PIR, Pinched Nerves and Flat Tires

This morning we were on a time crunch because Spencer had to be home by 8, so we stayed close to home and rode the Estrella Mountain Competitive track located behind PIR. A couple of Mike's co-workers joined us at the trail head. A lot of people I talk to don't really care for the PIR trail. While it's not my favorite I do enjoy the ride there.

Today was the first time I rode PIR on the new bike. I could definitely feel a difference with the new suspension. I'm getting used to the feel of the new bike. Last week I was considering putting on a longer stem to stretch me out a little more but I'm not so sure anymore. I also finally took some pictures of the new bike to post on here.

I've been bothered by a pinched nerve in my right hand all week. I think it is a result of last Friday's collision with the cactus on Hawes. It's not been a constant pain but it bothers me when I make a fist and write.

I have loved riding the new bike but I seem to be cursed with flat tires since I've started riding it. Over the last week I have had three flats.

Morning Ride

This morning I was out for a ride through the neighborhood. I'm trying to do a little more training during the week so I won't get so wasted on the trails. Of course I hate riding pavement, so I am fortunate that there is a dirt track that runs along under some power lines about 1/2 mile south of my house. Today I went riding a little further east than I normally do and I came into a new housing development that has only had the grating work on the ground done. It looks like it hasn't had anyone working there for several months as there are massive weeds covering the whole area. I found this great little spot that had drop that was a little over 3 1/2 feet high that I could jump off of. It turned out to be a more enjoyable ride than I expected. I started out thinking it was just going to be a training ride and I was able to mix in some jumping as well. Furthermore I got to really test out the suspension on the new GT. I am happy to say that it works very well. I'm going to drag Spencer and Mike over there next time and we'll snap some pics to post on here.

Twofer

Two rides in one weekend -- how lucky am I? I guess my lovely wife thought I was too excited about my new bike to just get one in.

Spencer, Drew and I hit FINS for a Saturday morning quickie. We took a different route than we've taken in the past and after NorthStar dropped down Grunt (rather than climbing it like we always do). It was good to change things up. I really enjoy the FINS system but the route we've been taking the last several times has gotten a little old.

Spencer and I stopped for a pose atop NorthStar. My right arm is still wrapped up from last week's spill, but it is healing pretty well. I just wanted to protect it in case I went down again (which I did not).

- Heath on NorthStar


- Spencer on NorthStar

First Ride on the GT

Our Friday morning ride took us out to the Hawes Trail, perhaps my favorite trail in the Valley. Spencer's brother-in-law, Drew, was in from San Diego and wanted to join us. We were delayed at the start when we discovered that the bolt on Drew's seat-post clamp was stripped and his seat wouldn't stay up. A trip to Ace Hardware and a quick jerry-rig got us on the trail a half-hour later. But then Mike's rear shock wasn't properly functioning. Rather than holding us up further Mike sent us on and said he'd meet up with us somewhere along the trail.

This was my first real ride on the GT and I found myself needing to adjust to the new bike. The geometry is a little different and I am sitting a couple inches higher and in a more upright position. While the bike handled the downhill sections beautifully I'm still trying to figure the best climbing position.

I drew blood while coming down the Mine Trail. I rode into a corner a little too fast and had to lock up to avoid sure and sudden death. I managed to stay upright but the skid took me off the trail and I slammed my right fist and shin into a cactus. I stopped to de-thorn myself and pulled out one thorn that was buried 3/4 of an inch deep into my leg. I still have a piece of thorn embedded in my fingernail that I can't seem to get out.

The incident also resulted in a flat front tire. Fortunately, however, the tire held up for the rest of the ride. I didn't discover the flat until I was off-loading the bike at home.

New Bike

After a few weeks of shopping Craigslist and eBay I finally found a bike that met my requirements and fit my budget. I actually found it on eBay, but it was a Phoenix seller so I asked if I could come test ride the bike before submitting a bid. He was happy to take me for a ride in the hills near his home. Three miles later I was hooked and his bike was sold.

The picture is not exactly a proper representation of the bike. The frame is a 2006 GT I-Drive 5 1.0, but all of the components are from a 2007 GT I-Drive 5 3.0. While the 3.0 components are not as high-end (Deore LX as opposed to XTR) they are brand new, and either way they are a significant upgrade from what I was riding before.

I'm still shopping for an older hardtail to convert into a single-speed. I've been hankering to see what it's all about.

Retiring the Fisher

I've been riding the Fisher since my college days. I bought her from one of my riding buddies in Utah over eight years ago. She went into storage during law school. I finally dug her out two years ago after I had started my practice here in Arizona.

While I've always loved the Fisher she just hasn't been performing as well in her old age. Out on the trails I've started admiring several of the younger bikes with their plush suspension, lightweight frames and 9-speed cassettes. Then in February Mike and I rode some demo bikes at the McDowell race loops. I tested a Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR, and I knew that my relationship with the Fisher would never be the same. Of course I couldn't afford the $7,500 price tag for the Specialized, but the search for a new ride had begun.

Last Saturday I took her for her final ride at FINS. Somehow I think she knew it was our last time together. It was clear she was jealous because she threw me less than a mile into the trail. I was pretty roughed up as can be seen in the previous posting. But it must have got it out of her system because she performed fine after that.

I've found her a new home and I think she'll be happy there. I'll always have fond memories of the Fisher and our time together.

Road Rash

Spencer and I rode FINS today. We brought along a couple of newbies to see how they handled the trail. While they struggled to keep up, I was the one who had a hard time staying on my bike. I decided to catch some air off a small rock lip in the Crystal Crag section. As can be seen in the photos, the landing was not what could be termed a successful one. I managed to finish the ride without letting on that I was in any real pain. When I got home and started to pick the rocks out of my forearm I cried like a little girl. Okay, not really. But when my wife poured hydrogen peroxide over my wounds I did whimper a bit.