February Bump Workday

I woke up this morning and headed out to Oak for the monthly workday. With all the bad weather the trails were in need of a little TLC to keep them in good shape. I had gotten home late and my truck was still in the shop, so I knew I was going to have to take The Giz (My car). The battery was low of course since I had not driven it in a few weeks, so I left the battery on charge the previous night. I had to wash it (I am not putting the roof rack on the top when there is dirt on the roof) and ended up taking a little longer than I wanted to get ready. I had to get the rack on the car so I could pick up my bike from the shop. We met at about 9:00 and I was in such a hurry to get there I forgot my camera as well as my season pass to the park. I am slowly learning that the BUMP guys are not the timeliest of people. I probably would have had time to get everything together, but I really didn’t want to be late.

We finally headed out and I went with the group to look at the Jeep Trail (Red Road). Almost all of the ditches needed cleaning of leaves damming up the water. After this first step then we had to remove all the mud and debris from the ditches. I really did not realize how bad they had gotten, but with a lot of work we slowly got them cleaned and moved to the next one.

When we stopped to fix the water bearm right below the bridge, I stepped off the side of the trail and sank down past my knee in leaves. It was decided to clean this out so we attacked it with the blower and rakes. The wind was not agreeing with us and whenever we tried to rake them over the edge the wind would blow them back onto the trail. After much battling we finally cleared it pretty well. The water berm got dug out so it could drain properly, but the end result was a large pile of dirt across the trail. We didn’t have anything to pack it down except our feet, but it is still going to be a large ramp. The small hill that was there before would toss you quite a long distance with the speed you were able to achieve coming down the hill. I am really looking forward to seeing what this new ramp will do.

We also found a tree that was dead, rotting, and precariously leaning over the trail right before the bridge. It was decided to take it down before it fell. Corb attacked it with the chainsaw and made short work of it as well as demonstrating proper chainsaw safety when negotiating a steep hill. A couple more ditches and it was getting to be about lunchtime. I was surprisingly sore from all the shoveling; however I did remember to wear gloves this time and made it through without any blisters (unlike last time).

We got back and ate a nice lunch in the sun. The day had turned out beautiful and I was comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. I chatted with a few more BUMP guys and am slowly learning everyone’s names.

After lunch Corb was going to hit Quary road (the bump trail right below blood rock) with the blower. As I had already decided I was just going to work today and ride tomorrow, I headed up with him and Larry. We hiked up and cleaned off around Blood rock a little more (someone had already gotten it pretty well, but I think it dried a little and we were able to remove more leaves and headed down the hill raking and blowing as we went. There was a tree that was just the right height to catch me in the helmet along this hill. I ducked at the last second on my last ride to avoid this, so I was interested in removing it. Of course we did not have a chainsaw or an axe of any type, so we decided we could swing it (the top had fallen in the V of a tree so we couldn’t do anything with that end. We tried to swing it one direction but a small tree was I the way by a few inches. After trying to break it with rocks, we gave up and headed the other way. We had to bend a few small trees out of the way, but with all three of us we finally got it swung all the way across the trail so it was out of the way.

Lastly, I found a small jump that Larry had said was purposefully built, and we cleaned the leaves from both sides so we could make use of it. We also slightly dug out one of the water berms and put a few rocks to make a natural water diverter. Corb may have gotten a little overzealous on the rocks, but there is now a really good jump on one side of the trail at that point whereas the other side is still easily ridable.

I had a good time and really enjoyed being outside in the nice weather. It also feels good to work with your hands for a while after sitting at a computer all day every day.

I picked up my bike on the way home and realized I forgot my gift cards I got for Christmas. After running back home to get them I also picked me up a bike Cube to keep all my stuff instead of keeping it in a cardboard box. This is the first time I have ever put my new bike on the roof of my car (I have to use the Fork UP since it is a 20mm thru axel) but it worked wonderfully. I was a little scared to drive all the way to Chattanooga with it on there, but I think it will be fine.

Tomorrow: RACCOON MOUNTAIN!!!

