Fat Tire Tales, Trips & Tips

2009-08-21T01:13:00.027-05:00

TRIPS: Nothing like it in the world
Moab, UT

Thanks to my wife, who surprised me with all of the coordination for this surprise birthday trip! Like Durango, what do you say about Moab that has not already been said? Although much of the high-desert terrain is reminiscent of Glade Run rides in Farmington, N.M., (see the Road Apple Rally), the scenery is unmatched by any ride in the world. Of course, the Slickrock Trail was everything I had anticipated all of these years; clearly the most unique terrain en masse I’ve been on.
However, what made this trip phenomenal was a relatively new bike tour company called Sol Fun. Aside from New Zealand, this was the only time I’d ever used a tour guide to get to know the trails quickly, and it was worth every penny. It wasn’t just about the riding (although my guide Heidi Rentz was a phenomenal athlete and a terrific person overall), but recommendations for the scenic-route drive route from Grand Junction’s airport, accommodations, massage therapists and eateries were all right on target. The bike provided was also perfect for these rides, and convinced me that a Kona Dawg can compensate for poor riding even better than my Prophet already does.

I did a two day tour, which Heidi nicely laid out to both warm me up and see if I’d actually survive Slickrock. Day one was a morning ride at Dead Horse Point State Park (above photo by Heidi), which at one time – long ago – appears to have been a peninsula into the ocean. More recently – still long ago – tourist guides say it was used as a natural corral for wild horses since the sheer cliffs on three sides to the Colorado River below would challenge the resolve of any stallion, I suppose. The afternoon was the Bartlett Wash (right) just north of Moab, and was a great Slickrock primer with tremendous views.

Day two, of course, was the Slickrock Trail, which was completely incredible. Because so much has already been said about this trail, I’ll allow the curious to explore. However, I’ll mention that Heidi was kind enough to talk Acme Bike Shuttle owner and "best downhiller in Moab" Kyle Mears into showing us how to REALLY ride the first 2.5 miles of the trail. A very encouraging young lady, she did a pretty convincing job of allowing us to believe she was actually tired too as we took on the remaining eight miles (apparently there is some debate regarding the distance).

One of the best features of these tours, especially when showing up sans pals, is meeting other riders in the group. We actually only had one other rider each day, but both were terrific. On Day one we had Colin, a 16(and ½)-year-old downhiller from New Hampshire who was ecstatic just to have people to talk to about mountain biking. Day two brought 21-year-old Joe from London, who really just hammered the trail although he hadn’t ridden for two years (not a lot of trails in London). Joe and his dad Roger had also been riding the day before with Sol Fun co-owner Allen Poertner as part of a whirlwind tour of the U.S. for Joe’s 21st birthday.

After the ride, we all had a tremendous dinner at the Desert Bistro (Heidi, Kyle, Allen and Pat Poertner – very genuine people and avid cyclists/guides, Roger, Joe and me) and they even remembered my birthday.

Here are the facts (and recommendations from Sol Fun):

> Lodging:

The Adventure Inn; family owned, light continental breakfast, wireless, across the street from the renowned Poison Spider Bicycles and practically next door to the massage therapist. Oh, there’s a Redbox $1 video rental across the street and you can easily walk back to motel from downtown if your overload with liquid-based carbs.

> Food & Beverage: The Moab Brewery (great beer an great, moderately priced food); Pasta Jays (great, covered outdoor dining, moderately priced – try the dinner salad with gorgonzola and the Alfredo Williams); Desert Bistro (beautiful outdoor, evening dining, higher-end price range, terrific menu items include elk, antelope, seafood, duck and rabbit).

> Thrift Store: For the best price in town for the gear you forgot, visit the Wabisabi Thriftique at 411 Locust Lane.

> Massage: Check out Felix Tatarovich Massage on the north end of town, just a few doors down from the Adventure Inn.

Almost forgot: Either get to Moab early or get out after a ride to see Arches National Monument just two miles north of Moab – you won’t be disappointed! The first photo below is the "Delicate Arch," which is beautiful to hike to for sunset, and the second is known as "Park Avenue" (no, I didn’t steal their photo; I actually only looked at their website as I wrote this) .

2008-06-17T20:00:00.007-05:00

TIPS: Watch for cars on the way to the trail

This entry is in no way meant to be funny. That said, the irony is remarkable as you look at this Associated Press photo by Jose Fidelino Vera Hernandez of a car colliding "into cyclists participating in a race in Mexico's northern border city of Matamoros" June 1. The crash killed one rider and injured 14 others at the scene (although I only count 8 in the air), while many roadies still tell me that they don't mountain bike because they're concerned about injuries. I've never seen a tree do this to anyone!

The12-mile ride to work has further convinced me that road riding might just take more courage than most other indulgences I can think of -- and you have to do a lot more of it to stay in shape. My prayers go out to these riders, their families and any of you brave enough to put a few ounces of titanium, aluminum, carbon or steel and a dinky plastic helmet up against a quarter ton of fast-moving fury. (Look at the photo closely; it doesn't look like the headless helmets or footless shoes -- not to mention the airborne bikes -- did these guys much good at all).

2008-05-22T09:36:00.005-05:00

TRIPS: Hell was colder than expected
Pinckney Village/Hell, Mich.

The Potawatomi Trail (aka “Poto”) is an incredibly fun 24-mile roller coaster ride that you can bomb in a couple of hours, or thoroughly enjoy taking your time with. It sits just outside Pinckney Village and butts right up to Hell, Mich., home of Survivor contestant Erik Reichenbach, the ice cream scooper from Hell. The trail should not be confused with the more infamous Potawatomi Trail of Death from Indiana to Kansas.

It was two days before a business trip to Lansing, Mich., that the June/July issue of National Geographic Adventure landed in the mailbox. About halfway through it was a little blurb about a “bombing through glacial hills” in the Pinckney Recreation Area about an hour east of Lansing (or an hour west of Detroit) outside the small village of Pinckney, Mich. The story included a quote from local bike shop owner John Calvert saying the trail had everything from trees, to swamp, to sand (and some other stuff I can’t remember now that I gave him my copy), and that bike rentals were a mere $15 a day.

I also got this description from the Michigan Mountain Bikers Association: “… you'll find three trails: the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail [aka “Poto”], the 5.1-mile Crooked Lake Trail and the 1.9-mile Silver Lake Trail. The routes are shared with hikers.”

After a few phone calls and visit to Village Cyclery website, we (me, John and his shop dog Woody) met at the shop and he set me up with one of the standard rentals: a 25+-pound steel Pro Flex that was older than my teenage daughter. He even threw on some new Richey SPDs and a trail pump (which I forgot) at no extra charge before sending me on the 10-minute drive to the trail head.

MMBA calls the trails “intermediate & advanced,” but it ranks closer to “intermediate” in my book, although the roots and unexpected sand pits during descents demand some savvy. There’s a detailed and accurate description of the trails here, And you can get an up-to-date map, camping information and more from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The park closes at 10 p.m., so you can even get a night ride in.

Although I get the impression that the trails (all shared with hikers) get crowded during the summer, only 4 hikers and 5 bikers crossed my path all day, which meant building a head of steam was never an issue. Both the scenery (all types as John described) and the wildlife (deer, cranes, chipmunks, foxes) were terrific, but the numerous lakes and no fewer than a dozen, twisting wooden bridges over marshes and waterways were the surprise of the day.

A short visit to Hell after the ride is a must before leaving the area. The good news is that you won’t starve there, thanks to fresh pizza (cheese bread’s the local favorite) from Hell’s Kitchen and dessert at Screams Ice Cream, which also boasts the only 365-day Halloween shops I’ve ever seen under its roof. There’s also a pub – as one might expect – in Hell; but these three places plus a church with a question mark on top instead of a cross are about all you’ll find there.

Best of all there’s no hurry to get back even if you’ve rented your bike. Although John closes at 7 or 8 p.m. depending on the day, he’s got a convenient rack and lock out back for after-ours returns!

I almost forgot: It was 56 degrees in Hell today, and “yes,” Hell does freeze over here every year.

Check out more photos below, and enjoy the ride through Hell!

2007-05-30T20:39:00.001-05:00

TRIPS: Last Okinawa Entry (for real this time)

Thanks to Adrian, my previous "last ride" entry was bogus. He invited me out a few weeks ago for some rigid riding -- truly awesome despite my butt needing to toughen up a bit. It had been nearly a year and a half since I`d been on anything but full suspension and nearly three since a full rigid. He broke me in on Day 1 by letting me use his geared version until the downhills. Dumping about 10 pounds in bike weight did wonders for the climbs, and the downhills were fast and buttery (I only realized how much shock absorption my body took in my right knee a few days later).

On Day 2, I took the rigid singlespeed for the time of my life. The best news was that I blew the rear tire at nearly the same time as the bearings in Adrian`s other bike completely gave out -- these light rigids were a dream to walk out with (a little over a mile) compared to my Prophet that completely lacks "reach through" or shouldering spots because of the shock. It was actually not a bad peaceful ending, since the rigid singlespeed had given me a thrill I had forgotten.

Thanks Adrian.

2007-04-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

TALES: Spiders & Bikes in Art

I just noticed this piece by Kevin Nierman while glancing through Dirt Rag's galleries the other day. It's an unusual find, but I thought it was fitting for this blog.

If any of you know of bike pieces that reflect our unique relationship with arachnids here on Okinawa, then don’t hesitate to post a link in the comments section.

2007-04-19T17:33:00.000-05:00

TALES: A Sister Club Complete with Giant Spiders? Unbelievable!

A Florida rider who had recently moved to Okinawa saw my road bike in the van yesterday, and we started talking. He said he’d been out to “Spider Kingdom” a time or too on his mountain bike, but that it was pretty technical for him. Obviously, he was spot on with the technical nature of Okinawa riding, and I thought it would be inappropriate at the time to correct him that it’s actually “Spider Loop,” so I just listened ...

I soon discovered why he got the name wrong, but I could not believe my ears. He started telling me tales of giant spiders sticking to his face and making him scream like a girl (which eventually happens to all of us), but then he continued on about Florida and Spider Kingdom. It was at this point that I realized what he was saying: The Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) where he'd previously ridden had trails rife with Golden Orb spiders, which are remarkably similar to the Banana Spiders across the trails ridden here by our Okinawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) “Spider Riders.”

As we continued our verbal walk through the twilight zone, he described the Ocala club’s logo (shown here), which is similar to an old Okinawa club logo that co-founder Tom showed me a while back. To top it all off, the Ocala club’s trail system is dubbed “Spider Kingdom,” which of course is close enough for government work to our “Spider Loop” trail system in Okinawa. A final coincidence from my brief research is that both clubs started up at about the same time: 10 years ago.

I’d heard of sister cities before, but never sister clubs. I sent the Ocala president a note introducing our club thinking, although it’s a bit of a stretch, that there may be some merit in fostering an international relationship between the two clubs. I'd encourage any of the Okinawa riders who consider themselves ambassadors to make contact as well.

