Well bugger me!!!

[Grimace]

Didn't even know this section existed, now that I know its here and I notice a lot of familiar aliases I figure I may as well pimp my ride.

Yep... I have a bike again... well almost! After my last bike was stolen just shy of a year ago from a secured basement car park in early 2011, I have finally decided that enough is enough and a replacement has been ordered.

My main reason for this is to hopefully notify people of my willingness to destroy my body via a human powered device. I hope to get motivated to use this more often.

Maybe some of my fello club members can persuade me to bring it along on club trips to enjoy a ride somewhere!

Who knows, where it will begin, or end. All I know is it will be on my new Jamis.

http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/images/bikes_enlarged/2011_enlarged/11_dragonpro.jpg

Pick it up on Tuesday next week, will be riding it home from the store (Anaconda) :cool:

[Gavin]

But it's got no pedals

[bee utey]

I bought my Jamis Eureka in 2002 and its done about 29,000km. Sadly the seat post clamp area has broken off the frame, it's still rideable with a longer seat post but one day I'll have to get a replacement. 100kg of weight on an ally frame has taken it's toll. It's been many places I wouldn't walk or drive. Hope you enjoy yours!:)

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=40891&stc=1&d=1321582043

Camping out with the Bob trailer, Mt Pleasant, SA.

[Grimace]

But it's got no pedals

LOL, ordered some DMR V-12 Magnesium pedals to go with it.

edit: In Code Red too PIMP!!!
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/393.jpg

[rainman]

Go hard Grimace! :twisted: Get out there and smash those trails at Nerang.


Rain Man.

[Grimace]

Go hard Grimace! :twisted: Get out there and smash those trails at Nerang.


Rain Man.

Gotta practise my riding skillz first up, never been into downhill or anything, I enjoy cruising along trails soaking in the landscape :angel:

[Scallops]

Orsum - totally pimped ride, Grim.....go the 'tail! ;)

[RobHay]

Well bugger me! Didn't even know this section existed, now that I know its here and I notice a lot of familiar aliases I figure I may as well pimp my ride.


Pick it up on Tuesday next week, will be riding it home from the store (Anaconda) :cool:
Uhmmmmm....is that an invitation or just an expression of dismay?:angel::wasntme:

[Grimace]

Uhmmmmm....is that an invitation or just an expression of dismay?:angel::wasntme:

:D

RSVP required by midnight 22/11/2011

[DiscoWeb]

LOL, ordered some DMR V-12 Magnesium pedals to go with it.

edit: In Code Red too PIMP!!!
http://www.bikedock.com/custom/1903/Dmr/v12mag_red.jpg

Throw them away the platforms and get yourself a nice set of time ATAC clip ins pedals and a pair of cycling shoes and you will wonder how you ever rode a bike without them, especially on a nice Jamis hard tail like that.

My first dually was a Jamis Dakar, loved that bike until I broke the rear triangle.

Enjoy, it is addictive.

George

[rainman]

Throw them away the platforms and get yourself a nice set of time ATAC clip ins pedals and a pair of cycling shoes and you will wonder how you ever rode a bike without them, especially on a nice Jamis hard tail like that.

I wasn't going to mention it, but yes, platforms on an XC bike isn't " pimpin' ". Once cleated you will never look back. I've always stuck with Shimano pedals for cost and reliability, but something like Time or Crank Brothers are probably a bit sweeter.


James.

[Scallops]

James and Disco web are right - dem peddles aint no pimpin'.....dem be stinkin' on da XC 'tail....

What you need is one of these bike stands if you're lookin' for pimped.....

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/662/orsumpimped.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/4/orsumpimped.jpg/)

[Grimace]

Ok probably going to get shot down for this but I ride in my thongs 50% of the time...
Do they make thongs for clipless pedals?

My old Jamis that was stolen had some clipless peddles with the flats on the other side for thong use. Never bought myself any riding boots thou so don't really know how I would go with it.

I'll sport the DMRs for now and maybe one day step up to the elite and upgrade my thongs :D

[rainman]

Ok probably going to get shot down for this but I ride in my thongs 50% of the time...

:o


Do they make thongs for clipless pedals?

