Friday, February 20, 2009

Epic wintertrack in Fairbanks?

I don't use the word epic often. Mostly because there isn't a whole lot of riding in Fairbanks that warrants it. Today was an exception. The shop group has apparently ridden this route before, now nicknamed the Boardwalk. It is basically a constructed route through what would otherwise be a swamp. Today it was two miles or so of beautiful winter singletrack. Probably eighteen inches at the widest and packed nicely into a near perfect u shape that you had to strain to see in the daylight, it was heaven. It was constructed as a summer walking route, but the flow is still great on a bike. After a couple mile spin to get there through warm, but somewhat windy conditions and on snow that was great considering the temperatures, I was truly amazed. It was one of those sections of riding that passes so fast that you have to stop and think when you get done, because you realize you have been on autopilot flow overload for what was probably lots longer than it seemed. The trees broke the windy conditions wonderfully and except for a group of people walking a dog, we had it all to ourselves.

I was so enthused that I hammered most of the way back close on the tail of the shop's pornstar monikered rabbit. He finally rode me off about a mile from the finish, which was fine because it started snowing like winter was actually trying to accomplish something and I could barely see. I was all alone between speedy and everyone else in conditions I was squinting against and I had one of those perfect "this is why I ride" moments. Maybe tomorrow I'll go back and try to get some pictures. It would actually be something worth posting.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Look forward to seeing more at this website, including pictures. Gotta admire Banger's hardy attitude.

Banger said...

Thanks! I've got some video of said wintertrack I am trying to get on here. The angle isn't great, but if you can stand it, you'll get the general idea.

Anonymous said...

Hey, the sun is out today. What's up with that, thought it was dark this time of year. more pictures of the bike trail please.........

Anonymous said...

Nice!

Anonymous said...

Not sure if Epic is the right word, as it's more like some 007 chase down a frozen water flume, or some alternate universe where giants torment little people by two wheeling down their bobsled tracks. However, as I pedal in the lower 48, and keep both wheels on the pavement, I'll capitulate to epic until some thesaurus epiphany hits me. Just curious, what kind of playlist would the Banger have queued up on his iPod for a ride so "epic"?

Banger said...

It's highly likely that it was "Take It Off" by The Donnas, or the "This Is Why I Am Hot" Rock Mix by Mims (featuring Purple Popcorn). Most of the time I ride with music from NWD movies. I am just that kind of wannabe sellout. Also I definately would have used "alternate universe where giants toment little people by two wheeling down their bobsled tracks footage" except that I totally failed to think of it. The 007 reference wouldn't work unless it was George Lazenby, because he was the only Bond I am actually hotter than.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you mix it up a bit, I'd throw in some Gorillaz, and Sammy Hagar with a litle Dropkick Murphys to keep your heart rate up, but I generally never go in for mainstream hip hop, However, in deference I will say Music is my Savior as well. Sorry about your low temperature on the heat scale, but Lazenby did tap Dianna Rigg, and in the hay. Not sure you can claim that, plus he kicked Telly Savalas' ass.

Banger said...

I had a shot at her, but I passed, 'cause she's like 70 now. The Telly thing would speak volumes, but I am going to write it off as Hollywood magic.

On a side note I cannot even begin to explain how many times I have heard of the Dropkick Murphys without having actually ever heard them. This may be the last time as I think I'll pop over to iTunes and check them out.