Dodge Mountain Riders

                    So the latest on the Cumby trails.........got out yesterday as high as 42nd St./Teapot and snow has receded enough to get to this elevation. Bear Buns/Bucket Of Blood likely OK as well. It was snowing this morning but only a trace amount. Logging has now claimed Entrails in addition to lower Spanker, Matts' Trail and upper Soggy Biscuit. Logging remains active so stay clear of this area and trails nearby. Bridge exiting trails DCDH/Hai Gai has been somewhat repaired; it's now walkable.  
                    And Mount Washington is looking good with the opening of the Boomerang Chair accessing the Outback. Conditions for this time of year have never been better. Get on up there before the "Christmas masses" do and rip some lines!
                     I've got to start my xmas shopping so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us at DMR!

                    Once again it's been awhile since our last update............and lots has happened. Mount Washington stepped up their game this summer with great biking all season. Logging throughout the Valley trails has or is occurring. Hai Gai in Cumberland has some nice new features increase its flow. Teapot has seen some tree pruning and berms added to increase that already flowy trail.
                    Now as of more recent, massive rains washed trees down Perserverance Creek damaging the bridge exiting DCDH and Hai Gai trails. As of right now, someone has gone in and cleaned up the damage and is suitable for walking across for now. Look for this to be rebuilt possibly by the Village along with the two other smaller bridges that follow the Perserverance bridge.
                     Trees that were down on Teapot have also been cleared and is running faster than ever! Off Broadway at the right hand turn over the massive log midway down trail has been flattened down by chainsaw allowing riders to maintain speed over it. As well there is a bridge over the ditch at the very end of this trail leading on to the road spur making it a little drier and a little quicker.
                      And logging has begun affecting Spanker, Matt's Trail and Soggy Biscuit as the moment. Evidence is clear as soon as you reach the chlorination shack leading up the road from the yellow gate.
                      Now has for riding gear and bikes, check your LBS for incredible deals on remaining 2009 bikes. There are some amazing deals out there!! And if you are still out there riding, you'll likely need some warmer gear. Try neoprene booties and gloves if your like me and get extremely cold hands and feet.
                      That's all for now. Have a fun and safe Christmas and may Santa bring us all new bikes!!

                   Well, it's been ages since my last update...........so the DMR trail builders known as the Trail Harvest Crew have merged forces with the Forbidden Freeriders a few months ago. Recently, the FFR have merged with UROC to be the official trail building crew with this non-profit, insured, established club. So now that were insured, we are legit. And hopefully, have more hands at our trail days which are the last Sunday of each month, 11:00am meeting in the CRI parking lot. For all the latest, become a member with the Forbidden Freeriders Facebook group and stay up to date on trail building days and new trails.
                   Knuckers was the second to last trail day and is now rideable with some final tweaks to come as well as an alternative route which will exit at Perserverance Creek at the exits of DCDH/Hai Gai area. This re-route is planned as a winter project when the snow gets to deep at higher elevations.
                    Hai Gai is nearing it's facelift completion in the coming months with noticeable improvements already with high spots removed, low spots filled and tight corners trimmed down for a much flowy-er trail. Who knows what the next project will be(please can it be Royal Highness!!)
                   There are several shop rides through out the Valley going on right now. UROC(Mens), Black's Cycle and Mountain City Cycle all have a Tuesday night shop rides. Those thinking of hooking up with the MCC guys should be warned that this is for the fast, XC crowd. UROC Mens ride is for club members http://www.unitedridersofcumberland.com  and the Black's ride http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=67922328622 is geared towards intermediate to advanced riders. UROC(Women) and Simon's Cycles have their rides on Wednesdays. Again, UROC Womens ride is for club members and Simon's ride http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=19382688695 are also geared towards intermediate to advanced riders. And last but not least, The River Rats meet early(9am) on Sunday mornings at Serious Coffee on Cliffe Ave. across from Boston Pizza/Driftwood Mall.
                   And this weekend is the opening of Mount Washington Bike Park...............nuff said........get on up there! Well, there ya have it................an update at last............now go ride!

                    So, got out for a ride after work to check out the DCDH after hearing some people had been digging out the trail of snow. The road leading up was mainly clear of snow with a larger patch just before the first "real" climb. Midway up the hill is clear until you crest the hill where there is a much larger patch of snow involving more walking. I pushed aways until I got fed up so I bushwacked my way through the cutblock slash to where I knew the trail was nearby. Now as for the trail, it is in excellent shape. Worth the small bit of hiking especially after riding the same trails over and over. I really looking forward to building some new trail soon. My goal this year is to get Royal Highness complete and saving the completion of Knuckers for evening work. Royal Highness will open up some great trail combinations.
                     Anywho, getting ahead of myself..............go ride already!!

                Just thought I'd let you all know the lower Cumby trails are for the most part clear. Buggered Pig clear all but some sections near south end(nearest to Perserverance Crk. bridge). Two & a Juice including Rasta Roosta section completely clear. And spoke to another rider confirming Shaker and Entrails both clear(just the road leading to them snow covered). And get your rides on these two trails soon as these are up for logging soon. Have a good one............

                Well went out for a ride couple nights ago and if u haven't heard, Soggy/Black/Nugget are clear of snow. Have heard Tied Knot is also clear along with Two & A Juice and most of Buggered Pig. Any snow there is currently is bulletproof anyways so really u can pretty much ride anywhere!
                And on a sadder note, logging is coming to the Forbidden Plateau/Comox Lake trails. Just read plans on CVMtb.com of the trails effected. If the map is accurate, it doesn't look all that bad considering. But check it out for yourself: cvmtb.com/blogs/trail_tales/archive/2009/03/10/forbidden-plateau-logging-info.aspx
                That's all for now.................

