Bitsy the Jeep

Earlier this month, Pat and I bought a car! It wasn't a purchase we had previously put a whole lot of thought into, but once my beloved Scion started having more mechanical issues than we could handle, we set out in search of the perfect adventure vehicle.
An extensive Craigslist search led us straight to this 1995 Jeep Cherokee, which we half jokingly decided to go look at one evening. From the moment we pulled into the car lot, I was pretty much sold.

There were a couple of noticeable things we'd have to fix right off the bat : replace a door handle, install a hitch and bike rack, and find her some new tires Nothing we couldn't handle! And a '95 just 100,000 was something that couldn't be beat.

So, she came home with us about an hour later!

We've already managed to fix all the issues that needed immediate attention. By we, I definitely mean Patrick...but, I'm learning!
Once she was in perfect running order, we installed a hitch and ordered the perfect bike rack. We decided on the Saris Freedom Superclamp. It's a platform rack that holds 4 bikes, folds up when we're not using it, and tilts away from the back so we can easily access everything.

We've lovingly named her Bitsy. Partly because I just think it's a funny name, partly because you sometimes find new little bits on her that don't work very well.

The bright side, though, is that by having such an old, popular car is that parts are like $3 on Amazon.

We're slowly making upgrades to her and turning her into a full adventuring machine. I'll be tracking her progress on here as we go.

Waiting patiently for the weather to officially break so we can take her camping!

Coldwater Review....Kind Of

I had kind of expected to get this review written much sooner, but by the end of the day, I realized it wasn't so much of a review as it is a self reflection.

Camouflage bike 

Last week, I set out with two friends to conquer Coldwater Mountain in Anniston, Alabama. They've ridden the trails too many times to count, always coming back raving about how much fun they've had. I've heard these trails are some of the best the Southeast has to offer, so I won't water down it's amazing reputation with my "I had a bad day" rambles.

Instead, I've decided to realize that, sometimes, it's really nice to have yourself humbled in order to take a very real look at your strengths and weakenesses. Coldwater was definitely a humbling experience for me.

Between not properly eating (what else is new?), having an incredible fear of rock gardens (don't worry, I'm over it now), and never having done any sort of sustained climbing, it was one of the hardest rides I've ever done. From the time we left the parking lot, I knew I was in for a rough day.

What was lovingly referred to as "The Death Berm"

Once I psyched myself out after the first climb, that was it for me. My least and most favorite aspect of mountain biking is how pertinent a positive mindset is. There are some rides that I come out of feeling on top of the dang world or, as with this ride, I feel like finding a new hobby.

On the positive, my Surly held up amazingly. I can't imagine having tackled that trail on anything less. The brakes were amazing, which I put through extensive testing that day. The shortened fork proved for better climbing. And she handled falling over over and over again with dignity. 

Although this past week wasn't my day, I'm excited to continue to build up my strength and endurance in order to have a better experience next time I'm out there

Pat's bike is all geared up for his upcoming adventures & it looks so dang cool

Surly Instigator 2.0

Few days late, but now that I have a couple of rides down, I feel it's a proper time to talk about the new love of my life - the Surly Instigator 2.0!

I got my new bike as an early Christmas gift from Patrick. It's my second mountain bike and while I initially made the decision to get a new bike simply out of wanting a "tougher looking bike," I was not prepared for the night and day difference between my old Specialized and the Surly.

I started out with a Specialized Jynx, which was a wonderful beginner bike. However, my one and only resolution for the year (if you can even call it that) is to become a more serious mountain biker, so a new bike was in order.

