Caution!

Just a word of caution. Bike thefts are on the rise. Laura's LOCKED bike was stolen last week. Here is what she said:
my 2011 Trek Fuel 5 Ex WSD got stolen last night on BYU Campus, it was locked up and I have just been riding it to school till I got my old one fixed. It is a minty green, grey and white and mine has after market blue pedals. And a few small nicks in the paint on the frame. I was just letting you guys know so you could keep and eye out for it since you see a lot of bikes everyday.

Bikes are also being stolen from people's garages. And the local shops. One guys bike showed up at a pawn shop, but due to some logistics he still had to pay the shop $400 to get it back.

I would suggest keeping track of the serial numbers of your bikes. This will help track them should something ill fated happen. Let's just be careful and keep an eye out.  

And my deepest condolences to Laura. Hope they can find it. 

Are you coming on September 1st?

I know school has started for the kiddos and summer seems like it is over. But can you fit in one last Ride Like a Girl? That is the question. If you can let me know. If not then I won't worry about it. I can use the rest, but could incorporate a ride if there are takers.

"What ride?" you ask. Great question. Here is where my thoughts and ideas had led me. We would meet around 7 or 7:30 pm either at the trail head for Big Springs or Timp Park for the gear swap*. After 30-60 minutes or however long it takes, we will get the bikes together, lights situated, and hit the trail as it gets dark.

Night riding? Lights? Yep. Riding in the dark with lights is an awesome experience. It is crazy fun. If you want to ride, but you don't have lights let me know. I have extras but will need to charge them if they are going to be borrowed. Plus I need to know to bring them. I will need at least 24 hour notice to ensure they get charged and are ready to go. Leave a comment.

But really I need to know so I can plan my rest/training for the week. Thoughts?


*Gear Swap? So I have accumulated items that I don't need or use. For example, I have some old riding shoes, jerseys, vests, tire levers, etc. That just sit around my house/drawers/shelves. I am going to bring them and if anyone wants them, they can take them. I imagine you might have some similar stuff. Extras that are just cluttering things up. Bring them and see if anyone is interested. One girl's "junk" is another girl's "treasure".

Can't Win this Summer

It has been a rough summer for Ride Like a Girl thus far. One would think Mother Nature would be on our side, but she has posed herself as more a foe than friend. But we are persistent if nothing else.
As afternoon clouds and showers rolled into the valley, I started scanning weather.com, the local radar, and even called Sundance to see if we could make this happen. The initial storm seem short and swift. The sun poked out and things started to brighten up. We were on.
With the Ridge as our destination, I was really excited. I love the Ridge and the thought of sharing it with those who had never ridden it fed my anticipation. There is nothing like seeing the joy new, sweet single track can bring to another.
Our numbers were few (3). As we got to the trail head another storm was brewing. We hoped it would skirt us--I know, cute, huh. But it didn't. It hit starting with a light sprinkle, to increasing rain, and then some hail. Ugh! It was short though it brought with it some significant moisture.
We tried one trail but turned around. Then another. Both were too muddy. Alas we took to the road in an effort to salvage the evening. We headed down the sunnier AF side and turned around by Altamont and started climbing. None of us has appropriate bikes for this, but it was something.
It always amazes me though. While this was far from a "great" ride, it will definitely be a memorable one. Thanks to Jen and Elise for being such steadfast lil' mountain bikers. In the end, it really was good times. 

Muddy, but happy

Mud is a "Badge of Honor"

One more try in September? Night Ride? Gear Swap? Who is in?

Riding the Ridge!

We are going to hit up the Ridge on Thursday night. Meeting at Mad Dog Cycles at 5:30 pm and then heading up Provo Canyon to the top of the Alpine Loop. It is going to be de-light-ful.

Looking Ahead

I cannot believe the summer is almost over. Wow! Where did it go? Oh yeah. It started way late and then got overrun by weeds. I might be a little bitter.
So this is what I was thinking, but it is still just thoughts.
We put the gear swap off one more month. If we do it in September, we could do it later and then do a night ride afterwards? Whadda ya think? A warm September night ride. Does that sound as good to you as it does to me?
But before we get to September, we need to do August. Any trail suggestions? Leave comments here or on facebook. I need the feedback otherwise I feel like a dictator. C'mon talk to me.

Second Chance

We got rained out last week. It poured for a bit and then let up, but the damage was done to the trails.
This week--as in tomorrow--my husband and I are leading the standard Mad Dog Group Ride. You are, as always, invited to join us. Same thing, meet at Mad Dog in Orem @ 5:30 pm. We are thinking about hitting the Ridge trail up Provo Canyon which is always a good time.

July Update

Still planning on Big Springs/South Fork this week. We are going to forgo the gear swap this month. There will likely be several individuals who are going to try to squeeze this ride in and may have to leave early. Additionally, this will give us all an opportunity to gather alll the items that we are ready to part with.

