I Rode My Bike Today...

herzalot said:
If you mean the two-legged kind? Nothing to report about. Lots of older people with huge visors or REI adventure hats, or kids with non-MILF parents.

If you mean actual scenery - it was clear and sunny, so there was that.
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I missed your text until it was too late as was waiting for the sun to come out. Was so tired of overcast rides. did a whiting loop, and it was fun! Had a good looking hiker say "Thanks for the Bell enjoy your ride"! I didn't have to slow down and she was smiling, Win Win! But other hikers, meh, scrub speed but WTFC, they are having a good time on Memorial Day. So with that, Happy Memorial Day!
 
I went to Turnbull Canyon today. Got off to kind of a late start. But it's still pretty close, about a half hour drive. Started somewhere a little different than before, got directions off MTB Project. Unloaded near the top of Turnbull Canyon Rd. Started off with a downhill, wasn't on my bike 5 minutes and wham!! OTB I went!! :gag: Hardest crash to date. It kinda shook me up, and I think took my mojo. I had to take a minute and I ate my lunch. While I ate I also counted hiker after hiker. I had to get my chain back on the chainring and got back to it with a sore shoulder, arm, and knee. I HAB it probably a little too much, but I was feeling a little gun shy. I need to build up my thigh muscles and I'm not sure if I need to change the the type of shoes I'm riding in. My feet start to hurt and my thighs burn after not long. I'm wearing hiking shoes and my feet are flat, not sure if there's anything I can do about it. Anyway, all in all I feel good about going back and trying again. I think I have somewhat of an idea the trails near where I will start parking. That's big to me because I get anxiety about getting lost out there. I saw a bunch of lizards, a cute little bunny, some awesome views, but the highlight was a young lady with a backside that gave me an out of body experience :inlove:. I get to go to work with a little bit of road rash tomorrow, that's great. Hopefully plan something for during the week.
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Danimal said:
I missed your text until it was too late as was waiting for the sun to come out. Was so tired of overcast rides. did a whiting loop, and it was fun! Had a good looking hiker say "Thanks for the Bell enjoy your ride"! I didn't have to slow down and she was smiling, Win Win! But other hikers, meh, scrub speed but WTFC, they are having a good time on Memorial Day. So with that, Happy Memorial Day!
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Sweet!!! :D I need to replace my bell. I crunched it a couple months ago. Another reason I was gun shy on the trail today. So many hikers! Even a couple ladies on horseback.
 
-ROCKY- said:
... Started off with a downhill, wasn't on my bike 5 minutes and wham!! OTB I went!! :gag: Hardest crash to date. It kinda shook me up, and I think took my mojo.
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To what do you think you owe your OTB? Panic braking? A rut? Weight too far forward on a steep section? A trail obstacle?

And no - I don't recommend riding in hiking boots. You're better off with Vans or regular running shoes, depending on your pedals, and the amount of actual hiking you plan to do. You could also pick up some 5-10s for around $50 if you search. That's still a lot for a specific-purpose shoe if you're not flush with disposable income.
 
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-ROCKY- said:
I went to Turnbull Canyon today. Got off to kind of a late start. But it's still pretty close, about a half hour drive. Started somewhere a little different than before, got directions off MTB Project. Unloaded near the top of Turnbull Canyon Rd. Started off with a downhill, wasn't on my bike 5 minutes and wham!! OTB I went!! :gag: Hardest crash to date. It kinda shook me up, and I think took my mojo. I had to take a minute and I ate my lunch. While I ate I also counted hiker after hiker. I had to get my chain back on the chainring and got back to it with a sore shoulder, arm, and knee. I HAB it probably a little too much, but I was feeling a little gun shy. I need to build up my thigh muscles and I'm not sure if I need to change the the type of shoes I'm riding in. My feet start to hurt and my thighs burn after not long. I'm wearing hiking shoes and my feet are flat, not sure if there's anything I can do about it. Anyway, all in all I feel good about going back and trying again. I think I have somewhat of an idea the trails near where I will start parking. That's big to me because I get anxiety about getting lost out there. I saw a bunch of lizards, a cute little bunny, some awesome views, but the highlight was a young lady with a backside that gave me an out of body experience :inlove:. I get to go to work with a little bit of road rash tomorrow, that's great. Hopefully plan something for during the week.
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Sorry to hear about the crash but good on you for getting out there. OTB adventures happen to us all and 90% of the time it is on an easy section of trail when you least expect it. Many documented injuries here to back up this claim.

