Calling It

Well, I know it is not quite August, but I am calling it on 2013. I don't plan on doing a ride in August. I honestly just don't feel up to it. My body has taken over and while I still feel comfortable (enough) riding my bike, I don't feel as though I can be an efficient "ride leader". Hopefully next year will be better. Thanks to all those who have joined me the last few months. I had a really good time. Best wishes on the rest of your rides in 2013.

July Ride

The first Thursday  this month is Independence Day. I, therefore, anticipate that I won't have much by way of participation in a ride. Does anyone want to try next Thursday (July 11th)?  Would another day next week be better?

I am thinking Big Springs...for a couple of reasons. First, I think it might be a little bit cooler as it is further up the canyon, but still relatively close. Secondly, it is a nice steady climb without anything to steep. This is good for me as I am having an increasingly more difficult time climbing.

Of note, I anticipate this will be the last Ride Like a Girl this summer. I cannot guarantee a ride a in August. I am not sure I will be up to it. 

Just the Two of Us

Thursdays ride was intimate. It was Jolene and myself. While I would have enjoyed having more show up, it was nice getting to ride and talk with Jolene. I kept chuckling at us as a pair of riders. Jolene is just rebounding from a procedure/surgery on her leg and well I am just getting more and more rotund.

Jolene

Dutch Hollow was delightful too. When we pulled up it was sunny. Then a big cloud moved in and kept thing nice and cool for our ride. The trails were more dusty than one would expect this time of year but they were not bad at all. It was breezy, ok it was windy, in some sections yet others were protected by trees and hills.
We rode up Sage to Burnt Ridge (it was a climb), then over to Enchanted Forest. We of course then hit Aqueduct and Barrel--why would anyone not ride Barrel? It is the biggest reason to go to Dutch Hollow. Then we switched directions and took Dutchman's Way back over and did Aqueduct and Barrel again.

View from Burnt Trail

Duh!

Update: Let's plan on June 13th.

Sometimes it takes a little bit for things to click in my head. For example, I will know someone's birthday and the day's date, but not necessarily put together that today is the individual's birthday. That is essentially what happened. I knew that the next Ride Like a Girl was scheduled for Thursday (June 6) and that on June 6th I committed to helping my Brother and Sister-In-Law with their little ones. (He had drill for two weeks so she is playing the working single parent, hence they need some assistance.) It just clicked that these two conflict.
So I need feed back...I can do Ride Like a Girl any day this week OR we can push it off a week (i.e. June 13). Any suggestions? What would work best for you?
This month's ride is going to be at Dutch Hollow in Midway. It is tons-o-fun. Due to its location, it takes a little bit longer to get there. So I was thinking we would push back the start time. I was thinking meet at the trailhead by 6 and be riding by 6:15 or so. It would also make sense to do some carpooling as most will be heading up Provo Canyon to get there. See the directions below. Anyone want to meet at the Park-N-Ride by Will's Pit Stop (the one further North)?

Here is how you 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'

The Second Round

Thursdays ride was just what I needed. I a little push and a lot of fun. We had a nice size group with some finding us a little late and others leaving a bit early. That is one of the nice things about Lambert, there are a lot of trails in a small area making it ideal for a flexible ride. The weather was as delightful as the company. Thanks to all who came out.

Up next...I am thinking Dutch Hollow in June.

Round 2 of 2013

Who likes Lambert Park? I know I do. If you have never been, it is fairly flat (for Utah). Nice windy, and flowy trails. But for those who like it, there are some techy little sections. It is a really nice mix. Beginner friendly, but definitely has some "toys" for those with more skill.

So lets meet at the Bowery (see directions below) at 5:30 on May 2, throw our stuff together and try to be riding by 5:45 or so. If you need more time, let me know. RSVP in the comments so I know who to expect.

Here is how you get there:
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.)

It has begun

Last night was the first Ride Like a Girl for 2013. I thought it was delightful. Our numbers were small--thanks Shari and Jen for joining me--but we could not have asked for better weather or trails. Jen set a nice, steady pace on the climbs, while Shari lived it up on the descents. I need to be better about getting photos. But this confirms it, riding season has officially begun and it is off to a great start.
Next up...Lambert Park??? Who is with me?

