A bit more on the Indian Heights Mountain bike trails

So I got a follow up email about the Indian Heights project. Personally, I still think if the park is to remain open, then it should be open to all users.

It turns out I didn't have the complete story on Indian Heights. There is a RASC member on the Indian Heights steering committee and he has filled me in on all the details. I'll sum things up for you.

The official RASC position is that we are NOT pursuing mountain biking at Indian Heights. Knowing that the Committee was heavily weighted against allowing mountain biking or any trail expansion at Indian Heights a recommendation was negotiated to pursue trails at the Gamehaven Reservoir Park. RASC is also establishing a partnership with the Boy Scouts. Their Camp is adjacent to the Gamehaven Park. This is a total of about 500 acres. Here's a link to the map location. http://g.co/maps/4xwnk. Myself and a few others spent a couple hours walking the land yesterday and it has incredible potential.
Of course you are welcome to personally be in favor of riding at Indian Heights, but RASC is not pursuing trails at that site.
When a RASC proposal for the Gamehaven Reservoir is ready to be brought before the Park board for approval, we would like your attendance at that meeting for support.

Brian

Now, in my first paragraph above, I say that "if the park is to remain open, then it should be open to all users." Let me expand on this a little. I wish to be sensitive to the Native American community and there is thought that there are remains in the park. Of course I don't claim to know how to identify a burial site, now do I want to be involved in designating a site as one or not. But if it does become a recognized burial site, I think access (for all) should be restricted. I'm not saying closed, but it really shouldn't be open at all times to everyone to do just anything.

I guess I believe that if it is a sacred area, then restrictions should be set so as to not disrespect the grounds. What this means is that while mountain bike riding should or shouldn't be allowed, we should also be looking at all users, and how they may be use the area. Should dog walkers be allowed? Trail runners? Pogo stickers? Unicyclers? I don't have the answers, but merely suggesting that we shouldn't rule out mountain biking without looking at other users and their impact on the area. Mountain biking is proven to have very little impact and can coexist with any other trail user safely. To rule out mountain bike specifically and not look at other users is not fair.

Check out this blog post with a little more info and opinion from a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and member of the Dakota Community of Rochester. http://valerie-malval.blogspot.com/2011/07/its-been-long-time-but-i-have-been-busy.html

One last thing, this is the first I've heard of possible trails at Gamehaven park. I think this will be great. Not as convenient as Indian Heights, but still close enough to ride to (for folks living in Rochester). I really hope this proposal goes through.

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Review - Mountain Pipe

Pump. I know it says pipe, right in the name. And it does look a bit like something for the 420 crowd (not that I'm into such activities, I'd rather drink a beer). Anyhow this is a pump.

Any responsible, smart cyclist rides with a pump. Racers (or riders with money and a dislike of actual pumping) take it a step further and ride with co2 inflators. The Mountain Pipe combines the two.

Update on Indian Heights mountain bike trails

Just got this email today about a meeting regarding the Indian Heights Mountain bike trails.

Here's some info about the mountain bike trails at Indian Heights park that I recently received. Sounds like the final vote is coming up soon. Maybe if enough people show up at the park board meeting we could be allowed to ride there. I'll be at the meeting in the team jersey; join me if you can.

Park Board meetings are typically held the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm in Room 104 of City Hall.

Brian
----------
From: Paul
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5:14 PM
To: Charlie, Jim
Subject: help...Indian Heights Bike Trails Proposal

Charlie: Jim:

After speaking to you both and continuing to research this project:

I’m willing to work behind the scenes to help facilitate discussion, comments and suggestions…but, clearly: we NEED youth support, and supportive adults: really should have 20+ people show up at the Nov. 1st Park Board Meeting. We need to be sensitive to the Native American community… it’s also a well known fact that the park is a former quarry, so there’s a large portion that has clearly already been disturbed. My personal opinion is this: I really like the location of the park for kids riding bikes because kids from all over the city can get to the park on the existing bike paths near-by, without riding the streets. Given some time, there’s surely a way for all parties to meet the goals…for example, wouldn’t it be interesting to have a Native American educational opportunity with the Youth as a whole who come to the park to ride trails?

