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My thoughts are since the admins there never check in or do anything, they aren't going to take it down. I assume the forum will be there in perpetuity. So if we ever need to reference something we will always be able to go look it up there. There might be 231 pages of Korean to get past, but it will be there. I personally like the, "You might be a trail builder..." thread for example. I might go and find it at some point. But this is much better. Administered by a fellow MBer, and specifically for Austin folks. I laughed thinking about (not at) the one poster there that was all nostalgic for Mojo. He has been a member for all of 13 months now. If some of you long time Mojo-ers can see the benefits of this move, then why can't everyone. It's not like we are going to hurt the feelings of our good friends that run it, right?

I bet someone made you say this.

I have no idea who the admin or admins are over on MoJo, but I think it's been running on "cruise control" for some time. The forum software hasn't been updated in five years, and there are known exploits for that version of vBulletin. Spicewookie was doing a good job of cleaning up the spam from the bots, but they've become increasingly aggressive, and at one point there was a new spam post once a minute in Austin VooDoo. I know the admins cleaned up Austin VooDoo, but the rest of the forum is still plagued with spam and it doesn't look like they made any effort to delete all the spam accounts or clean up anything outside of that. I've been watching new registrations on MoJo, and the bots are still registering at the rate of around 15 a day. And I'm sure 95% of new registrations (if not more) are spambots. Just take a look at the links for each of the home icons you can see at the above link and they all go to some sketchy website. And there was another big wave of spam early this morning. I have had people ask if I can transplant threads from MoJo to this forum. While technically it would be possible (and I could certainly do it with a copy of the forum database), legally it's a sketchy area. I'd need permission from whoever owns Bike MoJo first. And many forums are setup where individual members own their comments, so in cases like that you'd really need permission from all those people to copy their comments over. Which obviously would be a huge pain in the ass. Creating an archive of Austin VooDoo would be a great idea and is something I could do, but again, I'd need a copy of the database and the blessing of Bike MoJo's owner at a minimum. I could import the entirety of Austin VooDoo into a forum here so people could continue to reference threads, and if something were to happen to Bike MoJo, at least that would be saved for posterity. If the current admins are asleep at the wheel, one of the following things is going to eventually happen: 1) The site goes away when the owner stops paying for the hosting costs, 2) The hard drive on the site crashes, taking the site with it, 3) The forum database crashes, making the site inaccessible, or 4) The site gets hacked and erased. I have no idea if active backups are being made of the site, but if not and any of the above happens, that would probably be the end of all those posts forever. I just want to have a place to talk about mountain biking on a site that is actively maintained. And if the person running the site is a local who is actively involved in mountain biking, that is certainly a plus. I want to have some fun with this site, and it's a modern platform that will give me the flexibility to add some cool features over time. I completely understand people not wanting to move to another forum, or not happy about change. Hell, anytime I make significant changes to my other forum, there are people who grouse about it for a while. Yeah, this site has a bit more "structure" than posting everything in "Austin VooDoo", but I'm ultimately hoping this site will garner more traffic, and the organization of forums will be needed. And I'm open to suggestions on how to improve the forum, so please don't hesitate to say anything if you have an idea to make something better, or there's something you don't like. I won't be offended. ..Al

Ha! You're old like me. Do younger people get this one?

Also, if people cut the track, and many do either on accident or on purpose, they are only cheating themselves. In my opinion we only need to care about the “winners” - if you want to claim the top spot then you need to be able to prove you rode it all. For everyone else, it’s really all about you.

Coca Cola 600 "If you don't eat your meat [enchiladas], you can't have any pudding!"

That was the mentality for my move over here. It's not like it's a rider maintaining the site that is letting it fall behind trying to juggle work, actually riding, kids, marriage and so on. There's obviously no sentimentality towards the board, so this is what happens when you show a lack of care. I don't care either. I like the features here more anyways.

I've been jumping back over occasionally to see if there's anything in play, and it looks like as of this morning the bots are back in action. There still appears to be quite a contingent of folks over there resisting the movement. Hard to tell if it's for sentimental reasons or just the idea of maintaining a historical archive or perhaps even just resistance to change. Personally I like change when it is for the better, and this is definitely better, so far. For those committed to the change, my question is, should we: 1) Make a compelling case for the holdouts to join us over here? 2) Establish solidarity in resisting any effort from the holdouts to lure us back? 3) Just let it be and become the AFL of Austin MTB Forums?

