Crashing Some More

I think this is the third time that I have talked about Crashing.  It has been a focus because many people outside of Mountain Biking (and some inside) view crashing as a negative thing.  Like it is bad and you are doing something wrong.  I look at crashing in a positive way.  Meaning:

1.  I'm not afraid to try
2.  I at least tried
3.  I've learned I still have things to learn

Being not afraid - Health fear in mountain biking is good (at least for someone in his 50's), it helps me set my limits.  It lets me know that I enjoying being in the air no more than a second or two, but not five or more like the gravity guys (I learned this first as a wakeboarder).  Thus I can push myself, within my fear limits.

Trying - To improve your mountain biking skills, you need to try things.  When I started out, there were sections of my local trails that I would get off and walk.  As my confidence on the bike grew, I started attempting these sections (knowing the worst that could happen is that I might fall or have to unclip and walk). Riding new trails helped this also.  There have been lots of times riding a new trail (like in Bend a few weeks back) where I came to a new obstacle, without knowing it was there or time to think about it and I cleaned it.  That gives you confidence to try those tough ones that you know are coming.  I remember completing a trail, having a blast and then looking at the map and seeing it was labeled as a "Black Diamond" and thinking, wow I didn't think it was that hard. That comes by trying.

Still Learning - I still crash because I still have things to learn about being a good mountain biker in all situations. Recently I carried to much speed into a corner on the "Secret" trail as it went between two trees.  A trail that I have taken a number of times.  I had the choice to hit the tree or bail.  I chose the latter and grazed the tree with my ear and arm going backwards.  The picture shows the results.    I went to Bend and crashed sessioning a great skinny (the picture show how I bailed but the bike stayed).  I have learned that I'm good at crashing.  I may get some scrapes, but I don't lead with my wrist, so no breaks.

The Skinny in Bend



Lead with your head



Rubbing the Tree

Bend - Just the tip of the iceberg

The great thing about living in Corvallis is Mac and Dunn forest. Great riding just out the back door and then it just gets better.  Mary's Peak, Black Rock, McKenzie Trail, Oak Ridge, Newport, Ashland, the NUT, Hood River, and last but not least Bend.

I just came back from a great week of riding in Bend.  The great thing about riding in a new place is experiencing new trails.  Riding in Corvallis is all about long climbs and quick down hills.  Bend is more about contour riding compared to home.  Highlights were walking the planks on "the old Pirate" trail.  Riding the COD and the Storm.  But the highlight was getting dropped off at Mt. Bachelor and riding almost 22 miles of single track all the way back to 7th Mountain Inn.  The highlight being the new "Funner" trail.

When not riding we hiked Mt. Bachelor, Tam McArthur Rim, and Iron Mountain.  Plus I visited as many bike shops as I could, and Bend has a lot.  What Bend also has are some great places to eat.  So what does this all mean, one that I'm not a great writer, but two that Bend is a place that all mountain bikers need to make a trip too, like Moab or Whistler.  It is all about great riding.  But of course, I've found that anytime I'm on my bike and riding a new or old trail I'm thinking, "man everyone needs to ride this."


Miles and miles of tree dodging

Fun on the Funner

Walking the Plank

Always pay the Troll the toll

At the falls

Do we have to leave?

Through a Kids Eyes

There are times when even a "weekend warrior" mountain bike rider gets caught up "business" of riding.  Stressing over tire pressure, chain lube, or gearing, etc.  So it is great when why we ride gets put back into perspective.  Friday I came after a long day of work and just as I get out of my car up walks my neighbor kid from across the street with his friend.  They are pushing a BMX bike with a flat, and the first thing they say is "Mr. Cole, what is your schedule like today."  How can you say anything but, "bring it on it and lets have a look."  I put it on the stand and fixed the flat.  They my neighbor says, Mr. Cole, can you fix mine too?  Of course.  So he runs over and gets it.  Then I let them take my 10' see-saw obstacle and my 4"x6" by 10' "skinny".  They took them across the street, setup a ramp and started sessioning them.  I went in to eat.  About 30 mins later, there is a knock at the door, and it is my two young friends and they say "Do you want to come ride with us."  Of course the 50 year old in me thinks of a hundred other things I need to do, but the kid in me says "why not."  So there you have it, three kids sessioning in the street on Highland as the sun is setting.  We hit the see-saw, bunny hopped, road the skinny and the curbs, and in general just had fun with big smiles on our faces.  I want back home with a big smile on my face and a refreshed view of why I like to ride.

