STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

DasBrink · 10-01-2007, 02:15 PM

Yup, after much soul searching and wallet crunching, i decided to upgrade from the hardtail to an 08 giant Reign 1.

The amazing dino brown, who has the patience of a saint helped me, and is a tenacious negotiator, helped me hunt down a new ride. and yes, we did try an iron horse, and about 50 other bikes. But in the end this was the bike for me. We had a semi rocky start, but i love this bike. It can do anything. And yes dino, i will slow down.

I had a blast with everyone, it was long and hard. but we made it out with great memorys, a ton of useless tubes. Oh, charles says he had a great time, and that everyone out here has WAY to pretty bikes

i think he almost took up my offer to wax the KHS for him!

Dino Brown · 10-01-2007, 06:30 PM

1) Tedroy-- I am still upset with you for missing the ride! Seriously, you would rather ride bikes (with your family) than spend the day with Steppie and Pain Freak

What's up with that?

2) Congrats to DasBrink on the new purchase... an '08 Giant Reign 1. Please keep the Iron Horse insults to a minimum. Our goal for the day was to find him a bike that best suited his needs. That is exactly what we did! The truth is, he tested the Reign's "before" The Horse. The three of us "knew" the bike was for him the second he hopped on it! The search had "technically" ended while testing the FIRST bike of the day!

3) He came "this close" to purchasing the REIGN X1 (Giant's 6.7" freeride version). At the LAST SECOND, he pushed his EGO aside (big bike.. heavy bike... more travel) in favor of the 6" all-mountain version. In my opinion, he made the correct choice!! Good job!

4) His first ride was Strwaberry Peak to JPL. NOT the easiest ride in the world. On a new bike- even more difficult! I can honestly, say the bike has already made him a MUCH better rider!!! Slooooow doooown!

5) Maximum Respect to Tani (and staff) at The Path Bike Shop! He knew I was bringing someone by to look at a 6 Point. He also knew this person may have already chosen "his bike" (i.e. 30 minutes earlier). No matter! Tani was patient.... he explained "things".... he offered to swap parts... upgrade parts.... he had DasBrink test a few more bikes.... no pressure! Trust me Tani, DasBrink has not forgotten your kindness! Upgrade-itis has already set in!!!

The Bike

Pain Freak · 10-01-2007, 07:52 PM

I've been doing this ride for years, but haven't rode the entire part for about a year or so. Last time was with STJunkie and GoodOlSlappy. I've been neglecting my mountain bikes somewhat and haven't really rode any technical terrain for a good long while, so needless to say I was somewhat rusty and this is not a trail to be rusty on. Like Sir Dino has said the first section has some exposure and you will have to stay on your toes, this is not a trail to go day dreaming on.The Strawberry part I know like the back of my hand, but from Switzers on down, I'd forgotten a lot of it. Wow, I used to ride this entire thing at a fairly good clip. This day I found myself walking sections I'd hadn't walked in years, but I don't care as I didn't crash once and if you do go over the side here, it'll be something people will read about, so I consider the day a major success. It was real nice getting to ride with some new people. Das Brink, you got a good bike there and you're a good rider. Charles is a stud, that boy is tuff. EpicRat has got a bike that repels dirt like no other.He claims it to be pledge, but I think he has something he's not telling us about. Truly amazing. Mr.Brown like always kept the mood upbeat and carefree as the flats were getting annoying, but the jokes were pretty good. I personally run Stans and have no problems.

The pace was really good when we weren't having flats and the group was real cohesive, it felt like we all knew each other and stayed pretty close the entire ride. I personally was very comfortable with the ride and still wasn't tired at all even at the end. I don't know maybe it was that little bit of asphalt coming up to JPL, but Charles and I were motoring up that with no effort at all. He did manage to break a few more spokes on the way out as we were jumpin all the little stuff on the way out. Burner's new ride is a killer. That boy sure has good taste in bikes.

I've got Utah next weekend and then the MS150 the weekend after that, but I'd love to show some people my second favorite trail in the San Gabes. Chilao is a very good ride, and it is not at all a hard ride, but it does seem to be over to quick, so I like to add to it when I go up there. Let me know what you decide for the date.

DasBrink · 10-01-2007, 08:34 PM

Ya dino pretty much hit the nail on the head, i got on the giant and unfortunately was sold right off the bat.
But i need to give a big shout out to Tani and the boys at the path. We showed up confused and with a million bikes on our mind, and ya know what. They pretty much showed us every one of them! if some one even breathed the name of a bike, next thing you know it was out for a test ride! I will definitely be swinging by the path for all my upgrade needs. That damn dino has been spouting off upgrades.

so i guess now that i have a nice new bike. i need a bash guard, new bar,and new grips, some more durable tires....... man this new bike thing is expensive!!

