Trail Report - 4/3/10 - Gridley Trail - Ojai, CA

- Trailhead: Gridley Rd

- Riders: Scott, Ron, Hector
- Distance: 12.5 miles
- Time: 2 hrs to the top, 25 min down (approx)
- Weather: clear
- Temp: mid 60's at the bottom, mid 50s at the top
- Trail Conditions: dry and compact (except for some creek crossings)

Juan was a no show to his own farewell ride and Tim couldn't come. Ron felt good enough to show and ride. Like usual, we started the climb from the parking area. Ron was coughing up green stuff so he was tailing. At the start he didn't look too good so we kept a slow but steady pace, but as we progressed he started to feel stronger so we raised the pace. At mile 3, Ron's bike derailleur hanger decided to quit and broke in half. He hiked back down while Scott and I continued to the top. At the top we ate a snack then rode back down stopping a few times to extend and enjoy the awesome down-hill. Ron was already down by the cars. We had the usual chips and Dos-X's and then drove to Ojai for a nice lunch.

Note: For our east coast friends not familiar with this trail, Gridley is probably the best single-track trail in the county and surrounding areas. This trail provides some spectacular views of the Ojai Valley, Channel Islands and the rugged mountains of the Los Padres National Forest. What makes Gridley an awesome trail is the variety of terrain, from exposed to shaded, from firm to loose, crushed rock, rocky, and sometimes rutted technical sections (6.2 miles of pure up-hill and 6.2 miles of pure down-hill). Also is the rollercoaster thrill factor, Gridley traverses (many switchbacks) along the side the mountains starting from an elevation of approx 700ft to 3700ft so at one side you have the mountain and the other side the cliff, which can get to several hundred feet deep, yes a freefall down-hill if you make a mistake. On a serious note, I learned about this trail some years back while watching the news about a rider that went over and got killed. Anyway, you are welcome to come and ride with us...

Hector

One too many rock gardens on Ron's bike....

Post ride beer and derailleur.....

Gridley Track...

Trail Report - 4/2/10 - Swansea Town Forest, MA

- Trailhead: Swansea Library
- Riders: OMMB
- Distance: 4.25 miles
- Weather: clear, VERY nice!
- Temp: 68
- Trail Conditions: Still wet and muddy but not as bad as expected

Notes: Went out for an expected mud fest... really not much worse than before the "Great Flood of RI". Looking forward to see how Big River fared the storm real soon...

Tidbits:
1) Found the camera strap I lost 2 weeks ago!
2) Rode an extra wide tire on the rear to handle the muddy conditions...worked well but I need to adjust my front derailleur where the tire occasionally rubbed.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 4/1/10 - Mount Washington Auto Road - Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire

- Trailhead: Route 16, 2 miles north of Wildcat Ski Area

- Riders: Teri, OMMB

- Distance: 7.6 miles

- Weather: Clear & cool, wind speed 16 mph (luckily very low)

- Temp: 61 at base, 46 at summit

- Trail Conditions: tar...all the way up

- Technical Level: extreme hill climbing skills needed

- Climb: grade averages 12 percent, 22 percent in final yards before the 6288-foot summit (highest peak in Northeast)

- Wildlife: 2 mountain goats, a rare sight!

- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: no issues climbing, luckily we were not allowed to descend

Notes: Last night we found out that the mountain road is open to bike riders each year on 1 April.  So, knowing that the sun was finally going to shine today, we drove up to Mt Washington this morning.  We arrived at the mountain around 10:30, checked in at the gate, and got ready to climb.  The ride took a brutal 3.5 hours but the views along the route and at the summit were unbelievable!!  Although a decent would have been wild, we were happy to ride back down on the cog railway (http://www.thecog.com/).

Tidbits: 

1) I recommend attempting this ride whenever possible, great way to prepare for the West Coast rides...be sure to bring PLENTY of water and high protein food source

2) The highest wind speed ever recorded was on Mount Washington (231 mph)

3) Be sure to stop at Flatbread's in North Conway on the way home...awesome brick oven pizza!

http://www.mountwashingtonautoroad.com/

Happy Trails,

OMMB

APRIL FOOLS !!!!!

Trail Report - Circle X - CA

From: Ronald Fong
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 1:13

Well went to the doctor this afternoon. Looks like bacteria in the lungs. Taking antibiotics now. Can't believe I got sick off this ride. Bike computer says 21 miles but gps is only 19...

