Military Reserve - 9/17/12

9/17 Ride - Military Reserve

This next Monday's ride will be through various trails at Military Reserve. Plan on meeting at the parking lot across from the dog park (Fort Boise Park) near the baseball field (nearest cross roads - Mountain Cove Rd and Reserve St) to be on the trails by 6:30. As always, we will be heading somewhere for drinks/food afterwards. Hope to see everyone there!

In addition......MARK YOUR CALENDARS! As heartbreaking as it is, our last orgainzed ride for the season will be on Monday, September 24th. We will be having our usual end of season ride and celebration at the Eagle Bike Park with food and champagne! More details to follow next week but make sure and save the date. It's always a great time!

We will still continue to ride after the 24th as long as the weather/daylight allows and will post on facebook each time - they will just be more impromptu. It's been such a fantastic season and we're already looking forward to next April to start it all over again. :)

Hulls Gulch 9/10/12

9/10 Ride - Camel's Back Park

The ride this week will start at 6:30pm in Hyde Park.  We will then tackle the climb known as Sidewinder, once there we will either ride down hulls or continue on to Fat Tire.  It will all depend on how everyone is feeling, this ride will be at least 8-11 miles.  Sidewinder is a longer climb then what we have done this year, approximately 5.5 miles of climbing before any descent, so be ready to head up hill on Monday. As always we will head down to Hyde Park restaurants after the ride for some chit-chat and grub.

Eagle Bike Park 8/27/12

8/27/12 Ride - Eagle Bike Park

This Monday we will be going back to the Eagle bike park, but will be doing a different variation of the trails then we have done before.  This time we will start behind the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery and ride North towards the park.  Plan to be in the parking lot to ride at 6:30pm.  After the ride we will head to Applebee's for dinner and drinks.

Directions to the parking lot:  Heading north on Gary Lane turn left (west) until to Hill Road, turn right (North) onto Duncan Lane at the end of Duncan Lane should be a short steeper road road called Cemetery Rd.  This road is an entrance road into the cemetery, but instead of entering the cemetery there is a parking lot on the north side.  If you get lost give Tesh a call at 961-1127.

Hope to see you there!

Kestel - Hulls Gulch 8/20

Table Rock - 8/13/12

8/13 Ride - Tablerock

This Monday we will be working on enhancing our skills on rocks. We will be riding the table rock trails which provide many opportunities to climb and descend rocks. Although this trail is considered one of the most technically challenging trails in Boise, there are ride arounds for the rock features. The trail is a short uphill (unless we chose to ascend to the very top) but is steep at times, once on top it is a flat trail with all sorts of obstacles for us to stop and session.

We will start our ride at the Warm Springs Golf Course parking lot at 7:00 p.m. After the ride we plan on heading over to Lucky 13 for dinner and drinks.

Hope to see you there!

Bogus Basin - 8/6

6/8 Ride - Bogus Basin

This Monday we will be heading up to Bogus Basin to ride amongst the trees and enjoy some cooler temps. This would be considered an intermediate to advanced ride due to the continuous single track climb up (approx. 2.5 miles) and winding descents (some rocks).

We will start our ride at lower lodge, climbing up Deer Point Trail, looping around the backside of the mountain on Elk Meadows Trail, head to the Pioneer Lodge on Lodge Trail and finish with a fun ride down Morning Star. Morning Star has had lots of elevated additions added to it, but all are avoidable if you choose. Total ride is approx. 6 miles and should take about 2 hours.

Bring a cold beverage if you'd like to enjoy after the ride and a warm jacket as the temps do drop fast in the evening.

We will be meeting at Highlands Elementary (3434 Bogus Basin Road) at 5:45 p.m. to arrange carpooling and roll out by 6:00.

Kestrel - 7/30

7/30 Ride - Kestrel

This Monday (7/30) we will be riding up Kestrel and down the Military Reserve Connector. From the connector we will ride a fast path to the reserve parking lot and then back to the cars.  Due to prior Dirt Doll engagements, this will be a shorter ride and there will not be an official orginized dinner after the ride, we apologize.  

