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 Conditions Minimize

FRONT SIDE: CLOSED

 

DARK SIDE:  CLOSED

 

Conditions on 8/7/08:  STILL FLOODED: 3.3" of rain was too much for Salt Creek.  The water is over the banks.  You hit is as soon as you take the gravel path to the creek.  It's about 50' past the 1st turn.  It is flooded on the Dark Side as well, @ the bottom of the DS Drop In you hit a 20' puddle.  It is not worth tearing up you bike or the trail.  Give it time to dry out a bit..  With the very high winds I"m sure there will be trees down on the trail.   The USGS says it is NOT flooded, but the dogs & I walked it this a.m.  & it is over the banks.  Most of our newly re-built bridges are under water.    This will be the first test of our new construction. 

 

 

 

TRAILER RUN:   OPEN , It is finally dry enough to ride.  You will notice people POACHED the wet trail and rutted the crap out of it.  THIS IS WHY WE CLOSE IT AND USE THE MUD SHORT CUT.  Enjoy the ruts and be sure to thank the knuckle heads who ripped it up.

 Please do not ride when conditions are wet  and muddy as it only damages the trail.  Ride the pavement.

Click here to see salt creek water levels.  The lower portion of the trail are flooded at 5.5'.



UPDATE: 8/7/08 by  No-air Bud

 


      

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 Outback Trail News Minimize

Sorry, the Wednesday ride is cancelled today.  The trail is flooded.  Time for a road ride.

  

Learn, Respect

We all use bicycles as a tool for recreation.  But every once in a while we need to be reminded of the that the bicycle is the transportation vehicle for every man as it requires no fuel except what we put in our mouths.  In some nations, access to a bicycle (even those things they sell at Wal-Mart) can be a life changing experience facilitates economic mobility for those who can afford them.  Check out this article at http://cnn.com about Pedals For Progress.

  Read More...

Learn, Ride

If you enter Imagination Glen from SR-149 parking is available in the Steel Wheels BMX parking lot.  This lot is located on the north side of the Iron Horse Trail just next to the BMX track.  The BMX double gate is being left open so all trail users can park OFF of the Iron Horse Trail.  Please do not park along the Iron Horse Trail  as there are Portage Park maintenance vehicles and Enstrom Storage clients who use this as a road way.  There is a long single gate that leads into the soccer complex.  If that gate is left open DO NOT PARK in the soccer complex.  That single main gate is locked at night and you do not want to be locked in.  Look at one of Webmaster Will's maps and this will all make perfect sense.

 

Enjoy the trails,

No-air Bud

  

Ride

I was looking @ other sites in our area and noticed that Palos has Sept. 7th set for the 2nd Annual bike race on their turf.  For full details go to www.cambr.org.  There is also a link off of our site.  As I scanned the article I noticed they will be capping the rider limits in all 3 categories.  You will have to check the site for further details on occasion. 

On a casual ride the trails do not seem like much.  The way it was put together last year was pretty challenging.  It had some good climbs, some tight twisty stuff too.  I just hope they have gotten rid of the wasp nest we rode through last year.  THAT was no fun.  It's only an hour from Portage, so if you have no plans it's worth the drive.  They did have LOTS  [hundreds] of racers last year and it was their first ever race.

 

Hope to see you there,

 

No-Air Bud

  

Learn, Ride

The Outback Trail will be the venue of Midweek Mt. Bike Madness.  Starting June 11th we'll have weekly rides on the Outback Trail.  Meet in the gravel lot near the Information Kiosk.  It's next to the OPEN /CLOSED trail-head sign.  [the first right turn as you enter Imagination Glen] 

We hope to have enough support to split into several groups for Beginners and Intermediate riders.  If you are new to Mt biking be sure to :

1.  Wear a HELMET !!!   NO ONE RIDES with out a helmet.   Eye protection helps a LOT, gloves are good too.

2.  Bring water/sport drink.  A water bottle will get you by, but CamelBak type hydration packs work the best. 

3.  Bring your bike.  The commercial was funny, but trying to ride with no bike is not. 

 

The response has been great.  Some riders want to leave @ 18:00, others are ready by 18:30.  We have had enough people for 2 groups, no worries.  But it is 6 PM, not 6:30 AM.

 

See you on the trail,

No-air Bud

  

Ride

NIMBA has set dates for 2 Weekly rides this  season.  For full information go to www.nimba-bike.org.

