Durango, Colorado is for Mountain Bikes

Get the fuc% outta here…we’re all dead!  That’s what was echoing in my brain while I was barely pre-hypothermic at the top of a 12-mile single track descent on the Colorado Trail above Durango. 

It was October 4^th and just above freezing, and we were in a cloud that was dosing out an awesome mixture of precipitation. My desire for the “epic ride”, my race fitness and the comedic banter of our group of mountain bikers made me want to continue down the trail no matter the conditions and in spite of my seriously slight wardrobe.  Was it a mistake to go on?  I could have turned around and headed down the gravel road with the sensibilities of our comrade, Mike.  But I chose to press on knowing full well that if something happened to me that caused me to be immobile; I would be in serious danger – unable to protect myself from the elements.

 I had done this stuff before.  I figured that if I could just lose some elevation quickly, it would get much “warmer”.  I had to keep moving, so I descended ahead of the group on the wet trail, dragging my brakes to go just slow enough to keep the wind from causing me to shiver in full-body convulsions. 

I had major faith in my equipment.  It was all the best cross-country race crap that I could get onto one bicycle – well-maintained and finely-tuned…until THIS ride.  This was the day where we all learned the limits of lightweight disc calipers and pads.  Unfortunately for me, I learned this while accelerating down a bench-cut trail section.  Going for a little speed scrub, both brake levers pulled to the handlebar.  I pumped them frantically, but I still picked up speed.  As the descent continued, I saw a blind left-hander ahead.  There was no way that I would make it around that turn at my ever-increasing speed.  Bail out now! I threw my bike sideways at a log that lay part way into the trail. I gave all my inertia to the log via my bike, knee and face.  I stood up with carton stars swirling around my head and started to jog onward.

One by one my crew passed me as I jogged with my useless bike down the sweet Colorado single track.  I looked each in the eye for a reaction to the severity of my facial wounds.  I was pissed to be injured and jogging insted of riding down a trail while still teeth-clatteringly cold.  I felt broken & beaten – mountain biking kicks ass!

Just remember, if you have five dollars and Chuck Norris has five dollars, he still has more money than you.  Same goes for Mother Nature – she always has the upper hand.  I was lucky not to lose teeth or get knocked unconscious or go careening off the side of the mountain without brakes.  So the day was a success – everyone made it back without brake pads as I later found out.  I just happened to be the only one to give blood on this day.  Tom had found a run-away truck ramp embankment at just the right time.  John wore a hole in his shoe by dragging it on his front wheel.  The others told stories of Flintstone stops over beer and food that tasted better than ever – even though it hurt my jaw to chew.

 Link to Flickr Photos of Durango mountain biking

Such was the most epic of three days of Durango trail riding. Big props go out to Tom & Heidi for letting us all flop in their house – which, by the way, is about 100 yards from the Colorado Trail terminus.  Not bad either that Tom has a full-on professional bike shop in his garage that is meticulously organized.  But the best part was throwing down with the old-school crew of Kentucky/Ohio mountain bikers who still aren’t afraid to hang it out there.  Tom, Jason, John, Gerald, Damon and Mike, I’m looking forward to our next ride. I’m definitely bringing like 400 sets of brake pads!

Crested Butte Trails & The Mountain Bike Hall Of Fame

Some call it Mecca.  Many claim it as the true birthplace of mountain biking.  The “repack” crew from Marin California traveled here for the first documented epic bicycle trail rides.  And why wouldn’t they?  This sleepy little mountain town is surrounded by endless trails in every direction. It’s for these reasons that Crested Butte is home to the Mountain Bike Hall Of Fame.

I traveled there with my great friend, Jason Hill, to enjoy some high alpine riding.  We just happened to arrive during the peak of autumn color on September 28 – the day after my birthday.  My gift was the golden aspens lighting up the mountain sides in spectacular fashion and some of the best mountain biking on the planet.

Click the image to see a Flickr slideshow of Crested Butte

We started with a ride up to Strand Hill through aspen groves and narrow, rocky singletrack.  There had been some rain earlier in the day and we found some slick black mud in sections covered in wet aspen leaves.  The visual contrast was beautiful, but it made for some sloppy and slick riding.  Oh well, I just slowed down and enjoyed the views.

Crested Butte has some tasty food for a small mountain town, and we enjoyed it with very large appetites.  Teocalli Tamale, Secret Stash Pizza, Paradise Cafe and Ginger Thai are all great options, and they kept us well-fueled for our big rides.