We will be meeting in the Camel's Back Park parking lot at 6:30pm.

Shane's Loop - 7/23/12

7/23 Ride - Shane's Loop

This Monday (7/23) we'll be riding Shane's Loop. We'll be meeting in the parking lot across from the dog park at the Military Reserve at 7:00pm. Temp. is forecasted for a high of 90, so shouldn't be too bad in the evening!

If you have any suggestions for trails you'd like to ride in the future, please let us know!

Corrals/Bob's - 7/16

Eagle Bike Park - 7/9

7/16 Ride - Corrals

This next Monday we're going to do Corrals or part of Corrals.  Depending on the heat and amount of girls that come, we will chose the ride that suits the group best.  Plan to meet at the old Ridley's parking lot (on Bogus Basin Road) at 7:00 PM.  We will then decide how much of Corrals we will do and if a shuttle option will be needed.  Because a shuttle option may be needed please let us know if you plan on riding this Monday.

Additionally, if any of you have any trail suggestions for our upcoming rides please let us know and we will try to fit them into our upcoming rides.

We will head to LuLu's afterwards for food and a cocktail for anyone interested.

7/9 Ride - Eagle Bike Park

This Monday we will be meeting at the Eagle Bike Park to beat the heat a bit. Let's plan on being on the trail by 7:30 (an hour later then our norm which will also help with the heat). We will be BBQ'ing afterwards and will be providing hot dogs and condiments. If you'd like, bring an easy side and/or your favorite cold beverage to enjoy in the covered picnic area afterwards.

Directions: From State Street, head North on "N Horseshoe Bend Road". This is the road just east of Highway 55 (right by WINCO). Stay on this road for a few miles and you will see the park to your right. You can also type in "Idaho Velodrome and Cycling Park" into mapquest to get directions. The park website is at http://eaglebikepark.org/visiting/maps/ which also has directions.
Hope to see you there!

Hulls Gulch 7/2

Hillside to Hollow 6/25

7/2 Ride - Camels Back

This next Monday we're going back to Camel's Back to try out some of the multiple trials it has to offer.  The specific trail has yet to be chosen, but there are mutliple loops and trails and we will decide the trail based on what suits the group best. 

Let's plan on meeting at Camel's Back parking lot (off of 13th street by the tennis courts) to be on the trail by 6:30.

We will head to Hyde Park afterwards for food and a cocktail for anyone interested.

Hope to see you there!

6/25 Ride - Hillside to Hollow

This Monday (6/25) we will be riding 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 6:30.

We always have the option to head 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.

Kestrel - Red Cliffs

6/18 Ride - Kestrel

This next Monday we're going old school and tackling Kestrel then depending on how we feel either come down Red Cliffs or Hulls Gulch. Kestrel is definitely a beast of an incline but both Red Cliffs and Hulls Gulch are really fun loops down. Anybody who takes up mountain biking in Boise should conquer these trails at least once. :)

Let's plan on meeting at Camel's Back parking lot (off of 13th street by the tennis courts) to be on the trail by 6:30.

We will head to Hyde Park afterwards for food and a cocktail for anyone interested.

Polecat - 6/11

6/11 Ride - Polecat

This Monday (6/11) we will be riding the Polecat trail. This is a 5.75 mile loop with a decent mix of climbs and descents. It is not a very technical trail, just one of the longer ones we do. Let's plan on meeting to be on the trail by 6:30.

We will be stopping for a cold beverage and food at Harrison Hollow afterwards.

Hope to see everyone there!

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.

Military Reserve - 6/4

6/4 Ride - Military Reserve

This next Monday's ride will be through various trails at Military Reserve. Plan on meeting at the parking lot across from the dog park (Fort Boise Park) near the baseball field (nearest cross roads - Mountain Cove Rd and Reserve St) to be on the trail by 6:30. Bring your favorite snack and beverage to enjoy in the park after the ride.