Dino Brown · 10-02-2007, 07:50 AM

1) Mr. Freak- NO CHILAO unless YOU are in attendance!

It can wait!

2) DasBrink..... new bike..... upgrade-itis...... Bring your checkbook kid cuz it's time to pay Tani a visit.

The only upgrades you NEED are a bash guard and grips! The rest can wait. One ride in the San Gabriel's and your "big ring" has already been "dinged" up! The grips

I have never seen thinner more POS grips in my life! You KNOW they need to go! Looked like you were gripping a coffee straw!

3) Epicriderat- where are you?

4) Burner, Epicriderat and DB are planning a Santa Monica's/Malibu ride..... Will keep everyone posted!

Have a nice day!

Schecky · 10-02-2007, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

1) The grips

I have never seen thinner more POS grips in my life! You KNOW they need to go! Looked like you were gripping a coffee straw!

Time for Ourys!

Tedroy · 10-02-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

1) Tedroy-- I am still upset with you for missing the ride! Seriously, you would rather ride bikes (with your family) than spend the day with Steppie and Pain Freak

What's up with that?

My "Family"

S'up this weekend?

CC · 10-02-2007, 08:47 AM

GREAT RR everyone. I've done that ride with before Dino, Scott, Mike and well Dean made it half way through the ride before he broke his frame.

It was a great ride and I would be interested in jumping in on the next one....Well that is if you guys wouldn't mind a girl riding along...hahaha...good times.

ODB · 10-02-2007, 09:05 AM

Nice choice on the new ride, Das Brink. She's a beauty.

.8down · 10-02-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DasBrink

Ya dino pretty much hit the nail on the head, i got on the giant and unfortunately was sold right off the bat.
But i need to give a big shout out to Tani and the boys at the path. We showed up confused and with a million bikes on our mind, and ya know what. They pretty much showed us every one of them! if some one even breathed the name of a bike, next thing you know it was out for a test ride! I will definitely be swinging by the path for all my upgrade needs. That damn dino has been spouting off upgrades.

so i guess now that i have a nice new bike. i need a bash guard, new bar,and new grips, some more durable tires....... man this new bike thing is expensive!!

NICE!!! Ive been eyeballing that sucker for a while. Xmas present to myself.

May I ask where you got yours??

epicriderat · 10-02-2007, 11:45 AM

Regarding Sundays Strawberry Peak/JPL ride, what can I say, except what a fantastic ride with a cool group of riders. My first STR ride and looking forward to more. I haven't ridden this loop in about 2 years and Sundays ride made me realize what I'm missing out on, the San Gabriel Mts. offer some choice singletrack trails. Riding with all you guys for the first time was a pleasure, everyone had a good flow, well except during the numerous flats, but that comes with the territory. Next ride more PSI. I'm already looking forward to the next ride, so to those who haven't ridden with the STR group in the San Gabriels, you got to put it on your must ride list and get out there and do it. See ya guys soon.

DasBrink · 10-02-2007, 01:57 PM

My boy Charles is ecstatic, he somehow avoided the poison oak. He is (tentatively) proclaiming himself free. He thinks it was the bath at the jack in the box

I swear he crawled under the sink to wash every part of him off in that poor restroom. i went in afterwards and it looked like a scene out of Das Boot. water everywhere!

and the swim in the pool when we got home. and now without poison oak, the ride went from "cool" to "awesome would so do again"

oh there is an open invite to come romp some of arrowheads finest!

Sewellymon · 10-02-2007, 02:08 PM

The San Gabriels are God Head.

and yea what Pain Freak wrote- --back in the day, that Switzer's to JPL section was pretty high-speed rideable. I've been back in CA for a year now (after being gone 10 years), but have avoided riding that section because I figure it's now just a bit too much of a hoof and hump.

dstepper · 10-02-2007, 04:01 PM

If you are looking for buff uninterrupted single tract, Switzers to JPL is not your trail. It may not be my favorite section of the San Gabs, but I would ride it again tomorrow just for the scenery...outstanding. Yes there is exposure, yes there are sections of the trail that have nearly washed away, yes sections are loose with leaves and rocks but that is most of the San Gabriel’s trails. I was thankfull that it was not prime acorn time...I have been out there on trails that where like riding on marbles.

sheclimbs · 10-02-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC

GREAT RR everyone. I've done that ride with before Dino, Scott, Mike and well Dean made it half way through the ride before he broke his frame.

