What is trials riding/biking ?

Last year, a short video shot by an amateur videographer made the sensation on Youtube not just among bike riders, but everybody who came across it (it’s currently been viewed by over 21 million people).

It takes more than just skills to give such extraordinary bike performance. It takes creativity, talent, persistence and dedication ( he actually quit his job as a mechanic to pursue his dream of riding full time ).

This year, Edinburgh native Danny MacAskill , was noticed by Red Bull ( fat cats of extreme sports ) who created a new video called " “Way Back Home,” that follows Danny from Edinburgh in the U.K. to his hometown, Dunvegan, in the Isle of Skyle.



While watching the video, I couldn't stop admiring Danny's skills, beautiful landscape and music, also, was wondering what kind of bike would allow to do something like that.

That's when I first heard about trials biking/riding. During my visit to Colonnade Bike Park in Seattle, I saw an elevated structure section ( called Zeb's Grotto ), but just couldn't figure out what it was for. Watching Danny's video was my introduction to a new street/mountain biking discipline.

Bike RVing/bike campers

When I wrote " RVing just got a whole new meaning " post, I thought those inventions ( camper bike, bike motorhome, bike trailer house ) were very creative, amusing and somewhat practical. Though, if you read the post, you'll realize that motorhome and bike trailer house were created out of necessity rather than for recreational purposes.

But reading a post on Daylife, I've realized that very soon we will see those " bike campers " all around us ( and they won't be paddled by homeless and poor people).

The mini travel trailer study by German producer Dethleffs weighs 80 kg and includes a bed and a small kitchen and is the most eco-friendly camper.

Though, on the picture, the bike is electric assist comfort bike, I am sure it can be towed behind a human powered mountain/road bike.

In my opinion, this is a brilliant idea ...when you find yourself in a desperate, "Apocalypses" situation : no money, lost your job, your home....( well, only if you bought it before all that happened to you).

For recreational purposes ? I can't even picture myself biking with that camper behind on city roads. Can you ?

The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park videos

Since my first visit to the Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park in Issaquah, I haven't done a whole lot of mountain biking. Somehow, after that park, "mountain biking" anywhere else, just doesn't feel like... " mountain biking".

The videos below got me stoked again, and now I can't wait to go back for more jumps and drop-offs. Jump and freeride lines in the park range the full spectrum from beginner ( the Luna lines) to intermediate (a trail called 2Hi) to advanced (Paramount, DWR and others), allowing novices to start off small and experts to hit it big from the get-go.

To improve your skills and build confidence, try "the progressive drops" in the center of the park.

If you haven’t yet visited the park, it’s time you came and checked out the spectacle.

Biking Lake Wilderness and the Cedar River Trails

I go biking along Interurban trail almost every other week. Sometimes for fun , others for a good work out. But I was growing tired of the same route, same scenery, same level of difficulty. I wanted to try something new.

I wrote before about great mountain biking trails in Black Diamond. Just 5 miles away in Maple Valley there is another great spot for both mountain and leisure biking.

Lake Wilderness Park is a large regional park with lots of prime shoreline, preserved forestland, and meandering pathways. I used it as my starting point. From here you can take a short gravel trail to the Cedar River trail.





If you are an avid cyclist, you've probably biked along the Cedar River Trail. It's a long ride from Maple Valley to Renton ( it was for me ). The trail follows the Cedar River and offers a few great spots to take a lunch break.

or

From Lake Wilderness Park you can take a long gravel trail that goes to...
Well, honestly, I am not exactly sure where it goes. According to the map, it looks like the trail goes to Lake Sawyer area. But it might be Henry's Ridge.

But it sure was fun ! The trail ends ( for me ) with old railroad tracks. Along the "main" trail there are many smaller trails that branch off, but they are all linked together ( so it's very unlikely that you'll get lost ).





If you've ridden these trails before, please let me know about the name and any other additional information for our readers.

Ski to Sea : Why Do I Keep Doing This To Myself ?

They call it the Bellingham Olympics here. There is no drug testing, no prize money, no sponsor endorsement, and no fame and glory. Then, why hundreds of people, from elite athletes and weekend warrior to outdoor enthusiasts, torture themselves every year to compete in this crazy, seven-sport adventure relay race ?