Google Earth File http://www.garafa.com/GPSKit/tracks/2390c9bcc8697028e6d9bc88c39c51ca6a681d1e_28.kml

Google Maps Link http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.garafa.com/GPSKit/tracks/2390c9bcc8697028e6d9bc88c39c51ca6a681d1e_28.kml

GPX File http://www.garafa.com/GPSKit/tracks/2390c9bcc8697028e6d9bc88c39c51ca6a681d1e_28.gpx

Trail Report - 3/28/10 - Big River East - West Greenwich, RI

- Trailhead: Hopkins Hill Rd Parking Lot
- Riders: Teri, Pat, Chris, OMMB and Spencer...Spenc? Bueller? Bueller? ...anyone?
- Distance: 5 plus a little miles
- Total climb: 2.5 miles (not as high as Spenc was last night)
- Weather: Clear and COLD (colder than ALL the beer Spenc dumped down is throat last night)
- Temp: 35 (something like those 35 ounce beers Spenc drank last night)
- Trail Conditions: attempted to stay on the higher ground...to no avail.  Some deep water and mud (muddy like Spencer's brain this morning)!
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: wasn't notified of any mishaps...close call when Patrick went barreling through the 15 inch deep stream attempting to pass OMMB...think not (there was as much water in that stream as Spenc had beer last night)!

Notes: With more impending rain (it was raining beers for Spencer last night), we were glad to kick off the Sunday Morning Group Ride this morning.  Some unexplainable sliced tire issue causing a bulge on OMMB's bike delayed our start, but we got a great ride in.  Although one rider short (hmmm), we worked through some real technical single track that offered rocks, mud, water, and hills.  We found some trails new to us on the far east side of the area...but of course Spencer didn't get to ride this, he was still na-nights. 

Tidbits:
1) Chris has got some fast legs, he wants us to sign up for a race (but of course we would have to make sure it's scheduled around Spencer's sleepy time)
2) Teri did an awesome job keeping up with the boys today...great effort!
3) New Trail Quote by Chris & OMMB... "well that's a nice bulge you got"  "I've been waiting for someone to tell me that my whole life!"

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/25/10 - Sycamore Canyon - Point Mugu State Park, CA

- Trailhead: Sycamore Canyon Fire Road, Pacific Coast Highway
- Riders: Hector, Scott, Tim, OMMB
- Distance: 13.5 miles
- Climbs: 2.5 miles
- Weather: clear & dry, cooler as the sun went down
- Trail Conditions: hardpack, ruts, loose rock
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: given the danger of the fast downhill, surprisingly no wipeouts

Notes:  Got a late start, so lights were ready.  We climbed Backbone (what I call "back break") and decended on Guadalasca (1, 13, 11, 10, and 7 on the map below)...well worth the climb (which is brutal for someone from the east!). The downhill run is the best thrill around! I felt pretty good climbing, possibly due to knowing what to expect. 

http://venturacountytrails.org/TrailMaps/Sycamore/AreaTrails.htm#Map

Tidbits:  The mountains are soooo green this time of year!  Awesome views all around from the summit.  The after ride refreshments were the best...home made green salsa & chips washed down with Newcastle Brown Ale.  These guys are the most enjoyable and generous riders your going to find anywhere! I really appreciate their friendship.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/23/10 - Sycamore Canyon - Point Mugu State Park, CA

- Trailhead: Sycamore Canyon Fire Road, Pacific Coast Highway

- Riders: Hector, Scott, Juan, OMMB
- Distance: 14.5 miles
- Weather: clear & dry
- Temp: 70
- Trail Conditions:  hardpack with some ruts from recent rain
- Wildlife: ground squirrels, lizards, a snake (Hector inadverdantly gave the snake a lesson about crossing bike paths...ouch)
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: one slight whoops by Scott.  It's tough in the large washed out ruts, one got him! ...all good

Notes: My first west coast ride with new parts, felt surprisingly good...especially after the post ride brews!  We rode out on the Fire Road, then Two Foxes, and looped Hidden Pond...awesome variety of terrain!

Tidbits:  knee high socks to keep the bugs off, legs warm, and reduce scratches from cactus/brush...good idea!

http://venturacountytrails.org/TrailMaps/LaJollaValley/AreaTrails.htm

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/21/10 - Swansea Town Forest - MA

- Trailhead: Swansea Library
- Riders: Patrick, Mark, OMMB
- Distance: 4 miles
- Weather: cool, but nice
- Temp: 45-ish
- Trail Conditions: getting better
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: 1 Whoops for OMMB (looked back to check status and plopped over sideways), 1 Yikes for Mark over a water & mud crossing (buried the front end with an endo, resulting in a flat rear tire, huh?), and 1 Yikes for Patrick (which could have easily been an Oh Sheet) during the first attempt at the quite large seesaw (see the video)

Notes: got Patrick out for his season opener; as usual...a natural

Tidbits: one mud point for Mark, one "beyond the call of duty" point for Patrick (as daunting as the seesaw was, he did it first!)