Now if you've ever ridden with me or read any of my other posts, you know I'm the first to admit my beginner status. At this point, I'd rate myself at almost intermediate because I can finally make it down hill without slamming on my brakes at every turn, get off the ground on most rollers, and make it up most climbs. Whenever I'm talking about my riding experience, I feel like it's necessary to point out what phase of the game I'm in, because there's been many a times when I'm talking to someone about something they consider "easy" and it kicks my butt, or visa versa. Mountain biking is all about perspective anyway. ~~right, man?~~

I had heard a lot of other reviews talking about the Instigator's weight. With its stock 26+ tires and all its original parts, it weighs in at just around 31 lbs. So far, I've only done one ride with the fat tires on. It's a given to say that downhills were a BLAST, but the second there was any sort of elevation, I tired faster than I ever have. Granted, it might have been mostly mental as I watched my friends speed up the hill without any issues, leaving me to slug up a minute or two behind.
The day I got my bike, we put in an order for Mavic Crossride 27.5 wheels.
With the new wheels on, the bike's weight dropped to 26.5 lbs and man, it fliiiiiiiiiies now.
We paired the Mavics with Maxxis Ikon skinwall tires (because matchy). As my first pair of Maxxis tires, I can see now why people prefer them. When descending, I can feel the tread lock into place when cornering. There were several times that I think I should have ended up on the ground, but the tires kept me up. On climbs, these tires could crawl up rocks and roots without issue.

The Instigator has definitely already made me a much more confident rider, but with its aggressive geometry, climbing still wasn't as fast on it as it had been my Specialized. To help with that, we shortened the fork from 140 to 110. I haven't gotten to ride it with the shortened fork yet, so no reports on that. We are heading out for a long day of riding tomorrow at some trails I've never been to, so I'll be reporting back with a fresh trail review as well as updating on the fork.

To summarize, I would definitely recommend the Instigator to anyone looking to get rad. It's a machine that you just get on, hold on, and have fun on. It definitely delivers just that with no disappointments.

I'm stoked to continue testing it's limits, as well as making some additional upgrades to. Next up - dropper post!

In the Studio

Being a one woman show has its extreme perks, with a few downfalls thrown in there. Naturally, one of the biggest hurdles I'm constantly working against is pattern development.
I work closely with a few folks from the local cycling scene who are commuters, adventurers, and all-around-bike-people to come up with new ideas for products.
It's always an interesting challenge to go from idea to tangible item.

Granny Gear is a still a pretty young concept. There are bag makers who are worlds above me and that's really exciting! I love watching what other designers are coming up with (& wishing I had thought of it first).

Recently, I decided that I really wanted to tackle a pretty simple frame bag. I'd read a couple of tutorials online that made the process seem significantly less daunting.

I already know I messed up with this #nondriveside picture

The process was surprisingly smooth! I came out with a one color, one pocket frame bag custom made for my SS Fairdale. Also, because it's a custom bag, I made sure the straps don't cover up the Fairdale name...a little pickiness can be managed when you're making things for yourself. 

The frame bag is made from cordura, making it fully water resistant. The straps on future models will be a bit burlier to ensure the bag stays put on any adventure its put on.
I'm not quite ready to offer this to a general public yet. I'm going to ask some friends to use upgraded versions for a "prototype" run before opening them up for order.

I'm real stoked on how the first one turned out, though! And it was a great learning experience.
Now onto the next challenge. 

Trail Review : Blankets Creek

I attempted Blankets Creek this past summer and didn't have a good time. I blame it on having done a 30 mile road ride beforehand, but regardless, I had been putting off going back for the longest time.
Today, I wanted to tackle a longish day on the bike without having to go too far from the city. When my friend suggested Blankets Creek, I knew my time of avoidance was coming to an end.

An impending rain storm shortened our day a bit so we decided against tackling South Loop. I'll tackle that one day, I'm sure.
Also, these trails are directional! This post is written going the Monday, Wednesday, Saturday direction. I assume you could just read this post backwards if it's Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday??

From the parking lot, you head onto Mosquito Flat, a relatively flat, short trail. It's the perfect place to give your legs a chance to wake up before spitting you out at the trailhead for Dwellings Loop, Qhuel Holler, and South Loop.
Dwellings Loop was the only one I had ridden previously. Second attempt left me feeling much more stoked on these trails.
For my skill level, this trail is decently gnarly. It doesn't consist of too much climbing, but it's short, punchy climbs are full of roots and rocks to navigate over.
What I missed out on the first time was enjoying the awesome features of the downhills. Any sort of grief you're feeling from technical climbs quickly vanishing the moment you start descending.
Berms, table tops, rock gardens, and switchbacks galore! Everything you want in a descent, Dwellings delivers.
There are some additional alternative lines that I was pretty sketched out on, but was stoked to have a friend who highly recommended them. If you're a tenderfoot like me, I'll offer you the same advice I was given: roll it or stop to check it out first!
I was almost unknowingly introduced to my first drop today but hydraulic brakes saved me from a probable trip over my handlebars. (But a quick trip back up the trail a bit and a second take, I was able to clear my first two drops!)

