Old Man Mountain Bike Trail Reports

Hand numbing fast!

2012-02-14T20:25:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Bob, Jeff, OMMB
Miles: 8.5
Weather: nice
Temp: 30-ish
Trail Conditions: hard and fast
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/downloadTrip.aspx?tripId=1517651&mode=gpx

Notes: Nice invigorating ride lead by Bob today...only a few short minutes of rest time. Trails were in great condition for speedy travel. A couple of new bridges...one in the works on the west side of Abrams and another Indian-like natural log bridge on J-Lo. Rust never sleeps? ELVES never sleep!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Just a spin

2012-02-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

Notes: Took the Jesse Dog out for a quick spin around Village Park. GPS app was not apping so I don't have a track for today. About 4.5 miles or so. Amazingly, I returned the dog home with mud on his paws only!

Tidbits: The 100 map tri-folds we had printed for Bikeworks and Swansea Library are nearly gone! My graphic arts printing Elf has made 200 more of the latest revision...look for them soon.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Matt Atrack!

2012-02-10T22:25:00.030-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Bob, Jack, Jim, Matt, Paul?, OMMB
Miles: 7 3/4
Weather: mild
Temp: 30s up to 40s
Trail Conditions: good
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/downloadTrip.aspx?tripId=1512713&mode=gpx

Notes: Nice quick ride today...yes, somehow, I kept up. On the 29er of course...arrrrrg. Matt lead a great route that encompassed the new stuff ("Leap 3", and the tentatively, unimaginatively, named "Not Boulderdash", fire road east of Boulderdash)

Tidbits: Map with new segments...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

From the Makers of Ridge Loop comes....

2012-02-09T21:51:00.002-05:00

...Leap 3!

Cool new winding technical candy running from Up and Over (south side of Fire Road), ending on the Fire Road near where Roots starts. We can all thank Elf R and Elf C for a nice job, with two of the best log-over bridges I've seen! This was a night ride for me and Jesse, so I had to take the trail a little gingerly. There's some great rock drops and tight technical spots that I'm looking forward to hitting in the daylight. The Elves recommend, and after riding it I thoroughly agree, taking the trail from Up and Over. Take Bridges out and Two Guys back then take a sharp right towards Up and Over. You will find Leap 3 forking left before the large rock-over (if you get to the Fire Road, you missed the entrance). Dark blue trail on map below.

Also rode a new connect from J Lo to Pine Needles (no name yet, its creator is unknown at this time). The trail is a straight shot but will maybe support an inner loop within the Pine Needle large loop someday. Light blue on map below.

Whoa Jesse! YOU'RE FREAKING ME OUT!!!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Bob's Mix Tape

2012-02-07T20:24:00.003-05:00

Place: Village Park Swansea, MA
Trailhead: library
Riders: Bob, Jeff, OMMB
Miles: 9
Weather: almost Spring like
Temp: 40s
Trail Conditions: frozen, but softened as the sun got higher

Notes: Bob put together a nice mix of trails for our listening, uh, riding pleasure. I found his pace to be perfect for me...of course that was only possible because he was knocked down by a head cold and was riding slower! Works for me...great ride.

Tidbits: An Elf has cleared the rocks on the wall crossing that starts Neck and Neck...word on Elf Street is there's something new coming to that area. Also, the deadly looking jump on Ridge Trail actually has a landing now...can't wait to try it!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Just a little O - Village Park

2012-02-06T19:34:00.001-05:00

Notes: Me and the dog went for a quick ride before sunset. Nice day, 45 degrees and clear, but the trails were quite soft. Must have thawed throughout the day. We looped a circle around the park, about 3.5 miles. Ran into a guy on Rusty Car. He was sitting by a nice campfire...almost felt like joining him. He told me about some land on Rte 6, behind the Subway on 136 (I think) where there is a potential for bike trails...will have to check it out sometime. He also was very thankful to the Trail Elves for all their hard work in Swansea. Go figure, a random guy sitting by a campfire in the middle of the woods, grateful for the elves.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Team Zippy

2012-02-03T19:52:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Bob, Jeff (not Kona Jeff), Matt, OMMB
Miles: 9.2
Weather: chilly wind
Temp: 30
Trail Conditions: hard
Wildlife: heard a strange bird...maybe Spring is already approaching?
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1503634

Notes: Rode with the non-stop speedy crew from Bikeworks. I was "okay" for about 5.5 miles, then my legs were jello. Mostly because I don't roll fast enough, requiring a lot of work to keep up with those dudes. It's back to the Kona 29 next time (until I figure out how to make my bike go faster)!

Tidbits: Superbowl weekend begins with the Extreme Beer Fest in Boston tomorrow...yay beer! YAY PATS!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Just a Nickel and Change

2012-02-02T19:29:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB & JD
Miles: 5.4
Weather: overcast, damp, very light snow/rain
Temp: 30's
Wildlife: the return of smelly mud dog
GPS Track:

Notes: Good little route for an afternoon ride. Went out on Roots to Lakeside Connect, Rusty Car, cut across Fire Road to climb Chutes and Ladders, down Buddy to Fox Hole, around Pine Needles clockwise, down Thing 1, up Thing 2 (thought about Superman, nope, not yet), down Chutes and Ladders, up Fire Road DH, Boulderdash to Two Guys, Abrams Rock Eastside, out Graveyard then Ridge Loop counterclockwise.

Tidbits: Silly dog kept dry the whole ride...until plopping into that mucked up mess on Fire Road heading out to the parking lot. Lovely.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Zig Zagging a Track

2012-01-31T22:26:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB and Jesse Dog
Miles: 9.3
Weather: wow nice
Temp: five oh up to five six (uuumm it's almost February, gees)
Trail Conditions: good, still some lousy mud at the end of Graveyard before the bridge. The usual large muck collection at the beginning of Up and Over. Still mud and roots at the south end of Fox Hole.
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1500203

Notes: My goal, yes I had a goal, was to attempt a ride that included all the trails, well majority of the trails, by zig zagging through the Park. It was an interesting goal, but not too successful, quite a few backtracks required.

Ghost of Abram

Chutes and...

...Ladders

Jesse rockin the Boulder Loop

Happy Trails,

OMMB

RRRAAARRRR

2012-01-29T21:29:00.003-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 5
Weather: clear, windy
Temp: 42, but a chilly wind
Trail Conditions: very good
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1498138

Notes: Felt a little pent up today, so off I went late in the day for a ride (before stopping at Home Depot of course). Since time was limited, wanted more bang for the buck, so attempted to hit all climbs I could think of. Also tracked the new Elf trail (project "Buddy") shown in blue on map below (.25 miles). I felt pretty strong and attacked everything I could...good ride.

Nice 5 mile route for future reference...

Went out Roots
Up Men's Room
Bouderdash to The Downhill, split to Buddy Trail
Pine Needles to Kennedy Plaza
Thing 1 to up Chutes and Ladders (not a bad climb)
Clockwise around Wildcat Rock to Fire Road DH
Rusty Car across field to Pine Needles towards Bull Bridge
Up The Downhill to Boulderdash
Two Guys then up Abram's Rock Eastside
Graveyard (reverse direction around Teeter trail) and out

Tidbits: Climbs I missed...AR Westside, Up and Over, Ladies Room, and Thing 2

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Whew...

2012-01-28T19:59:00.003-05:00

...I feel better now. The other sluggish day was just a bad day. Huffed out about 6 or 7 miles in "The Park", not sure because no GPS signal today....random. Wanted to tool around and check out the new Elf stuff, since the weather was way too nice to stay inside. Clear and upper 40's. The newest of new trails has a couple of nice whoop dee doos...love it.

Tidbits: When Elves get tired from working sooo hard, they grab a seat...

Official Elf Seat

Happy Trails,

OMMB

"I Sucked"

2012-01-26T22:42:00.005-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 6.6
Weather: cloudy, light rain
Temp: 42
Trail Conditions: soft and slow

Notes: What did Tom Brady say after the AFC Championship game? "I sucked...but the defense came through and we won the game". Well today, I sucked...but I stuck it out and got in a ride. Not sure why I sucked...trail real soft, still wiped from sickies, too many days off for an old dude, or wait...was it the fact that my legs were jelly after the first real jog I've done in 2 years??? Yeah that's it, jogged an embarrassing mile or so yesterday. THAT'S how bad the biking conditions have been, I resorted to jogging...ew.

Tidbits: Rode the newest again, Chutes and Ladders. Although still soft, keep riding it! No, Master Elf, I have not gone UP it yet! (you show me how it's done! :) ) Also note that the Bull Bridge "skinny split" is done.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Recent Ride Equations - Warren, RI

2012-01-24T19:31:00.001-05:00

8 to 10 inches of snow Friday and Saturday + flu = no ride
50 degrees on Monday + deep slush = no ride
56 degrees on Tuesday + slop = hit the East Bay Bike Path...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Snow Day!

2012-01-21T21:24:00.004-05:00

Notes: So what do you do when you're down with the flu and missed the first good snow bike ride of the season? Well....you film your faithful trail dog having fun in the snow WITHOUT you!

In Jesse's head, there was a clear blue sky...

...and that was filmed BEFORE the additional 8 inches of snow!!

Oh the other thing you do while sitting around drinking Gatoraid and sipping chicken noodle soup...you update (again) your first attempt at a useful trail map. Here's the latest for Village Park...

Tidbits: http://www.rinemba.org/abrums-rock/

Happy Snow,

OMMB

Oh Chute, a new trail!

2012-01-19T22:31:00.004-05:00

Place: Village Park
Riders: OMMB and Jesse Dog
Miles: 6.5
Weather: clear
Temp: 30
Trail Conditions: mostly solid, some slight thawing slide outs

Notes: Insider info from down on Elf Street indicated that a new trail was finished. Apparently Elf #2 blazed a new trail in record time. The trail starts (or ends if you climb it) at the top of Thing 2 after the teeter, after going over the boulder climb, to the right. Trail ends down on Thing 1, kind of paralleling the Fire Road DH. It's got a nice relaxing flow, great scenery through trees and boulders, kind of dreamy. And it's name is....Chutes And Ladders! Nice going Elf.

You can mouse over the flags on the map below, if you like that sort of thing...

Tidbits: Also from Elf Street, Elf #1 super sized the former Baby Teeter...now looking for a new home!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

PS- Elves were numbered in order of appearance, as I met them.

8

2012-01-16T18:30:00.054-05:00

Place: Village Park, Swansea
Riders: OMMB, Jesse
Miles: 6
Weather: clear
Temp: 28 or "high 20's" (makes it seem warmer)
Trail Conditions: solid and fast
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: I was looking down at the water bottle (uh, ice bottle) I picked up for Bob going about 2 miles/hr, bumped into a rock, stopped dead and flopped over... "WTF" came to mind.

Notes: Well the Bikeworks crew rode this morning, but I decided to ride during the midday Sun. It's all because of the number 8. The number 8 should not be a temperature. 8 is okay for the time of day, 8 in the morning, 8 at night, both good. 8 is a good weight for a newborn baby, I believe the average is 7 pounds, but 8 is okay for that. 8 miles, that's a pretty good trail ride. My friend Josh could eat 8 stuffed quahogs, if I gave him that many. Domino's Pizza is selling a large pizza, mid week, for about 8 dollars. That's a good number for the price of a large pizza, but not for a temperature. After squinting at the thermometer this morning, not believing my eyes, I decided to stay home until the number seemed more reasonable... you know, like 28 ...now that's better.

