Steve/Steverino
Member
How are you liking the Pivot trail 429?
Curious mind here, I'll be demoing one next Saturday.
I Rode My Bike Today...
- Thread starter herzalot
- Start date
Curious mind here, I'll be demoing one next Saturday.
Ocpop
Well-Known Member
Love it. But take it with a grain of salt as this is my first serious MTB and I bought it sight unseen at a friend’s recommendation without trying any other bike. So I don’t have a good frame of reference. Having said that, I really do like the bike, it fits my riding really well. For my local trails, the bike seems to fit to a T. It climbs well, handling is sharp and it’s burly enough for the occasional chunks. 120/130mm travel seems to hit the sweet spot. The only thing I would change is maybe have it shed a few lbs. I’m pretty light and I probably don’t need the bike as stout as it is. But if you are a bigger rider, you might want the robustness the bike provides.
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BonsaiNut
iMTB Rockstah
Rode the first half of Lake Norman SP yesterday with my new biking bud, Nuclear Steve (so named because he works at a nuke power plant). Front half trails were more ridden, but faster and had lots of rollers. Saw my first copperhead, which I guess is the next landmark on my journey to become a native 
Very pretty snake!
Very pretty snake!
konakc
iMTB Rockstah
the previous version of the 429 trail was my bike for 4 seasons.. i rode that thing to the ground...I loved that bike.. perfect combo of climbing and downhill for most trails in the OC.. could feel its limitations on stairsteps, rattlesnake.. etc.. but still doable.. but would rattle your teeth a bit...
I realized there is no perfect bike for ALL conditions.. no matter what there is a trade off... so instead of trying to find one bike that could do it all, I'm just (eventually) get two bikes... one for climbing and going fast on normal trails.. and one for chunky/jump/downhill crazyness...
I realized there is no perfect bike for ALL conditions.. no matter what there is a trade off... so instead of trying to find one bike that could do it all, I'm just (eventually) get two bikes... one for climbing and going fast on normal trails.. and one for chunky/jump/downhill crazyness...
Steve/Steverino
Member
I wish you didn't either, you'd still be the happy man that you are, albeit, with a Ibis Ripmo, which would have you happier than the previous happy. Oh happy day....
Cyclotourist
iMTB Hooligan
TherealJohnG
Member
Did a full lap tonight. My first real night light ride, coming down the single track was definitely something. I hope this climb didn't ruin Sart Sunday.
DangerDirtyD
iMTB Hooligan
Tell me about SART Sunday please!
SnakeCharmer
iMTB Hooligan
The forests have partially reopened and that was the green light to get back up into the San Gabes. I met up with @Derkderkall this morning at 5:45am for a roll up to Brown Mtn Saddle and then down and out via El Prieto. We set off with lights and shortly before we reached the first saddle, the lights were no longer needed. Not a soul around. It was wonderful, and it was quite cool. Climbing in cooler temps is oh, so nice. We took a breather at the lower saddle and then set off for more climbing. Still nobody at all on the climb to the upper saddle. We owned the mountain on this day. We took another breather on top of the water tank up there at the upper saddle and we snapped a few shots of the fog bank which was being blown around by a considerable breeze. Just before we set off for some DH fun, the first of several riders reached the upper saddle. He did a quick turn around and blasted back down the mountain. We encountered a trail runner and a few other bikes on the way back down to the lower saddle. Oddly, we didn't see anyone on the DH section from there down to the El P trailhead. Everyone must have been sleeping off their hangovers. There was one rider waiting at the El P trailhead and he gave us the green light to go first. We encountered a few hikers on the way through but it was not like it usually is on a weekend morning. El P is in need of some love. Nothing major, but it could use some care here and there. Overall, it's still great. At the exit, I got up some good speed and blasted off the jump. I caught some darn good air and a few trail runners who were resting there cheered me on. It was right about there that we started to see more of the usual weekend crowds. Big crowds of riders getting ready to roll as we passed by the parking lot. So, so nice to get back up into the hills there. I've missed it dearly. 
