Mountain biking

[Bellicose]

I know I already have another thread about this, but that was more for questions. Created this one for anyone interested in it, thinking about getting into it, or wants to ride.

So Sunday I got my new bike, 2010 Gary Fisher Marlin, leftover for a good price. Last year of the Gary Fishers, since Trek bought him out. Glad I got it when I did since they changed tons of things, and the bikes don't seem to be the same anymore.

Rode it 2 times so far, Yesterday told Wifey I was just going around the neighborhood for a little, then I decided to go to the front of the neighborhood, then I was like well how is this on the main roads. Then I ended up at Lums Pond, to go hit the trails. Handles and brakes pretty good. Fork seems a little spongy, but I will just have to adjust it a little. Rode today too, for a little, just around the hood though this time. Really liking this bike, only thing I hate is the seat, damn that thing hurts the kaboose! But like i heard, the reason it hurts so much is because it is not meant o be sat on...lol

Have about 5 miles on it already, and can't wait to put more on it!

So if anyone has a bike, and would like to hit some trails sometime with me, hit a brotha up! Have bike, will travel!

If you have questions ask away, since I did tons of research, and I kind of know some stuff now. Well at least I know what is going to give you some bang for your buck!

Sorry was more of a review than anything.

[Chase]

Rode it 2 times so far, Yesterday told Wifey I was just going around the neighborhood for a little, then I decided to go to the front of the neighborhood, then I was like well how is this on the main roads. Then I ended up at Lums Pond, to go hit the trails.

This reminded me of Forest Gump lol

glad you got a good bike you like, i really need to start getting in shape, my dad has a nice moutnain bike, he never uses it, it may get ganked!

[Spyder08]

You spelled mountain wrong in your thread title. Just saying...

[Bellicose]

This reminded me of Forest Gump lol

glad you got a good bike you like, i really need to start getting in shape, my dad has a nice moutnain bike, he never uses it, it may get ganked!

I just kept pedaling....

That's the reason why I got it, want to get back in some type of shape that is not round. Elliptical was just not cutting it for me, but I am loving this right now. Can't wait to really hit the trails, not just a small portion of it.

[rockmama]

Now I don't mean to be a nitpicky Colorado girl, but where are you going to go mountain biking around here? Woods biking? sure. Trail biking? absolutely. Mountain biking? only if I can surf in Denver.

[Bellicose]

Now I don't mean to be a nitpicky Colorado girl, but where are you going to go mountain biking around here? Woods biking? sure. Trail biking? absolutely. Mountain biking? only if I can surf in Denver.

lol, I see your point, so I will say I do use the term losely. Lums Pond, White Clay has a ral nice one, Iron Hill, Ridley Creek (hear it has some hills, is that close enough), hearing Wissahickon (spelling) has an awesome MTB trail.

It really starts from the bike being called a Mountain Bike, so that is why I just called it that. Since I would not anyone to confuse what my intentions are with a Road Bike, like Lance Armstrong rides. Or BMX, like Dave Mirra.

So yes, it is more so Trail biking around here, unless of course I go to PA, and then I get into some hills, or maybe out by the Poconos for some mountains. But in your terms they probably aren't mountains either...lol

I am sure Colorado has some really nice "Mountain" Biking trails.

[daveindelaware]

That sounds like an awesome idea to get together to ride. I'll take you up on that offer sometime!

I only have an old "hard tail" (and "hard fork") GIANT Iguana mountain bike that I got many moons ago when I traded my BMX Freestyle Mongoose in towards a "college" bike. I miss freestyling (dirt tracks, quarter pipes, ground stunts, etc) days, but mountain biking has its perks, too.

I do my trail riding (and hiking with my kids) in northern NCC, on a landowner's trust "group" of properties dedicated to open space and public access. These properties are spread out over 2800 acres of farmland, woods, horse farms, and private homesteads. While it isn't on a "mountain" per se, it's quite hilly and some parts are very challenging, with a low-point of 134 ft and a high point of 410 ft, the entire trail system covers ±276 vertical feet of elevation change.

The trails range from relatively level fields to insanely steep rocky hills through the woods, complete with small creeks to ride across (through), tree trunks to get over, mud puddles to enjoy, loose rocks, drainage ruts, etc. The beauty of nature is always present, with farmer's fields, plenty of trees, streams, horse farms, a small waterfall, and plenty of birds, four-legged animals, and insects.

