Northeast MTB Tour August 17th-September 10th

[syadasti]

I've been planning a big MTB trip with my good friend Peter from Wellington, New Zealand for about 6 months now. I have mentioned it in other threads, but I figured I would start one for it.

He's got his tickets and I've built him a new bike for the trip. I'll be riding a 07 Turner RFX w/08 Talas 36RC2 and Pete will be riding an 07 Turner Spot w/06 Talas 36R. Pete is into XC and All Mountain so focus will be on technical XC/all mountain/light FR.

Any suggestions are welcome maybe even you can make some of the rides.

**Current Itinerary** (Trail names and local riders)
-August 17th Arrival at Night
-August 18th Huber/Hartshorne, NJ and Rest (Misc NJ Riders)
-August 19th Visit NYC
-August 20th Blue Mountain, NY (jrfor0)
-August 21th Trumbull, CT and drive to Case Mtn Area (About2bike possibly MBC, IAB)
-August 22st Case Mtn Riding and Drive to Boston Area (MBC, IAB)
-August 23rd Rest in Boston
-August 24th Vietnam Trails, MA (Suspectdevice, Narlus, Splat, BostonBullit?)
-August 25th Suspectdevice's MA Trails (Suspectdevice, Narlus, Splat, BostonBullit?)
-August 26 Berkshires, MA Riding (Berkshire Rider)
-August 27th Day off in VT
-August 28 Stowe Trails (TW, JR, and/or don)
-August 29 Morning - Waterbury (TW, JR, and/or don)
-August 29 Afternoon - Hinesburg (JBP and anyone who can make it)
-August 30th Adirondacks, NY Riding (johnnyru)
-August 31st Day off in Ithaca, NY
-September 1-2 Ithaca, NY Trails (Misc. CNY Riders)
-September 3rd Day off in Elmira/Corning, NY Area
-September 4th Fell Mountain, PA (Misc. CNY Riders)
-September 5th Prompton Dam, PA and Drive Home (Misc CNY Riders)
-September 6th Allamuchy, NJ (Misc NJ Riders)
-September 7th Allaire, NJ and Start Packing (Misc NJ Riders)
-September 8th Ramapo/Ringwood, NJ and Packing (Misc NJ Riders)
-September 9th Visit NYC Morning/Early Afternoon Finish Packing
-September 10th Departure in the Morning

[TreeSaw]

Looks like a fun trip. I am sure Johnnyru will be an excellent SMBA guide....you may want to also hit Spier Falls (lots of climbing, but it's excellent technical singletrack). I have done both in the same day with a minimal break for food in the middle so I am sure you guys can handle it. Also in our area: Grafton, Lenox & Pittstown, MA are also good rides.

[berkshire_rider]

Looks like a fun trip. I am sure Johnnyru will be an excellent SMBA guide....you may want to also hit Spier Falls (lots of climbing, but it's excellent technical singletrack). I have done both in the same day with a minimal break for food in the middle so I am sure you guys can handle it. Also in our area: Grafton, Lenox & Pittstown, MA are also good rides.

-August 26 Berkshires, NH Riding (Berkshire Rider)

This one is going to be Lenox, aka Yokun Ridge. You, Sq-earl, Davis, Douglas, Tigg and Johnnyru should join this ride. :)

[syadasti]

Doh, thats right its MA, I don't know why I put NH :D

[TreeSaw]

This one is going to be Lenox, aka Yokun Ridge. You, Sq-earl, Davis, Douglas, Tigg and Johnnyru should join this ride. :)

Ah...not a bad idea. I'll put it on the schedule and see if we can make it!

[McGRP01]

Nice! If I'm not racing, I'm in for the Berkshires and ADK rides!! :thumb:

[TRANSITION-MJR]

hmmm, if your really into the FR seen i have a secret trail id be willing to show you if your ever in the Lake George Region. just let me know and id be glad ride with you.

[syadasti]

hmmm, if your really into the FR seen i have a secret trail id be willing to show you if your ever in the Lake George Region. just let me know and id be glad ride with you.

Secret trails rule:rockout:

I am but Pete isn't, so I am not sure if it would be a good fit. The Spot will be the longest travel bike he's ever owned...

[tonyhawk]

focus will be on technical XC/all mountain/light FR

-August 21th Trumbull, CT and drive to another CT Trail (possibly MBC, IAB)
-August 22st CT Riding and Drive to Boston Area (MBC, IAB)


Here's a list of some of the riding areas within driving distance:

CT Trail Reviews (http://www.bikerag.com/bike_trail_maps_text_CT.htm)

There's even a ride locator map that shows proximity of each area.

August is waaaaay too far in advance for me to make plans, but if you remind me closer to the date, I should be able to make one or both of the CT ride days.

[syadasti]

Yeah Bikerag is definitely a great resource for trail reviews. I was hoping to give everyone advanced warning as lots of rides are on weekdays.

