Southern California - Great Ride today on the Squishy bike

Well it turned out to be an outstanding ride. I found this new gear in my legs, I call it Hammer time.:D Ill have some pics tomorrow, cant load em at home.:( Anyway, we went to Demo Forest for an awesome time.http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/california-trails/california-bayarea/trail/PRD_165227_4519 crx.aspx

For those of you that dont know, one of the guys I ride with is 21 and really fast. At one time I was faster, but kids progress faster and Im just aging, plus I had the 3 month layoff where I couldnt ride. Anyway, I base my fitness on how far or close I can stay to Justin. Today, I did very well. I had this strength in my legs to really push tha pedals, and I was really happy with the climbs. The weather was perfect, and the forest inviting. I was pretty much pushing myself just a little to hard. I got to feeling pretty loose and soon the brake levers were just for show, I was groovin through the turns as the trees whisped by at what seemed like mach speed. Lots of rear wheel drifts and counter steering means your on the edge.:D When Ya get to the bottom its all fire road back to the car, oh and its uphill. 4.5 miles and my ride was complete. I had Justin in my sites all the way, but he got me by about 30 seconds. It was a great day and alot of fun. Ill post pics in the morning. Hope you had a great day today too.:p

As the decent wore on I was feeling better and better, I began flying off all the jumps and drops like I did prior to my injury. I was having so much fun. Then I sailed off a little jump, the landing is a bit rough and an immediate right hander. I hit this big hole in the ground on landing and it shot me wide left through the corner, all hands grab brake as I sail head on into the tree for a nice bear hug. Funny thing is, its the same tree I narowly escaped last week, this week the tree won. Fortunately I didnt get hurt, it was kinda funny actually. I kissed the tree, said Ill see ya next time and I continued on down the mountian. The last 3 miles down was fast and furious, but no more jumping.;)

Sounds like a great ride Sean. Well...minus the tree kissing part. :eek: Glad that you didn't get hurt!

Sounds like a great ride Sean. Well...minus the tree kissing part. :eek: Glad that you didn't get hurt!

If ya dont want the tree's to jump out and hit ya, you better be loving on them from time to time.:roflmao:

Looks like you had a great ride! Can't wait for the pics. :)

Well it turned out to be an outstanding ride. I found this new gear in my legs, I call it Hammer time.:D Ill have some pics tomorrow, cant load em at home.:( Anyway, we went to Demo Forest for an awesome time.http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/california-trails/california-bayarea/trail/PRD_165227_4519 crx.aspx

For those of you that dont know, one of the guys I ride with is 21 and really fast. At one time I was faster, but kids progress faster and Im just aging, plus I had the 3 month layoff where I couldnt ride. Anyway, I base my fitness on how far or close I can stay to Justin. Today, I did very well. I had this strength in my legs to really push tha pedals, and I was really happy with the climbs. The weather was perfect, and the forest inviting. I was pretty much pushing myself just a little to hard. I got to feeling pretty loose and soon the brake levers were just for show, I was groovin through the turns as the trees whisped by at what seemed like mach speed. Lots of rear wheel drifts and counter steering means your on the edge.:D When Ya get to the bottom its all fire road back to the car, oh and its uphill. 4.5 miles and my ride was complete. I had Justin in my sites all the way, but he got me by about 30 seconds. It was a great day and alot of fun. Ill post pics in the morning. Hope you had a great day today too.:p

As the decent wore on I was feeling better and better, I began flying off all the jumps and drops like I did prior to my injury. I was having so much fun. Then I sailed off a little jump, the landing is a bit rough and an immediate right hander. I hit this big hole in the ground on landing and it shot me wide left through the corner, all hands grab brake as I sail head on into the tree for a nice bear hug. Funny thing is, its the same tree I narowly escaped last week, this week the tree won. Fortunately I didnt get hurt, it was kinda funny actually. I kissed the tree, said Ill see ya next time and I continued on down the mountian. The last 3 miles down was fast and furious, but no more jumping.;)
See. Now who's sandbagging, I ask you! :rolleyes: Sounds great and I second Tiffanie...pics! I'm glad you had fun with the 21 year old. :D

Looks like you had a great ride! Can't wait for the pics. :)


I cant wait for the pics either. Got some good ones this time. Enought to give a good over view of the trails. Although I should have gotten a pic of the tree.:rolleyes: I even did a couple of video clips, not that I know how to load them, but I do have em.;)

I cant wait for the pics either. Got some good ones this time. Enought to give a good over view of the trails. Although I should have gotten a pic of the tree.:rolleyes: I even did a couple of video clips, not that I know how to load them, but I do have em.;)

Do you have a Photobucket account? You can upload videos there...