Bike Shop's - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

First off, I love bike shops, it is all I can do to make myself drive by one and not stop in for a look.  In Corvallis there are seven that I know of and OSU probably has something on campus, and there is a co-Op. In general, I've had great experiences and sadly I've had some had negative ones.  It is the negative ones that frustrate and surprise me. While there are some full-time bikers (and quite a few in a small town like Corvallis), it is still mainly a discretionary sport, as such you would think that building a relationship with customers would be very important, but I have not found that to be universally true.Let me give you to four examples:

I walk into one of the Corvallis shops (Peak Sports) and they know my name, ask about my rides, want to know how I'm doing.  When I've come in with an issue, even if the shop is backed up, they take care of me.  That kind of service and attention makes me loyal.  They know I'll come back if I need something and that relationship makes me want to come back (like going to Les Schwab). 

I have the exact same experience at my other favorite shop Corvallis Cyclery.  They also know my name and I trust them, so much so, that I'll stop in even if I don't have a repair to do and talk for a few minutes about rides, parts, etc.  They even do shop rides and they have some very good mountain bikers (and some bike polo players), so they can relate to me and my year-round riding.  They know what products will work for the type of riding I do.  What I like the most, is that they'll help me to do my own maintenance and give me advice on the little things, knowing that I'll bring it in for the big things. That gives me more confidence when I'm out on the trail and something happens.  Because of them, I know I can "MacGyver" it back.

Contrast that with my experience in Salem at the Bike Pedler.  This is a great little shop, but I've never felt very welcome.  It never feels "about me" when I walk in. It has been my experience that they don't really take an interest. I feel they don't really cater to mountain bikers (more road and commute) and when I was in a jam and wanted them to look at something specific to my Specialized (they are the local dealer) and give me an opinion they said they were to busy (that has happened more than once).  Way way different than when I walk into Santiam Cycle (also in Salem).  Even though they don't know me (since I live in Corvallis), they take an interest when I walk in. Talk to me and have given me some great advice about local rides, and Hammer products.

My final example is with "Over the Edge" bike shop in Hurricane, Utah. I was in Hurricane for my son's wedding last fall.  I wanted to ride, but didn't have a bike, so I "cold called" a few places over the phone and was discouraged with how I was treated.  That changed when I talked with the guys at "Over the Edge" about renting a bike.  This was confirmed with I went to this great little house that is the bike shop.  It was last minute and their was the "St. George 100" road ride going on, yet they took the time to outfit us with two full-suspension bikes, trail map, and gave us (Darin and I) advice on the best ride to do (the 20-mile J.E.M that starts almost ride outside their front door).  If you are ever there, go see them.
Over the Edge
76 East 100 South
Hurricane, Utah 84737
435-635-5455
http://www.otehurricane.com/

So what does this all mean?  Like any business, treat everyone with respect and interest as a service provider is a key to success and loyalty.  If a bike shop takes as much interest in making sure I find the best ride or in selling me a brake pads (or even when I don't spend any money). It will be rewarded when I want to not just buy a bike, but when I need to spend the $200 to $300 a year I spend on maintenance and parts.  Plus, riders talk to riders and the word gets around, both positive and negative.  HP sells printers, but they really make money in supplies.  Les Schwab fixes flats for free and only ask that you come back when you need tires (I never go any where else, even if it might be a few dollars cheaper).  It think it is sad when Bike shops forget this philosophy also.  They'll do more than just sell bikes, but build a loyal community.  Luckily for me (and everyone else) that only happens on rare occasions, because the vast majority of bike shops are the 2nd best place to be when you are not on the trail.  Now, go ride!

