Ridenfool

7 hours ago, MrMentallo said:

I had no idea Spicewookie was doing professional work as a cover model.

See Below

2 hours ago, TheX said:

The best rack is VERY subjective.

Agreed.

What criteria is applied to measure "best" here? Weight? Cost? Durability? Ease of use?

For comparison, consider Raxter Rack products.

The Raxter rack I've owned for over a decade is lightweight, durable, easy to use, and very similar in footprint to the 1Up.

With 4 bolts I can change it from a 1.25" folding mount to 2" fixed receiver mount. (after purchasing the accessory 2" mount)

Raxter 2-bike rack also prices in at a significantly lower cost, and, it weighs 20% less than the comparable Heavy Duty 2 bike 1Up version.

A three and a four bike version are available, and the 2-bike rack can be converted to 4-bike by bolting on the Plus-Two Extension.

http://raxterracks.com/

Here's a photo from their website of a two bike version.

1 hour ago, Browndog said:

All I did is order a bike. It won’t even be here for three more weeks.


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It was likely a combination of a number of folks' purchases. AB's upgrade, my Juan El Eban conversion, several people with new bikes.

It might be cumulative.

Which kinda makes me wonder what people were buying in the Carolinas?

30 minutes ago, Anita Handle said:

I've usually driven to Albequirky then Durango then through Silverton and Ouray to GJ. Between Durango and GJ is some seriously beautiful driving but it's possible to get a dusting at the end of October. Is that how you would get to GJ? 

Go ABQ to Cortez and catch Phil's World, then a short run East to Durango and North to GJ/Fruita on the Million Dollar Highway. That stretch of road is very scenic.

There is always the Zen approach, where you find your inner calm while imagining their drive train and various seals disintegrating from accumulated grit and muck as you smile with the knowledge of how karma may bite them in the wallet for their inconsiderate breach of trail etiquette.

4 hours ago, Schrute said:

 the best way to face crazy is with more crazy.

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"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro" - Hunter S. Thompson

Another nearby riding area a short drive from Phoenix is North of Fountain Hills in McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Not as much hike-a-bike and pedestrian traffic as SoMo.

Looking at MTBProject it looks like the trails have expanded substantially since the last time I was there.

In the Four corners area you could hit up Phil's World in Cortez. 

You win the Intertubez with that one!

May you be blessed with a lifetime supply of LOL Kats videos.

Or, if you want adventure, try the North Boundary trail. What a hike-a-bike GPS jigsaw puzzle that was.

"A smear of silicone grease will facilitate entry" - from a British manual on replacing a "valve" (tube) on an ancient piece of navigation equipment I once maintained.

Somehow this seemed appropriate at this juncture.

3 hours ago, TAF said:

It's excellent.

+1

The park in town has some challenges (Palmer?) and the State Park next to NORAD has some fun stuff too. Many more trails up in the mountains, but might be best with a shuttle.

Just don't start late for a shuttle run to the trails in late Summer. DAMHIK

We almost died of exposure trying to get off that mountain after getting caught in a big sleet storm.

Palo Duro is a lot of fun and if you leave early and plan to get home late you can ride all three days. I've often used it as an overnight on the way to Colorado, ridden when I arrive, again in the morning, then drive North, South or West for six to eight hours.

So, you CAN have your cake and Strava too(l)?

Aren't many of those using Strava already considered a tool?

Speaking of tool rolls, the built-in one on the Ospery Raptor hydration pack is well integrated. It is stored in its own zippered pocket in the bottom of the pack to keep the weight low.  It unrolls to present your stash and has an apron that can be used to put small parts on while making repairs. Lots more unique and useful features on this well thought out pack hailing from Cortez, Colorado.

Is there a BOA equipped shoe for flats that have no clipless hardware?

Yeah, carrying a kid in the hydration backpack might be frowned upon by some of those more sensitive folks.

51 minutes ago, RedRider3141 said:

Funny, I used to carry a mirror all the time, but as a signal device for emergencies. Could be double duty I guess. 

If you're having a double-doody emergency the carrying TP suggestion is still very much appropriate.

There have been occasions where a group of volunteers planned a workday and Grey Hill made barbeque and had cold beer and other refreshments waiting for us when we were done.

After riding the trails at Warda (BCR), with three foot wide corridors trimmed back, I realize just how badly RHR needs a haircut. Face slappers, tall grass, and other growth obscure the lines. Having all the trails permanently etched in my brain makes it easy for me to overlook how not knowing the trail and riding there might be problematic for riders.

I've got a warranty replacement pair of Fiskar's 15" Loppers on the way and will take them along on the next ride and do a little trimming. In the past the owner has been gracious about letting folks ride a day for free in exchange for putting in an hour or so of trimming. Taking several ten or fifteen minute "trim breaks" during a 15 mile ride is pretty easy to fit in. 

Please call the Hills to arrange this for those willing to do so. Contact info at www.rockyhillranch.com

When trimming, always cut at the point where the branch leaves the tree, or, flush with the ground, to avoid leaving Punji Sticks that could perforate fellow riders.

This bike was purchased new a few years back. Shortly after a few forays upon it the bike was renamed the "GASPearfish" because it left her gasping for breath.

It has now been conclusively determined that she doesn't actually want to ride it.

After seeing the poor thing whimpering in the corner, begging to be ridden, languishing pitifully, without the love any fine mountain bike should have, it is time to find this worthy steed a new home.

Asking $700

Getting into a 29er doesn't get any easier than this

Frame size is 18. It is in excellent shape, and seriously low miles (the casting nibs are still on the tires), ready for someone looking for a fine bike at a great price.

I can meet a buyer in Bastrop. I could also be cajoled to bring it to Austin if motivated by the promise of a sixer of local brew. Porters and Stouts are always good bets.

Here's the Salsa spec page, 

* On the Salsa site for this bike the 18" is classified as a Small, see Geometry tab (inches) in link below.

https://salsacycles.com/bikes/archive/2013_spearfish_3

Here's the MTBR Reviews link for the Spearfish where owners have rated it 4.6 out of 5.

http://www.mtbr.com/product/bikes/29er-FullSuspension/salsa-cycles/spearfish.html

Now that Sunday has rolled around all bets are off.

Once you get to threads level it is the talk bubbles to the left of the thread title. Click and it takes you to unread.

There is a trick though. Don't do this at group level, clicking on those at group level is Mark as Read. An almost, but not quite, completely opposite result.

I rolled out to Warda (a local trail for me) and had a great time. Dry trail, with a light shower for about 5 minutes to cool me off mid-ride.

My shoes came back in better condition than Al's.