                    Good day, eh! Went for a ride yesterday out on Tomato Creek. All is clear and it's still a super fun rip! Riders should know beyond the 8km mark(Tomato Creek trailhead enterance) on Comox Lake Main they are blasting. As far as snow goes for out here, should be clear as Two Pond Pass I would expect.
                     As for Cumberland, well we rode that today to find Bronco's clear but beyond the bridge at the creek it's still snowed in pretty good. Road leading up to Shaker/Entrails snowed in as well but would expect once in the woods that the trails will be clear. Will have to investigate Sunday.        
                     And if your in the market for a new ride or threads and your looking to save a few bucks, check out Simon's Cycles. They've still got a few 2008 bikes left at some of the best deals I've seen around! Check http://www.simoncycle.com.
                   

                    Well got out this past Sunday up to Perserverance Creek to head down Bronco's and there is still a lot of snow. And with yesterdays snowfall of around 10cms, it'll be a bit longer now before we're riding these trails. Unless we get some significantly warm temperatures or a major soaking of rain! The first to clear up will likely be Tomato Creek at Comox Lake. The trail is southerly facing so it gets daylight. On top of that, it's more or less all rock so it'll heat up melting the snow that little bit quickier!
                   On the positive side of things, there's only 3.5 weeks till daylight savings ends meaning we can set our clocks ahead and gain an hour. By that time, that should mean a sunset around 7-ish. Sweet!!
                   Until next time.................

                  So here it is...........the first update of 2009. Well there hasn't been much to talk about with most of the trails buried under snow and ice. But finally the snow from my backyard is receding which can only mean some of the lower Cumberland trails opening up as well. Tomato Creek and trails along the Puntledge River are reported as being clear. Hopefully, I'll have a full report soon after I venture out to inspect the snow situation first hand tomorrow here in Cumberland.
                  Until then, pray for rain below 600m and snow above this height.

- Hefe

                Well, did a little trail building along with Jay, Barry & Calen(along with the dogs, Zoe and Miika)!! We widened the landing area of our gap that was started last weekend by rolling a large rotten cedar to the side. This should make it safer to land as well as better alignment if u choose to ride the ladder bridge. Next, we dug away at the root mass of our newly created logride and bucked off the root mass deciding to come straight in off the old logride to make it easier building. Jay put his bricklaying skills to work on the new logride exit, along with Calen and Barry, by forming rocks and dirt together. And it is bomber!! While they did that, I worked on getting some stringers together to form the entrance. Also found some nice old growth cedar clean of any knots to use for slats which I bucked up and started to split. That sums up most of the day spent out there.
                 As well, the Forbidden Freeriders were out in full force creating what they do best, FLOW! They were doing some aligning of their own on Hai Gai by creating a bridge over a log where you use to ride over the end which now gives u speed to hit a mini hip and so on. I can only imagine the rest beyond what I saw is nothing but genius. Sometimes, it's great having a different pair of eyes to evaluate a trail to make it even better! Can't wait to ride this one.
                 And if you haven't heard, the Trail Harvest Crew is now got their first two sponsers, Phillips Brewery and Centennial Food Services. Have we got beers - Check. Have we got burgers and dogs - Check.
                 The next scheduled build day, set for Sunday Dec.14th, will see the Trail Harvest Crew combine efforts with the Forbidden Freeriders. We discussed how our projects were going and came to the conclusion it would only make sense to work together to get more work completed so we and others can actually ride these trails! Power in numbers!

There u have it - Hefe

                  Good day, eh! Well the DMR/Trail Harvest Crew made some good progress on the restoration/extension of  Knuckers last weekend. Getting real close now in being able to ride this trail once again but one thing we won't be rebuilding until the spring is likely the old bridge over the creek. Instead we intend to re-route the trail near the bottom of the downhill portion to the exit areas of both the DCDH and Hai Gai trails and utilize an already existing bridge. Especially seeing as there is a game trail, of some sort ,along Perserverance Creek that will be easy building, cut a large amount of road riding back to town and connect nicely. If you haven't already seen some pics, go to the Facebook group : Trail Harvest Crew to get your stoke on.
                  And while your there, sign-up for our next trail building event. You too can experience the feeling of creating some trail that will bring riders days, months or years of smiles and memories(hows that for cheesy weirdness!) As well, check the Calendar section here for upcoming events.

Until then, Hefe

                Well, Bucket Of Blood has been complete for almost two weeks now and the reports coming in from everybody who has ridden it are very positive. The Forbidden Freeriders last weekend have completed some trail maintenance to the beginning sections mainly near the creek gap including adding a bit more lip on the creek gapper launch pad, adding a easier ladder bridge crossing to the left of the jump, more solid approach to logride and a ladder-down ramp off of logride(?more controlled braking?) and finally increasing headroom under the rootmass of the tree. Looks good.........can't wait to ride.......hopefully down below they can re-route the creek a little and throw in a creek gapper and bridge! I would have but, like a fool, showed up without any rain gear.....or tools!(what a night though!) Yeah, I suck.
                 DMR/Simon's Cycles night rides are following the full moons so check your calendar or ours here at DMR. If theres a full moon, we ride. Check calendar for ride location, times and details. And for trail building dates, once again check the DMR calendar. Or check the Facebook groups : Simon's Cycles Shop Rides and Trail Harvest Crew.

Keep greasing 'er!- Hefe
              

             Well exciting news but first off, last Friday did a wicked night ride with the boyz up to Teapot, down Shaker, to Soggy, Black, Nugget! The 6 of us had a blast. And of course, followed by a few wobbly pops. Yummy! Maybe that's why it was such a blast!?
              Not that exciting u may say..........OK, OK don't get your panties in a bunch. Well if I said Bucket Of Blood was back in action would that get ya excited? Well it is back and better than ever with jumps most of the way down.......just minus the trees and greenery. Fortunately the trade off is pretty good with amazing views of the Comox Valley and Georgia Strait. Gone however are the log ride/boardwalk and any of the ladder drops. But they weren't the great to begin with! Now the last section over the old bridge down to Bear Buns, where it connects, is only blazed/rough cutted but is rideable without fear of a branch poking through the spokes! Expect this section to be smoothed out next Sunday.
                As for the DMR project of the resurrection of Knuckers, well it's coming along. I was expecting more people to be showing up for the trail days. But that hasn't happened to date, so at this rate probably be another month before I can clear out the remaining windfalls, rebuild the bridge, rebuild/smooth out the narrow, long, elevated log ride and do a general top to bottom inspection. So check the Calendar on this site for the latest. And check often because sometimes it can change!
                And if u haven't heard, This Saturday, October 25th, the premiere of NWD 9 - Never Enough will be held at the Riding Fool Hostel with two showings - one at 7pm(all ages) and one at 9pm(19+ only). Kids $5, Big Kids $10. Be there or be square.

