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Tag Archives: Mountain Bike
Transitions: Seasons, Sports, Circumburke, Burke
For me, mountain bike season is over. It was fun – a new bike, a few events and a good amount of miles – but I am ready to ski. This year I am realizing how much I value a transition in between seasons and sports. It has been really nice to have a few weeks of down time – time to put away one thing before launching into the next. As part of that housekeeping, I am finally getting around to posting a few photos from the end of the bike season.
As always, my husband, friends and I logged some very pleasant miles at Kingdom Trails. We appreciate all of the work that goes into maintaining such a large, varied and well-ridden network. Thank you KTA and landowners!
The 2013 Circumburke was my first ride around the mountain – it was a great event! At 25 miles, it was long enough to feel like an accomplishment but not too long to turn unpleasant. The biggest challenge came right at the start with the initial climb, the Victory single track was more extensive and fun than I had anticipated, then a long haul out on the “Gold Trail” before hooking back into the familiar Kingdom Trails network. Spots of rain, sleet and snow kept it interesting but totally manageable. I tried my best to look around and enjoy the new terrain and surroundings. Thank you to all who cut, raked, marked and otherwise worked on trails and to everyone else involved who made this very cool day possible!
After passing on this event in years prior because we weren’t really sure what to expect for the course, weather, conditions – I functioned this year as a scout for spouse and friends. I can now give a whole-hearted, enthusiastic recommendation of Circumburke to anyone looking for a longer but low-key (think challenge, not race) end of the season ride.
The mass start up on Kirby Road at the Belmont Stock Farm: bikers, runners, supportive spectators and cows.
Me, pre-ride, looking tired, cold and a little crazy. I can’t say enough about Shredly shorts – the DH Knickers are a bit longer and perfect for late season riding. Photo by Herb Swanson
Mark Tucker rode his Salsa Mukluk, one of a small contingent of fat bikes. He also covered this event much more extensively on his engaging blog – check Single-Speed Slogging for Circumburke recap and photos.
As for Burke this winter, it remains to be seen. Lots of changes with the ski area ownership and nothing much encouraging coming from official communications nor scuttlebutt we hear. So we will wait another couple weeks until we can finally get on snow and see how it plays out. Certainly, we will hope for the best and as always. . . lots of snow!
Posted in Bike, Ski, Ski Areas, Snowboard
Tagged Burke, Kingdom Trails, Mountain Bike, Vermont
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D2R2: Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée
Apparently, I needed a little break from blogging and spent the extra time the past couple weeks riding my bike. So this post is a week late but I still wanted to share a few photos from the excellent Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée.
The D2R2 is a fundraiser for the Franklin Land Trust of western Massachusetts and has become known as a favorite New England cycling event. My husband and I rode the 115k loop and were not disappointed – a spectacular rural route running from Deerfield into southern Vermont with gorgeous vistas, wicked climbs, amazing event staff and the best weather imaginable.
So many fantastic vintage cycling jerseys! I was more focused on riding than collecting photos but was fully engaged by the variety of kits — from the newest Rapha to classic Ibex wool to retro jerseys dusted off for this event.
Mostly cyclocross bikes, some road bikes and a few of us on big fat mountain bikes.
With four segments, tons of turns and landmarks – our simple DIY cue sheet holders worked like a charm. Thank you Shredly – my MTB shorts and YOGACHAM liners were super comfortable for the entire 72 miles – a much longer test than a typical mountain bike ride!
Lunch by the covered bridge over the Green River in Guilford, Vermont. It was so hard to leave this setting and get back on the road!
You Got This! Great encouragement to have rolling with you – very needed for the Pennel Hill and Patten Road climbs! Check out the colorful style of Boston-made Geekhouse CX bikes.
Salt on watermelon was new to me but hit the spot! Such nice rest stops and support, many thanks.
Team Awesome says: Ride Bikes. Have Fun. Stay Awesome. D2R2 was awesome!