Additionally, we are going to leave right at 5:30 pm on Thursday to accommodate the tight schedule and this will give the rest of us more opportunity to ride. If you are running late just give the shop a quick call by 5:30 so we know you are coming and can make sure we find you. 

July!

After thoroughly enjoying your Independence Day celebration, join me on Thursday for Ride Like a Girl. We are going to ride Big Springs/South Fork. This will be ideal as it is higher up (i.e. cooler) but still close.
Meet at Mad Dog Cycles on Thursday July 7th @ 5:30 pm. We will then carpool up the canyon to the trail head.
Additionally, we have been extended an opportunity to get a group discount on a Skills Camp. Anyone interested? They are holding some in UT and CO. See the schedule here.
And I was thinking of doing a gear swap? Do you have MTB gear or clothes just hanging around that you want to get rid of? If so, we could meet up and trade items. I know I have lots of old jersey (not chamois though that is kinda gross) and what not that I don't wear anymore but don't feel DI is the best place for them. Let me know if you are interested.

Dutch Hollow for June?

I was thinking of Dutch Hollow for next week's Ride Like a Girl. More info can be found here. While we are going to meet at Mad Dog Cycles in Orem at 5:30 pm, I included directions below so that you can be prepared for the commute.



This area was a lot of fun last year. I am excited to go back.

And don't forget you can get updates on Facebook. 


How to get there:
From Provo Canyon, drive east to the end of Deer Creek Reservoir. Right where the water ends, turn left (north) on U-113. Zero your odometer. Drive north 3.8 miles into Midway, and turn right (east) as U-113 turns right in the middle of town. 0.4 miles later (mile 4.2), turn left (north) on 400 East (River Road). This is the road that goes just to the west of the memorial hill. At mile 5.4 you'll hit a traffic circle. Take the first exit (not the driveway, though), so you'll turn from north to east. At mile 6.1, a sign points you to Dutchman Hollow - Dutch Canyon. Turn left and drive 0.5 mile on pavement. The pavement ends at a turnaround where the Dutchman Way trail begins, GPS N 40° 32.495' W 111° 27.224'. Turn right downhill at the sign for Wasatch Mountain State Park. The preferred parking area is 0.3 miles down the gravel road to your right. Trailhead info (and bathroom) is at GPS N 40° 32.704' W 111° 27.187'

Lambert Park it is!

We are going to hit Lambert Park on Thursday. It should be great. We will meet at Mad Dog Cycles at 5:30 pm and then head towards the trail around 5:40. We will regroup at the Bowery Parking lot, probably around 6:15 or so.
If you live North of the Shop and want to simply meet at the trailhead that is doable. But I need an RSVP of sort so that I can bring enough waivers. Don't forget that a helmet (and bike of course) are mandatory.
See you on Thursday!

It is almost May

Ride Like a Girl is next week, May 5th. Start thinking warm, sunny thoughts for Thursday afternoon and evening. And put a stop to any rain dancing you might see.
I was thinking that Lambert Park might be a good choice, but they are shutting down a lane of traffic between Lindon and American Fork. Do you think that will have a substantial impact on travel time to the trail head? Who lives up there? We can always hit Lambert next month. I was also thinking Dutch Hollow, but heard it might still be wet. It is definitely spring in UT!
So needless to say I am thinking about it. If you have thoughts, ideas, or preferences let me know. Otherwise I will continue to stew for a bit and hopefully make a decision early next week.
Hope to see you there!
Where? Mad Dog Cycles in Orem
When? 5:30 pm

Plan A

If it doesn't rain too much, we are going to plan on Lambert Park for Thursday (in 2 days!). Plan on being at the shop right at 5:30. We won't have time to wait very long for stragglers. I know some of you live up in that area so if you plan on coming but not making it to the shop, let me know. I can bring a waiver for you to sign.

Directions:

Take I-15 to the Alpine/Highland exit, just south of Point-of-the-Mountain. Drive straight east 5 miles towards the mountains, turning left at the stoplight in Highland (where you see the grocery store and gas station). Drive 2 miles north into Alpine to the 4-way stop at 200 North. Turn right. At the next stop sign, turn left. You'll be on 200 East, which becomes Grove Drive. Continue northeast on Grove for two miles. The road will turn 90 degrees to the right. Pass two streets on your left, then arrive at a T in the road. Turn right, across the river. At the fork in the road, go right for the Bowery parking area. Pass the High Bench dirt road on your right. About 300 feet further up the paved road, keep straight as the main road turns right, entering a smaller road. The Bowery pavilion is on the left, 500 feet up the dirt road, with a parking lot on the right. (Toilet, pavilion, water.)

