throet

I bit the bullet and just ordered a new Renthal Carbon Lite bar to replace my 2-yr old banged up Renthal Carbon bar. I hated spending that kind of money to replace something that's technically not broken, but there seem to be plenty of solid opinions that carbon bars, especially ridden hard and crashed multiple times, should be periodically replaced. The post above regarding a ticking noise really got me concerned too, as I generally haven't paid attention to the many noises that my bike makes. It's hard for me to distinguish internally routed cable rattle from other sounds, but I was definitely hearing a distinctive ticking sound coming from the cockpit on rough terrain. I put an old aluminum bar on the bike for a couple of rides, and didn't seem to hear that same noise. Could just be that this thread has gotten in my head. Might be interesting though to slice my old carbon bars in half length-wise to see if there is any apparent damage.

Side note - on just those two rides with my old aluminum bars the harshness was quite evident. I wish there was a better selection of titanium bars on the market, which apparently are stronger than both aluminum and carbon, yet better at reducing vibrations than either of the alternatives.  

I've really only used 5-10s since switching to flats a couple of years ago. I did try the new Afton MTB shoes, but the soles tore up pretty quickly. I had bought a pair of 5-10 Sleuths on sale for like $45 a while back and just broke them out recently. They have a different sole pattern than what I was used to with the FreeRiders. The uppers are completely canvas, very minimal, and I bought them thinking I would just wear them now and again for quick rides. They have quickly become my favorite shoes though. Unfortunately I can't find them now for under $100.

I read part of the flat-pedal manifesto before making the switch to flats, but was never sold on needing a humongous pedaling platform. I've never experienced foot pain issues either though, on clipless or flats, except for the times I've smashed my feet on rocks and roots. 

38 minutes ago, CBaron said:

Your only 1 lucky aquarium for sale post away from a runaway hit over here!

Or we could beg TFS's dad to let him get back online!  

6 hours ago, notyal said:

A PC mountain bike forum exists. It's called MTBR.

The difference I think is that like Mojo before it, this site is still equipped to create true community within the broader community. I've met, rode with, and done trail work with a dozen or so folks who I've encountered through Mojo and now AMB. We can also still spread news more easily about local events, local shops, local trail conditions, etc.   

9 minutes ago, HoneyBadger said:

Today's second heavy round of rain is passing over the trails now. 😞 

I rode early this morning before any rain and finally got to check out your additions. Very nice. Trail was in great shape, although much damper than Deception and Picnic. Might have just been an accumulation of morning dew. The humidity this morning was suffocating when I started out on Double Down.   

6 minutes ago, Chief said:

Little too late for me. Next week.

We could still get lucky for tomorrow. 

5 hours ago, Chief said:

Rode this morning , but could probably ride tomorrow if anyone's game.

I'm game but not sure about 7:30am. How about 8 or 8:30 tomorrow?

3 hours ago, Morealice said:

I didn’t ride at all. Just wasn’t feeling it. Still too hot and humid. WILL move in 8 years. Guaranteed.

The evenings really haven't been that bad at all. I rode Deception the last three evenings and it felt great to be riding hard without suffering too much. Suppose that 5:30 is the new 7:30. 

On ‎9‎/‎18‎/‎2018 at 6:50 AM, Chief said:

If the trails are good so am I.....maybe. Two weeks off the bike is gonna hurt:)

With Friday starting to look questionable with more rain possibly moving in tomorrow night, I'm going to get a ride in tomorrow (Thu) morning if anybody is interested in joining. I'll ride Fri morning as well if conditions permit. 

3 hours ago, Albert said:

Someone just posted on Facebook that they encountered two kids (roughly ages 12 and 14) on 50cc bikes at the splash park east of Parmer.  He's not sure if they were riding the trails or not, but he said they had a lot of mud on their bikes.  The kids claimed they hadn't been on the trails.  He didn't see any evidence that they were on the trails, but please do keep your eyes (and ears) open!

