Bicycle Guys! (3 Viewers)

[The Longtime Lurker]

I've never ridden the RAMBA trails - just Marquette South trails 4x, Copper Harbor 3x, and one time riding Michigan Tech's trails. I've heard that Swedetown has some good trails also but never stopped there.

I also spent a week riding the trails in Duluth/Superior each evening after work and during the weekends on either side - that was pretty great, though I was a little tentative riding alone. That's about it for up-north riding for me to this point.

Highly recommend RAMBA if you're up here, but that does depend on what kind of riding you're into. 10 minutes from Marquette.

Also north trails in Marquette are really fun, a lot tamer than a lot of what you'll find at the south trails. If you're really adventurous and don't mind big raw BC style features then Harlow lake trails shouldn't be missed. Big bay also has a trail network now and is also about 10 mins from Marquette. Lots of flow with one double black. 100s of miles of trails all either in or 10 minutes in any direction from Marquette. Love riding there and the surrounding networks.

I'm not sure when the last time you were in Copper Harbor was, but they added another network up there too. East Bluff trails opened a few years back, mostly of the downhill variety. And you've probably ridden Brockway, Mountain Lodge trails, and some of the scenic trails. Only made it up there once last year, but am ready to take the RV up this spring as soon as the trails open. Swedetown trails are fun. Nothing technical, but nice and flowy.

Haven't ridden Duluth, but hope to get there this summer for a long weekend. It's on the list.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Finally got my bike back from the LBS today. If the weather holds we should have rideable trails in the higher elevations by next weekend (maybe this weekend). Still lots of snow and the freeze thaw cycle makes mud pits, but there should be enough ready to spend a day out riding (fully open is still looking like early-mid May). If not my el cheapo gravel bike is ready. About damn time......

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Signed up for the second race of the year. 28mi point to point race. It's a mountain bike race, but more of a gravel bikers idea of a mountain bike race. Almost all double track with a short section of single track. Typically do the 48mi version, but easing back into harder efforts after some health hiccups that have hopefully passed. This one is also later in the summer. Trying to get myself into a position to do a 100+ mi epic on raw single track that's in September, but i won't kill myself to do so. I've done it in the past, but still want to do it again. Who doesn't love 16hrs on a small mtb seat with relentless roots, rocks, long steep climbs, and sketchy descents?

 

[Jaysus]

Can you post another link, that one did not work. Here's mine: https://imgur.com/a/q1ytjBs

My bikepacking trip scheduled for last week fell though. The other nerds I was going with didn't want to ride in snowy, below-freezing temps or something

I wound up doing a bunch of local rides instead (both gravel and MTB). Anyway, I added a pic to the link above with my bikepacking set up on the day I was scheduled to leave. I took most of the "stuff" off after that ride, but was considering a solo overnighter at that point (that I chickened out on). Good times.

 

[Sand]

Can you post another link, that one did not work. Here's mine: https://imgur.com/a/q1ytjBs

My bikepacking trip scheduled for last week fell though. The other nerds I was going with didn't want to ride in snowy, below-freezing temps or something

I wound up doing a bunch of local rides instead (both gravel and MTB). Anyway, I added a pic to the link above with my bikepacking set up on the day I was scheduled to leave. I took most of the "stuff" off after that ride, but was considering a solo overnighter at that point (that I chickened out on). Good times.

Kind of unfair when guys like you (you're, what, 6'5"?) have acres of space for packing while the triangle on my bike is about half the size.

BTW, orange rules.

 

[the moops]

Can you post another link, that one did not work. Here's mine: https://imgur.com/a/q1ytjBs

My bikepacking trip scheduled for last week fell though. The other nerds I was going with didn't want to ride in snowy, below-freezing temps or something

I wound up doing a bunch of local rides instead (both gravel and MTB). Anyway, I added a pic to the link above with my bikepacking set up on the day I was scheduled to leave. I took most of the "stuff" off after that ride, but was considering a solo overnighter at that point (that I chickened out on). Good times.

Kind of unfair when guys like you (you're, what, 6'5"?) have acres of space for packing while the triangle on my bike is about half the size.

BTW, orange rules.

