mountain biking - singletrack

[ransom]

I got my bike this week, here is a shot plus specs:

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2007/bikes/HR_Comp_Disc_Sat_Bro_Dist.jpg

FRAME: A1 Premium Aluminum, disc only, double butted TT, ORE DT, externally relieved head tube, reinforced disc mount, forged dropouts w/ replaceable 98954020 hanger
FORK: RST Gilla Plus RA Disc, 100mm, Cro-Mo steerer, 30mm stanchions, coil spring, rebound and preload adjust
HEADSET: 1 1/8" threadless
STEM: Specialized 3D forged alloy, two bolt, 25.4mm, 10 degree rise
HANDLEBARS: Alloy 25.4mm, 38mm rise, 620mm wide, 8 degree back, 6 degree up sweep, 3.2mm thick
TAPE / GRIPS: Specialized Enduro, dual density Kraton
FRONT BRAKE: Avid BB5, mechanical disc, 6" G2 Clean Sweep rotor
REAR BRAKE: Avid BB5, mechanical disc, 6" G2 Clean Sweep rotor
BRAKE LEVERS: Avid FR-5, alloy "V"
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Acera M-330
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio M-410
SHIFT LEVERS: Shimano Alivio M-410 SL Rapid Fire
CASSETTE / FREEWHEEL: Shimano MFHG-40, 8-speed, 11-32t
CHAIN: Shimano HG-50, 1/2" x 3/32"
CRANKSET: Shimano FCM-341-8, Octalink Spline, replaceable rings
CHAINRINGS: 42S/32S/22S
BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano ES-25, Octalink Spline, cartridge bearing, 68 x 126mm for 50mm chainline
PEDALS: Specialized alloy platform, 9/16"
RIMS: Specialized/Alex HRD 26, double wall disc w/ eyelets
FRONT HUB: Specialized Hi Lo disc, 36h, CNC flange and disc mount, QR
REAR HUB: Shimano M-475 Disc, cassette, 36h
SPOKES: 2.0mm (14g) stainless
FRONT TIRE: Specialized Resolution, 26x2.1", 60TPI, wire bead
REAR TIRE: Specialized Resolution, 26x2.1", 60TPI, wire bead
TUBES: Specialized schraeder valve
SADDLE: Specialized Body Geometry, ATB
SEAT POST: Alloy micro adjust, 30.9mm
SEAT BINDER: Alloy collar w/ QR

Don't know what most of it means, but a lot of the Shimano stuff is like their "enthusiast" level product. I was going to get the Hardrock Pro Disc, which had a lot of the Shimano Deore components, which is a step up from what I have.

Plan to ride Saturday and/or Sunday this weekend, but then I'm out in the Seattle area for the 4th of July. Probably going to do a short ride tomorrow, go to Fairlands, and then Sunday probably do a longer ride, maybe go to Schaffer Farm, Patapsco State Park, or down to Wafefield or Rosaryville. Using the "Where to Ride" info off of www.more-mtb.org to figure out where to go.

[decoy]

nice :yes:

[Bioteknik]

ahh yeah, specialized is pretty dope. I think cyzum has an Epic, and I went all out with my recent purchase and got a stumpjumper FSR comp.

Too bad you live in murrlyn, where's some places where you can get on some singletrack?

[Heider]

what exactly is singletrack. is it just mt. biking?

[Bioteknik]

it's a type of trail, basically only wide enough for one bike.

[jasoncerna]

ex.

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/jdcerna/graphics_samples/oahu.jpg

anyway, it's a nice bike. specialized has always done a good job of getting a good parts spec. on their lower end models, *while still nailing a good entry level pricepoint.

[Heider]

it's a type of trail, basically only wide enough for one bike.

ah, so is there any technical difference between a mt bike and a singletrack bike?

[jasoncerna]

not really

bikes that are ridden on the types of trails in my photo are called cross country bikes.

they are then separated even further into full suspension cross country bikes and hardtails (bikes with no rear suspension).

over the years, some companies have even increased those categories into "trail bike" or "enduro" bike. since those bikes a geared for super long, all day rides where a lot of climbing and descending is done.

When I started mountain biking in 1996, the hardtail was king, and full suspension technology was still in its infancy. But these days, you have so many different choices for bikes and I think it's great that people don't have to suffer in the saddle like I did back in the day.

