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Joined: 1/11/2010
Posts: 57
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What, this time of year? Absolutely!!! With the mild winter (so far), the SSFTA is headed up to the Just Outstanding ride up above Wofford Heights. This recent rain should make soil conditions primo for some serious roost. To get warmed up, we'll ascend Unal Trail to the peak before smiling our way down JO.
We've been monitoring the 10 day forecast, and while it should be a bit cool at launch, it should be in the very comfortable mid-60's by the time we enter Wofford Heights.
To give a bit of time for temps to come up, lets meet at Mesa Marin Chevron station at 8:30 a.m. That should put us at the trailhead somewhere around 10:00'ish. This is a shuttle ride.
The recommended skill level for this approximate 3+ hour ride should be considered at least Intermediate (conditioning and technical).
Questions, call Mark at 661.865.6290.
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Joined: 12/12/2011
Posts: 50
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Dang....this is the ride I have been looking forward to more than any other, and it falls on a Saturday! If it were Sunday, I'd add 2 to that group! Have fun, ride hard, and be safe!!
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Joined: 1/23/2012
Posts: 19
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Aw! that sucks Chauncey. Why can't you go on saturdays? (Work?)
I asked my Dad if i could go, He said maybe, It sounds like its a little above my level but hopefully i can go. And not lag too far behind everyone.
If you're at the Sunday ride, and i'm not too thrashed to show up, i'll let you guys know how it was (And show you any cool new injuries i might get!)
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Joined: 12/12/2011
Posts: 50
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Ya...I work Saturdays (so does Miguel) so I can rarely, if never, get a Saturday off. I will be there Sunday, got my front drive trimmed down to a single ring now and I really wanna jump and get after it! JO is technical, but I think you will do fine, so good luck and have fun!!
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Joined: 1/23/2012
Posts: 19
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Damn. Sorry you guys have to work. But i look forward to seeing you guys Sunday! And, Uh. Have fun with the jumping thing! I'm terrified of jumping on my bike, i like my wheels to stay close to the ground (For now, and preferably ever)
Thanks for the luck, i'll probably need it. See you in a few days!
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Joined: 12/12/2011
Posts: 50
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I'm going now! I am stoked. Got the day off as of today, so who needs a shuttle? I can bring one other with me, or ride with others. Is your dad going, Megs?
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Joined: 1/23/2012
Posts: 19
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Cool! Yeah, hes taking me in his truck. Can't really fit anyone else in there unless you like being squished to death.
You should go harass miguel and make him come. Isn't he like the manager? He should be able to get the day off. If not i'm sure you could find someone to car pool with you.
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Joined: 12/12/2011
Posts: 50
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nah...too short of a notice, but I will either ride up solo or get a friend and ride up.
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Joined: 1/11/2010
Posts: 57
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Who says the SSFTA is not a flexible bunch. Nineteen riders showed up at the Chevron station at 8:30'ish. We were greeted with a Road Conditions report about Hwy. 155 (west of Wofford Heights) requiring either snow tires or chains! Not a good sign. We also learned that the Alta Sierra Ski Resort had 4-6" of snow on the ground. The webcam from the resort website showed the area to be blanketed with the white sutf.
So, we took a democratic approach and held a vote. Five of the nineteen still wanted to attempt JO. The majority elected an alternate ride selection (recommended by Eddie) by riding UP the Kern River Trail from the bridge, then turning left at the bench UP towards Badger Gap. Majority rules, so the gang hit the trail (in perfect conditions I might add) and climbed and climbed. Just about the time the legs begin going all noodly, the riders just kept in mind the reward (the descent).
All in all, I think the group averaged approximately 13 miles and probably just short of 3 hours. The stronger climbers went about 14, while those eager to descend turned back a mile shorter. Regardless, everyone had fun! Well, for the most part. Carter had a couple of off course excursions while climbing, but Michael helped his buddy get back on course to continue on.
I think Chauncey may have taken a soil sample on the way down, but after straightening the bike out and shaking some dirt off, he managed to complete the ride just fine.
Nary to worry for those five who wanted to do JO. We'll keep out eyes peeled for the next window of opportunity. Pictures were taken of today's ride, so check back in the 2012 Photo Gallery in a day or so.
As always, keep checking back to the website for future Out of Town rides. Until the next one, rubber side down.
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Joined: 2/19/2010
Posts: 8
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Like Mark said, it was a great ride. Lots of good friendly people and great weather. I just got to add that today the trail was in the best condition I've ever seen. Perfect traction, streams small and no ruts! Awsome, thanks for the gathering Cap Kirk, Eddie and all that came!
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Joined: 12/12/2011
Posts: 50
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Tough ride, but it was fun! I like the taste of dirt...sometimes ;-) But, if it's not dirty or bleeding...you aren't riding hard enough! I actually got home, watered up and went back at it for another 13 mile run with Miguel from Sniders out in the foothills. Today was awesome, and I look forward to more out of town rides! Keith was a great sport and I am glad everyone rode out above the bar.
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Joined: 1/23/2012
Posts: 19
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Wish i could of finished with you guys. Bad day i guess.
But i'll make up for it next time! Kind of glad JO was snowed out. I would of died, or just puked. Maybe it was a sign that i shouldn't eat cupcakes, cookies, and candy before a ride. Oh well! Learning experience.
I still had fun though. The downhill really is worth the climb to the top (Or most of the way to the top)
Anyway, see you all at the next ride!
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Joined: 12/12/2011
Posts: 50
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Oh ya....sugary treats before a ride....Ima say, no bueno....I'll see you in about an hour for your first ride on that flashy Cannondale!
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Joined: 1/23/2012
Posts: 19
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I know that, But my Mom is on a sugar kick lately, and i have no will power whatsoever.
Speaking of which, i'm eating pistachio ice cream right now :)
Anyway, I do love that cannondale. Rides like a dream. And it just makes me feel like i can go fast. Good job with that tire by the way.
Sorry i can't make it to the foothill ride with you. But we'll set up another some other time.
See ya sometime next week Chauncey!
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Joined: 12/12/2011
Posts: 50
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Hey, and tell your dad a Million thanks for the tube!! We are riding on Thursday night at 6 pm, from Yokuts park out to Enos again. About 8 miles more total. If you two wanna join us, please do! Slightly faster pace though....so I hope to keep up! See you guys then, or next week!
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