Sunset on HD trails

2nd Annual BF ride

Last year, I really wanted to do the NW Passage ride for our 1st Annual Black Friday ride. It's just so perfect. So, I laid out the plan.

As we got closer to the ride, it became pretty apparent that it was going to be a snowy event.

And it snowed.

So we did a snow ride instead. Which was fun and sort of gruelling in its own way (think short distance, deep snow, high aerobic output), but I still feel sort of cheated out of the NW Passage ride.

So. We'll try again this year.

For specifics, refer to last year's plan. But swap out the right date (Nov 25th). And the time (8 AM, not 7)) and the meeting place (Rocket on 43rd instead of The Scoop).

All the other stuff is the same. What I mean by that is all the carrying on about the type of ride and what you should expect if you come on the ride.

Screw it. All up:
-- Nov 25th - *leave* Rocket at 8 AM.
-- Trails/hard ride
-- Assume about 3.5 hours.

Dylan -- if you are in town, and need a bike, let me know.

Bday bike hang - Tuesday

That, of course, is not Nate. That's Joe.
We went on a cold ride this morning.
I can't get enough of the NW Passage on the new bike.
I've been dragging along anyone willing to go on that ride for the last couple weeks.

It's gNate's birthday. And all he wants for his birthday is a bike hang on Tuesday at a place with whiskey.

Who can say no to that?

The plan:
This Tuesday (8th).
8PM
Hill's Someplace Else

Duct tape wind block.
Use duct tape to cover up all the air vents in your shoes.
Bill showed me this trick. And it works well.
Recommended.

The source of the fender rattle

Elder Road

Take this survey. Just do it.

Do this.

The short story: just go here and take the Mt Spokane mountain bike survey.

Here's one section of the survey asking how interested you might be in the following types of trails:

And yes, there is a "Pump Track" option further down.

Yes please.

Just taking the survey makes me all giddy. Especially with Duthie Hill still fresh in my memory.

I have no idea what the potential for actualizing this stuff is, but I did sign up to donate and help to make it happen.

Here's the official press release:

Mount Spokane State Park mountain bike survey launched

OLYMPIA – Nov. 2, 2011 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to answer an online survey to help us understand what kinds of mountain biking opportunities people would like to see at Mount Spokane State Park.

In 2009, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission completed a Comprehensive Trail Plan for Mount Spokane State Park. In 2010, the mountain biking community asked the Commission to develop a plan to specifically address trail issues relating to mountain biking and to help improve mountain biking opportunities in the park. State Parks staff have begun working with the community on this plan. The first step is a survey.

The survey questions focus on how park visitors use the trail system now and on how to improve the system to better meet the needs of bicyclists. “We hope to hear from anyone who is interested in mountain biking issues at Mount Spokane,” said Nikki Fields, parks planner. “This survey is very important because it will help guide our choices as we develop a mountain bike plan for the park.”

The Commission encourages the public to take part in the survey online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/plans/mtspokanemtnbike/. Responses will be accepted through Dec. 16 and are limited to one survey per person. For more information, email mount.spokane.mountainbike@parks.wa.gov or contact Nikki Fields at (360) 902-8658.

Mount Spokane State Park is a 13,919-acre camping park in the Selkirk Mountains, northeast of Spokane. The forested park features stands of old-growth timber and granite rock outcroppings. It typically receives 300 inches of snow in the winter.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Washington State Parks is now on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.

Bike hang at Northern Lights

Tomorrow (Weds) night.
8pm
Because they have good wings.