Euro to the core

For years, I've heard in race reports from Europe about the Karcher power washers the euro mechanics used to clean muddy bikes in the pits.  I'd built up this sort of romantic mythology around the name without really realizing it.

Imagine my surprise then, when the first time I ever see one, it's at the local Target, in Salem, of all places.

In the words of Nemo's father Marlin in Finding Nemo:  "Good feeling's gone!".

The Solo goat.  Interview on "Rob Kristoff's Writing" on facebook.

MTB legend Jacquie Phelan.  Also interviewed on "Rob Kristoff's Writing" on facebook.

What the?  That's a Jones truss fork in the box.  That's right- for the FRONT wheel.

Two Thousand Words

www.bikerumor.com

Two pictures, two things to say.

First, how many times do I have to tell you, I'll say it again:  I love pictures of peoples' bike rooms/garages.  Love the race #s on the walls, will look at them (and subject you to them) endlessly.

Second, that's a bike built for Paul Price (of 'Paul's' fame, as in the brake levers, hubs, etc.)  Check out the crazy hourglass shaped seat stays [if you don't know the difference between seatstays and chainstays, leave a comment and I'll explain].

Just some eye candy.  More later.

Feeling better

Two rides in two days- not bad.  I rode the new secret trail for the second time today because when I finished yesterday, I looked at the map and was totally disoriented. 

This is the problem with trail systems and their markings sometimes.  Well, I shouldn't blame the markings, I should specifically blame rogue trails.  It seemed like I simply should choose a direction (I picked clockwise) and follow around.  But somehow I took a trail that cut across from say 7 to 4, and then I was unknowingly going counter-clockwise.  Still made for a fun ride, but not the best when you're trying to simply follow the loop and measure the distance (although that worked out, too- a mystery how).

So........... I think I did better at following tonight, and this being only my 4th ride of the year or so (the snow-push ride hardly counts), I am re-learning how to watch the line ahead of me and do things like carry momentum.  The trail felt a lot more "flowy" today than yesterday- that's a good sign.

just a thought...

Betcha Joe Breeze wishes he hadn't made this one.  I must say, those original Breezers were quite a bit nicer than this.

In other news, I followed some faint trail advice from a coworker and found a sweet new trail tonight.  Love it when that happens (but then I wonder how I didn't find the trail on my own- it's right next to work!)

Have a good weekend everyone!

Pretty Things

Gordon College Trail Update

Went on my first real mountain bike ride of the season today.  I know, I've told you I rolled for a short while on dirt last friday, that I went out last weekend to Bradley Palmer (and pushed through the snow most of the time).  So maybe this would technically be the 2nd.  Whatever.

Gordon/Chebacco trails are muddy in places, but ride-able.  There IS surprising snow in spots, which appears and goes away for no discernible reason.  But on the whole, the trails around the ponds and through the woods, even, are clear.  Since all DCR managed parks are off-limits until April 15, that makes this an attractive option.