THE Map!

Today's Route

Infamous Hunter's Perch, at the beginning of "J Lo"

Top of "Gentlemen's Club" (I've only seen Matt climb it clean)

Tidbits: I finally dropped over a boulder on Graveyard, cleared the mental block I had about it.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Greasy Times

2012-01-13T22:47:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park
Riders: Bob, Jack, Jesse, OMMB
Miles: 6
Weather: yucky, but the rain held off
Temp: 50
Trail Conditions: slick greasy mud from all night rain
Wildlife: a deer, Jesse found it first
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1476312

Notes: Had to get a ride in, won't have much time this weekend, so I dragged the dog out into potential downpours. Turns out the rain held off, Bob and Jack were ready to go, and Jesse brought mud jumping to a new level. But before mud jumping, Jesse's first order of business was to chase down a pretty large deer right near the parking lot. He got within a couple of feet of it's big white tail, but the deer smoked him in the woods. Nice try dog.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Manic Mechanicals

2012-01-10T13:55:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park, Swansea, MA
Riders: Bob, Jeff, Matt, OMMB and Jesse
Miles: seven and three quarters
Weather: very light snow left its mark before we arrived
Temp: 30
Trail Conditions: thin crust of snow, surprisingly grippy
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: a couple of wipe outs by Jeff, tire seal issues
GPS Track:

Notes: Other than Jeff slipping around on a hard rear tire, this was a good ride. To keep the air in Jeff's new tubeless setup, high pressure was needed. High pressure + crusty snow + roots = crash times three! Once his right shifter broke, he decided that today would be best spent in the truck at the parking lot...so he sadly hiked out in hopes for better days to come.

Tidbits: Some pics of the new Elf features can be found by clicking on the icons in the map above.

Apparently Elves also keep the woods clean of human trash...

...nice elves!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Sunday...a fun day to a T

2012-01-08T20:15:00.002-05:00

Riders: Teri, Jesse, OMMB
Miles: 4.5
Weather: real nice...not many of these during a New England January!
Temp: upper 40s
Trail Conditions: a little mushy due to the latest thaw, but not bad at all

Notes: After a long layoff due to ankle surgery, I was able to convince T (aka Mrs. OMMB) that today would be a good day to tour the new stuff at The Village. She agreed and had a blast on the new bridges. She especially liked Bull Bridge and much to my amazement, cleared the whole first skinny bridge on the Bridges Trail...very impressive!!

Tidbits: There's a new baby teeter in town...it's on Two Guys, to the left of the "T" on the large switchback (see map clip below). Created by Elf #1, debated by Elf #2, and gets you over the log cross. BUT if you miss the line to the teeter over the logs, you could face certain and immediate death (well...a nasty tangled crash with a teeter at least).

Fun pix of the day...

Sunny Teeter

Riding the Bull!

Happy Day!

Yeah, whatever.

Let's do that teeter!

Sunny Slide Down

Go Green! Even Kermit likes Mtn Biking.

OMMB trail reporting with a couple of lazy ass cats!

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Oh but wait... movies too...

On the Teeter...

And the Baby Teeter...

The water IS from my Camelbak!!

The Route!

2012-01-06T19:55:00.004-05:00

Place: Village Park
Riders: Bob, OMMB (met up with Matt and Jim towards the end)
Miles: 8.7
Weather: flurries early then clear
Temp: 30 and rising
Trail Conditions: solid, fast!
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1466550

Notes: Another great route by Bob...worth noting!

Library to Graveyard
up Abrams Rock Eastside
North on Bridges
South on Two Guys to Two Guys Too
South on Bridges to Rock Drop
right at Abrams Eastside then North on Two Guys
Boulderdash to The Downhill
Bull Bridge Westbound
Boulder Loop then South to Kennedy Plaza
up Thing 1 to Pine Needles
Bull Bridge Eastbound to Foxhole
J Lo then South to Kennedy Plaza
up Thing 2
clockwise around Wildcat to Fireroad DH
through Four Corners to Neck and Neck
Roots then Ridge Loop clockwise
Lakeside to Rusty Car then up to Pine Needles clockwise
down Thing 1 straight through Four Corners
Neck and Neck (met up with Matt and Jim)
Connect 1 to No One's Rock North
Fireroad North to Connect 2
Two Guys South to Abrams Rock Westside
Graveyard to Library

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Marked

2012-01-05T22:37:00.002-05:00

Place: Village Park
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 4.5
Weather: chilly

Notes: Went for a quick ride to store waypoints for all the bridges and man(elf)-made features in the park...all for the map in progress. Snapped off a pic of a nice sunset on the icy pond.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Bob Dreams Routes

2012-01-03T19:21:00.039-05:00

Place: Swansea Village Park
Riders: Bob, Jeff, OMMB and Jesse
Miles: 7 and a half-ish
Weather: chilly, but bearable
Temp: upper 20's
Trail Conditions: frozen and fast, bikes were rolling nice
GPS Track:

Notes: In case you didn't know, when Bob can't sleep at night, he thinks up different routes for the morning's ride. This was a really good one! (Damn I wish I could show directional arrows...oh wait, I can...)

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Back to the Mark

2012-01-02T22:22:00.007-05:00

Place: Swansea Village Park
Riders: Mark, JD, OMMB
Miles: 6
Weather: nice
Temp: 44
Trail Conditions: good
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1461389

Notes: The first ride of the new year featured a return to the trails by Mark (not the tall skinny cyclo-cross racer, the Emma's dad). Jesse and I gave him a tour of all the new features and trails offered in "The Village". Lots of people, relatively speaking, out on the trails today...hikers, runners, dog walkers, and many groups of riders. Good to see. Trailville sure beats Farmville and Cityville!

Tidbits: Heat wave ends tomorrow.

Mark on "Bridges" Trail

Bridgis Maximus Part 1

Bridgis Maximus Part 2

Bridgis Maximus Part 3

Durand's Tomb Pic 1

Durand's Tomb Pic 2

Latest draft of our map

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Long Live the Bridge! - 30 Dec 11 - Swansea Village Park

2011-12-30T23:20:00.006-05:00

Riders: Supercross, Sophie the Tire Biter, Jesse the Mud Hound, OMMB
Miles: bout 7
Weather: mild
Temp: upper 30's
Trail Conditions: at first very good, then top layer began to thaw resulting in slip-n-slide
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: One slide out whoops for OMMB, around a corner and through a tree (that rhymes, thankfully tree was small and dead)
GPS Track:

Tidbits:
1) Bridgis Maximus is done...and it's an admirable piece of work!
2) My (not impressive) attempt at showing trail directional arrows...would be better if AllSport track could do this...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Some Elves Can Fly - 27 Dec - Swansea Village Park

2011-12-27T19:06:00.003-05:00

Riders: Chris (now known as "Supercross") and OMMB
Miles: 8.6
Weather: cloudy, but mild
Temp: 47
Trail Conditions: surprisingly slippery, must have frozen overnight, then thawed
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: an outstanding double pirouette by Chris, I'd say it was a "whoops"...slid out on the very first tight turn, neatly laid the bike down, planted his hand, and spun around twice...it was precious..lol
GPS Track:

Notes: Did a few loops with the speedy, hoppy, jumpy, balancing Chris today. He's a one man circus show on a mountain bike! Very entertaining to watch, no need for those tricky bike videos on You Tube. We hit the usual areas, although slippery, and added some new stuff that "Supercross" had not ridden yet. Like the Ridge Trail (which he really ate up with no chance for scruffy old dude to keep up) and what I'm calling "John's Loop" (for now). Great ride...good time.

Tidbits: Strange sight...a rider that Chris knew with his dog tied to the bike stem. The dog seemed to love pulling him along. hmmmm...can you say "SQUIRREL"?

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Five for Feeding - 26 Dec - Swansea Village Park

2011-12-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

Notes: Had to get pedaling after a couple of days off...and feeding my face for 10 hours straight yesterday. Nice day, moderate temp, but the wind gave an unexpected chill to the ride. Checked on "Project Elf" progress and those crazy elves are almost done with Bridgis Maximus and Durand's Tomb...soon to be ready for public consumption!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

A little slippin, a little slidin - 23 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-23T22:09:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Bob, Jack, Mark (a tall skinny one, not the one who's now a daddy), OMMB
Miles: 5.5
Weather: rain
Temp: 45
Trail Conditions: wet, muddy, New England trail-like
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1448611

Notes: Just a quick little ride for a few dedicated souls that trekked out in the rain this morning. Despite the sloppy conditions, we had a good time. Checking progress on all the Elf projects in the works was interesting...I'm told even more was completed this afternoon (did these Elves escape from the Santa camp up North? geees...talk about dedication! Many thanks!!!)

Happy Trails,

OMMB

New Drops and Crossings - 22 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-22T22:20:00.003-05:00

Place: Village Park aka Swansea Dam Trails
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Bob, OMMB
Miles: 6.5
Weather: niiiiiiice
Temp: 57 - like every other First Day of Winter (hard to believe)
Trail Conditions: very good
GPS Track:

Notes: Elf #2 finished the teeter relocation to Climb #2. Then he tried it out for the first time (sorry no pics). OMMB got to try it a couple times too. It's a work of art!

Bridgis Maximus (and it ain't done yet!)

Tidbits: See BikeworksMA on Facebook for more pics...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Map Play - 20 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-20T19:40:00.004-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Bob, Jeff, Jesse Dog, OMMB
Miles: 6.5
Weather: calm, cloudy, mild (Elf #1 who's name we shall not mention was working in short sleeves)
Temp: 45
Trail Conditions: Still some mud...new bridges are saving wear and tear on the trail!
GPS Track: My first draft of an attempt to label a map of the trails...

Notes: Felt like hopping on the 26 full suspension today, for a change. Definitely harder to keep up but a much nicer (i.e. smoother) ride! I merged today's track with the other day's to come up with the beginnings of a useful (I hope) map. Now for all the names... (I think it's something that should be done over a few beers with all who work these trails!)

Tidbits: There are some new trails... one is closest to Case Jr High (Ridges) which features a scary high bridge, a 3 foot high jump (at least), a real nice wide bridge, whoop-de-doos and loops all over. A real fun trail. The other trail starts near the hunters perch (out towards the powerlines) and ends near the tiny loop right center of the map above. Also a fun technical trail.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Some Trail Work, Some Riding, Some Chatting - 18 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-18T12:02:00.003-05:00

Notes: Helped Elf #2 with some lifting and dragging on some good things to come. Too damn cold to do what was originally planned, so next phase was left for another day. We chatted with John and Tim for a bit while the dogs jackassed around. They showed me a new little technical trail recently carved out by John...good stuff! When I left the house around 8:00 it was 23 degrees with snow flurries...when I got home it was all the way up to 24 degrees. Whew.

Sniffin' Sophie

Chris, Nash, John, and Tim chatting at #1 and #2

Now which way did Nash go?

Sophie sporting her lovely plumage.

Jesse looks worried because Sophie CAN kick his ass!

Nash says, "I'm trying to stay away from those other Jackasses."

