Weekend Ride Report

[CJ Rider]

It was the weekend to practice hill climbs. To me, this is like eating peas: nutritionally beneficial, but not my favorite. I usually ride with other spodes, but Nicole met us on Saturday. Beautiful warm sunny day. ‘Geared up and headed out towards the bluffs.

The guys had been working on one impressive looking climb for a few weekends. At first, they just looked at it. Then, they saw a guy do it. That spurred one of ‘em to try it. Then they all had to try. (Not me. Like I said; peas.) It’s a two-section climb up the face of a bluff that’s fairly loose with some curves to it so it isn’t just straight up. They all made the bottom section. Maybe because of the added exposure or maybe because it was more loose up top, everybody had trouble on the first try of the second section. However, they worked on it and made it up. I’m thinking that I’ll NEVER try this one and I wonder if my bike could even make it.

OK, back to this weekend’s story. I led Nicole over to the base of the climb. She took one look at it, rev’d the engine a little, and sailed up the climb like it was flat ground. Smooth as silk. Made it look easy. Then she rode back down it, swapped bikes with me, and did the same thing on my bike. As she was heading back up, two guys stopped to chat and watch. I said, “Look look; that’s my bike up there!” They watched more closely and said, “That’s a girl making that climb? We gotta get outta here!” and they high-tailed it away. Hillarious!

So with major confidence in her voice, Nicole said that my bike handles well and I should at least try the bottom section. Not pretty, but I did it! Then we moved to a bit shorter, but similarly steep climb. Nicole had me work on standing up through the entire climb. I tend to panic-sit when it gets steep, but I worked on standing. I may have wrecked a few times this weekend and had a heck of a time getting the bike turned around, but at least I’m not so scared to try anymore!

On Sunday, Will and I met up with some of our other spodely friends at the same area. A bit cooler and very windy. Felt much more confidant to follow the guys up the steeps. I still tend to panic-sit at times, but it’s not so much like peas, I don’t think NEVER anymore, and it’s fun!

 

[Leapin Lisa]

Great Job, CJ. I'm SO jealous you live close enough to get lessons from Girlrider. I'm glad you are able to take advantage of her knowledge and learn to overcome your fears. Living in ND and being a flatlander, I'm not comfortable on hills. Keep us posted on your progress and keep sharing the helpful tips, you gain. I love the analogy of the peas. :cool:

 

[firecracker22]

Cool, CJ! I'm so jealous of all you who are riding. Soon. I am not wonderful on hills, but my problem isn't going up, it's going down. I HATE it but some sessions with a buddy who used to race downhill mountain bikes taught me a few things. Now THOSE are some crazy people.

 

[CJ Rider]

FC22- Will you be able to do at least a little riding in Reno? Maybe a jaunt around the parking lot on the Pampera?

 

[LoriKTM]

CJ-- sounds like you had a great time riding this weekend. Going up and down hills is all about sensation-training. You need to keep repeating, and practicing each hill, and then you'll get used to the sensation of going up rocky hills. Each one becomes easier, after you succeed with the last.

You know, the thought of being able to take that little Pampera out for a test ride at Reno almost has me reconsidering my plans! I really don't think I can swing it this year, though. :(

 

[Moon]

Hey CJ Rider,

Where are the Bluffs?

 

[CJ Rider]

Moon- The bluffs are between the water tower and the reservoir. You can see both the water tower and the reservoir when you're at the top of some of the climbs. You know where I mean?

Lori- Yup; Sensation training! Feeling like yer gonna flip over any second is one unnatural sensation to get used to. 'Wish you were coming along to Reno too!

 

[firecracker22]

As much as I probably shouldn’t, I plan on going and riding. I am bringing a smaller bike than my own to ride which will force me to take it a little easier (yeah right). Are you sure you’re not going to make it, Lori? My KTM is still not spoken for . . .

I’d love to see what the Pampera looks/feels like. Maybe we can switch if you’d like to try the BBR too.

 

[CJ Rider]

You're bringing the BBR Special? COOL; I'd love to try it!

 

[firecracker22]

Hopefully. Depends on if we sell one of the ones we have now or not.

I start riding soon! Yippee! Rode a buddies' bike down from where he crashed to the truck for him (like 500') and it felt so good to be back on a bike even for 2 minutes. No problems starting, standing or riding. :)

 

[AnneBrooks]

CJ---great report! I, too, struggle on hills, and the only way to not be afraid of them is to do them over and over again (according to Bob). That is going to be one of my focus points this year. Thanks for the info, I will also try to stand and not sit when climbing.

FC22, glad you are doing better......just don't do too much too early and hurt yourself again...

 

[firecracker22]

I’ll be fine. I’m actually more worried about losing my nerve—I hover between anticipation and trepidation when I think about riding again. So I’ll have to take it easy on jumping and really watch putting my feet down in corners, but other than that I’m cool.

Will you be in Reno? I’m bringing both bikes, you can try the KTM if you like. I haven’t done much to it aside from FMF silencer, removed the kickstand and lights, and the softer shock spring. You should go! It’s great fun down there.

 

[AnneBrooks]

No, sorry we will not be in Reno. A bit too far from home to drive. Thanks for the offer of trying the KTM, I appreciate it. That is a sweet looking machine! I did buy a new bike last night, though and I am going to post it right after I finish here.........I think you will be pleased...;)

 

[firecracker22]

Killer choice! That's awesome! I will warn you, there's a lot of adjustment to be made after the XR. I really questioned my choice the first day. It didn't take long at all though before I was thrilled with it. Especially at the track--it made MX riding FUN and before I wasn't too thrilled about it. Pictures?

Suggestions, if you're interested: there are a couple companies making needle bearing clutch levers, which make the clutch much friendlier, and Enduro Engineering makes an aluminum clutch cylinder guard that will save your cylinder should your chain come off or a rock get caught in it or something. I’m sure other KTM owners have warned you about the kickstand—it’s not real strong, don’t trust it. I broke mine off on the 3rd ride. I got rid of the stock silencer too, more as a weight saver than as a power gain.

At least you’re used to disc brakes—I wasn’t!

 

[AnneBrooks]

Thanks, Sharla!! Actually, funny you should mention that---last night we were on their web site looking at exactly that---clutch guard and bark busters. Yes, disc brakes are a wonderful thing!! Also, I don't know what all comes with it, but I know he has bunches of extra parts, and I know there is some expensive pipe, but Bob will have to say what that is. I am going to try to get more involved in this stuff this year, as opposed to my "factory" ride ;)! Thanks for the suggestions. Also, I am going to work on creating a web site for us, so I can post pictures that way. Hopefully I will get that up soon. Thanks for the help!!