My suggestion is this:

I’m willing to show up at the Nov. 1st meeting. In light of the sensitivities of the Native American Community, we’d like to request additional time before a final vote to study and perform more research before we share our comments and suggestions.

However, without the support of the Youth and other adults, this will probably not mean much to the Park Board and they’ll move ahead to eliminate bike from Indian Heights Park altogether.

I’ve created a Facebook group: need LOTS of friends: Indian Heights Park Bike Improvement Update (https://www.facebook.com/groups/indianheights/)

Building a webpage: uaffect.org

Email for suggestions: voice@uaffect.org

Please share this with other coaches, parents, media and especially kids – this is their chance to really have a voice to affect what happens for the current generation of kids and the future generations to come to create what many think is a really fun environment to have fun in.

I last posted about Indian Heights when it was reported that RASC was trying to expand/improve on the trail system there, and was getting resistance from the community (http://anello-grande.blogspot.com/2010/06/indian-heights-mountain-bike-trails.html). I hope we can convince the park board that it's good for the city/community to have trails open to mountain biking. It will actually improve the trail condition for all users.

View Indian Heights in a larger map

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Take your kid mountain biking

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This is too cute. Not only that, but the video is a good reminder to myself to take my own kids riding more often. Sometimes I figure they're too slow, or it will take too long. But really, I need to not be so selfish and give them the experience.

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5 tips to be a better mountain biker

Mountain biking is a sport that really combines skill and fitness. You need some serious skill in addition to some great fitness to be able to race well. Below are some tips to preform your best.

1. Look only where you want to go.To put it simply, you will go to where you are looking. This is a type of target fixation. You look at that rock you want to avoid, and of course you end up hitting it. Or you look at the edge of the bridge obstacle, instead of looking down the middle line that you want to stay on, and you end up riding of of it.
2. Scan ahead, way ahead. Know what's coming way down the line so that you can prepare for it.
3. Fitness counts. Not to say it's more important then skills, but you can make up for skills by being extra strong. 
4. Stay hydrated. Find something that you like to drink, and keep drinking on a ride. The worst thing you can do is become dehydrated. 
5. Keep up with maintenance. You don't want a mechanical that could have been prevented. Lubed chain and topped up tires and shocks makes a huge performance difference.

I could easily have made the list to 10 or more, but I just wanted to give you enough to be able to remember them easily. Feel free to leave some of your advice as a comment.

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Brake Tip from Shockspital

Basically it's the same advice as taking care of your taint, and that's keep your junk clean. Except, instead of your junk, we're talking about your stopping bits.

Follow this link to read it: http://shockspital.com/blogspital/posts/disc-brake-tip/ So now you know.

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Yehuda Moon & The Kickstand Cyclery on Kickstarter

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This would be a great gift for your cycling buddy. Pre-order volumes 2, 3 and 4 through Kickstarter (follow this link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yehudamoon/kickstand-comics-volumes-2-3-and-4).  You can still get volume 1 on the Yehuda Moon website (follow this link: http://www.yehudamoon.com/shop.php).

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Quick question...

Trek Paragon 2011

So this is my first year mountain biking after a bit more then 10 years away. When I got rid of my last mountain bike, I had just moved to Minnesota from a much warmer climate. In addition, in the last 10 or so years, hydraulic discs went from downhill rig only, to normal equipment on all mountain bikes.

So my question. Is it safe for my fork (Fox F29 RL 100 open bath) and brakes (Avid Elixir 5) to continue to use them through the winter? Not sure if I'd ride much in sub zero temps, but I'm sure I'll put in some rides in the 10 to zero degree range. Is there any special preparation that needs to be done to either set up?

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2011 Trek Paragon Hello mountain bike racing fans.

Bike art - Article about Muskegon phantom painted bike artist

Image from mlive.com

I like street art like this. Click this link to read the article and see a couple more pics.

Here is a prior post about a similar project in Toronto. 

Side note here: I think it's funny that he says to watch out for copycats, when he himself is copying from the ghost bikes he's seen. I mean it's fine that he put his signature on it. But if you're a copycat yourself (most artists and designers are) why warn about copycats to others? You weren't the first one to paint a bike and lock it up. Oh well.

