Two full days of riding to finish off the year. First a double header at Sprain on Saturday.

 

I met up with Beth, one of Joy’s friends from Manhattan who was with a group of other mountain bikers from the city to check out Sprain. They seemed to enjoy the technical challenges on the slick rock trail and were game for a few log rides as well. Quite a few attempts made on the old school log rides, and no injuries or walk outs. Beth says she will be back to practice her tail whips off Brent’s log ride.

 

 

Then down to the lot to meet Baddog and Bonebasher for their Chilifest pre-ride. Peekskill Pete, Tom Walsh and wife, Woody, and a few new names were out for some Sprain skinny action.

Right off the bat Tom hits the deck 50 feet into the woods launching over the big oak. Tweaks his back, putting him on the defensive for what was to come.

Pete on-sights 4 dollar Pepsi backwards. A few runs at Ernesto’s leap with some carnage caught on tape. Grey Goose, Double Barrel, Poop Shoot, and host of the regulars all ridden.

Off to some hidden gems and Tom’s back is feeling better as he makes a few runs at Vernal Pond on his single speed. More than three hours later the sun has now set. That group was off for Chili and beer until the wee hours, the perfect primer for an 8:30 am ride at Blue the next day.

 

SUNDAY - New Year’s Eve

It’s another massive group at Blue. 25 people roll out of the lot, and we ride the new trail at Depew raked out by MTV and Farty. Great roller and wall ride in there. Too busy riding to take any photos though. A few hours later we are down to four; Dave D, Evan, Farty and myself. My rear derailleur is cooked, and they are waiting for me on Blue Mtn. Summit when we see this guy walking down with his bike in hand.  It’s Crazy Dave and he has sheared off his derailleur hanger and the dropout.

 

 

A perfect ending to 2006.