[bluebug32]

You guys should come up to Stewrt Buffer Zone in Newburg!

[syadasti]

Whats the Stewart Buffer Zone, what does it offer?

[hooples3]

looks like a great way to spend a month!!!!

Diablo is an option ..
as is the new NYC Trail at highbride... its very very technical...a lot of rocks and off cambers.. ive busted my ass a few times there

also make sure you hit ringwood, ask someone there where the fun trails are..
allaire is ok.. there is a mostly fast flat section.. and then a very small area with technical stuff.. personally id skip it...

once it gets closer id love to show you guys around Hartshorne.. thats my favorite place to ride!!!!
also it may be worth a trip down to Maryland ( right near DC) for Schaffer Farms (sp?) another favorite trail of mine

email me or pm if you have any questions

[syadasti]

I know of Diablo, I helped Shawn and Clayton with the reopening in 2003 clearing trails, making signs, web promotion, etc.

Pete wants to visit NYC for general tourism - I rarely visit the city unless its absolutely necessary...

As I mentioned above, the Spot will be the longest travel bike Pete has ever owned. Gotta make sure he makes it through the whole trip in good shape ;)

[douglas]

This one is going to be Lenox, aka Yokun Ridge. You, Sq-earl, Davis, Douglas, Tigg and Johnnyru should join this ride. :)

IN!!!

[syadasti]

also make sure you hit ringwood, ask someone there where the fun trails are..

Yes we are riding from skyline to ringwood through some trails at Ringwood and back to skyline.

allaire is ok.. there is a mostly fast flat section.. and then a very small area with technical stuff.. personally id skip it...

Depends on if you know where stuff is. They've integrated some of the stuff Stony W. has made there (tigerwoods), there is more twisty singletrack there now. The northshore stuff is pretty ghetto there and the jumps aren't the greatest. Its the last ride of the trip - supposed to be low-key/cool down kind of ride...

once it gets closer id love to show you guys around Hartshorne.. thats my favorite place to ride!!!!

Yeah I live less than 15 minutes from there. I first started riding there in the late 80s when you could ride everywhere and there was still the telephone pole trail, etc...

also it may be worth a trip down to Maryland ( right near DC) for Schaffer Farms (sp?) another favorite trail of mine

Cool, maybe we'll check it out if we have some time - I'm always up for new trails.

You are welcome to join us on any of the rides.

[syadasti]

RFX is built and I have 38 miles on it already. Should have Pete's Spot built up soon...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/bicycling/answer.jpg

[syadasti]

Started on Peter's bike. Waiting on MX swap for his brakes (non-US thing) ...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/bicycling/fsidespotpp.jpg

[whale]

hmmm, if your really into the FR seen i have a secret trail id be willing to show you if your ever in the Lake George Region. just let me know and id be glad ride with you.

i'm going to be visiting family in glen falls, ny from this wednesday to sunday (7/11/07 - 7/15/07). anyone interested in riding? i'm making a stop at diablo tomorrow and will probably be riding whiteface all day on thursday. i was thinking about making a day trip up to bromont as well during my stay and visiting a friend in burlington, vt while i'm there.

any suggestions on other options for riding? i've been to bromont once and whiteface a few times, but can only really do day trips since i'm supposed to be visiting family while up there for at least 3/5 of the days.

[bluebug32]

Whats the Stewart Buffer Zone, what does it offer?

It's fast and flowy with jumps, a stone quarry to play (more jumps), and miles of trails that run next to swamps,ponds and woods. Best of all, it's right off of 84 and the Thruway. I've never taken anyone there who's been disappointed. Unlike many of the other places in the area, there aren't a huge amount of rocks to suck up your speed.

[syadasti]

It's fast and flowy with jumps, a stone quarry to play (more jumps), and miles of trails that run next to swamps,ponds and woods. Best of all, it's right off of 84 and the Thruway. I've never taken anyone there who's been disappointed. Unlike many of the other places in the area, there aren't a huge amount of rocks to suck up your speed.

Sounds good I'll send you a PM.

[TreeSaw]

i'm going to be visiting family in glen falls, ny from this wednesday to sunday (7/11/07 - 7/15/07). anyone interested in riding? i'm making a stop at diablo tomorrow and will probably be riding whiteface all day on thursday. i was thinking about making a day trip up to bromont as well during my stay and visiting a friend in burlington, vt while i'm there.

any suggestions on other options for riding? i've been to bromont once and whiteface a few times, but can only really do day trips since i'm supposed to be visiting family while up there for at least 3/5 of the days.
The SMBA Trails are LOTS of fun and they're in Saratoga Springs. If you're up for a ride Thursday let me know.

[whale]

The SMBA Trails are LOTS of fun and they're in Saratoga Springs. If you're up for a ride Thursday let me know.

i was only planning on bringing my DH bike, but could possibly bring my heckler to do some pedaling and FRing.

