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Post by txr on May 5, 2012 21:14:02 GMT -5
Always used the phrase....leaves of 3 leave it be....leaves of four... look some more. I know its simplistic but I have NEVER forgot that and it has helped countless times.
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Post by txr on Jan 18, 2012 23:48:51 GMT -5
Wow. Why in the world was this done? I know that answer will probably remain unanswered but dang.
Question: when you say only certified sawyers..... does that mean a small folding handsaw is not allowed? I carry one at all times and if it can be cleared and is clearly not a rider I will use the hand saw to clear the tree. Is that not allowed?
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Post by txr on Apr 7, 2011 15:57:09 GMT -5
Rode upper skinny/brown/upper skinny today and the tread is in great condition. Upper skinny has some damp spots but overall its mostly dry. The wet spots are few. There was some trees down and lots of tree "litter" on the trail. Most of that litter is small leg slappers that if you wanted to remove all of them you would be better to hike with a rake I spent a good bit of my ride removing slightly larger trees/branches and just plain sharp branches that might get someones legs or wheel/derailluer. There is one tree however that as it is not IN the trail it seems to have created a large hole next to the trail on brown wave. It is located shortly after you see the river going CCW going uphill in that direction. I have posted some pics below for those that know to judge if this needs a lot of work or just some fill to keep that side of the trail from eroding away. Tom Almost tire deep! Note front tire is on the edge of the trail bed Again, this one is deep and its on the low side of the trail The left side of those two very small branches is the edge of the trail...so behind that in this pic is where the root has removed some of the trail onto its wake
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Post by txr on Mar 24, 2011 13:09:56 GMT -5
Rode upper skinny/brown wave CCW/upper skinny today and the trail is in great condition. Only a few wet spots (small puddles) in the usual spots. Almost entirely dry trail bed and the dirt is almost hero dirt (sorry dustin I had to make the reference ;D ). There must have been some strong wind though last night as I must have cleared about a half dozen large suspended limbs from the trail. Also had to clear out a few large trees as well. There were two that I was able to clean around but not move as they were large trees across brown wave. Heres a few pics of those trees. They are located at approximately 3.4 miles and 4 miles in from parking lot following the route I started this thread with. First tree down before some clearing out. After some clearing Reverse angle after clearing debris Second tree is rather large to move by hand. Love to see someone ride this one
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Post by txr on Mar 21, 2011 22:12:17 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I was just reading these posts last night and as I was traveling my route through Sandersville, Ga. I saw Adam and Christy. It was a rather odd coincidence, but I turned around and was able to stop and talk with them for a bit. They are an extremely nice couple are planning on stopping in Augusta overnight. They asked me about any camping other than around the lake in the Augusta area, but I wasn't able to think of anything right in Augusta. They are still looking for a place to crash if available, I would be more than willing, but we are in the middle of a remodel. They would be excellent company for anyone, and they really are doing an amazing thing! Thanks for stopping and talking with them. They have found a place to stay. I talked with them early this morning and also late this evening. I am meeting up with them in the morning, 9am at the Cracker Barrel at belair/i-20. They told me that you stopped and mentioned this post. I can not tell you how happy I am about that. Again thanks for just taking a moment of your time to speak with them, I can tell you they appreciated your time and efforts mudonthetires. Keep them in your thoughts as they travel this country by two wheels only!!! Truly awesome Tom
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Post by txr on Mar 20, 2011 10:34:55 GMT -5
The riders are approaching............
Just wanted to send one last note out their to see if there is anyone willing to host these two for a night? They will be hitting the area in the next two days. Sorry not exactly sure if its tomorrow, tonight or tuesday. I sent them a note with my number to call if they need anything coming through. I just do not have enough room to house two bikers, bikes and gear. This just sucks for me because they are such great people and anyone who could host them would enjoy meeting them for sure. Please take a quick look at their site if you have not already and send them a note if you can host or post here and I will try to get in touch with them in time. I know this is a lot to ask coming from someone who many do not know but any help would be greatly appreciated by them and me. Thanks in advance
Tom
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Post by txr on Mar 15, 2011 8:58:38 GMT -5
All I can say is that I absolutely LOVE my Superlite. Have only had it a little over a month now and it has not let me down in any way. I got the R kit and it has the 3 x 10 XT drive train. It has changed the way I ride. It is efficient beyond belief. I find myself pedaling in the large ring most of the time, even uphill. For me thats an accomplishment as I don't have a love of climbing. The energy transfer to the rear wheel just feels so perfect on that ring. The large ring on that setup is smaller than traditional so that is partly responsible. Its a 24/32/42 setup instead of a 44 large ring. The R kit also gets you a Fox fork and Elixir 5 brakes, both good upgrades from the D kit and only slightly more. The way I figured it is if your going to spend this much on a bike why not just get the R kit as down the road these upgrades will cost you a bunch more.