About the closest you are going to get is sandals. It wouldn't be possible to un-cleat thongs, although I suppose there is no point - you'd just leave them attached to the pedal. Actually, how about your DMR platforms, a pair of thongs, and some liquid nails.......


James.

[Grimace]

A couple of things that I am going to need to address soon are;

Camel back of some sort, has to have enough room for a small lunch and some other small items (phone, wallet, condoms).

Bike bag, saddle type perhaps, to keep a tube and multi tool and some lube...

MTB Shorts, know absolutely nothing about these but all I seem to remember about my previous bike experience was that shorts became annoying pretty fast. I am a front up freeballer since about 2001 so short that can be worn without any under garments would be ideal!

I have signed up on the Rotoburn forums, but I am struggling to find a general opinion on there. Seems XC stuff is very strongly built on personal preferences and nothing is considered the norm.

Anyways, for the shorts I was looking at the Alpine stars Gravity... Alpinestars Gravity MTB Shorts 213 | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=46250)
But at $100 I am not so sure!!!

[rainman]

:D If you're riding an XC bike in thongs do you think you're going to have a need for condoms? This way you'll only need to carry chain lube too. Just trying to cut down on some pack weight for you.....

Hydration pack - my recommendations are Camelbak, Source, or Osprey. If you get one with a moderate amount of storage, just stick your tools, pump, and spares in there. Make sure you get one with a 3 litre bladder and a compartment long enough for your pump (or a mounting system for it). My experience with under saddle bags is that they end up gritty inside and out, and the mounting straps eventually wear through from the dirt and vibration. Your pump gets gritty inside if it's mounted on the frame too.

Shorts - I can't provide too much advice here because I've always worn lycra knix with "normal" shorts over the top. MTB shorts normally have some sort of liner and/or padding so going commando won't be an issue. Alpine Stars seem to be gaining in popularity at the moment but have a look at Fox also. Chain Reaction is the go to place to buy and jump on MTBR (http://www.mtbr.com/) for reviews on parts and gear.


James.

[Grimace]

Thanks heaps for the info James, much appreciated.

I never thought about the bike pump, which I am going to have to rustle through the folks shed to find all my gear and make sure it all still works.

Also as well as the hydration pack I wouldn't mind having a frame mounted holder or two for the beer cans!

I also overlooked the fact that I need a lock or a combination of twelve locks... no one is going to steal my bike again dammit!!!

Ok cost of accessories is going to be more then I anticipated...:eek:

[rainman]

If you're ever in Brisbane and up for a cruisy Sunday afternoon ride, a few of us here (Weeds, JohnR, GuyG amongst others) alternate between the hot spots each week (unfortunately mostly northside, although sometimes Daisy Hill or Nerang), and finish off with a few home-brewskis in the car park afterwards ;). Pics of the antics here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbikers).

[DiscoWeb]

Grimace,

Thongs on a bike, just asking to grind off some toes and if you are honestly wanting to do a few miles for fitness then by about the 3 or 4th time those DMR's have treated your shin like a cheese grater you will want to throw them away and go a set of clip in's.

Go a "camelbak" or something similar with a bit of capacity like rainman said and the 3 lt bladder means you can fill it full for long rides or simply stick a litre or two in for shorter rides.

First time you go out without a pump you will get a flat, small pumps are cheap. Also work out if you are running tubes or tubless as the way you repair them is different but carrying a spare tube (rather than a condom) would probably be more useful either way!

Shorts, get a set of Lycra knicks and put something over the top if you are worried and as far as I am concerned you never need to wear anything under lycra.

A bottle cage if cheap and easy to fit and you can also get a pretty cool gadget that fits in the bottle cage and holds your tools etc for a ride when you do not want to have a pack on. Leave the beer for after the ride, it tastes better then anyway.

A good lock and steel cable leash (so you can thread it through the wheels and frame) will mean it is there when you get back to it.

Check out the internet bike stores (chain reaction, wiggle or the Australian equivalent cycling express) as you may be able to get all the bits you want delivery in a few days for about half the price of your local bike shop.

Get out on the tracks and enjoy the Jamis.

George

[Scouse]

Ok probably going to get shot down for this but I ride in my thongs 50% of the time...
I think there's a law against that.




