Paradise Valley - Woodinville Wonder

I got two tickets to Paradise. Pack your bikes, we'll leave tonight...

Excuse the cheesy wordplay on the Eddie Money song. Eddie Money? Yeah - that Eddie Money. We did visit paradise however, this version located in the wilds of Woodinville. This little gem located only 12 miles from home - and I've never visited until today. What a find.

Son Ian's last day of summer today, school starts tomorrow. He ain't too happy about that. Daughter Amy however, is looking forward to it. Must be a boy verses girl thing. I suggested a late afternoon mountain bike ride to cheer him up. He was cranky about hitting St Ed/Big Finn area yet again - our neighborhood woods. I was cranky about the prospect of loading up the car and driving somewhere. We've been meaning to try out Paradise Valley, so he won - loaded up the car and headed out. Short drive later, we're ready to ride.

By sheer coincidence, while unloading the car - Tom and Scott - Old Guy Ride regulars pull in the lot. Their pal Doug also in for the fun, aboard a new Ibis Mojo HD. Damn nice. Wound up being a group ride with Scott acting as ride leader. Paradise Valley is a pinball maze of singletrack, so having a knowledgeable guide show us around for the first time was a bonus. Scott also raced expert class XC back in the day, and he's still plenty quick. Additional fun fact: His son Max is a junior world champion longboarder. Cool, eh?

Paradise Valley wound up being a surprise - the place is a total blast. Tight 'N' Twisty singletrack, full of roots for added technical fun. It's basically flat, no real climbs, but some Ups 'N' Downs. The occasional wooden structure to spice things up. The Roots-O-Plenty reminded me of my East Coast roots (pun intended. Ha!). There's not a lot of mileage, but the technical aspect more then makes up for it. Brain needs to be engaged for most of the sections. It was dry today, technical level would jump up a few notches when wet. Nothing like working your way over a maze of wet roots. Yes please.

Ride wound up being huge fun, due to the terrain and unexpected biker pal tour guides. Fantastic. I brought a camera and never took one picture. Call me lame. Too busy riding. Trust me, it's pretty cool. I'll grab some pics next time. There will definitely be a next time. Place is too much fun and really close to home. Score !

Tiger Mountain - It's Grrrreat !!

Another visit to Tiger Mountain today, one of several in the past few weeks. Years ago I used to hit this area pretty often, it's now back in the riding rotation. There's a reason for that - it rocks. Dirt road climbs, followed by root and rock infested singletrack descents. Smooth roller coaster sections and decent views as a bonus. Big grin guaranteed or your money back. Call now, operators are standing by.

I threw a ride notice out to about 30 Facebook pals, as well as Ian's junior race team. Final tally for today's festivities: Son Ian and I, plus riding pal Brian. A few other nibbles and excuses. Those poor saps don't know what they missed.

The three of us did the usual Tiger trail routine. Steep 3+ mile dirt road climb to the Preston Railroad Trail, another dirt road section the NW Timber Trail, followed by yet another dirt road climb to enter the Iverson Trail. Short downhill dirt road blast to end it all. 16+ total miles and probably 2000+ feet of climbing. A good all-around mountain bike ride for sure, with 12 year old Ian rocking it. A fun day. Why do I never tire of this two wheeled tomfoolery?

Misty mountain hop on the Preston Trail. Sections of this trail used to resemble a bombed out creek bed. Much trail work and improvements recently. Still a technical descent, but now some smoother fast sections added to the fun. Our weird summer weather continues. Was 60 degrees and misty for half the ride, then Mr. Sun made an appearance to the applause of all.

Purty flowers on the NW Timber Trail.

Brian, talented musician, coworker, riding pal and all-around nice guy - looking quite debonair. He debonairly crashed nicely later in the ride. No damage to body or two wheeled steed. Sometimes you gotta pay to play. All part of the mountain bike rule book.

Here I debate the 29er verses 26" wheel argument with Ian. "See, your wheels are less efficient"...

"29ers roll faster and have a better angle of attack - believe the hype."

"Yeah, whatever Dad. I'll be kicking your ass soon anyway. Let's just ride"....

Mountain biking is serious business.