Anyways, good luck Brian with your choice but thats my .02
Tom
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Post by txr on Feb 13, 2011 19:48:23 GMT -5
....felt guilty that you didn't give your bike the respect it was deserved.
Well, I did this weekend. I am the proud new owner of a Santa Cruz Superlight RXC. I was so jazzed upon getting my bike that I set right out and took a ride. Yup....grin from ear to ear, pedals pumping, new computer computing. Started out great. What I forgot to take into account was that it has been almost 4 months since my butt was in the saddle, I had not eaten anything that morning and I did not change out the saddle to the one I have been accustomed to. Ayup....that grin was still there due to the bikes great feel and nimble ride but oh boy did my A@# hurt and my legs were just laughing at me when I asked them to respond to an uphill of any sort. Anyways, the grin remained throughout and I LOVE my SC Superlight! Now to get it dialed in all the way and get my sore A@# out on the trails a bunch and ride ride ride.
So to answer the question I started this with....no I don't feel too guilty, just inspired to enjoy my new bike and keep that grin going. The Superlight felt like it had so much more than I could give it that first ride....but look forward to a long standing challenge here to meet the expectations the bike has now set. Oh yeah........30 speed XT is just amazing. For someone who is not a deer and climbs normally like a log going uphill.....this is just the ticket.
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Post by txr on Jan 24, 2011 16:56:13 GMT -5
Hey, do not know if anyone is following this trip but they are making god progress and have been blessed with good weather so far. They have posted new blog posts and many pictures of the adventure.. Check them out here: www.giveabike.blogspot.com/They my be though this area in March. Any ideas to welcome them or sponsor a meet and greet?
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Post by txr on Jan 11, 2011 23:48:53 GMT -5
Hey all. Just wanted to share something with you all. A good friend's brother and his wife have started this adventure this past Sunday. They plan to ride ALL 50 states in 2011 (yes that includes Alaska and Hawaii). They both love the outdoors and adventure. He is a photographer and she is a teacher. They both have taken the year away from work to do this ride. Here is their mission, taken directly form there web site: www.giveabike.com/default.htmlspreading understanding about the impact a bicycle can have on a family in Africa, an at-risk child in the U.S., or a disabled U.S. Veteran The money they will raise will help them give to their charities listed on their site. This will allow them to donate bikes to the above charities. I am sharing this with you for a number of reasons. 1. They are amazing people 2. What an adventure. I think we all can dream of this but how many will ever do this? 3. I am sure some of you will be interested in their journey 4. Any and all help they can get would be greatly appreciated by them 5. Maybe this group can entice them (or help them) in some way. 6. All the above and more LOL Anyways, check out the website. Check out the blog and follow along and live vicariously through them if you wish. Tom
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Post by txr on Jun 9, 2010 12:53:34 GMT -5
Check this out. This guy built, rode and raced this bike from what I can tell for a while. Very cool and apparently somewhat durable too. Just thought it was cool and wanted to see who was going to build one ;D www.bmeres.com/bambooframe.htm
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Post by txr on Apr 23, 2010 20:21:38 GMT -5
Check out the May issue of MBA. John Liebe sent in one of the explore the trails pics of the 3 skulls. Awesome to turn the page and see that pic. I saw it and right away knew it was familiar and sure enough there it is in page 24 in the Hard Tales section. Way to go John!
Tom
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Post by txr on Apr 19, 2010 21:49:40 GMT -5
Went and watched Drew Jordan and some of the local BMX guys ride the pumptrack. I rode it a few days ago and tonight I got to see how it should be ridden. These guys were taking to the air and running some speed on the track. That is after they shaped, packed and watered the whole thing down. Awesome job guys! Here are a few picks of the action. Sorry, other than Drew I do not know the names of the guys riding. Oh yeah, the kid with the helmet can move on that track. He was getting some speed. Enjoy Tom
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Post by txr on Feb 25, 2010 17:24:53 GMT -5
YIKES !!!! Money...dang man that is a nasty case there. Wow, glad I saw that after I ate something ;D Let me see if I remember that old saying.....leaves of 4 look some more...leaves of 3 LEAVE IT BE !! Sorry to see you are that allergic the leaves, I can not imagine if I looked down and saw that . Tom
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Post by txr on Feb 21, 2010 16:06:27 GMT -5
Rode Horne today and as I enjoyed the ride I have to say I hated the drive home. I must have sneezed at least a half dozen times on the way home. WOW! Is allergy season starting early? My sinuses were just burning. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this and what do you take to combat it?