The next day we set out to ride one of the world’s most famous and sought-after trails.  The TrailRiders 401 is a high alpine ribbon of fast single track through open meadows and diving into aspen & pine groves with tight switchbacks and rocky drops. The ride starts out on gravel road at 9400 feet.  You hit the dirt at about 9800 feet and top out at 11,350 feet before descending back down on singletrack.

The third day was set to be the epic ride known as “Reno, Flag, Bear, Deadman”.  The map describes it as “a series of buff singletracks unique in character to the Crested Butte region.”  This ride has three fairly major climbs and descents all rolling at between 9,400 and 10,575 feet.  We experienced everything from open meadows and ponds with smooth, fast trail to tight & technical sections in the woods.  The ride finished with a whoop-de-do and drop-laden descent out of Deadman’s Gulch back to the trail head.

If you go to ride, the goods folks at The Alpineer will point you in the right direction and set you up with a rental bike if you need one.  If you want to venture out on your own, make sure you have the Latitude 40 Map of the area.  It’s one of the best outdoor rec maps I’ve ever had the pleasure of using.

The Mountain Bike Hall Of Fame made me realize what a young and niche sport I have chosen to dedicate my life to.  The entirety of the exhibits covers an area about the size of my bedroom, and there are bike parts in glass cases that I had on my first and even my second mountain bike.  When I started traveling to go mountain biking and racing in 1991, I rode with, met and watched almost all of the inductees who grace the walls of The Hall.

Yeah, Crested Butte confirmed with me that mountain biking is still the coolest sport, and it’s in my blood – I’m never going to stop pedaling as long as I can help it! I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

Short Film of Climbing-up Pisgah’s Black Mtn. Trail

Perhaps the most difficult climb in Pisgah National Forest is the Black Mtn. Trail outside of Brevard, NC. We hope to show that long travel bikes can really climb when captained by an experienced rider. This video was shot by Kris K (on foot) following Matt J. on his Maverick ML8. Notice the snow-capped mountains on the closing scene! Please enjoy the brazen music from Louis XIV.

A short film from Pisgah’s Laurel Mtn Trail

Perhaps the most famous trail in Pisgah N.F., Laurel Mtn Trail offers a 7-mile climb away from the heat of the summer into the highlands of NC. The chilled out music from Built to Spill echoes the tranquility of backcountry mtn biking felt by BioWheels riders. Ahhh…

Enjoy this 60-second Video from Dupont State Forest, NC

At almost 40 years old, the guys from BioWheels are just getting into their prime!

So many trails, so few trail markers.

We are blessed to have so much forest in North Carolina. So when we ride in exposed conditions, it is rare. Callum & I put together a ride on a combination of public & private land near one of our big mountains. We were blown away by the views, and nearly by a late afternoon storm. Although these trails are legal, we don’t recommend them for; there are no signs or maps; you need permission to cross some easements; the climbing is brutal & there is no parking. Follow the picture above to a Flickr slideshow of this unique ride.

In this video, Callum is riding his Scott Ransom, which, like the Maverick ML8, is one of the only bikes that “does it all”. The music is Ween’s “Transdermal Celebration” from “Quebec”.

Ohio Mountain Biking Guide

The Ohio Mountain Bike Association has created an all-new trail guide that contains information on just about every mountain bike trail in Ohio. Information included in the trail guide includes trail conditions, location, description, and more! And best of all, it uses Wiki technology so anyone can help make it better. Just sign in with the same username and password you use on the OMBA forum to get started. If you don’t have an account, you can create one.

We need your help to make this trail guide as comprehensive as possible. We know it’s not complete right now, so that’s where YOU come in! Check out the new trail guide and help us make it better by going to:

http://joinomba.org/trails

While you’re at it – join your local chapter!
Enjoy!

Road Group Ride Safety

Group Road Cycling:

Support your group! Riding in a group is different than riding alone. Your riding behavior affects those riding around you. You are now part of a group relying on each other. YOU will, at one time or another, become the “eyes and ears” of the GROUP. As you want to be safe, please keep your group safe. Be compassionate to fellow riders and users of the road. Don’t get self-absorbed. You are more than a rider. You are an ambassador, defender and leader in your own right.

