Time for a Road Ride

Last week's mud ride and the additional rain since told us to plan a road ride instead of destroying bikes and trails. Due to HP's flat tire and others getting out of work late, the ride started for most of us at JP's house in Zeeland. Six road riders is a new record for the Dirt Dads. We were JP, HP, Bob, Brian, Tim, & Marc. We headed west to the lakeshore, a little north, then returned before it got dark. The route is straight and flat. The weather, despite earlier showers, was clear, sunny, and windless. We practiced group riding, everyone taking our place at the front to cut the air and make a draft. About 35 miles (a few more for Brian and Marc parked at the Zeeland car pool lot). HP's bike computer showed a speed average of over 19 mph. Some of us stuck around for hot dogs (and dogs) at JP's. Notice how JC takes a special interest in cat owner Tim.

Marc, I have new tube for you. HP.

Dirt Dads take First Place at Pando!

The Dirt Dad team of Monkey Wrench (Tim), Multi-tool (Harv), Chain Whip (Bob), and Crank Puller (Brian) cranked out 34 loops to take first place for the second year in a row in the Veterans Catagory (35 and older) at the 16th annual 12 Hours of Pando Endurance Series mountain bike race. We beat three other 4-man teams by at least two laps. Two of those teams were sponsored by local bike shops. Official results should be available soon at http://www.funpromotions.com/. It was hot and the 4.2 mile course included a mud section, otherwise, it was a great day for a bike race. No major mechanical or rider breakdowns. Here you can see Brian passing another rider in an open area between the wooded sections. See more photos on Photo Archive link at the left.

Special thanks to the following for coming out to Pando to cheer and support: Sonya, Morgan, JP, Sue, Megan, & Amanda.

MUD!

Crank Puller, Tool Box, and Multi-tool (Brian, JP, & HP) biked the Rockford trail on Monday, August 10. Apparently, it was too soon after the weekend heavy rain. Too many wet puddles. Too much slimy mud. So we packed up the bikes in JP's "Old Blue" and drove to Cannonsburg State Game area. It was better, but not by much. Not good for the bikes or the trail. I guess we should have planned a road ride instead.

The next day I cleaned my bike and noticed the mud did a good job of hiding a flaw on my rear tire.

North Country Trail weekend

On Saturday, August 1, five Dirt Dads explored the North Country Trail starting at the Timber Creek trailhead near Balwin, Michigan. Brian "Crank Puller", Bob "Chain Whip", Tim "Monkey Wrench", Harv "Multi-Tool", and JP "Tool Box" rode north past the Freesoil trailhead. At 25 miles, we turned around to complete a total of 50+ miles. We had rain for a couple of hours but it stopped for the entire return trip. The bikes and riders got dirty. The riders got cleaned up in Little Star Lake. The bikes will get cleaned up someday.

Bob & Sonja, thanks again for use of your cottage on Putnum Lake. See more photos by clicking the Photo Archive link to the left.