Camp Training - Kestrel to Hulls Gulch

Some of us are preparing for the Trek Dirt Series bike camp this weekend in Bend OR. We conquered Kestrel through Hulls Gulch this last Thursday for some much needed training. The weather held out and maintained a steady breeze which was a nice push for us on the uphill.

The crew: Mendy, Cacia, Amy, Sara, Tesh

Usual pit-stop at 8th street.Staring down the start of Kestrel. Kestrel domination! :) Cacia (left) wins hill MVP of the night.Hulls Gulch Great ride ladies!

6/1 Ride - Polecat

Since Monday is Memorial Day, we will be meeting on Wednesday 6/1 for our group ride this week and conquering Polecat Gulch Loop.

This is a 5.75 mile loop with a decent mix of climbs and descents. It's not a very technical trail, just one of the longer ones we do. Since it is a little longer then some, let's plan on meeting to be on the trail by 6:30.

Bring an adult beverage, food, and/or snacks to enjoy afterwards. :)

Directions:
Option 1 - drive up bogus basin road and take a left at Simplot Hill. This should put you on Cartwright road. Continue to drive 3-5 miles (it feels like forever) and you will see the trailhead and dirt parking lot on your left.

Option 2 - Go up Pierce park road to the junction with Cartwright Road. Bear right on Cartwright and proceed to the trailhead on the right.

5/23 Pictures - Hillside to Hollow Loop

What a fun ride! The weather turned out to be pretty decent and we even got to see the sun for most of the ride.

The crew: Kourtney, Amy, Hillary, Sara, Jessica, Mandy, Cacia, Kath, Brittany, TanyaHeading out on Hill Road to the trail... Always time for a break!
Good ride for single track practice.Great ride ladies!

Sunday Impromptu Ride - Corrals

Beautiful day for an impromptu ride! My legs are still burning. :)

The crew: Jessica, Mendy, Amy, Cacia (honorary), Mou.

Just around the next corner I promise...... :) Hill MVP - Mendy

5/23 Ride - Hillside to Hollow

Let's try this again..... :)

This Monday we will be tackling the Hillside to Hollow loop. This trail is a good mix of uphill and downhill and is completely do-able (and totally fun) for any level. We will be meeting at the parking lot right next to Highlands Hollow Restaurant (2455 Harrison Hollow Lane, Boise, ID, 83702) to start the ride by 7:00.

We will be heading inside Highlands Hollow Restaurant for some yummy dinner/drinks after the ride for anybody that is interested.

Directions: Head up Harrison Blvd past Hill Road. You will see Serenity Spa to your left and will take a soft left at the next road and drive past Highlands Hollow Restaurant to the open parking lots right next to it.

Hope to see everyone there!

Mountain Bike Basic Skill Tips

Since the recent weather has prevented us from actively practicing our mountain biking skills :) I thought I would post some general plagiarized tips that some of us (i.e. me) have had to learn the hard way. Feel free to send me your own favorite tips and tricks to post.

Most Useful Tip for Me While Learning

Look as far ahead as possible while riding, scan for any hazards and choose your path. Pick your line and stick to it. Fix your eyes on that chosen path and maintain your momentum.

Mountain Bike Hill Climbing Techniques

Bend your elbows and shift your weight front and back to maintain traction. You want to lower your center of gravity and distribute your weight evenly. If the rear tire starts to slip, slide back on the saddle. If the front wheel starts to lift off the ground, you need to lean and slide forward into the hill. With experience you will master this fine balancing act.

It is usually better to power your way over any small obstacles on the chosen path, than to suddenly change direction. This will break your momentum, upset your balance and probably result in a walk up the hill or possibly a fall.

Anticipate downshifts. Shift down before you begin to climb. It is difficult to shift to a smaller ring on the chainring (front) in the middle of a hill so downshift before the hill. Shifting in the middle of a steep hill will also result in lost momentum. Shift down on the freewheel cog (rear) as needed.

Descents

Maintain balance and control speed. Keep your feet level, unless negotiating tight corners, and stay centered on the bike. Move far back on the saddle, putting your weight over the rear wheel. Keep your elbows bent and avoid gripping the handlebars too tightly. Relaxed muscles will help to absorb bumps on the way down. You should feel as if you are flowing downhill.

On a fast descent feather your brakes, working them lightly on and off. Too much front brake can send you over the handlebars and too much rear brake can cause the rear wheel to slip. Start with a little more rear brake and gradually bring in front brake.

Rain/Snowed Out - 5/16 Ride Cancelled

With the rain all day yesterday and rain/snow mix forecasted all day today, it is not looking too good from a trail perspective. The forecast isn't showing that much will change this week so as of right now, we will just plan on meeting again next Monday. If there happens to be a turn in the weather this week, I might throw out an invite for an impromptu ride. I'll keep everyone posted.

Sorry ladies. :(

5/16 Ride - Hillside to Hollow Loop

This Monday we will be tackling the Hillside to Hollow loop. This trail is a good mix of uphill and downhill and is completely do-able (and totally fun) for any level. We will be meeting at the parking lot right next to Highlands Hollow Restaurant (2455 Harrison Hollow Lane, Boise, ID, 83702) to start the ride by 7:00 (this should be the normal starting time now that it stays lighter longer).

We will be heading inside Highlands Hollow Restaurant for some yummy dinner/drinks after the ride for anybody that is interested.

Directions: Head up Harrison Blvd past Hill Road. You will see Serenity Spa to your left and will take a soft left at the next road and drive past Highlands Hollow Restaurant to the open parking lots right next to it.

Hope to see everyone there!

5/9 Pictures - Kestrel to Military Reserve

Thanks to everyone who braved the wind! It turned out to not be too bad at all and the weather actually held out the whole time. Great ride ladies!

Heading out....Quick water break. Hill MVP of the night, Kath, right before tackling Kestrel.Last chance to turn back. :) No turning back now. Second big hill push of the ride. Sara rocking the end of Kestrel.Quick pit stop at the top. Megan, Amy, Kath, Angella, Sara.Best part - the downhill.
The crew - Megan, Tanya, Angella, Amy, Kath, Sara

5/9 Ride - Kestrel to Military Reserve

We're heading to an oldie but goodie this Monday - up Kestrel and down through Military Reserve. We will be meeting at Camel's Back parking lot (right off of 13th street). Please arrive prior to 6:30 as we will start up the trail at that time.

The ride will be a slight step-up from the prior two rides but completely doable for all levels. I was thinking of hitting up Hyde Park after-wards for a post-ride beverage. :)

Let me know if you can make it. Hope to see everybody there!

5/2 Pictures - Seaman's Gulch Loop

I was sad to have had to miss the ride this week. I heard it was another fantastic one! Thanks to everyone that made it out and to Tesh and Sara for the pictures. :-)

Angella, Sara, Courtney, Cacia, Kath, Tesh, Hillary, Mandy, Tanya
Tanya, Mandy, Hillary, Kath, Angella, Cacia, Courtney, Sara