Snow in Paradise?

 I took the family north to a little town called Shelter Cove this last weekend. The BLM has done some amazing work out there for us mountain bikers. 2 years ago they had a 14 mile loop trail called Paradise Royale. Now they have a pump track and freeride park. Wouldn't you know it, the day we rode the loop was the only day it rained. Brad and Eric are trying to look happy in this shot after climbing for an hour and a half (I think this is where Brad said he hated me). You can't tell but it just started to snow on us (Is it supposed to snow on the coast?). Unfortunately the skies opened up and changed the downhill from a super flowy jump run into a freezing rush to the truck.  Eric's lips were still blue 2 hours after his hot shower.

 We took the kids back up the next day and let them play on the jumps. Gage wasn't to thrilled with leaving the ground.

 Brianna was clearing this table before we left.

Ashton was having so much fun he didn't want to leave, even it was dark. He got his first air and can't wait for more.

Good Test

 Finally got a proper "All Mountain" ride in for my new all mountain bike. Chuck at Solstice sent me a loaner set of cranks to fix my shifting problems. What other frame manufacturer is going to do that? This guy has gone so far beyond what would be expected form an owner it crazy. He talked me though setting up the front derailleur from his house on a Saturday!  I was able to use my original front chain rings on his cranks and everything lined up perfectly. 

 The snow did melt enough for Sean and I to get up to Crandle Peak and ride down some lava in perfect weather. 16miles, 3hours, 2064ft gain, 1938 calories, 2 flat tires

The Solstice has some big shoes to fill. My Firebird was the best all around bike I have ever ridden. I think this one might be that good. I need a little more time to know for sure but so far I am very happy with my choice in frames, and certainly in terms of customer service.

Old friend new bike

 I finally got my Solstice and the parts to build it on Friday. I built it on Saturday. It snowed 4 inches here on Saturday night. I was so grumpy I wasn't going to ride it. But the only person I would have bet money would not go riding, (Brandon) set up a ride. We went to Tuttle Town for some easy XC trails after all the rain. 

They conditions were perfect. The Solstice didn't really get a proper test though. The trails are super smooth and easy. This worked out because I had to ride 1X10. It turns out that you can't run a 10 speed set up with old 3 speed cranks, at least not with the front derailleur I am using. So I am going to have to buy a new set of cranks (budget killer). So far I am very impressed with how well the bike climbs though. Because I did the whole ride in the 36 ring I had to stand and climb a lot. It had almost no noticeable pedal bob. Hopefully the snow melts a bit and I can show it some rocks.