Matt really meant was that we were riding on Sundays, but the only other SRIC people that wanted to ride had church on Sundays so we ended up moving it to Saturdays.
^^ what he said

Max speed indicator from our last ride:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtbspeed.jpg

Dang! How come the BAIC doesn't have any cool meets like this? Any chance you guys will be comin down to Mount Diablo any time soon? :D

Dang! How come the BAIC doesn't have any cool meets like this? Any chance you guys will be comin down to Mount Diablo any time soon? :D

No, but I'll probably try and do a Mount Tam / Lagunitas ride after the holidays. :)

Dang! How come the BAIC doesn't have any cool meets like this? Any chance you guys will be comin down to Mount Diablo any time soon? :D

SRIC > BAIC ;)

That jogger was stretching right in the middle of that downhill, so I didn't get a chance to reach my terminal velocity.

SRIC > BAIC ;)

That jogger was stretching right in the middle of that downhill, so I didn't get a chance to reach my terminal velocity.
heh. I caught up to her right at the crest of that hill. I was starting to really pick up speed as I passed her and worried that I might throw up a few rocks at her but I didn't care. I wanted to haul some ass down that hill :D.

I got my bike derailleurs adjusted today and the bike shifts perfect now :D

No, but I'll probably try and do a Mount Tam / Lagunitas ride after the holidays. :)
I'm down (if I'm invited :o)

No, but I'll probably try and do a Mount Tam / Lagunitas ride after the holidays. :)

I'd be game too, if it's an open invitation event. I still need to fix my freewheel, but will have that done before then.

Oh, BTW, I'm more of an uphill type of guy. I'm a wuss when it comes to the downhills and ride my brakes. I live for the steep climbs. I'll make a deal...I'll wait for you guys at the top if you'll wait for me at the bottom ;)

Also, what types of bikes are you guys sportin?

I'd be game too, if it's an open invitation event. I still need to fix my freewheel, but will have that done before then.

Oh, BTW, I'm more of an uphill type of guy. I'm a wuss when it comes to the downhills and ride my brakes. I live for the steep climbs. I'll make a deal...I'll wait for you guys at the top if you'll wait for me at the bottom ;)

Also, what types of bikes are you guys sportin?
See, Mike is really fast (or a helluva lot faster than us) uphill, and I'm pretty quick downhills. :)

I have a 2002 Marin Nail Trail.

Oh you ride hardtail then. I have sworn off of those ever since I switched over to dual suspension. Some people actually prefer that, though. To each his own. The only time I ride no suspension is when I'm flatlanding. What do you other bikers ride?

I really want a 2005 Cannondale Prophet 600 but the need to upgrade just isn't there (IE: wife said no) :(

I've got a GT Avalanche 2.0 woot!11 It only has front suspension and a new Shimano crank. I am teh sukc at the uphills, but love the downhills. :D

Anyone know anything about a trailer type hitch for a bike rack? Are there trailer hitches available for WRXs? And what would the price be compared to a roof rack?

I'd be game too, if it's an open invitation event. I still need to fix my freewheel, but will have that done before then.

Oh, BTW, I'm more of an uphill type of guy. I'm a wuss when it comes to the downhills and ride my brakes. I live for the steep climbs. I'll make a deal...I'll wait for you guys at the top if you'll wait for me at the bottom ;)

Also, what types of bikes are you guys sportin?

I'm the exact same way (ripped my arm open at Downieville on a downhill :o ) so don't worry. My favorite ride at Lake Lagunitas is a great climb.

I ride a Klein Mantra which I picked up back in 1998. At the time, it was the best climbing FS I could find.

PS: Our rides are always open invitation. You should really think about a trip up to Sac. We ride on some of the best trails in Northern Kalifornia. :D

Anyone know anything about a trailer type hitch for a bike rack? Are there trailer hitches available for WRXs? And what would the price be compared to a roof rack?

You can get a hitch installed at U-Haul and Yakima sells a trailer hitch mount.

I've got a GT Avalanche 2.0 woot!11 It only has front suspension and a new Shimano crank. I am teh sukc at the uphills, but love the downhills. :D

Anyone know anything about a trailer type hitch for a bike rack? Are there trailer hitches available for WRXs? And what would the price be compared to a roof rack?

I may be selling my Da'Lan hitch soon. I was using to haul tires to the track via my Tire Tail, but I'll probably be getting a trailer for next season. The Da'Lan fits perfectly with my aftermarket exhaust and is a bolt-in installation (20 minutes, tops).

Da'Lan hitch: http://www.izoomgraphics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=32

Installation: http://www.egansworld.com/oldsite/sti_tiretail.html

That might be just what I need. How noticable is it? Does it stick out past the bumper or is it pretty well hidden? How much would you want for it?

That might be just what I need. How noticable is it? Does it stick out past the bumper or is it pretty well hidden? How much would you want for it?

It must be pretty well hidden since you've never noticed it. :p

dang, sounds like i missed a good ride...was that clemetine?
34.7...that's no fair! was that in the road or the trail? if that was pavement, that's cheating!

bagh! spent all sat morning driving around killing time with our daughter, while the wifey was being pampered! :mad:
we did go out to samurai sushi that night on the way home though!:banana:

i ride a Novara Aspen (REI house brand bike)...it's a decent bike...has treated me well, but i'm looking at trying to get into a FS bike...but i won't get one unless i can get a lockout rear...which puts me in the OMG!$$$!!! range...

time to sell a car to get one...maybe a Trek Fuel EX9 or an Iron Horse Warrior Elite...
even the new Giant Maestro suspension looks efficiant...

dang, sounds like i missed a good ride...was that clemetine?
34.7...that's no fair! was that in the road or the trail? if that was pavement, that's cheating!

bagh! spent all sat morning driving around killing time with our daughter, while the wifey was being pampered! :mad:
we did go out to samurai sushi that night on the way home though!:banana:

i ride a Novara Aspen (REI house brand bike)...it's a decent bike...has treated me well, but i'm looking at trying to get into a FS bike...but i won't get one unless i can get a lockout rear...which puts me in the OMG!$$$!!! range...

time to sell a car to get one...maybe a Trek Fuel EX9 or an Iron Horse Warrior Elite...
even the new Giant Maestro suspension looks efficiant...

Nope, Quarry Trail again. Matt hit that on the last big downhill section before getting back to the lot (near where you took a wrong turn :p).

we got to ride Sly Park before the weather changes...this is great riding weather...

Salmon Falls would be a nice ride as well...since it's not to hot...see if we can make it to the end...isn't that about 15 miles in? i love the first section of that trail...eat it and you're going for a swim!:D

Are we going to try and ride this Saturday or does the Holiday schedule screw it up?

as long as i am not rebuilding our bridge i will be down...
my pops is coming down to give me a hand and i know it's gonna be an all day event...
we're supposed to start friday, but if we don't get finished it will bleed over to saturday...
and that's if he can get the railroad ties for the support beams picked up by wednesday...
i'll prolly be wiped out, but i'll still be down to go...

even sat afternoon might work...sly park or salmon falls...either i am down for.
take it to PM maestro.

