Do You Mountain Bike?

[dking]

Our route was essentially Clementine > Connector > Half of Foresthill Divide Loop > Foresthill Road > Old Auburn Foresthill Road > Confluence. We missed Culvert and skipped Stagecoach, both of which have some pretty fun descents.

Some numbers:

Total Mileage: 20.61 miles
Total Elevation: 5922 ft
Total Time: 4:12:14

My route: Stagecoach > Upper Stagecoach > Stagecoach > Clementine > Lake Clementine Road > Foresthill Road > Foresthill Divide Loop > Connector > Culvert > Confluence

My numbers:

Total Mileage: 23.77 mi
Total Elevation: 5367 ft
Time: 2:47:08

Sounds like you had a good weekend Mike. ...but it took 1.5 hours less to do three more miles on Sunday? Nobody to slow you down huh? Maybe I can join you next time and slow you down even more.


FYI, the Garmin should have an "Auto-Pause" function which you can either turn off or change the speed sensitivity so it doesn't come on as much. I have my Edge set to only stop if I am going 0mph... so basically when I'm fully stopped. I think the default is 3mph, which might be fine for roadies, but I barely climb that fast normally...

My biggest complaint about the Garmin is how it deals with a lost signal, which happens often enough where I ride. I acts like I magically transported from the point where it lost signal to the point where it regains signal and doesn't count the mileage or time. Kinda sucks. The new Edge's supposedly have a better GPS receiver, so that may help. I'm sure I'll get one eventually to try out, but not until the prices drop a bit.


Anyway, good ride report. I spent my weekend in boring ol' Downieville having a horrible time trudging down Sunrise/Butcher/3rd and 1st divides...

Hopefully, the sarcasm translates... the trails were great. Sunrise still had a few spots of snow and then mud that we couldn't ride through. There were also 2-3 trees down that most people couldn't ride over. We skipped the top half on Sunday and it was much more enjoyable. The one snow patch on the bottom half had a ride around, so that was fine. They were planning on clearing the trees later on Sunday, or early this week, so it should be much more rideable by next weekend for the MTBR guys.

Not much water in the crossings for this time of year. Even slabs (waterfall) was pretty dry and I cleared it for the first time in I don't know how long. They also took out some of the tougher obstacles so that us mere mortals can clear the trail more easily... don't worry, there's still plenty of stuff to slow you down and keep you entertained.

My exciting moment came as I was pushing to keep ahead of my buddy, rounding a left hand, blind sweeper on the second half of Butcher when my front decided to slide a bit. All I saw was a tree and the cliff drop off and decided I'd better slow down. Disaster averted... for now anyway.

Can't wait to get back. Right now looks like the 7/19-20 and 8/8-9 weekends will be our next D'ville trips. Hopefully some of you can join us. D'ville River Inn still has a few rooms and there's always room at the campgrounds for those that want to rough it. L8r.

 

[Baptistro]

I have a free pass to go ride on June 29, who wants to ride?

 

[MrCrash]

Sounds like you had a good weekend Mike. ...but it took 1.5 hours less to do three more miles on Sunday? Nobody to slow you down huh? Maybe I can join you next time and slow you down even more.

It was a slightly different route on Sunday, which consisted mostly of fireroad or paved road climbs, with the intent of minimizing my climbing time and maximizing my descending fun. There was a bit more techy / singletrack climbing on Saturday. Unfortunately, the hot pavement took its toll on my rear Mutano Raptor.

With over 5,000 feet of climbing, I think I'm taking Red Bike next time. Green Bike is great for rocky descents, but when those constitute only 4-5 miles of a 24 mile trip, I'm not sure it's the best choice.

Can't wait to get back. Right now looks like the 7/19-20 and 8/8-9 weekends will be our next D'ville trips. Hopefully some of you can join us. D'ville River Inn still has a few rooms and there's always room at the campgrounds for those that want to rough it. L8r.

Wow, I'm jealous! I'd like to head up in a couple of weekends, but we have Xterra that weekend. My first DV trip this month will likely be the first weekend of July.

I have a free pass to go ride on June 29, who wants to ride?

In the next few weeks, Lisa and I might do one of the Wednesday evening Chabot rides one of these days that are advertised on MTBR. It looks like a fun, social sort of event - you should give it a shot!

 

[Baptistro]

In the next few weeks, Lisa and I might do one of the Wednesday evening Chabot rides one of these days that are advertised on MTBR. It looks like a fun, social sort of event - you should give it a shot!

Keep me posted, I'm down for that.

 

[dking]

Cheap Nevegals at Yuba in D'ville...

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this... I know most of you are in love with your WTB Mutano's and Weirwolf's, but just in case someone wants to stray or is just looking for some good tires cheap...

