CBaron

13 hours ago, JRIDER said:

360 is actually pretty nice if you hit it early on the weekends before traffic picks up.  The worst part about 360 is crossing over the entrance\exit ramps.  I'll stop and wait for an opening if needed.   

I try to avoid two lane roads with no shoulders like Spicewood Springs .  That is my least favorite stretch of road on the EB route. 

360 is much better now IMHO due to the road bumps they've installed along the white line.  That gives me a ton more personal comfort.  The idea of Spicewood makes me uncomfortable, but most every yr at the EB, I've found it not too bad.  I think that might be worse if I was actually riding it all the way to the end.  CP Rd is the one that is feeling worse for me.  There's just so many damn people living around those parts now!

Later,
CJB

I'm familiar with the greenbelt pathway that you are referring to and this (where I was riding) was obviously not that area.  But I have a hard time thinking that there were 2 notable events going on in that general area at the same time this morning?  Something is amiss.

-CJB

Yeah, I was passing through there around 9:30.  It felt like whatever was going on was being cleaned up by then.

-CJB

I was out taking an easy spin at WC this morning.  Climbing up Char-dog up shortly after the 180* left-hand switch back there was police tape across the trail about head high.  Being the rebel that I am, I naturally rode under it.  I saw 3 cops standing around on the side of the trail.  I paused and hopped off my bike, but they told me to come on through.  I asked if it was anything serious  and they replied no.  As I was exiting char-dog I saw another section of police tape.  Then lastly, as I was crossing the dam I noticed 2 cop cars and 2 firetrucks. 

Anyone have any idea what was going on?

Cheers,
CJB

Hoping to be there too.  I'm very doubtful my knee will hold up, but I'm gonna give it a go.

Later,
CJB

30 minutes ago, TAF said:

Don't they load up the bikes and drive between trails -- what's up with that!

Its a Dallas thang...trails are mediocre and all far away from each other.  #carlife

-CJB

On 11/5/2021 at 2:40 PM, Barry said:

A part of Texas that you're ridden that I haven't. Congrats!

They didn't have Irwin Park as a part of 'Judgment Day'???  Irwin is a quality trail for the area and was a staple when I lived there.

-CJB

Erwin Park all day long!  I've ridden it many times and taken my sons there when they were younger.  I hate to overuse the analogy but its WC'esck but IMHO more scenic and rolling.  

I've never ridden Hartlee Field, in fact never hear of it.  Ray Roberts sounds familiar but I think it goes by another name (for the trail).  And if its the one I think it is, then its legitimately a bit technical.  Its got a decent bit of embedded sharp rocks and some chunk.

Later,
CJB

Those don't don't have to be mutually exclusive...I checked my phone and replied to your message (before I even post this up).😘

-CJB

1 hour ago, JP Syverud said:

Would you sell just the frame? I have everything else just need a rocking frame from Vince. 
 

jp 

5 hours ago, CBaron said:

All that said....you should part it out and sell me the SC fork! 😉   If you head that way, I'm your huckleberry.

Cheers,
CJB

Before I hit reply above, I went to their site to see how your bike would fit me.  I really don't need another bike, but like what you are offering (frame, build, price).  Alas, I'd need a Lrg in the Stella.  But I could ride a Md in the Sendero (if anyone out there is looking to unload).  🙂

Good luck with the sale.
CJB

On 10/30/2021 at 4:50 PM, AustinBike said:

Wow, you can see the paint from an aerial pic, is that the new EB route? 😄

Just this weekend when riding the EB, I was wondering how many people are still around who remember this long running joke/not-joke?  I'm glad that there are still some people out there to not let it die.  Orange paint FTW!

-CJB

I'm not even sure I knew you owned this bike?!  So damn nice!  Sorry you can't get more out of it.  I think the decal choice along with hubs, HS, SP clamp are the perfect blend of bling and class.  

All that said....you should part it out and sell me the SC fork! 😉   If you head that way, I'm your huckleberry.

One suggestion is to make the size a bit more notable.  I looked up & down for it before I realized it was found in the title.

Cheers,
CJB

On 10/18/2021 at 11:37 AM, AntonioGG said:

 

I guess I'm one of the weirdos who thinks that looks exhilarating and fun!  I loved his starting strategy.  His whole race is an example of good fitness and some ballz!  During the 1st 1/3 of the video, I bet many of those riders could have gone faster...but they were simply being lulled into keeping the rhythm of the rider in front of them.  BUT THIS DUDE was having none of that!  But you could tell that about halfway through the video, he was running up on more quality of riders.  Overall his style reminded me very much of my (motorcycle) hare scramble racing days.  On the MX trails nobody gave an inch and you had to JAM your way into the turns, courtesy and etiquette be damned!   I'd like to know if they were riding the course blind or not??

