Road Tripping to Seven Springs

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I have to say my highlight of the year was a road trip with some of my closest friends to Seven Springs. Seven Springs is a resort with runs that last about 3 minutes or so and are a good mix of man-made features with the natural terrain. The funny thing is, the trip wasn’t really about the location as much as it was about the time spent with a bunch of like-minded guys. We spent the entire 7-hour drive talking bikes, reading about bikes, and watching videos on our handheld devices.

When we did arrive in town we spent a few more hours unpacking and watching more video. Needless to say we were more stoked than a blacksmith’s fire to get on the bike! On the trails at Seven Springs we barely stopped for food, hitting all the runs, getting faster and faster on the well groomed (and hard) berms, and going farther and farther on all the jumps. Despite a few minor glitches with the bikes, the perfect weather, picturesque location, and great runs made it a very memorial couple of days.

Thurmond Epic, Racing with Singletracks, and Cyclocross

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I’ve had a bunch of really good times on my mountain bike this year, so it’s hard to pick just one as my favorite. Between fun rides with friends and going deep into the pain cave at various races, I’ve experienced a lot this year. Here are a few of my top highlights, in no particular order:

• I finally rode the entire Thurmond Epic. I rode all 67 miles solo, and it took just over seven hours. I wasn’t the first person to ride it though, my buddy Ted beat me to it. As far as I know we’re the only two who have ridden it all at once.
• I had an awesome time racing with Jeff and Greg at the Baker’s Dozen this fall. The fact that we made the podium is icing on the cake. Thanks for making me do that last lap fellas!
• In late October we had a big unofficial group ride – 17 people started, and 11 of us rode the entire 52 miles. No major crashes, no mechanicals, we all stuck together for the most part, and the fall colors were at their peak. It was a really great day out in the woods.
• I did my first cyclecross race in early December and it was a total blast – I’m definitely doing more of those in 2012!

My Dream Bike Build: S&S-coupled Breezer Lightning

Luke_E

2011 was a rad year. In terms of the mountain bike, it was – without hyperbole – the best year I’ve ever had. A quick survey of the opportunities I’ve had this year yields the following chunks of gnar in no particular order: I landed the gig here bragging writing about one of my favorite topics, I started a new job in the bike industry that included among its perks access to employee-maintained trails on a daily basis, I traveled to Michigan for said job and got a week of insane Upper Peninsula shredding, Utah’s White Rim Trail chewed me up and spit me out during a week of rocky, sandy adventure, and I even hung it out at an indoor mountain bike park while the snow fell outside.

Even with all these memories fresh in my mind it only took me 30 seconds to pick my #1 mountain bike moment of 2011: the first ride on my S&S coupled Breezer Lightning travel hardtail. It’s more than a bike to me; it’s a physical embodiment of the whirlwind that was my first three years in the bike business. I went from a frustrated electrical engineer dreaming of my next weekend ride to working directly with a legend in the history of mountain bikes, bringing to market his first new trail-worthy design in a decade.

I met the guys who cast the dropouts, the ones who would butt the tubing. I saw where the frames were welded, painted, boxed and shipped. I thrashed the prototypes in local races. I was there in the desert when the bikes were introduced to the US dealers. I rode them in the mountains above Park City, Utah with my good friends and co-workers. But I never bought one. I had bigger plans than pulling one out of the box, airing up the tires, and hitting the trails.

I finally made one last trip to Taiwan with a pair of gleaming stainless steel coupling lugs in my carry on. The frame builder said “no problem,” my #1 man at the factory got it boxed up once complete, and after a multi-continent odyssey it landed in my sweaty paws to build from the ground up. After all the efforts of the great people I’ve come in contact with in this amazing business, the first time I got air on the Breezer I felt like I’d never come back to the ground.

Racing the Baker’s Dozen

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After reflecting back upon all of the things I’ve done on a mountain bike this year, it is going to be so tough to choose just one highlight! From the Sea Otter Classic in April to a week in Crested Butte, Colorado shredding high-alpine singletrack with friends, and from my first race with some of my bros from Singletracks to my first 2,000 MTB mile year, it is one tough decision!

