Waiting For The Fall

I went outside this morning to be slapped in the face with very warm temperatures and high humidity. I don’t want to wish summer away, but, I long for the cooler, less humid days of fall.

When the singletrack is complete, the bike camping will resume. With the slight setback of taking a weekend when we should have been digging instead taking out a bridge is taken into account, my hopes of being done by Labor Day are not going to happen.

The silver lining – after Labor Day the State Parks are nearly abandoned and chances are high I’ll have much of the parks to myself. Red wine around the campfire, anyone?

Ride On.

Want

Ride on.

Appetite For Destruction

Monday night / Tuesday morning we received five inches (5”) of rain in two (2) hours. The singletrack in Leaders Park did not escape unscathed.

Last night Atom and I walked through the park to assess the situation. We found the trail itself held up wonderfully. This is an indication of proper design and excellent workmanship. One (1) of the two (2) bridges did not hold up so well.

The drainage ditch that runs diagonally through the park is probably six feet (6’) deep from edge to bottom of flow line. It typically runs about one foot (1’) deep. Judging by the debris on the trusses, it was probably flowing two feet (2’) above full.

The high flow rate eroded some of the bank taking out trees, shifting sediment, and sloughing off bank. A section that sloughed off was directly under one (1) of our bridge abutments.

Now we are forced to dismantle this bridge. It is clearly unsafe to use and there’s no practical way to stabilize the bank. Saturday we’re going to tackle this task.

We’ve scouted alternate locations such that we might move the bridge. None have been found. We’ve decided to salvage the wood and the steel abutments and purchase steel trusses twenty feet (20’) longer than the existing. We’ll move one (1) abutment five feet (5’) farther from the edge and the abutment barely hanging on the edge back fifteen (15’) from the edge. We’ll reuse the abutments, reuse the wood and get a bit more, and keep the bridge in its location. It is a good one.

This has proved to be a formidable challenge. However, we’re up to the task. Lesser people might quit, take the easy road, or hide behind some lame excuses when it appears the end result would be tough to achieve. Not us. We are all over this and moving forward.

Ride On.

Coping

Sun burning the interior of my eyeballs with a welding arc made for a boring day. Per doctor’s orders, I needed to stay home from work, shades drawn, and sunglasses on. I couldn’t read, I couldn’t watch TV (not that there’s anything on – ever. OK, hardly ever.), and couldn’t be on the computer.

A book on CD would have been nice. Getting to the library or a bookstore to get one (1) would not. I’m pretty sure neither would deliver. I did put my Pandora subscription to use.

It made for an entire day of just about nothing. The only thing I could do was scheme. And, scheming was done. I was projecting forward to some of the activities I’ve going on.

The Leaders Park singletrack project is getting there. We’ve no shortage of riders on trail pack night – or any other night as far as I can tell. Having a few more volunteers to come dig would be nice. When it’s just me or me and one (1) other dude, we get stuff done, but not like we do when there’s five (5) or more (5+). Huge chunks get done during those instances.

I’ve started to put together packets of stuff to send municipalities and counties regarding the U.S. Bike Routes. I’ve some emails to send. This project should be completed this fall and / or winter. The application will be made next spring by the State.

This fall I’ll get to do some fun travels – finally. Some people have been suggesting I come visit them and do some riding. I’d like to couple that with some scouting. The Dakota 5-O is approaching. So is my September bike gig in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas itself I can take or leave. But, Red Rock Canyon is one (1) place I’ll be hanging out. Another website for them is HERE. I’ve been before. There is a great trail system there. I’ve gotten word of some singletrack near Red Rock Canyon that is supposed to be pretty good. I’ve been told, if a dude rolls those trails at night, there’s a great view of the lights of Las Vegas at the top. I must say, that does sound cool. Perhaps pack a few beers, get off the bike, and sit back and relax.

My eyeballs have healed and I’m back in the proverbial saddle. It is really nice to be doing something other than sitting around a feeling like I’m waiting for a train. I don’t do well with nothing to do. I think I’ve mentioned on here before, of the few things I’m afraid of, a boring life is right at the top.

Ride On.

Late Night Trip To The E.R.