I started in hiking boots and blue jeans. Hiking boots and hardtails just aren’t the best combo on the trail. Your feet bounce off the pedals and bad results follow. Most riding shoes have a rather flat sole that’s fairly stiff with a more waffle style tread that grips the pedals until you lift your foot. Many very talented riders here ride flat pedals but that said I ride clipped in and have them set fairly tight.
 
-ROCKY- said:
I went to Turnbull Canyon today. Got off to kind of a late start. But it's still pretty close, about a half hour drive. Started somewhere a little different than before, got directions off MTB Project. Unloaded near the top of Turnbull Canyon Rd. Started off with a downhill, wasn't on my bike 5 minutes and wham!! OTB I went!! :gag: Hardest crash to date. It kinda shook me up, and I think took my mojo. I had to take a minute and I ate my lunch. While I ate I also counted hiker after hiker. I had to get my chain back on the chainring and got back to it with a sore shoulder, arm, and knee. I HAB it probably a little too much, but I was feeling a little gun shy. I need to build up my thigh muscles and I'm not sure if I need to change the the type of shoes I'm riding in. My feet start to hurt and my thighs burn after not long. I'm wearing hiking shoes and my feet are flat, not sure if there's anything I can do about it. Anyway, all in all I feel good about going back and trying again. I think I have somewhat of an idea the trails near where I will start parking. That's big to me because I get anxiety about getting lost out there. I saw a bunch of lizards, a cute little bunny, some awesome views, but the highlight was a young lady with a backside that gave me an out of body experience :inlove:. I get to go to work with a little bit of road rash tomorrow, that's great. Hopefully plan something for during the week.
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Sounds like you had an adventure. There are so many fun trails up there.

I use to race my Z-28 and VF1000R on Turnbull Canyon Road.
 
herzalot said:
To what do you think you owe your OTB? Panic braking? A rut? Weight too far forward on a steep section? A trail obstacle?

And no - I don't recommend riding in hiking boots. You're better off with Vans or regular running shoes, depending on your pedals, and the amount of actual hiking you plan to do. You could also pick up some 5-10s for around $50 if you search. That's still a lot for a specific-purpose shoe if you're not flush with disposable income.
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Herz! You know as much as I hate to admit it, I think it was panic breaking, maybe a combination of weight too far forward also. It wasn't super steep, but I noticed a lot of hikers when I dropped in. I wasn't confident going by anyone with any speed, so I was trying to keep my speed down. I had time to inspect the crash site during lunch. All that was there was the divot I left :oops: I will try some Vans first. They are the shoe of choice for the BMX guys too :cool:
 
Voodoo Tom said:
Sorry to hear about the crash but good on you for getting out there. OTB adventures happen to us all and 90% of the time it is on an easy section of trail when you least expect it. Many documented injuries here to back up this claim.

I started in hiking boots and blue jeans. Hiking boots and hardtails just aren’t the best combo on the trail. Your feet bounce off the pedals and bad results follow. Most riding shoes have a rather flat sole that’s fairly stiff with a more waffle style tread that grips the pedals until you lift your foot. Many very talented riders here ride flat pedals but that said I ride clipped in and have them set fairly tight.
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Thanks Voodoo! Yeah actually that is something that annoys me is my feet moving around on the pedals. Right now I have the stock pedals on my bike and I constantly find myself shifting my feet around. I have bought some aftermarket pedals with pins in them, but have yet to install them. Prolly should get on that! :confused:
 
Y-not said:
Sounds like you had an adventure. There are so many fun trails up there.