It must be pretty well hidden since you've never noticed it. :p

Good point. :)

I'm oncall this Saturday so no ridering for me :(

I went and ran Western States again today. I went up the PGE road as far as I could. About 1/3 or so of the way up it gets STEEP :o

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb9.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb10.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb11.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb12.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb13.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb14.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb15.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb16.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb17.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb18.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb19.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb20.jpg

I'm the exact same way (ripped my arm open at Downieville on a downhill :o ) so don't worry. My favorite ride at Lake Lagunitas is a great climb.

I ride a Klein Mantra which I picked up back in 1998. At the time, it was the best climbing FS I could find.

PS: Our rides are always open invitation. You should really think about a trip up to Sac. We ride on some of the best trails in Northern Kalifornia. :D

Awesome! I'd consider takin a trip up there. Or, when do you plan on hittin Tamalpais? The first of the year sometime?

So I'm not too far behind in the SRIC bike scene, then. Mine was manufactured back in 1998 or so, also. I have no need to buy a new one anytime soon...this does everything that I want it to. I run with a Pro Flex 957. :) Dual suspension, carbon fiber front and rear forks, and the like.

man...that looks awesome!
this pic here:
http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/mtb20.jpg
there was a two page spread of someone bombing that trail from the top in Bike Magazine a few months back...
always wondered where it was...
we were even talking about it when we went last time...
i wanna go see it now...so is the PG&E trail fun on the way back down?
the switchbacks looked pretty hairy...

i'm trying to talk the wife into getting me the Sigma Dual 5/20W headlights for Christmas, so i can get up early and start riding before work...a nice 5am-6:30am ride every morning ought to cure my "chubby hubby" syndrome.

Up to the point where I took those pics the trail is easy going up and it's pretty fun coming down. From that point up though, I'd be surprised to see even Mike power up it. That hill is STEEP.

If you can find the copy of Bike magazine with that trail on it, I would absolutely love to see it.

Also, off the sides of the PGE switchbacks is a pretty sweet looking single track/downhill kill yourself through the woods lookin thing. Pretty sweet.

I think I've given up on getting a new bike. I had mine in the shop the other day and they told me my bike was in perfect condition. So good in fact that they didn't even charge me for a tune-up, just for a derailleur adjustment. The real thing I think I need right now is some new pedals and shoes so I can clip in. I'm tired of slipping off my pedals and I think clips will help me climb a bit better.

i'll try to find it and throw it in the wagon before the next ride...it's in the stack next to the head in the bathroom...it's the only magazine i really keep around...and my $1/year subscriptions just ran out...
bagh!
been getting that rag for over 3 years now (total investment $2...first year was free), but i think it's time to actually pony up and subscrbe at full price...*cringes*

Supergo.com has some killer deals on F/S bikes right now...
http://www.supergo.com/product_images/medium/SG30_1776.jpg
Iron Horse Warrior DS Trail (http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=26566&lsubcat_id=7&lcat_id=7604&referpage=) is only $499...prolly a bit heavy for a XC bike but good for freeriding...
then there is also the IronHorse Azure Comp (http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=26629&lsubcat_id=7&lcat_id=7604&referpage=)...F/S XC bike
http://www.supergo.com/product_images/medium/SG30_1779.jpg
...which is the one i have my eye on...but it's still $1899...:eek:

they also have a Maverick Disc F/S (http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=26633&lsubcat_id=7&lcat_id=7604&referpage=) for $649
http://www.supergo.com/product_images/medium/SG30_2785.jpg
...which i was also looking at....nicer front fork and an air rear shock, better than the Warrior Trail.

then there is also the IronHorse Azure Comp...F/S XC bike...which is the one i have my eye on...but it's still $1899...:eek:
yowza. I wanted to buy the Cannondale Prophet 600 - full suspension, adjustable rear geometry for xc/downhill, xt rear derailleur, disc brakes, lefty front fork, BRIGHT red, so sexy. REI has it at $1000 right now :( And the Prophet 800 - all black, XTR components is only $1399.

BTW, Matt , I have some clipless pedals for ya. Remind me tonight. All you'll need to do is buy shoes ajnd SPD cleats.

i like the cannondales, frame is cool but i just don't know if i dig the "lefty" front peg-leg...
seems problemmatic to me...too much load and what do you really gain in the end?
maybe a pound or two...
but if you're that worried about weight, i'm sure we all have a pound or two we could shed in honor of lightness.

BTW, Matt , I have some clipless pedals for ya. Remind me tonight. All you'll need to do is buy shoes ajnd SPD cleats.
score!

and in return aaron just asks for free rent for one month...:D

yowza. I wanted to buy the Cannondale Prophet 600 - full suspension, adjustable rear geometry for xc/downhill, xt rear derailleur, disc brakes, lefty front fork, BRIGHT red, so sexy. REI has it at $1000 right now :( And the Prophet 800 - all black, XTR components is only $1399.

The XTR components aren't worth the price differential IMHO. The only XTR part my Klein came with was the rear derailleur, and that's really the most important part out of the set.

The XTR components aren't worth the price differential IMHO. The only XTR part my Klein came with was the rear derailleur, and that's really the most important part out of the set.
I agree and I actually dislike the shifters on the 800. If I had the money to spend on either of those two bikes right now, I'd buy the 600 no question.

I think the 800 has other stuff upgraded though - like a better fork and the like. Not sure as my interest has always been on the 600. That bike is beyond hot.

i like the cannondales, frame is cool but i just don't know if i dig the "lefty" front peg-leg...
seems problemmatic to me...too much load and what do you really gain in the end?
maybe a pound or two...
but if you're that worried about weight, i'm sure we all have a pound or two we could shed in honor of lightness.
I don't worry about durability of that fork just because they've used it in racing and it's been pretty good. My biggest fear with that fork is how it would mount to my bike rack :o

http://qnck.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p1882548nm.jpg

^^^
My dream bike!11 :o

http://qnck.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p1882548nm.jpg

^^^
My dream bike!11 :o
Dora!

[cheerfully rings thumb bell..."cling cling cla-cling"]

man i wish i had my go-kart here

man i wish i had my go-kart here
:confused:

uuhhh.......?

so, is anyone gonna be around to ride fri or sat?
i may be out of the game on sat...looks like the lumber yard i need to pick up the support beams at won't be open on friday...:mad:
but i'd be down to ride friday...anytime in the morning...

who's up? PM before 5:00 and i'll drop you my celly.

I just pmd you - I was out cleaning up the power wagon :) I'd be down to do Salmon Falls provided my cell phone will work out there. Do you have any idea? I'm oncall so I have to be able to answer my phone should it ring.

You should still get signal at Salmon Falls.

