Silky BIGBOY 2000 Returns

Resting on a bridge

I rode today at Webster Park and Whiting today.  It feels like my first real muni ride of the season because there was no snow.  I rode my fat tire muni because I thought the trails still might be muddy, but they weren't.  I expected worse for this time of year.

I noticed how the fat tire tended to lead me just a bit more than I like.  It tends to pull a bit to the low side of a trail.  Until we get a lot of rain, I'll probably ride one of my regular munis next ride.

I brought my saw along, expecting the trails to need some spring cleanup and it proved useful.  I was able to clear the five downed trees I encountered.  One of them was big like a utility pole but the Silky handled it like a big boy... 2000.  Overall it worked great, just like last fall.  I noticed a few other recently cut trees, so at least one other person is helping out.

Video or it didn't happen:


Dustin had ridden recently at Whiting and mentioned a slight trail reroute in the Orange trail.  That was motivation for me to check it out after riding in Webster Park.  It's on the east side and is a short reroute that shifts the trail to the west further away from private property.  It has some ups and downs and is a great addition but needs some time to smooth out before it's really nice.

When I was just into the field area of the Orange trail I heard an air horn and yelling.  Some boys were on the other side of the field following the trail the same direction as me.  Although they were at a distance it appeared they were being goofy and trying to get my attention, perhaps trying to distract me with the hope of seeing a dismount.  That's not unheard of in the uni world.  I raised my arm up to acknowledge and heard their horn again a moment later. By the time I rounded the field they were into the woods sitting at a bench.  I said "hi" as I passed and at least one of them replied with a "hi".  They appeared to be about 12 or 13 years old.  As I pedaled away I heard one of them say "bye -bye" in a high-pitched baby-like voice in an unmistakeably condescending, mocking way.  I ignored it but then heard it a few more times at a volume obviously intended to for me to hear.  I dismounted and walked back.

There's are several things that really bother me about these kids mocking:
1.  Sometimes kids in groups act like assholes but would actually been really cool if they were alone.  They're showing off for their friends and using them as protection.
2.  At a distance people feel protected.  Hence the air horn at a distance and comments as I'm riding away, but just a "hi" when I rode right by.

When I approached them they were quiet and looked nervous.  I said something like, "Was there something you wanted to say to me?"   They just stared.  I said, "You need to learn to show some respect".  (By which I meant, to be respectful to people in general, not just to me or some guy on a unicycle.  Though I'm not sure how it came off.)  I followed with, "Who has the mouth?"  They continued to look nervous and flustered and within a few seconds two of them pointed to the one on the end and said "Jack".   hahaha
I think I said something like, "I thought so", which really didn't make much sense.  I turned around and rode off.  I didn't hear anything else from them, so that felt good.

Hopefully two of them realized that hanging out with "Jack" is gonna eventually lead to an ass beating, and Jack learned his "friends" will throw him under the bus in a second.  Nah... they probably just mocked me for the next hour after I rode away.

My one regret is not getting a picture of them for my blog.  Maybe next time.

Back in the Saddle Again

The last time I rode, it was 3 weeks since the previous ride.  Now I managed to have a 4 1/2 week gap between rides.  I'm not sure why but I just didn't feel motivated to ride.  But today I felt the urge and took a few hours off work to ride at Webster Park and Whiting.

I remembered to bring my folding saw with me in case I could clear any small downed trees or limbs.  I got the opportunity several times.  Here are some before and after pics:

There were also a good number of big fallen trees the could use a chainsaw.  Most I've seen before.

It was about 60F out which was a nice riding temperature.  It's a good time of year to ride.

At the end of the Green trail at Whiting I found a bench that wasn't there last time.  Since Green is a down-and-back trail, it was nice to have a spot to rest and refuel. And it's positioned to sneak a view of the lake across Lake Rd.  Pics:

I assume it's another Friends of Webster Trails scout project.  I forgot to read the plaque before I left. 

