We have some hard core riders out there. I am way impressed. So Thursday was dreary. I watched the weather pretty closely in the afternoon to see if it would start raining. It looked good until 5 pm when I left work. I got to Mad Dog early and waited and watched. The rain started coming and then it was really coming down. People started showing up asking if the ride was on.
We continued to watch and by 6 pm, it had stopped. We headed to Rock Canyon to hit Bonneville Shoreline. This trail is more rocky and/or sandy which makes it great for wet weather riding. Getting ready in the parking lot was a bit chilly. I had seven girls--Jen, Jessika, Ashlee, Monica, Suzanne, Jana and Andrea-- there and I was stoked. I must admit though that I may have failed a couple of individuals. I should have gone through the real basics, but I made assumptions and the colder weather led me to skip over these. To those individuals I apologize. I should have gone over shifting, braking, etc. I will do better next time for sure. None the less, the group did really well.
The rain came and left. It started to seem like it was going to get nice--please keep in mind this is a relative term, but we were all a little wet and chilled by the end. We only rode for about 70 minutes and worked on momentum which is always fun and sometimes a bit scary. Next time we should ride for be a bit longer though and hopefully it will be warmer.
Thanks to those who came and come again next month. And if you missed it, hope to see you next time.

So who is planning on joining me next week for a ride? If we get the moisture the meteorologists are suggesting then we will probably hit Bonneville in Provo and head south towards Springville. That portion of the trail is pretty sandy and does not get muddy.
If the forecast improves, then we will plan on riding something around the mouth of the canyon. The old race course or something else equally fun.
Either way, we will meet at Mad Dog Cycles in Orem at 6 pm.

Ride Like a Girl season has started. I am really excited. I greatly enjoy being able to do these session and really appreciated Mad Dog's willingness to sponsor them. And thanks to those who show up and indulge me.

While the weather and trails were actually ridable last night, we did not spend time on the bikes. Instead we spent the evening learning some simple trail repairs and basic maitenance. Before riders can actually fix or maintain their bikes they need to ensure they have some basic tools. I always ride with the following:
1. A spare tube
2. A multi-tool that includes a chain breaker
3. Tire levers
4. A pump--I have one with a gauge to ensure that I have proper tire pressure
5. Extra links and a quick link for my chain
6. Compressed air (if I am racing)

Why both a pump and compressed air? That is a good question. While compressed air is quick and convenient, it can run out. A pump is much, MUCH slower but it can continually provide air. Running a tubeless system with a sealant (I like and run Stan's), I will alway try to just put air in the tire in hopes it will seal if I get a flat. This works but it can take a lot of air to do it. A pump ensures that I don't run out of said air.

I don't expect everyone to remember how we did everything so here are some links to websites that will remind you how to do what you did.

1. How to fix a flat
2. How to fix a chain
3. Lubing your chain

Remember before you ride or even head out to a trail, always check air pressure and your chain. This will minimize the your chances of having to do it on the trail.

Bonneville Shoreline has been pretty good. You may need to wait a day or so after a storm, but if you can get out and ride. Hope to see you next month--keep April 2nd open.

Ride Like a Girl minus the ride. On March 5th(that being the first Thursday in March) we are going to have the first Ride Like a Girl. It is going to be more of a pre-ride actually. Bring your bike and you can learn how and do some minor maintenance or "trail fixes".

It is going to be at Mad Dog in Orem at 6:00. Be there a bit early so we can actually start at 6 pm. You are going to be working on your bike, so dress appropriately and bring your bike tools that you would or should be carrying with you during rides--tire levers, multi-tool, pump, etc. Let me know if you plan on coming (leave a quick comment), so I can have a general idea number wise.

Whahoo. Last night was Ladies Night Out sponsored by Trek and hosted at Mad Dog Cycles. Trek's rep for Woman Specific Design, Tori, came and presented on product offerings and features. She is pretty entertaining. If you missed it you missed out, but you can see if there are other bike shops offering the same service. I think Salt Lake Bicycle Company is doing one tonight.

Tori presenting on WSD

A great turnout

Mad Dog hooked it up though with in store deals. The clincher for me, as usual, was the food. They had these delicious wraps, veggies, and chocolate covered strawberries. Nice.

This gets me excited for riding and hosting another season of Ride Like a Girl. A couple of minor changes though. We are going to stick with Thursdays, but due to my schedule it is going to be the first Thursday of the month instead of third.

We will most likely start in March with a maintenance night. So dust off your bike, but don't worry about much else. We (and by we I mean you) will go over changing a flat, fixing a chain, and other common trail fixes. This would be a perfect time to also leave your bike with the boys at Mad Dog for a quick pre-season tune-up for the more complicated fixes.

Just an example of the fun things you can see while on a bike

So I was at a museum in Copehagen and fell in love with this piece of art. In my mind this is our predecessor. I just felt empowered by it and thought I would share.

Ladies Night Out--so tell your husband that he has the kids. When? February 4th @ 7pm. This a Trek bikes initiative for all Women Who Ride or want to get riding. More info can be found here. All you have to do is let them know you are coming.



See you at Mad Dog Cycles!