I won't be back until Saturday afternoon, so have a good ride. We'll catch up next week.

okay...i'm down but got no confirmations on anyone showing up...call or PM with times...i'll checkin when i get up in the morning.

I can't make it, sorry! :(

is okay...i am sitting at home...its raining hard up here...
i don't mind going out if its wet, but when it's coming down and cold, i don't think it will be much fun.

lets try to hit something next weekend.

is okay...i am sitting at home...its raining hard up here...
i don't mind going out if its wet, but when it's coming down and cold, i don't think it will be much fun.

lets try to hit something next weekend.
word. Sorry I never got back to you. I had reservations about committing myself to something this morning. I'm glad I didnt' - I slept so good :D.

I'm DEFINITELY down to ride next weekend. No oncall + no Saturday night work = funtime for sonic.

is anyone going tomorrow?
since its rainy i might not start my project and would still ride in the morning...
if anyone goes, let me know.

I'm out...still recovering from Turkeyday and my Black Friday shopping spree. :)

is anyone going tomorrow?
since its rainy i might not start my project and would still ride in the morning...
if anyone goes, let me know.

I don't think I'll be back in time. I will be riding somewhere Sunday, even if it's just the American River Pkwy. I need to work off the 20 lbs of food I ate. :(

If you guys ever organize a Sunday ride, post it here or let me know.

We riding this weekend? I'm going to Egans on Saturday for the install day (that's the fourth, Aaron :p). Sunday maybe? If it's dry, I'd be down to hit American River parkway again. Though I don't want to actually hit it like last week, just ride down it.

Isnt the install day on Sunday (12/4?)

Yes it is. sonicsuby needs to follow his own advice regarding the calendar. :rolleyes:

Mattowned. Install day is Sunday.

OMG! :rotfl: iCal for you for Christmas...

its okay...i'll share with you...:p

dammit ****. I keep thinking 12/4 is Saturday. My days are screwed up.

Duh duh du du duh dumbass. :)

So what do you guys want to do Saturday? Clementine, Quarry, Sly Park, T-Will's Mom?

Just let me know...

So what do you guys want to do Saturday? Clementine, Quarry, Sly Park, T-Will's Mom?

Just let me know...

I don't think my tires are knobby enough for the mud on the backside of that trail.

I don't think my tires are knobby enough for the mud on the backside of that trail.

Doh! :p

:rotfl:

I don't think my tires are knobby enough for the mud on the backside of that trail.
OUCH!

i'm not possitive but i think Sly Park has snow...i can call my parents who live up there and find out...

Salmon Falls?
Quarry puts me to sleep...like riding Am River trail but dirt...the downhills are fun but it's too much like a fire road the entire way...

Salmon Falls sounds fun..

doh! just found out i have to work...:mad:
too much backlog...i might try to go early and still hit it and get to the office by around 10:00 or so...we'll see how into getting up early i am on sat morning...have fun gents.

I actually may be out if my leg doesn't recover. My knee is a bit bruised and my leg has been hurting today/yesterday while walking :(

I actually may be out if my leg doesn't recover. My knee is a bit bruised and my leg has been hurting today/yesterday while walking :(

What did you do to your knee? :confused:

How about hitting Cool on Saturday? It should be a muddy mess. :D :banana:

I wanna wait until I get a bike rack so I don't mess up my bike while transporting in the trunk, so I don't think I'll make it this weekend.

Fine. I'll go ride by myself. :(

:p

What did you do to your knee? :confused:
Last week when I landed on it during our ride, it seemed fine, but as the week has gone on it's become clear that I did some bruising :(

So am I riding by myself tomorrow? :(

I'm pussing out to the max. I've got a bunch of stuff to do tomorrow and then an afternoon appt for my refi. Sorry, dude.

So am I riding by myself tomorrow? :(
don't feel bad...i'm thinking i'm gonna be riding by myself if i go tomorrow also...
if i do go it's gonna be a early morning ride...like 7am or something....
got too much work to do to get started any later...

all depends on what i feel like in the morning. i may just lay in bed and enjoy sleeping in.

welp...i ended up laz-ing out and sleeping til 9:00...felt good to sleep in that late for once...
crawled out of bed and came to work...(yea!:( )

today would have been a really nice day to go too...oh well.
whens the next good weekend? egan, did you go today?

welp...i ended up laz-ing out and sleeping til 9:00...felt good to sleep in that late for once...
crawled out of bed and came to work...(yea!:( )

today would have been a really nice day to go too...oh well.
whens the next good weekend? egan, did you go today?

Nope. I mowed the lawns, blew the leaves around, and put up the Christmas lights and Snow Globe. I'm beat!

I was up at my parents in the morning anyways, hopefully I'll have time to make it to the install day tomorrow to get a hitch put on, then all I need is a bike rack.

So, what are we doing this Saturday? :D

I was thinking maybe American River Pkway in the mid day timeframe (like 12ish). I have finals next week and I have to work Saturday night so I don't have a lot of free time this weekend :o

i'll be riding my office chair sat...
stinkin printer moved up our deadline for print cus of the holidays so i just lost two days of production on an issue we're already behind on cus of thanksgiving...YEAH!
time for more 24hr shifts...woooooo!:rolleyes:
looks like i will be starting the daily threads for the next couple days...:(

where's my rockstar!!?!??!??

I'm still saving a bit to buy a bike rack...might not be till after Christmas... :(

I don't think I'd be able to make a noon ride this Sat. Where's the American River Parkway start and what's the difficulty level?

I'm still saving a bit to buy a bike rack...might not be till after Christmas... :(

I don't think I'd be able to make a noon ride this Sat. Where's the American River Parkway start and what's the difficulty level?
Starts by Egans house and it's really easy (just watch out for soft sand :().

anyone riding tomorrow?

i have today off so i think i will have the chore list for tomorrow done today and might have some "free" time to pedal in the morning.

sly park or salmon falls anyone?

I'd love to go but we're heading to Capitola for my company's Christmas party. We're probably leaving around noon so a morning ride is still out for me. :(

I've got tons of stuff to take care of today...

I'd love to go but we're heading to Capitola for my company's Christmas party. We're probably leaving around noon so a morning ride is still out for me. :(


Have fun in Crapitola ;)

Anyone want to hit up Quarry Trail or Cool Saturday morning. I figure we can get in a quick ride before having to attend family functions.

I'd be down for Quarry me thinks. Cool is going to be messy messy ;)

Anyone want to hit up Quarry Trail or Cool Saturday morning. I figure we can get in a quick ride before having to attend family functions.
hhhmmm...maybe...i found quarry to be a bit boring cus it's not a challenge. more like riding an old dirt road. its a good workout and nice scenery every once in a while but just a bit "blagh" when it comes to trails.

i'll check w/ the wifey and find out what time my mom said to come up that afternoon.
if we have enough time i'll shoot out there.

if not i might ride Friday since i'm off if the rain lets up a bit.

hhhmmm...maybe...i found quarry to be a bit boring cus it's not a challenge. more like riding an old dirt road. its a good workout and nice scenery every once in a while but just a bit "blagh" when it comes to trails.

i'll check w/ the wifey and find out what time my mom said to come up that afternoon.
if we have enough time i'll shoot out there.

if not i might ride Friday since i'm off if the rain lets up a bit.

