mudbuttbiking

Puslinch Trails

2007-04-24T19:29:00.000-04:00

On saturday the Toronto Bike Network (TBN) had a ride at Puslinch. A great area of single tract trails located just southwest of Guelph close to Cambridge. From Toronto, about 90min drive if you get lost like always do!
The trails at Puslinch provide a great ride...very fast...lots of roots...twisty. No gut busting hills though enough to provide the heart with a workout.
The day was warm and sunny...first decent weekend this year and we had a big crew show up for a ride. Lots of smiles all round.
For more pix on this ride check out my flickr site.
www.flickr.com/photos/joneboi

ELDRED KING WOODLANDS

2007-04-24T19:21:00.000-04:00

Near Ravenshoe...west of Durham Forest is a large parcel of land in the York Forest region called the Eldred King Woodlands. Nice Double tract all about...well maintained..lots of horses..which is a good thing cuz the horses are creating single track all over. The ground is sandy like Durham with the result being good riding most every day even after a downpour. I've talked to Jason of DMBA fame and I am really stoked at the thought of possibly creating great single track bike trails. The opportunity is fantastic. The riders in the area just need to get organized and approach the necessary authorities. I relly believe this parcel of land could be even better than Durham.

APR 1ST...UXBRIDGE ICEBREAKER...NO JOKE!

2007-04-06T13:45:00.000-04:00

The weather gods did not smile on the 200 plus riders for the race...the first of the 2007 biking season. Rain...cool temp...but not cool enough to freeze the ground...made for a muddy ride. I wused out...prefering to save my bike. I have develped a rule. I never do a ride if the cleaning of the bike takes longer than the ride itself. Though the desire to get in the mud was so overpowering at times I'm glad I stayed off the bike. The organizers did a great job of keeping the riders off most of the single track in Durham Forest in an effort to preserve the trails. Biking season has officially started!

UXBRIDGE ICEBREAKER 2007

2007-04-06T13:42:00.000-04:00

Our buddy Rick..aka MR EPIC entered the race and didnt smile too much by the end...but was glad he did the gig...I chickened out ...saving myself for the Paris/Ancaster race on the 22nd.

ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

2007-04-06T13:38:00.000-04:00

On saturday we headed north of Waterloo into Mennonite country for the Maple Syrup Festival in Elmira, the worlds largest maple syrup festival. The day was so cool...just above 0c if the wind was not occuring...perfect for the running of sap. Large crowds, great food, good people. A perfect way to spend the day.

MAPLE SYRUP ON THE THICKEST PANCAKES

2007-04-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

Started off the day with a couple thick pancakes and coffee (only $4) before heading out on the people mover at the Sap Farm....

ENJOYING A CUP OF MAPLE SYRUP COFFEE

2007-04-06T13:30:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a cup of java with maple syrup! Of course this twas the weekend of maple syrup with everything.....yummmy! At one of the Maple farms I had popcorn with maple syrup...tastee!

THOUGHT I'D CHECK OUT A NEW TRAIL

2007-03-25T20:09:00.000-04:00

In the local park by me (Earl Bale) I decided to check out the old trails the winter has exposed. The soil is too muddy to ride but I thought I'd ride over for a look/see. Need a week of warmer, dryer weather. There are trails and even an area of tricks....need a little work but the result could be awesome for riding. Cant help but notice all the garbage in the gulley. Makes you wonder.

ICEBREAKER IN A WEEK.......

2007-03-25T20:04:00.001-04:00

The Uxbridge Icebreaker Mtb race...the 1st of the season is April 01 and I thought I'd check out the conditions at Durham Forest. Very tough riding. Icy with a few cm of ice coarse slush on top. I had new tires....like ski-doo treads and yet I had a tough time. Not sure if I will be racing next week...have to see how the week goes...

XC SKIING AT HARDWOOD HILLS

2007-03-18T20:54:00.000-04:00

Today was a great sunny day....went to Hardwood Hills to ski with the TBN gang. Had to apply tons of klister to stick to the trails. There is no doubt that this was the last ski day of the season for me....the temps will go up this week and maybe we will have another snow fall like fridays' but I feel the skiis will go to the back of the closet and the bikes come out to enjoy the day.
Is Hardwood Hills up for sale? That is the question on my mind....a few For Sale signs on the lower south property. That is not the mtn biking area but I hope the main ski area is not lost to mtb's

SPRING SKIING

2007-03-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

One of the special activities that I enjoy is spring skiing. Out west it's downhill in our shorts and t-shirts. Here in Ontario its XC skiing. Went with TBN (Toronto Bike Network) to the Mansfield Outdoor Centre and the sun was glorious. I enjoy Mansfield because the trails are serpentine thru the forest with just enough hills to keep a smile on your face.

Sadly, Mansfield is the location of one of Canadas two IMBA Cross Country Mountain Bike Trails. The other is the 7 Summits in Rossland. Sadly...because Mansfield is closed to mountain biking 'cept for special races.

Makes you appreciate the area more on days like today!

COUNCILLOR BOB FORD SPEAKS!

2007-03-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in the Toronto Star, Councillor Bob Ford was quoted;

"I can't support bike lanes. Roads are built for buses, cars, and trucks. My heart bleeds when someone gets killed, but it's their own fault at the end of the day."