[ransom]

Too bad you live in murrlyn, where's some places where you can get on some singletrack?

Most of what I've heard about is in Montgomery County:

- Fairland : edge of PG and MoCo, like Laurel/Beltsville and Burtonsville area
- Rosaryville State Park : down in Upper Marlboro (PG County)
- Schaeffer Farms : Germantown
- Hoyles Hill Connector : Germantown, connects to Schaeffer Farms and Black Hill Regional Park
- Gambril State Park : Frederick, so it's a bit more north, past MoCo

Also, I took a class the other weekend through REI, rode at Patapsco State Park, up near Baltimore. Only rode one trail, but they have a lot of trails, of varying difficulty.

As for the bike, I test rode a few different bikes, decided to go with a hardtail starting out, and not too pricey with the components, so if I get more in to riding I can upgrade as I learn more.

[jasoncerna]

this forum might be helpful for you. there's good regional forums there and there are plenty of active posters in the md, d.c. and va area.

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/

[Bioteknik]

Most of what I've heard about is in Montgomery County:

- Fairland : edge of PG and MoCo, like Laurel/Beltsville and Burtonsville area
- Rosaryville State Park : down in Upper Marlboro (PG County)
- Schaeffer Farms : Germantown
- Hoyles Hill Connector : Germantown, connects to Schaeffer Farms and Black Hill Regional Park
- Gambril State Park : Frederick, so it's a bit more north, past MoCo

Also, I took a class the other weekend through REI, rode at Patapsco State Park, up near Baltimore. Only rode one trail, but they have a lot of trails, of varying difficulty.

As for the bike, I test rode a few different bikes, decided to go with a hardtail starting out, and not too pricey with the components, so if I get more in to riding I can upgrade as I learn more.

I've got a few pretty good ones that I can get to without needing a bike rack for my car.. That's the next thing I'm going to invest in so I can head on down to fountainhead sometime in the near future. But for now I'm just going to be hitting wakefield and accostink park.

yeah.. I did go big with the initial purchase, but I had a hookup and got it for 30% below cost since my brother in law can get an employee discount.

[Neptune]

nice bike!

i almost bought the EXACT same one(well, the womens model*), no joke. look in one of the previous mountain biking threads, i mentioned it! i didn't buy it tho, i held of on buying a bike all together till after my move.



edit: the womens model with similar specs is called the rockhopper comp disk, not hardrock sport disk. still, great bike.

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2007/bikes/RH_Disc_Wmn_White_USA.jpg
now if only it wasn't white and pink :nixo:

[ransom]

edit: the womens model with similar specs is called the rockhopper comp disk, not hardrock sport disk. still, great bike.

Actually, the Rockhoppers are a step up from the Hardrocks. My trainer has either a Rockhopper or a Stumpjumper, can't remember.

now if only it wasn't white and pink :nixo:

You can get it media blasted and painted for a cheap price. I actually like my dirty brown frame, but almost any other frame I probably would have repainted black or gunmetal gray.

And BTW didn't know you were moving. Good luck in your new city :D

[ransom]

Oh yeah, and my friend and I rode at Schaffer Farms yesterday afternoon. We did the full white trail loop, was more technical than what I rode the other weekend in Patapsco State Park.

Really fun, but we saw a guy flip over his handlebars and eat dirt, sans helmet... he got up, but he was lucky.

[Bioteknik]

I plan on going for a nice ride today, and hopefully tomorrow as well, I've still got plenty of places to try out at the local area (wakefield/accotink)

[Heider]

i'm tempted to pick up one of the single gear P bikes
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2007/bikes/P_P1_GL_Green_Skulls.jpg

[Neptune]

And BTW didn't know you were moving. Good luck in your new city :D


i'm already moved.

i live in san antonio now.

it's slowly growing on me.

[tinybinderclip]

This thread makes me miss my Specialized, Hardrock. I rode that thing everywhere.

[ladymaroo]

ooh, nice bike... happy trails! :kapluto:

[ransom]

i'm tempted to pick up one of the single gear P bikes

I rode that frame last month, out in Phoenix. Friend of mine just got it, but had it repainted and then decided the singlespeed thing wasn't for him, and had it geared. It's a tank of a frame, but it is more aimed at dirt jumping and freestyle tricks. Sort of like a bigger BMX bike with front suspension.