If there's not, there should be.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/388.jpg

[harry]

Ok probably going to get shot down for this but I ride in my thong 50% of the time...
and upgrade my thongs :D

oh, ****, the thought of you in a thong is unbearable, let alone riding a bike in one,

arrgh, help, my brain is hurting,

send in jess to bring you back into reality,

by the way,
buy the girl a ring!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bee utey]

Get some Shimano cycling sandals, some SPD pedals, either single sided or with a platform clip-in. I absolutely swear by the sandals and they're not bad to walk in. They have a very rigid sole to stop your ball of your foot hurting if you put the hammer down. And you don't overheat in them. Mine have done about 30,000km

Shimano SH-SD66 SPD Cycling Shoe Sandals (http://www.cellbikes.com.au/Shimano-SH-SD66-SPD-Cycling-Shoe-Sandals)

Oh, and get a mini pump for a racing bike, they are tiny and no big effort to fill a MTB tyre.

[Grimace]

Thanks for the tip bee utey, not sure if I like the sandals look thou. Have to check em out in real life me thinks!

Well I got the call, Dave @ Anaconda is assembling my bike as I type. Picking it up at 3:30... excited much :D

Got a shopping cart at CRC containing the Alpinestars shorts, a camelback mule & a 661 Recon Stealth lid... just not sure if I should hit the order button just yet, cause no doubt I will think of something else to purchase after having the bike for just a few days.

Look forward to riding it to work (in my thongs) tomorrow that's for sure :D

[Scouse]

Look forward to riding it to work (in my thongs) tomorrow that's for sure :DIf you're dead set keen on wearing thongs, hunt down a set of Shimano SH-IT097s. Apparently Anaconda have them on special from time to time if there's one near you.

They are hard to come by though - Google the part # SH-IT097 to find the specs on them.

[rainman]

Hunt down a set of Shimano SH-IT097s. Apparently Anaconda have them on special from time to time if there's one near you.

They are hard to come by though - Google the part # SH-IT097 to find the specs on them.

:o Madness.

[Grimace]

If you're dead set keen on wearing thongs, hunt down a set of Shimano SH-IT097s. Apparently Anaconda have them on special from time to time if there's one near you.

They are hard to come by though - Google the part # SH-IT097 to find the specs on them.


:o Madness.

I THINK THAT'S PIMPNESS!!!
I also like the maxbond my current thongs to my flats idea :D

ps. I like the way they ad the '-' between the word so it doesn't read Sh*t on the part number LOLZ

[Grimace]

Got the bike yesterday arvo, as it arrived a day earlier then I had anticipated i had not organised a lift, so was unable to ride it home from the store :(

Managed to go for a quick 5k stroll this morning (lol took me about 20 minutes bwah) and although there is a couple of minor adjustments to be made I am very happy with the feel of the cycle.

It's so smooth and agile, miles different to my old Dragon Comp. Only downside is I think my tallest gear isn't as high in the Pro??

Hoping to get in to see Dave again to have some adjustments made and get some gear on Sunday and then go for a ride. Fingers crossed the weather holds out.


Cheers
Grimace

[Scallops]

Looks like your bike is running some XT group components - the cluster will be a shimano piece, probably LX...now, these names don't matter, but what it does mean is that you have a cross country set up in terms of gearing.....designed to ride steep and/or technical terrain, so the gearing is designed to be optimal in such conditions.

Your old bike may have been more a compromise between commuting and mild "off road" rather than genuinely a pure XC flavour.

If this is an issue, it's no biggy to swap the cluster (also called a cassette or block) over to one with different ratios. You could alternatively use a road bike chainring. In fact, as it is virtually new, the shop may do so for free - a decent bike shop would.

But I suggest you ditch the thongs, get some cleats on your new sandals, and come with me to Mt Joyce and ride the bike where it was intended to go...I'm a beginner too, and I love the place! You'll likely then see the old bike as having too big a gearing rather than the other way around.

[rainman]

How fast do you want to go? You'll have 44:11 as your top gear. That's around 60km/h at 120rpm. 120rpm may not be too easy in thongs, but no worries in normal shoes. The easiest way to go higher if you really want to is to just get a 46 or 48 tooth outer chainring for the front.

And hey! Where are the pics? :rulez:

James.