TherealJohnG
Member
You mean it's not a thing? Should be! I'm getting a lift to South Fork, hope to ride all the way down. (the easy way)
Cyclotourist
iMTB Hooligan
Confirmed the friend who rode yesterday, lower section into Redlands from Morton is open. Glass to post office is open. Not sure what's going on with Thomas hunting grounds section. THG itself is closed, but I would imagine riding the SART is acceptable to use policy.You mean it's not a thing? Should be! I'm getting a lift to South Fork, hope to ride all the way down. (the easy way)
DangerDirtyD
iMTB Hooligan
Ooh! I wish I could join you but I can’t get out there for a few weeks. Please report back if you are able to ride the entire route! Do you plan to climb up to Morton Peak and finish with the narrow trail from there?You mean it's not a thing? Should be! I'm getting a lift to South Fork, hope to ride all the way down. (the easy way)
DangerDirtyD
iMTB Hooligan
Good possibility that Loch Leven would be closed..? Did your friend connect the Post Office with Morton Peak?
Ocpop
Well-Known Member
Love these cool mornings dripping with mistThe forests have partially reopened and that was the green light to get back up into the San Gabes. I met up with @Derkderkall this morning at 5:45am for a roll up to Brown Mtn Saddle and then down and out via El Prieto. We set off with lights and shortly before we reached the first saddle, the lights were no longer needed. Not a soul around. It was wonderful, and it was quite cool. Climbing in cooler temps is oh, so nice. We took a breather at the lower saddle and then set off for more climbing. Still nobody at all on the climb to the upper saddle. We owned the mountain on this day. We took another breather on top of the water tank up there at the upper saddle and we snapped a few shots of the fog bank which was being blown around by a considerable breeze. Just before we set off for some DH fun, the first of several riders reached the upper saddle. He did a quick turn around and blasted back down the mountain. We encountered a trail runner and a few other bikes on the way back down to the lower saddle. Oddly, we didn't see anyone on the DH section from there down to the El P trailhead. Everyone must have been sleeping off their hangovers. There was one rider waiting at the El P trailhead and he gave us the green light to go first. We encountered a few hikers on the way through but it was not like it usually is on a weekend morning. El P is in need of some love. Nothing major, but it could use some care here and there. Overall, it's still great. At the exit, I got up some good speed and blasted off the jump. I caught some darn good air and a few trail runners who were resting there cheered me on. It was right about there that we started to see more of the usual weekend crowds. Big crowds of riders getting ready to roll as we passed by the parking lot. So, so nice to get back up into the hills there. I've missed it dearly.
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Lost Kiwi
Well-Known Member
Whiting and the Luge from home this morning. The carpark at Foothill plaza was starting to fill up when I rolled through at 7am but the Borrego end was pretty quiet. A few groups of hikers and one big group of riders milling around at the bottom of Mustard. I skirted the lot by taking Cattle Pond and then headed up Mustard. Cruised on over to STT and only saw a few small groups of riders fairly spread out along the way. There was three riders waiting at the top of the Luge. 4 hikers had decided to walk up and everyone was waiting for them to get to the wider area near the top before heading down. The hikers were deciding to take their time and a crowd of riders was starting to gather so I waited for the first couple to bomb down, turned my bell on and followed suit. Took the first part pretty easy as I knew I was going to come across the hikers at some point. Once I cleared them I opened it up a bit. Learnt I need to still air up the tires some more. I don't think I've ever cringed so hard feeling carbon rims smash into rock. No damage done but I'm normally very mechanically sympathetic and that sort of thing really grates my nerves.
Back up and into Whiting, there was a park ranger parked at the top of Mustard but I just rolled through and straight down Cactus. Back up above the equestrian center and across to Vulture View passing a group of riders on the way before bombing down there and out onto Whiting road. There was a huge bunch of walkers taking up all of the trail that I had to squeeze past before heading up Line Shack and out through Live Oak. A group of three ladies walking thoroughly impressed me with their ability to take up the entire trail and not make any attempt to make space for someone coming the other way just before heading out the gate. The carpark at the plaza was rammed, a lot of sheeple in the park at the end. Easy roadie back home to finish.
25.5mi and 3200 ft, felt really good out there today and the weather was perfect.