Another day on the trails down in the books. After 27 years of mountain biking, I appreciate all this even more as I get older. Spending quality time with my son and friends, being outside, challenging yourself and being fit. It's fantastic.

Now get your ass out there...

Jumping for Joy

Summer is for lazy days, sleeping late, no school - and building jumps in the front yard...

Ian styling on a borrowed BMX bike. Way too small for him, but perfect for the kid designed mini jumps.

Caleb, our 8 year old neighbor, goes for the gold.

Houston, we have touchdown.

Painful Weekend - Yet Fun?

Plenty of mountain bike action this weekend - dare I say - maybe a tad too much. Nah, that's almost impossible...

Saturday, Ian and I headed out with two of his schoolmates, Kellen and Austin. Nice kids, nice families. We've never ridden together, but we've talked about it a few times, now it was a go. Kellen's dad, Tate, also joined in for the ride. Austin had his mom drop him off for the festivities. His dad was interested as well, but had other commitments.

Added to the gang was old mountain bike pal Tony. Been years since we've ridden together, Tony now with a new Kona and a renewed interest in hitting the trails.

Our neighborhood trails of St Ed/Big Finn Hill the place to cruise, we all left from my driveway, just a mile buzz on pavement before singletrack awaits. Kellen and Austin have a little singletrack experience, but don't hit trails often. Ian plays ride leader with Kellen right behind him. Austin ahead of me - he's doing fine - I yell out the occasional advice and encouragement. Tate is rocking the 700c hybrid bike without a problem, and Tony gets a few more miles on the new Kona.

All is rolling swimmingly, as they say at the country club, when Austin grabs too much front brake on a short downhill. I watch helplessly as he endos hard into ground right in front of me. I'm off my bike and by his side in a seconds. He's not getting up too quick...

After sitting him up and catching his breath, we check for damage. Slight cut on his mouth, no big deal there - however - said his wrist hurt. A lot. Gut tells me broken wrist, though hoped I was wrong. Said he can't ride with the hurt wrist. Time for Plan B.

Cell phone call to his mom to pick him up nearby. Short walk out of the woods, me pushing both bikes. Understanding mom loads him into SUV for doctor visit. Phone call later confirmed fractured wrist. Ouch. Four to six weeks in a cast. Perfect summer accessory.

Ride was very tame and suited to the slowest rider. I'm always super cautious riding with kids, especially newer riders. Still, I felt bad about the situation. First time I've had someone hurt riding with Ian and I, as a group. We're still talking about riding a bicycle on trails, so there is some element of risk. Stuff is eventually going to happen. Feel bad it occurred on my call.

I saw both parents later that night to return Austin's cell phone. No guilt required. Austin mentioned having a good time up until the crash. He was busy showing off his cast to the neighborhood, as 12 year old boys are apt to do. Once healed, I'd like to ride with him again - assuming he'd want to. Austin's dad is Ian's basketball coach, so I'll see him again once school starts. As mentioned, very nice family. First time I take their kid out, send him home with a broken wrist. Yikes.

Kellen rolls one of the jumps at Big Finn Hill. He and his dad appeared to have a fun afternoon. After the ride - and getting Austin off to the doctor after the, uh, mishap - we rode our bikes over to the local pizza place on the way home. A shared pizza was a great way to end the ride.

Austin in action, prior to the wrist tweaking endo. I really enjoy getting people out there, especially kids. I hope to ride with Austin again.

Ian plays ride leader. For 12 years old, already has a lot of riding and racing experience. When we take out "regular" kids, gives him some leadership experience, as well as shining a bit skill wise. All good life experiences.

After the Saturday morning ride, Ian wound up playing and riding around with friends all afternoon. By the end of the day, clocked 20+ miles on his speedo. In addition, didn't hit the sack until midnight. I finally went to bed around 1:00 AM. Not exactly the proper set up for the following day planned activity - mountain bike race at Lake Padden in Bellingham. Wife and daughter Amy even planned to trek up there with us. I preloaded the car, including rearranging the roof rack to fit four bikes.

Alarm goes off way too early on Sunday morning, snooze button being my best friend. Soon, human alarm named Ian is standing bedside, asking if we're going. Huh, yawn - yeah, let's roll. Female half of the clan elect to skip the race at the last minute, giving me the opportunity to unload/reload the roof rack of bikes once again. Much joy and fun.