In the meantime, I’ve already torn up the singletrack in Tampa’s Alafia State Park, so I guess Bellview, Florida, is next “must see” if I’m ever in 'gator country again. Can’t wait to see what “Spider Kingdom” has to offer!

2007-04-14T06:56:00.000-05:00

TALES: The Final Stretch of Dirt in Paradise

It was a sad day for me today, as I took my last MTB ride in Okinawa for a very long time (thanks to Alex, Jeremiah, Matt and Joe for making it a good one!). Not bad at all at 20+ miles, but still far short of what’s needed for the Shenandoah Mountain 100 with Tom in September! I’m not too proud to say that the prospect is incredibly intimidating while tremendously exciting at the same time. I’m anxious to see how we hold up (actually, it's me and not Tom that I’m concerned about).

Despite my SOCAL and Durango heritage, those who know me know that Okinawa is where I fell in love with mountain biking in 1998, so it’s been nostalgic this go-around. It’s also a bit tougher to say goodbye this time, knowing that I’ll likely never return. I must say that I’ll even miss the banana spiders!

I spent the afternoon boxing up my baby for advance shipment this week. It's been a great 3+ years here, and the guys of OMBA are a fantastic group to ride with (I hope this blog has done them and the association justice). Riding here has been technically challenging and rewarding, and what I've learned here has already paid off on short trips elsewhere.

I'll be moving to KC, where I'll do my best to replace the fun riding with OMBA by riding with the crew at Earthriders Mountain Bike Club (100+ miles of singletrack within 30 minutes of home – never thought it of Kansas).

Looks like skinny tires only in the meantime, and there’s plenty of Okinawan coastline along the highway to explore in my spandex before I leave! I look forward to continuing this blog once our tornado touches down in the land of Dorothy and Toto.

2007-04-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

TALES: Riding vs. Writing

As is always the case when preparing to move, some things just fall by the wayside (like blogging). Fact is, everything has its priority, and for the past two months riding, not writing, has been the priority as I may never be able to bike Okinawa again come June!

not yet have I come across more challenging
natural terrain or a greater group of riders to hang with

Let’s face it, Okinawa’s just not a major international hub, and tickets aren’t cheap. However, I’m soaking up every last opportunity as this has been one of the most technically challenging and rewarding areas I’ve ever ridden in. Since I began single tracking here three years ago, I’ve also biked other spots, but not yet have I come across more challenging natural terrain or a greater group of riders to hang with.

Getting in Shape

I was embarrassed to admit it at first, but I swapped my hardtail C’dale F800 for a Felt road bike a few weeks ago to get in better shape for offroading. You know, the pros actually know what they’re talking about. After only a couple of long road rides, I’ve already noticed an increase in endurance. It also doesn’t hurt to shed a few pounds (less weight to haul up the hill). The best part is that there really is no better way to see Okinawa than on a bike, and the highways that skirt the coast make for a very enjoyable afternoon on two wheels. Tim took me out on the inagural 20- to 30-something-mile ride (verbally ensuring my safety the entire time) and it was absolutely terrific! 35 miles on my own today up the coast line, also amazing.

See you on the trails!

2007-02-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

TIPS: Jump Skills Part II- Pro Drop In Techniques

My last entry covering jumps talked a lot about starting with drop-ins. However, learning how to properly handle drop-ins for real while riding is a technique that will not only increase speed and confidence for XC riders, but it will also minimize wear and tear on your bike. (Like the high-impact landings that loosened my rear hub.)

I stumbled upon a terrific (and free) online instructional video illustrating professional drop-in techniques last night that you’ve got to check out at Decline Magazine. It’s the first in a planned series put out jointly by Fluidride and Twenty-20 cameras.

2007-02-11T23:28:00.000-06:00

TIPS: Jump skills useful even for XC riders

I think there probably comes a time in every cross country guy’s life –- particularly those of us who were one-time BMXers –- that we decide we’d like to re-experience the adrenaline of getting air time in the saddle 9even if it's not "big air," and last week was that time for me as I discovered a wonderful little place just down the street from home. However, after nearly three years of straight XC riding with little more than bunny hopping, it wasn’t immediately obvious how things had changed. Let me rephrase that: it WAS immediately obvious, but only the second I landed.

Eric practices hucking drop-ins

Obstacles
A cross-country rider typically does his best to minimize air time, to flow with the ground and to lightly skim over hurdles to maintain speed. Using the body and the bike to smoothly absorb shock and glide past those things Mother Nature intended to slow us down is the key to success. However, these first few jumps revealed that this is not a hard and fast rule; that properly launching yourself and can effectively land you smoothly BEYOND those obstacles that may otherwise slow you down if you can think fast enough to spot your landing zone prior to lift off. As you can see on the video, the habit of “flowing” over/down obstacles was hard to break (first drop).

Suspension
A higher-impact oversight was not pumping a bit more air into the rear suspension for the harder hits. This resulted in the rear shock bottoming out and some slight damage to my rear hub after a dozen jumps that was fixable ($20 at a local shop), but it rendered the bike functionally unsafe (unless you like walking long stints of single track back to the car with your bike on your shoulder or having your rear wheel rip the back end apart down a killer downhill section). Again in the video (second drop), you can see that the landing was level, but the rear shock got crushed without enough air in it.

I’m not a pro, but just some dude enjoying the adrenaline and learning the hard way. Please feel free to use the comments section to augment –- or refute –- what I wrote.

Bottom line
1. My use of the term “jump” is really inaccurate. More accurately, these were “drop ins,” and they’re a good way to ease in to jumping your bike while remaining very practical for XC use. It’s essentially riding off the edge of a steep incline.
2. Some obstacles are better absorbed and others are better avoided altogether. With practice, you’ll learn how to identify which is which and how to handle both.
3. First off, know your bike and what type of max impact it’s built to take. When practicing drop ins or jumps (meaning you’re gonna take a lot of big hits in a short time span) protect your bike by giving your shocks a bit more air. Drop-ins are a great way to warm up to actual jumps because you perfect the landings first!

Tips
On launch: Get your weight back and pull up onthe front of the bike.
On landing: Ensure your wheels hit level or rear first and get your weight slightly back (to compensate for your body being forced forward on impact).

I’m not a pro, but just some dude enjoying the adrenaline and learning the hard way. Please feel free to use the comments section to augment – or refute – what I wrote.

2007-02-10T07:55:00.000-06:00

TALES: Rain can’t dampen a good ride

When the thick, oily mud jammed between some of our wheels, frames and brakes this morning finally forced some to a complete halt, I couldn’t help but feel ecstatic that this was my fourth ride of the week (including my first-ever night ride with my new Jet Blast HID). Friday night was the first real rain in three weeks and many of us had been flocking to the trails – day and night – like fisherman to rivers of running salmon. It was the longest dry stretch I can remember in the past 2 ½ years.

That said, the mud, luckily, was near the end of what was an otherwise terrific day to be riding. Blurred Vision, One-Way Hills, La Luge and Paintball were just slick enough to keep us on our toes without repeatedly ripping the front tire out from under you, and the Mother of all Downhills was miraculously dry.

Our group got split up over where the linkup point for La Luge was, but all-in-all it was a great day, and we continue to get more new riders on the trails.

Had some camera issues, but at least you can check out some of the photos and a couple of videos down One-Way Hills (plus a great video of Jason admiring some shrubbery from close up).

Adrian Shreds One-Way Hills

Jason Tackles One-Way Hills

One-Way Hills Tackles Jason

2007-01-27T19:34:00.000-06:00

TALES: Paradise lost?

After pitching my self and my bike over two barbed-wire fences yesterday halfway through the “regular” route, it occurred to me that single tracking in Okinawa has become more and more like the labyrinth in the Harry Potter movie that continually changes.

After three of the original eastern trails that were essential links to the western trails (The Hole, Cinderella and Mudrock) were systematically deforested and plowed for a new golf course over the past year, the only solution to link (no pun intended) both trail systems was through a pre-existing series of gaps in chain link fences. With brand new fences installed and old fences recently mended, the black and red paint I left behind on already rusty barbs can attest to the fact that times are changing rapidly here.

"... it occurred to me that
single tracking in Okinawa has become more and more like the labyrinth in the
Harry Potter movie that continually changes."

Mainland firms have reportedly increased investment in Okinawa exponentially as it continues growing more popular as a retirement option for those on the crowded mainland. With that come plans for multiple new golf courses (both on top of current MTB and hiking routes in Yomitan) and plans to replace an existing course in Awase with the biggest mall in Okinawa!

As plans solidify for moving many U.S. troops off of Okinawa permanently, it’s reassuring to know that other financial opportunities for Okinawans are knocking at the door of Japan’s poorest prefecture (unemployment sits at 7.7 percent – double the national rate). Unfortunately, I can’t help but see a future for them that looks more like Hilton Head than a culturally rich subtropical paradise. Only those making big bucks could equate golf courses with preserving the environment and culture of Okinawa.

The good short-term news is that there's still plenty of great riding here, and it's tough to get bored in the wake of change. The challenge is foretelling which will be around the longest so we know where to focus maintenance efforts.

2007-01-26T20:00:00.000-06:00

TALES: The “on” day

Today’s 20-mile-plus ride was like riding the perfect wave into shore at Ocean Beach in San Diego.

It’s been a while since I’ve ridden alone, and despite not riding for a couple of weeks and pushing harder than I can remember, my burning thighs somehow felt distant. The oatmeal I had for breakfast provided more fuel than it should have and the constant thump of the MP3 player attached to my brain kept my legs moving mindlessly. I can only remember telling myself to “peddle in circles” to get the most of every revolution.

"There is no pain, no doubt, no fear, no hesitation
and there are no mistakes."

My daughter and I were talking a couple of weeks ago about the feeling of being “on.” She had just returned from having an “off” day at soccer practice, but we reminisced about the buttery feeling of “on” days, when everything flows perfectly without even thinking about it. You’re mind’s not cluttered, and you feel completely detached from your body. Your body’s relaxed and knows instinctively what you’ve taught it to do so many times before. There is no pain, no doubt, no fear, no hesitation and there are no mistakes.

Flying down La Luge today faster than I ever have (thanks in part to it finally being dry all week), I can still feel the pillow-like flow of the bike absorbing every unexpected dip and root under my perfect attack position just inches above the seat; my legs and arms taking every shock easily and my unfaltering focus choosing the next line up ahead. Amazingly, this focus did not event waver when I intentionally ditched into the brush to avoid steamrolling a family of four hikers.

These are the few and far-between days you live for as a rider – or really, as a person in general: the “on” days.

