Robi came back to town again for more work on his tat. This time we rode at Dryer Park in Victor.
It was in the 60's and low humidity and trail conditions were perfect. We rode about 80% of last year's Fat Tire Festival course, but then broke away from it. I think we both had the most fun on Owl's Maze. We were both riding 24" wheels but Robi rides faster and seemed to have endless energy. After leading for a minute, I let Robi pass. I kept losing ground and it wasn't long before we were passing by each other in opposite directions. Owl's Maze is rather awesome like that. The trail winds so much and keeps passing by a place you were just at a minute ago. It seems never ending. Looking back at my GPS, it took about 8 minutes to get down. It must have taken some real dedication to build that trail and to make it fill in the all the space that it does.
Robi had asked what size muni to bring and with Dryer in mind I thought I'd ride my 24". My 26" fat tire wouldn't be ideal because of the fat tire, and I think my 29er is too big for me on tight hilly trails. Robi brought his 24" but in hindsight thought his 26" would have been better. I too thought a bigger wheel would have been smoother. I sure could use a non-fat tire 26" muni, don't you think?
Showing posts with label Dryer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dryer. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Dryer with Dustin
Today I went to Dryer Road Park with Dustin. It was my first time there this year and Dustin's first time ever.
We rode the 2014 Fat Tire Festival race course. The race is in a few weeks, it's different than the other years I rode, so I carried a map. Dryer is hilly and pushed Dustin's muni endurance, but he did well. We stopped a lot more than I normally do and certainly more than in a race. I may need to go back and do some more riding there if I want to do the race.
After the trails we played at the skills area. With its odd angles, uncomfortably tight turns, and disjointed features, it's not that great, but we did have some fun. I worked on a log skinny but sadly never completed it.
We rode the 2014 Fat Tire Festival race course. The race is in a few weeks, it's different than the other years I rode, so I carried a map. Dryer is hilly and pushed Dustin's muni endurance, but he did well. We stopped a lot more than I normally do and certainly more than in a race. I may need to go back and do some more riding there if I want to do the race.
After the trails we played at the skills area. With its odd angles, uncomfortably tight turns, and disjointed features, it's not that great, but we did have some fun. I worked on a log skinny but sadly never completed it.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Prune in June 2013
The vegetation is growing quick this time of year and it sometimes needs to be cut back from the trails. This morning I joined a trail work party at Dryer Rd park in Victor to do just that. There must have been about a dozen of us. We broke out into groups and spent a few hours walking the trails and cutting away offending vegetation.
Afterward I rode. I followed the Fat Tire Festival coarse for one lap and then made a few more laps of whatever interested me. I enjoyed powering up a lot of hills and the many twists and turns. I probably would have ridden a bit longer but I ran out of time.
Muni at Dryer Road Park - 2013-06-15 at EveryTrail
Afterward I rode. I followed the Fat Tire Festival coarse for one lap and then made a few more laps of whatever interested me. I enjoyed powering up a lot of hills and the many twists and turns. I probably would have ridden a bit longer but I ran out of time.
Muni at Dryer Road Park - 2013-06-15 at EveryTrail
Sunday, July 8, 2012
2012 Fat Tire Festival Test Run #3
This morning I did yet another three lap test run of the Fat Tire Festival course.
There was a youth lacrosse group practicing in the field, so I couldn't incorporate the start/finish section of the course into my ride. I rode a few loops in the parking lot as an alternative, but since the field is actually a bumpy minefield on a unicycle, it hardly compares. Still, the majority of the difficulty comes from the hill climbing, which I did.
I've probably written this up before, but I don't feel like doing anything else, so here's a rundown of the trails in the course:
Sport Field - The race starts in a sports field. For me this sucks because even though it's level, it's riddled with bumps hidden by grass. I'm in a constant state of adjusting my balance and that wears me down. I wonder if it looks like I can hardly ride and that's where the spectators are. After the field is a just a bit of a climb up to the tree line.
Kasha - This is where the race enters the woods. It's a series of switchbacks that climb up to the top of the park. None of it is crazy steep on its own, but all together it requires a significant energy output. By the end I'm spent.
Upper Field - Then the course crosses the field. Unlike the sports field, this field has something of a trail, but it's worn probably only six inches wide and riddled with rocks and tufts of grass. Much of it also shaped into a trench which can be a fight for a single somewhat snaking unicycle wheel. I actually find riding just to the side of this in the mowed grass to be more efficient. The trail loops around one side up the field before entering the woods again.
Tree Beard - This is a pretty cool trail. Most of it is smooth and rolling.
VB - This is a switchback heading down. None of it is particularly steep.
Epping Forest - Technically there's a small section of connecting trail between VB and Epping Forest, but it's just a short tame section. EF is pretty long and has a series of hill climbs and descents. It's a good workout but totally doable. It ends with a long medium grade climb that leaves me winded, which sucks because what's next is harder.