Obviously we know someone who didnt get his little red bike when he was young. I urge anyone and everyone to email this cat. If you're a cyclist stand up for your right to be on the road. As a human stand up because the people voted in to office shouldnt be so superior to those they serve.

This is his email;
councillor_ford@toronto.ca

This is his Ward;
http://www.toronto.ca/wards2000/ward2.htm

I'm getting pissed listening to the politicians talk about going green but not building bike lanes and the Conservation Authorities banning mountain bikes from green space without any input from the various cycle organizations. If we all work together everyone would be happy ('cept for Councillor Ford) and perhaps the solutions for one problem would contribute to solving a greater array of problems. Just a thought.

2007 TORONTO BIKE SHOW

2007-03-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

A cool day outside but the deals were hot inside. A great day spent with friends. Good deals on much needed equipment. I spent way too much money!

THE GANG!

2007-03-04T11:10:00.000-05:00

Each of us had a differnet reason to be at the show which meant that we all visited each booth and looked hard for the deals that each of us were looking for. And there were great deals to be found.

THE SHOW!

2007-03-04T11:09:00.000-05:00

MY DREAM BIKE

2007-03-04T11:04:00.000-05:00

Stopped at the Rocky Mtn booth to have a look at the bike I am thinking of buying at the end of this year....the ETSX 70. Was surprised how heavy it was....that may be the only stumble. I am looking for a lighter faster able to climb wicked hills bike.

THE START OF A NEW BIKE!

2007-03-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

I paid a visit to Peter at Misfitpsycles and walked out with a frame. The start of my new single speed mtn bike! Need to figure out what components to install. Any ideas?

CRANK BROS EGGBEATER

2007-03-04T10:57:00.000-05:00

I was trying to find these in the full stainless steel models and luckily at Northern Cycles I found what I needed...bought some new shoes (Specialized MTN Comp) so there is one last item on my list for 2007; a new full suspension mtn bike.

ITS THE SWAG!

2007-03-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEKEND?

2007-02-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

JONNIE SICK.......JONNIE NO FUN......

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

2007-02-18T18:52:00.000-05:00

Nothing like going down a hill in the snow...just so slightly out of control....winter biking at its best. I went out for a quick 2 hour ride at Earl Bales Park in Toronto. Trails not so bad but those trails not travelled were difficult after the snowfall we had midweek. I manage to find a few new trails and look forward to the spring to earnestly work on these trails.

HAVING FUN ON THE TRAILS

2007-02-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

As long as the trails were well travelled the riding was not too bad....those trails not so well travelled were a challenge...a good workout. A sunny day...only about minus 20c...the toes didnt freeze till about 2 hours into the ride.

WHAT THE HELL DOES THIS DO?

2007-02-18T18:36:00.000-05:00

I started the weekend with a little maintenance...last weekend I lost my rear brakes on the very first hill due to cable snap.....so making a little room in the bike repair area aka the kitchen and repairs were made. I still have the problem with the stem...not sure what it is...better get it fixed before the Paris/Ancaster race.

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE

2007-02-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

Went with TBN (Toronto Bicycle Network) to Scenic Caves today for XC skiing. Being the sunday before St Valentines there was a certain theme to our bus. I thought it was nice but pimpish with all the bordello red. Appealled to my welder sensibility. When we arrived the day was gorgeous but soon the wind and clouds came to the mountain. Still...the caves are a great place to ski and with all the new snow one couldnt ask for better conditions.

WHERE ARE THE EVERGREENS?

2007-02-11T22:16:00.000-05:00

Just realised that there are no evergreens in this forest...no cedars...no pines.....kinda naked

Meant the wind could just howl through the forest...bundle up kiddies!

ITS THE VIEW

2007-02-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

Scenic Caves is a great place to ski and one of the reasons is the view...best time to go is in the morning. Always seems like the weather closes in come the afternoon. Up above Blue Mtn you can see Georgian Bay in all it's icy glory.

FITTING IN A QWIK RIDE.....QWAZY QWANUCKS!

2007-02-10T18:41:00.000-05:00

Managed to get Adam out for a quick ride. Rode the single track at Earl Bales. The trails were nicely packed and the riding was awesome. I broke my rear brake cable on the first major downhill of the ride and ended up doing all the ride with only a front brake...on the trails near the Don River that was interesting! Temp was about minus 14c and tho the sun was out when we started, the cold was intense shortly into the ride. Was a good way to end the afternoon.
Tonight I am off skating again...better go find some long johns! Looking forward to that hot cocoa.

WHEN THE SUN SETS ITS COLD!!!!!!!

2007-02-10T18:35:00.000-05:00

We managed to ride for about 80 min which was longer than I thought we would be out. Too much going on this day. but a quick ride with Adam was a perfect way to end the afternoon. Our feet were cold when we finished....ice actually. Need to find perfect snow boots. After I put a new back brake on the bike!

FRIGGIN COLD! I NEED CHOCOLATE!

2007-02-04T20:24:00.001-05:00

FRIGGIN' COLD! I NEED CHOCOLATE!, originally uploaded by joneboi.

