https://austinmountainbiking.com/index.php?/rss/2-mountain-biking.xml/Posts from only the Mountain Biking forumenWell first, glad to see this site is still here and that at least there is still some activity brewing periodically. Second, most of us have a story to tell and mine isn't all that special but perhaps can provide encouragement to anybody struggling the way I have over the past 3 years. After my second episode of pulmonary emboli, learning of a dilated ascending aorta, and dealing with MAJOR stresses on the job, I had all but abandoned the sport I had grown to love after taking it up in my early fifties. Instead of that evening ride to decompress after work, I was drinking anywhere from 2-3 beers plus 4-5 whiskies per night. I was making trips to the store just to get candy bars. And the cycle was worsening, as these escapes only temporarily removed me from the stressful situation at work. Bottom line, I had fallen into depression, maybe not so deep to be classified as such clinically, but I was definitely on a downward spiral. I quit my gym workouts too and put on 30lbs of mostly belly fat. I was totally out of shape and attempted MTB rides became punishment instead of pleasure. Then in January, just over 3 months ago, I ended up back in the hospital after overdoing it on an MTB ride. I felt like I was coughing up blood and thought maybe I was having another PE. They thought I was having or had a heart attack in the ER because my troponin levels were very high, generally a marker that heart muscle is being damaged. After 3 days in the hospital and many, many tests, including a full Right-Left Hearth Cath, they concluded that my ticker was just fine and that my aorta hadn't dilated any further since my last hospitalization in 2024. My attitude while in the hospital a few months ago shifted from "let's just let this be the one and get things over with", to "let's knock this shit off and get back to living". Since I was discharged on Jan 14, I have not had a drop of alcohol, have started regular gym workouts again, have gone back to a very healthy diet, have dropped almost 20 pounds so far, and most importantly, am starting to feel like a beast again on the bike, with regular rides and progressive improvements even at 67. I've also set boundaries at work and that are making it easier to cope and that should get me through to retirement, which has been planned for Sep 2027 when I become pension eligible. Honestly though, with the new outlook and balance in my life, I could possibly work until 70 using my ample PTO wisely. BTW, sorry about the rain but I rewarded myself with a new bike. Part of my new vision is to prepare myself for 70+ XC racing. I had been looking at the Canyon Lux and Pivot Mach SL but couldn't find a reasonably priced build with SRAM Transmission and Carbon Wheels. Then suddenly an ad pops up on my feed from Contender bikes, selling a top-line, brand-new 2024 BMC Fourstroke 01 One - an $11K build for under $6K. The spec and geo are perfect for me. @AntonioGG will I see you at Warda - haha? Looking to give it an inaugural run in Cat2 60+ next month!Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:26:30 +0000Austin Ridge Riders: Help us reverse Emma Long! This Saturday at 9 AM our Trail Crew will be working with Central Texas Trials Association to reverse the loop direction at Emma Long park. This is also a heads up that the loop will now run clockwise. This will be light work, and we are limiting the workday to ten volunteers so please find additional details and RSVP via this link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arrtrailcrew/2076735Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:28:48 +0000https://www.traileaffectpodcast.com/austin-ridge-riders-mountain-bike-club-205/ For episode 205 we have Charlie Riou and Cullen McMorrow – the President and Vice President of the Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club. While Austin may not be on everyone’s radar as a ride destination Austin certainly has a very deep history around mountain biking, mountain bike advocacy and trails. Both Cullen and Charlie provide some excellent stories about the history of mountain biking in the Austin Area along with what they are doing for the future of mountain biking in this region. [Joe Wieck, ARR Trail Coordinator, was supposed to be on this also, but couldn't make it]. Topics Include: The Austin Ridge Riders Backstory as a Mountain Bike Club Barton Creek Greenbelt How Cullen got involved with the Austin Ridge Riders How Charlie got involved with the Austin Ridge Riders Trail Work by the Austin Ridge Riders Walnut Creek Metro Park work day Benefits of cleaning up parks and trails American Trails Webinar – Using Natural Surface Trails as Transportation Alternatives. Working with other user groups to create Win – Win scenarios Reimers Ranch Park The Quality-of-Life aspect of trails in Austin and how that’s a tougher sell in large metro areas like Austin (where lots of people are moving there regardless of outdoor recreation) Where Charlie likes to ride in the Austin Area What Cullen looks for in a Riding Community What Charlie looks for in a Riding Community Closing Comments https://www.americantrails.org/training/natural-surface-trails-as-transportation Natural Surface Trails as Transportation This webinar outlines the benefits, planning considerations, and implementation strategies for incorporating natural surface trails into greenways and public trail systems. Presented by: Jake Carsten, President, Alliance Action Sports Experts (USA) Cullen McMorrow, Vice President, Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike ClubTue, 20 Jan 2026 22:35:32 +0000This has sold!! Selling my much loved and cared for XL Nukeproof. Looking for $1,000. Will include a goodies bag that has: spare derauiller hangers, 3 shimano icetech rotors (2x 180mm, 1x 203mm), set of brake pads, fox fork and shock spare parts, spare mud guard, extra fork thru axle, touch up paint and user manuals. Specs: Size XL Rear Shock FOX Float X2 Factory, Kashima coating, 2 position lever, 210x55mm, custom tune Fork FOX 36 Float Factory, FIT GRIP 2, Kashima coating, 51mm offset Fork Travel 160mm Head Tube Diameter Tapered 1.125"-1.5" Headset Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS Handlebar Nukeproof Horizon, aluminum, 800mm, 25mm Stem Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, 31.8mm, black Grips Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature Brakes Front: Shimano XT M8020 4 piston, Galfer Wave 203mm rotor Rear: Shimano XT M6100 4 piston, Galfer Wave 180mm rotor Brake Levers Shimano XT M8000 Drivetrain: Shifters Shimano XT M8000, 11-speed Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore M6100 Chainguide MRP 1x CS, 28-34 tooth Cranks Shimano XT M8000, 11-Speed, 170mm, 53mm chainline Chainrings 30 tooth Cassette Shimano Deore M5100, 11-51 tooth Rims DT Swiss E1700 Spline, 30mm inner width Hubs Front: DT Swiss 350, 15x110mm Rear: DT Swiss 350 with Shimano freehub, 12x148mm Spokes Straight pull Tires Front: Maxxis Assegai 29" x 2.5" Double Down, Maxxgrip, tubeless Rear: Maxxis Aggressor 29” x2.5” Double Down Dual Compound, tubeless Saddle WTB Volt Canyon 200mm dropper, can also include original seatpost: RockShox Reverb 170mm dropThu, 15 Jan 2026 18:26:12 +0000On Dec. 30th, around 9 pm, Josh Prosser was found with serious head injuries on the sidewalk on the west side of Metric Blvd; he died from his injuries several days later. The location was somewhat north of the intersection with Bittern Hollow. For reference, there is a large Catholic church on the northeast corner of the Metric Blvd/Bittern Hollow intersection. There is a large apartment complex on the west side. This is close where Metric crosses over the Walnut Creek Multi-Use Path. Apparently, he was assaulted in the process of being robbed of his e-bike by a thief/thieves. He was riding a foldable forest green MOD City 3 electric bike made by the Austin company MOD BIKES. Although at night, this was a violent crime in a very public location. Family seeking answers after the mysterious death of their loved one in North Austin Family and friends are searching for answers on what exactly happened.Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:56:04 +0000Hey, y'all, The Austin Ridge Riders Cranksgiving event has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb 7th. Volunteer link: https://www.bikereg.com/cranksgiving-volunteers The link to register for the event as a rider will be posted hopefully on Jan 1 on the Austin Ridge Riders web site, so check there. Happy New Year to those who celebrate Jan 1 and not the Solstice, the actual start of a new year.Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:07:43 +0000Maxxis Minion DHR II 29X2.4 Maxxis Minion DHF 29X2.5 Maxxis Recon 29x2.4 Maxxis Ardent Race 29x2.2. I HAVE 2 $25 EA Thanks TommyMon, 29 Dec 2025 23:56:29 +0000Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:58:10 +0000Rampage! I think they've gone too far. Adolf's crash could have been life ending, and even though it's his choice, people are going to try to emulate him. Other than that, it was AMAZING!Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:10:45 +0000Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:48:39 +0000Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:30:52 +0000Sender core skills trainer. Designed to train for manuals and front wheel lifts. Here is a link to the newer version; https://sender-rampsusa.com/products/2021-pro-core-skills-trainer The one for sale is the older version with spacers. In very good shape with little use. Text only please Dustin 720-two one zero- 8511 Thanks!Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:21:03 +0000Starship flight 10 happened today and it was awesome...seriously...awesome...Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:16:12 +0000Selling a brand-new Kona P2 steel fork with disc and canti mounts. Black with a little garage wear and some surface rust inside the bosses but nothing of concern. Uncut steerer. Never installed. It is the 440mm axle-to-crown version, will work well on a frame designed for a longer travel shock. Will fit a 700c or other larger wheel using the disc mounts, but the canti bosses only align with 26" PM for contact or questions.Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:45:16 +0000Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:18:23 +0000Their light was so bright.Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:16:25 +0000I see that the trails are closed Monday thru Thursday, then appear open for the next month. Is this normal or maybe a result of flood damage? I plan on 3 days and two nights just me and my new baby Bronco and my e-bike. My wife's health is not ideal and I have someone to stay with her for that time. I honestly need a break. I'll contact them of course, just wondering if anyone has info to share.Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:41:34 +0000Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:30:30 +0000Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:53:18 +0000Sorry, but hey...now that we're chatting... Anyone here work for a Ford dealership? Trading in my two one-owner cars and looking at *probably* a '25 Ford Explorer Platinum. Might end up at Toyota also, but looking takes time. I'm paying cash along with the trades. By trades I mean selling at Carmax for quick money, or letting the dealer match it. After the trade-in deal is nailed down, then I tell them which car I want. I understand that the internet price is rock bottom deal to be had. Mak Haik has treated me well in the past.Sun, 13 Jul 2025 03:43:44 +0000Yes, there are NICE guitars that are branded Santa Cruz. Here is my newest and it is SWEEEEET! PRG DGT Includes the "10 top" their best available wood for the top (obviously). Is also a "Paul's Wood Library" guitar for the incredible flamed maple neck. Has the best bird inlays and a bound neck. The fingerboard is incredible.Wed, 18 Jun 2025 02:41:23 +0000Mine is simple, but I take care of it all myself, and I'm old.Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:33:13 +0000I'm not sure who all contributes to the trail conditions page, but I noticed Searight seems to always be 'open' like Reveille or Rocky Hill. I have ridden there a few times and from what I recall it is a mix of dirt and rock tread similar to most eastern trails so I am curious why it almost always seems to be marked open even after widespread rain, if anyone has any insight. https://austintrailconditions.com/Wed, 11 Jun 2025 23:34:19 +0000Selling my 22 Grizl, Size XS. $1100 Ref wise I am 5'7" and Canyon does their sizes a bit different. RD GRX 600 Cas SLX 11-42 GRX 810 Crankset 170 MM GRX Brakes DT Swiss Gravel LN Wheelset. Setup Tubeless , Teravail Rutland 27.5x 2.1 and have the original Schwalbe G-Ones 650bs Put the stock seat and bars back on. Was running PNW 520 MM wide bars but put the Canyon bars back on. New headset and new wedge installed **This has the worst bar wrap job on it, I suck at wrapping but whatever** Pedals not includedThu, 05 Jun 2025 15:35:05 +0000Fri, 23 May 2025 16:59:37 +0000