Barry

I was there. It was as wet as I've ever seen it. But it was open, crowded, not bad, and totally worth it. If I can't think of anywhere else to go tomorrow, I'll go back tomorrow. 

15 hours ago, Ridenfool said:

I'm contemplating my options for Monday, as I'm getting back some work time from last Sunday.

Considering Reimers, SATN (never been), Madrone, Flat Rock, RPR, or someplace I have either not seen in a while or have not ridden at all.

Heck, even Walnut might be a possibility. How busy is the park on a workday? I haven't been there in years.

 

throet is correct that RPR is usually closed on Monday, so you'll need to check. But Flat Rock will be open and likely quite dry. I'm not as confident about Pedernales.  

I’ve never been to rpr but this will be the third weekend I’ve been rained out for a mountain bike ride so I’m thinking of making the drive. With the large amount of rain from last night, is it possible rpr could be ready for a ride Sunday? 
 
Scott

I have found the ability of trails at be ridden soon after rain to be trail system to system and not really region to region. We had one place in central NY which was every bit as hydrophobic as RPR. You could ride during the rain and not damage the trail. But 30 minutes away everything was soft and easily damaged--you had to wait days. Sort of the dame story with Walnut and RPR. 

The interesting thing about RPR, it ain't just the gneiss rock which is ridable when wet, but the surrounding singletrack as well. It is just really well draining soil in the immediate vicinity. 

The wife and I were doing some fat bike urban Saturday morning and went by Walnut. The place is a huge mess. And unfortunately we saw tire tracks leading into singletrack, so we are likely to have ruts in places when the trail becomes ridable again. The wide gravel path down to the creek looked great so we dropped down to see the creek. But even that path started getting messy at the end. I'm not sure where all the foot traffic was going too/from, but pretty much every hiker had very muddy shoes and dogs. 

A little last minute route guidance here...

Both times that I've found where The Organizer did the 2018 route, he took the lower option to the dam, instead of the road. The below image was from his May 10 ride named, "2018 Dragonslayer Route." So I assume this is the official route. 

I'd say let's go for it unless we wake up to rain. And if we only get one loop before the rain, hell, at least we rode a loop. 

Not looking great! But we have a decent chance of getting one lap in prior to the rain. 

So far so good. I really, really enjoy their functionality and adjust-ability. 

But I'm constantly afraid I'm going to kill 'em on a rock. Sure, lifetime replacement and all. But how does that help me when I'm 1 day into a 4 day road trip. Or 35 miles out on a 70 mile ride? Reckon I'll have to do some creative use of  zip ties in that situation. 

I've really been looking forward to this ride (slightly crack'd frame be damned), so I sure hope the rain holds off.

The wife and are are looking to do a chill morning loop tomorrow. 

The photo is a dam at Racoon Mountain in Chattanooga. The trail goes around the lake, and the only way through the spillway was to go up on the dam wall. It is a pretty spectacular little section of trail, and took hundreds of hours to position the rocks, as I understand it. 

3 hours ago, endo_ said:

Hopefully for everyone’s benefit the trees are cleared along with all the damn rocks.
 

Yeah, I get this ain't what you mean, but I actually think riding along the dam rocks would be fun. It has been done in other locations, Chattanooga's Raccoon Mountain, for example:

I'm also a fan of the damn rocks, btw.

In both cases the cyclist on display is in a poor position to attack the immediate upcoming terrain. 

I like beer okay. I like whiskey A LOT. But I would love to find a good substitute for the BBSP Festival. 

1 minute ago, crazyt said:

I personally like around 100-150 calories per every 50 minutes, with a couple of small meals with probably 400 calories all at once.  An hour is generally too long for some reason.

This is also my strategy from a caloric standpoint. 

10 hours ago, Albert said:

Funny, as I'm pretty sure I yelled out, "Stop sanitizing the trail!" a few times yesterday.  🙂

 

I didn't even get a chance to try to ride those trees. 😡😡😡

I have a 26" Mavic DeMax wheelset. 20mm front, bolt on rear that goes where the quick release would. They're in fine shape as I recall. The rims are stout and wide. You are welcome to them for the price of picking them up. Or you can give me a $20 bill if that makes you happy. 

41 minutes ago, throet said:

Barry do you generally follow the Hammer guidelines as well? I've been trying to figure all of this stuff out on my own, but they sort of spell out for you through their various published guidelines. 

I'd probably do better if I did. I just go with a large carborrific meal about 1-3 hours ahead. Then 1 gel an hour and 3 to 4 scoops or Perpetuem about every 3 hours. 

2 minutes ago, TAF said:

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

"Need" and bicycles rarely go together for me. "What's fun?" is pretty much my only concern. I find dropper posts fun, even at WC.

Regarding the second part regarding other trails...I couldn't agree more. 

Damn sorry I can't make this. Being a heathen, Sunday mornings typically work for me. But work is getting in the way of many things just now.

I'll keep watching this space for more opportunities to help out.

7 hours ago, The Tip said:

I specifically said, "not at the poster" so please don't be offended. I have been on for less than five years so I feel like a noob myself.  I was thinking of the join dates for some of these other guys, 2003 etc.

No, I got ya. My reply was just a wink. 

8 hours ago, The Tip said:

I laughed thinking about (not at) the one poster there that was all nostalgic for Mojo. He has been a member for all of 13 months now. If some of you long time Mojo-ers can see the benefits of this move, then why can't everyone. 

Don't pay attention to noobs. Fuck those guys.

13 hours ago, TheSarge said:

What do y'all do to get your body ready for 12-14 hrs of punishment - especially in the case of Dragonslayer where it will all be pretty brutal, rocky terrain?

Doing it in 9 hours helps. 

But really, I find long rides is the best way to train for long rides. Although I've never felt like I was "training." I'm just riding my bicycle. 

For nutrition during a big ride I stick to Hammer products and electrolyte pills. I have a Hammer gel every hour, and 3 or 4 scoops of Perpetuem every 3 hours.