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Bob's Route - 16 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-17T18:59:00.002-05:00

Riders: Bob, OMMB
Miles: 7.6
Weather: windy, mild
Temp: 50's
Trail Conditions: still muddy, bridges are mandatory

Notes: Out with Bob in attempt to ride a track he can use as a trail map. Good route, lots of variety! We talked about the trail names that are getting kicked around (some known, some we made up)...

Roots
Pine Needles
Graveyard/Cemetery
M&M and CD (or Two Guys)
Durands Tomb (featured on #2)
Thing 1 (aka #1)
Thing 2 (aka #2)
Boulder Dash
Kennedy Plaza (particular spot, not a trail)

...I'll add to the list as I hear more.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Chicken Shit - 15 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-15T19:46:00.002-05:00

Trailhead: Colt Jr High
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 6 or so, GPS app wasn't cooperating
Weather: nice
Temp: fitty fi (another heat wave)
Trail Conditions: still a bit muddy, but not bad

Notes: Scooted out to take advantage of the warm temps. Felt pretty nimble on the 26 but still couldn't clear some climbs like I did on the 29. Also, had every intention of clearing "Durant's Tomb" (a nice double drop-off), but I just couldn't pull the trigger! Maybe next time...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Jacked - 12-13-11 - Swansea

2011-12-13T22:31:00.001-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB with Jesse Dog (finally, he says)
Miles: 5.77
Weather: crispy clear
Temp: upper 20's
Trail Conditions: crunchy
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1439496

Notes: Jesse was extremely happy to know he was joining me this morning...it's been a couple of weeks. Didn't seem so cold when I threw the newly framed Roscoe 3 in the truck, but once on the trail, realized that it was quite chilly. So chilly that Jack Frost left his creations all over the place! Also left behind, one of the strangest sites I've seen...at the top of the first climb I found the remnants of a fresh campfire, still smoldering. I'm guessing an early morning hunter was trying to stay warm before the sun came up (or some ancient Indian still lives out there). Not cool leaving a fire with embers...gees. I kicked it around some more to make sure it was out. Well Jesse still felt the need to sit in nasty-ass puddles, getting full of mud. But now also had ice collecting on his fur! Part Husky...hmmmmm.

Jack's handywork

Fire by hunter, Indian, caveman, advanced raccoons...???

Tidbits: Just got through watching "Ride the Divide" recommended by Elf #2. Awesome. If you wish to attempt this, I know of someone looking for a partner!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Bob's Bday Blunder - 9 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-09T01:12:00.025-05:00

Riders: Bob (was the plan), Jeff, OMMB
Miles: about 8 on the bike
Trail Conditions: better, mostly drained
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1435518

Notes: Plan was to ride with Bob in the afternoon since it was his birthday...but the brand new demo bike he was riding didn't like the plan. Something was up with the front tubeless tire and it was not sealing around the rim. Several attempts to fill it failed so Bob headed back to the shop in his truck. So sad. Jeff and I made a good ride out of it, then rode back to the shop. I felt pretty good and was able to clear a couple of hills I normally have trouble with. Jeff thought that maybe my energy is higher in the afternoon from feeding all day...could be! Also tried the new seesaw, yep, fun.

Tidbits: Right now, Bob's as old as OMMB!

Stay tuned for a new bridge coming to your neighborhood!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

A little night bike hike - 8 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-08T01:07:00.007-05:00

GPS Track: Mountain Biking - 8 Nov - Swansea

Notes: Short ride to test out the fit on the Roscoe 3...ended up lending Elf #1 a hand on one of the bridges (hiked out for some 2x4s left on another trail).

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Mountain (well not really) Biking - 6 Dec - Swansea

2011-12-06T00:57:00.003-05:00

Riders: Bob, Jeff, OMMB

Happy Trails,

OMMB

My West Coast friends...they are MOUNTAIN bikers - 2 Dec 2011 - Mt Pinos, CA

2011-12-02T20:30:00.005-05:00

Post Ride Vander-Blog...

Distance - 17.94 miles*
Elevation Start - 5950, Elevation End - 8550*
Temp - Cool to damn cold

So, what's my mantra when planning mountain bike rides? That's right, "Never trust Hector". Hey Hector, do you think there will be snow on the ground. Hector's reply, "maybe just a couple inches at the top...no big deal". Hmmm.

We all made the drive to Frazier Park and parked slightly lower on the mountain than last year. Hector splained that this was easy and would prepare us for the "harder" part. Like anything will prepare you for a ride that starts at 6000 feet! That's all good except we went the wrong way. Fortunately, the natives become restless and let you know right away that you're "TRESPASSING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY". The only good thing about this detour is that it took us back to the cars so Tim could grab more clothing and a shock pump for Hector. Hector's front fork was apparently completely flat. Hmmm.

So we start the real ride and its nice, but then it gets steeper and we encounter a large tree across the trail. 5 minutes later we encounter our 1st patch of snow. By the 2nd patch of snow it becomes clear that overinflated mountain bike tires do not mix with snow and ice. We are subject to random hike-a-bike sections on all north facing or extremely open portions of the trail. After an hour or so everyone simply takes 10-15 psi out of their tires and things improve immensely...meaning most "snow/ice" sections can actually be ridden. After much slogging we all reach the Mt Pinos campground at 7800 feet. Fortunately the sun is out so we can all take our shoes off and thaw out. The only odd thing is that we don't see Scott anywhere. Well, after much searching, we find Scott on the road lamenting the fact that the trail ahead is littered with snow and impassable. Hector, Steve and Tim dubiously press on via the impassable route...which proves to be passable...sort of. Scott and Ron opt for the paved road. Tim is desperate to reach the top and end this cold punishment when he encounters sheet ice...too late. Like the proverbial sack o potatoes...he and bike go down on the ice 10 feet from the Mt Pinos summit parking lot. At this point Hector proceeds to remind Tim that we're not really at the top...but rather have 2 more miles of snow-laden road to climb. This proves too much for Tim's rapidly swelling hip and elbow...so he bails to climb another day. Steve and Hector slog on to the summit...whilst Tim (suddenly fearful of snow/ice) takes the road back to the campground.

Upon reaching said campground Tim finds pathetic site of Scott and Ron shivering uncontrollably. All exchange knowing looks that somehow Hector has led them astray...as ride has turned from 'good times' to 'suffer-fest'. All agree waiting for Hector and Steve is a bad idea. Inclement weather approaching and lack of proper clothing validate this decision and descent was conducted rapidly. Tim finds that descending on snow/ice is much better than ascent so long as brakes are avoided. Tim would also like to thank large bush to the right of particularly nasty section for saving him from an unintended descent down side of mountain. Some stops are required, however, to ensure feeling returns to extremities. Tim reaches the cars and his cooler full of beer. However, ice-cold does not initially appeal when one cannot feel their fingers or toes. He conducts rapid change to warm clothes, pops two advil and then has a cold beer. Ron shows up a few minutes later...followed by Scott. But Hector and Steve are another 30 minutes behind having conquered the summit. Tim leaves early, eats giant burger at Carl's Jr and feels like a loser. Ron gets sick whilst Scott is already sick. Hector and Steve are clearly the heros of this story.

* According to 'imapmyride'

Tim V.

************************************************

Stats and track by RoFo...

http://gpskit.garafa.com/GPS_Kit/Maps2.php?udid=7324c31f10b2bc8361ff1787756f30fe2ea7509f&n=81599

************************************************

Tidbits from Hector...

According to NGS the top is 8847' and the Nordic Base (parking lot) is 8300'. The total trail distance from trail head to the parking-lot is approx 18 miles (plus 4 miles round-trip from the Nordic Base to the top).

http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1267

************************************************

And OMMB...

Miles: about 20 (10.25 ascent was tracked...minus .6 for the initial "sidetrack"...so 9.65 miles, all up)
Weather: clear, cold, and windy at the summit
Temp: 50 at trailhead, below 32 at summit (although I've been unable to find historical temp data)
Trail Conditions: Tim's report says it all!
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: my whoops was basically a flop off the side of the trail when my front wheel stalled in some snow...tumbled down a small embankment, into some snow and 1 inch thorns, landing in a heap, with the bike on top of me. Some nice bruises resulted (had to show SOME damage after this epic hike-a-bike).

GPS Track (had to manually enter from last flag to summit, battery issues):

Every Picture Tells a Story:

Tidbits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pinos

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Hey Bob! - 1 Dec - Point Mugu State Park

2011-12-01T22:21:00.001-05:00

Place: Sycamore Canyon
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 13.5
Weather: windy, dry
Trail Conditions: hardpack, dry
Wildlife: No snakes, no giant spiders, no coyotes...just 4 rabbits and a Bobcat! (a first for me)
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1427847

Notes: Solo tour through the canyon, no major climbing. My route was North on Sycamore Cyn Fire Rd (1), Wood Cyn (7) to Two Foxes (8), Sin Nombre (4), Hidden Pond Trail East (18), South on Sycamore Cyn Fire Rd (1), Ranch Center Rd (3), Return via Sin Nombre (4), Two Foxes (8) and Sycamore Canyon Fire Rd (1). Spotted the elusive Bobcat on the return trip down the Fire Rd. He ditched off the side of the trail and I waited to catch a picture...but I guess he was already embarrassed about blowing his cover. Being spotted by man is not cool in the Bobcat community.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Back to Backbone, Howlers and All - 29 Nov - Santa Monica Mtns

2011-11-29T21:19:00.068-05:00

Place: Point Mugu State Park
Trailhead: Sycamore Canyon
Riders: Hector, Ron, OMMB
Miles: 13
Weather: clear, dark
Temp: 50's
Trail Conditions: dry, smooth, fast
Technical Level: 3 miles of very slight to 3 miles of steep incline up to 1200 ft...then the coolest downhill ride in the canyon!
GPS Track (entered manually, DingleBerry was dying)...

Notes: Back in Cali for OMMB! Surprisingly, Hector wanted to ride on my first full day in town...cool...I'll go get the 29er at Ventura Bikeshop (versus eating a real lunch). Night falls pretty early this time of year so it was already getting dark when we left the trailhead. For only the second time in history, I was able to climb Backbone without a stop (other than the normal break where Backbone meets Overlook before heading to Guadalasca). View from the top was awesome, city lights in the valley all around, with coyotes howling from down on the trail we were about to descend (yeah...okay). The downhill was the usual rush, with headlight beams on the very fast single track for an added bonus. Great ride! Hector's batteries managed to hold out for "most" of the downhill, then lights out! But he's Hector, he don't need no stinkin lights. It was quite dusty chasing Ron and Hector down Guadalasca, next time I need to bring a bandanna for the face. After the ride, I was treated to my favorite Fat Tire Amber Ale and Tortilla Chips...good times!