Lurleen

Tommy had been wanting to go to Lake Lurleen for another ride all week. So we planned it for Sunday. This mornign right before I left the house Tommy called and said it was supposed to rain, so I checked the weather and there was a 30% chance. I wanted to go and I also told a few other people I would go so I headed on up to the McDonalds to see if anyone showed. After waiting till 10 after 9 (the meeting time) I called Tommy and told him I was going to go.

I headed on down and got to the park about 10. It was a little chillier than I thought it was going to be so I threw on my long sleve jersey and rode around the parking lot to warm up a little (And see if I could find someone to ride with). The park was pretty slow with only a guy and his girlfriend heading out (him jogging and her on a bike) so I headed off in a counterclockwise direction. I had not ridden this direction before, so I thought it might be fun.

It was a little chilly getting to the trailhead but once there I was finally getting warmed up. The trail was a bit moist, but it is also a sandy trail and the sand was not sticking to my tires, so I decided to head on. This direction starts out with some climbing and I was not here to set any records today. I just cruised through enjoying the trail. I really like riding trails I am not very familliar with as I pay more attention to the surroundings. The woods were quiet and I had just cleaned and lubed my bike so everything was very relaxing. I had remembered mostly slight climbs going the other direction so I was hoping there would be some nice long downhills this way. However, one thing I had not realized is how many short steep climbs there were. This killed my momentum and I am starting to learn this trail does not flow as well as Oak Mtn.

After I got a few miles in I found one of the downhills, but the trail being damp (roots were pretty slick) and me not knowing it very well robbed me of a lot of speed. I also had to keep slowing for tighter turns than I would have liked on the downhills. I saw some potential jumps where the trail bumps up, but I never seemed to have enough speed to make use of them. I did want to mention that whoever maintains this trail has done an excellent job of keeping the trail clean of leaves and debris. I only noticed a few sections near the middle of the loop that were not groomed.

When I got to the junction of the two trails, I took the shorter path and then circled back on the longer one. This is the direction I knew and I actually really like this part of the trail. I could move through it pretty well and there are some small obstacles that can be jumped throught here.When I got back to the first intersection, I thought about taking the long way back (the way I just came to continue on the trail, but I was afraid I would get caught in the rain, so I doubled over the short section again and continued on my way.

This next part was what I was looking for. Longer slightly downhill runs where I could just scoot throught the trees. This continued mostly till I came to the bottom of the dam. I was dreading the ride up as I did remember it being quite steep. The mesh they had on the ground gave excellent traction and I was able to easily climb right up it.

I have no idea why, but I enjoy riding next to the water, just riding the remainder of the trail while being to look across the lake was great. I got back to the parking lot and rode a lap out over the bridge and back to bump my mileage up a couple tenths to 15. I consideded having a beer, but what fun is that if I am by myself. I was pretty hungry and decided to stop at Milo's.

As I got back to Tuscaloosa, it started sprinkling a bit and I decided to just head home to eat. I decided to swing my bike by Cahaba Cycles to let them look at the brake lever that has been working my nerves (because I believe it gets dirt in it). I have taken it apart and cleaned it twice, which seems to fix it temporarily, but after about a month it will start sticking again. I am hoping it is a warranty issue as I noticed the levers are different on both sides. (I think this was an issue on older models). Anyway, I stopped to eat at McAlisters as I always do after a ride to get a sweet tea and some non-fried food. before dropping the bike off.

They decided to keep the bike, which really bothered me as I had not cleaned it off after the ride. I tried to get them to let me take it home and clean it first, but they wouldn't do it. If anyone working there reads this: I am sorry.

Tommy and Moran want to go to Racoon Mountain next weekend, but it is BUMP workday so I am not sure what I am going to do yet. I may just go up for one day if the weather is going to be nice. I am looking forward to actually jumping off some of the things I was too scared to do last time.