Despite not having ridden in a while, I made the short but steep climb at the end of the Green.   Yay me.  Overall I felt pretty good riding, but I could tell I fatigued quicker than normal.  I need to get back in shape.

My GPS failed to record my ride from the bench back to the parking lot.  I rode about 5 miles.

Whiting to Hojack and Back

Today I rode from Whiting to the end of the Hojack and back on my geared 29er.  Nothing too exciting.  I occasionally saw some other trail users.

I had a mix of failed and successful hill climbs.  I want my 24" uni sometimes.

About 14 miles:

Tour de Webster 2

I haven't been feeling super excited about muni lately.  I like to have some kind of goal to be riding for.  Sometimes my goal has been riding specific trails successfully.  Maybe that's wearing out. Upcoming races are good motivation, but there aren't a whole lot in the month of May.

Though there are a few events this month in Pennsylvania, including The Six Hours of Brady's Run.  I was very close to doing this race on Saturday and even had hotel reservations, which I canceled.  Registration was open until Thursday and I hesitated because rain was looming, and because it was in Beaver Falls, PA.  It's a 5 hour drive which means staying the night before and likely the night of the race.  Time and money add up quick and by Wednesday I was feeling like it wasn't worth it. This race is most similar to the local Suicide Six race I've done in August.  I've only ever been able to do two laps in that and I've left the race well before it officially ended.  Again, maybe not worth the costs of a weekend trip to PA.  Sure I'd see some muni friends, but not much during the actual race.  I really wish it were local.  But the Brady's Run race was able to get 8 muni riders and I don't see that happening locally.

Anyway, I didn't feel much motivation for riding this weekend.  Yesterday was crazy windy.  So today was the day to ride, despite a headache.  Looking for motivation and a good place to ride, I remembered the Tour de Webster ride I did in 2012.  So that was the plan:  road from home - Webster Park - Whiting - Gosnell Big Woods - Big Field - Vosburg - Hojack - road to home.

This time I rode my geared 29 which made the roads and Hojack more exciting, as I rode between 10-13 mph.  The trails were good, but I often wished I was on a smaller wheel in the more difficult sections.  Parts of Webster Park where I entered were swampy as expected, but I'm not sure of a better entrance on the east side.  Unlike last time, I didn't respect the "Pedestrian Only" rules and rode through the Big Woods.  It has some nice features and I don't see why bikes aren't allowed.  In any case, my 24 would have been better on some of the rooty climbs and descents.

ended my ride at the photography studio

At Vosburg I stopped and called home to see if my family wanted to meet me at North Ponds Park, which I'd soon be passing on the Hojack.  It's Mother's Day after all!  Amy already had a plan to go to the Webster Arboretum for some photo shooting of the kids.  As I cruised down the Hojack at breakneck speed I thought I'd possibly extend my ride and head to the arboretum instead of home.  That's what I did, and after meeting up with my family, I ended my ride with a loop around the arboretum "trails", and hitched a car ride home.

It was a good ride and I feel more into the sport than I had during the week.  My lower back muscles got rather fatigued, but that's often a problem.  It looks like I rode close to 17 miles.

Webster and Whiting 29er

I can't remember ever riding my 29er at Webster Park and Whiting.  I'm always trying to conquer the the hills and I figured my 24 is going to give me an advantage for that.  But after riding my 29er before and during the Singlespeed-a-Palooza race, I got accustomed to its speed.  My 24 has a geared hub, so it can be fast, but I only engage the high gear on longer stretches of relatively flat trail.  It has been seeming too slow in the non-technical areas where I don't Schlumpf.

So today I chose my single-speed 29er and rode at Webster and Whiting.  As expected, I appreciated its speed on most trails.  And on trails where I normally would have shifted my geared 24 into high gear, I didn't miss anything.  Unfortunately my climbing ability on the steepest hills took a hit and I failed on most of them.

This is the plight of the modern muni rider.  Wheel size and gearing.  If only these could vary while riding.  The Schlumpf gives us a high gear, but that's only good in a handful of situations.