Cheers,
CJB

On 10/20/2021 at 6:06 AM, Chongo Loco said:

My old riding buddy Nick was an adventure racer that liked to race TMBRA too back in the 90’s to early 00’s. Every Rocky Hill Race the roadies would haul ass across the field to the water tank hill then bog it up at that little drop zone gully below the camp ground. Nick would piss them off by shouldering his bike and running all the way up thru the camp ground to the gate at the top where fat chucks starts. What really pissed them off was not only was he fast on foot but he’d laugh like a madman at everyone that hollered at him. 

I remember Nick well.  He was a character for sure!

-CJB

Shimano makes a minimal retention pedal-cleat system.  They are designed for 1st time learners.  I bought this setup for my 5 yr old as he began to advance into legit riding terrain.  It was a super easy way for him to learn, but once he got the hang of it he began to complain that he was coming out too easy on chunky terrain and in techy situations.  I honestly don't think this is the best route for adults because you are effectively having to buy 2 systems.....1st to learn and then the permanent system after you learn.  

Just went and found the info on the Shimano site.
https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/technologies/component/details/shimano-clickr.html

Later,
CJB

13 hours ago, WLemke said:

Really though, It’s all about muscle memory. Over the next few months you’ll be re-wiring your brain to instinctively twist your foot off the pedal instead of sliding it off. It takes time so just stick with it and I guarantee you’ll be dabbing just as fast with clipless pedals as you did with flats. 

Its all this 100%.  You have to (re)learn that before you come to a stop, your feet have to come out of the pedals 1st.  Additionally, there is another thing at play here.  Its the "system" of your cleat and pedal interface.  Over time they wear together to the point that they are sorta a 'matched set'.  I.e. I have SPD's on 3 different bikes and my primary MTB clips and unclips smooth and seamlessly.  However, on my other 2 bikes (with the same pair of shoes) those bikes have a slightly different unclipping feel.  I can tell that the pedals and cleats are not "matched".   Don't get me wrong....they work together fine.  But like I said, over time all the grooves, patterns, metal gets worn together.  My suggestion is bring your bike into the house, get on your bike and put yourself in a doorway where you can hold yourself up (with hands on the doorframe).  Then sit there and clip and unclip dozens of times.  This helps train muscle memory and also begins to 'wear in' your cleats/pedal system.

Later,
CJB

Bot invasion = max exodus to the new ATXMTB land.

-CJB

Mike, what part of town do you live in?  I live in N Austin near WC park.  I owned a bike shop and was a custom frame builder for 6 yrs.  I could do a basic road bike fit for you.  With 3 kids, a new job and my own riding schedule, we'd just need to find a convenient time.

Hit me up.
-Cody
512-694-1319

I hate being a complainer but....its cumbersome to have to scroll all the way to the bottom to "mark forum as read".  Seems like that should be a button that is at the top of the page for efficiency sake.  File this complaint with their UI Dept.  🙂
 

Later,
CJB

I really am sorry to hear this.  I know I'd asked you about it the other week and was bummed to hear you've not been riding it.

I want your SC120.

Later,
CJB

68* degree weather at the start of the ride tomorrow!  Come get your ride on!  

Weather has definitely turned a corner and will be much more accommodating to us 2 slappers.  If you've not done 2 laps before (and are contemplating a 3 lap DS), getting this kind of practice under your belt so far out can be very beneficial to your actual DS November game plan.  You'll learn a lot about your nutrition, your fitness, your touch-points(!!), your pacing, etc...

See you all in the morning.

-CJB

Awesome! Glad to see this getting more momentum this time around.  I feel less bad for canceling on Monday now.  

Here is a link to my Strava post, it too is getting some traction.  Looks like we could maybe have 10-15 people possibly.  I know of 2-3 who may be coming and have not posted up.

https://www.strava.com/athletes/6529929/posts/17794487

Cheers,
CJB

LETS TRY THIS AGAIN!!

Same details, just a new day.

DETAILS:
Location: Lake Georgetown Trail (LGT)
Time: Monday, 7:45am meet, 8am rollout. 
Place: Russel Park parking lot, Georgetown 
Pace: Steady tempo for 2 clockwise laps

*NOTE* Please make sure to read the original post at the top for details of the ride and its history.  If you have any questions feel free to post them up here also.  Lets hope for better weather this time around.

Later,
CJB

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER TO NEXT SATURDAY

My contact who lives really close to Russell Park just texted me saying that its been gently raining for a steady amount of time now.  He feels LGT would be a no-go tomorrow.  Sorry to pull plug so late, but I think its the prudent thing to do.  LETS TRY AGAIN NEXT SATURDAY.

Current radar below