Fun Ride was Fun

Yep, it was a good one yesterday. The weather cooperated and we were treated to warm sun and a cool breeze. We had ~ 100 folks turn up to ride a really nice loop laid out by Jim Grimley and company. Riding the Mt. Tom trail through the "Ledges" on both sides of 165 reminded me of why the trip down to Arcadia is always worth it. Being the dummy that I am I forgot my camera, so I unfortunately have no pics to share. It's hard to describe in words how hard, and ultimately rewarding, the Mt Tom trail can be. Everyone I saw who had ridden the loop seemed to enjoy the views and super technical riding. The food and drinks provided afterwards probably didn't hurt either.

Pete Gengler and I rode the Mt. Tom trail in the morning, and then we headed back for lunch prior to heading out to remove arrows. While pulling down arrows I ran into some folks I know from the Boston area. Knowing they were the last group to head out I swept the course behind them, and I eventually caught back up with their group. Before leaving I gave Tom and his crew a quick tour of the "95 trail" while making sure to finish with a nice long descent at ludicrous speed.Being the tough guy he is Pete re-rode Mt Tom to remove the arrows on both sides of 165. I was pretty well worn out by the time I left, and all the riding in recent weeks is catching up with me. I'm going to lay low for a few days before resuming riding like a madman again. My "training" to date has basically looked like this; Ride the road fixed, ride in the woods, ride SS in the woods, ride the road fixed, ride in the woods, etc.. That, my friends, is a solid 1/2 ass training plan if I've ever seen one! Let me know if you want an advanced copy of my forthcoming training guide entitled "Riding Too Hard, Too Often, and for no Apparent Reason".

From what I hear we raised around $500 for a local charity to be determined, and we had roughly 30 folks either renew or join NEMBA. Thanks to all the shops that provided raffle items! I also got most of the Trail Ambassador jerseys and supplies passed out which is a really good thing.

On a related note the Arcadia Ride Series starts in June, I posted the dates in a previous post and they are on the rinemba site as well. These rides are a free tour of Arcadia, just show up and go ride. Not too complicated if you ask me, so if you'd like to learn the trails check it out.

If you read RI Monthly be on the lookout for a short piece mentioning the Mt. Tom trail, RI NEMBA and the ride series. I'm not sure when it's going to be published but I'm guessing it'll be in one of the next few issues.

That's about it for now..

Brendan

Arcadia Spring Fun Ride Sunday 5/18

Just a quick head's up. The RI NEMBA Spring Fun Ride is happening this coming Sunday. The rides leave from the Browning Mill lot on Arcadia Rd. Registration is from 8 - 11 AM. As per usual there will be two arrowed loops. One for beginners, and one for those interested in a longer haul. The cost is a measly $5 for members and $10 for non members (or join NEMBA and ride for free). There will be a post ride cookout for members, and there will be a water stop out on the trail as well. We will also hold a raffle with great swag provided by various local shops including Ski Market, Victory Cycles and Providence Bicycle among others. Proceeds will be going to Trips for Kids this year.

Directions:

95 N or S: take exit 5a onto Route 102, follow for 1/2 miles to the end then take a right onto Route 3 south. Follow for 1 mile to the blinking light and take a left onto Route 165 (Little Country Pizza is on the corner), follow 165 for about 1/2 mile and take a right onto Arcadia Road. Browning Mill Pond parking lot is on the right roughly 2/3 miles down the road.

I know that some of you are pissed this is competing with the Glocester Grind, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. There's only so many weekends available and we had to go with the 18th. We set the calendar early this year so we could be more efficient. There was bound to be some overlap considering all the different event schedules we need to consider (Root 66, EFTA, Regional NEMBA, Kenda Bikefest, Interbike East etc, etc.).

Some RI NEMBA news and other stuff

When I'm not busy ripping apart other people's horrendous spelling and grammar (see post below) I like to get busy with some RI NEMBA activities. That said here's some of the things that have transpired recently..

Trail Ambassador Jerseys are here! I passed out 1/2 of them at the meeting last night. Leo Corrigan and I are going to figure out a date/time to dole out the rest of the jerseys and the other supplies. For those of you who are wondering, the TA program is simply a low key plan to keep RI NEMBA visible on the trails. It also serves to get folks involved in NEMBA in a really easy manner. Basically we're going to be out in the woods sporting the jerseys and doing what comes naturally. That means being friendly, offering assistance with directions, basic first aid and mechanical issues. Most of us do this already so why not pimp NEMBA while we're at it, right? The jerseys were produced by Champion Systems and they came out great. They are T-shirt style, and we had them done up in blaze orange. This is helpful now that hunting season extends into early summer, and it starts up again early in the fall.