I may be going to another race soon, and I'm thinking the ungeared 29er would be my choice.  I'll miss my smaller wheel for climbing, but I think it will be the best compromise.  Race details to follow.

I enjoyed today's ride.  It was in the 50's and was threatening to rain but only sprinkled.  The trails were still just as muddy in places as a week ago, because it has been raining most of the week.

Whiting and Webster Mud

It was close to 50°F today and I rode at Whiting and Webster Park.  In the parking lot I was putting my CamelBak on and saw two horse riders enter Webster Park.  I didn't want to follow them in and have to pass so I rode at Whiting first.  The Blue trail is still quite wet and muddy from the spring.  Most other trails in Whiting were ok with only a few soft sections.  I rode through the Green trail and liked it.  This was my first time riding the final extension since I helped complete it.   There have been several nicely constructed bridges added as Boy Scout projects.  The last and steepest hill was a bit slick and I did not successfully climb it.  I don't feel my climbing skill is quite where I left it in the fall.

Webster Park was also muddy.   It was horribly worse than Whiting is many places, as would be expected in a trail system that doesn't have a dedicated trail crew.  Throughout my ride I saw signs of the two horses that had just entered: horse crap and hoof prints.  Later I saw them riding on an adjacent trail.  On my way out I noticed the horse crap was gone on the first trail.  Maybe the riders stop and clean up on the way out? 

I rode my geared 24.  I'm starting to wonder if my 29er would be better at these trails.  I might try it next time.

With the spring here and no race looming I am finding little motivation to spend time in my basement working out.  It looks like I'm back to my routine of one or two rides a week.  I do have several events penciled in on my calendar but no definite plans for May.  Perhaps I should commit to something for the sake of staying in shape.

Icy Hell

Today Dustin and I got out of work early to ride at Whiting and Webster Park.  We haven't had any significant snow since a recent thaw and the only snow on the ground seemed to be in piles from snowplowing.  Today it was just below freezing for most of the day and 32°F at ride time.  This was pretty close to ideal in that mud would be frozen but it wouldn't feel terribly cold.  So it seemed like a great day to hit the trails.  Unfortunately there was evil lurking in the woods.

Icy trails.  So sad.

A few seconds into the trail it became obvious that ice was going to be a problem.  Trails that get significant foot traffic were covered in ice, at least in some sections.  It wasn't just a small amount here or there.  It was thick, solid, shiny, and slick and in many places covered the entire trail to the very edges.  It was hard enough to walk on, much less unicycle.

Dustin and I arrived at slightly different times and didn't ride together, as planned.  Were both considering racing at the upcoming Singlespeed-A-Palooza race and want to push our riding.  So riding at our own paces makes sense.  He rode Whiting and I, Webster Park.  We had similar experiences with the ice.  Most trails had at least some decent sections with no ice, but around every turn was an unrideable section.  Some icy sections had an non-icy edge I could ride.  I did find a few less popular trails with nearly no ice.  Those happen to be my favorite trails, so yay for me.

On my way out of the trails my uni suddenly freewheeled and I fell back on my butt and elbow.  I was ok, but had to walk my uni out.  It looks like one of my crank arms came loose, and in doing so, half-shifted my geared hub into a middle freewheeling state.  I'll have to inspect it closer when I get a chance, but hopefully just tightening the crank are will fix it.  Often a loose crank arm means bad wear on both the hub and crank arm, and neither are ever the same.  My fingers are crossed.

With all the trouble, I still enjoyed getting out for a ride!

Whiting Green Trail Completed!

On Saturday I helped the Friends of Webster Trails complete the Green trail.  We started work on this trail in 2011 so we're all excited to be "done".  Technically we'll have more work to do as it settles and needs adjustments, most likely next year.  Plus there are a few boardwalks yet to be installed.

On a trail building work day, the volunteers are always amazed by the huge progress we make.  With groups spaced out over a distance, we don't see all that's being accomplished until it's done.  At the end of the hours of work we walk the new trail and marvel at our accomplishment.