Sunday I joined the TBN Crew for XC Skiing at Horseshoe Resort. Temp was around minus 25c. Thank goodness for chocolate! Only did about 12km...headed into the chalet and as I was eating yummy food a wonderful snow storm hit. Great to see the snow but made XC skiing a hard go.....

What a great weekend.....Biking friday.....Skating saturday....Skiing sunday......winter can be so awesome!

SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING AT CEDAR GROVE ARENA

2007-02-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

Saturday night....bitterly cold....the moon wasnt quite full but was oh so bright....had the idea that skating on an outdoor rink and a cup of hot chocolate would be a sweet way to spend the night. Headed out to Cedar Grove. An institution in Toronto since 1927 and hasnt changed much in all those years. $4 for skating. $1 for hot cocoa. How can you beat that? Sure it was friggin cold but what an awesome place .....so canadian....pond skating....awesome!

FEB 02 FULL MOON RIDE

2007-02-03T12:57:00.000-05:00

Full Moon! A group of us went to the trails at King City for a ride under the moonlight in the snow. Holy Friggin' shit! The wind in the parking lot took me back to my days working in Northern Alberta. Once in the forest the snow was like sand. Not hard packed at all. Lots of fun but lots of work. The great aspect about the work was taking one's mind off the cold. The trails at King City are fairly easy in the standard biking season but in winter with fresh snow they were all we could handle. Even the slightess hill was difficult to climb. Took us about an hour to do 5kms. Under the light of the moon we soon turned off our lamps and snaked through the forest 'au natural.' An awesome experience. Luckily the snow cushions most of your falls and slides into the trees. Cuz gee...with no lights one tends to hit a few.

The night was great. We didnt get lost or have to eat one of our own. Though at times I was seriously pondering the exploits of Capt. Scott on his ill-fated expedition to Antarctica and whether I should leave my mates for a 'little walk in the snow.'

A few of the boys are planning to ride the TransRockies Race this year. Which will be a gas!
If you know anyone who is willing to ride a single speed in the race give Peter a call at Misfitpsycles. Someone wants to do it single speed and needs a partner. If you havent tried a single speed yet go to misfitpsycles to gaze at what's new. I have met quite a few people on single speeds in the past few months and they all love the big rims and the ride of the bikes.

A few of the guys have connections with two bike stores in the Toronto area. Great guys whom I know will give anyone help in the biking dept. Check 'em out.
www.sportswap.com
www.misfitpsycles.com

To get a taste of the TransRocky experience, often referred to as the second most difficult bike race on earth, check out the web site:
www.transrockies.com

APRES RIDING RENDEZ-VOUS

2007-02-03T12:52:00.000-05:00

So after the ride we headed to King City and stopped in to Hogan's Pub. Good food. Good beer. Good live band. Friendly waitresses. Good spot for a group of bikers needing a little warm up.

1 AM IN KING CITY

2007-02-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

So we left the pub to head home..... the bikes safe but cold. Funny...other than us and the crew I didnt see one other bike on a vehicle. Wonder why?

A DAY OF XC REQUIRES A KUTENAI KOOKIE

2007-01-28T22:19:00.000-05:00

So Sunday found me with the TBN crew at Wasaga Nordic Centre. The temp was about -5c again but I made sure the day's skiing was going to go well; I baked lots of Kutenai Kookies. got everything in them so you know they just have to be healthy. Must of worked cuz the day went well. Wasaga is a great place to ski. Scenery is ace and the trails are in great shape.

SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOT TO PUT YOUR FEET UP.....

2007-01-28T22:18:00.001-05:00

REST STOP STILL......., originally uploaded by joneboi.

Lots of rest areas on the trails...some open shelters exist with BBQ's as well....sounds like the making of a party!

HEADING UP MONUMENT HILL

2007-01-28T22:10:00.000-05:00

The trail up to Monument Hill and the Highlands is great....nice hills....a little more work...good fun

MR TBN MAKING THE LAST RUN OF THE DAY

2007-01-28T22:05:00.000-05:00

Dan and I headed out for one last run before the bus was to arrive and take us back to Toronto. A nice 5 km run back up to Monument Hill and the run of death..which I walked but Dan skied. That is why he is Mr TBN

THE SARGE AND I PREPARING TO RIDE E2

2007-01-28T21:45:00.000-05:00

I was joined by Adam, aka The Sarge for the saturday ride at E2 trail in Ganaraska. Fresh snow meant this was going to be a worker of a ride. The temp was about -5c but felt much colder. We wore quite a few layers of clothes and the booties were a must. Still, all of us after about 2 hours felt the chill and headed back to Rob's house to sit by the fire.....I bonked about 30 min before the ride was done and the bike was acting quite loose in the head area. Or maybe it was me a little loose in the head....anyhoo, something for the shop to look at this week. On the way back to Toronto from Rob's I ran out of gas and had to call CAA. Sue aka Big G Gal, who had ridden with us this day stopped by with a car package of muffins and water. Our favourite saviour! Cant wait to see what happens next week!

WALKING THE BIKE IS PART OF WINTER RIDING

2007-01-28T21:44:00.000-05:00

Winter riding with new snow means walking the bikes on some sections that were rideable only a few weeks back

MR ENDURO HAVING SANTA CLAUS FUN!

