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Post by neal1975 on May 3, 2010 22:36:31 GMT -5
Hi ! I am a bit of a newb to the mtb hobby, i bought a bike a few months ago on a whim, and have been having a great time so far. I have followed the normal progression - ridden around town some a bit, (gets boring) ridden the towpath (fun at first, but gets boring), ridden greenway (nice ride, but. . . too tame). So started hunting for some more adventuresome trails on the web and you guys talked up this FATS trail so much that i had no choice but the very next day to rack up and drive out into the middle of nowhere to find these awesome trails - and man were you guys right!! The trails were fantastic, and i couldnt believe how clean the condition was. I rode skinny and part of brown wave, both were great! I think most of all - just gliding through the trees and racing down these buttery smooth perfectly crafted tunnels through the woods - it was just what i had been looking for!. (this trail is free? something this fun cant be free?) I am looking for more beginner-intermediate level riders to ride with - I am not out of shape, but i definately couldnt keep up with some of the other riders i saw the other day, you guys are crazy !!! ha ha. Plus i am in the mid 30s club not the mid 20s club, so i was proud just to make it 10 miles out there. If you are looking for someone to ride with, semi casual / beginner level, preferrably weekends, then hit me up! I cant wait to go back to FATS! happy trails everyone ;D Neal NealMoss@comcast.net
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Post by dgaddis1 on May 4, 2010 7:03:32 GMT -5
Come to FATS this week when all the Summit goes will be there. You'll have no problem finding someone to ride with.
Also, if you want to get better, ride with people better than you.
That's why seenvic likes to ride with me every now and then ;D
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Post by seenvic on May 4, 2010 7:48:49 GMT -5
(this trail is free? something this fun cant be free?) FATS is free to those who do nothing but ride there. FATS was/is not free to those who built it and continue to work on it. It's your choice. But I am tickled to death that you found it and had fun and came on here and told us. In addition to riding it, that makes it all worth it. Wait til you find that we have a bunch of other trails too....
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Post by brianW on May 4, 2010 9:38:35 GMT -5
Saturday there will be rides at various riding abilities lead by local riders at FATS. pretty sure it is every day during the Summit but I could be wrong.
As dgaddis said, ride with others, watch how more experienced, better skilled riders flow down the trail.
@ seenvic that line on GW (over/not around the rock) that you showed us at a work party is a blast.
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Post by seenvic on May 4, 2010 9:52:00 GMT -5
Saturday there will be rides at various riding abilities lead by local riders at FATS. pretty sure it is every day during the Summit but I could be wrong. As dgaddis said, ride with others, watch how more experienced, better skilled riders flow down the trail. @ seenvic that line on GW (over/not around the rock) that you showed us at a work party is a blast. Wait til I show you the line over a much, much bigger rock on Big Rock. Can't believe it has been there the whole time and I thought it needed "work" to be able to ride it. I showed it to Ben B, who promptly rode it two different ways...the first as a big drop back onto the trail, and the second as a roller over it, then back onto the trail. After he did it, I did the rolly line and so did 3 other people with us. It is right after Big Rock Proper going CCW. Off to the left of the trail, just slightly. Roll up and over that thing. It's easy.
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Post by JIMMYC on May 4, 2010 10:18:15 GMT -5
glad you found us Neal, are you new to the area or just new to mountian biking?
our work parties are our payment and it's the best way I have found to meet people.
I know it's hard to ride past FATS, but like Bill (aka seenvic) said don't just limit yourself to FATS. Some the older trails like Modoc, Turkey Creek and Horn Creek etc. will give you a whole different perscective.
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Post by brianW on May 4, 2010 10:37:38 GMT -5
Also, on the main page, there is usually a monthly "Explore the Trails" ride. Great way to meet fellow riders.
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Post by neal1975 on May 4, 2010 23:02:46 GMT -5
well, i have to give huge props to the people that maintain the trails. i dont know exactly what goes into that, but im sure its a hell of a lot of work. especially after bad storms and fallen trees, etc...
You guys have knocked one out of the park wtih this trail system, i mean - it is a really special place and you can tell so loved and cared for.
Anyboy riding saturday? lets all pray for the rain gods to ease up a bit here in the next few days.
Also while were at prayin', please put in a good word about lowering the heat and humidity, holy cow i was drenched in sweat on sunday.
See you guys
Neal
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Post by EdgeE on May 5, 2010 7:21:16 GMT -5
Also while were at prayin', please put in a good word about lowering the heat and humidity, holy cow i was drenched in sweat on sunday. Neal No doubt! - rode Horn Crk Sunday around 3:00 & about 3/4 around first lap I was thinking I should have worn something else, something for taking a dip in the lake/pond (another reason I love Horn Crk in the heat - ride 6 miles, swim, ride, swim, ride,...). Half way around the second time I was really feeling the humidity/heat and its not even HOT yet.
