Eric's Ride Log

Mike Brown and I had all intentions today of riding the classic Big Creek loop but that did not happen. We started at North Mills River Campground and headed up 1206 to Laurel Mountain trail. The pace was a little tough but not too bad, a great warm up. When we got to the top we saw Trish and Sam so we spoke with them for a little while and Mike tried to find the source of the incessant creaking coming from his bike. Mike and I then went on in to Laurel and about every half mile or so Mike had his bike turned upside down or the front wheel off or was lubing this or adjusting that trying to identify the source of the sound.

Once we had determined that it must be his EBB (and that he couldn't do anything about it) we really started to hammer. I got out front and was spin spin spinning as fast as I could up the hill. I was having a great time, moving right along. Mike even commented that I was 'hauling ass' Yeah! That means something to me as Mike can, well haul ass. Anyway, we made it to the meeting log rather quickly and pressed on up Laurel after a quick bite to eat. The pace was still fast after the break and the creaking sound was getting worse and worse. Mike flipped the bike over to lube the headset and found the culprit, the ride ending mechanical, the end of his only 5 month old frame, a big fat crack all the way 'round the downtube. OUCH!

WARNING COVER THE CHILDRENS EARS BEFORE HITTING PLAY (f-word content)

So after that I turned back to go get the Jeep and Mike limped the bike outa there. I just cruised along and took a few photos along the way back down.

Ice Flow at the Crack Rock:

Winter in Pisgah:

There are no flowers out yet soooo.... um... here's some Moss in full bloom.

By the time I drove up to Yellow Gap Mike was already waiting for me. He was able to ride 90% of the way back down but never went faster than the bike could handle... that is, without the front end breaking off. Luckily he's got a backup bike and we've both got tomorrow to go riding again.