It was a great ride and I would be interested in jumping in on the next one....Well that is if you guys wouldn't mind a girl riding along...hahaha...good times.

But next time you have to do the REALLY CHALLENGING TECHNICAL part too - The Redbox to JPL portion!

OMR · 10-02-2007, 05:38 PM

Strawberry Peak is a great ride but not to be taken lightly. This is the only trail in SoCal my wife will not let me go back and ride.... not after my 2003 fall off the 70 ft cliff, broken rib, colasped lung, sprained fingers, hands and feet and 147 stiches in the face. I must say that I've been temped to sneak back... but the consequences end up in divorse. Too bad, I love that trail!

Pain Freak · 10-02-2007, 06:09 PM

oh there is an open invite to come romp some of arrowheads finest!

After hearing your description I'll definitely take you up on that. I have my next 4 weeks planned out and if it hasn't snowed to much by then I'll hit you guys up on that trail we were talking about.

But next time you have to do the REALLY CHALLENGING TECHNICAL part too - The Redbox to JPL portion!

Yeah, CC we would have to take you down further from where we climbed up the asphalt on that very hot day. The trail continues on and becomes very exposed and somewhat techy form that part, but we would love to have you join us again

Well that is if you guys wouldn't mind a girl riding along...hahaha...good times.

Hate to tell you CC, you don't ride like a girl or should I say those prilly girls, you and sheclimbs are getting a little to good for my liking. Pretty soon you're going to have us doing things that will likely kill us just to be able to hang with the gurls!

ka0t1c07 · 10-03-2007, 01:56 AM

Very nice RR. I saw the ride post but had to pass it this time. I loved climbing Strawberry Peak. Its like a drug, especially the first couple of turns. The trail scares me most of the time. But from after the last climb on Strawberry, its all out fun. Count me in next time you guys get back out there. Ill be there.

Tin

10-01-2007, 02:15 PM	#21 (permalink)
DasBrink 6th coolest guy in SoCal	Yup, after much soul searching and wallet crunching, i decided to upgrade from the hardtail to an 08 giant Reign 1. The amazing dino brown, who has the patience of a saint helped me, and is a tenacious negotiator, helped me hunt down a new ride. and yes, we did try an iron horse, and about 50 other bikes. But in the end this was the bike for me. We had a semi rocky start, but i love this bike. It can do anything. And yes dino, i will slow down. I had a blast with everyone, it was long and hard. but we made it out with great memorys, a ton of useless tubes. Oh, charles says he had a great time, and that everyone out here has WAY to pretty bikes i think he almost took up my offer to wax the KHS for him! __________________ You ever sit back and think about how many times you almost ate sh!t? We should all be dead!

10-01-2007, 06:30 PM	#22 (permalink)
Dino Brown Sir Smack-Alot	1) Tedroy-- I am still upset with you for missing the ride! Seriously, you would rather ride bikes (with your family) than spend the day with Steppie and Pain Freak What's up with that? 2) Congrats to DasBrink on the new purchase... an '08 Giant Reign 1. Please keep the Iron Horse insults to a minimum. Our goal for the day was to find him a bike that best suited his needs. That is exactly what we did! The truth is, he tested the Reign's "before" The Horse. The three of us "knew" the bike was for him the second he hopped on it! The search had "technically" ended while testing the FIRST bike of the day! 3) He came "this close" to purchasing the REIGN X1 (Giant's 6.7" freeride version). At the LAST SECOND, he pushed his EGO aside (big bike.. heavy bike... more travel) in favor of the 6" all-mountain version. In my opinion, he made the correct choice!! Good job! 4) His first ride was Strwaberry Peak to JPL. NOT the easiest ride in the world. On a new bike- even more difficult! I can honestly, say the bike has already made him a MUCH better rider!!! Slooooow doooown! 5) Maximum Respect to Tani (and staff) at The Path Bike Shop! He knew I was bringing someone by to look at a 6 Point. He also knew this person may have already chosen "his bike" (i.e. 30 minutes earlier). No matter! Tani was patient.... he explained "things".... he offered to swap parts... upgrade parts.... he had DasBrink test a few more bikes.... no pressure! Trust me Tani, DasBrink has not forgotten your kindness! Upgrade-itis has already set in!!! The Bike __________________ L.A. KINGS ... dw-link.com/reasons SheDevil- I was on George's crotch for hours Integradriv3r- How many kids do you have that you DON'T know about? Genusmtbkr5- I like to go BOTH ways