Monday night, actually 2:30 Tuesday morning, a deep pain in my eye awakened me. Even though I was in deep sleep, the pain woke me up. It felt like something big was in my eye.

My eyes were watering profusely. I rinsed them with water. This did not make anything better. Crap – off to the E.R. I went.

Once there the nurse chick gave me some numbing drops. Almost instant relief. After they’d taken all my information the Dr. came in. She asked more questions. The result – weld flash burn of the eye.

The evening before I went back to the paying job to assist with some things in the shop. One (1) of the things was making some headed anchor bolts. It requires welding. Evidently, while tacking the parts together, I got an eye full of welding flash.

The good news – it heals pretty quickly. Like, twenty four (24) to thirty six (36) hour quickly. I’m supposed to stay out of the sun for that time period and put in some antibiotic eye drops. I also have a prescription for Vicodin.

Sometimes, even the high must lay low. I’m at home today, hanging out in (literal) darkness, and healing – I guess. I’m inside with the curtains drawn but wearing sunglasses. Can you say “bored?”

Ride On.

Weekend Recap

The theme for this past weekend was production and Vodka. Saturday morning marked the return of Murph to the volunteer digger ranks. It was good to see him again. And, as usual, he was in good spirits. He and I got after the third (3rd) hill on the west side of the singletrack project for the Saturday morning work session.

Saturday afternoon was a hot, humid bitch. I was not disappointed when no one showed to dig for the afternoon session. I waited around a bit to make sure nobody showed to dig and then made my way to where the wood for the wooden bridge was stashed. I did all the cutting necessary and put the materials on pallets. We’re all set for bridge install.

Saturday evening, after I’d come home and showered up, I was casually browsing the internets. I was very disappointed to learn that Amy Winehouse has died.



Not only that, there’s turmoil in Norway. Norway, of all places. The world is a funny place. And I don’t mean funny “ha-ha.” I mean funny “weird.”

With not much else shaking, I started a game which I call “what mixes with Vodka best?” I went down to Michelle’s and started with Orangina. That works really well. So does mango juice. I tried ruby red grapefruit juice and club soda. Outstanding!

With a buzz secured it was time for Austin City Limits. Steve Earle sang Townes Van Zandt songs. He was followed by Kris Kristofferson. Good stuff.

Sunday appeared and before I knew it, it was time to dig. I was joined by three (3) other dudes. A combination of digging and corridor clearing ensued. Much of both were accomplished.

Now here we are at the start of another workweek. Today marks my triumphant return to bike commuting. I am finally past the phase of too many meetings and errands requiring me to drive.

Ride On.

Bridging The Gap

Here's what the short span bridges will look like for our singletrack project. It's all wood construction. I'm using five inch (5") diameter treated fence posts as the vertical supports. 2 - #2 SPF 2 x 10's span between them. And #2 SPF 2 x 6's are the deck. My engineering calcs suggest this will span up to ten feet (10').



I plan to bolt through the 2 x 10's and posts with two (2) three-quarter inch (3/4") diameter bolts. The deck will be fasten to the stringers with sixteen penny (16d) ring shank nails.

If I remember, I'll take pictures of this before, during, and after construction. In addition to the bridge proper, I'm placing seven feet (7') of board walk on each end. Why seven feet (7')? Well, the smaller treated wood fence posts we can buy are three inch (3") diameter and seven feet (7') long. I'll lay these flat on the ground, two feet (2') apart. I'll span over these the #2 SPF 2 x 6's cut three feet (3') long. This is a pretty economical way to get some long lasting, but strong, board walk.

Ride on.

The Entire Cost Of A Gallon Of Gas

Ride On.

Molten Core And Spa Treatments

Not wanting to subject volunteers to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or death by sweat, I cancelled the Tuesday evening dig session. However, I did not take the night off. I met Atom in the park for some planning stuff.

You know Atom - the dude who has had the bad judgment to schedule his wedding on September fourth (4th). Who schedules a fricking wedding on a Sunday?!? Yes, I was invited and no, I’m not attending. Why? Not because it’s on a Sunday. But because it is on a particular Sunday. The Sunday of the annual Dakota Five-Oh mountain bike race – which I am attending and racing in. Dumb ass. But, I digress…..