Since I already talked about my mileage goals this year in another blog post, I think for this highlight I’d have to choose the Baker’s Dozen race with trek7k and dgaddis. Yeah, I know… a race in South Carolina beats out an epic week of singletrack in Colorado and the Sea Otter Classic? OK, maybe not… Colorado was pretty awesome. Like I said, it’s tough having all of these awesome experiences to choose from, give me a break!

But hear me out: I’ve been mountain biking for 6 years now, and this was my first race ever. It was an awesome experience to get competitive against other riders and myself, to get out on the course and push myself as fast as possible, and to get to share the experience with a couple of like-minded riders. For more of my experiences from that race, be sure to read my blog post entitled “10 Thoughts From My First Mountain Bike Race.”

29 Trails in 29 Days

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It already seems like a lifetime ago but my highlight from this year was (just barely) riding 29 mountain bike trails in 29 days in January and February in between the first and second Snake Creek Gap time trial races. Now that the leaves are down and the weather is turning colder, I find myself wishing I was starting the 29 trail challenge all over again. The funny thing is, none of the trails I rode during my challenge would make my top 5 for the year but just the fact that I got to ride so much singletrack in such a short period of time (in the middle of winter!) made it oh so sweet.

A related highlight: completing all three Snake Creek Gap races and earning a coveted belt buckle which I wear proudly every day. That’s not to say my MTB accomplishments ended in March; trips to Oregon and Colorado rounded out the summer and this fall I put together my first FS mountain bike – a Santa Cruz Tallboy carbon 29er. I’m still in the planning stages for 2012 trips and challenges but let’s just say next year should give 2011 a run for its money!

Your turn: What were your MTB highlights from 2011? Which singletracks articles did you enjoy the most this year?

At Interbike next week Syd and I will be previewing the newest MTB gear for 2012 which means it’s time to look back at the top gear of 2011. Our “Best of 2011″ list is based on your reviews over the last 12 months and includes 2011 model year products and older. Here are some highlights from the 2011 list (you can view the full list here).

29er Mountain Bikes

The Gary Fisher 29er mountain bikes always seem to come out on top and with good reason. With a solid component mix and well-honed geometry, these are great bikes for anyone looking to ride big-wheel bikes. Winner: Gary Fisher Cobia. Runner-up: Gary Fisher Hi Fi Plus 29 (FS).

AM, FR, and DH Mountain Bikes

The winners and runners-up from these three categories are a diverse group – six titles, six brands.

All-mountain – Winner: Ibis Mojo SL. Runner-up: Ellsworth Rogue.

Freeride – Winner: Jamis Parker I. Runner-up: Kona Stinky Six.

Downhill – Winner: Airborne Taka. Runner-up: Banshee Legend MK II.

Trek Bikes Rule…

… according to singletracks members anyway. Trek snagged the top spots in both the hardtail and FS mountain bike categories yet again with the 4300 and Fuel EX 8, respectively. Including the Gary Fisher 29ers, Trek pretty much dominated the major mountain bike categories.

Less is More

Surprisingly a few of the “best” products on this year’s list feature pretty basic technology. The mechanical Avid BB7 disc brakes are a perennial favorite thanks to their simple, rugged design. And the GMG Magicshine Special 900 light, with just a single brightness setting and a basic reflector, eeked out a top finish this year, due in part to its economical price tag.

Classic Designs

The Shimano M520 pedals are the top pedal this year thanks to their classic design and reliable performance on the trail. And like the M520s, the WTB Velociraptor tires won back-to-back “best of” titles based on a tried and true design. Even the Camelback M.U.L.E. hydration pack is on top for a second year in a row – and it was getting 5-star reviews back in 2005!