Yea, same here. I have a Ti Timberjack that I use for rugged bikepacking and that triangle is tiny (size medium bike)

 

[Tick]

Signed up for the second race of the year. 28mi point to point race. It's a mountain bike race, but more of a gravel bikers idea of a mountain bike race. Almost all double track with a short section of single track. Typically do the 48mi version, but easing back into harder efforts after some health hiccups that have hopefully passed. This one is also later in the summer. Trying to get myself into a position to do a 100+ mi epic on raw single track that's in September, but i won't kill myself to do so. I've done it in the past, but still want to do it again. Who doesn't love 16hrs on a small mtb seat with relentless roots, rocks, long steep climbs, and sketchy descents?

Sounds like Ore to the Shore. I've never done it, it would be cool though.

100 miles of single track sounds like a certain injury for me - I get ragged and dangerous after about 3 hours.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Yes sir. Ore 2 shore. It's fun race, fast and all flow. It's advertised as all downhill, but there's a million little punchy climbs between the start and finish. It's a good time and a great time of year to be in the Marquette area.

100 miler is the Marji Gesick. I don't know if I have it in me anymore, but I'll feel out the season and see how it goes. It's kind of a big commitment to be in the right physical/mental condition to finish. I volunteered last year and there's a big party at an aid station at night (26hrs is the cut off and more than a few take it right to the limit) and that's sounding a lot more fun. There's also a 50 and a 10, but on the hardest part of the course. It's an interesting event to say the least.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

 

[Tick]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

How was the dog with other riders, or did you not run into any? Did he get close enough to you to scare you about running him over?

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

How was the dog with other riders, or did you not run into any? Did he get close enough to you to scare you about running him over?

We went nice and early yesterday to try and avoid other people and dogs (during the week i try and get out pretty early since that's the only time i usually have so that works good for this), but we did run into a walker with two other dogs offleash. I worked on his recall this winter and he's pretty good with it. I gave him the command and he came back, stopped, and i put a leash on him till they passed. That was the good. The bad was another 100 yds down the trail at a fork he went left and i went right. I lost him for a few minutes before he came back.

Definitely a work in progress and this was his first real attempt. I'm not hitting it real hard with him, but he did get a little to close at times, though i never felt like I'd run him over. Sticking to easy low traffic trails and times. Hopefully as he gets more accustomed to what i expect we can try to go when there's typically more riders and get him used to that. My hope is he can come on some medium length easier effort type rides for his own benefit. He's HIGH energy and this will help us all with that. He's good with people and other dogs so i think he'll take to it. If there's issues, or he gets in the way of other riders I'll reconsider taking him.

Do you see many dogs with bikers on the trails downstate? Pretty common up here. I'm watching him close and ready to leash at all times, so if i bring him it's more about him than me i guess. It was fun though, cool to watch him run right along.

 

[matttyl]

Having a trail dog is a step by step process - and you have to have the right dog. My first trail dog was my wife’s border collie who was already a bit past his prime. He did extremely well, but at his age he could go for too long of a ride. I then tried to work with my cattle dog, but as hyper as she was it didn’t work - she’s see something and would take off after it. My current dog is too lazy to be a trail dog, but it’s something to look for in our next dog. I often ride with friend’s dogs, which is a great experience, so long as the dog knows what it’s doing.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Having a trail dog is a step by step process - and you have to have the right dog. My first trail dog was my wife’s border collie who was already a bit past his prime. He did extremely well, but at his age he could go for too long of a ride. I then tried to work with my cattle dog, but as hyper as she was it didn’t work - she’s see something and would take off after it. My current dog is too lazy to be a trail dog, but it’s something to look for in our next dog. I often ride with friend’s dogs, which is a great experience, so long as the dog knows what it’s doing.

Yes, taking it slow, but we're off to a good start. He doesn't usually like to get out of eye distance and we hike a lot off leash, so he has had practice.

Had the similar with my other two dogs as you, first had no interest at all and would just do his own thing, second tries, but he's just not built to keep up, third time looks like the charm. He's athletic, listens, loves to run, friendly. I've also ridden with a few friends dogs and i love it. I'm excited to hopefully have one of my own.

 

[Tick]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

How was the dog with other riders, or did you not run into any? Did he get close enough to you to scare you about running him over?

