Smoke 'em if you got 'em | The New Colorado Fatty

My window was cracked to breathe some fresh air into a stagnant room.  The nights’ silence is usually interrupted by the sound of crickets while the breeze stirs the waning leaves.  For the first time in months I awoke to complete silence – the day was October 4.

It’s 5:00am, I rub the sleep from my eyes then peek out the bedroom window only to find that winter is just around the corner – large wet snowflakes floating heavily, coating the landscape to look like a funnel cake garden.  I’m never sure how to react to the first signs of winter, I love the snow but it also means my favorite trails will be nearly impossible to ride; or will they?

From my previous posts you may gather that I have an unusual love affair with Dirt and the nobby tires that carry me through, so it should come as no surprise how delighted I was when I first discovered “Fat Bikes.”  The most distinguishing feature of the Fat Bike is its tires, hmmm.  Usually measuring 26x40, these tires are large enough to keep you above most sinking terrain.  Here in Colorado these bikes are especially popular in the winter to give us Dirt clods another option for riding our open space parks in the snow.

Most frames are rigid but you may find front and full suspension options around.  The large tires increases the weight of the bike so don’t expect it to handle like your trusty 26er.  Suspension will likely add considerable weight and coupled with the increased tire friction you’ll certainly need to be fit before mounting up for a snow ride.  The drivetrain options should help level off most trails so have no fear.

I have not had the pleasure of riding one of these personally but I have my eye on one in particular – the Salsa Mukluk; an aluminum frame, 2x10 drivetrain, Holy Rolling Darryl rims and Avid BB7 disc brakes.  Golden Bike Shop, located at 722 Washington Avenue in beautiful Golden Colorado has demos for rent and are currently building their fleet with choice options like the Surly Pugsley, Salsa Mukluk, 9:zero:7 and the Salsa Beargrease.  Their rates are $60/day for aluminum and $80/day for carbon.  You can find them on the web at www.goldenbikeshop.com or give them a call at (303) 278-6545 for more information.  The shop is located close to many open space parks so if you don't have a bike rack find a good parking spot, hop on a Fatty and head for the hills.

I can’t wait to give them a try for myself.  The recent snow has melted but sounds like there’s more on the way.  I promise myself that I will ride during winter regardless of the conditions but I can't seem to keep that promise, perhaps that would change if there were a Fat Bike in the garage.  There will be a Global Bike Summit in Ogden, UT on January 24-25.  I hope to make it out and if I’m able to attend I should have some great pics.  Till then, enjoy the weather and hope to see you on the trail.

Alan - Dirt Life

Air Head: Tire Pressure 101

Back when I was young I rode on rigid steel frames and if I wanted a smooth ride I dropped the tire pressure, I also rode without a helmet so that should tell you something about my knowledge back then.  It takes some experience to realize the significance of tire pressure so for those who don’t have the seat time, take a little advice when you can get it.

Tire pressure can make a world of difference even to the most inexperienced rider.  Perhaps you’ve noticed a swaying sensation on your bike at one time or another, this could be directly related to the tire pressure you’re running.  On uneven terrain or at certain speeds tire pressure can be critical even dangerous.  Tire pressure can also make the difference between a smooth or bumpy ride especially if you’re riding on a hardtail frame, a lesson I learned a long time ago.

So what is the ideal tire pressure?  The folks at Schwalbe say it's difficult to make a general recommendation on inflation pressure for a specific bicycle or a particular tire.  The “right” inflation pressure depends mainly on the load exerted on the tire.  This weight is mainly influenced by the weight of the rider.  Contrary to a car, the vehicle weight is only a minor part of the total weight.  In addition there is a great diversity of individual preferences with regards to low rolling resistance or suspension comfort.

You’re probably asking yourself now at what tire pressure do I start?  The permitted inflation pressure range is marked on the tire sidewall.  The higher the inflation pressure, the lower the rolling resistance, the tire wear and the less likelihood of a puncture, the lower the inflation pressure, the higher are the comfort and grip that the tires provide (Schwalbe).  So now let’s try and figure out our ideal tire pressure or something close to it.

Let’s start by using the typical 26X2.1 inch mountain bike tire (the bigger the tire the lower psi you’ll start with).  For most recreational riders start as if you weighed 100 pounds.  Inflate to 27 psi then add 1 psi for every 10 pounds over 100.  For example, if you weigh 150lbs, start by inflating to 32 psi (27+5=32).  Please remember that tire pressure is a personal preference so use this guideline as a starting point and adjust your tire pressure to your own specifications.