Chutes and Ladders - As it's name suggests, this one has it's ups and downs. Basically the medium grade climb from EF continues, followed by a descent. The next climb would be totally doable if it weren't for a section of log corduroy in the middle. Although it's relatively level and probably three feet long, the approach requires a significant hop up onto it from a upward slope. By that time I'm spent and my efforts are weak. Today I got close, but still ended up walking about 20 feet. Then it's down only to encounter the next climb. This one is significant in grade but not too long. I usually make it with a significant effort. Then it's down again only to encounter a longer and even steeper climb. I'm not sure I've ever made this one. It's tough but doable if I were not so spent. I've been getting pretty close but there's a short rooty section that's been getting me. Finally it's down again and over a log stack.
SSW - This one has some twists and turn and a few mini climbs but nothing too bad.
Elevator - The first part of Elevator is a short climb. I find myself taking a breather here for the big climb. This climb is very significant and leaves my quads pulsing with fire. It's steep, somewhat rooty and sandy, but I'm happy to say I made this climb on all three laps today. It ends with another short climb back out to the upper field.
Upper Field - This is fairly similar to the previous section of the upper trail in terms of its surface. But about two-thirds of this I use my high gear and get some good speed.
Gully Down - For the most part this is a descent and heads back down to the parking lot. Nothing too crazy here. The race course may incorporate some part of Kaleidoscope, but either way it's about the same as the ending of Gully Down.
Sport Field - Finally it's back into the sport field to the finish of a lap.
Cycle Computer: 11.6 miles
I finished about 5 minutes faster than my previous test runs, but that's probably just because I didn't ride the field. I suspect my actual race time will only be slower because I'll have to step off or pull over to let a hundred mountain bikers pass.
There was a youth lacrosse group practicing in the field, so I couldn't incorporate the start/finish section of the course into my ride. I rode a few loops in the parking lot as an alternative, but since the field is actually a bumpy minefield on a unicycle, it hardly compares. Still, the majority of the difficulty comes from the hill climbing, which I did.
I've probably written this up before, but I don't feel like doing anything else, so here's a rundown of the trails in the course:
Sport Field - The race starts in a sports field. For me this sucks because even though it's level, it's riddled with bumps hidden by grass. I'm in a constant state of adjusting my balance and that wears me down. I wonder if it looks like I can hardly ride and that's where the spectators are. After the field is a just a bit of a climb up to the tree line.
Kasha - This is where the race enters the woods. It's a series of switchbacks that climb up to the top of the park. None of it is crazy steep on its own, but all together it requires a significant energy output. By the end I'm spent.
Upper Field - Then the course crosses the field. Unlike the sports field, this field has something of a trail, but it's worn probably only six inches wide and riddled with rocks and tufts of grass. Much of it also shaped into a trench which can be a fight for a single somewhat snaking unicycle wheel. I actually find riding just to the side of this in the mowed grass to be more efficient. The trail loops around one side up the field before entering the woods again.
Tree Beard - This is a pretty cool trail. Most of it is smooth and rolling.
VB - This is a switchback heading down. None of it is particularly steep.
Epping Forest - Technically there's a small section of connecting trail between VB and Epping Forest, but it's just a short tame section. EF is pretty long and has a series of hill climbs and descents. It's a good workout but totally doable. It ends with a long medium grade climb that leaves me winded, which sucks because what's next is harder.
Chutes and Ladders - As it's name suggests, this one has it's ups and downs. Basically the medium grade climb from EF continues, followed by a descent. The next climb would be totally doable if it weren't for a section of log corduroy in the middle. Although it's relatively level and probably three feet long, the approach requires a significant hop up onto it from a upward slope. By that time I'm spent and my efforts are weak. Today I got close, but still ended up walking about 20 feet. Then it's down only to encounter the next climb. This one is significant in grade but not too long. I usually make it with a significant effort. Then it's down again only to encounter a longer and even steeper climb. I'm not sure I've ever made this one. It's tough but doable if I were not so spent. I've been getting pretty close but there's a short rooty section that's been getting me. Finally it's down again and over a log stack.
SSW - This one has some twists and turn and a few mini climbs but nothing too bad.
Elevator - The first part of Elevator is a short climb. I find myself taking a breather here for the big climb. This climb is very significant and leaves my quads pulsing with fire. It's steep, somewhat rooty and sandy, but I'm happy to say I made this climb on all three laps today. It ends with another short climb back out to the upper field.
Upper Field - This is fairly similar to the previous section of the upper trail in terms of its surface. But about two-thirds of this I use my high gear and get some good speed.
Gully Down - For the most part this is a descent and heads back down to the parking lot. Nothing too crazy here. The race course may incorporate some part of Kaleidoscope, but either way it's about the same as the ending of Gully Down.
Sport Field - Finally it's back into the sport field to the finish of a lap.
Cycle Computer: 11.6 miles
I finished about 5 minutes faster than my previous test runs, but that's probably just because I didn't ride the field. I suspect my actual race time will only be slower because I'll have to step off or pull over to let a hundred mountain bikers pass.