[jrfor0]

question, the Blue Mountain, NY you are thinking about visiting on August 20th, is this the same Blue Mountain that is in Peekskill, NY??

if so, i could give you guys a kick ass tour of the area. shoot me a PM

[syadasti]

Yeah thats the same BM, PM coming

[be350ka]

How about Rothrock State Forest in State College, PA? Great singletrack and an EPIC route to boot. Plus, there would be atleast two more Turners in for the ride ('06 5 Pack, and a '02 RFX).

[syadasti]

I'd love to check it out, but it might be a little too far off our schedule Tour route to fit in the time allotted. I have a friend Ron who works for the weather service and lives in that area. It would be awesome to do the Rothrock ride and then check out J4 (if it was still open). J4 is a great cave, I've been there 2-3 times when it was still open. I've also been to Sharer's cave and a few others in the area.

[TreeSaw]

i was only planning on bringing my DH bike, but could possibly bring my heckler to do some pedaling and FRing.

Not a big deal. There's actually a "big bike" ride at SMBA on Thursday. Fun, slower pace with lots of stuff to huck off.

[johnbryanpeters]

Hinesburg Town Forest (http://www.fotwheel.org/hinesburg.php) - Recommended.

[syadasti]

Hinesburg Town Forest (http://www.fotwheel.org/hinesburg.php) - Recommended.

Where is that in relation to the other VT trails on our list. Do you want join us there if we can make it?

Thanks

[syadasti]

Just over a month to go...got Pete's Red Spot ready now.

Spot Talas is at 141mm and RFX Talas is at 130mm...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/bicycling/spotready.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/bicycling/turnersfront.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/bicycling/turnersfside.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/bicycling/turnersbside.jpg

[johnbryanpeters]

Thirty miles, half an hour from Waterbury. Yeah, I would like to hook up for a ride if my schedule allows.

J
Where is that in relation to the other VT trails on our list. Do you want join us there if we can make it?

Thanks

[Jim Mac]

Not a big deal. There's actually a "big bike" ride at SMBA on Thursday. Fun, slower pace with lots of stuff to huck off.

Yeah, and I was the only one to actually bring a big bike! (all the others just ride HT's but jump + drop like it's a big bike, thus putting me to shame!)

[Squirreldh]

I'd love to join you guys for a romp through vietnam, I live near there and cant get enough of the place. I work at Bike Alley in worcester, ma so stop on by if you have the time.

[About2bike]

I'm a Trumbull local and can take you around on the 21st. Don't post much but always lurk.

[syadasti]

I'm a Trumbull local and can take you around on the 21st. Don't post much but always lurk.

Sounds good to me, I've been there a few times, but it always helps to have a local on the ride.

[syadasti]

Schedule updated in first post...

[McGRP01]

See you guys on Aug. 30th!! :thumb:

[syadasti]

See you guys on Aug. 30th!! :thumb:

Great :cheers:

[syadasti]

I'm a Trumbull local and can take you around on the 21st. Don't post much but always lurk.

Check your PMs:busted:

[syadasti]

**Latest Itinerary** (Trail names and local riders)
-August 17th Arrival at Night
-August 18th Allaire, NJ and Rest (Misc NJ Riders)
-August 19th Visit NYC
-August 20th Blue Mountain, NY 12:30pm (jrfor0)
-August 21th Trumbull, CT 9am and drive to Case Mtn Area (About2bike possibly MBC, IAB)
-August 22st Case Mtn Riding 1pm and Drive to Boston Area (MBC, IAB)
-August 23rd Rest in Boston
-August 24th Vietnam Trails, MA 10am (Splat)
-August 25th Hampshire College, Amherst Ma Trails 9am (Suspectdevice, jrfor0?)
-August 26 Millbury Trails, MA Riding 10am (Berkshire Rider)
-August 27th Day off in VT
-August 28 Stowe Trails (JR)
-August 29 Waterbury or Hinesburg (JBP, JR, and/or TW)
-August 30th Adirondacks, NY Riding (johnnyru, McGRP01)
-August 31st Day off in Ithaca, NY
-September 1st Ithaca, NY Area Shindagin (Misc. CNY Riders)
-September 2nd Ithaca, NY Area Dryer (Barry)
-September 3rd Day off in Elmira/Corning, NY Area
-September 4th Fell Mountain, PA and Drive Home
-September 5th Sourlands and Chimney Rock
-September 6th Day off at shore
-September 7th Ramapo/Ringwood, NJ (Misc NJ Riders)
-September 8th NYC and Packing (Misc NJ Riders)
-September 9th Huber/Hartshorne, NJ and Start Packing
-September 10th Departure in the Morning

[hooples3]

That looks like one heck of an awesome trip....ill keep my eyes out for when your local and try to hook up with ya...