Tidbits: Remember to charge your lights when planning a night ride (you would THINK that goes unsaid, right Hector? hahaha)

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Looping with the Masters - 27 Nov - Swansea

2011-11-27T20:54:00.005-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Chris, Elf #1 who's name we shall not mention, Sophie (Jesse's new girlfriend), Jesse, OMMB
Miles: 7.7 by GPS (Elf #1 who's name we shall not mention clocked around 10 by odometer)
Temp: 60's, the heat wave continues
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1422600

Notes: I was happy to join the master trail builders on a few loops around their handy work. A great pace lead by Chris with plenty of down time for OMMB to catch his breath! Jesse and Sophie, a black and white Border Collie, had a great time tagging along. Lots of energy at first, but they slowed down near the end. Jesse did his best to tempt Sophie into the mud holes with him, but she wasn't buying (smart girl). We ran into several Sunday morning riders along the way, some rode with us for portions of the trail. Fun ride, looking forward to riding with this group again soon...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Round Two...ready, set, HIKE - 25 Nov 11 - Swansea

2011-11-26T17:26:00.006-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Hikers: (in reverse order of appearance) Barkley, Jesse, Bella, Sadie, Greg, Teri, OMMB
Miles: 3.5
Weather: real nice
Temp: 60's
Trail Conditions: all hike-able, some puddle areas from pre-Thanksgiving Day rain
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: oh goodness no (we all know how to walk fairly well)
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1419903

Notes: We took advantage of the great weather and the holiday visit by Sadie, Greg, and the two fourleggers and went for a hike around Village Park. We climbed each of the rock ledges for a decent view. The dogs ran, jumped in mud (mainly one of them), ran, climbed rocks, ran, ran, went swimming (two of them), ran...then crashed for the day.... good times.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

And J-Dog Makes Three - 25 Nov - Swansea

2011-11-25T21:23:00.003-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Bob, OMMB & Jesse Dog
Miles: 7.6
Weather: nice
Temp: 50's
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: Bob demonstrated a great way to crack your nuts on the top crossbar, whoops off a log "skinny" cross. Good news is he did NOT land in the mud!
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1419475

Notes: A good little turkey burner ride with Jesse tagging along. Nice pace, enjoyable ride (Bob went easy on me).

Tidbits: Here's a good look at the main trails at Village Park. Both trailheads on the left, compass North to the right...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

T Day! - 11 22 11 - Swansea

2011-11-22T17:09:00.004-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 5.2
Weather: Perfect
Temp: 38 (Perfect for a hairy Portuguese fella)
Trail Conditions: Perfect

Notes: Wanted to get one more nice ride in before the rainy weather arrives tonight. The trails were in spectacular condition thanks to all who keep them cleared of leaves! Had a real comfortable ride on the Kona, even cleared the hills that I usually can not (well, 2 out of the 3 anyway). No Jesse Dog today, he was at the groomer getting poodled up (what a foo foo dog, next ride will cure that condition).

Tidbits: Happy 29th (again) Birthday Teri!!!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Trail Elf Wanna-be - 11/20/11 - Village Park

2011-11-20T21:30:00.000-05:00

Notes: Hiked out in hopes of helping the "real" trail elves with some trail maintenance, but I found them (luckily) out riding their new trails! Turns out the weather was so nice (over 60 degrees) that they decided to ride...good choice. I stayed out and cleared off some of the slippery hill climbs. It was good to see the area in "slow motion", amazing what landscape you miss when riding by.

Tidbits: To think I skipped a day of riding just to deal with this...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Bridges Freeze First - 11/18/11 - Swansea

2011-11-19T19:40:00.003-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Library
Riders: Al, Bob, Jesse Dog, OMMB
Miles: 6.25
Weather: clear
Temp: 37, but felt colder
Trail Conditions: good
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: An Oh Sheet for OMMB...

Notes: Kind of a sloppy ride today, with ice or something (mud?) under the wet leaves. All of us experienced several slide outs around corners. Good thing it was just an "easy" ride day, Bob trying a demo bike and me on the Roscoe frame for the first time. Damn it was tough riding a 26 after being on the 29er for a few weeks! Although the bike did provide a nice "soft" ride, but still some adjusting to do. ...and the Oh Sheet; I was following Al and Bob over one of the widest, longest bridges and thinking to myself "hmmm, don't bridges freeze first?". Well they do. And apparently they stay frozen the longest too, because even though Al and Bob cleared the bridge fine, half way through my bridge thought, the bike went out from under me. So fast that the upper third of my body, face first of course, hung off the edge of the bridge to the point where there was no stopping my full front flip layout flat onto my back in at least 6 inches of water (and mud)!!! Damn was I soaked! If Bob and Al had a camera rolling, the $10,000 prize (if not the 100 grand) would have been theirs on America's Funniest Home Videos!

Tidbits: November is not very good for swimming.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Huffin and Puffin - 15 Nov 11 - Swansea, MA

2011-11-16T19:36:00.000-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Bikeworks to Case Jr High
Riders: Bob, Matt, Jeff, OMMB
Miles: 10.5
Weather: still a heat wave (as far as I'm concerned)
Temp: 60's
Trail Conditions: good, very little mud...oh wait, it's raining
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1406793

Notes: Another nice romp around the park led by Bob and Matt. Very little stops today; but I managed to "hang". Less than 10 minutes of rest time and that includes begin and end down time. Enough to cause OMMB's legs to feel a bit tight for a day or so.

Tidbits: My old HiFi Plus has officially morphed into a 2010 Gary Fisher Roscoe 3... nice frame! Hopefully going to break it's virginity tomorrow (or Friday)! The old frame has donated all organs and is on it's way back to it's maker. Many thanks to Bikeworks for handling the warranty.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

And Then There Were Trail Elves - 13 Nov 11 - Swansea, MA

2011-11-14T20:22:00.003-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 6.3
Weather: feels like Summa in Novemba!
Temp: 54 to 62
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: One endo yikes over a log hop (Elves one and a half got to see it!)
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1403920

Notes: The awesome weather brought a bunch of riders and elves to the woods this Sunday morning! We first ran into Elf #1 (Who's name we shall not mention) and his Half Elf working on the new trail (between the markers on the GPS track above). They had some serious trail building equipment with them! At the other end of the trail we found Elf #2 (Chris) with his two dogs. He was kicking the ass of some big stump (OMMB would have made the trail go around it...hahaha). I told them I'd try to help out next Sunday. I was told by Elf #1 who's name we shall not mention that the trail will be called "Two Guys"... nice. We also ran into Tim and John, three times, a group of five riders, another trail elf (Dan) leaf blowing with his black dog, two other riders, and yet another elf (oh hi Bob), also leaf blowing. They all were really doing an amazing job. Nice elves. Be sure to thank them if you happen to ride by!

Tidbits: Another nice bridge by Team Elf at the bottom (left) of the long downhill, gets you over the little rocky stream.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

All Ones - 11/11/11 - Swansea, MA

2011-11-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

Trailhead: Bikeworks to the library
Riders: OMMB plus 8 (not Kate)
Miles: 11.5 (GPS), 12 (Bob's odometer)
Weather: Cloudy
Temp: "raw" 45
Trail Conditions: better than expected, butt loads of rain yesterday
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: A whoops by Bob when traversing a log cross over mud. The log won, Bob hit the mud!
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1400961

Notes: A rare group ride on a Friday morning, many thanks to all our Veteran's!!! Trails were a bit sloshy but all ride-able. Great group of riders, no one left was behind!

Tidbits: Matt, Jeff, and Bob showed OMMB a little "hidden" trail very close to the school. It has a nice bridge crossing over a gully (see POI #1 on the GPS track). Although it was a bit slippery, it's a fun challenge...just don't screw up! I assume the trail is "new" since it dead-ends...I'll keep checking it for progress now and then. LOVE the trail elves...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Night in the Ruts - 8 Nov - Swansea, MA

2011-11-08T19:50:00.006-05:00

Place: Village Park
Trailhead: Bikeworks
Riders: Al, Bob, Brian (Deagle-less), Jeff, Matt, Steve, OMMB (Jesse-less)
Miles: 11.5
Weather: NICE!
Temp: 54 to 64 (and climbing)
Trail Conditions: good, very little mud
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: Some minor whoops by a few, nothing major
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1396999

Notes: Joined the crew for a great ride! Those guys really know how to cover this place to rack up the miles, with very little repetitiveness. I am glad they take a few breaks, because I'd never keep up otherwise. A lot of the new stuff is looking good, thanks to those trail elves. In fact, we ran into a couple of them, Mark (I think) and his young apprentice son. They were hauling some pressure treated planks out there with a hand truck to rebuild one of the cool over-log ramps. Gotta love em! They are looking for help on Sunday mornings, I may consider donating some time. Well I was following Bob up and over a boulder, one without a nice ramp on the down side, and got way off the back of the seat....in fact, too far off, because when I cleared the boulder I enjoyed a major taint scraper and balls smack, compliments of my seat. Thought my ride was over, but like all good things, the throbbing passed. Another nasty event happened to Brian on single track near the "cliff"...the sound from over the crest of the hill was that of a tin garbage can being run over by a Mack truck. We thought for sure he had lost it and tumbled off the cliff!!! Thankfully, it was only his rear derailleur being devoured by his spokes...a totally mangled mess...might as well thrown the derailleur in a blender. He had to hike out, but didn't miss much, since it happened near the end of the ride. Good times.

Tidbits: Got a glimpse of my factory replacement frame for the HiFi, which is being morphed into a 2010 Roscoe 3. Looking good.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Mountain Biking 4 Nov - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-11-08T19:09:00.002-05:00

Notes: Apparently I went biking on 4 Nov and forgot to write about it (I have a GPS track to prove it). Hmmm let's see if I remember..........nope.

Tidbits: I do remember that I had a suspicious tick bite and the Doc has me on antibiotics. So WATCH OUT for those wretched things!!!!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Hang on tight ?""; (Jesse typed that last part)

2011-11-02T23:16:00.001-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High, Swansea, MA
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 5.4
Weather: nice
Temp: 57
Trail Conditions: still some water holes but getting better
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1389575

Notes: Went out and rode some of the routes from yesterday. I made some minor adjustments to the Kona and wow what a difference it made...that bike flies! My adjustments? A thinner seat set all the way back changed the above bike geometry in my favor and letting about 20 pounds of air out of the tires (down to 25 pounds), suggested by Bob, was enough to do the trick. Felt real comfortable on this loaner bike! I actually made it all the way up one of my nemesis hills (don't worry T, I miss my full suspension).

Tidbits: Jesse made lots of friends today... a nice weird guy and his dog, a trail runner guy, a lady with her brown boxer on a leash, and a father and son fishing team. (Jesse's waaaaaaaaaay more social than I am)

Happy Trails,

OMMB

PS-He actually did type some of the title...by laying his head on the keyboard. Weirdo.

Back for the punishment! - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-11-01T22:03:00.003-04:00

Trailhead: Bikeworks to Case Jr High
Riders: Bob, Matt, Al, Jeff, OMMB
Miles: 12
Weather: Chilly approaching cold
Temp: 38
Trail Conditions: still wet
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: Jeff, one month new to trail riding, had a couple of spills...nothing bad
GPS Track: Mind of it's own GPS app decided to go haywire, missed out on a good track. Thankfully Bob has an odometer.

Notes: Back with the Bikeworks crew for more off-season riding. Matt and the new improved skinny Al ripped it up while Bob babysat me and the "new to the trails" Jeff (although you'd never know he has only been riding MTBs for a month). Bob carved out a nice 12 mile ride zig-zagging around the forest and showed us the now finished new trails. It was great to do a substantial ride without feeling too bad...maybe I'll be able to take the punishment this year!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

"Hey aren't you that OMMB guy?" - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-10-31T21:22:00.043-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB & Jesse Dog
Miles: 4.1
Trail Conditions: deep mush, deep puddles

Notes: My response... "Yeah, how did you know?" (I'm thinking they have seen pictures of Jesse on the blog) "Oh it's those bells, I read about them on your blog." (He's referring to the Bear Bells that both Jesse and I have strapped on with our orange wear for hunting season)

Going for a quick ride after work ride on Halloween...cool.

