Finding New MTB Trails

Velominati’s post about non-paved road riding made want to get on the mountain bike. Yes, riding the 29’er is pretty shameful to do in perfect road riding weather, but I couldn’t help myself… I just had to go out for a few hours. Trying to decide exactly where to ride at was nearly as difficult as climbing some of the local mountains. Either the trails were too far, or I had spent so much time on them in the Fall and Winter that riding them would have been as lame as riding one of these:

All issues aside, I needed to be on the 29er, and find a new trail to ride around on… but where? How do you, the readers, find new trail systems to ride on?

• Ask friends or your LBS?
• Exploration?
• Check Internet/Garmin/Forums/The Google Maps?
• Use Other Types of Trails?

I have heard stories of people finding trails using Topo Maps, following jeep trails and gas wells. With this technique, and a bit of freestyle exploration, I was able to find some pretty sweet gas well routes that resulted into ATV trails going into the woods. If there was ever a honey pot of local trails… this would be it!

After a ride or two, I have been able to map out just a fraction of the entire trail network on just one side of the forest. I’m guessing there is around ten miles of rideable trails, but with the amount of the paths going up and down a 200+ foot climb would make it a hell of a ride if you tried to do it all at once. This trail system is going to take a while to fully explore, but I think I’m willing to take the time to document it for local MTB’ers.

It all goes to show you that spending some time, and taking an educated guess can really pay off. Having ten or more miles of trail less than a mile away from home is such an amazing gift. I’m very glad (and very lucky) that such elaborate trails were found.

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This Saddle Gave Me A Fyxation

All erection puns aside, I want to get around to reviewing a new saddle I purchased from Fyxation

Not sure if you have noticed, but Fyxation has spot-on made a saddle that is pretty classy with it’s leather cover, but also has a somewhat regale shape that we have seen before. There have been a few tweaks to this saddle to save weight and increase comfort compared to other riveted, leather saddles, and Fyxation succeeded in nearly all categories.

First of all, let’s talk about the quality. While this saddle is probably made by Velo, or some other large Asian component manufacturer; it has the craftsmanship of a saddle from a mid-to-upper range company, as you would expect to see in Cannondale or Specialized saddle group. The leather is very typical and soft, but this is not a negative attribute. Your rear end will feel very welcome here. The rails are Cr-Mo, and not attempting to be lightweight for the urban/fixed gear crowd, but are still nothing to skoff about. The shape of the saddle is slightly pliable around the edges, somewhat giving in the middle (which is fantastic for those longer rides), and has held up well to use and weather conditions. The rivets on the rear of the saddle are crome plated, and have a somewhat brass-colored metal under the gloss. I found this out when I received the saddle from Fyxation, and saw that all of the rivets had light scratches or scuffs on them. I’m sure this is normal, and happens in either the manufacturing or distribution process, but it is something to warn you about if you are an OCD perfectionist.

After spending some time with this saddle, I have placed it on my touring/cyclocross bike due to the long-lasting comfort, and lack of concern for weight for these types of rides. At $65, this classic styled saddle with leather and rivets is hard to beat. Fyxation found a way to take an old product, make it cheap, comfortable, and still look pretty classy. It’s hard to do that in the modern world, and still have your products come out this well.

Final suggestion? Buy it if you are looking for comfort and classic styling, while trying to keep a hold of your wallet.

Pros:

• Quality Leather
• Classic Styling
• Comfortable Design

Cons:

• Weight
• Marred Rivets – This may only be on the saddle I received.

3/4 Stars.

Photos by N-Bomb

Buy Fyxation Saddles Here

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Look What I Got In The Mail!

Saxo Bank has created 25,000 of these little promotions to give out, to get people excited for le tour; I was lucky and received one in the mail the other day! So happy!

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I Became The Ambassador of Buckhannon!

Waiting for some friends to go on our weekly B-Group ride, I ran into an individual named Randy Kennedy, who was carrying a B.O.B. I yelled “NICE SETUP,”  and he turned and introduced himself. Apparently, he is on a trip from Virginia Beach to Modesto California. I couldn’t help myself, and had to interview him.

Tomorrow, he will be heading on Rt33 to Parkersburg, and then Cincinnati OH. I wish him the best of luck.

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Race To ‘lil Moe’s Place, Philippi WV

Second day of the Philippi/Moe’s weekend, and it was hot! Not only was it ‘temperature hot, but it was also one of the more active races this town has seen in a while. Thad’s course had only praise spoken about it; everyone seemed to be enjoying the town, and the company of cyclists abound, and people were excited to come back next year in 2011!

I was fortunate enough to get to the top of the course before the race started, and worked my way down, shooting video the entire way.

After the race, I went around, asking riders and spectators alike, what they thought of the race, the town, and overall questions about cycling in West Virginia. Everyone was very supportive and love what is going on in the area.

I saw more people  from the Western Maryland Wheelmen, and PGH Racing, these guys are everywhere. Joey Riddle, and the whole JBS squad was out in their attire, and of course tons of Morgantownians/WVU cycling peeps were racing. Good times.

Joey's Bike Shop Race Member

If you were not able to attend anything in Philippi this weekend,  make sure you are able to make it next year, I’m sure you won’t regret it!

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