Ridenfool

9 hours ago, Barry said:

I climbed to the shuttle drop-off and decided not to go the extra 100 feet to the top. Did I miss out?

Yeah, there ain't no air up there. Even riding down the trail from the shuttle drop off has a couple of short climbs that nearly did me in.

Then, I came up on some locals where the trail comes back out by the road. They told me, "nobody local rides that section you were on, we just roll down the road to start here."

I sat next to these guys on the bus talking bikes all the way up and they didn't mention this. Always fun to watch the tourists suffer I suppose. 😁

For extreme suffering, after most of the downhill is behind you, take La Piedra trail to connect into the Dale Ball trail system. If you time it just right you can reach the peak of the hike-a-bike-forever switchbacks just as the thunder and lightning starts. It is a thrilling added bonus for visitors. 😲

Hmm, there is something really weird happening outside.

Water appears to be falling, from the sky.

Not sure who to notify, so just posted here to warn people in case it turns out to be some sort of environmental hazard.

1 hour ago, Barry said:

I'll never understand this approach. Give me 105 degrees and 35% RH any time over 80 degrees and 85% RH (so basically every afternoon/evening). Especially when shady pines are involved. This weather pattern repeats pretty much every day in central Texas. 

We don't judge.

All forms of MTB Masochism are encouraged at Rocky Hill. 😁

Did another abbreviated ride of ~14 miles again. The trail conditions haven't changed, and there is still lots of shade along the way, but the heat and humidity takes its toll.

Saw a surprising number of riders out this morning, and they all were gone well before noon. I only know this because we sat in the shade telling lies after the ride. It was around 1300 before we gave in to the 104F temperature and headed home.

Get started early and it can be fun weaving through the pines. Start late at your own peril.

39 minutes ago, rockshins said:

I think on Shimano brakes you are supposed to open the reservoir whenever you push the pistons back in, but I usually never do that. Sounds like you had too much fluid for sure. I use the Park tools pad spreader (pp1.2 methinks)but not on the pistons themselves, can damage the pistons. Just keep pads in and keep the tool nice and clean. The new one the p2-1 I think is more to get the the brake pads spaced as to not rub. 

As an FYI, the Park PS-1 is bargain priced on Amazon right now at $12.

Here's how it is described:

FWIW, I recently went through the same struggle installing new pads after having bled/flushed the brake fluid for better lever feel. Having done the bleed while the pads were between new and spent.

Like Antonio suggests, I bled the caliper and could just get the rotor in, but the rotor drag was very high.

In the end, I took 60-grit sandpaper and took off pad material until the drag on the rotor was acceptable. This was not an ideal solution, and I was left considering whether the OEM of the pads had make them slightly thicker than spec, or perhaps the rotor thickness wasn't standard. It was a head-scratcher.

Getting close to time to do it again and I'm expecting another wrestling match. I may do the bleed first, then, with the syringes in place mount pads w/rotor to see if it all fits before taking the bleed kit off. (naturally, removing pads and rotor again before removing bleed kit to avoid contamination)

I'd be interested to know how the shop handled it. (meanwhile, perusing benchtop belt sanders on Amazon)

Horse Fly deterrent testing update:

On the days I've forgotten to coat my shirt with the peppermint spray I have taken multiple hits from these evil creatures.

With a light spray coating applied there were still a few bites.

When I do a good job of spraying front, back, and arms of the shirt there are notably fewer bites, though plenty of biting flies are seen flying around me.

I'm calling this a win for the Peppermint Spray in the battle against the cursed flies. My trick is to spray the shirt the night before the ride to allow the spray to dry.

Trail Conditions:

Of course, it is still dry out there, and a blast to ride early in the morning to beat the heat. I recommend a start no later than 0900 if a full lap is planned. Bring plenty of water and take breaks in the shade to prevent overheating.

Paul added to the berm I built on Corkscrew and did a great job beefing it up and extending it further through the turn. He even hauled buckets of water up to bed it in. What a trooper.

I've done some work on the newest reroute in the Flamingo Frolic area of Fofonique by widening the track and taking out some of the off-camber aspect. It is better, and further dirt work will continue as time and temperature allow.