Atom and I snooped around the park some. Most notably we planned where the remaining trail is going to go. In addition, we took some measurements. I’m planning on meeting that crazy MinusCar fellow on Thursday evening for some lumber buying. That crazy MinusCar fellow and I need to buy stuff together because we setup the F.A.S.T. checking account to require two signatures – to insure no one (1) person absconds with the funds to buy liquor and / or porn. To do that, two (2) dudes would need to be in cahoots which we’ve deemed not likely because we could never find two (2) dudes who could agree on which liquor to buy.

Specifically, we’re buying the wood necessary for the wood bridge and the accompanying board walk. We will need, but are not buying yet, wood for the wood berm at the bottom of the second hill’s tight corner and the wood necessary for some boardwalk on a low lying area on the west side of the park.

I need to finish my design of the berm. I can’t do that until Atom and I measure it. Once that is complete I can put together a materials list and then the wood may be obtained. I have a pretty good idea on how this should work. Dimensions are critical, however.

Working in the park on these hot days and evenings is akin to a combination gym workout and spa treatment. Let me expand your mind.

Digging trails with hand tools is the gym workout. After a weekend of digging in the park my deltoids and latissimus dorsi are fully fatigued and worked. If the side slope of the hill I’m working on is severe enough, my quadriceps get worked, too!

With the ninety plus (90+) degree heat and high humidity, it is exactly like being in a sauna. Why pay money to go to a spa or a sauna when you could have it by working with us in the park?

And, we don’t just offer a sauna-like environment. No! We offer a mud bath, too. When a dude is digging trail getting quite sweaty it is not evaporating away. The dew point of the ambient air is too high for that. So, the sweat just accumulates on your skin. Get a little crazy with the digging tools and dirt gets sprinkled, liberally, on your exposed skin. The combination of the sweat and dirt make for a perfect mud bath.

But, we don’t stop there. We have bugs. What bugs? The good kind! Mosquitoes! Let them light on your exposed, sweaty, and muddy person and then smoosh them! Protein added to the mud bath! Mosquitoes can’t get to the clothing covered areas? No worries! We’ve got wood ticks for that! All you have to do is have one (1) wood tick found on your person and you’ll get the heebie jeebies as you’ll feel them crawling all over you even though they’re not really there!

So, save on the gym membership and spa treatments. Come dig trail with us! As you can see, we’ve got it all!

Ride On.

Boiling Point

As in I’m reaching mine. No, it’s not the “pissed off’ boiling point. It’s the “fucking hot outside” boiling point. The long term forecast is not inspiring.



The longer forecast suggests relief. I’ll believe it when I see feel it.

There’s a weekly dig session scheduled for this evening. Only those with moxie will show. Candy-asses need not apply.

Thursday night is trail pack / ride night. The beers afterwards should be stellar.

Ride On.

Weekend Update

With the heat index well into triple digits, the weekend park digs were, well, toasty. Regardless, the hard-cores who did show dug much trail. Saturday morning was spent working on the middle loop. The portion of the middle loop where it ties into the first south loop was dug. An entrance skill was constructed.

Sunday I was the lone ranger for the nine (9) AM work session. I spent my time in the park clearing corridor from the third (3rd) hill, through the woods, and out to the final hill. My intent was to dig some, too. However, with a storm approaching the thunder was warning me of possible lightning. I decided to leave a bit early.

What’s a dude to do when it’s this hot out? Movies. Saturday afternoon was partially spent at a movie theater. Hollywood is putting out some real gems these days – not. I guess, in order to appeal to the largest group of people, Hollywood makes movies that require the least amount of thought necessary.

Sunday evening a DVD type movie was scored from a box, which is red in colour. I don’t remember seeing trailers for it. I don’t remember it being advertised. In other words, this movie had the potential to actually have an interesting story. and, it did.

I’m pretty sure this movie did not do so well at the box office. However, I found it to be worthwhile and entertaining. It had an interesting story. The story was the kind that you actually had to pay attention to the movie to follow it. It was complete unlike Saturday’s movie. You could have come into the theater at any point and picked up what was going on pretty easily.

Which movies were these? Sometimes ignorance truly is bliss. I suppose, if you really want to know, you could ask.