Drivetain Split

We’re not sure what to read into this one but the top cranksets for 2011 are both from Shimano while the best shifters are from SRAM. Perhaps folks running hybrid SRAM / Shimano drivetrains are onto something…

Major Brands Still Dominate Certain Categories

Looking for the best shock, front or rear? Look no further than Fox Racing, the winner and runner-up in both categories. Garmin continues to dominate the GPS category, though surprisingly none of their cycling-specific units cracked the top two spots. And Camelbak held onto the hydration category despite inroads by innovative brands like Osprey and Hydrapak.

For those who are curious about how this list is generated, here’s the short explanation: We compute a score for each product based on the average member rating, the # of people who own the item, the # of people who want the item, and the total number of reviews. Don’t agree with our members’ picks? Review your favorite items now to influence the 2012 list!

You may not think the residents of Philly can shred; perhaps you think their waking hours are spent honking at each other, eating dog food sandwiches cheesesteaks, acting crass at major sporting events, or feeling inferior to New Yorkers. You’d be right for thinking all these things, but for the select few who love dirt, two wheels and gnar, there are fantastic MTB options in and around the City of Brotherly Love. Let’s go down the list; priority will be given to those trails accessible by bike. Yup, we’ve got that too.

Wissahickon Valley Trails in Fairmount Park

A seriously long name for what locals call “The Wiss.” Part of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park system, the Wissahickon offers 14 miles of singletrack above the valley created by the creek that bears its name. Parallel tracks on both sides of the valley are accessed by Forbidden Drive, a packed gravel path that runs the length of the park. An added benefit is that if you live in the city, Forbidden Drive gives you access to any section of the system, no driving necessary.

Once you’re there, get ready for technical climbing, fast descents, and a well groomed new section in the north section of the park. No worries about getting lost either – you’re on a big loop with the creek down in the center and neighborhoods around the borders at the top. Shred at will, keep the water below you, and you’ll be good to go.

Belmont Plateau Mountain Bike Trail

Photo credit girlbikedog

Also in the Faimount Park system, (which covers 10% of the total area of Philadelphia!) Belmont Plateau is tighter, faster and has much less elevation change than the Wiss. This area is fantastic for a single speed 29er which is what the cool kids are riding in Philly these days.

For something like 23 years in a row, Belmont has been home to the Thursday Night Races. A dedicated group of trail wizards get there early and sort out a sweet, fresh course each week. Logs are lain, sections are shunted, and paths are chosen for highest technical challenge. Beginners do one lap, sport class does two, and the experts rip out three circuits through this wild area that butts up against Interstate 76. Those poor suckers are grinding gears to escape or enter the city on the most congested road on the planet (*citation required) while you can be turning yourself inside out mere yards away.

The Thursday races draw some of the fastest dudes and ladies from the Philly area, so think about who’s behind you before you stack up the pack dismounting to clear that log (they can probably clear it, make way).  And lest you witness the wrath of the wizards, don’t wear down the carefully maintained trails by being a “skidiot” (you know who you are.) After the races there’s usually drinking, merriment and telling of tales, so bring 6 of you favorite brew and share with the crew.

White Clay Creek Mountain Bike Trail

Sweet baby monkey I love this park! I’m not ashamed to admit why either: it’s easy. It’s a short drive down I-95 from Philly, it’s in Delaware, and it’s pretty flat. Nothing super technical, no lung-busting climbs, just cush, groomed, flowy singletrack. As the review in the title link says it’s “Like flying!” Damn right it is, and wicked fast to boot.

1. Get yourself a lightweight, snappy hardtail (like the Breezer Lightning pictured that I had the privilege of helping bring to market), 2. eat plenty of Wheaties before you head out, and 3. shred for hours.  Spring, summer and fall, White Clay has something for everyone and can get a bit crowded on the weekends. This is one place worth playing hookie for. I’ve spent many a weekday with my bike, my camera, and a few energy bars hitting the majority of the 24 miles of trails. Not one of them is a dog and as a bonus they threw in a skills course with teeter totters and raised sections with enough potential for cracked ribs and contusions that I’m recommending you ride with proof of insurance. Walk it before you ride it.

