Roll Out I Say!

Ride #49 was and interesting outing to say the least! Lots of rule #3 violations, some secret training, a catastrophic mechanical, and the return to eating outside...not to mention a 50 degree increase in air temperature.

NoHandle and I took off at 4:30 for some secret training. NoHandle fresh off his trip abroad, desired a slightly longer effort than the normal FT3 throws out, so off he went for a nice pre-ride loop. He was able to explore some trails that had been seen and not fully scouted yet. Unfortunately, I don't think anything was panning out as no "Epic" reports came back claiming new found trails. I fired off my second pre-ride swim of the spring. This swim was notably warmer and much more pleasant than the first. Actually a couple more days of this weather will have the lake spilling and the temps very comfy!

The remain crew of riders: Cap'n, Rock God, B, Bambi, and In-Law, all showed up at the normal time for a standard roll out. Cap'n did catch NoHandle's call for help and produced a needle to inflate the dead shock on NoHandle's steed, spot on Mate. The initial miles of the ride was marred with minor mechanicals and violations of Rule #3...it was a chatty bunch last night! Trail notes: In the spirit of NoHandles earlier exploration we struck out on some new trails. The day light trek over the new section of single track horse trail proved that this trail is a keeper. The new climb up to the yellow gate crossroads was good, there is still talk on the need to explore the non-permitted downhill...it is clear some renegade work is being done. Councilman and Cap'n will need to discuss the professional approach the group chooses to take. The new downhill was a total bust, sticks, slash, crap...it did get us to the Left Lip and that was perfect. The return to the Knot Hole was a good new route home, and will be explore again.

The Rock Garden claims its first victim: It is without doubt that the Rock Garden is the most technical section of trail we have access to at the lake. There is much talk around cleaning the route either in the downhill or uphill direction, however there has been no talk as of yet of not letting the Rock Garden "clean" you. NoHandle had to pay the sacrifice to the trail gods with one bounce off a ill placed rock and "snap" no more derailleur! There was a group prayer, delivered with much compassion and sentiment by Bambi and then the decision was made. The road was in view, the sun was still up, there was still riding to be done, NoHandle needed some time alone, so we collectively decided to leave a man behind for a solo walk out! Way to take on for the team...we will continue to discuss the process and procedures of lost riders and proper protocol for major mechanical.

For the Taco portion of the night we were joined by Curtis, aka Green, aka 'fro, aka ???. We returned to our rightful spot outside, claimed the fire, and created some mood lighting with the life left in the lights! The Knot Hole was not firing off on thier "A Game" but we nothing will keep the FT3 crew from a lively Taco Session. NoHandle with the major mechanical, walk out, Knot Hole frustrations, and jet lag seemed to be having a real interesting night. B's keen observation skills noticed this situation and therefore he created a new award to be given each week for the "Peter Pissy Pants Rider" of each session. There was a slew of biting comments last night, good blog material, spot on!

All in all shortish ride, good climbing and some good new trails...as is always said, we are doing a lot more than just riding bikes.

Upcoming Rides:
4/24/09: 2nd Annual Who Brought the Cooler Night Recon Session: Meeting at Cap'n's at 6:00????
4/26/09: Sunday Road Ride...anyone up for a 6:30 departure?
5/2-3/09: 24 HOUR RACE!!!!!!

Unit we ride again.
LOtB