Palm Canyon/Art Smith Epic Ride Report

[RidetheRAAM4]

A little late, but I kept checking back and doing head counts and kept telling the main group we still had more riders to wait for, but they would take off on the first few regroupings before everyone showed up. Once we got down that first part the pace really slowed down. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR GIVING ME WATER!!! I guess next ride I should throw in my other 70oz bladder with some cytomax and throw in a few bottles of gatorade. I have made that ride before with that amount of water and I even made that ride up to inspiration ppoint the week before with only that much water and it had more climbing. I think the combination of the heat and the sunburn I was getting from not putting on sunblock that took its toll on me, but after Pete got his chain stuck I got a nice break in (then I took off ahead for a little and got another good break in at the junction to that trail to the golfcart) and I was fine. I just think I need to get a new disc wheelset and throw some disc brakes on because coming down some of those steeps on that ride (on the new trail to bypass some of the was and down the art smith trail) I was squeezing my brakes as hard as I could and I just wasn't slowing down at all. I think I just need more of a trail bike for these rides. Then I can keep up with Tom the bomb going down some of those hills (or atleast I can try!!).

[RIDE 2 LIVE]

Sorry About Sway! This Was The 1st Ride With This Group Of Guys! I Done A Lot Of Rides, And This Group Of Guys Are Pros! There Is Water Sharing, Food Sharing, Ect. That Means A Lot! I Dont Think There Was Any Intension On Leaving Anybody Behind! I Am Looking Foward 2 The Next Epic With You Guys! That Ride At Art Smith Was awsome! Big Rides Are The Only Way 2 Go! Thanxs 4 The Pixs Pete, Awsome! Now I Can Show Some Non Members The Ride, And Hopefully Have Them Join In Next Time. You Guys Rock! Later

[TURNERob]

I do remember the one and only time I've ridden with Armando and Pete on that Blackstar to Motorway loop on that scorching day in the summer. Pete was kind enough to give me a gel pack since I didn't bring enough food for that ride. I still remember that clearly, and thanks again for that Pete......if I ever ride with you again I'll give you another gel pack

[dstepper]

When I read that a beginner had signed up for this ride I thought it a bad idea. The desert needs to be respected and things can turn bad out there way quick. I would think that a sweep person with a GRMS radio would be prudent. I am way slow and will volenteer for that job anytime...will even furnish the two-ways.

[ECOdork]

Glad to hear that you guys settled things peacefully.

Take it from a guy who is usually in the back of the pack on climbs or decents, the majority of riders I have had the pleasure to ride with here in SoCal will gladly look out for the slow guy/new guy. An unfortunate case of misunderstanding/miscommunication....Please don't let it tarnish your experience!

Keep in mind SOMEONE (that would usually be me) has to run the camera when everyone wants to do the crazy 5 foot hucks!

[Skeeter]

Hey Sway, i can only comment on the guys i've riddin with on this site in OC, but they have been awesome about how slow i am.
They just ride at their speed and every few miles they stop and i eventually catch up, and then we continue on.
At least to my face they have never said anything negative and have always been extremely helpful whenever i needed anything.
Don't let this one incident put you off from riding with these guys.
And if your ever riding in OC or im out your way, hit me up, im way slow compared to most, hell ALL, the guys here.

P.S. i am riding the trainer and by myself to increase my speed[-o<

[outlaw]

I found one towel and one long sleeve grey shirt in my truck, If it's yours let me know! talk to you all soon.
Mark

[Sway]

Originally Posted by outlaw

I found one towel and one long sleeve grey shirt in my truck, If it's yours let me know! talk to you all soon.
Mark

Hey Mark.. The grey shirt is mine. Use it on your next oil change.

[gurp13]

Just chiming in, I see I'm very late in this discussion. Sway, it sounds like you and I should ride some time. I SUCK! I have a two-speed bike, slow and slower.