Sunburned in Feb

Went to Oak Moutain this morning for a ride with my sister and her husband. They had asked me last night to bring my old bike for one of their friends (Joe) who rides a road bike. We met at about 9:30 and I took my usual forever to get ready (but I was getting the other bike ready also). We finally got started at about 10:00. We headed down to the Paddle boad entrance as I was preparing to ride for a few miles and turn aound. My sister was regretting stopping spin class as she didn't quite do as well this trip as the previous one (she rode the whole thing). Near the beginning Joe decided to show his skills with an over the handlebar dismount. Everything seemed ok and there were no injuries admitted to. My sister made it to the BMX track and decided she had better turn around. Paul went with her but Joe wanted to keep riding. We decided to continue on and I let him set the pace. He was moving petty well and I could tell he rode regularly. He did really well, but was extremely cautious on the downhills. I know the trail was completely new to him as well as having to ride a borrowed bike. He rode almost everything except Blood rock. He had to be back by 12:45 and he was able to ride the whole thing. It took about 2:20 riding time and about 3 hours total time. We didn't have to stop too many times and I think with a few rides he could do a sub 2 hour lap. He seemed to have a reall good time and I hope he decides to make it back out again.

After I had eaten a sack I had about and hour to burn before I was supposed to meet Moran at 2 for a lap. I called him and told him to call me when he was finished with work and decided to ide a bit more. I rode up around the family trail and cleared a few of the muddy spots so the trail could dry. After this I spent a little time moving the pine at the entrance of the South Trailhead completely off the trail. I continued on up and tried to rake the pinestraw/leaves off the trail wherever it was muddy. I made it up and around Johnson's moutain and it was about 2:00 so I took the road back to Foreplay and rode back out on the trail. I chatted with a few people in the parking lot and tried to call Brian to see whee he was, but could not get ahold of him.

About 2:50 I decided I would ride to the noth trailhead and on my wa back I would do a bit moe trail cleaning to get in a few more miles. I was going at a relativey slow pace and ran into Blackagness from MTBR. He also has a motolite so I rode with him and we talked a little. He steped up the pace and said he was goig to ride the same thing I was, but when we got to the North Trailhead he asked if i wanted to head on up. I said sure and we headed on up I was feeling much better as we neared the top. We headed on around and during the climb on Johnson's my legs stated trying to cramp on me. I had to stay seated and then my hamstrings started trying to camp also. I just had to use low gears and spin up slowly but it finally passed. I finished on out and we stopped at my truck for a Beer before he headed back to his car.

I got home and my legs are pretty sore. I think the last lap was what I needed. I also realized my face is a little toasty. I cannot believe I got burned in February. We are plannig on going to Lake Lurleen tomorow and I am looking forward to practicing my jumping.

All the pictures are Here: http://picasaweb.google.com/grundcm/OakMountain2008_2_2

Gnomes at Oak

Went for a ride at Oak Mountain today with Tommy and Moran. We ended up starting late because I had a family lunch I needed to be at and could't make it out till 2:30 or so. We headed out Clockwise and went at a gentle pace. Upon arriving at the Rock Garden we noticed that Tommy's gnome had a "friend" We later learned that her name was Isabella and now he had someone to help keep him warm on these cold winter nights. Tommy was extremely happy and hopes that soon there will be some other Gnomes poping up around the trail now. For once I did not carry my camera, so I had to snap a few with my phone (which I luckily had with me ebcause I was expecting a call). We continued on to the north trailhead and I could tell Tommy was having trouble. He later told me he was having knee pain due to switching pedals and decided to turn around. Me and Moran continued on thinking we might could beat Tommy back as we only had a couple extra miles. We finished up and Tommy had beat us back to the car and was looking pretty cold. We packed up and left quickly as it was getting dark at this point.

I will tr to get pictues up later

SNOW in Alabama!

You are about to see something very rare. The chance to bike in the snow in Alabama. BUMP was supposed to have the 3rd Sat club ride today at 9:00. I had called Tommy last night and he said he could go about 10. I called him this morning about 9:15 and woke him up. He asked me to pick him up so we finally got out there about 10:20. It was snowing pretty good so we checked out the southernmost parking lot no one was there. We decided to park next to the canoe rental building so we could get to the trail easier. We got ready and hit the trail. The snow was incredible an the trail was a little muddy. I was a little worried that the trail would be hard to see, but it was no problem at all. I started out and my hands were frozen. I could not feel my fingers at all when we made it to the first log crossing. Our goal was to ride to the N trailhead and back so we could make sure Thomas the Gnome was enjoying the snow, but with the really slick roots and the mud we were considering turing around. I started feeling better and Tommy said he would just meet me at the north Trailhead. He headed back and I slowly made my way down the trail. I really enjoyed the scenery and stopped to take quite a few pictures. I finally warmed up and was really enjoying myself. I made it to Thomas and I offered to build him a fire to keep him warm, but he said he was doing fine. Near the north trailhead a couple was riding and went by as I was snapping some pictures. I was supprised to see anyone else out, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves. There was also a runner who ran to the north trailhead an back. Crazy people out in this weather. Finishing up my feet were frozen. My feet had gotten wet due to the mud so I drove home barefoot as I did not have dry socks. I got home and washed my bike off as I couldn't let it go to be dirty.