Finally, Ian and I are off. Event being about a 90 minute drive up north. The Padden Mountain Pedal is a Northwest classic, running close to 20 years now. Held at the Lake Padden Recreation Area, right outside Bellingham, Washington. Nice race site with lake, grassy areas, playground - and more importantly - killer singletrack. Course has short steep climbs, along with fairly sketchy root filled descents. All covered with slippery dust. It's a real XC course - no doubt.

While signing Ian up for the Boys Beginner 11-14 class, I decide to sign on for Beginner Men 45+ class. Both classes scheduled for three laps on the short course. When I race (rarely now), I usually get my ass kicked in the Sport class, so no real shame racing the Beginner class for a change. As I've joked before, I have the racer mentality, but not the ability - so little chance of me grabbing a winning slot anyway.

Since the Beginner classes run together, thought it would be fun to see Ian out on the course at the same time. Plus, no waiting around for me later in the day racing Sport. That was the plan anyway. With race numbers pinned on, we hit the course for a pre-ride lap to remind ourselves where the sketchy downhill sections were located. Ian has raced here twice before, though we skipped last year. I raced this event once a few years ago, complete with nice crash that left me off the bike for three weeks. That story for another time.

Our pre-ride of the course takes longer then planned, with me missing my start by a few minutes. Very dumb mistake, first time ever for that. Ian just makes his race start by seconds, while I take off after the 45+ class - now long gone. I yell a quick "Good luck" to Ian as I pedal away.

I settle into the pain that is racing, my slow pace reminding me why I suck at this - yet it's still a gas. None of my "training" really is race oriented. Lots of riding, but no intervals, and I tend to ride not hard enough, or easy enough at times to recover. On top of that, I have no natural ability for this. If ever tested, my aerobic threshold probably would fall somewhere between a potted plant and a shivering Chihuahua. I can picture white coated lab dude telling me, "Frankly, we're amazed you can even propel a bicycle..."

Me, looking pro and going slow. Well, more like sorta pro and going really slow.

The course has no long climbs, but the few steep sections add up - two of 'em require pushing - at least for me. Tight, twisty, uphill singletrack, complete with rocks 'n' roots. I'm also riding the downhills like a total squid, carrying my bike and running (more like sliding) down the tricky sections. On the last lap, I finally ride everything, minus one section - a small, but lame victory. On a play ride, I could easily clean these sections. Bombing 'em at race speeds, heart rate cranked, changes the picture entirely.

Three laps completed, I cross the finish line. Only five racers in Beginner 45+, with me coming 5th, and a long way back to boot. My few minute late start really didn't effect anything. An all around lame race for me, when you look at the results. Even so, I still feel a sense of satisfaction after finishing. Only racing will force you to push yourself to that pain level. The encouragement from fellow racers, along with the smattering of spectators is always super cool.

From my completely crappy result - in the Beginner class for crying out loud - I should hang my head in shame and maybe take up knitting. Instead, I vow to race again and return to my usual back of the pack Sport class finish. Yes, I guess I'm sick. I also look at this way - how many 50 year old guys are racing mountain bikes? Compared to the general population, can't be many. For just plain having fun, pushing yourself, health benefits, being part of the scene, and getting outside - can't be beat - no matter what place you come in. That's my take on it anyway.

Shortly after my finish, Ian rolls across the line to much clapping. Kids always score some extra encouragement, and rightfully so. Ian also experienced a tough day, said he was really tired, but glad he raced. I'm sure the busy previous week didn't help him. He's been riding so strong lately, didn't think it would matter much - not the case. Out of five kids in his class, finished in 5th place, way off the back. Like father, like son - for today - his racing future is much brighter then mine.

This is also not one of Ian's favorite courses, even though he once grabbed a third place at this event. Still, a solid ride. Three laps around this course for a 12 year old is still pretty commendable. Plus add in the pre-race lap, some of it fast to catch the start time. I'm proud of him.

Since I raced myself, not many pictures today. Here's one of the Sport classes heading towards their bikes in the LeMans style start. Old mountain bike pal, Art, grabbed 3rd place in the Sport 45+ class, despite not racing for years. He also did it in SPD sandals. The dude has a ton of natural talent. The bastard...

Ian looking a little toasted at the finish. Tough ride, despite the listed results. Not shabby at all for 12 years old, mountain bike racing ain't easy, no matter what the age.

Looking a little better after a few tacos courtesy of onsite food truck. I scored a killer Torta sandwich to refuel myself (burp). Also shared the meal with a few other racers we met - plan to meet for a future ride together. Very cool.

This now concludes the weekend report. Tune in next time for more race, ride, and general tales of suffering and related fun on two wheels. Tacos included.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention. While loading the bikes on the roof rack for the drive home - pegged myself in the forehead with a SPD pedal - resulting with a bloody goose egg. Flat out awesome. Man, racing rocks...

50/50 Staycation

Super busy week - in a good way - so not much blogging action. Time for a little catch up report on all the action...

First up, my little 50 for 50 Birthday Ride/Party shindig went down last Sunday. It all flowed as a good time with about 35 people showing up. Did some riding, ate a pile of pizza, cake and cookies. People rode one or two laps of the marked loop, or didn't ride at all and just hung out. Guests came and went between 10:00 AM 'till at least 6:00 PM, so a long fun day. Mixture of work related friends, neighbors, and old mountain bike pals came out to ride, eat and chat.

Initial plan was for me to ride 50 miles to celebrate 50 years. I wasn't sure if people would grind out the course on their own or form group rides. Group rides it was with various kids riding along as well. More of a social event then the endurance event. All good though and a great time.

Even so, I still rode about 30 dirt miles - plus a few road miles to and from the park. So, I'll call it 50 kilometers for 50 years. My wife Lori gets big kudos for driving the loaded car over, setting up, keeping things moving, greeting and entertaining folks not riding, or waiting to ride.

My old New Jersey pal Don flew in the day before and helped mark the course - plan was a 10 mile loop - at St Ed/Big Finn Hill. The loop wound being 9 miles - close enough. I marked most of it with spray chalk with mixed success. In the end, it didn't really matter, since we did several group rides anyway. I've known Don since high school with shared dirt motorcycle and mountain bike rides many years ago. It's been decades since we've ridden together, so extra cool that he flew out for this.

Some of the folks who joined in for the first lap. Official photo kicks it off. From left to right: Son Ian, neighbor Dave, work pals Jay and Brian, me, Elisa and Walt (husband/wife team and old BBTC pals), neighbor Rich (serious triathlete dude), Rich's son Duncan and my daughter Amy (who buzzed bikes around the picnic area).

Various milling about during the day. We lucked out with perfect weather.

Ian rides the course while I attempt to unstick head from tree.

Amy drinks up while Andrew contemplates the many prone bikes.

The cake is cut. Birthday was officially the week before - but hey - who's counting?

Back into the woods once again. Having a few kids along for the ride was fantastic.

Old mountain bike and motorcycle pal Nick towed his daughter Selah around on the trailer bike. They can cover some hairy terrain as a team.

Amy covered the ride home on her own - nice job. I look on as proud dad.

I'd declare the party as a success. I didn't know if 5 or 50 people would show up. Flattering to have 35 folks attend to ride and celebrate. I may put together something like this again, just for the fun of it. Most mentioned it an all around cool idea and they enjoyed it. Great to hear.

Old pal Don was scheduled to stay in the Seattle area for a few days, his first visit to the Pacific Northwest. I took a few vacation days to show him around. Day after the party, headed to Seattle for some touristy action. Pike Place Market, Monorail, and Space Needle visit.

Washington state law requires all visitors hit Pike Place Market and buy a coffee at the first Starbucks location. We've now fulfilled our official duty. To counteract total tourism schtick, we rented some kayaks did some urban kayaking earlier in the day.

Urban kayaking on Lake Union in Seattle. Pal Don is a big kayaking fan with multiple kayaks at home, along with much experience. This was Ian's first kayak paddle and he got a kick out of it.

Space Needle pierces the trees. It was a bit cloudy, but the views were still good from the top.

Here I attempt the unbolt the Space Needle. Next time I'll bring the right wrench.