I use to race my Z-28 and VF1000R on Turnbull Canyon Road.
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Yes!! Yeah there are people getting down on that road every time I go! Today there were bikes, Hondas, and, I don't know my Audis, but there was a turbo model that was in total four wheel drift around the corner I was parked at. I can appreciate the fun there, but I was in the line of fire had something gone wrong. Not to mention I had just ridden that exact stretch on return!! :eek:
 
-ROCKY- said:
Herz! You know as much as I hate to admit it, I think it was panic breaking, maybe a combination of weight too far forward also. It wasn't super steep, but I noticed a lot of hikers when I dropped in. I wasn't confident going by anyone with any speed, so I was trying to keep my speed down. :cool:
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You never want to go by hikers with any speed - but you need to practice hard, strong braking moving your weight back in direct proportion to the amount of force you are using. But you probably know that already.

FWIW - You want to pass by hikers slowly and calmly saying "good morning" "have a nice hike" and such. Don't give them a reason to hate mt. bikers. Our trail access as a group depends on our diplomacy. Awareness bells (the kind that jingle while you ride rather than the ones you activate with your thumb) are an absolute must on crowded multi-use trails. I have come around a curve to find a group of hikers calmly out of the way cheering me on because they heard me coming rather than panic scrambling to get out of the way.
 
@rocky you must likely grabbed a bunch of front brake when you wanted to grab the back and lightly modulate/feather the front. Don't grab both with the same amount, as your front is probably three times stronger. Locked rear = a skid; locked front = OTB. Optimally you want to slow down before the feature/obstacle and not in the middle of it.
 
herzalot said:
You never want to go by hikers with any speed - but you need to practice hard, strong braking moving your weight back in direct proportion to the amount of force you are using. But you probably know that already.

FWIW - You want to pass by hikers slowly and calmly saying "good morning" "have a nice hike" and such. Don't give them a reason to hate mt. bikers. Our trail access as a group depends on our diplomacy. Awareness bells (the kind that jingle while you ride rather than the ones you activate with your thumb) are an absolute must on crowded multi-use trails. I have come around a curve to find a group of hikers calmly out of the way cheering me on because they heard me coming rather than panic scrambling to get out of the way.
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Yeah I never blow by hikers and definitely try to be diplomatic when passing. I do need to practice my braking really, and replace my bell. I did have a thumb activated one which I like much more than the constant ringing :gag:
 
Cyclotourist said:
@rocky you must likely grabbed a bunch of front brake when you wanted to grab the back and lightly modulate/feather the front. Don't grab both with the same amount, as your front is probably three times stronger. Locked rear = a skid; locked front = OTB. Optimally you want to slow down before the feature/obstacle and not in the middle of it.
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Cyclo! Yeah I think I grabbed too much brake. I think I'm going to practice braking. I sure am paying for it today :oops:... Last night I could barely lift my arm!
 
-ROCKY- said:
Yeah I never blow by hikers and definitely try to be diplomatic when passing. I do need to practice my braking really, and replace my bell. I did have a thumb activated one which I like much more than the constant ringing :gag:
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Yes - but keep in mind the thumb actuated bell depends on you seeing the hiker. By the time you see them, you've already startled them. As annoying as the jingly bells are, they are really the only ones that work to clear the trail and calm the hiker before you ever see them. You can buy the kind that you can turn off, so when you are going slow or climbing, you don't have to hear it. I would rather have a clean run with happy hikers out of my way, than try to "ding" them out of my way after I see them. Trust me on this.
 
Cyclotourist said:
@rocky you must likely grabbed a bunch of front brake when you wanted to grab the back and lightly modulate/feather the front. Don't grab both with the same amount, as your front is probably three times stronger. Locked rear = a skid; locked front = OTB. Optimally you want to slow down before the feature/obstacle and not in the middle of it.
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One of the best ways to learn how to use the front brake is to practice using ONLY the front brake. You will learn how to modulate the front and shift your weight back in a hurry - or die trying! I probably use 70-80% front brake when I really need to stop (4 piston XT brakes on a 203mm rotor). Watch pro downhillers after they cross the finish line.
 
scan said:
If the trail is smooth the bell is silent, that's why I prefer trigger activated
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It's called mountain biking. You shouldn't be riding smooth trails. :D I don't think I've ever ridden down a trail that is so smooth my Timber Bell won't ring.