2007-01-20T08:26:00.000-06:00

TRIPS: No delivery on a ‘Taal’ order (Luzon,Philippines)

For the second time in 30 days, I’m sitting within two hours of the famous active Philippine volcano within a lake within a dead volcano without the time to ride in for a closer look. The active Taal Volcano sits in the middle of Taal Lake, which it situated in the mouth of the giant dead volcano. Here’s the scoop on Taal from Wikipedia:

Taal Volcano is an active volcano on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. This is located in Talisay and San Nicolas in Batangas. It consists of an island in Lake Taal, which is situated within a caldera formed by an earlier very large eruption. It is about 50 km from the capital, Manila.
The volcano has erupted violently several times, causing loss of life in the populated areas surrounding the lake. Death toll was around 5,000 - 6,000 Due to its eruptive history and location close to population centres, the volcano has been designated a Decade Volcano worthy of close study to prevent future natural disasters.

As for me, once again it’s just out of reach this visit with a two hour drive one way from Manilla and a full schedule flying to and fro elsewhere. Next time, maybe I'll ride Taal and add on a day at Corregidor too.

For more on mountain biking in the Philippines, the Bugoy Bikers seem to have their act together. If you’ll be there in late March-early April, check out their ride across Northern Luzon.

Photos came from Wikipedia, various hiker sites and Virtual Tourist-Asia.

2007-01-18T06:22:00.000-06:00

TALES: Pardon our dust while we expand …

We can thank Dr. Martin Luther King for the additional day to ride this weekend after Saturday was rained out. Despite that disappointment, it was absolutely incredible to see so many organized rides by OMBA members over the weekend, and the turnout on Monday was the highest I’ve seen for some time with 18 riders!

Absolutely phenomenal to see so many riders getting to know the trails, and it’s terrific to see riders at all levels enjoying the company and the ride.

I bagged out early, but Joe was nice enough to pass a few photos my way for the post after the group put 20-plus miles on their knobblies. The ride map's courtesy of "energystar1138" (Follow the thin, green line).

2007-01-08T21:47:00.000-06:00

Dirt Rag Tours C'Dale Factory

Dirt Rag staffers took a day tour of Cannondale's womb in Bedford, Pa., and they published a detailed overview online of the processes and people who turn out by hand the bikes we love at the rate of 400 a day. They also included a superb photo gallery showing many of the people, raw materials and steps in the process. Photo by the Dirt Rag staff.

2007-01-05T04:58:00.000-06:00

The Dirty Dozen's Inaugural '07 Ride

By the time we finished Jan. 3 – actually about 10 minutes into the ride – you could call us the dirty dozen as a night of rain that continued in the morning ensured the 12 of us were covered in orange mud for the year’s first Okinawa Mountain Bike Association group ride.

It was great to have so many riders, and so many new riders, out for a winding 19 miles through the Chibana (Chibana Market, Spiders & Pipes and Mad Hatter) and Spider Loop (La Luge, Mother of All Downhills and Lower Chute) trails. Not too many spills, aside from a pile up on some moss-frosted cobblestone enroute home –- we’ll have to try harder next time I guess!

New construction on a golf course 86'd Mudrock for good, but luckily someone had blazed some workarounds for us through what used to be secure chain links.

Anyway, checkout more photos here (Blogger was having upload issues) and the videos below of the ride instead of reading my droning...

Heading Down La Luge

Heading Down La Luge 2

2006-12-31T21:21:00.000-06:00

TRIPS: Ride where Jesus would’ve, if he had a bike

There's no better way to start the new year than with the resolution to ride places you may have never before considered, so here you go.

First, let me say how much I dislike Bicycling magazine as a whole. However, you really should check out this article on riding through Israel on the 530-mile Israel National Trail. Writer and rider Todd Balf put together a piece that not only gives tips on orchestrating the ride, but also makes you “feel it.” It’s long, but easy and entertaining reading. From the article:

"After Moses fixed his bike, our man hooked up with the mysterious network of mud builders. Then he spent his birthday going thirsty so he could cool his shoes with water. That's when his ride through Israel got really strange."

The photos here are Balf’s, and he’s got lots more in the December 2006 hardcopy edition.

Wikipedia’s got a pretty detailed entry covering the different segments of the Israel National Trail as well if you want to check it out.

2006-12-30T21:13:00.000-06:00

Been a long time

Can’t really account for the past couple of months, since they’ve gone by so fast. I know they’ve involved FINALLY getting my bike back (minus a few essential missing parts and an ungreased head tube), a trip to NY and N. Cal with no riding thanks to some terrific germ passed to me on the plane from Okinawa, and a wonderful holiday stint that included a trip to the Philippines to hand out toys and a visit from my parents on their first trip to Okinawa.

Anyway, back in the game now, so look for stuff soon that actually covers MTB instead of my pointless excuses and whining.

2006-10-14T07:47:00.000-05:00

Back in the old saddle

I finally couldn't take it anymore and saddled up the F800 hardtail last week. Terrific to get back on the trail, despite the fact that my bike is ... heck, I don't really know where it is. I guess the Giant dealer next to the Bicycle Pro Shop wasn't just bad mouthing the competition when he said they take months to tune up a bike.

It was good to see the guys again, too (Tom, Jason, AJ and new guy Adrian). Adrian instantly earned the spot of honor, pounding the 20-plus miles on a rigid single-speed while staying with -- or ahead of -- the rest of us.

2006-10-02T18:59:00.000-05:00

TALES: Still waiting ...

My bike
It's been more than a month since I dropped my ride in DC for a new front triangle (bad paint). It took C'dale about two weeks to build it and ship it to the Bicycle Pro Shop (pretty good in my book), but the shop's been slower than molasses at putting the pieces together. They finally said the proverbial check was in the mail Monday.

Luckily I've been able to stay busy cross training, as well as learning hypnosis and concentrating on improved sleeping habits in psych classes. I've seen a slight improvement in stamina and attitude; we'll see how it applies on the trail soon enough.

Epic race & new online TV link
Although we missed the entrance lottery for 2007, the goal is now to hit the 2008 Cape Epic race in South Africa (http://www.cape-epic.com/) with Clint. You can see a well-done, 26-minute production of this year's race at XRide TV (new link in my links list).

2006-09-07T03:14:00.000-05:00

Durango Wheel Club at Bakers Bridge, 1895

TRIPS: Durango sans two wheels

Was lucky enough to sneak in a stop home to see my folks in Durango last week. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been back, and the past two visits were either focused on skiing or riding – for obvious reasons, being at the epicenter of both. The urge to ride was even stronger as my in flight magazine was the current issue of BIKE, which chronicles multiple rides in my southwestern homeland as well as a feature on the fabled granddaddy of all races over Crested Butte’s Pearl Pass (Crested Butte Chronicle photo, 1980). However, I resolved not to ride since I’d not been back in so long, and it was the best decision I’ve made in a while (although the framed, 1895 photo of the Durango Wheel Club in my parents' house made it a bit more challenging).

Two wheels were the farthest things from my mind as my folks and I canoed across Lemon Reservoir and ducked a midday hailstorm under a Ponderosa to enjoy a Rainbow Trout dinner that night; or the next evening enjoying a Kokanee Salmon after a day surrounded by mountains fishing on Vallecito Reservoir. After riding horses, stopping at the La Plata County Historical Society’s Animas Museum, visiting some local attractions like the Bar D Chuckwagon and just enjoying the scenery, I realized that I missed a lot while I was on the slopes. I barely know the place I left behind or any of the people in it, yet I realized as I looked around that I’m more like them than anyone else in the world. I’d forgotten that the biggest thrill of life on two wheels is sometimes getting off the bike for a look around and spending some time getting to know those you love.

Of course, I had to pay homage to my hometown Cannondale dealer Mountain Bike Specialists, while looking around. My brother still remembers talking to MTB legend Ned Overend in the same shop when we were kids, and their store/museum still pays tribute to Ned and many others.

I left with a stronger appreciation for my parents and for my hometown, as well as a stronger urge than ever to return again soon to ride everything in sight -- hopefully with my lovely wife in the saddle along side me! You can only wander so long in the Garden of Eden without eating the fruit!

2006-08-29T00:35:00.000-05:00

TALES: I was wrong, and DC’s better than ever

A new coat
The paint chronicles continue, but Revolution Cycles, where I bought the Bike in Tampa, was awesome, with complete follow through.

So, after stripping my bike, spending more than 20 hours on a plane, sleeping for three hours, and riding DC buses and trains for another two hours, I walked into Georgetown’s Bicycle Pro Shop this morning with my baby whose flesh had been shedding on me. They’d told me to bring in, but I did not anticipate the luck I’d have at showing up while an actual Cannondale rep was in the store to evaluate the faulty paint. “Roberts,” (who explained to me that this was indeed his first name) changed my whole attitude about “corporate think,” and gave me yet another reason to love one of the best American-built bikes on the market: he opened the ’07 catalog and asked which color I wanted, letting me know they needed a week or two to build it! You can see the one I went with pictured on the left. If you want to see the rest of their 2007 lineup, do so here. I was wrong to doubt, and won’t make that mistake again.

The Shop
While I was in the Bicycle Pro Shop, I obviously had to buy some stuff and just look around. I’ll tell you that George (the roadie), Greg (the mountain biker & wrench) and Tony (the manager) were completely awesome and helpful in every way. These are all guys who ride seriously, and I highly recommend them if you need a C’dale or Specialized set of wheels in the area. Greg was extremely helpful with info for discount tools (that I'll pass on when I find the notes).

The city
While I waited an hour for a Metro bus, I noticed a big change since I’d left three years ago: every bus now has a bike rack on front. I talked a bit with a guy waiting with me who pulled up on an older, fat tire Trek who said every bus in the system’s now got a rack. We shared stories about Durango rides (my hometown and a favorite destination of his) before he was off. Incidentally for those who’ve never been to D.C., check out the Metro for all transport – it’s cheap, convenient and you’re never looking for parking!

Floyd Landis: What MTBers may not know
Did you know Landis started out on MTBs? I picked up this local gratis rag called “Spokes” that apparently covered him as a local boy years ago as he topped 24-hour race charts. Known for riding wheelies, they recounted a race where his front rim taco’d , so he removed the front wheel and actually finished the race – passing competitors – riding on the rear wheel alone! The publication’s not online, but I’ll try to get a copy of the article. There’s definitely some history behind this AFP photo of Landis popping one on his victory lap.

2006-08-26T16:34:00.000-05:00

TRIPS: Don't miss bikes on film if you'll be in Tokyo in November

The 2006 Bicycle Film Festival is more than halfway through its world tour, and its scheduled to be in Japan's busiest city in November.

Of particular interest is a piece called Adventure High, in which five friends travel by bicycle from Mongolia to Nepal hoping to experience old-fashioned travel adventures. One of Singletrack Magazine's contributors has reportedly got a pretty good piece on bicycle couriers in the mix, too.

The festival shows seven films (usually two per night) film a night for a week, and typically starts with a flic-less opening party night. Keep checking the festival's site for exact Tokyo dates, dates for other cities around the globe and a synopsis of all seven films.