 

WEEKLY RIDES:

Wednesday:        Potato Creek @ 6 pm

Thursday:            Rum Village @ 6 pm

  

The Outback Challenge Spring Time Trial will be Saturday May24th.  If you want to make a weekend out of it in Portage, there is the Trail Run Xtreme 12K Run on Monday, Memorial Day.  There are several campground nearby [Indiana State Park campground  & Dunewood Campground @ the National Lakeshore]  You will also find a couple of hotels off the exit of the Indiana Toll road.  It would be a good way to pre-ride the Outback trail for the DINO race on Saturday June 14th.

The Outback Challenge Fall Time Trial wil be on Saturday September 27th.    

We hope to host the Trips for Kids event again this season.  No date has been set.

 

See ya this spring,

 

No-air Bud

  

Learn, Ride

One of the most important aspects of cycling is your pedalling technique.  An efficient technique can add a significant amount of power to your pedaling.  I found this excellent article discussing the different pedaling techniques.  It's a great thing to practice on a stationary bike in preparation for spring.

 

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 IMBA News Minimize


Copyright 2008 IMBA
With one day left before the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) office in Montana stops accepting public comments, opponents to bike access in Montana are stepping up their efforts to eliminate mountain biking in cherished places.
With one day left before the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) office in Montana stops accepting public comments, opponents to bike access in Montana are stepping up their efforts to eliminate mountain biking in cherished places.
Tell the governor and your state senator and representative you support land protection that allows bicycling to continue.
Tell the governor and your state senator and representative you support land protection that allows bicycling to continue.
Speaking before hundreds of mountain bikers gathered in Park City, Utah, for the IMBA World Summit, National Parks Service (NPS) director Mary Bomar gave a warmly received keynote address.
Speaking before hundreds of mountain bikers gathered in Park City, Utah, for the IMBA World Summit, National Parks Service (NPS) director Mary Bomar gave a warmly received keynote address.
John Burke, president of Trek Bicycles, opened up the 2008 IMBA Summit in Park City, Utah, with an inspiring challenge.
John Burke, president of Trek Bicycles, opened up the 2008 IMBA Summit in Park City, Utah, with an inspiring challenge.
Park City Mayor Dana Williams, laying down tasty guitar chops with the Motherlode Canyon Band, helped welcome 400 delegates from more than a dozen countries to the opening ceremonies of the IMBA World Summit.
Park City Mayor Dana Williams, laying down tasty guitar chops with the Motherlode Canyon Band, helped welcome 400 delegates from more than a dozen countries to the opening ceremonies of the IMBA World Summit.

    

