CBaron

[Shinerider says] Here, hold my beer!...

I'm really not all that familiar with the trail system down there. I always make sure to rope in a local southie to drag me around. @Barry while he's not a southie, he's prolly got some good route options to share. You're going to really dig your time spent here on the bike. -CJB

I personally am not going to risk it. TnT Road ride for me fellas.... Later, CJB

When was the last time you were here and what did you ride? I generally know how long you've been gone, but don't know when you were here last? IMHO the BCGB has developed some much over the past 10+ yrs that if you've not experienced it to the fullest, then it might require more than a day. The "death march" that goes on out there has something like 40+ miles of trail. Likewise, the entire Brush Creek area has had so much trail developed out there that it too should be a must-ride if you've not done it yet. Oh oh oh...and what about the 100+ miles of the SATN network?? So much riding, so little time... Cheers, CJB

Sometime it happens. I felt absolutely terrible on my Thursday ride. Thumper is in pretty good shape right now. I'd wager one of the best times to make a lap out there is post-EB after all the traffic has made its way through there. Especially if we happen to get a little rain soon. Later, CJB

Crickets

Hello all, I've not seen much EB talk over here....I don't know if its lack of interest or quiet stealth training?? But one think I DO KNOW FOR CERTAIN is that if you plan to ride the EB, then familiarity with Thumper can go a long LONG way! This coming Saturday is your big opportunity to get out here for an official EB Thumper Pre-Ride. If you should up and join in with us not only will you get to follow along the official Thumper EB route, but you can get some really good trail-info that will help you 'know things' come EB day. Hope you see you there! -CJB _______________________________________________________ Official Thumper EB Pre-Ride: THIS SATURDAY OCTOBER 15th Meeting location: Duck Pond in Arboretum (behind Renaissance Hotel). Meeting time: 8:45am (w/roll out at 9am) Route Plans: Leave Duck Pond and head down 360 to Spicewood. Then ride over to St Eds first, then over to Youpon and up to Thumper for a civilized lap. We will do our best to stop at some of the "confusion spots" and give insight into the route. But I can't 100% say that this is a 'no drop ride'; it is nearly impossible to pull that off at Thumper. Be fully prepared to be self-sufficient, even though we won't plan to go fast. I may potentially be doing some more markings and trail adjustments during this ride. Previous years Strava route: This can give you a basic idea of the Thumper-St Eds ride/distance/time https://www.strava.com/activities/1197925764 If you have any questions or comments, then please post them up. Thanks -CJB

I can't remember the name (or alias) of the person, but I do know that @rugger knows them. Maybe he can chime in here. -CJB

You're a product of your environment. And you're fit. Doesn't sound too bad to me. -CJB

Congrats dude! I guarantee you that if you look you'll find them for sale on FB marketplace now that he's removed them. Later, CJB

Here's my setup when I was originally building it out (2 yrs ago). Without my bike inside, it can be converted to a double bed setup and/or a desk/table for doing work or cooking when outside conditions are not optimal. I've used this with my son(s) for anything from riding/camping in Palo Duro to hanging out with @Pimpjuice at a national car show in Ft Worth (all us parked in RV area). The best thing about it is that its so efficient and cheap. In our Palo Duro trip, all of the overnight campsites work booked up. So we just parked near the bathrooms (in the day camping area) and inconspicuously slept there for the night (with the blinds up). The only real limitations to it are when it gets warm (summertime) and then the when nature calls in the middle of the night (but I have a basic solution for that too).

Here is a better photo of my setup. I've essentially got a single bed in the back of my truck (along with room for my bike). I can stealth camp this setup most anywhere urban or rural.

Thats a very nice bike and a good price. Except for the dorky bar ends.... -CJB

A few more

Spent 2 weeks traveling through CO and UT riding my bike and staying in my truck. Most of the trip is captured on my Strava, but figured I'd drop some highlight photos here to contribute to this awesome thread....

Little Sugar is a big solid ride (especially if your starting from town). I have a link above to the standard full loop. But below is a link to a more abbreviated loop we did a year ago. https://www.strava.com/activities/5425485652 Later, CJB

@WLemke Your day 2 itinerary is a MONSTER. And this is coming from someone who like to go long. I don't really wanna take the effort to post up all the links here, but if you send me a text I'll fwd my Strava over to you from my time(s) riding these trails. I'd guess you'd have a 7-8 hr ride if you where pedaling with intent. I've gone there by myself and done rides just like you are desiring. I can fwd you my strava links to them so you can get an idea of possibilities. Errrr.....here is a the forum page link to my 1st trip to Bentonville (2017). Much has been added since then and I've been back no less than 7x's since then. You might like my B40 day there (I rode over 7hrs on B40 alone). Well, since those posts can be found above, I went ahead and located my Little Sugar ride from a while back also. On this ride I was pretty fit coming off of 2.5 weeks in CO. Although I did stop a good bit to smell the roses, I did have 4h 40m of pedaling time. https://www.strava.com/activities/4187038708 And this is what our normal Day 1 chill, fun, exploratory ride usually looks like. https://www.strava.com/activities/5409551988 You can still text me if you want more info from me. Cheers, CJB 512-694-1319

Sounds good. I'll sent you a text message. -CJB

I'm needing to swap out bars on my son's old MTB. I'm looking for a short(sub 60mm) stem for 31.8mm bars. Anybody have something they could unload? Thanks CJB

You know you can easily do Lake Atalanta/Rail Yard and Mt Kessler all in the same day? This is how it was recommended to me my first trip up to NWA. https://www.strava.com/activities/1207861306 All of these are worthwhile additions to the main staples we typically ride. However, I usually try to ride Kessler in the AM on my way back home (since its so far South) There's a newish little section of trail between Slaighter Pen and B40 called Mad Hatter. Its a super fun steeper section of trail with some fun features. https://www.strava.com/activities/6927906592

I think I'm planning to make it -CJB

I love that you keep us updated with this. This sounds like such a quality bit of legislation for us as outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists. Is there anything we can do to help this along? Thanks CJB

I'm late to this thread...where are you? -CJB

Funny you say that, because I mention to my wife I think I have 'lizard blood'. Many times during the cooler weather months, once the sun comes out and shines on our trampoline, my wife will find me out on the trampoline literally sunning myself. It just makes me happy. I truly abhor the cold weather months when I have to roll out from the (warm) house into the cold temps wearing not much more than spandex & arm warmers.

What are the chances that those expert bike mechanics at that pawn shop did NOT crack the top tube with the bike stand clamp?? -CJB