Tom
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Post by txr on Feb 21, 2010 16:01:21 GMT -5
Perfection. Go ride it. MD +1 on perfection. Rode it today and have to say it was in really nice shape. Couple very small soft (slightly wet) spots but they were very small. What a perfect day for a ride there too. Temp was perfect. Came across numerous hikers but did not see any bikes. Anyways, if you are looking for a good place to ride since the "holy grail" is closed do yourself a favor and take the drive up and ride it! Tom
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Map
Feb 4, 2010 19:19:50 GMT -5
Post by txr on Feb 4, 2010 19:19:50 GMT -5
Ahhh. So... the trail intersection/direction sign posts, emergency access/egress sign posts, and other scattered landmarks (rock gardens, notable trees, bridges) might be useful as locator points on a map. Careful there - you might end up being the Map Guy! I like where your head's at. OK here is a slightly ambitious idea for the web side of things..... Maybe those landmarks etc can be place on the map with a link to some of the pictures (either on a picture style storage site or the main trail page where they may be located) from the "how well do you know the trails" game that John started. I know it will mean squat to a rider with a map in hand while riding but how cool would that be for the web experience? It may also help newer riders recognize where they are on the trails and also help them if they are in a bad way on the trail to be able to say I am near the (insert trail feature), to help emergency and the guys in the red jerseys find them quicker. Just a thought Tom
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Post by txr on Nov 12, 2009 13:42:17 GMT -5
Well I am sitting here in Guilford CT halfway through my trip here and have arrived at my brothers house. I am eyeing his Specialized Epic Comp in the garage along with his 12lb Litespeed road bike decked out in Campy and trying to find a water bottle so I can get in at least one ride this week. Anyways I visited a local bike shop called Zanes. Below is a picture of the shop. What is cool about this shop (besides the people who were all very friendly) is that the building is ENTIRELY green. The roof is covered with solar panels and if you can see that wheel on the end of the roof on the right it even contributes in some way but honestly cant remember what it does.....sorry. Just thought that not only is this a great idea, the building being green, but how cool is it that it is a bike shop to boot!! Check out the pic below and also one I took while here of the scenery (damn I miss this area sometimes....but not during winter ;D ) Tom
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Post by txr on Oct 29, 2009 17:34:41 GMT -5
Give me a day or two notice and we can meet you there, weekday late afternoon. Will need a light starting next week; I have a spare. Even if you find the main trail, it can be confusing due to some shortcuts that have developed over time. Hey, thanks for the offer. I do want to get back up there but its going to be a while before I can get up there again. Probably more like mid Nov before I will get some time but I may take you up on that offer possibly on a weekend if thats ok. Maybe get some folks to ride up there and meet for a ride. The trail looked promising but like you read above, I did not really see any of it And I will look forward to some more of the pine cone game with Luke the wonder dog ;D Tom
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Post by txr on Oct 28, 2009 15:00:42 GMT -5
Since FATS is most likely a mudslide today I went and tried out ORA. I think I missed a large part of the trail. I forgot to print out the map from the front page but I parked up by the observatory. Took the trail down for there on the left side of the pond. It then headed behind the pond with it fairly close by and in sight at times. Then it came out on the road. Total to that point was only just over a mile. Did I miss a turn? Did I take the wrong trail? It said it was the nature trail and I think I really missed the main trail. I had never been there and decided to ride the road up the hill after it came out to the road. Crested the top and climbed the backside of that hill and came back to the park office (no one there). Rode back behind the pond and decided to explore to see if I missed a turn. Found the rope course (very cool!), found a few very small trails near the beginning of the observatory parking lot which really lead no where. Finally just kind of gave up and did a bunch of out of the saddle sprints in the parking lot to end up with about 5 miles total. Help me out here, I KNOW there has to be more there, at least form the map it looks like I missed a bunch.
Tom
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