I am a slacker! But let's go ride.

Ugh! I am so sorry. I am having trouble getting going this year. Let's just say this year has gotten off to a strange start for me. But Ride Like a Girl IS going to happen. I was all ready to set it up for next week and then I realized I have scheduling conflict next Thursday. I weighed my options...

1. Just do it a day earlier on Wednesday. The weekly races don't start for another month so there wouldn't be the usual conflict.
OR
2. Do it the second Thursday (April 11) instead of the customary first. My schedule doesn't always allow this, but it does this month.
Obviously option two would buy me a little more time...but option one might help getting things kicked off. Is it just me or do others feel that they work better under a deadline?

So after going back and forth in my head. I am going for option one. So who wants to meet me on Wednesday (April 3) for a nice, mellow mountain bike ride? I was thinking we would hit Crop Circles which is steady, windy trail. I think it tons-o-fun.

We will meet directly at the Trailhead this year. Yeah! That means more riding and less commuting. This time we will start at the end of 1810 North in Orem; it is right off of Skyline Drive.

Map to Trailhead; Click to enlarge

The plan is start riding around 5:45 pm, so be there around 5:30 pm because if you are like me it takes a while to putz around with the bike, get the helmet on (Don't forget your helmet!), etc.

So this weekend, check your tires, lube your chain, go for an easy spin around the block and make sure your machine is ready to go. And I will see you on Wednesday!

Riding in 2013

I am so excited to start riding dirt outside this year. I have a feeling it is going to be spectacular. There are going to be some slight changes in protocol. I am still working out some of the kinks, but think things are going to be better than ever.
I am trying to figure out a schedule. Any suggestions? What would you like to ride this year? Hopefully we can start in April and go through September. That is five or six months. My schedule is a bit more open this year, so I may throw in some more impromptu or less formal rides. Is there any interest in that?

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-girl-riding-mountain-bike-image19255444

Let's try this again

Note: Fast is not a requisite

Unless someone has another suggestion (to which I am always open), I thought we would try to hit the Alpine Loop again. See the details below. With the exception of the date, now August 2, all of the details are the same.
Hope to see you there.

Oh, Fire.

Did you hear the mountain was on fire? Here is some photographic evidence.

Just a couple hours ago.

 I just got off the phone with a very pleasant girl at the Forest Service. She said that we would be able to hit the Ridge Trail and Deer Creek South Fork based on the Forest Service closures. BUT she said the Sheriff has issued a closure at the pay booth by Aspen Grove and she had not heard whether or not that closure order had been lifted.

I was getting the feeling that things were calming down, but after speaking with her I realize the situation is still chaotic and potentially dangerous. As such, it is likely in our best interest to NOT attempt to ride the dirt in the Alpine Loop area.

SOoooo....we will do something else unless it continues to rain. Check back this afternoon in the comments and/or on Facebook for updates. Sorry this is not more helpful.

July 5th

Wow. This is so late. My apologies as I totally spaced updating the blog.
Yes. There is going to be a ride this month on its regularly scheduled day and time. We are going to ride the dirt on the Alpine Loop. For me it is the summit up Provo Canyon, but if you live further North than you may think of it as the top of American Fork Canyon. It is all just semantics really, but we are going to ride it.
So of course, meet at Mad Dog in Orem @ 5:30 pm on Thursday July 5 and then we will head on up. If you are going to meet us at the trailhead make sure you touch base with me. I imagine we will be at the summit around 6:15 or so. And it is quite possible we will need to pay to enter so bring some cash with you.

The "glacier" on the Provo side

I am not sure exactly what trails we will hit. It will depend on skill level. It should be super sweet!

Rolling Lambert Park

Lambert Park did not disappoint last night. While the weather was warm, I was surprised how cool it felt while riding. It was absolutely delightful. 

Climbing Spring to the top

Getting ready to descend

Climbing back up High Bend

June 14 @ Lambert Park

Lambert Park Trails

So today's Ride Like a Girl is being postponed until next week June 14. We will ride Lambert Park. So be at the Shop right at 5:30 as we are going to be leaving very shortly afterwards for the trailhead. See directions below.
If you live up North and plan on just meeting at the trailhead, let me know that you are coming so I can be looking for you. We will meet at the Bowery.

