I'll admit that I'm terrible with names. Looking through many of these posts with pictures and names, I'm thinking "Oh! That's who that person is!" Next event of this magnitude, we should all wear name tags. Also, thanks to all who took and post photos. I had my camera in my Camelbak, but I forgot to take it out and take photos.
Do you remember what we were talking about when you got the first one? I was saying how the winning formula for D-ville was Schwalbes with 35lbs.+ pressure, and you felt my tires and said I should drop my pressure some. :-k Within minutes, your tire went flat! #-o
Some Log Ride Videos Rich hit this as though he could do it in his sleep..... [youtube]ssL3vrWA__g[/youtube] Ted follows Rich's fine example... [youtube]LgBGT0jC_0s[/youtube]
What a great time - Traci and Neil, thank you for organizing this get-together, you guys rock! This was my first time riding BB and I had a blast! The beginner ride up to Grandview and then down Stonehenge and Pine Knot was great fun. And when Tara came down Pine Knot and we all asked in unison "so, how'd you like that trail?" She smiled from mountain to mountain and said "It was fuuuun!" It was then that I knew a future rider was born. Thanks to Greg for leading the ride and to Dean for sweeping. When we finished that ride Willy, Letty, Tony and I went back up and (I think) rode Upper and Lower Fall Line and man those trails were super fun, sand, dust, rocks and all. I wanted to keep riding but my stomach was telling me it wasn't going to let me, so we went in search of food and were not disappointed. I couldn't believe all the people who had shown up! On the way home we hit serious rain and I was wondering if it worked it's way up the mountain and I guess it did, but for good riding . JoeTruth, thanks for the taboleh, that stuff was goooood! And many thanks to everyone who showed up to make this such a great time. I met more folks to put names to avatars than I can remember right now but suffice it to say the day was a huge success all around.
God, this looked like fun. I really wanted to go, but I had to make a decision between gas to the event, food until payday, or finish getting the last of my parts for my Chumba build... I chose option C. (^_^);;;;; I really want to say my Chumba is now ready to ride... oh how I wish I could say that... but that's a story for another time. Let's just say I hate Truvativ with a fiery, burning passion. Oh, is it my imagination, or are there a great many triple-crown forks in the preceeding pictures? I thought that was verboten by the skilift gestapo.
What a great freakin" weekend!!! That's STR for you! We kindly helped out this transient that was sleeping in the bushes and kindly escorted him to the nearest shelter:lol: Dude smelled pretty ripe. Unfortunately I didn't take too many pics since it was just too fun hitting these trails. Went on 6 lifts for $10. What a steal! Thank you Neil and Traci for putting this together. Everywhere I rode I just seen STR peeps with smiles from ear to ear. I was mainly a bystander checking out all the log launching going on throughout the day. Andy pretty much was hitting all of them. Lee follows I think it's Geronimo? Lee with some stye points! Noel and I carpooled with Andy who kindly drove both ways. Missed lunch but but Tobi and Joe were there grilling some tasty Bangers and Kabob. Tobi's wife surprised him as she left a nice bottle of scotch in the trunk for us to celebrate his B-Day (this Thurs. 7-17). Chris, Neil and the rest of the last riders regrouped at the table and it was party #2!!!:bang: Great freekin" weekend to go down in history!!!
What a way to spend a Saturday! I had such a great time riding with a lot of really cool people. Special thanks to Neil and Traci for setting up the "First Annual STR Big Bear BBQ" (actually, I added the "first annual" but I could see it becoming one). I have wanted to ride Summit for a long time but have always been concerned that my bike wouldn't fit the "requirements" because of my double ring with bashguard setup. Rules stated that bikes must have 3 rings up front unless set-up as a singlespeed. I went so far as to consider buying a "fake" big ring to use in place of my bashguard. Imagine my relief when the first bike I saw at the lifts was an Iron Horse Sunday World Cup (dual crown fork nonetheless). My Kona Stinky didn't look so bad after all:lol:. The lifties were all pretty cool and I didn't see anyone getting vibed over their choice of bikes(maybe someone slipped them a 6er of their favorite beverages beforehand:drunk Now I have the Big Bear bug and can't wait to hit it up again soon, it is great practice for my Mammoth trip coming up the first weekend in August. Thanks again Neil and Traci, the $10 lift tickets were the icing on the cake! :beer:
Thanks to Traci and Neil for setting up this ride, STR just doesn't get much better than this. :bang: This ride was reminiscent of last years Mammoth closing day weekend, when the weather turned to snow, only this time it was rain drops the size of quarters, flash flooding, and very cold at the top of the mountain. The trails were there usual selfs: eating tires, tubes, spokes, brakes levers, derrailleur's, body parts, I even lost my rear caliper (bolts backed right out), that's funny because I don't even remember using my rear brakes (chuckle, chuckle), I still have the brake level imprints on the back of my fingers a day later. The trails did get nice and tacky just before the downpour, by the time we hit the bottom at the service road flash flooding was occurring, and did I get soaked. We got in 8 runs totaling 32 miles of riding, not bad for $10.00. The day ended with dinner at the Boulder Bay Brewery with Mark, "Tara", Jay, Tim, Tim's Dad. Caught a shot of a rainbow on the drive out, It was and end to awesome STR ride. :clap: It was was great meeting and riding STR members Mark / Stinkyrider (aka Glory0rider): Trail guide, Human GPS Jay: You are getting way to fast, its time for a DH bike Tim: You rocked the steep downhill on a 4" Trance Tim's Dad: (Forgot your name, was great meeting you) David B: Thanks for the pictures, and you did not need that front Derailleur it was just slowing you down anyway Mark / Mfoga: Good riding with you bro Art23rockpile: I was the other guy (?) who bandaged you up, you rode off before paying your bill Pato: Nice Foe's FXR 2:1 you were ripping it up, sweet bike Ken/ freekengo: It would not be a ride without the sounds Bro Sarboats: It was good meeting you