This week is supposed to remain hot and humid. I guess this translates into lax attendance digging trail. I know if I waited for it to be not too hot, not too cold, not too sunny, not too cloudy, not too windy, etcetera, I’d not get any trail dug. I want singletrack and I’ll be there digging it. What’s your lame ass excuse for not showing up to dig?

Ride On.

A Bike Video

Former Sioux Falls-er and now Rapid City-er, Dustin, rides some very bumpy trail and then gets wet. Oh, and has a beer or two (2) in between. He shot this over via email.

trestle dh @ winterpark on pinkbike.com

Ride on.

Juan Of The Dead

How about a Latino zombie movie trailer?

Ride On.

More Trail? And More Trail!

Just when I thought things couldn’t any weirder in terms of Sioux Falls, and the surrounding area, singletrack – things get bizarre-o. There have been two (2) developments.

Monday is when things went down. They started with the Blood Run State Park meeting. A week ago I received my invitation to participate in the three (3) consecutive evening meeting marathon. Yep, six (6) PM to nine (9) PM, three (3) nights in a row – oh boy!

Monday’s meeting began with a recap of what transpired a month or so ago. Following the recap some involved design types gave presentations. There was an “A” presentation and a “B” presentation. Really. They were called “A” and “B.” Post presentations all in the room were invited to roam around it, checking out the lettered presentation maps, and to ask presenters questions. On each presentation’s respective table there was an eight-and-one-half by eleven (8 ½ x 11) comment page.

I filled out a page for each presentation letter. I talked about the good points and the bad points. Then, I offered Falls Area SingleTrack’s (FAST’s) assistance with trails. In a nutshell, I let them know the idea of an extensive trail system is a good one. I suggested the design, within some parameters, is best left to experts. I suggested the trail system be International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) designed and FAST built. Furthermore, I suggested if design and layout, within parameters, were left to IMBA and FAST, we’d provide a great trail system at no construction cost to the State or Taxpayers. The caveat – we get some latitude for some fun trails in addition to the basic.

I left my name, address, phone number, and email address – all the necessary information to find me should the State and their design types decide this truly is too good a deal to pass up (It is. Do you know how much it cost to have singletrack professionally built? Big bucks.). At that time I told them, on the forms, I could not make the Tuesday night session because I’d be out building trail – which I was. I did say I’d likely be there on Wednesday. Fate cast its cruel hand. I was home very briefly Wednesday evening and then out the door and to the paying job. Work beckoned and attending the Blood Run meeting was out of the question.

Regardless, the seed has been planted. We’ll see if they’ll let it grow. I’m not holding my breath, but, I feel there is somewhat potential for singletrack within this new State Park. We’ll see.

Now for the really weird stuff. Monday I received an email from bike friendly Sam of the City Planning office. It seems he’d taken a phone call from a private land owner who thinks having singletrack trails on his land would be pretty cool. Sam asked if I / FAST would be interested. Taking a full millisecond to think about it, I replied with a DAMM RIGHT WE’RE INTERESTED!!! Wham! Bam! Thank you, Sam!

Sam gave me the dude’s phone number and a phone called ensued. About ten (10) minutes later I hung up the phone with a pending land walk-through in place. Now I’ll be exploring some suitable land with the landowner for a visioning thing.

A generous private landowner, no crabby geriatric neighbors whining, and the very strong potential for even more singletrack within the Sioux Falls City limits! The planets were aligned and the SingleTrack Gods (Yes, Gods. You pick your fictitious deity and I’ll pick mine. You don’t push yours on me and I won’t push mine on you. Don’t get me started.) smiling!

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Where there’s frost, there’s ice cream. Where there’s foam, there’s beer. Originally, I’d really high hopes for Blood Run. I have mixed emotions regarding the proposed park now. I have this ominous feeling the State’s going to pony-up a bunch of money and end up with a highly under thought, built, and used park. I’ve done my and FAST’s part. On the other side of the vinyl, right out of the blue, a honey of a scenario unfolded. Given the phone call, this baby could get off the ground just as soon as Leaders Park is complete.

Ride On.

Hungry? Cook Something.

The latest episode of “My Drunk Kitchen.” Pay attention. Learn something. Cook. Drink.

Ride On.

