Zach Attack, FTF and Cheeseburgers
by Mikel Aucutt on October 20th, 2006
I have been so busy lately, I am going to have to resort to a “condensed” blog.
Two weeks ago we decided to explore Malibu Creek to map out a decent route for the CORBA Fat Tire Fest. Rob came along with his friend Zach, both riding new Scott Scales. I want mine. Since it’s about the only thing in Malibu Creek, we headed for Bulldog Motorway, a climb that I Evomoed on my first time. Since Zach was not as experienced as Rob or I, we explained the “nuancees” of Bulldog to him. He attacked it in his SPD’s & tennis shoes. I think he beat us to the top. Welcome to the addiction of Mountain Biking Zach Attack.
After the ride, I got home from the ride and pulled my bike off the rack atop the Mighty Roo, when I discovered them…goatheads!!! In both tires. Of course I neglected to put any Stans No Tubes Sealant in. Let that be a lesson to the two people who read this.
I kicked off my CORBA FTF weekend by having dinner with the CORBA crew, Marla Streb, and her Husband Mark, Friday evening. We all talked “shop”…er riding. Marla and I briefly discussed the local trails, and Skills Clinic we were doing Saturday.
Let me stop right here to thank Marla for taking the time to come down for the skills clinic, and ride. I have never done a formal clinic before, it was great to have her take the lead and…well put on a clinic. It’s one thing to be riding along, and rip through some technical section. It’s quite different to demonstrate your skills, or lack thereof, to a crowd while attempting to break it down into words, without simultaneously demonstrating your own n00bness…not that I did. You have to think about it…and for me, thinking often ends badly.
Saturday- Because of Friday’s, I decided to check trail conditions prior the group ride to avoid leading everyone into a mud bog. I got to Malibu Creek a little early and struck out down the canyon. My plan originally called for going out Grasslands to mix in some singletrack…bad idea. Just enough rain to turn tires into mud slicks. I quickly found myself walking with mud accumulating on my shoes! Yuk! Even so, my Eggbeater. pedals worked like champs in & out no problem. OK…on to plan B…out the main fireroad, then up and down Bulldog. A little boring, but at least it wasn’t snowing. The rain made Bulldog perfect considering it had recently been graded.
Returning from the ride we found the FTF in full swing. The turnout was fantastic. It was great seeing people that I haven’t seen in a while…years in some cases. I had a blast helping Marla with the skills clinic, and look forward to doing more. It’s a great opportunity to show folks how NOT to ride.
A quick thanks to Kenda Tires, and Stan’s for supplying some schwag for the CORBA cause. Their contributions were much appreciated.
Just as in the previous week’s ride in Malibu Creek, the goatheads got me again. Another flat, and kharmic payback for failing to put some Stan’s No Tubes Sealant in my tubeless tire. Quick tip…the only stuff works if you use it. It’s worth the minimal extra weight, and will save you the time of dealing with most punctures. Check out Rob’s post, The Bulldogs of Fall to see it in action.
Sunday – My flat seemed to be holding a little air, so I pumped it up (yeah, I know) and headed to Cheeseburger Canyon to ride with Rob and Bryan. We took some pictures of my race bike in preparation for it’s E-Bay debut. It was a great day. The rains packed the trails, my flat held, and we had a great easy ride. I need to break Rob of his fire road habit.
That’s all for now. I am skipping the final race of our ridiculously extended CA State MTB Championship Series, to attend the American LeMans Series Race at Laguna Seca. That Aston Martin is a beautiful car. Check out Audi mopping up with the Diesel! I want one of each….where does the bike go????
Ride fast….take chances!
October 20th, 2006 at 11:34 pm
American LeMans Series Race at Laguna Seca! That looks like loads of fun. I want to go.
October 26th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
WTF, FTF and Cheesburgers.. I miss you guys and I think you really did a great job at the FTF…Cha. LIVE2PDL