First things first: Thank you Neil and Traci. Getting the park shelter arranged for, getting the discount tickets, hanging at the park, distributing the tickets, and I'm sure there's more that got handled as well... All so we could have a great time. My son brought two of his friends and we all had an unforgettable day. We met up with Rich (dubl_xl) at the park and secured the discount tix from Traci and headed SS. We got five runs in, got hailed on and soaked to the bone and wouldn't trade a minute of it. We never took the same way down twice and there are still several more routes we want to explore. OK, finally had a chance to PP some pics, so here they are. My photo brain was apparently not functioning at full capacity as I accidentally nicked the thumbwheel on the back of my camera which resulted in all but two of my videos being shot at the lowest resolution (yuck). Then by the end of the day I finally figured out that I was shooting at 100 ISO which slowed the shutter speed down to the point that I wasn't stopping motion very well on what should have been some otherwise decent pics #-o First ride up the lifts revealed lots of colorful plant life (moreso than last year). My son Ted (center) and his two friends (Steven on the left and Michaelangelo on the right). After sweltering at home for the past several weeks, the weather was a welcome change. After warming up on Pineknot on our first run, Rich was eager to log some time on some of the 'natural features' :clap: He made it look so easy..... :bang: Ted was inspired to give it a go as well. and showed the old man that he was up to the task \\/ Rich and Ted took advantage of their opportunities. Michaelangelo gets some air under his tires. We finished up in what can only be described as a torrentail downpour and soaked to the bone, but still felt like meeting back up at the park to hang for a while before heading down and home. I don't know what those were on the grill, but I'm sure the local woodland creatures appreciated them later that night. Rich did a little nipple surfing on the Bombhole trail (absolutely sick trail) and provided me with one of my favorite shots from the day... For a good clean feeling... no matter what! This ranked right up there with our best trail days ever and we can't wait to go back.
Wow where do I start… what a great weekend. Thank you Traci and Neil for coordinating this great event! A pleasure to meet you both. Gaylynn (correct spelling) and I arrived Friday and got the girls condo set up. As we pulled up we met our seemingly delicious neighbor Paul Rudd. What girl’s condo wouldn’t be complete without a yummy guy next door? Didn’t know he was a bizarre drunk… such a shame. Dinner and campfire Friday night was great – nice to see everyone and meet some new people. I haven’t been at a campfire in years and it was so relaxing I could have stayed there all night. Hugh – thanks for the yummy Smore! You’re a pro! Then a few of us hit the local bars on the way home – thank you Jesse for doing your shots and graciously drinking all my shots Paul Rudd was buying us. You are a trooper! Willie, Lety and Gaylynn thanks for sharing the girl’s condo and thanks for the sillyness and comedy. Willie you are such a doll to ride with and always full of smiles – Hope you got the WetWillie picture. Gaylynn – oh the comedy!!! Lety - wish we could have ridden together. Thanks for sharing the warm puppy. I got 3 rides in and each one was an absolute blast!!! Ride 1: Up the lift and off to the left for a couple minutes of fire road. Then down the scary, rocky, loose, trail with my tires freshly full of air! All I could think of was that I was defiantly out of my comfort zone – defiantly did not belong riding with this group or on this trail. So I rode as much as I could and walked a lot down to the group. I had no idea I shouldn’t have that much air in my tires. With advice and support from Shu, Cal Epic, the group and after Jesse let almost all the air out of my tires… I was off… I had a hard time in the beginning with the fine loose dirt but with Shu’s help and guidance I warmed up to the terrain. Thanks Shu for being such a great guide. You were a blast to ride with. Ride 2: This time over to the Right… Gaylynn and I hooked up with Lee and Ko. The 4 of us decided to stick with the group on the way down. We stopped to enjoy watching Geronimo and others jump the log. Super cool. Then we were off for our “Girl’s Adventure with CC”. CC was a great guide taking us on a wild trail. I can’t believe people actually ride down that stuff, amazing! Absolutely loved the sweeping trails we hit. Thank you CC for the pictures and fun trails!!! Then we were off for some lunch. Great BBQ, food and fun. Thanks Lety for sharing the warm puppy when it started to get cold. She was a little heater in my blanket. Oh and I cant forget to thank Grandpa and Grandma for the yummy carne asada!!! Mmmmmm! Then we were off for Ride #3, it was too cold to stand still. Gaylynn and I gathered our stuff and up the lift we went – that was the longest lift ride ever – we were frozen half way up and had to use the power of thought to keep warm. By the time we got to the top it was drizzling - the ‘kind’ lift op offered to keep us warm in the little booth at the top - yet tempting we passed and found a nice little over hang to get out of the rain. After unsuccessfully finding any more clothing to keep warm with, the group was all at the top and ready to roll. The terrain was nice and tacky, I loved it. What a great group to ride with and I finally got to ride with Steppie. Next time I will have to bring Steppie a set of ear plugs . My day wouldn’t have been complete without my OTB. I am getting pretty good at those. Tuck and roll! Got back on my bike and absolutely enjoyed the rest of the ride. Then it stared to dump. Steppie and I took cover under a tall skinny tree without much cover. After standing there for a few minutes and getting completely drenched we decided to continue on. Made it back to camp and changed into some warm clothes - thanks for the towel Shu. MR CalEpic – You rock! Missed Margo but thank you for the use of the pads all day. Next time Margo’s turn. Great to see so many familiar faces and very nice to meet some new ones. :wave: Oh and keep hydrated! I was too busy having tons of fun this weekend that I forgot to take pictures!
