Thursday, July 29, 2010

Bent on Bend

Dee Wright observatory, No bikes just cool
Gage lovin the McKenzie


Ashton Lovin his first real single track with Mom running sweep

Hurry up and get the picture before the mosquitoes get us



Ashton made it. He still wanted more. Moms happy there's no crying




The only picture I took on the Bachelor ride. I couldn't bring myself to stop the flow.





Gage pedaling as fast as he can.






I think he needs a better bike







Lovin it at Phil's







Not lovin it at Phil's. A little dirt sample builds charactor.









Both kids were bleeding a little.










I've been having trouble taking pictures while I'm here in Bend OR. It's hard to justify stopping the flow of these amazing trails. Sean and I explored 25 miles out of Phil's trailhead the other night. We were the last people out of the parking lot at 9:45. Its really easy to get lost in the dark, even when the trails are marked.
Tuesday morning I took the family to the bottom of McKenzie river trail for a couple miles of flow. I think my youngest son finally got bit by the mountain bike bug. He was all grins and singing the whole time. My oldest was riding harder and faster than ever before.
Wednesday we re-enlisted the boys at Cog Wild for a guided tour from Mt Bachelor to Bend. The guys were awesome. They provided us with lunch and miles of single track all the way back to town. There was a group of nine and I think every one of us had had enough. The guides were more than willing to take us on more but I'm not sure we could have done it. Again I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Cog Wild if you're ever in Bend.
Thursday played out pretty mellow riding wise. Spent most the day goofing off with the family and then we decided to get some trail time in. I took them all up to Phil's for a short lap. This place is amazing, you can ride for as short or as long as you like. Or as hard or a easy as you like. We did about 4 miles. I finally got the courage to ride some logs while we were out there messing around. Anyone that knows me understands what a big deal this is(check the vid). Over all I'd have to say Bend has some of the most beginner friendly trails anywhere, but it never leaves the more advanced rider wanting.












Monday, July 26, 2010

Bend is Bitchin

Good company amazing trail
Mark finds out why Pivots get so much hype

Even the roadies were all smiles


They should call it the log bridge trail, I lost count how many of these we crossed



It was hard not to stop and take pictures of all the scenery




Amy and Sean at Blue pool. Swimming was very tempting





Dunking your helmet in the river was manditory






Fortunately for Amy this was the end of the lava







I'm in Bend for the week checking out some amazing singletrack. This might be better than Moab. Ill let you know later in the week.
After too early a start we met the guys over at Cog wild for a shuttled ride on the McKenzie river trail. Any one who is even close to here owes it to themselves to ride that trail. Definitely needs to be on every mountain bikers "Bucket list". We had a couple roadies with us today on there first real mountain bike ride. I think the lava section at the top was a bit much but in the end every one had a great ride. 27 miles of perfect single track. No broken bike parts or body parts. $40 well spent.

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Whole Tamale?

Had a couple new guys with us. Not sure they like our trails
Walk the line

Log jams helped us across some white water


The only real casualty was Stokers shorts



The most awsome water spigot in the whole world




In Moab there is a Down hill ride called The Whole Enchilada. It is a continous run from the highest trail you can get in the La Sals to the valley floor. You have to connect several different trails but it gives you the ultimate downhill day. Here in the Sierra we have a run in the works that I'm going to call the Whole Tamale. Unfortunately do to time and snow problems we had to start two trails lower. I think it will end up being a truly epic ride if we're ever able to hit the whole thing in one run.
We rode what we could and all of us we're smoked before we hit bottom. Even Sean, who is an animal on a mountain bike was starting to make stupid mistakes. I think every one of us went over the bars at some point, but the crashes on the last trail were just comical. I did my thing and broke my bike on the first trail. Sean and I were able to get it to stay in one gear so I finished the ride on a single speed. If there is anyone out there that is thinking about building a 40lb single speed you are in for one hell of a workout. In the end we made it out to the campground and prepared for the most brutal climb in the area. After about a mile of suffering the guy from Tri dam saved us and gave us all a ride right to our trucks. If any of us see that guy in the Peppery his beer will be free.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Switch to Golden State

I can't write what we said
Not one of Brandons smartest moves
I think Sean will get rid of his pedals after this ride


Cody was the only one that felt like it wasn't hot enough. So he wore all his gear.



Brandon made it to the bottom and decided he still likes riding




I think Sean forgot about the rail road spike.





Sunday morning didn't start out so well. Sean and I got up real early and decided to drop a car at the bottom of our run so the whole day would be smoother (less climbing). Everything was going well, we met on the road, never even had to stop. We dropped off my truck and started to climb out when Seans truck started to hisssss. When we tried to change the tire we broke the lug key. I have to give Sean credit I don't think I could have handled it as well as he did.
We decided to ride up the rest of the way to Strawberry and meet Cody (Thank God for Golden State cell service). Unfortunately this meant we would be skipping some of the best single track (Dome PCP). All and all it turned out to be an awesome ride and Cody finally got to ride the SG trail. I think he quit hating me for just a little while. Its hard to be mad on that beautiful ribbon of dirt and rock plummeting to the river floor.
At the end we were able to call a tow truck from the middle of nowhere and only had to wait about ten minutes.