That's it, that's all............Hefe

            Well long time since last update.........we've run out of daylight for after work rides which brings us into night riding with lights. DMR/Simon's Cycles last night hosted their first Full Moon Night ride. Not a lot of riders, just 4 which made for a nice ride. No technical difficulties with anyones' lights which is also nice. We all had a good time leaving us all wishing to ride again soon. It was truly cool. So you don't have a light.......drop on by your local bike shop. There are many light systems(and prices!) to more than meet your needs. My favorite is the new model called the Seca from Light N Motion. There is the 400 lumen model which is super bright and the 700 lumen model that is hella bright! If your thinking of purchasing a system but don't know which will meet your requirements, check out Simon's Cycles where they have demo models to try out. You'll probably have to arrange a night seeing as there are many people lining up to try one out!
             In other exciting news, the long awaited NWD 9 - NEVER ENOUGH mtb movie will be premiering in Cumberland at the Riding Fool Hostel, Saturday, October 25th with 2 shows.........7pm for the kiddies and 9pm for the 19+ crowd. Tickets are at the door..........adults = $10 kids = $5.
            And trail building is in full swing..........for the latest check the Calendar page for this and all other major happenings, mon!

Keep it greasy, Hef 

                  Well long time since last update.....that's what happens when u get hitched I guess! Well it's been a summer to remember. Some skimboarding, some fun rides with even funner friends, drunken golf, weddings/partying, home projects, Big Time Out 3 day music fest/partying, and taking the dog out for many walks/rides! Shop rides have come to an end due to limited daylight. Perhaps we'll organize a night ride that also falls on a full moon. But before we get that far ahead, there's still some late summer/early fall events going on...........
                   Mount Washington is holding its Rockstar Jump Jam this Sunday Sept.07 at 2pm. Registration is at 1pm. This is open to everyone so head on up. More info, head to http://www.mountwashington.ca
                   And Arrowsmith Mountain Bike Club presents there annual epic marathon race, The Ramble September 28th. Head on out to the Fletchers' Farm in Errington with your full spandex tuxedo. Registration 8 - 8:45am, Racing/Riding 9 am Entry $50 with 3 food stops along the way. Expect to ride at least 70km. Having attempted this one, I can honestly say come prepared. Don't drink coupous amounts of beer the night before!
                   Finally, DMR will be firing up its' trail daze again......also on September 28th. CRI parking lot, 11:00am. Look here for more info in the coming weeks.

That's it, that's all...........Hefe

                     Well, long time since last update. Must be summer! I personally have been swamped at work leaving me a little tired after work. But its probably the same for you too! There's been a few shop rides since then. The last shop ride back on July 2 went as planned but in an attempt to keep together without disintegrating, we skipped Jake the Snake. Simply to big a group with a vast range of abilities among the riders. First time for many of us riding Cabin Fever and what a great trail. Rode it that following Sunday as well with the girlfriend and her brother. Super good times. Still haven't ridden the lower XC route. Pretty curious as to how it is. One day......
                      Our following Wednesday night ride on July 9th took us to Cumberland to ride Grub, Stub, Pity tha Foo. Buckets of sweat were pouring off most of us. I blew a corner on Pity almost sending over a rather large cliff band. Luckily I had a tree to hug and with my other hand on the pedal, save my bike. Conditions were, and still are, pretty tricky descending on a XC bike on loose, dry dirt/gravel.
                       July 16th we did our first shop tube ride down the Puntledge River for the season. I again ran into some bad luck and got flipped out of my tube within the first 300m. So I struggled the currents barefooted to the shore over the slippery rocks and started the walk of shame down 1st St. seeing as I thought I was the only one with a shuttle vehicle and seeing as I had the keys.......But as it turned out, I forgot Barry had his vehicle parked downstream as well so my walk got me as far as Harmston Ave.
                       And that brings us to last nights ride consisting of 17(or 18) dudes and dudettes to ride the new Bear Buns, over Sykes Bridge to Teapot, down Short N Curly and then we pulled the pin, due to limited daylight, and bombed the road for a quick beer in the parking lot. We then rushed over to hit up burger night at the Wave followed by a few jugs and shots. Probably the best shop ride to date. I love the ride as much as I do the post-ride! It is truly amazing being able to ride trail and within a minute be able to be sitting down in a pub enjoying some food and a beer and shooting the shit among buddies and other riders.
                       So next weeks ride is a little up in the air...........maybe tubing again(I want redemption!) or maybe ?Cahona Cruncher? or ?Trent River?..........we'll see. If curious, check out the Simon's Cycles Shop Ride group on Facebook. That's all for now.

Hef

               HAPPY CANADA DAY, EH! Hope ya all had a good one. I did some little rides seeing as it was so bloody hot! Instead I made up for no swimming last year by going twice in the last three. Took my pup down to do her first swim.......pretty funny stuff!
                BC Bike Race is underway with a few local teams........in team of 2 male category, Team Suck currently 27/94(Stephen "Chapper" Chapman ) , team of 2 80+ Shockdocs currently 31/46(Rocky Moise) & in co-ed category Team Fig Bar Racing currently 22/33(Nikki Licht). All are doing exceptionally well especially when you factor in that the day the race started, was the day our temperatures jumped 10 degrees! Hang in their guys........4 more days and you can really enjoy a beer! To follow day to day results, visit: http://www.bcbikerace.com.
                And the very same day the BC Bike Race started, was also the opening day of the summer mountain bike season on Mount Washington. A lot of anxious people stormed the hill to get freshies through the muck. Always a good time.............for more: http://www.mountwashington.ca
                Finally shop ride tomorrow meeting at Nymph Falls parking lot once again......6:30pm riding up to old ski lodge to continue riding up to Jake the Snake. Shuttlers meet at old lodge at 7:15 - 7:30pm. Ride will consist of Jake the Snake, 2 Sheiks, Cabin Fever, Puntledge Plunge and Peckerhead.