[Scallops]

How fast do you want to go? You'll have 44:11 as your top gear. That's around 60km/h at 120rpm. 120rpm may not be too easy in thongs, but no worries in normal shoes. The easiest way to go higher if you really want to is to just get a 46 or 48 tooth outer chainring for the front.

And hey! Where are the pics? :rulez:

James.

How do you know Grim's ratios? Mine is 42:11. I had a MTB years ago (the PIG) that I put an Ultegra rear cluster on and a 53 ring - useless off road but good for commuting, and cheaper than a new roadbike.

[rainman]

How do you know Grim's ratios? Mine is 42:11. I had a MTB years ago (the PIG) that I put an Ultegra rear cluster on and a 53 ring - useless off road but good for commuting, and cheaper than a new roadbike.

Yeah ok - I should have looked up the spec. I assumed 11-34 cassette with 44/32/22 front rings. It's actually 11-34 with 42/32/24, so 120rpm is going to be around 56km/h, depending on rolling tyre diameter, which again depends on tyre pressure and how lardy Grimace's a$$ is after being off a bike for so long. :wasntme:

James.

[Scallops]

Triples are un-pimped! :wasntme:

[Grimace]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am keen to try out some XC stuff with you Scallops, also Pete has shown some interest. Just keep in mind that I am a complete unco (sp?).

So I have now clocked up just over 10ks on the bike and the gearing isn't really bothering, was just something that I noticed and did enjoy on the old bike. I guess it wasn't maximum speed I was after more just high load, slow rotation normal speed stuff (40km). At 60km I am probably gonna be poopin my pants:D

One main thing that is of concern is my butt hurts already...

Pics... will snap some with my camera phone and see if I can upload em shortly.

[Grimace]

Sorry for the crappy phone pix...
Just noticed my chain is meant to be the KMC X10-SL (gold) but its not. Seem to be a shimano HGX10, Will ask Dave about that.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1179/imag0176k.jpg
Can see my trusty riding thongs :D


http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/2563/imag0178kr.jpg
This is the self amalgamating tape I installed to protect the chain stay. Hard to see but it's there.

[bee utey]

Ah, yes, the elite athlete's seat.... ow! :p Get a comfy one, your bum will love you. Get a harder saddle to suit once your bum has hardened up.

[Killer]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am keen to try out some XC stuff with you Scallops, also Pete has shown some interest. Just keep in mind that I am a complete unco (sp?).

So I have now clocked up just over 10ks on the bike and the gearing isn't really bothering, was just something that I noticed and did enjoy on the old bike. I guess it wasn't maximum speed I was after more just high load, slow rotation normal speed stuff (40km). At 60km I am probably gonna be poopin my pants:D

One main thing that is of concern is my butt hurts already...

Pics... will snap some with my camera phone and see if I can upload em shortly.


Noooooooooo, please, don't post photos of your sore butt. I know it doesn't happen without pics, but that is taking it too far.:eek::eek:

Cheers, Mick.

[rainman]

It's no wonder your butt hurts! Tilt the seat back more, especially if you are running it a bit low. How tall are you?

Gearing - try working on spinning a bit more. You really want to aim for an absolute minimum of 60rpm, but somewhere around 80 or 90 is better. This will increase your cardiovascular fitness and do far less damage to your knees and hips in the long term. Just step up the revs a little bit at a time.


James.

[DiscoWeb]

So I have now clocked up just over 10ks on the bike and the gearing isn't really bothering, was just something that I noticed and did enjoy on the old bike. I guess it wasn't maximum speed I was after more just high load, slow rotation normal speed stuff (40km). At 60km I am probably gonna be poopin my pants:D

One main thing that is of concern is my butt hurts already...



Grimace,

40km per hour on a mtb is moving pretty fast. I would have thought 25 -30km per hour would be closer to a decent average speed for a mtb.

I commute on a Roadie and seem to manage around 30 km as an average and can catch and past 90% of commuters on my ride.

Sounds like gearing is not an issue for you now but you could always get a big chain ring (can purchase just the big ring on it own) which will let you roll decent speed without a high cadence. But as rainman said it is better all round to find a cadence around 90 -100 and get the legs spinning. I know I find anything above 100 hard to maintain and below 90 gets to be a grind.

With the seat, get a spirit level and as a minimum set it dead level and then play around from there.