To me the Ski to Sea race is not just an endurance event and definitely not a competition. It's about challenging and pushing myself not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. It's about gaining knowledge of sportsmanship and teamwork, it's the place where limits are tested, friendships are made and confidence is found.

The Ski to Sea race is one of the country's most creative, unusual sports events. Though, the event brings in some of the best amateur athletes and some pros, for most people it's all about having a good time !

From my first time participating in the event, I got hooked. Apart from the competition, it's the area that brought me back for the second year.

Named as one of the best adventure towns by National Geographic Adventure magazine, this area offers numerous outdoor opportunities : hiking, mountain and road biking, skiing and kayaking, sailing and diving.

The Ski to Sea race is a team event : families, co-workers, friends, competitive athletes - representing all levels of ability.

I want to thank all members of team EPIC for their participation and support. You all gelled and pushed hard the entire time, crossing the finish line with smiles on your faces. I look forward to next year’s challenge with all the returning racers and hope to encourage more people to take part in next year 100th anniversary of the first Mount Baker Marathon !

Biking Elliott Bay Trail in Seattle

One of Seattle’s most distinguishing features is its working waterfront, and there is no better way to explore it than by bicycle. The Elliott Bay Trail provides a picturesque tour of Seattle’s downtown waterfront.

From what I know, it's actually the 3-part ( Myrtle Edwards/Elliot Bay/Terminal 91 ) bike trail that runs from the sculpture garden to the east side of Magnolia ( Discovery Park ), with a spur out to Smith Cove, and a great way to get from downtown to N/NW Seattle ( Ballard ).

I usally park my car under Alaskan Way Viaduct to go for an hour leasure bike ride to the end of the Terminal 91 Bike Path ( the furtherest I got was to the Discovery Park ).

The trail is fairly flat, wide and very scenic with views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Elliot Bay.

Mountain biking at Duthie Hill Park in Issaquah

The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park grand opening is slated for May 22. Tentative plans are for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, poker ride, bike vendor tents, skills demonstrations, demo bikes, raffles and more. The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance's Web site will provide details as they emerge.

I took my first test ride a couple weeks ago, and ....it was fantastic !

Miles of buff, mostly flat but still plenty curvy-swervy, cross-country trails; technical free-ride routes with wood structures offering deep drops, table tops and ramps for launching oneself airborne; fast, flowy downhill sections, and lots more.



Usually you go to a bike park and they only have hard-core stuff for body-armor- wearing weekeend worrieres. But if you don't want to do those crazy jumps , this place has lots of cool stuff for riders of all levels.

I have to admit, that so far I've found Duthie Hill Park to be the most fun place to go mountain biking. We've all heard about Stevens Pass Ski Area hoping to break ground on a lift-operated mountain bike park this year ( the only one of its kind in Washington ! ), so hopefully, soon Washington will be as huge mountain biking mecca as Utah, Idaho and Whistler ( combined :))!


P.S: If you are new to mountain biking, Evergreen Mountain Biking Alliance offers classes for riders of all levels, from beginners ( to learn how to stay balanced and in control while you zip through the trails comfortably getting over roots and small logs ) to more advanced -Introduction to Freeride ( to get your wheels off the ground ).
Price is $45 for Evergreen members. If you are not a member, you must purchase a membership for an addition $30.

Personally, not sure if it's worth it, but if you've tried, let me know about your experience !

Mountain biking in Banner Forest

I've been looking for a perfect ( mountain biking) ride for the past year. Still looking...

I wrote before that not all mountain biking takes place in the mountains.

Singletrack is a term used to describe a trail that is only wide enough for one person or mountain biker at a time. It is frequently smooth and flowing, but it may also exhibit technical rocky sections and may be criss-crossed with tree roots and man-made obstacles. Single track riding can be quite challenging from a technical standpoint.



Located about 15 minutes east of Gig Harbor, Banner Forest Park is very popular among local mountain biking community. Mostly flat(ish) with just a few short and steep climbs and descents, these single tracks are easy enough for anybody who is just getting started in mountain biking ( like me).