2006-08-24T08:35:00.000-05:00

TRIPS: Choose your poison in Rotorua, New Zealand -- or ride a volcano in Hawaii

Rotorua, New Zealand

A few months ago, I told you how awesome a time we had riding in Queenstown (on New Zealand's southern island) over a Christmas holiday, but there's great riding on the north island as well. Dirt Rag published a great rundown of the many adventures awaiting your knobblies in Rotorua, from cross country to downhill (where the World Mountain Bike Championships finish up this weekend on Mount Ngongotaha). This is a short hop from Okinawa and the article’s definitely worth a look (or two). Photos of Rotorua by Graeme Murray for Dirt Rag.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

For a guy who wanted to ride Indonesia’s Mount Merapi as it spewed fire balls a couple of months ago, this caught my attention (at least the tires won’t melt!) A hotter alternative to New Zealand awaits at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which just opened a 15-mile Intermediate Course that includes a 6-mile, 2000′ climb on a dirt and gravel road and two double-track loops that veer off the main road. The top loop at 4000′ is 3.8 miles. The lower loop at 2700′ is 1.7 miles. Just when you thought all you needed was huge thighs, keep in mind the lava rock hazards and steep rock-strewn stretches as you read the Drifting Son’s synopsis. He’s also got some other interesting entries for those considering a ride in America's paradise.

2006-08-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

TIPS: Avoid the subdued Prophet paint

At the pinnacle of frustration, I wrote Cannondale yesterday asking the company to solve a major problem with the paint on my bike – it’s disintegrating! I love Cannondale quality, and I love the 2005 Prophet I picked up at Revolution Bicycles in Florida on the way home from Iraq this year (new in January). However, I’ve hated the subdued black paint scheme from day one.

So why did I buy it? Not the point here!

The point is that after only having the bike for seven months, the head tube paint is pitted and its decal is peeling off, and the downtube paint chips straight through the subdued decal to bare metal with the most mild impact -- as does the paint on the remainder of the bike. Additionally, the top tube paint appears to be oxidizing and the subdued decal there has peeled up to reveal bare metal. These problems are all over the bike, and on multiple sides – not something sustained from a particularly bad crash. And, by the way, this is a bicycle that is stored indoors on a padded wall rack out of the sun.

So, what's wrong with the paint and what is Cannondale's solution? My guess is that they’ll initially propose doing nothing – we’ll see how customer-oriented Cannondale really is.

Stay tuned.

2006-08-19T18:19:00.000-05:00

TALES: Good ideas and bad ones

The good idea: riding with friends. The bad idea: riding the High Road backwards to get more downhill time!

After months of talking about riding the High Road backwards, Saturday was the day to make it happen. Doug, Jason, Lance, Tom and I made the regular morning ride into what I’m gonna call an MTC (mountain CLIMBING) adventure. I had no idea how much downhill we’d actually been riding all of this time. It goes by so fast when you ride it that you don’t notice; I assure you that you notice it all carrying your bike the other way! I don’t think anyone else will argue that carrying or pushing your bike for five to seven miles is not as fun as riding it. There were some great runs; just not a lot. The good news was that I got to ride my favorite trail – The Chute – twice.

We all took some good spills, including a short flight off of a bridge, and my previously broken shoulder feels like it wants to come apart again. However, Tom cancelled all of our bets by managing not to break anything.

Oh yeah, lost my favorite blue Nike riding glasses. Note to self, put your crap away properly if you’re not wearing it.

2006-08-17T04:26:00.000-05:00

TIPS: Bunny Hops, Bronco Hops, and this ...

I can't describe this, so you'll have to watch the video for yourself. I can't tell if this is a bike or a pogostick with wheels! Let me know what you think. We're not worthy, we're not worthy ...

Shoe Sale
If you haven't noticed, Nashbar is selling a good selection of decent MTB shoes this week for more than $100 off. Good time to refit!

2006-08-08T16:28:00.000-05:00

TALES: NY Roadies with MTB hearts

An Estonian-Canadian friend sent me this link to a race through Manhattan, and it rivals big air on a trike for necessary cahones! But wait, there's more ... This two-wheeler and aspiring videographer (Lucas Brunelle) has a very entertaining website that crosses the Tour de France with the X Games and MTV's Jackass. Some pretty funny videos from a guy who pulls a couch full of people through New York on his bike to stay in shape. Apparently the training works -- even against singletrackers in their own neck of the woods. Lucas Brunelle photo

2006-08-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

TALES: Maintenance recap & trail maps link

It's been far too long ...
It was a tremendous turnout for trail maintenance Saturday, with one group working the High Road and another on Paintball. Although onsies and twosies continually touch up the trail, it’s been far too long since the last scheduled OMBA maintenance day. After riding the trails for more than two years now, I was amazed at the beauty you miss at Mach 1, and saw a lot I’d never seen before – including a waterfall and some decade-old, hidden trail signs.

Didn’t get a chance to touch base with the guys on Paintball, but I know Tim was bragging about his new, gas-powered weed eater, so I’m sure they made quite a dent in the ever-encroaching jungle and remaining typhoon wreckage.

On the High Road, we had Lance, Jason, Kevin and myself, plus a couple of locals who pitched in for about 30 minutes. The humidity was a killer, and I can’t remember feeling so exhausted after a few hours on the trail. Two Camelbaks weren’t enough, and Jason had sweat bubbling out of the tops of his shoes when he walked like he’d just made a stream crossing!

When all was said and done, we had cleared about 7 km of fallen trees and brush, dug drainage ditches, widened some washed out turns, and rebuilt a rotted bridge (this was a definite Jason & Eric sitcom, and I managed to limit my falls down the adjacent hill to one).

We also posted brand new trail signs to make navigating the jungle easier for newbies. Was pretty fulfilling to see a couple riders, and a half dozen hikers, enjoy the fruits of our labor.

It started raining two hours after we finished and hadn’t let up by midday Sunday, so I guess we’ll see how the refurbished trail feels to ride next week when it dries out.

New Link
Just added this Okinawa Trail Map link from the archaic but still “out there” old OMBA website to the Fat Tire Tales… blog. It’ll be a standing link on the right, and it includes good descriptions of the trails. One caveat is that its about eight years old, so some of the trails no longer exist (Buddy Junction and the Hole) due to local construction and others have been added. It’s always good to check with current OMBA members to confirm before going it alone for the first time.

For those of you with me for a while, yes, I’m still building a newer route map, but the lack of decent and detailed local maps is a challenge.

2006-08-01T07:56:00.000-05:00

TIPS: Parking woes, even on two wheels

Photo of the week: Had to post this after seeing it outside a shopping mall in Okinawa. I know parking's tight, but this is too much! The tip? Be careful where you park your bike, there's a rule for just about everything here (I wonder if the kanji warns of being towed at owner's expense).

2006-07-29T04:18:00.000-05:00

TALES: Getting spoiled

The Ride
Terrific ride this morning -- same 20-mile, spider-from-hell route as last Saturday, sans the drama (see July 22 entry) or photos. Lance, "Big Jimmy," newcomer Doug and I hit it for just about three hours (two Camelbaks attached this time) and never once hit a spider larger than a quarter. Thanks to Tom for clearing Spiders & Pipes Friday (of brush and eight-legged monsters)!

The berms on the La Luge downhill are getting smoothed out perfectly, and you don't even notice the burn in your fingers and forearms until the ride's over (death grip required due to the humidity).

Other News
Shock is the only word to describe what I felt as I spied current issues of "Bike" and "Mountain Bike Action" magazines on the Marine Corps base newstand today! For the past two years, "Bicycling" has been the only distantly-related useful magazine available here for singletrackers. I guess we finally realized that 14 muscle magazines, 62 magazines with scantily clad women on the covers, "Knitting World" and "Gamer" don't really cover the gamut of U.S. servicemembers' interests. Now we just need to get "Dirt Rag" on the shelves.

Sounds like Craig picked up a new KHS frame to replace what used to be a his beautiful, carbon GT All Terra that gave out last week, so we're looking forward to seeing him on the trail again soon.

Happy trails!

2006-07-22T02:19:00.000-05:00

TALES: Arachnaphobics beware
Did 20-24 miles today with Lance, Nick and newcomers Zack and Craig: Chibana Market Trail, Spiders & Pipes, Mad Hatter, Mudrock and La Luge.
Saw the absolute, no-holds-barred, just-ate-an-entire cat, this-is-my-trail banana spider ever sent upon the earth to inject utter fear into riders that could ever be imagined (Being the first summer I've ridden the trail, discovered how aptly named "Spiders & Pipes" is: all trails have spiders, but not this big and not this many).
Heard the sweet sounds of air swishing quickly from Nick's tire and air being sucked through my Camelbak midway through the ride.
Watched Craig's grimacing inspection of the splintered carbon frame of his GT All Terra as far from the cars as we could get (and his big grin when a taxi ride got him back 30 minutes before us).
All-in-all, a perfect morning (except that Craig needs another bike).

2006-07-19T07:12:00.000-05:00

TRIPS: South Kii Peninsula, Japan
A nice walk, but leave the bike at the bath house
BikeMag’s got an interesting read for those of us in Japan wondering where NOT to ride with a related article for those gear heads who want to know about Shimano’s latest (the reason the magazine guys were invited across the Pacific in the first place). Gotta say though, despite the comments, it still sounds like a tempting ride to try! BikeMag photo.

2006-07-17T01:12:00.000-05:00

TALES: Friendly faces from SoCal & Hawaii

The riders
I get this e-mail about a week ago from a woman who wants to hook her visiting son up with our group for a ride, so Nick showed up yesterday to ride with us; definitely not the 16-year-old I was expecting. Instead, this NORBA-experienced, 20-something dude from Southern California shows up on his hardtail, singlespeed Bontrager and really impresses us by negotiating some pretty decent uphill switchbacks on the High Road. Gotta say I was hurtin’ with gears! Also on the ride was Chris and old friend, Steve, from Hawaii.

The ride
It was hands down the best ride down the Mother of all Downhills that I’ve experienced since the trail was bone dry for the first time I can remember. It’s a perfect time for riders to take advantage of the conditions. Nick tried to get the upper hand by eating some fence and bloodying his knee about 10 minutes into the ride, took the lead to eat a few spiders and lent a much appreciated hand in clearing the trail. I tried to top him in the wreckage department at the bottom of the Mother by flying over Steve, but have to submit to defeat since a bush on the other side broke my fall, leaving me only with a small scuff.

12 hours on the trail?
There are still a few surprises left over from Typhoon Ewiniar, but we’re pretty close to rideable on most of the major Yomitan and Chibana trails at this point (until the next typhoon, that is). We plan on gleaning some of Nick’s experience to plan a low-key 12-hour race later this year.

Healing (again)
Ran into Tom going for a hike while we headed home, still nursing a broken hand from the last group ride. Good to see him out on the trail, even if he was sans wheels.

2006-07-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

LOCAL TIP: The best mini-loop on Spider

Headed out this morning to take a few runs down The Chute, what I think is the most fun, moderate downhill off-shoot Spider Loop has to offer. The uphill climb (about halfway to HLZ) is rutted double track that’s fairly easy to negotiate, and the ride down is a twisting, thickly forested three-foot-wide trail with a jump, multiple drop offs and some very narrow squeezes through trees. From the end, you can loop around and be back at the trail entrance (or continuing on to greater Spider Loop ventures) with about 10 minutes of moderate climbing.