According to the tech gurus at Mountain Bike Action, in general you want to run the front tire 2 to 5 psi lower than the rear to help with front tire traction.  On loose terrain you may want to drop the pressure from both tires 1 to 3 psi.  On the other hand, if your trail is hardpacked or rocky, adding 1 to 3 psi will increase your performance and provide a little more protection for your rims.  One to 5 psi can make a difference but for most recreational riders the difference is negligible.

Here’s another helpful tip: Don’t drop your air pressure on the trail if you don’t have a pump.  It's fairly common to adjust tire pressure during a ride but if you’re unable to bring your tire pressure back to normal you may be increasing your chances of a flat.  It seems like a no-brainer but it happens to the best of us.

A tire pressure gauge is an essential item in any tool box and any type will do.  So now you have a little tire pressure knowledge to help you get the most out of your rides.  Don’t forget to check for trail updates on my website at www.dirt-life.com.

There are no hard fast rules about tire pressure so if you have any comments or suggestions please don't hesitate to post your comment.  I hope this was helpful and don't forget that pump; see you on the trail.

Alan

Meyers Homestead: Get Shorty

Trailhead:  N39°57.551’  W105°20.282’

Meyers Homestead may be overlooked by most hardcore riders because its big brother, Walker Ranch, is located just across the street (see blog post Sept 25, 2012) and that’s a tough act to follow.  Homestead may not provide the challenges you’re likely to find across the street but this trail has an indefinable charm and there is a great chance you won’t have much company.

The trail is up and back on hard pack single-track; say that really fast 3 times!  It begins with a mild descent followed by a mild but steady climb.  On this day I decided on a late start to beat the heat, which almost left me in the dark; I won’t forget my light next time.

The scenery and fragrance is amazing and surrounded in a blanket of cool air certainly left a lasting impression.  The trail carries you through Walker Ranch Park and gracefully ends at a resting point sure to make a great photo to share on Facebook.  The last climb to this point is perhaps that hardest but of course that’s all relative.  While you’re catching your breath you’ll notice a great view of Twin Sisters Peak off to the west.

The ride down is one heck of a ride.  Be careful and watch out for hikers.  If the coast is clear, let it rip, the turns aren’t all that sharp but at times the tread does loosen up a bit so be ready to slow down.  Always ride in control and be extremely mindful of the trees and rocks that line the trail.

This is a very short ride but in my opinion it’s one of the nicest easy to moderate trails in the area.  If you just have an hour or so for a ride and you’d like some scenery, make your way up Flagstaff Road and give this one a try.

Check out the trail profile on my Garmin page at connect.garmin.com/activity/355723552

The fall riding season is approaching and we are so lucky to live in a place where scenery is abundant.  Enjoy your rides and I hope to see you on the trail.

Alan

West Magnolia | Corps of Discovery

West Magnolia Trailhead:: N39°57.009’  W105°30.275’

In May 1804, following the Louisiana Purchase from Napoleon Bonaparte, Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition of Lewis and Clark to explore the west.  One can imagine the excitement felt by the Corps of Discovery as they set out to explore a new land with nothing more than apprentice knowledge of astronomy and a helpful native named Sacagawea.  Riding a trail system for the first time can be just as exciting, a variety of unknowns, new landscapes, new challenges and up here on our mountains there’s always the possibility of losing your way.  Armed with my satellite tracking I set out on a solo exploration mission of West Magnolia near Nederland, CO; what I found was a maze of mountain bike trails of varying terrain sure to satisfy riders of all abilities.

The maze began at the 925A trailhead, located at the intersection of W. Magnolia Road and Hwy 72.  The tread was mostly dry but hardly dusty.  At the 925A/925 split I went right on a moderately difficult descent to some horse stables.  There is a lot of exposed rock, much like an eroded river bed so be careful.  At the stables you’ll reach a split with 925B, keep your eyes peeled because you could miss it.  Trail 925B starts mild enough but the climb that comes later is pretty tough.  Trail 925B intersects with Trail 342A at about 1 mile and I went right - this section was one of my favorites.  You will reach some good speeds on even tread so stay in control because there are some areas that loosen up a little and require some skillful braking.  You reach a split with 342A and 342 (Aspen Alley) and I stayed straight on 342A.