C2C 2010 - Wet, Muddy, but not so Bloody

The 2010 effort lived up its "epic" title as it was full of cool temps, slick sticks, and crazy mud. Here are the stats for this year:

Start time: 5:33 a.m.
Start temp: 48
Ending temp: 54
Saddle time: - 7.22
Total time: 9:27
Total miles: 63:89
Elevation: ?? (anyone?)
Top Speed: ?? (anyone?)

Highlights, we started under cloudy skies, but the temp was great (48) for riding. Started with 7, but one rider had to take the 2nd bale out point (25 miles) due to a foot issue (that was an unplanned "smart move" as we later learned when the climbing and rain started). Since most of us had long sleeves on because of the weather, we didn't stop at The Nettles to put on bags (my ankle tingled for three days). The climb up the Randall Saddle was the best weather of the day and it reached 57, but as we dropped down the coast side it started to cool. The "tunnel" was full of mud and the branches have grown in.  It was the year of missed turns, because other than myself, no one had done it more than once, and we have four "first timers."  Nothing delayed us much, but it was funny.

We took a good rest at the "Root Ball" just before the Pump House and Power Line trails start, and that's when it started raining (about 2:00 pm), now we were already wet from the Tunnel, so the rain just added to it. Not really rain drops, but a Coast mist.  Other highlights (that I know of) are, one, that we had no flats or bike issues at all (last year there were 15 flats. I hit a hidden slick stick in a large mud hole and did a full on swan dive into it (but my hip was protected by the water and mud), Eric got bit by two slick sticks coming down the 2ndRight (yes I turned to early).

Finally at 3:00 p.m. We rolled in wet, cold, muddy, tired and happy to see our supportive families, warm cloths, a bike wash, and lots and lots of food!  It was a great "epic" ride. 

C2C 2010 Riders: Craig, Frank, Todd, Marcus, Eric, Mike, and James G.

C2C 2011 is scheduled for Friday July 1, 2011. Start training now :-) and hope for dry weather.

The Slant Saved My Life - why we wear helmets

There are very few things that bug me, but I live on a busy street in Corvallis and I hear bike riders going by all the time. Yes, I said "hear" because I hear squeaky non-lubed chains. Not just young kids, but teenagers, college kids, and adults. It is almost painful, like finger nails on the chalk board. I want to yell at them "oil your chain!" The other thing that bugs me is when I see people riding there bikes (and motorcycles) not wearing a helmet. I have a young man who is now married with two kids who almost died coming home from school because he crashed on his bike and he wasn't wearing a helmet. And in the last month a riding partner took a hard crash that would have probably died without his helmet. And finally, just last week, coming down the McKenzie I had a slow pitch over the handlebars coming down the stair step above the Blue Pool and who have also died if it wasn't for my Bell Slant. It took the direct impact of a lava rock point which dented and cracked it, but saved me. My point, take care of your equipment and it will take care of you (if you use it), so wear your helmet and lube your chain (no I sound like my Dad).

Other events in the last 7 days, Thursday night ride, Friday road Bonsai at Black Rock , Saturday road the McKenzie Trail, Tuesday Chip Ross and Dan's, yesterday's night ride was Lollipop Loop and Bald Hill, this morning it was up McCulloch, down The Secret and down Stick n Eye. Tomorrow is the C2C Cert Ride (21 miles and 3,800 feet).