[johnnyru]

This one is going to be Lenox, aka Yokun Ridge. You, Sq-earl, Davis, Douglas, Tigg and Johnnyru should join this ride. :)

Wish I could Steve cause it's been a while. Maybe another time?

Looking forward to Aug. 30th!

[TreeSaw]

Wish I could Steve cause it's been a while. Maybe another time?

Looking forward to Aug. 30th!

Where are you riding on the 30th? Maybe Sq-Earl & I can make it!

[johnnyru]

Where are you riding on the 30th? Maybe Sq-Earl & I can make it!

-August 30th Adirondacks, NY Riding (johnnyru, McGRP01)

SMBA Trails...not sure of the time of day yet.

[syadasti]

Damn Pete missed his flight from San Francisco to Newark and is waiting on his delayed flight from O'hare to Newark. I think he's only been in an Airport once or twice in his life. Newb:(

[TreeSaw]

-August 30th Adirondacks, NY Riding (johnnyru, McGRP01)

SMBA Trails...not sure of the time of day yet.

Sweet....I assumed, but wasn't 100% sure.....let us know!

[syadasti]

We leave today for the Tour - gotta finish packing :D

[scrublover]

If your ride itinerary is still as listed, what time do you think to be hitting Trumbull tomorrow (assuming you're still on track schedule wise)? I don't know it super well, (just moved to CT a couple weeks ago, been there twice) but live fairly close...

Trumbull stokeage:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f12/scrublover/Moving%20on%20up/46b36a13883c7.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f12/scrublover/Moving%20on%20up/TFR.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f12/scrublover/Moving%20on%20up/46b36bbe696ad.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f12/scrublover/Moving%20on%20up/8-14-2007Trumbull012.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f12/scrublover/Moving%20on%20up/drop.jpg

[About2bike]

we are meeting in the commuter parking lot a 9 am. pm me or just show up if you want to go

John

[syadasti]

If your ride itinerary is still as listed, what time do you think to be hitting Trumbull tomorrow (assuming you're still on track schedule wise)? I don't know it super well, (just moved to CT a couple weeks ago, been there twice) but live fairly close...

We talked to John and were thinking 9am - is that OK with you?

We might be flexible if necessary. It would be cool if you could come along. Send me (or John above) a PM with your email address and/or phone number

[scrublover]

We talked to John and were thinking 9am - is that OK with you?

We might be flexible if necessary. It would be cool if you could come along. Send me (or John above) a PM with your email address and/or phone number

heh. once i woke up and saw grey, drizzly rainy crap, i bagged the idea of riding this morning. was even thinking of going to check out sprain ridge over in new york.

maybe hit trumbull up later, if things stop raining.

[narlus]

hey josh, i'm gonna be down @ my dad's for the long weekend, so i can't make the nam ride. have fun!

[McGRP01]

SMBA Trails...not sure of the time of day yet.

Coordinate with johnnyru, but the later in the day the better for me. I'm not sure yet if I can get the whole day off from work.

[splat]

SO Josh , with Narlus Out , it is just me Leading ?

Lets meet at my House , I'll PM you directions

[syadasti]

Coordinate with johnnyru, but the later in the day the better for me. I'm not sure yet if I can get the whole day off from work.

How about late morning? Or if need be is 1pm good for you and Ru? I'll call him in a few days, but you could try sending him a PM on Cycle-CNY or the SMBA forums. We are flexible - a long and/or later ride is fine with us especially since the next day is our day off in Ithaca.

[syadasti]

SO Josh , with Narlus Out , it is just me Leading ?

Lets meet at my House , I'll PM you directions

Sounds good - I'll probably give you a call soon or maybe this evening to ask about where I should stay the night before. The day before the ride is our day off in Boston.

[syadasti]

hey josh, i'm gonna be down @ my dad's for the long weekend, so i can't make the nam ride. have fun!

Bummer. You are welcome to come on any of the other rides if available.

[syadasti]

James - great riding with you yesterday. You rip on your SS. Hopefully you can make one of the MA and/or other rides.

Awesome rainy ride today John - thanks for showing around and having us over afterwards. It was great time. Hopefully you can make one of the rides at the end - maybe the Ramapo ride since its on a Saturday.

Scrublover - you are welcome to join us on any of the other rides if you are free. We ride Case Mtn tomorrow 1PM or perhaps some other ride along the way...

[johnnyru]

How about late morning? Or if need be is 1pm good for you and Ru? I'll call him in a few days, but you could try sending him a PM on Cycle-CNY or the SMBA forums. We are flexible - a long and/or later ride is fine with us especially since the next day is our day off in Ithaca.

I have off the entire day so if later in the day will work for you two and Tigg then lets do that. What I plan on doing is trail maintenance in the morning then meet you all to ride. Afterwards we can go grab a bite.