I agree, but it is quick. I don't think we could do one of the more fun trails within the time limits we will all have for that day.

And Matt brings up a good point about the other short ride. However, I'm not sure if that point is meant to detract or encourage me. ;)

heh, I don't want to get too caked in mud. What time do you guys want to finish up? I need to be on my way home by 12 or so because I've got stuff going on later in the day ;)

heh, I don't want to get too caked in mud. What time do you guys want to finish up? I need to be on my way home by 12 or so because I've got stuff going on later in the day ;)

I'd like ot be home by noon. That means finishing the ride by 11:30 or so. We should be able to complete Quarry in 1.5 hours without too much trouble. So let's say a 9:00-9:30 start time? 9:00 would be better, but will be colder.

Saturday looks to be no rain, low of 46, high of 64.

9am it is

Have fun guys! I have something going on in the morning so I won't be able to make it.

Have fun guys! I have something going on in the morning so I won't be able to make it.

Are you getting the rack/carrier for Christmas? :D

Are you getting the rack/carrier for Christmas? :D

That would be great! But I doubt it, I told my parents not to get me anything since they're helping me buy a place. :o

Well hurry up and get a damn rack then!!!! :p

I got my parents to buy me a fairing for my racks :D

i need a fairing as well...i forgot to ask for one this Christmas.:(

prolly better off, cus the wifey would have walked into REI and paid full pop for one and i can get them on eGhey for less all day long.

plus i really wanted a pair of supertones, so thats the only car related thing i asked for, hoping to increase my chances...although the wifey doesn't see "upgraded horn" as a major neccessity.
i keep making little comments about the OE horn to increase my chances.

i think i should be able to make it on Sat...i wanna check out the Quarry/PGE but i don't know if we'll have the extra time.
matt i have that Bike mag w/ the photo and i'll be sure to bring it if i come.

i think i should be able to make it on Sat...i wanna check out the Quarry/PGE but i don't know if we'll have the extra time.
matt i have that Bike mag w/ the photo and i'll be sure to bring it if i come.

We'll have time. Come out!!! I'd be down to see if we can get up that trail :D

wooo. i wanna see how steep it is in person...
the guy in the photo looks like he's cookin coming off that trail and he's rockin a F/S bike and a full face helmet so it makes me think it's pretty severe.

wooo. i wanna see how steep it is in person...
the guy in the photo looks like he's cookin coming off that trail and he's rockin a F/S bike and a full face helmet so it makes me think it's pretty severe.
I'll bring my camera. If you can get up there I'll take the pic of you coming down ;)

I'll bring my camera. If you can get up there I'll take the pic of you coming down ;)
uuhh...yeeeaaaahhh.:rotfl:

I might have to show up for this one. Could I swing by your place in the morning, Matt?

I might have to show up for this one. Could I swing by your place in the morning, Matt?
Definitely. Be here around 7:30. I'll leave at 8 ;)

I might have to show up for this one. Could I swing by your place in the morning, Matt?

Sweet!!!

wo0ho0! new blood!

just for that, you can have first decent on the quarry BOMB...i'll letcha'.;)

you know how friggin cold it's gonna be at 9am?
dang! wish this was AFTER Christmas...
i know the wifey got me some cold weather gear hiding behind a bow under the tree...
i accidentily stumbled across an email confirmation of an order shipping from a online bike place when i was checking her email for her...oops! :D

wo0ho0! new blood!

just for that, you can have first decent on the quarry BOMB...i'll letcha'.

you know how friggin cold it's gonna be at 9am?
dang! wish this was AFTER Christmas...
i know the wifey got me some cold weather gear hiding behind a bow under the tree...
i accidentily stumbled across an email confirmation of an order shipping from a online bike place when i was checking her email for her...oops!

Ya, all of my cold weather riding gear is under the tree too. :(

So who's up for a day after Christmas ride? :rotfl:

9AM Saturday shouldn't be too bad since the overnight low is only 45. It was 42 last time we rode it!

45 in sac means 42 in the hills...add in the canyon and the river you're looking at pockets of the mid to upper 30's!

believe me, my house is in a canyon and there is a creek between our house and the road...
it is always 5-10 degrees cooler at our house than it is in the rest of the town cus of the creek and the deep canyon.

but i'm still down!

thinking of getting some disc brakes...trying right now to figure out how to justify them to the wifey...
they're only $29ea end on a one day Christmas sale at Jenson!
and they're 8" rotors...they're still cable but no more rim brakes!
means i have to pick up a set of disc wheelset too, but they have a decent set for like $89.
and i do need a new wheel set...:D

Does a disc brake setup make up for the lost leverage when you move the friction point from the rim to a smaller diameter disc?

Does a disc brake setup make up for the lost leverage when you move the friction point from the rim to a smaller diameter disc?
well when you compare the friction coefficient of rubber on aluminum to carbon on steel...yeah it makes up and exceeds the ability of the standard rim brakes.

plus aluminum was never a good idea for a braking surface...over long periods of time you can actuall wear thin spots in the rim (extreme conditions or neglect)...leading to rim failure.

I'm really looking forward to riding Saturday :D :D

so do i spend the $90 on the brakes and new levers (price after tax & fright)?
my dilema is how do i justify it...
or do i just throw it on a credit card and try and see if it 'floats' by the wife's eagle eye on the statement? (this, BTW, is a BAD idea!)


there HAS to be a way to get these ordered by today...hhmmpfh...
i wish i had some cash on my paypal account that i could just transfer over...but i haven't sold anything on ebay lately (although i have TONS of stuff i need to list).

When your wife kills you do you think she'll give me your disc brakes?

so do i spend the $90 on the brakes and new levers (price after tax & fright)?
my dilema is how do i justify it...
or do i just throw it on a credit card and try and see if it 'floats' by the wife's eagle eye on the statement? (this, BTW, is a BAD idea!)


there HAS to be a way to get these ordered by today...hhmmpfh...
i wish i had some cash on my paypal account that i could just transfer over...but i haven't sold anything on ebay lately (although i have TONS of stuff i need to list).
Get your brakes and something expensive for her as a last minute xmas gift. Her gift should be able to hide the extra item for yourself.

i'll put it in my will!

dibs go to matt.



honestly, i'm gonna order them i think and just pull the money out of our savings and replace it when i make the deposit next...it's half my new raise, so i am looking at it as a little gift to myself for the raise.
then next couple paychecks i will put aside some extra for a wheelset.
if she gives me greif, i'll bring up the fact that i went over $100 on her budget for gifts for her this year.