Best solution to a sore butt

1. get a decent sect of padded knicks;
2. do more miles 3rd or 4th ride you will not notice it.

Enjoy and thanks for making sure your riding thongs go in the picture :bangin:


George

[Grimace]

Ah, yes, the elite athlete's seat.... ow! :p Get a comfy one, your bum will love you. Get a harder saddle to suit once your bum has hardened up.

Yeah i was thinking that but I managed to clock up a total of just over 17ks yesterday and although my butt tingles it wasn't noticeably sore when I got home from Squash last night.

I think I might try some minor seat adjustments but I think considering my efforts I am feeling pretty good after yesterdays adventures.

Spewing it is raining today as I was keen to ride to work again, o well there are plenty of days ahead of me :D



It's no wonder your butt hurts! Tilt the seat back more, especially if you are running it a bit low. How tall are you?

Gearing - try working on spinning a bit more. You really want to aim for an absolute minimum of 60rpm, but somewhere around 80 or 90 is better. This will increase your cardiovascular fitness and do far less damage to your knees and hips in the long term. Just step up the revs a little bit at a time.


James.

I am not tall - About 172cm I believe, and I just weighed myself yesterday at 75kg?? Not sure about the whole tilted back seat thing, it seems odd to transfer the main contact point closer to my balls :eek:

Either way I might have a fiddle around with the height as I feel I could raise it an inch, and also move the seat position on the post rearward about 10mm.

Interesting what you mention about knees and hips as mine are not the best.
I just find that 80% of the time if I am not in the top gear it feels like I am peddling and nothing is happening, or it is just two easy???



Grimace,

40km per hour on a mtb is moving pretty fast. I would have thought 25 -30km per hour would be closer to a decent average speed for a mtb.

I commute on a Roadie and seem to manage around 30 km as an average and can catch and past 90% of commuters on my ride.

Sounds like gearing is not an issue for you now but you could always get a big chain ring (can purchase just the big ring on it own) which will let you roll decent speed without a high cadence. But as rainman said it is better all round to find a cadence around 90 -100 and get the legs spinning. I know I find anything above 100 hard to maintain and below 90 gets to be a grind.

With the seat, get a spirit level and as a minimum set it dead level and then play around from there.

Best solution to a sore butt

1. get a decent sect of padded knicks;
2. do more miles 3rd or 4th ride you will not notice it.

Enjoy and thanks for making sure your riding thongs go in the picture :bangin:


George

Thanks for the info George, your definitely right in your assumptions, I meant 40km would be my top speed. I certainly could have worded that better, sorry for the confusion.

I worked out that I generally cover 1 kilometre in just above 3 minutes, all at steady pace (I didn't push myself yesterday)
So that puts my average speed somewhere about 18km/h. :angel:

As for cadence and stuff it's all knew to me but I assume that is direct relation to leg RPM. I figure once I start riding with others more in the know I can aim to match speed and learn the cadence & gears from there.

I'll try over the next couple of weeks to set a cadence of 90 and see how I feel. I have no idea what sort of cadence I am working at now but I do know that I rest a lot and I am generally in the highest gear often.

Another thing for all to keep in mind, and to help understand my level of fitness and terminology;
I have never been to a gym, never really had any work out routine.
I eat semi healthy but I also find a lot of time for fast foods.
I used to do push ups and sit ups when I was 16-17 (over 10 years ago), and about two years ago I tried to do the 100 push ups in six weeks challenge but gave up after just 4 days :D
But given the above I did improve extremely fast on my last bike and got a 24minute initial ride down to 7 minutes in just over two weeks.

I worked out yesterday that I completed that same trip in about 16 minutes, and it was fairly easy (80% of it). I just completely died in the arse on the main hill in the last third of the trip, which added at least 2 minutes to my time. I seem to recover quickly thou, much quicker then I used to. I can only put this down to a much lower consumption of alcohol over the last year?

Any ways looking forward to improving & learning all the lingo. As well as the all important socialising. Also looking forward to placing my order at CRC :cool:

[Grimace]

DAMN... Only just realised I can use mytracks on my android phone to work out averages and stuff :rolleyes:

[Rayngie]

Well done on the bike purchase, mountain bikings always been my first love, have 5 of them to chose from now, the29er bugs hit me hard...have fun with it, keep the rubber side down,

Good to see you've joined Rotorburn, really good website that one.