Being able to ride a nice Kona 29er on loan from your wife...awesome.

Being recognized by random trail riders because of some jingle bells mentioned on your blog... ...priceless.

Tidbits: The trail elves have built a new bridge...

...oh and that goal to ride each day last week... yaaa that didn't happen.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Two for Five - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-10-25T21:51:00.001-04:00

Trailhead: library
Riders: OMMB, just OMMB
Miles: 4.8
Weather: breezy
Temp: 60
Trail Conditions: getting better, just in time for tomorrow's rain
Wildlife: nothing but occasional squirrels...starting to wonder just how many coyotes are around!
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1379746

Notes: With the HiFi on the disabled list, it's Kona 29er time (thanks Teri)! It's been a while since I rode "Gold Member"...still a fast wild ride! I was told by a passerby that the farmer that owns most of the land on the outskirts of Village Park is cracking down on trespassers...expect more signs. Sucks.

Tidbits: Brought the HiFi to Bikeworks and received a nice surprise. Trek/Gary Fisher have a life time warranty on frames...Bob will submit the paperwork! Since they no longer make HiFi, will get the newer model frame...Yeehaaa!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

One for Five (with a little walk) - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-10-24T20:32:00.000-04:00

Trailhead: library
Riders: OMMB & JD
Miles: 3 on 2 wheels, .8 on two legs
Weather: chilly, damp with dew
Temp: 40
Trail Conditions: Some mud and puddles

Notes: Well just after one of the longer climbs, I heard my rear wheel rubbing on the frame. Stopped, checked the rear axle skewer to make sure it was tight, it was. Tried again, still rubbing, oh and wobbly. Checked the disk brake alignment, all good. Off again...still whacked...oh wait...frickin frame is broke near the gear cluster. Damn. Off to Bikeworks tomorrow...to be continued...

Tidbits: My goal is to ride each day this week...rain or shine. Teeerrrrriii...can I use your biiiike???? Pleeeaaase? :)

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Just for the fans - Swansea, MA

2011-10-22T21:22:00.003-04:00

Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB and Jesse Dog
Miles: 4.5
Weather: partly cloudy and cool
Temp: 60, actually wore long sleeves for the first time this year, still too warm for that!
Trail Conditions: some mud, soft conditions
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: Had a little slide out "whoops" when I was coming to a stop around a corner. Had to hop off and do a front tuck and roll to make it look good for the fans. Well...actually only one fan came running over to check on me...but he had four legs and full of fur.
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1375181

Tidbits: Jesse is sporting his new safety vest from RuffWear! Now he doesn't have to feel inferior to those other dogs with the pumped up kicks. Optional bell attached at the top, from OMMB.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Reversed with a side of Twilight Zone - Swansea, MA

2011-10-20T21:32:00.002-04:00

Trailhead: library
Riders: OMMB and Jesse
Miles: 3.8
Weather: windy
Temp: 64
Trail Conditions: soft and wet (hmmm)...from all the rain we had yesterday

Notes: Wanted to get a quick ride in. Decided to roll the time trial course in reverse. Some sloppy trail conditions but certainly ride-able. Aside from the good ride, stumbled upon some drama on the trail. We rode past two collies tied to a tree, they were "crying" (I was thinking, "hmmm that's straaaange, will have to check back here after my ride to make sure they weren't abandoned"). A couple hundred feet down the trail found an old dude and a lady with a newly adopted pit bull. Old dude was hysterically "urging" me to get Jesse away. Apparently his collies were attacked by the pit bull and the lady was having an extremely tough time controlling him. We got by them fine, and I got to hear all the nitty gritty details when I ran into the old dude in the parking lot after the ride. I also got to hear about his days as a Channel 12 reporter when they busted a mafia pit bull fighting ring...nice enough guy, but a loooong story teller!

Tidbits: Well I thought the wood ticks were gone for the season...they are not. Jesse came home with tons of the little bastards. I hate those things as much as I hate mosquitoes. If I were a Honey Badger I wouldn't give a shit, but I'm not, so I hate them.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Such a baby! - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-10-18T20:59:00.002-04:00

Trailhead: Colt Jr High
Riders: OMMB and Dog Face
Miles: 5.5
Weather: perfect!
Temp: 70
Trail Conditions: Some leaves and sticks... they're here for the Fall!
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1369675

Notes: A real good ride today. I felt good and quick BUT...I kept hesitating over technical stuff! Such a baby. I think maybe the endo on Sunday was in my head. Such a baby. Followed some of the new stuff the trail elves have been working on. They are doing a nice job on fresh single track. I dead ended on a couple of trails they haven't finished...but it's going to be good stuff when complete. I gotta say though, I hope the hell they're going to build a ramp down the rock face pictured below (although tough to see how steep it actually is)...what the hell are they thinking??? Those silly elves. I didn't ride it. I'm such a baby.

Tidbits: This fella is NOT such a baby...Nastyass Honey Badger

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Slam down = fun, not so much - Big River - RI

2011-10-16T21:50:00.001-04:00

Trailhead: Hopkin's Hill
Riders: OMMB and Jesse Dog
Miles: 6.5-ish
Weather: nice, dry, cool
Temp: 66
Trail Conditions: mostly good, but puddles, streams and ponds were overflowing from the recent downpours
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: a nice Yikes! It's been a while since I had a good endo...I remember them being not so much fun...well still not fun. I was heading down a slight decline at a moderate speed, hopped over a boulder and a couple of roots, when my front wheel locked up on a protruding root that I didn't even see...back end up...stalled at the highest point... "welcome to the slam down"
GPS Track:

Notes: Followed some sweet single track to complete a longer loop around Carr Pond. Some of it was chewed up from motocycles, maybe there was a recent race. A moderately technical loop overall. We happened to cross paths (twice) with NEMBA Peter Gengler and his gang of guys and dogs. Jesse felt much better about his orange plastic "vest" when he saw the other dogs with various day glow wear. I'll be sure to join some of the RI NEMBA "dog" rides next year.

Tidbits: Pete told me about Ruff Wear. Good place to get Jesse some new stuff.

Looks like a wolf fought a hunter......hunter lost.

Whoa jackpot! Which ball do I go for first?

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Ten Twelve Eleven - Swansea, MA

2011-10-12T20:29:00.005-04:00

Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 4.3
Weather: partly cloudy
Temp: 61

Notes: Veered off to Swansea on my way home from work...that's all I got.

Tidbits: In case you haven't seen these yet...

1) Antsy antelope...click on
2) Bad sign...click again

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Ten Six Eleven - Swansea, MA

2011-10-06T19:23:00.002-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 5.4
Weather: Summer in October
Temp: 75
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1352140

Notes: Someone added a nice ramp down the side of a rock drop off on a new section of trail (I mentioned a couple of weeks ago). They did a good job on the ramp...had to try it a couple of times, good thrill!

Tidbits: Jesse split a claw...on the DL for a week or so!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Ringing In My Ears - Swansea, MA

2011-10-05T19:59:00.002-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB plus Jesse
Miles: 4.75
Weather: clear and cool
Temp: 62
Trail Conditions: leaves are a fallin
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1350782

Notes: Ringing for two reasons... 1) it's now hunting season and both dog and man have jingle bells attached (so any drunk hunters know where to aim), and 2) the air now has that crispy nip that chills your ears. It's definitely time to start wearing ear warmers and gloves. Also time to pack the lights...darkness falls.

Tidbits: The "jingle bells" are actually called "Bear Bells", meant to scare off bears where bears may be. They work just as well for warning Elmer Fudds who may be hiding in the woods hunting for Bambi wabbits. Find them at http://www.pricepoint.com/ for three bucks.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Stick this Irene! - Big River - RI

2011-09-30T23:24:00.012-04:00

Trailhead: Burnt Sawmill Rd
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 6.25
Weather: clear, another Summer-like Fall day!
Temp: 75
Trail Conditions: surprisingly good
Wildlife: a chipmunk, a toad
GPS Track:

Notes: First time back to The Big since The Big (wanna-be) Hurricane Irene came to town. I was shocked, pleasantly, to find very good trail conditions, about the same as I would expect for the Fall season. Plenty of sticks along the hidden single track but no disastrous tree falls. Well, other than the one pictured below. This tree uprooted right where the bridge previously crossed the stream (it was nicely relocated). This was really the only carnage I came across. I was told by a fellow rider that trail crews were out the day after Irene hit...now that's dedication!

Tidbits: Hunting season starts tomorrow. Orange up!

Trail and bridge were to the right, now left.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Mountain Biking 28 Sep - Swansea, MA

2011-09-28T20:30:00.002-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB and the dog Jesse
Miles: 5.25 (although I seriously suspect the accuracy of my GPS app today)
Weather: nice, should be the last of this Indian Summer
Temp: 65
Trail Conditions: very good
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: clean ride...of course it's more fun to crash when someone goes riding with you!
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripID=1340070&cacheBuster=0.40418139591210666

Tidbits: GO SOX!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Sprint Swansea Salad Sushi Steak Sunday

2011-09-25T21:06:00.001-04:00

Trailhead: Swansea Library
Riders: OMMB, Jesse
Miles: three and a three quarters
Weather: humid, 192%
Temp: not September like
Trail Conditions: a little wet from recent rain

Notes: Quick ride in Swansea, Jesse started out like he was out for revenge for last time...but ended up pretty damn winded! Then home for SSS dinner.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Who's bike is this anyway? - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-09-21T20:14:00.011-04:00

Trailhead: library
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 4.5
Weather: clear
Temp: 70
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1328904

Notes: Had a nice quick ride again...starting to wonder if someone swapped my bike with a faster one. I even wore out Jesse four legs. Not sure what adjustments I made recently, because I made a few tweaks, but I like it. Of course, this will all change the first time I ride with the Bikework's high flyers.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Quick Four - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-09-20T21:59:00.000-04:00

Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 4
Weather: dreary overcast, light rain
Temp: 66
Wildlife: a young little deer near the trailhead, then two larger ones in the woods
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=1327769&cacheBuster=0.5817617654576955

Notes: Wanted to get a quick ride in so I followed last year's time trial route. Felt good, felt fast...and I have no idea why. Unfortuantely my GPS software flaked out so I don't have a precise time (I'm awaiting a software update)...but I think my time was within 5 minutes of my previous trial time.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Thanks Irene - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-09-18T21:51:00.017-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB, JD
Miles: 5
Weather: clear and cool
Temp: 60
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1323569

Notes: I heard that there were some new trails cleared on the other side of the power lines. I followed some quad tracks but only ended up on the usual single track loop out there. The trails were actually still a mess from the wanna-be hurricane and there were a lot of large trees down. For the most part, none crossed the trail, but I got to a point where turning around was the only option. Gee thanks Irene.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Barometric Balance - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-09-17T21:35:00.038-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB and the Dog Jesse
Miles: 5.5
Weather: Dry and cool
Temp: 50
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1321662

Notes: Very cool morning but great for riding. I felt quick and experienced no bike control issues as I did the other day. Ran into a fellow rider and we talked about the recent humidity...he claimed the barometric pressure can throw off your balance. Well...who knew? Now I have a bonafide excuse (when needed).