Photo's are 1) The Blue Pool 2) Black Rock 3) n 4) are my helmet 5) n 6) my riding buddy and the EMT's and 7) The McKenzie Trail

I'm Glad I Have A Back-Up Bike

My wife got me a bike stand last Christmas, and I remember saying, this is going to pay for itself as I do my own maintenance.  Well not this week! After last Friday's ride, I came home and put the bike on the stand to lube the chain.  It is then that I noticed that rear wheel had a wobble.  Turns out I had a broken spoke.  Since I've never learned to do that fix yet, I took it down to Corvallis Cyclery to have them fix it.  Eric gave me a call later that day and said you have one broke and 5 that are just about to break.  Looks like your chain came off between the hub and the spokes (I knew I should have left that tacky spoke guard on).  He got them fixed, but my schedule didn't allow me to get down there to pick it up.  Thus the need (and beauty) of having a back-up bike.

It is a testament to a great bike, when you get on it after a year and still love riding it.  My 06 Stumpy still has things I miss on my 08. 

So I get the tire put it on then back on the stand to put some air in my shock.  As I go to spin off the protective cap, the entire stem starts to un-screw.  I put it back on with my fingers then start to put air in the shock as I'm doing so, I see something sticking out of the side of the stem where it joins the shock housing.  It looks like a pine needle or something.  So I grap it, wrong thing to do.  It is really a part of the rubber seal and the minute I remove it, the shock deflates and won't hold air.  So now it is back to the my other favorite bike shop, Peak Sports because they are the authorized Specialized dealer.  Bad news, is it is going to take a shock rebuild which is in Salt Lake.

So once again, I'm glad that I have a great back-up bike because I'll need it for the McKenzie Trail this coming Saturday.  They promised me it would be back in time for the C2C!  I just love that bike stand. It is saving me so much money.

Redline Rescue - The Result

The Redline has been rescued. The final cost is $329 and I could have got it under $300 if I had done more of the work myself and not splurged on a cool tire changing tool, but I thought the hub work and bottom bracket was a good investment. As for the tool, it was just a cool idea and I'm no weight weenie. I had two goof ups. I bought a 22" bar (did mm conversion in my head) from BackCountry, I want 25" (which has been ordered) and I got single sided cleats (more like road cleats) because I didn't look close at the picture on E-bay. Otherwise I'm very happy about what I learned and how it turned out (is that kinda sick to be happy with a rigid single speed when you have a full-suspension 27 speed?).  Here are the stats:

Redline Monocog 19" Bike - $25
Redline Rigid Fork - $60
Avid Pull Brake (rear) - came with fork
YMID Bike Seat - $10
Magura Hydraulic Front Brake - Free (thanks James)
ZChain - $10
Clips - $7
BBB Stem $12
BBB Bar $12
Specialized Lock-on Grips - no charge (from old bike)
New front rim to lace to hub/spokes $25
Specialized Pro 26x2 front tire - no charge (from old bike)
Bottom Bracket $25
Quick Release $5
Spacers $6
Two Tubes - $10
Rim Insert - $1
Origin8 tool $16 (splurge)
Shop Labor $63 (no I didn't do it all, I wasn't going to lace the spokes or do the bottom bracket - thanks Corvallis Cyclery)
Shipping $42

Total $329

Running 39x18 which = 56.3 inches with a gear roll-out of 4.492
Weight - 23.6 lbs.

Before

After

Redline Rescue Update - Buying Parts

The Redline Rescue project is under way.  I started with 6 bikes and I have sold 5 of them.  All to people who love bikes.  Two even to the guys at Corvallis Cyclery who want to use them for Bike Polo mounts.  In going through them, I found that one is a 19" frame (the rest are 17").  So in the picture below, you see the "Before" picture.  The second photo is the Redline stripped down. 

