THURSDAY NIGHT GROUP RIDES
Thursday is group ride night. Danny Kelly, the man, the myth, the legend has been doing this for years. Danny has more than 20+ years of biking, competitions, and leading group rides. From novice mountain bikes to experts on two wheels, the group rides have something for every mountain biker!
Bikes must be in working condition, and ready to ride on mountain bike trails. If you are unsure have your bike checked out by one of the awesome local bike shops in town! Each rider must have a helmet, water, storage and extra tubes for their bike. The location of the rides will be updated on this page and unless we have bad weather you can count on the ride taking place. Locations and meeting points vary so check in regularly to find out where and when. Wanna ride?
Attention Riders! We love dogs, however because of the size of our group, please leave you four legged loved ones at home for the Thursday group ride.
GROUP RIDE
When: 05/02/2024 @ 7:00pm
Where: Sidewinder, Kelly Canyon Area
Hello all you beautiful people!
We return to you this week with a staple for mountian biking in the Valley, Sidewinder!!
Sidewinder is typically the first trail in the Kelly Canyon area to become rideable and accessible to humans outside of 7N Ranch. As such it has become a staple for SRMBC and anyone else itching to get out on ride.
Sidewinder is typically an out-n-back ride. You climb up as far you want and downhill it back to the Stinking Springs Parking Lot.
As a climb, Sidewinder isn't very technical overall. There are some small bits of rock gardens that can catch a pedal, but the main challenge will be on the body with a sustained climb for at least 3 miles. If you decide to keep climbing past Sidewinder, then you will have a steeper climb and some more technical aspects in the form of shale as you near the top of Kelly Mountain.
As a downhill, Sidewinder's main technical aspect is how easy it is to gain more speed than one could be comfortable. Sidewinder is very well laid and is capable of handing high speeds so remember to ride within your skill levels.
Some points of note are briefs sidehilling, short lived rock gardens, and the trail is still fresh off of winter so keep an eye for winter related changes or challenges.
Just a couple reminders for all of us dusting off our skills for the season: be ready to break your body back in, prepare yourself nutrionally, have fun!
Heise Pizza Afterward
Reminders
Couple reminder for riders of new and old.
Attending officers will have final say on what the route, if you dont know where you are going STOP AND WAIT for an officer.
Possible Trails:
Consists of:
Notable Extras:
Keep an eye out for SRMBC Signs and always be bear aware!
Meeting Point: Stinking Springs Parking Lot
Ready to Ride: 7:00pm
Drive past Heise and turn right onto Heise Rd. Park at the Stinking Springs trailhead after about 2 miles.
Shuttle Meeting Point:
Meet Before:
Special Notes for Ride
This is a dirt ride! Bring all gear and be prepared for hills and loose terrain. Bring a light in case you come out in the dark. Be prepared to get wet as some of this loop may have some mud. We are riding in the areas of wildlife so prepare as necessary. We will generally have two loops that you can choose from; one being more challenging than the other. If you can go you won't be disappointed. Also, when parking, keep in mind other vehicles. If you are first to arrive pull all the way in to leave room behind. Riders under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Thanks!!
Gear Up
Always wear a helmet and any other appropriate safety equipment for the riding conditions.
Never Ride Beyond Your Abilities
There is no shame in
walking sections of the trail you don't feel confident enough to ride,
and don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
Use Appropriate Equipment for the Terrain
Some bikes
are better for different situations. Just because you can see tire
tracks, doesn't mean you can ride it with your bike.
Keep Your Speed In Check
Always keep your speed at a level that will allow you to adjust to any unforeseen obstacles or changes in trail conditions.
Know The Trail
Never push the limits on a trail you are
not familiar with. You need to get to know the trail you are riding at
slower speeds before you can ride it like the trails you're used to.
Slow Down for Blind Corners
You never know what or who is around a corner when you can't see past it.
Stop and Look
Stop and look at sections of the trail that look like they may pose a challenge before you ride them.
Plan on the Crash
Always look at the consequences of
crashing in a particular section or on a particular stunt before trying
to ride through it. Sometimes a section can look easy to ride but can
have deadly consequences to a crash.
Start Small, Go Big
Work your way up to obstacles and
stunts. Find ways to practice moves in less difficult and dangerous
situations or at lower speeds before committing yourself to something
more dangerous.
Play It Smart
If you think what you are doing is not
the smartest, you are probably right. Think about what you are doing and
trust your instincts.
Be Wildlife Aware
We ride in the wilderness with all that call it home. Be on the lookout for any that could do you harm and carry your bear spray.
