Mtb Instruction & Skills

[Artista]

So what kind of condition is Buffalo Creek in after the fire? Hubby is thinking that it's still pretty barren Maybe not the area you're riding in, though.

We just finished riding Greenland on the west side of the railroad tracks. I'm disappointed that the trail has deteriorated into mostly sand now. I hit deep sand a few times at high speed after coming off of what little hard-pack there is. In keeping with the original subject of this thread, I learned that my SPD's release on their own when I'm having trouble maneuvering the bike I was able to save a couple of falls because my feet released automatically. I tipped over once, but again, both feet were out before I hit the ground. I'm beginning to trust my reactions & my SPD's. Maybe they won't be the death of me afterall

Also, I was again thankful for my cornering & braking drills. Just call me the drill queen. I can't wait for my next lesson!

Solobiker, the Ridgeline trails in Castle Rock can be a little tough to find if you don't know where you're going. How about if we set up a ride date? I'll PM you. Any other Denverites want to join us? Send me a PM!

[solobiker]

Artista, Yes...some areas are barren once you climb up on the ridge. But for the most part it is not too bad. We like it because it does not get too crowded because there are so many different trails to take and you can easily hook on to the Colorado trail which is very nice to ride on.

We rode at Bear Creek once, it is not too bad for an after work kind of ride. However I would not go on a weekend because it is only "okay".

I will try to attach a pic of the Buff Creek/Colorado trail. If It works the one I have uploaded is on the Colorado Trail. Hope it works.

[Artista]

Wow! It does look pretty there. Glad to know that the fire didn't get everything. Is there anything technical on the Buffalo Creek or Colorado trails? I'm partial to bumpy stuff...rock gardens, small ledges, etc.

Your picture reminded me of some trails that we used to hike on Rampart Range. There is enough technicality to those trails that I never wanted to ride them. I think we'll give it a try on the mtb's now that I'm a stronger rider & have better technical skills.

[solobiker]

The areas we go are not too technical..some roots and rock ledges depending upon where you ride. I think Charlies Cutoff has a few small ledges. There are 2 new trails that have been opened up that I have heard are pretty technical. I can't think of the names of them right now. I am not too much into the technical stuff. Our plan is to focus on distance. I need to build up my toleracnce as I have a bad back and it starts hurting after awhile. Our first few rides my back lasted only about 14-16 miles. A few weeks ago we rode close to 30 which was nice. I am not the fastest but I can go for long periods of time without resting.

Speaking of Technical..have you ridden White Ranch? That is pretty techy. You may also like Walker Ranch. We have ridden that last year. It is a nice loop with quite a bit of climbing.

Enjoy!!

[solobiker]

Artista, I have tried to send you a PM but there is an error. I will try again most likely on Monday.

[Artista]

No to White Ranch & Walker. I actually forgot about those. You're right. Colorado...so much to do, so little time!

Wow! 30 miles on an mtb. I'm impressed. I reserve that kind of mileage for my road bike.

Got your PM. Not sure what was up with the error you received. I just answered you.

[indysteel]

DH and I camped last nigth at BCSP and rode some trails this morning and, again, this afternoon. We started off with the trail I'd previously done. There were a few too many soft spots in the middle part of the trail, so after a loop, I sent DH to ride a different trail while I worked on some drills. I went back to the trail a bit later and rode each end and then turned around to avoid the middle. I was really pleased to make some progress on the part of the trail that's a bit of a gradual downhill. On previous passes, I felt a little out of control. This time, I did it out of the saddle with my butt back and I did much better. After that, we met DH's parents in town for lunch and then headed back out later in the afternoon. This time, we did a trail called Limekiln. It's also a beginner trail but is a bit more technical. One part is rocky. I need to work on that part a bit more. Another part is rollercoastery (is that a word?). That was fun! I did pretty well on the trail minus a few minor hiccups, but it's going to take a few more passes for me to feel a bit more controlled. I just made once pass this time because, frankly, I was beat. I sent DH to do the trail in reverse, while I made my way back via the road.

So, all in all a good outing. Bit by bit, I'm getting a bit more confidence. At one point, I chased a group down that was doing the Pine Loop to warn them that a good portion of the trail was arguably too wet to ride. I was sort of tearing down the trail before it dawned on me that I was perhaps going a bit too fast for my skill level. The group ignored me unfortunately.