There are a bunch of hotels/motels on route 7 in Latham which is where I work. It's not too far from Saratoga, maybe 35 minutes. I can call a few to get you some rates if you are interested.

[syadasti]

Sounds good to me :thumb:

[johnnyru]

On my drive home I realized that there are several hotels on Wolf Road which is also just off the Northway (I-87), you might want to check out those as well.

I am looking forward to the ride. Here's a little teaser of what we've got. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTi9OF-Cjbk)

[syadasti]

Thanks again for the ride today MBC and IAB - we had fun. Pete is currently nursing his shoulder (I think it was from a prior ride) but hopefully its nothing and we do have our day off tomorrow for recovery. Thanks for taking photos - I've only been weight testing my camera on most rides :D

Case Mountain Ride Report and photos (http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186916)

See you on Friday splat!

[douglas]

I still cant believe you are spending 2 weeks in the northeast and are missing the best place we have to ride at.

[syadasti]

I still cant believe you are spending 2 weeks in the northeast and are missing the best place we have to ride at.

So where is that then? My favorite trails are Fell/Merli and Prompton Dam near Carbondale, PA. Right now we are coming into a section of spots where I haven't ridden like Case Mtn or any MA trail and later ADKs and Dryer Road.

[douglas]

Kingdom Trails (East Burke, VT) and I'll be there Aug29 to Sept 2nd

[syadasti]

I've been to the Kingdom Trails before and they were pretty nice but I prefer riding Stowe and Waterbury with my local friends there.

edit: JBP will be riding Waterbury with us on the 29th if you can make it there. Afterwards we might swim in Bolton and then we're off to ADK area.

[McGRP01]

I have off the entire day so if later in the day will work for you two and Tigg then lets do that.

I'm trying to get out at noon on the 30th which means I could be at the trailhead by 12:30. I can ride until 4:30 that day, have to be home by 5pm.

[syadasti]

Sounds good to me 12:30 or 1 - Johnnyru?

I think we might help him a bit with trail maintenance in the morning.

[douglas]

bummer, you all moved the Yukon ride to a diffeent spot 1.5 hours further away from me, and I'll be in Kingdom for the SMBA ride

:(

[syadasti]

I'm all in Steve's hands for that section of ride, sorry you couldn't make it :(

Here is Peter after his first ride in the US on Saturday at Allaire State Park (central NJ). It was the best option due to all the rain we got the day before:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/allairefinish.jpg

Last night we stayed in the Charles River Marriott in Newton due the location. It was expensive but it had a decent restaurant on site and it had a free shuttle to the T.

The Boston Beer Co. (Samuel Adams) Brewery Tour today was awesome. They go over the whole process let you taste and/or smell the main ingredients (3 kinds of malt, 2-row hops, but not the yeast). Most importantly they let you drink 3 kinds of beer on the tour and if you are lucky (we were) you can drink the two beta flavors of beer that will go into production. They give you a free tasting glass and I think we drank at least 30 oz. of free beer. Pete won the contest of person from furthest away on the Tour (Cypress, Greece was no. 2 and England 3rd). The tour is free with a recommended donation to charity at the entrance of $2 a person.

We had Boston Lager, Summer Wheat Ale, and Fezzywig.

Afterwards we had the voting beers - Dunkelweizen and an Irish Red. Pete and I both voted for the Dunkelweizen. The red was decent but I didn't like the aftertaste that much and the Dunkelweizen seemed more like a beer drinker's beer.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/samadamstourglass.jpg

[syadasti]

Vietnam report and photos by splat (http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187044)

[syadasti]

Steve and crew - thanks again for showing us the trails and decent food (Post Office vs. Piccadilly, heh). We had a great time yesterday. It was good to see Dave again. Hope John is feeling better and wish he could have made it. I finally removed my camera from my camelbak after some reminders, but I need to work on using it more often and at better features. Here are a few random shots taken by me or Steve:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/rbtrail1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dnpatrb.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/berkriderb.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/drop1rb.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/drop2rb.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/drop3rb.jpg

[MtnBikerNJ]

sounds like you guys are having a rad time... wish I could meet up with you on some rides, but i'll still be in ohio until the "tour" is well over

[johnnyru]

Sounds good to me 12:30 or 1 - Johnnyru?

I think we might help him a bit with trail maintenance in the morning.

Sounds good. We can meet Tigg at the clearing between 12:30 and 1. It'll give us a chance to eat something before we ride. We have a new trail so some of the trail maintenance we will need to do is actually ride the trail to break it in...sound good? The rest will be just raking and general cleanup. Nothing backbreaking.

[McGRP01]

Sounds good. We can meet Tigg at the clearing between 12:30 and 1.

Sounds like a plan! See you Thurs.! :monkeydance:

[TreeSaw]

Sounds like a plan! See you Thurs.! :monkeydance:

:( I am out....Syd has her 18 month check up at 2pm (Dr. had an emergency and needed to reschedule for then).