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Jens, Jens, Jens. "I'm in the first line. I'm going to get going!"

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Awesomeness of Jens.

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Bike Art - Unknown Artist and Title

Honestly, I'd love to give some credit for this image. I know the feeling of this rider, suffering up this climb. If you know the artist, let me know so I can link to and credit them. Found here.

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It's not backing down, if you never registered

There's some heavy fall dirt and gravel race action this weekend. The Heroic (60 mile gravel race in Cannon Falls) and Holzinger Hot Lap in Winona. Both on Saturday. Some are riding both. I'll be doing neither. Call me a wuss if you want. I have no excuse other than I'm just not into taking the short trip out to either location on Saturday.

I guess I should look at a calendar and map out a season a little better if I want to do a few races next year. I know I'd like to do a mountain bike race or 5. Hit up a gravel one here and there. And do some more road group rides (again).

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Bike art - Chairman Ting “404 Beach” street wall art time lapse

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Another one from Chairman Ting. Time lapse of a street art collabo with Mike Nowland of Company Policy and Tom Pettapiece

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Sidi to make Speedplay direct mount shoes

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I held onto my Carnac Greg LeMonds for long beyond their life. Part of the reason was that I didn't like any other shoes interface with my Speedplay pedals. Now Sidi is offering models with a 4 hole Speedplay cleat base. That's awesome! I just got new shoes, so I'll have to wait for at least a couple years to get mine.

Image from BikeRumor

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No Trek Paragon for 2012?

2011 Trek Paragon Hello mountain bike racing fans.

I went to the Trek site to find some numbers about the geometry of my bike, and couldn't find anything about it. As if it disappeared. So I guess Trek doesn't think an aluminium 29er hardtail with low race level components fits their lineup.

Update: use this link (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2011/archive/paragon) for spec on 2011 Trek Paragon.

COLORS AVAILABLE
Matte Dark Gray/Titanite Black

Paragon
FRAMESET
Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 19, 21, 23"
Frame 6061 butted & hydroformed aluminum, E2 head tube, press-fit bottom bracket, cold-forged dropouts, G2 29" Geometry
Front Suspension Fox F100 RL 29 w/E2 steerer, custom G2 Geometry, 51mm offset crown, 100mm travel
WHEELS
Wheels Bontrager FCC front hub, Shimano M525 rear hub; Bontrager Mustang Disc 29 32/28-hole rims
Tires Bontrager 29-2, 29x2.1"
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters SRAM X.7, 10 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano SLX
Rear Derailleur SRAM X.9
Crank Shimano M552, 44/32/22
Cassette Shimano HG8110 12-36, 10 speed
Pedals n/a
COMPONENTS
Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
Seat Post Bontrager Race, 27.2mm, 5mm offset
Handlebars Bontrager Race Lite Big Sweep, 17 degree sweep
Stem Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8mm
Headset FSA Orbit, E2
Brakeset Avid Elixir 5 hydraulic disc brakes, 6-bolt; G3 185mm front, 160mm rear rotors
Extras Fork sag meter

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2011 Trek Paragon Hello mountain bike racing fans.

Bike art - ParadaCreations “I Love Bikes”

Very nice 11x14 print available for $21 on Etsy.

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Katie Compton | Second to None trailer

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This looks cool. I'll have to keep a watch for new episodes.

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The Sufferfest “A Very Dark Place” review

sufferfest very dark place review

Let me get this out of the way first and foremost. I received an advance preview copy of The Sufferfest's new video “A Very Dark Place” at no charge to review. I also have an affiliate link with The Sufferfest. I could potentially make a commission from any sale from following the link on the right sidebar. Honestly, I haven't made enough to cash out yet, but hopefully I can buy a cup of coffee or a beer one day from it.

As we enter fall (autumn for you folks who are artsy) and winter, most of us lose daylight riding time. Sure we can attach lights and ride in the dark. And if you bundle up with enough clothes, you can stay warm enough to ride, even to sub-zero temps, not that I do much of that more then riding to work. The only other option is to ride a trainer or rollers indoors.