Wet Wolf

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Mountain Biking 13 Sep - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-09-13T22:18:00.002-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB Huffin and Jesse Puffin
Miles: 4.72
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1315703

Notes: Tried some new single track along the route. They were still soft like all new trails, but I'm sure they'll be packed down in no time. So I have to wonder...who thought it was a good idea to blaze a new trail over a rock with a 6 foot drop off? Good times.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Piss and Vinegar - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-09-11T12:12:00.001-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 4.5
Weather: nice, cooler and dry
Temp: 61
Trail Conditions: perfect thanks to Bikeworks, no thanks to Irene
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: One whoops off a wooden beam, bike went right and I went left. Balance skills were a little "off" today. Thankfully Jesse doubled back to check on me...too funny!
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripID=1311562

Notes: So Jesse was "full of piss and vinegar"! Have you ever wondered where that term came from? Did someone actually drink P & V and start running around like a madman? Something to ponder. Well I guess because I haven't taken Jesse out for a ride run in two weeks or more, he was crazy with energy. He just bolted ahead on the trail and dashed through the woods chasing who knows what! This lasted for about 20 minutes until he settled down to our normal pace next to my bike. Bikeworks did a great job cleaning up after that bitch came to town. I even spotted some new singletrack that I need to check out. I was too busy getting back into rythm to try it today...next time!

Tidbits:

- I read several theories as to the origin of P & V. This one makes the most sense to me... Sailors who had had plenty to drink were in this condition. The vinegar may refer to the acidic form that cheap alcohol adopts when drunk, or it may be the vinegar that sailors drank to ward off scurvy. ...so I'll assume the "piss" part of the phrase refers to the result of drinking too much "vinegar".

- Clear weather ahead...and a full moon. I'm thinking of throwing a night ride or two in the mix this week.

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Oh yeah, another ride in NH - Great Glen Trails - Gorham, NH

2011-09-04T20:52:00.050-04:00

Trailhead: Pinkham Notch, base of Mt Washington Auto Road
Riders: OMMB
Miles: bout 9
Weather: humid
Temp: 70
Trail Conditions: mostly smooooooth double track
Technical Level: beginner
Wildlife: just moose prints and bear poops
Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: I did a couple flop overs, my pedal clips were "rusty"
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1300105

Notes: Almost forgot about this ride...maybe because it was quite uneventful. I've been eyeing up this place for a while, since I heard they host the "24 hours of Great Glen Race". Well even though it was paid access, eight bucks, it was by no means as vast a single track mountain bike mecca like Vermont's Kingdom Trails. Big disappointment for OMMB. Yet, a ride is a ride. The trails are predominately smooth double track...about 5 or 10 percent single track (at least on the Mt Washington side, I can't speak for the Outdoor Center side). There are some hills, yet a very good place for a beginner introduction to mountain biking. Just remember, it's NOT an accurate representation of what New England single track is all about.

Tidbits: if you want unlimited single track riding...don't go here! Some nice scenery for a leisurely ride. And note the snowshoe trails on the map, NOT for riding, I found that out the hard way...horrible (I thought I was going to be eaten!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Some pix...

Moose tracks...like the ice cream.

Bear poop...not an ice cream.

Rare single track.

Nice backwoods campsite...need to mark the map.

Whitaker Woo Woo Woods - North Conway, NH

2011-09-03T22:55:00.067-04:00

Trailhead: Whitaker Meeting House, Rte 16
Riders: OMMB
Miles: 7 and 3/4
Weather: humid
Temp: 70
Trail Conditions: very good
Technical Level: novice to intermediate
Wildlife: just some bear poop
GPS Track...

Notes: First time back to Whitaker in a few years. This area is directly across the street from our timeshare "cottage". The trails were in much better condition and appeared well used, an indication that MTB popularity could be rising in the area. My daylight was limited so I only covered some of the perimeter, but there's plenty of trails here for a full fledged ride. I did spend some time doubling back for the map I dropped along the way...stop laughing...even Magellan needed some sort of map! With the map, I still managed to overshoot the trail I needed to find the hospital fitness trail, which was to lead me to the trail along Saco River. After some unsuccessful scouting, I had to hop out to the road and cross Rte 16 to get back on track. Saco was flowing quite high, thanks Irene, and the water was not the usual crystal clear. All in all a good ride...much more here to investigate.

Tidbits: Bears have big poops. BUT I have a Bear Bell on my handlebars (doesn't that give you a nice secure feeling?)

Happy Trails,

OMMB

I... am... a... mushroom! - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-24T20:25:00.040-04:00

Trailhead: Library
Riders: OMMB & JD
Miles: 4.5
Weather: dark
Temp: 71
Trail Conditions: dark
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1281736

Notes: Nice little night ride...left the house after dark. I was sort of in a hurry so I grabbed the Gold Member who still had a light mounted from the bike path ride the other night. I had kind of a wild ride. I believe partly because the 29er is fast and partly because the headlight was just that... my head "helmet" light. Not a wide beam like my actual bike mount lights, so the spot light was all over the single track making it tough to judge the turns. I also think the tires were a bit too hard because the ride was jittery. Anyway...I kept seeing these white things popping up in my peripheral. I thought maybe they were little mini-ghosts. After stopping for a break, I realized they were mushrooms. All over the place...strange.

Tidbits: Not often do you come home from work to find a bunch of turkeys in your yard (well...it HAS happened, not just too often, and they usually brought beer ;) )

Happy Trails (please pass the cranberry sauce),

OMMB

Social Sluggy Sunday - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-21T22:27:00.003-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB and JD
Miles: 4.5
Weather: muggy, sluggy
Temp: 73 (but felt like a muggy 95)
Trail Conditions: perfect
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1275606

Notes: A sluggish ride. I will blame the muggy weather. Sluggy weather. So sluggy, I raced a slug, I barely won. Well...actually the slug won. But I gave him a run for his slime. Before the slug fest, I did run into Greg and Al, last Winter's riding friends. We chatted about Matt's phenomenal ride out at the Leadville Trail 100 (he finished in less than 10 hours!). A few minutes later, I ran into another riding acquaintance, Tim. We chatted about the Blackstone River Bike Path...need to try it for ATK's rehab. DAMN SLUGO! Beat me by one tentacle...

Happy Trails,

OMMB

50 Bugs per Second - East Bay Bikepath - RI

2011-08-18T21:46:00.001-04:00

Notes: Wanted to get some pedaling in on this 75 degree somewhat humid night; so I hopped on the Kona "Gold Member" at sunset and gave the bike path a shot. Like most road rides in my world, compared to a trail ride, it was boring. BUT is was fast and a good workout for almost 9 miles. Had a head wind down to Colt State Park yet pulled off an overall average speed of 19.5 mph (3 minute mile pace on a MTN bike, not too bad...the bike is quick). Saw lots of rabbits and ate lots of bugs on the way home with the headlight on. Bug munchin at 20 mph, that was fun.

- GPS Track:

Tidbits: Jesse had his bath at the groomer and I'm not allowed to take him in the woods just yet since he's smelling nice and clean (well that's one persons opinion, my opinion is he smells like an old lady).

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Son of a Leech! - Big River, RI

2011-08-14T20:53:00.011-04:00

A little mini toad!

- Trailhead: Burnt Sawmill Rd

- Riders: OMMB and JD
- Miles: 7.25
- Weather: cloudy, light rain
- Temp: 70
- Trail Conditions: excellent
- Wildlife: "look at the little mini toad"
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: Went over a pretty hefty pair of roots and started pedaling air. Thought, "my that's strange". Then realized that my front wheel seized up on root #3 and I was floating close to and endo! Thankfully drifted back down safely. Sometimes gravity IS your friend.
- GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1264130

Am I a toad?

Notes: Even though a nasty storm was threatening the area, I was determined to get to BR, late start and all. We were lucky to receive nothing but light rain throughout the ride. Given how wet everything was already, the rain made little difference. My intent was to route a decent ride, not too short and not too rough, for any potential SMGR. The track takes you directly to the hidden single-track, skipping the Mark-Broken-Arm (MBA) Trail. After leaving the hidden track, you can take the Coaster Trail option, which I did. After Coaster it's pretty much a nice cruise back to the trailhead on typical wide BR trails. Still hope an SMGR will happen this summer.

That's my tire, top left. Mini toad near the middle.

I am NOT a toad!

I AM A FREAKY WOLF CHANGELING!!!

Glad he's not really a wolf changeling.
THAT would be creepy (especially since I turned my back on him)!

On Dog Pond

Tidbits: Somewhere in mud dog's travels, he picked up a small leech. Found it on his fur when we got home. Jeesh a leech! And that IS creepy!

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Future Pro MTN Biker! - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-12T22:06:00.109-04:00

- Trailhead: Case Jr High
- Riders: Patrick "Patch", OMMB, and JD
- Miles: 2.25
- Weather: Still perfect
- Temp: 75
- Trail Conditions: Still perfect (although Patch was hoping for lots of mud)

- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: a couple of whoops by Patch, one blood point

- GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1261219

Notes: I had promised the little 8 year old nephew a mountain bike ride quite some time ago...he did not let me forget! So I finally came through on a good day and took him for a ride. He's quite the little athlete so I was assured he would do just fine tearing through the woods! Indeed he did. He had a real joy on the downhills, some pretty tricky, and had no issue hauling his bike back up to ride down again. Too funny. He also really enjoyed the wooden bridges and tried his best on the skinny plank over a mudhole (now dry). The only thing that slowed him down was a broken pedal! Unfortunately I did not have a wrench, so we hike-biked back to the trailhead. And of course he managed to find plenty of downhills to ride, one pedal and all!

Ready, set, go....

yaaaaaaay...

And back up again! Don't even need an admission ticket for this ride!

First bridge crossing...clean!

Cruising along!

First wall crossing...a breeze!

Slight mishap on the first boulder climb...but spirits are not broken

Great downhill reward on the other side of the boulder!

Then comes the WIPE-OUT!

Now ready for the BIG hill...

...here he comes!!

Getting ready for the loooong bridge!

Then disaster struck...at least the Camelback still works!

Oh the sadness!

But really...who needs a pedal when you can do this...

We HAD to get a water crossing in!

Way to top off a good time by playing with the pooch...

Tidbits: Checking Patch's bike more carefully would have resolved the loose pedal issue (my bad), but I think he got an idea of how tough the trails are on your bike (and yourself)! Off to Double D we go....

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Top Ten Excuses... - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-12T20:44:00.055-04:00

...for not going mountain biking today:

#10. The weather is way too perfect.
#9. I have to get ready for Massachusetts tax-free shopping tomorrow.
#8. The trails are much too dry.
#7. The Red Sox are playing on the West Coast tonight. Late game, I'll need to rest.
#6. It's going to rain on Sunday (today is Friday).
#5. Price of gasoline is down, going for a drive instead.
#4. School starts at the end of August.
#3. I need to cut my toenails.
#2. I haven't been on my mountain bike all summer, why start now?

