All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

dayummmm! to all of it.

 

Went up to Kingdom Trails in VT this weekend. Weather was awesome and got some pretty good miles with elevation under my belt. Going to need a couple days off to let the legs recover.

 

Do you have a lot of experience riding in different places? Kingdom trails are on my shortlist and would love a quick review

 

You sir are not a typical Patrol owner!

 

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I'm in the diminishing returns camp. I am not racing, I'm out to have a good ride and that's about it. Anything over 1K for me (in the current market) is a waste (for a road bike). I have a similar mindset in MTB - I got a used 27.5 full squishy for the season, don't ride it too much, point is - spending 5k+ would be lost on me, I have just as much fun (if not more because I am WAY less risk averse ) than the guys I ride with on the more expensive bikes.

I'm thinking my arsenal will be similar.

1. MTB
2. BMX
3. Road
4. Commuter/Gravel/Dog running bike that's a bit less fragile than a road bike, albeit a bit heavier. ALSO a lot cheaper, will be my "if this gets stolen I won't be as angry as if they stole a 2k bike". (oh, and my wife gets one bike. 1 to 4, that's the right ratio, right?).

 

Basically if you can find a way to get up there, don't let the opportunity pass up. Some of the trails on Darling Hill got all screwed up with the land owners not allowing mountain bikers to pass through after some issues, but the downhills out there are something else. Nice mix of technical sections and smooth flow trails. Lots of climbing to be had, but you are always rewarded with a 2-3 mile downhill section. I went with a group of guys and shuttled to the north side of Burke Mountain to hit 'Black Bear' and it may be one of the nicest downhill trails I've ever done.

 

Nice. Similar to Knoxville numbers - which is what I expected. Kingdom and Sedona are on my list for sure (and Costa Rica)

 

I've also heard Guatemala has some amazing riding. I saw a company doing guided rides down there and the climbing numbers looked insane

edit: not as much climbing as I thought but still a good amount: https://adventureguatemala.com/multi-day-rides/

 

NEK is awesome. I have a few plans to get up there for a weekend or a few overnights here and there once I get the bike rigging in the bed set up.

 

Longshot but anyone selling a single 1up rack? Would pay shipping...

 

I applaud the enthusiasm, but not happening with this crowd.

 

Haha actually, I saw Teo different singles on FB in the Northeast in the last few days.

 

She upgraded to a new stumpjumper:

 

Those are funny shaped ski's!

 

sweet!!! I tried a few of those larger diameter BMX bikes pre-pandemic, but it just felt so awkward...I was almost considering a Surly Lowside, but decided to save for a 20" instead. Also, a big black SR5 sort of "got in the way" of a new bike this winter

 

that is a happy truck!!!

 

Should have jumped on it.

 

Haha, no no. Bike for her, new AT set up for me! I love my old full squish 26"s About to put a couple hundred into her for new driveline and keep on thrashing!

 

Finally bought a new bike after nearly TWO YEARS.



EDIT TO ADD DETAILS:


LBS made SJ EVO carbon 29" in S2 size with:
SRAM Eagle 12
CF Synthesis E Rims, Butcher front, Purgatory Rear
Truativ BB/Cranks
SRAM CODE R brakes
Diety Black label 800 bars and Diety (mint!) grips
Diety Premium Race Goods stem
Bike Yoke Revive dropper with Spank seat
Fork Marzocchi (Fox) Bomber Z1 Coil
Rear shock Fox DHX2 Performance Elite
Deftrap (blue) Pedals

 

yeah. but also, if you find them anywhere on facebook or local sales pages...they get sold immediately. :/ Almost just worth buying new from the company.