With touristy festivities out of the way, time for more mountain biking. Work pal Brian was nice enough to loan his '90s vintage Gary Fisher to pal Don for the week. Brian is well over six feet tall - however - the Fisher turned out to be too small for 6' 5" Don. After a few last minute phone calls, scored a rental Turner Sultan from the fine folks at Mtnside Bikes in Issaquah. Extra large framed 29er with 5 inches of travel - dubbed the "Monster Truck" for the duration of the trip. It worked fantastic however.

First stop was Tiger Mountain. Don and the Monster Truck pause on the 2.5 mile climb up to the Preston Railroad Trail.

Yup, the fun lies ahead. Don't let the "Railroad Trail" description throw you. It's a downhill crazy train of rocky and rooted out singletrack. Been about two years since I've ridden it, much trail work completed during that time. Great job and still huge fun to descend.

Down we go, first through the upper smooth section. Smile on my face not visible.

Don pilots the Monster Truck down the Preston Railroad Trail. Smile on his face plenty visible.

Preston Railroad Trails cuts over to the Northwest Timber Trail. Ian checks out the view.

Flower shot on the Northwest Timber Trail.

After having a blast at Tiger Mountain, loaded up the car for a quick run to nearby Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park. We played around there for a few hours, showing Don the trails and stunts.

Don gives one of the Duthie skinnies a go. Go Don go.

After a full day of mountain bike thrills, hit Chipolte on the way home for burrito reloading. An all around fun day. So fun in fact, a quick phone call to Mtnside Bikes secured the Monster Truck for an additional day - with Skookum Flats now on the agenda.

Semi-early start towards Mount Rainer and the Skookum Flats trailhead the next morning. After a cruise around the Buck Creek area and a glimpse of the Sun Top Trail, we finally hit Skookum Flats - after an embarrassing navigational blunder - thinking blowdowns were blocking the trail.

Once we got rolling, all was good. Not just good, great in fact. It's been about 20 years since I've ridden Skookum Flats. It's chock full of Northwest goodness - awesome singletrack, tricky root sections, huge trees, waterfalls, and rushing river for scenery.

Before we, uh, found the correct Skookum Flats Trail, did a little cruising nearby. Nice scenery abounds. Ian raced here a few years ago, cool area. Speaking of cool, despite the way I'm dressed - it is in fact July. Welcome to the Pacific Northwest.

Finally on the Skookum Flats Trail. Don tests his helmet on one of the fallen twigs in the area.

Yeah, we have some big trees here.

Don mans the camera, while Ian and I take in the view. You don't wanna fall off that - trust me.

Northwest singletrack sweetness.

Trail side view. How do we stand it? Somehow we survive...

A great ride for all, no doubt. Ian and I plan to head back soon. Don however, will be back to cruising his New Jersey singletrack - which is not as bad as it sounds - New Jersey has some killer singletrack. I know, I grew up there and have sampled it.

Not a bad staycation in anyone's book. Lots of of family, friends, laughs, food, and a ton of riding. You can't beat that. I'm a lucky dude...

Duthie Hill Anniversary

Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park turned one year old today, complete with official shindig to celebrate the occasion. Ian and I headed over to check out the festivities. We always have a good time at Duthie; then add in vendor booths, demo rides, food, and pile of mountain bike folks. How can you go wrong?

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance hosted this gig, along with numerous vendors. During the '90s I was very involved with this club, while it was known as the Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club, or BBTC for short. Its since evolved with a new generation of people running the show. Cool to see. This now ends the history lesson. Yes, it will be on the final exam.

Ian seems baffled by the vendor selection. Trek and Specialized attended with demo bikes to sample on actual dirt - along with a few other shops with bikes available to fondle. Shimano put their tent up to show off various XTR and other goodies. There was even a taco truck onsite. I sampled a few to keep the energy level up (burp). Good stuff.

Besides the riding and gawking at bikes, running into folks is also a highlight of the day. Talked with former neighbor and Trek rep, Kurt - who now owns the Bicycles West chain of shops - along with old Mackie pal Jim. Really good dudes who'll get you rolling on a new Trek or whatever else you need. Check 'em out. Also ran into Mercedes, who I know from the uBRDO days, who is now a Shimano rep - and always nice to talk with. Mixed in with the bunch, some old school BBTC pals: Art, Lenny and Nick. Been awhile since I've seen 'em. Great folks.

