RR: Turnbull in the Middle Ring

[ohyeah89]

So I go to Turnbull today, like usual, expecting to do my usual fire road climbs (2x) to the water tower and back by myself. First though, I had arranged to pick up a seat post from Dino before their advanced ride. Well, after installing a new seat post and collar (THANKS!!!) so I would be able to adjust my seat during descents, I was informed I was going to ride with the guys up the fire road. "Okay", I thought, hoping I didn't slow them down too much. I was then informed I was to ride it entirely in the middle ring. Perhaps not a big deal to most but as this is probably my 8th time ever riding (besides my fire road rides), it was to me. But whatever, it was a challenge and I like challenges! Thanks to grandpa for distracting me and telling me his health story (wow what an inspiration!). I FINALLY make it to the fork almost DYING but it was well worth it since I had made it! IN THE MIDDLE RING!!!

THEN Coach Dino gave me the option of trying out my new seat height (or lack thereof) by descending into the 7th Ave loop with them. The rest of the guys were so kind/generous/patient and said they didn't mind! 7th Ave Loop has been this bad scary trail in my mind ever since I was taken on it when I was JUST starting and walked the ENTIRE way down. So I admit, I was a little intimidated, I was a little scared but I had a great coach, was with experienced riders, and how else are you supposed to learn if you don't push yourself outside your comfort zone???

Well, I did it! I made it down except for a few of the turns. I felt comfortable and not out of control and WOW does the lowered seat make a difference!

THANKS to all the guys who allowed me to encroach on their hardcore Tuesday ride and slow them down and especially thanks to Dino for being such a great coach.

THINGS I LEARNED TODAY:
1) Dropping your seat whilst descending makes a HUGE difference and I mean HUGE
2) The correct break usage ratio (front/rear)
3) Turns are important, I should probably actually turn the handlebars BEFORE/AS I need to turn not after its too late...
4) Climbing in the middle ring isn't so bad and will make me a stronger rider
5) Descending is A BLAST when I'm actually riding my bike and not walking it...

This was my "freebie" ride with them and will have to earn my next one (as I was also informed) but don't be too surprised when not only I earn it but smoke past them LOL!

This is part of why I love mountain biking; there's a whole bunch of selfless people who are willing to give up a "fun" ride to help you and watch you learn. The generosity and lack of selfishness is astounding and never ceases to amaze me! THANKS GUYS!!!

[grandpa]

Awesome job tonight Tara!
It was nice meeting you and hopefully you can make it out again sometime.

[COLEKO]

Good Job Tara. You had some great riders coaching you. Maybe ill see you out there next time.

[JOx2]

Great job Tara! Things will just get easier and easier, just keep the pedal moving.

[bighit8]

[guero]

nice job!

george and i would have 'middle ring challenges' there and if we cleaned the climb out of 'cow' we'dd each buy each other a chili-cheese fry burrito from weinerschnitzel.....gross, i know! 99% of the time we clean it middle ring, but somedays are tougher than others.

[davidB]

next up, brown mountain over by JPL! (did that a couple days ago )

congrats! but is the 7th loop still a disaster? I wasn't happy when I saw what that bulldozer did a couple weeks ago.

[COLEKO]

Originally Posted by davidB

congrats! but is the 7th loop still a disaster? I wasn't happy when I saw what that bulldozer did a couple weeks ago.

Its a lot better now.

[Amon Amarth]

Good Job!

[Dino Brown]

Tara- All I can say is: You showed a lot of HEART this evening!

To be honest, you were an inspiration to all of US. For those who don't know, Tara LOVES to climb! She loves challenges! She also likes to "train" with her heart rate "No higher than 180."
Today's ride gave her all three!

One minute, we were installing her new seat post/collar (and preparing to say goodbye), the next minute she was MOBBING the fireroad climb in the middle ring! I still can't believe it!

Where I was MOST proud of her was on the descents. She must have TRULY been traumatized by her last trip down 7th Street. Whenever I even mentioned the words 7th Street, her expression would change! Anyway, I was BEYOND IMPRESSED for two reasons: 1) She faced her fears 2) She quickly grasped what she was being told.

The area she needs to show a "bit" of improvement- turning and switchbacks!
It was BEYOND funny to watch! On some switchbacks, she would BEGIN her turn sooo late.... I can't even explain.... I..... by the time she started the turns, she had already driven herself off the trail.

Again, you were an inspiration to all of us this evening.
With a bit more training... you may *SOMEDAY* be invited to join us on an even tougher ride!
Ya' think your up for it?

[bobzrag]

You pointed out a bunch of things I LOVE about mountain biking - learning new skills, having fun and that people you ride with will slow down, regroup, give you a tube, whatever it takes!

Sounds like you made a lot of progress in just one ride - cool how good advice from someone who just wants to help will make you a better rider/person

[KBL]

Hey Tara,

You're welcome anytime! You're one up on me...I used my granny ring quite a bit.
Dino is a great emissary for STR and for the coolness that is Turnbull.

7th Street is always kind of sketchy, and it's even sketchier now that it's been graded, so great job on the trail-conquering.

[Dino Brown]

Originally Posted by ohyeah89

So I go to Turnbull today.... I was informed I was going to ride with the guys up the fire road..... I was then informed I was to ride it entirely in the middle ring. ...I FINALLY make it to the fork almost DYING but it was well worth it since I had made it! IN THE MIDDLE RING!!!

Uhhh, Tara! You failed to leave out *ONE* little point about why you were DYING!

Your seat was NOT raised all the way!
Rather than stopping to raise it, she chose to tough-it-out in order to complete the climb!

Cleaning the climb... Cleaning it in middle-ring... cleaning the climb IN middle-ring, with her seat down PRICELESS!!!

Keep up the good work!

[~ Pakiha ~]

You know the dirt series is coming up in a few weeks maybe we should pitch in an cover the cost for her? If she is that willing a fast a learner?

[Hanzo]

That a girl! Great job to you and your coaches! It will only get easier and next thing you know you will be doing it non stop.

[northshore]

to you and to coach Dino for showing you the foundation points of riding! It sounds like you might be headed to a down hill pro career?

[democruhcy]

i need to hit turnbull soon. seems like a fun loop from all the RR's i read. i work 10 minutes away from there. is it pretty mellow? climb wise and descents?

[ohyeah89]

Originally Posted by ~ Pakiha ~

You know the dirt series is coming up in a few weeks