We went nice and early yesterday to try and avoid other people and dogs (during the week i try and get out pretty early since that's the only time i usually have so that works good for this), but we did run into a walker with two other dogs offleash. I worked on his recall this winter and he's pretty good with it. I gave him the command and he came back, stopped, and i put a leash on him till they passed. That was the good. The bad was another 100 yds down the trail at a fork he went left and i went right. I lost him for a few minutes before he came back.

Definitely a work in progress and this was his first real attempt. I'm not hitting it real hard with him, but he did get a little to close at times, though i never felt like I'd run him over. Sticking to easy low traffic trails and times. Hopefully as he gets more accustomed to what i expect we can try to go when there's typically more riders and get him used to that. My hope is he can come on some medium length easier effort type rides for his own benefit. He's HIGH energy and this will help us all with that. He's good with people and other dogs so i think he'll take to it. If there's issues, or he gets in the way of other riders I'll reconsider taking him.

Do you see many dogs with bikers on the trails downstate? Pretty common up here. I'm watching him close and ready to leash at all times, so if i bring him it's more about him than me i guess. It was fun though, cool to watch him run right along.

I never see bikers with dogs south of the rifle line.

ETA: Other than backpacks - I take our lap dog in a backpack on trails I know I won't crash on.

 

[Dickies]

I hate trail dogs. One caused me to go OTB as I was approaching a rider in front of me. Unbeknownst to me he had a trail dog that was running through the woods off trail and cut across the trail as I was in the middle of a steeper techy section. The guy in front of me either didn't realize or didn't care that I just crashed so he and his dog just continued on.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

How was the dog with other riders, or did you not run into any? Did he get close enough to you to scare you about running him over?

We went nice and early yesterday to try and avoid other people and dogs (during the week i try and get out pretty early since that's the only time i usually have so that works good for this), but we did run into a walker with two other dogs offleash. I worked on his recall this winter and he's pretty good with it. I gave him the command and he came back, stopped, and i put a leash on him till they passed. That was the good. The bad was another 100 yds down the trail at a fork he went left and i went right. I lost him for a few minutes before he came back.

Definitely a work in progress and this was his first real attempt. I'm not hitting it real hard with him, but he did get a little to close at times, though i never felt like I'd run him over. Sticking to easy low traffic trails and times. Hopefully as he gets more accustomed to what i expect we can try to go when there's typically more riders and get him used to that. My hope is he can come on some medium length easier effort type rides for his own benefit. He's HIGH energy and this will help us all with that. He's good with people and other dogs so i think he'll take to it. If there's issues, or he gets in the way of other riders I'll reconsider taking him.

Do you see many dogs with bikers on the trails downstate? Pretty common up here. I'm watching him close and ready to leash at all times, so if i bring him it's more about him than me i guess. It was fun though, cool to watch him run right along.

I never see bikers with dogs south of the rifle line.

ETA: Other than backpacks - I take our lap dog in a backpack on trails I know I won't crash on.

No kidding, we probably have less traffic up here on the trails making it easier to run a dog along.

That's pretty awesome about the backpack. My wife wants to do that with our cat.

 

[the moops]

My wife wants to do that with our cat.

Please don't

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I hate trail dogs. One caused me to go OTB as I was approaching a rider in front of me. Unbeknownst to me he had a trail dog that was running through the woods off trail and cut across the trail as I was in the middle of a steeper techy section. The guy in front of me either didn't realize or didn't care that I just crashed so he and his dog just continued on.

Yeah, i totally get that and that's a pretty bad experience for sure. That's the thing with running a dog along, you have to be in control and taking it slow on really easy trails. I'll always try to take him on off hours and away from where i think other people are because you bring up a good point about other people's experience. I'm definitely not trying to ruin anyone's day, or get them hurt.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

My wife wants to do that with our cat.

Please don't

No chance of this actually happening

 

[Tick]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

How was the dog with other riders, or did you not run into any? Did he get close enough to you to scare you about running him over?

We went nice and early yesterday to try and avoid other people and dogs (during the week i try and get out pretty early since that's the only time i usually have so that works good for this), but we did run into a walker with two other dogs offleash. I worked on his recall this winter and he's pretty good with it. I gave him the command and he came back, stopped, and i put a leash on him till they passed. That was the good. The bad was another 100 yds down the trail at a fork he went left and i went right. I lost him for a few minutes before he came back.

