On the Road Again

With all the rain we've had over the last few weeks, trail riding has been pretty hit or miss. We get a couple of nice days in a row bookended with several days of rain. All this adds up to poor trail conditions.
And, being one of the few that help maintain our local trails, riding them when they are wet never seems right. When I found the big washout after our biblical rains a few weeks ago, I was extremely disappointed to see tire tracks on the trails. I have an idea who those tracks belong to, but unless you catch them in the act, nothing can really be said.

This Thursday, July 26th, VMBA, Stowe Mountain Bike Club and Five Hills Bikes will be camped out at the tunnel leading up to the Perry Hill Trail Network. There will be some BBQ, beverages, riding and tech support. Thursday is by far the busiest night on the trail, and we are trying to spread awareness of what it actually takes to keep the trails in the best possible condition.

Sunday the 29th is also a work day, sponsored by Five Hills Bikes. After the work, we ride and have a BBQ to thank all those that joined in.
Contact the shop for more details 802.244.7330

So needless to say, all work and no riding can make George crazy, so it became clear that something needed to be done. This something manifested itself in a shiny red Salsa Primero.


There are some folks that are probably scratching their heads about this decision, but I look at it a couple of ways.
1. I need to ride. Road riding is a good way of getting out and spinning your worries away.
2. I have the Vermont 50, a 50 mile off road race to do at the end of September. I need to train for a long day in the saddle.
3. Last year I was talking big about wanting to do the Harpoon Point to Point ride. This year I am going to do it. 110 miles is a great way to break in the booty.

The money raised at the Point to Point will benefit the Vermont Food Bank
The ride is on August 11th, and I am accepting donations in any amount, but my goal is to reach a minimum of $500. Anyone wishing to help out can contact me directly, or go on to my profile page and donate directly.
Remember, it is for a good cause, so be generous.

How does the Primero ride? Well, pretty friggin' awesome. Mandy and I cranked out 50 miles yesterday, and the bike disappeared beneath me. I feel that with the correct attention paid to fuelling the engine, 110 miles should be attainable. I'll post some more details on my new 17lb steel skinny tired 29er in an upcoming post. I will say though, that this is the finest riding road bike I have ridden in a looong time.

Did I mention that the Point to Point ends at a brewery?