10-01-2007, 07:52 PM	#23 (permalink)
Pain Freak Charlie bit me	I've been doing this ride for years, but haven't rode the entire part for about a year or so. Last time was with STJunkie and GoodOlSlappy. I've been neglecting my mountain bikes somewhat and haven't really rode any technical terrain for a good long while, so needless to say I was somewhat rusty and this is not a trail to be rusty on. Like Sir Dino has said the first section has some exposure and you will have to stay on your toes, this is not a trail to go day dreaming on.The Strawberry part I know like the back of my hand, but from Switzers on down, I'd forgotten a lot of it. Wow, I used to ride this entire thing at a fairly good clip. This day I found myself walking sections I'd hadn't walked in years, but I don't care as I didn't crash once and if you do go over the side here, it'll be something people will read about, so I consider the day a major success. It was real nice getting to ride with some new people. Das Brink, you got a good bike there and you're a good rider. Charles is a stud, that boy is tuff. EpicRat has got a bike that repels dirt like no other.He claims it to be pledge, but I think he has something he's not telling us about. Truly amazing. Mr.Brown like always kept the mood upbeat and carefree as the flats were getting annoying, but the jokes were pretty good. I personally run Stans and have no problems. The pace was really good when we weren't having flats and the group was real cohesive, it felt like we all knew each other and stayed pretty close the entire ride. I personally was very comfortable with the ride and still wasn't tired at all even at the end. I don't know maybe it was that little bit of asphalt coming up to JPL, but Charles and I were motoring up that with no effort at all. He did manage to break a few more spokes on the way out as we were jumpin all the little stuff on the way out. Burner's new ride is a killer. That boy sure has good taste in bikes. I've got Utah next weekend and then the MS150 the weekend after that, but I'd love to show some people my second favorite trail in the San Gabes. Chilao is a very good ride, and it is not at all a hard ride, but it does seem to be over to quick, so I like to add to it when I go up there. Let me know what you decide for the date. __________________ If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests? “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body—but rather a skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow, what a ride!’ ” —anon.

10-01-2007, 08:34 PM	#24 (permalink)
DasBrink 6th coolest guy in SoCal	Ya dino pretty much hit the nail on the head, i got on the giant and unfortunately was sold right off the bat. But i need to give a big shout out to Tani and the boys at the path. We showed up confused and with a million bikes on our mind, and ya know what. They pretty much showed us every one of them! if some one even breathed the name of a bike, next thing you know it was out for a test ride! I will definitely be swinging by the path for all my upgrade needs. That damn dino has been spouting off upgrades. so i guess now that i have a nice new bike. i need a bash guard, new bar,and new grips, some more durable tires....... man this new bike thing is expensive!! __________________ You ever sit back and think about how many times you almost ate sh!t? We should all be dead!

10-02-2007, 07:50 AM	#25 (permalink)
Dino Brown Sir Smack-Alot	1) Mr. Freak- NO CHILAO unless YOU are in attendance! It can wait! 2) DasBrink..... new bike..... upgrade-itis...... Bring your checkbook kid cuz it's time to pay Tani a visit. The only upgrades you NEED are a bash guard and grips! The rest can wait. One ride in the San Gabriel's and your "big ring" has already been "dinged" up! The grips I have never seen thinner more POS grips in my life! You KNOW they need to go! Looked like you were gripping a coffee straw! 3) Epicriderat- where are you? 4) Burner, Epicriderat and DB are planning a Santa Monica's/Malibu ride..... Will keep everyone posted! Have a nice day! __________________ L.A. KINGS ... dw-link.com/reasons SheDevil- I was on George's crotch for hours Integradriv3r- How many kids do you have that you DON'T know about? Genusmtbkr5- I like to go BOTH ways

10-02-2007, 08:47 AM	#28 (permalink)
CC V.P. Kickstand Inspection	GREAT RR everyone. I've done that ride with before Dino, Scott, Mike and well Dean made it half way through the ride before he broke his frame. It was a great ride and I would be interested in jumping in on the next one....Well that is if you guys wouldn't mind a girl riding along...hahaha...good times. __________________ "To travel by bicycle is a humble, nonagressive way to get close to people. It is a way of saying we are passing through with no thought of invasion or conquest, only the simple will to share a part of the road...Claude Herve, cycled around the world

10-02-2007, 09:05 AM	#29 (permalink)
ODB Team Sting-Ray	Nice choice on the new ride, Das Brink. She's a beauty.