Muni at Dryer Road Park - 2012-07-08
Sunday, June 24, 2012
2012 Fat Tire Festival Test Run #2
This morning I worked with a fine group of trail workers to help prepare Dryer Road Park for the Fat Tire Festival race coming up on July 21st. From 9:00 to about 11:30 we worked to improve a few of the trouble spots on Elevator and Chutes and Ladders. Mostly we widened, resurfaced, de-bermed, and made channels for water flow. The majority of this work was on significant hills which are prone to erosion from water and tire force. Hopefully the fixes will last.
After the trail work I cleaned up, had a bit of food, and prepared for another Fat Tire Festival test run like I did about a month ago. Again my goal was to ride 3 laps, since I've registered for the Sport class. For this ride I put Hammer Endurolytes powder in my Camelbak water in an attempt to fix the cramping problems I recently had.
My first lap was tough mentally. Physically I climbed well, but after each big climb I found myself fighting to catch my breath and lower my heart rate. I felt dizzy more than usual and was somewhat concerned. I guess my stomach was working on the food I ate after the trail work. My goal to do two more laps was not seeming realistic. Despite the struggle, I made it up Elevator. Actually, my hand that holds my seat handle cramped up on this climb. I've never had that before. I guess I was really squeezing tight. For a few minutes it was like my hand could either snap open or snap shut, painfully. Thankfully it didn't last.
On the start of my second lap I had a devil and angel on my shoulders:"screw it, who cares, just call it a day", "keep pushing, you can stop when you absolutely have to, you can do it!" It's hard to say who was the angel and who was the devil, but in any case I pushed on. My climbing was good and I felt like my breathing and heart rate improved and I wasn't feeling as dizzy. But I was getting tired and my lower back and shoulders were starting to yell at me. I started to feel the onset of some cramping in my quads and calves but it didn't become a real problem.
While I was feeling fairly spent, heading into my third lap wasn't much of a question. With two laps behind me I just ignored the option to quit and kept pushing. My fatigue caused me a few extra UPDs and leg cramps were feeling imminent, but I finished my ride without incident.
I confirmed doing 3 laps is in me, but it's a struggle. It got to about 80°F. Race day could be significantly hotter.
According to my cycle computer I rode 11.4 miles. My GPS says 10 miles... the usual loss of twists and turns. It took me 2 hours 15 minutes, 5 minutes more than my previous test run. I guess I may have stopped to lean on a tree a few extra times.
Despite drinking over 2 liters of water/Gatorade during my pre-ride, ride, and post-ride, I didn't have to pee for about 6 hours. Crazy.
Once I got home and showered I started to get a killer headache which is still lingering despite taking Excedrin migraine. It feels like I got hit on both sides of my head with a hammer. Maybe I didn't eat right? Maybe I didn't drink enough? Between joint pain, lower back pain, cramps, and headaches, this sport just doesn't stop kicking my butt. I hope for a day when all I had to deal with is running out of energy.
UPDATE: My migraine did not go away like it usually does with Excedrin. After googling a bit, I found many suggestions that migraines after exercise can be caused by a lack of electrolytes. Well what the heck, maybe I didn't add enough to my water? Hyponatremia? I also read some people believed a lack of protein caused their migraine. So I ate a bunch of peanuts and drank another Gatorade spiked with electrolyte powder. Within about 30 minutes my headache faded by about 70%. Now I also noticed I have hives on my chest. Somebody shoot me now! Who knows.
After the trail work I cleaned up, had a bit of food, and prepared for another Fat Tire Festival test run like I did about a month ago. Again my goal was to ride 3 laps, since I've registered for the Sport class. For this ride I put Hammer Endurolytes powder in my Camelbak water in an attempt to fix the cramping problems I recently had.
My first lap was tough mentally. Physically I climbed well, but after each big climb I found myself fighting to catch my breath and lower my heart rate. I felt dizzy more than usual and was somewhat concerned. I guess my stomach was working on the food I ate after the trail work. My goal to do two more laps was not seeming realistic. Despite the struggle, I made it up Elevator. Actually, my hand that holds my seat handle cramped up on this climb. I've never had that before. I guess I was really squeezing tight. For a few minutes it was like my hand could either snap open or snap shut, painfully. Thankfully it didn't last.
On the start of my second lap I had a devil and angel on my shoulders:"screw it, who cares, just call it a day", "keep pushing, you can stop when you absolutely have to, you can do it!" It's hard to say who was the angel and who was the devil, but in any case I pushed on. My climbing was good and I felt like my breathing and heart rate improved and I wasn't feeling as dizzy. But I was getting tired and my lower back and shoulders were starting to yell at me. I started to feel the onset of some cramping in my quads and calves but it didn't become a real problem.
While I was feeling fairly spent, heading into my third lap wasn't much of a question. With two laps behind me I just ignored the option to quit and kept pushing. My fatigue caused me a few extra UPDs and leg cramps were feeling imminent, but I finished my ride without incident.
