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#1
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RR: Losing her cherry (Klondike Bluffs)
I'm a modestly expert mountain biker, having ridden almost since there
were mountain bikes. Now I'm not going to plunge down a cliff and my ballsyness diminishes with age, but if "lots" of others can ride something, I can too. Despite this experience, and despite living just 200 miles north, I have only done a smattering of Moab's trails. I stick to my favorites because they're so fun. I took the new girlfriend down over the holiday and hoped to do some riding of my own while breaking her in. She's one of my spinning "students," not terribly strong but a consistent indoor rider, determined to get in great shape. Also quite the trooper! This was her first ride on an outdoor bike in decades. I was looking at Sovereign, because I haven't yet done it myself and it sounded pretty easy. But the dude at Slickrock Cycles said hmm, maybe Klondike would be better. Okay, I'd never done that one either. The bike he rented us was serviceable, but skipped despite her staying in the middle ring per the shop's suggestion. The front brake also rubbed a tiny bit. After she almost blew her breakfast (McDonald's is good enough for an old non-competitive hand like me, but she needed purer fare), I had her move the chain to the granny range. She managed nicely, although once you push against the puke threshold like she did your strength is brittle. She got a great workout, I just enjoyed riding hard every now and then, turning around several times to rejoin, encourage, advise, buss, etc. The trail is indeed a breeze, great for one's first mountain bike ride. It has enough deep sandy sections at the bottom to give you a taste of the "sand boat" technique: get on plane, stay on plane and you'll ride through it. The climb is long by newbie standards but gradual, mostly on slickrock. A couple mildly technical situations kept me interested. It's the kind of climb that one can "spin" up, or hammer and feel like Lance Armstrong. In the future, I'll use it as a warm-up or cool-down, something to kill an hour or two with. I suggest that 20 minutes is a theoretical best time to climb that trail, but just in theory. It took us three hours out-and-back. We reached the top, I rode up most of the short singletrack to the fence on the border of Arches National Park, she pushed much of it. Because I'm a nice guy, I agreed to walk into the park despite not having comfortable shoes. It was worth it: nice view, pretty slot canyon. Descending the singletrack, I was determined to ride the one real technical (steep, narrow, off-camber) section. I plunged into it, parked my front wheel on the only significant rock I could find, and endo'd. Picked up a little trail rash from something on the rear of my bike as I stumbled over the bars. I'm proud of myself for riding "hard" enough to actually fall. I don't often do that. She LOVED the downhill, following my line most of the way. She said it was just like skiing, flowing with gravity. I reminded her to maintain concentration since a broken collarbone is always one mind wander away. She handled the bouncy suspension just fine, followed my advice to NEVER lock the front wheel, and emerged from her first mountain bike ride - in Moab! - tired & sweaty but unscathed, and psyched. Next time, we do Top of the World. -- Lynn Wallace If FDR fought fascism the way Bush fights terrorism, we'd all be speaking German now. |
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#2
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RR: Losing her cherry (Klondike Bluffs)
Show some pictures you homo.
