Get Off My Trail
Speed Mountain hosted the Pivot demo fleet this week at Providence Canyon. I can’t resist smashing other people’s hardware into rocks and I signed up for a morning test ride on a Mach 4 SL and a Trail 429 for the afternoon. At 9am I did two things I almost never do. First, I drove to the trail head. Second I left the Ripmo in
Another, “watch your head” warning. In spite of my body’s inability to produce any significant power I decided I missed Providence Canyon too much to not try a quick up and back. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m still not processing information correctly or if the trees really are starting to lean into the trail more than they used to but I managed to
The Ripmo ran into a twin at the top of Providence. They quickly exchanged pleasantries as we finished the top loop. As we dropped into the creek I was reminded that by the time August rolls around usually the trails are inches deep in moon dust. This year, with copious rain, the trails are packed and the creek is still running. The Ripmo has a
The Ripmo enjoys ripping, tearing, screaming through the forest throwing rock and mud and debris everywhere. The morning after summer thunderstorms the trails are moist like a cake take right from the oven. Then you bit into bits filled with molten chocolate. The mountains are like that but instead of chocolate we return home caked in dirt with a few weeds and probably a bit
Most years the creek bed never has any water. This year there’s still water in there in August. The ride – Providence Canyon The bike – Ibis Ripmo
Taylor says it so it must be true. The heat is definitely brutal. Also, slammed my head into the fallen tree at the top of Providence. I’ve ducked under it many times but this time I failed to duck far enough. Grateful for helmets today. I was a bit dazed but I finished a few more loops. I have to keep proving to myself that
I was starting my second climb up the loop at the top of Providence Canyon. As I crossed the creek I thought I had hit a rock with left pedal. Not a big deal. Then my egg beater fell off. That was kind of a deal that ended my climb. I’ve grown so accustomed to Crank Brother’s eggbeaters that I don’t really want to change
Coming up after the second large drop on the upper section of Providence Canyon could yield some decapitation level surprises if you don’t remember to duck. The ride – Providence Canyon The bike – Ibis Ripmo
Just a quick visit to the canyon before we have to leave town. The ride – Providence Canyon The bike – Ibis Ripmo
A short mountain bike rides turns into a pre-ride fiasco when I attempt to change out the cleats on my shoes and spend an hour looking for an allen wrench. The ride – Providence Canyon The bike – Ibis Ripmo