[syadasti]

So yesterday was our day off so we climbed to the top of Mt. Mansfield (4400 ft, tallest in VT) in the morning, had some lunch at Piecasso's, grabbed some dessert at Ben and Jerry's, and finished off the night at the Rusty Nail.

It was a pretty easy hiking up the ridge line. Thought it would sweet if you could bring bikes up there and ride on the rocks but I suppose the tundra microclimate would not tolerate much of that.

Today we had a great 4 hour ride in and around the trails of Stowe courtesy of locals James and Mike (sorry, too into the flow to take photos). Tomorrow we'll be riding around Waterbury with Mike and JBP as Tony busted up his foot the day before yesterday playing around in a MTB park, bummer :(

Craig - stay strong. Hope things are better than you predicted in the email - you never know.

Sorry you could not make it Treesaw.

On the way up:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldup1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldup2.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldup3.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldup4.jpg

At the summit:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldtop1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldtop2.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldtop3.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldtop4.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldtop5.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfieldtop6.jpg

On the way down:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfielddown1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/mansfielddown2.jpg

[mergs]

damn if I don't love it up there... great shots. looks like you had the summit to yourselves.

[syadasti]

damn if I don't love it up there... great shots. looks like you had the summit to yourselves.

I guess most tourists don't get up very early. Compared to the summits I've done out west, ours was quite late (it was a tourist type thing afterall, not in a big park).

[JRogers]

I guess most tourists don't get up very early. Compared to the summits I've done out west, ours was quite late (it was a tourist type thing afterall, not in a big park).

Yeah, you don't get the thunderstorms and such that require an early summit. I actually find that waiting a bit in the east can help clear the fog and raise the temps more often than not.

Mansfield is a fun climb. but a bit ridiculous at the top late in the day in season. When I was backpacking last summer, I stayed at Taft Lodge on Mansfield. I was amazed at how many people just drove up. I really couldn't believe it. People looked at me and said "wow, you walked up?". I was thinking "Wow, you drove up?" I didn't bother explaining that I walked there from Williamstown.

[syadasti]

Today we rode the Waterbury trail system. Its a cool little trail system that has three main trails that start with a big main climb to the top followed by long, twisty, and technical descents to the bottom with some occasional rock faces and some pine forest riding sections. At the bottom you are treated to some massive waterbars and a few wall rides to play with.

It was a another hot and humid day. After some confusion where we were meeting we found that John already knew where the trails were and we met him at the gas station nearby.

We did the long climb up and started winding our way down towards Rastaman. John took a small tumble and a short time later when he was coming up and over a technical section with a rooty rocky roll down planted his tire in the wrong spot, went OTB, and knock himself out for about 30 seconds or so. It was pretty scary.

We assessed the damage and decided it was best that we escorted John back down to the cars, skipping Rastaman. We kept on asking him various questions to make sure he was not concussed and he decided to return to work.

Wish John could have stayed around for the rest of the ride (the red trail was great - super flowy, lots of rock face riding, turns, etc, I can't remember what Mike called it). There was a good technical DH section call the Meatgrinder too. Afterwards we finished off the ride with some random pine forest riding near the bottom in the flat section.

There is always next time - you gotta go again John. Will be a nice place to ride the Heckler when you get the new fork. You mentioned you can no longer get the tires you are looking for - maybe get some Kenda Nevegal 2.35s (thats what SC measures their geo fork and tire-wise).

Thanks again Mike and James for showing us around Stowe and Waterbury it was great! Pete says he likes Jimmz better than Piecasso's in Stowe - thank you for the food.

Wish Tony could have made Waterbury today - maybe next time.

John in the lot after the fall:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/waterburyjbp.jpg

John's front brake lever:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/waterburyjbpbike.jpg

Mike talking to John and Pete:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/waterburychat.jpg

[syadasti]

Yesterday was another hot and humid one. We met with Johnnyru at the access road and took a short loop on Pilgrim while waiting for Tigg.

John told us the story about the trail system and the club and it sounded like a pretty sweet deal - you are lucky to such a big piece of land for so long. You have a lot to work with.

Tigg arrived and we hit the trails. There was a lot of variety - open, technical, and some climbs. A good mix of everything. Towards the end we even got to help burn-in some new trail off near the dam trail (forget the name of the new trail?).

We finally had a mechanical (first one of the trip) midway into the ride - Pete cracked his derailluer hanger in rocky section. I had a spare in my bag but we are down to one - hopefully we don't need any more.

Thanks again for showing us the goods and keep up the good work!

[johnbryanpeters]

Josh,

Hope I didn't slow you guys down too much. I didn't know I was flat knocked out for thirty seconds - that might explain why I don't remember the crash. My recollection starts with the discussion of riding out and the ride down. Thanks for the ride and thanks for looking after me.