And the #1 excuse for not going mountain biking today is... My dog ate my pedal.

Well I didn't have any excuses...so I went riding... (in fact I went twice, this was Ride 1)

- Trailhead: Case Jr High
- Riders: OMMB & Jesse Dog
- Miles: 5
- Weather: Damn what a PERFECT day...unheard of for August!
- Temp: 68
- Trail Conditions: dry
- GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1260528

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Bring on the DEET - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-09T21:07:00.012-04:00

Trailhead: Case Jr High
Riders: OMMB, Jesse
Miles: 4.5
Weather: Fuggy
Temp: 85
Trail Conditions: Still good, despite 2 days of rain/thunderstorms
Wildlife: a big fat toad
GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1255979

Notes: Went for a mid-day "lunch break" ride but it was just too fuggy (that's "f*in muggy" if you live in my head). Managed to get an okay ride in, but it was hard to see where I was going, with sweaty balls and all (eye balls that is). Dryer days ahead...hope to grab some miles.

Tidbits: Judging by how many bugs were following me, you'd think I was the only creature in the forest worth harassing!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Squirrel Bin Laden - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-05T22:08:00.003-04:00

- Trailhead: Case Jr High
- Riders: OMMB and dog
- Miles: 4.25
- Weather: perfect
- Temp: the same year I graduated High School minus 1900 (first person to guess correctly wins a free tour of the hidden trails at Big River)
- Trail Conditions: perfect
- GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1249253

Notes: A real nice quick ride through the very dry trails in Swansea. Re-mounting the front derailleur with chain guide made a big difference...gee the chain stayed on! I did fine without the granny gear. In fact, felt pretty strong...best I've felt in a while. A good clean ride with one exception. When your dog is faithfully running by your left side, at a good clip I might add, and a squirrel (should I stop here?).........runs across the trail from left to right, your dog takes a jump ahead and an immediate right because he just can't help but chase anything that moves (especially a squirrel so arrogant as to run across his path) and runs right in front of your wheel as you hit him broadside, almost sending owner, bike, and dog rolling into a big heap. Wow that was the longest OMMB sentence yet. Damn squirrel tried to killed us. I'm going to call Seal Team Six.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Genius - Big River - RI

2011-08-04T21:19:00.002-04:00

- Trailhead: Burnt Sawmill Rd
- Riders: The usual...me and the dog
- Miles: 5
- Weather: perfect and dry
- Temp: 75
- Trail Conditions: same as the weather
- GPS Track: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1246891

Notes: GREAT day for a ride. I was hoping to log about eight to ten miles today. My bike only wanted to do five. Well I can't really blame the bike, because I'm the wizard that decided to remove the front derailleur for the heck of it (no granny gear, why should I need the derailleur?). I found out that they just don't put that chain guide on the derailleur for the heck of it...smart move. Chain proceeded to jump off the front ring about every 5 to 10 minutes. Had to manually reset it, while the high performance deer flies attacked. Even tried removing a few links from the chain but that didn't work...good times. Anyway, the trails were in fantastic condition. Intent was to map a good course through the hidden single track for the next (hopeful) SMGR. Got pretty sick of resetting the chain, so back to trailhead I went. To top things off, while heading back, Jesse Dog decided to chase a red squirrel up a tree and must have twisted himself. He started yelping like a baby hyena (sounded like he was yelling "my leg is broken!"). When I looked back, he was just sitting on the trail. A few head pats and he was good to go...I'm guessing he through his hip out or something.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Ask Yourself the Question, "Do I Like Mtn Biking?" - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-02T21:24:00.040-04:00

Notes: Went for a 4.25 mile ride on the Kona...nice weather, nice conditions. If you are not riding trails right now, you are missing out on nice dry conditions...like last summer! I know some of us have good excuses, like ankle surgery and pregnancy (valid "conditions"), but I think some of us just have EXCUSES! Come on people, the summer is TOO SHORT! SMGR?

Tidbits: Still don't know how ya'll ride hardtails in New England! What a freakin beat-down ride! Yes...faster and more efficient pedaling on the 29er, but oh my aching kidneys!

http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1243351

Happy Trails,
OMMB

PS-If you answered "yes", then what are you waiting for??? Email me to pick a day (direct to my DingleBerry, I mean BlackBerry)... srebello@aol.com

Do I Really Need Granny Gear? (Part 2) - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-08-01T22:48:00.000-04:00

- Trailhead: Case Jr High
- Riders: OMMB and JD
- Miles: 5.25
- Temp: 88, not so comfortable
- Trail Conditions: very dry, fast...with one exception

Notes: Within five minutes of leaving the trailhead, the question was answered. Whether I subconsciously hit the left shift lever, or bounced the chain over a bump, result was a downshift to the vacated granny gear. The chain managed to lodge under the grommets where granny once lived. It took quite an effort to dislodge the chain (I'm thinking that single speed bikes must have some solution for this, I'll have to take a closer look). At this time...I need granny gear.

Although it was uncomfortably humid today, I was able to squeeze out another mile over yesterday. I wasn't feeling very enthusiastic though. When I got to the section of trail owned by the gun toting quad driving farmer I decided to take the "public" cut off down the pipeline (straight track heading left starting on right of map below). I also didn't feel like taking the risk that Farmer Quad may take shots at my coyote look-alike riding partner. But apparently this trail is only manageable when frozen, because OMMB and dog had to walk through knee deep muck to get through. It was absolutely lovely.

Jamming up the chain, dealing with some rear derailleur quirks (been too lazy to tune it up), AND finding a rear flat tire due to multiple thorns (with a Slime Tube???)....decided I will ride the Kona 29 "Gold Member" next time out.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Do I Really Need Granny Gear? (Part 1) - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-07-31T21:40:00.001-04:00

- Trailhead: Case Jr High
- Riders: OMMB and JD
- Miles: 4.25
- Temp: 85, comfortable
- Trail Conditions: dry, hard, fast

Notes: So I figured I would try out the Hi Fi without granny gear and see how it goes. Sort of like a single speed...well...not really, but only one gear up front (since I have a bash guard versus a big ring). I was able to do most of the usual loops without much issue. Steep climbs would be an issue, but those are pretty short around here. I began to have thoughts of removing the front derailleur and shift controls...simplify the bike. hmmmm...

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Broken Granny - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-07-29T22:31:00.000-04:00

- Trailhead: Case Jr High
- Riders: OMMB and dog
- Miles: 4.4
- Weather: overcast
- Temp: 70
- Trail Conditions: dry, yes...dry

Notes: Well it's been two weeks since I hit the trails...it's a long story...foot long. ;) I think the dog was feeling the lag too...lots of huffin and puffin. On our way out we ran into Bob and Matt (Bikeworks twins). It was good to see them again. Once I'm riding at a faster pace more regularly, I'll be joining them again. The trails were in great condition and I wasn't feeling too bad considering...certainly did not feel like a broken Granny. But I DID break my granny...gear that is. Hit down to granny gear while climbing and heard something ugly as my pedaling spun out. Broke the damn gear in half...strange. New one on order from Bikeworks.

Tidbits: Matt qualified to enter Leadville 100 by placing 30th in a 65 mile race...fun starts August 13! Go Matt!

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Every Dog has His Day - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-07-14T21:51:00.019-04:00

- Trailhead: Colt Jr High - Riders: OMMB
- Miles: 4.6
- Weather: perfect
- Temp: 70
- Trail Conditions: hard pack, some puddles

Notes: Hoje um lobo. Gave Jesse the day "off", although I'm not sure he would look at it that way. He had a much needed appointment for hair and nails at the dog spa. They found one of my biking gloves in his bushy tail (I was wondering where that went). Well he is now a well groomed, bushy-less dog who is anxiously waiting for his next mud jump. Aside from overzealous briers overhanging in some places, the trails were fun and in great condition.

Tidbits: I heard a recent fact...Mtn biking is more popular in America than golf. When riding the trails on my own, I find that a little hard to believe. Just sayin...

Happy Trails,
OMMB

A Text Report from Mrs. OMMB - East Bay Bikepath - Warren/Bristol, RI

2011-07-10T21:58:00.010-04:00

Text 1:

"Highlights of my ride so far: your seat hurts my butt (she borrowed my bike...her bike(s) are MIA), your bike is not really rider friendly, I saw Lyle Robertson biking, there's a guy on a quad riding in Colt State. To be continued..."

Text 2:

"Part 2: Some lady asked me for directions so I must look like I know what I'm doing, some lady must of fallen off her bike- she was a bloody mess, it was a nice day - perfect day for a bike ride. I miss pedaling. I did somewhere between 5 and 6 miles. Time for a beer! The End "

Happy Trails,
Mrs. OMMB

Murphy's Lessons Learned - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-07-10T21:42:00.055-04:00

Yesterday:

So I don't know if it was our extended vacation in Hawai'i, or if it was being "out of rhythm", but for some reason I decided that I would do a quick "break-in" ride and would not need my Camelback. The weather was warm but tolerable, so I grabbed a sport bottle of water before heading for the trails. Aloha, Mahola, it's all good, right? Wrong. Got over a mile out and the front tire goes flat. No problem, I have a spare under the seat. Problem, tools and pump are in the Camelback.

Lessons:

1) Fingers don't work as tire removal tools. And if they did, filling a tube up enough to ride on with only air from your lungs remains to be seen.
2) Sometimes the self sealing Slime tubes don't work (is there an expiration on them? I haven't had a flat in months).
3) Sport bottle of water is not enough for man and dog.
4) Walking your bike back to the trailhead is embarrassing...even the dog kept his distance.

Today:

Headed for the same trailhead near the lake; that way dog face could swim after visiting every muck puddle during the ride. Filled the Camelback, check the tire pressure, and off we went. Pretty vanilla ride. About 4 issue free miles. A bit odd that Jesse was not chasing anything and stuck real close to my left side. So close that my shoe actually hooked his collar at one point. I'm guessing he may be a little out of shape...along with OMMB. Aloha, Mahalo, it's all good...

Learned:

Put EVERYTHING in your Camelback and bring it! The additional weight is worth it's weight (huh?). Besides, if you don't bring it, that will be the day you need something from it. Why is that? Damned if I know. Does Murphy ride a Mountain Bike?

Tidbits: Saw the darnedest thing in the lake. Looked like a small alligator head. After watching it for at least 10 minutes I decided it had to be a log or something (also decided that I must be still jet lagged and delirious).

Happy Trails,
OMMB

YMMB Strikes (no longer a Blog Virgin) - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-07-03T17:06:00.016-04:00

Trailhead: Swansea Library
Riders: YMMB, Jen, Dawn
Miles: No clue / short
Trail Conditions: Dry
Whoops, Yikes, & Oh-Sheets: Jen - 1 Yikes for her very first (and graceful) endo.

Notes: When a new friend shows up at your house with the most kick-ass, PLUSH, cross-country, full-suspension bike in hand (women's specific, Specialized Safire, for those of you who're asking), you know it's time for a ride.

:-)

Jen & Dawn came to visit YMMB for the 4th of July weekend with bikes in tow.

Jen, a longtime road warrior (on the bike and the stage), was/is in the market for some fat tire fun and wanted to get a taste of what all this madness is about.