Raptor wrote: I'm a modestly expert mountain biker, having ridden almost since there were mountain bikes. Now I'm not going to plunge down a cliff and my ballsyness diminishes with age, but if "lots" of others can ride something, I can too. Despite this experience, and despite living just 200 miles north, I have only done a smattering of Moab's trails. I stick to my favorites because they're so fun. I took the new girlfriend down over the holiday and hoped to do some riding of my own while breaking her in. She's one of my spinning "students," not terribly strong but a consistent indoor rider, determined to get in great shape. Also quite the trooper! This was her first ride on an outdoor bike in decades. I was looking at Sovereign, because I haven't yet done it myself and it sounded pretty easy. But the dude at Slickrock Cycles said hmm, maybe Klondike would be better. Okay, I'd never done that one either. The bike he rented us was serviceable, but skipped despite her staying in the middle ring per the shop's suggestion. The front brake also rubbed a tiny bit. After she almost blew her breakfast (McDonald's is good enough for an old non-competitive hand like me, but she needed purer fare), I had her move the chain to the granny range. She managed nicely, although once you push against the puke threshold like she did your strength is brittle. She got a great workout, I just enjoyed riding hard every now and then, turning around several times to rejoin, encourage, advise, buss, etc. The trail is indeed a breeze, great for one's first mountain bike ride. It has enough deep sandy sections at the bottom to give you a taste of the "sand boat" technique: get on plane, stay on plane and you'll ride through it. The climb is long by newbie standards but gradual, mostly on slickrock. A couple mildly technical situations kept me interested. It's the kind of climb that one can "spin" up, or hammer and feel like Lance Armstrong. In the future, I'll use it as a warm-up or cool-down, something to kill an hour or two with. I suggest that 20 minutes is a theoretical best time to climb that trail, but just in theory. It took us three hours out-and-back. We reached the top, I rode up most of the short singletrack to the fence on the border of Arches National Park, she pushed much of it. Because I'm a nice guy, I agreed to walk into the park despite not having comfortable shoes. It was worth it: nice view, pretty slot canyon. Descending the singletrack, I was determined to ride the one real technical (steep, narrow, off-camber) section. I plunged into it, parked my front wheel on the only significant rock I could find, and endo'd. Picked up a little trail rash from something on the rear of my bike as I stumbled over the bars. I'm proud of myself for riding "hard" enough to actually fall. I don't often do that. She LOVED the downhill, following my line most of the way. She said it was just like skiing, flowing with gravity. I reminded her to maintain concentration since a broken collarbone is always one mind wander away. She handled the bouncy suspension just fine, followed my advice to NEVER lock the front wheel, and emerged from her first mountain bike ride - in Moab! - tired & sweaty but unscathed, and psyched. Next time, we do Top of the World. -- Lynn Wallace If FDR fought fascism the way Bush fights terrorism, we'd all be speaking German now. |
#3
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RR: Losing her cherry (Klondike Bluffs)
Raptor wrote: I'm a modestly expert mountain biker, having ridden almost since there were mountain bikes. Now I'm not going to plunge down a cliff and my ballsyness diminishes with age, but if "lots" of others can ride something, I can too. Despite this experience, and despite living just 200 miles north, I have only done a smattering of Moab's trails. I stick to my favorites because they're so fun. I took the new girlfriend down over the holiday and hoped to do some riding of my own while breaking her in. She's one of my spinning "students," not terribly strong but a consistent indoor rider, determined to get in great shape. Also quite the trooper! She LOVED the downhill, following my line most of the way. She said it was just like skiing, flowing with gravity. I reminded her to maintain concentration since a broken collarbone is always one mind wander away. She handled the bouncy suspension just fine, followed my advice to NEVER lock the front wheel, and emerged from her first mountain bike ride - in Moab! - tired & sweaty but unscathed, and psyched. Next time, we do Top of the World. -- Lynn Wallace Cool. I've found beginners on Amasaback, and they *were not* having fun... glad you found something she could ride and enjoy. CDB |
#4
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RR: Losing her cherry (Klondike Bluffs)