                  See ya there, Hefe

                  Well hello all......hope your weekend was as good as mine....and Simon Garstin who was the top Canadian Junior at the World DH Championships in Val di Sole, Italy placing 16th! Congratulations Simon and way to go, eh!
                   Last weeks ride toke us up to Punisher. Luckily by the time the ride started it had cooled down a bit making the ride up much more pleasant. The twelve of us had a successful ride with one minor mechanical. To date, only one flat! This weeks ride will take us to Two Sheiks, a new trail called Cabin Fever, down the Puntledge Plunge and finish with Peckerhead. Meet at Nymph Falls parking lot departing at 6:30pm. Should be a fun one!
                   Trail Build party scheduled for yesterday was canceled due to lack of vehicle. Guess I could have ridden up but like most of u, I also have lots of outdoor yard projects I'd like to get completed! The gang will probably fire up again in September when the hustle and bustle of summer slows down. But there is some building going on..........The River Rats have completed a rough re-route near Bucket of Blood called Cinnamon Buns. This trail follows the banks of Cumberland Creek avoiding the mass disaster known as a clear cut logging, the least sustainable method of logging on planet Earth!
                    June 30th the BC Bike Race rolls into Cumberland. Look for local entries such as Nikki Licht and old school mountain bike legend, Tinker Juarez!
                   That's my rant for now......l8rs, Hefe

                 Well last weeks shop ride 8 of us to Rudy's, Arbutus, Tomato Creek, BOTC and Tony's trail. The road leading from Tomato to Blow Out The Candles claimed another tube, this belonging to Straight Line Paintings' Dan Boucher. Our shop rides to date were mechanical problems free until this occurred! Way to go, Boucher! This guy killed it on his Giant Faith up and down.
                 Next weeks ride is planned for Punisher. Should be fun. Looking forward to finishing this trail without gouging my leg open this time! Meet at the base of Forbidden Plateau/turn-off for Medicine Bowls(Browns River) at 6:30pm Wednesday June 18th.
                 And the DMR gang plan on a trail day on Knuckers this Sunday, June 22nd meeting at 11:00am leaving from the CRI parking lot in Cumberland. Bring water, food, work gloves, sturdy footwear and preferably a rake or shovel. We'll provide the rest including a lift for the first 7 people.
                 That's it for now.............Hefe

                Well last weeks shop ride was a 12 person ride. Even Jay came out to sweat it out on his FR Santa Cruz Bullit. Way to go! The rest of us sane people chose a little lighter ride to pedal on. Trails were in excellent, tacky condition from the previous days thunderstorm. Ran into several different groups, including the UROC Womens Clinic attendees and a portion of the legendary River Rats members. Super cool to see everyone enjoying some of the greatest trails on one of the greatest nights in the Valley! Next week we're planning on a DH ride down Screamin' Demon/Rat's Tail/Rudy's Revenge/Tomato Creek(if daylight allows). For more info, check the Facebook group: Simon's Cycles Shop Ride.
                 CVMTB.com has reported debris on some of the landings of stunts on the Forbidden/Comox Lake trails. So scout those landings before u huck yo meat!
                 And DMR would like to send out a special shout out to Hefe and Becca on there recent addition to their family, Miika, there Rottweiler/Shepard cross. She's 8 weeks old and a super cutie! Sorry to disappoint all those who were guessing we were having a baby. But this will never occur(famous last words!)
                  Until next time.............

                Couple nights ago the Simon's Cycles crew hosted their weekly shop ride and we had an incredible 15 show up. From young bucks and their crazy long travel bikes to older folk like myself on XC rigs. We rode Boston Main(Branch 21) up to Two Pond, Sapporo Steeps, Monkey's Challenge, Puntledge Plunge, KMA connector to Transmission, Upper Scarface, Scarface, Black Diamond, Lost Trail and finally zipped back on Bears Bait back to some cold beer and tortilla chips! Had the good BS session and headed on home for some real food. Next week, hoping to head back to Dodge for some XC/All Mountain riding possibly on the new Steam Donkey trail, Shaker, Entrails, Soggy Biscuit, Matt's Trail, Black Hole and either Space Nugget, Orange Peels or Tied Knot to finish the ride.
                 And a reminder the Island Cup DH #3 makes it stop in Cumberland this Sunday, May 25th to race on none other than the infamous DCDH(Dodge City Downhill). Race action begins at high noon starting with the Beginners class followed by Intermediates and ending with the ultra fast Experts. Weather is looking good so expect  some fast times to be clocked! It's recommended you find some time to watch and cheer these crazy ass riders on. Always a good event.
                 That's it, that's all. - Hefe

                  Well, last nights shop ride drew a crowd.....14!(plus a dog) All were super stoked to ride the legendary Cupcake, Baker's Dozen and DCDH. I guess I get the bail award for trying to ride my XC bike like it was a DH bike. Let's just say my new bike needs some tensioning on the front wheel or possibly a new rim. Next week we plan to ride something out at Comox Lake Wednesday, May 21st meeting at 6:30pm near the BC Hydro dam. I'd like to ride up to 2 Pond or maybe perhaps up to Monkey's Revenge, down through Monkey's Challenge, the Plunge and out through Peckerhead. We shall see.....

