R&R…
Well Iron Chick and I just returned from the beautiful island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean. We spent a week at a great resort called the Windjammer Landing. It is an amazing place built into the hills with spectacular views. Although our days and nights where filled lots of great food and plenty of booze, we did take a day to explore St. Lucia. Due to some pretty insane traffic, road riding on St. Lucia appeared be seriously hazardous to your health, so we found a day tour that offered mountain biking.

Home sweet home...

Mountain Biking Island Style…
Our Mountain Biking day trip started with an hour boat ride to a remote location. Pulling up to a deserted stretch that resembled Gilligan’s Island, we were greeted with a gorgeous black sandy beach and tiki huts. Our hosts showed us through a set of large wooden gates straight out of Jurassic Park and after a short walk on a well groomed path, we ended up at a bike shop that was built in part of the  ruins of an old pantation . There we were fitted with 2003 Cannondale F800 lefty fork hardtails. Look for my take on this bike in a subsequent post.

Heading in...

Looks like Gilligan's IslandHeading in...

Cannondale Lefty...

Where the heck are we?
The area is nestled in a valley and is comprised of about nine trails. The vegetation is thick and tropical like you would expect in a jungle. The main trail is generally smooth and well groomed with a decent flow and lots of curves. Most of the trails are pretty basic by my standards with minor climbs, roots and rocks. There are some great ruins from an 18th-century sugar plantation with old buildings/foundations scattered around, they make a great back drop for a riding adventure.

Welcome to Jurassic Park...

The Ride...

Billy Goating…
Tinker’s Trail, named after Mountain biking champion rider Tinker Juarez, is really crazy. Better suited for a Billy Goat than a Cannondale F800 mountain bike, the trail has some serious grades that are outrageous if not impossible to ride. With switchback after switchback and a blanket of loose leaves covering the trail surface, hike-a-bike was the best approach for a lot of the way. The climb was over 600ft and once to the top it provided a worth while view of the Piton Mountains. The ride down was out of control. No, really, it was out of control, I almost went off the trail numerous times trying to navigate the switchbacks and keeping the tires gripping, that was one wild ride in deed!

Jammin mon...

Takin a break...

On the trail...

Covering ground

Top of world...

All in a day’s work…
Finishing the day at the beach for a cookout and some amazing views we laughed about the day’s adventure. The trip ended with a relaxing boat ride back. For more information on about the area check out bikestlucia.com.

Relaxing on the beach...

One more notch on my seat post and a great end to a great vacation.

In the rear view mirror…
It is hard to believe that the holidays have come and gone. The month of December was a blur to me. For that matter, the whole year really felt like it flew by. All in all, I can’t say that I am sorry to see 2009 go. In many ways this was one of the most challenging and stressful years of my life. Yet, by the same token, 2009 was the year of health, fitness and outdoor activity. Good thing it was or I might be pushing daisies.     

Moab...

On the road...

Recap…
In 2009 I was able to ride about 130 days covering over 2000 miles and burning over 190,000 calories. Interestingly enough, about 56% of my rides were mountain biking, 33% road cycling and 25% stuck on an indoor trainer. Compared to 2008 stats, it was pretty close.   

Flying along

In 2009 there were lots of great rides and I certainly expanded my road cycling with lots of long rides and hill work. The high light for the year was riding  Slick Rock in Moab Utah, seriously cool! Other memorable rides included Lake Winnipesaukee area in New Hampshire and a tour of Martha’s Vineyard.     

It's All A Blur To Me...

2009 saw lots of bikes pass through the Bikenfool’s garage. Out going bikes included a Specialized Transition Pro and a Trek Equinox. In coming were Specialized S-Works Enduro and Orbea Orca, wow! I learned a lot about bike maintenance including installing tubular tires, forks, shifter, derailleurs, cables, wheel bearings and rear cassettes. About the only thing I have not done is install a crank set and bleed hydraulic breaks.       

Rampin it..Chasing TimCool runnings...