Plan B

If it does get wet and the trails are questionable, but the weather is nice enough we will hit Bonneville Shoreline in Provo. This trail handles water really well. I will update Facebook on Thursday afternoon. We will meet at the shop at 5:30 and then carpool.

first ride of the year

the first ride like a girl is this week. i am excited. so the general plan is to meet at mad dog cycles in orem at 5:30 pm. we will sign waivers, do a quick introduction, figure out if carpooling make sense for anyone and head to a trail head.
which trail head? that i am not sure about yet. any suggestions? i have ridden above timp park and bonneville. does anyone know if anything else is dry yet? leave a comment.

Ladies Night Out

This month Mad Dog Cycles  have their 4th Annual Ladies Night Out event. They are excited to extend an invitation to all of you to attend. Assuming that you area
A. female, of course, and
B. interested in cycling.
If you don't meet condition A. well then feel free to encourage those you know who are female to join us.

Please RSVP via our Facebook Event page.

When: March 24th
Where: Mad Dog Cycles in Orem 360 E. 800 S.
Time: 6p.m. - 8 p.m.
Who: Just the ladies

So what's happening you ask and why should you come?

Well here's the run down.

They'll have food, even using table cloths and a provide a nice arrangement of yummy treats and fruit and other items in lovely display. (yeah, no pizza and chips casually thrown on to the counter for rapid consumption). It will be refined! Well, as refined as a bike shop can be.

They'll have experts, who will give short presentations on a variety of subjects including: nutrition, flat repair and Stans No Tubes set up, Riding a 100 Miler and Bike fitting, Mountain Biking and our Ride Like a Girl events, Bike Commuting and riding with Kids.

Visit them all and get your agenda stamped and you can be entered in the drawing for fabulous prizes! Yes they do mean fabulous! Helmets, clothing, Powerbar items and more fabulous stuff.

They'll have a Fashion Show! Come see the latest and greatest gear for women. Watch your friends strut their stuff in Lycra no less! Yes it will be entertaining AND informative. (For the record this idea came from other women, not from the dudes at the shop! That's what they are saying anyway.)

Buy Night and Raffle. The other benefit to the evening will be the opportunity to enjoy great deals available to just the Ladies at this event.

• 10% off any 2011 model bike purchase
• 20% off all regular priced Parts and Accessories (includes clothing)
• Half off our professional bike fitting service. $150 value for $75. That's a great deal, just schedule your appointment and pay that night
• And our special Re-tune promotion will be going on. Get an Overhaul done on your bike in March and you can bring it back in October or November and get a Tune-up for free!

It should be a wonderful evening and I encourage you to attend and to invite your friends. But don't forget to RSVP here on Facebook.

Empowering

I love the way it feels when I know how to fix something myself. In fact, I can recall being at the first Park City Point 2 Point. It was early morning and everyone was jittery. A guy (who shall remain nameless) was looking for Chris because he (the guy) was having some issues with his front brakes. I was not sure where Chris was, so I asked him what he needed. He quickly explained the situation and it was something I knew how to do. So I did it for him. He was able to race and his brake did not cause him any problems. I felt empowered by this situation--unfortunately it did not help my race any. :)
I understand that not everyone can or wants to be a master mechanic, but I really feel it is important to know the basics. We all know how to put gas in our cars, check tire pressure, window washer fluid, etc. We should also know the basics about our bikes. In the least, we should have the tools so when we do ask or are happened upon "a knight in shining armor" (or a guy on a killer bike) that we don't make them sacrifice anything in helping us out other than a little time.

Items to bring with you:

• Spare tube
• Tools (that work for your bike) including a chain breaker
• Pump and/or CO2
• Patch kit (tube and/or tire)
• Water/food 

Things to check periodically (i.e. before each ride)

• Tire pressure and/or sealant
• Chain (it may need lubing)
• Tap the brake
• Spin the wheels

Maintenance Night

The first Ride Like a Girl will be Thursday March 3rd. Don't worry about the weather or trails, we are staying inside. This night will be an opportunity to review some basic bike maintenance. I am planning on going over how to set up tires tubeless, adjusting brakes, fixing a chain, etc. So come with questions. If you have bike tools, bring those as I will try to create opportunities for you to do some hands on training. It would be best for you to understand YOUR bike tools. If you don't have bike tools, we will discuss different options and why you may want to have some.
When: March 3
Time: 5:30 pm
 Place: Mad Dog Cycles Orem

Shake Off Winter

Is it just me or has winter been harsh this year? I still have snow from December in my yard. This winter season seems to have brought more than its share of snow and cold. I am about done with it. I am looking forward to warmer weather...and riding!
On the way to warm weather riding though, there are still a couple of stops along the way. First, I need to hear from you. Who wants a maintenance "Ride Like a Girl" in March? And if you do, what do you want to cover? How to "Stan's" a wheel? Change a tire? Fix a chain?
And mark your calendars for Thursday, March 24th. That is going to be Mad Doc Cycles "Ladies Night Out". They have some big plans this year. So even if you have been in the past, you will want to come again this year. It should be awesome.
And I am trying to put together a Facebook page--MTB Ride Like a Girl. This will hopefully will make it easier to stay informed.

Almost done with this type of riding