Jen ran. I towed Joe on the Alley Cat. Elisabeth, Ben, and Abby rode under their own power.
Abby was super psyched because she piloted the Trek Mt Lion for the first time. The Mt Lion has a smaller front chainring than the Novara 20" she'd been riding so she was cleaning lots of hills that used to be problematic;-)
She was also psyched when she found a dead frog. Ewww!
From http://www.explorehoward.com/opinion/81528/editorial-bike-course/
Other concerns expressed by opponents of the idea don't hold water.
Some of the park's neighbors turned up at a meeting of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board last week to argue against the course, which a group of cycling enthusiasts wants to install on an acre of parkland. Residents said they already have a problem with the traffic the park generates and that they fear the course would draw even more vehicles.
Taxpayers, though, ought to be happy to see people putting the park to use, getting maximum return out of the county's investment in it. If there are traffic issues, that's a problem for roads officials and perhaps, police. In any event, it's more likely that whatever traffic headaches occur are the result of large-scale team-sports events than of bicycle enthusiasts converging on the park.
Likewise, if -- as one resident told the board -- the park draws illegal drug activity after dark, that's a law-enforcement issue. And to claim that the bike course would make an attractive nuisance more attractive to troublemakers strains credulity.
At no cost to the county, the bike group would create a venue where they and others can get out in the fresh air and get some exercise, something too few of us do on a regular basis. The opponents have not given a valid reason to block this project.
County parks are not simply a backdrop to enhance neighboring property values. They are meant to be used by all of the county's citizens (and visitors, too).
We must not let a few complaints stand in the way of a good idea.
Photos by Abby and Joe;-)
We didn't make it too far before I tried to skid and my cog spun and lock ring stripped off;-(. I tightened things up best I could and refrained from skidding for the rest of the ride. I tried not to complain about it but an off road fixie ride without skidding is a lot less fun.
Belmont-Renegade-Nacho-Belmont coil around>Log>Old Track>Lewis and Clark>Cascade>Cascade Alternate>Rootz>Ridge>Rockburn Branch v^v
Aside from the spin off cog issues the Fixicuff was performing great out there. New tubular chromo crank felt right at home on every log and extra credit opportunity. Trail conditions were 98% great. Mud holes where expected in Belmont, Cascade alternate, and Renegade swamp
A good clip for a 90 minute jaunt and then I drove Stephen to BWI for departing flight.
Fixicuff will like 35x20 more than current 35x19.
Let the fisting commence.
