Mountain Biking - How was your Mountain Bike Ride Today?

There is a similar thread to this one over in commuting but I wonder what a typical mountain biker does in a day? How was your ride? Where did you go? Any pictures?

Sadly mine was non existent :( I was working on the bike today, ready for tomorrow!

:D
Left at 9 AM this morning. Sky was overcast and temp was around 38F. I rode 12.39 miles on the dike. The wind was a constant 25 + MPH out of the North. That coupled with a headcold made this one of my toughest rides ever. Give me cold temperatures over wind any day! Took me 1hour and 3 minutes. Averaged 11.5 MPH. :mad:

Still better than sitting on the couch watching Saturday morning cartoons and eating Lucky Charms.

I have way too many photos of my ride today... ;)

http://mtbkanata.fotki.com/2004/cross_country/winter_race_3/

No ride here. Can't get these der. screws adjusted properly. :( :(

-Garrett

No ride here. Can't get these der. screws adjusted properly. :( :(

-Garrett

Uh-o! Check this out:

Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html)

Hit the local trails around me in single digit F weather, fork was a brick because of the temps, couldn't let go of my bars without the help of someone else. I've discovered that my crappy Specialized tires are completely worthless in 2 feet of snow, thank God for the FireXCs I'm getting next week...

Missed a solid opportunity to ride...we had sleet overnight but the temp warmed to above freezing today..so ice was then slush but i was too lazy today to change my tires to semi-slicks to head out...:(

I ride at minimum, 12 miles per day. I have missed maybe 5 days since August. I also know that the beauty of bike riding is being on the bike, not arguing with someone in a forum comparing numbers. Perhaps the level headed people are all Commuters?

They have 3,916 posts over there and it is hard to find one that is inflammatory. I think it is because anyone that spends the type of time and energy on a bike like those folks do, doesn't have the energy or inclination to argue. Wisdom is often related to suffering. Suffering makes things like hitting keys on a computer keyboard pretty inconsequential. I admire those that do it. They don't need Talk to prove their worth. It is way more spiritual. They know what they have.

It is inspiring to read the stories of the tourists and commuters. Anyone that has spent more than an hour on a bike or understands discomfort, understands their amazing committment.

Today would've been a nice day to ride. One of my friends just finished building up his brand new Heckler, but when I ran over to his dorm to see it, he had already disappeared. Bummer...I really wanted "see" it (by see I mean try it out). :D

I had a trip planned to one of my favorite places this afternoon, but after a big rain moved in we all bailed. So.... out to the shop for an hour and a half on the trainer. I hate stationary trainers... nuf said hehe

We will go tomorrow, rain or shine. Probably 2 hours on some pretty technical trails and it sounds like several dudes will be going, that's one of the best things about mtn biking, the more the merrier...

ride was okay but could've been better if some of the trails weren't closed off...

My ride today was fairly short due to a sprained knee...so aside from a lot of pain when pushing uphill, it was great!

just thought it would be good to mention due to some of the chatter that's occurred in here... there's an old arabic line of poetry that roughly translates to: she accused me of her own inequities, then slowly slipped away.

as for my ride... i haven't been able to get out to ride for the past little while. unlike some of the guys up in ottawa, i'm not a big fan of -30C windchill type weather. i'll wait till it's warmer outside, hehehe.

my bike is in pieces in my basement! major upgrades this winter. my new crankset and BB are on and my XT rear D is on but the cables arent all hooked up. while doing all this turns out my free hub was about to bite the dust so i just got a new one of those yesterday. ALSO exams start this coming week so I dont know if i'll have much time to get alot done we shall see. ALSO i have an XT front D on back order at jenson which is due around the 23rd. So hopfully i can get my shifters and cassette on just in time for the new front D. :D
Once all this crap snow goes I'll definately be out riding!........and think of the mud.......oh the glorious mud. We bikers must have awesome skin because of mud faceals!

We have a lot of mud over here in the south of England, and that coupled with bikes makes fun. Out with a couple of friends for a quick 30 miles with only 6 of that not offroad. It is surprising how little grip you get when :A, going up a well worn path. B, Going down a well worn path. C: there is only one true line grip but you want to pass the one in front.
Fantastic ride, only fell of twice, and once again the bike did not clog and the mud tyres worked. 3 cheers for the wife that bought me the power washer for christmas.

