Pre-Olympic rippage
I’m showing this singletrack.competitor.com photo from last week’s test race on the Olympic XC course because it is so rad.
Let’s discuss:
Archive for year: 2011
Help, there’s gravel on my pump track
Lee,
The local pump track here was built with bad dirt and it has a lot of gravel in it. As the dirt erodes away the track fills up with gravel and it becomes tough to ride. Do you have any advice on how to help this situation? I have thought about taking a push broom and trying to sweep the gravel off. Please let me know.
Thanks,
Travis
Building the pump track in Saginaw, MI
Day 1: Today was long, hot and awesome at Haithco Recreation Area. Dirt is placed and ready for Friday and Saturday’s volunteer dig days. We’ll be working all day both days. Can’t wait to ride this track — and swim in the lake afterward.
I’m posting photos and updates on Lee Likes Bikes @ Facebook (See Facebook box at upper left of this page.)
Day 2: The track is running thanks to county staff, helpful families and the jail work crew. Tomorrow we chase details and turn laps. Community Braaap!
Day 3: Thanks to the kids from a local group home and a surprise appearance by NorCal DH legend Allie Rau, the track is massaged, packed and ready to rip. Riding sesh in the morning, then head to the Detroit airport. I have a dozen blisters on my hands and feet, and I am beat.
Off-camber turns for a BMXer
Hey Lee,
Although I have been racing BMX for about 6 years and consider myself competent at the downhill aspect of mountain biking, I have trouble pulling G’s out of off-camber turns. I think my lean angle is pretty good, but I am unsure as to how my pedals should be positioned. In berms, I like to keep my pedals level for a nice, uniform pump, but I’m not sure that this is the best for off-cambers. Should I drop the outside pedal instead to get more weight to the other side of the bike? Thanks. -Rex
Pump track build in Saginaw, MI this weekend
Hi all, I’m heading to Saginaw, MI to build a pump track this weekend. We sure could use some help!
My bike shop says I need a 110mm stem
Jaison, a tall skills client from NorCal, is looking for a new bike. He’s been riding a large Santa Cruz Superlight, which looked short to me. He wants an Ibis Mojo SL. His LBS wants him to buy a large frame (which they have in stock) and a 110mm stem. He asked me about that.
Learn to rip at Valmont Bike Park in July
UPDATE JULY 13: All spots for the July 27 and 30 clinics are taken. I’m working on scheduling more clinics. Braaap!
It’s time to get your pump and jump on!
I’m holding two public skills clinics at Valmont Bike Park, July 27 and 30. Classes are limited to six riders each. Cost is $100 and includes your choice of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 2nd Edition or Pro BMX Skills.
We will cover the core skills, but we’ll focus on pumping … and, if you’re ready, jumping. Pumping is the key to truly ripping trail. Once you learn to work the terrain — ride the wave — mountain biking is way safer, smoother and radder.
Valmont is an amazing place to ride and learn. Come on out. Let’s rip it!
Stumpjumper EVO the ultimate trail weapon?
I’ve been bouncing between my 140mm Stumpjumper and 160mm Enduro. The 150mm 2012 Stumpjumper EVO might be the ticket. Slack, low, light. Braaap!
Watch Curtis Keene and Brad Benedict wring ’em out.
Plus: Interview with Keene.
Absorb the face and save 6 minutes at Downieville
Our man Chris in Marin asked Is my stem stiff enough?, then he asked about accidently catching air at Downieville.
It’s amazing what a quick email — and a simple skill — can do for your riding.
Dual slalom is back at National Champs
You can thank Chris Herndon for the switch from 4X to dual slalom. Chris is a great rider, top coach, pro builder and solid dude. He’s at Beech Mountain building the downhill and slalom tracks. Here’s what he has to say about the return of dual slalom.
Mountain bike shoulder fun
Hey Lee,
I read your articles involving your shoulder surgeries and issues. I myself have a torn labrum and am looking into surgery due to the instability of my shoulder and it’s frequent dislocation. I was curious if you went with the open surgery or if yours was laproscopic and how that is working out for you as a rider. On a lighter note, i’ve purchased all three of your books and can’t put them down. Thanks for such a great contribution to the biking community.
Jordan C.
Custom pump track madness in Lethrbridge, Alberta
More than two years ago, Aaron Simms from Trail Crew Design Corp. hired me to design two pump tracks for a bike park he planned to build in Lethrbridge, Alberta, Canada.
He told me to create one pump track for beginners and one for experts, and to go nuts — no limitations. I threw down some madness. Two years later, and the park is coming together. Yesterday Aaron placed dirt for the tracks. Check out this action: