TAF

I'm fortunate enough to be able to keep a bike in Colorado Springs. If I leave on the first DIA flight Friday morning, and take a late afternoon flight back on Monday (usually using miles), I get four awesome high altitude rides in. Don't get rid of your old bikes - make friends in Colorado!

My understanding of CP is that the trails were originally built for the much lighter trials bikes, and mostly to access the (now) forbidden trails in the central area. A few years ago, the last motorcycle park in Travis County closed, so those guys headed for CP with their much larger, much heavier motos. Those bikes almost immediately caused the existing damage to the trails - broken chunks of rock, massive divots, etc. It no longer drains like it used to. But, as others have pointed out, it's "their" trail system.

That's a nice looking cake - where do I get one?

There's a gpx of last year's route available. Not everyone uses the same names, so I may well get corrected on this, but the current route is Main Trail, turn right up Rudy's, left down Wall (?), back to Main Trail, cross the creek at Roots (?), climb EZ Up to the gravel pit, down Jedi (?) and Mulch Hill to the dam, climb out at the HoL. Not sure what happens if the creek is too high to cross - maybe someone can post up with a simple re-route option - perhaps involving the new concrete path, if needed?

Starting a new topic for EB pre-rides. Cody will likely lead Thumper pre-rides, and anyone who wants to lead (or request) others can post up here. We will be marking the turns in the Green Belt with yellow bio-degradable tape as soon as it's dry enough to do so. Some tape is already up. - Tony

Believe me, Rugger should know.

Sweet! I'll look out for you on the trails.

Bummer, man - I don't wear a watch, but does it have any kind of 'locate me' software?

Must have been quite the wipeout - got any video?

Yeah, I miss the old Mojo sometimes. Handy tip, though! (OMG stop it stop it)

If you rode a single speed, there would be no need for this lengthy post.

Weather permitting, anyone going to be there tomorrow?

Spinistry marks their route very well. Rather light on post-ride festivities, but perhaps they will improve on that. Mrs Spinistry makes a mean salsa!

There will be a cutoff for the 50km event. The Come and Grind it is the only gravel event I know of which repeats the loop - I too bailed after one lap this year.

You drank so much beer that, frankly, I was rather surprised when you DID get up the next day.

Anyone going this week?

Pretty handy in the Green Belt, City Park, Thumper (of course), and other area trails on steep hillsides.

There's a separate forum for you to sell your used bits and pieces in!

You don't need a dropper at Walnut. Expand your riding experience to other local trails, and you may find it invaluable.

I'm happy as long as we have the R&I thread. Fuck those Southie guys and their Wank n Piss thing.

That's exactly what happens, and is what should have happened a few years ago when a bunch of outtatowners came through town to show us how it's done. No one gets accused of cheating, but you need have 83.5 miles on your GPS (or whatever it happens to be), AND no one protesting that they passed you multiple times, yadda yadda, to be in the clear.

This is not gravel. The EB is a mental game. You need to ride each trail system independently, so you know what to expect, how long it will take, and where you are in the big scheme of things. For me, at least, the road connectors are a time to settle back, relax, listen to some tunes, and hydrate. Having said all that - yes, it's harder than a 100k gravel race .... but not impossible!

Not entirely the case, CJB - a small few of us are merely the keepers of the flame , and your voice is still a mighty one. The EB is still a great challenge to many in our area, but if the founders want to add a dessert portion - who are we to complain! We shall shut up and enjoy our pudding.