There is an eagerness to get back on the bike and hit the trails. As scenes of the partial frozen stream subside and the weather warms, that itch grows.
At this time of year, there are many trails that have begun to thaw and although the weather may be warm enough to again brave the trails, the trails themselves may not be ready.
The best thing to do at this time of year is to walk the trails first. A little hike along the trails to no only reacquaint yourself, but also to check first-hand the trail conditions, goes a long way. There is nothing worse than thinking the trail is fine and riding down a mucky soup, slipping and sliding to realize as you approach a stream crossing that the winter has taken out that rickety bridge.
A little caution goes a long way and help preserve the condition of the trails for an entire summer, fall and winter for some, of trail riding.
Remember to stay off the trails until they have dried out.
Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Saturday, March 14, 2009
2009 Toronto Bike Show
Went down to the Toronto Bike Show at the Exhibition in the Direct Energy Centre. Great show, lots to see. The best way to get there is, of course, by bike. Afterall, isn't that kind of the point?
It was a great day to get on the bike for the first time this year. Although there was a little chill in the air, the sun soon took care of that pretty good especially after getting going. In weather like that, the best thing to do is make sure you layer your clothing. I had on long underlining under riding pants and a wool long-sleeve with a fleece jacket and a gortex riding jacket. Well before getting going, I shed the fleece jacket into the pack. Layering is key! You can always remove a layer; you cannot put one on if you do not have it!
Just inside the door, you get a small glimpse of this event. It is only when you turn the corner that the enormity hits you. About an hour later, we had only made it to the end of the first row with many more to go. Once I made it to the dirt track is when I wished I would have brought my real camera. The point-and-shoot just does not cut it for sports action. There was dirt track racing, street course, trials, tricks, demos etc. Quite an inspiring event to really make you want to get out there and ride again after the bike being put away all winter!
Now I have to admit... this is one seriously sweet V Dub!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Finally Riding Again
Now that the winter is finally over, although today is rainy and 3 degrees Celcius, and Spring has sprung, time to get the bike out of storage and get serviced for another riding season.
If you have ridden throughout the winter, at the very least you need to clean and lube everything. Make sure you have your chain checked for being within spec. One of the worst things for your drive train is a stretched chain. It will start carving out the grooves in all your chain rings and eventually you will not only have to replace the chain, but all you rings as well which could get real costly.
Last year, when I spent a boat load on a full service (because it had been years since it was done last), the technician suggested the chain be replaced every two years at least. You will spend about $50 each time, but it is peanuts compared to having to replace your whole drive train. And if you are going to ride during the winter, you might even consider a low-cost "beater" chain.
If you had your main ride stored or were riding a beater for the winter, a simple tune-up would suffice just to make sure everything is optimal.
One thing that may be overlooked is the condition of your tires. I know I have to get new rubber this year. The sidewalls on my trail tires are all cracking. These were kelvar bead tires (meaning you could fold them as opposed to wire bead which you cannot fold) they were more expensive. It depends on your needs. I got a deal on them years ago so I cannot complain.
Above all the objective is to have fun and a little preventative maintenance ahead of time will go a long way on the trail.
If you have ridden throughout the winter, at the very least you need to clean and lube everything. Make sure you have your chain checked for being within spec. One of the worst things for your drive train is a stretched chain. It will start carving out the grooves in all your chain rings and eventually you will not only have to replace the chain, but all you rings as well which could get real costly.
Last year, when I spent a boat load on a full service (because it had been years since it was done last), the technician suggested the chain be replaced every two years at least. You will spend about $50 each time, but it is peanuts compared to having to replace your whole drive train. And if you are going to ride during the winter, you might even consider a low-cost "beater" chain.
If you had your main ride stored or were riding a beater for the winter, a simple tune-up would suffice just to make sure everything is optimal.
One thing that may be overlooked is the condition of your tires. I know I have to get new rubber this year. The sidewalls on my trail tires are all cracking. These were kelvar bead tires (meaning you could fold them as opposed to wire bead which you cannot fold) they were more expensive. It depends on your needs. I got a deal on them years ago so I cannot complain.
Above all the objective is to have fun and a little preventative maintenance ahead of time will go a long way on the trail.
Monday, April 23, 2007
DropMachine Don Trail Ride
It was a beautiful day for a ride in The Don Trails yesterday. The trails were bone dry and it felt like the middle of summer. Not a drop of rain in sight and tons of sun.
There was some serious air going on in the jumps section of the trails between the train tracks and the river. There has been alot of work done here over the last year or so.
Overall it was a great ride. There was quite a crowd at the jumps. Finally nice to just kick back, relax and partake in some good conversation, but most of all to witness the range of talent that was present.
I wish I had taken a picture. There was a younger kid named Elliot that was just starting out on the jumps. He could not have been more than 10 or 11 years old. When I first arrived, he was only doing the first two. By the time I left, about 2 hours later, he was doing the entire run including the banked turn at the end. It was inspiring, to say the least. This kid just kept riding them, over and over and over again.
The day was not without its mishaps. There were a few crashes. Nothing serious, perhaps a slightly bruised ego. The great thing was the riders just picked themselves back up and kept riding. No harm done.
Definitely looking forward to the next one. This time I will show up prepared with more Flash Memory for the camera!
There was some serious air going on in the jumps section of the trails between the train tracks and the river. There has been alot of work done here over the last year or so.
Overall it was a great ride. There was quite a crowd at the jumps. Finally nice to just kick back, relax and partake in some good conversation, but most of all to witness the range of talent that was present.
I wish I had taken a picture. There was a younger kid named Elliot that was just starting out on the jumps. He could not have been more than 10 or 11 years old. When I first arrived, he was only doing the first two. By the time I left, about 2 hours later, he was doing the entire run including the banked turn at the end. It was inspiring, to say the least. This kid just kept riding them, over and over and over again.
The day was not without its mishaps. There were a few crashes. Nothing serious, perhaps a slightly bruised ego. The great thing was the riders just picked themselves back up and kept riding. No harm done.
Definitely looking forward to the next one. This time I will show up prepared with more Flash Memory for the camera!
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