biggles604 profile

This ride had absolutely no type 2 fun in it. Type 1 the whole way. First time for me. It was definitely epic by length, but the crew was well matched, in good spirits and the route was relatively mellow and enjoyable. Only a couple of 'oh shit' moments, like Cooper's OTB.

I've had my fair share of the type 2 epics; getting turned around in the chilcotins, trying to ride all 5 local peaks (Burke, Eagle {2nd narrows} Seymour, Fromme, Cypress), I've bonked on road rides, suffered hypothermia on trail runs, and for the longest time believed that suffering was part of what made it epic. This ride proved that theory dead wrong, it was simultaneously one of the most enjoyable and memorable rides I have ever done.

There's not much left to be said really. Excellent article.
One point left out, which has been brought up by Mark Wood many times, is that this introduction of rolling trail is just the first phase of the rejuvenation of the Shore. The trails were neglected for so long that the maintenance to get them back to sustainability is almost overwhelming, and in some cases involves re-routes because the original line was never sustainable. Once the trails are stable with a long term maintenance plan, then the unique features can start being re-created. Sustainability doesn't end at how well the trail weathers, it also includes the buy-in and support of land managers. When the managers are happy, then the collective of builders can have much freedom in how the trails are built. Rogue trails that get built are really countering everything that is being advocated towards improving these relationships. I believe that if we are patient, work together, then with time we can have a trail network that far exceeds anything we have seen in the past, and will accommodate everyone's wishes.

Maybe Keith or someone with more knowledge than myself can chime in, but does the 29er's jumping/manualling feel come from the fact that the BB drop is much higher on the big wheels, forcing the rider CG lower relative to the wheels? How does the BB drop interact with handling?

A small addition to my review:
The CTD fork is a big improvement over the RLC forks of prior years, however, I did find it was still a bit linear; I could get through a lot of travel really easily. I rarely moved the CTD control out of descend, and wished that it was still a little more open on that setting.
Like with any bike parts, forks are incredibly personal to what you like, and I prefer something that is a lot more supple on the initial stroke, which then ramps up. That said, the function of the fork was never an issue once I got it set up for my weight.

I do believe that this is the Pinkbike anthem that they have all been waiting for.

I'm more curious about the forward mounted axle mod on the Raggles Green One.

Last time I was there, I got my handlebars jammed in between those trees. It took three of us to get the bike unstuck :)

> emo

So emo.

I'm waiting for the return of purple ano. Can't be long now.

> Ouch! That looks like a damn nasty break. Hope you heal up good and soon.
>
> Be careful out there everyone, it seems like the easy shit is the one that will get you.

It's always the easy stuff that snags you. I'm now fully braced for injured Giggler comments on the boards ;)

[He emerges from the depths of lurkerdom]
Thanks! Means a lot. Really, you can't go wrong with anyone on that list. This sport really does bring the best out of people, and it's a shame that only 8 of us get the spotlight, when there are thousands who do as much behind the scenes to keep things going awesome.
[His bit said, the darkness of the lurk once again consumes him]

One more thing to think of as I'm rushing out the door…

What happens if I forget? Major crisis coming home to warm beer.
(Ya I know, you are English and like warm beer.)

I prefer some beers not cold too.

Yeah, I have crooked teeth too.
How's your pet beaver.

Take the beer for the day out of the box in the morning, put it in the fridge, enjoy that evening.
ROCKET SURGERY!

then the question is why are people still riding rogue trails?

There's a list of reasons, could be a lack of education (they don't know any better), a stand against the NSMBA/DNV/Metro Van because they don't agree with what's going on, could be that someone wanted the trail and didn't want to get involved with the politics. Of course, it could just be that some people are selfish.

Exploring is one of the best things about mtbing which is why sites like trail forks are shit, trails find you when youre ready.

For some trails, sure, why not. But as a community, we've grown past the need for the secret trail society. Just focusing on the shore; NSMBA's mantra: Trails for all, trails forever. It's a simple mission statement, but powerful. Have trails that anyone is entitled to access and use, and keep them sustainable so that everyone can continue enjoying them.

So, I ask you, what about trail forks is shit? It helps improve accessibility, allows feedback to get back to the trail stewards, is global and user friendly, and it's moderated. Also worth noting, if you prefer to go for an adventure and don't want to know where the trails are, then you can choose not to use the map. Seems like a win on all fronts, unless you are riding rogue trails, then it is a fail, but, while NSMBA is working hard to keep the trails open, rogue trails are working against what they are trying to set up for the future of the sport.

This view probably goes against what most here think, and this perspective is probably as welcome as not outright expressing hatred towards e-bikes.

It's just a matter of time before they become cheaper, lighter and more powerful. I also know of 2 local mountain bike manufacturers that are prototypes/testing them. Once 650b sales are flat, industry has to come up with something new and will be pushing these things.

Sure. And I never said my opinion either way. Maybe I love them, maybe I hate them. Maybe it's not as simple as black and white. I just find that the tone of this thread is leaning towards the hostile side of things.

Sorry -- assumed no one had read it (time) and decided to drop out of the conversation. If its of any value, maybe a nice administrator can resurrect it…

…

I like this quote from Vince Beasse (NSMBA President) from the AGM (*edit: quote was a general statement not related to E-Bikes).

"Everyone is selfish, sometimes you just need to be less selfish."

If you're posting in this thread, for any view other than no E-Bikes, and you haven't considered the hours upon hours that a few folks currently put into maintaining the trail system we enjoy…

If you're posting in this thread, for any view other than no E-Bikes, and you haven't considered how hard Matt Bond and others worked to reduce user conflicts and to bring other user groups in to the NSMBA tent…

Maybe just take a moment to reflect. If you still feel how you do… I'll cross my fingers you're on your own.

I've sort of followed this thread, and this post sums it up really well, and not in the way you think it does.
Anyone who has an opinion other than E-Bikes are bad, gets piled on with hostile replies, this makes this a very hostile thread to reply with any comment that differs from the bias towards e-bikes being bad.

The reality is, they aren't massively available, they aren't what mountain biking is about for nearly everyone, they will be really expensive, there are many different kinds of bikes (ped-elec, full motor, electric motocross bikes), in other words, there's a lot of speculation, a crap load of variables, and it's just too soon to tell what will happen.

a quick search of precedence, because I'm curious

http://www.fvmba.com/?s=agm Nope

http://www.sorca.ca/sorca-a-g-m-january-15th-2014/ Nope

http://www.imbacanada.com/blog/ontario-trails-council-annual-general-meeting Nope

http://www.imbacanada.com/blog/guelph-road-bicycling-association-gorba-agm-2013-%E2%80%93-kinships-and-partnerships Nope

granted…
http://www.worca.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-WORCA-AGM-minutes.pdf

Associations are required to provide minutes of the AGM to members upon request. They can choose to share the information openly, but have no obligation to do so.

Last night, I opened up a bottle of Megadestroyer from last year. I didn't much care for it when it was fresh, but time has done wonderful things to it. The licorice is still fairly prominent, but the flavours from the yeast shine through so much on it. Well impressed.

It seems that some of the water solutions on Gear Jammer have just displaced the flow to Upper Cut. The fast straight shot at the bottom of UC is now a gutter with a creek flowing down it.