Spent the first run clearing Typhoon Ewiniar leftovers and most of the trail guardians (Banana Spiders), and a second run just enjoying the ride. Only ate one spider in the process; luckily most were hanging low and enjoyed the Ferris wheel ride on the front spokes.

It’s been good to see more and more new riders on the trails as the weather’s improved overall. Ran into Rudy, a guys who’s been riding here for years, leading a group up Spider Loop.

2006-07-14T06:16:00.000-05:00

TALES: Clearing Chibana & planning Korea

It’s been a while, but got out to do some maintenance today, with my daughter’s help. Did a bit of basic clean up on the Chibana Market Trail and Cement Factory run, but could probably use a few more hours on the rest of the Eastern trail network. In the wake of Typhoon Ewiniar, I’m sure a lot of the trails could use some help.

Of course, it’s always enjoyable to clear trails because you’re still enjoying the outdoors, and you know the next ride will be that much better. Had a great time hanging with my not-so-young-anymore little girl.

Ona separate note, Gary called today from Korea and said he’d scoped some pretty decent riding there. Looking forward to the details and perhaps a quick trip there this year to check out the goods!

2006-07-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

TALES: Storm God says “No riding this weekend”

Typhoon Ewiniar ("storm god" in the Chuuk language of Micronesia) paid us a visit this weekend with its 100 mph winds, and although no cows whizzed by the window, everything left outside miraculously found new homes many blocks away.

If the Storm God demands our sacrifice of weekend riding, at least he provided the consolation of the World Cup and the Tour d’ France on television to watch while his anger raged outside!

2006-07-03T08:42:00.000-05:00

TALES: Vacation, morning rides & the World Cup
Well, thanks to staying up late watching the World Cup I've overslept three morning group rides in the past five days -- fortunately, only one of them was one I set up! Nonetheless, the riding's never been better (or drier) for a guy on vacation for a week, and the spiders are still small enough to swallow whole without missing a beat. It was a great exploration ride, with a small detour down The Mother of All Downhills, today followed by an unintentional tour of some well-marked tombs in Yomitan with a beuatiful view of Maeda Point, a popular local dive spot.

Tom led the group ride this morning with a few new folks coming out. Its always good to get some fresh legs on the trails. While already nursing a broken finger from a ride last week, Tom decided today that he wanted the entire hand broken -- unfortunately, he got the other hand instead! I'm considering sending him one of those "Drink Milk" posters to look at while he nurses himself back to health.

2006-07-01T06:03:00.000-05:00

TIPS: Got it in print
Some great news for singletrackers new to Okinawa is a nice feature last month in the annual Okinawa Outdoors magazine that covers all of the adventure sports here. It includes a brief history of the hardcore MTB group that originally cut the trails and started the Okinawa Mountain Bike Association. I was a bit embarrassed that, out of 40 photos provided to the magazine, they used two pictures with me vice our many other riders, but at least the info's out there for those dirt heads new to Okinawa. It's not online so there's a quick look below.

2006-06-24T05:59:00.000-05:00

TALES: No place like home
After weeks off the bike, Tom took it easy on me Saturday morning for what I’m guessing was about 15 miles of dirt. Two weeks in Indonesia was good preparation for the Okinawa heat, but I drained the Camelbak dry in no time under the humidity. Chain broke about 10 minutes out so luckily it was Tom to the rescue. Important to mention that my dilapidated tool kit lacked a tube (punctured by crescent wrench), chain tool (rusted in place) and master link (hmmm). Note to idiot self: be self sustaining -- always!

After hitting Chibana, Spiders & Pipes and a portion of Mad Hatter, we detoured through a hole in fence to visit some old haunts of Tom’s from “back in the day.” Good rides, with a rock garden and nice chute finishing a piece of rough double track that I instantly dubbed “Happy Ending.” Surprisingly, the trails got us all of the way to La Luge in Yomitan with only a kilometer or two of pavement in between.

The Group
We’ve apparently lost a few OMBA members over the past few months, but I’m glad to see a couple of guys posting weekend ride times again. It’s been pretty dry for nearly two weeks, and the REALLY big spiders aren’t out yet, so it looks like a good week.

Selling the hard tail
Finally got up the nerve to sell my Cannondale F800. I’m getting weak under Clint’s constant prodding to enter some triathlons; if someone takes the hard tail, then I guess I’ll have to look at a road bike (only for training, of course).

2006-06-13T19:08:00.000-05:00

TRIPS: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

I don't think I'm the the first who's considered riding Merapi, but I must admit that a mountain spitting fire balls is a bit further than I'm willing to go. Despite spending the past two weeks here with a Navy and Marine Corps medical team that has treated about 4,600 earthquake victims, and regardless of being able to see the glowing red rivers of lava flowing down the sides of Merapi at night from 60km away, it's tough not to at least consider riding the volcano.

It's even tougher to ignore all of the bikes (and mopeds) here in Indo. However, it's not about the distance or the downhill grade here. Here, it's about merely surviving the bike commute among thousands of cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians.

2006-05-12T19:30:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-05-09T05:32:00.000-05:00

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.

2006-05-04T21:08:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-04-22T22:34:00.000-05:00

TRIPS: More new trails … & riders

A month ahead of schedule, Tom was back on his bike this week leading Clint, Garry, Lance, newcomer Jim and I yesterday on 14-mile singletrack excursion that was mostly new to the rest of us, and definitely had something for everyone. From Tom:

We rode … through the Cane Fields to the steps, to Spider and then down The Chute, around to Double Drop, through The Tunnel and up Bent Rim, around part of Paintball, down to The Maze, back to Paintball, over the Koba Bridge and back home through the Cane Fields.

Garry brought his Cannondale Jekyll out of the closet for the ride and snatched the “Look of the Day” award (see photo) at a surprise jump on Double Drop, and our two 6-foot-plus eating-machine triathletes (Clint and Jim) came to the conclusion that the price of a trip to Singapore was worth it for the food alone.

The complete beauty of the ride was that after nearly two weeks of on and off rain, it dried up essentially for three days before the ride, which made clean up a lot easier than anytime in recent memory.

It’s good to see the OMBA group consistent and growing; we should have plenty of trail guides to help newcomers by summer!

2006-04-21T05:31:00.000-05:00

TALES: The Basketman

After bidding farewell to my in laws after 10 days, a couple of seemingly unprecedented dry days provided an afternoon to make adjustments to my newly-strung and freshly tuned up bike. Spent about an hour on Spiders and Pipes making adjustments, and a hidden stump just off of the right side reminded me how important it is to pick lines wisely.

After gingerly walking around a local (“The Basketman”) who weaves bamboo baskets in the middle of the trail, I’m now convinced from his comments, albeit in Japanese, that the next trip will need to include Awamori and chocolate-covered Macadamia nuts to ensure our continued thoroughfare.

2006-04-12T19:33:00.000-05:00

TIPS: Are your shocks bullet proof?

It's no secret that I'm a victim of corporate marketing ploys to dream Cannondale, and that I enjoy the performance and oddity of the Lefty (chicks dig it). However, the C'dale Headshock Fatty suspension fork looks gay (shallow, I know).

Whatever your feeling (and even if you're an unbeliever), I guarantee you'll enjoy the two minutes you spend checking out the Mountain Bike Militia's field test of the DD60 Headshock. I think Cannondale would be proud.

2006-04-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

TIPS: You look really cool sans helmet ...

Just picked up a link to this face plant on the Blue Collar Mountain Biking site. It's definitely worth watching; then show it to your kids (or someone else's) and point out what an idiot this guy is for not even wearing a helmet. Just a reminder to ride smart. Beware when showing this to kids that there are a couple of "F" bombs thrown in near the end.

2006-04-06T21:17:00.000-05:00

TALES: A crappy bike; a quality moment

My wife came home the other night with a rust-encrusted, store-brand cruiser she'd found curbside, in the hope that we could clean it up for her mom, who'll be visiting soon. I wanted a picture of our new addition before I started working on it, so I got my daughter to hop on. Though I still have hope, my daughter's younger off-road bike exploits (and some terrific crashes) have caused her some resistence to riding, so it's a rare sight indeed to see her on one. To be honest, she's said the only way she'll bike again is if she gets out of school to do it.

Anyway, she spent less than two minutes on the bike -- long enough for one ride down a grass embankment -- and promptly went back inside the house. What amazed me was the exilaration I saw on her face when I looked at the blurry picture that developed. In that brief moment, the cruiser made her forget how much she doesn't like bikes.

Half an hour later, the cruiser --not worth the effort -- sat dead on the curb with its handlebar stem still siezed sideways to the $4.95 fork set after years of neglect. But not before it, like so many other discarded bikes, had provided one last bit of invaluable joy to a rider.

2006-04-03T05:17:00.000-05:00

TALES: Mud brothers

Saturday was absolutely perfect for riding, and we’d finally had a stretch of good weather to dry things out a bit. Unfortunately, we rode Spider Loop Sunday instead, which was exactly the opposite! It’s funny, though, how shared misery often makes for a better ride at the end of the day. The closest thing I can compare the day’s ride to is a team mud race I ran 10 years ago called the “Volkslauf” in Southern Cal (a must-run if you haven’t). Even as you scoop the mud from your pockets and out of your bike shorts, there’s just something beautiful about being exhausted and covered in filth, having stuck it out together.

When it takes three hours to clean the mud off of your bike, you have a lot of time to marvel at the fact that your wheels were even able to rotate with that much mud packed between them and the frame and how the drive train somehow continued to operate with half a pound of wet clay clogging the chain rings. Then, you reach for more Q-tips to painfully clear the orange crap out of each individual hex bolt.

New-comer Lloyd was the most impressive, muscling through the caked on slop as the only guy running “V” brakes. Garry and I both got intimately familiar with how slick the small bridges on the High Road and the Mother are when they’re wet, and Chris is planning a nasty letter to WTB on their mud-shedding Mutano tires that don’t. Lance was the hero as the only guy to make it upright down the Mother today.

The good thing about the rain was that the not-so-itsy-bitsy spiders are washed down the water spout! Unfortunately, though, more than a few black salamanders were harmed in the making of this ride as they squirmed across the trail. The great thing about riding in Okinawa is that we’re always coming across creatures we’ve never seen before (and only sometimes running over them) – this time it was a four-inch-long fluorescent green caterpillar.

Sayonara.

2006-03-30T07:03:00.000-06:00

TALES: Cheap entertainment

It was the first completely sunny day for a about a week, so Chris and I hit Chibana, Spiders & Pipes and Mad Hatter today after work. Nice ride, and we even stumbled upon a farmer who was hand-making straw tatami mats about midway through S&P.

