CBaron

Yeah, I can understand that (even though I loved the inner 40 stuff). I was pretty underwhelmed with the Slaughter Pen stuff. But Kessler was great!...and Coler Park too! -CJB

I've been biting my tongue through these last few comments. While I completely understand "quality" single track can be subjective, Teamsloan's comment is spot on. -CJB

I've got a large Karate Monkey set up SS w/V brakes that I'd let go for $300. -CJB

Size needed? How tall is he? -CJB

This is going to be good. [grabs popcorn]🍿 -CJB

If we can't get a confirmation, and 'the people' have a non WC ride planned, I think I'll jump back over to my Tuesday night 'bandit road race' that I've been doing the summer/fall. I'll see you all at the R&I soon. Later, -CJB

I've not been able to officially calibrate my yard dirt to WC conditions yet. But based on what I'm seeing, I think it would be good. -CJB

In the winter I also put duct tape of the vents in my shoes (road & mtn). My Swiftwick wool socks are lifesavers too! I was shocked how low I could go temp-wise with just those socks. -CJB

As someone who earlier in my cycling life has managed 3 different racing teams/clubs, I can give you insight into what 'we' use to look for and require. In basic terms we wanted someone who was plugged into the cycling community, had a good reputation (both personal and riding/racing), and could agree to the commitment that we required. We cared less about actual results (although that did help), and more so about someone being a form of "brand ambassador" for the team [shop, sponsors, etc]. All of my teams were focused on the TX State Champ Series (TMBRA Spring) and we required you to race/attend the minimum amount of races required to place in the overall standings. I.e. if there were 8 races and riders had to have 6 races to qualify for championship status...then we required participation in 6 races. Additionally, we required attendance 1x per week in one of the more 'major' local rides: Austin Tuesday Nighter, Driveway Crit Series, etc.. You also had to participate in PayDirt (as a way to give-back). And then lastly, you had to be available for sponsor stuff when called upon: Working a shop event, volunteer at an event, man the booth at a race, etc... There may be other things but they would be minimal. In return, we would provide $20 back per race entry if you completed the race. A shop discount that varied (from team to team) but was around 20-25% off. We usually issued 2 team riding kits (top & bottom) and would sometimes provide a hotel room (subsidy) when races were far enough away. Each season depending on the sponsor, we'd usually have some free team gear & swag for the riders: Tifosi glasses, box(es) of Cliff bars, 2 pair of Hutchinson tires, free Giro helmet, etc... were some examples. In summary, we wanted to affiliate ourselves with riders who were out there involved in the cycling/racing community and would represent the organization well. For us, even though we were a XC focused team, we also took into account if the riders were multi-disciplined (road, CX, marathon, gravel). The selection process was usually made known through shop channels (primarily word of mouth). I'd have to say that relationships were the primary way someone would know and then find out about the (our) process. This was way before social media was a thing. Most often the team/rider selection process was done around the end of summer or early fall. We'd have to have sponsors & fund raising finalized right around inner bike (mid-Oct). And then have swag and clothing made available around first of the year (Jan). The above is my own personal experience that ranged from about 98'-2010' and was centered primarily on XC MTB Racing. YMMV. Cheers, -CJB

I wear a size 10 in normal shoes (43.5 euro). So you think these (blue) 11's would be swimmingly too big? Additionally, I'm a former size large, whose lost enough weight to be medium now, and I've got my eye on the SS base layer. For reference, I'm 5'10" 165lbs? Oh...and I live across the street from WC. As long as I'm home, I could be there in 3 minutes. :) Nice stuff! Thanks, -CJB

Todd- Thumper get so little traffic that it may be difficult in locating the 3 people per month who ride it. I'd bet that the majority of traffic on the trail are home-owners hiking out there. I may be out there this coming week and could check, but it might be best to just drive back out there. How was the trail? My and my boys went out there 2 weekends ago and cut down much tree fall. However, I've not been able to make a full loop on it lately. Thanks CJB

I think you're doing leg/knee warmers wrong. Make sure the warmers are going on UNDER your shorts legs. Hike up your shorts legs as high as practical, then pull up your warmers to that appropriate length. Them roll down your shorts leg down on top of warmers. If this doesn't work, then like AGG said, try sizing down. But I too wore my knee warmers for 3 laps of DS with no issues. I've got 3 different pairs of knee warmers and can wear any of them like this for any time necessary. Although, I have found that my recent bib shorts with the extra wide sticky leg gripper holds them tighter (rather than the older version of elastic gripper did). Even though both bib shorts always held them up. I can post pics if needed. :) Later, CJB