2007-01-28T21:41:00.000-05:00

Rob was having a blast on the trail...good hard work with a few turns not quite turning out the way they should.

RIDING E2 TRAIL

2007-01-28T21:38:00.000-05:00

I barely made it back to Rob's...wused out big time....was it because my camelback was frozen and I couldnt drink? It was a great ride but I was happy to be at the end.

FINALLY! XC SKIING TIME!

2007-01-21T20:58:00.001-05:00

Today I went up to Horseshoe Valley Resort, north of Barrie. The TBNers were to go XC skiing there today but I later found out they cancelled. As of thursday there was only 8cm of snow and after last week's disaster at Highlands Nordic I guess they pulled the plug. But enough snow had fallen since Thursday night to make the skiing decent. And for the first run of the season I was happy. Especially since my legs were still feeling the affects from yesterday's bike ride. The great bonus is that I got to work on my hot chocolate recipe.

HORSESHOE IN ACTION......

2007-01-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

I was surprised there weren't more people skiing.....I think everyone is having difficulty believing there is finally enough snow to ski whether it is XC or downhill.

THE FUN OF WINTER RIDING........

2007-01-21T20:46:00.001-05:00

The Fun of Winter Riding....., originally uploaded by joneboi.

So saturday I needed to get out....everyone seemed to either cocoon or just hide. I decided to ride and chose Earl Bales Park near home. The Park is located at Bathurst and Sheppard in Toronto and has some very decent single track. I rode the trails at Earl's and then crossed over the Don river to Burnett Park and rode the trails just west of York cemetery. I then rode a trail on the east side of the Don river from Sheppard all the way to Yonge and Wilson ending up at the Golf course. Crossing the golf course west I found more single track trails leading me back to Earl Bales Park and the trails that I started out on. A decent ride of 4 hours exploration! I would classify the trails as beginner...though the winter does make for some intermediate style riding on the hills. Major fun in the Big City!

More pix of Earl Bales/Burnett Park riding can be found at my flickr site. Look up the set... Assorted Biking pix 2007 at the following:

www.flickr.com/photos/joneboi

EARL BALES PARK....TRAILS AT BATHURST STREET

2007-01-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

I started the ride on the single track trails off Bathurst and Timberlane Drive. Easy stuff but still plenty fun

NORTH YORK SKI HILL

2007-01-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

After riding the trails on the upper levels of Earl Bales park I headed down to the Don River to cross over into Burnett Park.

BURNETT PARK

2007-01-21T20:25:00.000-05:00

Following the Don river from Earl Bales Park under Sheppard Avenue you arrive at Burnett Park and this is where the real sweet single track riding can be found. Plain and simple; fun.

TRAIL ENTRANCE LOOKING AT YORK CEMETERY

2007-01-21T20:22:00.000-05:00

At the west end of York Cemetery there are an abundance of trails heading down into Burnett Park. Very decent single track. Beginner level but I would say going down the hills in winter is a step up to intermediate. Lots of fun!

WHAT ONE FINDS ON THE TRAILS

2007-01-21T20:20:00.000-05:00

A tree hut......kids? homeless? On the trails in Burnett Park

HEADING WEST FROM THE DON VALLEY GOLF COURSE

2007-01-21T20:13:00.000-05:00

So from Burnett Park I headed down the Don River West on the east side. There is a sweet single track running from Sheppard Avenue down to Wilson/Yonge bringing you on to the Don Valley Golf Course. As you head west on the golf course you can see various single track on the upper banks. At the far west reaches of the golf course as it approaches Earl Bales Park there is a chain link fence that has an opening right at the start of some more single track leading the way to the service road near Westgate Blvd

THE ADVENTURER IS OFF TO BATHURST STREET.....NO WAY!

2007-01-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

At the end of the ride, making my way up the service road from the Don Valley Golf Course I found this sweet single track that climbed up the gulley. As the walls of the ravine were closing in on me and I was climbing higher I thought how decent to find a single track back to Bathurst. But about 4 metres from the top the single track ended....so I had to climb a 45 degree icy grade with my hummer bike in tow...seriously should consider completing the trail to the top.

BIKING THE BIG 'G' THE CARSCADDEN ROAD TRAILS

2007-01-14T21:09:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of mountain biking in the Ganaraska forest...today after 2 weeks of feeling like crap I road in the West Forest with a few friends. We tried the trails found at the Carscadden Road parking lot. The trails were similar to the Honda trails in the E2 section...long , windy, big Datona banks and lots of moguls. Today's extra treat is that snow fianlly started to fall. It's a blast riding in the white stuff!

BOWL OF WASABI TO WARD OFF EVIL SPIRITS

2007-01-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

So I get home from the trans Canada flight and yahoo! Jonnie gets ill....remedy is lots and lots of soup with lots and lots of wasabi sauce....

BIKING THE NORTH DELTA WATERSHED FOREST

2007-01-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

An awesome area to bike...just over the Fraser river from New Westminister....I guess one could classify the trails as beginner but there is a section of ...shall I say not quite North Shore but definately West Coast stunts. There is no denying that riding in a rain forest is an awesome experience.

XMAS IN VANCOUVER.....STORM SIGNS

2007-01-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

Vancouver was going thru a cold wave whereas Toronto was rockin' in the 13c range. I took a walk down to Stanley Park to check out the storm damage there......nature is a vicious affair.

