Crash & Burn

Alfine 8 Speed Internal Hub Build 2

Originally uploaded by jcrashmore

Since I’m sick and can’t ride this weekend I did the next best thing, I built a wheel. This one was kinda special. It’s an 8 speed internal hub. It’s for a shop employee who plans to use it to commute on. The hub is massive to say the least. The weight alone made it kinda awkward to handle as I was lacing it up. The build turned out very nicely and I look forward to hearing how the hub performs on it’s daily commute.

I have two more sets to build over the next couple weeks so I’m going to be a busy wheel smith

IMG_0022

Originally uploaded by jcrashmore

Kicked off the weekend with a great ride around the watershed with Brian, Chris and Marty. (ride9/fight club).

I’m shocked that I have had another great ride up on the mountain. Maybe my curse is lifting in regard to the shed. I’m not sure what the big change has been, maybe my attitude, the company or I’m just getting used to the trails. Whatever the case I’ve greatly enjoyed my last couple loops there. Todays ride was a good mix of rocks and nice single track along with some long grindy type climbing (My favorite type of climb). Took the point and shoot with me and got some decent snap shots of the guys trying some of the rock gardens. More photos can be found at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashmorefamily/sets/72157605236741475/

Got news today that neither the product quality or customer service has improved over at Easton since my own wheel troubles with them.My friends will remember (and some should have REALLY remembered) that a while back I had a brand new and top of the line set of Easton XC wheels fail not once but twice on me. The first time it caused a nice bump to my noggin and a pulled shoulder for my trouble. After my warranty replacement set failed on their 2nd ride i had to go round and round in order to get a refund. I only succeeded because I had a good friend and great bike shop working on my behalf.

A couple weeks ago I rode with my buddy Pete and during the ride his free hub started sounding like a popcorn machine. It was horrible, I’m surprised it got him home actually. Today he posted up that easton has given word that they don’t see the failure as a warranty issue. This is really sad considering how new these wheels are. The damn tires mounted on the wheels haven’t even worn out yet. Come on guys that’s just bs.

At least Pete now admits he should have listened to me when I warned him against buying Easton wheels. Looks like he’s finally remembered what he taught me long ago. You simply can not beat a hand built set of wheels.

I do have to wonder how a company putting out such poor quality components and supporting them with even worse customer service stays in business.

I have come to realize there is something I dislike almost as much as having a planned ride rained out. That’s the number of threads that suddenly start popping up all over the local mtb forums reminding folks not to ride during or after a rain. Now the first few times I took it as educational, several years and a crap-ton of these posts later I frackin get it already. Also if you haven’t been out to actually examine the trails don’t post full blown trail reports.

If you want to report on rain fall totals etc have at it but don’t give a full blown trail report unless you’ve actually been out to the trail. There is such a huge number of variables involved with trail conditions that it makes arm chair quarterbacking really shaky at best. Consider previous rainfall, how saturated the ground is, wind conditions, sun, soil types etc.. My point is there’s alot that goes into what makes a trail acceptable to ride or not. Unless you’re miss cleo or get out there to see it for yourself you may not know whats up.

I will say that if you do go on a borderline day part of being responsible is recognizing when things are bad turning around and going home. Educate folks and give them the tools to make these decisions don’t preach to them. Bottom line is let folks make their own choices based on all the available info, don’t beat them over the head with the don’t ride when it’s wet stick.

The vast majority of folks whom frequent the local mtb advocacy groups site are not the types to go off riding in the mud to tear up the trails. I have to wonder why does anyone feel the burning need to regulate trail usage and decide when and where someone should ride? It is an individual choice and decision. Trail conditions are often subjective and folks need to use their best judgment. Give riders a rough set of guidelines and hope they’ll use them when planning their rides. At the end of the day that’s about the best you can and really should do. Last I checked it’s not illegal to ride in questionable conditions. That being the case some polite and subtle education is likely to work far better than attempts at heavy handed enforcement.

I’ve long thought that some of the well meaning but over excited folks involved in the local club and trails unintentionally push people away from advocacy and the club in general with their zealotry. For many people telling them aggressively that they can’t do something just makes them want to do it all the more.

In general folks need to stop assuming the worst of all our local riders and trust that you’ve given them enough information to make an appropriate choice on when and when not to ride.

Brizn @ The Watershed May 11th 2008

Originally uploaded by jcrashmore

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I had a great ride at the shed this morning. Brizn and I met up this morning to squeeze in a ride this morning before the family stuff started up. We did a short but very enjoyable loop at the shed. It really was the first time in a very long time that I had an enjoyable ride there. I can only hope this means my watershed curse has ended!

I actually found todays loop to be a good mix of rocks, roots and just plain old single track. Perhaps I was in a more positive state of mind for this mornings ride. In any event I’m ready to start giving this place another go.