Tuesday, April 8, 2008

First dry trail ride of the year

The plan was 3 laps today at Pontiac. I haven't ridden out there since it's been dry and although the crack tends to dry out quickly I have been doing mostly longer rides and holding off on riding the trails. So today I rode 2 laps by myself then hung around to meet Joe for the third. I have to admit that the first lap at speed felt awkward. All the old lines are there it just felt like I didn't have the autopilot set and I kinda sketched out around a few corners. The second lap felt much better and by the time that my third lap came around I had the place dialed in although my legs were starting to ache up the climbs. Several observations about today's ride. Firstly disc brakes are THE ONLY WAY TO GO. I used to be one of "those guys" that said "what do you need disc brakes in Michigan for"? Well after several laps I felt that I could better modulate speed into a corner better, often braking later than I normall would which resulted in smoother cornering and the abililty to take some lines that I never would have thought of before. Secondly while the trail was "dry" for the most part (ie devoid of mud puddles) the ground did feel heavy and slow. I'm sure this won't make some people happy come this weekend at the TT but what did you expect for the beginning of April. I wanted to get some pics of the more gnarled out sections but I just can't seem to stop to take pics when I'm riding. It kinda spoils the moment.

2 comments:

ask said...

what, not doing the tt? On your home course? I had you taking the cash in the office pool.

sworksredace said...

Oh no on the contrary I'll be there.