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Post by ted on May 5, 2010 8:06:03 GMT -5
Also while were at prayin', please put in a good word about lowering the heat and humidity, holy cow i was drenched in sweat on sunday. Save your prayer...this one won't be answered. Mother Nature is in control of things like this and she ain't gonna do it.
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Post by matth on May 6, 2010 13:55:17 GMT -5
Neal,
I will be 38 next weekend. Just started riding myself (about a month now) and so far its great. 10 miles would be right about the limit for me for now. Longest pavement ride is 9. Longest woods ride is 7, but could have kept going.
I have not tried FATS yet. Thought I would try the other trails first (Bartram, Keg, Turkey, Wine) and work my way up to FATS. I was hoping to ride Turkey this Saturday morning, but its not looking good.
Keep me in mind for your next ride.
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Post by Mark Y on May 9, 2010 22:14:40 GMT -5
Neal, I will be 38 next weekend. Just started riding myself (about a month now) and so far its great. 10 miles would be right about the limit for me for now. Longest pavement ride is 9. Longest woods ride is 7, but could have kept going. I have not tried FATS yet. Thought I would try the other trails first (Bartram, Keg, Turkey, Wine) and work my way up to FATS. I was hoping to ride Turkey this Saturday morning, but its not looking good. Keep me in mind for your next ride. Quitcherwhinin! ;D I'm 56 next month and just started riding a couple of years ago. I don't ride nearly enough to get in good shapre so 15 miles is about my limit unless it is flat and then I'm good for 40-50 on a good day on a road bike.. I would love to ride with some newbies that aren't full of pi$$ and vinegar and ride a more casual pace. myarb@comcast.net if you want t tour guide. I know the locations of most all the trails, just not necessarily all of the features and pitfalls though.
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Post by ebenj on May 10, 2010 8:24:06 GMT -5
Hi, I am new to this sport also and I have already fallen in love with it. I also have fallen a few times, once very badly on Brown Wave at FATS. I was by myself and was injured pretty bad. It scared me enough to want to find a group to ride with. I have ridden several trails since, still by myself. I would like to find a group of riders to ride with so atleast if I kill myself they will know where to send the bag to pick me up from. So I too would like to get a group of very adventurous guys to ride FATS or any other trail in the CSRA. I would really like to try the new section of Bartram.
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Post by matth on May 10, 2010 11:58:47 GMT -5
I got in two good rides this weekend. 11.3 miles Friday night on pavement and 10.2 miles Saturday morning at Bartram.
Couple more weeks I might be ready to hook up with some of you guys to ride FATS or the new trail at Bartram or wherever.
I am up for a newb ride.
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Post by dgaddis1 on May 10, 2010 12:01:51 GMT -5
Come to the Andy Jordan's canal ride on Weds! Great ride for newbies. Easy distance, good trail to learn on, and some experienced people for tips if you want them. All kinds of people show up for that ride, from very experienced racers, to folks going on their first off road ride ever. You will have fun!
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Post by Mark Y on May 10, 2010 12:46:09 GMT -5
My son and and I are planning on doing the out and back on Old Bartram today starting around 5:30. That is 13 miles of easy, rolling terrain; good for an afternoon "stroll". We will leave Petersburg 5:30-5:45.
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Post by neal1975 on May 11, 2010 23:03:29 GMT -5
Ok guys, lets get a ride organized for Sunday at Fats , whos in?
MattH, ebenJ - come on guys lets do this, who is with me. I have one other rider who might be joining from my neighborhood, he is relatively new rider.
I have been itching for a ride out there, - being stuck inside my office all day long staring at a stupid computer screen just kills me when i know the bike trails are only a few minutes away.
Anyone out there that wants someone to ride with, who rides at an easy casual pace, give me a shout.
NealMoss@comcast.net
see you guys on the trails
Neal
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Post by ebenj on May 12, 2010 8:33:10 GMT -5
Alright guys the only time I can ride Sunday is in the afternoon.
I already plan on riding FATS on Saturday morning arround 9. My plan is to ride Skinny and Brown Wave then rest at the truck for a little while then ride Deep Step. I rode GW last Saturday and it was in perfect condition.
I wouldnt say that I ride at a too easy pace, I try to push it when I can, but i also try to know my limits.
So lets do it guys, MattH, Neal, anyone that wants to hit the trails just drop me a line at:
eben@svillc.net
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Post by neal1975 on May 12, 2010 21:16:44 GMT -5
Im in for Sunday !! What time is good for you guys, or anyone else ? How about 4 - 5? to meet up there?
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Post by neal1975 on May 12, 2010 21:18:26 GMT -5
My son and and I are planning on doing the out and back on Old Bartram today starting around 5:30. That is 13 miles of easy, rolling terrain; good for an afternoon "stroll". We will leave Petersburg 5:30-5:45. My girlfriend and I rode bartram today, it is a really nice little trail. We rode the easy section a few days ago (from the midway point over to petersburg camground and back) and then we rode the other side of it, and most of the lake spring trail today, it is a bit more rugged and bumpy, but overall a nice beginner ride. if you guys havent gone over to bartram, check it out its a nice trail.
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