Northeast TW mountain bike meetup at Kingdom Trails (VT) - June 25-26

Get em. They're cheap and if you're thinking about it just get a set. It's one of those things you hope you never need but once you do need and have them, they're a life saver.

 

For me, helmet only and I recently started using gloves. Good shoes I learned were a must, especially with the pedals with pins (that was something new for me coming from my old Mongoose). The flats with pins were tearing up my sneakers and my feet were on fire without the proper support. If I were bombing downhills or doing any real sort of jumping, I may go for elbow and knee pads but I'm fairly reserved on the bike.

 

That's what I was thinking. Thanks

I've got those. I prefer riding with clipless pedals and you need to have specific shoes to use them. I put flat pedals on my HT to just jump on it and ride around the block or bike paths with the family.

 

I don' use knee or elbow pads, but there is really no harm in having a set. I'd recommend helmet, gloves, and eye protection at a minimum, with anything else being a benefit. Most local trails around here are quite rocky with lots of roots (central MA and surrounding areas) and I am sure soon enough I will have an 'event' where I wish I had better padding.

 

Oof. I use clipless for road but never on the trails. But then again I like to get squirrelly and whatnot, so being clipped in is a bad idea. But yeah clipless MTB is a no no from my end.

 

I have been flats and finally got a set of clipless for the trainer and my gravel bike this winter. Did a run this winter on Cape with the clipless on the mountain bike and may try to fully convert this season. On the trainer switching to clipless I could average another +/-30 watts over the course of a workout and noticed on the mtb climbs, there was a substantial difference. My feet were planted and always where I needed them, and on a rougher section my feet were planted and never bounced around.

I still have reservations about being clipped in when riding in the woods, but going to give it a few test runs early this year and see if I can gain more confidence. I noticed that when I was clipped in on the mountain bike, I was more inclined to try and clear a section because I couldn't just bail out when it got tough - commit a bit harder and push a bit harder than I normally would. That comes with its own set of problems, but I loosened the clips all the way and could get my feet free with a good yank if I got into a panic situation.

 

I used to ride clipless everywhere, including DH. I switched over to flats a few years back and it was like relearning how to do everything. I'm still not as comfortable on flats as I was clipless, but it's getting close.

Pads will probably not be necessary ay KT, though it'd be better to have 'em and not need them. You never know when enthusiasm and adrenaline will override caution and common sense, especially on a fun group ride.

 

Yeah I use flats for my BMX, MTB, and my recumbent in my living room. I use clipless for my road bike that's it. If I went to clipless on my MTB I would have to relearn like Eammon. I'm used to having the flexibility and bouncing around, and I carry over a lot of my "feel" from BMX, so being able to ride both would get hairy too haha

Just different riding styles - it's why I want to lean toward a HT again instead of a full squish. It's just not normal for what I am used to and know about.

 

I just ordered a set of knee pads. I got them at a local shop for the sameprice as online. I figured better to have them than to not.

@GarlicFarts if you want a new bike and you like Giant, Sirois Bike shop in N Attleboro has a good selection of Giant Talons 27.5 & 29's in stock right now. Nice bike at a good price.

 

Cool! I think if I go new, it'll be that polygon. Used, I won't be that picky on. 27.5 L HT and I'll be happy ideally thru axle. I'll start poking around facebook in the next few months. Once I get the kayak out of the garage and stashed somewhere outside, and put the roof rack on....otherwise I have a lot of junk taking up room in the garage

 

Anything new on this??? Where is everyone planning on staying?

 

Kingdom Campground, all booked and ready to go. Just working on fitness for the next few months.

 

I’m keeping an eye on this, I’ll try to meet up with you guys if possible but I’ll probably stay at my in-laws in Derby.
Edit: although at this rate, I may be trying to save fuel…holy cow!

 

I have a few camping spots, one is about 45 minutes away. I'll probably head there and kip up for the nights.

 

I updated the first post with who's in. If I missed you, or you're not a definite in yet, let me know.

 

I was kind of hoping for a group type of thing. That would be fun

 

If we all do campground then I wouldn't be offended either. I am small footprint, no tents or anything I'm set up in my cab, I can split a site with someone or find my own, most camp sites are like 20$/night for a tenting site like I would need.

 

I'm booked and staying at Kingdom Campground

 

I guess we should do Kingdom Campground then! \/ \/ \/

 

Cool cool cool. Friday night I might be up late so I will keep to my spot in the woods but I'll do a Saturday night reservation when I have a chance.