                   Last call and reminder Monday, May 19th the DMR/Trail Harvest Crew will be heading out to work on Knuckers. Meet at the CRI parking lot in Cumberland leaving at 11:00am sharp. Bring food, water, work gloves, sturdy footwear, rake or shovel and we'll bring the rest including a ride up. This is a rain or shine event. But the weather report is calling, so far, for sunny skies. Should be fun!

                   See ya l8rs........Hefe

              Simon's Cycles Shop Ride brought out 10 dudes and 1 dog to do battle. Good ride was had by all. Sam I would say won best bail(from what I had seen!) Lucky's tasted great as usual! Next weeks shop ride takes us to Cumberland to ride Cupcake/Bakers Dozen/DCDH leaving from CRI parking lot at 6:30pm, Wednesday May 14th. See ya there!

              Well, 6 people signed up to trail build, only Aaron and myself showed up. So we drove over to our wood cache, loaded up, and drove it in to Knuckers. Started the re-route section, raked a small section leading in to the super-duper log ride(90-ish ft. long, 4-6 inchs wide and 6-10 ft high[depending on which side u fall off!]) We have enough wood to hopefully build potentially a wooden step-up after building a wooden berm to lead into the re-route section. May rebuild the lower bridge, haven't decided. Then we will likely re-locate the bridge over the creek at the end of the trail.

              So with all this work still required, we'd sure appreciate some extra hands. So we'll try again for May 19th(Holiday Monday), CRI parking lot at 11:00am sharp from where we will drive up once again. Bring sturdy footwear, work gloves, lunch/water, and a rake or shovel. Everyone invited. The more, the merrier! We usually spend about 4 hours out there.

              And shop rides from Simon's Cycles begin this Wednesday riding on Twister leaving at 6:30pm from Stotan Falls. Check it out.

              That's it, that's all!

 

            Well the Simon's Cycles 20th Anniversary Sale was a huge success and hella busy! I've never stood in one spot workin' the till for that length of time ever. Thanks to all who came out!
             Shop rides begun last night..........only a few staff members were able to attend. Hefe was temporarily out with a bummed knee, Mike was on his day off, Craig had prior commitments, the Hillbillies were up to no good and Simon........well I don't know what he ended up deciding on! Anywho, I'll also have a XC bike by next week so hopefully we'll get our poop in a group and ride next Wednesday on the trail we always begin with, Twister. Check here or at http://www.simoncycle.com for further details.
             Both Baker's Dozen and DCDH are running fine and in great shape. However, logging has officially started on Bucket Of Blood and should be avoided at this time. Saw the Feller Buncher parked Sunday near Shaker and knew instantly where it was soon to be put to use! And a quick reminder, the DMR trail build day is still a go leaving from the CRI parking lot this Sunday, May 4th at 11:00am. Be there or be square! Bring some food, water, work gloves, sturdy footwear and a tool(rake, shovel, machette, bow saw) and we'll bring the rest. We'll be traveling to Knuckers to clean it up to build a re-route section, clear some blowdowns, general raking to clear some of the larger rock aka baby skulls and connect it with the new section of Knuckers which will tie in with the end of Baker's Dozen. Then all that will need completion is a rebuild of the lower bridge over the creek and we'll have yet another old trail resurrected!
             And the Forbidden Freeriders Reopening of Tied Knot commences Saturday May 9th. Go to the Facebook Group: Forbidden Freeriders for more details. Rode this Sunday and she's pretty sweet once again. Thanks to the FF posse! Many hands make light work!
             That's all for now..............

             Well last Friday myself, Harvey and Dik from Kona headed out in the sleet to try out the new Coilair with the Magic Link. We rode the DCDH and up Buggered Pig. First off, we rode the Supreme models featuring XT derailleurs and shifters, Marzocchi 66 ATA fork, Fox RP3 rear shock, Raceface Atlas crankset, seatpost, bar and stem and finally a Mavic wheelset. Now these babies aren't cheap........$5500 bucks! And these rigs rode flawlessly and so they should for that kind of coin!
             The magic link allows the lower eyelet mount "float". So while pedalling and climbing, it stiffens making for a bike ride more efficiently. While descending, it gives the shock more travel hence why they call it a 6+1 inch travel bike for a total of 7 inches. The bikes rode amazingly well. Very impressed how these 33lb. bikes climbed. And decended just as well. The only thing I would change myself, being more of an aggressive DH rider, is to add the floating disc brake. Simon's Cycles may have a demo coming so stay tuned or give 'em a call if interested.
             Now as for trail building, at last I'm planning for a trail day for Sunday May 4th(hope you can make 'er out Aaron!). I'd plan one sooner but the rest of my weekends for April are tied up with prior commitments.
              And last but not least, Simon's Cycles 20th anniversary sale is coming Saturday, April 26th. This will be a sale not to miss. I've seen some of the prices on some of the products coming in so trust me on this one. Check http://www.simoncycle.com for more details.
              So there ya have it...........Hefe

                 Well well well...........got out last Sunday to ride the DCDH....unfortunately it wasn't till later in the afternoon and I got caught in a snow pellet storm. Kind of stings the face when your ripping downhill! Looking forward to the day I can wear shorts and have warmer temperatures, say in the double digits for a change. Like most people, I'm also looking forward to some normal spring-like conditions!
                  I'll have a full report soon on the new Kona Coilairs featuring the Magic Link. Looking forward to checking out this unique suspension system. And with the warmer temperatures hopefully around the corner, look for upcoming trail building dates to appear in the very near future.
                  And Simon's Cycles Wednesday nite shop rides should be firing up in the next few weeks. If interested in participating, email the shop at simcycle@shaw.ca to receive emails of each weeks ride location and times.
                  That's all for now...........Hefe

                Well most of the snow has receded enough that we can get to most of our favorite bits of downhill! Road construction has resumed in the Bucket Of Blood vicinity. BEWARE!! Trees will be falling before you know it. Get out sooner than later to get your last ride on a forested BOB and  forested Dodge Ballz!
                 Most of the windfalls have been cleared by various people....hikers and bikers alike. Thanks to you. And life is being brought back to a former favorite trail that has gotten a little long in the tooth over the years, Tied Knot. Some new ramps and log rides will hopefully be completed in the next month or so. Work is also steadily being done to bring back another old XC favorite, Bear Highway. Look for updates here for the latest.
                And Friday March 21st at 10:00am will bring the first 2008 trail day to the Lake/Forbidden trails hosted by CVMTB. Check their website or Facebook group for details.
                That's all for now.........