Unless you are randomly "dinging' your thumb actuated bell, it's already too late by the time you see them. Unless you're going slow, in which case, it doesn't matter.
 
herzalot said:
One of the best ways to learn how to use the front brake is to practice using ONLY the front brake. You will learn how to modulate the front and shift your weight back in a hurry - or die trying! I probably use 70-80% front brake when I really need to stop (4 piston XT brakes on a 203mm rotor). Watch pro downhillers after they cross the finish line.
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I will try this Herz, thanks! :thumbsup: I actually started out with a continuous ring bell. My reasoning for sticking with the thumb bell is the thumb bell is much louder than the other bell I had. I would ring it approaching blind corners and I think it worked well. I really wasn't ever going very fast though.
 
herzalot said:
Yes - but keep in mind the thumb actuated bell depends on you seeing the hiker. By the time you see them, you've already startled them. As annoying as the jingly bells are, they are really the only ones that work to clear the trail and calm the hiker before you ever see them. You can buy the kind that you can turn off, so when you are going slow or climbing, you don't have to hear it. I would rather have a clean run with happy hikers out of my way, than try to "ding" them out of my way after I see them. Trust me on this.
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Lots of great advice by @herzalot on this page. Things like the post above cannot get repeated often enough. If you ride popular hiking trails during peak morning hours a jingly bell is a must. If you insist on riding trails that hikers use at full speed a jingly bell is a must. Even with one and hikers being off the trail when I go by I still slow way down and say hi. Riders who blow past them at full speed just reinforce the hateful hiker fantasy that MTBers will run them over if they don't step off the trail.
 
the thumb bell is used to alert others on areas of limited vision. It works, I have ridden with a lead cyclist, it always works. I do not like constant bell noise, but going down hill fast, I have found the bell housing swings aft and the clapper is just lying inside the housing. I use my rear wheel to skid if the peds don't hear me coming. I am slowing to a dust free speed and the skidding is used only if I am not noticed. I always pass peds dust free, just common courtesy.
But ride the trails less traveled in the Big Hills
 
da big hills said:
the thumb bell is used to alert others on areas of limited vision. It works, I have ridden with a lead cyclist, it always works. I do not like constant bell noise, but going down hill fast, I have found the bell housing swings aft and the clapper is just lying inside the housing. I use my rear wheel to skid if the peds don't hear me coming. I am slowing to a dust free speed and the skidding is used only if I am not noticed. I always pass peds dust free, just common courtesy.
But ride the trails less traveled in the Big Hills
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I used to have a thumb bell on my bikes but they are not loud enough. Only a deeper toned cow type bell can be heard from afar and we should give as much advanced notice as we can in this matter. I've probably scared more people than I have alerted them with the wimpy high toned small bells because they can't detect it until I am already too close. Additionally, as we slowly lose our hearing, high tones may not be picked up at all.

Does anyone offer a deeper cowbell toned thumb bell? Perhaps that's another one of Sssnake's one million dollar ideas., yet to become reality...?
 
Karma; I rode my usual trail this evening. Who has the right of way? I have always felt the uphill rider has the right of way. I encountered a group of 14 dudes coming down hill at me. I moved into the cut stubble and yielded the right of way. I think it was my right of way. But they did not slow down and dusted me a bit. I was nearing the summit and #15 was there at the top, he yielded the right of way to me. I did not dust him, as I was climbing. I think he got it right.
Happy single trac trails
 
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we could put a little button and add a horn. It is true on Space switchbacks I can hear the bells at most one SB above me, and not always. It is the doppler thing. high frequency in front of you low frequency behind. But when a group is talking I hear them a long way off when climbing.
I would love a train horn on my bike
watch them jump out of their shoes
 
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No photos but I rode our newest trails in Prescott…. Bean Peaks. Right now there are 7 trails open per Trailforks and one more is expected to open on the 7th. This will be a stacked loop system and this is the first of 3 phases. I’m not generally a “flow trails” enthusiast which is why Bend doesn’t get my juices flowing but they did a fantastic job on these trails. For now, the berms are immaculate and everything is running really nice. Even the greens are fun and at least challenging enough you need to pay attention. The lone black trail is full of decent size “doubles” and I expect our local ER to be busy this summer season.
 
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