Saturday, January 13, 2007

The Scott Endorphion rides again



This picture was the last time it was going as a singlespeed, but I've been pondering it's potential as a suitable steed for the 44km course at the Coville Connection. With over 1000 metres of elevation to climb, the dual suspension just seems like 5-6 pounds too much bike to cart up the hills.
The latest incarnation shows it sporting 3 x 9 gearing borrowed from Keighley's Klein. My XTR wheelset, new cluster and chain-mismatched of course. Sram/Shimano. Titanium stem, Z2 bombers that are way past their best and the usual assortment of goodies that have appeared on other bikes over the years. Coming in at 26 pounds, which is only 1 pound heavier than the Merlin singlespeed-I'm happy. I may not be so complimentary after riding it this afternoon....
**Post ride update**
My god. it worked great. A little cable stretch to take up, but that was it. Surprisingly it jumps really well-nothing huge but I did get two metres of distance off what I call the launch ramp on Spaghetti stage 2.
Steve and Giant James were on their singles today-Woodhill really turned it on with a sweet ride due to the previous 3-4 days of rain. Man was it hot and humid.
The girls all went out in the morning and we did a baby swap at lunch time. Unfortunately for James he didn't bring the still warm scones out for Kimberly, who had been looking forward to them for oh, not long - around the length of the ride....Bugger.

Sunday, January 7, 2007

Riverhead Strikes Back


Whilst the evil empire of Star Wars was getting a re-run on TV in the last few weeks, so to have our merry band of bikers been out fighting the evil gorse in the sometimes dry neighbourhood of Riverhead forest,West Auckland.
Twice now a small group has doubled in size quite by chance- I'm guessing no amount of organising could willingly bring 12-14 riders together for a 3-4 hour spin around the hills.
"10am at the picnic ground carpark" seems to work pretty well though.
Tom tried valiantly to assume the roll of group leader, but Skoda and his group of Mavericks sure do know how to loop some trails together.
I on the other hand bow to everyone's superior knowledge and it has been years ('98) since I put a few miles under the tires here.
New recruits Helen & Steve were still talking to us back at the carpark and we even got an invite round to their place for dinner afterwards. Can't have been all bad.
I will nominate myself for (so far) best after ride meal-steak that had been bbq'd the night before, marinated in olive oil, soy sauce and garlic. Then turned into sammies with mustard, mayo and garden fresh lettuce. Coffee was also layed on via a thermos, plunger and freshly ground coffee.
The challenge has been presented.................
Hopefully DB will front up with some pictures to enhance this blog experience for you all.