Yuba Expeditions has a bunch of brand new Kenda Nevegal's for $20 each. I believe they are all the DTC (dual tread compound) The tires come with all of the SC bikes they get for rentals, but they have a separate deal with WTB so they mount up the rentals with WTB tires. I saw mostly 2.1 and 2.35 Nevegals, but their were a few other misc types. If interested, inquire downstairs at the shop.

FYI, I wouldn't run these tires at D'ville because they have a very, very thin sidewall which I think would make them even more vulnerable to pinch flats. But I've run them just about everywhere else around the bay area without much trouble. L8r.

 

[Baptistro]

I'm about to switch up my front tire on my AM bike to a High Roller and see how I like it compared to the Weirwolf

 

[fawndog]

Unfortunately, the hot pavement took its toll on my rear Mutano Raptor.

I'm amazed at how much tread we lost, they feel so slow and power sapping now

 

[EC70]

I'm about to switch up my front tire on my AM bike to a High Roller and see how I like it compared to the Weirwolf

Let me know what you think about the High Roller tire

I have been using them for a couple years now and I like them

It would be nice to hear some different views on them

They have great side traction for corners

 

[Baptistro]

Let me know what you think about the High Roller tire

I have been using them for a couple years now and I like them

It would be nice to hear some different views on them

They have great side traction for corners

Will do, but you might have to wait a few weeks for a decent report.

BTW, the Mutano Raptor 2.4's sucked ass in deep mud, but were great all around otherwise.

 

[roxy]

Thanks for showing us Auburn Mikey. Can't wait to go back and ride the rest

Is that the XC race you mentioned that had some gnarlier terrain?

How long are these Wednesday night Chabot rides?

After seeing the pics/vids, I'm very much looking forward to riding N*

 

[CHUM]

http://www.bikemonkey.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.lakeSonomaSeries

$20 gets you race entry, burgers, and beer. And it's a heck of a lot closer than Fort Ord. That's hard to beat.

Lisa and I haven't decided if we're gonna do separate races or enter as a team. Anyone else interested?

it's super awesome...especially of it's the course i'm thinking of.....around 4 miles and 900 footies ascent per lap.....and technical, a true Mountain Bike Race.....

feels like you're racing in an anaerobic pinball machine of madness......ya gotta do it at least once....

note: watch out for the creek crossings.....

 

[MrCrash]

Thanks for showing us Auburn Mikey. Can't wait to go back and ride the rest

As much as you and Sonny enjoy DH stuff, I'm 200% confident you will LOVE the descents at Auburn I did on Sunday.

Is that the XC race you mentioned that had some gnarlier terrain?

Yes ma'am. The guys I finished just ahead of at the last CCCX XC race were completing the 5 mile laps in right around 40 minutes.

How long are these Wednesday night Chabot rides?

Looks like there's an A ride, a B ride, and a C ride. Since lights are suggested on the A ride, I'm thinking Lisa and I will do the B ride.

Here's a breakdown from http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=423557

Level A riders will average 9 - 10 mph around the Chabot trails, and is composed for riders that regularly do hilly rides of 20 miles or more in under 2-1/2 hours. Narrow gauge trails will include usually include Red Tail and Soaring Hawk. Lights are suggested for Level A riders.

Level B riders will average roughly 7 - 9 mph around the Chabot trails, and is composed for riders that will do hilly rides of 15 miles or more in under 2-1/2 hours. Narrow gauge trails will include Red Tail.

Level C riders will average roughly 5 to 7 mph around the Chabot trails and is composed for riders that will do hilly rides of 10 miles or more in under 2-1/2 hours. Depending on time, Level C riders may be able to ride Red Tail.

After seeing the pics/vids, I'm very much looking forward to riding N*

I haven't decided if I want to rent for N* yet. Looking forward to heading up there soon though

it's super awesome...especially of it's the course i'm thinking of.....around 4 miles and 900 footies ascent per lap.....and technical, a true Mountain Bike Race.....

feels like you're racing in an anaerobic pinball machine of madness......ya gotta do it at least once....

note: watch out for the creek crossings.....

Sounds like fun! You're doing the MTBR DV gathering instead this weekend, right?

 

[CHUM]

....Sounds like fun! You're doing the MTBR DV gathering instead this weekend, right?

i am remodeling my house......blah......i suck

 

[EC70]

Hey guys I am planning to head to North * the weekend of 21st to 22nd, I am going to try out a new frame check it out ---> http://www.versuscycles.com/blog/category/frames/blitz-ii/

Anyone heard of these before?