The Lincoln Woods ride series rides have started. We ride every Friday at 6:00 for 1 - 1.5 hours covering most of the trails in the park. Most Fridays we have two ride leaders, and we lead an advanced intermediate ride and a advanced beginner ride. Remember, it's Lincoln Woods, so if you plan to ride the intermediate ride be prepared to climb a little as that's just how it is out there. We only go as fast as the slowest rider so please keep that in mind. It's not about me getting in a hard ride, it's about showing folks the trails. If it's raining the ride is cancelled. Any other cancellations will be posted on the NEMBA forum under the RI section: http://www.nemba.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

The next issue of SingleTracks will include an article featuring LW, Arcadia and Burlingame. Hopefully this will expose folks to the great riding in RI. Also, RI Monthly may be giving us a nod in an upcoming issue with a piece focusing on outdoor activities.

The Spring Arcadia Fun Ride is coming up quick. It will be held on Sunday, 5/18 at the Browning Mill Pond lot, registration is from 8 - 11:00 AM as always. $5 for NEMBA members, $10 for non members or join/renew for $25 and ride for free. Food and drink afterwards and there will be a swag raffle to raise funds for a local non profit (to be determined). There are no led rides, the loops (easier/longer/hero) are arrowed and there is a water stop out on the trail. Jim Grimley always lays out a great course. I'll be helping out early in the AM with Pete and Al, and then we'll be helping Jim take down arrows.

I know this is competing with the Glocester Grind MTB race, but if you feel like participating in a lower key event, and you want to learn your way around one of the best trail systems in the State then come on down!

While we're talking about Arcadia... the Arcadia Ride Series starts up again in June. This is a free guided tour of the trails in Arcadia. It's a simple show and go style of ride. We'll have 2-3 leaders per ride and will offer slower and faster rides. The first set of dates is as follows: 6/1,6/15,6/29,7/13 and 7/27. Again, be sure check the NEMBA forums and/or our website (rinemba.org) if you are in doubt about the ride due to weather.

In non NEMBA news it seems like my Surly 1x1 is finally finding a new home. I'm also picking up a new geared 'cross bike this week. One in, one out. It's the best way to roll (especially when you live in an apartment). Also, my Twin Six duds are still in limbo, no big deal but I'm kinda hoping they show up soon.

In non bicycle related news I'm going to see the Pietasters on Sunday at the Living Room. Yeah, I know Ska sucks..ha ha FU. It should be great, even if I am damn near the oldest person there.

That's about all I have for now. I've been doing plenty of riding on the road and in the woods of course. It looks like mtb racing is going to be taking a back seat to NEMBA stuff for most of the season. But that's OK since I wilt like the pansy I am in the heat. Maybe I'll just channel all of my competitive spirit into flailing about on the 'cross bike this fall.

Take care,
Brendan

I'll leave you with some quality Hardcore courtesy of those bad ass mofos on the half shell. Take off your backpack and get your jump kick skills ready for the carnage that follows:

RI Bicycles Craigslist Post of the Year

I know April just ended (happy May Day comrades!), but this one takes the cake. Read it, I dare you. I know it's devoid of punctuation and all, but it's completely worth it. You can really feel the despair of the seller. Poor guy pours his heart into his ads and folks just jerk him around. People please stop wasting his time and buy the bike. While he may not answer your calls, or text messages, he's pretty much guaranteeing you will enjoy this bike. He wouldn't even be selling it if he didn't need the cash, what with it being so good for excersize (a form of eczema treatment perhaps?) and all. That right there should tell you it's an awesome bike! Scarier still is that this is a follow up to his earlier ad about a cursing bike. A bike that swears?? Hell, where do I sign up?!

Without any further snarkiness here's the ad:

TREK

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to:
Date: 2008-05-01, 11:18AM EDT


i posted it a few times had a bunch of people hit me up bout it only to have them get back to me the next day sayin they jus bought one this bike is not like normal bikes your not all bent over wit ya back achin if you look at the picture the frame has a downward slope to it and if you look where the pedals are they are not directly below the seat like every other bike they are more toward the front of the bike wen i first got on it it seem very diffrent from a normal bike it is so much more comfortable no strain on the feet the legs or your back the seat is nice and big it has front shimano v brakes and back pedal breaks has 3 speeds so instead of having to switch thru 12 or 21 diffrent gears you have three that are perfect for any drivin situation has a 3 peace crank it is pretty much brand new i never drive it i used it for about 3 nights jus riding it around town there is absolutly nothin wrong wit it except it probably jus alittle dusty from sittin in my basement it is 400 brand new im only askin 150 well worth it for a trek bike def worth it if you use a bicycle to commute to work or school or even to excersize great for riding long distances i wouldnt even get rid of it if i didnt need the xtra cash so email me or call me or text me at 4---- cant promise that ill answer but if you leave ya name and number ill call you back as soon as i can and if you text or email i mite respond faster but to whoever does buy it you definetly will not b disappointed in your purchase the pictures dark too so if you are seriously intrested in buyin it ill take better ones and send them but if you jus gonna make me run around and wait and then not buy it then dont even bother hittin me up



Priceless..

Buy my Damn bike, OK?

Since this is my little slice of Internet wonder bread and all I figure I ought to be able to post this without fear of feeling like a goon. Well, I still feel kinda like a boob but whatever. Buy my bike - $650 local sale. It's a good deal, please buy it so I can pay for the Kelly 'cross bike I sooooo desperately need to bang elbows with the bottom 1/3 of the C class 'cross racers this fall.

Here's the bike: '07 Surly in the medium size AKA: 18". Lime green with some PIMP matching rims. Roll like the breeze in Lou Feregino style.. I'm 6' tall and it fits me well. It rides like a MTB should. Nice and neutral and surprisingly forgiving for a 26" rigid woods bike.

Specs:

Medium (18") 1x1 frame - all the geometronical details are on the Surly site.http://www.surlybikes.com/1X1.html

Wheelset: Hugi hubs (hayes branded) laced to Velocity rims. Rims were powdercoated to match the frame by the original owner. These hubs are friggin' sweet and will last a loooong time.

Tires: Maxxis Larsen 2.3s. Very nice SS tires, they roll fast and take the edge off.

Crankset: LX 170mm with a Spot bashguard and a 32t Surly Stainless ring

Cog: 20t Surly cog

Chain: Sram PC 58 8spd

Tensioner: Surly Tugnutt

Seatpost clamp: Surly Constrictor

Post: Thomson

Saddle: Bontrager Race

HS: FSA Pig

Stem: Race Face Prodigy 115

Bar: Ritchey Rizer SC

Grips: Oury ODI lock on

Levers: Avid Speed dial Ti

Cables - Avid Flak Jacket (I still need to install the front for whoever buys it).

Brakes: Avid BB5 up front, and a BB7 in the rear. Roundagon rotors.

Extras: The other BB7 brake caliper I have (never got around to swapping out the front) and an 18t Surly cog.

I've owned the bike since late December 2006. It has a total of 33 rides under me and one race. The rear hub was serviced (routine) last Spring by a kick ass mechanic. It has the normal scratches one would associate with MTB riding.

* There is some wear from my heel on the non drive side. I sanded off a little surface rust and touched it up with auto touch up (blue). I wrapped some black electrical tape over it. I also treated the frame with Frame saver when I got it.

More pics by request - or just swing by palatial Jenkins St. Estates to arrange a private viewing. I'll have Russell the guard buzz you in.

Thanks for looking - post a comment or email me at mtbdee at hotmail dot com.

Under the Hood

There was this sound coming from under the front end of my new ride. I wasn't really sure what was causing it until I pulled over yesterday and found this disc spinning around where the blinker fluid belongs. I removed it, popped it in the old CD player, and was pretty pschyed to hear some new/old music from The Cobramatics. Johnny "the Colonel" Maguire recently released this record on his own Original Recipe label. If you've never heard of the Cobramatics and you're wondering when the hell I'm going to get around to some bicycle related content just hold tight. It's coming, I swear it is..

So yeah, the disc. From what I can gather it's the only official release of all their songs. You may have heard the 'Gansett theme/ad song in the past, rest assured Matt Schulde it's on there. There's also plenty of other rockin' tunes like Jailbait, Jump onto my Rocket and a whole bunch more. If you like rockabilly/surfy/rootsy tunes go pick this up and support some local musicians. I'm in no way shape or form qualified to review music but I like it, so we'll leave it at that. You can contact Johnny on his MySpace page if you'd like a copy, and I'm betting he'll have some at Local 121 on Sunday evenings when he's doing his DJ thing. If I wasn't so old and lame I'd probably be hanging around at said establishment of drinky goodtimes past 10:00 PM on Sundays but well, I'm hopelessly dorky (as we all know) so it doesn't happen too often. Sleeping on the couch, uh, I mean "recovery time" takes over after 9:00pm most Sundays..