[jasoncerna]

the p series are tanks

my friend on an older model p @ Snowshoe a few years back

http://www.freeride.org.vt.edu/gallery/galleries/Snowshoe%2008_28_2004/Snowshoe%2008282004%20043.jpg

[Bioteknik]

So I've been taking my camera with me so I could originally let my sister know what kind of trails we've got around these parts, but since there's a thread here about some singletrack I figured I'd share some

http://a787.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/93/l_e4edd11cde355c82ae4b7b1c73caa38a.jpg
http://a974.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/78/l_4f55c73a331b334132c8fcf499db354d.jpg
This is where that trail ended up, you go down it and then up

http://a600.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/70/l_46ee0877ca1387b7bf247e2774c988b7.jpg

[Bioteknik]

The trail goes around the left of the tree

http://a814.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/l_c281a6a27ec98e4c9fd3b200e593e63d.jpg

http://a808.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/68/l_68dd19d62339f0d9480c645afe7590cf.jpg

[ransom]

Rode at Fairland (near Beltsville, stradles Mont. Co. and PG Co.) on Saturday, and the Schaffer Farms on Sunday. Had fun at both, still breaking in the bike and getting used to the basics.

I think Saturday a few of us are going to check out Rosaryville, down in Upper Marlboro.

[someguy]

i can ride my bike 5 minutes and get to fairland from my apartment.... its not the most technical but its so convienient that it makes for a nice after work ride. shaffer's farm is the shit though... although since i'm just starting out i end up walking over half of the really big logs

i just need to get clip on pedals and then start attacking those 20" logs.

[retail]

bioteknik - where is that trail?

just got my new clipless shoes (thanks eBay!) - ready to hit the trails ASAP! :woot:

[Bioteknik]

Those pictures are from Accotink in VA. I've been reading up on some stuff and seen some pictures of some new terrain that they just got up in patapsco.. looks pretty hot! I'd post a link, but mtbr isn't working right now and I don't remember the link.

I would have rode tonight, but I had a bunk link in my chain, so I've now taken a crash course in learning how to take links out, deal with a powerlink, etc... I bought an extra one, and replaced the bad one with one of the ones I had to take off the new one, so I've got one more thing to add to my pack.

I also played around with moving my cleats further back on my shoes.. didn't like the feel, although I bet it's more comfortable on the long rides, I like the extra control of having it right under the ball of my foot. (this is my first bike with clipless pedals)

[Bioteknik]

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7773

oops.. looks liek that park was in rosaryville, not patapsco

[Bioteknik]

Went out today from 6:30 until about 9:00.. I'm exhausted...

Tell me how rosaryville is, my friend Paul and I might check it out since it's got those cool features.

[Neptune]

i hate clipless pedals...

i dont know what it is, i just prefer riding with clips.

[Bioteknik]

at least the clipless are easier to get out of and in to, pulling your foot to the side is easier than taking out out of a toe clip.

[ransom]

Went out today from 6:30 until about 9:00.. I'm exhausted...

Tell me how rosaryville is, my friend Paul and I might check it out since it's got those cool features.

If we go around 1PM on Saturday, maybe meet up with us? Also, I think MORE was trying to get a skills park added at Patapsco.

[someguy]

If we go around 1PM on Saturday, maybe meet up with us? Also, I think MORE was trying to get a skills park added at Patapsco.

whats a skills park?

[Bioteknik]

If we go around 1PM on Saturday, maybe meet up with us? Also, I think MORE was trying to get a skills park added at Patapsco.

I'm not going to be in town this weekend unfortunately.. although i can't complain about being at the beach too much.

[ransom]

whats a skills park?

I guess a bunch of technical features, all together. Skinnies, drop offs, and other things like that.

[Bioteknik]

Here's a youtube video of rosaryville, not the greatest quality, but at least gives an idea of what is out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBdVpMcPyZc&mode=related&search=

[retail]

would love to keep this thread going with links on trails in DC/MD/etc.

You guys have good recommendations on places I could take my fiance who is just learning to mountain bike?

p.s. if you guys know anyone who is looking I have a brand new pair of Nike Kato IV mountain bike shoes (sz. 11) I'm willing to sell for cheap. bought on eBay and they are too small...