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/19/10 - Swansea Town Forest - MA

- Trailhead: Swansea Library
- Riders: T, Anna, Mark, OMMB
- Distance: 4 miles
- Weather: great
- Temp: was supposed to be about 70, although it felt much cooler
- Trail Conditions: still quite muddy and wet, but getting better
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: good clean ride, even for those on their season opener!

Tidbits: I think "hop, hop" means "hurry up, keep going because I don't feel like unclipping my shoes to stop...even if others may need a break!!" ;)

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/18/10 - Weetamoo Woods - Tiverton, RI

- Trailhead: End of Lafayette Rd (North side of WW) - Riders: OMMB
- Distance: 5 miles
- Weather: perfect
- Temp: 68
- Trail Conditions: I'm surprised there aren't any Water Buffalo native to New England
- Technical Level: intermediate to expert (some trails are very rocky)
- Wildlife: just a friendly retriever, likes to chase bikes

Notes: Awesome day for an "almost" Spring ride!

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/17/10 - Swansea Town Forest - Swansea, MA

- Trailhead: parking lot behind the Swansea Public Library
- Riders: OMMB
- Distance: 4 miles
- Weather: NICE!!
- Temp: 58
- Trail Conditions: muddy and wet where they was never mud and water before!
- Technical Level: intermediate
- Wildlife: a hawk

Notes: With all the rain and flooding the area has had, the mud holes were so deep they would startle a water buffalo! The mucky conditions throughout the otherwise normal single-track made for tough going. Even the bridges over small streams were washed out. I attempted to stay on higher ground so investigated some trails over the many rock outcroppings...turned out to be fun stuff.

Tidbits: Greg the Italian boy is really mostly Irish... who knew?

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/10/10 - Swansea Town Forest - Swansea, MA

- Trailhead:  parking lot behind the Swansea Public Library
- Riders: OMMB
- Distance: 5 miles
- Weather: clear and chilly (the day warmed up later...I think this pseudo-Spring is ending)
- Temp: 35
- Trail Conditions: good
- Technical Level: intermediate
- Climbs: 15%
- Wildlife: hawk or pheasant or something flying fast
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: 1 whoops off a log bridge and into the cold mud (good news... 1) I got up, 2) didn't land in the stream)

Notes: Pushed out an early morning ride in an another attempt to get the strength built up this week...yes now I'm sore,  ...but feeling much better on the bike each day.  Still not ready to ride with Bikeworks just yet (nor with those Left Coast animals).

Tidbits:  Trailhead behind the library is better than (meaning there are no rivers to cross) behind Colt Jr High.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

PS-Sunday Morning Group Rides will be coming very soon..........

Trail Report - 3/8/10 - Swansea Town Forest - Swansea, MA

- Trailhead: Case Jr. High  - Riders: T, Mark, OMMB
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Weather: clear, windy
- Temp: 60
- Trail Conditions: some mud, not too bad
- Technical Level: beginner/intermediate
- Climbs: 15%
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: n/a

Notes: We couldn't resist taking advantage of this psuedo-Spring (60 degrees in March? It's still Winter!!)

Tidbits:  The Bikeworks crew has built a pretty large seesaw here, bigger than the one at Big River (remember Hector Kneivel?).  Did NOT try it this time...MAYBE next time (can you say "baby"???)

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 3/6/10 - Swansea Town Forest - Swansea, MA

- Trailhead:  Case Jr High - Riders: T, OMMB
- Distance: 4 miles
- Weather: clear
- Temp: 50+
- Trail Conditions: typical New England Spring conditions...water, mud, mud, and mud
- Technical Level: beginner/intermediate
- Climbs: 10%
- Wildlife: 2 Trail hounds (Jack Russell Terriers)...no worries, they liked us
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets:  clean ride (aside from the muddied bikes and legs!)

Notes: the forecast for 3 consecutive days of 50 degree temps drove us to celebrate an early Spring (even if short lived)... so yard work, mtb ride, and a G&T sunset by the fire had us looking forward to many more days like this!!

Tidbits: I need thorn proof tire/tubes!!!