COOL VIDS

2006-12-23T18:53:00.001-05:00

Taking a break from the Santa gig and checking out some local vids (Canuck) and a Swiss Heidi flick....my fav is ShitHouse Productions....they do cool vids of the local Ontario scene. I actually was on one of their runs last week but my mature brain cells said 'Are you F**king crazy!'
Check out their blog.
www.shithouseproductions.blogspot.com
Have a very wicked Christmas and may your carbon seatpost not break on the next slight 4 foot drop!

An awesome Mountain Bike video. Lots of crazy jumps and stunts.

2006-12-23T18:49:00.003-05:00


Mountain bike video.

New Trailsurfer Freeride Video - mountainbike action in the SWISS ALPS

2006-12-23T18:49:00.001-05:00

http://www.trailsurfer.ch - adventurous freeride fun events in the swiss alps . Beautiful footage of mountains, landscapes and exciting 'trailsurfing' scenes from several occasions before 20.Nov.2006 in Switzerland. 5:40 Minute Video Clip from Trailsurfer CH documentary archives containing adventurous jumps and rides in beautiful scenic surroundings and some funny animation, some of it previously featured on national TV.

Best_of_ohsix.avi

2006-12-23T18:40:00.001-05:00


Mountain biking Ontario crash freeride shithouse

DUFFERIN FOREST/PALGRAVE RIDES DEC 16/17

2006-12-20T19:59:00.000-05:00

What an awesome weekend for riding! Weather was almost like a standard West Coast day. Not often the temp is in the double digits in Dec and we all took advantage of the occassion. Our buddy 'Lefty' rides with members of the Bolton Mountain Bike Club and she invited Sarge and Alp Boy to a ride on saturday at Dufferin Forest and sunday at the Palgrave tract. The gang are a great group. They put the fun back into riding.

Dufferin forest reminds me of Durham forest and Ganaraska. Pine forests, sandy trails that are rideable even under very wet conditions, long windy trails and lovely hills.

Palgrave is just north of Albion Hills and is an amazing trail. Very very technical at the beginning and middle with good hills and lots of tight twisty sections. Sarge and I rode thru with the gang and then rode the trail backwards....a very wicked workout. No wonder the BMBC gang are in such great riding form.

If you would love to join a great mountain bike club located just north of Toronto, give the Bolton Mountain Bike Club a try.

On the BMBC website there is a link to the TRCA (Toronto Regional Conservation Authority) discussion on the future of the Palgrave tract trails. I strongly urge all Mountain bikers to take a great interest in this. Palgrave is an incredible riding area and our input is strongly required to prevent bikers from losing this gem in the pursuit of multi purpose use. The TRCA controls a great amount of green space in the GTA and this space is where we bike. We need to have the TRCA be aware of the benefits of including mountain bikers in their plans. Ok..I'll get off my soap box now cuz I need a bath.

Bolton Mountain Bike Club can be found at:
www.bmbc.ca

To see more pix of these rides pls check my flickr site:
www.flickr.com/photos/joneboi

SO WHY IS THIS MAN NOT SMILING????

2006-12-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

Because I notice Adam is about to eat all the pie....

THE HILLS AND VALLEYS OF DUFFERIN

2006-12-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

Only my second time riding these trails. First time was during the W.O.W. race a few weeks back. Trails rock and there are plenty of hills to produce a capable heart attack. Thankfully we lost nobody this day. But Alp Boy was feeling like a Frenchman who drank too much Baby Duck.....oh...not good!

A FEW TRICKS BEFORE WE QUIT

2006-12-20T19:43:00.000-05:00

There are a few areas in Dufferin Forest where one can find some tricks. Mr Chris was the resident Freerider and managed to get good air on a few runs. I didnt try this day. I believe the term 'garage sale' would be an adequate description of my landings. At the end of our day we went to an area where this teeter totter was set up...nothing fancy...just great fun.

APRES RIDE MEAL

2006-12-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

Bruno had ham sandwiches. Sylvain had Stolen cake. Someone brought cookies. I had a thermos of Oso Negro coffee and some good Santa helpers brought Bailey's! Awesome way to end the day.

PALGRAVE

2006-12-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

The gang enjoying the trails at Palgrave on an incredible day blessed for riding.

ENJOYING THE PALGRAVE TRAILS

2006-12-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

We had a great ride on sunday. The trails were unbelieveable!

HAVING FUN!

2006-12-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

Palgrave trails rock! Ripped my shirt to shreds on the hanging branches but I never kissed the ground once. That's what I call a successful ride!

SARGE & I HAVING THE APRES RIDE MEAL

2006-12-19T21:24:00.000-05:00

Adam & I dug into the apple pie and drank the coffee with delirious abandon. A great ride ending with good food.

SOMEONE HAD A BAD DAY.........

2006-12-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

On the way back home we came across a truck on its side. So glad I spent my day biking!