After Dwellings, you arrive back at that first trail head (ya know, cause it's a loop...). From there, you'll hit Mosquito Flat again, take that to Mosquito Bite, which is basically Mosquito Flat with a few more roots and some wood features.
The real challenge comes when you arrive to Van Michael. This is one of those trails that got talked up soooooo much that when the time finally came for me to hop on it, all I could focus on was the video game style boss music that was playing in my head.
It's SO! MUCH! CLIMBING!
Luckily, I found out that, despite how much I abhor climbing, I'm actually kind of okay at it.
Van Michael is one of the more technical trails out there (I've heard South Loop is the most technical but, as I said, haven't ridden it yet). Much like Dwellings Loop, you've got a whole lot of roots and rocks to navigate over while you're climbing.
The descents offer HUGE berms and table top opportunities that I assume are used by folks who go a lot faster than I was.

After Van Michael, I was pretty much done for the day. We did a quick cool down on Mosquito Flat to Mosquito Bite which popped us back to the parking lot right as the rain was starting.
I definitely conquered my fear/hatred of Blankets Creek. I can now very happily recommend it to anyone who is looking for a solidy technical day of riding without having to go too far outside of the city.

Trail Review : Sope Creek

Atlanta really is lucky with how many awesome trails we have such a short distance from downtown. If you're pressed for time but still want to get in a really great day of riding, I highly recommend checking out Sope Creek. 

A short 20 minute drive from the city, it's one of the most underrated trails close to the city.
(And if you're really feeling yourself, it's possible to ride from the city to the trail! It's been reported that during high traffic areas, it's actually faster to ride there.)

Since it's still cross season, I spend pretty much any free time I have on my cross bike. So what better way to spend some quality time with my bike than to take her to a mountain bike trail!
I had been to Sope a handful of times before. Once on my cross bike, maybe twice on my mountain bike. The most recent time, however, was the first time I actually got why people think so highly of this trail. 

From the parking lot, you're greeted with a finely ground gravel road that offers a nice scenic warm up alongside the river.
Once on the actual trail, it's mostly singletrack with all the roots, rock gardens, and berms you could hope for.
It's exceptionally fun on a full rigid bike when you're given the added bonus of having to pick the best lines to avoid the dreaded pinch flat. 

The only downside to the trail it has a rule that "bikes yield to pedestrians." I've never had any real issues with hikers and typically they'll move if they see you coming. It is one of the more populated trails I've been to and sometimes you have that one hiker who doesn't quiet understand how it works and ends up walking in the same direction you're going.

Sope is officially rated as an intermediate trail. When I first started going, it was a little too challenging for my skill set. I spent most of my first trip participating in a great hike a bike. My most recent time going, I was able to clear mostly everything.
If you're looking for a well rounded riding experience, Sope is definitely worth a visit. 

Boundary Waters - Douglasville

I finally made it to the top step!!!

After seeing a 4th place finish nearly every race of the season so far, I finally saw a course that seem to be designed just for me.
As promised, Boundary Waters offered a little bit of everything.
From off camber switchbacks to a gravel climb that was far more strenuous than it appeared, the course was well designed to keep each rider on their toes.

I'm gradually learning proper race preparation.
It's a weird transition to go from being an absolute couch potato who never really thought twice about what I was eating, to this world of being an "athlete."
(I'm still very much not sure if I'm able to commit to considering myself a real athlete yet)
After a week of monitoring what I ate and when, I could definitely feel an incredible improvement in my race performance.

There's only a few races left in the season. I'm incredibly excited to continue to learn and grow alongside my teammates.
They've been the most supportive crew I could ask for.

I'm currently winning the Cat 4 women's series.
I'm trying to not jump the gun on being overly excited because, honestly, anything could happen at this point.
But hey, for being in my second month of racing, I'll take it!