Definitely a work in progress and this was his first real attempt. I'm not hitting it real hard with him, but he did get a little to close at times, though i never felt like I'd run him over. Sticking to easy low traffic trails and times. Hopefully as he gets more accustomed to what i expect we can try to go when there's typically more riders and get him used to that. My hope is he can come on some medium length easier effort type rides for his own benefit. He's HIGH energy and this will help us all with that. He's good with people and other dogs so i think he'll take to it. If there's issues, or he gets in the way of other riders I'll reconsider taking him.

Do you see many dogs with bikers on the trails downstate? Pretty common up here. I'm watching him close and ready to leash at all times, so if i bring him it's more about him than me i guess. It was fun though, cool to watch him run right along.

I never see bikers with dogs south of the rifle line.

ETA: Other than backpacks - I take our lap dog in a backpack on trails I know I won't crash on.

No kidding, we probably have less traffic up here on the trails making it easier to run a dog along.

That's pretty awesome about the backpack. My wife wants to do that with our cat.

Ran into a pedestrian on the trail last week who had a cat on his shoulder. He had a harness thing that the cat was not in - just a loose shoulder trail cat.

 

[beer 30]

just a loose shoulder trail cat

When SHTF I'm definitely getting one of these. Be totally badass to have a loose shoulder trail cat while I Mad Max my way across the land

 

[The Z Machine]

Finallu got a cyclocomputer for my road bike. First ride with it and I somehow lose the cadence magnet from the left crank, despite it being there for years without me using it. Love that.

 

[matttyl]

Found a unicorn. Been looking for an early 90s specialized Hardrock with the iconic cranberry to violet fade paint job. Hopefully picking up this afternoon, and will do a restoration on it turning it into a retro gravel bike. Did a similar project last year for my 9 year old when I found an xs trek 800 online from late 90s.

I’m thinking drop bars, 1x drivetrain, gravel specific tires…..

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Trail dog is coming along very well. He's taken to it right away and I've created a monster. He's always on the lookout for anyone putting on biking clothes and gets very excited. We had a few issues chasing deer, but that seems to have passed and he's been good with other riders and dogs. He's kind of set himself up to run behind me and infront of my wife which is awesome that he naturally does that. Got him a little cowbell thing for his collar and he's easy to keep track of. I'll slowly work him into busier times and riding with different people. Any issues and I'll stop, but so far so good and a blast to ride with a dog like that.

 

[Sand]

Trail dog is coming along very well. He's taken to it right away and I've created a monster. He's always on the lookout for anyone putting on biking clothes and gets very excited. We had a few issues chasing deer, but that seems to have passed and he's been good with other riders and dogs. He's kind of set himself up to run behind me and infront of my wife which is awesome that he naturally does that. Got him a little cowbell thing for his collar and he's easy to keep track of. I'll slowly work him into busier times and riding with different people. Any issues and I'll stop, but so far so good and a blast to ride with a dog like that.

Yeah - with one of my dogs if I take a cap of the cap rack it hits the "we're going for a walk" button for her and she goes nutso.

 

[The Z Machine]

Finallu got a cyclocomputer for my road bike. First ride with it and I somehow lose the cadence magnet from the left crank, despite it being there for years without me using it. Love that.

I bought a pack of 4 neodymium magnets at the supermarket for $8 and used electrical tape to tape one in place on the crank arm. Works fine. If it falls off, I have 3 more. Why buy a specialty magnet in a rubber boot that I have to zip tie in place?

 

[Terminalxylem]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

Try snow skiing.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

Try snow skiing.

Classic, skate, or downhill? I don't ski nearly as much as i used to, but still get out and do some skate skiing. We have a decent downhill park, but I haven't gone in a few years. I've skied the Birkebeiner and Noquemanon ski races on skate skies since i live right near both, very fun events. I'm fortunate (maybe unfortunate) to live in a place that has snow 6 months out of the year and groomed ski trails for 100s of miles. I do enjoy it and the workout is second to none, but give me dirt and a mountain bike over it any day. It's definitely on par for cost when you're talking downhill skiing. A day on the mountain is stupid expensive.

All that said the idea of Skijoring with my dog is something I've thought about. The Noquemanon network is really close and they have dedicated areas for Skijoring with dogs.