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Post-Ride Vander-Blog - 2/26/10 - Chesebro, CA

- Ride length: 16+ miles Time: ~3 hours

- Technical Difficultly: Moderate

- Oh Sheets: Pretty much just Hector

- Climbing: Pleasant w/ exception of hell-hill

- Temp: 70's

- Track: See Ron's google link below

- Rating: A- (it was an A until Hector got us lost)

Tim V's Notes:

So I made the decision to join the "left-coast crew" (Scott, Hector, Ron, Juan) for a "Friday Cheezwhiz ride". As usual, Hector masterminded the ride and all I had to do was show up at Cheseboro @ 1100. Did I mention that Hector planned the ride. "Plan" is an interesting term because as it turns out there was a fair bit of this ride he'd actually not ridden. More on that later. Did I mention that Hector neglected to give a clear indication of ride distance. He mumbled something about 9 or 10 miles and I'm thinking ..."10 times 1.5 = at least 15 miles...and I've got 1 bar and 1.5 liters of water". So we started the ride @ 1120 or so. The 1st four miles are a leisurely uphill non-technical ride with the exception of the "staircase". Staircase is a classic 50 foot or so section that requires one to pick a line and then hope you've got your mojo going. Apparently none of us had that particular form of "mojo" as none of us made it...though Ron and I came pretty close. Juan just skipped that mojo altogether. After another 1/2 mile or so we came to an intersection where some really nice downhill singletrack started. I made the mistake of talking to some downhill dressed guys while Hector and the boys took off. "Downhill boys" made some false claims of excessive poison oak...so I donned my uber-sexy arm warmers. This downhill had some rain induced technical sections (nicely rutted) and here is where I ran into Juan picking his way carefully downhill sans the bike. I eventually caught up to Hector and proceeded to "tailgate" him down another technical section. Does everyone know that Hector has some mild form of vertigo? Well, I forgot...and then suddenly remembered as Hector lost control and dislodged a large rock (perhaps boulder is a better term) onto my path. Hector managed to not crash and I chose a new line...so it all ended well. At this point Hector tells me..."oh yeah, this is where we turned back last time". In other words, we're now on an adventure vice a ride. Sweet! Fortunately, we've got "new school" with us. That would be Ron and his ultra functional iPhone. We ride on for another mile and then come to our first real uphill...and this turns out to be a "hell-hill" of sorts before mellowing out. At this point Hector doesn't exactly know where we are...only that we've gone about 9 miles. At this point, I'm thinking another liter of water in my camelback would have been a wise choice. We then proceeded to ride on an up and down fireroad...a fireroad that was supposed to end at the top of each visible section...but somehow extended and extended. But then, just as Ron said, we ended up back at the intersection of the downhill single-track...and had a nice 4 mile or so fast ride back to the car. All in all, a really great ride. Juan has post-ride beer drinking (I mean carbo-loading) photos.

Hector's "clarification":

A clarification, we were never lost. After Tim's "hell-hill", Ron and I tried to alter the planned ride to make it easy for those complaining of the hills and extra miles. However, we ended completing the planned ride.

Google Earth File <http://www.garafa.com/GPSKit/tracks/2390c9bcc8697028e6d9bc88c39c51ca6a681d1e_22.kml>

Google Maps Link <http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.garafa.com/GPSKit/tracks/2390c9bcc8697028e6d9bc88c39c51ca6a681d1e_22.kml>

GPX File <http://www.garafa.com/GPSKit/tracks/2390c9bcc8697028e6d9bc88c39c51ca6a681d1e_22.gpx>

Trail Report - 2/21/10 - Case Jr High - Swansea, MA

- Place: Swansea town forest
- Riders: OMMB
- Distance: 4 miles
- Weather: Clear & windy
- Temp: 36
- Trail Conditions: Some snow, ice, and mud
- Technical Level: intermediate
- Climbs: 10% of ride
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: none...took it real easy

Notes: First trail ride this year. Yesterday's sunny and warm temps (high of 50) at the Extreme Beer Festival in Boston prompted OMMB to hit the trails today. Damn I'm out of shape! Need to build the lungs and leg power all over again...joy.