45 in sac means 42 in the hills...add in the canyon and the river you're looking at pockets of the mid to upper 30's!

believe me, my house is in a canyon and there is a creek between our house and the road...
it is always 5-10 degrees cooler at our house than it is in the rest of the town cus of the creek and the deep canyon.

but i'm still down!

thinking of getting some disc brakes...trying right now to figure out how to justify them to the wifey...
they're only $29ea end on a one day Christmas sale at Jenson!
and they're 8" rotors...they're still cable but no more rim brakes!
means i have to pick up a set of disc wheelset too, but they have a decent set for like $89.
and i do need a new wheel set...:D

The 45 low I quoted was for Cool, CA.

Do they make anti-lock disc brakes for bikes? :)

Do they make anti-lock disc brakes for bikes? :)
Yeah, the cable is just REALLY loose so you can't squeeze hard enough to lock em ;)

hey gents, i won't be making it tomorrow.
i ended up working today with a freind plastering (made teh cash to order the disc brakes:D)and i'm whiped!

i also haven't seen the wife much, so i am gonna stay in tomorrow.

have fun!
i'll try to make it again in the future.

Matt, are you still coming?

Yep. I talked to Rich a little earlier. He'll be here at 7:30 ish so we should hit the hill by 9 :)

See you out there!

I'll be leaving in 5 to 10 minutes. See you guys in a little bit.

I'm up, making some breakfast :D

I'm up, eating breakfast, and I feel like ish. I'm sure the cold mountain air will help. :o

Today was a good ride. The only thing that sucks about it being so muddy is that you come home smelling like horse crap :rotfl:

I don't smell like horse crap. I smell like Old Spice. :D

That was a good ride to fend off the massive amounts of food I am about to eat.

That was a good ride to fend off the massive amounts of food I am about to eat.

AMEN to that.

Good times, guys. I'll definitely have to make it out again soon.

hey yall...
glad you all had a good ride.
i was BEAT! i was up at 5:00am and packed scaffolding and scrubbed stucco half Thurs and ALL Friday...i was so sore on Sat i would have been such a wuss!

i'll def make it out next time...got some really fun goodies for riding...couple long sleeve jerseys, a vest jersey for summer, a new LX rear derailiuer and ordered my 8" hayes disc and new LX brake levers...

i'll def try to make it next time!

So, uh, we riding on New Years Eve? Will be a good way to work off all the alcohol we'll be hammering later that night ;)

When summer time comes around, would anyone be interested in doing a Northstar meet of some sort? I always go to Northstar and mountain bike (downhill) there. Theres still alot of time between now and the summer so we can think about it.

i've wanted to check out NS@T for a while now...last year they had a package special for $69/pp for double occupancy and two lift tickets...
so you could go early one day, ride all the XC stuff that doesn't require lifts and then check in, get some grub and sleep then hit the lifts and do the big runs day two...or visa versa.

i'm hoping they have a similar deal this year cus i want to go!
my sister's b/f said Heavenly is open summers for trail riding also, but i don't think they have all the bike specific stuff like the park at NS...

i'll be interested in going up this summer for sure!

I'm definitely going to Northstar over summer. No question about it ;)

So, uh, we riding on New Years Eve? Will be a good way to work off all the alcohol we'll be hammering later that night ;)

Hell yes.

If no other reason than there will be no possible way to ride the next day. :p

Yeah, no one wants a BUI on New Years :rotfl:

Yeah, no one wants a BUI on New Years :rotfl:

And puke on the side of the trail will attract the mountian lions. :eek:

So what trail do you want to hit this weekend? I'm really not interested in Olmstead because of that flat lands part with the thick dirt - I don't feel like kicking caked mud off my brakes. Any new trails we could hit or anything like that?

So what trail do you want to hit this weekend? I'm really not interested in Olmstead because of that flat lands part with the thick dirt - I don't feel like kicking caked mud off my brakes. Any new trails we could hit or anything like that?

I'd bet Sly Park has snow now after that pleasant week long storm. Let me check my mountain bike book tonight and see if it jogs my memory for other good rides.

no snow at sly park yet...snow level has been well above 5000'.
sly park is just under 4000' (about 3800'+)

my parents live in pollock, so i always know when they get snow cus our daughter loves to go up there and sled so my parents call right away when they get any snowfall.

other trails could be salmon falls, sweetwater, or the RxR trail from pville to shingle springs...i haven't done it yet, but i've heard it's a decent ride...one part, crossing webber creek canyon, you have to ride about 3/4 mile on a truxel bridge...you can see straight down into the mouth of the canyon as you're riding...heard it's pretty cool, but kinda sketchy. might be really scarey in the wet/rain.

hhmm...what else is around?
there's flemming meadows above Sly Park, (still below snow level) and also there is more trails in the N/S fork canyon around Auburn/cool area we haven't ridden yet.

there is also supposed to be some good trails in Amador county, but i don't know where any of those are, and it's a full day to go all the way out there if we do find a good one.

any other ideas?

We could always do Clementine with or without Stagecoach.

The only other rides in the area I remember are Michigan Bluff (ride of death, 5000+ feet of vertical climbing :eek: ) and Stevens Trail which is uber technical.

here is a good site i found on the US Forestry site that shows non-motorized trail usage in the area.
most of them are stuff we'd have to do in the summer time since most are close to the desolation wilderness, but something to bookmark and look into later this coming year:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/recreation/trails-nomoto/

here is a good site i found on the US Forestry site that shows non-motorized trail usage in the area.
most of them are stuff we'd have to do in the summer time since most are close to the desolation wilderness, but something to bookmark and look into later this coming year:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/recreation/trails-nomoto/
Those look like fun!

i thought we could check some of them out this summer.

i love those areas and thought hitting them on a bike might be even more fun!
looks to be quite a few trails, so we could have a variety of riding fun all summer long.

i'd love to do a week long trip thru desolation wilderness, but they don't allow bikes on the trails in DW...:mad:

i thought we could check some of them out this summer.

i love those areas and thought hitting them on a bike might be even more fun!
looks to be quite a few trails, so we could have a variety of riding fun all summer long.

i'd love to do a week long trip thru desolation wilderness, but they don't allow bikes on the trails in DW...:mad:
We'll have to camp and do some bike riding this summer. I'd be down to find a camp ground close to Northstar for some good camping and bike riding at the resort :D

We'll have to camp and do some bike riding this summer. I'd be down to find a camp ground close to Northstar for some good camping and bike riding at the resort :D

I know some killer trails out in Sequoia Nat'l Forest. Great camping too. :banana:

so gents, do we have a destination and time for this saturday?

guess we take it to PM at this point.

so gents, do we have a destination and time for this saturday?

guess we take it to PM at this point.

Is the weather going to cooperate? I'm no puss, so I'll ride in the rain - how about the rest of youz?