P.S. Mud riding is tiring and I am shatterred

Mud riding is brutal! Plus I am so anal I end up spending hours in the shop cleaning everything up after I ride. I avoid mud when I can.

It's out to the trails for me in a few minutes, today is much better than yesterday, it's sunny and around 40 F, just about right for a ride..

Mud riding is brutal! Plus I am so anal I end up spending hours in the shop cleaning everything up after I ride. I avoid mud when I can.

It's out to the trails for me in a few minutes, today is much better than yesterday, it's sunny and around 40 F, just about right for a ride..

Hey Mike, up here we have mud in the winter which is frozen solid! Sure you don't get anything on your bike, but it's terrible on the hands! :)

I personally love mud... nothing that a hose can't take care of.. and well, it's super fun! :)

i havent touched my bike for at least a month now...i look at it everyday...it begs for me to ride her...but its too cold outside.
come to think of it...why cant i ride INSIDE!!!

Hey, I've ridden my bike down my stairs...put a hole in the wall, but hey.

I've also taken my 21 inch frame to the local indoor skatepark just to get some riding in when it was 2 degrees outside...Man, the looks I got riding a 21 inch XC monster, decked out in XC gear :D

Rode 12.57 miles today. Took me 57 minutes. Wind was 25 MPH out of NOrth gusting to 30 MPH. Temp was around 32 F. At least the sun was out, lots of blue sky. Ran over my water bottle for the first time. :D Knew that was going to happen eventually.

There was a guy on the trail that was teaching his dog to stay by kicking him in the head. That should work pretty good. :D

I thought about getting out today but it's something about a minus 3 windchill that makes me think otherwise.

Did not ride too much beacause of the rain. Did just go on a short ride on the roads, but not for long. I came home and I was soaked.

-Garrett

I did finally get in a good ride. It was in the mid 30's today with north wind gusts over 30 mph but we went anyway. I rode a trail that runs along a cliff next to the Illinois River not far from Tahlequah, OK. There is one steep narrow trail climb that runs just a couple feet from the edge of a 200' + cliff and the wind was quartering behind me, it blew me off my line and caused me to nearly go off the edge. It was fun. We're going back tomorrow, supposed to be colder but hopefully not as much wind...

I rode yesterday with the family. My son in the bike seat on my SS, my wife (still recuperating), my Father-in-law and my Mum-in-law(Nana).

Nana came so it was brutally slow!

Good Family day though!

I rode by myself today (o.k., my dog came too!) We had some rain come through right at sunrise and I thought I'd not be able to, but it cleared up and was a beautiful day. About 70 degrees with about a 5 knot wind. I'm preparing for my 50 mile ride next weekend so my plan was to ride about 25+ miles. My dog is outta shape, so she gave up after 16.5 miles. The rain softened up the trails, so I didn't complain. Those 16 miles felt like 30.

L8R

I rode by myself today (o.k., my dog came too!)

I rode last weekend with a bunch of guys and a dog. There were 11 of us and I figured the dumb lab would get squashed before the end of the day. This trail went through a game preserve and the dog ended up mostly busting up herds (herds?) of turkeys and chasing deer. He kept up with us though, we ended up doing about 20 miles and I bet the dog ran 3 times that much. It was a real hoot watching that dog run circles around the rest of us...

My mountain bike rode on the back of the car today. Knee trouble has me taking a three day break. We will have to see how it feels tomorrow.

My mountain bike rode on the back of the car today. Knee trouble has me taking a three day break. We will have to see how it feels tomorrow.

Hey Sam, I had some knee pain last week. Almost kept me from commuting to work on the bike. Took it slow and easy to be sure.

I knee pain was from the wife kicking my knee in my sleep. Don't suppose yours was from the same problem? :p

Fairly good ride today. It was extremely warm. It rained this morning so the trails were prime. Not so wet that they were slippery, but damp enough to give loads of traction and eliminate all the sand.

Hey Mike, up here we have mud in the winter which is frozen solid! Sure you don't get anything on your bike, but it's terrible on the hands!

I personally love mud... nothing that a hose can't take care of.. and well, it's super fun!

In telling you all about My Mud ride, Forgot to tell you that it is only 2deg C over here in the south of the UK. You have to keep moving to keep warm, but at least you don't Sweat. For those of you that Enjoy the warmth and the Dry, Just think of all those fantastic rides you could be on if you didn't stay at home wrapped up in your long Johns and Hot water bottles.

