Bike Carson Photos of the Week

…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, Reno
Levi @ District CX championships in Reno by Kary Grabow

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

Paul Bass
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.

bicycle authority team
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
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.

Karate Monkey
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 riding Lakeview
Robin Sharp riding the slushy snow above Lakeview.

Lakeview Hill
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
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.

Four Day Trail
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
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.

Bike Carson Photos of the Week

Here’s a look at what’s been going on with Bike Carson readers. We have some Fall riding shots as well as some Spring photos from the southern hemisphere.

king's canyon
Kings Canyon by Scott Meikrantz

First we have a photo from Scott Meikrantz, a shot of his single speed Vasssago at the Kings Canyon overlook as the sun is going down.

Ash Canyon
Jesse on the Evidence trail by Jeff Moser

A couple weeks ago, some of our lunchtime crew went for an extended weekend ride up in Ash Canyon. It’s always fun when you have extra time to play around and take some good photos. Here’s a photo of Jesse Richardson crossing the log on the Evidence Trail.

UNR Cycling
UNR Cycling by Kary Grabow

Next we have some UNR Cycling racing action from Kary Grabow.

Marlette
Marlette Lake by Scott Meikrantz

The Sierras take on a whole new look in the Fall. Here’s an awesome foggy scene along Marlette Lake from Scott Meikrantz.

Ash Canyon
Sandie on the Seven Steps Trail by Jeff Moser

Here’s another one from our weekend Ash Canyon trip, Sandie Ruybalid coming down the Seven Steps trail.

Ash Canyon
Robin on the Seven Steps Trail by Jeff Moser

We had some great riding this last week here in Carson City. Hours of rain last weekend turned the summer sand into hardpack with amazing traction! And when you combine great conditions with Fall colors and scenery, it just doesn’t get much better. Here’s Robin Sharp (and Sandie off in the distance) heading over to the Seven Steps Trail.

If you’ve been up in the canyon, you may have noticed what great shape the trails are in after the rain. This is not by accident! While most of us were huddled in our warm homes last weekend, Jeff Potter and a couple guys were up on the trails during the torrential rain, watching the water flow down the trails. Seeing the rain in action allowed them to see where water was flowing and pooling, and they constructed more drains to divert the eroding water off the trail. So while the main roads are soggy and rutted out, the singletrack has never been better. Thanks guys!

BarbieFurRacer® B+W
BarbieFurRacer® B+W by Antoine Pethers

The BarbieFurRacer®. Antoine Pethers prepared this 17kg singlespeed race weapon for the 2010 Singlespeed World Championship, held this year in New Zealand. Check out coverage of this race, where the winners receive mandatory tattoos, over on Antoine’s site, Bike Friendly North Shore.

Div 1 start
Division 1 Start by Kary Grabow

Here we have more racing action from Kary Grabow, the Division 1 start at the Collegiate Mountain Bike Championships up in Truckee, CA.

More Penguins
More Penguins by Antoine Pethers

An artsy shot from Antoine Pethers, More Penguins.

mcclellan
McClellan Peak by Scott Meikrantz

And finally a photo from the top of McClellan Peak. I don’t know anyone who climbs this mountain more than Scott Meikrantz.

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

Photos of the Week

Without a lot of time to write this week, I figure it’s a good time for some photos of the week.

Ash Canyon
Log Skinny in Ash Canyon by Brad Ashley

The first selection is from Brad Ashley, a photo of the log skinny up in Ash Canyon with some nice effects.

Flume Trail
View from the Flume Trail by Brad Ashley

And here’s another from Brad Ashley, the beautiful view from the Flume Trail.

Browns Bay Beach Panda
Browns Bay Beach Panda by Antoine Pethers

Next up is a Panda Portrait from Antoine Pethers, aboard his Surly Pugsley, riding the beaches of New Zealand.  See more from Antoine at Bike Friendly North Shore.

Tarantula!
Tarantula! by Jeff Moser

Here’s a tarantula I saw out at the Centennial trail. An awesome find if you’re into large, hairy arachnids!

Walk, Ride, and Roll to School Day
Walk, Ride, and Roll to School Day

September 14th was Walk, Ride, and Roll to School day!  “Come on, Dad!  Do we really have time to stop for photos?”

Pinenuts
Riding in the Pinenut Mountains

Pinenuts
Riding in the Pinenut Mountains

And finally, here are two photos from a recent ride out in the Pinenut Mountains. It’s a great spot to take the kids, with plenty of trails to ride without big elevation gains. The kids had a blast!

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

Photos of the Week

Welcome to another installment of the Bike Carson Photos of the Week!

Schwinn in Sepia
Schwinn in Sepia by Bob Moore

Our first photo is from Bob Moore and is part of his Breakfast in Virgina City photo set.

End of a Long Day
End of a Long Day by Brent Ruybalid

Next we have End of a Long Day by Brent Ruybalid from his recent trip to Downieville, CA. I’ll be posting a video from this trip in the next few days.