MARTY'S CHRISTMAS RIDE AT 3 ROCKS

2006-12-10T21:42:00.000-05:00

This was the 10th edition of the ride. Marty is the head honcho who got this event together with some help from Northern Cycle. The gist is that riders of all levels go for a ride in 3 Rocks (Glen Major) for 2 hours and then all meet back in the parking lot for a potluck dinner. IMBA has been working on the trails in the area and the riding was excellent. Perfect weather, food and company. Joining me for this ride was Adam, aka The Sarge...Sue aka 'Lefty' and Sue P aka ' Big G Gal'. We met old friends and made new friendships by the end of the day. A great event. A wicked time....even with Adam breaking his bike. Last week I had all the bad karma...today Adam had a slight taste of the bad luck voodoo potion. Broke his frame in two areas. Not cool. Luckily it happened near the end of the ride. He hiked out to the road while I rode to the parking lot and drove the car up to his location. He deserved an extra big plate of pasta for his luck.

The two cakes were my contribution to the event. To see more pix check my flickr site. LU Marty's Christmas Ride Dec 10th.
www.flickr.com/photos/joneboi
check out some of the crew behind this event
www.northerncycle.com

WAITING THE START OF THE RIDE

2006-12-10T21:39:00.000-05:00

There must have been close to 50 riders. All waiting for Marty to give the 'let's go!' signal. I dont think I've ever seen the parking areas so full. Was so cool to see so many bikers at a non-race gig.

JUST RIDIN' IN THE SNOW...RIDIN' IN THE SNOW WE WAS.....

2006-12-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

There is something magical ridin in the snow. None of us had major winter studs on our tires...just nobbies and the trails were a gas. IMBA has been in Glen Major to do trail work and their efforts are so evident and such a pleasure. Hope to ride many more times here during the winter

TREK BIKE GONE BAD....REAL BAD

2006-12-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

Poor Adam....a wicked bike that just couldnt handle the stresses and strains of the frollicsome riding of the crew.....seat tubing came out of the crank saddle and the top horizontal tube cracked totally under the duress. He had to walk back to the road where I picked him up in the car after I road back with the gang. The pasta, cakes, cookies and trays upon trays of yum yums made the pain of the bike seem to vanish for the rest of the afternoon.

Ganaraska Muffin and Bailey's Ride - Dec 03

2006-12-09T19:30:00.000-05:00

So there we were ready to try a new trail in Ganaraska....off we go in a great line of adventurers and lil' jonny here gets maybe 3m and my free hub blows.....I was quite prepared to sit in the car and read my Globe and Mail waiting the 2 or 3 hours for the gang to come back but lo and behold they all came back within 10 min. Robert decided that he could fix the bike at his house which was only a few km away. So we sped off in the car while the gang kept riding the trails led by Big G Sue. The bike did not willingly allow itself to be fixed but Robert was able to us an old hub to get me on the trails again. YeeeeeeeHaw! By the time we met up with the crew they were beat. We all rode back to the parking lot for food and refreshments. At this time my glasses came apart and so as I blindly watched, Monique and Robert managed to put my 'eyes' back together. This was becoming too exciting a day for me but the skies were darkening and in a short time we had to bid goodby to our tired mates. Adam, Robert , Monique and I headed back to Roberts home before the darkness set in but as fast as we were riding, darkness rode faster. it was just before the true darkness set in that my pivot pin broke on the bike. Luckily I had a good wad of Duct tape and was able to tape the pin in place and continue riding. Most interesting adventure.

EnduroMan to the rescue

2006-12-09T19:27:00.000-05:00

Robert was fixing everyones bikes this day. I felt bad that he missed riding with the gang but I was so pleased that he was able to fix my freeHub.

Lefty coming home to Muffins and Bailey

2006-12-09T19:20:00.000-05:00

Coming home to M and B sounds like a song from the 40's....but after Robert got my bike working good enough to ride we met the group at the tail end of their ride. We all rode back to the parking area for a great spread of homemade muffins (thanks to Big G Sue) and cocoa and baileys (thanks to both Sues for that!) The boys were beat from what I was told was an awesome ride. The food and drinks helped everyones tired bones. When the gang packed up, Adam, Robert and I headed out in the darkness in search of wicked good fun. Ever ridden in a forest you dont know in the dark. Major YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHAW!

TBN MTB WINTER PARTY DEC 01

2006-12-09T19:11:00.000-05:00

We met at the Sports Cafe on St Clair to celebrate another year of biking in the greater GTA. Most of the group seem to be eyeing the skies for snow and praying for enough powder....sorry...that's my BC blood speaking there.....praying for enough wet, damp but non-slushy snow to enable us to strap on the Atomics and race down the 100m slopes that abound T.O. Me....I still ride as long as I possibly can. I'll cross country ski when the conditions are willing but we have been so lucky to still be riding even theough the temp is hovering around 2c.

The party was a great chance to meet a few souls that I havent seen for most of the year. Andrea and Colleen are planning a bike trip to France next spring so the night was a wonderful time to chat about that. Mitch, the Hangman is off to Quebec to ski on the weekend of the 10th of Dec. Mnt Tremblant I believe. The rest of us just talked about skiing, boarding and biking.....a good time had by all!

TBN MTB WINTER PARTY

2006-12-09T19:09:00.000-05:00

Adam, Mitch (the Hangman) Sylvain and I enjoying ourselves...err...I meant enjoying the atmoshere of the party.