Tuesday Night Roughnecks

The weekly Tuesday night trail digging session, also known as Tuesday Night Roughnecks met right on time. Cinco (5) hombres showed for an evening of tool slinging delight.

Due to the rain earlier in the day we did not knock out the western half of the middle loop. Instead we made our way to the north forty (40) to dig on the grassy, well drained, hills. We spread out and nearly completed every foot of the section I’d mowed a week earlier. I need to step up the mowing effort.

Digging yesterday evening I got to thinking, “Where are the chicks?” In the 2011 digging season no local chicks have had enough BALLS to show up to help out. However, we have had a Minneapolis resident chick and a Brookings resident chick. I’ve seen some Grrrls on the trail, but no diggers this year. It’s kind of sad, actually.

But, no worries. We’re getting this sonofabitch dug! Thursday evening we take a respite from digging and do some riding. We call this, “Thursday Night Trail Pack.” The trail does need to be packed. And, all digging and no riding isn’t that fun.

Speaking of riding, Monday evening I attended another installment of the Blood Run State Park planning thing. It was supposed to run from 6 PM to 9 PM. However, I was done at 8 PM.

Feeling like a kid released from school detention for good behaviour, I raced home, changed clothes, grabbed the single speed, and made my way to the park for some laps on the completed loop. I was highly surprised to not find anyone else riding the trail. It was a perfect evening for it. But, two (2) laps in, I met up with Peter. We rode some more laps before darkness forced me to get my ass home to shower.

I must say, it is an amazing feeling riding trail that you had a big role in designing and building. Soon, I’ve got a post on some additional singletrack in this area.

Ride On.

Sweatin’ My Ass Off

It was a hot mother f***er in the park this past weekend. Three (3) work sessions down, nine liters plus (>9) of water consumed, and gallons (seemingly) of sweat poured out.

Saturday morning two (2) other hardy souls showed up to help. We made our way to the third (3rd) hill from the north on the east side of the park and dug some fine looking trail.

The Saturday afternoon heat and humidity proved too much for anyone else. I spent the session picking the line for the west part of the middle loop. I was totting a saw along. I used the session to clear the corridor by removing complete trees, removing branches still attached to trees, and moving downed branches.

Sunday was the hottest and it sure felt like the worst humidity level. Another dude and I got after it anyway. In the woods on the western half of the park is pretty easy digging. We dug more than one hundred feet (100’) of trail before the heat and humidity persuaded the helper to evacuate with his life and sanity in hand. I stuck it out until the water in my Camelbak was sucked dry. Since I typed this and you’re reading this, it is evident I escaped with my life. My sanity – well, that’s your call.

Here’s the way I’m seeing it – if at least five (5) others show up to help on Tuesday evening, we’ll very likely knock out the remaining trail on the western half of the middle loop. The eastern half of the north loop is almost done. If we could catch a break in the weather, it is highly probable we could have the entire remaining trail dug by Labor Day.

Friday I alluded to installing a wood bridge. Scheduling conflicts kept me from getting the necessary materials. I’m looking to get this done this week. With one (1) helper I think it could be installed in one (1) three (3) hour work session. Once this is in I’ll need to get after the wood berm. We’re closing on having another ride-able loop and this would be the proverbial icing on the cake.

This week is going to be fricking packed with stuff. Last night it was at the paying job. I’m swamped there. Tonight I have another meeting for the proposed Blood Run State Park. Tuesday evening is trail build night. Wednesday I have another Blood Run meeting. Thursday is trail pack bike ride night. And Friday is, well, too far away to see given all that is going on. Oh yeah, Jazz Fest that night. Maybe I’ll see you there. Maybe instead I’ll take a little “me time.”

The combination of being extremely busy at work, ram-rodding the trail digging project, participating in the Blood Run State Park planning, you would think this burning-the-candle-from-both-ends would leave little time or capacity for anything else. That was sort of the experiment – to see if that would be the case. But, no. Personal issues seem to ramp up the insomnia along with everything else.

I need a fricking vacation. I mean a real one (1). Looking at the calendar the first (1st) opportunity to get out of town is Labor Day weekend for the Dakota Five-Oh. About a week or so after that, it’s looking like a Las Vegas bike related gig.

I think my fall will be putting the U.S. Bike Routes into “full speed ahead” mode. It will also be western states exploration time. I love scouting trips! And, having an end game in mind should provide much needed peace of mind.