The new bikes still outperforming me. New pb down the luge which I'm pretty stoked about especially considering my previous best was last winter when it was at its prime and not the dusty blown out trail it is at the moment (don't get me wrong its still a blast to ride). Now within 2 seconds of my luge goal time, if the hikers weren't there today I probably would have done it. Definitely need to work on the suspension tune a bit though, I don't think I've used full travel yet
Back up and into Whiting, there was a park ranger parked at the top of Mustard but I just rolled through and straight down Cactus. Back up above the equestrian center and across to Vulture View passing a group of riders on the way before bombing down there and out onto Whiting road. There was a huge bunch of walkers taking up all of the trail that I had to squeeze past before heading up Line Shack and out through Live Oak. A group of three ladies walking thoroughly impressed me with their ability to take up the entire trail and not make any attempt to make space for someone coming the other way just before heading out the gate. The carpark at the plaza was rammed, a lot of sheeple in the park at the end. Easy roadie back home to finish.
25.5mi and 3200 ft, felt really good out there today and the weather was perfect.
The new bikes still outperforming me. New pb down the luge which I'm pretty stoked about especially considering my previous best was last winter when it was at its prime and not the dusty blown out trail it is at the moment (don't get me wrong its still a blast to ride). Now within 2 seconds of my luge goal time, if the hikers weren't there today I probably would have done it. Definitely need to work on the suspension tune a bit though, I don't think I've used full travel yet
TherealJohnG
Member
No Morton, that is what I meant by easy, besides isn't THG the only way there? Plan to sneak out on Loch Leven, driving up for some recon today.
Cyclotourist
iMTB Hooligan
LL is open, people have been writing it for a couple weeks. There is some problem somewhere, but I not included enough to figure out specifically where it is.
You can climb up Warm Springs up to Morton from 38, my friend did that recently. I only have the intel from Morton to Redlands being a little rough but open.
SnakeCharmer
iMTB Hooligan
NICE!!!
Derkderkall
iMTB Rockstah
When I heard the closures were expiring for the weekend, the original plan was to go east for some Monroe time. I was thinking the Wilson area would be overly crowded. But @SnakeCharmer dangled some tasty bait ala early morning Brown with El Prieto and I couldn't resist. Haven't rolled at 6 am for a while, cuz I don't got lights, but Mike was gracious to hook me up with a loaner. As he said, by the time we got to the easy rolling part of the Fern climb there was plenty of light anyway. Coolish temps, but man was I sweating. A lot of moisture up there this morning.
Steady climb to the top of Brown, regrouped and then back down hanging a left at the saddle to hit El P (if the braking bumps on lower Brown didn't launch me into the atmosphere....).
El P was fan flippin tastic. Minimal foot traffic, and it's still in pretty good condition (maybe because less traffic in the driest part of the year helped?). Definitely some soft edges that need some love though.
Felt great on the run through the canyon. Actually, felt like it was the best run I've ever had through there. The dust lines on my fork confirmed it,... blew through the travel, even though didn't feel it bottom out.
Checked strava and it confirmed, new PR from the top of Brown for the 2000 foot descent, and new PR for 2 of the 3 sections on El P (new 3rd highest on the middle section) and PR for EL P whole descent.
I still suck at switchbacks
Steady climb to the top of Brown, regrouped and then back down hanging a left at the saddle to hit El P (if the braking bumps on lower Brown didn't launch me into the atmosphere....).
El P was fan flippin tastic. Minimal foot traffic, and it's still in pretty good condition (maybe because less traffic in the driest part of the year helped?). Definitely some soft edges that need some love though.
Felt great on the run through the canyon. Actually, felt like it was the best run I've ever had through there. The dust lines on my fork confirmed it,... blew through the travel, even though didn't feel it bottom out.
Checked strava and it confirmed, new PR from the top of Brown for the 2000 foot descent, and new PR for 2 of the 3 sections on El P (new 3rd highest on the middle section) and PR for EL P whole descent.
I still suck at switchbacks
mountaingirl sara
iMTB Hooligan
Today I had planned on riding a secret ST that I’ve been clearing over the past few weeks, but plans changed when I noticed a car parked at the trailhead. So up to GE!
Wow, what a stunning day, I can’t even describe how pristine everything looked, especially with the views of the fog filled valleys. And I may or may not have run into some hooligans.
