Slept well knowing again that I would ride from camp, except I started counting rigs going by about 6:00AM getting into hunting position. During ride yesterday I did not see 1 deer. Lot of empty tags about.
After washing mud off bike yesterday I spun the cranks backwards and noticed a less than effortless spin. Damn, fried another bottom bracket. I convinced myself that it spun freely enough for a ride with the promise at ride’s end I would seek professional help.
Several cars were parked @ horse stable where ride starts. Didn’t catch up to them. I am now just a rabbit for other riders, I don’t reel in riders ahead of me.
Passed father / son deer hunters dressed in full camo with a fire going right on the road track. Learned that it is rifle season for deer. I suspected such. Oh well, I have a right to be outside also. I never heard a shot during the ride.
Rode up same as yesterday and joined the Black Mtn trail and turned South instead. Old hiking trail: log h2o bars & steep fall line climbs and decents. A bit of serious hike a bike sections: hiking itself was interesting but toting along a bike was even more exciting. Several vista outlooks, rough mountains albeit short. Rhody thickets with trail cut thru them. Finally crested last of Black Mtn massive & headed down. Some switchbacks and traverse trail but mostly hard squeeze on hydraulic brake levers. I ride Formula K24 brakes with an 8″ rotor front and a 6″ on back. With 1 finger I have good modulation but not enough power to lock up wheels. 2 fingers has modulation but the ability to lock up wheels which I need sometimes. Front brake announces my presences w/ squeal.
Solitary ride again.
Cold today. Gloves are essentially long fingered summer gloves, not very warm. Wear PI booties that ride up over my toes, these are not made for hike a bike but keep my feet from freezing. Temp is below freezing each night which is unusual here or maybe at this time of year.
Back into town. Tried Sycamore bikes for bottom bracket, no dice . Went across street to The Hub to do business. No Shimano but a Race Face that has not treated me well in past, but a spinning crank is more important than me being pissed @ Race Face. Got a discount on BB as it was installed & deinstalled from a bike but never ridden on. Pretty gold color clashed with Sangria color of Turner. But hey, the crank spins freely.
Groceries at IGLES a big well stocked chain store. Shower @ laundromat again. Parked in town for inyernet access. time to head to woods for dinner.
Riding here again tomorrow on a suggested route.
Off again.
Check Ride data page for ride graphic.
Zags won again, ranked number 5.
Craig, is it a bit unnerving knowing you are out there with hunters? I’m guessing you are wearing bright colors on your rides? Speaking of bright colors, it’s time to decorate the interior of the Sprinter up with some Christmas lights. Ride safe. Go Zags.
Mono, a slug in the body could ruin a good ride but sitting out of the woods instead of riding ruins a good day.
Missed Zags game on Sat as I was sharing the woods w/ rifle hunters.
No seasonal lights for the van, although I have seen led lights that might work. When I dirt bag camp I keep an unlit profile.
Hope you are doing good. I was reading about you adventures and it sounds like a good time. I was wanting to see if you would let me know what you didn’t care for at Sycamore. I try my best to make everyone happy and I want to see how we can improve. Sorry we where out of stock of that BB. Hope to see you soon and read some more of your good stuff.
Wes,
My response to your shop was personal and my problem.I overcame my bias and spent $ in your shop. I listened to your tire recommendation and bought a pair based on my trust of your judgement. I cleaned out your Jagwire pads for my Formula brakes. The last pair I bought from you were the real Formula pads which I commented on and appreciated. You fixed my bike and repaired well. I visited your shop quite often to enjoy yours and shop’s company.
I spent $ across the street also, I spent big bucks for my King wheel.
I am a northern liberal and my first impression of you was that you were a good ol’ boy. I put you in a bucket and shut the lid. I removed the lid and got to know you beyond the first impression.
Maybe it was not having the bearing that I felt should have been in stock because many of today’s bikes have hollow cranks. I harkened back to my Helena,Montana experience where neither of the shops had the bearing and they were smack in prime mtn biking and selling bikes w/ the same bearing. I might have written a similar comment if the Hub lacked the bearing.
May we still play nice w/ each other?
Craig
I always enjoy you coming in and telling us how your trip is going. I hope to see you soon.I glad to see that you like brevard so much. I always want to know what the problem is because I want to learn what people are looking for from us. Thank you for your feedback. I learn something new everyday.I’m sorry that we were out of stock of that item. I want to say that you have a great website and it is very enjoyable.
Yes,we will always play nice.