I'm kind of a puss

I'm kind of a puss

We know. My response was directed squarely at you. :p

Tomorrow's weather forecast for Cool, CA:


Tomorrow: Windy with a heavy, steady rain in the morning. Rain showers continuing in the afternoon. High near 55F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.


Doesn't look good... :(

Monday is listed as "showers". Maybe we shoot for a ride then???

I'm down for Monday.

monday is my last day to sleep in...but i'll try.


as for the forcast on Sat...looks perfect for Olmstead! :D

i say that now...but get me out there when it's downpooring and i might change my mind.
i honestly don't mind riding when its wet & muddy, even a little drizzle, but when the rain is coming down it gets kinda miserable. i tried it once from home...i didn't get far.

monday is my last day to sleep in...but i'll try.


as for the forcast on Sat...looks perfect for Olmstead! :D

i say that now...but get me out there when it's downpooring and i might change my mind.
i honestly don't mind riding when its wet & muddy, even a little drizzle, but when the rain is coming down it gets kinda miserable. i tried it once from home...i didn't get far.

I used to ride all the time in the rain in Davis. It made the boring flat trails a bit more fun. But once it starts downpouring, I can't see for squat.

yeah the downpoors and the wind are making me question a Sat morning trip...

can't imagine getting pummled by pea sized raindrops while the wind blows me sideways...
not my idea of fun.

i hope its not as bad as they say.

while the wind blows me sideways...

I love getting blown sideways http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/quagmire.gif

I love getting blown sideways http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/quagmire.gif

You forgot the "biotch!" on the end of that statement!

I wish summer would hurry up!!!

FUN (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8290160087791234843&q=Mountain+Biking)

that's it!
i'm getting the mag to let me write a story on NorthStar MTB park this spring for one of our summer issues!!!
maybe i can get them to even foot the bill for the weekend!

that's it!
i'm getting the mag to let me write a story on NorthStar MTB park this spring for one of our summer issues!!!
maybe i can get them to even foot the bill for the weekend!
You'll need to get friends opinions. I'd gladly offer my opinion of the weekend if the magazine takes care of the bill :D

You'll need to get friends opinions. I'd gladly offer my opinion of the weekend if the magazine takes care of the bill :D
well the "cheapest" way is the double occupancy deal w/ two lift passes for $59 ea (http://northstarattahoe.com/info/summer/mtn-biking-packages.asp).
or maybe they'll need to get a season pass for $199!:D

i ended up riding at about 1:00 on Sat afternoon...
i couldn't resist! our street was flooded up further and there was water pooring off the bike trail onto the street like a river so i wanted to go check it all out.
the ride normally takes me a little less than an hour (~6.5-7 miles up then bomb it back down home) but with all the wet and having to stop to climb over a fallen tree and the mud slowing me down on the way back it took me over an hour and a half!
but it was one of the best ridses i've done in a while.
all the way up it was like riding upstream in a creek, the entire trail was covered in water washing down like a stream.
i was fairly clean on the way up cus its a slow climb, but on the way down i was drenched from head to foot in mud!
it was so fun though!
my wife thought i was crazy but i was diggin it.

i am glad we didn't do Quarry Trail, it may have been flooded in too many spots and i think on Olmstead, the "creek" would have been to high to cross (read: river).
almost all those trails would have been treacherous. even the one by my house was interesting, and it's a pretty basic, open trail.

now that the waters have subsided, we'll have to go riding again soon!

We need to go Saturday - just pick a spot. :)

Looks like rain tomorrow morning. Anyone want to switch the ride to Sunday? I can do morning or afternoon.

You wanna ride American River Bike Trail by your place on Sunday? I'd be down for that methinks.

no riding for me this weekend.
i'll be riding my office chair every available hour.

this sux.

You wanna ride American River Bike Trail by your place on Sunday? I'd be down for that methinks.

Either that or maybe Clementine.

Are you coming to the meet Saturday? - we can discuss it then.

Either that or maybe Clementine.

Are you coming to the meet Saturday? - we can discuss it then.
yeah I'll be there tomorrow night.

yeah I'll be there tomorrow night.

Cool. I'll dust off the STi and hope it starts. :p

Cool. I'll dust off the STi and hope it starts. :p
don't 04's have a hand crank to start them?

geez even the 05 is starting to feel old.

/whore

don't 04's have a hand crank to start them?

geez even the 05 is starting to feel old.

/whore

Nope, but they do come in cooler colors. :)

Check out my new ride. I upgraded to an 05 Silver.....
























Giant Trance 3 Full suspension

Sweet!

Nice bike, dude!

I need to go back to REI and get that Novarra on Monday

Check out my new ride. I upgraded to an 05 Silver.....
Giant Trance 3 Full suspension
OMG that things HAWT!

hows it ride?


what did you upgrade from?
hardtail or an older F/S?

mind if i ask how much and where you got it?

i need to start putting money away for a F/S XC/All-MTN ride.:\



Skimonk: what Novara you looking at?
if you can wait until the end of may, they have their anniversary sale and its 20% off any ONE item w/ your membership.
they sellout quick, but they honor the price for orders too (just have to wait longer)
i got mine during their anniversary sale a couple years ago and saved a ton on my Novara.

Bump.

Who's up for a ride this weekend?

I'm busy Saturday and Sunday. I want to get out and ride with Josey so I need to see what she's got going on for Sunday. Maybe we could do a quick ride on American River? Like I was telling you, until she's back in to riding a bit more, our rides will probably be sort of short :\

you guys ever come out west to skeggs? lemme know if you do and i'll meet y'all there! :)

Bump.

Who's up for a ride this weekend?
i'm down...where at?
clementine? Olmstead? Salmon Falls? Sweetwater? Quarry?............................???Sly Park???
i know its late, but i finally got online.
i would love to ride tomorrow!
if its just you and me we can hit wherever i guess.


db: where is skeggs?

Bump.

We need to ride this weekend. Weather looks to be clear (albeit cold).

Foresthill Divide Loop Trail was covered in snow when we drove up to Foresthill Monday. :D

How about the Olmstead Loop in Cool? Saturday?

I say we start later (10AM?) so the sun has some time to warm things up. ;)

I have to work Saturday night. Biking during the day will own me :(

bout time this thread saw daylight!

i was actually in a pretty good routine of riding on the weekends.
but i've been too busy the past few weeks.

i'll try to make it down this saturday.
Olmstead sounds good, unless you want to do Salmon Falls?
but thats sorta a drive for you egan, isn't it?
crap what am i saying?!??!? sonic comes from natomas every time!:p

bout time this thread saw daylight!

i was actually in a pretty good routine of riding on the weekends.
but i've been too busy the past few weeks.

i'll try to make it down this saturday.
Olmstead sounds good, unless you want to do Salmon Falls?
but thats sorta a drive for you egan, isn't it?
crap what am i saying?!??!? sonic comes from natomas every time!:p

Salmon Falls is just as close as Olmstead/Clementine/Quarry for me. But I hate Salmon Falls due to the out&back + too many people. It's only rideable during the week.

werd...i feel ya!

okay, olmstead it is.
should be nice and slimy!:D

hope the creek is passible. :eek:

hey, i just found out another area close to Coloma that has some trails.
its called Cronan Ranch and there are supposed to be a lot of different trails on this land.
its newly aquired by the Bureau of Land Management so its still being developed but it could be a nice place to explore and see some new scenery w/o having a lot of others on the trails.
http://www.arconservancy.org/Press%20Room/cronin%20ranch%20map.jpg



better PDF with a map here (http://www.arconservancy.org/Cronan%20Ranch%20Trails%20Park%20Guide.pdf).

you up to check it out on Saturday?
if not, i'll try to stop in there on the way back and see if they have any trail maps at the trailhead.


