Storm's a Comin'

We are now at the beginning of stick season. All the leaves have shown us their colors and fallen. The best riding days are behind us now, and anything we can ride now is just a bonus.
Over all, I'd have to say that this has been one of the best riding seasons ever.

We have seen the addition of so many new and exciting 29er products, most notably the new full suspension designs and some really nice and needed tire additions.

I've have quite a few days on the RIP 9, which has become hands down one of the best bikes I have ever owned. After the first few shakedown rides, I was able to get it dialed in perfectly. Air pressures, suspension settings, the whole thing. Unfortunately, all this comes in late in the game. I really could have used this bike in June!

Look for a more detailed review to come later this week.

And the new Panaracer Rampage tire is a bit hit. We are definitely short in the high volume chunky tire category in 29er-land. The Exiwolf is a great tire, but can be downright scary at times on some of the stuff we have here.
The Rampage has the capability to excel where others come up short.
This tire is so anxiously waited for by so many, that the very first batch sold within 3 or so hours. I'm glad I was able to get some, as I just sold my last pair today. More are coming though, so the wait will not be long.

I'll post a review of this tire in the coming week also.

We were able to slide out for a quick ride yesterday afternoon. It was quite an experience trying to find where the trail was. There was a lot of interpretive riding, as the ground was covered in 4" of leaves. It was actually pretty cool to see the naked lay of the land though. On this trail system, you miss a lot of really cool and sometimes scary stuff because it is hidden behind the foliage.
I was a mere 3" from a tumble down a 15ft cliff. One of the trails is right alongside a brook, which yesterday was roaring. Simply amazing stuff.
We started out hour and a half ride with brilliant blue skies. We got down just in time to see the first few snowflakes of the season fly.

Yes.

Snow. It's coming...