I confirmed doing 3 laps is in me, but it's a struggle. It got to about 80°F. Race day could be significantly hotter.
According to my cycle computer I rode 11.4 miles. My GPS says 10 miles... the usual loss of twists and turns. It took me 2 hours 15 minutes, 5 minutes more than my previous test run. I guess I may have stopped to lean on a tree a few extra times.
Despite drinking over 2 liters of water/Gatorade during my pre-ride, ride, and post-ride, I didn't have to pee for about 6 hours. Crazy.
Once I got home and showered I started to get a killer headache which is still lingering despite taking Excedrin migraine. It feels like I got hit on both sides of my head with a hammer. Maybe I didn't eat right? Maybe I didn't drink enough? Between joint pain, lower back pain, cramps, and headaches, this sport just doesn't stop kicking my butt. I hope for a day when all I had to deal with is running out of energy.
UPDATE: My migraine did not go away like it usually does with Excedrin. After googling a bit, I found many suggestions that migraines after exercise can be caused by a lack of electrolytes. Well what the heck, maybe I didn't add enough to my water? Hyponatremia? I also read some people believed a lack of protein caused their migraine. So I ate a bunch of peanuts and drank another Gatorade spiked with electrolyte powder. Within about 30 minutes my headache faded by about 70%. Now I also noticed I have hives on my chest. Somebody shoot me now! Who knows.
Muni at Dryer Road Park - 2012-06-24
Sunday, May 27, 2012
2012 Fat Tire Festival Test Run
The Fat Tire Festival is in July and I have registered in the Sport class. This means I'll be doing three laps instead of last year's one.
Today I rode at Dryer Road Park, following the Fat Tire Festival course, which looks to be the same as last year. My goal was to do three laps to make sure I'll be able to do it. And I did it!
On my second lap I started to feel some lower back fatigue. On my third lap I was definitely getting significantly tired, making more mistakes, and finding it hard to navigate cleanly. I started to feel some cramping in my left "Vastis Medialis" when I was climbing significant hills. When it starts to feel on the verge of exploding, I stop for fear of having a debilitating cramp like I've experienced in the past.
I ate an energy gel at the start of laps two and three, but I guess it wasn't enough. Or maybe I didn't have enough water, though I drank all that I brought, finishing it as I was just starting to drive home. I have a 3 liter CamelBak but I don't think I fill it anywhere close to that capacity. I use a 12oz. cup to fill it, and after 4 of these, the CamelBak looks like it's getting close to capacity. But that would be 48oz. which is 1.4 liters, far from 3. I guess I'll be experimenting with trying to fit more.
On a side note, I just bought a new bladder for my CamelBak. I bleached my old one and must have used too much bleach because it became discolored. I was a little worried the plastic was damaged and might hurt me. The new reservoir has been updated with some cool features too.
On my second lap I successfully climbed Elevator! This is another hill climbing first for me. I was hoping to repeat it on my third lap but my leg cramp prevented that attempt.
My GPS said my three laps totaled 9.8 miles, but my cycle computer was over 11. With all the twists and turns at Dryer, it makes sense the GPS would cut corners.
It took me 2 hours 10 minutes. Looking at last year's results (remember these are mountain bikers), that would put me dead last in Sport, but finishing ahead of a few Experts who do five laps. So at least everyone wouldn't be waiting for me to finish.
Today I rode at Dryer Road Park, following the Fat Tire Festival course, which looks to be the same as last year. My goal was to do three laps to make sure I'll be able to do it. And I did it!On my second lap I started to feel some lower back fatigue. On my third lap I was definitely getting significantly tired, making more mistakes, and finding it hard to navigate cleanly. I started to feel some cramping in my left "Vastis Medialis" when I was climbing significant hills. When it starts to feel on the verge of exploding, I stop for fear of having a debilitating cramp like I've experienced in the past.
I ate an energy gel at the start of laps two and three, but I guess it wasn't enough. Or maybe I didn't have enough water, though I drank all that I brought, finishing it as I was just starting to drive home. I have a 3 liter CamelBak but I don't think I fill it anywhere close to that capacity. I use a 12oz. cup to fill it, and after 4 of these, the CamelBak looks like it's getting close to capacity. But that would be 48oz. which is 1.4 liters, far from 3. I guess I'll be experimenting with trying to fit more.
On a side note, I just bought a new bladder for my CamelBak. I bleached my old one and must have used too much bleach because it became discolored. I was a little worried the plastic was damaged and might hurt me. The new reservoir has been updated with some cool features too.On my second lap I successfully climbed Elevator! This is another hill climbing first for me. I was hoping to repeat it on my third lap but my leg cramp prevented that attempt.
My GPS said my three laps totaled 9.8 miles, but my cycle computer was over 11. With all the twists and turns at Dryer, it makes sense the GPS would cut corners.
It took me 2 hours 10 minutes. Looking at last year's results (remember these are mountain bikers), that would put me dead last in Sport, but finishing ahead of a few Experts who do five laps. So at least everyone wouldn't be waiting for me to finish.