TBN MTB WINTER PARTY

2006-12-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

The boys and Susan......

TBN MTB WINTER PARTY

2006-12-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

Mr TBN (Dan) Kutenai Kick Ass Biker (Andrea) and Ned Fav (Colleen) having a few laughs at the expense of .......????????

Birthday Ride on the E2 Honda Trail - Ganaraska East Forest

2006-11-27T20:45:00.000-05:00

A Crew photo of the Birthday Ride on Sunday, Nov 26th. With Robert the Enduro Man leading us, we had a rockin' ride on the Honda Trail in the E2 section of Ganaraska East Forest. The trail is composed of 3 loops with a total distance of about 22-25km. The ride is sooooooo smooth. The trails run into each other with a flow that is nirvana. Each of us had a pumpkin grin when the ride was over....just awesome. Certainly a 2 out of 3 eload ride. The crew was a nice fast pace group. Robert, Simon and Adam lead the way with the rest of us close behind enjoying the moguls and daytona banks. The whoops! and YeeHaws were loud and often. And even though it is now late November the trail was in excellent shape. I guess we can thank Vancouver for giving us their weather and while they enjoy our typical late fall weather.
The reason it was a Birthday Ride is because Adam and Sue are enjoying their respective 'special' day this week. After the ride they cut the Birthday cake (carrot) and we all enjoyed and celebrated their birthdays and a very good ride with good friends.

A Little Bit of North Shore Riding in Ganaraska

2006-11-27T20:31:00.000-05:00

Unbelieveable! The kids have built a few stunts that left us in awe. No one was about when we were there. Would have loved to see the kids do these stunts. Very much homemade. Very much beyond our limits of responsible riding. But we all had a smile on our faces seeing these stunts.

Shorty is sooooooooooo smooth!

2006-11-27T20:21:00.000-05:00

I refer to Simon as Shorty not because of his size; gals this is one manly man, but to the fact that he still wears shorts riding. I, who insist on wearing shorts till things that shouldnt freeze together do, have been wearing long pants riding for about 3 weeks now. But Shorty is so smooth and fast burning up the trails he just doesnt get cold. Unbelieveable how easy he makes it look. Always a gas to have Simon ride with us.

Big G Gal Shows Us How to Ride Ganaraska

2006-11-27T20:09:00.000-05:00

Always a treat to ride with Sue ...aka Big G Gal. As a member of the Ganaraska Freewheelers she rides in Ganaraska Forest a fair amount. Not only does she know the trails but all that riding in such a great place has made her into a very very good rider. Like the other members of the Ganaraska Freewheelers, Sue is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. And what makes the sunday rides a real treat are the people you ride with.
www.hedney.com/freewheelers

Mr Epic loves his biking and his Guinness

2006-11-27T20:03:00.000-05:00

Mr Epic was enjoying himself but we all noticed that his pace was ...eh....a little off. The night before was a rather...and I quote...."enjoyable evening!" Even off his racing form the guy rides like the wind....and climbs...like no other man

Lefty Handles the Trails with Ease

2006-11-27T19:56:00.000-05:00

Sue...aka Lefty was having a rockin' time on the E2 Honda Trail. Definately a Ganaraska Forest fan. I could hardly keep up to her on the downhills....and with my tank that is saying something! She'd be standing up pedalling as if she had awoken all the bears in the forest and would blaze down the route....with all that yelling I'm sure the bears were not pleased.

The Ganaraska Rocket!

2006-11-27T19:49:00.000-05:00

Monique and Robert are great riders and riding with them is a treat not only because of their biking skills but simply they are two great people. Adam took this picture...how did he manage to get the Ganaraska Rocket to slow down? Oh yeah...he stood on the trail with a handful of Horse pooh....ah that Adam will do almost anything for a photo.

Mr BBQ Does the Daytona

2006-11-27T19:42:00.000-05:00

Albert...aka Mr BBQ took the Daytona banks like a pro. He loved it so much that he decided that even though he is in in forties he will sell everything and ride the Ganaraska Forest as a Pro. Pondering how that is possible since there is only one big race a year in the Big G he simply said YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaWhooooooooooooooooooooooo! Gotta love the BBQ Man!

Matt the Newby Smokin' the Trails

2006-11-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

Matt the Newby is...eh...a newby! 1st year riding and this guy rocks. Game for all the trails , even Porkupine Ridge. his technique has improved so much from day one. Next year when he gets his Shimano Clip pedals we wont be able to keep up to him...next year we will be calling him Matt the Missile

Joneboi Rides into the Cake Zone!

2006-11-27T19:07:00.000-05:00

Ssa50907, originally uploaded by joneboi.

I arrive to the parking lot some 2hrs and 22kms after I started. What an awesome ride! Now its time for cake!

Cutting the Birthday Cake!

2006-11-27T19:05:00.000-05:00

Adam and Sue....aka 'The Sgt' and 'Lefty' cut the cake. Hope the cake is big enough! Whew! That was close.

Everyone enjoys carrot cake!

2006-11-27T18:59:00.000-05:00

A great way to end a great ride; eating carrot cake! Our thanks to Adam and Sue being born this week so that we all had a reason to eat cake....next time I will have to bring a coffee maker. Cake and coffee...oh yes, that is the proper way to end a rockin' ride.