About 70 degrees with about a 5 knot wind.
L8R


That's gotta be rough. I keep finding myself wondering why my ancestors (or anyone elses) moved here years ago. THen again why did anyone ever move to a cold climate?

I have ridden nearly every day this winter in some pretty cold temperatures, but the thoughts of warm sunshine are never far out of my mind. As a matter of fact, they grow more prevelant each day, this time of year around here. :D

I Finally Got To Try Out My New Brakes Today.even Though They Nedded To Break In They Did Very Well.picked A Trail With Lots Of Short Steep Ups And Downs To Give Them Breaking In.it Is Muddy As Heck Here Too.like Others Just Above Freezing Witha Stiff Wind So It Was Uncomfortable But Well Worth It.the Most Uncomfortable To Me Is When The Wind Gets To The Sweat In A Spot Or Two Where Your Clothes Get Exposed To Air Or Just Plain Wearing Long Pants Lol.its Been Muddy Here Everywhere For Over A Year Now So Ive Gotten Used To That And Riding On Softpack Instead Of Hardpack Does Build The Stamina And Strength.a Crappy Ride Is Better Than None.any Ride Whether 9 Miles(like Today)3 Miles Or 50 Miles,being Able To Do What We Love Is A Good Thing.guys I Work With Like To Hunt Or Shoot But Wont Right Now Due To The Weather.that Is To Like Something.to Brave The Weather Is Love(although -30 Is Extreme To Me Too)

Anyone ride in Ontario last week 14,15, or 16?th. A nice temperature of:
-36* C :p
Can you say.....thats not without the windchill, AND SPEED?..oh it was cold

i did twice for like 30minutes lol

Did another family ride yesterday (I had off for MLK).

Like a dummy, I forgot my sons bike seat at home, so we couldn't do the family trail ride he likes to do. He bounces all over the place with all the palmetto trees and roots down here, and laughs the whole time.

So, instead we made him ride some of the smoother easier trails. FIRST day off-road for Little-Nut!

L8R

it was warmer here today so it was real wet with some hidden ice which made things real interesting in turns.i tried to cross a usual creek in another spot due to water volume and as i get there i lean back,gently lower front into creek thinking the back will follow right behind so i need to shift my weight soon,the only problem was the front tire SUNK and every thing else caught up like a puppy just before it gets coordination,WHAM,SPLAT,into the water we go.to look back it was funny as i was going over the bars i looked between my legs and saw the bike stuck straight up,then fell on its side as i was hitting the water.it was too funny!!i get further along and go down a steep hill so im leaned back and the bike hit ice and next thing ,im on my butt and the bike is starting the incline (i was in the bottom of a gully).i got home super tired,soaking wet, covered with mud from head to toe,and very thankful that GOD allowed me to have soooo much fun!!it was a great day to ride a bike offroad.made me totally forget i had a crappy day at work and just quit smoking(well almost,only 5 a day now instead of 20 or more)

I was able to ride yesterday with the temperature being about 48 at Lock4 in Galatin, TN. I felt a bit winded for the first few specail sections, but all that ended after a few minutes.

It was great, I finally got to take both my single speed and my new mtn. bike on a trail. It was a bit muddy, but both bikes now have a good personality.

Only 25 miles on the ride today, Bit slippery undertyres, and brilliant sun made us think it was warmer than it was. Out on the Tandem and we must be getting more confidence. Fell of twice, for the first time in about a year. First time on a treeroot, at around 20 mph, but stayed with the bike so only pride hurt. 2nd time was daft,5 mph, and it just fell over. No reason why. Rotten ride really as the usual Cafe was closed, and the one we tried was full of granny's staring at us. Then we realised that we were still dripping mud. Roll on Summer.

In a word ! COLD !

Here are all the pics (http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/index.php?board=8;action=display;threadid=3297)

http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/attachments/b07zxc.jpg

Well, after 3 hours in the shop this morning the final tally from yesterday's EPIC MUD RIDE ride is one flat, one set of brake pads, a complete disassembly, cleaning, and roller replacement of the rear deralleur, a chain, plus rear shifter cable & sheath. I hate mud. I can't really blame it all on yesterday's ride since some of it was overdue, but I did go through most of the rear brake pads yesterday, since I had only replaced them about a month ago. Plus I am a little anal about keeping my bike fresh and I enjoy being out there in the shop tinkering.