 Blue Collar MTB Minimize


If you are attending Interbike 2008 bring your favorite team kit to suit up for the Industry only race. Las Vegas - August 5, 2008 - Organizers of CrossVegas and the USA CRITS Finals today announced that they will each stage separate bicycle industry only races for the upcoming September 2008 Interbike International Bicycle Expo in [...]
If you are attending Interbike 2008 bring your favorite team kit to suit up for the Industry only race. Las Vegas - August 5, 2008 - Organizers of CrossVegas and the USA CRITS Finals today announced that they will each stage separate bicycle industry only races for the upcoming September 2008 Interbike International Bicycle Expo in [...]
Beer?  Helmets? 16 inch wheels?  Sounds like Pixie Cross!   The truest Blue Collar race is being held at the Downieville Classic July 11-13. Coaster brakes, ramps and hay bales will test you and your small bike skills. If you are in the area please particpate and send me photos!
Beer?  Helmets? 16 inch wheels?  Sounds like Pixie Cross!   The truest Blue Collar race is being held at the Downieville Classic July 11-13. Coaster brakes, ramps and hay bales will test you and your small bike skills. If you are in the area please particpate and send me photos!
I’ve been traveling a lot for work lately (hence the lack of posts) but it doesn’t mean I haven’t been riding.  I have found some great (and not so great) rental shops in almost all of my destinations.  In most places, I was able to rent decent quality bikes, but the ride is [...]
I’ve been traveling a lot for work lately (hence the lack of posts) but it doesn’t mean I haven’t been riding.  I have found some great (and not so great) rental shops in almost all of my destinations.  In most places, I was able to rent decent quality bikes, but the ride is [...]
A few months back, we posted a site called Steep and Cheap, which has rotating deals on all sorts of backcountry products, with the occasional bike stuff going for 50-80% off. Well, there is now a similar site with exclusively biking products, called Chainlove.com. Here’s how it works (their verbiage, not mine): * [...]
A few months back, we posted a site called Steep and Cheap, which has rotating deals on all sorts of backcountry products, with the occasional bike stuff going for 50-80% off. Well, there is now a similar site with exclusively biking products, called Chainlove.com. Here’s how it works (their verbiage, not mine): * [...]
Have you ever found yourself on the trail without your trusty tire lever?  Perhaps you left on your bench at home, or it fell out of your seat bag that you forgot to zip up (again!).  Or maybe you don’t use tire levers but you just can’t get your riding buddies tire off without a [...]
Have you ever found yourself on the trail without your trusty tire lever?  Perhaps you left on your bench at home, or it fell out of your seat bag that you forgot to zip up (again!).  Or maybe you don’t use tire levers but you just can’t get your riding buddies tire off without a [...]
A buddy at work has been complaining aboout chain suck on his race bike and asked for some suggestions.  I gave him a response typical of many shop mechaincs, “just file off the burrs on the teeth of chainrings and you should be good.”  He tried it, and came back telling me he still had [...]
A buddy at work has been complaining aboout chain suck on his race bike and asked for some suggestions.  I gave him a response typical of many shop mechaincs, “just file off the burrs on the teeth of chainrings and you should be good.”  He tried it, and came back telling me he still had [...]
Sheldon Brown had some truly unique bikes. However, I think his fixed/free mountain bike is truly Blue Collar. If you have an old mountain bike lying around, it could be a fun project to spice up that local trail you’ve ridden hundreds of times. My Hercules has a 165 mm Shimano 105 crankset, with [...]
Sheldon Brown had some truly unique bikes. However, I think his fixed/free mountain bike is truly Blue Collar. If you have an old mountain bike lying around, it could be a fun project to spice up that local trail you’ve ridden hundreds of times. My Hercules has a 165 mm Shimano 105 crankset, with [...]
Please read and not think this is spam. Masi Guy. A beloved bicycle industry writer, blogger and guro - Tim Jackson. Hit the boards on the track earlier this week. He sustained a concussion, a broken rib and nearly severed his right thumb clean off. At the moment he has a blood clot [...]
Please read and not think this is spam. Masi Guy. A beloved bicycle industry writer, blogger and guro - Tim Jackson. Hit the boards on the track earlier this week. He sustained a concussion, a broken rib and nearly severed his right thumb clean off. At the moment he has a blood clot [...]
I guess this is sort of a follow up to the interview about the state of the bike industry but also a sociopolitical question. With the US government’s economic stimulus package coming in the mail this week, what do you plan to spend it on? Is any of it going to bikes? If you could [...]
I guess this is sort of a follow up to the interview about the state of the bike industry but also a sociopolitical question. With the US government’s economic stimulus package coming in the mail this week, what do you plan to spend it on? Is any of it going to bikes? If you could [...]
In the spirit of Earth Day today, a recycling post seems warranted. What to do with your old innertubes? The guys over at BikeHacks have a post titled “1,000 Uses for the Inner Tube”, which links to an Instructables page with 20 uses. Personally I use a tube as a chainstay protector on my [...]
In the spirit of Earth Day today, a recycling post seems warranted. What to do with your old innertubes? The guys over at BikeHacks have a post titled “1,000 Uses for the Inner Tube”, which links to an Instructables page with 20 uses. Personally I use a tube as a chainstay protector on my [...]

    