2006 WINTER W.O.W. ENDURO & TOUR

2006-11-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

I'm eating pasta smothered in a sauce of tumeric, Havana Rhum, molasses and chilli peppers with lemon. A dose of veggies worthy of an A+ on the Canadian Health guide and grilled chicken in a mustard/tumeric base. Of course washing this down with a Niagara Merlot. Why do I mention this? Because this day I woke up at 6am to ride a 40km race at Mansfield. The temp was -1c and snow was to be found. The W.O.W. Enduro is an awesome ride. Mansfield, where the race was held has been closed this season to mountain biking except for races. Rich, who rides for Team Epic planned to ride. Sue, though starting late this season, is enjoying racing. Simon, who rode at Ganaraska 2 weeks ago was at the race and yes! He did the ride in his shorts!!!! Adam who does race competively decided to have fun this day and still he was the fastest non-official racer on the course. Moi? I met up with a crew of great guys who ride in many of these races together as the 'Missing Link' team. It was at this Halfway refuelling station that John, the Irishman he is, told us.........

A guy walks into a pub in Belfast. He asks the bartender "What's the fastest way to Dublin?" The bartender sez "You walking or driving?"
"Driving" sez the guy.
"That be the fastest." sez the bartender.

And the ride got better and better. Most of the gang won prizes. The post race chilli and German beer never tasted so good! After 40kms of biking I could eat a years supply of chilli for the Toronto Argonauts. So I've treated myself to pasta and chicken...soon to be washed down with Rhum smothered ice-cream. Strickly a post ride ritual you understand!

W.O.W. has a number of great races during the year. Check out the website www.wowmtb.com
There are more pix on my flickr site. www.flickr.com/photos/joneboi

Just Ridin' in the Snow...oh what a beautiful feeling....

2006-11-19T21:11:00.000-05:00

John is one of the 'Missing Link' crew. They rode like the wind. Perhaps one could quibble from which body orfice that wind came from but there is no doubt the crew could ride. They were out to have fun and enjoy the race. Its the first time I've ridden with a crew that knew so many Capt 'n' Tennille songs. Of course the kicker was each of the guys singing the parts of Bohemian Rhapsody. My only contribution was the major Wahoo's on the ride.

Stairway to Pain

2006-11-19T21:06:00.000-05:00

Why is it trails have such unique names? Of course the more black diamonds on the signage the wilder the names. Nothing is called Petes Run or Donna's Ride. No they have names like Stairway to Pain. Described as a nice sandy climb. Friggin sandy but not so nice!

Ridin' The Pines of Dufferin Forest

2006-11-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

It seems every good forest tract in Ontario has 'The Pines.' Just is the nature of the forests here. All of them are on 2nd, 3rd or 4th growth and the trees are often planted in rows much like the cornfields dotting the southern section of Ontario. Riding through the Pines is a blast. Doesnt matter if its Durham, Ganaraska, Guelph or Dufferin Forest. To zig zag through the trees at a fast clip is a rush! Of course missing a turn and kissing bark is so sweet to disembowel one's ego...aint mtb fun!

Sue lands 2nd place!

2006-11-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

Our favourite happy rider Sue, came in 2nd and picked up her prize. Adam came in first for the tour riders but only got to enjoy the chilli. I, on the other hand went over the finish line long after the time clock had been put away for another year.

Rich ...aka Mr Epic wins his class!

2006-11-19T20:44:00.000-05:00

Rich improved his time considerably from last year and won his division; A W.O.W. Camelback. Personally I think its the Stumpjumper!
Rich rides for Epic cycling.
www.epiccycling.com

Bruce wins the Kona frame!

2006-11-19T20:40:00.000-05:00

the last prize of a great day....Bruce wins a great KONA frame as a door prize.

The Smilin' Tree at the X Files in Ganaraska ...Nov 12

2006-11-12T21:31:00.000-05:00

A cool day...typical November weather. I decided to ride the Ganaraska Central Forest (The Big G!) again. I was joined by fellow TBNers Albert and Adam, Sue from the Ganaraska Freewheelers and Robert and Monique.
Robert and Monique are excellent riders and have a great interest in the Ganaraska Forest with their work in organizing Paul's Dirty Enduro Race. www.torontocyclist.com/bbc/pauls/index
So it was a pleasure to ride with them and what a great ride we had. We rode the single track off the Orange Loop backwards which is great because the hills are ever so much longer. After about 3 hours of great riding we headed back to the parking lot for most to call it a day. Adam and I decided to ride the X Files trail and Robert offered to lead us to the trail. That was good. Cuz there is no way in hell Adam and I would have found the trail. Not sure how long the X Files is. My guess is about 4 or 5 kms. So Adam and I rode the trail north which I am sure is mostly uphill. Then at the trailhead pond, where a few unlucky whoopeeeee! riders have taken a bike bath, we turned around and did the X Files in the south direction or as I like to think...the downhill. At the bottom of the trail where all the ATV's park on the road is the Smilin' Tree. We loaded up with GU and eload and headed back to the car. The bike day ended 5 hours after it began. At this point we had a huge desire for pasta and beer so Kelsey's was our next stop. mmmmmmmmmmmmm was dinner good!