Saturday I had ample opportunity to use the skills learned up at Oregon. in a 112 mile 'Don Ivan dual sport' ride we rode thru dirt, sand, rocks, snow, trees, blackberry bushes, pine needles, fireroads, a wee bit of pavement, single track and double track, creeks, mud, gravel, logs, sidehills, forest, Slippery rock (40x15 ft rock on the other side of a creek, waterfall at one end, with algea, 1/4" of water and traction equivalency of ice) etc. A great ride, although long. by mid-day Nicole's words of 'conserving energy' were foremost in my mind. I really rode well most of the day with a few difficulties in the AM that I attribute to high tire pressure (lack of traction) and mild food poisening from the night before(bad mussels). Although the guy who rode behind me commented on how smooth I looked (stand up riding the whole way)
In the afternoon my stomach felt better and rode faster with less falls to everyone's surprise, although choosing to get off and walk the bike thru a couple of small sections (like Slippery rock or where the guys had major trouble) which I could probably ride when fresh, but it would save me energy to walk it and not risk falling. Although one log still got the best of me. I was so pissed off at the log that the person behind me was trying to console me until I announced that I'm suppose to know how to do this right, and that's why I was upset. more practice!!
Also, I ordered new sprockets to change my gearing, seems I'm geared really tall which is why 2nd gear doesn't always pull like it should. I think I was the only 2 stroke on the ride, and definately the only girl. ;)
Last Wednesday I rode Stoneyford in perfect conditions (2 days after rainfall) and stood up the entire day!
Thanks Nicole and Karrie!