 

[Terminalxylem]

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

Try snow skiing.

Classic, skate, or downhill? I don't ski nearly as much as i used to, but still get out and do some skate skiing. I've skied the Birkebeiner and Noquemanon ski races on skate skies since i live right near both, very fun events. I'm fortunate (maybe unfortunate) to live in a place that has snow 6 months out of the year and groomed ski trails for 100s of miles. I do enjoy it and the workout is second to none, but give me dirt and a mountain bike over it any day. It's definitely on par for cost though.

All that said the idea of Skijoring with him is something I've thought about. The Noquemanon network is really close and they have dedicated areas for Skijoring with dogs.

Alpine is best, though a little hiking to earn your turns is well worth it.

Don’t get me wrong, biking is fun, too. But floating on fresh powder is the most blissful experience I’ve ever had, at least with clothes on.

My comment was intended to add it to the list of expensive sports. And this is coming from a guy whose girlfriend once melted his roadbike’s carbon fiber wheels.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

floating on fresh powder is the most blissful experience I’ve ever had, at least with clothes on.

Now that's a sales pitch

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

Try snow skiing.

Classic, skate, or downhill? I don't ski nearly as much as i used to, but still get out and do some skate skiing. I've skied the Birkebeiner and Noquemanon ski races on skate skies since i live right near both, very fun events. I'm fortunate (maybe unfortunate) to live in a place that has snow 6 months out of the year and groomed ski trails for 100s of miles. I do enjoy it and the workout is second to none, but give me dirt and a mountain bike over it any day. It's definitely on par for cost though.

All that said the idea of Skijoring with him is something I've thought about. The Noquemanon network is really close and they have dedicated areas for Skijoring with dogs.

Alpine is best, though a little hiking to earn your turns is well worth it.

Don’t get me wrong, biking is fun, too. But floating on fresh powder is the most blissful experience I’ve ever had, at least with clothes on.

My comment was intended to add it to the list of expensive sports. And this is coming from a guy whose girlfriend once melted his roadbike’s carbon fiber wheels.

Yeah, I caught the cost reference after I wrote most of the post. You're spot on with another way to expensive sport, but it's only money and experiences are what matter. Like I mentioned we have decent downhill skiing, but nothing like the mountains. I've skied Park City a couple times, but that's the extent of my big mountain skiing. I think I'd prioritize it more if I had that kind of access more often.

Where do you do your skiing?

 

[Terminalxylem]

floating on fresh powder is the most blissful experience I’ve ever had, at least with clothes on.

Now that's a sales pitch

First day back on dirt and I feel reborn. Can't think of anything I needed more. Also brought my 1.5 year old boxer which was pretty awesome. I never had a trail dog before and he took to it really well. He did take a wrong turn and i thought i lost him, but after a couple minutes he came back, scared me ****less for a bit though (I was already planning my night(s) on the couch for losing him). Rain Friday and busy Saturday, but planning a proper ride for Sunday.

My wife's friends convinced her she needs carbon wheels, so that's fun. I mean i have them, so who am i to say otherwise, but damn outside of golf and owning a boat this sport sure isn't cheap.

Try snow skiing.

Classic, skate, or downhill? I don't ski nearly as much as i used to, but still get out and do some skate skiing. I've skied the Birkebeiner and Noquemanon ski races on skate skies since i live right near both, very fun events. I'm fortunate (maybe unfortunate) to live in a place that has snow 6 months out of the year and groomed ski trails for 100s of miles. I do enjoy it and the workout is second to none, but give me dirt and a mountain bike over it any day. It's definitely on par for cost though.

All that said the idea of Skijoring with him is something I've thought about. The Noquemanon network is really close and they have dedicated areas for Skijoring with dogs.

Alpine is best, though a little hiking to earn your turns is well worth it.

Don’t get me wrong, biking is fun, too. But floating on fresh powder is the most blissful experience I’ve ever had, at least with clothes on.

My comment was intended to add it to the list of expensive sports. And this is coming from a guy whose girlfriend once melted his roadbike’s carbon fiber wheels.