Raptor wrote: I'm a modestly expert mountain biker I'd like to put that notion to the test some day, spinnerboy. I was looking at Sovereign, because I haven't yet done it myself and it sounded pretty easy. But the dude at Slickrock Cycles said hmm, maybe Klondike would be better. Klondike is a better newb ride. I've taken quite a few tour clients out there. I hope you paused to check out the dinosaur tracks. Next time, we do Top of the World. You had better make her a climber first, or you'll go away with an ex-g/f. I have been riding with my g/f a lot lately and she's quite an exceptional climber already for her newness to the whole thing. We even got her first "mountain" ride in last weekend. http://www.spokejunkies.com/forum/in...=si&img=165 2 JD |
#5
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RR: Losing her cherry (Klondike Bluffs)
Exhaling Pleasure
In my infancy of becoming a mountain biker, I would go as far to say that I will mature into a fine beauty (albeit looks) and ride with modest experts, or so I hope. As I believe one has to learn how to walk before she/he can run. Sporting my ever so SWEET embellished hot pink helmet, riding shoes, and cushy gloves I set out to accomplish a new experience, which I did. Feeling as if I were a speck of sand compared to the premature Goliath I was faced with, I am proud to admit that I impressed myself. Sure, I felt like exchanging a greasy breakfast for an empty stomach. Yet, I battled through it, never doubting my determination just as I have done with many challenges I have encountered; mentally, emotionally and physically. Ever so grateful for having patience, understanding, and kindness on my side, I learned that he is truly a gem. Previous experiences taught me intimidation, as a beginner, by arrogant, pompous, self proclaimed (quasi) experts. Needless to say, I often found myself retreating to the scared little girl I once was, trying to do something that was unfamiliar and foreign to me. Not defeated, rather inspired and ****ed off, I pulled up my bootstraps and challenged myself, cause it IS all about me. Whether I walked or ran, I got there, and had someone by my side encouraging me with selflessness, presence and unspoken word. I have learned to embrace every challenge and envelop myself with the pleasure of crossing the unseen finish line...whether obtained seasoned, or as a babe in whatever I do. So, if you end up seeing a girl walking, running, or simply a flash of pink out of the corner of your eye engaging in battle with a mound, mountain, or monster, think back. Its not about the finish, its all about the journey of getting there! |
#6
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RR: Losing her cherry (Klondike Bluffs)
Exhaling Pleasure
In my infancy of becoming a mountain biker, I would go as far to say that I will mature into a fine beauty (albeit looks) and ride with modest experts, or so I hope. As I believe one has to learn how to walk before she/he can run. Sporting my ever so SWEET embellished hot pink helmet, riding shoes, and cushy gloves I set out to accomplish a new experience, which I did. Feeling as if I were a speck of sand compared to the premature Goliath I was faced with, I am proud to admit that I impressed myself. Sure, I felt like exchanging a greasy breakfast for an empty stomach. I battled through it, never doubting my determination just as I have done with many life challenges I have encountered; mentally, emotionally and physically. Ever so grateful for having patience, understanding, and kindness on my side, I learned that he is truly a gem. Previous experiences taught me intimidation as a beginner, by arrogant, pompous, self proclaimed (quasi) experts. Needless to say, I often found myself retreating to the scared little girl I once was, trying to do something that was unfamiliar and foreign to me. Not defeated, rather inspired, and ****ed off, I pulled up my bootstraps and challenged myself, cause it WAS/IS all about me. I have accustomed myself to embrace every challenge and envelop myself with the pleasure of crossing the unforeseeable finish line...whether obtained seasoned, or as a babe in whatever I do, while learning the substance of me. So, if you end up seeing a girl walking, running, or simply a flash of pink out of the corner of your eye engaging in battle with a mound, mountain, or monster, think back. Whether I walked or ran, I got there, and had someone by my side encouraging me with presence and unspoken word. Ohhh! How succulent that Cherry was...... |
#7
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RR: Losing her cherry (Klondike Bluffs)
JD wrote:
Raptor wrote: I'm a modestly expert mountain biker I'd like to put that notion to the test some day, spinnerboy. So would I. Hey, I did say "modest." It takes me more than two hours to do Slickrock, after all. I was looking at Sovereign, because I haven't yet done it myself and it sounded pretty easy. But the dude at Slickrock Cycles said hmm, maybe Klondike would be better. Klondike is a better newb ride. I've taken quite a few tour clients out there. I hope you paused to check out the dinosaur tracks. Yes, it was perfect, but we didn't know about the dinosaur tracks. Next time, if there is one. Next time, we do Top of the World. You had better make her a climber first, or you'll go away with an ex-g/f. I have been riding with my g/f a lot lately and she's quite an exceptional climber already for her newness to the whole thing. We even got her first "mountain" ride in last weekend. http://www.spokejunkies.com/forum/in...=si&img=165 2 Cool. Mine will be a climber someday. Gotta get the power:weight ratio fixed on both sides first, but she's got the balls for it. -- Lynn Wallace If FDR fought fascism the way Bush fights terrorism, we'd all be speaking German now. |