[Bioteknik]

I just joined this website, has oodles of info on trails in the area, plus organized rides for all types of skill levels.

http://www.more-mtb.org/index.php?styleid=8

[Bioteknik]

just going off of some people's comments, patapsco park sounds like the best bet for around baltimore, sounds like it's got a decent mix of terrain, but the state doesn't want to keep maintaining trails or build a terrain park.

[Neptune]

would love to keep this thread going with links on trails in DC/MD/etc.

You guys have good recommendations on places I could take my fiance who is just learning to mountain bike?


greenbelt park has some good easy singletrack trails, and a fire road trail too.


i think the one i used to do all the time was called the dogwood trail..? or was it the blueberry trail.... hmmm....:ponder: either way they are short trails, so easy for a beginner. the perimeter trail is a much longer trail but still an easy trail to get any new riders started on. nothing too technical, well maintained bridges over any streams, muddy or lowlaying spots. not any logs to jump or anything of that nature. some good hill climbs tho.

[ladymaroo]

You guys have good recommendations on places I could take my fiance who is just learning to mountain bike?
if it's anything like navigating the gaping potholes and 12" curbs in Bmore, then i'm set. :D

[retail]

getting off your bike to go around them doesn't count :neener:






















:smooch:

[ladymaroo]

getting off your bike to go around them doesn't count :neener:

:smooch:
ha! :traviswork:

[retail]

i keed i keed :wink:

unless of course we've had a couple of margaritas then go biking :ontous:

[ransom]

greenbelt park has some good easy singletrack trails, and a fire road trail too.


i think the one i used to do all the time was called the dogwood trail..? or was it the blueberry trail.... hmmm....:ponder: either way they are short trails, so easy for a beginner. the perimeter trail is a much longer trail but still an easy trail to get any new riders started on. nothing too technical, well maintained bridges over any streams, muddy or lowlaying spots. not any logs to jump or anything of that nature. some good hill climbs tho.

Greenbelt Park does not allow mountain biking, from what I have read on MORE. You basically have to dodge park rangers.

So far, from what I have ridden (Patapsco, Schaffer Farms and Fairland), Fairland has a good beginner loop that is about a mile long, nothing super crazy.

[someguy]

Greenbelt Park does not allow mountain biking, from what I have read on MORE. You basically have to dodge park rangers.

So far, from what I have ridden (Patapsco, Schaffer Farms and Fairland), Fairland has a good beginner loop that is about a mile long, nothing super crazy.

:star:

i think fairland has at best little 'logs' and some nice twists and turns, but thats about it.

and with greenbelt park, i've ridden there a few times, you'll get some looks from hikers and whatnot, but i wouldnt worry about it. although after riding at a place like shaffer farm, greenbelt was really boring.

[someguy]

anyone ever been to Burnt Mills? its right outside of silver spring north on 29. A neighbor told me there's some decent trails on there, although i dont know anyone that's been there before.

http://www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/park_of_the_day/dec/parkday_dec6.shtm

[ransom]

anyone ever been to Burnt Mills? its right outside of silver spring north on 29. A neighbor told me there's some decent trails on there, although i dont know anyone that's been there before.

http://www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/park_of_the_day/dec/parkday_dec6.shtm

Haven't heard of this before.

Was out of town the last weekend in July, then this past weekend braved the heat and did a late ride on Saturday at Fairland (we got fairly lost, wish they had trail maps like Schaffer Farms), and then Sunday did a long ride (for me) at Schaffer with a friend and a guy from an online meet-up site.

Out of town this weekend, but the next weekend going to try to hit Rosaryville finally. And score free lunch at my aunt & uncle's place since they live right by the trail apparently.

[someguy]

funny... the last time i road at fairland i ended up on some saw mill and found some road that eventually took me back to the main rec center, and then went back on some trails. i did manage to ride through some recent brush fires though, lots of downed trees and really soft ashey dirt.

i wanna go out for some rides soon, but i dunno about this 100 heat. i'll probably stay home, drink a heini and just read instead.