There is one creek crossing on this ride that is usually about 2-3' deep and 40' across, but yesterday it was near white water level, and by luck we were there just as a hunter was crossing it in his pickup. I flagged him down and begged for a favor, to ford us across. At first he did not want to since he had barely made it but after I assured him that my Jeep was only a few miles away and if he got stuck I would ride back and return in my Jeep to pull him out. He then agreed, I owe that guy a cup of coffee sometime, he really saved us some trouble...

It was sunny and a little over 40 degrees when I left. Shortly after I hit the fireroad it started raining, then that switched to HAIL, then back to rain. It stopped after about 40 minutes, in which time I had only made it almost to the top of a 4 mile uphill stretch. I had a meeting scheduled for later, so I turned around then. That left me with 4 miles downhill into the cold wind (barehanded). I had to spin my cranks constantly to keep my legs loose and stop several times just to stick my hands inside my jacket so I could work my brake levers. I put some Fox Digits on order after the ride.

This was my first ride with the computer I got for Christmas. I found that I couldn't go faster than 20 mph or I would be blinded by the mud flying in my eyes. My backpack had a solid layer of mud on it from the rear tire.

I took a shower after I got back and the sun was shining when I finished :(

I rode in the IDIDARIDE X, on Saturday. It's a 50 mile endurance ride (not a race!) in White Springs, FL. Had a friggin blast! Started out on the cool side, it was in the 30's (o.k., that's COLD for FL) and ended up in the mid 60's by the p.m.

Only crashed once, but it was a stupid crash. Reaching down to grab my camelback hose, and I hit a tiny litte 2" diameter tree stump (only about 3" of it above ground level) and it STOPPED my bike and I endoed into a pine tree with my forearm and fell ontop of my bike.

The first 25 miles where harder than the 2nd, food was served at several Sag stops and there was lunch at the halfway point. Ride was limited to 250 riders and I think everyone had a blast!

L8R

Started out on the cool side, it was in the 30's (o.k., that's COLD for FL) and ended up in the mid 60's by the p.m.


a2 - you big goober! 60 degrees!?! I did a roadie ride this morning, it was 32 when I left, 3 hours later it was 30 and snowing! ARRRRGGGGHHH! I'm ready for 70 degrees! I don't care if the local rednecks do call me gay when I wear lycra, I just want weather that I can wear real summer roadie gear in! I was so bundled with clothes today I looked like a big black Michelin man :D

a2 - you big goober! 60 degrees!?! I did a roadie ride this morning, it was 32 when I left, 3 hours later it was 30 and snowing! ARRRRGGGGHHH! I'm ready for 70 degrees! I don't care if the local rednecks do call me gay when I wear lycra, I just want weather that I can wear real summer roadie gear in! I was so bundled with clothes today I looked like a big black Michelin man :D


The IDIDARIDE wasn't just hot, it was smok'in! BTW, A2 was a hammer and finished like a trooper. They caught this shot of him on the only instant he didn't have the hammer down ;) (A2 is the pic not smokin)

dang, I'm gonna quit ragging on a2 so much, he looks like he could pop my head off with one hand!!

Well you guys may have warmth, but at least we got hills. Looking out the window right now though watching it snow I would just about trade my hills for your weather :)

dang, I'm gonna quit ragging on a2 so much, he looks like he could pop my head off with one hand!!

Well you guys may have warmth, but at least we got hills. Looking out the window right now though watching it snow I would just about trade my hills for your weather :)

Be careful what you wish for. :)

Yeah, but I'm a big teddy bear!

H.Star was rocking with Mr. Big Head Todd and hammered the whole ride. I tried to hang with them, but their pace was too much for my fat arse. I didn't care, I was only concerned with finishing and finish I did! Felt pretty good too! The bonfire afterwards was a site to behold especially with an ice cold New Castle.

L8R

Mmm... New Castle.

hey splat what kind of tires are you using?we got about 4" here with a layer of ice on top and when i tried to ride monday i was all over the place.have not even taken the bike out since.could not stay straight for anything.no traction.no control.no fun!it has been very beautiful though to look at.i saw your pics and thought id ask