Those are some great points. I've always looked at Sea Otter more like a side-show. I may need to dig in a bit deeper to see if has/can become something that could supplant IB? My job may benefit from me attending some of these events. Therefore, I'd like to jump back into this scene sometime this next year. -CJB

I've not been to InnerBike since about 2010, but I had no idea it was declining as such. Historically, IB was always a huge tradeshow with a lot of business and meetings getting done. Anyone out there who has attended recently want to give their perspective? I tend to think that this could very well be a reflection on th over-all health of the industry. https://reviews.mtbr.com/interbike-tradeshow-cancelled Thanks, -CJB

Ahhhh....I guess this may be why about an hour ago Travis asked me if I had our tandem cover photo. The date shows Feb 2010, when we did the Excruciation Exam together on the long bike. All the stuff they were commenting on in the video above is accurate. There's a T-O-N of partnership, trust, control/lack of control, communication, etc.. that goes on when aboard something 8 feet long, weighing in with a total of almost 400 lbs. The upside is that with enough horse power you can climb most anything. The traction is insane and you'll never loop-out. Same goes for going downhill. Its virtually impossible to endo a tandem (I knew 100% Seth & Phil would make that 'sketchy' decent). But the downside is that you can NEVER lift your front wheel over ANYTHING. Thus you simply just smash into any root, rock, ledge, etc.. But having a trusted partner is key. Being stuck on that machine with someone you don't work well with would be a nightmare. Its a testament to our friendship that Travis and I could spend 8hrs 40min on that beast that day.

Thanks Kent for the update. And super stoked for that good news, lets hope it finally gets ratified! I was planning to slog my way downtown (from Round Rock), but seeing as work is picking up today and traffic is exceptionally poor due to the weather, I think I may stay put. Looks like the heavy lifting has been done, and WE REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN ABLE TO PARTNER WITH THEM ON. This year makes 20 years since the initial BCP meeting down at the LCRA building which lead to the closing of Forest Ridge. A lot of water has past under that bridge. There's so much potential that could be had with a healthy working relationship in place. Thanks again, -CJB

Road bike...just say'n. -CJB

This sounds like good news....and I have to say its a bit refreshing. Of course, I know very well to not get too excited until all is finalized. I'm going to do my best to attend the Friday meeting. I may be able to bring my wife too. This could permit her (or I) to give away our 3 minutes. I'd really encourage people to make an effort to be there. If we are this ---> <---- close, and we are finally getting some willful partnership, then we need to turn up to get this finalized. Thanks, -CJB

I think this week, I'm going to try and head down south for the SATN C&D. But I'll try to be back for next weeks R&I. Cheers, -CJB

If I'm reading the charts correctly, then the numbers moved in similar directions for all aspects surveyed (both close & open). Thus we could surmise that whether open or closed, it has not had (at least according to this level of graph) significant impact on the actual "CHANGE" of the trajectory? I guess we could go further and analyze the 'degree' of change related to whether open or closed...and I think that may be where one could say being 'open to the public' shows a more favorable change. But I was just looking at the trends of the graph, rather than the raw numbers. According to the objective of the BCP and their imposed methodology, you'd think (if your a proponent of their method), that the trend lines should go in opposing directions. I.e....the closed lands have a Fledgling population that goes up, and the open land have a population that goes down. But from what I can tell, this is not the case! Just my quick observational analysis. -CJB

Whats the rhythm been lately? I've been away in the skinny tire world and thinking of coming over to the dirt tomorrow. Is there still an early group doing a quick lap before 5:30? -CJB

These things are still available. I'm probably going to give it about 2 days then toss them. Post up if interested. If you are in North Austin, I may be willing to deliver. Thanks CJB

I got my start riding in Lubbock too (while in college). At the time Mae Simmons park blew my mind! Its had "hills", trees and water crossings. Soon after MLK trails were built and I thought that was pretty cool. And then I discovered the Buffalo Springs loop out there and we would climb into the trunk of my buddy's car so that we'd only have to pay for 1 person entrance (while he had 3 bikes on the back of his car rack). :) Good times. I'm sure I have some photos somewhere. -CJB

I'll send you a text in a minute so we can work out the details. But the dimensions are pretty standard for a double door cabinet. I believe they are about 24" deep, 36" tall and probably similar wide. (I'm at work at the moment) -CJB

Yeah, they are not terribly difficult to move. They are sitting in my driveway. I'm happy to give you my address and let you swing by and get'm. -CJB