Yeah it's way fun for sure. I went up there this year for the 1st time and had a blast. Rented a Giant with 8" and the things was pretty sweet. Fun enough to make me want a DH/Shuttle bike. I wanted the VPFree even before I got my Nomad but am very happy I went Nomad 1st. The VPFree can be setup lighter and more freeride but mine is pretty much DH/Shuttle style for sure at 43 +/- lbs. Oh, and that is an 888 on the bike right now. It was custom rebuilt with non-factory oil as well, so it's pretty nice and plush to say the least.

If you decide to hit NorthStar this year let me know and I'll come along. You can rent pads/gear on site too, along with the bike.

 

That's why you "try" not to ride above your own level. Not doing things that are to risky. Keeping the speed down as much as possible. Save the crazy stuff for the kids.

Randy, I really, really, think you would be surprised at the variety of terrain at NorthStar. When I went I saw 10 and 12 year old kids on the trail with their dads. So I think you just ride it and have fun! That place kicks ***!!!!

 

Man, I would really hate to get smoked by a 12 year old kid.

I might go with you guys sometime. I would probably stick to the more XC parts.

Part of my problem is that I don't bounce like I did a few years ago. I think it might be the age thing. I also don't feel comfortable on sandy stuff on dry hard pack. Until I moved here, I had never ridden on that type soil and I still haven't fully adapted. Once we get some rain and some traction back in the soil, I'll be much happier.

 

yeah, i think i wanna ask for a season pass for Christmas...but then i'll need a triple-crown warrior too.

i didn't know the fork on your bike was an 888...the new ones are white and have huge 888 down the fork tubes.

yeah i saw a lot of older (50-55+) guys out there in full DH gear.


but the one that was super impressive was a guy who was obviously in a wheelchair and had a 4-wheeled MTB buggy rig...full independent suspension and 4 wheel disc...thing was MEAN!

and he was hitting up the advanced park run w/ all the log stunts and table tops.

he was FLYIN too cus we saw him coming down on our way up and he was already back to the top for two more runs while we were up there.
he just got off the lift when we were headed to the lift to go down and we saw him on the way up for a third time about 3/4 of the way down.

i shoulda' taken a few pics of him getting air over the tabletop at the beginning of the run.

dude was rockin the AWD MTB!

 

Here's a close up. They are the 05 or 06 model so black's the call

That guy with the AWD MTB must be a local cuz he was there when I was a couple of months back (mid-week).

 

Anybody riding this weekend?

 

I don't know who is riding this weekend but I do know who is walking.

<-------

I got released with a walking cast and full weight bearing privileges. It's slow going for now. My balance isn't that great and I'm afraid to put all my weight on it, but no pain at all .

Here's what my leg looked like today:



Once he looked at the x-rays, it went like this.

Hmm..what's the drill all about?



Wrenching things off:



Now it's time to drill...





The bar on the heel was a little dirty on the right side, so instead of dragging it through my heel he:









And as promised:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lemCKYyqfOk

 

I just lost my lunch and my dinner.

 

Monday 7:30am: Clementine>Connector (o&B)>Fuel Break>Culvert>Confluence.

Heading to Santa Cruz tomorrow to ride DEMO. Wish me luck. I'll try and take some photos.

 

Matt- That is one crazy removal process. Thought they were breaking into your leg.

 

Yeah the removal was what I expected, but I didn't expect the pain. Removing the bar from the heel was intense. So much pain . I got good pics and a cool vid though

 

It hurt a lot just looking at the pictures! I'm very sorry you had to go through that. At least one more step on the road to recovery is behind you.

 

omg matt... amazing. gl healing

 

Here is the loop we did yesterday in SC. 12.7 miles. Before I even looked at this other guys motion based report the ride felt like about 6 miles up, 3 miles down, and then another 3 miles back to the car. Pretty much confirmed by the map. http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/1979424

Rode the Nomad and it was Pretty much a grind for me...more climbing than downhill and ending with a climb. Beginning and end was on fire roads, but long and some steep...and then the DH was all single track (which was really fun). It was kind of built up with a few jumps and log/plank rides and a couple of drops. It kinda reminded me of Downieville a bit, but Downieville is mostly DH and flat, with some climbing. Not many rocks either, which was kinda nice, but it was a technical DH at times.

I pinch-flatted within the 1st 5 min due to dropping off this 4 foot section and not having enough air in the rear tire. Kinda jinxed myself before we even took off by saying "man don't think there is enough air in my rear tire, I'll probably pinch flat." Sure enough, 4-footer to flat (literally). Swapped out the tube and put some real air in and then had no problems. I was running the Kenda SB8 (2.1) in the rear which is great for hard pack, and was actually fine for this trail but just needed more air (and a 2.35 wouldn't have hurt either).

There were lots of mosquitoes during the 1st climb; but I never got one bite. They were more of a nuisance, buzzing about, getting in your nose and mouth. I did get stung by a bee though. It hit me in the face and get stuck between my helmet strap and sting me a bit. Nothing bad, more irritating then anything.

I would say I like HITG and our Auburn/Foresthill trails better (more single-track during the ride) and it doesn't take 3hrs to get there or 5.5hrs to get home due to Friday/Holiday traffic But if you happen to be in SC it's worth bringing the bike along.

 

So what's up, guys? You been riding recently?