I have the entire area mapped out in CAD/GIS, complete with aerial photographs, and I can calculate distances, elevations, etc. There are still some parts I've never been on, since I don't get out there very often, plus the trails are scattered over so much acreage. If you're into GIS sort of stuff, there are a few arc boundary monuments in the trail area to see/find. My kids and I only found half of them so far. It's fun looking for those historic monuments (they date back to 1892).

If you're interested in riding (or hiking) these trails with me, let me know. I typically only have every other weekend available to me for doing this sort of thing "kid-free" on my bike. Unless you'd want to go hiking for fun (at a slower pace) then I could always have the kids along as well. Just let me know.

[Bellicose]

Sounds good will let you know, Thanks!

[Bellicose]

Going to White Clay on Sunday morning with my boy. First time on some real Trails, and going to be a few hours rather then a small 1 hour ride. SO Stoked!

Hoping he brings the GoPro so we can get some footage. If so I will post!

[Bellicose]

Well first real ride is in the books, looking at close to 10 miles. Was good, found a trail we loved, and boy was that trail a blast. Almost bit it once, going on a nice decline, that made a sharp turn, hit brakes, speed checked, tire hit a rock and bounced out to to the left. Uh, nice save! No one got hurt, nothing needed to be fixed, so no tools used. Stayed hydrated, and had a good time. Can't wait for next time!

Now just need to get better, because I want to hit that skills trail!

Oh and my buddy who rides a little up around Smedley, PA said White Clay is the place to be!

This is the skills trail...
‪white clay skills course.wmv‬‏ - YouTube

We did this, but in the other direction....This is not the whole trail just a portion of it.

‪Bryan's Field, White Clay‬‏ - YouTube

Also did Tri-valley Trail.

[Bellicose]

Heck yizzie, used an app, first time trying it. I get to show you all what we did!


1st Trail....Bryans Field
Yes at one point we went back and then came back again, because we thought our 3rd guy was behind us but, apparently not.
(3rd guy was John, who I brought to the Softball game)

2nd trail....Whitely Farms

[Bellicose]

For those of you that may actually come in here. This is my bike! Will get a non stock pic next time I go out! Click for larger image.

[daveindelaware]

Is that a hardtail? I figured I was the only one riding "old school."

[Bellicose]

Why yes it is a Hardtail. Full Suspension is so expensive. "Old School", that would imply rigid, no suspension at all.

[daveindelaware]

Why yes it is a Hardtail. Full Suspension is so expensive. "Old School", that would imply rigid, no suspension at all.

Well, then I meant your bike is "old school" in the rear only.

My bike is pure "old school" so I feel EVERY bump, dip, rock, and branch along the trail:

[Spyder08]

I would post pics of my bike but I don't want anyone getting envious

[Bellicose]

There is nothing wrong with a rigid, I am on a Mountain Bike forum, and there are plenty of Rigid riders out there. They love em. Damn there are even some single speed people out there too. Believe it or not, I still feel the stuff on the trails too, even with the Shocked Fork.

[daveindelaware]

Do you have any plans for Sunday morning? I'm considering getting up early, taking my wife to work at 7, and then hitting the trails before it gets too hot....

I'm not planning on anything "hard" or fast on the ride. More of a nature photography thing, and verifying some trails on my maps that I made, and finding two "elusive" boundary monuments.

[Bellicose]

Do you have any plans for Sunday morning? I'm considering getting up early, taking my wife to work at 7, and then hitting the trails before it gets too hot....

I'm not planning on anything "hard" or fast on the ride. More of a nature photography thing, and verifying some trails on my maps that I made, and finding two "elusive" boundary monuments.

Unfortunately Dave I do, my weekend is so jam packed right now, it is down right ridiculous. I want to go for a ride sooo bad too. Hoping that I may get a short one in, sometime this weekend. May just be a quick trip to Lums Pond. Just don't know when or where. Wish we could meet up Thanks for the offer though!

Plus may take my bike back to the shop sometime this weekend (probably Sunday Morning), since there is a noise coming from the left pedal area. Not to mention a few other creaks from the seat area as well. Probably nothing to be concerned with as they all do it. Just want to have them check it out, before I put the new pedals on, because I know once I do, the first thing they are going to say is. "It's the new pedals that are making the noise" Umm yeah ok!

[daveindelaware]

Well OK then. No problem. Hopefully some other time.