Tidbits: Extreme beers are those brewed with a 7% and higher alcohol content. There were 100 different beers at the event...you get the picture! Sadie, Greg, Patrick, Robin, Teri, and OMMB have already decided to go again next year.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Ski Report - 2/19/10 - Mount Sunapee - Newbury, NH

- Ski/Riders: Alexa (board), Teri (skis), OMMB (skis)
- Weather: Windy, Sunny in the morning, Cloudy afternoon
- Temp: 36 (wind chill in the 20's)
- Trail Conditions: Packed powder, good coverage
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: several cool wipe outs by Alexa; one whoops by OMMB

Notes: Last minute decision to head up to Sunapee on Friday turned out to be lots of fun. ATK was glad to be part of the "ski gang" this week and did great. Got some cool shots of Alexa doing some backside 360's. Despite the holiday week, we got LOTS of runs in. Only OMMB mishap was attempting an off trail climb up an embankment without enough speed...whoops, backwards and sit down onto the slope.

Tidbits: Sunapee has an awesome new terrain park with 46 elements...snowboarder's dream!

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Ski Report - 2/18/10 - Yawgoo Valley Ski Area - RI

- Skiers: Ruby and Piper
- Weather: Partly Sunny
- Temp: 46
- Trail Conditions: Packed powder

Notes: Ruby and Piper's first day of skiing! They took lessons and did a fantastic job...Grandad took lots of video to prove it!

Tidbits: Patrick and Robin saw that sending the kids to private lessons their first time out is well worth it. Yawgoo (RI's only surviving ski area) is a great place to start.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Ski Report - 2/17/10 - Wachusett Mtn - Princeton, MA

- Ski/Riders: Alexa (board), Sadie (board), OMMB (skis)
- Weather: Mostly cloudy
- Temp: 36
- Trail Conditions: Packed powder, excellent coverage
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: none

Notes: Sadie, who thought she would be lagging behind us, blew us away! Even though she hadn't snowboarded in a few years, she rode like a pro. She's great at the whole toe/heal thing, and gave some pointers to Alexa who was catching on by the end of the day.

Tidbits: Get there early on holiday weeks...you can get a full day's ski/riding in before the crowds hit at noon.

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Ski Report - 2/7/10 - Wachusett Mtn - Princeton, MA

- Ski/Riders: Alexa (board), OMMB (skis)
- Weather: Clear and cold
- Temp: 19
- Trail Conditions: Packed powder, excellent coverage
- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets: none

Notes: First day out on Alexa's new board and OMMB's new hips. All new equipment worked very well (better than expected)!! We did stay on beginner and intermediate slopes to avoid any crashes, since I'm not too sure how that would feel at this point (can you say "baby"?). Alexa picked up where she left off last season and continues to attempt the sweet jumps she likes so much!! Unfortunately due to back issues, ATK had to lodge ski during this trip...she'll be ready next time!

Tidbits: Although this was a weekend, lift lines were tolerable. The lodge was another story...

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 1/27/10 - East Bay Bikepath - RI

DAMN... I forgot how uncomfortable bike seats are!!!  

YES...I suited up in full Winter garb and busted into Stage 6 today!   All worked well on this easy ride.  

- Place:  Warren/Bristol, RI

- Riders: OMMB

- Distance: 5 miles

- Weather: clear

- Temp: 42

- Trail Conditions: black tar (all the snow and ice finally melted)

- Technical Level: age 5

- Hills: nope

- Whoops, Yikes, and Oh Sheets:  not likely (good thing)

- Notes:  Felt surprisingly good...lung rot and all

Tidbits:  Happy New Year!  After a couple more easy rides, I'll be ready for the Swansea trails...

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Trail Report - 11/11/09 - Santa Monica Mountains - CA

Nice long 18.4 mile ride...

Did I mention that Hector lies? Well, he seduced us all with tales of magical singletrack in the Santa Monica mountains along an approximate 12 mile loop. So we all (usual West Coast crew of Juan, Scott, Ron, Hector, Tim) made plans for our gov't sponsored holiday. We all met up around 0915 at a small strip of road Hector referred to as a "parking lot". I was very impressed to see Juan sporting a cycling jersey. Apparently he's done wearing cotton hoody's (more likely he's tired of me giving him grief). We started riding up this really nice singletrack with a very comfortable grade - read EASY CLIMBING. After 2.8 miles we reached a fire road where the grade takes a significant turn for the worse. Fortunately the road goes both up and down and the view west over the Pacific ocean is nothing short of magnificent. After 1.5 miles we reached a paved road which led to another singletrack known as "circle X". This singletrack proved to also be very pleasant with both ups and downs and great views. The only thing is - it felt quite long...and when we finally descended to the parking lot...it turns out we'd done 9.2 miles. So...the key is that Hector doesn't mean to mislead you...you just have to understand "Hector math". When he says a ride is X miles...you simply have to multiply X by 1.5 to get at the real ride length. We headed back after snarfing down our usual energy stuff. Much to my consternation, the brakes on my bike started acting up and I noticed "oh sweet, my pads are completely gone". More on that later. So we rode back and there was one exceeding tough hill on the fire road. You know the kind...where your heart feels like its going to boom-boom-boom right out of your chest. After that it was all gravy. I waited up at the start of the last bit of singletrack until Hector arrived..and then we waited. Apparently Scott had a flat. I ultimately had to go...so off I went. The next 2.8 miles are awesome winding singletrack w/ banked turns. It would have been perfect except my brakes decided that they either wouldn't work -or- simply just locked up. I got to the bottom and took off thereby missing the post-ride Dos Equis festival. Its unfortunate because an hour later I started having those post ride "feed-me" jitters.