J

[McGRP01]

Yesterday was another hot and humid one. We met with Johnnyru... Tigg arrived and we hit the trails.

Thanks again for showing us the goods and keep up the good work!

Fun, albeit short, ride. The heat/humidity was killer. It was great meeting you both, have fun on the rest of your journey!! :thumb: Hopefully Johnnyru will add the few pics he took and I'll try to edit the helmet cam footage tonight! :)

[johnnyru]

Yesterday was another hot and humid one. We met with Johnnyru at the access road and took a short loop on Pilgrim while waiting for Tigg.

John told us the story about the trail system and the club and it sounded like a pretty sweet deal - you are lucky to such a big piece of land for so long. You have a lot to work with.

Tigg arrived and we hit the trails. There was a lot of variety - open, technical, and some climbs. A good mix of everything. Towards the end we even got to help burn-in some new trail off near the dam trail (forget the name of the new trail?).

We finally had a mechanical (first one of the trip) midway into the ride - Pete cracked his derailluer hanger in rocky section. I had a spare in my bag but we are down to one - hopefully we don't need any more.

Thanks again for showing us the goods and keep up the good work!

Josh and Peter,

It was great to have someone visit and enjoy the trails we've worked so hard on. Thanks for the kind words and here are the pictures I took...

I had the entire day off from work so I was doing trail maintenance before the others got there. This guy was hitching a ride on my rake...
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3924.JPG

We had to stop to fix the broken hanger.
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3930.JPG

Tigg sporting the club colors
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3931.JPG

One of the many technical sections on Bee
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3932.JPG

Tigg coming through
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3933.JPG

Josh and Peter giving it a go
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3934.JPG

Josh is trying it again...this time the harder line
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3935.JPG

Josh making it through the first time
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3936.JPG

Tigg on the big roller
http://www.johnnyru.com/SMBA/NE%20Tour/DSCN3937.JPG

If you're ever in the area again, don't hesitate to drop us a line. Enjoy the rest of the tour.

[johnnyru]

Fun, albeit short, ride. The heat/humidity was killer. It was great meeting you both, have fun on the rest of your journey!! :thumb: Hopefully Johnnyru will add the few pics he took and I'll try to edit the helmet cam footage tonight! :)

yeah, I wish I could have ridden longer but I was wiped...too humid for my liking. Thanks for coming out yesterday Tigg.

[syadasti]

Yesterday was our "day-off"

First we started with a trip to Corning to the Museum of Glass. We saw most of the museum other than the shows they offer and spent about 3 hours there. Afterwards we walked across the bridge into town and had some beer and food at the Market Street Brewery.

Next we called up my cousin Warren who works as a licensed glider instructor at Schweitzer Soaring School for a glider ride. Their school is separate from their helicopter business and is actually owned by the National Warplane Museum now.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE2.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE3.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE4.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE5.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE6.jpg

Afterwards we drove to Walkins Glen to walk up/down the glen. We've been seeing lots various vintages of Ferraris throughout the area as there is an international meet in the area (sorry no photos).

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE7.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE8.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE9.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/dayoff-CWE10.jpg

We finished off the day with a drive around one side of Lake Seneca and we had dinner at the Red Newt winery.

I think for our next day off we'll actually take the day off for the most part:biggrin:

Today's ride is Shindagin Hollow.

[syadasti]

Barry and crew - thanks for the smoking ride at Shindagin - the conditions were super fast and it was a good hammer yesterday. These rides in the middle are a good change from the rocky technical rides we've been on for the most part. It will be cool to check out Dryer today - see you then Barry!

Sorry no photos again, we are bad :disgust1:

[bluebug32]

I love how you guys just decide to hike Watkins Glen on your day off. You need to find a couch and some beer!

Did you have time in Ithaca? There's also an incredible bike shop in Geneva (not sure if you were up that way). Enjoy!

[robdamanii]

Today we rode the Waterbury trail system. Its a cool little trail system that has three main trails that start with a big main climb to the top followed by long, twisty, and technical descents to the bottom with some occasional rock faces and some pine forest riding sections. At the bottom you are treated to some massive waterbars and a few wall rides to play with.

It was a another hot and humid day. After some confusion where we were meeting we found that John already knew where the trails were and we met him at the gas station nearby.

We did the long climb up and started winding our way down towards Rastaman. John took a small tumble and a short time later when he was coming up and over a technical section with a rooty rocky roll down planted his tire in the wrong spot, went OTB, and knock himself out for about 30 seconds or so. It was pretty scary.

We assessed the damage and decided it was best that we escorted John back down to the cars, skipping Rastaman. We kept on asking him various questions to make sure he was not concussed and he decided to return to work.

