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Maiden Voyage! Rode Snail, Rim, 1/4 Notch, and Picnic. All GTG, albeit a bit greasy in some spots. Get you some while you can!

My 2011 Acura MDX has a tech package, but back then that didn't include much. I tried the voice control on it once and it sucked terribly - nothing like what you get with modern devices. What I love is the big knob that controls the Nav, Audio, Bluetooth phone connection, etc vs. a touch-screen (believe those started coming a year or two later on the MDX). The knob turns, toggles in 4 directions, and pushes in, giving you complete control without your hand ever leaving the knob. Took a while to learn all of the ins and outs, but I'd be lost if I had to relearn stuff now on a modern touchscreen. With more than enough cargo space, AWD, and 300hp, I'm willing to accept the poor gas mileage. If I had to replace it today, I'd jump on a newish Honda AWD Passport with the 280 HP V6. I see no signs of the MDX slowing down though, and with only 137K miles on it and working from home now, it could seriously be my last car.

At least one company actually markets a homegrown option - much cheaper than the others on the market. Still cheaper to do your own I'm sure if you can find the right material. Home | Mynesweepers

Haha technically the primary color is red, but I think the sun hitting the orange metallic accents really triggered that orange explosion in the pic. I'm definitely diggin' it!

Does he have one of these? I never got one as a kid, although I wanted one badly. I think that had a profound impact on me as an adult.

Sure. Already posted in another thread but happy to show it off here as well! Once things dry out, there should be regular sightings of it on the Brushy Trails.

Haha that's great! My first college job was at Aquarena Springs. I captained the glass bottom boat rides, but Ralph was definitely the main event.

Haha does that mean you are blaming me for the RAIN!!!!!! Forecast was already set for wet weather this week before I took possession of the bike.

This is my second time running the Conti Shieldwalls, and I really liked the TrailKing 2.4 front and back first time around. Decided to put the slightly narrower MountainKing on the back this time, mostly just because I was having trouble finding the TrailKings. It used to be easier to find premium tires at heavily discounted prices. Like you I just can't see paying $85 for an MTB tire, and these budget tires from Conti are less than half of that.

My front wheel is spinning true with the Rimpact Original but the rear wheel with heavier Rimpact Pro is not. The cheap Conti Shieldwall tires could be part of the problem as I've had wobble issues with those in the past, even without inserts. As long as its not excessive and not rubbing anything, I too will be sending it, well as soon as the monsoon passes anyway! I read through some of the thread shared by @WayneBT and there are some really good insights there. There are so many choices now for tire inserts that I'll have other options if I conclude that these are not up to par once I get some miles on them. I was especially concerned about the comment that they don't offer the same ride quality improvements as CushCore. @ATXZJ has given really good reviews on the Vittoria Airliners, and those might be next on my list to try if these don't work out.

Just got mine installed today. I had already put new tires on my new rims but had never added sealant. I only broke the bead one side and was able to get the inserts in without any trouble at all, and also replaced the valve stems with the Rimpact stems that came with the kit. Added Stans and reseated the tire bead without any trouble. I'm noticing a bit of wobble on the rear. Thinking I will just deflate, massage the tire / insert to make sure it's centered and re-inflate. Looks like it will be a while before I actually get out on the trail with them.

Replacement rims from DT Swiss are looking sweet on my rebuilt primer! Installed some Rimpact inserts along with some new Conti tires. Might be a while before I get to ride.

Newish bike is finally finished. After replacing frame through Intense and Rims through DT Swiss, adding a new Fox 34 Grip2 Factory fork, and a few other bits, my replacement parts came in a little over $3K. A lot of money for sure, but I think replacing the frame and rims through the manufacturer was a good move since there is no sales tax on accident replacement parts, and a similar build on a new bike would probably be $6K plus tax. Besides, I've always loved my Primer! Huge props to @Chief for his expert build work! New Parts: 2018 Primer SL monocoque UD carbon front and rear triangle assembled with original carbon upper link (new bearings), i-BOX lower pivot (new bearings), titanium frame hardware Invisiframe Custom Fit frame clear, glossy frame wrap DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline Rims (30mm internal) laced to original DT Swiss 240s Boost Hubs Shimano XT RT-MT800 Centerlock Brake Rotors - 180mm front / 160mm rear Continental Trail King Shieldwall 29x2.4" front tire, Continental Mountain King Shieldwall 29x2.3" rear tire Rimpact tire inserts 2020 Fox Factory Float 140mm Grip2 Boost Fork - 44mm offset RaceFace Turbine 50mm Stem with 35mm Clamp Renthal Fatbar Lite Carbon Bar - 760mm with 20mm rise and 7 degree backsweep Transferred Parts: Fox Factory Float SV EVOL, 200mm X 50mm Shock Shimano XTR Brakes SRAM XX1 11-spd Shifters and Derailleur SRAM X01 11-spd Cassette RaceFace Next SL Cranks, RaceFace BB, MRP 30t chainring SDG Bel-Air 3.0 Black Microfiber Saddle w/ Orange Base Ergon GE1 EVO Factory Grips Spank Spike Flat Pedals

