Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Bishop Mountain
Yesterday morning, Jeff and I took the fat bikes up to Island Park for one last day in the snow. Our plan was to ride from Harriman State Park to the top of Bishop Mountain, a round trip of thirty miles or so. It had been cold overnight and conditions for the first hour were among the best I have ever spent on a fat bike. The snow had been through numerous freeze-thaw cycles. There was not an inch of snow, on or off-trail, that was not rideable as evidenced by the photo of Jeff getting creative on the frozen snow.
We started with a general agreement that we would turn back when conditions became too bad or hopeless. However, turning back is easier said than done for both of us, especially given the absolute euphoria of the early morning conditions. As we approached Bishop Mountain, the track became rougher and the snow softer. The climb up the mountain was characterized by miles of short steep whoop-de-do rollers covered by deepening fresh snow as the elevation increased.
We slogged on through this for about four and a half miles of the five mile climb, but ultimately abandoned within sight of the fire tower, perhaps half a mile from the top. Jeff was still doing OK at that point but my own progress was measured by the millimeter. Things did not get a lot better on the return because the snow that had been icy hard pack earlier was turning to slush as we rode out. It was a pretty fun day out on the bike, but in terms of overall suffering, significantly worse than the Sawtell ride.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
Lemhi Valley Century Ride - Registration is open
June 11, 2016, Lemhi Valley Century Ride - Registration is open! http://www.ridesalmon.com/#!lemhi-valley-century-ride/c199d
Book your hotel early – Salmon is busy in the summer!
Highlight Video Throwback Thursday: Looking Back at The Crusher in the Tushar - Cyclocross Magazine
I posted this video when it was originally released last July, but it was fun to watch it again. Also follow the Cyclocross Magazine link for some additional commentary.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Tonight's TNR Cancelled Due to Weather
It makes me sad to cancel the Tuesday Night Ride, but a slushy mix of rain and snow is falling and the hourly forecast doses not look promising. At a certain point, weather becomes a safety issue for a large group. Hopefully we have better luck next week. In the meantime, this frees you up to caucus for Bernie Sanders tonight if you are so inclined.
Here is the important part of this message: Jeff's petition to the Idaho Department of Transportation regarding Highway 20 access will be available to sign all week at Sticks and Stones. Please support this important issue.
Monday, March 21, 2016
From Allen M: The Specialized FUCI Bike
Follow the link for CNN video.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/21/tech/specialized-concept-bike-bicycle/index.htmlSunday, March 20, 2016
Friday, March 18, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Jeff's Letter to the Idaho Transportation Department-We Need Your Signature
As many of you are aware, the Idaho Transportation Department is moving forward with plans to add an interchange with an overpass on Highway 20 at Thornton. The revision of this dangerous intersection is welcome news. However, as part of this plan, the ITD will be closing access to Highway 20 at Bear World on the west and at the Lorenzo Bridge on the east. If you have ever ridden any distance on the shoulder of Highway 20, you know how absolutely critical it is for cyclists to have access to the Lorenzo Bridge from the network of lightly traveled secondary roads which parallel Highway 20. Without this access, most of our traditional southbound rides become very difficult and virtually impossible with a group.
Jeff has written a letter to the Idaho Transportation Department which details our concerns. The next time you see Jeff, thank him for doing this work on behalf of the entire cycling community. If we fail to persuade the ITD to provide bicycle access to the Lorenzo Bridge, we will regret it for many years to come. As a show of support from the community, we would like to present this letter to the ITD with as many signatures as possible. We will have a copy of the letter at next week's Tuesday Night Ride at Sticks and Stones. As a reminder the TNR will begin at 5:30 p.m. next week, but on March 29th, it will move to the traditional 6 p.m. start. In the unlikely event of a weather-related cancellation, we will still have a copy of the letter at Sticks and Stones Tuesday night for your signature. As I said earlier, we owe Jeff a debt of gratitude on this and look forward to a strong show of support from local cyclists.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Friday, March 11, 2016
Tour of Utah Press Release on the Escalante to Torrey Stage
The southern Utah town of Escalante has seen the Tour pass through twice before. This is the first time the community will serve as a host venue, for the start of Stage 2. Escalante is situated along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 in Garfield County, surrounded by the sandstone canyons, cliffs, mountains and flats of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Escalante thrives as a tourist destination. Visitors also come for the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, which is located just west of the city.
A 2013 and 2014 host, Torrey sits at an elevation of 6,830 feet and is situated just eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park. Past years have seen exciting sprint finishes in downtown Torrey for enthusiastic crowds. The charming town of Torrey offers striking high mesa colors and red rock canyons and is perfectly situated in Wayne County to let you explore backcountry trails and jaw-dropping landscapes. Nearby Boulder Mountain, with its many small lakes and meadowlands nestled near its peak, is a favorite for those searching for the perfect secret oasis.
- Escalante web site - click here
- Escalante Facebook page - click here
- Torrey/ Wayne County Tourism web site - click here
- Capitol Reef Country Facebook page - click here
Thursday, March 10, 2016
ROAD magazine features GRAVEL (and Team Kelson)
Check out the new issue of ROAD magazine, featuring many of our favorite gravel rides (Crusher, Rebecca's Private Idaho). And look especially for pages 44-45 (image below) with a few of our friends featured.
(hint: Dave's up front)
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
TNR Starts Next Week, Ride at S&S Saturday
With the end of Daylight Savings Time only a few days away, it is time to start the Tuesday Night Ride. For the first couple of weeks, the TNR will be starting at 5:30 p.m. with the start time moving to 6 p.m. as we get a little more daylight. The forecast for next week does not look great (chance of rain and snow) and as such, there is a possibility of delaying the start of the TNR by one additional week. Before someone reminds me, I am familiar with The Rules which almost fetishize riding in bad conditions. http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/comment-page-8/
All I can say about that is if you spend enough time on a bike, plenty of bad weather will come your way without actively looking for more.
In addition, to the TNR, we will be riding from Sticks and Stones at 11 a.m. this Saturday Morning. This is not going to be a big deal, just a couple of hours of spinning, but I hope many of the cyclists who are currently in the Rexburg area will be able to be there. Dave
Monday, March 7, 2016
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Space Filling Fast in Van for Crusher, Torrey. Pierre's Hole Reminder from Tim
If you would like to ride in Kellen’s van to the Crusher (Friday, July 15th) and/or to Torrey (Sunday, July 31st), please contact Kellen as soon as possible to reserve your seat. We may already be close to a waiting list situation on these two trips.
In addition, Tim sends this reminder: Early bird registration for the Pierre’s Hole MTB race ends tonight. Check out the sweet picture of Brian and Zac on the PH home page. Dave
Wild Horse Update
The Wild Horse is back!
· We are on the schedule for Saturday, April 30. Same 31 or 76 mile loop option, and just like last year, the event will benefit the Utah League HS MTB Scholarship Fund.
· Yes, the taco truck will be back, too!
· Registration is open and can be found here.
· Great prize drawing table offerings from TRP, Black Diamond, Keen, Kuhl, Feedback Sports, Park City Coffee Roasters, Gear Rush, Scott Bicycles and others. Every dollar of every additional ticket goes directly to the Scholarship Fund! This year the drawing will be a bit more efficient, and you will know before you leave the finish chute what you have won.
· Event details can be found at RideWildHorse.com.
Hope to see you at the start line on April 30!
Lemhi Century Ride Is On!
Saturday, June 11, 2016.
SAVE THE DATE – details are coming at http://lemhivalleycenturyride.weebly.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/LemhiValleyCenturyRide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)