THANKFT3UL

Last night nine pithy MTB'ers gathered at the Knott lot among huge rounds of downed pine in tufts of sawdust and pine needles. I began heckling Bambi for his lack of attendance and he announced that he was going to have to re-learn how to turn the pedals. B was there too, coming off his long work-related hiatus that has kept him off the bike, out of the county, and away from FT3 for too many weeks. He kindly made the rounds with pre-br's just as Mother Rye began chiding us for parking in the lot as if we were supposed to know to park elsewhere. It was something of a reunion, the group of nine including R.G., Cap'n, Bambi, B, Newb, Spawn, C-Man, NoHandle and our D.R.L. - Lars, were present. It could have been the first reunion of the complete 24 hour Team 1 in many months, if not years. This was at least subliminally present in NoHandle's mind, because at one point during the night when his headlamp battery was jettisoned from his jersey pocket, and lost among the bush, he couldn't help but make a reference about how devastating such an incident would be during a 24 hour race. Note to other riders, it appeared to be the empty wrapper in his pocket that gave it just enough 'slip' to provide for ejection during his epic and stylish maneuver off a six inch high log jump.

Stylish maneuvers abounded last night, as Bambi quickly proved he had not forgotten how to ride, he maintained his typical antics and even sang us a country song. Our D.R.L. took us down to the lake and along the lake and on some horse trail to the super steep climb to the bottom of Rufus Rage. During the horse trail part, I took to announcing, in BMX announcer fashion,  the awesomeness of this reunion, riding the wheel of Bambi and Newb who were equally embroiled in antics. At one point I announced some particularly awesome fancy riding of Bambi's and Newb decided to look back to see what was going on. He then rode off the trail, crashed and whacked his nuts. There was little remorse from our group of excited riders, so we rode on while Newb HTFU'd and rode on as well. Our group contained 1 single speed more than geared bikes for a total of 5, each of those riders took to the steep climb with ferocity. We climbed the rage and descended upper skid and skid row and all the riders thoroughly enjoyed the works of the unknown trail builders, not to mention perfect trail conditions.

'Round the lake we went to Hazel Creek where we got on the fireroad that only people who do long runs know how to find. We climbed in that area for a long while, then descended some fireroad back into familiar territory. During the fireroad decent, a wild and ferocious possum crossed the trail forcing some hard braking among the group. The hard braking took place just as Bambi was about to make his move to pass Lars and I by riding swiftly between us. Bambi rode directly into my left ankle, where I was not Bronsoned, rather I was Ardented, and he then took an unplanned dismount into the hillside, narrowly avoiding taking me clean out. It was quite a spectacle from what I hear, but I did not see it, as I was more concerned about the ferocious and obviously rabid marsupial in front of me. We dropped back down to the lake in the vicinity of B is for barf, then rode back up to the qualifier, dropped a little single track section and out to the road where where we could see the Knott shining like a beacon in the night.

We rolled into the tuft lot once again to change out of our cycling panties and headed in for tacos. It looked as if all of the riders partook in some rye, with the exception of the Spawn, who opted for water and a single champagne of beers. During the conversation we learned how chainsaws help us appear more manly to our significant others, how much beard growth is just the right amount, and how absurd it is to try to change your own taco handle.  Alas, we were all thankful for yet another successful FT3. May there be many more to come.

Cap'n

For those of you who are not aware, there is a local, very grassroots and only 'somewhat organized' Turkey Trot run tomorrow at 8:00am. The run starts at the Placerville library and goes down the Forni to Missouri Flat road section of the El Dorado Trail. Two mile, 5K and 10K turnarounds will be marked. This is a fundraiser for the local food bank. If you come, plan to donate what you can, burn off some calories and enjoy this community gathering of friends for a good cause. Hope to see you there. 

The Firing Squad

It was a balmy 48F when we assembled in the Knott Lot Saturday morning. Though all the Penn alumni had predicted much cooler temps, we were met with sunshine and smiles as we struggled with layers. There would be no question for Safety, surprising us with a visit, and donning his trademark jacket and shoe covers. Yours truly rolled up (on time) to find Rock God in full embro mode.   Our ride organizer and leader, THTH, was joined by P.C. and none other than Orphan. Once we made pleasantries, and received our blessed communion of Mojo and (insert beverage of choice), it was off to the wild.

NoHandle led his minions NE to the qualifier, and then down the now debris-strewn chopping block. Seems the recent high wind advisory left an extra layer or two of twigs, needles and leaves over the damp but firm earth. Our leader both quizzed us on trail names and solicited ideas for future trail work. I wonder if anyone can get us a pro deal on some McClouds. From the block, we veered E and up the newly named Wall back to PC. After some layering changes, we were then directed to Grimangers, and the ridge(name?), eventually making a few last minute tweaks to bring us right round to PC. From the 4 way junction, we headed SE towards MET, with yet more climbing on fire roads. Our destination was Cappy's Cache, and it would not disappoint.

As we whooped and hollered, roosting leaves on every corner, the distinct sound of cannon fire could be heard in the distance. RG predicted, and we quickly discovered, that this cacophony of sounds was not only getting closer, but well within our current path. As we climbed out of the Cache, the rifle report grew louder, and we would soon smell the powder. Just before the beginning of the Bonetti paved road, we dropped into a veritable shooting gallery. Almost a dozen ticket holders stood aiming at targets directly ACROSS the fire road. Like ducks moving across the carnival board, one by one we rolled past the firing squad. They kindly holstered their weapons and allowed us to pass. There was nervous laughter as the lead carny jokingly(?) assured us "don't worry, we're not shooting cyclists, today". Once safely past that maelstrom, we rounded another bend to find a smaller assembly of marksmen. Our group then discussed the irony found in breaking the perfectly tranquil and silent fall morning with gunfire.

As the gallery, and the ringing in our ears, began to fade in the distance, we set our sights on a left lip drop. En route, P.C. performed a splendid log balancing act. This was shortly followed up by this rider's complete stacking over the same obstacle. The folds in the lip enveloped our tires, and I for one would like to have savored it thrice. We then wrapped things up with a CW loop back to the cars.
In all, a nice 3 + hour tour of the greater pollywood complex. I believe Msr. Credite captured a few pics, and can now upload for those who, well, wished they were there but couldn't make it.

Consider this your weekend weather/ride report, and Tuesday's callout. It will be just another perfect evening in the forest....sans gunplay, of course.

One!

Spawn's Ride Report

Just Kidding, but I got your attention right?  Call Out disguised as a RR.

The group all appeared to be in agreement on Tues night during the official Pollywood season opener ride that Spawn would craft his ride report from behind the bar.  He would then email it to NoCa... err strike that; Chicken Wing who would post the ride.

Almost everyone was willing to do the post themselves, but as no one except Spawn knew where the heck we actually road, it was decided that he would write up the post - by "It was decided" I mean Cappy and I strongly encouraged him to.

OK, no real ride report but how about a call out!

Sat 8:30 AM departure
Knot Lot
Back by Noon.

See ya there

One.