There is a shop by my house in San Mateo selling these guys and a rented demo for the weekend is $100 which is much better than the rentals @ North * for $89 for the day

Let me know if you guys are heading up and we can hook up

I am also bringing the video cam to catch all the action

 

[cantonkiddo]

I haven't decided if I want to rent for N* yet. Looking forward to heading up there soon though

I just went up to Northstar this past weekend. Most the trails are doable without renting. I ride a 5" stumpy and everything was fine. To me, you only need to rent if you plan on doing the crazy 10 feet drops and plan on getting a lot of air on jumps. For reference, we rode, Livewire, Speed Control, Pho Dogg, Woods, Upper/Lower Mineshaft, Coaster and the fireroads that took us to the west side of the park. Everything is doable on a 5 inch travel bike, plus renting is expensive ($75).

 

[dking]

Hey guys I am planning to head to North * the weekend of 21st to 22nd, I am going to try out a new frame check it out ---> http://www.versuscycles.com/blog/category/frames/blitz-ii/

Anyone heard of these before?

There is a shop by my house in San Mateo selling these guys and a rented demo for the weekend is $100 which is much better than the rentals @ North * for $89 for the day

Let me know if you guys are heading up and we can hook up

I am also bringing the video cam to catch all the action

I've known a few guys that have had Versus bikes. The ones that had Blitzes liked them. It's a tough bike, but a bit heavy, which is to be expected. I'd definitely recommend renting it and trying it out first. $100 on a rental could save you from spending thousands on a bike you don't like.

 

[dking]

I just went up to Northstar this past weekend. Most the trails are doable without renting. I ride a 5" stumpy and everything was fine. To me, you only need to rent if you plan on doing the crazy 10 feet drops and plan on getting a lot of air on jumps. For reference, we rode, Livewire, Speed Control, Pho Dogg, Woods, Upper/Lower Mineshaft, Coaster and the fireroads that took us to the west side of the park. Everything is doable on a 5 inch travel bike, plus renting is expensive ($75).

The first time I went to N*, I rode an older 4" Heckler. I survived and had a great time, but didn't really know any better and wasn't riding all that aggressively anyway. For the past few years, I've had a 7" Bullit which I use for more aggressive riding. N* is the one place that I use all of the Bullit's suspension and could use more. No, it's not a set-up problem and no I'm not doing 10' drops. The small drops on Gypsy are more like 3-4' but the landings are pretty flat and I can bottom if I land harshly. There's also some transitions on Livewire where I can bottom the suspension. I wouldn't say it's normal, but it happens a few times a day there.

Anyway, what bike you ride is more dependent on how you are going to ride there. If you're a smooth, experienced rider or you're just gonna pussyfoot around all day, than a 5' bike is fine. If you're gonna ride hard and beat on the bike, you are going to want more. And isn't it better to beat on someone elses bike (i.e. rentals) than your own?

Riding your own bike at N* is going to increase the amount of maintenance you are going to have to do and decrease the life of your frame. I recommend renting to all first timers, causal riders and to anyone thinking of buying a big bike. Again, $100 bucks or so could save you from spending thousands on a bike you don't like or on a bike you're only really going to use a few times a year. My two cents...

 

[roxy]

Flume Trail and Rim Trail

Anyone ridden these trails? What are they like?

http://www.theflumetrail.com/

....VERY high elevation...6200'-9000'

 

[bicyclemech1]

I rented a Giant at N*

It was pretty poor as far as tuning goes. But the suspension was great. I complained at the end of the day about the time spent in the shop trying to get the bike tuned and they gave me a half price coupn for my next rental. Rent one of theirs. Just check it thoroughly and bring you own pedals.

 

[MrCrash]

I just went up to Northstar this past weekend. Most the trails are doable without renting. I ride a 5" stumpy and everything was fine. To me, you only need to rent if you plan on doing the crazy 10 feet drops and plan on getting a lot of air on jumps. For reference, we rode, Livewire, Speed Control, Pho Dogg, Woods, Upper/Lower Mineshaft, Coaster and the fireroads that took us to the west side of the park. Everything is doable on a 5 inch travel bike, plus renting is expensive ($75).

I've had the same attitude for a while with regards to bike choice at Northstar. My typical route was:

Upper Karpiel, Flameout, Sticks and Stones, or Sinuous > Flameout > Tryumph > Manure Pile > Pho Dogg > Lower Karpiel

The rocks on Upper Karpiel / Sticks and Stones took their toll on my Lefty fork, and tore a hole in the carcass of my rear tire that the Stans couldn't seal. On top of that, the Mutano / Weirwolf combination I was using just didn't penetrate very well into that loomy dust that covers the trails there.

For the price of a fork rebuild / better tires / DH tubes / brake rotors, I figured could just rent. I'm kinda curious about how a 8-10" travel bike works out there too

Anyone ridden these trails? What are they like?

http://www.theflumetrail.com/

....VERY high elevation...6200'-9000'

Joe didn't think much of them - I remember getting the post ride "DUDE THAT SUCKED" phone call a couple of years ago. I'm sure he'll chime in to elaborate.