I've already got a taste of technical single track riding at Phillip Arnold Park in Renton and on Lake Sawyer trails in Black Diamond. And comparing to those trails, BF's trails are much easier (wider, better maintained). But don't get me wrong ! The trails offer many challenges : jumps, log rides, muddy puddles...







Best feature ? The trailhead is easy to find. From HWY 16 ( driving from Tacoma), exit at Sedgewick Rd., turn right. When you hit Banner rd. take a RIGHT ( !!!) turn and go 1-2 miles until you see the Banner forest sign on your right.

Huge turn off- the trails are shared with equestrians. So, expect lot's of horseshit on the trails ( don't understand, why those people can't pick up after their animals?).

My verdict ? : I liked it, but after about an hour it gets boring. Besides, for me, mountain biking will always be ....mountain. So, this summer , my big dream is to go biking at Whistler ! Should be fun...

Too old for adventures ?

I am not getting any younger. At the age of 32 , it seems like my life is almost over. Over for ... adventures, "extreme" sports, new activities, seeing new places ( backpacking through Europe ? I don't think so ), getting out of my comfort zone. It's getting harder for my body to recover after intensive work outs, long backpacking trips, hours on the ski slopes...

How often have you wanted to try something "crazy, outrageous, exciting " like whitewater rafting/ kayaking, surfing, sky/scuba diving, bungee jumping ? And what was your excuse ? :
"It's too dangerous "
"You have to be a professional to do that "
"You need to be in great physical shape"
"You need hours/ months/ years of professional training "
"I am too old"

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Or can you ?


Meet Doris Matyasovich. She is a competitive MTB ( mountain biking ) racer, 2003 DH Masters World Champ, 17-time Masters National XC Champ. And she is only...67 ! She started racing at 45 and has stuck with it for the past 22 years. She raced BMX, XC, downhill, trails, dual slalom, adventure races ( 12 and 24 hours long ! ). Sometimes, she raced women younger than her children, or raced with men her age. She is also, the author of " Don't Tell Me I Can't " - a book about her life in the world of amateur mountain bike racing, and her answer to those who have ever told her she couldn't or shouldn't do something because she was a girl, or because she was too old.

People like Doris, really inspire me. I've read stories about people skiing way into their 80', doing their first skydiving jump at 100 (!), summiting Everest ( Min Bahadur Sherchan from Nepal reached the top of the highest mountain in the world at age 76) , sailing around the world after being retired...

After reading stories like that, you realize that age is just a number. Afterwords, as they say : " You are only as old as you feel ". So, feel/think young! Schedule that rafting trip, learn how to scuba dive, ride a mountain bike, go trekking/backpacking in Nepal ( Europe, South America...), climb a mountain ( doesn't have to be Everest), sail your boat around the world...

You can read the full interview with Doris Matyasovich here.

Mountain biking at Phillip Arnold Park

Like I wrote before, "mountain biking " does not necessary involve mountains. Cross-country cycling is the most common discipline of mountain biking and is defined by the terrain on which it is performed. XC biking trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths and singletrack, smooth fireroads, and even paved paths connecting other trails.


Phillip Arnold Park is a great example of XC singletrack. Due to technically challenging terrain and tight, twisting turns, you'll need to be "an advanced rider". The two main trails are Tapeworm and Parasite. And somebody who've been riding here for a while, will probably tell the difference between those two. I really didn't care much. But just like Lake Sawyer trails , those two trails kicked my butt !

The total length of the trails is less than 6 miles, with minimum elevation. But narrow trails, tight turns, short climbs , tangled roots, and man-made obstacles make these trails difficult to navigate for a beginner ( like me) biker.
If you are a first-time visitor, chances are - you will find yourself directionally challenged and lost in a matter of minutes. But no worries, you are never more than a few hundred yards from the park and civilization.

Another great features of these trails ? You don't have to drive for hours to "the mountains", there is no hassle to find the park, and the trails stay dry "almost " year round.

Biking Interurban trail ( S. King County).

Biking in S King County is pretty much limited to just two major trails : BPA and Interurban. While BPA trail is great for running, I personally prefer the Interurban trail for my long , easy, leisure rides. I wrote about BPA trail here, and now I want to share my experience about biking along the Interurban trail.
The Interurban Trail starts in the town of Pacific ( well, at least for me) and stretches for 14 miles, following the historic Interurban Rail Line. There are many access point along the trail. You can leave your car at a small designated parking spot, and go for a ride in both directions ( north or south). The trail connects the towns : Pacific, Auburn, Kent, Renton.

