Show us pictures of where you ride your ebikes!

[DaveMatthews]

Hard to believe that it’s been almost a month since @DaveMatthews last post so I thought that it might be a good time for a revival of sorts. Hallelujah!

With the recent arrival of warmer weather that we’ve all come to expect here, I decided to check out what the conditions were like out at the Riverbend Rec Area yesterday and I must say that I was delighted. The Riverbend Ring involves a loop half of which is comprised of groomed XC ski trails and the other half a multi-use double track. I don’t ever recall seeing any other bikes on the XC trails and I think that I know why. There are some steepish hills to overcome that might turn some away and the ground conditions are not always in the shape that they were in yesterday. Ungroomed and too soft snow would even overwhelm the fattest of tires.

The sun was shining bright as I started the 10 km ride out to the site from home. There’s no greater sensation than warm rays on your face and with the ambient temp well above normal I was stoked to get there asap.

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Talk about sheer bliss. I was feeling super pumped when I rolled up and approached the first hill. The wide track appeared to be recently pack rolled as the crisp looking corduroy was ultra fine with just enough firmness to allow adequate traction to get me up the climbs. There is some etiquette involved when either walking or biking along these XC runs. I usually try and keep to the center so as not to disturb the set tracks on either side. Sliding the rear end of the bike out was really tempting but a definite no no as I would likely wreck the work that had been done to ensure the integrity of the groomed runs.

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I kicked it up a notch and powered my way up the snow groomed runs with little hesitation. The low psi of the tires combined with their large footprint made quick work for the Norco.

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Downhill runs were an absolute blast and thankfully I only came across one lone skier along the trail in the distance heading in the opposite direction.

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It suddenly became overcast about 1/3 of the way into the ride and by the time I reached the top the sun had completely disappeared from sight.

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Heading back down the other half loop, the rays peered through the clouds and all was well again.

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A few more miles to go and back on terra firma of sorts. I aired up the tires which made for a brisk pace back to home base.

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What a cool ride! Too much fun!

 

[Prairie Dog]

What a cool ride! Too much fun!

Dave, here’s a glimpse into just how fun it was.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Dave, here’s a glimpse into just how fun it was.

Dayum dude... Just got home from practice to see this. Totally jelly!
So incredible to see a track like that. Nothing like it here that I know of.
And that Bigfoot just eats it up and spits it out... Dayum...

 

[fooferdoggie]

about took us out on out tandem dark and raining.

 

[RabH]

Dave, here’s a glimpse into just how fun it was.

Just spectacular, what a bike and rider (showing off with no hands )I can just imagine me trying to ride that on my Giant...

 

[JGcycle]

Dave, here’s a glimpse into just how fun it was.

Beautiful trails.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Dave, here’s a glimpse into just how fun it was.

Whee doggies! You're clearly ready for the next level:

 

[Prairie Dog]

Just spectacular, what a bike and rider (showing off with no hands )I can just imagine me trying to ride that on my Giant...

I guess for me it simply extended over the years from doing it when I was a wee lad and it stuck. Just like riding a bike. I have to say that having a larger footprint does add to the overall stability.

Whee doggies! You're clearly ready for the next level:

Yikes! That’s taking DH to the max. I would need to consume a year’s worth of Red Bull to even consider building up the courage to do that! I see the true function for installing the rear fender. It would likely result in the worst case of road r(ass)h without it.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Yikes! That’s taking DH to the max. I would need to consume a year’s worth of Red Bull to even consider building up the courage to do that! I see the true function for installing the rear fender. It would likely result in the worst case of road r(ass)h without it.

Cringed when his butt came down hard on the spiked rear wheel. Would have been a real bummer without that tiny fender in between — and a whole new meaning to shredding. Might well have ended up with sit bones intact but nothing left between.

No amount of Red Bull — or anything else — could get me to consider that. Used to think these guys had some kind of subconscious death wish, but it's not even a good way to off yourself — too much chance of ending up alive but quadriplegic.

Were that to happen to some Red Bull-sponsored daredevil — and there appear to be many of them now — who would foot the lifelong medical bills?

These youngsters are basically modern gladiators, repeatedly putting themselves in grave danger for glory, money, equipment, support crews, the entertainment of others, and advertising for a nasty-tasting energy drink.

 

[Art Deco]

Cringed when his butt came down hard on the spiked rear wheel. Would have been a real bummer without that tiny fender in between — and a whole new meaning to shredding. Might well have ended up with sit bones intact but nothing left between.

No amount of Red Bull — or anything else — could get me to consider that. Used to think these guys had some kind of subconscious death wish, but it's not even a good way to off yourself — too much chance of ending up alive but quadriplegic.

Were that to happen to some Red Bull-sponsored daredevil — and there appear to be many of them now — who would foot the lifelong medical bills?

These youngsters are basically modern gladiators, repeatedly putting themselves in grave danger for glory, money, equipment, support crews, the entertainment of others, and advertising for a nasty-tasting energy drink.

Besides, "Hold my redbull, and watch this" just don't sound right.

 

[Prairie Dog]

No amount of Red Bull — or anything else — could get me to consider that. Used to think these guys had some kind of subconscious death wish, but it's not even a good way to off yourself — too much chance of ending up alive but quadriplegic.