This time I made it a point to capture the before and after with video:

Nice Ride at Webster Park and Whiting

We've been having awesome weather: cool, dry, low humidity.  I rode at Webster Park and Whiting today and pushed a little extra, ending up with close to 14 miles.

I took a fall in Webster Park on a corduroy crossing made of about 10 large logs.  I've ridden it successfully before, and in fact crossed it fine in one direction, but on the way back I ate it.  The area is perpetually wet, hence the need for it, and today the logs themselves were a bit slippery.  That and the fact that one log shifted must have been what got me.  I fell moderately hard, hit my left knee and got a little wet and dirty.  My knee bothered me a bit along the rest of the ride.  If I start having knee pain on my next rides I'll have to remember this.  It might be time for another Dr. Luckey fix.

I saw a good number of hikers out there.  In fact the Whiting parking lot was full and I had to park on the road.  On my second ride through Webster Park I encountered an elderly man on the Midnight Trail.  He asked for directions back to Whiting.  He has missed the trail he entered the Midnight trail on and was on his second loop.  I drew him a map in the dirt and he was grateful.  I rode out and noticed the series of nice signs pointing the way to Whiting, once you exit the Midnight Trail, so I imagine he got out fine.  Thanks to the Friends of Webster Trails for those signs.

Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2013-09-29 at EveryTrail

Cooler Ride

With a few 90 degree days and rain I hadn't gotten a chance to ride for about 10 days.  Yesterday I worked with the Friends of Webster Trails at Whiting to continue our work extending the green trail.
This morning I thought I was too sore to ride, but after some stretching I decided it was a good idea.

I rode at Webster Park and Whiting.  It was a typical ride.  I crossed paths with a group of three cyclocross riders half a dozen times at both parks, and also encountered a few mountain bikers, dog walkers, and families.

Temperatures were cooler, so that was nice.

Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2013-09-15 at EveryTrail

Another Ride

I rode at Webster Park and Whiting this morning.  It was nothing too exciting, but good exercise.

I saw an old high school friend and his family.  I'm sure they think I'm weird.  I guess they'd be right.

Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2013-08-17 at EveryTrail

Give Me a Sign!

I rode at Webster Park and Whiting today.  I especially avoided riding anywhere too difficult.  My last ride at Bay Park West made my quads so sore it's been painful to walk for the last few days.  I could use a few more days before I do that again.

I had a good ride and pushed to ride a bit farther, ending up with 10.5 miles.

I think it was toward the end of last year that I saw some 4x4 posts at many trail intersections in Webster Park.  Sometime in the last week the signs were put up on these posts.  I have been waiting to see how the county would label the trails.  It's always been confusing in Webster Park and I thought they might come up with a better system.  It turns out the new signs don't change how the trails are labelled, but rather point the way to points of interest.  This will probably help a lot of people find their way around the park, but it still kind of makes it hard to reference many trails.

Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2013-08-04 at EveryTrail

Back In The Saddle

It has been a full month since I last rode.  I got sick and the cold took a week to move from sore throat, to head congestion, and finally to my lungs.  I had an annoying cough.  Even after the cough was gone I still felt my chest was tight at times.  Temperatures and humidity were high up until about a week ago anyway.

So finally I got back to riding and went to Whiting and Webster Park.  Unfortunately I forgot to bring my helmet and decided it would be best to go back and get it.  Whoops. Once I got back and started riding I found I wasn't rusty at all and had a strong ride.  I saw a lot of hikers and runners, including a coworker.


Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2013-07-27 at EveryTrail

Ride and Anniversary

This morning I rode at Whiting and Webster before heading into work.  I wasn't feeling very aggressive and found myself stepping off on hill climbs I normally make.  Not all rides can be awesome.  Still, it's good to get out and see the trails in the morning.