Started out a little rough though. We had a little Okinawan man inspecting our bikes as we got ready to ride. He was very friendly and very curious, especially about my Prophet's Lefty fork.

There's a low-hanging chain that crosses Chibana's starting point so, of course, it's tradition to start the ride with a little bunny hop over it -- over being the operative term. My back wheel didn't quite clear the chain, and the wheel somehow hit me in the back of the head -- driving my face into the dirt. This, apparently, was the funniest thing our little friend had seen all week.

Still don't know why we was just sitting on a bucket by his truck alongside the road; perhaps, he was just waiting for something interesting to happen. I'm glad he wasn't disappointed if that was case.

2006-03-27T04:18:00.000-06:00

TALES: On top of the world

Great ride this weekend with Lance, Garry, Clint and Chris (making his debut after returning from Iraq). It was a little wet so we hit Spider's outer loop, which tends to be a little less slick than the inner portion. Luckily, the rain hit just as we finished the ride.

On top of the world is the best way to describe the view from atop La Luge. The view is even more breath-TAKING after climbing the 150-plus steps to the top with your bike on your back!

I'd been taking a shortcut that dumps onto the trail since November 2003, so I'd forgotten the view -- and the great drop onto the trail from the top. Unfortunately, it's still a bit wet to negotiate the steep, rutted, slick descent (imagine five guys, bikes sideways, each with one foot clipped in and the other extended as an outrigger fighting gravity's pull down the hill).

I won't embarrass the other riders, but I set a personal best of six endos in one ride!

Can't wait 'till this portion dries out. In the meantime, it's always worth a little pain to experience the beauty of Okinawa from a bird's perspective!

2006-03-25T09:12:00.000-06:00

TALES: He's walking again!

Went for a short but terrific out-and-back on the Eastern trails this evening (Chibana, Spiders & Pipes & my first run of the Mad Hatter). These trails are really shaping up nicely -- we just need to get more riders on them. Oddly enough, Tom and I bumped into each other in woods as he was out for a stroll, and I was on the downside of my ride. It was great seeing him with the cast finally off and walking around (him walking, not the cast). Looks like Tom will be able to ride trails again around May.

Looking forward to the weekly ride at Spider Loop tomorrow, especially after working through last week's. Looks like I'll join Lance, Garry, Clint and Chris (newly returned from Iraq). This week's goal: keep my knees and face off of the ground while descending "The Mother ..."

2006-03-23T02:20:00.000-06:00

TALES: A pile of pleasure

There’s something about a dirt pile that makes a kid with a bike smile from ear to ear. It represents infinite possibilities, trails, jumps, twists and turns – just waiting to be molded into a new adventure. So, you can imagine what happens when the kid gets bigger, and the dirt pile’s about seven stories high!

I’d been eyeing a new construction site on the Camp Foster Marine Corps base for a few days, and was finally able to put knobblies to it yesterday at lunch: tiered, nearly-vertical grades, very soft dirt and large, sharp rocks. Did I mention that it was about seven stories high?

Luckily, the Okinawan workers shut down all of the heavy equipment for lunch at the site like clockwork. In fact, the one in the backhoe parked atop the hill merely waved back at me before falling asleep in the cab.

The site was great for practicing making the bike “light” over soft dirt while keeping the front wheel from sinking with full shock compression each time a tier leveled off. After four intense runs that really tested my mediocre bike handling skills, I gave it a final shot just to get a few pictures. Got a little too cocky in the process, and the resulting endo (feet still clipped in the whole way) spanned an entire tier before abruptly ending in a sandwich (me crammed between two huge rocks and the bike). The result: one big smile and skid marks on all major extremities – front and back!

Just like a kid, I walked into the locker room after lunch, covered in a strange combination of dust, mud and blood, trying to hide the satisfaction on my face and ignore the confused looks from the runners.

________________________________

TOBACCO FREE DAYS: 9
ZYBAN-LINKED PSYCHOTIC EPISODES: 5
CINNABONS: 1

2006-03-21T01:31:00.000-06:00

TIPS: Spinnin’ & grinnin’

I’ve been attending a “spinning” class occasionally, mainly out of desperation to pedal anything while rain continues to make a giant mud bog out of Okinawa trails. After two classes, I hated it. The workout was nominal, and I felt myself being sucked into “yuppie spin groupie” world. Let’s face it; spinning is the new step aerobics, so it won’t be long before we’ve all got cool bandanas and leg warmers on, headed to the gym in bike short and SPDs!

Rambling … sorry. I'm still ticked that my planned trip to desecrate a construction site washed out today!

Despite my subtle feelings on spinning, my attitude was changed yesterday by a motivated, grungy instructor and the fact that I finally figuring out how to work the bike tension. I’m now convinced that a Schwinn spinner in the right hands can actually be a wonderfully-torturous device for MTBers – allowing both sprint and endurance work at will. I was actually most amused my the rivers of sweat pooling on the floor from my head and arms over the hour-long class.

I’m now sold on three times a week (at least as long as the rain keeps up). What color of leg warmers goes best with a black and red spinner?

_______________________

TOBACCO FREE DAYS: 7
ZYBAN-LINKED PSYCHOTIC EPISODES: 5

2006-03-20T08:56:00.000-06:00

TRIPS: "Hatter" is open, and I'm going mad

The resurrection of the "Mad Hatter" is nearly complete with only about 50 meters of overgrowth standing in the way of a clean run (you could likely push through though). Cleared and marked most of it Saturday in the rain and was impressed by the "trident" split about midway that gives you three very different terrain choices (doubletrack uphill or downhill woop-de-doos, or a woodsy singletrack path) that converge just before the exit.

Felt like an archeologist discovering ancient ruins when I ran across an old sign for the trail -- especially after tangling with the first mature Banana Spider I've seen this year. This is a great follow up to Spiders & Pipes!

___________________________

Day 6 tobacco free & have not yet ridden. Fortunately, the Zyban has only caused sleeplessness, abnormal dreams, anxiety, constipation, disturbed concentration, dizziness, nervousness, abnormal thinking, dry skin, loss of appetite, muscle pain, neck pain, shakiness, and a throbbing heartbeat.

2006-03-19T01:16:00.000-06:00

TALES: A good idea at the time

I’m driving into work this morning, soaking up the suck from working on my weekly ride day (of course it’s gorgeous today, and it rained Saturday), and a fleeting conversation I had Saturday is haunting me.

It was a conversation that now put my mind back 20-plus years. It put my body back on a used 20” Royce Union 10-speed, legs pumping and fresh air filling my burning lungs someplace between the high mountains of my starting point near Santa Ysabel and my high desert destination of Ocotillo Wells, Calif. I would eventually learn to drive over the dunes in Ocotillo Wells but, for now, I kept my tennis shoes crammed into the toe clips of the yellow piece of Japanese steel between my legs, hoping to space out over the desert and forget the pain in my thighs.

In all honesty, I can’t remember how far I made it past the 20-mile mark. I know we passed Lake Henshaw and the Palomar Observatory, and I know the trees had all but been replaced by cactus and shrubbery.

What I can remember is why I rode, despite rarely ever mounting a road bike: My uncle said, “Why don’t you ride your bike, and we’ll drive behind you?” and it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Last night’s conversation was with a roadie who wanted to start mountain biking. I wanted to tell him that he’d finally start enjoying the ride, but I couldn’t. This is what haunts me!

I can’t name one good reason to step on a road bike other than“it may seem like a good idea at the time.” Yet, I still remember the freedom and peace of what is my longest road trek to date. There must be something good hidden in there somewhere.

Still, it is a pleasure “corrupting” roadies by getting them in the dirt – something that always seems like a good idea.

2006-03-17T03:42:00.000-06:00

TALES: Counting flowers on the wall ...

For the 27th time, I'm a quitter. I'm three sleepless days into a Zyban-induced, anti-depressant coma as the final grams of nicotine seep from my pores; a cool visualization to occupy my sleep- and drug-deprived mind for hours. There's no doubt that I'm a complete space case, but there's an unusual feeling of finality in the air this time. I think chewing tobacco will join the demons of the past that only beckon from a distance now.

My daughter told me she'd get an "A" in geometry if I quit using tobacco (not a huge stretch for a girl with a 3.6 GPA), but a challenge to the solid "B" she's had in the class.

The weather’s kept me off the bike since quitting, so I'm anxious to see how the stamina’s affected. The sudden increase in both Guacamole and Black Pepper Jack Doritos definitely won't help!

2006-03-13T07:16:00.000-06:00

TALES: True satisfaction & bad golf

PROLOGUE
If you scream as the water hits your legs in the shower, then you know it’s been a good run. Better yet is the next day, after wearing boot socks for 12 hours, when chunks of dried blood and other “stuff” come off your leg with the socks. What exactly is that strange sense of satisfaction and pride that completely overwhelms the pain when you kiss sweet Mother Earth? Maybe it’s that two seconds of airtime before impact, when you're truly free; or maybe it’s looking up from the carnage to see all of your friends stifling their laughter (if you're lucky) until they at least see you moving.

Keep in mind, though, that crotching the top bar and/or headset on your way over does not bring the same sense of satisfaction – not even on subsequent occurrences.

___________________________

THE RIDE
Great ride Sunday after (believe it or not) four dry days in a row, and a couple of new riders made it even better. It's always a pleasure getting riders on our trails who are new to the sport or just new to the area. Clint and Garron joined Lance I for the weekend ride, so we decided to illustrate exactly what NOT to do when hauling the mail downhill.

I think the ride was more of a warm up for Clint, typically a triathlete, who didn’t learn much technique from my endo down The Mother. However, he did learn a bit about proper technique during his freefall off the rope climb at the bottom.

Garron did remarkably well unclipped on a borrowed hardtail with the one-sided, plastic Shimano platforms snapped onto SPDs – can’t imagine how difficult it was just keeping his feet on the pedals. Apparently, riding interfered with Garron’s steady hands on the golf course the same afternoon, so now his competition is begging to get him back on the trail regularly before he hits the green. He said his butt hurt this morning, but none of us are talking!

I’m definitely reconsidering the knee and shin protection for future rides. From the divots under both of Lance’s knees, I’d imagine he’s also entertaining the thought. I guess if that happens, we’ll actually have to stay on the bikes to have fun!

A few hours after we wrapped it up, a flash storm kicked the wind instantly from 0 to 30 mph and threw in some driving rain. It kicked us off a nearby beach, but it was a great excuse to warm up with a huge bowl of Soba soup -- timing is everything!

2006-03-11T06:02:00.000-06:00

TALES: The spiders are nothin'!

Found and marked the entrance to "Mad Hatter" today, but came face-to-face with a harsh reality of summer -- snake traps were all over in the woods. Wonderful signs with giant, smiling snakes were also up near the woods' edges by Kurashiki Dam to warn passers-by of Okinawa's infamous Habu.

I've crashed through many woods here on many different occasions, and I've never seen a snake. However, that does nothing to make me any less tense even sitting here thinking about the little farts. Where are all of the mongooses -- or "mongeese"? -- when you need them anyway? (The mongoose was reportedly introduced to Okinawa from India at the turn of the century to fight Habu, whose bites caused serious injuries to local farmers.)

