Moronacity Cycling Journal » Cycling
Team Tree Farm’s 10th Anniversary Ride
Team Tree Farm celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a cold night ride at Lakeshore Park, also lovingly known as “The Tree Farm,” this past Tuesday. Five original riders attended as well as riders from years past and some of the brave souls who currently keep the ride living on. I lent my Jamis to new Tree Farmer, Vikki. Unfortunately, the front tire was flat when I loaded the bike into my Pathfinder, so I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Biking and Ice Skating—A Photo Essay
Todd Powers and the rest of the Team Sandbag hillbillies hosted the “Leftovers Ride” at Addison Oaks on November 24—the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I had just experienced Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park for the very first time the day before. As Todd said, I had “Ray legs.” Six hours of off-and-on intense indoor riding had done me in, but I decided to attempt the Addison ride anyway. Later that day, I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking, Photo Essays
Black Friday at Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park
I wasn’t excited to go to Ray’s. If there was any excitement, it was probably balanced by fear of the unknown. The result was a blank slate: no idea about what to expect; no expectation about what to ride; no idea whether I could really ride anything.I was persuaded to take advantage of Ray’s beginner special—my one-day pass plus a bike rental for $25. A Trek Mullet ended up being my … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Beginner Mountain Biking Lesson One: The Joy of Riding
It seems to be the general consensus that more experienced mountain bikers should just leave new riders alone. Some riders are inclined to impart their wisdom on other riders, but that doesn’t always bode well.I’ve recently heard a couple of complaints about different people who force their mountain biking gospels on newer riders. Some expand this dirty proselytizing to more experienced riders who respond with irritation because they know what they’re doing, right?Many … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
A Di Day—In the ‘Burbs
Friday, I decided to spoil myself. I had some little things I had to do, so I decided to make an evening of it and take care of me. I wasn’t quite aware that it would turn into a weekend of regaining some focus and clarity. The job isn’t quite done, but I am well on my way. Back to my story. Friday, I embarked on a not-so-long journey through downtown Mount … Read entire article »
Filed under: Commuting
Riding with the Sharks
That’s right, boys and girls. I’m a badass because I ride with Sharks. These aren’t just any kind of shark, though, these are Landsharks! Bah! I know. Scary, especially when sharks mingle with bears. I’m sure you know what happens next. That’s right: beer thirty. A meeting of the land animals occurred at roughly 6:15 p.m., Friday night. The ’sharks and the bear headed in the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Introvert Foiled by Facebook and Plan to Ride River Bends
I asked a couple of people at the Wednesday night Stony Creek group ride if they were interested in doing an easy ride at River Bends for Thursday (yesterday). We couldn’t decide on a time, so we left it for Facebook discussion. The reason why I wanted to do an easy ride is because I have a Bloomer ride scheduled with the Sharks for tonight. Bloomer is going to kick my ass. I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
35th Birthday Well Spent
After spending 35 miles with Erick Mile the day before, my legs were spent, but I still decided to meet fellow CRAMBA kidz Jeremy and Sol for a bike ride at Pontiac Lake on April 6. That’s a hard trail to pass up, and I’m glad I didn’t. Sure, I had to damn near granny up the hills, but I cleared “Triple Puke” for the first time since moving back downstate from the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
35th Birthday Ride
My birthday is on Good Friday this year, which happens to fall on a Friday. In fact, it is the Friday that occurs tomorrow! Since I have plans tomorrow, such as church and riding at Pontiac Lake, I decided to do my 35-mile birthday ride today. This wasn’t just any 35-mile birthday ride, though; it was a record-breaking ride because it is the most miles I’ve ever ridden on a mountain bike! I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Love Stinks
Monday’s trainer workout was the first after a two-day layoff. I didn’t ride on Sunday because I expected to do a hard hill workout on Monday, but those plans were squashed. Instead, I hopped on the trainer for another pyramid workout. Not only was I able to make it through the hardest gear at the “top” of the pyramid before resting a moment to drink, but I managed to push through a total of five sprints over the usual three. Marked improvement! I popped in The Wedding Singer for motivation. It turned out to be a great movie to watch during my sufferfest. One part that I particularly enjoyed—and that had a beat that facilitated the perfect cadence—was the scene where he sings Love Stinks. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