The trail is paved, nearly straight and flat as a pancake, making it perfect for beginner cyclists ( or lazy ones like me). Comparing to the Burke-Gilman trail , it's definitely less crowded ( well, at least in autumn). I wouldn't call this trail "picturesque", as it mainly passes through industrial areas and suburban lands. But it has its own "landmarks".
Riding the southern part of the trail , you never lose the sight of the majestic Mt Rainier ( especially when "the Mount is out"). Auburn's "SuperMall " is practically "on the trail " ( stop by "Sport's Authority" if you forgot something for your long ride). The imposing architecture of the Emerald Downs Race Track might be your next stop. Though, they host live racing from mid April through the end of September, nothing will stop you from making a quick stop to take a few pics. In Kent, the trail crosses over the broad Green River. During salmon season, the bridge is a popular spot among local anglers . A southern intersection with the Green River Trail occurs at Kent’s Foster Park, providing the possibility of an Interurban-Green River Trail recreational loop through the Green River Valley. In Renton, the trail provides access to the Southcenter mall ( my bad, Westfield Southcenter Shopping Mall). To the north, there is another intersection with the Green River Trail at Fort Dent Way near Fort Dent Park.

All in all, I like this trail. It's peaceful, not overcrowded, easy to ride, gives access to many food stops, opportunity for advance ( you can continue on the Green River trail "almost" to Seattle).

Tour De mort - Halloween bike ride.

So, how was your Halloween ? Do anything fun ? Did you have an adventure ? I sure did. I went on an "exciting, fun" bike ride with Seattle/Cascade Bicycle Clubs and a few other "social groups".

Looking for a Halloween party idea, I came across this event in the Seattle Times:

Pedal through 13 cemeteries as part of Saturday's Tour de Morte, Cascade Bicycle Club's annual Halloween costume ride. The ride starts at Northacres Park in North Seattle, and goes for 33 miles, making a loop, with short stops at different "haunted" cemeteries".

Sounds like fun, right ? I mean what else could be more "Halloween ", than exploring local grave sites ?

The "before so popular " ride , attracted about 16 people this year. Though, "costumes and lights were encouraged ", only one person showed up wearing a dorky cape and a mask and another wore some kind of a "spooky " decoration.
The average age of the group was ( I want to say 100) late 40'. Riders' fitness level varied from "hard core, spandex-clad, $1500-bike" to " why am I still alive ?" At first everybody was trying to "be part of the group/leave nobody behind/let's get to know each other". Withing the first hour we had the first "flat", and being "one for all", we waited for half an hour before one of the members fixed his tire. Then , we rolled into the first "haunted cemetery"- Acacia Memorial Park, stopped for a couple minutes and then...rolled out. The same happened at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery ( so much for " visiting"). Another "tire" incident tested the group's "comradeship", leaving two group's leaders behind. I was next. On a hill climb, my bicycle chain skipped and I had to stop for 5 (!) minutes, when I turned around , nobody was there. At least, before the ride I was provided with a map ( good idea! I guess it happened before with other Seattle/Cascade Bicycle Clubs first timers). After trying to catch up with the group (unsuccessfully), I decided to call it a day.

That was my first "social/group ride " and I guess, it will be the last one ( at least for a while). I wouldn't say I had a horrible experience : I felt safe riding in a group; the route was well chosen to suite all fitness levels; I had fun meeting and talking to new people. But, I think I will stick to riding solo ( or with my friends). I think there are outdoor activities that are best done in solitude. And I will share my thoughts about it in my next post.

P.S. : If you really want to see cool pictures of "haunted cemeteries" (like this one below), visit Wend.com

Hidden Mountain Biking Trails in Black Diamond.

Thanks to one of my readers ( thanks Jeremy ),I found a great Mountain Biking destination not far away from my home, in Black Diamond. The trails are so little known that they really don't even have a name or a map. It's just a bunch of trails all linked to each other, not really marked, but it's hard to get lost there. They call them- Lake Sawyer Trails.


