Clearing Trails for the Shenduro

Panorama of Death Star, Snowy Shenandoah To the East with Wild and Wonderful to the West!

Wootten and Watters went West to clear wood from a seldom ridden ridge, Sugar Run Trail, also known as 1025 or "Death Star".  The ridge dives West off Shenandoah Mountain and pokes out towards Sugar Grove.  The secret satellites from the NIOC-Naval base are within plain sight (hence the name death star).  What's the bigger secret is how rad this trail is.  We're blowing the whistle on this one at the next Shenduro on March 15th!  Come on out and enjoy it!  

The first chute on Death Star.  Relatively easy to ride slow.

Few folks get on this ridge because it is so remote, you can tell when you are out riding.  The trail begins with a fast double-track descent into a basin with minimal evidence of an actual trail.  You have to follow the yellow blazes to stay on track, but you eventually pop out on the ridge where the trail is obvious and well marked.

Collin hard at lurk, creepin towards the listening station.  (seen in back)

Collin rides the second complex chute on Sugar Run.

Blowdowns are not only a bummer on a ride, but can be hazardous at speed, so its always a good call to throw that folding saw in your campbell pack and do your friends a favor if you've got the time.

Sawing logs not sleeping on the job.

Notice the blade guard.  An easy to transport trailwork implement.

After some sawing, tree removed.

Evidence of trailwork from years ago.

We're lucky to live in a place where Skiing and Snowboarding go hand in hand with riding bikes.  After Wootten finished riding, he rolled over to Massanutten Resort to do some slope sliding.  The classic Mid-Atlantic packed slush was perfect for retrieving his old tricks in the progression park and forgiving enough to teach some new ones to Dr. Nonnemacher.

Multisporting so hard.  Snowboarding, Trailwork, and Shenduro Prep!

Blue Ridge Gravity D-Cup Series

Our gnarly neighbors to the South in Roanoke are putting together a winter/spring community race series similar to the Six Pack Downhills that we all enjoy every Friday in the Fall.  The events are always on Sundays.  Racers are expected to be at the start line (at the top of the mountain) at Noon.

A tradition we are excited to see bubble up with the D-Cup series; the winner gets to ride the Klunker for the following race.

Unfortunately, the first race is on the same day as the Superbowl Sunday Ride...  Hopefully we'll rally a crew from Harrisonburg to make one of the events!

Here's a video of the race course for the first event on North Mountain.  Go to Blue Ridge Gravity for more information about the series.

My Life in Socks

My Life in Socks

Anyone can tell you in the shop that socks are a great investment. When you put so many miles into intensively riding each week, you want something that won't crap out on you. 

Fabric that fits well, doesn't rub the wrong way and keeps your feet dry are a must.

Since your feet don't physically hit the ground when you cycle and your ankles stay in a relatively stagnant position, blood can sometimes not circulate properly in your feet. This can expand the size of your feet in uncomfortable ways and make cycling painful. 

However, good socks have applications even outside of cycling. I did not explore the full potential of a good clean wool sock until I started travelling.

  

  

Two years ago, I got the opportunity to go to Alaska. The trip itself was AMAZING, but between biking from Canada to the US, hiking, glacier walking, and multiple plane rides, my feet went up an entire half shoe size!

I had this same issue in Dominica this past year, when I traveled there for 10 days for a service trip.

         

So, for my grand adventure to Iceland this summer with my family, I decided it was time for a change. I splurged on two pairs of wool socks and it was worth it!

    

I rode a horse, learned what a fjord was, traversed glaciated mountains, and saw volcanic activity all with size 9 woman's feet (not a swollen size 10). I definitely know what to pack for my next adventure.

- J

Wednesday Nights-A perfect night ride!

On Wednesday night there was another addition of the SBC Wednesday evening night rides.

The Wolvhammer shoes did not need the fire but it is good for the soul after a night ride!

With the temperatures below freezing it was time to reenter Hillandale Park and play in our favorite town trail system. The cold weather took a little toll on Tom Coopers seat rails.  Even with a broken seat rail he enjoyed a few laps in perfect conditions; frozen ground, dry rocks and a layer of snow on everything. It was great having Jake Hall join us, with Hilladale in his back yard he was a rock star in the trails and a great riding partner. After our first lap we hooked up with Ritchie and her dog riding partner. More riders mean more lights which equals more fun!

Join us next Wednesday for another addition. We will either be at Hillandale again (if conditions permit) or west of town if Hillandale is too wet. See the ride on Facebook.

-Old man free ride - Thomas

Shop Diggity Dog

Hey friends, if you haven't been by the shop in a while, there is a new face at the shop.

This is Wicket. He is super friendly and loves to meet new people. He is almost four years old (28 in "dog years") and enjoys long rides around Narrow Back and sleeping on the couch. Next time your in introduce yourself.

Do I look hungry to you? I promise my dad feeds me!

Winter Overhaul Service Specials!

Winter overhaul service specials are now running at SBC until the 21st of February! Don't miss out on these specials and discounted pricing for all types of service. Offering targeted, focused service for hybrids and townie bikes, road, cyclocross, and touring bikes, mountain bikes,suspension forks, shocks and dropper seatposts. There is a special that fits any bike and its need for service. Let us style your bike and get it ready for the 2015 riding season! Check out the details below and on our website for more specifics,and by clicking here. And of course, call the shop with any questions 540.437.9000.

In case you didn't see, FREE SBC T-shirt to the first 20 bikes brought in!

SBC Wool Socks

Woolen woven SBC socks are now available! Represent the shop on your feetsies!