Didn't see any mini-bikers but did witness a dog taking a dump on the BCRT, which was equally disgusting. 

3 hours ago, MrMentallo said:

I never made it, but by all present accounts, it should be good to go.

Rode Snail, Rim, and all of Double Down tonight and everything was good. Somebody put the rocks back on Squeeze Play. I just left them alone since I really don't care one way or the other, but I know others have complained that they like to know whether they are there or not. 

Rode Snail, Rim, and all of Double Down tonight - all GTG. 

3 hours ago, Morealice said:

Sweet! Gonna hit today and/or tomorrow. Thanks for reports, guys!

I think we're over the hump on the horrendous heat too. Don't get me wrong - it's still hot as hell. However, I rode for 1.5 hours yesterday starting at 5pm with a fairly fast run on 1/4 Notch, and it really wasn't that bad. Going back out today around the same time and will likely tackle Double Down. 

I'm definitely riding today and tomorrow! 

1/4 Notch and Picnic were good yesterday evening although still tacky in some areas. With another day of sunshine on the way, everything should be primo by mid-day. Saw other posts in the Brushy thread indicating that Mulligan was good and that Peddler's probably needed another day to dry out.  

6 hours ago, Ridenfool said:

Found this on PinkBike. Seemed like a good fit for the thread.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/local-flavors-the-complete-guide-to-riding-in-tucson-az.html

Yep same piece posted above by ATXZJ. Great guide! 

7 hours ago, Albert said:

Maybe this week will be a go?

For sure unless it rains between now and then. I'm planning to ride. 

1/4 notch is mostly dry with several shaded areas still tacky. Nothing sticking to tires though and no slick rocks. Haven't checked anything else out here. 

EDIT: Rode Lower Picnic and Picnic X and both were fine, although another day of drying out will make conditions ideal. A lot of leaves covering the trail, but nothing slick. Only a few spots on 1/4 Notch and Picnic showing evidence of riding during wet conditions - nothing too terrible. 

48 minutes ago, 2112Greg said:

Any updates from today?  Was hoping that there was be some rideable stuff out there...what's the story?

I'm getting ready to head out to see how things are looking. Generally if anything's going to be OK it is 1/4 Notch. I'll go in on the west end, climbing up the Swag Bail. Assuming everything is OK going up the climb, which I'm sure it will be, then I'll know within about 500 yards or so how the rest of the trail is going to be. Assuming I'm not having too much fun, I'll stop and post a report. 

I rode the regional trail between the YMCA and Brushy Creek Lake Park. Didn't see any interlopers on the trails, and actually from what I could see, things were looking pretty good for possibly mid-day tomorrow. Then I got home and it started pouring down rain again - damn! Hopefully I didn't anger the trail gods by sprinting up and down the jeep road and the other climb up to Avery Ranch where the old Deception entrance was. Both of those sprint tracks were in fine shape.    

12 minutes ago, MrMentallo said:

Just got back from a trail walk. Totally hosed and has a few ruts from assholes. I got to yell at a few people for riding wet trails and feel better about myself for it. 

The bad part of my hike was that my hidden stash/tackle box is inundated with water. My weed was totally soaked and my snacks were disgusting. The tools and non-edible supplies were fine though. 

Hopefully another day or two of sunshine will get things dried out sufficiently.

While Bend, OR would be a great place to spend a few days riding and checking out the great vibe, Hood River offers a better option for a quick ride if you're not wanting to stray from your route. The vibe in Hood River is great too. It is home to Full Sail Brewing, but the town is loaded with great places to check out all within a few blocks. For local mountain biking check https://www.hrats.org/trails/trails.

Me and my big bro on our first bikes

19 hours ago, Cafeend said:

So glad I saw this because I keep looking at the picture trying to figure out why you guys were all kitted out and helmets on and the van was facing one and the rack another. Makes sense now.

 

It's like the POD of MTB. You pack things up and then hook up whenever you're ready.