Do You Mountain Bike?

[MrCrash]

Just for reference, the last time we did Annadel, we did

Channel -> Richardson -> Two Quarry -> Lawndale -> Schultz -> Pig Flat -> Marsh -> S. Burma -> Richardson -> N.Burma -> to the car

I doubt we'll be on our way at 7 AM, so we'll probably try to catch you at the bottom of Lawndale. I'll give you guys a call that morning and let you know how we're running.

This time I plan on taking them the same route up until Pig Flat. So from Schultz -> Ridge -> S.Burma -> Rough Go -> Cobblestone, maybe throw in some Live Oak if people are up to it.

If only some people are up for it, you can split the group at the top of Schultz. Those who are up for more climbing (and descending) can head left on Ridge. Those who aren't up for it can head right on Pig Flat.

The people who take Ridge would take Ridge to Marsh to Buick Meadow (at the junction of Marsh and South Burma where the bench is). The people who take Pig Flat would take Pig Flat to Marsh to the same bench on Buick Meadow.

You could split it again in a similar way at North Burma. Those who are up for it can go left and do Live Oak > Rough Go > Cobblestone. Those who want to just head back can make the right and take it back to Channel. The possibilities are there if you're up for it!

Last time we had to bail early since some people were running out of water. So just a reminder...22ish miles...bring lots of water!

For long days, I usually go with a full 100oz Camelbak with a 24oz bottle of sports drink. On warm days with little rest, I generally empty the Camelback by mile 20.

Some groups at Annadel will stash water (and beer) at different locations. The bench at the top of Two Quarry (where it intersects with Marsh) might be a good place to do this if you think you'll be having some hydration issues. The bench at the top of South Burma is another popular stash location.

Looking forward to a fun ride!

 

[cantonkiddo]

Yea...I have a 100oz Camebak and I normally only drink about 2/3 of it during this ride, but some people forgot the memo And I was thinking about the N. Burma to Live Oak route, but the last time I did Live Oak (when I first started riding) it was nearly impossible to ride. I've been wanting to try it again now that my skillzorz are a little bit better. I was definitely thinking of maybe having the group split at some point if people want to ride longer/shorter. Either way this should be a fun ride since this group always makes me laugh (Rob endo-ing, Rob laughing at Dom uncontrollably, etc) Good times good times. Anyways hope to see you out there at some point!

 

[Rick T.]

(Rob endo-ing, Rob laughing at Dom uncontrollably, etc) Good times good times.

Good times indeed! But Dominic endoed - hence Rob's uncontrollable laughter (you guys just have to know Rob and Dom - both BARFers). Then Rob washes out his front end clowning around as he tried to take out Dom. Yes, it IS funny at the time…

Nonetheless, the ride is definitively fun because of the company. So we have for now:

Rick T. – Uhhh… Rick
S2RGRL – Marilou
Cantonkiddo – Andrew
The Mega – Megan
Achilles – Pete
Napaduc – Neil
rjbrittain11 - Robert

Rick T’s friends:
Roland
Steve and wife Natalie

Dominic says that the last MTB ride was his ONE for the year.

So TEN riders total for now.

 

[MrCrash]

Good times indeed! But Dominic endoed - hence Rob's uncontrollable laughter (you guys just have to know Rob and Dom - both BARFers). Then Rob washes out his front end clowning around as he tried to take out Dom. Yes, it IS funny at the time…

That almost sounds like Yody target fixating on Fawndog when he sailed off trail descending North Burma towards the end of the ride once. We couldn't stop laughing / hooting / hollering the whole way down

Dominic says that the last MTB ride was his ONE for the year.

So TEN riders total for now.

Lisa and I should make twelve - just not sure when or where we'll meet ya at this point. I'll try to get her up early enough to meet @ 830 - I might have some bruises on me though.

Hope Dom changes his mind - Annadel is way more fun (and legal) than the other "typical" options for weekend activities

 

[cantonkiddo]

You should be able to make 830. Rob lives in Richmond too and he was the first one last time and our meet time was 800

 

[MrCrash]

You should be able to make 830. Rob lives in Richmond too and he was the first one last time and our meet time was 800

I can make 830 without a problem, but Saturday is my girlfriend's birthday, and Annadel is her birthday ride. If she doesn't feel like getting up at 6:00-6:30 to get ready, I can't argue with her!

