Tuesday Be The Mesh Day

The routine tuesday night at the Mesh kicked off once again, luckily the scouts are at scout camp so I was able to join these talented riders on this night. We were rolling 7 or so deep and things got off at a good start, I was feeling pretty good and all things were working smoothly. We quickly got on some single track and began hauling through the woods. I was unsure of what we were riding but I knew some of it was new to me which was sweet. We kept going down and down and it felt nice. The Kona was especially feeling great, while it is a humble 6 year old bike that has seen some trails it still performs great for me. I was really having a blast out there today, even white dot didn't phase me too much. Made my way over some skinnies that I questioned but without much practice they are becoming easier for me. No pictures from this ride since we were moving and grooving. I must say this was my favorite all time trail pickings of the 10 or so rides here. The flow was good and I am really glad I got out on that ride.

Mesh soo good

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Random pics for enjoyment

New Cranky

So the new part arrived friday so I anxiously of course had the bike apart that night only to find that it required a special tool to install the bearing cups. I have shimano tools and this did me no good, I completely forgot that this might use a different tool. So I was stuck with it put together half way. I did not decide what to do until monday today which had me run over the EMS where John hooked me up and let me use his tool and then I was on my way back home to finish the job! Everything popped right in and with too long messing with a chain I was on my way to Case to ride. The crankset felt nice and smooth and will be even smoother once I get the chain length right. It was a good buy, a buy I wish I hadn't had to made but the bike has been very kind to me so I have to show it some love.

July 4th Bike Ride

It was a sunny fourth of July day and I had spent most the weekend since saturday getting some serious lounge time and perhaps I should of had some more but it was a nice day and my wife was busy with her schoolwork so I figured it wouldn't hurt. Derek had posted if anyone was interested in a ride and I said I would, so when game time came around he was not sure he could make it. I was running late not expecting derek to show but I got a message that he was already there and ready to rip. So me and Bentley jumped in the car and off to case we went. Met in the lot an got right to climbing, the big was feeling sluggish but I think it was just me. I was happily back the 29er. I had installed a fresh new crank set and all things were performing as they should luckily, that's actually what had me running late. So I was slowly making my way up trail heart beating thru my chest and all but I did make it up to the top. The trails were great and the sun was shining I was really glad to be out riding. We rode some of the normal trails which are never a disapointment and then made our way over to buckingham reservoir which always makes for a scenic ride. On the way derek had me hop on his belltown and it felt so so soooo good. I hope one day soon I can build a great bike like that one, it left me feeling a little sad about my current ride but I was still very humble on my raleigh. We rode the shoreline of the reservoir and then up to tinti to climb up it. By now I was just low on steam and was hitting on the energy reserves but I chugged along trying to keep up with derek. Finally once that was over with got some downhill and enjoyed ot thoroughly. Back up Case and to the car I went. A great ride on a great day.

Case 4th july

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Big Times At Bigelow

Saturday has arrived and it had me very busy at work today, but I was excited to get out to Bigelow and ride with John. The latter week had proven to be significantly difficult with my wife being involved in an automobile accident by a negligent driver hitting the rear end of her beautiful Audi. There was a tremendous amount of damage but luckily she had escaped the incident unscathed. I am so thankful that she is well and don't know what I would ever do without her. Also this week my poor little Bowie had another very very bad reaction to his distemper vaccine, the little guy had swollen up like a sumo wrestler and became dangerously close to anaphylactic shock. Luckily a steroid injection and lots of benadryl has provided our precious little guy with some relief. He now has been treated with excess amounts of love and support and he is on his way to a speedy recovery. I figured I would be calling off todays ride due to his health but he was looking better after his vet visit in the morning and I got the OK to tear up the dirt. There was a scheduled time for 2:30 start and that was the time we started on the trail. We quickly sped into the woods with Bentley at my side, he had been so set on being by my side the entire ride no matter what space he has next to me and I love it. Shortly into the ride one of the fellas had a major mechanical with his bike which had ripped it's deraileur off. Amazingly he carried an extra one and 10-15 minutes later was back pedaling along the trail. The trail was nice and conditions were about the same as the other week when I had visited, some sloppy mud areas and lots of biting mosquitos having a good old time on my skin. We made our way to breakneck and I finally got the chance to get a picture off, it was where the trail hits massachusetts and then follows the west side of pond. This trail was where I went wrong last time, it was nice hitting that stretch as it winded up and down the shoreline. We then hit the dirt road and headed back north and got on the blue orange trail which was a real treat. With the climbing beginning again the legs were really quite powerless and with the 6 rides in the last 6 days was not helping the cause. We climbed a twisty tight trail up to a beautiful narrow single track outlined with tall bright green grass which made it one beautiful piece of work! We continued down off the ridge and pedaled the rest of the way to the road where unfortunately due to time restrictions I had to part ways with John and head to my car. I got home and got out of the car and felt every bit of the miles that were had this week and for some weird reason if I get the opportunity I am sure I will be back riding tomorrow. Happy Saturday!!!!!

Big ol bigelow

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Black Ledge To Case

So thursday rolled around and the normal thursday night ride was a go! John had posted up a ride starting at black ledge. We set wheels down with a solid group of four people, Alex was borrowing Johns Kona and started flying down the trail and I found myself in back trying to catch up with these 29ers. Luckily my good old boy Bentley hungout with me in the back so it was all good. We rode some really fun trails in Gay City Park that I have never rode and I think they will be excellent for taking my wife to. We were ripping through the woods and my heart was pounding but it felt good. We ended up climbing out of Gay City and crossed birch mountain and got into Case. By now a significant amount of climbing was had, but I was still feeling good and keeping up with the fellas and so was Bentley. The Dawg was feeling slow as normal but was paying off on the downhills with the modest 5 inches of suspension travel. We did a good loop into Case and soon was back across the road and heading down the ribbon trail I believe it is named. This trail I have always liked, probably built for mountain bikers by mountain bikers. Ended up back at the car 90 minutes later and had really enjoyed that ride that I wish didn't have to end. Turned out to be the 5th day straight riding and going strong, we will see what the weekend brings :)

Black ledge to case

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Couples Ride

Today was a drag at work, it was tough keeping moving, a splitting head ache was not helping the situation but it did not stop us from getting on a ride tonight. I asked LuAnn if she was interested in getting in a ride this evening and she happily agreed. So I got home a little after 4:30 and we gathered our stuff and headed over to Case. We got wheels down and started pedaling up the gravel path which is smooth but has some some steep to it so it's a great ride for my wife. She did great and made it all the way up to the summit with no walking. We then cruised over to the summit lookout and enjoyed a nice breeze. It was the perfect way to end the evening being together and enjoying the moment that we had together away from her stressful days at school. We soon headed down and took a narrow little trail she has not ridden yet and we both enjoyed it, I wish it was alot longer because it's cool. After it emptied us into the pond pine trees the scenery was changing into another great adventure. Shortly we were back at the car packing up to get home and get some rest from the day. I had a really good time out riding with my pretty girl and we look forward to the next time we get to!

Couples ride

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