I noticed the overgrowth in Webster Park is starting to get bad. I consider some trails basically closed for the season.  It's too bad there isn't a trail crew for Webster Park like the town parks have.  After Webster Park I rode in Whiting and appreciated the work The Friends of Webster Trails does to keep the vegetation from encroaching onto the trail.  The mud pits are back in Webster Park too.

This afternoon I got an email from my wife.  Happy Anniversary!  I almost forgot today is my four year unicycling anniversary.  I didn't feel like doing my annual ride down the driveway, but we did have cake!

Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2013-06-25 at EveryTrail

Whiting Trail Work - Extending Green

This morning I joined in on  the Friends of Webster Trails trail work at Whiting Road Nature Preserve.  We worked on further extending the green trail north.  Some of the new trail extension had already been cleared, but the trail needed benching.  There were a group of boy scouts that helped extend the clearing of trees and brush.  I worked with the core group of guys who are usually there to do the dirty work, benching and cutting the new trail. We made great progress but it will take several more work days to finish.

Muni with Dustin

Today I rode at Whiting and Webster Park with Dustin and his girlfriend, who rode with us on a bike.  Dustin continues to get better at muni.  We stopped a lot, talked, and tried some hills multiple times. Over about 3 hours we rode about 6.5 miles.

Muni at Whiting and Webster Park - 2013-06-09 at EveryTrail

Hot Humid Morning

As expected, temperatures reached 88°F today.  To beat the heat I rode this morning before going to work and it ranged from about 67°F when I started to 75°F at the end. The humidity was about 90% when I started, and dropped to about 75% at the end.  It actually felt hotter at the beginning.  I want my cooler temperatures back!

The trails were wet from yesterday's rain.  A few spots in Webster Park has significant standing water and mud pits.  The bugs were bad especially near the stream.  I'm sure I was the first visitor to most of the trails this morning because I cleared a lot of spider webs with my face.  It was a bit annoying.

I took some pictures of the big downed trees I can't clear and put them on a map.  I'll try to pass the locations on to park maintenance people with the hopes that they'll clear them with chainsaws.

Muni at Webster Park and Whiting - 2013-05-30

Another Ride

I like to log all my rides, but sometimes it's just a ride without very much to mention.
I had a good ride at Webster Park and Whiting.

Muni at Webster Park and Whiting - 2013-05-26

Sessioning Hills at Whiting and Webster Park

I rode at Whiting today with the intent of sessioning a few of the harder hills.  Last year I climbed every hill at Whiting at one point or another.  Today I made progress, but still didn't make it to the top of many hills.

At Webster there's a hill that has several routes.  The harder one has been covered with thick leaves since last fall.  I spent some time kicking the leaves out of the way to clear a narrow path and exposing the roots.  I was happy to climb it first try.  I'm also reminded how much better it was when I did some rogue leaf blowing two falls ago.  I should probably do it this fall.

It was a hotter day than we've had, at about 77°F, and I could feel it.  Still, I rode a decent amount and had a good time.

I had another injury, but it happened before I even got riding.  I walked into one of my pedals when my unicycle was behind my car and got three cuts that were bleeding.  Nothing too bad.

Muni at Webster Park and Whiting - 2013-05-19

Riding the Fruits of My Labor

I headed back to Webster Park this afternoon to ride the trails I helped clear the other day.  After doing that work there's been a place in my middle back that's been bothering me.  I must have lifted a log with my back and not my legs.  The area around one vertebrae has been sore to touch and painful in certain positions.  It's gotten better over the past week and I suspect it will not bother me at all soon.

That injury didn't cause me any problems during my ride today, but my lower back did get fatigued as it often does on technical trails.  Having these "new" trails mostly clear was nice, but riding them straight through without stepping off will take some practice.

I found one of these little pirate bags with plastic jewels hanging on a pine tree in Webster Park.  I wonder who left it there and why.  It was clean and the jewels were in a sealed plastic bag so I brought it home for my 3 year old.  She was excited.

Muni at Webster Park and Whiting - 2013-05-16