TRIPS & TIPS: Spanish Andalucia and leadout training

There are a couple of great posts on the Biking Hub this week that I couldn’t pass up mentioning. First, there’s a great synopsis on mountain bike tripping to Spanish Andalucia with links to outfitters, etc. (Photo courtesy of the Biking Hub). Then, to get ready for the climbs (also a benefit when hitting One Way Hills here in Okinawa), check out the Hub’s piece on leadout training for mountain bikers. After a summer of this, you should be ready to climb anything – just remember to hydrate!

TALES: Encroachment woes

Well, Tom and his underage but motivated crew fixed up the Chute on the west side Saturday, and a few of us got a short ride ride in on the east side as it cleared up Sunday.

As the rain continues, the motocrossers continue to erode the singletrack on the west side (Spider Loop, et. Al). Luckily, our group's agreed to stay away from erecting pungy pits and stringing neck-high wire across the track, but it's indeed frustrating. One of the members is arranging "MX Talks," and it looks like there are some good alternatives to suggest, so we're hoping for the best.

On the east side, our tour de Hole Sunday was abruptly halted by a golf course being erected in the middle of the trail: Woe to you who are forced to build trails on private land! It's tough to be upset when it's not your land, but it's definitely a punch in the face for the crew that put so much sweat into building the trails. The good news is that most of the east side is still "open" and there are always more trails to find, build and ride.

By the way, if anyone finds Nike lenses along the Chibana segment, Garry's sunglass frame is lonely without them.

TALES: Good week for maintenance; some say riding too

As you can see, it'll be a terrific week to get some work done on our bikes and trails as the weather continues to muddy our beloved trails.

There's been some disagreement recently amongst our riders as to whether or not we should ride muddy trails. On the surface, of course, singletrackers tend to avoid riding in the slop because of the environmental impact (ruts the trails, tends to push you off the trails and into the woods) -- definitely NOT because they wouldn't enjoy getting sloppy!

The rub in Okinawa, though, is that (1) motorcycles are riding and "rutting" our trails when they're wet anyway (without any maintaining), and (2) it rains here so much that avoiding the "wet season" could force you onto the road for months at a time.

Suggestions?

Either way, this week looks good for getting dirty sans wheels!