For more information on the Military Reserve area - see http://ridgetorivers.cityofboise.org/Trails/SelectAreaDescriptions/page30448.aspx .

Hope to see everyone there!

Redtail Ridge Loop 5/21

5/21 Ride - Redtail Ridge Loop

It should be low 80's and sunny this Monday so everyone should come out for a great ride!

We will be riding a variation of the Redtail Ridge Loop. It is singletrack, not too technical, but definitely has some climbs to it (do-able for everyone). We will start on the trail by 6:30 and then will head to the Hidden Springs Mercantile afterwards for a refreshing beverage for anyone interested.

Directions: This ride is immediately north of Hidden Springs. Hidden Springs can be reached via Seaman's Gulch Road (the road to the Ada County landfill). Take Seaman's over the top of the foothills (about 4 miles or so), turn right on Dry Creek Road. Follow that a couple miles and you should see the Current Creek trailhead parking lot on the right.

Great Ride - Seaman's Gulch

5/14 Ride - Seaman's Gulch Loop

Next Monday (5/14) we will be riding the Seaman's Gulch Loop. As it's still early in the season, we thought we'd utilize this fun, but short and sweet ride. For riders wanting to go longer, we'll be splitting into two groups again, so there will be an option to mix things up a bit. Plan on arriving prior to 6:30 as we will start up the trail at that time.

Following the ride, we will head to the Pizzelchick patio for some yummy food/beverages (corner of state street and Glenwood) for those interested.

Directions: Follow Hill Road west of Boise past Gary Lane until you come to an intersection with Seaman’s Gulch Road and Hill Road Parkway. Bear right on the main paved road and follow signs to Hidden Springs. At .9 miles from this junction, turn right into a parking area and trailhead. The ride starts here.

Additionally, after two years of attending Trek's Dirt Series camps we've learned some very valuable skills, and would like to pass on the knowledge (and keep ourselves refreshed!). In an effort to avoid overwhelming beginners, we've decided to implement a "Weekly Skill Check" for each Monday's ride. This will be one pointer or tip every week on the technical aspects of mountain biking. Each week we'll learn a new skill and really focus on that particular skill during the ride. This week's Weekly Skill Check is the dynamics of BRAKING. Here are a few things to think about when braking:

• Remember to only use ONE finger when braking (the pointer finger). Keep this finger on the brake lever at all times (even when riding uphill).
• The front brake is the majority of your braking power, so the key is to use it properly. Ideally, both brakes should be utilized 50/50, although when learning, it's common to use 60% back brake (right hand) and 40% front brake to avoid the dreaded endo from grabbing too much front brake.
  
• Braking should be done in modulation in a gentle feathering or pulsing motion. Do NOT grab or squeeze your brakes. 
• If you are skidding your bike, you are braking wrong, most likely using too much rear brake. Practice rolling down a STEEP hill very slowly with no skids.
• When approaching a corner or berm, it's ideal to brake before entering the turn, not during. You'll have to plan ahead and judge the speed you'll need to carry you through the corner. Braking correctly for corners is very technical, and even pro riders have to work every day to perfect this. A good strategy is to use more front brake when approaching the corner for a quicker slowing motion, and if you have to brake while in the corner, utilize your back brake at that point.
  
• Your brakes can be adjusted to feel harder or squishier. Also, the amount of reach in your brake levers can also be adjusted for easier, more comfortable braking. If you have small or large hands, chances are you'll want to adjust the lever. Let us know if you have ANY questions on how to make these adjustments. All you'll need is a basic multi-tool (which everyone should carry anyway!).

Great Turn-Out!