I said earlier in the thread that I’ve done it 2.3 times. That’s because my third time was when I had a 6 month old and didn’t feel like I could be gone all day (takes me 12hrs to finish). So I did what I call the breakfast platter. I rode to Walnut from home, rolled out with everyone and did the BCGB portion. Then I rode the route towards City Park, but I stopped at the shopping center at Bee Caves rd where I had left my car the night before. Yeah I could’ve gone farther of course, but I got in a good ride and enjoyed the camaraderie. The year before I trained some beforehand and set the goal of completing it in 12hrs and riding every climb (HOL, Courtyard, City Park, Jester, St. Ed’s, Youpon, and even the last awful climb out of Thumper). I did it. Came in around 11hrs 50ish min. But I’ve never felt closer to death than I did while finishing Walnut. I bonked so hard. I couldn’t eat anything, felt nauseous, and my calves and thighs would immediately cramp up if I pointed my feet down. I rolled in to mulch island, got my photo with the plate and pink fork and then promptly was driven home by my wife before having some soup and going to bed. Totally worth it! Refusing to quit or planning ahead to quit. Either one works. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh and to add a comment about your question regarding the best way to train for long distance. I know this is a 4 letter word around here...but riding the road bike can be a G-R-E-A-T way to build depth into your fitness. If I do any structured training, then its almost always done on a road bike. Additionally, getting out in a group of 30-40 riders who are on the gas, and you don't really know your way back (or have enough pride to not want to get dropped), then you'll dig amazingly deep into the pain-bank during those times. Much MUCH harder than I'd ever go on a MTB, and that does wonders for your overall level of fitness. -Cody "I like all bikes" Baron

I use the plunger, saves a LOT of mess and hassle.

My thought on this is that the hardest part is not the ride, it is the saddle time. My legs made it with no problem but my ass was the thing I had the most challenges with. My recommendation is start training, start riding long distances. 40miles. 50. 60. And so on. If you can get yourself used to riding 60 miles befor the event, you can do 80 miles on the day. Chamois butter is sold in single serving sizes, bring a couple with you. I cannot overstate the shorts issue. Shoes as well. I put bar ends on so I have extra positions for my hands to keep things fresh.

I still go to both, not a big deal. Formal and forced...? I mean, yea, there is better organization and it's more modern, but the party feels the same to me... if anything, the new forum just makes the party more fun... and I won't have to constantly monitor the number of messages in my stupid inbox... It will continue on as the keeper of the Brushy Creek mega thread... I'll bet that 70% of the members that frequent that thread don't even venture into the rest of VooDoo... heck, I did only on occasion... and those people don't even know that we jumped ship; even Ganderson, who steps into VooDoo some, told me on our ride today that he didn't even know that this happened, or about the bots... unless the bots find their way into threads, many in that thread will never know. But, I'm fine with that, and like all the others that are subscribed to that thread with notifications (really kinda it's own community now), I'll probably continue to contribute to its survival, since I live mostly on Deception anyway.

This feels like the kid in a divorce having to pick which parent they want to stay with.

How can you have any sopapillas if you don't eat your enchiladas?!

Back when I was in shape to do the EB, and had extra time. I did lots of riding to the trails on my MTB. Riding from Cedar Park to Walnut or the Greenbelt or City Park does wonders for teaching you about pacing yourself and gaining overall fitness. Knowing that you have to keep enough in the bank for the trails, and then keeping enough to get back home. Amazing how your body can respond if you find places to relax and recover while still moving forward on the bike.

Truth.

I wouldn't consider myself a Mojo regular, but i don't see where any of this feels forced. It just feels like guys getting some freedom and enjoying it. Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

+1 I was going to mention this as well. Throw in some road rides because even hard rides on the trail do not have the same benefits that a road ride has when it comes to improving your aerobic capacity. I can feel a difference with even one hard 50 or 60 mile road ride on the weekend. The other thing I recommend doing is doing some hill repeats on some of the climbs of the EB. You're going to be doing these hard hills after quite a few miles. Start by doing something like Yaupon or Coutyard 2-3x, take your time between them, play with your gears and/or pace. Even if you plan on walking these during the EB, they will improve your fitness and prepare you mentally as well. Ride them on your MTB so you know what to expect.

Sure and ill even throw in the duct tape to secure it to the leg .......oh and I prefer paypal😆

I have finished it four years in a row, so my gut says that most riders in Austin probably could, I am not an expert rider by any means. Make it harder? No. If you want more of a challenge then ride the nutcracker or another longer ride. Don’t make it easier, don’t make it harder. Nobody ever says “hey, how about the Indianapolis 600...” i would be all for an EB+ route for people who want more of a challenge, but the current configuration is a sweet spot with most able to finish it in <12 hours. Trust me, it is not too easy. When we get to the point of having too many riders then maybe that becomes a consideration but we are a long way from there.

IMHO one of the things you have to have really dialed in for the DS are your "touch points". You need to have the correct saddle, clothing, gloves (multiple pairs?), shoes, grips, etc.. -CJB

Nerd.

This is not gravel. The EB is a mental game. You need to ride each trail system independently, so you know what to expect, how long it will take, and where you are in the big scheme of things. For me, at least, the road connectors are a time to settle back, relax, listen to some tunes, and hydrate. Having said all that - yes, it's harder than a 100k gravel race .... but not impossible!