Temp - Cool
Conditions - Hazy
Trail - Pleasantly difficult but lengthy Oh Sheets - See brake issue above

** Peace bro...we miss having you on the rides **

Tim V. (aka "The King")

Walk Report - 11/7/09 - Salem, MA

Well, I think it's safe to say I've reached Stage 5...

...can get around on two feet without too much of a wobble.   For longer distances, I've been using trekking poles to maintain an even keel.  Did quite of bit of walking around Salem, MA with Sadie, Greg, and Teri on the Witch "trail" yesterday and only a little soreness today.  Next stage....get on the freakin bike! (hopefully sometime today)

Tidbits: 

1) Those looney's in 1692 killed 20 people fearing they were witches!  Huh?  Did they not think a witch should be able to escape before hanging and pressing??

2) At the Witch Museum we learned... Fear (2 sick girls) + Catalyst (Dr. could not explain sickness) = Scapegoat (20 accused of witchcraft)

3) The Azorean Restaurant in Gloucester... awesome!

Happy Trails (soon!),

OMMB

Trail Report West - 10/29/09 - Sycamore Canyon - Port Hueneme, CA

Steve O - Bomber Ride.
The West Coast boys had another epic mountain bike ride yesterday. We had the full crew of Ron, Hector, Scott, Juan and Tim. It seems inconceivable, but, this was a ride I've never done within Sycamore Canyon. Anyway we all arrived at 1600 in Sycamore. The summer crowds are long gone and its the perfect time to do some trail poaching. We started at 1615 in cool breezy conditions and took the fire road to Boney Mountain Trail. Juan apparently hasn't gotten the memo that "cotton kills". He was wearing some sort of jumbo cotton hoody. Did I mention this trail is off-limits...and we're bad, bad, bad, bad for riding it. But, the trail is good, good, good. Very narrow singletrack and pleasantly rideable. In other words, bikers haven't tweakered it up. It might be perfect except for the ridiculous gradient that starts after a few hundred meters. Did I mention this climb is hard? Think "Hell Hill" but longer and more technical. We all struggled a bit on the climb, well at least Scott, Juan and I did. It seems Ron is turning into Iron Man material and Hector just is very aerodynamic with those roadie legs of his. The reward of this climb is amazing views from about 1300 ft of the Pacific Ocean, Serrano Canyon and the Oxnard Plain. Attached photo is taken near the top. The other reward is the descent. Think 18 inch wide singletrack with a rolling descent into a canyon. You can really bomb this. Something I started to do until Hector started screaming at me about a "pipe"? Pipe? Bro - I gave that up a long time ago. Well, said pipe ends up being an exposed (open) drain pipe that sits directly next to the trail at a pretty deep gully. Hit this too fast and you will have a problematic encounter with the pipe! Its one of the few technical features on this part of the trail. Ultimately you hit the bottom of Serrano Canyon and basically ride that out back to the main trail. It actually quite dark and overgrown in the canyon and filled with poison oak. There are a couple walking sections through the drainage...but otherwise pretty good. Great trail and Scott had Dos Equis on ice for us at the end. Sweetness. Look forward to doing this trail with you...
Length: ~11 miles
Elevation gain: ~1200 ft
Yikes: Pipe (see above), Poison Oak, Juan in cotton
Temp: 65 degrees
Tim

Pumpkin Report - 10/26/09

RI's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular...
Here's a small sample of some of the Jack-O-Lanterns at the display at Roger William's Park Zoo.  Highly recommend this incredible show...

...YEP, those are PUMPKIN CARVINGS!!!!

