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

I decided to stay a few more days in NorCal before heading back East.

 

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!! where at in norcal?

 

Taking a ride out through the Granite Dells, love that area.

 

Pic 1 is Lime Ridge (Walnut Creek area)
Pic 2 is Skyline (Napa)
Pic 3 is Annadel (Santa Rosa)
I have a place in San Ramon.

 

Fox pants and shorts have always been my goto, just be careful with sizing because i find some runs perfect and some runs large

 

You missed some good trails in pacifica and marin/fairfax.

 

this is true. I bought a pair of Fox in 34’s because of the side adjustments. Fully closed the 34 are still huge! Straight Gangsta

 

Meanwhile, my TLD Sprint DH pants are borderline lycra in the same size.

 

Had the same issue with my 34 shorts, Had to get a 32. But my 34 pants were spot on

 

I think you can accomplish everything in the short term on your Chameleon, I wouldnt get a road bike unless you really want one. I think the enduro race is a good thing even if you are getting back into it, its more about completion and getting involved than being competitive at this point.

For shoes id check out five.ten, they are the most popular option but there are a handful of others. "Riding specific" shoes have stiffer and grippier soles and offer more protection than sneakers. Mechanic gloves arent a bad choice to be honest, you can try a few other gloves at bike shops. Handups have some cool gloves and im a fan, plus on occasion you can get some pretty sweet camo.

 

uhhh i would not recommend a fixie if you're coming from a wheelchair.

also, i know guys that have been riding mechanic gloves for years and prefer them.

as far as shoes, everyone recommends 5.10s. they were the first real mtb shoe but now theres a few other brands out there. i wear ride concepts shoes, but everyone has their own preference. best thing is to go to a shop and try some on and support local.

yoga is probably one of the better things to do off the bike, especially for stretching your lower body/hip flexors. upper body is a huge necessity for mtb/enduro racing, maybe more so for enduro since you're not timed on your pedal ability.

if you're just looking to challenge yourself and complete Ely, then longer days in the saddle and riding trails will work wonders. if you're competing to place, thats a different story

 

Mechanic gloves x3. Best gloves, long lasting, comfortable and inexpensive. Sometimes Costco has 2 pairs for about $16.

 

I always wore shorts (favorites are Zoic Ether) but recently bought a pair of Specialized pants. Now I wear them almost all the time though it’s not summer yet. Keeps me a bit warmer in the early morning, protects against poison oak and minor scratches though I often add shin/knee guards also. Not really rain gear but seems to repel water, though we’ve had so little rain here it’s hard to tell. And the Spec logo is black-on-black so very subtle. Fit is good.

 

I think it’s all about fitment, I personally get along really well with TLD and I just tried the new NF pants and love those two. Both options are pretty spendy, but they fit me great so I’m willing to spend the money on them. I’m a pretty skinny guy, so take that for what it’s worth. Quality on both is top notch, though I would definitely give NF the nod in terms of overall quality.

 

Dude, that is so awesome. First off, thanks for your service! Second, MTB is probably the most fun sport to get into for fitness.
Based on your response, I’d say just focus on the MTB, get what you need to make it as fun as possible, get out there and have a great time! Don’t worry about the race at all, just have fun with it. Ride your bike a bunch, and the race will go great.

 

I’m running NF DP3’s and they are the bees knees.

 

CA citizenship renewed.

 

Today was a wonderful day.

 

Good lord that's a nice view - how much climbing did you do to get it?

 

Any day without an inversion is a good day, but that looks like a great day!