Posted in Bike, Style
Tagged D2R2, Geekhouse, Massachusetts, Mountain Bike, Shredly, Team Awesome, Vermont
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Village Sport Shop: Shredly in the Kingdom
Carrie Tomczyk, Village Sport Shop owner, still comfortable in her Shredly KC shorts at a post-ride dinner.
Christine Bengtson in Shredly Nikoli shorts being a pretty rad mom – riding a backup bike so her daughter could pedal her new Santa Cruz Tallboy!
Shredly adding a punch of color to the racks at Village Sport Shop.
Just a little bit of the women’s gear available at Village Sport Shop.
I had a couple of great Shredly sightings this past weekend while riding Kingdom Trails. Thanks to Village Sport Shop’s dedication to women’s product, the Lyndonville, Vermont specialty retailer is one of the first on the East coast to carry Shredly women’s mountain bike apparel.
Posted in Bike, Shopping, Style
Tagged Burke, Kingdom Trails, Mountain Bike, MTB, Shredly, Vermont, Village Sport Shop
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MTB: Kingdom Trails
Burke Mountain in all its summertime glory from Heaven’s Bench off Darling Hill Road.
The girls welcoming riders to the Darling Hill trails after the climb up from the village.
View of the mountain from route 114 via White School.
Definitely worth that pesky paved hill climb for one of the quietest and prettiest loops in the network.
Warren’s Way race hill, green not white.
Dirty window; fantastic sticker! Anyone know where to buy these?
I could easily take a picture of something gorgeous or otherwise charming every other minute while mountain biking Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont. But the trails flow so nicely – it’s too hard to stop! I managed to sneak in a few shots from an absolutely perfect summer weekend. As always, Kingdom Trails gets my highest recommendation as a stellar riding destination and experience!
Posted in Art & Graphics, Bike, Ski Areas, Travel
Tagged BMA, Burke, Kingdom Trails, Mountain Bike, MTB, Vermont
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Shredly: Women’s Mountain Bike Apparel
Ashley Rankin wears the Shredly NIKOLI short at left; the CAROLINE short at right. Photo: Seth Beckton
New this year, the DH KNICKER offers extra length perfect for downhill, cooler temps or a classic pedal pusher look for cruising town. Fully featured with adjustable waist, thigh vents and cargo pocket. Shown in the ANA MARIA pattern. Photo: shredly.com
Ashley checks the view of Mount Sopris in the KTO short. Photo: Shredly
The MTB SHORT features an adjustable waist and invisible-zip thigh vents. Shown in the J-MO pattern. Photo: shredly.com
Ashley rocks the RIXFORD short in the Colorado autumn color of a Prince Creek trail. Photo: Jay Goodrich
The BASIC SHORT is anything but basic. Performance, comfort, style and nice details make this short not just a standard for mountain biking but so many other active pursuits. Shown in the ELVIRA pattern. Photo: shredly.com
Ashley showcasing the full range of the Shredly collection at a recent trunk show.
Ashley Rankin is a woman who makes things happen. A lifelong Colorado mountain girl and avid mountain biker dissatisfied with women’s performance apparel – she created Shredly to put an end to big, baggy and boring and ushered in flattering, functional and fun bike clothing.
As a devout user from the launch of the brand, I can tell you Shredly makes riding even more fun! The short fabric is lightweight and breathable with stretch for mobility while being rugged, durable and surprisingly mud-stain resistant. Thoughtful features like adjustable waistband, thigh vents and slim cargo pocket with blinged-out faux-crystal snap put the shorts over the top.
As for the separate inner liner, the Shredly YOGACHAM puts an end to hot and awkward diaper-like chamois. There is just enough padding – but not too much – in all the right places and a low-rise waistband inspired by yoga pants for comfort.
The bottom (no pun!) line is that I feel great in my shorts — the fit, function and comfort help me ride longer; style that is fun but also a little badass makes me happy – so I like to believe that Shredly helps me ride a little better! Check shredly.com for the full story and product range, including jerseys. And as Shredly says: Look Good. Feel Good. Shred Good.
Posted in Art & Graphics, Bike, Fashion, Other Mountain Sports, Style, Trend
Tagged Aspen, Colorado, Mountain Bike, MTB, Shredly
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