 Looking Forward…
I am looking forward to lots of riding in 2010. I hope to do The Kindom Trails, various areas around the North East and with another conference in Utah this September, you know Moab is on the list again.  Iron Chick is already setting her race schedule and as the good Sherpa, I will be going along for moral support and of course some fun. Two months until things start looking better with longer days and warmer weather, I can’t wait. Until then I guess I am stuck in the basement.   

New ramps...

Epic over bridge...

Yeh, that's a lot of snow...

The basement set-up...

One more for the road…
Just like an alcoholic looking for another drink, I have been searching around for another bike. A Specialized S-Works Enduro, that would complete the set of Specialized bikes I have been collecting. Yeh, I know, I’m on durgs or was it the booze, maybe the frying pan to the head did it, anyway, last week I tripped across a pretty good deal on one. It was a frame up build that had many basic components so the price was very reasonable and cheap enough that I could upgrade components as I see fit. 

S-Works Enduro

S-Works Enduro

The bike arrived last week and Friday night found me going over it with a fine tooth comb. I checked every nut and bolt then set the suspension setting to my spec. Rear shock at 145psi with rebound and compression set to neutral (exactly half way from full). Additionally I repositioned the shock to the high shock position on the frame, Next, I set the forks to 85psi and once again set the rebound and compression set to neutral. Finally, I checked the wheel bears and reset the brake drag. Should be good to go… 

Out and about Breaking the ice…
The cold temperatures have finally set in. the last few days have been below freezing with 30-50 mph winds. Not the best mountain biking weather but so long as there is no snow on the ground, I’ll take what I can get. When I was at the bike shop the other day there was a guy in front of me at the counter and he was  saying how once it got into the 30’s it was too cold for him to ride. I am behind him thinking, 30’s, that a frakin heat wave! 

 

Iron Chick- Mountain Biker???

Cold Day...

Good sport…
This was the first Saturday in a while that Iron Chick wasn’t training or racing. So with some gentle prodding, I talked her into going mountain biking with me. I figured an easy ride at Trail of Tears would be a good way to get acclimated to the new bike and Iron Chick acclimated to mountain biking. So we loaded up the Enduro and the Epic and we headed off.  

Iron Chick jammin...

Testing the new suspension

Now you have to understand that Iron Chick has only ridden a mountain bike once before, so I give her a lot of credit for deciding to go with me. It was a beautifully sunny day but pretty cold at a high of 29 degrees burrrr. Thank god for great technical clothing as we were nice and comfy even with strong winds. 

Trailing...

Wheelie...

 We rode the Fast Loop at TOT as I figured that would be an easier route. Not so much, as it turns out. Iron Chick did great but was not liking the rocky areas. Who knew that such that such a cute little thing could have a mouth like a sailor? I explained to her that much like when tells me that yelling at the TV will not get Tom Brady to throw the ball, yelling at the rocks will not smooth the trail.

After all…
 Iron Chick finished the ride with the only casualty being a dented peddle. After swearing that I wasn’t trying to kill her and collect on the life insurance, Iron Chick admitted that she had fun but still hates rocks!

 

Good job baby...

Day of rest…not…
Sunday was about riding Otis. The temperature was up 20 degrees from yesterday hitting 50, so it was great riding and there were lots of people out enjoying the day as well. Riding the usual loop, I hit lots of rocks and jumps to get used to handling the bike. I did notice the extra weight as the Enduro is tips the scale at just 29lb in it’s current configuration verse the Stumpjumper at just a hair over 23lb. By all respects, the Enduro is a feather weight for a six inch travel bike.

On the road agian...

On the trails...

Despite the extra weight, the bike feels surprisingly nimble. Handling is spot on and holding the line on a rough section is child’s play. I made it up all the usual hills albeit huffing and puffing more than usual. Traction is good but I need just a little more time to get my body position just right to ensure optimum climbing. Flipping the travel limiter is generally easy and helps with the center of gravity.

Happy trails...

Bar view...

All-in-all…
It was a great weekend with two great rides, one with Iron Chick no less and the new bike is lots of fun. What more could one ask for? Oh yeh, how about fifteen years married to the best wife ever, that happened this weekend too!

You did what?
In another life, a long time ago, during my travels around the world, I spent a period of time with an obscure Navajo tribe in the depths of Arizona. While there, I was schooled in the ancient ways of communicating with the earth.