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.)

Postponed

Unfortunately, my cycling does not cover any real bills, so I have a 9-5 to support my addiction.  And for work, I will be out of town on June 7th. I had a couple friends who checked to see if they could fill-in, but it is apparently a busy day for many and thus they could not commit. So I am thinking I will postpone it. I am toying with either Tuesday (June 12) or the following Thursday (June 14). Do you have a preference?

Another question I have is whether or not meeting at 6 pm would be any more convenient? I like 5:30 personally, but this is not (or shouldn't be) all about me. So if you have an opinion, let me know.

And I am still planning on Lambert Park.

So what do you think? Who is going to be there? Give it some thought and let me know. I hope to be connect while out of town and make a final decision next week.

Girls, girls, girls!

We had a BIG group last night. I thought it was a lot of fun and hope everyone else did too. We rode Dutch Hollow so what is not fun about that.

Most of the group before the ride.

Photo Creds to Gayle--thank you.

I think there were 16 or so of us. Thanks to everyone who showed up. Let's do it again next month. I am think Lambert Park which is equally fun.

The plan for May 3rd...

Dutch Hollow is a great network of trails in Midway. It is tons-o-fun and the plan on Thursday May 3rd. As this is a bit further away, I plan on leaving Mad Dog Cycles @ 5:30 pm. So please, please don't be late. If you are running late, call the shop and let me know so we can figure something out. If time is going to be tight you can just meet at the trail head. Directions are below.
 
Be sure to check facebook for updates.

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'

In the books

The first Ride Like a Girl for 2012 is in the books. It was a chilly but good ride. We had a good bunch of riders. 

We inundated the little section of the neighborhood as we got ready. I felt a little uncertain at first, but I guess one of the neighbors came out, was friendly, and said hi. So that was good. I just was not sure if the culdesac was accustom to this as I have never ridden the trail this way before. It did work out well.

We started off on a short climb to the Bonneville Shoreline and then turn off for some smooth descending, climbing and then a mix of everything. We got back to BST faster than I anticipated so we continued up and did some more zigzagging trails before the fast descent back to the cars.

 The purpose was really balance. When we learn to ride a bike as a child, we understand how important balance is. We tend to think riding a bike is all balance left to right. In mountain biking, it is also about balancing front to back. This is usually referred to as weighting the bike. When a trail zigzags or has switch backs the way we weight the bike influences whether or not we make the turn as much as balancing side to side. It is a skill that is only learned with practice. And almost every corner or turn is different.

Mindy and Gayle

Shauna and Des

Gayle, Emily, and Tiffany

The group listens and laughs as Gayle tells us why she ended up off course.

When it started to get chilly and a little dark, we headed back. Thanks to Gayle, Tiffany, Emily, Des, Shauna, and Mindi for the ride. Sorry if I did not spell your name right. Hope to see everyone and more next month!

Wahoo! First Ride Like a Girl

Finally.
Even though this winter was great for riding, I am so excited to have the first Ride Like a Girl. It is scheduled for April 5th. We will meet at Mad Dog Cycles in Orem at 5:30 pm. Then we will carpool out to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Orem. I am still trying to decide which trail head--probably here but maybe here (Dry Canyon). We are going to hit some of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) and trails that spur off of BST.
Good stuff.
Be sure your bike is ready. Don't forget your helmet...it is a MUST. See you there.

Oh and did you see this cool interview on MTB Race News? 

Ladies Night Out Re-Cap

I thought last Thursday's Ladies Night Out at Mad Dog Cycles was great. The snacks/treats were delightful--a couple of salads to choose from, veggie trays, and cookies. A nice mix to munch on while mingling.
It started with different stations like:

• Bike fit
• Prepping your bike for a ride
• Setting up tubeless
• Nutrition
• Utah High School MTB teams

Then it was a short fashion show showing off some of the new clothing from Pearl Izumi, Capo, Craft, etc. Lots of cute stuff this season.

And last, but definitely not least, was the raffle. Give aways included helmets, t-shirts, socks, floor pumps (so jealous!), yoga classes from 3B Yoga, bike fits.... Everyone walked away with something.

Great night. Thanks, Mad Dog staff and management.