I almost literally ran into a douche bag on the last DH, I was hauling and he was headed up on an ebike, with a full face helmet and boombox blaring. What an asShat! He didn’t bother moving off the trail and wouldn’t make eye contact, I said “you need to turn that thing down”, he said “f@ck you”! I WAS LIVID!!!!!!
Sorry hooligans who had to hear my venting at the trailhead
Anyways..great day on the mtn except for the freakin p-biker.
Wow, what a stunning day, I can’t even describe how pristine everything looked, especially with the views of the fog filled valleys. And I may or may not have run into some hooligans.
I almost literally ran into a douche bag on the last DH, I was hauling and he was headed up on an ebike, with a full face helmet and boombox blaring. What an asShat! He didn’t bother moving off the trail and wouldn’t make eye contact, I said “you need to turn that thing down”, he said “f@ck you”! I WAS LIVID!!!!!!
Sorry hooligans who had to hear my venting at the trailhead
Anyways..great day on the mtn except for the freakin p-biker.
herzalot
iMTB Hooligan
herzalot
iMTB Hooligan
Asshat indeed! It's happening. The behavior we were afraid would accompany the motor bikes.Today I had planned on riding a secret ST that I’ve been clearing over the past few weeks, but plans changed when I noticed a car parked at the trailhead. So up to GE!
Wow, what a stunning day, I can’t even describe how pristine everything looked, especially with the views of the fog filled valleys. And I may or may not have run into some hooligans.
I almost literally ran into a douche bag on the last DH, I was hauling and he was headed up on an ebike, with a full face helmet and boombox blaring. What an asShat! He didn’t bother moving off the trail and wouldn’t make eye contact, I said “you need to turn that thing down”, he said “f@ck you”! I WAS LIVID!!!!!!
Sorry hooligans who had to hear my venting at the trailhead
Anyways..great day on the mtn except for the freakin p-biker.
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But, glad you got in a nice ride!
SnakeCharmer
iMTB Hooligan
Thanks.Nice ride and write up.
Did you descend that trail in the second photo?
We descended the trail in the first photo. The view in the second photo is the turn around spot (Ken Burton trailhead).
Voodoo Tom
MTB Addict
What no pictures of the studly beer drinking hooligans?Today I had planned on riding a secret ST that I’ve been clearing over the past few weeks, but plans changed when I noticed a car parked at the trailhead. So up to GE!
Wow, what a stunning day, I can’t even describe how pristine everything looked, especially with the views of the fog filled valleys. And I may or may not have run into some hooligans.
I almost literally ran into a douche bag on the last DH, I was hauling and he was headed up on an ebike, with a full face helmet and boombox blaring. What an asShat! He didn’t bother moving off the trail and wouldn’t make eye contact, I said “you need to turn that thing down”, he said “f@ck you”! I WAS LIVID!!!!!!
Sorry hooligans who had to hear my venting at the trailhead
Anyways..great day on the mtn except for the freakin p-biker.
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Such a pleasant surprise seeing you on GE as always. Yes the smokeless conditions and terrific temps today were beyond perfect(oh and so was the new bike for me)... If only it weren't for the ###f@cker on the bug zapper bike with the boom box.
Voodoo Tom
MTB Addict
Oh yeah I rode my new to me bike that I stole off @dssgaffler a couple days ago. It was badazz... Too much to tell about the bike in this thread though.
mountaingirl sara
iMTB Hooligan
What no pictures of the studly beer drinking hooligans?
Wasn’t sure if you were trying to keep it a secret
And that is a sa-weeeeeet bike Tom!
And that Jeep of yours is perty
herzalot
iMTB Hooligan
Ridin' with the The Smash Bros.
@buggravy had a weekend haul pass, so he made good on an earlier threat to come down and ride in my 'hood. We parked in Laguna Canyon right at 9:00. @littlewave was granted a bit of leash this morning too, so he joined in for half the adventure. OG GG Smash (full coil) and Carbon-ish GG Smash.