Chief Backasswards...

Once, while in a trance induced by Twinkies and some weird kind of mushrooms, the local chief taught me how to control the weather. It was after this knowledge was passed that I earned the name “Backasswards” for my unique ability to make it sunny during a rain dance. Ok, so I’m a little off, but it works.  

Shrooms have nothing on these babies...

Tempest Fugit…
Fast forward to last night, Iron Chick and I stare at the weather forecaster babbling about 2-4 inched of snow. “No, no, no, we are not ready for this yet.” I say. Then it happened. Like an alter boys repressed memories the knowledge of my Navajo teachings came pouring back. I look at Iron Chick and asked “You don’t really want to race in the snow tomorrow do you?” to which she replied “No but it looks like I have to…”. It was then, I shared my past with her in a moment she will not soon forget!

High Test...

“I haven’t done this in a while but if you help me recreate the environment I can make it sunny and dry for tomorrow.” Grudgingly she obliges me. “Ok what do we do?” she asks as we make our way to the kitchen. “Find me alcohol, the highest proof we have, a pair of your oldest running shoes and a frying pan!” I yelled as she stops to ponder my requests. “My old running shoes, really? She asks with a puzzled look. “Don’t question the old ways.” I snapped back.

Yeh, that bad...

Forty minutes later, I sit up off the living room floor bewildered, an empty bottle of 151 at my feet, the stinkiest sneaker ever in my hand and a big lump on my head. “What happened?” I ask rubbing my head and tossing the sneaker as faraway from me as possible. “Well, after you chugged the 151, you took five deep breaths with that toxic sneaker up to your face. Then you began running around the living room like a madman chanting what sounded like a verse from a Robbie Robertson song, so I hit you in the head with the frying pan. Was that wrong of me to do?” she asks with an evil snicker. “No, no, that was exactly what the pan was for. I’m sure the gods have heard my plea. If only there was a sign…” Just then the power went out. Staring into the darkness I say “See, the gods have answered me.” Laughing Iron Chick answers “Yeh, your right, there’s no way it’s the storm raging our side…”

Just a love tap...

I still have it…
Drawing the bedroom drapes back, the suns rays have the same effect on me as they would on a vampire. I stagger backward, bumping the bed. “What’s wrong, hung over” Iron Chick mumbles putting a pillow over her head. “Mock me all you want, it’s sunny and there’s no snow!” I reply as I hobble off to begin the day.

The Backasswards Majic...

Thank me later…
With no snow for us on the Cape, Iron Chick headed off to run a local road race while I loaded up the Jeep to head for Otis. Earlier this week, I had picked up the S-Works Stumpy from the shop. With freshly rebuilt forks and a general tune-up it was time to test it out.

Back in business...

Heading out, the temps were hovering in the mid thirties so dressing warm was a must. This was actually the first ride of the season that I can say it was actually cold. It took about three miles until to get my lungs to adjust but once they did I was good to go.

Movin...

The S-Works performed great and I seemed to have it generally dialed in. I did notice the overall performance difference especially after minor jumps, as the landings were smoother than before. In general, the ride is much plusher than the Epic’s and certainly makes covering rougher ground much easier and in better control.

Exploring...

Most hills were not an issue as I wound my way around the Outer Loop at Otis. I still can’t believe I can make it up this one crazy hill that a few years back seemed impossible on the Slayer 50. This time around was no different as the rock garden approach was easily conquered and the hill itself was made with some physical effort but no worries.

Wind Turbine is the new landmark...

After salvaging the weekend with a good ride, I am kicking back enjoying the fruits of may labor and yes icing my head from the frying pan.

Thanks…
It’s hard to believe that it is Thanksgiving. It’s been a pretty good November. Temperatures have been warmer and there has been a moderate amount of sunshine. I am gearing up for colder weather but will take 50 degrees as long as I can get it.

I’ll never complain again…
Ok, I thought this picture was just wild. I can’t even imagine being chased by an elephant. I thought a Pheasant was bad…

And I thought being chased by a Pheasant was bad...