 TwentyNineInches.com Minimize


I wanted to update you all on the status of the testing with regards to the different forks on my OS Bikes Blackbuck. Here is what you can expect coming up soon. I am waiting on the delivery of another short axle to crown fork with a different offset to put on the Blackbuck next. Then [...]
I wanted to update you all on the status of the testing with regards to the different forks on my OS Bikes Blackbuck. Here is what you can expect coming up soon. I am waiting on the delivery of another short axle to crown fork with a different offset to put on the Blackbuck next. Then [...]
Editors Note: “Blog Tag” is a harmless form of a chain letter that bloggers engage in consisting of several questions that are meant to be humorous and yet insightful. Normally we wouldn’t engage in such tom foolery, but since this “tag” is heavily bicycle oriented, I figured that it might prove to be some fun, [...]
Editors Note: “Blog Tag” is a harmless form of a chain letter that bloggers engage in consisting of several questions that are meant to be humorous and yet insightful. Normally we wouldn’t engage in such tom foolery, but since this “tag” is heavily bicycle oriented, I figured that it might prove to be some fun, [...]
I have a super stealth camera shot of a catalog page from a Raleigh dealers early release catalog for Raleigh 2009 bikes. It shows us a new, sub-grand priced Raleigh 29″er that until today I was unaware of. Thanks to the “spy” who took this shot, we can not only show you what it looks [...]
I have a super stealth camera shot of a catalog page from a Raleigh dealers early release catalog for Raleigh 2009 bikes. It shows us a new, sub-grand priced Raleigh 29″er that until today I was unaware of. Thanks to the “spy” who took this shot, we can not only show you what it looks [...]
Continuing on from the radical Blackbuck fork, I went to the “other end” of the spectrum and installed a Bontrager Race X Lite Switchblade Fork The Switchblade is a carbon/aluminum composite fork that sports “traditional” dimensions. With this fork installed on the Blackbuck we get the following numbers to chew on: Head Angle: 72.3 degrees Axle to [...]
Continuing on from the radical Blackbuck fork, I went to the “other end” of the spectrum and installed a Bontrager Race X Lite Switchblade Fork The Switchblade is a carbon/aluminum composite fork that sports “traditional” dimensions. With this fork installed on the Blackbuck we get the following numbers to chew on: Head Angle: 72.3 degrees Axle to [...]
Now moving on to the first fork I used on the Blackbuck other than the baseline On One Carbon fork, which is the Blackbuck fork that is offered along with the frame from OS Bikes. The Blackbuck fork is a radical departure from conventional thinking. Paired up with the Blackbuck frame you get these numbers: Head [...]
Now moving on to the first fork I used on the Blackbuck other than the baseline On One Carbon fork, which is the Blackbuck fork that is offered along with the frame from OS Bikes. The Blackbuck fork is a radical departure from conventional thinking. Paired up with the Blackbuck frame you get these numbers: Head [...]
In this post I will detail the “baseline” for the handling characteristics that all other comparisons will be measured against. Keep in mind that this is my opinion. Your “baseline” for handling may differ from mine, but we all need a reference point here, so this is it. The OS Bikes Blackuck has been set up [...]
In this post I will detail the “baseline” for the handling characteristics that all other comparisons will be measured against. Keep in mind that this is my opinion. Your “baseline” for handling may differ from mine, but we all need a reference point here, so this is it. The OS Bikes Blackuck has been set up [...]
Introduction: As the geometry evolves for 29″ers, riders have been getting increasingly more aware of front end geometry, especially as it pertains to forks. Offset and axle to crown measuremens are topics du jour, while head angle charts are consulted like the newspapers latest astrological section. What does it really all mean? Does this stuff [...]
Introduction: As the geometry evolves for 29″ers, riders have been getting increasingly more aware of front end geometry, especially as it pertains to forks. Offset and axle to crown measuremens are topics du jour, while head angle charts are consulted like the newspapers latest astrological section. What does it really all mean? Does this stuff [...]
A little over a year ago, I wrote a post here about the coming of UST standard approved tires and rims. I recently got a question regarding this subject: Is there any word on when we will get more choice in tire(s)? This article is over a year old and still only one tire is [...]
A little over a year ago, I wrote a post here about the coming of UST standard approved tires and rims. I recently got a question regarding this subject: Is there any word on when we will get more choice in tire(s)? This article is over a year old and still only one tire is [...]
With our time spent on the Schwalbe Racing Ralph’s, we feel safe in posting this “Final Review” on the tires. We have put them through snow, ice, mud, dry dirt, and gravel throughout our testing period. This will be a combined review from Captain Bob and myself. We experienced a long, icy, and snowy winter. [...]
With our time spent on the Schwalbe Racing Ralph’s, we feel safe in posting this “Final Review” on the tires. We have put them through snow, ice, mud, dry dirt, and gravel throughout our testing period. This will be a combined review from Captain Bob and myself. We experienced a long, icy, and snowy winter. [...]
In a recently posted story on Bicycle Retailer and Industry News website, it has been revealed that Marin Bikes will offer two new 29″er models for the 2009 model year. Added to Marin’s two existing 29″er models, (the two urban models that accept 29″er tires not with standing) will be the Nail Trail and Pallisades models. [...]
In a recently posted story on Bicycle Retailer and Industry News website, it has been revealed that Marin Bikes will offer two new 29″er models for the 2009 model year. Added to Marin’s two existing 29″er models, (the two urban models that accept 29″er tires not with standing) will be the Nail Trail and Pallisades models. [...]

    

