4MAAB pre-ride Ashford

[splat]

My self , IAB and MMcG decided to preride the 24 Hr course today , and KTMSX decided to join us. so the 4 of us ventured into the course and trying to follow it at some points was a challenge . But any way

Here is IAB on one of teh many bridges.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001256.jpg

IAB going through a field of lovely rag weed ( Oh my alergies just love seeing that stuff! :eek: )

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001257.jpg


Ktmsx on a downhill onto a bridge ( with IAB behind him)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001260.jpg

ktmsx going through one of the many mud/water crossings .

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001263.jpg

MMcG JRA

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001264.jpg

this is not part of the course , I think it used to be , but now there is a chunck of trail missing ,

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001267.jpg

While we and another group were trying to find the trail , there were several people who helped , first was the guy who made the trail , we followed him on his quad. that was tough . then we got to antoher point and were a little puzzeled so this guy on a Y bike showed us some of the trial

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001268.jpg


Important this is what the "facilities" look like

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001269.jpg

IAB throug more water Mud

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001272.jpg

MMcG through a tough Mud hole

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001273.jpg

and there were some other trail users helping to pack down the trail.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001274.jpg

MMcG on a Nice down hill bridge.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001276.jpg


KTSMX going through an area that was just recently logged

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001281.jpg

and finally MMcG and Ktsmx going next to the Pond

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/im001283.jpg

I now need to down load the GPS track of the course.

[splat]

here isthe GPS track

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/churnburn/cb.jpg

[mastercycleman]

looks like a straigt shot:biggrin:

[Skookum]

i've been riding with this guy who carries a GPS around. And i gotta say that combined with Google Earth when he tracks our rides it's pretty frikkin cool.

Don't mean to hijack Splat but you've been doing the GPS thing for years i thought you might appreciate this...

Taken from this ride...
http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164246

http://www.ridemonkey.com/mountain-bike-photos/data/500/328289601716-L.jpg

[douglas]

so did you like the course?

looks pretty muddy, bring spare brake pads!

[I Are Baboon]

I'm glad we pre-rode the course so I know what to expect. The course is more technical that I thought it would be. It's a very typical New England ride...lots of rocks, roots and mud. It's not a very long loop (five miles), but it doesn't let up. You are constantly pedaling and turning. There is only one section that is a tough climb, and it's not even that long. It's very rideable, but it will hurt your legs after you've done a few laps and are tired. Hopefully the course will be better marked next weekend, especially in the areas around the campground. We didn't know where we were supposed to be riding a couple of times.

We did two laps. The first one was very slow and we took our time checking things out and playing. The second lap we went a little faster, but still stopped a bunch of times. We did that 2nd lap in 50 minutes. I am guessing my lap times will be in the low 40/high 30 range.

BTW, the campground has a small convenience store on the premises, which will come in very handy I'm sure. :)

Edit: Doug, I did like the course.

[I Are Baboon]

Some pics:

I am guessing this is where our campsites will be:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4814.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4813.jpg

[I Are Baboon]

MMcG heads down a hill.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4801.jpg

and Splat heads up one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4802.jpg

A rare section of hard packed dirt. Most of the course is pretty loose.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4803.jpg

Mud bog.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4804.jpg

[I Are Baboon]

Splat through a water crossing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4805.jpg

Lots of bridges on this course, although they could use a few more.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4806.jpg

We'll see how much he's smiling after his 10th lap. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4807.jpg

[I Are Baboon]

Splat tackles the only tough climb of the course. The climb goes all the way to the back of the pic, although it doesn't look all that bad in this picture (you can see kmtsx far in the background).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4808.jpg

top of the climb.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4809.jpg

Here is a section of logs, sticks and twigs. You are getting close to the end at this point. There was another four man team there pre-riding. That's them in the far background.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4810.jpg

Splat, then kmtsx heading past the pond, wrapping up a loop.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4811.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4812.jpg

[douglas]

priority #1: finding a hose to clean your bikes between laps!

[I Are Baboon]

Yeah, our bikes were pretty muddy after the pre-ride. Our tires were caked in mud. Mmmmm....cake....

[splat]

Splat through a water crossing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/Ashford/IMG_4805.jpg




Iff you look to the right side of that photo, there is a Pile of Fresh Cut lumber , looked like they weregoing to be building a bridge for this water hole.

also Look at my Helmet! Talk about stupid! I got to ashford and relized I forgot my Helmet , the people at teh convience store , had a Couple of rollerblade Helment for sale. By the amount of dust on them they have been ther a Looooong time , they let me borrow one of them for this.

[splat]

priority #1: finding a hose to clean your bikes between laps!

water spigot and electricy at the campsites

[McGRP01]

:plthumbsdown: F*cking mud!!

[McGRP01]

water spigot and electricy at the campsites

:clapping:

[I Are Baboon]

:plthumbsdown: F*cking mud!!


Really, there are only a few mud spots (maybe three) and they are not that big. Dalton was muddier.

[TreeSaw]

Excellent! I have an idea of what to expect :thumb: Do all of the campsites have water and electric and is the water drinkable?