Dryer Road Park - 2012-05-27
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Return to Dryer
It had been a while since I rode at the Dryer Road Mountain Bike Park (PDF trail map). The last time was two months ago at the Fat Tire Festival.
I did well and rode longer that usual, making good progress on several hill climbs. There's a short but steep hill on Epping Forest that's fairly rooty and has a bit of a step up in the middle. I finally made it! I also successfully climbed two of three hills on Chutes and Ladders. The one I didn't make seems easier in terms of grade and distance, but has a log obstacle that's tough to get over during a climb. On my two runs up Elevator, I UPD'ed as I hit the steepest section. On my second run I stepped back after my UPD and tried again, several times. On my third attempt I made it! I can't claim to have climbed Elevator in one run, but now I've climbed every part of it. I just need to put it all together.
I've been using Kasha as my way up from the parking lot, and it tripped me up all three times today. It actually seemed a bit shorter and easier than I remember, which I think means I'm making progress. The steepest sections are riddled with rocks and sapling stumps that have been left since the trail was built and that's what caught me each time. I think that was just bad luck. I'll keep at it, but it also might be time to try some alternative routes again.
My knee was hurting as usual around the 5-7 mile mark. I stopped several times and stretched my leg best I could. That helped, but once I got home it was worse. I keep stretching it, and it's getting better, but it's still frustrating.
As usual, with all the twists and turns at Dryer, my GPS track shows less than my cycle computer: about 7.5 miles versus 8.5 miles.
I did well and rode longer that usual, making good progress on several hill climbs. There's a short but steep hill on Epping Forest that's fairly rooty and has a bit of a step up in the middle. I finally made it! I also successfully climbed two of three hills on Chutes and Ladders. The one I didn't make seems easier in terms of grade and distance, but has a log obstacle that's tough to get over during a climb. On my two runs up Elevator, I UPD'ed as I hit the steepest section. On my second run I stepped back after my UPD and tried again, several times. On my third attempt I made it! I can't claim to have climbed Elevator in one run, but now I've climbed every part of it. I just need to put it all together.
I've been using Kasha as my way up from the parking lot, and it tripped me up all three times today. It actually seemed a bit shorter and easier than I remember, which I think means I'm making progress. The steepest sections are riddled with rocks and sapling stumps that have been left since the trail was built and that's what caught me each time. I think that was just bad luck. I'll keep at it, but it also might be time to try some alternative routes again.
My knee was hurting as usual around the 5-7 mile mark. I stopped several times and stretched my leg best I could. That helped, but once I got home it was worse. I keep stretching it, and it's getting better, but it's still frustrating.
As usual, with all the twists and turns at Dryer, my GPS track shows less than my cycle computer: about 7.5 miles versus 8.5 miles.
Muni at Dryer - 2011-09-18
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Dryer: Prune in June
I went back to Dryer this morning for some light trail work. There were about a dozen of us and we cut back the vegetation along the sides of Epping Forest and, I believe, Gully Down. The two head guys, Rick and Victor, fixed some of the Epping Forest trail where mud has been an issue. One fix was a reroute.
After the work, I rode a bit. I tried to ride up Kasha again, but got hung up on a root and walked the top section. I headed directly to Chutes and Ladders to see if I could do any better without riding Epping Forest first. I did have more energy and climbed more, but still I couldn't ride some. I'll keep working on it. I was able to get over a good log pile though. I also got higher up Elevator, but at one point the grade increases and it feels impossible. Maybe someday I'll be more capable.
I rode back down, rested for a minute, and headed back up Kasha. This time I made the climb! Then I rode Tree Beard and Ziggy and headed back down.
I rode just over 4 miles according to my cycle computer.
After the work, I rode a bit. I tried to ride up Kasha again, but got hung up on a root and walked the top section. I headed directly to Chutes and Ladders to see if I could do any better without riding Epping Forest first. I did have more energy and climbed more, but still I couldn't ride some. I'll keep working on it. I was able to get over a good log pile though. I also got higher up Elevator, but at one point the grade increases and it feels impossible. Maybe someday I'll be more capable.
I rode back down, rested for a minute, and headed back up Kasha. This time I made the climb! Then I rode Tree Beard and Ziggy and headed back down.
I rode just over 4 miles according to my cycle computer.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
2011 Fat Tire Festival Test Run
The Fat Tire Festival at Dryer Rd Park is on July 16th. Last year I got permission but then decided to skip it. It's a tough course for me and I was afraid of getting in the way of mountain bikers.
This year I have a little more confidence because of my recent races, but I'm still a bit nervous. I rode this morning at Dryer, following the posted course map. It's supposed to be 5 miles, but both my GPS and cycle computer told me it's under 4. Closer to 3.5 miles actually. Hmm.
I think I followed it right, with the exception of some of the parking lot area. But if anything I'd think I rode a little extra:
Under 4 miles doesn't seem like a big challenge, but Dryer has a lot of hill climbs. In the race, Beginners do 1 lap, Sports 2, and Experts 3. I think a single lap will do.