 The Biking Hub - MTB Weblog Minimize


I’m still on my ‘05 Giant Trance after two full seasons of riding. To be honest I’d expected some sort of frame failure by this stage, but the Trance is still alive and kicking. For 2008, Giant released the Trance X series, which utilizes the same chassis as it’s little sibling but adds an inch of [...]
I’m still on my ‘05 Giant Trance after two full seasons of riding. To be honest I’d expected some sort of frame failure by this stage, but the Trance is still alive and kicking. For 2008, Giant released the Trance X series, which utilizes the same chassis as it’s little sibling but adds an inch of [...]
I know, I know, I was going to build up the hardtail. I will still do that, but I’ve been sidetracked by a new ride. A couple of weeks back, I picked up the Haro Sonix S and I’ve been grinding out some miles as I get the bike dialled in and get used to [...]
I know, I know, I was going to build up the hardtail. I will still do that, but I’ve been sidetracked by a new ride. A couple of weeks back, I picked up the Haro Sonix S and I’ve been grinding out some miles as I get the bike dialled in and get used to [...]
A while back, I branched off on one of those 30-something diversions that gave me a new job, a new home, and a whole lot of changes in the way my family did the day-to-day stuff we’ve been accustomed to for the past decade. It’s not really a mid-life crisis (I think those things come [...]
A while back, I branched off on one of those 30-something diversions that gave me a new job, a new home, and a whole lot of changes in the way my family did the day-to-day stuff we’ve been accustomed to for the past decade. It’s not really a mid-life crisis (I think those things come [...]
This is going to sound like a rant and, for all I know, it could be a very localized one because even though I am immersed in the local ’scene’ sometimes it’s hard for people to get a glimpse of the big picture when they’re so involved. I live, work, and ride in southwestern BC, about [...]
This is going to sound like a rant and, for all I know, it could be a very localized one because even though I am immersed in the local ’scene’ sometimes it’s hard for people to get a glimpse of the big picture when they’re so involved. I live, work, and ride in southwestern BC, about [...]
My cross country bike is a 2003 Giant Rainier. Some of the spec is still stock and some of the stuff is not. It’s been serviceable, but I’m interested in changing it up a bit to reflect the style of riding I’m into while make it a little, less like a stock $1000 bike that’s [...]
My cross country bike is a 2003 Giant Rainier. Some of the spec is still stock and some of the stuff is not. It’s been serviceable, but I’m interested in changing it up a bit to reflect the style of riding I’m into while make it a little, less like a stock $1000 bike that’s [...]
The Biking Hub has been silent for the past few months. There are tonnes of excuses that I could pull out of my pocket but it really comes down to the fact that, even though I was getting lots of stuff from the other contributors, I was getting worn down pushing out stuff on a [...]
The Biking Hub has been silent for the past few months. There are tonnes of excuses that I could pull out of my pocket but it really comes down to the fact that, even though I was getting lots of stuff from the other contributors, I was getting worn down pushing out stuff on a [...]
Well after a two-month break we’re finally back to work here. With family to visit, parties to attend and presents to buy, sometimes cycling gets put on the backburner around the Christmas holidays. Now that the New Year is here, it’s nice to be able to get back to the regular routine of riding, planning [...]
Well after a two-month break we’re finally back to work here. With family to visit, parties to attend and presents to buy, sometimes cycling gets put on the backburner around the Christmas holidays. Now that the New Year is here, it’s nice to be able to get back to the regular routine of riding, planning [...]
Ray Ups The Ante, Again
Ray Ups The Ante, Again
There comes a time for in every biker’s life when he or she needs tools. Most people invest big money in their bikes but don’t do the maintenance they need to have their bike operate at its best. I built up my previous tool kit over the past five years with bits and pieces that [...]
There comes a time for in every biker’s life when he or she needs tools. Most people invest big money in their bikes but don’t do the maintenance they need to have their bike operate at its best. I built up my previous tool kit over the past five years with bits and pieces that [...]
Ibis Cycles, makers of the exquisite Mojo Carbon mountain bike, has relaunched its website. There are a couple of wonky bits and empty pages in there but it’s a fun site and I find it easy to forgive any bike company whose flagship mountain bike has detailing like the Mojo. Visit Ibis Cycles for more pics [...]
Ibis Cycles, makers of the exquisite Mojo Carbon mountain bike, has relaunched its website. There are a couple of wonky bits and empty pages in there but it’s a fun site and I find it easy to forgive any bike company whose flagship mountain bike has detailing like the Mojo. Visit Ibis Cycles for more pics [...]

    

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Event StartTitle
8/13/2008 6:30 PM Mid-Week MTB Madness
8/16/2008 9:00 AM France Park - DINO #6
8/20/2008 6:30 PM Mid-Week MTB Madness
8/21/2008 6:30 PM Monthly Meeting
8/27/2008 6:30 PM Mid-Week MTB Madness
9/3/2008 6:30 PM Mid-Week MTB Madness
9/10/2008 6:30 PM Mid-Week MTB Madness
9/14/2008 9:00 AM Town Run - DINO #7
9/17/2008 6:30 PM Mid-Week MTB Madness
9/18/2008 6:30 PM Monthly Meeting
9/24/2008 6:30 PM Mid-Week MTB Madness
9/27/2008 10:00 AM Fall Time Trial - 2008
(UTC -06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)

    

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