#8
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Exhaling Pleasure
In my infancy of becoming a mountain biker, I would go as far to say
that I will mature into a fine beauty (albeit looks) and ride with modest experts, or so I hope. As I believe one has to learn how to walk before she/he can run. Sporting my ever so SWEET embellished hot pink helmet, riding shoes, and cushy gloves I set out to accomplish a new experience, which I did. Feeling as if I were a speck of sand compared to the premature Goliath I was faced with, I am proud to admit that I impressed myself. Sure, I felt like exchanging a greasy breakfast for an empty stomach, or a delictable bowl of fruit and oatmeal. Yet, I battled through it, never doubting my determination just as I have done with many challenges I have encountered; mentally, emotionally and physically. Ever so grateful for having patience, understanding, and kindness on my side, I learned that he is truly a gem. Previous experiences taught me intimidation--as a beginner--by arrogant, pompous, self proclaimed (quasi) experts. Needless to say, I often found myself retreating to the scared little girl I once was, trying to do something that was unfamiliar and foreign to me. Not defeated, rather inspired and ****ed off, I pulled up my bootstraps and challenged myself, cause it WAS/IS all about me. Whether I walked or rode, I got there, and had someone by my side encouraging me with selflessness, presence and unspoken word. I have learned to embrace every challenge and envelop myself with the pleasure of crossing the unseen finish lines...whether obtained seasoned, or as a babe in whatever I do. So, if you end up seeing a girl walking, riding, or simply a flash of pink out of the corner of your eye engaging in battle with a mound, mountain, or monster, think back. Its not about the finish, its all about the journey of getting there! Ohhh! And, how succulent that Cherry was! |
#9
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Exhaling Pleasure
On 28 Nov 2006 20:29:01 -0800, "black"
wrote: In my infancy of becoming a mountain biker, I would go as far to say that I will mature into a fine beauty (albeit looks) and ride with modest experts, or so I hope. As I believe one has to learn how to walk before she/he can run. Sporting my ever so SWEET embellished hot pink helmet, riding shoes, and cushy gloves I set out to accomplish a new experience, which I did. Feeling as if I were a speck of sand compared to the premature Goliath I was faced with, I am proud to admit that I impressed myself. Sure, I felt like exchanging a greasy breakfast for an empty stomach, or a delictable bowl of fruit and oatmeal. Yet, I battled through it, never doubting my determination just as I have done with many challenges I have encountered; mentally, emotionally and physically. Ever so grateful for having patience, understanding, and kindness on my side, I learned that he is truly a gem. Previous experiences taught me intimidation--as a beginner--by arrogant, pompous, self proclaimed (quasi) experts. Needless to say, I often found myself retreating to the scared little girl I once was, trying to do something that was unfamiliar and foreign to me. Not defeated, rather inspired and ****ed off, I pulled up my bootstraps and challenged myself, cause it WAS/IS all about me. Whether I walked or rode, I got there, and had someone by my side encouraging me with selflessness, presence and unspoken word. I have learned to embrace every challenge and envelop myself with the pleasure of crossing the unseen finish lines...whether obtained seasoned, or as a babe in whatever I do. So, if you end up seeing a girl walking, riding, or simply a flash of pink out of the corner of your eye engaging in battle with a mound, mountain, or monster, think back. Its not about the finish, its all about the journey of getting there! Ohhh! And, how succulent that Cherry was! And your selfish pleasures are all that matters, right? You are sick. === I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8 years fighting auto dependence and road construction.) Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of! http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande |
#10
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Exhaling Pleasure
black wrote: Ohhh! And, how succulent that Cherry was! Nice story, free association, daydream, inspirational rant, whatever... CDB |
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