Bikes, - back to bikes right Adam? OK, well, uh, oh so there's this tune on the above mentioned record called Burrillville Bounce. It reminded me of a death march MTB race I reportedly participated in at Wallum Lake quite a few years back. I say reportedly because I can't recall much from that day (see below). The event was more of an exercise in self flagellation given the roughly 1000 degree heat and 90000% humidity. The race was held on seldom used trails that had the consistency of chocolate pudding and beach sand, all at the same time. There was also a 25 yard mud hole that required full on 'cross style running, and a WALL OF SAND right before the start/finish. Wheee. Anyway, I was on my way to winning the Sport race when some dread locked fakin' Jamaican dude I passed in the first two minutes of the race blazed by me. He then proceeded to run up the giant dirt mound like the Flash. This was demoralizing to say the least. So I wound up 2nd, OK with me any day, right? Sure. Except the heat stroke and the part where I passed out on the dashboard while Stacy drove my shelled ass home..

Burlingame Race Report and other goings on..

Thanks in large part to the Rip 9 I managed to shave 2 minutes off of last year's time at the King of Burlingame time trial. It turns out that was fast enough to get me the win in the 19-39 Sport race. I didn't find out until I got back from sweeping the last race and pulling down arrows. It was a nice surprise, as was the retro style Specialized Stumpjumper jersey I picked up for my effort. Adam St. Germaine won a sweet Hub wool jersey for his efforts in the Expert race. I think he might have been faster if he hadn't ridden to the race from Pawtucket but what do I know? I have a feeling that's like a lap of Blackstone Blvd. for a guy like him.

The course was in pretty good shape considering all the rain that had fallen on Friday, the wet spots were wet and muddy but there was nothing too crazy. The course is technical enough to give mountain bikers a chance while the road sections allow the road riders to make the most of their love of tarmac. The bonier parts of the course gave a lot people trouble, but luckily there were no injuries and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Thanks to Lennon and his crew for running another great event! If you are inclined to race next year be sure to register early as the spots are limited. The word on the street is that there will be a few more slots open for next year's event.

There hasn't been too much else going on these days. I managed to get out on the road for a few miles this week and then took Thursday off to do a two hour tour of F. Gilbert Hills in the 70 degree temps. Amazing weather for April 10th. I donned the new Stumpjumper jersey and quickly discovered that a "large" racer cut is apparently made for folks built like me, except with seriously skinny arms! Anyone who knows me knows full well I'm not in possession of two tickets to any gun show, (more like two tickets to the laser light show) but wearing this jersey makes me look kinda like Rowdy Roddy Piper. The sleeves cut my biceps off halfway down and the sleeves are so tight my arms turn purple.. I guess this makes me more look like Rowdy Roddy Barney. OK, that's totally false. It really just makes me look like I hang out at the gym talking about bench presses before I go shopping for pre - distressed jeans and tight shirts. And who doesn't do that sort of stuff? I could probably wear it to McFaddens if I paired it with some shiny shoes and Rock and Republic jeans. Wicked Awesome... I'm going to wear it anyway because it's cool jersey, never mind the fact that I secretly like looking like Bowser from Sha Na Na on the bike ;)

Today's ride at Lincoln Woods was completely uneventful thanks to the lousy weather. There was a decidedly low creep factor out there today. No dudes reading the upside down newspaper in their cars, etc.. All the gates are open out there now which means the pickle parks are in business. Complete weirdness will commence any day now so if you ride at LW be sure to keep your eyes peeled, and keep it moving if you see anything odd. Don't hesitate to phone the local authorities (State Police barracks are right around the corner) if you run across naked "bird watchers" or other such shenanigans. The more legitimate users are out there the less creepy stuff will go on, that's the idea anyway.

That said the RI NEMBA Lincoln Woods ride series starts next Friday at 6:00pm. We'll meet in the big parking lot on the Twin River Road side of the park. Enter the park off of Twin River Road, take a right and the lot is a little ways down on the left. If you make the turn down toward the beach you went too far. We'll have two led rides; one beginner ride and one faster ride. Keep in mind LW doesn't really offer much in the way of "easy" riding but there is a lot of good trail in there if you know where to look. One of the points of the rides is to get folks out in the woods, and to expose them to the loops that are out there. All you need to bring is a bike and your helmet. Hope to see you there!

For those wondering where I found out about the future viability of thumbshifters, well it was from the future. If you listen closely to the below you'll hear something about 7 speed shifters and superfast cycle exercising in the reverb...