**edit: i took a snapshot of the general area on google earth...
looks pretty interesting!:D

the little yellow bookmark at the upper right is the parking area.
the park goes from Highway 49 (by the lot) to the american river and a little more east than that picture shows, but the terrain maps on google earth were goofed up to the right on this view.

OMG that things HAWT!

hows it ride?


what did you upgrade from?
hardtail or an older F/S?

mind if i ask how much and where you got it?

i need to start putting money away for a F/S XC/All-MTN ride.:\




I guess I could check threads more often. I've only ridden it on the street and not on any trails but the ride is plush. I came from a steel hardtail that I borrowed from my brother but had to give back. I actually road bike but haven't owned a mountain bike for over 5 years. I was actually in the market for a steel hardtail but I couldn't pass up this bike. I bought the bike from this dealer in Santa Rosa who advertised on MTBReview.com. I only paid $1050 which is a steal.

Question, how hard are the ride you guy's take and do you think I'd be able to keep up? This is a real question, I need a hobby that includes more exercise. Also What would be a good bike to start with???? All I've ever ridden is BMX and Stunt bikes:(

Question, how hard are the ride you guy's take and do you think I'd be able to keep up? This is a real question, I need a hobby that includes more exercise. Also What would be a good bike to start with???? All I've ever ridden is BMX and Stunt bikes:(
we're not hardcore by any means.
most of the trails we ride are not that technical either.
for the most part, they're double track with plenty of room to roll around.
Olmstead Loop & Quarry Trail are both great beginner/intermediate rides.
there are a few more mid-level spots on Olmstead, but we always wait if someone has to push up a hill or something. there is also Flemming Meadows just past Sly Park that is a good beg/int trail as far as riding skill, but the climb out of the canyon will make your lungs burn if you're out of shape (like me).

egan kills on the climbs with his quads-o-death!
and matt & i tend to be the first to the bottom of any desents but we always pick spots for everypne to regroup along the trail.

some more tech trails are Sly Park/Jenkenson Lake, Salmon Falls & Sweetwater. but those are my favorites! i dig weaving in and out of trees and having to pick the perfect line up a climb in order for you to make it. stuff that makes your cheeks clench your saddle cus you're watching the trail, but out of your perifrial you can see the water 50'-100' down! then bombing smooth switchbacks thru more forest! yeah, mountain biking is a very cool deal!

you can pick up a decent hardtail MTB for around $300-500. most new models come with disc brakes already too, so that's a plus.
REI is a good place to scoop up a bike when they do their annual 20% off one item - Anniversary Sale. that's when i got mine.
they have a inhouse brand called Novara which pairs frames made overseas in the same plant as GT & Specialized (so they're not crappy quality) and components that you wouldn't normally find on a ":name brand" bike for less than $300 more than the Novara bikes.

i went with a 17" Aspen for cheap during the sale, but i wish i had plopped down for the next step up: Bonanza (same frame) for an extra ~$110 cus it has disc and i am ending up paying almost quadruple more to convert my bike over to disc & the next step-up components.
i also am disapointed that they sold me a 17" bike and not a 19". i should really have a 19" for my height and weight, but the sales guys at REI just base it off of standover height (can you touch w/o sacking on the top tube). but the 17" frame is just a hair too small for my body length and has me at the tail of my saddle 99% of the time on climbs which it makes it uncomfortable.
i will eventually get another bike because of this reason, but this time i'm gonna save up for a plush full suspension XC/All Mtn bike, and i'll definately be getting a 19" frame!!!

how tall are you? if you're any shorter than me (5' 9.5") i might know a bike that would fit you perfectly!;)

be warned, most sub-$1000 full suspension bikes are gonna cause you more hassle in the longrun than you realize. if you are gonna do any climbing, a cheap FS MTB will end up wasting more energy than its worth!

most coil spring rear shocks and flower level frame designs are not designed for climbing.
there are exceptions, and these would be bikes on sale or clearance.
if you look hard, you can find some really nice FS MTBs starting around $800-1200 on special.

it all depends on what you want to do and what type of riding you perfer.

I have to work Saturday night. Biking during the day will own me :(

Don't be a *****. :mad:

So, 10AM at Cool?

Rich, are you coming out?

So, 10AM at Cool?

Rich, are you coming out?
werd. unless you wanna see some different dirt and check out Conan Ranch?
its about 2 miles past Salmon Falls rd/rattlesnake bar on hwy 49 coming from your end.

otherwise coolio is fine by me.

Let's do Cool.

I'm working tomorrow. I can do Sunday though.

The Mountain Bike crew has a new member :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/skimonkey30/novarra2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/skimonkey30/Picture007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/skimonkey30/novarra1.jpg

Novarra Ponderosa Full Suspension :D

Sweet. We need to go ride as soon as my arm heals. :o

Next Sunday anyone?

Sweet. We need to go ride as soon as my arm heals. :o

Next Sunday anyone?
I'm thinking I'd be down for that :D

I'm thinking I'd be down for that :D

Coolio. Where to?

Sweet. We need to go ride as soon as my arm heals. :o

Next Sunday anyone?

I might be working that day :(

Sweet. We need to go ride as soon as my arm heals. :o

Next Sunday anyone?
egan, i feel crappy you had to ride alone.
i was hoping to catch you before you left that morning.
sorry bro!

what happened to your arm??!??


Skimonkey: nice bike! i've looked at that bike a few times!
looks hawt!

Coolio. Where to?
I dunno, something easy. I haven't ridden in like 5 weeks..Actually I think the last time I really rode was our Christmas Eve ride :o

Cool bike, Dave. Welcome to the club!

just got an REI update.
they're having one of their seasonal used clearances for REI members on the 4th.
Used Gear Sale
It’s time for REI’s “Used Gear Sale”! We will offer imperfect and drastically reduced “experienced” merchandise at this co-op members only event. Please do not arrive at the doors before 9:30 AM. We will have a lottery for entrance to discourage early arrivals. Rain will postpone the sale event at the Sacramento and Roseville stores only.
Saturday, March 4, 2006
10:00AM-1:00PM @ the Sacramento, Roseville & Folsom locations.