[5l1mm]

I just joined this website, has oodles of info on trails in the area, plus organized rides for all types of skill levels.

http://www.more-mtb.org/index.php?styleid=8
joined

[ransom]

funny... the last time i road at fairland i ended up on some saw mill and found some road that eventually took me back to the main rec center, and then went back on some trails. i did manage to ride through some recent brush fires though, lots of downed trees and really soft ashey dirt.

i wanna go out for some rides soon, but i dunno about this 100 heat. i'll probably stay home, drink a heini and just read instead.

Sunday it looked like I had worked the stage at a wet t-shirt contest. I think we were rationing water the last third of the ride.

Also noticed all the brush fire debris, didn't know it was an issue back there. The first time I rode at Fairland we ended up back on Greencastle Road and had to go up a nasty hill, which led us back to the parking lot. Then this weekend we ended up in a neighborhood, but just turned around and backtracked, but then we ended up on a golf course before we got everything figured out.

[someguy]

Sunday it looked like I had worked the stage at a wet t-shirt contest. I think we were rationing water the last third of the ride.

Also noticed all the brush fire debris, didn't know it was an issue back there. The first time I rode at Fairland we ended up back on Greencastle Road and had to go up a nasty hill, which led us back to the parking lot. Then this weekend we ended up in a neighborhood, but just turned around and backtracked, but then we ended up on a golf course before we got everything figured out.

yea, so far, thats what's made fairland interesting though. that and i live 2 minutes away.

[Bioteknik]

I braved the heat yesterday, but my camelback has a 3 liter capacity. I'm getting better at improving my overall endurance, but it's really hard to gauge how much it's improving since the last two times I've gone out, Saturday and yesterday, have been just disgustingly hot out.

[casperov]

Another place to ride in Moco is black hills regional park. It's not exactly "single track" but more horse trails. Decent enough riding if you want to be out in the woods. Although the best around has to be schafer.. i lived out by potapsco for a couple years and still haven't seen the whole thing... beeeg place.

[ransom]

Me, Oh no its Nick and some friends of ours went to Schaffer yesterday, started our ride around 3pm. But we were delayed by the ambulance and fire truck that showed up in the lot. Turns out there was an accident on the trail by the cell tower. So while the EMT and firemen were trying to figure out how they were going to get out there, we hit the trail and cut across to the blue trails through the fields.

Well, the last portion we slowed up because there was the medivac helicopter, and then we saw an EMT running the trail. He was older, pretty worn out from the run, gave him some water and then a SUV showed up, drove him to where the medivac was. We waited for it to lift off before continuing, ended up talking to the pack that was a man down. They were a group of four, but the lone guy not wearing a helmet took a spill in the woods, knocked himself out with a concussion. His friends said he was able to get up and walk out to the field, but a state trooper had called in the medivac because there was no EMT there to check the guy immediately.

It was pretty crazy, and just reinforced the fact that having a helmet on the trails is a good idea.

[Bioteknik]

Any other rides scheduled? I went out yesterday but did it earlier, rode from about 10:00 until about 2:30 or 3:00. I still need a good bike rack though.

[J*C*M]

You guys are making me miss my bike, shes all locked away in storage while i'm deployed. In a box next to my bike is a book filled with notes on trails in VA, MD, and WV... not a lot of help to you now though.

I've been in to mountain biking since it was a big deal to have front suspention on your bike, it's always awesome to see people getting in to the sport. I wish i were there to ride with you, but since i'm not here are a few things i picked up over the years:

-WEAR A HELMET!

-Buy a camelbak, use it.

-Go Clipless early, don't ask why the ones that clip in to the pedals are called clipless, yes they will make you fall a few times, but they will quickly increase your ability

-Don't listen to what anyone says about your components, if they work they are good enough, once you wear them out or break them it's time to upgrade.

-Do maintance after every ride

-Use good lube

-Carry a patch kit, basic tool kit with good allen wrenches, tire pump, a cell phone, $20, and some medical tape on every ride, if you haven't needed them yet you will, and when you do it'll really suck not to have them.

-Join a cycling club, it's a really easy way to meet people who can help you become a better rider, teach you to work on your bike, and let you in on all the best trails.

There are tons of other tips, but that was just a few things off the top of my head after reading through this tread. Happy trails.