Looking at last year's results, I would finish about 5 minutes after the last beginner male mountain biker (excluding the very last, who was significantly later).
This was my first ride at Dryer this year and I was very pleased with myself. For the first time, I climbed Kasha! Last year I had to walk the upper half. I was panting heavily at the top, but kept moving down the slope across the field. Then it's up a small hill around the perimeter. Last year, I remember walking this, having not recovered from Kasha yet. But this time it was totally doable! The next section has enough descent to keep me going for a bit, though I did UPD once for no good reason. I continued through a couple of good climbs on Epping Forest that have always been challenging. Woo hoo! From the start to that point, I had a great run! But much of Epping Forest was muddy and had to be walked. I actually slipped and fell on my butt while walking. I did better than ever on the final hill climb of Epping Forest. But then Chutes and Ladders kicked my butt as always. The climbs (ladders) are too much for me by then. My lower back was fatiguing. SSW was muddy but ridable. By the time I get to Elevator, the main hill is just too steep to ride. But then it's into the field trail and I engaged my Schlumpf. I remember last year I couldn't shift well enough to use it. The rest is downhill through Gully Down and Kaliedoscope. So overall it was a stronger ride that last year's test run.
It helped that there was low humidity and it was cooler out.
This year I have a little more confidence because of my recent races, but I'm still a bit nervous. I rode this morning at Dryer, following the posted course map. It's supposed to be 5 miles, but both my GPS and cycle computer told me it's under 4. Closer to 3.5 miles actually. Hmm.
I think I followed it right, with the exception of some of the parking lot area. But if anything I'd think I rode a little extra:
Under 4 miles doesn't seem like a big challenge, but Dryer has a lot of hill climbs. In the race, Beginners do 1 lap, Sports 2, and Experts 3. I think a single lap will do.
Looking at last year's results, I would finish about 5 minutes after the last beginner male mountain biker (excluding the very last, who was significantly later).
This was my first ride at Dryer this year and I was very pleased with myself. For the first time, I climbed Kasha! Last year I had to walk the upper half. I was panting heavily at the top, but kept moving down the slope across the field. Then it's up a small hill around the perimeter. Last year, I remember walking this, having not recovered from Kasha yet. But this time it was totally doable! The next section has enough descent to keep me going for a bit, though I did UPD once for no good reason. I continued through a couple of good climbs on Epping Forest that have always been challenging. Woo hoo! From the start to that point, I had a great run! But much of Epping Forest was muddy and had to be walked. I actually slipped and fell on my butt while walking. I did better than ever on the final hill climb of Epping Forest. But then Chutes and Ladders kicked my butt as always. The climbs (ladders) are too much for me by then. My lower back was fatiguing. SSW was muddy but ridable. By the time I get to Elevator, the main hill is just too steep to ride. But then it's into the field trail and I engaged my Schlumpf. I remember last year I couldn't shift well enough to use it. The rest is downhill through Gully Down and Kaliedoscope. So overall it was a stronger ride that last year's test run.
It helped that there was low humidity and it was cooler out.
Muni at Dryer - 2011-06-25
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Ambidextrous Ride at Dryer
As I mentioned in a previous post, I think I'd be better off hopping with my right hand. That really means I should be riding in general with that hand. So I forced myself to use my right hand to hold my seat on hills and rough terrain at Dryer this morning.
At first it was awkward but I got better. And then I found I was more comfortable holding right when turning left, and holding left when turning right, at least when climbing and descending. In the past, when I was only holding with my left hand, I found turning left was a bit sketchy. So being ambidextrous in this way is probably a good thing.
My ride was ok, but I was unpleasantly reminded that Dryer is pretty much all hills. It gets frustrating because I'll accomplish one hill climb, but fail the next because I'm too spent.
My lower back fatigued earlier than I would have liked. So I didn't stay too long... about an hour.
After the never ending downhill switchbacks of Owl's Maze (the winding path on my map), I knew I was stuck with climbing out. I often take the Elevator trail but it's too steep to ride, so I chose a different one, without having a map. It ended up being CMP, which is a black diamond and part way through it became clear it is intended as a downhill, not up. It also has huge berms which seem pointless unless you're on a fast moving, coasting mountain bike. So I walked the whole thing. Blah.
At first it was awkward but I got better. And then I found I was more comfortable holding right when turning left, and holding left when turning right, at least when climbing and descending. In the past, when I was only holding with my left hand, I found turning left was a bit sketchy. So being ambidextrous in this way is probably a good thing.
My ride was ok, but I was unpleasantly reminded that Dryer is pretty much all hills. It gets frustrating because I'll accomplish one hill climb, but fail the next because I'm too spent.
My lower back fatigued earlier than I would have liked. So I didn't stay too long... about an hour.