See. Now who's sandbagging, I ask you! :rolleyes: Sounds great and I second Tiffanie...pics! I'm glad you had fun with the 21 year old. :D


He actually seemed kinda bummed that I stayed that close, but he did do a real tough ride yesterday.:D

Do you have a Photobucket account? You can upload videos there...


Oh cool, yes I do. They are just short clips of some jumps and drops. Its easier then trying to time the camera with its delay.:mad:

This is the right link

http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/california-trails/california-bayarea/trail/PRD_165355_4519crx.aspx

glad you got such a great ride in Sean! Hurry and post the pics! ... oh, and stay away from the trees ;)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00348.jpg
Fire road climb
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00349.jpg
A view of Santa Cruz
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00350.jpg
The start of the single track

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00355.jpg
Justin railing the downhill
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00356.jpg
Dan chasing Justin
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00357.jpg
A mini rock garden
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00358.jpg
the peaceful single track

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00359.jpg
A view towards my house in the valley
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00361.jpg
gotta love the shade
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00364.jpg
Justin looking too relaxed
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00365.jpg
Dan looking a bit tired

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00367.jpg
Thats me hitting the jump through the tree's
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00380.jpg
Justin thinking about this jump, decided against it
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00382.jpg
Dan coming around the final corner
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/DSC00384.jpg
The beginning of the climb back to the car:mad:

Great pics Sean...it's so pretty and green up there!

Looks like great fun, Sean! :D

that is WAY cool Sean! Thanks so much for posting the pictures :D

that is WAY cool Sean! Thanks so much for posting the pictures :D


Now you see where we will ride when you finally show up.:p

Now you see where we will ride when you finally show up.:p


as long as I can walk the rock garden... its all good ;)

as long as I can walk the rock garden... its all good ;)


Thats the spirit Trac, there is actually a way around it on the outside of the tree. By the end of the ride you will be amazed at what you can ride. We will take a different trail down, its a bit easier then the one in the pics. But just as fun.:D

Thats the spirit Trac, there is actually a way around it on the outside of the tree. By the end of the ride you will be amazed at what you can ride. We will take a different trail down, its a bit easier then the one in the pics. But just as fun.:D


:D easier is good at this point ;) I'm looking forward to it... heck, a few more bruises never killed anybody... right? :o

:D easier is good at this point ;) I'm looking forward to it... heck, a few more bruises never killed anybody... right? :o


Well I cant be for sure, but Im still here. I prefer to call them character builders or battle wounds.:p

Well I cant be for sure, but Im still here. I prefer to call them character builders or battle wounds.:p

okay then :rolleyes: I'm gonna become quite the character then! :D UGH! If you saw my legs after two rides... you'd wonder why I'd ever get back on!!! :eek:

okay then :rolleyes: I'm gonna become quite the character then! :D UGH! If you saw my legs after two rides... you'd wonder why I'd ever get back on!!! :eek:


You can borrow my elbow and knee pads.:eek: And I know why ya get back on, its fun.:p Where the heck is that new bike of yours anyway?

You can borrow my elbow and knee pads.:eek: And I know why ya get back on, its fun.:p Where the heck is that new bike of yours anyway?


supposed to be here in the next few weeks.... I was starting to get impatient yesterday so I looked at turners and a couple of the specialized models... but the bike I'm riding now (the loaner) is really too big and the standover and top tube on the ones I looked at yesterday are the same or very close so I'm better off waiting... :( but I want my new toy...... :mad:

I dont blame ya. Im not real good at waiting for a new bike to show up. Its the one downside to Santa Cruz, it takes a while. A friends wife rented one in Sedona and now I think she wants one too.

I dont blame ya. Im not real good at waiting for a new bike to show up. Its the one downside to Santa Cruz, it takes a while.

yeah, I'm thinking of driving up there and parking my butt on the steps until they fork it over! :p

Great photos Sean! Those singletracks sure look like a lot of fun! :D

yeah, I'm thinking of driving up there and parking my butt on the steps until they fork it over! :p


Its just over the hill for me. Matter of fact there are some great trails right down the street.:p