Our Main Points:

1. RIDE SAFELY
2. OBEY THE LAW
3. RIDE RESPONSIBLY
4. INTERACT WITH TRAFFIC POSITIVELY

Safety Essentials:

• HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GROUP RIDES. You will be asked to not participate in the group if you are not wearing a helmet.
• Bring a bike that is ready to ride. Schedule a tune up at the shop if you’re not certain of your bike’s road-worthiness.
• Bring appropriate clothing, food and liquids. It is also recommended you bring some money for a store stop and a cell phone for emergencies.

The Law:

• Observe all vehicular traffic laws. A bicycle is a vehicle with the same privileges and restrictions as a car.
• As a courtesy to motorists, ride to the right of the road. Do not cross the yellow line.
• Stop at all stop signals and stop signs.
• Use appropriate hand signals to indicate turning and stopping.
• If you have any questions, please ask the ride leader.

Responsible Cycling:

• ‘Call out’ all road hazards & point to them as they come.
• Ride single file when a vehicle approaches from the rear.
• Call out “car back” to signal to the group to assume single file formation. This is especially important on extended climbs.
• Wait your turn in traffic as a group. Do NOT create your own curb lane by passing on the right of stopped traffic. If a light turns yellow on approach, call out “light!” & “braking”, bringing the group to a safe stop. Otherwise, a rider further behind in the group will feel urged to run a now red light. This is a dangerous and illegal maneuver.
• Unless you are all the way in the back of the pack, do not abruptly grab your brakes. Call out “Braking!”, then brake slowly.
• When overtaking riders, call “passing on your left” and then pass.
• Be safe. Don’t ride over your ability.
• Do not litter.

Interacting with Traffic:

• Be aware. A moment of inattention can result in an accident. Make others aware of what you see.
• Be predictable. Show your intentions by signaling and saying what you intend to do then slowly and deliberately make your move.
• Be nice! You determine how drivers and other cyclists will interact in the future. Yes, confused drivers may make bad decisions. Please take their confusion into consideration before you respond.
• Cyclists, as well, will also make what seem to be bad decisions. Show wisdom.

Please read our Group Riding Philosophy for more inspiration!

Thank You for reading & Enjoy Your Ride!

-Chad Schoenauer: Asheville Ride Leader

Alexander Park is just outside Asheville, NC

I know blogs are more interesting with photos. I know this, MAAANNNN. But I’ve never been good with taking them. The best period for me with taking photographs of the outdoors was when I was a backcountry hike fan and took pictures with a Canon 35-105 camera with a broken viewing lens. The best photographs I ever took were with this camera, mostly due to the fact that I was forced to only look at color and space (remember, slightly left of center! Thanks to my 11th grade art teacher for that one) and couldn’t think too far beyond that. Sure, a few items were out of focus, but if I look at the pictures I have framed around the house, they are mostly thanks to that camera.

So I have no pictures of the riding today at Alexander Park, located conveniently off of River Road (State Highway 251) just north of Alexander bridge (1/2 mile, maybe?) 15 minutes outside of Asheville. Todd Branham (Todd if you see this I’d love a website to link) and Long Cane Trail Building Group Incorporated (a guess at the name – I know the first two words are correct…), WNC bike dealers association, and SORBA spent the last year or so refurbishing and rerouting the existing trails and some singletrack Woody Keen and Trail Dynamics helped build in the area prior to that. I don’t want to point fingers, but much of the Trail Dynamics area (which I helped build) was followed by Buncombe County Waste Management to get to a clay deposit for the city landfill, which put a huge delay on these trails being finished for the general public. But that is past, and I say let bygones be bygones in order to move forward and help create some solid access for the North Asheville crowd. Continue reading Alexander Park is just outside Asheville, NC…

Oh, the weather outside is…

Oh, the snow is back again.  I haven’t seen you in years, it would seem.  I thought snow was a thing of books and Christmas songs.  Winter, IT’S been a long time coming.

 So why not combine the love of freshly fallen snow with the love of grinding knobby tires through adverse conditions?

 The last time I rode my bike with snow on the ground was 2004.  Seriously.  2004.

 Before that it was probably delivering newspapers when I was at the tender age of 11 years old.  Those were the days.  Slogging my Murray through the snow banks of Southern Michigan to deliver my 26 newspapers on my appointed rounds at 7 o’clock in the morning every weekend.  God, I hated that.  Continue reading Oh, the weather outside is……