Fair Hill Mountain Bike Trail

Fair Hill is in the neighborhood of White Clay. The trail shares many of the same high points: fast, flowy, and well looked after. You’ll find more technical sections than White Clay, but we’re not talking double black diamond stuff.  Bike Line hosts a sweet race here in conjunction with the Mid Atlantic Super Series which is a great way to start the season if you’re interested in racing.

Grab a trail map and get exploring. There’s 80 miles (!) of dirt to explore so you may never hit the same combo of trails twice. It was a favorite of mine and my #1 riding buddy Jim (pictured) when we could line up a full day away from work. Pack a lunch, ice some coldees for after the ride, and if you’re riding with a thrasher like Jim, pack some gauze.

Camden County College Mountain Bike Trail

Photo credit: LWC

I was introduced to these trails by friend and coworker Brian. It was his local spot (he’s a Jersey dude, but way too cool for such labels) and it became our regular after-work shakedown. As a matter of fact, I’ve never been on these trails in the daylight. Those were the salad days of my Magicshine and man did I put all other lights to shame. It didn’t last, but that’s for another post…

Like Belmont Plateau these are tight, twisty trails in a relatively flat setting. Carry your momentum up and down the quick pops and climbs, be careful on the roots if it’s damp or misty, and don’t bog down in the few sandy spots – it is Jersey after all. The trails weave in and out of stands of pine that scent the air as you tear through. If you see a boulder tagged with the LWC logo don’t be alarmed – this singletrack is revered and looked after by Lone Wolf Cycling and they mark their territory like… you get the picture.

CCC has a tangled network of overlapping routes so go with a local if you can. You’ll be glad you did. Plus you can brag that you rode the informal testing grounds for bikes and gear under development by a Big Deal Bike Company.

Editor’s note: It’s nearly impossible to ride all the Moab area mountain bike trails in a single trip and fortunately Maddslacker has made enough trips over the years to recommend the best of the best. This article should get you seriously pumped to go to Moab so also be sure to check out Maddslacker’s “Affordable Moab” article to help you plan your trip.

5. Gemini Bridges/Gold Bar Rim/Golden Spike/Portal

I know this is four trails but they connect into one awesome ride. Leave a drop vehicle at the end of Portal, drive to the parking lot at the beginning of Gemini Bridges Rd and start riding up the dirt road switchbacks. The climb is not bad at all. When you get to the top of the cliff, look back. Yeah, you just rode a bike up that! Across the flats is a left turn onto Gold Bar Rim, which is a jeep trail with lots of slickrock, ledges, and boulders. Hang out at the rim for a bit and then head south along the ridge until you hook up with Golden Spike. This fairly short section connects up with the infamous Portal Trail. Ride some of it, walk most of it, but either way, be careful and you’ll get down just fine.

4. Amasa Back

I haven’t actually ridden this trail yet – it seems like something always comes up when it’s on the schedule. Talking to people who have, I know that it is fairly short, really close to town, and has plenty of rocks to play on. A popular option is to do it in the afternoon after finishing Slickrock or Klondike Bluffs. There are a lot of jeepers on this trail so be nice to them – they have air compressors and extra water.

Photo by calebwi

3. Klondike Bluffs

Many people write off this intermediate trail as not being worth riding. They don’t know what they are missing! First of all, don’t park by the highway – drive in another 5 miles and park at the large parking lot by the gate. Not riding that stretch of boring dirt road definitely helps. The trail starts out with some of Moab’s signature tire-sucking sand. This quickly gives way to some doubletrack that alternates between hardpack and exposed ledges.  The longest portion of the trail climbs up an angled slab of slickrock. Along this section you’ll find dinosaur tracks and interesting rock formations to check out so definitely explore a little if you have time.