Location: 2425 Iron Pointe Road, Folsom, CA 95630
Contact: Customer Service @ 916-817-8944
Cost: Free
Registration Required? No.

dunno if anyone is into going, but it looks like it will be at ALL the sac area locations unless there's rain.

also, they're having a free bike tuning clinic on the 16th:
Doug Marsh, Master Bicycle Technician for REI Folsom, will present REI’s Basic Bike Maintenance Clinic. The course will include a pre-ride checklist featuring; How to sessions on lubing cables and chain, identifying brake problems, tire inflation, fixing a flat and the required tools and accessories.
March 16, 2006 @ 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM


Location: 2425 Iron Pointe Road, Folsom, CA 95630
Contact: Customer Service @ 916-817-8944
Cost: Free
Registration Required? No.


just FYI for you MTB crew heads. :D

I dunno, something easy. I haven't ridden in like 5 weeks..Actually I think the last time I really rode was our Christmas Eve ride :o

FDLT FTW!!!

Hahaha - I know it's your favorite. :)

We could do Olmstead again but there is a race coming up one of these weekends (don't know which). Quarry works too, although I wouldn't mind hitting up Sly Park.

FDLT FTW!!!

Hahaha - I know it's your favorite. :)

We could do Olmstead again but there is a race coming up one of these weekends (don't know which). Quarry works too, although I wouldn't mind hitting up Sly Park.
I'd be down for Olmstead or Sly. I've got some time off next week so I'll be riding again on Tuesday (most likely) so I can always do Olmstead then, though of course I wouldn't mind doing it twice :)

Since it doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate with us this weekend I think I'm gonna take my bike in for service. I'm getting some shoes for my clipless pedals and I'm going to have my fork rebuilt (no service on it for 3+ years :o).

i'm gonna try to go to REI on sat for the garage sale.
hoping they have a gently used disc wheelset and a few other goodies.
that would be hawt!
then maybe i'll find someone stupid enough to go snow riding in pollock!
:D

then maybe i'll find someone stupid enough to go snow riding in pollock!
:D
TWO DOLLARS!!!!!

http://www.coremud.org/blogimg/sboard2bucks_thumb.jpg

TWO DOLLARS!!!!!

http://www.coremud.org/blogimg/sboard2bucks_thumb.jpg

Best movie evAr!!!

Hey,

I'm sort of new to the area; grew up at the base of Mt. Diablo in the east bay and rode a lot.

Unfortunately in Elk Grove, things are way flat. Where are some nice xc trails in Sacramento County? I might even have to move if I can't find any good riding soon..

Hey,

I'm sort of new to the area; grew up at the base of Mt. Diablo in the east bay and rode a lot.

Unfortunately in Elk Grove, things are way flat. Where are some nice xc trails in Sacramento County? I might even have to move if I can't find any good riding soon..

You can venture up US-50 or up I-80 into the foothills to find some good riding. Here are a couple of websites to start you off:

http://www.ogrehut.net/trails.php/Sierra-Central

http://www.mtbsingletrack.com/index.html

http://www.trails.com/activity.asp?AreaID=11674

http://mtb.live555.com/mtb-norcal.html#sacramento

http://www.unicycling.com/brett/

Some of my personal favorites are Foresthill Divide Loop Trail, Olmstead Loop, Clementine, and Sly Park.

Thanks for the links. These give me another reason to want to move to El Dorado or Placer county..

Thanks for the links. These give me another reason to want to move to El Dorado or Placer county..
Next time we go you should come along :D

Yea sure, I'll try to keep up with this post. It's kinda hard working 60+ hours a week right now. =[

So I found out today why I've been having some weird noises and goofy suspension action on my bike. Turns out there was a snapped piece inside my fork and Manitou hasn't made that fork in four years. AND they only backstock parts for 3. So I have to either replace the fork or replace the bike. Since I just got my 20% off action on a new bike from REI I'm thinking of getting a Novara Ponderosa HT. It's got all the stuff I wish my Marin had, including a working fork! :p XT rear derailleur, avid disc brakes, Judy J2 fork (with lockout) and it says "race" right there on the bike :cool: We'll see if Josey goes for it :o

http://images.rei.com/media/600400.jpg

I thought you wanted FS?

I thought you wanted FS?
I did..

But then I rode one and I didn't like it. It was most likely that the rear shock wasn't pumped enough to handle my weight but I don't know. It completely turned me off of the Prophet.

The REAL problem for me with FS is that to get the level of bike I want, I either go pretty much top of the line HT or real entry level FS. I'd rather go top of HT.

nice bike matt. i was there on saturday for the garage sale...
they had a lot of nice bikes there...i was eyeing the Scott Nitrous for a DH bike...

man that garage sale was trouble...
ended up spending over $200 on stuff i did NOT plan on getting, but wanted.

it was sorta crazy. when youcame in,you pulled a letter out of the bag, then they calledgroups.
i was group "E" so i was the fifth group in...they gave each group 20 mins then kicked everyone out for the next group.

it was kinda chaotic and people were in a frenzy, but i went for the high dollar electronics and scored some good stuff!!!

a list of the loot:
a $500 NiteRider Cyclone HID/LED headlight for under $140
a Garmin Forerunner GPS unit for $30
a Cateye cyclocomputer for $7
and a Thule fairing formy roof rack for $10

Nice score, dude :D

I'm outta here in about 10 to go get that bike :cool: :D

I'm outta here in about 10 to go get that bike :cool: :D
sweet!

did you check out the Method 1.0?
its an air rear shock, which can be tuned to your weight.

for XC you really wanna stick w/ air shocks.
coil spring shocks are heavier and normally have poor platform damping, making pedaling less efficient.


*edit: oops, guess you're already gone...the Ponderosa HT is a sweet ride though holmes! should be plenty of bike for where we ride.

:wiggle:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/pondo.jpg

Got some Shimano shoes too for the clipless pedals. That's going to take some getting used to :o

did you check out the Method 1.0?

I looked at the FS stuff, but the Method is more than I can afford. Plus the components are lower than the Ponderosa HT - LX rear and Alivio front derailleur.

:wiggle:
Got some Shimano shoes too for the clipless pedals. That's going to take some getting used to :o
that thing's BAD!
you'll get used to clipmless fast.
just set them to the loosest setting when you first start riding, then tighten them up as you get used to them...mine are still pretty loose, but i've popped out of them under hard pedalling or tech stuff a couple times, so i think its time to tighten them up a bit.

they had your size in stock?
Folsom sucked! they only had 14" or 15" frames on the floor and would have to order anything larger...the 20%off sale must have done well for them.

hey, your old bike, was it a 9spd or 8 spd?
if its a 9spd, let me know, i'd like to see if you'd part w/ the cassette.
also, are you selling the whole thing?
i have a freind who really wants to start riding but is on a budget.
he's about your same build, so it should fit him.
does it just need a front fork?

let me know.
;)