Oh... and for those of you in the reston or great falls areas, there is a great little trail that picks up behind the ice rank there in reston and runs through lake fairfax then on to great falls. I don't remember exactly how long it is, but it's a nice little afternoon ride without having to head out of the area. Not too technical, but still fun.

[corcoran]

Went to Schaffer Farms about six weeks ago for my first ride in years. It was pretty challenging (can't remember the exact route my bro and I took) especially since I'm so out of shape. Looking forward to getting a couple more rides in before it gets too cold.

Thanks for the helpful hints J*C*M - most of them I already use but I could be better about maintenance.

[Bioteknik]

Got a chance to go on some rides out in Texas last week. I need to check out shaeffer since that stuff was harder than wakefield/accotink. Rocks and sandy soil are quite different than what we've got around here. I just got some clothes to make winter riding a reality.. can't stay in all winter.

[corcoran]

I just got some clothes to make winter riding a reality.. can't stay in all winter.

While I anticipate hibernating most of the winter - any tips if I decide to grow a pair and get on the bike?

[5l1mm]

jupiter beach is pretty decent times. not really any complicated trails unless you get into the sand, but eff that.
the sun is good, and the scenery is nice.
today was about 82f at noon, after dark though it dropped to like 68

[Bioteknik]

While I anticipate hibernating most of the winter - any tips if I decide to grow a pair and get on the bike?

riding tips?

[corcoran]

I could prolly use some of those too, but I was referring to some recommendations for winter riding gear.

[Bioteknik]

I got some spiffy leg warmers made by pearl izumi and will just throw on a long sleeved shirt over my regular shirt. Don't have to worry about pants catching in chainring that way.

[Neptune]

i have some long wind-blocker-fleece lined tights. there are pretty kick ass.

[Bioteknik]

yes, fleece lined are nice.

[junglisticman]

Take it or leave it. I have been riding for the last 16 or so years. I live up in NJ and ride all seasons. I fucking love it. More than an inch or two of snow and you wont have much luck out on the trails as I found out the hard way.

As for winter gear unless you are riding litteraly every day or at least several times a week there is no need for anything more than a pair of sweat pants, or even jeans/cargo pants depending on your preferance, long johns, sweat shirt, long sleeve shirt, and a pair of gloves. A face mask is really great and cheap, and depending on how cold it is when you ride a pair of goggles or sunglasses cause your eyes will tear up.

Just remember it is the rider that makes the gear not the gear that makes the rider. I see all of these kids buying these overpriced bikes, and all of this gear right off the bat. They cant ride for shit, go out a couple of times a month, and never get off the fire road.

Not talking directly to any of you just stating my experience. Use what keeps you warm. Unless you are competitively riding or riding on an almost daily basis all of the high quality gear is a waste. Especially since the winters dont get all that cold, and you are better off putting better components on your bike like tires, derailers, etc. then spending your money on crap that really only is useful to the competitive or intermediate riders. I mean 15 years later and I own no spandex anything, wear thinsulate gloves I bought off the street for 3 bux and typically a headband if I am not wearing headphones.

[junglisticman]

Oh and as for pants in chainrings put some rubber bands around your shit two or three will do the trick, and if it is super wet outside put your feet in plastic bags and tighten them with rubber bands.

[corcoran]

Thanks for the info - now I have no excuse.

[ladymaroo]

dammit, i need a new bike.

[Bioteknik]

whoohoo.. went out on both saturday and sunday, Saturday did some skills training at a playground, trying to get the bike up on an elevated level without bashing the chainring.. which helped us out a lot yesterday when we decided to use that same technique to get over logs in the 1-2 foot range. I bashed a few times but made it over every time without falling. feels good being able to get over that kind of obstacle without getting off the bike. Plus we sessioned this one log ride and did my first one of those.

[junglisticman]

You are going to hit your chain regardless if the log is big enough. Your bike is made to do as such. But you can get rock guards and shit like that real cheap. When it comes to riding I have always been a minimalist.

[Bioteknik]

It also feels better doing it without bashing your big ring, here's an older thread that shows what I'm talking about. If I rode out west though I'd change my big ring with a bash guard, lot rockier out there than around here, trees are much more forgiving.

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4275

[junglisticman]

You might even need a new bike to go out west depending on where you are going and what skill level you will be at. Logs are often to big to avoid hitting your ring. Also depends how fast you are going. But yeah if you are heading out west for a riding trip best idea is to rent a free ride bike out there.

