CBaron

Its not a 100% set time. It ebbs a bit from when everyone arrives and then collectively decides to roll. All that said, I usually try to arrive around 5:10-15 and see who begins to gather up. Quite often a few will roll up from an 'early lap' and its not uncommon to head out for the 'fast lap' around 5:25-30'ish. The "legends lap" comprised primarily of the old-guard R&I'rs usually has a pretty similar schedule. But can be a few minutes later because most are coming from work, and might be stuck in traffic a bit. But generally, I'd say the same thing for both groups. 5:15 arrive---5:30 head out. +/- minutes. YMMV Personally I'd love to see more people come out and join in. ITs always a fun time no matter which group you want to jump into. Bring a lawn chair and a cold 6pk Later, CJB

I scrolled through hoping to see a 27.2 setback seat post....anyone have one of those laying around? Thanks CJB

Thats about where I am and my back yard is still pretty soft -CJB

I'm pretty close to WC and we have not had rain yet. The radar (from an hour ago) looked like something was coming. Don't think it ever hit here. -CJB

I can't speak much for this past year (12 mo) because I've been a little MIA with riding along with my Thumper duties. But historically it *would* get cleared regularly. The main Thumper rep lives adjacent to the trail and keeps an eye on things. Additionally, when I (we) see stuff pop up on the message board we try to use that as a catalyst for some work efforts. However, TAF is correct, Thumper is usually in its best condition in the weeks leading up to the EB. Post up here if anyone see something specific that needs addressing. Cheers, CJB

Rain 2x's over here near WC today. My yard is soaked. -CJB

We are now in the middle of round 2 with 7 minutes of hard rain. The water is now running down the gutters in the streets pretty hard. The R&I is dead.... -CJB

And I take this back....we just got a brief steady rain. Looks like its past now. I'll step back outside with a follow up in about 20 min -CJB

Negative. I just stepped outside to check and there is ZERO going on at my house. Sky looks partly cloudy. I'm located just across Parmer from WC. -CJB

I've alway thought we should just bring out own picnic table up there and chain it to the trees (again). I suspect it would go un-noticed for months (of not longer) -CJB

AB and I approach things from a slightly different vantage point (I'm trying to stay in ketosis and use this eating style for fueling purposes while riding), but our conclusions and findings are pretty similar. I agree with most all of what he said. I've been doing the koto-thing for nearly 4 yrs now. Its fully a lifestyle way of eating for me, I simply don't know any different. All that said, I've discovered some very remarkable things with it on the bike. When I'm dialed-in my eating, I can wake up in the morning and go on a 4+ hr group road ride (50-60 mi) and a solid pace and eat NOTHING. Note- this also includes the fact that my last meal was 8pm the night before. I can't recall my exact eating pattern for my last Dragon Slayer. But I know I did 80 mi, 8(?)hrs and placed 4th. If memory is correct, I ate 2-3 gels and a Honey Stinger waffle during that time. And I'm not advocating for anyone to try and pull off the above. I'm just offering it up as a real-life 1st hand experience into the keto eating world (of cycling). It took me MUCH effort, discipline and experimentation to figure it all out. (I also have some MAJOR crash and burn stories of anyone was interest also) Yes, I was pretty fit. But I've always run a higher heart rate. I'm regularly in the 160-180's so I'm not operating in 'lower zonal efforts'. I credit it to a lot of trial and error to figure out how to dial in what works for me. It prolly took me a year +/- to work it all out. Later, CJB

Hey I truly am glad to hear you guys say that. I'm all for lowering price points and trickle down tech. I personally just felt that the "value" was low for what I saw. Later, CJB

I sorta like it...the bike industry is going to have to evolve and adapt. Not sure this is "it", but its a sign that some people are thinking about it. What I don't like is the Sram NX spec. Ugh...has anyone else ever had their hands on that stuff? I installed a drivetrain onto a local neighbor kids bike after he saved up his hard-earned money for it. Its very pigly, tolerances were not good and I had a very difficult time getting it setup properly. In fact, it was after this experience that I decided to order up the new Shimano SLX 12 spd drivetrain for my back-up bike. I've been very pleased with that purchase. (I know they are not equivalent level components, but I think Shimano is rocking the entry level stuff IMHO) Later, CJB

LOL! Now that I revisit it, I think you may be correct. [shrug] Funny how you read what you want into stuff. Yes, I'd love and extra if you have one. I've been trying to figure out a way to get "air" across my garage. Thanks CJB

I'd like to get in line if one is left over. I just bought a considerably larger compressor and plan to paint some cars. Barry and I are pretty close together and either of us could get them for each other to make things simpler. Cheers, CJB

An understated badass at that. He's low key and just jams it... Chapeau! -CJB

I'd much prefer hot & dry over wet rainy...but don't underestimate Bentonville. It generally drains water well and there are a few trails you can still ride wet (& while raining): Hobbs may be one of the best, there is an actual 'wet loop' on the Back 40, we were recently told Little Sugar (Tunnel Vision) was good when wet. All 3 of those are the bigger rides with some variety of route options. Some places there like Coler would be off limits. Likewise most of the fun smaller simple stuff in town (All American, Slaughter Pen(?), ) don't work when wet either. Cheers, CJB

They did very well all during our trip. It helped that this ride profile was generally downhill. But make no mistake there was real climbing. The initial climb up was legit. I'll try to drop in a few nuggets of info here before you leave. I've got a project I'm working on right now -CJB

Congrats on the new gig! I'm hoping to be doing the same here before too long. Me and my boys rode Rim to 7star last summer. It was very good. We did not loop it back to the beginning (because we road back to the hotel). Seven Star was an amazing decent. https://www.strava.com/activities/3951413139 When are you leaving? Cheers, CJB

The best basic near-town ride is to start at CO Trail head and go up to Gudy's rest, then over to Hoffeins to Dry Fork and back to Gudy's along CO trail. Locals know it as the Hoffiens- Dry Fork Loop. Could be ridden from town too (with about 3 mi of road pedaling each way [up there; down back]). I had 2hrs of steady pedaling. This is always my first initial ride when I get into town https://www.strava.com/activities/4084828259 Later, CJB

My first thought when I ran across this photo is....damn, I'm certain that guy does not have kids. LOL Cheers, CJB

Good eye! I've still got 3 if I recall correctly (2 still in wrapper). But I've moved on to the 3" platform, but can't come to part with my venerable WWLT's Later, CJB

^^^ 100% -CJB

Thats how it works when you have full cooperation from the municipalities and then a multi-million dollar endowment from cycling sympathetic donors. -CJB

Buddy of mine bought Doge back in Jan when Elon was tweeting about it. He's up 1100% right now. He mentioned it to me just prior to Elon going on SNL. I'm down 35% right now. [shrug] Later, CJB