There’s nothing like a 24-hour mountain bike race to test your mind and body. Here’s the scene from an Average Joe sort of racer.
mountain biking
News Roundup: Pump Track to Open, Turn Exercise into Funds for Charity
There’s been some interesting mountain bike news here in Arizona. First of all, the state’s first pump track on public land is scheduled to open in late August. That’s huge – it’s a nice bit of cooperation between McDowell Mountain Regional Park and volunteers. And mountain bikers can turn mileage into money for their favorite charity. It’s because of a social network that tracks mileage and matches riders with companies that will shell out for a cause when they hit the trails
The International Blog My Trail Day Round-Up
Alright, you might remember that Jan. 8 was the inaugural International Blog My Trail Day. Here’s a look at the best and brightest posts from those who participated.
Let’s start with all-around mountain bike mensch Mike, who writes the excellent mtbikeaz.com site. He’ll take you for a tour of his go-to trail at Pass Mountain.
And Teresa, aka Mountain Biking Girl, has herself a case of Cabin Fever. That’s the name of her new favorite trail. Desert rats like me are jealous. Why? Well, take a gander at that beautifully wooded singletrack and compare it to the lunar landscapes we ride!
And Colin, Teresa’s fellow Canadian, can’t even make up his mind. Check out his list of local trails! Jeez. Those cats north of the border have it all. Next thing you know, they’ll have great seafood, everybody’ll love hockey, they’ll have great skiing … oh, wait a second. They already do. Rats.
I really want to give this International Blog My Trail Day thing another go. Should I keep the date the same, or maybe move it to spring so we can have another shot at it again soon?
Take a Ride McDowell Mountain Park’s Trails
I know I’ve mentioned the McDowell Mountain Regional Park before here on WanderingJustin.com. And let me tell you, my love for this park continues unabated. In fact, it’s stronger than ever thanks to some new signage springing up on the Pemberton Trail, aka Trail B.
Here’s the thing: The county officials thought most riders would abandon the Trail B once the Race Loops opened some years back. But though they’re far less technical, Trail B and its offshoots are big fun, and a perfect stomping ground for 29ers and singlespeed bikes. It’s seriously like Formula 1 racing, man! The Coachwhip Trail (see video) is primo stuff! Let’s not forget the elevation change adds to some super-sweet vistas looking east from the Valley.
Enough of my blather: Check out the video!
Jan. 8 Named International Blog My Trail Day
Alright, bike bloggers: I’m making a decision, and I hope you’ll join me in making this happen.
I do hereby proclaim Jan. 8, 2010 to be International Blog My Trail DaySM. Here’s the idea – I want every single mountain bike-loving blogger to post about their favorite local trail. I want to hear about all the go-to trails for all of you – that one that’s closest to your house, where you first learned to ride, where you’re training for an epic race or you see snakes and javelina on every ride.
SO I WANT YOU!
Tell the world all about it. Throw in a map. An elevation profile. Some photos. A short bit of video. Whatever you got. Put it in Twitter. Post about it on Facebook, Blogger, WordPress, Typepad, whatever ya got. If you won’t have a blog, I’ll offer up to three guest posts right here at WanderingJustin.com.
Here’s a Facebook page where you can become a fan to let everyone know you’re joining.
This is a great chance to show the entire world your trail, and to remind trail advocates, planners, decision makers and all sorts of official folks how much you care about your sport – and your trail.
Oh, yeah – another thing. To those who say I can’t just make up an international day of anything … I just did. It worked for International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and I hope it works a tenth as well for International Blog My Trail Day. Arrrrr.