To Black Diamond Bike and Backcountry


One of the access points behind the shop.

The only way I was able to find those trails was because of the bike shop Jeremy told me about. "Black Diamond Bike and Backcountry " shop should be your first stop if you are going biking there for the first time. I stopped there to pick up a " map" of the trails, which turned out to be a printed list with a bunch of lines linked together. The map wasn't a big help, but just like I said, you don't really need one. What was really helpful, was the information the shop employees shared with me about the trails.


Coal Cart ( the gate is nearby)

One of the access points was right behind the shop, but event to find that access, one of the employees had to point it out for me. Another place to start your trip is by the gate,on the west side of the road. About 25 feet south from there is a little coal cart (if coming from the north and you've reached Black Diamond Bike Shop you are about 1/4 mile too far). I tried it from both points and I have to say that starting from the gate would be more pleasant, you will ride down the main gravel trail for a few hundred yards before entering the "rough area".


The main gravel trail

Once again, this ride wasn't really for me or my "mountain bike". The trail system is quite technical ( if I can use the Big Riders language). Lots of tree stumps,tight turns ,wooden bridges, thick, thorny bushes. Lucky for me, it was mostly a flat ride with only small hills up and down ( I am officially tired of pushing my bike up the hills). Why not for me? Just a few facts: the chain fell off the chain ring twice, handle bars twisted, went over my head "just" once, damaged my brakes, hit my head twice (thanks Costco for $ 10 helmet!), got covered with scratches from all those bushes. But all in all, I had a lot of fun! You can easily spend half of the day here and continually see new trails ( though sometimes it does feel like you go in circles). Another "bummer", I actually thought "demo bikes" would be free!? Silly me.


A lot of those on this trail.


No, I didn't bike over it. Wuss!

If you don't have a good mountain bike or thinking about buying one, then definitely buy it from a professional store! I bought mine from " GI JOE'S" , right before they went out of business, and I thought I got a good deal on my bike ($ 250 ?),but now I kind of regret about it. One thing for sure- I will keep trying to find a prefect trail for me (and my bike!).

Mt St Helens : hiking, mountain biking, caving, camping.

This weekend was my second time at Mt St Helens area ( ex 21 off I-5 ). Last year I made a short trip to Ape Caves, and ,frankly, wasn't impressed neither with the caves nor with the area. I blame two factors : weather and the lack of time. The latter is the crucial one. If you are planing a trip down there ( assuming you are coming from Seattle area ), make sure you give yourself at least a couple days to explore that area, because there are just too many things to do in one day.

If this is your first time in the area, make sure you stop by the Woodland Chamber of Commerce's Tourist Information Center just west off I-5 on your way to HWY 503. Here you can get the latest updates on road conditions, campgrounds, free maps and area information.

Next - where to camp ? While there is abundant number of campgrounds along the Lewis River Road (HWY 503), there is one that remains a hidden jewel of the area - Lake Merril Campground. On a hot, sunny summer weekend ( like the one we just had) it's hard to find a vacant spot even at a major 45-tents campground like Cougar Camp, but when I arrived at Lake Merril Campground ( which has only 8 spots ( meaning- less crowd, quieter )), I found a spot ! by the lake ! And the surroundings were breathtaking. The most amazing perk ? It was FREE !


Camping at Lake Merril Campground

The area's two most visited attractions are - Ape Caves and ... well.. Mt St Helens ,of course !


The Crater


Sitting on Volcano


80% who made it to the top.

Climbing a volcano ! Exciting ? It was OK for me...According to the statistics:

In past years ,between 11,000 and 12,000 people have received climbing permits ( yes, you need one -$ 22 ). More than 80% make it to the summit ( where the hell the other 20% go?), making it one of the most- climbed peaks in the world !

Scrambling

For me the hardest part of the climb was getting to the trailhead ( Climber's Bivouac ), the gravel road was horrible. I really got scared for my car suspension system ( though I am driving Subaru Forester ). Once at 3,700 feet (Climber's Bivouac ) I found a cool thing - Climber's Bivouac is also a campground ( official), so if you want to get a good night sleep ( instead of driving for 2 hours and then hiking), come here the night before. As usual I am not gonna describe the hike and ruin it for you, just will say that it's a lot of fun scrambling on big andesite boulders and hiking in the smooth, sandy lava ash.

