My Area 106

Last Winter Trail Ride... Possibly?

Well, over this past weekend we in NE Ohio and Western PA got another blast from mother nature and put down a new 1 - 2 inches of snow, but that didn't stop me from getting in a couple of rides before the major "thaw" begins.

I got another ride in a Quail Hollow that definitely gave me a workout. The added snow made for some hard pedalin', but nonetheless enjoyable. As I came off of the trail and headin' to the car I caught a glimpse of the new "outdoor plumbing facility" that had been erected on the site. It replaced an older unit that was really beginning to "reek" if you know what I mean (I'll leave it at that). I even took the opportunity to check it out and pass along my review, which I am pleased to say is "two thumbs up".

Then this past Wednesday afternoon, the temperatures were getting up near 50 degrees in the Pittsburgh area but I decided to check out the trail conditions at one of my favorite trails (Bavington, outside Pittsburgh) and get "steal a last snow ride".  As I pulled into the area the roads where soft and muddy and I began to think that I would have to pass on a ride, but I took a minute to get out of the car and walk the trail a bit. What I found was that the entire trail was under snow which was keeping the trail frozen, so I went back to the car, changed into my riding gear and jumped on my bike for what I think will be the last snow ride for the season (well, I really hope its the last snow ride). The trail was in excellent shape and frozen to boot, even with the warmer temps. I had opted to ride with just a light pair of tights and only a short sleeve base-layer along a 3/4 sleeve ATB jersey. It almost felt like a day skiing in the Rockies with the bright sunshine, warm temps and plenty of snow (I've never done that, but I've seen it on TV).

Oh well, it was truly a good ride and I'm glad I stopped to do it.

Bob

Morning ride on the frozen tundra...

I really feel bad in admitting this, but it's been since August that I last rode a mountain bike. This is the cycling discipline that I enjoy the most, but try and practice as I might I always tend to fall off my bike and break myself up. As much as I try to back away, the urge to hit the trail is too great. I recently picked up a 2009 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 (carbon frame) and a Fisher Superfly 29er (carbon), which I aim to split equally in time.

Today, I got up early and headed out to Hartville, Ohio for a lap or two at Quail Hollow. The conditions were perfect for a winter ride. 31 degrees, light snow on the ground and frozen! The recent storms with the high winds has caused quite a mess in and around the state park. I couldn't help but notice all the fallen trees. I had to dismount and climb over about 6-8 fallen trees, but the rest of the trail seemed to be in great shape. Even the wide open field area that holds a lot of water was in excellent shape (I've posted pics of Quail Hollow here).

The ride was great, but in assessing my current mountain bike shape I would have to say "I'm way off the back at the moment". What I did notice today was just how awesome my new Fuel EX 9.8 handles at slow speeds, especially in twisty single-track. Low speed handling on this bike is a cinch. I'm going to have to work on and get back with you on how it handles when traveling fast on the trail. I think my left lung is still back on mile marker #3. If you see it, please return to me asap. 

I also broke out the denim look today, and opted for my high tech Wrangler jeans over my knickers (thought you might like to see high fashion at its best).

Bob

Ground Hog seen its shadow: Which means "6 more weeks of Winter"

Well, if that's the case we stole a day this past Friday. Gorgeous day. Give us some hope kind of day.

Why am I all smiles in this picture you asked (okay, just a small smile)? It's been 33 days since my last bike ride and getting the chance to steal a ride yesterday afternoon was just the ticket this guy needed! Being stuck in a virtual freezer the past few weeks was beginning to take its toll on my piece of mind and well being.

Traffic in the bike shops yesterday was up with several people scoping out new bike stuff for the upcoming spring. Can we say "Cabin Fever"?

Not sure of the exact temperature, but I'm guessing it was up around 35 degrees with lots of sunshine. Hopefully we get a couple more days of this before mother nature drops another load of snow on us, aay? Notice how thick the ice block is in the picture on the right here.

Bob

Shellhamer's Helmet Hero Pictures

I have begun a new photo album entitled "Shellhamer's Helmet Hero Pictures" and will continue to update as I get additional photo's from our contest winner Mark Shellhamer. If you recall, Mark was the winner of my recent swag contest and won a helmet hero digital camera and video unit. Mark resides in the Northeastern Ohio (Warren/Youngstown) area.

Let's go Mark, we want to see some cool pics. Till later.

Bob

Bontrager Power Charger (revisited)

It was December 7, 2007 when I originally posted about the Bontrager Power Charger (see original post, click here). Its been over a year since I purchased this pump and am still using this item regularly. It's become a full time traveling companion of mine.

What I like most about this product is the small footprint it offers as I can store it in my Honda Element and it doesn't take up much space (traditional floor pumps tend to get in the way) and keeps a charge for quite a long time. If the battery runs down, I can quickly plug in to the cars 12V DC outlet with the plug that comes with the unit.

Just recently, I went out to my car (for my daily sales calls) when I noticed my front tire was almost flat. I could see that I picked up a good size shank in between the tread of the tire and immediately thought this was going to put me back. But no, I grabbed my Power Charger and within 5 minutes had my auto tire back up to the 32 PSI and ready to roll. I nursed the slow leak for most of the day till I had the time to get the tire plugged. Once again, a great product and something you might want to consider.