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

As I get older, and I don't think I'm *old* by any definition at 36, i find myself enjoying XC riding more and working on the fitness aspect of riding. Would rather try and clean technical trails than bomb down an enduro run full-tilt.

 

I feel the same way about fitness as I get older...meanwhile I started a new job and looked at my first pay stub online and thought, this POS is impossible to read, I need to download it into PDF to see if it's better...I may be getting old haha

but really though, in the trail running races I do, the 30-39 age group is by far the most competitive but the 40 and 50 groups aren't far behind with the occasional overall winner in those groups, it's definitely motivating

 

This.
The fading pulse that I keep on local/regional endurance races (trail running and MTB) are dominated by the above age groups. Not saying they win every event, but the podium and or top 10 are comprised heavily of that bracket.

 

It's definitely something I never thought about until I started racing a couple years ago. I imagine part of it is that the younger groups don't have as many participants around here, but even when they do, they don't always win haha

I do think someone in the <18 age group won a race this year, I don't remember if it was the 5 or 10 mile trail run but that is super uncommon

 

lol! oh yeah, ther eis that concern every so often. yeesh.

there's a local winter fat bike race series here but i don't have the guts to do it. i'll just drive south to the desert to ride my bike instead. lol.

 

This is only my second year running this one, and it's pretty low key. Good atmosphere, there are absolute pedal monsters and people just chugging along. Some food at the turnaround (which is the lighthouse) and a cool afterparty with some great food!

 

The hardest part I found with the fat bike race was trying to close a gap. Someone in front of me wouldn't have the ability to do a loose sandy climb and get off their bike to walk it; I'd be behind them and not have the room to pass and keep pedaling. By the time you get back on the saddle and pedaling, the guys ahead kept going and a small gap formed.

I'd burn a huge match stick to try and close that gap and get back into the pace - however that group also was burning a match and keeping that gap. There was nowhere to make up time because there wasn't any tech to blow through or a downhill to push hard.

 

oh yeah, that would suck being unable to pass properly.

 

now...afterparty sounds fun. hahah.

 

Does anyone have a Rocky Mount LoBall with Quick Release axle they are willing to part with? Wanting to install one on my bed rail but Rocky Mount has discontinued.

https://rockymounts.com/products/loball-track.html

 

You should upgrade to a thru axle and buy my Rockymounts Driveshaft. Or maybe there is an adaptor for it for QR axles. Still have this for sale if anyone else is interested. $60 shipped.

 

So idk if you guys have saw the BOGO on Kona bikes, but very interesting. Idk why though, Kona bikes have never appealed to me.

Costco finally has these back in stock and on sale.


The trail version is a new model also.

 

Just saw that Kona sale yesterday. I feel similarly about their bikes, aside from the Honzo, they just don’t do it for me from a visual design aspect. It’s vain, but if I don’t like how it looks, I’m not buying it.

There are so many really good bikes out there these days that just about everyone can find something that matches their ride and aesthetic preferences.

 

Just something about the rocker link and the way the tubing joins at the headtube on a Kona for me.

However, that external cable routing I've started to like.

 

I picked up a Big Honzo DL this year and it definitely took a little while to grow on me. The geometry is quite a bit different than what I am used to but when it gets moving, it is a blast to ride. Couldn't beat the sale Jenson was offering a the time so jumped on it knowing I was headed towards a hard tail.

The external cable routing is fantastic as well. Looks dated, but replacing any component is extremely convenient. Added some frame protection strips where the cable was rubbing, but I personally don't care about the look due to the price.

 

Older established gents can afford supplements...



We're also trying harder cuz we're running out of time.

 

ps. I'm only 40... Still all natural beer and steak hormones here...

 

Honzo ESD!!!

 

I haven’t raced on foot or on two wheels for years, and I was always slow. But in a few years I’ll be eligible for 70+ if such a thing exists and then maybe I can podium … if there are no more than three of us. All jokes aside, since I’ve been retired, I feel fitter and happier than maybe since I was in my twenties. And mountain biking is pretty much my only exercise.

 

Anyone here riding the newish GX Transmission setup? I’ve been eyeing a few bikes lately, and rather than switch frames, I started to think stay with a Stumpjumper geo since I’ve enjoyed the SJ I’ve had the last two years. For what I ride, it works. But the GX is available on a carbon frame (I’m on a Comp Alloy setup), so a bit lighter as well.

With the sales to get prices back down a bit, although this particular SJ isn’t on sale, I’ve been peaking at bikes and this is one that is in stock.

Any thoughts? Good or bad? I’ve watched a few videos, Berm Peaks was pretty good and he seems to provide unbiased opinions.