Monthly Archives: April 2009

Sheep Watch 2009

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Sheep Watch 2009
Traffic was thick on Combs Canyon Road

If you’ve been riding around Carson’s west side lately, you may have seen or heard the sheep. The sheep are back again this year conducting natural fire suppression. So far they’ve been spotted on C-Hill and in the Combs Canyon area, and I expect they’ll be in Ash Canyon before too long. Today was the first time I’ve seen them crossing the pavement. It’s not hard to reach 40mph coming down Combs Canyon, so watch for these critters jumping out of the bushes when making your descent!

Bike Month News

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Here’s a summary of what’s coming up for May’s Bike Month. Please check the Bike Carson Calendar Page for further details. Please be aware that times could change, so it’s best to check the calendar for the latest updates before heading out. We’ll also post final details the day before the events.

April 22nd

  • Bike Month Meeting – The Feisty Goat Pub at 6:30 PM.  Main topic will be the Bicycle Commuter Challenge.  Additional topics will include advertising and gathering raffle prizes for the party.

May 4th

  • Bicycle Commuter class at Comma Coffee – includes ABC Quick Check, riding in traffic, and bicycle laws, plus whatever topics the attendees would like to find out more about.

May 5th

  • Bike Clinic at the Bike Habitat – How to Change a Flat Tire

May 6th

  • Bike Social at the Feisty Goat Pub – Ride your bike to the Feisty Goat Pub for a pint and some socializing.

May 7th

  • Commuter Forum at Comma Coffee – A forum designed for the novice commuter and those individuals interested in getting started. We’ll have experienced bicycle commuters on hand to discuss and answer any questions you have about cycling to work and car-free living.

May 8th

  • Full Flower Moon Ride in Ash Canyon – Evening ride in Ash Canyon.  Bring lights if you want to keep riding after dark!

May 9th

  • Daytime Event at The Bike Smith (Details TBD)
  • Movie Night at Bike Habitat

May 10th

  • Kid’s Mountain Bike Ride on the Mexican Ditch Trail – A good introduction to off-road cycling on the mostly flat, hard-packed Mexican Ditch Trail. Mountain bikes or BMX style bikes with knobby tires recommended, Helmets REQUIRED.

May 11th

  • Bike to Work Week Starts!
  • Bicycle Commuter Challenge begins
  • Commuter Celebration and Commiseration at Comma Coffee – This is an informal gathering for bicycle commuters to share stories (celebrate and commiserate), ask questions, share expertise, and enjoy the company of other commuters.
  • Movie Night at The Bicycle Authority

May 12th

  • Commuter Celebration and Commiseration at Comma Coffee
  • Bike Clinic at the Bike Habitat – Roadside Repair

May 13th

  • Commuter Celebration and Commiseration at Comma Coffee
  • West Carson Cruiser Ride – A slow ride on Carson City’s west side.  A good family event.

May 14th

  • Commuter Celebration and Commiseration at Comma Coffee
  • Flat Tire Clinic at the Comma Coffee courtyard – A hands on Flat Tire Clinic.  Bring a wheel down, and learn how to repair a flat tire.

May 15th

  • Bike to Work Day!
  • Free Coffee at designated commuter stations
  • Commuter Celebration and Commiseration at Comma Coffee
  • Party at the Firkin and Fox – Live Music, Bicycle Events, Raffle Prizes, New Belgium Beer, Team Wonderbike, and more.

May 16th

  • Daytime Event at The Bike Smith – Details TBA

May 17th

  • Bike Habitat’s Tour of Carson – Road Bike Ride around the perimeter of Carson City, approximately 26 miles.

May 19th

  • Bike Clinic at the Bike Habitat – Home Bicycle Maintenance

May 26th

  • Bike Clinic at the Bike Habitat – Preparing to Ride: This clinic will focus on nutrition, attire, gear, and other often overlooked areas of cycling.

Sea Otter Classic 2009 Preview

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This year’s edition of the Sea Otter Classic kicks off tomorrow.  After a couple hours of pretending to work in the morning, Lester and I are headed to the Laguna Seca Raceway.  We’ll meet up with my buddy Scott who will already have the campsite staked, overlooking the racetrack and the Sea Otter village.

We’ll pick up our race packets and head out for a short ride on the course to give Lester a look at what’s to come on Friday when he races that afternoon in the Clydesdale category.  After that we’ll likely find ourselves at the Crown & Anchor in Monterey.  That place has good curry.

For all of you that can’t be there, here’s a look at Lester’s new Clydesdale racing kit.  And yes, the feet are SPD compatible.

Lesters Sea Otter Singlespeed Kit

Lester's Sea Otter Racing Kit


–artwork by s. shearer

We’ll taunt Lester with beers somewhere along the final climb where I’m sure he’ll return the favor on Saturday. Morning. Before 10. Not that that’s too early for beer.

Jackrabbit Trench Drama

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I hiked up to the end of Jackrabbit with Amy, Tank, and Kayla to see what all the fuss was about.

Before
Wheel Swallowing Trench Before

Looks to me like some kids were attempting to build a Gap-Jump Trench-Jump at the end of the Jackrabbit Trail.

After
Pecos Potter’s Grave After

The kids probably didn’t realize that old geezers like me don’t appreciate Trench-Jumps on a cross-country trail.

Carefull on the End of Jackrabbit

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Our Easter Sunday Surprises have come and gone now for the really destructive. Lucky us the bored youth of Carson are on break for a week.

Just as you reach the end of Jackrabbit someone has decided it would be fun to dig some trenches in the trail. Coming down the first is right in the bottom of a dip and appears it isn’t quite done. Then maybe a 100 yards further down trail there is a Hole right in the middle of the trail. The worst is a 3 foot long by 1 foot deep trench dug directly across the trail directly after the big dip and jump. The trail leading to the dip is now covered with branches in hopes nobody hits that dip not knowing about the trench. It truly could be ugly if someone goes through there fast not ready for this trashed area.

Jesse this is way worse than before…glad you gave me the heads up.

I’m gonnna try and get out tomorrow at lunch and after work to fill things in. Potter let me know if your available to help.

Careful folks I think we will see more as the week wears on.