On 7/17/2023 at 2:01 PM, spicewookie said:

I waited around and even yelled out several times, but no one ever came to the hole. 

I've heard similar complaints at the Trailhead of many trail systems. 🤷‍♂️

Did some work on a switchback on Corkscrew this morning. The original line (now disappeared) went straight toward the large tree, then turned left behind the tree with the pole saw leaned against it.

The original line was becoming eroded in the dryness of late due to wheelspin. It was tough to climb in good conditions and never worked as well as hoped due to steepness and a sharp turn at the top.

This new line should flow much better, and leads into two more switchbacks that top out at the deer blind, just before the downhill to the road crossing into Mini Me.

Was back home as the temperature crested above 80.

Also, the missus read that Peppermint spray deters Horse Flies. We had some on hand for spraying under the hood to prevent mice chewing the wiring. So, I spritzed my shirt before donning it. Initial trial was a success. Will continue this regimen and see if the results are repeatable.

👍 There are plenty. Eisenhower was president when this house was built.

An earlier Jellyroll we found inside escaped through just such an unfinished corner in a closet. (since sealed) But, I had seen it come in the front door when I opened it, and the chase was on.

Polished up a couple of turns on Corkscrew this morning with some needed bermage. Then, went and removed some Mesquite branches that had encroached upon a section of Rabbit Hole. The only thing worse than a face-slapper is a face-slapper with beefy, inch-long thorns.

Was back home by 0830.

RHR just keeps getting better and better.

We see a few rat snakes here. The wife calls them all "Jellyroll" and they are considered full-time employees.

A few weeks ago the cats and dog got to acting weird in the living room, and this continued for a few days. Eventually we found a Jellyroll sneaking around. After some clever devising of isolation and capture technique they were relocated outside. Work from Home (indoor) is not part of their employment contract.

Hopefully, this episode finally impressed upon the wife why it is never okay to leave the door open, even if just going out for a minute or two. 🤷‍♂️

The ARR ride was a lot of fun. I enjoy having fun groups out there as it offers me a perspective of seeing others approach various challenges on the trail that can lead to further improvement.

There were several spots I thought might need this or that which were crystalized into becoming top of the list items.

There was a lot of good feedback on the Loop signage. Folks, particularly the Beginner's Group, seemed to appreciate the extra confidence it provided them that they were on the right path.

Much pain was endured by the experienced riders as I heard mention of cramps and such from several. All in a good day's enjoyment of the trails.

I'll be back out this week making a few improvements, targeting some of the more annoying face-slappers, and getting whatever I can done in the early morn.

Everyone said the trails were in great shape, the pine trees and their shade led to comments of how RHR reminded some of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Colorado riding.

Most of the riders were done by 1100 and ARR had Schlotzkys samiches for us. Lots of visiting under the shade of the pavilion was a pleasure for all.

Looking forward to doing it again. Maybe in the Fall, when the outdoor Air Conditioning is working better.

5 hours ago, TAF said:

You would drive to Alpine for the weekend(s)? Must have been quite a gal!

I lived in Fort Davis and Alpine for a decade.

I'd drive down to BBNP for the weekend.

When I was living in Alpine my girlfriend worked on one of those crews for a season and I got to hang out with them when I'd go down to visit on the weekends.

They were some of the hardest working folks and likely the hardest partiers I've ever known. A fantastic crew who loved their work at BBNP.

I'd recommend this opportunity to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and the feeling of accomplishment that trail work provides.

I've been told they are aiming to begin riding at or just after 0800 to beat the heat.

Rode the Big Loop today to check things out. No mud this time. 😁

Trail conditions are dry, and can be loose in spots.

Expect temperatures will exceed 90 degrees by about 1100. Get started early.

New signs up, marking shorter loops at distances of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 miles. These loops include Black and Blue trails.

A Green Loop that starts where the road enters the Campground is signed. Ride the road up, then cut over onto the trail beside the road.

The Green Loop can be ridden up to 10 miles, and, can be shortened if riders turn onto roads at intersections and follow the HOME signs.