Wish John could have stayed around for the rest of the ride (the red trail was great - super flowy, lots of rock face riding, turns, etc, I can't remember what Mike called it). There was a good technical DH section call the Meatgrinder too. Afterwards we finished off the ride with some random pine forest riding near the bottom in the flat section.

There is always next time - you gotta go again John. Will be a nice place to ride the Heckler when you get the new fork. You mentioned you can no longer get the tires you are looking for - maybe get some Kenda Nevegal 2.35s (thats what SC measures their geo fork and tire-wise).

Thanks again Mike and James for showing us around Stowe and Waterbury it was great! Pete says he likes Jimmz better than Piecasso's in Stowe - thank you for the food.

Wish Tony could have made Waterbury today - maybe next time.

John in the lot after the fall:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/waterburyjbp.jpg

John's front brake lever:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/waterburyjbpbike.jpg

Mike talking to John and Pete:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/waterburychat.jpg

Holy sh!t, someone else actually has the same model bike I do? I've never seen another one on the trails.

[syadasti]

Barry - thanks again for the ride yesterday. Dryer road was a fast, twisty, and smooth change from all prior rides. I stopped by Trailblazers and they didn't have the Torq bit either but they too decided it was lubrication related and hooked me up with some drips of oil (thanks TB!).

Today we drove to Cayuga Lake and met my father's best friend and his wife for some sailing. He has a real nice sailboat and we had a great time. Awesome day off.

[Barry]

I'm glad you liked Dryer. It's quite unique. I went back and try'd CMP a couple more times. I just couldn't make myself drop off that bridge onto the roots with the rigid. Somehow on one try I nearly endo'd up the bridge. I'll take the Reign up that there for a try sometime.

Too bad I couldn't join you for the Prompton and Merli rides. Have some great rides!

[syadasti]

Yesterday we drove down from Horseheads to Merli for a laid back ride. Pete loved the trails and we finished in just over three hours. We decided to skip Prompton as we didn't feel like staying in the area. Instead we grabbed some sushi at Wegmans and drove back to my place.

Today we had a double header - Sourlands in the morning and Chimney Rock in the afternoon. Pete liked both trails but Sourlands was the most technical ride in the tour so far and he was frustrated in some sections, it being his first time there.

I got some photos from the giant glacial streambed at Sourlands.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/sourlandsrockbedpb.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/sourlandsrockbed.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/sourlandsrockbedtop.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/sourlandsrockbedclmbdown.jpg

So far we only had two notable mechanicals and some squeaky pivots on my RFX from the super dry conditions (I assume) - no flats!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/peterbrokenhanger.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/bustedspoke.jpg

[syadasti]

Final rides...

-September 7th (Friday) Ramapo/Ringwood, NJ 10 am?

-September 9th (Sunday) Huber/Hartshorne, NJ 9am? (Misc NJ Riders)

[johnnyru]

Awesome. What an adventure. It was great riding with you guys and getting a chance to show you our trails.

[syadasti]

Thanks again for showing us the trails John.

Today we rode the Ramapo-Ringwood loop for a little over 3 hours. Ramapo claimed Pete as he tried the very technical roll down section (by his own choice) I showed him. He isn't used to very technical trails like this and was attacking them too slowly. Momentum is your friend otherwise you'll eventually bury your front wheel between some rocks and go over the bars. He scratched up his nose, chin, and elbow superficially and slightly bruised a finger but also jammed his big toe very hard and pull the nail a bit - I think its just bruised and sore - hopefully we are all good for Sunday. We also got our first flat - Peter's rear tire almost immediately after the roll down incident. We rode about 11 miles instead of the full 16.5 mile loop - didn't hit as much stuff in Ringwood as I normally do on the loop - it hurt Pete to pedal afterwards and we did quite a bit of fireroad after the camp area.

Here is a photo at the look out pre-crash.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/lookoutpotoringloop.jpg

edit- Post crash photos from today [Saturday]...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/nosep.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/chinp.jpg

He stubbed his toe twice today in NYC and the nail bled some...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/toeptop.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/toepfrt.jpg

We took the ferry from Hoboken to 39th St. and went to the top of the Empire State Building and then we took a 90 minute harbor/skyline tour by boat.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/empireobservationd.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/empireobservationdpig.jpg

[syadasti]

Sunday is a rest/packing only day (no Hartshorne/Huber ride) as his toe still hurts quite a bit - bummer :(

Tour map:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/sizedtourmap.jpg

[syadasti]

I dropped Peter off at the airport this morning at around 4:45 am.

It was an awesome trip.

Peter again said it was a trip of a lifetime for him.

I'm back at work this morning.

[syadasti]

Here are some photos of Frank's sailboat we sailed on 9/3. It was built in the 80s in BC:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/fwsailboat.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/fwsailboat2.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/fwsailboat3.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/fwsailboat4.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/syadasti/northeastmtbtour07/fwsailboat5.jpg