Do-over - 5/7 Ride Eagle Bike Park

Let's try this again ladies. It looks like the weather will cooperate with us this Monday. It is currently forecasted to be 72 degrees and sunny!! :)

EAGLE BIKE PARK

For our first ride (weather permitting) we will hit up the Eagle Bike Park "Junkyard Trail". It is definitely one of the easier rides in Boise - short and sweet - and will be a nice way to ease our biking legs into the season. It also has plenty of other fun biking things to do for those who are feeling super energetic that day.

We will be splitting up into two groups, a beginner and an intermediate group. The intermediate riders will do a longer (but still pretty mellow) trail while the beginner group will stick with the short and sweet trail and will make some time during the ride to answer questions, stretch our legs if needed, and work on basic riding skills.

Plan on arriving prior to 6:30 as both groups will start up the trail at that time.

Directions: From State Street, head North on "N Horseshoe Bend Road". This is the road just east of Highway 55 (right by WINCO). Stay on this road for a few miles and you will see the park to your right. You can also type in "Idaho Velodrome and Cycling Park" into mapquest to get directions. The park website is at http://eaglebikepark.org/visiting/maps/ which also has directions.

We will provide brats, hotdogs, buns, and condiments as well as some champagne for after the ride. Feel free to bring some food/snacks/drinks to throw into the mix if you'd like. There is a nice covered picnic area we like to take over.

Let us know if you think you can make it. Hope to see everyone there!

4/30 Ride Cancelled - Due to Wet Trails

Unfortunately, we've decided to cancel tonight's ride. Although we may be in the clear as far as rain goes, we've gotten word that the trails are still pretty wet. We realize all of the Dirt Dolls are super tough and could totally have hacked the rain, but we're doing this out of respect for the trails. The ride will be postponed until next Monday (5/7) and will still occur at the Eagle Bike Park at 6:30. We apologize, and we're looking forward to next week!

Thanks!
Dirt Dolls

First Season Ride - 4/30 Eagle Bike Park

EAGLE BIKE PARK

For our first ride (weather permitting) we will hit up the Eagle Bike Park "Junkyard Trail". It is definitely one of the easier rides in Boise - short and sweet - and will be a nice way to ease our biking legs into the season. It also has plenty of other fun biking things to do for those who are feeling super energetic that day.

We will be splitting up into two groups, a beginner and an intermediate group. The intermediate riders will do a longer (but still pretty mellow) trail while the beginner group will stick with the short and sweet trail and will make some time during the ride to answer questions, stretch our legs if needed, and work on basic riding skills.

Plan on arriving prior to 6:30 as both groups will start up the trail at that time.

Directions: From State Street, head North on "N Horseshoe Bend Road". This is the road just east of Highway 55 (right by WINCO). Stay on this road for a few miles and you will see the park to your right. You can also type in "Idaho Velodrome and Cycling Park" into mapquest to get directions. The park website is at http://eaglebikepark.org/visiting/maps/ which also has directions.

We will provide brats, hotdogs, buns, and condiments as well as some champagne for after the ride. Feel free to bring some food/snacks/drinks to throw into the mix if you'd like. There is a nice covered picnic area we like to take over.

Hope to see everyone there!

Meet and Greet

Great turnout for the meet and greet! Thanks to everyone who made it out!

Meet and Greet 4/23

Welcome Back Dirt Dolls!

Spring has definitely arrived and we are all super excited to dust off our bikes and hit the trails. We thought it would be a great idea prior to our first ride to meet up for a casual get together (sans biking helmets), have a cocktail, and get pumped up for the season.

We will be meeting at the bar area of Cafe Ole in BODO around 6:30 on Monday, April 23rd.

Feel free to come and bring anyone who's interested in learning about who the Dirt Dolls are and what we do! Additionally, please save the date for our first organized ride of 2012, which will be the following Monday on April 30th (weather and trail conditions permitting!). More info on the first ride of the season to follow!

Hope to see you all there!

Christmas Run

We had a great turnout (and costumes) for the Christmas Run this year! Thanks to all of the dirt dolls that made it out. The weather was perfect for a run and bottomless mimosas at Cafe De Paris afterwards were amazing as always!