One funny fact about "climbing" Mt St Helens:

Though USGS scientists believe that "climbing" is safe...rangers suggest carrying goggles, a hamlet and an ash mask.

And I did see somebody wearing a helmet ! Not sure if it was a safety concern or something a doctor prescribed.

Mt St Helens is a great mountain biking destination ( according to the authors of
" Mountain Biking Washington ". I swear, I use this book for the last time. It's the worst guidebook I've ever used). Two trails ( from that book) I wanted to try: Plains of Abraham and Kalama Loop.

Note to myself ( and others) - don't hike Mt St Helens and mountain bike the same mountain on the same day. Tha's what I did. After my hike, I drove to the Lava Canyon and tried to MB Plains of Abraham.
Needless to say I didn't make too far. And it wasn't even the difficulty of the trail. Late in the afternoon, those flies become notorious. If your insect repellent doesn't work, you are done.


Mountain Biking on Plains of Abraham

Back at the camp, I took a nice relaxing sunset paddle around the beautiful Lake Merril and called it a day.

Next morning I decided to give MB here another chance. Kalama Loop Trailhead at the Kalama Horse Campgrounds is about 6 miles away. According to the book:

The popular route skirts the base on the southwest side of Mt St Helens and is frequently used by horseback riders.

My description: Do you like riding your bike in horse crap? Do I need to continue?

All in all, I really like the area. It's a great family destination as well as for those interested in multi sport outdoor activities.

Mountain Biking for Absolute Beginners Video.

This is a follow up with my previous post.
After my second attempt to " mountain bike", I've realized that I would probably need to learn some basics of mountain biking. My question was: " Is there really anything to learn?" I mean, we are talking about biking here. Last time I was learning anything about biking was, when I was 3 years old, and my dad taught me how to ride.

As a matter of fact,when it comes to mountain biking descending, there are 3 simple rules:
1- keep your feet leveled
2-ride behind your saddle
3-use rear brakes

Watch this short introduction video:



Have fun and safe mountain biking experience !

Mountain Biking at Crystal Mountain.

I got really disappointed to discover that my "mountain" bike was not quite "mountain". But last week I decided to give it another shot, and see how it would handle the "rough" terrain of the Crystal Mountain.


The Trail to the Quicksilver Trail.

Anybody who has ever skied at Crystal, knows how challenging 6,872 vertical feet could be. And I am talking about skiing down the slopes. You can only imagine what it's like mountain biking there.


On Top of Quicksilver Trail.

This time , as a guidebook, I used " Mountain Biking Washington" by Amy and Mark Poffenbarger. Here I want to say a couple words about choosing a good guide book.

What is the least pleasant part of your outdoor trip? Mine is finding a trailhead or a mountain, a river put-in or a meetup spot. It's happened to me before , when because of poor directions my whole trip would get ruined. The same happened this time. The authors of the book gave very vague directions.


the Summit House

Another drawback of the book was that according to them:

Take the chairlift up and ride down the Crystal Mountain or Silver Creek Trail, or even down the steep cat tracks. $ 14 per ride.

The problem was, though ,Crystal Mountain Resort does offer scenic chairlift rides on weekends, but you can't take your bike with you.

Not being able to find the trailhead or use a chairlift, I chose another option-from the bottom of the Chinook & Rainier Express "bike" straight to the Summit House. Well, it wasn't really biking. More like pushing the bike. It took me about 2.5 hours to reach the top. But getting up there, was just half of the fun.


View from the Top



Instead of writing about what a blast I had riding my way down, I'll just say , you really need to know what you are doing. What I mean by that is , mountain biking is not just about blasting down a mountain. There are certain basic techniques you need to know. I will leave it to the pros, to give advice on know-how and will write another post about mountain biking basics.


The Way Down

In conclusion, I want to say that the authors had one thing right:

This is the must-do course for Washington mountain bikers. Few rides compare to the rush this route can provide.There are a few moderate, alternative routes to the top, but as long as you get there, you'll find it very difficult not to have a sensational day on the mountain.