Down but not out…
I finally took the S-Works Stumpjumper in to have the forks serviced. The local shop said they were really hammered. Thank god Specialized has a five year warrantee on them so the damage to my wallet will be minimal. With the Stumpy in the shop for over two weeks now, I have been riding the Epic. It always takes me a few rides to get used to it. Initially, I really felt the weight difference but that faded fast. Additionally, overall body position needs to be different on the Epic to maintain traction on hills. Until I got used to it agian, some of the usual climbs were challenging. But it wasn’t long before I felt right at home and was tearing up the trails and making all the hills.

Epic Rockin it...

Epic over bridge...

Beautiful day in the neighborhood…
Since the Stumpy went on vacation, I have been out mountain biking five times. Today was an absolutely gorgeous day with bright sunshine and 50 degree temps. Frank and I headed over to Otis to cut up the trails. Lots of other people were out riding as well. We met a couple of other groups of riders one from New Hampshire and the other from Connecticut.

Frank & The Salsa...

Epic & me...

Heavens Gate…
One of the guys from Connecticut road a pretty tough section at Heavens Gate; I was very impressed. God knows I am too much of a pansy to try it for fear of breaking something and I am not talking about the bike.

Nice job...

We rode an alternate loop and covered about 9 miles of flowing trails. It felt great to be out and even better to burn off Thanksgiving dinner. 

Exit Ramp...

With any luck the S-works will be back this week, but with the rides I’ve been having on the Epic, I hardly miss it.

Never A Bad Day…
I have been out riding alot during the past few weeks trying to get my fill of moderate temperatures and daylight hours before it all disappears. As rides during the week are coming to an end with the advent of Day Light Savings Time and 4:30 sunsets, I have come to grips with the fact that another winter is here. I’m no groundhog but I think we are in for a wild ride based on how bad the weather has been lately. Consistently heavy rain with strong winds have produced soft ground, lots of downed trees and created obstacles with many branches acting like Velcro to an unsuspecting derailleur. On the bight side, leaves blanket the terrain with a beautiful array of colors. Never-the-less, riding is slightly dangerous between the mud, wet leaves, rocks and roots.

Great Fall Colors...

Jumping Jack Flash

More Great Fall Colors...

Law of Averages…
I have been out riding a lot this year. The Road and Mountain bikes have certainly had their use. So it really comes as no surprise that the law of averages caught up with me.

In August I flatted out while on a road ride in New Hampshire. I was about 6 miles from the hotel when the flat occurred. To make it worse I was using tubulars. It was a slow leak so I used my air cartridges to make it about four miles back before I used them up. As luck would have it, there were two gas stations on the way back so I figured I could use air at each. At least that was my plan until the nice people behind the counter said “Air we don’t have no stinkin air”. And the rest as they say, was history as I walked the bike about two miles back to the hotel. Leaning from my experience, I now use Stan’s Tire Sealer in the tubulars and Slime Lite tubes on the Stumpy.

Lightning doesn’t Strick Twice???
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and once again the law of averages caught up with me. It was a grey and cold Saturday. I figured I would get a few hours of thrashing the trails at Otis. The conditions weren’t good as it had been pouring for days and heaving winds had produced lots of downed limbs. Keeping a smooth and moderate pace I worked my way toward the Otis Rotary. Taking an alternate trail that carves and twists along a ridge line, I was having a blast.

Then it happened, on a fast sweeping curve, a rather large stick some how got wedged in my rear wheel sheering the valve stem off. Like a wounded alien, green goo began shooting out of my rim as a loud hiss pierced the air. So there I was, once again looking at a flat tire and a GPS reading 6 miles back to the Jeep. No patch kit would solve this issue. Nothing short of a new tube would help me now.

Ugh...

Sheered off...

Sucking it up, I threw the Stumpy on my shoulder and started hoofing it. I must say the trails and scenery sure look different at a walking pace. It took me about an hour and forty five minutes to get back. I guess it could have been worse; at least it didn’t rain on me.

Hoofing it...

Most rides leave me tired and sore. This ride was no different except which muscles were sore. My shoulders, biceps and ankles (of all things) were killing me. Good thing the S-Works Stumpy only weighs 23lb.

“It aint heavy it’s my bicycle…”