Specialized Bicycles
So this past Monday, Corey, "The Mitch", and I set out on a taint-a-lizing tastic Berryman voyage. The BT Epic is so close our legs, lungs, and two wheeled steeds are perking at this awesome event!. We wanted this pre-ride to be as epic as the race itself. As soon as we hit the Brazil Creek Campground we blazed the singletrack for a total of .2 miles before our 1st setback occured. As they say, adventures never happen unless something goes wrong. What better way to start off the ride with Mitch slashing his sidewall. Luckily, Mitch is a trusty boyscout and knew better to tackle this beastly trail without being prepared. A boot was inserted in the tire, and then we proceeded to put a boot in Berryman's ass.
Climbs, rocks, and roots. If you've ridden it, you know what's in store. As beastly as the climbs were, we riding at a pretty good clip. Once we hit the Berryman Campground, we refuled, then set out on the sweetest part of the trail. Fast swoopy shit, roots to jump off, and awesome new re-routes. But as stated before it's never an adventure if something goes wrong...so the Berryman ripped a hole in my sidewall. Hey, shit happens. It didn't slow us down. We ran in to another friendly rider, kept crushing the trail.
the only other person on the trail that day.
Crushing was a must...but the Berryman as always must seek revenge in its own form of crushing. Why not send Mitch over his bars tumbling down a hill. It's ok Mitch...it will happen to many this weekend.
Be fired up for this race!!!! Be prepared to burst our quads and rip open our lungs!!!! Hope to see many Team Red Wheelers there!!!!!
AND HE WALKED AWAY
While Cory decided to walk down the Brazil Creek hill I thought I would show them how it is done, but first the disclaimer. "Team Red Wheel did not orchestrate this and no animals were harmed during the non-filming of this event."
CAUTION: Professional rider on a closed course. Kids don't try this at home!
And now for the truth, it was a hand stand off the bars that consisted of a full flip with a half twist while in the pike position and a perfect dismount. Where is the video camera when you need it!
Posted by: Mitch | Oct 18, 2011 at 08:37 PM
So...I just heard that there is going to be a dirt crit there Friday night! Don't know if I'll get down there in time, but it will be fun to yell and heckle people. Who's camping both nights???? Hell, who's going?
Posted by: matt | Oct 19, 2011 at 08:51 AM
I'll be there Matt. I've been looking forward to BT Epic for months. This is gonna be awesome. I won't be staying overnight, though.
What the hell's with all the sidewall cuts? You guys runnin' S-works tires?
Posted by: Peat | Oct 19, 2011 at 09:17 AM
Mitch was runnin' S-Works. I was running Continental Race Kings. Bummer the back tire tore. I was really liking them, but I need that durability. Tires ain't cheap.
Posted by: matt | Oct 19, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Looks like a good time, wish I could've been there. I may have even been able to keep up since you guys had so many flats and stuff.
FWIW, I've been running the same Mountain King front tire for about 2 years now, no sidewall tears but it does seem a bit allergic to thorns.
Posted by: bob | Oct 19, 2011 at 11:42 AM
I'm Rollin the tioga physco genisus tires and are diggin them. They are a bit heavier than your typical race tires but roll suprisingly well. I know of a LBS that has them in stock. Wink wink. The ride was awsome! Can't wait for Saturday. I will be driving down that morning.
Posted by: Corey | Oct 19, 2011 at 01:46 PM
My tires: Maxxis Ikon EXO on the back and Specialized Captain Control 2.2 on the front. Both have been proven on the Berryman. And I just jinxed myself.
Posted by: Peat | Oct 19, 2011 at 02:38 PM
I will be going down Friday night, but plan on getting a hotel in Cuba. Is anyone interested in splitting a room?
The weather should be freaking awesome. I am bringing both my long sleeve and short sleeve jersey. It is suppose to be 34 in the morning and warming up to 68 in the afternoon.
Posted by: Mitch | Oct 19, 2011 at 06:24 PM
I'm heading down Friday night, but I'm camping. This is the best time of the year to camp, and Bass River is a sweet place to stay. Not too sure if we're staying Sat. night after the race though.
Posted by: Matt | Oct 19, 2011 at 08:57 PM
I guess i should get a camp ground. i didn't even think about that. Anyone have room for an extra tent? if not, anybody else want to split the cost of a campground?
Posted by: turbo | Oct 19, 2011 at 08:58 PM
I'm planning on registering the morning of the race. I'm also running the Captain Control 2.2 in front, but have an S-works Fast Trak on the back. Peat, do you think I should put a spare tire in my drop bag?
Posted by: Stoney | Oct 19, 2011 at 10:04 PM
No reason not to have a spare tire in the drop bag or just carry a tire boot. Maybe an extra derailleur hanger, derailleur, chain, chainring bolts and seatpost. I'm going to bring a spare set of lungs and some synthetic tendons in case I blow out my knees.
The weather looks to be awesome! Hell of a lot better than racing at Queeny last Sunday when it was a bazillion degrees.
Posted by: Peat | Oct 20, 2011 at 09:10 AM
So who's gonna step up and whoop up on Fuhrmann in Berry's place?
Posted by: Stoney | Oct 20, 2011 at 12:27 PM
looks like the trail took care of fuhrmann. Saw him at the main checkpoint sporting a broken thumb.
Posted by: turbo | Oct 24, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Hey,
I wanted to say sorry to Peat(i think). I got pushed left on the BTE start and wrapped up with one of the Red Wheel team members. Hope the rest of the race went well and that this didn't jack your start. Good work out there guys.
Justin Bay
Posted by: J-Bay | Oct 24, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Bay,
You did awesome at BTEpic and you won a freaking prize in the drawing too!
No worries on the start - it was just Peat. ;)
I watched and laughed but luckily no one went down - that would have been a huge domino effect at the start.
Noelle
Posted by: Noelle | Oct 27, 2011 at 10:41 AM