After the never ending downhill switchbacks of Owl's Maze (the winding path on my map), I knew I was stuck with climbing out. I often take the Elevator trail but it's too steep to ride, so I chose a different one, without having a map. It ended up being CMP, which is a black diamond and part way through it became clear it is intended as a downhill, not up. It also has huge berms which seem pointless unless you're on a fast moving, coasting mountain bike. So I walked the whole thing. Blah.
Muni at Dryer - 2010-08-28
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Dryer Race Course
This morning I went to Dryer again. What I didn't mention last Sunday was that I more or less rode the course planned for the the Fat Tire Festival mountain bike race.
Many mountain bike races welcome muni riders. Obviously the idea isn't to compete to win, but just to participate and have a good time.
In this race the riders do a number of laps based on their skill level. Beginner - 1 lap, Sport - 2 laps, Expert - 3 laps. Experts start at 9:00am, Sports at 9:05, and Beginners at 9:10.
Being a slow rider, I don't like this setup. It means that I'll get lapped by a bunch of riders. Dryer is all single-track, and it will be a pain to dismount, step aside, and allow riders to pass. On downhills, they'll come barreling down, coasting, skipping over the roots and rocks with their full suspension bikes while I'm braking, picking a path, and flailing my free arm around.
Last year's Fat Tire race had the same riding classes but had a different course. I haven't ridden that course, but I know the trails and it's pretty comparable to this year's course. Looking at last year's results, figuring average speeds, and using the ~50 minute time I get on this year's course, I figured I'd get passed by about 30 expert/sport riders. I'd still finish with the slowest two or three beginner riders. My numbers are just estimates, but I think they're realistic enough.
Bikers are going to be passing other bikers a lot, so it should be an expectation. While I don't want to get in anyone's way, the bigger problem is that passing bikers will be getting in my way. Obviously I don't care much about my time, but if I'm dismounting 30 extra times it will cut out a lot of fun. Especially when those dismounts are in places like the downhills.
I have a several days to decide if I want to race. I'm still thinking about it, but I might just wait for a race without such tight laps. Dryer's a pretty tough place to ride too. If I'm going to join in a race, I might want it to be on some less hilly trails.
Muni at Dryer - 2010-07-11
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th of July!
Like any typical American, I celebrated Independence Day with a muni ride. I beat the heat and was riding before 9AM at Dryer. Despite my congestion still lingering from a week long cold, I was able to ride just fine. Still, I cut my ride a bit shorter than usual.
Muni at Dryer - 2010-07-04
Friday, May 28, 2010
Dryer 2010-05-28
I took the day off, making it a 4 day Memorial Day weekend.
After Kyle got on the bus, I went to Dryer Rd Park.
I tried a few new trails. Owl's Maze is never ending!! You can see on the map below it's got a lot of switchbacks. I rode Kasha on my last downhill. Good trail.
And once I was warmed up, I made it up the "Gravel Pit Road".
For the record: I rode the Gravel Pit Road, Tree Beard, Ziggy, Tree Beard, Owls Maze, SSW, Betty Loop, Epping Forest, Moon Valley, Ziggy, Gully Down, Gravel Pit Road, and Kasha. I wish I could easily overlay the trails and names on the map.
After Kyle got on the bus, I went to Dryer Rd Park.
I tried a few new trails. Owl's Maze is never ending!! You can see on the map below it's got a lot of switchbacks. I rode Kasha on my last downhill. Good trail.
And once I was warmed up, I made it up the "Gravel Pit Road".
Muni at Dryer - 2010-05-28
For the record: I rode the Gravel Pit Road, Tree Beard, Ziggy, Tree Beard, Owls Maze, SSW, Betty Loop, Epping Forest, Moon Valley, Ziggy, Gully Down, Gravel Pit Road, and Kasha. I wish I could easily overlay the trails and names on the map.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Riding with Colin and Taylor
I am not aware of many local muni riders. But two of them are Colin and Taylor. Colin is a college student and his brother is younger and in high school. Five months ago, I stumbled upon a link to the Tryon forums and then stumbled upon a post from Colin that had a link to one of his muni videos. It looked like something I wanted to get into.
Colin is in town for the holiday and we planned a ride at Dryer Park this morning. His brother Taylor also went.
It was cool to finally ride with other muni riders. It can be easier to learn skills that way. I rolled over a few logs I wouldn't have tried in the past, once I saw Colin do it.
I also learned about an access road that goes up to the top of Dryer. We used this every time we went up because it's pretty direct. I was able to climb that hill a few times. That's the longest hill climb I've ever done.
Thanks for a great ride guys. I hope we ride more in the future.
Colin is in town for the holiday and we planned a ride at Dryer Park this morning. His brother Taylor also went.
It was cool to finally ride with other muni riders. It can be easier to learn skills that way. I rolled over a few logs I wouldn't have tried in the past, once I saw Colin do it.
I also learned about an access road that goes up to the top of Dryer. We used this every time we went up because it's pretty direct. I was able to climb that hill a few times. That's the longest hill climb I've ever done.
Thanks for a great ride guys. I hope we ride more in the future.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Real World Hops
I just got back from a ride at Dryer Road Park. I brought a camera but took no pictures or video. The fall leaves look awesome, but it's still hard to stop and deal with a camera.
