Rob's Rides
Here is my weekly ride plan, who ever is able to join me, the more the merrier!
Tuesday Late afternoon/evening = Cross at Eagle Island
Wed = Unsure, maybe a road ride (easy effort)
Thursday early afternoon = Mtn. Bike ride
Fri morn = Long Mtn. bike ride
Sat morn = Since I can't make it to Tamarack I am going to Eagle Island to simulate a race type effort.
Wednesday ride
Rob:
When were you planning on doing your (possible) road ride on Wednesday. Where do you plan to start? I'm available at 5:00.
Steve Olsen
Tuesday -- see you at the island
Wednesday -- might work out, I'll talk to you at EI.
Out for Wed.
If a couple of you can go on Wed. why don't you plan together. It looks like my 9 year old daughter wants to climb part of Bogus again, so I will be taking her out. If things change then I will hook up with you guys.
Tuesday night ride at Eagle Island
So, an FYI for you all.
I thought I would let you guys know that Mike is a little upset that you have decided to start your own cross training sessions at Eagle Island. I think he is bummed that he has gone through all the work to set up barriers, organize the training for the last 3-4 years and now you are holding a training session, while it is not advertised, that is competing with his training session. I know some people (besides our team members) that have stopped going to Camelsback Park and now are going to Eagle Island. I know it also fits in with you schedules better and is closer but I can also understand where Mike is coming from.
wednesday ride
Ladd:
My schedule has changed and I won't be able to ride tonight, Oct. 1.
Next time!
Steve
Mikes concerns
I can definately understand why Mike might feel that way. I think the world of MIke and would not want to offend him in any way. I am also very grateful for all he does for our great sport in this valley. For some of us it is simply a lot closer and fits into our schedule a lot better. Plus, I like to get a swim in as well. Because of Mikes concerns I have not posted any of these rides on Idaho Cyclocross forum and have encouraged to keep our Tuesday nighters somewhat on the down low. Maybe I could talk with Mike so he doesn't feel like anything is going on behind his back or trying to subvert what he is doing. Just as an opinion, I personally think that having two options in two different parts of town can help grow the sport better and get more people involved. Brad, thanks for the heads up, I know none of us want any hard feelings.
Mike
Yeah, I agree and tried to convey the logistical reasons behind it all. I think he just felt it was bad timing to have it compete on the same night as the traditional cross training nights. The numbers have been lower at Camelsback Park and he just found out about it from someone (Brad Graybeal I believe) so he was hurt a bit.
I just wanted to let you all know and if you wanted to talk to him that probably wouldn't hurt to smooth over his feelings.
Change nights?
How about moving the EI training to, say, Thursdays?
Assuming I ever get training again, I'd be up for attending both nights.
Not a bad idea
I don't think moving it to Thursday is a bad idea. It might bring up the numbers for both areas.
I hope nobody took offense
since the EI rides were not meant to undermine all of the good stuff going on at Camelsbak. Mike does an awesome job organizing the official cross practices. I've been able to make it down there once this season, and I'm glad I got down there.
However, I generally have a hard time getting down to Camelsbak even for our road rides. If I can have a great practice with a few folks close to my home at EI, or I have to try and leave earlier to get down to Camelbak, then my preference pretty clear. So for me, it's not so much about the night, as the location.
If we all decided to try and stay away from EI on Tuesday nights, then I'm more likely to end up just riding around the park by my house rather than heading down to Camelsbak on Tuesday nights.
Great Idea
I totally agree with Nate. Tuesday @ Camel's back and Thursday (or whatever other night) @ EI. I haven't been out to EI on Tuesdays because I like to attend the Camelback practices. I also like to support whomever is going and getting the barriers. If the nights were split up, the numbers would be better at both places. I think if this is the case then we should tell everyone so that folks have more than 1 night to ride with a lot of other cross folks. I certainly can see both sides. Just my 2 cents. Brian
Not to beat a dead horse
Just to add one more thought relative to the night not being so much the issue. When I go to Eagle Island I am usually there between 4:30 and 5:00 because that is what fits into my schedule. I am simply trying to get a work out in when I can. I think people have got to do the best with their circumstances.
The best mountain bike climb in the Valley, period!
O.K., so most of you are familiar with what a great down hill Dry Creek is. It may be and and probably is an even better climb! For my money and I believe Harris and Tim might agree it is far and away the best climb in this valley. First, you get into the trees early, right now the trees are the cool far colors , the dirt is actually dirt, and While there are plenty of creek crossings there have also been added some cool rock bridges that are fun little tech tests. In the summer you have the benefit of tree cover to keep you much cooler. Anyway, if you have not yet tried it, I recommend it highly!!!:):):) I plan on trying to get back to it some time next week, probably Thursday if anyone wants to join me.
Agreed
I would agree with Rob. It was just an awesome ride. Of course I was on my New Jamis bike from Paul and that made it even better. Ya I finally gave up the hardtail and went with the cross country full suspension bike. I love it. It made Hard Guy just awesome. I haven't ever had that much fun going down Hard Guy. You can ask Rob whenever he wants to go to Hard Guy I am no in the mood since I always thought it was a lame down hill. But it was awesome on Friday.
Not even close
Yes, there are other good mtb climbs in the valley. Sure, you can have a great ride/time doing them. But what we're talking here is sage brush vs pine trees, sandy vs dirt, mostly easy vs technical challenges , and dry, dusty desert vs lush creek crossings (and I mean a lot of creek crossings). This trail easily gets my vote for the best mtb trail close to the valley. I'll be doing it again. And again. And again....