So I decided to experiment riding without a pack for a while. I hitup Michaels and got two XXX Racelite bottle cages, 2 bonty bottles, and a Topeak postbag. We’ll see how it goes.

Mark the day, April 25, 2009. Trails day in the Santa Monica Mountains. I’ll be meeting the gang at the usual spot for the Sycamore Canyon ride where we’ll head down to the meeting place. This will be my first trails day. There’s going to be food drinks, some riding, and most importantly, we’ll be helping to maintain the trails for future riders.

Here’s a linky: http://www.smmtc.org/

I was doing a little late spring cleaning and realized how much gear I’ve accrued.

3 different backpacks/hydration packs

3 pairs of hiking shoes

2 pairs of MTB shoes

Enough spare bike parts to build up a separate complete bike.

2 complete bikes plus another in mid-build status.

4 MTB gloves

10-12 pairs of hiking and biking socks

I always say I’m going to downsize, but I never do. I’m hopeless I know.

 

- Mike.

As promised, here’s the ride.

2008 Gary Fisher Cobia.

Aluminum 29er hardtail

So far I’ve upgraded with Thomson Post & Stem, Avid Elixir R brakes, RaceFace carbon XC riser, Smarty pedals, Egron grips, X9 triggers and rear derailleur and a Stans tubeless system. I had swapped out the stock seat for my WTB speed V, but switched back because the wtb was too narrow, and a tad too firm.

The wheels(Bonty Ranger 29), cranks(Shimano), fork(RS Tora Air), and various parts, like the chain and cassette, I left stock, as they are brand new and made no sense to swap, especially since the level of parts was the same as I’d already had.

I love my 29er. She floats over trail debris like nobodys business, and I find myself cranking skyward in the middle ring almost exclusively, something I’m particularly proud of.

I take some pics and post them up ASAP.

- Mike

Hi!

Being the avid outdoorsman that I am, I figured I’d start a blog about the gear, ya know, the “important stuff”(j/k). Now, I know what you’re thinking,”He’s just a gear guy, a poser who has the bling but can hang worth a damn”. Fortunately, I use my gear hard.

My mountain bike gear, hiking gear, basketball, you name it, I’ve used it.

If you love your outdoor gear as much as you love the outdoors, drop a line, leave a comment, whatever. I hope to see some of you out on the trails.

 

My next post will be the typical and almost obligatory spec breakdown of the steed. Stay tuned…

 

- Mike