mtb_jeremy

The large Ash tree in my front yard came down today. I was amazed at the range of cost estimates for removal. It may be partly due to demand, but I got the feeling the older, more established names generally charge higher prices. One did offer to price match competitors, but I figure that is a move of too little too late. I went with one that was half the price of that high dollar one and it included stump grinding. Now will spend the summer figuring out what I want to replace it with in the fall. Definitely something with a longer lifespan than 40 years.

The one potential for these trees is if they were just starting to grow before the snow storm hit. The cold would reset the tree to act like it did in fall and take extra time (months) to sprout. For mine, I fear that the ice weighed down the branches and damaged them so much (lots of small, internal cracks) and killed all of the major branches. The tree was near its normal lifespan (40+ years). We had it trimmed properly (all horizonal/downward branches) two years ago and though still big it is very thinned out now.

Probably need to add my yard to that list We have a really big one in front. It was already getting on in years, but now I get to look into removal costs.

Exactly. I noticed last year once overnight temperatures were consistently in the 60s+ that is when you saw new growth really start. The long range forecast currently shows next week being the first time to expect overnight temperatures to regularly be there.

The pump track at McAllister park is really nice. Went last week on Wednesday and only two other guys there at 11AM. People at the track were super cool. It was Spring Break, but still likely busier after work hours. There are the other trails at McAllister to explore, and a site or too in San Antonio.

Checked out the new Velosolutions pump track at McAllister Park in San Antonio yesterday. Very nice facility, and really quiet on a Wednesday (during Spring Break). Perfect for the kid to have a chance to explore it. Will have to make a trip back, and plan to hit some trails as well.

It may not be relevant to the 9-speed discussion, but I mixed a Shimano Alivio trigger shifter (8 speed) with a Microshift R8 rear derailleur and it works well. Used an 8-speed 11-28 Shimano XT cassette I had. Overall it is a much improved setup to the 6-speed gripshift setup that came on my kids Trek Superfly 20.

Took the kid to Milburn this evening. Still getting used to his new bike on bigger hills, but did good.

Have any of you visited the skatepark in Taylor (Pierce Park)? They don't seem to mind bikes, but not sure how busy it is.

Got the kid out on some trails for the first time. While new experience for him, that he loved. Rim finally arrived for the front wheel, so will soon have a matching pair to the rear.

Made some progress on the kid's new bike. Couple hiccups in the build. The pair of rims I recieved to build the wheels were mismatched, so only have a rear Chris King wheel so far. Have another rim on order so I can build a matching front. The driveline is a bit of a challenge now that I have tmit together. Replaced the stock cranks (140mm) with some a bit shorter (125mm) since it seemed to be a common suggestion for this bike/size. The chainring is lining up pretty much straight ahead of the outer rear cog. Bottom bracket mounted chain tensioner is one factor pushing the bottom bracket over. Thinking about trying some chainring spacers, or going back to the stock crank with built in chain guide ring.

I could have picked up a used balance bike when I had my first kid, but I too wanted to have the fun of picking out something I new was cool. I didn't go $1000 crazy, but always planned to keep it forever. Makes a nice garage decoration, and maybe someday his kid will ride it. Supurb bikes from Germany made this one.

I am in the process of upgrading the bike I picked up for my son for Christmas. Found a Trek Superfly 20 in his favorite color (green). It will be a surprise, so work happening in the evenings after he goes to bed. Didn't want to go to disk brakes for this size bike since it would just add weight. That works out well as a last chance to use some old parts I have been holding onto from when I got into biking in the 90s. Will have XTR V-brakes, and I am in the process of building up wheels with Chris King hubs. Will have to provide an update once it is done

Nice, I am on Toledo Dr and been riding around the area and those parks a lot with my kid (5 year old). Nice to have two good areas so close for him also as he gets older.

I can't imagine 9 kids. One boy is enough to wear us out at times. I have always been into biking, so would have been disappointed if my kid didn't show interest. It was a surprise hearing from coming across so many parents that said their kid never wanted to bike until later in life. Glad I didn't waste money on the first bike I bought. Turned out the first balance bike I picked up (just after he was born) had a higher stand-over height than a Strider, so we borrowed a pink Strider from a friend as my son's first bike. He was obsessed with it before he could walk, and is now on his 4th bike. He is putting to use the old XTR v-brakes I had been hanging onto from my past, and so much fun to go on rides with. 20200415_170837.mp4

Not that I can wheelie, but have wondered if practicing simply riding with no hands would be a good thing to practice for help for side to side stability skills. It seems like riding with no hands at slower speeds and doing turns may help with muscle memory of balancing when doing wheelies. Maybe?