Cheers,

Ray

[Grimace]

Ok so checked my average cadence and my preliminary rough calcs land me at about 50-60rpm LOL
I have short burst or downhill/flat speed runs of about 80-90 but I am just roughstimating these numbers.

Have just changed my seat position for the ride home, it's an inch higher and 10mm rearward and tilted back another 3 degrees. See if that feels better on my butt :)

Looks like the weather is going to be good for a sunday ride, and will be going for an evening run out the spit (seaway) this arvo if the weather permits.


Cheers
Grimace

[Grimace]

Bikometer is now at 65.6!
Finally received my flats and fitted them yesterday arvo and have now completed 20K on the DMRs... wow!
They may not be pimp to you guys but I love them already. Either the DMRs are that good or my old pedals, being a generic temp fit, were that bad. The difference is unbelievable... the fact that I even noticed it was surprising.
I thought I loved my bike before, now I am excited about riding it even more so :cool:

Done a 10k loop out at the spit this morning with a relative and it was just too easy, need to pick up the pace a bit me thinks.. any ways got some ****ty phone shots before we headed off on the loop to show off the new flats :)

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7527/imag0181bm.jpg
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3696/imag0183f.jpg

[rainman]

Bling bling Grimace! I agree with you. I think they set the bike off - vibrant colour.

Something you might want to consider is a shorter stem. You probably have a 110mm there but something like 90mm will make the bike a bit more "user friendly" and comfortable, and just generally handle a little better. It will sit you a bit more upright and shift your weight back a bit.

The seat angle is looking a lot better too BTW :cool:.


James.

[Grimace]

Bling bling Grimace! I agree with you. I think they set the bike off - vibrant colour.

Something you might want to consider is a shorter stem. You probably have a 110mm there but something like 90mm will make the bike a bit more "user friendly" and comfortable, and just generally handle a little better. It will sit you a bit more upright and shift your weight back a bit.

The seat angle is looking a lot better too BTW :cool:.


James.

I gots the 100mm stem ;), am thinking the 90mm might have been a better option handling wise, but then I think it would shift me back to far (seat is already at rear most position) and I'd need to step up to the 19" frame.

As for the seat it is much better, but I am going to take your advise yet again and tilt it up even more so (prob another 2-3degrees) prior to my outing this Sunday.

[Grimace]

UPDATE - Bikometer now at 136km :o

Didn't get round to tilting my seat back as I didn't have access to an allen key that fit at the time of making the adjustments :angel:

Saturday I went early and did the 10K loop at the spit at my (safe) maximum pace, completed it in just under 25 minutes, but died in the ass in the last 1km.

Then I went home got showered and all fresh in prep for the road riding I had planned with friends. I completed a total road trip of 27K in a ride that took us from Labrador to Paradise Point a bit of a loop and return. It was easy to be honest.

Then Sunday came, it was time to hit up Daisy Hill with Pete & Sam. This was my first real XC/single track experience and all I can say is it was excellent fun.

I was slow, and I was packing my self most of the time but it was enjoyable. Except for the hills, turns out my knees are not in as good shape as I suspected and my saddle height was still too low.

I learnt heaps about my bike riding out at Daisy, and on Sunday afternoon I made even more adjustments. Priority was saddle height and my cockpit controls. Raised the saddle another inch (now 10mm from the maximum) and adjusted my cockpit levers down further.

Monday... time to test out my changes. Hit the spit up and parked further south to make the trip a 12k loop, bike position much better, lever angles better but can be angled down even further. Saddle needs to be tilted back still (just got to get a larger allen key :D).

I noticed my knees were getting painful and seems I may have done some damage yesterday as now as I sit in my office my left knee is experiencing glancing pains in the lower outer frontal section... knowing nothing about this sort of thing I am wondering whether I should go see someone or just give it a rest and get on some natural medications to help my joints in general (probably something I should have been doing ages ago).