Were that to happen to some Red Bull-sponsored daredevil — and there appear to be many of them now — who would foot the lifelong medical bills?

These youngsters are basically modern gladiators, repeatedly putting themselves in grave danger for glory, money, equipment, support crews, the entertainment of others, and advertising for a nasty-tasting energy drink.

Personally, I’ve never even taken a sip of the swill and don’t believe that I ever will. I know my limitations and, at my age, landing on something soft is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Sometimes I think that most who drink it simply want to emulate their idols who get paid handsomely for doing so. Red Bull gives you wings is, in a manner of speaking, a plausible way to meet your maker for many of these idealistic thrill seekers with the ultimate goal of attaining the RB helmet. All it takes is just one minor detail to be overlooked for a stunt to turn deadly.

Extreme Footage — Dying for Red Bull | THEME

the.me

 

[Chargeride]

Whee doggies! You're clearly ready for the next level:

The wombats, a local band, such a great song

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Personally, I’ve never even taken a sip of the swill and don’t believe that I ever will. I know my limitations and, at my age, landing on something soft is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Sometimes I think that most who drink it simply want to emulate their idols who get paid handsomely for doing so. Red Bull gives you wings is, in a manner of speaking, a plausible way to meet your maker for many of these idealistic thrill seekers with the ultimate goal of attaining the RB helmet. All it takes is just one minor detail to be overlooked for a stunt to turn deadly.

Extreme Footage — Dying for Red Bull | THEME

the.me

Well, if there were ever a cause to die for — or spend your life in a wheelchair for, or hobble around on permanently damaged lower extremities in later life for — Red Bull enrichment would certainly be it.

The article mentioned one young Einstein who allowed himself to break a foot 40 times under Red Bull enticements. As a retired MD, I can assure you that these battered feet will not serve him well in later years — assuming he's still alive and otherwise able to walk.

Anyone who questions the value of fully functional, pain-free feet should walk around a week with a few pieces of pea gravel in just one shoe.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The article mentioned one young Einstein who allowed himself to break a foot 40 times under Red Bull enticements. As a retired MD, I can assure you that these battered feet will not serve him well in later years — assuming he's still alive and otherwise able to walk.

That guy who claimed to have broken his ankle 40x happens to be 40 yr old Travis Pastrana champion motocross performer extraordinaire. Apparently, he has since parted ways with Red Bull but continues on with his high-flying antics as he awaited hip and knee surgery. He actually broke his hand while preparing for his final stunt which he pulled off in a manner of speaking. The close to 3000 YouTube comments and likes are probably what keeps his ego intact. I mean, ‘You are my Hero’ being repeated over and over is as compelling as it gets so we may not see the last of him just yet.

 

[DaveMatthews]

An absolute deluge is coming for us this weekend according to forecasts.
Oddly, temps will increase to wonderful conditions.
Will look for short interruptions

 

[Prairie Dog]

An absolute deluge is coming for us this weekend according to forecasts.
Oddly, temps will increase to wonderful conditions.
Will look for short interruptions

Sorry to hear that Dave and hope that you’ll be able to escape most of its wrath. I’ve been told that the rivers are becoming wider, longer and more intense.

 

[JimFMB]

From Bunche Beach on the mainland looking at the Pink Shell Resort on Estero island in Ft. Myers Beach. this area was devastated by Hurricane Ian on September 28th 2022. The Old Florida waterfront restaurants are gone now. Same with most of the old stilt homes. Our neighborhood continues with its remediation.

 

[Art Deco]

That guy who claimed to have broken his ankle 40x happens to be 40 yr old Travis Pastrana champion motocross performer extraordinaire. Apparently, he has since parted ways with Red Bull but continues on with his high-flying antics as he awaited hip and knee surgery. He actually broke his hand while preparing for his final stunt which he pulled off in a manner of speaking. The close to 3000 YouTube comments and likes are probably what keeps his ego intact. I mean, ‘You are my Hero’ being repeated over and over is as compelling as it gets so we may not see the last of him just yet.

I was in Kent State University when there were still "Eric Clapton is God" stickers all over town. Right before his battles with drugs. That kind of stuff can push a man right over the edge ...

 

[Prairie Dog]

Hopefully no one here is tired of looking at more wintry scenes. However, thanks to El Nino, it’s almost looking like the chances of a true classic Alberta winter are going to be low. I’m willing to bet there will still be a few more periods of high impact weather but the last two weeks of warmer conditions have really made a difference to shortening the winter season. It now feels like early spring with temperatures more typical of March despite what some experts might indicate.

The past week was no exception but when it comes to riding winter trails there’s always a double-edged sword to the mild weather as some of the singles at various locations are beginning to look rather sketchy. Numerous freeze and thaw cycles have led to narrow icy tracts that require a bit more cautious approach. Level sections of ice are fine but it’s the off-camber segments are a need for concern that come at you particularly if tire pressures aren’t sufficiently low enough.

It was another sunny bluebird day so it wasn’t hard to get super stoked on today’s ride.

To get to the deeper stuff, one just has to know where to look.

I came up on this slick section of walkway as I made my way home. It definitely calls out for a need to have your shoes outfitted with cleats which are akin to riding on studded tires. Either that or waddle along like a penguin.

 

[CanNik]