Monday, September 17, 2012

Head over heels

Had a good ride but a interlude of a head over heels crash. Bike is good but I am in some pain. I was really enjoying my time going down the hill. The day was gorgeous and everything seemed so great. I was just out having fun. I am going to be riding this circle as my circuit. It is 6.2 miles with some good climbing and some fun singletrack heading down. I did find out though that when you are tired you make little mistakes.

I made one little error. I was not going fast but I was tired. Fatigued from the climb up the hill and should have slowed down even a little more. I came up to a right hand with a little rock and then a good sized drop. Instead of prepping for the drop and unweighting the bike so I could settle it on the drop and ride out I just rode through. The rock did just enough to slide the front tire a little and then the back tire hit the rock which made my momentum go even more forward. I keep playing that back over and over in my mind. I still feel like I should have been able to ride that out but nope, my momentum carried me over the bars. Took the impact with my hands and then ate the track up with my face and chest. OUCH. This is the first crash that I have ever had that hurt me more then me just hurting my pride.


This was the path to my demise! Yes this was the top of the hill and made for such a nice view. The weather was great and I was happy to be on the bike again. I have not been as faithful to riding as I should have. And now I have paid the price. Now I have a sprained wrist and elbow. So I have to made sure I have the stamina and am pain free before I try this ride again. But oh what fun it was until my experience of flying into the side of the hill.

I had to grab a parting shot of the sunset. Some beauty while I was in pain heading down the hill to rest up and heal for some more adventures.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Time Z Mountain Bike Pedal Review

I have to say I was excited when I saw these pedals for the price. I wanted something I could throw on the bike that I could use my MTB shoes and be able to clip in right away but also be able to jump on the bike and go on a ride with my son.

These pedals were exactly what I was looking for. They have a good clip in system that is similar the the Shimano SPD's I rode with before but they give a great platform for a quick run to the store or a leisure bike ride with my 3 yr old.

I have ridden around 120 miles on these pedals now and am very happy with how well they have behaved. There has not been one problem and I have used em for some big crazy climbs and descents, as well as just jumping around while on a nice ride with my boy.

Where to Buy
I am riding on an Airborne Guardian 29er and these are a great compliment to a budget friendly ride.

You can see my review of the bike here.

I give these a 10/10 for price, performance, looks, and feel.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Lovely evening for a ride

I was able to get out and get a good ride in. I have not been as good about prioritizing riding and I need to get out and continue to ride more. I am feeling the effects more this morning because I have not been as consistent as I would like. I found a little singletrack that was a fun ride. It is really bumpy though but was good to enjoy the trail.

I want to find a good circuit and I think I can include this singletrack on the way home. I can head around on the larger trail and pick this up to finish the ride. So that is my goal. Get this done as a big circuit and then ride it so I can start improving my times.





 This panorama shot shows a big curve. Comes down from the right and continues down the ridge looking over the town of Concord.


There was a fire on the other side of the hills, they had started to get it contained by the time I was out riding. Every time I get out riding I enjoy it and feel better about getting out but then it seems like I want to keep getting out but then life rears its ugly head and just seems to put lots of obstacles in my way.
Fire in the distance