January 11, 2009

  • Devils Backbone

    Now I am at Devils BB after doing the 7:00  450club ride.    My legs are a bit tired, but as long as I don't push too hard I should be good to go.      I don't have much water with me, but I shouldn't need much as I don't plan to be going that hard.

    I take off and life is good.   I took some air out of the  push'd shock cause it seemed a bit stiff at  BobCat.   I had the recommended 155 pressure in there but the sag seemed way to much, so I upped it and now I am putting it back.   The bike seems to be riding a bit smoother at the head angle is a noticeably slacker.

    So am taking it easy, tying to feel the bike.  I am near the back side when I see some riders behind me.    I am stopped for a moment to take in some food when I hear this, "Steve:".  Turns out it's Tim,  Jo and ???.   I decide to join them for a bit.  Tim in on the SS 29'r which he plans to ride in Leadville!  Well, he's actually having another one built.. details....

    The ride suddenly got faster and I can feel the fatigue in the legs.     I am struggling to keep up, but I am OK.  My bike is much heavier that Tim's 19lb rig and surely heavier than Jo's 4inch bike with the Mavic Crossmax's etc.  Yeah, that's my excuse for today.    I am also out of water but Jo is kind enough to give me some of whatever she was drinking.  Thanks Jo!

    We travel over to the edge of  Devils and head towards Coyote to meet the other half of Tin's group.   My legs are burning at points, but I guess this is a wake up call that I need to start riding more than twice a week.   Seems that the 450Club,  Gales Crew & these folks all have their eyes on doing  Leadville, and if I am going to be able to enjoy riding with any of them I need to up my game!  Oh well, more riding is probably good for me.

    We get Coyote and 1 of  Tim's fiends (??) shows up late.  Jo needs to get home so we head back the way we came.   Knowing I have only a few more miles I can will my bike to be able to stay with the crew.   I am doing a bit better now, but at what price! 

    At least we are heading back and I know how much I have to do.    I try harder to stay with the group and it's working.    I am holding my own at the back of the  pack and I can relax on the descents, taking advantage of the  gears and suspension. 

    The climb up to Devils is grueling.  I am too tired to clean the switchbacks and steps that I can normally do.  I am in that slopping tired mode so I don't want to press my luck.   Tim,  Jo etc. are riding really strong and I am wishing for my  Y-22 which would have given me some help after all these miles.

    Now we do some techy rocky stuff on the way back to the lot.  This is where the Yeti excels so I am doing OK now.    Finally onto the home stretch after doing all the technical stuff.   I am forced to disengage from the group when my chain starts skipping.  Must be a tight link or something bent, but I just soft pedal back to the lot.

    A good time was had by all.  2 good rides today.