Archive for May, 2007
EMS mountain bike demo day
Jenn dragged me to the EMS Ironhorse demo day up at Thacher Park. I tested an MK-3 and an Azure. The MK3 had a super-plush ride, almost too soft. I felt like I was losing lots of power in the suspension while pedaling. The Azure had some braking issues and shifting issues, but shorter suspension travel. I think I liked it better. ‘Course, with more experience on suspension (as in, more than practically nil) I’d probably prefer the MK3.
There was a very big turnout, about 30 people at least. The organizers painted a 1+ mile course on the trails for us to spin around and test our the machines. Lotsa climbing, a little bit of mud, and roots, and rocks. Nothing much to speak of though.
Later around 6:15, an organized ride started with Jason leading and we headed out on some beautiful single track. The first turn, however, was going to lead us straight through a flooded area, so we had to backtrack and climb a precipitous section with bikes on shoulders. My road shoe cleats worked well at keeping me from slipping down the slope, but were hard to keep clean from mud. A little de-mudding with a handy stick was frequently necessary.
It felt weird going on this ride with mountain bikers. To hear them huffing and puffing up the climbs even with climbing gears smaller than some of my road bike’s rear cogs was, um, gratifying? Sad? They’re supposed to be in their element. Maybe the group was on the novice side. I don’t know any of this crowd, save for Jenn, Kim (whom I’ve had the pleasure of riding TWO Three Lakes and a River rides with these past two years), and, actually, that’s it.
Overall, I had quite a good time. My mountain bike experience is solely on a stiff frame, no suspension whatsoever. I know, that dates, me. It’ll take me a while to get used to the new dynamics of suspension with respect to cornering, jumping, and going downhill. My roady-type attempts at staying somewhat clean were futile–the mud was unavoidable in some places. Especially the deep mud ruts at the bottom of a descent. A rut I thought I might be able to dodge or at least bunny-hop over. Alas, my inexperience with the suspension got the better of me and I failed miserably. Down I went in a heap of Kurt and bike and grass and dirt. No injuries save for a bloody knee. But is it really a good ride unless you get dirty and bloody?
Thanks, Jenn, for getting me on some fat tires for a change of pace.
The 400km brevet recap
It’s coming.
Suffice it to say it went very well in spite of tons of climbing, tons of headwind, lots of rain after sunset, and mediocre headlights. I finished strong and only had problems falling asleep on the (short) drive home.
Wish me luck
Going to bed now, at 9pm. Starting the 400km brevet ride tomorrow morning at 4am. Chance for rain throughout the day. Good stuff. I think I’m all packed and ready. I’m sure I’ll remember something I forgot on the drive over to the start. See you Sunday morning with results…