Yeah, I caught the cost reference after I wrote most of the post. You're spot on with another way to expensive sport, but it's only money and experiences are what matter. Like I mentioned we have decent downhill skiing, but nothing like the mountains. I've skied Park City a couple times, but that's the extent of my big mountain skiing. I think I'd prioritize it more if I had that kind of access more often.

Where do you do your skiing?

My favorites are Niseko and Rusutsu in Japan, Vail in CO, the Canyons side of Park City, Jackson Hole, and Revelstoke in BC.

 

[the moops]

Got a dads and kids bikepacking trip next weekend. Total of 35 of us - kids ranging in age from 8 - 15. Nothing huge, but leave the cities and bike 29 miles on mostly gravel. Camp Friday night. Hit up some single track on Saturday, bike into town for some foods and beers, sleep in same campsite. Take a little different route home on Sunday, similar distance.

 

[Sand]

Got a dads and kids bikepacking trip next weekend. Total of 35 of us - kids ranging in age from 8 - 15. Nothing huge, but leave the cities and bike 29 miles on mostly gravel. Camp Friday night. Hit up some single track on Saturday, bike into town for some foods and beers, sleep in same campsite. Take a little different route home on Sunday, similar distance.

Definitely film the trip back to the campsite after the kids get their pizza and beer.

 

[Sand]

The bike all loaded up (on a test ride). All worked pretty good. Only 1mph slower than typical on a route I do. That's with big bags and 20ish lbs of stuff extra on the bike.

 

[Tick]

The bike all loaded up (on a test ride). All worked pretty good. Only 1mph slower than typical on a route I do. That's with big bags and 20ish lbs of stuff extra on the bike.

What's packed?

 

[Sand]

The bike all loaded up (on a test ride). All worked pretty good. Only 1mph slower than typical on a route I do. That's with big bags and 20ish lbs of stuff extra on the bike.

What's packed?

Tent, sleeping bag, mattress, blanket (no sleeping bag, gonna be hot), clothes, walking shoes, tools, and about 5lb of water. At least for that test. Probably another lb. or two of stuff to add. It was fine - saw comments about the worries of backloading the bike, but I went up a 17% hill on the way home and had no issues.

 

[Jaysus]

The bike all loaded up (on a test ride). All worked pretty good. Only 1mph slower than typical on a route I do. That's with big bags and 20ish lbs of stuff extra on the bike.

Your front forks look so lonely

 

[the moops]

The bike all loaded up (on a test ride). All worked pretty good. Only 1mph slower than typical on a route I do. That's with big bags and 20ish lbs of stuff extra on the bike.

Your front forks look so lonely

Those fork mounts are just screaming for a cage and gear.

 

[Sand]

Those fork mounts are just screaming for a cage and gear.

But the aero!

I can fit everything in the bags I have, so no real need at the moment. I will say I thought all that gear would slow me down, but I lost less than 1mph on a 75ft/mile ride - so reasonably hilly.

Sadly I think I'm putting this trip off. The plan was to start on the 1st. And the temperature forecast is now hitting 90+ with high humidity every day. Been going up and up - gone up 7-8 degrees in the last week. Just not safe for long rides at the moment. First chance since I offload a huge project that has consumed me since Christmas and mother nature is giving me the finger. Really bummed - at this point I am at over a year without a day off.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Been waiting a month for my wife's new wheels to come in. Went to the shop watched them build everything up, take everything off the old bike, and wouldn't you know the guy that took the order got the wrong hubs and it isn't compatible. Bike still rides fine, so we aren't upset and another month (have to start from scratch) isn't going to be a big deal, but the shop owner was definitely unhappy and if looks could kill the cashier would be in a body bag the poor fella.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Was finally able to get out on some techy black and double black xc trails for the first time this year. Got in 15 hard earned miles without anything breaking on my body or bike. Was a perfect morning except for the ****ing smoke from Canada. Man that stuff sucks. It's so bad you can taste it. I really hope this isn't a summer long issue.

Eta. Lemonade LMNT might be the best drink mix in the history of planet earth. The chocolate carmel in coffee isn't bad either.

 

[Jaysus]

Was finally able to get out on some techy black and double black xc trails for the first time this year. Got in 15 hard earned miles without anything breaking on my body or bike. Was a perfect morning except for the ****ing smoke from Canada. Man that stuff sucks. It's so bad you can taste it. I really hope this isn't a summer long issue.