What better way to treat a guest than to start off with a steep paved climb on cold legs! Perfect. Up Phillips Rd and Stairs we went. Into Aliso for a warm-up run on Rock-It, then a climb up Cholla for a descent on Lynx. Rock-It was a little peopley, so not a great first impression for the Bugg. Still, I think he got the idea. He disappeared on the climb up Cholla, as I expected he might. Lynx from the top. A little less disruption on this run. Matt had a smile at the bottom, so I think he liked it. As we were chatting up a couple of other riders, the usual onslaught of the self-titled Pinoy Army rode by on the fireroad, rollin' 20 deep. Complete with no less than three e-bikes and a boom box or two. RUDE!
Up through the neighborhood this time (Cheater Cholla) for our descent on Stair steps. I had a really fun run. I took it easy at the big drop (as I promised my wife I would) but flowed with good speed before and after. Brett had a herd gathered at the waterfall, so he had to go back up and take a second run at it. From what I could see, looks like he nailed it. Matt took a rain check for the primary drop, but rode everything else.
We parted company with Brett at the bottom of Phillips rd so he could return to domestic duties. We crossed the Canyon (most dangerous move of the day) and slogged up Willow for a fun run of Missing Link/Fence line and Lizard. What a hoot! Much less peopley on Lizard.
Up Laurel Spur and Bommer Ridge over to T and A. I'll let Matt share his perspectives. I had a great time, except for three hikers right at a crux move in the chunk. They had heard my bell and were clear enough for me to get around safely without much loss of flowmentum.
Then instead of turning left and returning to our cars, we turned right and headed into Laguna proper for an amazing fish burrito at La Sirena. So Damn Good! And the lemonade! Thanks for picking up the tab, Bugg!
2 mile ride back to the cars with full bellies and empty water bottles. What a fun day!!!!
15.8 and 3000' not including the 2.5 extra miles into Laguna and back. Bikes are fun!!! Bikes with awesome peeps even funerer! Thanks for joining in fellers!
Brett Rockin Rock It:
Matt ready for Lynx:
Brett being all depressed and stuff:
@buggravy had a weekend haul pass, so he made good on an earlier threat to come down and ride in my 'hood. We parked in Laguna Canyon right at 9:00. @littlewave was granted a bit of leash this morning too, so he joined in for half the adventure. OG GG Smash (full coil) and Carbon-ish GG Smash.
What better way to treat a guest than to start off with a steep paved climb on cold legs! Perfect. Up Phillips Rd and Stairs we went. Into Aliso for a warm-up run on Rock-It, then a climb up Cholla for a descent on Lynx. Rock-It was a little peopley, so not a great first impression for the Bugg. Still, I think he got the idea. He disappeared on the climb up Cholla, as I expected he might. Lynx from the top. A little less disruption on this run. Matt had a smile at the bottom, so I think he liked it. As we were chatting up a couple of other riders, the usual onslaught of the self-titled Pinoy Army rode by on the fireroad, rollin' 20 deep. Complete with no less than three e-bikes and a boom box or two. RUDE!
Up through the neighborhood this time (Cheater Cholla) for our descent on Stair steps. I had a really fun run. I took it easy at the big drop (as I promised my wife I would) but flowed with good speed before and after. Brett had a herd gathered at the waterfall, so he had to go back up and take a second run at it. From what I could see, looks like he nailed it. Matt took a rain check for the primary drop, but rode everything else.
We parted company with Brett at the bottom of Phillips rd so he could return to domestic duties. We crossed the Canyon (most dangerous move of the day) and slogged up Willow for a fun run of Missing Link/Fence line and Lizard. What a hoot! Much less peopley on Lizard.
Up Laurel Spur and Bommer Ridge over to T and A. I'll let Matt share his perspectives. I had a great time, except for three hikers right at a crux move in the chunk. They had heard my bell and were clear enough for me to get around safely without much loss of flowmentum.
Then instead of turning left and returning to our cars, we turned right and headed into Laguna proper for an amazing fish burrito at La Sirena. So Damn Good! And the lemonade! Thanks for picking up the tab, Bugg!
2 mile ride back to the cars with full bellies and empty water bottles. What a fun day!!!!
15.8 and 3000' not including the 2.5 extra miles into Laguna and back. Bikes are fun!!! Bikes with awesome peeps even funerer! Thanks for joining in fellers!
Brett Rockin Rock It:
Matt ready for Lynx:
Brett being all depressed and stuff:
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