Flo and Mountain Biking

 The advent and continuing creation of machine built mountain bike trails brought a "new" buzzword into the mainstream vernacular, flow. The concept of flow is not a new notion, however building it into the trails is rather new in a historical perspective. In the days of yore, if one wanted to flow down a trail they had to create it themselves with learned skillsets. Nowadays, those skillsets are not necessary if one seeks out machine built flow trails and that seems be causing a myriad of issues that feed my notion of degradation beyond the general lack of skills these trails require.

 The most glaring issue with those firmly attached to modern flow trails is the apparent inability to turn without being aided by a berm. I was fortunate to be patiently shown how to look for hooks and use them, which is highly applicable in both technical trail riding and on machine built flow, especially at speed. The most common miscue witnessed in this light would be flow disciples attempting to bomb the lines that are optimal for slower speeds. On wide machine built trails, this causes cut corners, skidding and blown-out turns when the turns are not on a bench cut. If one is looking for and using the hooks at higher speeds, they are not cutting corners but instead hitting the hook, which could be as simple as the cup in the middle of the tread, or as unapparent as a notch in a boulder.

  The ability to keep oneself in the trailbed on a singletrack is touted by advocacy groups with the common tenet of "Control Your Bicycle". With most flow trails, this should be an easy task as they tend to be well over a foot wide, however the aforementioned inability of some to adhere to staying in the trailbed (especially on trails that are not a bench cut), those cut corners and blown-out flat turns tell a story of ignorance and/or entitlement. There are countless trails where the inability to stay in the trailbed have dire consequences to those not adhering to one of the most basic rules of the trail. Riding out of the trail bed on The Portal in Moab can lead to a 600' cliff dive, which has occured before and will do so again. Riding within ones limits and respecting the trails creates a true advocate, whereas those of a hypocritical nature who may claim that title are only fooling themselves and their sycophantic virtual (or otherwise) acquaintances. When a rider is controlling their bike, their tracks stay in the tread.

 The last item of observation is the Vanillafication that these trails appear to be creating. The designs of machine built flow trails are very similar across the board and this is especially true where soil conditions are the same. The berms, bumps, jumps, etc. tend to be carbon copies that create what flowficionados crave, the safety of Vanilla. Putting Rocky Road in front of those used to Vanilla can cause a variety of issues, though self-preservation is most likely high on their list and they will not want a taste. Another factor that keeps flowficionados away from different flavors is ego, but that's a topic for another day. Of course when some with the afflictions in question do attempt a different flavor, it can be disastrous to the environment and/or themselves. While Rocky Road isn't for everyone, there are still many who crave variety, as it's proverbially The Spice of Life.

 The burning question remains, is this curmudgeon against machine built flow trails? The answer is no, in fact I feel it's a great way to get people turned onto the lifestyle and get some exercise. The side effects (both beneficial and destructive) are part of the human condition, though with the narcissistic tendencies created by various antisocial media platforms, the destructive aspect is worsening. Destructive is unfortunately what we get from the few who don't wish to adhere to the most basic tenets of the trail. If there's a cure for selfishness beyond those of that ilk on the trails deleting themselves by their own misdeeds, I'd really like to know. There is a certain comfort in all of this to Riders, the truth is out there on trails where one must bring their own flow.

Riders Come and Go, Kooks Accumulate 

Mister Miyagi and Mountain Biking

 Mister Miyagi got things right in so many of his principles in reference to the MTB realm. His eternal cinematic wisdom may be applied in sports realms well beyond Martial Arts if one was to ponder this in their chosen sports pursuits. I've only chosen two of these to ponder in recent months, however I'm certain most of his wisdom is also applicable.

Must Have Balance

 Balancing one's life is wise throughout, being something that will always be necessary in order to live life to the fullest. In the MTB realm, it has many forms. My lifelong desire to explore new places has fueled my life balance on two wheels since childhood. Having a myriad of skillsets on two wheels is essential for this, with abilities allowing me to go places and see things that have a lifelong imprint on my mind. The pigeon-holing of oneself into a media-created realm of a lifestyle such as MTB prevents this, though if this is what one seeks, then one is simply doing what suits their idea and that's fine. Though this may lack balance, some may have other pursuits that balance their lives in lieu of solely identifying as "mountain biker". In my experience, many who hang their hat solely on one aspect of any recreational pursuit while using that as their identity are largely fraudulent and when they do decide to venture beyond the "safety" of their chosen realm can be a danger to themselves, others, and the integrity of the environment.

No Such Thing as Bad Student, Only Bad Teacher

 The term "teacher" in this instance is being utilized to represent those who actually teach, those who have either a self-imposed leadership role, or are the "old guard" and should be setting good examples irregardless of whom they are with or where they are riding. Monkey See, Monkey Do can be a benefit, or a hindrance in the teacher/student relationship. If the student observes the teacher performing proper etiquette on the trail, they usually respond in kind, especially if discussed previously. An example of hindrance would be the teacher stopping in the middle of the trail with their student and effectively blocking the trail to other users, should another trail user happen along. The student may now be under the belief that stopping and blocking a public right of way is acceptable, when it's not and is actually contrary to the vehicle code in some states. This instance is the tip of the proverbial iceberg, practiced by the Indignantly Ignorant, who are largely responsible for the degradation of trail systems around the globe. Bad Teachers creating Bad Students tends to lead to ignorant and destructive behavior such as this ridiculously long skid:

 While I'm alright with those who lack balance and don't destroy public resources, my disdain for bad teachers remains because their students literally destroy public trail systems. Even so, bad students from bad teachers will most likely remain unbalanced and tether themselves to three or four trails, keeping their destructive ways away from the remote places that don't find their way onto bucket lists or the like. If the unbalanced from bad teachers do venture out of the safety of their chosen realm, it's usually to an a-technical marquee trail that bucket listers flock to.

Riders come and go, Kooks accumulate.

Before and After

This Schwinn Excelsior head badge was acquired a few years ago and partially restored at that time. I dug it out and put a couple of hours into it, finishing with a coat of high quality Carnauba Wax. Elbow Grease is so analog and thus, quite rewarding in this digital age.

As soon as the Round Tuit gets my 1940 Schwinn Pullman BMX Style Restomod into the stand for some head tube rehab/prep, I'll drop a few pics of where it's supposed to be.

The IMBA Epic That Never Was

Though the Thought Police at IMBA have deleted it from their archives, the inaugural IMBA Epic Ride on April 28, 1999 actually happened on The Edge Loop in the Fruita, Colorado Bookcliffs.  With this historical event having been redacted by that organization, I felt as though my account that was written right after the event should be available for at least the curious to peruse.

The inaugural IMBA epic ride was today on The Edge Loop in the Bookcliffs. About 45 people showed up at 9AM to venture out with the group. The variety of people included IMBA staffers, as well as a few local IMBA members. There were also several industry persons there.

After introductions, everyone was split into 4 groups by speed. I was selected to guide group #2. As group #1 left, I selected a local rider in group #2 to assist by leading with me sweeping. The pace kept us even as we headed west on the Frontside.

Some of the riders who were not paying attention to how the locals were dressed at the beginning had to peel a layer or two near the start. Once we got rolling though, it was a quick run to Coal Gulch. As I finished the singletrack run onto the 4x4 road, the group was waiting with one big collective grin. What a great start!

The next section was the social hour. The gradual climb up Coal Gulch is a good place for a chat, unless really burning it up. Just as I was telling Mark, a guide for Western Spirit out of Moab, how I had double pinch flatted once 8 miles back in the very same canyon, I inexplicably blew a 1/2" hole in my rear sidewall. After a quick fix with some duct tape and a new tube, we were rolling again. It was bulging a bit, but didn't look too bad.

The following section was the (sometimes dreaded) main climb. It's not very technical, it's not really steep, but it lasts a while and is rather steady. Dr Steve, a local, was content to just sit and spin in a low gear, so I just hung back with him and enjoyed the views. The higher you get on the climb, the more amazing the views become, especially of the Roan Cliffs. About 2/3 of the way up, a Group 3 rider caught us and decided to slow her pace to ours for a while. Near the top we caught another rider from our group and finished it out together. Group 2 was still finishing their Clif bars as we arrived, so we dropped our packs and commenced to snacking also.

The next section, Ross Ridge, is a few ups and downs on the same 4x4 road as the climb, but the pitches are a bit steeper in places. Steve and I started out about 3 minutes after the main body of our group left. After one mile, that damn sidewall blew out again. After I had gotten the wheel off and the tube out, Jon and Group 3 were passing. He asked if I had a tire boot and it hit me. I had one that I should have used from the start and felt really stupid for not thinking of it initially. With a newfound confidence in the sidewall of my rear tire, I quickly passed Group 3 and caught up with Steve.

When we reached the viewpoint, we could see the rest of Group 2 turning onto the singletrack drop-in to Lipan Canyon. We found ourselves there within 5 minutes after negotiating the 3 steeps that lead to the singletrack

Steve insisted that I lead into the canyon because he had never ridden the complete Edge Loop. After little resistance, I accepted his offer and ventured forth. The next 2 1/2 miles or so consists of nothing more than pure joy. It twists and turns down through the Pinyon Pines and Junipers and all you need is your brakes. I feel that this section of singletrack really puts the "C" in epic, as do many who have ridden this trail. After dropping into the canyon bottom, my hands a bit sore from braking and a huge grin to boot, I promptly caught two other riders from Group 2.

We pulled up to the infamous waterfall portage to find our group was already getting ready to hand the bikes down. Of course, I was elected to be in the spot where it took the longest reach both ways, but was more than willing to be there. After handing my bike down last, the rest of the group shimmied their way down the rope to the bottom of the waterfall.

The run out of Lipon Canyon is in the wash for about the first half mile, then takes a straighter line going in and out of the wash, rolling up and over the flats above the stream bed. Everyone stuck together pretty well throughout this section. After it emerges from the canyon, the trail heads towards a short pitch and switchback to climb out.

We rallied up at the top of the climb out and then continued across the traverse to another short stream bed section. The climb out of the stream bed has a couple of steep and technical moves that claimed all but one rider. The switchback on this one is historically loose and once again claimed me.

After everyone finished the climb, I fell-in behind the last rider who appeared to be having a little difficulty. After riding through The Corkscrew (named after the infamous hill at Laguna Seca), we had mostly downhill to a final climb out before dropping to the road that leads into Layton Canyon. The bonking rider walked up the last climb, then asked if I had ANYTHING to eat. Of course, I gave up my last energy bar and was thanked most graciously. We then continued to the road and the rest of our group with a high fun factor downhill that winds and twists through the Junipers.

After meeting up at the road, it was decision time. An informal poll decided that we would finish on the original route, instead of Chutes & Ladders. So, we pointed our bikes downhill and headed to the singletrack that leads across the lower portion of the desert to the parking lot. When the last rider and I came to the intersection, I noticed 2 riders had missed the turn. We tried yelling to them, but they could not hear us, so I sent the one rider after the others and headed down the 4x4 road to catch the 2 wayward riders. They stopped after about 1/2 mile and saw me catching up to them, thankfully they waited.

We headed back and made the correct turn, then made our way across to the lower parking lot. Of course, we were parked near the top of 18 Road, so we finished by climbing the Prime Cut. Half way up it started raining, making us pick up the pace. We finished with it still raining, but knew there was snack food and Fat Tire Ale waiting for us. Group 3 came in about 40 minutes later, followed by Group 4 about another 40 minutes after them. When everyone was settled, they handed out a few mementos, including a pint glass with an IMBA Epic logo. Everyone had a great time. If any of you get the chance to participate in one of these rides, do it.

I really don't care why IMBA decided this was not a part of its history, but do feel that those who took the time and effort to participate have been slighted.  Me, I'm amused by it all and enjoy being able to show that organization by pointing this out with my proverbial middle finger.

Common Sense in The Idiocracy

Colorado SB 18-144 AKA The Idaho Stop or Safety Stop Law was largely ignored by most municipalities in Colorado since 2018.  The municipalities who chose to not participate must now opt-out if they still feel that this is going to create madness on our streets because Governor Polis signed SB 22-1028 into law on April 13, 2022.  Interesting that the lack of enforcement during the pandemic has exaberated the dangerous driver problem here in Colorado and that appears to be of less concern to some local politicians who either ignored or were flat-out against this law due to their ignorance of its positive ramifications where the law is already in place.

https://www.bicyclecolorado.org/bike-news/colorado-safety-stop-becomes-law/

When asked about this law by those who are not fully aware of its intent, the language in the bill says and backs up what I have been saying for years:

"Intersections are by far the most dangerous locations for bicyclists, in Colorado and elsewhere. The most recent data we have from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), which is comprehensive for the state from 2017-2019, indicates that in that time frame 72.2% of reported crashes between bicyclists and drivers took place at intersections or were "intersection related." When bicyclists are able to get out of the intersection and away from that conflict zone before a potential crash can even occur their safety improves."

The Truth Is Out There

What Condition My Condition Is In

 

I just dropped in to see.

Traffic scofflaws are getting exponentially worse and more bold worse here in Longmont, CO.  In a previous post about motor vehicle operators not stopping at stop signs, I displayed disdain towards both hypocritical drivers and clueless local politicians.  Nobody seems to want to hear the truth or about any proposed common sense solutions to the escalating traffic problems here, especially the Enforcement angle. There has been a recent exception in that someone in the city's staff has at least seen the light that is Education of both drivers and at risk road users.  Yes, both need education and as soon as it warmed up this Summer another annual season began with the permeation of Sidewalk Salmon bicycle riders, who are a danger to themselves mostly, but can be to others.  With uneducated and/or careless road use getting worse, it's only a matter of time before we experience the deaths that always accompany this form of selfishness.