Due to much yappin' and plenty of riding, I didn't demo any new bikes. Ian did check out a Trek Remedy in his size. Nice bike and he got a kick out of it, but the longer travel felt a bit weird to him - this being his first ride ever on a dual suspension rig. He'll stick to his hardtail for now. A shorter travel rig might suit him better - sometime down the road. Always fun to check out new stuff though, especially in a real riding environment.

Ian and I pose for the camera. With upturned helmet and cycling hat askew, little chance of us being Rapha cover material anytime soon. We're also dressed as cross country types in the Land of Freeride/Downhill-O-Plenty. Every culture has its uniform.

Day's activities included mini bike racin'...

...and the Huffy Toss.

Cool old VW bus provides transportation and hipster cred for this shop. The shop is called "Go Huck Yourself", not "Go....well, you get the idea.

Ian sizes up one of the larger jumps. Don't think we'll be attempting this one anytime soon, or possibly ever...

More our speed. Ian rolls one of the wooden stunts. This kind of stuff is laced throughout the park - some easy, some tricky - all fun.

GoPro camera action as Ian tries out one of the pump tracks.

All in all, a fun day out. Duthie has something for everyone. XC trails, flowing bermed runs, wooden stunts, small and completely sick jumps - its all there. We wound up doing 20 dirt miles today, which ain't too shabby, especially for an 11 year old. Kapish?

We'll be back again. No doubt about that.

Sunday Singletrack Cruising

Sunday cruise in our local woods this afternoon, complete with video proof. Family bought me a GoPro camera for Christmas, finally got around to goofing with it today. Ian wanted to wear it first, so here's a glimpse of our neighborhood singletrack, courtesy of view from Ian's noggin. Music courtesy of the Ventures.

We shared the ride today with an old mountain bike pal Craig, and his son David, who just turned 12 today. Ian turns 12 next month. Craig and I actually met on this trails when I lead a BBTC ride 20+ years ago. Craig also met his wife on these very same network of trails years ago during a trail work event.

We both have some long history with these beloved trails. Helped build some of 'em, maintained 'em, fought to keep 'em open, and ridden 'em a few thousand times over the years.

I haven't seen Craig in quite awhile and we ran into each other by chance today. Super cool to now share these trails with our sons. The cycle continues.

Saturday in the Park

Took a little trip to the park yesterday - as in Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park - located in Issaquah. We've been there a few times now and always have a great time. A few short XC loops, mixed in wooden stunt structures, jumps - big and small, skinnies, and a pump track. A little something for everyone. An awesome spot to hit and very popular with a wide range of riders; from armor clad freeride/jumper types, to XC riders, to families riding together. And lots of kids. Kids dig this place. Even "big kids" like me.

Old pal Brian and neighbor Dan joined Ian and I for the fun. We buzzed around for three hours or so, hit all the XC trails - some a few times, and messed around with the other attractions. Rained a little, sun later popped out, we all get a little muddy. All around good clean fun.

Ian get his balance down on the practice skinny. A few inches off the ground, piece of cake. A few feet off the ground, another universe.

Old school XC Dork me hits the skinnies. Though you can't tell by my rusty skills now, I used to ride a little observed trials back in the day.

Ian hits the pump track for the first time, this one being new since our last visit. Fantastic fun watching his skills progress. He floundered around for a few minutes, then was almost lapping sans pedaling - the whole point of a pump track. After a few minutes, said his arms were toast. I asked how would he like something like this in the backyard. "Yeah?" Ah sorry, chance of the wife approving that project is slim to none.

Riding cohorts for the day. Son Ian, neighbor Dan, and old pal Brian. I dig riding with people from all over the map - different ages, abilities, equipment and riding style. There is no wrong answer and all for fun.

As we were loading up for the trip home, caught this little dude ready to head out with his family. The future of it all.

After a morning of riding, yakking and playing; all of us hit Chipolte in Issaquah, our usual post Duthie chow down spot. Sun was out, outside table, no rush. Sound like a good day? Yeah, it was for sure.