Eta. Lemonade LMNT might be the best drink mix in the history of planet earth. The chocolate carmel in coffee isn't bad either.

I love the LMNT flavors... but I do not like the company for, umm, reasons. I don't remember the reasons, but I think they either lie about the ingredients, or love commies or hate gays or something like that.

 

[dgreen]

I bought a Trek hybrid about 10 years ago and that's been my main bike. A few years ago, a friend gave me his used Novara hybrid. And just a few days ago, another friend gave me an old Neuvation road bike. I haven't taken the Neuvation on a real ride yet. I've just tested it out a bit on my street. It has SRAM double tap shifters. Not really a fan of this, but maybe I'll get used to it? I've been having trouble getting the left/front shifter to work well going from low to high.

I finally added a hitch to a vehicle, so I'm looking forward to taking bikes to somewhere this Summer, even if it's just to other local trails.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Was finally able to get out on some techy black and double black xc trails for the first time this year. Got in 15 hard earned miles without anything breaking on my body or bike. Was a perfect morning except for the ****ing smoke from Canada. Man that stuff sucks. It's so bad you can taste it. I really hope this isn't a summer long issue.

Eta. Lemonade LMNT might be the best drink mix in the history of planet earth. The chocolate carmel in coffee isn't bad either.

I love the LMNT flavors... but I do not like the company for, umm, reasons. I don't remember the reasons, but I think they either lie about the ingredients, or love commies or hate gays or something like that.

I think there's an issue with the sweetener not be as organic as they claim, but i don't remember either. If it's not that commies sounds good enough. But the flavors, yum.

 

[Jaysus]

I bought a Trek hybrid about 10 years ago and that's been my main bike. A few years ago, a friend gave me his used Novara hybrid. And just a few days ago, another friend gave me an old Neuvation road bike. I haven't taken the Neuvation on a real ride yet. I've just tested it out a bit on my street. It has SRAM double tap shifters. Not really a fan of this, but maybe I'll get used to it? I've been having trouble getting the left/front shifter to work well going from low to high.

I finally added a hitch to a vehicle, so I'm looking forward to taking bikes to somewhere this Summer, even if it's just to other local trails.

I big time love the double tap on the SRAM 1x I am running.

 

[the moops]

I bought a Trek hybrid about 10 years ago and that's been my main bike. A few years ago, a friend gave me his used Novara hybrid. And just a few days ago, another friend gave me an old Neuvation road bike. I haven't taken the Neuvation on a real ride yet. I've just tested it out a bit on my street. It has SRAM double tap shifters. Not really a fan of this, but maybe I'll get used to it? I've been having trouble getting the left/front shifter to work well going from low to high.

I finally added a hitch to a vehicle, so I'm looking forward to taking bikes to somewhere this Summer, even if it's just to other local trails.

I big time love the double tap on the SRAM 1x I am running.

Same here. Much prefer it over Shimano

 

[Sand]

I bought a Trek hybrid about 10 years ago and that's been my main bike. A few years ago, a friend gave me his used Novara hybrid. And just a few days ago, another friend gave me an old Neuvation road bike. I haven't taken the Neuvation on a real ride yet. I've just tested it out a bit on my street. It has SRAM double tap shifters. Not really a fan of this, but maybe I'll get used to it? I've been having trouble getting the left/front shifter to work well going from low to high.

I finally added a hitch to a vehicle, so I'm looking forward to taking bikes to somewhere this Summer, even if it's just to other local trails.

I big time love the double tap on the SRAM 1x I am running.

Same here. Much prefer it over Shimano

It's the rest of the overhang I don't want. I don't want the weird 49-35 with the SRAM specific wheel hub to fit the 10 on there to make it equivalent. Just give me regular HG cassettes and wheels to work with.

 

[Sand]

Color opinions? Not this frame, but their studio application is great for design on paint.

https://imgur.com/a/TqKv3Id

 

[Tick]

Color opinions? Not this frame, but their studio application is great for design on paint.

https://imgur.com/a/TqKv3Id

Love the middle (yellow text, fade).

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Color opinions? Not this frame, but their studio application is great for design on paint.

https://imgur.com/a/TqKv3Id

Love the middle (yellow text, fade).

Second this