Evidence
Evidence by Jesse Richardson

Jesse recently got this photo of me coming down the Evidence Trail in Ash Canyon. An interesting perspective that really shows distance and height.

Creek Trail
Jesse Richardson on the Creek Trail by Jeff Moser

Here’s a photo of Jesse Richardson coming down the rock chute on the Ash Canyon Creek Trail.

bodie bike
Bodie Bike by Scott Meikrantz

And an interesting photo from Scott Meikrantz, which I’m assuming is a bike in the ghost town of Bodie.

Trail Work
Trail Work by Jeff Moser

What looks to be Eastern Sierra Chainsaw Massacre is actually just a bit of friendly trail work.

29er SS
Haro Mary 29er Single Speed by Kary Grabow

A photo of Kary Grabow’s Single Speed. A Haro Mary 29er, minus the Mary handlebars.

A busy day in Ash Canyon
A Busy Day in Ash Canyon by Jeff Moser

When the weather becomes mild, such as it has lately here in Carson City, you’re sure to see many more riders up in Ash Canyon at the noon hour.

Road Riders
Road Riders by Jesse Richardson

This one is for Lester. Scott stopped smiling for 2 seconds for this picture. Just for you. Tom Price, Scott Russel, and Sandie Ruybalid out for a road ride, photo by Jesse Richardson.

Morning Commute
Morning Commute by Jeff Moser

And finally, here’s a self portrait from a morning commute aboard my Electra Cruiser. When you commute on a cruiser, you can’t be in a hurry.

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

Bike Carson Photos of the Week

It’s been a while since we’ve posted the photos of the week!

A Great Day for a Ride in Carson City.
A Great Day for a Ride in Carson City by Shane Carlson

First up we have A Great Day for a Ride in Carson City by Shane Carlson, his first submission the the Bike Carson photo pool. Nice! Looks like this photo was taken from the lower trails of the Ash Canyon system.

IMG_2163
Surly Long Haul Trucker by Desert T

Next we have a couple photos of Desert T’s Surly Long Haul Trucker.  That’s a nice looking ride.  I’m not certain of the location, but I know it’s not Carson City…

IMG_2248
Surly Long Haul Trucker by Desert T

IMG_2744
Local Traffic by Desert T

Here’s another one from Desert T, a shot of his local traffic. Another indication that this is nowhere near Carson City!

We Cycle
We Cycle by Antoine Pethers

And another creative design from Antoine Pethers of Auckland, New Zealand. Which reminds me…I need to send you some water bottles!

Bike at SLT
Bike at South Lake Tahoe by Bob Moore

Here’s a submission from Bob Moore. A bike up at South Lake Tahoe. With this summer heat, this is definitely the place to be right now.

IMG_0299
Rain Shadow by Desert T

And another neat photo from Desert T, Rain Shadow.

Ryan
Ryan’s last Lunch Ride by Jeff Moser

And finally, here’s a photo of Ryan Madison on his last lunch ride with the lunch crew. He’s saying good-bye to Nevada and taking a job in California. Before he left though, Ryan recently got sixth place overall in his first solo 24hour Adventure Race that took him all over the Carson Range. Congratulations Ryan, and we wish you luck in your future adventures!

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

Bike Carson Photos of the Week

It’s been a while since we’ve posted the Photos of the Week. Enjoy this week’s selection!

Dirt to Work 2010-4
Dirt to Work Day by Lester Fitzhenry

Back in May we had Dirt to Work Day. Here’s Lester’s capture from that morning. Obviously, he didn’t take the shortest route from point A to point B.

100_2318
Log Skinny by Lester Fitzhenry

Here’s another one from Lester, a recent evening ride in Ash Canyon. Scott is installing the Bottle Opener as Potter cruises the Skinny.

Space Invaders
Space Invaders by Antoine Pethers

Here’s one I really like, Space Invaders from Antoine Pethers. Another one of his fantastic creations. To see Carson City’s own version of Space Invaders, check out the recent post on the Muscle Powered blog HERE.

Early Morning Library
Early Morning Library by Antoine Pethers

Here’s another awesome shot from Antoine, Early Morning Library.

creek crossing at red house
Creek Crossing at Red House by Scott Meikrantz and Ron Peck

I’ve been wondering what the conditions higher up the mountain are like. Here’s my answer. Here’s a photo from Scott Meikrantz and Ron Peck’s recent adventure up to Red House. No snow, but lots of water!

Evidence Trail
Kristy Moser on the Evidence Trail by Jeff Moser

And finally, here’s a photo I took last week of Kristy on the Evidence Trail. There are so many great views off this trail! I really like this section, looking down into the canyon, and seeing the road and lower trails below. It’s like flying.

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

Photo of the Week

Tacos are delicious!
Tacos are delicious! – Photo by Scott C

I wasn’t there to witness it, but Jesse busted out his mad skills earlier this week, catching some sick air over some little huge jumps.  But his skills don’t end with jumping.  Shortly after landing the jump, Jesse proceeded to make a delicious taco salad, demonstrating that he has talent in the culinary arts as well.