               Well it won't be long now! Hours of daylight are already noticeably longer. Rains are saturating the ground making the trails feel like your still riding in snow or like your riding on a flat tire! But at least you can get out there! Got out for a small ride Sunday on the XC bike with the little lady in and around Bevan. Nice day. Not raining and not cold. In fact it was just right. Can't wait for the ground to firm up a bit more. Got some ideas in my head of linking up some Cumberland Dump trails to Comox Logging Rd. to avoid riding Bevan Rd. That road has more holes than an industrial sized sieve! And its time to build some XC style trails. I think it would be cool to have a way to ride from Cumberland out to The Lake, ride some trails and ride around the Puntledge. Or open up that old trail along the Browns River. That would make for a good ride!
                And watch the Simon's Cycles website in the coming months for details of there 20th anniversary sales. Deals like you've never seen before are sure to pop up!  And  look for details of the start up of the UROC/Trail Harvest Crew, CVMTB and DMR trail building dates this coming spring. Lend your hand or your wallet so we can all enjoy some sweet trail action this year!

Hefe

               Hurray! The rains are here with slightly warmer temperatures to melt the last remaining sections of snow. I'm still in snowboard mode myself which might explain why I'm selling some bikes at ridiculous prices! Check out the Store section. Maybe I've got something you want. All I know is I want to try out some new bikes while giving someone a deal! Now get your rain gear and get out and ride!

Hefe

              Well, finally got out for a small ride down Bronco's. Still quite a bit of snow on the road up. With the snow being as frozen as it is, a guy could ride the quad tracks as far as they'll take ya. Might try the DCDH sometime next week. As for Bronco's, it was totally clear, frozen solid and fast. And the swamps are totally frozen solid and worth digging out the skates for a little outdoor action! That's all for now! - Hefe

          Happy New Year to you all. Hope Santa and Jack Daniels was good to everyone! Well, finally a worthy update....it's raining...hard! The last remaining traces of snow are finally disappearing from the yard which can only mean the trails will soon be clear. As for how many trees are down won't know until I get off my butt and get out there. But for now, I think I'll stay indoors and catch up on some movies I missed through out the summer! I don't mind rain but I do mind monsoons! If your braver than me and have escaped cabin fever to hit the trails, drop me a line: primodeelux@hotmail.com with a trail report.

Cheers, Hefe

                  Well the nasty colds that have been going around has finally left my body. Still feeling weak but gradually gaining my strength back. So we finally got rid of the snow from Sundays heavy rains and today it's snowing yet again. Hopefully not amounting to any significant accumulations! As for the next Trail Build Day probably not till January. And with the conditions on the hill getting really good for some epic turns, it could be February!(Sorry Aaron!) So that's it, that's all. - Hefe

            Well, not much new to report. Snow is still cemented in place all over the trails. If u catch it early in the mornings, u can ride on top but as it warms during the day it's not much fun. Perhaps out at Comox Lake its better. Not sure though. Thought maybe along Bevan or Bears Bait/Nymph would be clear. I'll try to find out. In the meantime, I guess it's riding on the trainer and doing household projects.
             And if u haven't heard, we've now added a couple new items in the store. Any DMR purchase made will see ALL profits go directly back into trail building/maintenance. The new Monkey Spank trail will need some profits too to see completion so pick up something today.
             That's all for now........Hefe

                   Hey, wowww mannn. Far out......a new look. Yep. Well there's still quite a bit of snow left on the local trails. Plowed as far as the chlorine shack going up the road and beyond here a set of tire tracks head through the snow up past Perserverance Creek. As to how far I don't know, I turned around after peering into the Buggered Pig/Bronco's enterance and seeing a fair amount of snow still! With cooler temperatures returned, it'll take another rain storm I figure to wipe out the remaining traces of snow from the trails. So until that time.........
                    But it's not all bad...........Mount Washington opens today! Maybe not the most ideal snow conditions but an opening non the less! And the good snow should be falling soon enough. At last, we can all take a break from biking for a bit and do some other fun mountain activities!
                     And finally should you be looking for that perfect gift for the biker on your list who has just about everything, why not head to our store to purchase a DMR shirt or hoodie. Not only will it cover your naked body, it will also build trails! Build trails you say?? Yep, partial proceeds go right back into Dodge trail building & maintenance. Here's your chance if u haven't been able to make it to a Trail Build Day. And give yourself some good karma too!
                    That's it, that's all - Hefe

       First off I'd like to wish my better half a Happy B-day!!(is this worth any brownie points?). Second, trail building.......Aaron, Rider and myself worked on a beauty gap jump. Took us around 4 hours to get her done but the bonus was having a huge cedar blowdown exposing the root mass allowing us to get some primo dirt mixed with shale/rock making for a solid takeoff. The landing is more like a topsoil which will likely compact quite a bit more requiring more fill. The run in is deelux. You riders out there are gonna love this. So with a hour left, we hiked Knuckers to the end to do a windfall count. Turns out there is only about 4 trees down which we can go in from the bottom to attack, a re-route at the flat-to- flat wheelie drop section(if your familiar with the trail)due to a windfall at the top off the small incline. Lastly, the bridge over the creek leading in to the old cutblock, which has grown quite tall since 1999, will need to be rebuilt. Aside from a quick raking of the loose rock, Knuckers has held up pretty well.
        So the top to bottom completion will still probably not occur till I'm guessing sometime in February being that I'll likely take December off and with it currently snowing outside as I type this, it'll make building a little more difficult! As well, we need more people showing up for trail build days. This will allow us to distribute more people between the two projects in Cumberland currently on the go.........many hands make light work with the end result of riding new trail, sooner, for all! So try to come out to one of the trail build days. You'll probably find its alot of fun just being outdoors taking in all the wonderful things to see what u normally would go zooming by! Check the Facebook groups: Trail Harvest Crew & Comox Valley Mountain Bike for the next trail build partys.