Dawn, a seasoned MTB vet (with the scars and stories to prove it) was ready for anything the trail could throw at her with her pimped out bike, knee pads, & body armor (good to have, but not needed for a Swansea ride as she would soon find out.) ;-)

YMMB, on the other hand, had yet to hit the trails this season and had limited knowledge of the terrain thanks to OMMB always leading the way & YMMB not paying enough attention. LOL!

The morning started with breaking into OMMB & ATK's house and shed to "borrow" a couple bikes for YMMB & Jen. Really digging the "alarm" that scared the bajeebees out of me after I opened the shed. Although, I suppose that's what it's there for, and lucky I know the code. :-)

Jen was like Goldilocks on ATK's bike as OMMB & ATK (who were vacationing in Hawai'i) had already had visitors that came and switched seat heights, etc. on some of the bikes in the shed. I wonder what their reaction to the shed alarm was?!?! After a little trial and error, ATK's bike for Jen was "just right".

YMMB opted for the "extra" bike and took the 29er out for his first time on the trails.

Bumped into Bob from Bikeworks at the trailhead and caught up for a little while. He warned us that it was buggy and to just keep moving.

We probably only spent 30-40 minutes in the woods, but it gave Jen enough of a taste to spend a good amount of the post-ride afternoon searching eBay for a Women's Specific, 29er, Full-Suspension bike (a tall -expensive- order as she soon discovered!).

Ended up finding some of the fun, windy (as in twisting, not blowing from the sky), singletrack stuff, so it made for a fun, quick ride.

BTW, the 29er eats up those old, crumbled fieldstone wall crossings as well as treefall that blocks the trails. Not sure that OMMB is allowed to have this bike back. LOL!

Jen chalked up her first 'Yikes' as she endo'd on a descent; Dawn & YMMB kept giving her pointers throughout the ride, and she's hooked.

We did some bike swapping toward the end of the ride so that Dawn could try out the 29er for a minute and bumped into a very fashionable rider who was kind enough to snap this photo for us (though, he was a bit winded and shaky as you can tell from the super-in-focus (NOT) pic).

All in all, a good introduction for Jen and a great time with new friends with tires in the woods. Looks like we're going to add a couple new friends to the SMGR before the summer is out.

:-)

Peace.

YMMB

A First for Summer First - Burlingame State Park - Rhode Island

2011-06-21T22:46:00.001-04:00

- Trailhead: King's Factory Road
- Riders: OMMB and Jesse
- Miles: 6.25
- Weather: Summer day!
- Temp: 80
- Trail Conditions: Single track, boulders, slick rock, short ups and downs, bridges
- Technical Level: Intermediate (at least on the portion of trails I rode)
- Wildlife: just a toad
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: a bit clumsy from the heat, one little flop while stopped

Notes: It was upper 80's inland, so we decided to head closer to the ocean for a cooler ride. I've had this place on my list for quite a while and was happy to get here for the first time. Although not as cool as I would have hoped, it was a very challenging and fun place to ride! Lot's of fun boulder climbs and slick rock. Awesome man-made bridges ala Bradbury were excellent. There is a "famous" 12-mile loop here, but a portion of it uses the road...so not good when riding with four legged fur face. I chose a remote trailhead and stuck to the inner woods loop...some of which was not on the map. The ride pretty much kicked my ass! Long drive to get here, but I would definitely attempt other areas of the park when up for a challenge.

Tidbits: this place could just as well be called "Bouldergame"

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Turtle Turtle - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-06-18T21:47:00.002-04:00

Me and Jesse for almost five... nice quick ride, nice weather (even for turtles).

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Subie-doo - Circle X - Malibu, CA

2011-06-16T23:53:00.002-04:00

Another very entertaining Vander Blog...

We did a ride Thursday afternoon. Hector apparently didn't ask for permission on Wednesday...so I'm thinking his misses shot it down on Thursday b/c he was a no-show. Did I mention riding w/o Hector is bad for Tim? Tim has troubles pacing himself whereas Hector ALWAYS climbs at a nice steady pace. In addition, Hector is good at 'splaining' where the trailhead is even though he still has troubles underestimating ride distances. So, Tim relied on Scott to get him to the Encinal Canyon start point of Circle X. No joy for Tim. So Tim meets up with Ron and Scott at the Decker Canyon start of Circle X and then proceeds to climb it like a mo-fo. Tim waits a couple minutes and Ron/Scott arrive. Ron is lamenting his lunch choice at this point. Note to Ron - ALWAYS a bad idea to eat a late and heavy lunch before a mtn bike ride. The real climbing begins on the fire road and more mo-fo climbing outa Tim. Note to Tim - DO figure out whatever you ate for lunch cause that sheet was working? The fire road turns into more fun, long, easy singletrack climbing. Tim hangs at the end and Ron/Scott show up shortly afterward. After a little snack session and 'wat the f@ck is going on at work' bitch session we proceed to head back. The return on this one is ALWAYS better because you are mostly descending the singletrack. One word of caution, you can really ride it fast...of course, there's that fine line of riding too fast right of the track and down the mountainside. Note to Tim - Take more air outa your front tire on the way down. There's not too much to say about the descent except for the final 2-3 miles. Its smooth, flat with berms on many turns. Very fun, very fast and relatively easy except for those times when you make a hard/fast right bermed turn into a flat left turn and just about fly off the track. All in all - a good time w/ Scott and Ron. Did I mention doing some weird post-ride maneuver in the Subie which high-sided left rear wheel and ground the right rear wheel into the wheel well. My car was momentarily stuck and spinning a wheel or two. I'm thinking 'wat?' until I smelled something burning. Had to roll the car back off the embankment to get out...poor Subie having me for an owner.

Ride: Circle X, Malibu Mountains
Time: ~2 hrs
Length: ~16 miles
Temp: Low 70s and June Gloom overcast
Tech Rating: Easy, Fun, whatever

Tim V.

...awesome! Thanks Tim!

Annual Set Your Baby Frogs and Teenagers Free Day - Big River, RI

2011-06-16T22:16:00.000-04:00

- Trailhead: Hopkins Hill
- Riders: OMMB and JD
- Miles: 6.2
- Weather: clear
- Temp: 87
- Trail Conditions: dry
- Wildlife: little bitty frogs

Notes: After a few days off, we were back on the trail. Both of us seemed sluggish and winded. Mostly Jesse. Hot day for part Husky, lots of panting. Idea was to ride some single track (where we found the bitty frogs) then head for the lake to cool off. Thing is, every access to the lake for swimming was occupied. Was this Senior Bunk Day or just kids jumping into Summer vacation? Strange to find such a "crowd" on a weekday afternoon. Anyway, we found a little nook for Jesse.

Tidbits: Yaaaaaaaaaaayyy Beeeeeees! Stanley Cup Champs!

Jesse's Cool Pool

Classic Foot and Mouth

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Rocky Flowery Side - Big River - RI

2011-06-10T12:08:00.026-04:00

- Trailhead: Rt 7 Freaky Parking Lot
- Riders: OMMB
- Miles: 9+
- Weather: humid
- Temp: 82
- Trail Conditions: nice
- Technical Level: rocky, some hills

Notes: Looped more of the technically challenging stuff on the East Side. Good ride. Real warm/humid day, so took a break to jump in the crystal clear lake...nice! (but I think my truck seat is STILL wet)

Tidbits: I may avoid the exit 7 lot in the future...some "odd" dudes hanging around there. Maybe it was a Friday afternoon thing.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Standard Swansea - Village Park

2011-06-07T10:16:00.043-04:00

- Trailhead: Library

- Riders: OMMB, Jesse

- Miles: 4.25

- Trail Conditions: getting dryer, hardpacked and faster

Notes: Just a quick jaunt around Village Park. Weather was a bit humid so Jesse was huffin and puffin from the start. He was rewarded with a dip in the pond.

Gotta wonder...

...is this from a horse? And if so, would a dog owner just leave this shit on a bridge? I think not...needs to be a market for horse pooper scoopers! WTF

Tidbits: Got home to find this thing near our outdoor shower! I thought it was a Garder Snake but turned out to be an Eastern Milk Snake...equally as harmless. Cool looking snake.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Return of The Cousin of Mud Dog - Big River, RI

2011-06-05T22:22:00.001-04:00

Jesse and I hit some trails on the tougher side of Big River. The 8 plus miles completed felt more like 15. The weather was nice, cool and dry, 62 degrees at the trailhead (Hopkins Hill Parking Lot). Seems to be more and more people visiting Big River. Quite a few hikers and fishermen around the lake. Lots of cars at every trailhead...but the area is so big you rarely see anyone on the single track.

Jesse, like Bella, is crazy for the mud! Luckily I got him to swim in the lake to clean off.

If I saw this thing on a trail, I'd be high tailing outta there!

Not sure what happened to poor dear Oreo. Maybe a milk mishap?

Happy Trails,
OMMB

PS-sometimes I think Jesse looks a little too much like Joe Walsh, my favorite 70's guitarist...

Toe Jam (aka Purple Haze Mangled Toe Hobbit Foot) - Big River, RI

2011-06-02T22:09:00.056-04:00

- Trailhead: Burnt Sawmill Rd
- Riders: OMMB
- Miles: 13.5-ish
- Weather: nice...clear and cool
- Temp: 74

Notes: Burned some of my comp time to ride for an extended distance at Big River. Once again, found singletrack new to me which seemed to be never ending, albeit a little chewed up by dirt bikes. Felt a little ragged at first, and just when I got into a nice groove...wham! Something jammed into my right foot about 5 miles in. I rode it out but the occasional sharp pain made me think it was a bit more than a typical scrape. Finished the ride and took off my shoe...sure enough...damage was clear. Damn hit had smashed my toe! Cute.

My actual foot; not a Hobbit stand in!

Freaky old dump...random.

Tidbits: How about steel (or aluminum) toe riding shoes???

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Annual Let Your Baby Chipmunks Run Memorial Day Event - Big River, RI

2011-05-30T23:01:00.071-04:00

Jesus Wolf

- Trailhead: Hopkins Hill Lot - Riders: OMMB and JD
- Miles: six
- Weather: Hazy Hot Humid (Tornados in MA)
- Wildlife: 300 chipmunk families
- Lowlife: some drunk looser polluting the lake shoreline, real friendly dude...nice rodent like demeanor

Notes: Nice ride but damn humid. Lucky for Jesse Dog the lake was perfectly clear (aside from the misplaced bum) for a swim. Jesse wore himself out trying to catch each and every baby chipmunk along the trail! I'm glad he was with me because there were soooo many of them I may have been a little freaked out if riding alone. You know how those chipmunks get during an eating frenzy!

Hey where the hell did the dog go???

HA! There he is! See him?

Duck eggs. Next time bring the bacon!

Tidbits: If you don't have a dog, carry some spare acorns to divert the chipmunks for a clean getaway.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Man's Best Friend? - Village Park - Swansea, MA

2011-05-20T22:44:00.019-04:00

Did six point six miles with Jesse. About the only thing I remember about this ride is we crossed paths with Al and Greg along the way and were invited to join them. But as usual, they rode way faster than me. Jesse being Jesse just HAD to be the leader of the pack...so he left my sorry ass behind in order to run up with single speed speedster Greg. Got my ass kicked AND got ditched by a so-called "man's best friend"...riiiight.

Happy Trails,
OMMB