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allison · 03-23-2008, 10:01 PM

Ahhh... home again.

Today I got re-acquainted with some old friends, and came to the realization that it's always great to do that.

Justin had a few issues to iron out with the Enduro last night, so stayed up fairly late getting it all dialed in. I wasn't sure what bike I would be riding today until last night, and wasn't super stoked about having the extra weight and pedal bob. But, I patted my trusty steed on the top tube last night and knew he'd be up for the challenge. Noble is, afterall, his trail.

Noble was the first ride I ever took the Enduro on, and is probably its most ridden trail. After riding Noble on the Enduro I felt like I had progressed almost tenfold as a rider. Climbing the techy rock sections was easier, and I had the confidence to try Widowmaker, the lower log jump, Stairway to Hell, and the Roman Wall. Having a 6" FS bike may just give you the suspension to make it seem like you have skilz, but I am okay with that.

So, we get to the parking lot... meet Greg, see Woody and Jen. It has been too long since we rode with Woody and Jen. Always a fun time since they are great riders.

I hopped on the Enduro. OMG. It was so AWKWARD! To have the saddle height correct I can barely touch the ground with one foot when sitting on it, and since it's got such a short stem I felt like I was sitting on top of the front wheel. I pedaled it around the lot and just felt weird. I was amazed at how weird it felt, in fact.

Lowered the suspension so it was in "climb mode" and up I started to pedal. The rocks are tough. They always are. I made a few sections I hadn't previously following Woody's clean lines through them.

Then just started to hike.

Justin's FS big wheels rolled over stuff pretty well...

Did he make it, though?

For the first time ever, he did:

I felt like I was actually kinda keeping up okay in the beginning, so that was good. Descending Whore was a blast, as always...

There were creek crossings EVERYWHERE! I don't at all recall in the last two years seeing any on Whore at all, much less there being 4+

Then came the pavement climb. We all took it pretty easy. I don't think any of us stopped at all.

Short snack break at the oak tree (it was windy, yo) and on we continued toward Indian Creek.

It was tough climbing, as always. My legs were tired. Despite not having a ton of mileage in them, they were sore and screaming for respite.

It was gorgeous out, though. Normally the wind bothers me, but it felt almost cleansing today.

Yes, I too was in disbelief... there was water flowing down Waterfall!!

Jen, rolling

A few of my "old friends"

It was great to be back together.

Somewhere along Indian Creek up to Noble we picked up another rider (UCCyclery) and after Penny Pines we lost him, and Woody and Jen to the descent.

But, we picked up two more. Two college kids celebrating the end of midterms before spring break were out. One was crazy enough to have a demo SS!! Hopefully they sign up. Mark and his buddy Alex "Crash Test Dummy".

BLT

Heading up to Agua Dulce

Justin, Alex, and Greg on top of the world (at least our world, today)

Jordansrealm · 03-23-2008, 10:06 PM

I really need to ride this... Awesome rr as usual!

bighit8 · 03-23-2008, 10:08 PM

Wow, great allison, glad you decided to post.The lake looks awesome, more water than usual.How was widow maker? Did you all clean it? I like the rock jump before the log jump!

allison · 03-23-2008, 10:08 PM

The boys descending some fairly freshly cut new turns

Crash Test Dummy checks out the upper log jump

Look, ma, my big wheels CAN fly!

Alex hits the log jump... HT's don't fly so well

At least he's looking where he wants to go! Right into some brush

The box is ready to go again

Water in the Woods

Big Laguna full of water again

No photoshop here

Oops! Crash Test Dummy goes down again...

Greg and I were standing off to the side... Alex blew right by me and I thought he totally was going out to take out Greg, but somehow his bike stopped just short and he crashed softly into the babbling brook below. Wet, but fairly unharmed.

"Can I do it again?"

Justin hits Baby's Back

So good I had to take two

Lower playground

Mark goes for it as well

Tail whipped box

d00d's THANKS for the presents!

Ahhhh...........

sdyeti · 03-23-2008, 10:08 PM

Looks like a fantastic day! Wish I had ridden with you but I was able to shuttle Dan and get a bunch of papers graded.

Was it really warm up there today?

The UC Cyclery guy is Casper.

schleppp · 03-23-2008, 10:09 PM

Nice pics as always! I love the wheel pic, very creative. Sounds and looks like you had a great day.

I am sure my solo spin around Sycamore Canyon was just as fun!! YEAH RIGHT!!

bighit8 · 03-23-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechmann

there are tons of new jumps out there. it has been a while and people have built all kinds of stuff! need to go back soon!

Thanks Justin, looks like it was a great day.

allison · 03-23-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bighit8

Wow, great allison, glad you decided to post.The lake looks awesome, more water than usual.How was widow maker? Did you all clean it? I like the rock jump before the log jump!