Great photos Sean! Those singletracks sure look like a lot of fun! :D


Yes they are. I also refer to them as the path of youth.:D

Its just over the hill for me. Matter of fact there are some great trails right down the street.:p


dh works out of Santa Cruz... we moved from Scotts Valley, so I know it well... somehow I don't think sitting on the steps waiting is gonna do me any good though... :(

dh works out of Santa Cruz... we moved from Scotts Valley, so I know it well... somehow I don't think sitting on the steps waiting is gonna do me any good though... :(


Oh, you'd be suprised.:p They are all locals. In other words the bike is prolly ready, but they are out riding and missed the shiping company.:lol: :roflmao: :lol:

Oh, you'd be suprised.:p They are all locals. In other words the bike is prolly ready, but they are out riding and missed the shiping company.:lol: :roflmao: :lol:


true... that is kinda how the world works over there :p ... the bike has probably been ready for weeks :eek:

true... that is kinda how the world works over there :p ... the bike has probably been ready for weeks :eek:


Thats what Im saying. Its just the bong that confuses them ya know.;)

Its just the bong that confuses them ya know.;)

I'm sure there is more than one as well :rolleyes: ... there's an ongoing joke at plantronics about what's okay... as long as you're from santa cruz... they send emails about surprise tests etc...

I'm sure there is more than one as well :rolleyes: ... there's an ongoing joke at plantronics about what's okay... as long as you're from santa cruz... they send emails about surprise tests etc...


Its a pretty layed back bunch over there. Ive ridden witht them several times, they ride those trails about every day.

Its a pretty layed back bunch over there. Ive ridden witht them several times, they ride those trails about every day.


with the guys/gals actually at santa cruz? ... can you go twist some arms for me? :rolleyes:

sounds like a fast paced ride....yah what are brakes used for again???? LOL

with the guys/gals actually at santa cruz? ... can you go twist some arms for me? :rolleyes:


Yes, I see them alot when I ride at the campus trails. They are always willing to swap bikes and let ya try out what they have. Fun to ride with, they are extremly fast decenders. My neighbor works for Fox shocks also, so its a great area for meeting people in the industry. Giro and Bell are also in SC I think. Maybe if you sent em a bag of gongie.:lol: :roflmao: :lol:

sounds like a fast paced ride....yah what are brakes used for again???? LOL


I think they are supposed to help ya avoid tree's, but I wouldnt know.:rolleyes:

sounds almost like a slalom course through the trees....FUN

we don't have anything like that here.

Yes, I see them alot when I ride at the campus trails. They are always willing to swap bikes and let ya try out what they have. Fun to ride with, they are extremly fast decenders. My neighbor works for Fox shocks also, so its a great area for meeting people in the industry. Giro and Bell are also in SC I think. Maybe if you sent em a bag of gongie.:lol: :roflmao: :lol:


can't you go find some of the girls and flirt your way into a favor.....

Looks like a fun ride, Sean.

sounds almost like a slalom course through the trees....FUN

we don't have anything like that here.


It is pretty much. Some area's are real steep, others are really fast and flowing. Lots of roots and log jams throughout. There are areas to relly let it roll and fly and others ya better keep the speed under control lest ya kiss a tree.:rolleyes: One of the trails in SC has berms 6 ft high, that is soo fun cause you can really hit em hard and not worry about it. If ya get up this way we will have to take ya to a few of the places. I know Santa Barbara has some really awesome stuff.

can't you go find some of the girls and flirt your way into a favor.....


I dont know if there are any girls that work there.:eek:

I dont know if there are any girls that work there.:eek:

well, ya can't blame me for tryin' ;)

Tracy:

As someone who is also waiting for a Santa Cruz... my understanding unless the bike shop had a 2006 model laying around or they were able to locate one at another shop - you're now waiting for a 2007 model. Delivery date on the 2007's is around mid-December, maybe sooner but knowing Santa Cruz, probably not. So we both have to sit and wait patiently.

Tracy:

As someone who is also waiting for a Santa Cruz... my understanding unless the bike shop had a 2006 model laying around or they were able to locate one at another shop - you're now waiting for a 2007 model. Delivery date on the 2007's is around mid-December, maybe sooner but knowing Santa Cruz, probably not. So we both have to sit and wait patiently.


wanna go sit on the steps w/me??? ;)

Tracy:

As someone who is also waiting for a Santa Cruz... my understanding unless the bike shop had a 2006 model laying around or they were able to locate one at another shop - you're now waiting for a 2007 model. Delivery date on the 2007's is around mid-December, maybe sooner but knowing Santa Cruz, probably not. So we both have to sit and wait patiently.

hey pam,

are you back at work? Herb and I are riding up to four corners??? on Friday morning if you'd like to come :p