Yesterday was the standard lunch ride up Dry Creek over to City Creek then back to the office via the Avenues. Fox was on his cyclocross bike which I assumed would level the playing field a bit and enable me to stay with him. Nope, that didn't happen. The guy can shred on a rigid frame with carbon tubulars too. Unfortunately carbon wheels aren't too friendly when faced with 50+ mph gusts of wind on exposed ridgelines! As we dropped into City Creek the wind was seriously crazy. He got blown off the trail and I most likely would have joined him if I hadn't put a foot down when I came around a corner and saw that he was stopped up ahead. I don't know if I've ever experienced wind that strong while on the bike before.
Today we extended the ride by heading up to the zoo and jumping on the BST across the street. As we're climbing the first dirt section a kid cruises by me and Fox comes around too. 30 seconds later and I'm riding solo. On the ride up we had talked about taking a right off the main trail and riding some of the higher sections so I dropped down and climbed up Rattlesnake which turned out to be a different route than he had taken. After sorting things out via a quick cell phone call I met them at the gate where I was introduced to Dave, who decided to extend his ride and hang with us for a while. I say "with us" but really he was riding with Fox. Dave is only 17, (strange to think that's half my age...) and has some talent. He hasn't raced but was definitely interested in giving it a go after Fox told him about a few of the local options. The kid was strong and I was hitting everything hard in an attempt to keep the time gaps between us respectable. However, having those two rabbits up the trail to chase made for an excellent workout.
The Scalpel Fox rode was incredible. I didn't have a chance to ride it but just picking the thing up was amazing. It's hard to imagine a 4" travel full suspension bike can be so light. And can easily be made even lighter. I thought my BMC was respectable in the 25-26 pound range but the Scalpel made my bike seem like a DH rig in comparison. Not that the light weight caused Fox any issues when the trail turned down as the man was absolutely flying.
My ability to ride a mountain bike has improved tremendously compared to last year but spending time with Fox is an object lesson in how much more I have to learn. However, what's great about riding with him is that he takes the time to observe how I ride difficult (for me) sections of trail and provides constructive feedback. He's done that a few times over the course of the season and as I work to incorporate his suggestions I can see my skills improving. Riding with guys who are stronger than you can be frustrating at times but when you consider the long term benefits it's really one of the easiest and quickest ways to improve on the bike. Many thanks to all of you who have taken the time to share your experience with me this year.
5 comments:
Sorry I missed it, I was knee deep in old school C.
You're welcome. I'm sure the tips I've given you have hindered your progress immensely. ;-) Good thing you have Fox to set you straight.
Kris - Riding with you this year has probably done me more good than anything else. I've ridden more new trails with you than anybody else by far.
Oh sure, go ride with your new friends. Forget years past. I introduce you to the sport give you my advice on riding and great trails and now you just cast me aside. Wont even go to Moab with me...
Ed (anonymous) - I do believe that you have been invited on most, if not all, of my rides this year. Your schedule, however, is a bit complicated on good days, near impossible otherwise. Moab will happen but not at the last minute for a weekend with cold temps and rain in the forecast!
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