[Bioteknik]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E6PMfhN1Qs&feature=related

I know it's only Feb.. but this should get peeps in the mood to go out and ride.

[Bioteknik]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDWUmW6NidM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXG-LI8MiKg&feature=related

just some more for y'all

[ProjektRaRa]

Awesome! I just bought a Bianchi Ruck 2600 21 speed mountain bike (see it at: http://www.bianchiusa.com/08_ruck_2600.html ) a few weeks ago. I've only ridden it once so far cuz it's been chilly and I'd like to go with someone.

I bought a full face 661 helmet and gloves because I want to get into it seriously and learn jumps and everything. Hopefully by Spring I can find someone else with a bike wanting to hit the trails! (Although I KNOW it's going to be a long and painful road til I get anywhere close to being decent.) Been reading a lot about gear shifting and stuff to get an idea, but I really just need to get out there and do the damn thing.

[Bioteknik]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zihW0FCSO8M&feature=related

and here's just a sick video of some trials riding in Prague

[Bioteknik]

Awesome! I just bought a Bianchi Ruck 2600 21 speed mountain bike (see it at: http://www.bianchiusa.com/08_ruck_2600.html ) a few weeks ago. I've only ridden it once so far cuz it's been chilly and I'd like to go with someone.

I bought a full face 661 helmet and gloves because I want to get into it seriously and learn jumps and everything. Hopefully by Spring I can find someone else with a bike wanting to hit the trails! (Although I KNOW it's going to be a long and painful road til I get anywhere close to being decent.) Been reading a lot about gear shifting and stuff to get an idea, but I really just need to get out there and do the damn thing.

easiest places to go..

VA Wakefield

MD Shaeffer

I will be going to both of them once the weather is right, since I live near Wakefield, and work near shaeffer.

[ProjektRaRa]

easiest places to go..

VA Wakefield

MD Shaeffer

I will be going to both of them once the weather is right, since I live near Wakefield, and work near shaeffer.

Nice! As soon as I move to Bmore I'll be closer to everything (closer then where I am now, anyways, I guarentee it) and I'll be out and about a lot.

[Bioteknik]

baltimore, patapsco state park is a place you can get all your riding in at.

[Bioteknik]

http://a364.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/76/l_3267288868ed40740bfb811f89838d6b.jpg

Had to make this log my bitch.

Can get over it without bashing chainring. Although I am going to switch out my big ring for a bashring, since I did lose a few teeth off of my big ring going over a large rock.

[someguy]

Shaeffer :drool:

i love jumping big logs like the one above.

[Bioteknik]

Will be trying to get some weeknight shaeffer rides going in a few weeks. I've heard about the logs there, seems like they let more of them stay in the trails than at Wakefield.

[retail]

where is Schaeffer? i have YET to properly work out my new ride and need to do it soon

[Bioteknik]

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1205

[someguy]

Will be trying to get some weeknight shaeffer rides going in a few weeks. I've heard about the logs there, seems like they let more of them stay in the trails than at Wakefield.


not sure it'd be a good idea to actually do 'night' riding there as there are a good amount of logs, sharp turns, etc. unless you ment 'after work'.

shaeffer kicks my ass the first few times i go out.... damn smoking, my lungs hate me. although its usually motivation to quit.

[Bioteknik]

I work about a 10 minute drive, really meant weekday afternoon. I've gone on a few afternoon rides, but not to shaeffer, just enough sunlight to get in 2 hours if you can get there around 5:00-5:30.

[Bioteknik]

So I'll probably be trying ot make it to shaeffer on Thursday nights weather permitting. A few coworkers of mine go there on Thursdays so if any of you can make it there (I know today will be tough), the more the merrier.

[ransom]

So I'll probably be trying ot make it to shaeffer on Thursday nights weather permitting. A few coworkers of mine go there on Thursdays so if any of you can make it there (I know today will be tough), the more the merrier.

What time usually? Schaffer isn't far from my office, but my big problem is that I work until 8PM at night, and I don't know if they'd be willing to let me come in early on Thursdays so I can leave early.

[Bioteknik]

We're leaving here at 5:30, not sure how long it'll take to get there, but we're at the corner of 28 and great seneca.