Enough about me how did the bike manage it? It was fine, I hit the ground three times with the same pedal and removed a lug and bent a couple more :D
I didn't stack but I did exit the track three times on the very last run for the day and almost fell over on the very end log section, LOL. I was knackered :D

All in all still very excited about getting out and doing some more single track stuff and am hopefully good to go for next Sunday :)

P.s. Thanks to Pete and Sam for introducing me to Daisy Hill and Scallops for the advice yesterday arvo.

[Psimpson7]

Was a good ride yesterday despite me crashing 40 seconds after getting there on the bmx ramps, and then 40 seconds before leaving when I got highsided while messing about on that rough section down towards the car park. :D

I would suggest you give it a rest for a day or two Grimace to let your kneee recover.

[rainman]

It's good to see you're going head on into the this ridin' thing!

Putting your seat up a little was probably good start to helping your knees. When your pedal is at the bottom of the stroke, with the ball of your foot on the pedal, you want to have a slight bend in your knee.

As we've already discussed, working on spinning more than pushing will also help.

And finally - stretch. I only discovered this year how much your quad muscles can affect your knees (because I stupidly took up trail running). According to the physio, my outer quad muscle is much more developed than my inner from riding, so my knee cap was being pulled to the outside.

Doing the old standing on one leg while holding your opposite heel up against your butt stretch may help your situation. Supposedly 3 x 15 second sets for each leg is the go.

You've had a big week end of riding Grimace! As you've suggested, rest up for a few days ;).


James.

[Grimace]

Was a good ride yesterday despite me crashing 40 seconds after getting there on the bmx ramps, and then 40 seconds before leaving when I got highsided while messing about on that rough section down towards the car park. :D

I would suggest you give it a rest for a day or two Grimace to let your kneee recover.

LOL that was a highlight! Looking up to see Pete in a cloud of dust 15 metres from the exit onto the road :D

I must say though I don't know how you do it at such speeds without coming off more often Pete. You hammered down trail 1 (possum box)!!!

Also Nirvana is another track that you would enjoy Pete. It's the trail that is located along the fence where we stopped for our final rest before heading out on the exit trail. I watched some videos to get an idea of some of the trail names and locations ;)

[rainman]

Nirvana is indeed awesome, but a real gut buster ;). I love the sub-tropical rain forest feel of it.

They've recently cut a section out of this nasty uphill log jam - made it too easy :mad::

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/12/968.jpg


JohnR:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/12/969.jpg


A rare sighting of GuyG on Nirvana :):

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/12/970.jpg

[Psimpson7]

That's another one to add to the list then for this Sunday Grimace :)

I need to work out what is going on with my cassette! will try and get onto that this evening.

Worst thing about that crash right at the end was that I thought I had caught it, and still got flicked over the top... thankfully it didn't hurt!

[rainman]

When are you guys hitting Daisy? I've been trying to get our crew down there for our regular Sunday afternoon thing for weeks now but they all seem too lazy to drive to the southside.


James.

[Psimpson7]

Hi James,

If yesterday was anything to go by, 630am sunday morning at the bmx park.

cheers
Pete

[rainman]

I'm keen, but that's assuming that you don't mind me tagging along of course.


James.

[Grimace]

I'm keen, but that's assuming that you don't mind me tagging along of course.


James.

No problems tagging along here. You might be able to keep Pete company while he waits for me :D

[Psimpson7]

more the merrier as far as i am concerned James! :)

See you there!

[Grimace]

Lol here is my DMR pedal after the contact with a small stump on Possum Box (single trail 1) :eek:
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/7382/imag0189p.jpg

1 down... 39 more to go :D

[rainman]

Is the thread in the pedal still sort of ok? Did you get spares with the pedals? (Not that one missing is a mig deal - I've had a bunch missing from my Sun Ringle DH pedals for years.)

James.

[Grimace]

Is the thread in the pedal still sort of ok? Did you get spares with the pedals? (Not that one missing is a mig deal - I've had a bunch missing from my Sun Ringle DH pedals for years.)

James.

Lower section of thread might still be 'ok' but I didn't get any spares. It doesn't bother me really, all part of it ;)

[DiscoWeb]

Lower section of thread might still be 'ok' but I didn't get any spares. It doesn't bother me really, all part of it ;)

Grimace,

You could always just move one of the inner pins to the outer damaged one as you would rely less on the inner ones anyway.

I am sure they sell these at any decent bike shop anyway.