Whenever I hear this argument I ask what specific skills are you referring to, and the only answer anybody seems to be able to come up with is learning to pick better lines. From my perspective though, that is only important if you want to limit your line choices. Basic skills such as bunny-hopping and manualing are actually easier to learn on a hardtail, but if you choose to never own a hardtail, that doesn't mean you won't posses those skills, it just means that you will have to learn them on a FS. I rode a hardtail for several years before buying my first FS, and I can say with certainty that doing so didn't teach me any meaningful skills that I would not have learned had I gone straight to an FS. In fact, I would venture to guess that some of the most skilled riders in the world have never rode a hardtail, with the exception perhaps of a dirt jumper. If I had the chance to do it over again, and money wasn't a factor, I would definitely go straight to a FS simply because they are more fun and more enjoyable for the type of riding I like to do. Skills are about the rider - not the bike.

You may want to get that checked to rule out a blood clot! Most DVTs start in the calves, and they can be fatal if part of the clot travels up to your heart / lungs.

Sounds like you're progressing quickly and that things may come more naturally for you than they do for others. Beyond just staying balanced on the pedals and sucking up the bumps, you'll also discover how to use your body as both a lever and a hammer, to wrangle through the toughest of obstacles, especially at slower speeds, where you can't just let the bike do the work for you. Happy biking, and if you ever want to get out for an exploratory ride at Brushy Creek, PM me.

Haha this is the method I used - school of hard knocks and near death. Totally agree with @Charlie193 that if you're second guessing yourself on something, save it for another day. I learned that the hard way. Progression is definitely the key to staying safe and there is no shame in getting off your bike to avoid doing something outside your comfort zone. To the OP's point though about not knowing what to be afraid of, my advice would be to 1) keep your wheels on the ground until you're able to carefully progress on drops / jumps, 2) keep your speed within the limits of your balance / control of the bike, avoiding scenarios where you're unable to control your speed, such as steep, gnarly descents, and 3) avoid going up steep, technical obstacles that could leave you and your bike tipping over backwards. Also know that being seated in the saddle leaves you very vulnerable in many situations you'll encounter on the trail. The quicker you get comfortable being out of the saddle and balanced between your pedals and handlebars, the less likely you are to get hurt.

Unfortunately won't be able to ride this morning but hoping to get out later this afternoon.

Sometimes you see a headline that you simply have to click on! Two planes collide midair above Denver, no one injured Two planes collide midair above Denver, no one injured (msn.com)

That was me that crossed paths with you on Rim. I rode Snail and then did an out-and-back on Rim-DD. Was nice to get out and temps were really comfortable. You were the only rider I came across.

I got my hubs over to DT Swiss last Wed, and the new hoops arrived at my doorstep yesterday, laced to my original hubs and complete with tubeless rim tape and valves. The $690 replacement cost ($345 per wheel) wasn't too hard to swallow considering that I had beat the shit out of the original rims for 4.5 years. There were no questions asked and DT Swiss didn't even ask for the old rims back, which saved me considerably on shipping the hubs to them. Given that the $690 also included rebuilding the wheels and shipping them to me, I figure the actual rim replacements came at a cost of around $225 per rim vs. their $800 retail value. Hoping to get another 5 years or so out of these, but I did order some inserts from Rimpact that I'll install before I get crazy on them. Oh and yes - graphics are laser etched for some additional bling factor!

Reporting back on first impressions of these two whiskies. They are both good, smooth sippers. There is little to no nose at all on the Old Elk though, and while smooth and tasty, it seems almost watered down. I'd have to say that I prefer the Weller Special Reserve between the two. There's still a few lightweights on my list to try, but I've grown to appreciate the heat that comes with higher proof selections that are equally smooth in taste. Curious if @Barry being from NY has tried this Widow Jane 10-yr? I've added it to my list, but it's a bit pricey to take a chance on.

Check out the Spank flat-pedal collection. I use the Spike pedals, which are barely under $100. I've got them on both of my bikes and have never lost a pin. They can be rebuilt without any special tools. I've been riding mine for a couple of years without the need for a rebuild though. Looks like they have a couple of models at an even lower price point, but they aren't as thin. PEDALS – SPANK Industries (spank-ind.com)

Where did you ride? I didn't encounter any mosquitos at Brushy.

Didn't ride Sat or Sun because it just felt too damn muggy. Got out today though around 1pm and had a great 90 min ride at Brushy between meetings. It was still a bit muggy and I was pretty soaked after my ride, but the cool air more than made up for it. Drank 16oz of water before heading out, and carried a single bottle in the cage.