Thanks Tony for the kind words. However, I was just trying to be clear in that the content/ideas contained in this forum thread do no represent 'formal changes' to our beloved Enchilada Buffet. If this option comes to light, then it will only be for those who voluntarily desire to punish themselves. :) -CJB

Not entirely the case, CJB - a small few of us are merely the keepers of the flame , and your voice is still a mighty one. The EB is still a great challenge to many in our area, but if the founders want to add a dessert portion - who are we to complain! We shall shut up and enjoy our pudding.

I am afraid I am about 24 months to late "to build real fitness". But better late than not at all.

Please don't get me wrong. I think it is very wise and prudent to prepare and train properly. The better prepared you are the better of a day you will have. Its part of why I try to lead a handful of Thumper EB pre-rides leading up to the event. I REALLY want people to be more familiar with that trail and what they are getting in to. But what I also want to convey is that this IS NOT an event for the 'hardcore' riders only. I think riders who look towards the EB end up feeling its just sooooo big and soooooo out of reach. Its not and thats the example I want to show them. All that being said, we are now about 2 months away from the event date. If you are wanting to build real fitness beforehand, you cannot wait any longer. Its time to get training, NOW. -CJB

Then I'd wager there is a 99.9% chance that you'll finish! Over the years, this type of attitude is the #1 determiner if someone can complete the EB. Its not how fit you are, or how technical you can ride, or whatever....it's an unrelenting motivation to NO QUIT. Those other things, they determine how you will feel in the days following the EB. The first year of the EB we had 2 guys who were work friends who had picked up riding MTB together. I think by the time the EB came along they had only been riding lipless pedals for a few months. We had another guy who was riding long(er) travel trail bike before that was 'en vogue'. After finishing, he said the longest ride he'd ever done was only 25 miles. He completed the EB on a 5"+ travel bike with chunky rubber (this was back in 08'). I could keep going, but you get the idea... -CJB

Crack Cocaine and Mountain Dew

If you move your mouse over the Like (thumbs up) button, a small popup should appear giving you four additional choices. Right now those are "Thanks", "Haha", "Confused", and "Sad". Once a post has some sort of "Like" applied to it, you can then click the icons to the left of the thumb to see who reacted in what way. ..Al

I've done it twice. The first time I was intimidated by it and I did specific training and made sure to hit all the trails to know what I was up against. The second time, I decided the weekend before and really just took it as a fun ride. If you're not trying to go fast, then it's not too difficult and I think any serious rider can finish. If you want to go fast, then it gets a lot tougher. To the point of people cutting the route short - on both of my experiences I saw the same thing, people that I KNEW I had left behind sitting there enjoying a beer at the end when I crossed the line. Really, what's the big deal? I do the ride for personal satisfaction and for a the T-shirt (yes, the T-shirt is actually a huge motivator for me). It's not like it's a race with prize money or even much in the way of standings. So let everyone have their enjoyment and sit there with your beer knowing you're better than them :)

I’ve done it 2.3 times. Right now for me the idea of doing it this fall seems even more impossible than it did my first time in ‘10. I would be interested to see what route could be created that involved less road miles. But, to me the cool thing about the EB was that I can say that I’ve ridden Walnut, a good chunk of BCGB, Emma Long, St. Ed’s, and Thumper (well, kinda) all in one day and I never drove a car. Throw on top of that the claim that I also road up HOL, Courtyard, City Park Rd, Jester, and Youpon in between the trails and I still feel like that’s a pretty awesome achievement. My wife still can’t wrap her head around the fact that I’ve done it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You rock. Suggestion: The "like" buttons must include icons with more irony! It just doesn't feel right clicking on the "heart" button in this mountain biking forum.

Online forum?

If you're not receiving emails from the forum, please let me know. I've already found one email provider (AT&T, which includes SBCGlobal) rejecting emails, and I'm working to get that block removed. I've seen a few registrations with gmail accounts that have not validated their accounts. I manually approved them. With Gmail, please check your SPAM folder to see if messages from the forum are being deposited there. If so, mark the messages as not spam and that should stop Gmail from blocking them. When setting up a new website with a new IP address, it's not uncommon to run into issues like this, especially if the IP has ever been used in the past for spamming. I'll work on getting any blocks removed, and I can look at the mail server logs to see if and why messages are getting rejected. ..Al

You're right about signatures, I have no idea where that is. Will take a look, as I know the forum does indeed support them. As for porting over "important" threads. This is something I've done in the past, but it's non-trivial, and even more so when going from a different forum. If you're converting the entire forum from one type of forum to another, there are generally conversion scripts that can be used to do so. These scripts pull everything over -- users, forums, posts, attachments, private messages, and so forth. If you're just trying to move threads, you need to match up users on the new site with users on the old site. And you certainly will not have all the people from the old site who posted in those threads registered on the new site. Before anything like that could even happen, though, I'd need a copy of the MoJo forum database. I'm not sure how realistic that is at this point. It certainly would be possible to transplant the whole Austin VooDoo forum, but you'd have the same problems as described above. To do it properly you'd need to migrate any accounts that were active in any VooDoo threads, while omitting users who have already registered on this site (you could try matching up via email and/or username, and neither are necessarily foolproof). ..Al