Looks like you got the bug Grimace, enjoy it!

George

[Grimace]

I think Pete thought I was going to die out at DH on Sunday!

I must say drinking heavily on Thursday & Friday night, followed by a whole day and evening of drinking on Saturday (Sisters Wedding) was not a very good form of training leading up to our early Sunday ride out Daisy Hill :o

So it was wet, but nothing like I expected. I had a number of super scaredy pants moments on some slippery logs but still managed to stay on my bike. I didn't hit the ground with my pedal, not even once, and certainly not Two Times :p.

The first 8km or so I was completely knackered, just could not find the energy... Pete was way ahead, Sam (who was carrying approx 187kg in her backpack) was overtaking me as I walked my bike up some of the hills.
My heart was racing, my arms were aching, but my knees felt good, well much better any ways.

I lost my water bottle Two Times!

I printed out a map of the area and am well off in my guesstimates of what track is what.
Looks like what I thought was Nirvana was actually not even listed on the maps??? So we did an unknown trail, then headed back up the main access trail, completed Tunnel of love and Koala, continued along the main trails up the hill that destroyed me, past the quarry continued on a bit further along Gravel rd then did the Turning Japanese loop, headed through to the upper day use car park and along Hill rd possibly, then back on the main trail to the 5 ways to end our day with Possum box....???
It was on Possum Box that I noticed a huge improvement in my riding compared to last week. That was a really good feeling, I think I am almost as good as Pete now :D

Spewing I will be away next weekend as I am keen as to get out there again, but unfortunately will be leaving for En Zed on Thursday.

[rainman]

Good stuff Grimace. ;)

Do we want to start an SEQ MTB thread to notify of any upcoming rides and give ride reports? I'm happy to start it.


James.

[Psimpson7]

lol @ Grimace.

It was a good ride out.

No huge dramas for me although I did catch a tree with my left arm and shoulder, but i showed it who was boss and didn't crash! Do have a nice graze though!

My bike went much better this week once I found out the cassette was loose last week.

Rgds
Pete

ps... I will get you Grimace, twice!

[Grimace]

Good stuff Grimace. ;)

Do we want to start an SEQ MTB thread to notify of any upcoming rides and give ride reports? I'm happy to start it.


James.

I don't mind, I don't know the scene well enough to comment much.

I do go for a quick 10-12km loop at the Spit/GC Seaway before work and am happy to do this most days if I have company :D

Other then that, It might prove helpful in notifying me of other places to ride that incorporate some gravel/dirt roads :D

So far our rides are three people to Daisy Hill each sunday morning (if possible).
I am off to New Zealand on thursday so will unfortunately miss you guys & my bike this weekend and the following weekend.

The next ride I am aware of and shall be attending is going to be between XMAS and New years out at MT Joyce with Scallops.


lol @ Grimace.

It was a good ride out.

No huge dramas for me although I did catch a tree with my left arm and shoulder, but I showed it who was boss and didn't crash! Do have a nice graze though!

My bike went much better this week once I found out the cassette was loose last week.

Rgds
Pete

ps... I will get you Grimace, two times!

Ahh, I forgot about that tree. I guess the pressure of me hot on your tail pushed you to go harder :D
.......Or maybe it was the stench radiating from my pits :angel:

[weeds]

Good stuff Grimace. ;)

Do we want to start an SEQ MTB thread to notify of any upcoming rides and give ride reports? I'm happy to start it.


James.

sounds like a good idea........

[weeds]

When are you guys hitting Daisy? I've been trying to get our crew down there for our regular Sunday afternoon thing for weeks now but they all seem too lazy to drive to the southside.


James.

just need to pick the weekends that we can ride..........we are happy enough to cruise down the hi-way

[rainman]

just need to pick the weekends that we can ride..........we are happy enough to cruise down the hi-way

Oh yeah ;). I know you're always keen. I'm referring to other more, umm, "opinionated" Masterbikers.


James.

[rainman]

Do we want to start an SEQ MTB thread to notify of any upcoming rides and give ride reports? I'm happy to start it.

Here it is:

SEQ MTB - rides and reports (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/pedal-power/140506-seq-mtb-rides-reports.html)


James.

[JohnR]

I am not opinionated!! Just ask me :p