Just one more reason to ride fast!

2006-03-06T07:04:00.000-06:00

TALES: It’s healthy to carry your bike occasionally … right?

Finished clearing the last bamboo on Spiders & Pipes Saturday, so it's finally completely rideable again, the way Tom intended. Also let loose with some metallic gold spray paint (hope the nearby farmers don't mind the gold spider icons directing traffic). I'm hoping this moderate-skill trail will encourage more families to start riding; it also gives us night-riding virgins a safer place to learn the nocturnal arts. Best of all, I got another cool rash from clearing the trail – three circles on the back of my neck that my wife describes as “crop circles.”

Sunday was even better as Lance, Clayton, Garry and I tackled Spider Loop's inner loop. Chris the photographer and "Amazon Guide Wonder Boy" even joined us. The uphill switchbacks on “The High Road” left me gasping like the first time I rode them, but weaving down through the tight trees and over the rooted, twisting path of “Heartbreak” before hitting "The Mother of All Downhills" reminded me exactly how much the rush is worth the climb 10 times over!

I can only imagine how fulfilling the last half mile would have been with the bike carrying me instead of me carrying the bike. This was my first personal encounter with the joys of chain suck to the max -- and I must say that I did a fine job of wedging the chain under the spoke ends. I have to admit, life would’ve been easier had I noticed the loose rear derailleur cable after I fixed the chain the first time. Lesson: never be so hurried to get back on the bike that you only check the symptom, not the cause. A special thanks to Garry for keeping me company on the walk!

I almost forgot: the spiders are on steroids and have miraculously grown to half their mature sizes over the course of the past two weeks. We’re definitely in for a treat early this year!

2006-03-01T21:24:00.000-06:00

TALES & TRIPS: Good questions!

"Is the rash still there?"
Thanks for all of the cards and letters. The rash from my last ride is beginning to fade (along with my short term memory), and my wife gave me a little more sympathy after reading the blog, so life is good.

"So, how do I get to the Chibana trails?"
Admittedly, the map is taxing my computer skills, but progress is being made to build a detailed map of the eastern routes. Thanks to "anonymous" for pointing out that I neglected to provide any clue whatsoever. I've tried for a short-term solution with written directions in response to his (or her) question, so check them out in the comments on "A Prodigal Returns ..."

2006-02-27T13:59:00.000-06:00

TALES: Lost & rashed

Despite the soggy forecast, the rain let up enough for a quick ride yesterday after working all night. I hit the Chibana area, for what was supposed to be a quick ride on the Spiders & Pipes trail we cleared last week. After a good warm up on Chibana's farm-skirting singletrack, came the short, technical chute down into S&P, followed by some narrow, uphill singletrack. Then there was nothing.

Apparently, we'd missed a 100-meter link while clearing S&P that was now indistinct amidst the tall grass and debris from last year's typhoons. As I discovered, though, there were still plenty of farmers trails to lead me to dead ends in every direction. And, of course, plenty of Okinawa's infamous stray puppies barking and scampering through the vegetation.

After wrestling my bike through dense foliage, dead branches, saplings and "love me" vines for 45 minutes, I finally cut out, rode the road (admittedly a sin) around to the exit point at Kurashiki Dam and took the trail in reverse to find the link. As you might have guessed, it came out about two feet from the place where'd I'd finally given up the search. I should've followed the white puppy who fled in that direction down the rabbit hole earlier!

The good news: A 30-minute ride turned into 90 minutes, and there's a killer, triple-tiered downhill run if you detour slightly from the trail. The bad news: This really weird, dime-sized rash on my knee that is a perfect circle. It doesn't itch or anything, but it doesn't garner the attention from my wife either that, perhaps, a bloody laceration would.

2006-02-25T16:05:00.000-06:00

TIPS: 5 channels of 24-hour cycling television

Watching the sky spill for the third day in a row today, I finally struck gold. I just finished watching the 2004 UCI 4X Championships on Cycling.TV's "Mountain Bike & Triathlon" channel (one of its five internet-based cycling channels that show live and archived pro race coverage), and the depression from not riding is beginning to lift. Much of the programming is free, and some you have to pay for. Other channels include "Daily News & Features" and "Travel & Liesure."

From the company: "We supply seven different data streams from 56K up to 2MB. When your computer connects, we measure your connection speed. This ranges from full TV quality for very high speed users down to a stream for 56K users. However, on the 56K connection we have tostrip out so much data to get the video down that it isinevitably poor quality. With broadband, more data means better quality -- right up to perfect TV quality."

A special thanks to Roadbikerider.com for passing the dirt (and the following tip) on Cycling TV.

Tip: No matter what your connection speed, click the "TV mode" and the race will fill your computer's screen edge to edge just like it would on television.

You have got to check this out! It's the perfect way to catch some action, and you might just learn a thing or two. Cape Epic coverage is up next, so ciao!

2006-02-24T15:14:00.000-06:00

TALES: Holding a machete is cool; rain sucks

No matter what you're doing with it, walking around with a machete in your hand just makes a dude feel different. The fact that you had to borrow it because you thoughtlessly left all of your tools stored in some undisclosed U.S. location before you moved to Japan is not so cool. It's especially not cool when you first realize this 10 minutes before you're supposed to meet for group trail maintenance that YOU coordinated.

Obviously I haven't been doing my part, so it felt good to start working on the Chibana trail network with Garry earlier this week. It's amazing what a machete can cut through! We've got Spiders & Pipes just about clear, but there are still four or five trails left to survey and clear before Summer.

Unfortunately, Okinawa's rainy season has washed out nearly all hope of a trail ride this week, so I guess that makes this trail maintenance season too (unless you enjoy disassembling your bike after every ride to coax the red, Okinawan mud out of every bike orafice).

2006-02-23T13:36:00.000-06:00

TIPS: Shocking News

Cory Hemminger on The Biking Hub just made my recent transition from hardtail F800 to a full suspension ride a ton easier since I neglected to check for the Manitou rear shock manual before I carted my new Prophet from Tampa to Okinawa. He's gone to the trouble of locating online manuals for a good number of both air and coil-over shocks and provides links to all of them. In fact, if you never got the "Rear Shock 101" course or are thinking about making the FS transition, he also did a great job of explaining the basics of rear suspension in a separate article.

2006-02-20T20:58:00.000-06:00

TALES: A prodigal returns & a wish comes true

Tom came to Okinawa the first time with the U.S. Army (and his mountain bike) in the early '90s. When he departed, he left behind roughly 20 miles of singletrack that he and a small group of American and Okinawa riders cut by hand through the uncharted center of this jungle-like island -- an area hallmarked by hundreds of sporadic, unmapped farm roads and paths.

For the past year and a half, I've stared at the rough map (in Kanji) posted long ago on the Okinawa Mountain Bike Association's website that chronicled the group's work, wishing I could pinpoint exactly where to find these foliage-engulfed paths that still beckoned the touch of rubber knobbies. Most frustrating was that the trail system seemed only a mile or two from my house. Making it particularly tough is the fact that there are few-to-no English-speaking "old timers" around to ask because of the military's three-year move cycle. And then it happened, quite by chance.

When I returned from Iraq recently, my daughter says, "Hey dad, you've got to meet my new friend, who's really nice, she used live here and just moved back this summer. Oh, you have to meet her dad too because he really likes mountain biking."

Long story short, Tom was her dad, and had already started some maintenance on these trails with help from his son before injuring his ankle a few months ago. Even before the injury, he'd been having a hard time getting help from fellow riders to resurrect these beauties. Garry (a 24-hour epic lover who arrived here last summer from California) and I gladly bartered our services in exchange for a tour of the entry and exit points for “Spiders & Pipes,” “Mad Hatter,” “The Hole” and “Cinderella” -- trails that, before Monday, seemed as reachable to me as El Dorado.

As I suspected, these gold mines were hiding right under our noses near places I’d passed a dozen times. Tom hobbled as far as he could to point out places that needed our help, after which Garry and I hit Spiders and Pipes with machetes and saws in hand. (Since this course skirts a fence, which Okinawa's famed Banana Spiders love to anchor their webs across the trail to, it is sure to be the source of many great summer “hitch hiker” stories).

Thanks for coming back Tom!

2006-02-19T00:50:00.000-06:00

TRIPS: Kickin' with Kiwis in Queenstown, New Zealand

It was the holiday season and it was my first REAL family vacation. After 14 years of always spending Christmas traveling to see our wonderful extended families on the other side of the country for Christmas, my wife and I decided to do something different – especially since it would cost us an arm and a leg to fly ANYWHERE from our little home in Okinawa. My wife’s dream was to see Australia, and my daughter’s was to be anyplace Orlando Bloom had touched – that meant New Zealand, where he starred in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. With the obvious balance of family vacation and biking fever, I decided that one day of biking of the six on New Zealand's southern island wasn’t too much to ask – especially since they picked the destinations. The good news was the discovery that Queenstown was the "Outdoor Adventure Capitol of the World" -- and that's exactly where we were headed. This isn't the place to discuss the entire awesomeness of the trip, but I would recommend renting a Mini Cooper for a self-tour in New Zealand that includes a stop at one of A.J. Hackett's Bungee Jump spots and a stop at Mount Cook for hiking (stay in the lodge there, too -- the view of the glacier is teremendous)!

The Guide
On this one, it's tough to talk about the ride without talking about the guide. With the overwhelming choices for a one-day adventure, I quickly realized that I'd need someone who knows the area and could get their hands on a decent bike for me too. There are many MTB maps online, but it's difficult to pinpoint a nearby spot to ride when you don't know the area well. One day doesn't give much room for stuff not to go perfectly. Luckily, I stumbled upon Greg McIntyre at Fat Tyre Adventures Ltd. to take care of everything for a very reasonable price that included a nice FS Trek, helmet, munchies, roundtrip transport and the best history lesson on NZ that I could hope for. You can read more about him on his site, but the guy knows what he's doing and knows every nook and cranny to put two wheels on in the area. He offers everything from sheep path cross country trips to heli-biking and 3500M double descents.

The Ride
An unusual December snow and low clouds (it's summer there in December) the morning of our ride dictated a lower altitude XC journey was what we'd get. Fortunately, I found out later that this still included some great descents to get the adrenaline going again after my legs were good and noodley from the climbs! Greg picked me up at my hotel at about 6 a.m. in the Fat Tyre wagon (a Range Rover equipped to hold at least half a dozen off-road machines) with a huge grin and what appeared to be a freshly shaved head.