There are lots of leaves on some trails. Others have none.
There were a lot of mountain bikers there. Trek had a booth set up in the parking lot to show/ride the latest mountain bikes, I guess. I didn't check it out. That may have attracted more bikers today. Plus I went a bit later than last time.
I got a good number of comments from bikers. Most people just comment on how difficult it must be. It IS difficult, but mostly because of the uphills. I wish I could have a super low "granny" gear on my uni. One guy said something like, "Hey you're the guy I saw on the Tryon forums".
There were probably about 10 situations where I needed to hop over a small log or large root. I think I successfully hopped and rode out of about 3! It's my first time ever using hops on a trail, so I'm pretty excited about that.
For the record: First I rode over to where I thought Kaleidoscope should be. But I didn't see any sign, so I moved on. I rode up Kasha as it was supposed to be easier than some other options. The beginning was, but it ends at the upper field with a pretty steep hill. I then rode Ziggy around, and like last time, I like Ziggy. I then went down the Fort Hill trail, and tried Alpha Betty. That was a good trail. I then took Epping Trail and Epping Trail Ext. There was a pretty big hill at the end of Epping Ext.
There are lots of leaves on some trails. Others have none.
There were a lot of mountain bikers there. Trek had a booth set up in the parking lot to show/ride the latest mountain bikes, I guess. I didn't check it out. That may have attracted more bikers today. Plus I went a bit later than last time.
I got a good number of comments from bikers. Most people just comment on how difficult it must be. It IS difficult, but mostly because of the uphills. I wish I could have a super low "granny" gear on my uni. One guy said something like, "Hey you're the guy I saw on the Tryon forums".
There were probably about 10 situations where I needed to hop over a small log or large root. I think I successfully hopped and rode out of about 3! It's my first time ever using hops on a trail, so I'm pretty excited about that.
For the record: First I rode over to where I thought Kaleidoscope should be. But I didn't see any sign, so I moved on. I rode up Kasha as it was supposed to be easier than some other options. The beginning was, but it ends at the upper field with a pretty steep hill. I then rode Ziggy around, and like last time, I like Ziggy. I then went down the Fort Hill trail, and tried Alpha Betty. That was a good trail. I then took Epping Trail and Epping Trail Ext. There was a pretty big hill at the end of Epping Ext.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Dryer Road Park
This morning I rode at Dryer Road Park, a mountain biking park, in Victor, NY.
The trails have been rated like trails on a ski slope.
Unfortunately, these ratings are for mountain biking, not mountain unicycling. I got some advice from a local forum and by a few riders on the trails. Some advice was better than others.
Long story short, many of the trails are too difficult for me at my current skill level. But there are some that are good, and many that pushed me.
I took video like yesterday, but it's not worth editing. It's all too shaky, but here are a few frames to give an idea of the trails.
I felt like I gained more skill today. I think I climbed hills better than ever. I've read about "getting out of your saddle" and standing while climbing. I think I was doing some of that today, and it help a lot.
There is also a "Skills Park" in development, just next to the parking lot. I might actually be able to ride this when it's open.Here's a list of trails I rode and my thoughts on them.
[A]A-Train: No good for me. It's just switchbacks and a lot of it is too steep. I think I got some bad advice on this one. A biker I talked to later said that "Kasha" would have been better.
[T]Tree Beard: Parts of this were ok. But I'd estimate about 30% walking. That's a bit high, but I should try it again.
[SW]SSW: 15% walking. It was ok. But it led me to a junction on black diamond trails and other hard trails. Two bikers there suggested none of them were going to be good. So I ended up riding SSW back the way I came.
Fort Hill Trail: I rode this from the uppermost (southern most) of
the Upper Fields. It was ok. But there are 3 or 4 buried logs along the way and a few bigger hills. If I get my hops down this might be more fun.Ziggy: This trail was challenging but fun. There are a good number of ups and downs, manageable obstacles, and close trees. This might be a favorite.
[EF]Epping Forest: I liked this one too. I figure I only had to walk about 10%. And it's pretty long. I got on at the Fort Hill trail, and ended at the junction of a bunch of trails. I talked with a rider there and he suggested trying Moon Valley.
[M]Moon Valley: This is a one way trail, so uphill is the only option. Unfortunately it go too steep. I won't ride this again for a while. Next time I'm at the start of this trail, it might be better to try the Epping Trail Ext to get back to the parking area.
[G]Gully Down: This is a manageable way out. Nothing too crazy.
I think for the most part, any trail on the map that looks like a bunch of switchbacks have steep parts. Trails that look less coiled up might be better.
A plan for next time: Start with Kaleidoscope, loop back and ride Kasha up, cut over the Upper Fields to Ziggy. Then take Ziggy all the way around to the southern part of the Fort Hill Trail. Try the Betty Loop while I'm there. Then ride the Epping Forest, and take the Epping Forest Ext trail back out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
