Winter Wonder(ing where it went) Land

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Jeff Moser

Hey, Winter! Where did you go? Not only has there been no precipitation in Carson City the whole month of December, it’s actually warming up too. It almost feels October-ish out there by mid-day with the temperatures hitting the low 50s, and it looks like just more of the same in the long range forecast.

Winter Wonder(ing where it went) Land

It’s definitely strange weather for December. I got out for a ride on Monday, and the trails are sandy, the switchbacks are silty, and the edges are soft. Watching the dust clouds rise off the back wheels this time of year just doesn’t seem right. My prowess on the singletrack is definitely diminished with fewer hours on the bike, and this is at a time when I’m counting on extra traction to make up for my lack of skills! A few more rest breaks were also required to make it to the top. But in spite of the lack of fitness and dexterity, a good time was definitely had. It lifts the spirits to get some sunshine and get active.

Nathan Harrison on the Log Skinny

It looks like Carson City bicycle commuters will get off easy the remainder of December too. With only the cold to deal with, what is typically one of the hardest months for bicycle commuting has been a snap. Where is the snow and ice? Where are the blizzards? Maybe next month…

December Riding

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Jeff Moser

Going through my December photos for this post didn’t take long at all, since there were very few to choose from. It looks like I’ve only been out on the trails once the whole month! A number of excuses come to mind, but it’s mostly because I just haven’t been motivated to get out in the freezing cold.

Tom Price on the Seven Steps trail

Bicycle commuting hasn’t been bad. Bundle up and ride at a casual pace. It’s hard not to work up a sweat while you’re out mountain biking though. Even with the best clothes, winter biking is a lot like cooking a frozen burrito in a microwave. Even-heating throughout the burrito is near impossible. Some parts are too hot, others are still frozen.

I got out for ride with the guys in Ash Canyon last Friday. As expected, it was slightly warmer up on the hill than in downtown. We paused at the trailhead for clothing adjustments and stripping jackets, and then began an ascent with the wind at our backs that was actually quite pleasant. Feeling in my fingers started returning by the top of the climb.

The descent wasn’t as pleasant though. We were headed back into the cold north wind, creating a windchill that had to be down in the teens. Eyes were watering, noses were running, and I felt my forehead numbing even under the micro-fleece skull cap. I think I had slight brain dysfunction by the time I got back to the office.

Descending the Vicee Rim Trail

I think part of the problem is that we still have dry, fall-like trail conditions, but also have frigid winter air. You can ride just as fast as you could a couple months ago, when really, it’s the time of year when we’re usually plodding along in the snow and mud. The extra rolling resistance and slower speed on the usual winter terrain keeps your body warmer. Plus I think there’s something motivating about seeing the trails in a whole new way. It’s fun to explore the winter wonderland when there’s rideable snow on the ground.

But since it looks like we’re in for several more cold and sunny days, the best thing to do to stay warm is carry some extra gear with you. A small pack with a windbreaker, extra head protection like a balaclava or knit hat that fits under your helmet, and thicker weatherproof gloves for descending would go a long way to keeping the ride fun. Stow the extra gear for the climbs, then bundle up for the downhill. I never have a problem with my feet overheating in the winter, so stay warm with some neoprene overshoes like the Endura MT500s (reviewed HERE on Bike Carson), or simply go with hiking boots and flat pedals.

How is your winter riding going? Is the cold keeping you off the bike, or have you been braving the elements?

Getting the Kids Outdoors

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Jeff Moser

When I was a kid, we spent a good deal of our summer outside, coming home only to eat and sleep. Our BMX bikes were our ticket to freedom, allowing us to get all around town and out into the hills for some play and adventure. These days though, not as many kids are doing this. Many of our childhood play places have been developed. Traffic isn’t as safe. The houses have air conditioning. Video games, Internet, iPods, and other electronics keep our kids (and to be fair, many adults too…) enthralled and entertained. Too many excuses. Too many distractions.

Young Mountain Bikers

I want to make sure I instill the love of the outdoors in my son, the same way it was done to me when I was young. And although I’ve tried hard to make this happen, I still see all that other stuff taking hold of his attention. With my son’s recently acquired full-sized 26″ wheeled mountain bike though, the outdoors now have more than a fighting chance to keep him interested.

Summer vacation is in full swing now, and we’re finally getting some nice weather. My son and his buddy joined us for a lunch ride today, and we climbed up into Vicee Canyon for some singletrack. I was on the lookout for snakes or some other creature, something the boys might find exciting. Near the top of the climb, we spotted a large bird circling above us. Too big to be a hawk? Too far away to tell… A short time later, the bird had caught something, and was beginning its meal on a log. The prey looked too big to be a large mouse…

The bird was way too proud of its catch to take flight and leave it behind, and it allowed us to creep in for a really close look. Definitely not a hawk, and definitely not a mouse. It was a Golden Eagle, and it had a rabbit the size of a cat in its talons! Fur that was stuck to its beak blew in the light breeze, and its steady raptor eyes warned us that it would fight for its lunch. We crept up within 12 feet of the eagle to snap a photo, then retreated to let it do its thing.