We drove through magnificent countryside and mountains for about 50 km, which ended with a 4x4 trip to the start of the Dunstan Traverse Trail in the Dunstan Mountains overlooking the town of Cromwell. From the drop-off point, you've got a 1700m descent and, on days not as overcast as ours, views north as far as Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) and south as far as Stewart Island. Greg calls it "gravity assisted Cross country," and he leaves the grade of descent up to you -- but only after you've worked for it by climbing through the range's narrow, steep and rocky singletrack made by hundreds of sheep grazing around the mountains for years. You can also ride an old water channel that was hand-cut by gold miners more than 120 years ago. Fat Tyre Adventures has exclusive consent from the land-owners to ride this area, so we were the only folks on the trails all day.

I'll admit that there was a little weezing on my part, but the views were enough for my mind to lull my body into submission for several hours (there was also the hope that I might just catch a flock of sheep off guard and make them all go running for cover! ).

When it came time to go DOWN, I was more than ready. The trail traversed its way down the mountain, but Greg and I just decided to take it straight down through the baby heads and brush. The close calls with fleeing jack rabbits and 100-foot drops to the river was enough to get the blood pumping again, and the toughest part was taking in the scenary and the fast-approaching Lake Dunstan over the horizon while our bones jarred at 30 mph. But it would have been a crime not to look!

My quads were shot by the time we hit the lake shore at the bottom where Greg's associate had left the Fat Tyre wagon for us. Five minutes later, we were on the road to Cromwell and a stop at the co-located "Juice Café" and Freeway Fruit Outlet before heading home.

Food
Cromwell's valley is prime land for growing fruit and a definite spot to refuel after the ride is the "Juice Café" and Freeway Fruit Outlet, which are located right next two each other. The cafe specializes in fresh cider, but you can also get some terrific coffee and freshly-made sandwiches. The Fruit Outlet's got every fruit imaginable from the region, both fresh and dried, and it makes a great pre-ride stop as well to stock up on ride snacks.

Local MTB Associations
I was unable to find a club right in Queenstown, but Cyclingnz.com has a pretty extensive list of clubs on both the north and south islands at http://www.cyclingnz.com/clubs.phtml, including one near our ride in Dunstan (Otago area).

Bikes/gear/wrenches
If you pack your own wheels and need some help, I suggest you ask Greg at Fat Tyre for recommendations. He's a straight-shooter and should point you in the right direction.

Lodging
My family and I were more than comfortable on the banks of Lake Wakatipu at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Rates were reasonable (as part of our tour package) and it's centrally-located a five-minute walk away from the plethora of restaurants, bars and shops in downtown Queenstown. Staying in Queenstown proper also puts you in close proximity to the area's many other attractions, like bungee jumping, hang gliding, jet boating and skiing (in the winter). If you're looking to rough it a bit, there are plenty of camp sites in the Lake Wakatipu area, and tons of hotels to fit any budget.

On a final note...
Once I have perfected the art of getting my special lady on two wheels (see a great article related to this on Blue Collar Mountain Biking), I’m hoping to return to get my fill of Queenstown off-roading!

2006-02-16T05:27:00.000-06:00

TALES: Is letting go always this tough?

When everything else made of metal on this island appears to disintegrate under the strain of constant humidity, the forest green metallic paint on the rigid frame of the eight-year-old Diamond Back Sorrento still gleams at me in all of its rigid glory. Okay, there are four hex bolts with rust spots on them (including the two for the water bottle cage that was never attached), but why hasn't the chain rusted after only two lubes in so many years?

The real question is: "Why is it still here?"

I meant to sell it when I bought a Cannondale F800 after arriving back in Okinawa, but decided to make the Sorrento my commuter. Then, I definitely was going to sell it after upgrading to a Prophet. But here it sits.

What is it about your first mountain bike that makes it so hard to let go?

It could be the glorious memories of coming in 4th of 5 in the novice heat of a muddy XC race course carved into the backside of an Okinawa military base a week after I bought it in 1998, or sitting on a overpass under a camoflauged poncho the old girl held over me during a torrential downpour -- we shared a Meal Ready to Eat of meatloaf, as I recall.

It could be that the Sorrento is what gave me freedom and allowed me to explore this wonderful island for the first time in 1998, introduced me to singetrack riding and gave me a thrill like no other (aside from being a husband and father).

It could be that it never failed despite the abuse it took from a beginner who, through his own ignorance, continued to demand performance with little more than spraying its muddy carcass off with a hose month after month.

Maybe when the answer comes I'll be ready to part with with my old steed, but that answer doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon. It just wouldn't be right to say goodbye here in Okinawa anyway -- not when this is where we met.

2006-02-12T05:54:00.000-06:00

TALES: The guy who almost walked his dog to death

So we're sitting at the peak of Spider Loop overlooking what seems to be the entire island of Okinawa. The only thing left to do is hang on for dear life down "La Luge," avoid the 15-foot plunge into an underground cave near the end, and take a leisurely ride back up the highway to our cars. Three Okinawan MTBers roll up to us with “Konichiwas” ("hellos") all around and their dog in tow, when Chris starts up a pleasant conversation in Japanese. What, he speaks Japanese, too?

Chris isn’t supposed to be a mountain biker – he said so himself. He’s a teacher at Okinawa University (explaining the Japanese), and snowboarder and photographer who just wanted to ride with us after our photo shoot Saturday was rained out.

At just a little after 7 a.m. Sunday morning, he rode up on what he terms his “Gull’s bike” (“Girl’s bike” to those of us not from the UK), and only then tells Garry and I that he had to ride from home because he didn’t have a rack on his Miata. I was too busy admiring the rust build-up on the chain of his Australian Apollo “Himalaya” that was at least a decade old to ask how far he had to ride, but I’d give it at least 10 kilometers. Most of it was probably uphill, too! This alone should have clued me in to how much heart the guy has. As for the 35-pound, yellow Himalaya, the rack over the rear tire was fused to the bike by four disintegrated allen bolts, and the combination to the cable lock secured to the rack had been lost long ago. We drenched the chain in Synlube and hit the mud.

Two hours later, he’s sitting here speaking Japanese atop his muddy Apollo, and we’re all admiring the spot where a big chunk of his helmet used to be, before it was snatched by a low-hanging branch a few kilometers back. The Japanese rider's dog reminds him of his own, and a time he walked his dog from home to this very spot, continuing down La Luge on foot and onward to the beach on the other side of the island. He said his dog walked gingerly on the way home from the four-hour trek. The next day, he had to carry the dog outside just to pee. Everyone looked at him like he'd beaten the dog with a stick when the vet explained the dog-year mathematic formula that boiled down to a 70-year-old canine that wished it had the lives of a middle-aged cat.

A few minutes later, we were barrelling down La Luge with grins plastered to our faces -- sharing the love we bikers dream of.

Garry offered Chris a ride home, and I thought Chris was going to kiss him -- luckily, that didn't happen. But I didn't want him to suffer the same fate as his pup, so was glad to hear Chris say "yes."

Just goes to remind us all of two important things: (1) the beauty of this sport is that anyone with heart can ride, and (2) that it IS possible to almost walk a dog to death.

You can see more about Chris, his dog and his work on his website at: www.travel67.com.

2006-02-08T21:28:00.000-06:00

TRIPS: Biking with 'gators in Tampa, Florida

Admittedly, I picked Florida for mountain biking out of desperation, not expecting much. It was warm in January there, and it was in the United States. So ...

I met my West Coast brother in Tampa for a few days in January, while I was en route back to Okinawa, Japan (where I currently live) from Iraq, and it was definitely worth it for good singletrack and great new friends. If you've honed your technical skills, you'll have no problem tackling even the "double black diamond" trails at the many parks -- but the roller-coaster ride you get, as well as catching air while avoiding alligator-infested swamps, will leave you with a grin plastered to your face. The rides are only about 30 minutes from downtown Tampa in the Brandon area.

The ride
My brother and I warmed up at Boyette Park and finished with Alafia River State Park. Both of these parks were developed on land previously strip mined. If you're skilled and looking to push it I'd definitely recommend passing on Boyette, but for a guy getting back on the bike after six months in a war zone, it was a good place to practice the basics for a day. It's also a great place for familes, beginners or novices to have a great day of biking, and difficulty levels are color coded on every trail. While Alafia River State Park also has beginner and novice trials, it's double black diamond ups and downs on "Moonscape" and the aptly-named "Roller Coaster," as well as close calls with swamps on either side of hairpin turns and sizeable descents on "Gatorback," was great. You also find that many roots like to grow on top of the trails for some moderate technical stuff. As a bonus, Alafia's got a camp ground with facilities, so there's no need to spring for a hotel. Did I mention the close encounters with armadillos? You'll see tons of these creatures at Alafia -- a remarkable mix of cute-faced little rodents with shells like turtles!

Local MTB associations
You can get all of the most updated trail maps, conditions and advice from the Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers (SWAMP) club at http://www.swampclub.org./ They really do a tremendous job keeping the trails up and letting you know of upcoming events (in addition to their weekly rides that you're welcome on). One of their members actually greased the skids for my whole trip via my e-mails from Iraq (thanks Julianne), and we met another on the trail who was extremely helpful. There's more great singletrack in the area, but we only had two days, so see the SWAMP web site for details on other great rides.

Bikes/gear/wrenches
I went to seven bike shops in the area shopping for my next beloved Cannondale, and can tell you without a doubt to go to AJs Bikes and Boards for all of your needs (rental, gear and mechanical). Dave and Heather (co-owners) are friendly, knowledgeable and down to earth -- and all of the other shops even speak highly of them. Many of the staff (including Dave) also ride the trails regularly. AJs is also the closest to Alafia and Boyette and recommended highly by SWAMP. You can get a three-day full suspension rental (Giant/K2) for only $100 including helmet. See www.ajsbikesandboards.com.

Food
No trip is complete without a food tip, so here it is: we mistakingly found one of Tampa's hidden secrets for great steak and beer: the Frontier Steakhouse. Menu runs $13 to $30 for a meal. Best of all, you can challenge the restaurant's 6-pound steak if you're famished from a day on the trails -- eat it all and it's free. If not, be prepared to drop $50. The place is truly hidden but you can call for directions at (813) 621-3050.

Sleep
We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn in Brandon, which is great for space if you can split the bill, come in the off season or get a discounted rate (free breakfast and a kitchen stocked with pots and pans in the 2-room suite). On a shoestring, check out camping at Alafia River State Park: www.floridastateparks.org/alafiariver/default.cfm

Cannondale riders' corner
There are two great places to go (since AJ's isn't authorized to work on "Crack & Fails"). I recommend avoiding the corporate "salesman" mentality at University Bicycles in Tampa. Instead truck into St. Petersburg to see Bill at Revolution Cycles (http://revolutionbikes.com/site/intro.cfm) or over to Clearwater to see the folks at Chainwheel Drive (http://chainwheeldrive.com). Chainwheel even let me use the phone to call a competing bike shop!

Acknowledgements
I'd like to extend a special thanks to my brother, a snowboarder & photographer, who left Mt. Shasta's snow base (aka his love and financial base as well) to ressurect his MTB skills for me and star in my photos for you. You can see his products at www.chadthomasphotography.com. This makes three times he's met me for some singletrack, and I can still barely stand on a snowboard!