L8rs, Hefe

              Well NWD8 Smackdown was pretty good. Amazing riding featuring some great shots from Mount Washington(I really liked Boyco dropping the rock cliff at the Sunrise Quad parking lot entrance!) As well old man Simmons and Bourdons segment was stellar with some incredible wooden structures ridden like a walk in the park! Finally, the beer was great...
              Which leads me into why I was late for trail building this morning. Couple hours behind but once the Tylenol kicked in and my food settled I felt like a million bucks. Well maybe not that well but better at least! Fined tuned a section James had cleared during the morning shift and a few branches up on the bluff. As for the rest of the crew progress I have no idea because my body wouldn't let me hike uphill any further to check it out! Judging from all the bikes stashed in the secret spot, I'd say there was a decent turnout.(saw your bike there Aaron, sorry wasn't on time)
                Anywho, work is progressing along. Apparently the entrance is done or near done. Really only need to complete some fine tuning consisting of a raking, the DH sections and a bridge crossing a ditch at the very end(which the River Rats have offered to do - no one builds a finer bridge than these guys!)
                And with Monkey Spank, I plan on heading out this Sunday Nov.25th, 11:00am meeting at the CRI parking lot rain or shine anyone welcome. Just bring your bike, water, lunch, work gloves, shovel and some energy. As well with the colder weather, dress accordingly(wool is great!) This trail will be nearing completion other than Monkey Spank/Knuckers which I've been told was hit hard from last weekends storm resulting in several trees down which I'll need to inspect to figure out if it's worth clearing or re-routing the trail. I'll check it out on my day off this week. This will probably be the last trail day till February due to all the abundance of snow on the mountains and I'm dying to get out there.
                 That's it, That's all - Hefe
              

          Well well........nearly late to meet Aaron this past Sunday in the rain. Only other soul out there I bumped into briefly was CVMTB.com guy, Colin Wilson and his dog! But Aaron and myself started the last phase of any trail......grooming consisting of raking trail to make 'er fast and break in faster. And earth moving to smooth out the high and low spots to give what we all strive for......FLOW. Of course thats really achieved by good flagging and hiking out your line prior to just blindly hacking away! Entrance received some good shaping from Aaron. I decided I'd rake and got to about the halfway point. Only need to add dirt to a gap jump and build a ladder bridge as an alternate line as well as some minor leveling of a few sections. Once that's complete it will be some minor tuning to Monkey Spank and Knuckers. For more info or to join in the fun u can always check into the Facebook group : Trail Harvest Crew.

            And this Saturday u can check out NWD 8 Smackdown at the Riding Fool Hostel at 9pm for $8. Guarantied to stoke you up to ride(or trailbuild!) Speaking of, Riding Fool at 11:00am to work on Allen Lake Project.

             Peace out, Hefe

              Well the Trail Harvest Crew was 14 strong yesterday! Good work everyone and thanks for making the effort to come out and do some manual labour. The Allen Lake Project is nearing blazing completion with minor ground work. The majority of the terrain is open and good, solid ground making building very easy. Only the entrance section and section running along side of the creek are the time consuming parts. This is guarantied to be yet another Cumberland classic. After riding Bucket you'll have the option of continuing along or crossing creek to ride creekside of ALP or riding ALP towards Nikkei Mountain. Can't wait to get two wheels on this one!
                This coming Sunday, completion of Monkey Spank will be the objective where simple ground work is all thats required. Mattocks, shovels, and rakes is all that is needed. And should u be itching to ride a new trail but don't have the time to commit to building, why don't you drop Hefe off some 5" nails at Simon's Cycles so u can continue to ride on your Sundays yet have the option of another trail to ride! Yesterday, I had 3 buckets donated to the cause. Thanks to Bonkers and Brandon! These buckets will help to move dirt to create a magnificent dirt jump. Thanks again guys!
              

Thats all for now, Hefe

              Happy Day Before Halloween everyone........well this past Sunday another successful Trail Build Day was had with major work being completed and now have reached well over the halfway mark in blazing the rebirth of Monkey Spank. Huge thanks go out to Aaron, Dave, Rider, Ernst, Tyler and Brandon for your amazing efforts! I myself managed another day off from the salt mine of Simon's Cycles, so I'll be heading out around 11:00am today leaving from the CRI parking lot in Cumberland if u care to join in. Rakes and shovels and any sturdy buckets would be most useful. As well, donations of a rake, a mattock and some nails(minimum 4") to the Trail Harvest Crew would be greatly appreciated! Donations can be dropped off care of Hefe at Simon's Cycles. For more info on trail progress and upcoming trail building days, you can always check the Facebook Group : Trail Harvest Crew. That's it for this update.