Golden Eagle with a freshly caught rabbit

This turned out to be an exciting distraction from the workout of the climb, and then it was time for some downhill! We reached the turnoff to a nice long singletrack that follows the rim down along Vicee Canyon. We descended down smooth, fast, swooping trail, and marveled at the creek far down below us in the canyon. Perhaps not unlike what the eagle experiences during its hunt. We had one wipe-out in a sandy corner that got some laughs, and at the bottom, there was much excited talk and instant replay of the descent. We had just had a lot of fun outside. An adventure even. Take THAT, Nintendo.

The Creek Trail is Open

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Jeff Moser

At long last, the Creek Trail is once again open! The lunch crew and I got our first ride on it today, and it looks like people had been enjoying it over the weekend too. I was really impressed at the amount of water flowing under the bridges!

Greg crosses the Upper Bridge

There are only a few patches of snow and mud, a few rain ruts here and there, but it is all rideable and very fun. I have a feeling the trail crew must’ve cleaned it up recently. Thanks, guys!

Ashley finishing off a fun descent

Week in Review

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Jeff Moser

It’s been a great week biking here in Carson City! We’ve had fantastic and interesting conditions up on the trails, and brand new bike lanes have opened up along a vital urban corridor. Here’s a look at what was happening this week.

Cortney Bloomer and Ashley Dale on the Creek Trail

The week started off with mild weather, and enough snow had melted to allow us to ride the Creek Trail. The November storms had left the trail frozen for weeks, so it was a real treat to get to ride this fantastic trail again. I had almost forgotten how fun it was, but all the grins from the riders were a good reminder!

Rainy commute home on the Ute

On Tuesday, epic riding conditions disappeared into clouds and buckets of rain. I rode my fendered Kona Ute, but I’m not sure that bought me anything. My borrowed Goretex pants soaked through in the first mile to work, and water was running into my boots. I was thankful for the dry shoes, socks, and underwear I had stashed in my desk at work! I really need to figure out rain protection for my lower half. The way home that night was much better though, with a light drizzle and energizing tail wind. It was one of those commutes that I was sorry when the ride was over.

Cortney Bloomer on the Deer Run Trail

Rain turned to snow in the mountains Tuesday night, and we awoke to ideal riding conditions once again. We didn’t have moist sand like on Monday, but we had snow that was perfect for riding in. It was cold and powdery, with plenty of traction for climbing and descending! Once up on the upper trails, we were completely in the snow, but we were able to keep going. Our tires were slipping around here and there, but for the most part, you could really keep your speed.

Scott Russel on the Four Day Trail

Scott Jeffries on the Evidence Trail

Cortney Bloomer – Peace, Snow, and Singletrack

Scott Russel on the Evidence Trail

Scott and Cortney on the Evidence Trail

If you’ve never bombed down a hill in the snow, let me tell you…it’s fantastic! The snow deadens most of the sounds you usually hear, leaving only the wind in the trees above and the crunch of the tires on the ground. Very peaceful and serene.

Snowy Descent back to Carson City

Way back in the Fall of 2009, Muscle Powered approached the Carson City Regional Transportation Commission about including bicycle lanes in the plan to widen Roop Street. Roop Street is a vital cycling corridor, as it is the only road other than HWY 395 that crosses Carson City without interruption, nearly all the way from county line to county line. Thanks to support from the cycling community, the RTC was persuaded to have the contractor revise the plans!

Donna Inversin at the Roop Street Opening Ceremony

On December 16th, over a year later, the ribbon was cut, the cones removed, and Roop Street was open once again for business. There is now plenty of room for cars, bikes, and pedestrians, and Muscle Powered’s relationship with the city has never been better! A big thanks goes out to all who were involved in this project, it was a big win for cyclists!

Members from Muscle Powered attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and were the first cyclists to officially ride the new bike lanes on Roop Street. This included Donna Inversin, who after retiring, finally decided it was time to learn how to ride a bike! Great job, Donna! I’m proud of you!

More news on the Roop Street ceremony can be found over on CarsonNow.org.

Morning Commute – Self Portrait

A winter storm greeted us Friday morning. I knew weather was on its way, but was really surprised to see how much snow was already accumulating. I decided on the 29″ wheeled Karate Monkey for the day’s snow riding, hoping that I wouldn’t encounter too much ice. It’s still snowing as I write this, and more snow is forecasted for the next several days. What cycling adventures lie ahead are anyone’s guess…

Bike Carson Photos of the Week

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Jeff Moser

…and we’re back! It was a busy couple weeks of good riding without a lot of time for writing. Let’s get caught up now with a mix of reader submitted photography and some of my own pictures and stories.