10-02-2007, 11:45 AM	#31 (permalink)
epicriderat Wheels are turning	Regarding Sundays Strawberry Peak/JPL ride, what can I say, except what a fantastic ride with a cool group of riders. My first STR ride and looking forward to more. I haven't ridden this loop in about 2 years and Sundays ride made me realize what I'm missing out on, the San Gabriel Mts. offer some choice singletrack trails. Riding with all you guys for the first time was a pleasure, everyone had a good flow, well except during the numerous flats, but that comes with the territory. Next ride more PSI. I'm already looking forward to the next ride, so to those who haven't ridden with the STR group in the San Gabriels, you got to put it on your must ride list and get out there and do it. See ya guys soon. __________________ "No, wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of human spirit, as vital to our lives as water and good bread." - Edward Abbey

10-02-2007, 01:57 PM	#32 (permalink)
DasBrink 6th coolest guy in SoCal	My boy Charles is ecstatic, he somehow avoided the poison oak. He is (tentatively) proclaiming himself free. He thinks it was the bath at the jack in the box I swear he crawled under the sink to wash every part of him off in that poor restroom. i went in afterwards and it looked like a scene out of Das Boot. water everywhere! and the swim in the pool when we got home. and now without poison oak, the ride went from "cool" to "awesome would so do again" oh there is an open invite to come romp some of arrowheads finest! __________________ You ever sit back and think about how many times you almost ate sh!t? We should all be dead!

10-02-2007, 02:08 PM	#33 (permalink)
Sewellymon Senior Member	The San Gabriels are God Head. and yea what Pain Freak wrote- --back in the day, that Switzer's to JPL section was pretty high-speed rideable. I've been back in CA for a year now (after being gone 10 years), but have avoided riding that section because I figure it's now just a bit too much of a hoof and hump.

10-02-2007, 04:01 PM	#34 (permalink)
dstepper Over the Hill	If you are looking for buff uninterrupted single tract, Switzers to JPL is not your trail. It may not be my favorite section of the San Gabs, but I would ride it again tomorrow just for the scenery...outstanding. Yes there is exposure, yes there are sections of the trail that have nearly washed away, yes sections are loose with leaves and rocks but that is most of the San Gabriel’s trails. I was thankfull that it was not prime acorn time...I have been out there on trails that where like riding on marbles. __________________ If I'm not lost or getting bushwacked, the trail was too easy. Prescott Valley Houses The Path

10-02-2007, 05:38 PM	#36 (permalink)
OMR	Nice RR, grasshopper Dino Strawberry Peak is a great ride but not to be taken lightly. This is the only trail in SoCal my wife will not let me go back and ride.... not after my 2003 fall off the 70 ft cliff, broken rib, colasped lung, sprained fingers, hands and feet and 147 stiches in the face. I must say that I've been temped to sneak back... but the consequences end up in divorse. Too bad, I love that trail! __________________ OMR .... An elder grasshopper of the Tribe The journey is the thing .... ride like it's your last one...

10-02-2007, 06:09 PM	#37 (permalink)
Pain Freak Charlie bit me	oh there is an open invite to come romp some of arrowheads finest! After hearing your description I'll definitely take you up on that. I have my next 4 weeks planned out and if it hasn't snowed to much by then I'll hit you guys up on that trail we were talking about. But next time you have to do the REALLY CHALLENGING TECHNICAL part too - The Redbox to JPL portion! Yeah, CC we would have to take you down further from where we climbed up the asphalt on that very hot day. The trail continues on and becomes very exposed and somewhat techy form that part, but we would love to have you join us again Well that is if you guys wouldn't mind a girl riding along...hahaha...good times. Hate to tell you CC, you don't ride like a girl or should I say those prilly girls, you and sheclimbs are getting a little to good for my liking. Pretty soon you're going to have us doing things that will likely kill us just to be able to hang with the gurls! __________________ If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests? “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body—but rather a skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow, what a ride!’ ” —anon.

10-03-2007, 01:56 AM	#38 (permalink)
ka0t1c07 Full Travel	Very nice RR. I saw the ride post but had to pass it this time. I loved climbing Strawberry Peak. Its like a drug, especially the first couple of turns. The trail scares me most of the time. But from after the last climb on Strawberry, its all out fun. Count me in next time you guys get back out there. Ill be there. Tin

10-03-2007, 07:39 AM	#39 (permalink)
Dino Brown Sir Smack-Alot

STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

Your Southern CaliforniaMountain Biking Community

Your Southern California
Mountain Biking Community