The Bike Crank

Rattlesnakes and Barking Dogs. The Sounds of a Summer Morning Ride

July 20, 2022July 20, 2022 TheBikeCrank

Beautiful morning with perfect weather to spend an hour or so in Logan Canyon. Every time I ride here I find a holy re-connection with with the natural world. The sound of an unhappy rattlesnake did wake me from the zen moment but neither of us wanted anything to do with each other and we parted ways without incident. I’m definitely a source of interest

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View of the road from the handlebars on the way out to Porcupine

Paradise, Porcupine Dam, Road Biking, Summer

Bruised But Not Beaten to the Ends of the Road Go I

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022 TheBikeCrank

My muscles are still feeling the effects of their encounter with the dirt. The bruises have changed colors. The soreness isn’t a big deal but it keeps me from really pushing hard as my knees don’t feel awesome. It was perfect morning for a ride with no wind on the way out and just a bit of wind in my face on the way back

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Ibis, Ibis Ripmo, Mountain Biking, Providence Canyon, Summer

Holy Brain Buckets of Sweat it’s Hot!

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 TheBikeCrank

I left the house at 8am. I blame Stranger Things. They need something at the beginning to warn you that demons will be chasing kids for the next 2 hours and you might not get to bed until 2 am. It was already hot. It got hotter. I was tired. I was sweaty. I hurt from the bruises that still litter my body. I did

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Paradise, Road Biking, Summer, Time VRS Fluidity

Racing tractors recover ride

July 15, 2022July 15, 2022 TheBikeCrank

After yesterday’s crash I had resolved last night to sleep in and blow off riding. My body had other ideas and woke me up early in the morning. I was up and my knees felt fine so I committed myself to a gentle recovery ride. I was slow up until I ended up with a tractor behind me. A bit of flight instinct kicked in

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Crashes, Ibis, Ibis Ripmo, Mountain Biking, Providence Canyon, Summer

Eating some dirt

July 14, 2022July 15, 2022 TheBikeCrank

I can home with dirt in my teeth. I’m sitting here with ice on my knee and raspberries on my shoulder, my right leg, my left thigh and under my left arm. I’m not sure how I managed that last one. The trails are dry and the dust is slick as ice. I hit a corner and my rear wheel totally slipped out. I tried

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Bianchi Cavaria, Logan River Trail, Summer

Quarrel with a Cramp

July 13, 2022July 14, 2022 TheBikeCrank

Headed out early on a gravel ride up Logan Canyon. I was slowed by a steady stream of runners from the USU cross country team. That’s all fine but what literally stopped me in my tracks was a sudden burning sensation from my left quad that got me off my bike for a few minutes while I punched my leg and limped around the trail.

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Blacksmith Fork Canyon, Utah. Blue skies with open road leading into the mountains.

Paradise, Road Biking, Summer, Time VRS Fluidity

May your journey ever be sunshine and open road

July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 TheBikeCrank

Kind of a weak ride this morning. My legs were not up for a constant push. However, the more chill pace gave me a chance to breath in the morning air and absorb the beauty of this place I call home. Summer mornings last only a few months. I have to spend every possible moment living in them while I can. The ride – Paradise

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Ibis Ripmo, Mountain Biking, Providence Canyon, Summer

Slippery when dusty

July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 TheBikeCrank

5 suffer loops this morning and each of them had a moment where I slipped the front or rear tire. Luckily, even after briefly loosing traction the Assegai rubber quickly grabs onto the dirt and restores your line and your confidence. The ride – Providence Canyon The bike – Ibis Ripmo

Ibis Ripmo, Juniper Jardine, Mountain Biking, Summer

What else are ya gonna do with a Saturday

July 9, 2022July 11, 2022 TheBikeCrank

OK, so the answer is go to Bear Lake and paddle board but the morning was open so I took the drive up Logan Canyon to enjoy the spectacular nature of the Jardine Juniper trail. I love the ride. It lacks the playfulness of Providence Canyon but makes up for it with unrivaled views. It takes as much time to drive to it as to

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Porcupine Dam, Road Biking, Summer, Time VRS Fluidity

Though I ride through the Valley of Cache and the wind be my kryptonite I shall not whine (very much)

July 8, 2022July 8, 2022 TheBikeCrank

Summery morning road bike rides in Cache Valley are beautiful and the perfect temperature. The wind does ruin the serenity from time to time and my time this morning reflects that. Still as long as I can get my legs to turn, I’ll take any day on a bike. The ride – Porcupine Dam The bike Time VRS Fluidity

Category: Summer