Indoor riding is a great way to stay in shape, and even possibly build some fitness. But it can be really boring. I mean really boring. Sure you can crank up the tunes. That works for a bit. In the old-school days, we would pop in a tape of races we taped off the TV in the summer. Now you can pop in a dvd or load some You-Tube clips. If you are really motivated, you can even set up structured workouts based on heart rate, cadence, perceived exertion, power or any combination.

The Sufferfest has put together videos that combine race/ride footage, music and a structured workout. All in one package.

“A Very Dark Place” is 50 minutes of suffering. If you've ever watched other trainer workout videos, you usually get a nice coach telling you to go hard or ease up at certain points in the ride. Good, but not always motivational. The Sufferfest videos throws that out the window and motivates you by occasionally putting you down and egging you on.

The music matches the intensity, and the soundtrack for “A Very Dark Place” is indie rock. It works well and keeps your interest. But I do tend to like more electronic/industrial or even dance/rave for riding rollers.

The structure of the workout starts with a warm-up, a couple 30 second sprint efforts, and 5x 4 minute very high intensity intervals with 3 minutes each to recover, and a 4 minute cool down.

I did my Sufferfest riding 3.5 inch rollers. I should have rolled up a towel and placed it under the rear drum for added intensity. All through the video they have cadence/intensity cues, and it didn't really match up to my workout. This is in no way the fault of Sufferfest. A stationary trainer with resistance or variable resistance would work great. Crank that intensity up and you're good to go. But for me, even if I was in the biggest chainring/smallest cog combo, I wasn't able to get the intensity high enough with the lower cadences.

Clicky to see full size

The above chart of my workout shows my heartrate with cadence over time. You can see the distinct intervals, but they didn't rise up as hard as they should have.

The 50 minutes went by very quicly. I was concerned that the 4 minute intervals would be impossible to keep going thru. The other day, I did a workout with just an iPod and a general idea of some sort of intervals. I only had 3 to do, and the last one I wasn't able to hold for the full time. But with the added motivational cues of the Sufferfest and great video footage, I was working hard, but each change in intensity came up quickly.

If you are looking for a way to stay motivated to ride the trainer indoors check out The Sufferfest videos. It may not be the same as riding outdoors, but at least it makes the suffering bearable.

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Bike art - Kim Naumann - Curiouser & Curiouser Design “A ride in the Countryside”

A very nice marker on paper illustration of  “A ride in the Countryside”. Another great Flickr find.

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Scott Bike | Grems graffiti project

Follow this link. http://www.scott-sports.com/thegremsproject

Make some graffiti on their wall.

Win a fixed gear bike.

Sounds simple. I guess we'll see. Go ahead and have a go at it.

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Heart rate app

My Instant Heart Rate: 41. Measured with Android App http://bit.ly/gNRxNx

Trainer Road

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I'm pretty interested in this. I'd need to get and Ant+ stick for my computer, but I already have the speed cadence sensor, as well as the heartrate strap, so no big deal there. I'd have to see if they would set up virtual power for the drum size of my rollers and I'd be set up to do some indoor sessions with real structure.

I think it would really make winter roller sessions that much more bearable.

They are now in beta sign up, so if you have Ant+ accessories and stick, you may want to check it out. Link: http://www.trainerroad.com/

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Cav won the worlds

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Mark Cavendish wins the World Road Race Championships in a sprint! I'd say he was spinning the big ring!

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Bike art - Tor "Bikes of San Francisco"

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Great poster made for ArtCrank SF. Available here: http://torweeks.bigcartel.com/, for $30.

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Orange fixed gear rolling again.

Chain and cog

Old vs new

Bike is happy now

Ordered an IRO 17 tooth 3/32 cog and a SRAM PC1 chain. The cog is machined from Cro-moly steel, finished in matte black. Not sure if it's a treatment or a coating. Hopefully it's durable. The chain comes with a special snap link, that I'm sure works well on singlespeeds, but I don't trust it on a fixed drivetrain. Seems to me that there could be compression forces when slowing with your legs. And that could cause the snap link to un-snap. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyone use one with a fixed gear?

I wen't out for a shake down spin today and the drivetrain seems smooth and silent again. I think I'll be riding this for the Tuesday night cyclocross at Eastwood.

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