Wobble Report - 10/26/09

Follow up with the surgeon today... x-rays look good (see for yourself) and OMMB is cleared (and encouraged) to walk or go hiking with trekking poles (versus crutches) and biking if able.  Wait, what...YES BIKING!  So I'm planning to do some extended walks this week and if all goes well I'll be on a road bike this weekend! 

Still at Stage 4 (wobble walk without crutches) but Stage 5 is nearly in sight!

Marathon Report - 10/18/09 - Newport, RI

SHE DID IT!!!  Anna completed her first full marathon today!  And she did it in the worst of conditions...during a Nor'Easter with 35-40 knot winds, freezing cold rain, and sleet. 

Many CONGRATS to our favorite Swede! 

Wave Report - 10/15/09 - CA

From the CA surfer boy...

1) Bacteria levels = high (yeah Tim, need to explain this one)
2) Waves = Overhead (due to storm)
3) Conditions = Unruly
4) Crowd Factor = Low (due to 1-3 above)
5) Onlookers = High (due to 1-3 above)
6) Wave count = 3 (with 2 exceptionally large and unruly rides)
7) Wipeouts on takeoff = 2 (longboard w/little rocker unable to deal w/pitching takeoff)*

* operator error a contributing factor...

Tim V.



(nice butt Tim, I see you've been workin out)






...thanks Tim, that was a fun ride, I didn't even get wet - next time please translate to East Coast lingo ;)

And Tim's translation...

1) The bacteria levels are always high right after it rains b/c the rain washes "sheet" down the normally dry riverbeds into the ocean.

2) "unruly" refers to wind chop...something I'm sure he's (ommb) seen a lot of in his lobstering days.

3) "rocker" refers to how flat the board is. more rocker = less flat. Typically longboard have less rocker than small boards. Less rocker is good for paddling, catching slower waves and not so good for pitching fast waves, steep faces, late takeoffs, etc...as those tend to submerge the nose. Once that happens you're done.

...nice!

Waddle Report - 10/15/09 (One Month Since Surgury)

A BLESSED EVENT!  I got news today that I no longer have to take the blood thinner and blood tests are not needed!  What does that mean?   ...I can now once again drink sweet nectars of the Gods!  yep...beer, wine, cava, g&t's, & martini's can now be consumed at will!!

Regarding my vertical status...I'm able to walk for short distances without the crutches. Not really a "walk" but more of a penguin-like "waddle". Great fun.  Tomorrow I begin the outpatient PT.

Tidbit:  AFG is running her first marathon on Sunday.  We'll be there in Newport cheering her on (with umbrellas of course)!!  GO SWEDE-E!!!!

Happy Trails are in the distance,

OMMB

Hobble Report - 10/13/09

Good news... I am no longer under House Arrest! Home PT check out today cleared me for work, driving, and some limited walking without crutches ("full weight bearing activities as tolerated"). I'll be starting the outpatient PT this Friday, that should last about 6 weeks, 2-3 times per week. Although still at Stage 4, the crutches are becoming a nuisance and I hope to be at Stage 5 next week....

And for the sake of celebrating some of this year's "good times", here's one of the classics...

Hobble Report - 10/07/09

Just the latest... I'm still progressing each day with home physical therapy. Pain is virtually gone, aside from some tightness around the hip joints. No real big improvement, but little by little each day I get a bit more leg strength and flexibility (really have to practice my patience!). I've taken a couple walks with crutches this past week, each about a half mile, accompanied by my unwavering companion. Had no issues.

I'm easing back into work tasks, since there isn't much else I can do around the house. I plan to get back to the office next week.

Looking forward to outpatient PT next week.

Still at STAGE FOUR (with crutches)...

Happy (future) Trails,
OMMB

PS- a video for the fun of it...

Trail Report West - 10/4/09 - Gridley Trail - Ojai, CA

- Riders: Hector, Ron, Scott, Tim

- Distance: 12 miles

- Weather: pleasantly cool and sunny

- Temp: low 70's (note that "70's" is "pleasantly cool" in CA)

- Hills: 6+ miles to around 3000 feet

- Notes:

From Tim....