The signs also show the BIG Loop on the signs which will get every trail. Over 16 miles.

Well heck, if money and weight aren't a concern, another alternative is the "White Box" which offers significantly more storage area. 😏

Though the initial price was 4.5 times that of the Black Box, the White Box includes expanded utility and the flexibility to add additional features.

Flew a strafing run today.

Put up 12 new "Loop" signs (Sharpie on plastic picnic plates) to indicate turnoffs for 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 mile loops. Just like those select-a-size paper towels, riders will be able to select the ride length they want.

Optionally, riders can use these loops to only ride the techy stuff by combining one loop after another as all these loops include all the favorite Black and Blue sections.

The GREEN Loop (up to 10 miles of Green trails and road sections) and the BIG Loop (every trail) are also represented on the signs, as appropriate.

While traipsing about I chainsawed a couple of fallen trees on Lemonade and Rabbit Hole, which were spotted on Saturday's ride.

Escaped with nary a bite from the Horse Flies, though I was batting them away with reckless abandon. In and out before it got too hot. Still, clothing was soaked upon departure back to the house.

Looking forward to ARR riders' feedback on the signs after their ride this coming Saturday.

Coming Soon! I'll be installing REPLAY signs to easily repeat The WALL and The GRIND for those who want to session them.

Got started at 07:30 this morning. What a difference beginning at 80 degrees makes!

Rode a little over 14 miles and was back in the van before temps had breached 90F. It was like riding in the Spring,... give or take the humidity and the horse flies. Still, quite pleasant as long as I kept moving to evade the attack bugs.

There are a couple of trees down. One on Lemonade, another on Rabbit Hole. I have plans to get out there over the next few days to install signs for riding shorter loops and will take care of those trees then.

Signs for turns onto 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 mile loops are in the works. (the 7 & 9 mile loops add Rabbit Hole to the 6 & 8 mile loops, respectively). Also the Big Loop (everything) and the Green Loop will be labeled.

The signs should be in place for ARR's monthly ride coming up in a week, on the 22nd. I will go out on a limb, tempting Murphy, and guarantee there will be no rain.

Agreed.

Got a couple of bites at RHR today. Hopefully they'll be gone in a few weeks.

Went out this morning while it was still chilly and murdered the root on The Grind that had killed my derailleur.

The air conditioning was still running when I finished that task and had disposed of the evidence, so, I got in a little dirt work too.

This will hopefully route the flow of water that comes off the slope from the right and behind so it will no longer erode the trail ahead where it enters the bridge on Mini Me.

Now just need some rain to test the work.

Um, yeah, my go to trail is the one closest to me. So much of a "go-to" that I've now built about half of the loop. 😁

Maybe I need to get out more and go ride some of the other trails on that list that I've helped with over the years. 🤷‍♂️

A possible benefit gained from having a cover when traveling would be to only use it when stopped to eat or shop or some such. Covering the bikes makes it challenging for thieves to determine whether the bikes are valuable, and, complicates their theft by increasing the time needed to take them. This might be enough for them to keep looking elsewhere for an easier target.  This would mean installing the cover when you stop, then remembering to remove it before hitting the road again. (Likely more hassle that it is worth, but something to consider)

Exceptions for being able to use a cover while underway would be if the rack were on an RV or any vehicle with a shape that blocks the wind from "filling the sail" the cover creates.

15 minutes ago, June Bug said:

That's a Paul Uhl decorative platter hanging on the tree trunk on the left! 

Paul is completely responsible for the overall inferior decorating performed here at the Tea Party site (as well as the Flamingos on Fofenique). Kudos to Paul for his artistic prowess in making this site so visually vibrant. (he also scrounged the rocking chair and crafted the 'bicycle wheel with cans' hanging sculpture in the background of that photo)

The "Tea Party" sign was my contribution.

Took this photo at the Tea Party on Rabbit Hole at RHR. From here you can view the herd of pink flamingos on Fofenique across the pond.

A highly decorated spot to hang out in the shade and catch your breath before a steep ascent.

Humidity was only 2500%