I came up to a link at 1.32 miles that took me to 926A then I went right to another trail split with 342 and continued on 926A.  At 1.55 miles I came to a split with 926B and 926A and set off on 926B to the right.  Now at 926B and 926 at 1.64 miles I went right on 926.  At 1.68 miles I reached another split and stayed right – from this point to 2.04 miles was the coolest part of the ride by far; you’ll reach another split and I stayed right.  At 2.17 miles (Sugar Mag Trail) I stayed right and at 2.33 miles you reach another West Magnolia trail head with no parking – N39°57.271’ W105°31.442’ where I turned around.  

Now back at the 926 and 926B split and continued straight on 926 at 3.06 miles.  At 3.16 miles you reach the 926/926A split (drop off point – N39°56.925’ W105°31.358’).  Back on 926A I headed right to 3.30 miles and 926A/926B split and continued on 926A.  At 3.41 and 926A/342 split I went left on 342 (rough and rocky at first) and one word to describe this trail; SAND.  I began my trip back from here but what an amazing adventure.

The most difficult section was easily the climb on 926B early on my ride because it was really loose river bed type tread and coupled with the grade made this quite challenging; it will take some strong legs and strong lungs.  I stayed for the most part on marked trails but you may be tempted to try the more discreet options; my guess is that they’ll link you up to a marked trail at some point.

Deforestation removed a lot of the shade so bring your sunscreen.  I was lucky, clouds hovered above for most of the day so direct UV’s were not much of an issue.

To get through the sand sections, switch to an easy gear and power through.  I was surprised to find how much of this route was relatively flat.  Other than the climb up 926B, the climbs were rather mild but some of the rocks and loose tread made it a bit more difficult in sections.  This is a multi-use trail so you may want to dodge the horse patties along the way.

I didn’t want it to end and it seems that there were a couple of other options I missed (Whoop Di Doos) but weather was approaching and I didn’t want to worry about lightning.  The trail was mild by Nederland standards but the fact that it was new to me made this a pleasure on many levels.  One quick note, from 0.88 to 0.93 miles there is what appears to be a spike in elevation perhaps due to interference.  This spike was non-existent; I don’t recall any climb that steep on my route.

You can view my route at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/361918960 and don’t forget to check twitter updates at www.dirt-life.com.  Complicated directions for sure but you should get a sense of West Magnolia’s characteristics.  This was a welcome adventure and if you’ve never tried this trail system you must put this one on your ‘to do’ list.  I had a great time and you will too; thanks for checking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Alan

Heil Ranch: Green River

"I can hear the bullfrog callin' me.....come on home to Green River"

My musical tastes vary having grown up in the 70's and 80's but nothing takes me back more than the great 60's band Creedence Clearwater Revival. John Fogerty sings often of his roots in the south and those songs ring true like a lost Mark Twain novel.  I stare at a computer screen 8 hours a day trying to make sense of flashing numbers but there are days that I can hear the bullfrog calling.  The bullfrog in this case is my mountain bike and yesterday I just couldn't wait to get home and slip out of my split toe oxfords and into my Scott MTB comps.  Thoughts of grinding gravel and rock on a bed of Rocky Mountain Dirt passing under the rolling rubber of my Schwalbe Nobby Nics is like coming home for me and Heil Ranch was my Green River.

It was 6:45 pm by the time nobby met Dirt and if I was going to complete the Wapiti trail and Ponderosa loop I was going to have to pick up the pace to beat nightfall.  My goal was to pick one gear between easy and hard and stick with it through the whole ride.  I am happy to report that I succeeded and made my best time ever.  Sadly I forgot my Garmin Edge so I have no official record of my performance.

The neat thing about riding with a goal is that you learn a little bit about your equipment and about yourself. For example, I learned how to use my suspension more effectively and that I can ride on a higher gear than I'm used to.

It was a great ride, the sun was setting so the temperature was cooling, there was enough shade that I didn't need sunglasses and this time of day there were few trail users. Ponderosa loop is under construction but the parts that are completed are sublime. Ponderosa loop always seemed a bit rocky in the past but the latest trail work is changing that.  Nice rolling trail on gravel instead of rock will make this section of Heil passable for riders of any skill level; you just need to make your way up here via Wapiti or Picture Rock.

We owe a bit of thanks to the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance for all their hard work and dedication.  For those of us who struggle to find the time to volunteer a tax deductible donation to the BMA would be a tremendous help.  Consider joining the BMA and if you're already a member don't forget to renew your membership, I certainly will.  You can find the BMA on the web at www.bouldermountainbike.org for more information.

You can find this trail profile on my Garmin page at connect.garmin.com/activity/244741357 and don't forget to check out my website at www.dirt-life.com for trail updates.  Mountain bike tours are not quite ready but keep checking back.  Thanks for checking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Alan