See all of the pictures Here:http://picasaweb.google.com/grundcm/OakMountain2008_1_19

Back in the Saddle again

Well I am finally feeling better after being sick for a little over a week. It is really rare that I do not ride on a weekend and I missed last weekend because I was really sick. I was finally feeling a little better so I went out to Oak Mountain with Tommy, Matthew and Moran. We rode a loop counter clockwise and had a great time. Matthew managed to make it out and was riding the log rides like they were nothing. We rode a nice slow lap which was what I needed to see how I felt.

Monty had posted that he was going to ride on Sunday, so I joined him out there for a ride. There was a couple of people who had traveled down from Tennissee and Kentucky to Ride. We took off heading clockwise and Monty set a pretty quick pace. I learned the visitors had already ridden one lap and were starting their second. The guy was commenting on how Monty was pushing the pace pretty hard, but decided to push himself ahead and left our group. The girl rode with us for a few minutes and decided to catch the guy. I was hurting pretty good at this point and once they were out of sight we slowed the pace a little and I was finally able to recover a bit. They waited for us at the North trailhead, but we told them to not wait and headed up the hill. Heading down blood rock, I choose a poor route and found my front tire heading for a large root. Somehow I managed not to crash but did have to dab a foot. It was even up near the top where I don't usually even think about it. Anyway, we got down to the road and I hit Johnson's mountain. I was pushing myself a bit and finished up the loop. I got back to the parking lot and the out of towners were talking of riding a bit more. Since it was such a nice day, I decided to join them. I mentioned heading counter-clockwise and they both thought it was a good idea as I think they wanted to ride a different direction. I warned them that they may have to slow it down a little, but they assured me they were going to take it easy. We headed up Johnson's mountain and I was finally feeling pretty good. We got back to the road and they decided to head back.

I chatted with them in the parking lot for a few minutes and decided to ride a little more since I had nothing else to do that day. I headed Counter-clockwise with the intention to skip johnsons mountain, but ride the rest of the trail. I came out of the woods and ran into a couple of joggers. Without thinking, I just stayed on the trail. I decided to just ride on a little farther. I ended up riding a whole loop and it really felt good. It was a slower lap and near the end I started cramping pretty bad. I haven't had that problem in a long time. I guess it was due to being off the bike and out of the gym for 2 weeks. I am finally feeling better and am looking forward to next weekend.

First ride of the year

Me and Tommy went for a ride at Oak Mountain on New Years day to start the year off right. We were supposed to be joined by my brother and Moran, but both of them backed out due to hangovers. I guess it helps to stay home and not drink as my Fiancee was sick and I just stayed at home with her.

We started out Clockwise at Oak Mountain and rode. Did I mention that it was cold today. My fingers were pretty frozen and we only rode to the North trailhead and decided to turn around and ride back. Tommy was able to ride the log for the first time today and I actually got a video of him backing it up with a second successful ride.


















Lastly we stopped to take some pictures of Thomas the Gnome that showed up next to the Rock garden sign. It looks like he wants some company. Maybe there will be more showing up over the next few months if the park doesn't remove him.

I have been doing a pretty good job of keeping track of my rides on Bikejournal. I created an Oak Mountain trail and I think I am going to do the same for Lake Lurleen and a few other local trails that are not on there yet. I did come up short on my goal of riding 600 miles since I joined in late September. I am trying to get Tommy and Moran to join so they will give me some competition to ride more this year. I was thinking of starting some sort of club to log allour rides to, but that might be pointless. I have not set any goals yet, but intend to do it soon.



Link to remainder of the pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/grundcm/OakMtn2008_1_1