 

[cantonkiddo]

I can make 830 without a problem, but Saturday is my girlfriend's birthday, and Annadel is her birthday ride. If she doesn't feel like getting up at 6:00-6:30 to get ready, I can't argue with her!

Okay okay you win and happy birthday to your girlfriend! arty

 

[Baptistro]

Okay okay you win and happy birthday, do your girlfriend! arty

I'm sure he will.

Don't kill me Lisa

Don't let the old lady know I said this, but if the baby isn't here by Saturday, I may sneak out and join you guys.

 

[Harpo]

im shopping for used DH bike, do you guys think this one's legit ?http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/764412433.html

SCAM I checked it out. Booooo Gusssssss!!!

Too bad too, it's a damn nice North* rig.


.

 

[sjensen]

SCAM I checked it out. Booooo Gusssssss!!!

can you ride now? roxys picking up her new bike tomorrow, so, you can have your nomad back to come ride.

 

[Harpo]

can you ride now? roxys picking up her new bike tomorrow, so, you can have your nomad back to come ride.

If I'm lucky the gods might let me ride in 2009 but right now it looks like 2008 is gonna be a complete washout.

.

 

[cantonkiddo]

I'm sure he will.

Don't kill me Lisa

Don't let the old lady know I said this, but if the baby isn't here by Saturday, I may sneak out and join you guys.

Holy crap....talk about Freudian slip...lol....I meant TO

 

[Rick T.]

SAG & Susp Adjustments

So I take the new Trek EX8 out for a quick inaugural run yesterday. I set out to get an initial feel for the bike and establish some baseline suspension settings. As with any new bike, there were a few things that needed sorting out. But I ran it with the factory settings just get an idea how the bike is set up when delivered. Well, needless to say, it was less than ideal or pleasant for me yesterday. So I came home and got to work.

The fork is an '08 Fox Float RL. I set sag at 1" at the front (25% of travel - 4.7 inches) with Fox's recommended 75psi (155-170 lbs). The rear has approx .5" sag ('08 Fox RP2). Rebound in the rear was adjusted to speed up a bit (2 clicks). Also, the stock Bontrager tires do not seem to like running a higher pressure (40 psi) - but my Specialized Captains did - so I may drop a lb or two for the next ride Unfortunately, I can't ride today or tomorrow - so I guess I'll find out if I'm happy with the settings on Saturday (Annadel!).

Any personal recommendations/tips on setting up suspension?

 

[cantonkiddo]

So I take the new Trek EX8 out for a quick inaugural run yesterday. I set out to get an initial feel for the bike and establish some baseline suspension settings. As with any new bike, there were a few things that needed sorting out. But I ran it with the factory settings just get an idea how the bike is set up when delivered. Well, needless to say, it was less than ideal or pleasant for me yesterday. So I came home and got to work.

The fork is an '08 Fox Float RL. I set sag at 1" at the front (25% of travel - 4.7 inches) with Fox's recommended 75psi (155-170 lbs). The rear has approx .5" sag ('08 Fox RP2). Rebound in the rear was adjusted to speed up a bit (2 clicks). Also, the stock Bontrager tires do not seem to like running a higher pressure (40 psi) - but my Specialized Captains did - so I may drop a lb or two for the next ride Unfortunately, I can't ride today or tomorrow - so I guess I'll find out if I'm happy with the settings on Saturday (Annadel!).

Any personal recommendations/tips on setting up suspension?

Hey Rick, Fox recommend 75 psi for that weight??? I weigh about 170ish and I thought 55 psi (recommend in my little booklet) was a little bit too stiff. Ideally you want to get full travel out of your suspension (obviously), but are you now? For my rear, the recommended psi was perfect for me and I think it's 155 psi? As for tires, I run Nevegals (2.35 F 2.1 R) and I run 32/35 and it works perfectly for me.

I guess you're just going to have to wing it this weekend!

 

[Rick T.]