What have I learned so far?  First, that it is easier to tear down that to build up.  Second, that I don't know much about how bikes are built. Let me illustrate, the goal of the Redline Rescue is to build a single speed as cheap as possible, but not with cheap parts.  What I've learned is that parts don't always go together.  For example, I ordered a new stem for $12 and a new wide bar for $7.  When both arrived, the stem is the 1.5" and the bar 1".  It was cheaper to get a second bar at $12, but it wasn't as wide as the first.  The fork arrived about 1" longer.  So the next lesson is head sets and spacers. I also picked up a new chain and a good friend gave me a set of disk brakes after cleaning out his garage.  Finally, I picked up a set of SPD pedals from eBay, but they turned out to be older and with cleat access on one side.  I didn't know they made those and it wasn't clear in the description (so I'm still learning).  I'll keep you posted.

Before

Frame Only

The "Redline Rescue" Project - The Beginning

 First, from the start, let me state that I am not a bike mechanic, but I love to ride and I love proejcts (they generally mean new tools).

I give you that as back ground to my "Redline Rescue Project". A few weeks ago while staying at a vacation house in Newport Oregon (on the coast) I learned that the house was being "sold" (note foreclosed) on. As I was leaving after my stay, I looked in the garage and saw six Redline single speed monocog bikes 26" mountaing bikes. They had been "road hard and put away wet." Rusty chains, sand, etc. I contacted the owner and asked what he was going to do with them, he didn't have any idea, so on the spot I said, I'll take them (in the Old Man's bike club, there are three Redline 29'rs, one single and two 9's). He sold them for $25 each. I just couldn't see them get thrown away.

Now once I got them home, at first wondered if I have paid to much, but they have great bones. My goal is to restore at least one for me (and maybe one for my wife). Plus, I have already "sold" two of them (for $25 each) to two of the "Old Men" who want to "restore" them also.

First thing is the "strip down" and I "collected" my first part from e-bay (see the "fork" picture).  My goal is to build it as "cheap" as possible, but not with cheap parts (I've already been offered a front disk break for the new fork).  We'll see how it goes as I learn to become a "wrencher" and I'll keep posting updates on what I'm learning.

Planet Bike Customer Service

Mountain Biking is now becoming a "larger" community, but we are still about supporting each other (which is not the same thing I've heard from the Roadie side).  This is even true of the manufactures, shops, and vendors we love to support. But we are also a loyal group, loyal to those who understand this sense of community.  Take Planet Bike (http://www.planetbike.com/page/) for example.  I love their wired bike computer (I know, I'm old school by not going wireless) that tells the temperature, along with everything else, plus a very affordable price (I have one on each of my bikes).  One of the computers is about two years old now, and after the first year it stopped registering speed if I changed screens.  I figured I had gone over the handlebars one to many times and if I didn't touch it worked fine.  At this time I bought a second bike and another Planet Bike computer.  After about 8 months it also stopped registering speed.  I was about to purchase a 3rd when I thought I would send an e-mail to Planet Bike support.  The tech support person replied that it sounding like a wiring issue, was surprised that I was having problems, and sent me two new wiring kits in the mail (they arrived in about 3 days).  I was pleased and amazed at how positive that experience was. No third degree, no did you try this, or ship it back, or anything like that.  Just I'm sorry you are having an issue, and I think I can help solve it.

That experience, like going to Les Schwab for a flat makes me "loyal for life" to Planet Bike, because (true or not) I feel they care about me and understand the (mountain) bike community.  Now, on a recent night ride, only two other people showed up, and I related this experience as we climbed, and to my surprise (or not) both riders also shared similar Planet Bike experiences.  One pointed to his pump and the other said, "see what gloves I'm wearing, I try to get all my stuff from them because of their customer service."  That's 100% customer satisfaction.  That's what builds customer loyalty, it is more than just selling a product (there are lots of people who can sell you something), but taking care of the customer that matters.  I wish more places, manufactures, and some bike shops understood that concept (and community).

Thanks Planet Bike.

