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So my trail report is as follows: if Gumdrop East is dry (including rock face at entry) then it’s probably all boobs except maybe peddlers’ dirty butt. but it’s a perfect day for riding whatever is rideable. Encouraged thus far. Update to update - rode all from Gumdrop to YMCA. Imagine the overall weather + hero status of the dirt being a 10. Now translate that in your own head to breasts...whatever that means to you, and that’s how things are out here. Unngh.

Not much help for your application, though I had the same preference toward not removing the wheel. I sold my pickup and bought a van. Problem solved. .... the fact that it is rated for over 2 tons carrying capacity, has lockable enclosed storage, and gets about the same mpg as the pickup I sold helped make it an easy Tundra to Transit transition for the Transition (Covert 29).

THUMPER CHEAT SHEET These 2 photos are to explain the different signage you will incur on the Thumper trail. In very simple terms, ignore the color signs/arrows. There are 2 main types of markings: 1) Black/white arrow signs. The signs are the designated "bike arrows" that are left up year-round and should generally follow the trail along its route. 2) Yellow tape across the trail. The yellow tape pretty much marks off traill sections that should not be used. Do not ride over the yellow tape. The B/W arrows and yellow tape should not contradict each other. *NOTE* there are a few leftover EB 2017 signs out on the trail and they should be accurate. In this photo below you can also see the small EB2017 marker above the B/W arrow sign. This is an example of a left turn marked by just a B/W arrow. The trail only goes left around the tree, but to the casual rider it may seem like they could go straight or even gently right if they are not paying attention to the B/W arrows. This is one of the more historically confusing spots. This photo is showing a portion of the 2-way section of Thumper trail. The perspective is as if you where "coming back" towards the end of the 2-way. You will drop down the ravine and take a firm left around the small tree. The illustrative direction arrows show the 2-direction and how its traveled. Additionally I've circled the B/W arrows and the smaller EB2017 arrow. But please be alert for these kinds of markings while out on the trail. The photo below is the same section as above. However, its further back and without the illustrative arrows

This is how I feel about Gnargasm or whatever that one is with the boulder to ladder. At some point a rear wheel skid does nothing and you still accelerate. I eyed it up then said I'm cool to walk this one. Some people say f it and just huck off rental trucks tho.

I would love a neutral prologue. It's part of the whole atmosphere of this ride.

Man whomever tunneled through that to make trail must have been a pure beast ! Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Ima gonna rip that place to shreds tonight

I do hate the plastic end cap inserts. My Fat Paw grips have them and they fall out right fast, or get torn up real bad on trees and rocks. I replace them with these cheap things, which are spectacular.

Arkansas has put together a web site listing all of the mountain biking options (Monument Trails) at their state parks. Monument Trails in Arkansas State Parks

Its also worth noting that the markings are not completely exhaustive along the trail. You WON'T find them along every turn and every section. They have been put in place to help with the "known" confusing sections. This is generally more prevalent in the first 1/2 of the trail system. As the trail progresses, I (we) feel it becomes easier to follow. Thus less B/W arrows. That said, you will occasionally find a few on the latter half of the trail. If you have any questions or comments, then please post them up here. I'm on this forum much more than I am on my wife's FB account. Later, -CJB PS- Its really not an EB without a neutral "prologue" rollout.

I'll be out there early on Friday so I can lend a hand if needed.

i'l take all the help I can get! would you like to volunteer

Thad's 2017 route is (IMO) accurate, but his GPS looks choppy, which is why I didn't use it earlier. Mine is close, but like I said, we skipped Doghead and rode Endo. I think the correct way is to skip Endo and Ride Doghead. Everything else on my (which you quoted) is correct. I have been assuming that, like in 2017, the entire path down to Zilker will be a "group" led ride. In 2017 @AustinBike led the group down to Zilker, and "released the hounds" there. Everyone stayed together until then. @TAF, is something like that happening this year?

If you read the ride report, she pulled off the rock slab drop in but then her hand slipped off the bar under compression upon the exit. It reads like it happened just at the bottom of the slab face as it transitions away. But watching the video above a few times, it almost seems to me that the more "aggressive" compression happens later as you hit the G-out upon entering into the trees. I don't think I'd even come close to attempting this. But it seems like a pretty low-reward high-penalty type feature. Its not part of the trail, it doesn't lead anywhere, and if you make a mistake your ridiculously far from assistance. Its done purely for show, it has no function. I will say that the ride report from her days ride did make me a bit misty. It was a nice read and a nice tribute to her last hours. Later, -CJB

Penalty for failure is way too high for me.

I run Oury slide on. Will not try anything else. I’ve found what cures numbness for me is stretching the wrists/hands along with massaging the shoulders and pecs where they “attach” to shoulder. When I ride Brushy, for example, I spend my time on the granite paths and concrete connectors between trails stretching out my upper body. I can feel everything “come alive” and the numbness goes away completely.

Doesn’t seem like we got much actual precip. Windy as hell today and sun just popped out. I’ll probably go ride at the risk of having to do BCRT. 🤮

This is the right answer for any grip. This gets me to 30-35 miles of even rough terrain without significant hand or wrist pain. After that, it's going to hurt no matter. I know that I have to grip somewhat harder on sketchy downhill or tech sessions, so on easier sections I'll just lightly rest my hands on the grips. For grips, I like them fat and soft. I use WolfTooth Fat Paw grips combined with ibuprofen .

Tomorrow, I'm hoping to put together a Thumper "cheat sheet" for those of you needing to (better) familiarize yourself with that trail. i went out today and rode and marked it. Its pretty much ready. There are a few low-branches that I wish we could eradicate, but its nothing that can't be traversed via a dismount. Also, don't forget about the Thumper pre-ride this Thursday (weather-trail conditions permitting). Later, CJB

Iphones can't see flyby?

Too outta shape for this one but I'll put some reminders out on my site and hopefully drag in a few more for you.

Not a fan of grips with "wings." Purely personal preference. I feel that a round grip should be comfortable if the bike and body are set up right.

Don't. Ever. Listen. To. This. Guy. Still got in close to 20 miles before the rain hit, but boy did it hit.

I don't know the Jordie guy but I did know Mehoway and risk taking. It's great to know people went out doing what they love but there is no shame in walking a feature either. I just read about how Mikayla tried this: https://www.pinkbike.com/video/486533/ Story and chance to donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mikayla-martin-memorial-fund Taper your stoke or not, accordingly. Roll safe, roll long.

Question for Seddie : Is there a volunteer sign up or are marshals and trombones and stuff covered?

Good thing you had that bottle in your pack to use for scale, Tip! I find that a Tempranillo pairs better with the terrain though. White wine is for anything further west.

Ugh. October has been really bad. I can't count the number of times I've ridden A-Line - the knowledge of risk is always there. I've had my fair share of broken bones, but honestly, we rarely think about the possibility of death. Hate to see this happen to a fellow rider: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/mountain-biker-dies-following-a-line-crash.html

This made me flashback to Nicky Hayden. Survived years of crazy motorcycle racing, and dies after being hit by a car in Italy riding a bicycle. He was 35. https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/nicky-hayden-the-kentucky-kid-of-moto-gp-dead-at-35-w483643/