So, the west coast crew hooked up for another epic ride on Sunday. Hector, once again, had this great idea to go ride Gridley trail in Ojai, CA. Gridley can be a little tricky. Its typically either smoking hot, or cold. The last time I rode it, we had to negotiate snow the final 1/2 mile. Well, thankfully, it was a tweener -> pleasantly cool (low 70's) and sunny. That's the good part. Did I mention that Gridley is an uphill slog. Six plus miles of an incline that turns into a suffer-fest @ mile 4 due to an increased grade and decreased traction. Its gotta be around 3000 feet of climbing. I think we all felt small when 3 hard core downhill guys passed us on the way up - on their downhill bikes, w/ all their body armor on their backs. Totally demoralizing! Yours truly consumed a fair number of gel bits and GU to keep the ole motor stoked and just let Hector and Ron pass me by. Well, most of us made it to the top...some folks in better shape (Ron, Hector) than others (me) and Scott (1/2 mile from top). Now for the good part. Gridley is technical, but not requiring of body armor or downhill bikes. The turns are also banked to a degree so one can really rail the descent. After 2 plus hrs of climbing, its sad that the descent is over in about 15 minutes...but it's one sweet time. Points to Scott for not giving up as this was easily the hardest ride he's done to date. Points to Hector for getting the weather right. Major points to Ron for having ice cold "Fat Tire Amber Ales" in the cooler for post-ride carb replen. You'll find our ride profile, GPS and whatever other technical wizardry resides on Ron's i-phone below. I'm dragging a bit today...

Google Earth File

Google Maps Link

GPX File

Tim... thanks for providing me another vicarious ride!

Happy Trails,

OMMB

Trail Report - 10/1/09 (from the Left Coast) - Angel View, Portrero Rd - Thousand Oaks CA

OMMB couldn't resist riding vicariously through his West Coast friends.... enjoy this from Tim V....

- Riders: Hector, Ron, Scott, Tim

- Weather: Hot, dry, and windy

- Temp: California Hot

- Humidity: 2%

- Hills: Hike your bike steep

Tim's account....

So Hector had this great idea to go for a mountain bike ride yesterday. Did I tell you it was hot yesterday? In fact, it was a "Santa Ana" condition. For those non-California types, this refers to hot, dry and fairly windy conditions. In short, miserable riding weather. Did I tell you Hector also had this great idea to ride in Thousand Oaks. After all, its always hotter there than the coast. Did I tell you I haven't ridden in over a month? So we (Scott, Hector, Ron and I) met at Portrero Rd with the intent to make the climb to Angel View. Did I tell you this ride choice was...you guessed it...Hector's idea. Did I mention that my 17 year old asked me if I had a death wish? Her 20 min walk home from school apparently was enough "nature" time. Did I mention that Hector forgot his riding gear. Oh yes. Being the giving person that I am...I donated my extra t-shirt and riding shorts to Hector, while I rode in some fancy plaid shorts (see photo). So off we went on the ride. Did I mention it was dry? Think 2% humidity. Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration. My cancer treated throat began complaining almost immediately and I thought perhaps I might hork up a lung. Did I mention there are two beastly hills on this ride that cannot be ridden...so you must push your bike up them. After all, nothing is better than pushing your bike up a steep, loose hill on a hot, dry merciless day. After pushing hill #1, I must confess to feeling light headed and had to take 5 minutes of shade time while I contemplated hurling. Fortunately, I was able to sort myself out. It turns out my headband hadn't been properly washed and this served to contribute to my feelings of nausea. Apparently these conditions posed no problems for Hector and Ron. Scott was perhaps another story. So we ultimately made it to the top where attached photo was taken by Ron. Notice Hector's smug demeanor, my non-riding shorts and the fact that Scott looks like he's about to explode. Fortunately the ride back is mostly downhill, the temperature dropped a few degrees and the wind stopped. Even "Guzman Hill" was fun to blast down. We made it back to the cars around 1800 where I had some ice cold Tecate's waiting. Good times.

Thanks Tim (I feel your pain)!

Happy Trails,
OMMB

Hobble Report - 9/29/09

Hey I got my lovely staples out yesterday...all 23 of them and scars are healing nicely (so instead of Frankenstein, I now look like I was shark bait).  X-Rays showed that all new parts are in the right place, but will still be using crutches for a least 2 more weeks.

I've thrown out the walker for all but in and out of the shower, so safe to say I've advanced to next stage.

Now at STAGE FOUR (with crutches)...

Hobble Report - 9/26/09

Holy Cow! THAT'S what a full night sleep feels like!!! (felt so good I didn't want to stop...and a long nap on top of that would lead one to believe that hibernation wouldn't be so bad)

Hobble Report - 9/24/09

Had a another progressive day today. Able to move around more easily and do the PT exercises without too much trouble. Leg muscles seem to be firing as requested...all but the abductors, still weak there.

Thankfully, ATK almost got a full night sleep (she DESERVES it). Does getting two half-night sleeps in one night equal a full night?

Still using the walker, with occasional bouts of crutches.