First Ride of 2011!

20110105_SMBA Trails from John Ruiz on Vimeo.

This day was bitter sweet for me. It was my last day of vacation but my first ride of the New Year. I didn't really have much time to ride in Saratoga this past year so I figured what better way to kick off the New Year than to ride some of the most challenging terrain in the capital region. The fact that there is almost no snow back there right now is unbelievable. I hit all the new stuff too and it is awesome! Gnod, Porky Pine and Backstretch are all intermediate trails which will make it easier for more riders to enjoy the new stuff. There’s lots of flow, natural features as well as manmade bridges to add to the experience. Some also have go-arounds which will appeal to the less advanced riders. I also saw a few options which would appeal to the more advanced riders. The club did an amazing job on the new trails and it is a fantastic addition to the great trails already there. It was like rediscovering the trails all over again, reminded me of the first times I rode there.

One of my resolutions this year wasn’t necessarily to ride more often but to go on more rides that would last an hour or more. I spent 3 hours riding back there so this definitely qualifies. I can't wait to spend more time back there this year although it is a long drive. It took me about 45 minutes one way from my house in Delmar. It would probably take me 35 minutes if I left from work. Still if I can find the time the trails are well worth the while. Thanks to all who have donated and dedicated their time to making these trails great! To find out more about these incredible trails go here... www.saratogamtb.org

I took some pictures too and uploaded them to flickr. Go here to view them.

SMBA MUD 2010

I was so disappointed this year. Not that the organizers did anything wrong but I had made it a mission to get the day off to go up and help out, have fun and especially ride. My Mom was up visiting but didn't feel well so I couldn't leave my oldest with her and my wife was out. Not only that, it was pouring rain...FUCK! So I took a chance and ventured out with my oldest to go and check it out for an hour or so.

I probably should have stayed home. I hate standing out in the rain and my daughter likes even less than I do. It wasn't long before I got the question "Can we go home now?" and of course it was in the oh so lovely whiny voice, if you're a parent you know of what I speak. Oh and did I mention the sick bikes that were there to demo. High end stuff from Trek and Gary Fisher, also a few Ibis whips to try to. I didn't get to ride any of them. Anyway, not to sure everyone there was thrilled about me bailing on helping out...oh well. I guess I'll just have to wait for next year's.

Rode SMBA for the first time this year

Had a half day today so I went and picked up a membership and drove up to Saratoga to ride. I took a co-worker of mine who just got a new Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC. Nice bike and perfect for these trails. We rode Pilgrim, 107, Bee, Ridgeline, High Noon, and a portion of the Carriage trail. The weather was perfect but I am soooooo out of shape and sooooo not used to riding up there. Definitely a different type of riding than what I normally do here in the Albany area. I really miss riding over bridges, rocks and logs...I love that type of technical riding. The climbing I could do without...just kidding but it just tells me I need to get out there and start riding/running/whatever to get in better shape. I am sick and tired of being the slow guy.