Levi @ District CX championships in Reno by Kary Grabow

First we have some CX championships racing action in Reno from Kary Grabow.

Paul Bass at the Bicycle Authority

Here’s a photo from the Bicycle Authority taken by Dan Turner, Paul Bass and his new 2011 Kona Cowan frame. Who’s Paul Bass you say? He’s a Kona Bikes pro rider, and is the guy that did a back flip over Ash Canyon road. Here’s a video of that stunt HERE.

Last race of the 2010 Season from Dan Turner

Here’s a photo of the Bicycle Authority BMX team at the last Carson race of the 2010 season.

Furly Night Commuter by Antoine Pethers

Here’s a photo from Antoine Pethers in New Zealand, riding his fur covered Surly, or “Furly” as he calls it. Antoine says, “Riding home from work on the East Coast Bay’s ‘Share with Care’ bike path. It’s nice to be physically separated from the drunks at this hour of the night. Getting warm in Auckland, shorts and a t-shirt at 10.30pm.”

More great photos and writing can be found on Antoine’s blog, Bike Friendly North Shore.

Frozen singletrack along the V&T Trail

Winter storms left the foothills covered in snow for days. Cold temperatures made the trails packed and frozen though, and we actually got some good riding in. It was definitely slow going and challenging, but the changing conditions really keep the same old trails interesting!

Robin Sharp riding the slushy snow above Lakeview.

Ashley Dale dropping down to the V&T

After our cold spell, the temperature warmed up at the noon hour, and the snow became butter cream frosting. Instead of riding on top of it, we were sliding through it, fighting to stay upright. There was walking and crashing involved at times which caused mixed emotions from the riders. Some grumbled, some laughed. I don’t think anyone cried. But in the end, it’s still nice to get out. Winter can be tough!

Rainbow Monkey

Last week the snow left the flats and southern facing slopes, leaving the trails in epic conditions. Hard packed sand with very little rolling resistance and tons of traction. Hero Dirt. One day we even had a rainbow to ride under.

Tom on the Four Day Trail

Although the Creek Trail is still under the snow at the bottom of the canyon, all the other trails were open in Ash Canyon including the higher elevation Evidence Trail. Clearing the switchbacks on this trail has never been easier!

Jingle Bell Run

Last weekend, my friend Brent and I had the opportunity to be ride leaders for the 5K Jingle Bell Run. I stayed up front with the leader to make sure people knew the course, and Brent floated around and helped with problem traffic areas. The runners were all decked out in Santa hats and jingle bells. What a good time!

I ain’t got no brakes!

We’ll finish with this video. Scott Russel demonstrates why disc brakes are a better idea on a snow bike!

These pictures were selected from the Bike Carson Flickr Pool. Instructions for adding your photos to the pool can be found HERE.

Tales from the Log Skinny

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Jeff Moser

On a cold and breezy June day that felt more like it belonged in March, we pedaled our way up Ash Canyon with no particular trail plan in mind. The leader would just make a decision at the next intersection as to which way we would go. Sometimes it’s better that way, so you’re not thinking about the whole climb from the very bottom.

A cold and breezy June day

We ended up on the Evidence Trail, and I could see Scott R and Ryan up the trail near the entrance of the log skinny. Luckily I was close enough to witness what came next. Scott R decided it was time to ride the log skinny for the first time. He got up on the log, rode half way across, and then flew off the left side! Now Scott has always told me how hard it is to wheelie his Stumpjumper 29er, and I’ve tried and agree with him, but he wheelie dropped off the log perfectly, and stuck the landing!

And he’s off the log!

The impact blew out his front tire, which was setup tubeless, and the white sealant oozed from the wound. The bead on the rear tire came unseated too, but this was not discovered until down the trail a ways. He had a tube in the rear, and it was easily popped back in. Thankfully both wheels were still true, and Scott was having a good laugh about the whole thing.

Blow Out!

While Scott repaired his front tire, Ryan and I took turns practicing the log skinny. I did a foot dab at top of the ramp on the first run, but then had a clean second run. Ryan rode the log skinny on the first attempt, but was definitely in the red zone near where Scott fell off. We were both a little psyched out after seeing Scott’s leap. While Scott pumped and pumped up his tire, I also had time to check out the new log skinny bottle opener.

The Log Skinny Pub

After riding the log a few times, I’m finally starting to learn the technique. I found the trick for me is to take the entrance turn wide, and line up the bike with the log before getting onto the ramp. When I have problems, I think I’m still trying to finish the turn as I go up the ramp.

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