[Bioteknik]

Shaeffer is fun, much better than Wakefield... Wakefield is too small.

Will probably get some weekend rides up there in the next month or so too, so I'll try to gather up some interest when I know I'll make the trip.

[Bioteknik]

damn.. stupid rainy weather we had in may, I finally got to ride shaeffer again on Sunday.

Going there again tomorrow after work, probably leaving the parking lot around 5:30 or 5:45.

[Raverjimbob]

I ran into a few mountain bikers last weekend. There is a fireroad that runs for miles that begins in a dead end street in my subdivision. Lot's of trails off of it. I decided to take my four wheeler out last Saturday, rode for a good long while, then went down a trail, and another trail, and ended up on a mountain bike trail... I was riding slow as I did not know the trail or what was coming up, and it was very narrow for my ATV, all the sudden 4 guys on mountain bikes passed me.

I Won't go that way again. As an ATV rider, I know very much how easy it is to have a trail shutdown for use. I also know how Mountain Bike people are also the undesirables of the outdoor crowd and their trails get shut down all the time too. I don't want to add to that.

[d_m_b]

yeah careful with the atv on mtb trails...it's generally undesireable to widen or tear up mtb trails. not saying that you were, but on somewhere on an mtb forum, 4 guys are hating on atv's for having to ride around you.

[Raverjimbob]

yeah careful with the atv on mtb trails...it's generally undesireable to widen or tear up mtb trails. not saying that you were, but on somewhere on an mtb forum, 4 guys are hating on atv's for having to ride around you.

Like I said, once I realized I was on a mtb trail, I went back.

Plenty of hikers all over hate on mountain bike riders, and atv owners. To hikers and liberal hippies, unless you are walking, you are a "n-bomb" on trails. I have even heard bitching about people riding horses in the woods.

[ProjektRaRa]

I went to the bike shop by my house and asked for a trail map because I just moved to Bmore and wanted actual maps of the trails at Loch Raven and Patapsco and they gave me some bullshit road map... not for mountain bikes. And they were really, really rude. I wish I had someone to ride with. I suck bigtime but I have all the gear to get started on some REAL trails.

[d_m_b]

i ride at loch raven occasionally. i just found the trails online...couldn't find any maps, but didn't look super hard. i ride more often at patapsco state park because the trails are incredible. you can get really good trail maps for patapsco at the actual park. loch raven trails are a bit easier though. do you live close to LR? what bike shop did you go to?

this is about the closest i've come to a LR map:
http://www.kevboz.com/pictures/BikesStuff/trailMaps/Default.aspx
obviously, there's a lot of trail out there. helps to have a good memory and sense of direction.

i'll definitely be riding a lot in the coming month, as there are some races coming up. hit me up if you want to ride.

[Bioteknik]

Weather permitting, I'll be going back to shaeffer on Sunday.

Ransom? Nick? Anyone else? Going for easy distance.. it's still base building time.

[Bioteknik]

going tomorrow, early. Distance riding, legs won't have it in them to be climbing fast.

[someguy]

i'm going to head to avalon in an hour or 2. anyone down? i've never been there, heard its technical and easy to get lost. i'm thinking about taking a pen and notepad to record my turns, just in case :)

[ransom]

going tomorrow, early. Distance riding, legs won't have it in them to be climbing fast.

Just saw your post from last week :/

I probably can't go this weekend, but maybe try for next?

[Bioteknik]

Next weekend I'm in Vegas. :-(

[someguy]

i'll be in austin

any good singletrack there?

[Bioteknik]

i'll be in austin

any good singletrack there?

yes, LOTS of good singletrack.

My sister and brother and law live out there, brother is a mechanic, so that's how I got a crazy expensive bike for cheap. Dangit, can't quite remember the name of the place, but there are plenty.

[someguy]

how does it work if you dont have your bike on you? i just pack the rest of my gear and go rent one? i'm only going to have friday and saturday to goof off, but that should be enough so long as the trails arn't too far away. i guess i'd need to rent a bike rack too?

[Bioteknik]

You might need to rent a rack or something. I'm not sure if they've got that.

Bring your gear. Do you use clipless pedals? Bring those if you do.

Bicycle sport shop, there's one downtown, near Barton Springs. I think that's the big one that has the rental center.