L8rs, Hefe

                 Good day..........while last Sunday on what will surely become yet another "classic Cumberland" ride! The full Trail Harvest Crew was out including Jack, the future in Cumberland trail builders in years to come. Jeremy has flagged out some trail that will circle around the high slopes surround Allen Lake (Cumberland's main reservoir) and follow down the other side of the creek from Bucket Of Blood. Jer has already picked out a name for her too.........The Allen Lake Project.  Really is quite spectacular and you wouldn't think the terrain would differ that much from one side of the creek than the other but it does. Some sections will require more work than others but fortunately there are is some bluff sections surrounded by big second growth firs. And some dense sections with low canopies. For more details on building days, contact Dan at Dodge City Cycles who'll give ya the lowdown!!
                  Reminder this Sunday Oct.28th leaving at 11:00am from the CRI parking lot in Cumberland is Trail Building Day on Knuckers. Bring your bike, a tool (mattocks, handsaws, rake or shovel) along with some lunch/water, workgloves, and any rain gear should it not look so good outside. Bring your friend with ya too! If you can't donate your time and enjoy riding the trails in Cumberland, donate some 5"nails or cash for supplies to Hefe at Simon's Cycles. Let's remember trails don't build themselves!! Once completed, work will immediately shift to completion of The Allen Lake Project.
                    Another great bunch of guys u may have heard of, The River Rats, have started a trail this past summer called, Entrails. Woodwork is being done to complete this trail. Entrance can be found on Shaker at the top of the climb right of the first log ride. She'll connect directly across from Soggy Biscuit.
                  So there you have it.........Hefe

           Good day eh.........Sunday October 14th T.H.C. Trail Day was a great success getting a large section of trail cleared. A nasty mess of 6 or so blow downs cleared, salal pulled and a up&over/launch ramp started. Next section to Knuckers entrance is through some trailing blackberry vines and logging slash. Some slats for some stunts to be split and ground grubbing. Next Trail Harvest Crew trail day is October 28th/11:00am at the CRI  Parking Lot in Cumberland. For the latest check here or the Facebook Group: Trail Harvest Crew for updates. Be there or be square! Hopefully complete trail sometime November. Need a mattock and sturdy rake to complete my trail building tool collection so if u have one you'd like to donate or one in need of a handle or something, drop her by Simon's Cycles and I'll put her to good use!

            Don't forget, United Riders Of Cumberland MTB Club is out there and building/maintaining too. Donations also graciously accepted in an effort to keep new and existing mtb trails in prime condition! Check the Riding Fool Hostel or Dodge City Cycles today.

             And a little short notice but.....

                                               Comox Valley Cycling Strategy Plan Open House

 

The Comox Valley Cycling Task Force, consisting of elected officials and staff from Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland and the Comox-Strathcona Regional District, invite you to attend either of two open houses to review the draft Comox Valley Cycling Strategy Plan prepared by Landworks Consultants. The consultants and members of the Task Force will be in attendance to receive your input and comments on cycling in the Comox Valley.

 

Wednesday, 17 October, 4 to 8 p.m.

Florence Filberg Centre, Evergreen Lounge

411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay

 

or

 

Thursday, 18 October, 4 to 8 p.m.

Union Bay Community Hall, Bill Wood Room

5401 South Island Highway, Union Bay

No matter if u want cycling paths or dirt jumps, nows the time to put in your two bits.

L8rs, Hefe

                  Word up, yo!! The rains stopped long enough for me to head out to start the continuation of Bakers Dozen to the old Knuckers. This trail gets to be pretty steep so be warned all you riders out there! And hopefully tie in the highest, longest log ride that I know of in the Valley off of the old Monkey Spank trail. Knuckers was essential built in one month in November 1999 while I was on U.I.(now E.I.). Dan, Kyle and myself went out just about every day. And it rained just about every day as well. We'd make base camp under a rock ledge, make a fire to cook and keep warm, brought a thermos full of coffee, a bag o food, and some of Kyles homebrews to last the day which was usually 10am till 4pm, when it got pretty much pitch dark in there! I decided this trail needed life brought back to it seeing as the bridge at the bottom is so bomber and its a really different slope from most of the trails in the Valley.

                 Trail build party to get underway this coming Sunday,Oct.14th leaving the CRI parking lot at 11:00am. Bring some work boots, gloves, lunch, water, rain gear and a weapon of mass construction!!(Shovel, mattock, rake are the main tools required). I've got a chainsaw for any big cutting. Collaspable hand saws are always good to huck in the pack. A small tarp is also good to bring to give yourself some shelter should it be raining!! I usually ride up so you may need a bike unless I receive a lot of emails of people attending in which case I'll wrastle up a key to the gate so we can drive up.

                 Enjoy the dry day, I'm going riding!! - Hefe

              Hi kids...........guess what I did last night. I finally recieved my NRider light mount to fit my SX Trails 31.8 handlebar and went for a rip. Now guess which trail. That's almost right.......I did Bakers and DCDH, I just can't get enough. Super fun heading out at 9, under a broken cloud moonlite landscape and blasting on 35watts on the h/bar and another 15watts on the helmet. A car low beam is 55watts so I have more than enough. Trail Head Lights added a digital processor switch and upgraded my dead NiCad battery to a NiMh to really get some power out of my old Niterider Classic. If u can't afford a new set of lights or just need a part, check www.batteryspace.com . They sell everything to do with batteries including i-Pod, cordless phones, RC cars, bikelights, divelights, etc. They even have complete bike lighting systems. Check 'em out and save a bundle! Hurry......the rains are coming...

Thats all for now - Hefe

              Word on the street is logging out Bucket Of Blood way won't occur until next year. As for what part of the year I'm not sure. My source has told me as of right now they are getting the roads put in place. One being the wide turn section coming from BOB on to Davis Lk. Main. Likely see some work above the Lookout as well. So that's where we're at with that.......

               Today, buddy Lee and I got out this afternoon and rode........Cupcake, Bakers Dozen, DCDH......super fun as always. It's funny how going into the step-down section on Bakers before the wallride, I'm never sure if I'll ride the wall. But after take-off on the step-down, I always point for the wall and ride her!!

               So some of you may be thinking, "Whatever happened with the Cumberland DJ's?" Well don't give up hope, looks as though a lot of planning is going into this project to make 'er right and flowy with multiple line choices. Also looking at proper drainage and other neccesities needed to maintain these marvelous mounds of earth! Stay tuned.....

                Fall is upon us and Simon's Cycles is geared with all the latest and greatest in lighting systems........just in Light N Motion ARC HID systems, L'N'M Stella LED systems and L'N'M Solo Halogen systems. As well they have Niterider MiNewt LED systems and a few others from NR. Check 'em out today before the rainy monsoon season blows into town!

That's that - Hefe