Widowmaker is the same as always! I rode Widowmaker, did the lower log jump... I did the first part of Stairway, got messed up, tripoded about 5 feet, and then finished it out. Didn't hit Roman Wall. My Mark mojo wasn't there to guide me, and when I rolled up I didn't feel comfortable. I had taken my pads off twice already, and didn't feel like putting them back on. I cleared everything else on the lower section, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdyeti

Looks like a fantastic day! Wish I had ridden with you but I was able to shuttle Dan and get a bunch of papers graded.

Was it really warm up there today?

The UC Cyclery guy is Casper.

I thought he said his name was Tracy.

Weather was perfect, actually. Wind kept the temps down early in the day. It was 66 in the parking lot when we left.

dirtmistress · 03-23-2008, 10:18 PM

Great shots!! Next time!! I know Casper. Super nice guy!! I was whupped today. Did an easy road ride. 87 miles, 9500 feet of climbing!!
JUUSt kidding!! Seriously.Kidding!!
If I'd gone to my moms, I'd have come but it's such a haul from L.A. Looks like fun..

I had that other Guinness tonight. Then I got a headache 20 minutes later! Looks like my drinkin' days are long gone. Could be a good thing or a bad thing.

allison · 03-23-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtmistress

Great shots!! Next time!! I know Casper. Super nice guy!! I was whupped today. Did an easy road ride. 87 miles, 9500 feet of climbing!!
JUUSt kidding!! Seriously.Kidding!!
If I'd gone to my moms, I'd have come but it's such a haul from L.A. Looks like fun..

I had that other Guinness tonight. Then I got a headache 20 minutes later! Looks like my drinkin' days are long gone. Could be a good thing or a bad thing.

I actually totally would believe you think that is easy

FWIW, if you get a headache after a beer, it just means you didn't drink enough

sdyeti · 03-23-2008, 10:19 PM

Nobody named Tracy works there

Quote:

Originally Posted by allison

I thought he said his name was Tracy.

bighit8 · 03-23-2008, 10:20 PM

I need to get out there again. I dont crash a whole lot, but at noble, well I think the rocks know me, and have something against me!

allison · 03-23-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdyeti

Nobody named Tracy works there

Don't know if he works there or not. I assumed he was sponsored by them or just has their kit.

bajamtnbkr · 03-23-2008, 10:22 PM

Thanks for the nice pictures an RR, as usual, my friends are doing Noble next weekend, looks in good shape.

allison · 03-23-2008, 10:22 PM

Unfortunately I did not get CTD on video AT ALL, but I did get these:

KeepsWhatHappens · 03-23-2008, 11:01 PM

Awesome RR! Thanks for sharing Allison...I know it's a pain in the butt to put together a nice RR.

kanga · 03-23-2008, 11:11 PM

Looks like I missed a good one. Today was my first day off the bike in a couple of weeks, so I figured I should rest up and get rid of this cold. I'd like to head there sometime though... looks like a lot of fun.

03-23-2008, 10:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
allison Gone ridin'	Revisiting old friends [Noble Canyon, et al] Ahhh... home again. Today I got re-acquainted with some old friends, and came to the realization that it's always great to do that. Justin had a few issues to iron out with the Enduro last night, so stayed up fairly late getting it all dialed in. I wasn't sure what bike I would be riding today until last night, and wasn't super stoked about having the extra weight and pedal bob. But, I patted my trusty steed on the top tube last night and knew he'd be up for the challenge. Noble is, afterall, his trail. Noble was the first ride I ever took the Enduro on, and is probably its most ridden trail. After riding Noble on the Enduro I felt like I had progressed almost tenfold as a rider. Climbing the techy rock sections was easier, and I had the confidence to try Widowmaker, the lower log jump, Stairway to Hell, and the Roman Wall. Having a 6" FS bike may just give you the suspension to make it seem like you have skilz, but I am okay with that. So, we get to the parking lot... meet Greg, see Woody and Jen. It has been too long since we rode with Woody and Jen. Always a fun time since they are great riders. I hopped on the Enduro. OMG. It was so AWKWARD! To have the saddle height correct I can barely touch the ground with one foot when sitting on it, and since it's got such a short stem I felt like I was sitting on top of the front wheel. I pedaled it around the lot and just felt weird. I was amazed at how weird it felt, in fact. Lowered the suspension so it was in "climb mode" and up I started to pedal. The rocks are tough. They always are. I made a few sections I hadn't previously following Woody's clean lines through them. Then just started to hike. Justin's FS big wheels rolled over stuff pretty well... Did he make it, though? For the first time ever, he did: I felt like I was actually kinda keeping up okay in the beginning, so that was good. Descending Whore was a blast, as always... There were creek crossings EVERYWHERE! I don't at all recall in the last two years seeing any on Whore at all, much less there being 4+ Then came the pavement climb. We all took it pretty easy. I don't think any of us stopped at all. Short snack break at the oak tree (it was windy, yo) and on we continued toward Indian Creek. It was tough climbing, as always. My legs were tired. Despite not having a ton of mileage in them, they were sore and screaming for respite. It was gorgeous out, though. Normally the wind bothers me, but it felt almost cleansing today. Yes, I too was in disbelief... there was water flowing down Waterfall!! Jen, rolling A few of my "old friends" It was great to be back together. Somewhere along Indian Creek up to Noble we picked up another rider (UCCyclery) and after Penny Pines we lost him, and Woody and Jen to the descent. But, we picked up two more. Two college kids celebrating the end of midterms before spring break were out. One was crazy enough to have a demo SS!! Hopefully they sign up. Mark and his buddy Alex "Crash Test Dummy". BLT Heading up to Agua Dulce Justin, Alex, and Greg on top of the world (at least our world, today) __________________