The McKenzie in February

Oregon is having one of the mildest winters on record.  There has been very little snow in the mountains, while it has been raining, it has been warm.  As such the mountain biking has been great.  For example, two weeks ago I road the top half of the McKenzie Trail from Trailbridge to the falls as an up and back.  I left Corvallis at 5:30 a.m. and was riding before 7:30.  Clear blue sky, about 34 degrees and no snow anywhere.  The trail was in perfect shape.  I got back to the car about 9:45a.m. not really tired because it was so much fun.  Now there are places that claim you can ride year round, but do you really go riding when it's 110 degrees, at least in Willamette Valley that statement is true.  Year round, any time of day or night.  Here are a few shots of a perfect February morning.

At the Falls

At the "Blue Pool"

Now there was some snow.  After the ride I went up to Hoodo with the kids from Church and road the Autobahn tube park they have.  It was a blast and a great family activity.  I think the ticket was $12 and you can walk or they have a rope tow to take you to the top each time.

The "real" C2C Trail Update - Summer Building Classes

Here is the update from  Gary Chapman, C2C Chairman regarding summer trail building classes:

Hi,

I am passing along the email below to let you know the status of this year's trail training workshops. These courses are free and generally target people and groups who do trail work along the Pacific Crest Trail and connecting trails. Our C2C people have been taking the courses so that they are better able, and National Forest certified, to do work on the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail when we get approval in a couple of years.

If you'd like to learn about doing trail work, these classes are a fun and effective way of doing so. I believe I have previously announced the dates of the three sessions: April 16-18 for the Trail Keepers of Oregon session; May 14-16 for the Willamette National Forest session at Westfir; and June 4-6 for the Deschutes National Forest session at Allingham. Check them out and see if they don't pique your interest.

There are several year's worth of training courses so now is a good time to get started on the 100 series courses and then move up to the 200 series. No grades here except if you are seeking saw certifications; for this you need to demonstrate a necessary level of knowledge and proficiency.

It's a great opportunity.

Gary....

Here's Paul's e-mail:

The PCTA/HCFV partnership training events will be open for registration on Feb 15th via this link: http://www.highcascadesvolunteers.com/ Some corrections have been made to the Westfir schedule to include a cross-cut certification class on Sat. (this will fill up FAST, so get your registration in early if you need to use a cross-cut) and to make the sequence of the 100 series more logical for a newbie. There seem to be an incredible number of requests for chain saw certification. This is being offered once at Westfir but four times at Allingham. At Allingham, saw RE-certification is being handled differently with some sessions requiring an 8hr stint and others only 4hrs. Registration at Allingham is also handled differently; you generally indicate which courses you wish to take and the organizers will tell you which session you will be taking on what day. Effectively, you have to commit to the entire weekend at Allingham. As a side note, I will be teaching a Tools Care workshop on Friday evening and a short tutorial on the correct care of F.S. radios during the PCT Stewardship workshop on Sat evening. Both at Westfir only. An alternative to Westfir and Allingham is the TKO trails college at Cascade Locks. You can sign-up for an e-mail when their registration opens here: http://www.trailkeepersoforegon.org/one/

I will be teaching the Tools workshop sometime that weekend.
Paul Martin Smith
PCTA Trail coordinator - Mid Oregon
paulmartinsmith2004@yahoo.co.uk
541 207 3255

Mountain Bikers are tougher

In the March issue of MTA they did a test between a road biker and a mountain biker.  They pitted Burry Stander against Andy Schleck.  They each did a 7.4 mile pavement climb and a 5.5 mile single-track climb and then combined the times.  Burry road time was less than a minute behind Andy's at 36:29.8 and then beat Andy by almost 10 minutes on the dirt climb with a time of 36.39.  On paper at least it looks like mountain bikers are better riders than roadies, but who knows.  Todd Tye who does both feels that a mile on the mountain bike equals three+ on the road (but he also has a heart rate in the 40's).  I can hear the roadies now "how does this thing shift, why are the tires so wide with bumps, and what are those siny discs on the wheels for?"