After the slickrock there’s more doubletrack that passes some historic mining ruins, terminating at the boundary of Arches National Park. There is a bike rack here so park your bike and do the 1/2 mile hike into the actual bluffs. Think scenery from old Wile E Coyote cartoons and you’ll know what to expect. When you’re done sightseeing, you can either head down Baby Steps or back the way you came; either direction ends up where you parked.

2. Slickrock Bike Trail

Mountain bikers come from far and wide to bag this Mecca of mountain bike trails. The scenery is amazing, the traction is so good that you can ride up and down impossible inclines, and it is all arranged in a convenient 10-mile loop. There’s even a 2.5 mile ‘practice loop’ to give riders a feel for what the rest of the trail has in store. This trail is definitely a must-ride, but I can’t give it the top spot because after riding the trail a half dozen times it starts to lose its mystique.

1. Porcupine Rim

Porcupine is the other trail that every trip to Moab must include. Whether ridden as the classic version starting in Sand Flats or including the UPS section, this trail has it all: fast singletrack, huge ledge drops, precipice-hugging sections, amazing scenery, and best of all, very little climbing! XC types and freeriders both will find stuff to love, and it’s well suited for group rides with plenty of photo ops all along the way. Don’t forget to catch some big air off that last berm and smile for the dude in the lawn chair: he’s taking your pic, a copy of which can be purchased in town later in the evening.

Honorable mentions: Poison Spider Mesa, Bartlett Wash and the Whole Enchilada.

Which Moab trails are in your top five?

Our bags our packed and our schedule is full for Interbike next week! We’re stoked to check out the new 2011 mountain bike stuff but before we do, it’s time to look back at the top gear from 2010. Based on thousands of singletracks member reviews, we’ve ranked the top MTB products in more than 30 categories using our unique algorithm that considers average rating, the number of ratings, and the number of members who own or want an item.

Within each category we’ve posted the winner and a runner-up along with a link to the product review page so you can see what others are saying. Check out the Best MTB Products of 2010 to see the best 29er of the year, best mountain bike shoes, and much more. Add your two cents to influence next year’s results and don’t forget, now is a great time to get an end-of-season deal on sweet gear!

Official press release with list of winners.

Markus Stockl on his way to a world MTB speed record.

Mountain bikers are always looking for new ways to push the envelope – mountain biking wouldn’t be an extreme sport if we weren’t. Here are a few MTB records we were able to uncover and a few records we’d like to see made official:

Longest jump on a mountain bike: As far as we can tell the record for the longest jump on a mountain bike is held by Jason Rennie and was set in February, 2007. Rennie was pulled up to speed by a motorcycle at 82mph and launched 133.5 feet from ramp to ramp. The bike? An off the shelf Kona – not a bad endorsement

Fastest mountain bike run: You’ve probably seen the YouTube video by now of Eric Barone’s spectacular crash in his attempt to break his own world speed record on the mountain bike (just over 100mph) but that’s old news. The CURRENT world record is held by Markus Stockl who rode 130.74mph down a 45-degree slope in Chile on an Intense M6 mountain bike. I have a feeling that record will stand for a while.

World’s longest mountain bike race: It’s the Great Divide race and it follows the route of the same name from Canada to Mexico across the Rocky Mountains. The race is held in late spring / early summer each year and covers 2,700+ miles.

Longest mountain bike wheelie: Ok, this one isn’t too official but I found a video of a guy on GuinessWorldRecords.com who claims to have ridden the longest mountain bike wheelie – 1.43 miles. This sounds impressive but not unbeatable – in fact I’m sure some of our readers could do better with a little practice. One to break this year?

If you’re looking to create your own mountain bike record, here are some we’d like to see documented:

• Most expensive mountain bike ever assembled
• Longest continuous ride (Chris Eatough or another 24 solo rider probably has a lock on this one)
• Biggest MTB landed drop (rumor has it the record is between 68 and 90 feet but we couldn’t find confirmation)
• Highest bunny hop
• Lowest MTB limbo
• Largest continuous singletrack trail network
• Most pro-level MTB race wins
• Largest MTB race

What other mountain bike records are out there?