Ride On.

My Gal Friday

At last! The end of another work week! How was yours? Were you productive? With Monday a holiday it sure felt like six (6) days of work were crammed into four (4). Activity at the paying job is high gear. So much so, several hours were spent there last night.

There’s action this weekend. We’ve a full slate of trail digging going on in the park. The hard-cores will show and we’ll dig trail. Saturday night is the downtown installment of Hot Harley Nights. This event is when all the faux outlaws put on their costumes and ride their Harley Davidson motor-sickles on a downtown parade ending at North Phillips Ave. From there a band will start and really cheap and really bad beer will be sold. If people watching is your thing, then this is your event.

Back to the park – I put my engineering skilz to use and ran some calculations for a wood bridge. I’ll likely be installing one this coming weekend. We’re at a point in the trail where we’ve come down one (1) hill and are routing to the next. We need to cross a little drainage way that requires a bridge. The geography doesn’t lend itself well to just bombing through the water.

Anyway, I’ll sink some wooden posts, bolt some 2 x 10’s to them and plank it with 2 x 6’s laid flat. These little bridges will span ten feet (10’) easily. I’ll try to remember to take some pictures and post them here.

Speaking of wood – it is getting to be about time to figure out, design, and install a wood berm at a slightly tight corner and the bottom of a downhill section. I’ve an idea how this should work. But, being the scientist type, I’ll run some calcs to get some degree of peace (piece?) of mind. Safety first (1st) – or so I’m told.

Ride On.

July?

Already? Where does the time go?

The three (3) day weekend sure didn’t seem that long. I suppose staying out waaayyyyyy too late on Friday night / Saturday morning had something to do with that. I’m not use to coming home in the wee hours of the morning. I still made it to the park in time for the 9:00 AM dig session. Trooper!

Try as I might, I cannot think up a subliminal message to slip in, here. OK, how about, hmmm, no one’s on a pedestal since they have quite a few negatives and I tend to dwell on them regardless if my car’s lights are on all night or not. By the way, the car started fine in the morning. It’s a Toyota. There. Confused? Me, too. But, not by the weird message. This demon can only be exorcised by the distance next year will provide. Time never flies when you want it to, only when you’re having fun. Which this is not. Yes, I have unresolved issues. Bite me.

Back on track, digging is going quite well in the park. We’re closing in on having the east half of the north loop complete. To explain, a creek runs diagonally through the park. It divides the north loop and the middle loop into an east section and a west section. The east half / section is nearly complete.

We’ve two (2) steel framed bridges in the park spanning thirty feet (30’). Now it is a lock we’ll have one (1) shorter, fully wooden, bridge there as well. I’ve run the calculations and doing this short one (1) in wood will be a breeze. I might start it this coming weekend. There’s a possibility for more, shorter, wood bridges. We’ll cross them when we come to them. Yeah, I know – pun. Sue me.

Ride On.

Inspired Revolution

From the movie, V For Vendetta, “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”

Ride On.

Party Packed

With the very hot heat and the almost unbearable (to work in) humidity, I suggested rollers roll instead of build trail. We did have a trail digging session scheduled for 6:15 PM Thursday evening. I replaced the dig session with a “come ride your bike to pack the trail” session. Approximately twelve (12) rollers showed and we commenced with the packing.

Dudes (and I say dudes because no chicks showed up) started doing laps on our completed singletrack loop. After a few laps some ventured farther back into the park to check the progress of the other two (2) loops. Once the park was adequately explored, everyone made their way back to where the trail head is / will be.

Suggestions started flying as rollers reclined on the grass. “How about every Thursday becomes trail pack night?” OK – done. That was the big one (1). I’m going to set it up this way. All digging and no riding is, well, boring. Plus, the trail does need to be packed and wheel traffic works great.

The evening concluded with beers. Some of us made our way to Monk’s and others went somewhere else – The Corner Pub, I think.

Now the Fourth (4th) of July weekend is upon us. Many have expressed to me, “Have a happy and safe Fourth (4th) of July weekend.” I’m going to express to YOU, “Have a bitchin’ and reckless Fourth (4th) of July weekend!”

Ride On.