Just finished downloading all the pics. Don't think I'll get em all up tonight so I'll just post a few.
First: Thank you Traci and Neil ! I had a great weekend with everyone! It started at the BMX track with Liz for her Birthday! Then I headed up the mountain with my bike. On my bike! Rippin up the mountain was insa... I mean I followed all the rules of the road Mr Oraficeser8-[ The camp fire was in full swing when I arrived. Good times were being had by all. The next morning was great. I rode up the mountain early to meet Cathy, Stephen, and the rest of the newbie crew. The ride down was great. I think it was a little much for Stephen but he made it through! Cathy dropped Stephen off at the campsite while I rode up for round 2. We met at the top and rode down Fern (I think). She was rippin it up! Round three was up the fire road on the right then down buttercup. Then off to lunch!! Lunch was great. Dirt and smiles were on everyones faces! It was great to chat with all my STR peeps. Steve!!!! Thanks for the secret stash of root beer. It was much appreciated:bang:. Oh and next time you want to dig a hole in the dirt use a shovel, it works much better than your face/shoulder..... But hey, If thats how you roll... (get it? roll.. I crack myself up). Thanks to all who fed me with all the extra food as well. it made my first climb after lunch painfull. So after lunch I made 2 1/2 more climbs/decents. Don't ask about the 1/2. My last decent was with Lee and Ko. I must say that Ko has some serious skillz. She is not fast but she has "PERFECT" bike/body handeling skills. It was my pleasure to follow her down the mountain! She was hooting and hollering all the way down. Lee is doing a great job helping her become an amazing rider:beerroot beer). My day ended in rain. We had to make a mad dash to pack up camp. I felt bad stuffing wet muddy gear into Cathy's car. It was rough but we got er done! I was cool with the rain as I got a bike wash with no effort on my part other than lubing my chain when I got home! The ride home was great and my face is still hurting from all the smiling. I'm sure I left out a bunch of stuff but I gotta work now! HUGH Oh I did leave out Jesse right after lunch at the top of the chair lift. Seems like he had a little too much to drink:drunk:. The wood chips were prooving to be a little too much for him at the time! Good stuff man!
Definitely looks as though ya'll had a blast, I will definitely have to schedule time to hit the next one. Great write ups and photos as well. :beer:
This was funny. The man was not kidding about his phone being waterproof. I think SAR fell one too many times on Saturday. Noel's expression is priceless! "you must be out yo' damn mind, SAR!" :lol: I just noticed hand placement. Neil, you dirty dog! :lol: No wonder Traci is looking so happy. Put it back in. That thing is liable to get you in hot water!
God the food must have been good at that brewery! :lol: Neil and Traci Arrive but they dont like being photographed My poor bike hanging by a limb It doesn't say anything about mountain bikers So many great beers to choose from at the brewery :beer: Two random pictures hanging on the walls The live entertainment was umm... Great? :lol::?: Stepper and Traci Geronimo Explains how he's going to take off on the logs the following day :bang: Natalie (permagrin) and Tony (I think) Enjoying a cool Big Bear evening Art you need to shower man you look like Pigpen from the Snoopy comics :lol: Yours truly laughing about something #-o Neil, me, and Dell hugging a dog :-s I think you need to slow down there Craiger Hugh = The ladies man :clap:
Pams "friend" doing a money dance at the bar Chad's Place at Big Bear Lake :drunk: Happy me or faded not sure :lol: Basically my memory at the end of the night = blurry :drunk: Stinkyrider aka Mark I think. I know I suck with names. BBQ The big guy is all wet JoeTruth aka One of the coolest guys I met up in Big Bear Toby and Andy. We were all celebrating Toby's birthday with some scotch, cigars and good times. Sorry for the randomness of the pics. I kept switching my memory cards so I dont have them in chronological order. Enjoy!