03-23-2008, 10:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jordansrealm www.lostmanifesto.com	I really need to ride this... Awesome rr as usual! __________________ "Gene, let me hold on to your nuts for you" - CC "You think you're smart cuz you know words" - Benchwarmers

03-23-2008, 10:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
bighit8 STR Veteran	Wow, great allison, glad you decided to post.The lake looks awesome, more water than usual.How was widow maker? Did you all clean it? I like the rock jump before the log jump! __________________ Roger: You guys should join us next Sunday. It would be nice to have another screamer CHEWYETI: Heat, Beat, Repeat!

03-23-2008, 10:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
allison Gone ridin'	The boys descending some fairly freshly cut new turns Crash Test Dummy checks out the upper log jump Look, ma, my big wheels CAN fly! Alex hits the log jump... HT's don't fly so well At least he's looking where he wants to go! Right into some brush The box is ready to go again Water in the Woods Big Laguna full of water again No photoshop here Oops! Crash Test Dummy goes down again... Greg and I were standing off to the side... Alex blew right by me and I thought he totally was going out to take out Greg, but somehow his bike stopped just short and he crashed softly into the babbling brook below. Wet, but fairly unharmed. "Can I do it again?" Justin hits Baby's Back So good I had to take two Lower playground Mark goes for it as well Tail whipped box d00d's THANKS for the presents! Ahhhh........... __________________

03-23-2008, 10:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
sdyeti Spinning my wheels	Looks like a fantastic day! Wish I had ridden with you but I was able to shuttle Dan and get a bunch of papers graded. Was it really warm up there today? The UC Cyclery guy is Casper. __________________ My Blog: Two Wheel Love THE PATH-Love the Bike You Ride

03-23-2008, 10:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
schleppp STR Veteran	Nice pics as always! I love the wheel pic, very creative. Sounds and looks like you had a great day. I am sure my solo spin around Sycamore Canyon was just as fun!! YEAH RIGHT!! __________________ "It doesn't get any easier, you just go faster." Greg LeMond

03-23-2008, 10:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
dirtmistress	Great shots!! Next time!! I know Casper. Super nice guy!! I was whupped today. Did an easy road ride. 87 miles, 9500 feet of climbing!! JUUSt kidding!! Seriously.Kidding!! If I'd gone to my moms, I'd have come but it's such a haul from L.A. Looks like fun.. I had that other Guinness tonight. Then I got a headache 20 minutes later! Looks like my drinkin' days are long gone. Could be a good thing or a bad thing. __________________ http://www.bichonsandbuddies.com/ "Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

03-23-2008, 10:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
bighit8 STR Veteran	I need to get out there again. I dont crash a whole lot, but at noble, well I think the rocks know me, and have something against me! __________________ Roger: You guys should join us next Sunday. It would be nice to have another screamer CHEWYETI: Heat, Beat, Repeat!

03-23-2008, 10:22 PM	#14 (permalink)
bajamtnbkr STR Veteran	Thanks for the nice pictures an RR, as usual, my friends are doing Noble next weekend, looks in good shape.

03-23-2008, 10:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
allison Gone ridin'	Unfortunately I did not get CTD on video AT ALL, but I did get these: __________________

03-23-2008, 11:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
KeepsWhatHappens Warriors Society Member	Awesome RR! Thanks for sharing Allison...I know it's a pain in the butt to put together a nice RR.

03-23-2008, 11:11 PM	#17 (permalink)
kanga What should I put here?	Looks like I missed a good one. Today was my first day off the bike in a couple of weeks, so I figured I should rest up and get rid of this cold. I'd like to head there sometime though... looks like a lot of fun. __________________ To expand your comfort zone, you have to leave it! http://www.BioniconUSA.com http://www.OTBMBC.com http://www.CORBAmtb.com

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