The Holidays

My trip back to Wichita was very busy, getting together with family and friends celebrating Christmas and New Years. even though there was not a great deal of free time, I did get an opportunity to go ride with a couple of friends.

On Tuesday, we set out for Arkansas City to ride on the Horizon trail. Jason led the way on his 29'er which was cool to see in action. The trail made a 9 mile loop up and down the side of a large ravine. Parts of the trail were very technical and I found myself getting off and on my bike many times. Large steep and rocky climbs with plenty of step ups prevented me (due to my lack of ability and fitness and fear for my bike frame) from navigating it under pedal power. It really did not matter to me as I was very happy to be with friends and enjoying the 50 degree weather. We came upon "Cardiac" hill and I must say I was impressed with Cole's climbing ability. He set the bar by being able to ride it all the way to the top. I petered out about 100 yards shy of the summit (can I really use the word summit in Kansas?) and walked up the rest of the way.

Jason's 29'er was set up as a 1X9. He definitely got a great workout with all the steep climbs that day. He will be much more the man when he finally gets back on his 26". I was really impressed with how the 29'er handled the flowing portion of the track. It cornered well and ate up the trail in the parts where it opened up and let you get some repetitions on the pedals.

I think I was the only person to have a substantial fall that day, go figure. My ankle bone landed squarely on a rock and broke, not my bone, although for about 10 seconds it sure felt like it, but my ratchet buckle on my right shoe. I was able to get it to click in, but I could not tighten it down. The local bike shop was able to get me a replacement buckle the next day.

We met up again on Thursday morning around 6:30 am. You know the morning after a New Years evening of eating and drinking. We departed Wichita in 32 degree weather headed for Stillwater, OK. Cole, Jason or I had never been to McMurtry Lake, but the web write ups said it was a nice trail system. Although it felt cold getting out of the truck, we quickly realized we were over dressed and started to peel off layers. The temperature, around 55 degrees was absolutely perfect.


I was impressed with the 2 trails we rode. They flowed really well and had some decent technical areas, but not so tricked up the average Joe could not ride. Unfortunately for Jason, brake problems prevented him from being really aggressive, but I still think he had a good time. I can not wait to see the Titus in action next time we get together!

Here is Jason on his 29'er




Here is Cole getting some air!


Here is Cole working the camera...stick to riding bro!!!