Hey Rick, Fox recommend 75 psi for that weight??? I weigh about 170ish and I thought 55 psi (recommend in my little booklet) was a little bit too stiff. Ideally you want to get full travel out of your suspension (obviously), but are you now? For my rear, the recommended psi was perfect for me and I think it's 155 psi? As for tires, I run Nevegals (2.35 F 2.1 R) and I run 32/35 and it works perfectly for me.

I guess you're just going to have to wing it this weekend!

Yes, Fox recommends 75 psi for 155-175 lbs (I'm approx 159 lbs). It was set at 90 psi delivered - I could barely get 3" of travel with that at Rockville!!

I like the Nevegals - so I'll go with those. Thanks!

 

[MrCrash]

Don't let the old lady know I said this, but if the baby isn't here by Saturday, I may sneak out and join you guys.

It's probably gonna be a pretty long day - you think you'll be able to sneak away for that long?

I like the Nevegals - so I'll go with those. Thanks!

I've heard the Nevegals handle well with their roundish profile, but aren't the best rolling tire. What did you like about them?

 

[Yody]

I've heard a popular combo is the Nevagal in front with a small block 8 in the rear. I have this set that came on my wheels that I've stowed away and am thinking about trying out one of these days. The Nevagal is 700 grams also which is a bit on the heavy side

 

[cantonkiddo]

I've heard the Nevegals handle well with their roundish profile, but aren't the best rolling tire. What did you like about them?

I've only been biking for 9 months or so, so I've only tried 2 types of tires My previous tires on my old bike where Klein Deathgrips, so these Nevegals are sticky as all hell, lol. I've read a lot about the Nevi's having a high rolling resistance, but it's fast enough for me I've also read that the grip makes the resistance worth it, soooo I don't know what to tell ya except that I haven't tried enough tires to really make any type of comparison/review.

 

[Rick T.]

It's probably gonna be a pretty long day - you think you'll be able to sneak away for that long?



I've heard the Nevegals handle well with their roundish profile, but aren't the best rolling tire. What did you like about them?

My friend has the Nevegals on his Gary Fisher Hi-Fi Pro and loves them. I intend on going with the 2.35 Stick-E up front and the 2.1 DTC rear - hoping the stickier (softer) compound up front will help me maximize traction while leaned over while the DTC (more durable in the center) rear will last longer. My other choice would be the 2.35 Japan-made Panaracer Rampage. I'm been a Panaracer fan for a long time and wanted to give these a go.

The Captains on my previous bike liked to be ran on higher pressure. Anything under 40 psi, I would pinch flat. I'm still looking for the tire that works best for me in our NorCal conditions.

 

[MrCrash]

I've heard a popular combo is the Nevagal in front with a small block 8 in the rear. I have this set that came on my wheels that I've stowed away and am thinking about trying out one of these days. The Nevagal is 700 grams also which is a bit on the heavy side

At 500g, we were thinking of trying some Kenda Small Block 8s on Lisa's bike, but the reviews I've read said they're difficult to set up with Stans, and are prone to flats. We just got some Wolverine 2.2s in the mail, and will probably try those out on her Blur this weekend. With lots of closely spaced ramped knobs, they look pretty quick - like a smaller version of the Weirwolf LTs.

Seems like Kendas generally have porous sidewalls and don't set up with Stans very well.

soooo I don't know what to tell ya except that I haven't tried enough tires to really make any type of comparison/review.

Most of us in these parts are really happy with the latest WTB tires. Faster guys who ride the bike loose on the edge of the tread seem to like the rounded profile of Weirwolf LT 2.55s. They roll FAST as well.

Those of us who aren't at that level like the grip of the Weirwolf 2.3 front and the speed and lateral grip of Mutano Raptor 2.24 rear. The tires are a little more square in profile are supposed to be a little vague or loose as you roll over the edge of that square transition, but I'm generally not riding that far over... yet

On my XC bike, I'm really happy with the lightweight Mutano Raptor 2.4s, which roll really well but have the volume to cushion the blow from sharper hits.

I'm still looking for the tire that works best for me in our NorCal conditions.

I have extra sets of each of the tires I listed above (except the Weirwolf LTs - those are staying on the shelf till Downieville next year) - you're more than welcome to give them a go if I get there early enough! That's a big "if" though