[TreeSaw]

I like mud, rocks & roots....I may have some fun with this race afterall ;)

So, is anyone else getting anxious or is it just me?

[McGRP01]

Oh, and THANKS for doing this and providing the details, pics, etc.. I'll be there Fri., but none of my other guys will have a chance to pre-ride, so this helps!! :)

[McGRP01]

So, is anyone else getting anxious or is it just me?

Super anxious!! :happydance:

[splat]

Super anxious!! :happydance:

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Lets Ride Baby!!!

[TreeSaw]

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Lets Ride Baby!!!

and repeat...often...for 24 whole hours. :banghead:

[I Are Baboon]

I am a little nervous about doing the le mans start.


FYI, as you get off the highway and hit the backroads, there are two small liquor stores that you'll pass. :D

[TreeSaw]

FYI, as you get off the highway and hit the backroads, there are two small liquor stores that you'll pass. :D

Nice...I may need to assistance from my friends Jose, Johnny, Jim & Jack along the way.

[MMcG]

Good Times yesterday. I'll take that one climb on this course any day over that long assed Dalton climb. I suspect that more work will be done on the course during the week, and I think it is supposed to be dry all week long as well so that will help.

My big task this week is to somehow get the wobble out of my rear wheel! :mumble:

[I Are Baboon]

Mark, you were kicking butt yesterday! I have little doubt you'll be throwing down some good lap times. :)


BTW, there are a lot of spots where the course crosses right past the campground and you'll be able to see the riders on the course (unlike Dalton, where you were pretty much limited to the over/under area). That said, there will be LOTS of places where pictures can be taken. :)

[McGRP01]

Mark, I will definately take you up on that spare bike offer!!!

[splat]

I am a little nervous about doing the le mans start.


FYI, as you get off the highway and hit the backroads, there are two small liquor stores that you'll pass. :D


ahhh , Not the way she'll be coming !

she will do Mass Pike to 84, to exit 72 , same way I go. and you pass Nothing !!

[I Are Baboon]

ahhh , Not the way she'll be coming !

she will do Mass Pike to 84, to exit 72 , same way I go. and you pass Nothing !!

Well there is a packie just a few miles down the road from the campsite.

[McGRP01]

I'm sure Treesaw will have her beverage needs taken care of long before she reaches Brialee! ;)

[TreeSaw]

I'm sure Treesaw will have her beverage needs taken care of long before she reaches Brialee! ;)

True! And, Sq-Earl is hoping to meet his goal of 24 beers in 24 hours :cheers:

So, should I bring a spare bike or just lots of spare parts?

[splat]

True! And, Sq-Earl is hoping to meet his goal of 24 beers in 24 hours :cheers:

So, should I bring a spare bike or just lots of spare parts?

Both!

spare Bike , if you have a mechenacial , you can keep riding while you other one is getting fixed

[ktmsx]

That is a nice loop they have set up it will be in good shape by next weekend...It was good to meet and ride with you guys, dammm I have to get in better shape...

[MMcG]

That is a nice loop they have set up it will be in good shape by next weekend...It was good to meet and ride with you guys, dammm I have to get in better shape...

Nice meeting you and riding with you too. You rode great. Just keep riding every chance you get and you'll get in shape in no time.

[TreeSaw]

Both!

spare Bike , if you have a mechenacial , you can keep riding while you other one is getting fixed

Hmmm...anyone got a small bike for me to ride ;)

Actually, I was thinking about throwing gears on my SS. OR, is the course something I would be able to SS a lap on while my racer gets fixed?

[MMcG]

Hmmm...anyone got a small bike for me to ride ;)

Actually, I was thinking about throwing gears on my SS. OR, is the course something I would be able to SS a lap on while my racer gets fixed?

T - if you are serious, I can bring Liam's 14" Kona Hahanna with me. 8 speed drivetrain - XTR VBrakes, Sid Fork up front. Fun bike!

Also, I think you could SS a lap or two no problemo.

[TreeSaw]

T - if you are serious, I can bring Liam's 14" Kona Hahanna with me. 8 speed drivetrain - XTR VBrakes, Sid Fork up front. Fun bike!

Also, I think you could SS a lap or two no problemo.

Liam's got a rockin' bike there! I am going to bring the SS and see what happens. Hopefully I won't need to ride it (until my last lap) but we'll see. Are the boys going to be joining you this year?

[greasey monkey]

Good luck TreeSaw and all the restof you monkeys

[TreeSaw]

Good luck TreeSaw and all the restof you monkeys

Thanks! Wish you were racing with us!!!

[greasey monkey]

I wish I was too, but I will be doing the mountainer 26 miles with 7000 feet of climbing

[MMcG]

Liam's got a rockin' bike there! I am going to bring the SS and see what happens. Hopefully I won't need to ride it (until my last lap) but we'll see. Are the boys going to be joining you this year?

The boys will be with their Mom this year. They have hockey practices both Saturday and Sunday.

[TreeSaw]

I wish I was too, but I will be doing the mountainer 26 miles with 7000 feet of climbing

Wow! You really are nutz! ;)

[Goddy43]

water spigot and electricy at the campsites


Does this mean it would be a good idea to bring a hose/nozzle?