Baby Austin
Neighbors had their third about a month ago.
Austin is his name.
– b
Abigail Pictures 0090
Downloaded the 816 photos from Abigail’s Fisher Price camera tonight.
This was picture #90.
It had to be taken a year or more ago.
I’d say Poor Lu, but it was probably her idea.
– b
Ski Updates
I realized along the way of setting up the girls with decent XC ski options, that Jen should probably consider the same. If she didn’t have something similar to what the girls were getting now, she’d never catch up/keep up with the little snow monsters.
Jen agreed.
So off to eBay I went shopping.
Found a nice pair of BC skis (waxless and metal edges) with 3 point toe/heel bail bindings for more than I really wanted to pay.
But they’re super light, really fat, and have heel televators. They look rough, but functionally I think they’ll be awesome.
This of course meant I had to find 3 point boots for her. Decent 3 point boots that would give her lots of stability, warmth and of course be cheap.
Bingo Scarpa T2s for $19!!!
Yeah. A little heavier than I would have liked, but they’re only 2 buckle and cost $19!!!
Now all that’s left is a used pair of skins. Skins for the girls and my BC skis was easy/cheap. There’s tons of old narrow used skins out there for cheap, but Jen’s skis are wider. Wider skis need wider skins. Used wider skins aren’t as cheap, so the search continues. I’ll find some, then I’ll get poles and everyone will be ready for the El Nino snow expected this year.
Or it will be a bust and all this effort will go into a single weekend of fun in the Adirondacks this year.
Oh well. Fun is fun.
– b
2 Stroke Rocket
After the ride a couple of weeks ago in Thorpe on the little 100, it didn’t take long to find another bike – a much bigger bike.
To get it, I had to head to Rick’s place at 7 Springs where the bike was being sold by a friend of his. Conveniently there’s lots of riding out there, so Craig and I loaded up on Friday and headed out.
Jim, who we also rode with in Thorpe, showed up as well.
Up early Saturday morning to pick up the bike, then get everything ready for our ride(s).
The plan was to do two different rides with two different groups. The first was meant to be the more advanced ride, while the second was supposed to be easier.
They were both hard.
The bike I got was a 2010 KTM XC 250 two stroke. It’s a rocket. Probably too much rocket. As if that wasn’t enough, I had new gear issues as well.
New bike (really fast bike), new gear (neck brace, knee pads that were very uncomfortable, and super slippery leaves everywhere made for some tough times. Then there were mechanicals.
That’s me digging through the bag looking for a wrench. My shifter came loose and needed tightening.
So for most of the ride it was about survival. Dropping the bike I had long stopped worrying about. Throwing myself into a tree or over the side of the trail was another story.
I spent all my time at the back of the group trying to get acclimated. The morning ride was impossible. Nothing felt right about the bike. The further forward I sat, the harder it was to steer. The rear end had a mind of its own. The tires had too much air or the suspension was too tight. I was thrown around like a pin ball.
After much convincing (The group wanted to keep riding, but after 2 hours I needed a break.), we got to head in for a quick lunch. I ran a few things by Jim (long time trails rider), and he gave me some pointers. The afternoon ride was better. I somewhat started to get a feel for the bike. I could steer it better (not well, just better) and just gave up trying to control the rear end.
Luckily it wasn’t just me. Though Craig was able to keep up with the group on the trails, he too was starting to feel the effects of 3 hours of riding. Neither one of us could climb the big hills, and just couldn’t take dropping and picking the bikes back up if/when we failed.
On the way out he fell and dropped the bike on his ankle. My bike quit running. After being told I fouled the plug (because I suck), and replacing said plug, we decided I was probably just down to the reserve (ran out of gas from the main tank).
Finally back to Rick’s, we loaded up to head home.
We were beat, broken, and exhausted. I couldn’t figure out what I’d gotten myself into. Thorpe a few weeks ago was so much fun. Why did this hurt so bad?
New (really big) bike
New gear
Really hard trails
Whatever. After a nights sleep, I felt better about things.
I cleaned up the bike in preparation for a trip to the shop. I’ll either make it mine or make it gone and get something more appropriate.
Stay tuned.
– b
Mouse in the House
It’s that time of year when the critters start to move inside seeking warmth and shelter.
But this year is worse. Don’t know why.
Bought a bunch of traps. Bought ultrasonic repel devices too.
3 and counting so far.
– b
Knife to a Gun Fight
Went up to Nesquehoning for some dirt bike riding today.
Yes. That’s my under-powered, under-suspended 35 year old bike in the middle of the modern day trail behemoths.
Despite the technological differences, I actually did pretty well I think. Would I do it again? Yes. Should I? Probably not.
The suspension was the biggest limiting factor. Where the other bikes soaked up the bumps and kept motoring at faster speeds, I had to slow down and take the hits hoping I didn’t break something.
But it was still A LOT of fun.
Now I just have to figure out:
- How to get a newer/more appropriate bike
- Get the time to actually ride it
- What exactly is the newer/more appropriate bike for me
The group I rode with had as many different options as there were riders.
- Was a dual sport 250 4 stroke Honda
- Was a dual sport 250 4 stroke KTM modified significantly for trail
- Was a 450 4 stroke KTM modified for trail
- Was a 450 4 stroke Honda motocross racer
I’d lean somewhere around #2, though I don’t need something that can also ride the road. Something pure enduro, 250, and 4 stroke sounds perfect. I love the 2 stroke and all it’s “character”, but I’m getting too old for that and probably don’t have enough time to perfect it.
Whatever. It’s all fantasy anyway. Too many other “wants” are piled up as it is.
– b
Wet & Slippery
Got out for a quick local dirt bike ride.
It was wet and slippery in the woods on the leaves, roots and rocks, so I stuck to the dirt in the field.
You can only go around in circles by yourself for so long.
Hoping for dryer rides soon.
– b
Mischief Day
Public schools were out on Tuesday for voting.
With all that time on their hands, some kids decided to drive around and collect pumpkins.
When the sun went down, the vandals came out.
In 10 years this was the first it’s ever happened. I always expected it considering the country like setting of our road.
At least I go to meet our new neighbors across the street. Nice people
– b