The rest of Colorado's Front Range seems to be experiencing the same road pains.  In this case, the selfishness of a driver was compounded by alcohol and methamphetamine inpairment when he took the life of a cyclist: 

https://gazette.com/denver-gazette/family-friends-in-shock-after-cyclists-death/article_dc704f86-b837-11eb-9dd4-7b994da45d35.html  

I "knew" Mike Inglis from social media before I exited it a couple of years ago, friended up through mutual USAF Special Tactics friends.  That particular community is small and tight, with almost automatic respect.  Adding in that Mike rides bicycles and does so at a level that is akin to the levels we achieved in being USAF Special Tactics Airmen, I followed the two wheeled escapades of he and his wife.  When I read the above article a week or so after the incident, I told myself that I should find a way to contact Mike and at the very least offer condolences.  The opportunity arose at the Colorado Rockies Home Opener V2.0 when I saw him in passing at the ballpark.  I introduced myself and offered my condolences  He was very gracious and lit up when I ended our chance meeting by letting him know how fortunate he is to have a bicycle fabrication genius for a brother.  Rest Easy, Gwen

My Top Five MTB Trails in Colorado

With the permeation of "Top" or "Best Of" lists on the internet, Colorado Mountain Biking Trails are a topic that gets a lot of attention.  From what I have seen, lists that reference this seemingly boundless resource often parrot each other in that they largely list only marquee trails.  This is something I find predictable, especially since most marquee trails are mostly a-technical in nature or lie within "destination" locations such as the Lunch Loops area in Grand Junction.

Without further ado and in no particular order...

The Wasatch Trail in Telluride

This trail is what I like to call the longest 16 miles in Colorado.  Though it starts and ends in downtown Telluride and features a "road" climb, it still manages to get out there.  The "road" starts out as a jeep road, however above Bridal Veil Falls it deteriorates down to barely a doubletrack that tops out over 13,000 feet.  The singletrack descent from the apex features a high concentration of switchbacks, especially above treeline.  There is also exposure throughout the descent, until it reaches the Bear Creek Trail that is an oft-trafficked road-sized trail that drops the last two and a half miles back to town.

Crosier Mountain Garden Gate in Glen Haven

There are three routes off of Crosier and the Garden Gate descent is by far the most difficult of the three.  The variety of terrain is probably the most unparalleled in this list, with some of the best technical sections I've ever had the pleasure to be challenged by.  Bring your big boy/girl pants for this one and hang on.

The Flight of Icarus in Fruita

Ridden as a shuttle or loop with a largely pavement road climb, there is nothing like this descent though it's largely a-technical in nature.  With its two distinct "wings" (right and left) the drops are both close to 1000' in a mile.  Beware of closures and hunting season though.  The BLM deemed it illegal at one point, claiming it crossed patented (private) lands, yet it does not and never did.  They also claimed it was created illegally by mountain bikers when historically it existed as a cattle drive trail from Calf Point down to Hay Canyon, according to the first riders to descend it.  Be sure to check status before going.  An interesting footnote on the Left Wing (the lower descent), it was created by a bulldozer in the late 70's as a fire break by BLM fire crews who were fighting a fire in the area.  Added bonus, what other trails have an Iron Maiden theme song?

CDT Jones Pass From Herman Gulch in Bakerville

While most who ride this section of the Continental Divide Trail shuttle their bikes to Jones Pass and ride down to The Herman Gulch Trailhead off of I-70, I find it more agreeable as an out and back.  The changing trail conditions and technical nature above treeline allow for a much safer and rapid ride from the top after getting a preview of the descent while climbing.  The lower portion of the trail can be crowded with various trail users between Herman Lake and the trailhead due to its popularity, but once one gets above Herman Lake the crowd thins out to very few users.

Canyon Creek Loop in Sargents

Nestled in-between Monarch Pass and the bustling metropolis of Gunnison lies the Canyon Creek Loop.  The combination of the nature of the trail and its location between the marquee trails of Gunnison/Crested Butte and the Monarch Crest Trail go a long way in keeping the masses at bay.  Yes, some of the climb is unrideable as pictured above and that alone keeps a large portion of bucket listers away.  The views at the apex and largely a-technical descent down into the Canyon Creek drainage make it all worth it to me.  Adding in the lack of schmendricks overrunning the trail is an undeniable bonus.

Rules To Ride By:

Ride On Open Trails Only. Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness. 

Leave No Trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you.  Skidding ruins trails in creating ruts and/or washboards. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in. 

Control Your Bicycle. Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

Yield to Others. Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming -- a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one. 

Never Scare Animals. Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses. 

Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Now go ride your bike!