I missed a turn, cost me 2nd, probably still wouldn't have gotten first, but trimmed 2 minutes off my time last year. Still had an awesome time!

@Mattie-Sorry I missed this (for a wedding no less).  Congratulations.  What about the Batman costume?

does anyone have old 6-bolt disc brake wheels they don't want that I can take the hubs off of? 100mm front 9mm QR, 135mm rear 10mm QR.  msg or e-mail me.

Sweet bike Gwynna! I hope you didn't get rid of your Trek Yxx bike...

So, after hitting up the old familiar trails out here in Chicagoland on my cross bike, I realized why I mistakenly thought I liked MTB riding. Because I could do most of the trails that I used to do on my Stumpjumper on my cross bike. And that about sums it up.

I would say in general the trails are a couple a notches above Cunningham park both in difficulty and length and all around fun. But nothing like the shark-fin infested rock gardens that masquerade as MTB trails in the northeast. Or at least the trails I tried to ride a few years back.

Also, 3 hours on my cross bike was fun...even though it was 24 degrees. And you would be mistaken if you thought this wasn't going to make a significant difference in how things shake out on the next group ride.

#stillworkingonthetrashtalk #howamIdoingyacks?

Three more days until my new whip arrives...

@Jules-what chyou gettin'?

I am officially a fan of both Kabush and 27.5 wheels... and UPS trackingstalking

Also, 3 hours on my cross bike was fun...even though it was 24 degrees. And you would be mistaken if you thought this wasn't going to make a significant difference in how things shake out on the next group ride.

#stillworkingonthetrashtalk #howamIdoingyacks?

Well it's a start but...trash talk is less about the "humble-brag" (see "how things shake out on the next group ride") and more about attacking the confidence and self-worth of your peers (i.e. " On the next group ride I'm going to shred legs like pulled pork...then I'm gonna slow cook em and eat em with a dash of Siracha)

Did you just do 80 miles off road?  

The wheel size debate continues

That was a fun, and wet race at Lewis Morris this morning. The roots and wooden bridges were extra slippery with lots of muddy puddles. I was very careful in the first mile just trying to get a feel for the wet course. It didn't help that I haven't gone off road since last December. I got much more confident as I went along.

I've always done better going up the little hills, and always get passed on the downhills. I definitely brake too much in those sections. But I'd rather get passed than get dumped by my bike on the dirt. I think my GT Zaskar has terrible handling.

In the end I came in 16th out of 26 in my age group. The winner was over 6 mins ahead of me. The distance was just under 6 miles. The course was fast and flowing and not technical (although you need extra handling skills today). 

Great setup after the race. Free burgers and hot dogs and beer (@ 10am!). I'm definitely doing this again next year.

I used to do the Lewis Morris Challenge...20 years ago.  North Jersey course are notoriously rooty, rock strewn and all around nasty = good fun

Really close mtb xc race next May at Stillwell in LI

https://www.bikereg.com/the-bicycle-planet-macho-mtb-race

Can't believe they got a permit there..I've logged tons of miles on those trails in the early 90's.  It's all single track you are not passing anybody on that loop...better get the hole shot

Technical?

Best,

-Eric

Eric J. Robertson

Mr. X Gotham
214 Sullivan Street, 2nd Floor
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iPhone 5: Better, faster, stronger - just like Steve Austin

Not technical at all. Fast single track. Minor elevation changes. Some sandy sections. 

no rocks to speak of but narrow in parts and lots of back and fourth turns between trees....again makes passing very difficult.  Riding the trails is different than racing.  On a ride you rarely see other riders...when u do its an amiable "mind if I pass you"?  In a race u can scream on your left or on your right but if there is no room = there is no room.

Some wicked good XC MTB here in California.  Been having loads of fun racing these and riding MTB in general.  Wish I had got into it in NY, especially as where I lived on Long Island is well known for trails.

@twoyacks: ^do that race in Stillwell in my honour!

http://kensingtoncycling.club/2016/02/09/CCCX2-Race-Report/

My mtb is in shambles in my garage.  I am very jealous of your quiver of bikes and the geographic location you've found yourself in.  I am not however, jealous of your looks....as you are an ugly bitch and I pity you.....wow see what jealousy can do?  sorry mate....

@PatrickG - do this race. It's fast flowing, non-technical course. I would do this but I'm out of the country.  Also pretty close in NJ.

https://www.bikereg.com/h2h-race-4-lewis-morris-challenge