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

I have been using a Bell Super 3r for the last 3-4 years. It's great, but I'm between sizes. With the chin bar, it fits great, without it, it's loose and sloppy. So I was running it with the chin bar most of the time, but it's so hot and humid in the Southeast that it gets old quick. But I do love my teeth so I was willing to suck it up. I've fell and bonked my head 2-3 times, and just wanted something new.

Grabbed a Smith Forefront 2 helmet, and a set of their Wildcat sunglasses (never have rode in sunglasses of any kind, just goggles at the DH park). Got the Photochromatic clear to grey lens option.

What a game changer, rode a new dry and dusty trail system yesterday following a buddy, was so nice not to get dust in my eyes. But the new helmet is super light, tons of ventilation, and fits like a glove.

If anyone is looking for a new helmet, although pricey, this one checks most of the boxes.

 

Coming from a Super2R then a 3R, the POC Kortal is also a solid option that has done well for me too. Much more breathable, and much bigger vents so I can get a finger in to get to that an itch on the climb.

 

The POC helmets also work nicely with the Smith Wildcat sunglasses! I was having issues with my TLD A2 bumping the tops of my sunglasses, but the POC plays nicely with the Wildcats (and I'm guessing most other large sunnys).

 

Same. I have a set of Heatwave Quattros that are massive and they do well together.

 

Destination: Lake Tahoe, CA/NV.

Question 1: Best route for 15-20 mile ride while I'm there? (moderate with great views; loop preferred, but will pay for shuttle if necessary)
Question 2: Best dispersed camping location(s) for RTT setup? Alternatively, best paid-campground(s) with a view?
Question 3: Best kayak fishing spot(s)?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

Notched off a few firsts today.
• First time riding Florida trails
• First pinch flat for 2022
• First velosolutions pump track
• First time being bitten by a dog while riding

Left the wife/kids/in-laws at the beach and drove over to Tallahassee to attempt to mirror what Tom Bradshaw and Christina Chappetta rode in their recent ‘First Impressions’ clip on PB.

I’d echo some of the comments on the article. Not a place I’d go out the way to ride but worth while if you’re in the area.

Redbug is by far the highlight of Alfred Maclay Gardens State Park. Also the site of the dog attack

Then I ran over to Tom Brown Park. If anyone is in the area and curious what local is worth the time, Tom Brown Park is it. I wish I’d gone there first. Not only would I likely have not been bitten by a dog, I’d prolly have had more gas in the tank to explore more.

There are a good bit of offshoot trails with features and jump lines that aren’t marked on trail forks and weren’t mentioned by Tom/Christina.


*Do not underestimate Florida’s tip of hell heat and humidity in mid June. As a Georgian, I was aware/prepared and still got slapped down earlier than preferred. In my defense the flat didn’t help in the energy reserve.

Pic or it didn’t happen.
*spoiler: the carnage isn’t too bad, but it still counts and I can confirm that dog hates bikes

 

some random dog that happened to be at the park or owners watching and swearing “he’s usually a good boy “

 

Option 2

Mom with her kids at the playground with the family dog. Medium/large dog that I later found out has been known to chase and be aggressive towards bikes.

Big strong dog broke the leash the mom was holding. I was beyond cool about it. But I’m still baffle why she’d bring her kids to play at a playground that’s right beside a bike trailhead along with their dog that’s known to be aggressive towards bikes.

 

Oh wow, broke the leash is crazy. My dogs are only aggressive towards other dogs and strangers coming to the house. Out and about they love attention from people.

Taking a bike aggressive dog to the bike park. I should start taking my dogs to the dog parks I guess..

Hold on, in my dogs defense they love doggy daycare when we board them during vacations, they just don’t like me or the wife being around all those other dogs they get territorial. They may act different around dogs they’ve played with in doggy daycare, but I don’t go in to the vet, but to pick them up so I’m unsure.

 

I’d swing by a clinic or atleast clean it very thoroughly. Dog bites can be pretty nasty.

Kinda bummed you had a so-so trip. While Florida isn’t exactly a MTB destination it can still be a lot of fun.

 

I washed it thoroughly right after and while not medically recommended I rubbed on some hand sanitizer. Figured the alcohol would do more good than harm.

Picked up some hydrogen peroxide on my way to the next trail. I figure the salt water tmr will set me right.

All good. Wasn’t a bust in my mind. I’d still like to ride some of the more well known Fla locations. Edited my post to included first velosolutions pump track session.

 

That's brutal they said that because I assume their tourism department paid for that video series

Was down there for the SORBA conference a few months ago and did the same thing. My favorite part was being able to ride to all the trailheads from downtown because it's so flat. Drank some beers and urban assaulted the city. That pump track is fun! It was an interesting experience pedaling for an entire ride and flat-turning around trees at 15-16 MPH

https://www.strava.com/activities/6864028125

https://www.strava.com/activities/6864028225

 

The comment I referened was in the user comments, not from Tom or Christina.

 

OOOHHHH

That makes more sense

 

I went back and read those comments. This one is quite comical and the author repeats it several times throughout the comment thread

 

I'm not sure what part of NC he's ridden but ok...

 

Must be riding on the beach.

 

Anyone else get that POC helmet from REI? I usually wear M/L but the M/L I ordered does not fit

oh well. at least I can take it back to the physical store in my city and not have to deal with a shipping return

 

POC has really small for size sizing. I wear a L in every other size and I'm XL/XXL in POC. I'm not surprised a POC m doesnt fit your m sized head.

 

Upsize with POC (I ride a Tectal). I'm a S/M in most helmets. M/L in POC.