Canyoneering, it's kind of like fun, only different.: Hobbies

Look 986 VTT

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:18:24 GMT

So I took the 986 out on the Provo Race Loop on Saturday morning. My toes and fingers were freezing as we pedaled up the shoreline trail to the start of the loop in the 36 degree air. The 986 was light under me and I made good time. I had adjusted my seat forward a little since my last ride along the shoreline trail, which seemed to mitigate some of the front end lightness I had felt on steep, loose climbs. I also reduced my tire pressure a bit after my first ride. On my pump, it shows I am about 25 pounds. The tires are firm, but pliable when I squeeze them. I also tweaked the Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes to get better stopping power. For some reason, it came from the factory with the rear pads barely in contact with the disc, even with the lever fully against the hand grip. I wiped down both rotors with isopropyl which improved the braking quite a bit, especially on the front brake.

We rode past the start of the race loop until we joined up with the Orem double track, and continued uphill to the upper entrance to the race loop. The 986 felt light and nimble. It took some getting used to the responsiveness. I found that I was able to contol the bike better driving hard into the corners with my full weight centered, rather than cautiously towards the rear. We rode the loop once clockwise and once counter clockwise before exiting downhill on the access road.

Now that I am getting used to the bike, I have to take it out on some longer and more demanding trails. I'll keep you updated. Jon Sharp will also be testing the bike, so keep an eye on his blog http://acidinmylegs.blogspot.com/ and look forward to our full feature review on Gearreview.com.

Family Camping

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:14:58 GMT

I have been working on several family camping pieces, and some trail runners. Look for them to be updated soon on our gearreview.com website. Also, we have received and started work on the new Look 986 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike. I have never ridden a bike so light and responsive.

Boundary Canyon - La Sportiva Exum River

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:30:39 GMT

So I spent this weekend in Zion with my brother. We had wanted to descend an unnamed drainage on the east side of the park, but because we were unable to arrange a car shuttle, we opted for Boundary Canyon. Neither of us had done this particular canyon before, so we were excited.

We left the WRT about 8:00 and were at the head of the canyon by 9:00. After a short rest and putting on all the gear, we got going in the canyon at about 9:30. The canyon drops quickly through beautifully sculpted sandstone stained with iron oxide. It was fabulous. The bottom of most of the potholes were moist, but not wet as a heavy thundershower had soaked the area the night before. There was a small snake in the second pothole, trying to get warm on top of a log. We left him there, and tried not to bother him.

We hit the grotto at the last rappel at 11:30, and were at the main Kolob / Oak drainage by noon. A short walk and we were at the MIA exit. We stopped and had a nice long lunch break before embarking on the climb out. We took a wrong turn up the gully to the right after the second dry fall, and ended up high and right from the regular route. That cost us about 30 minutes and a lot of bushwhacking through the manzanita. We intersected the regular route just below the saddle, and got back on track. We were at the road within 30 minutes after that, and back at the WRT in about another 45 minutes. Thankfully, the sun was blocked but developing afternoon thundershowers. That made the walk back up from the MIA camp much more enjoyable. We got to the car just after the rain started. All in all it was a good day.

I was wearing the Exum River shoes from Sportiva. They are similar to the Exum Ridge mountain running shoe they make. I found the shoes to be reasonably grippy, and quite comfortable to walk in, especially when scrambling. The only discomfort I noticed is that the shoe is cut a little high around the ankle, so there was a pressure point on my ankle bone. It didn't bruise or blister, but it was a little tender the next day. The Exum river is quite abrasion resistant. I am happy with how well the upper performed so far. Watch for the official review to be posted shortly on Gearreview.com

Metolius Canyoneering Pack

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 02:34:05 GMT

So I have spent the last several months hammering around with a prototype Metolius Canyoneering Pack. They have since added it to their production line. It's super robust, though a bit heavy. The waist belt is great though to tell you the truth.

I wish it had a few more grommets in the sides because when I have it packed full of wet ropes and dry bags, the water has a hard time getting out the bottom. It is also a little small for a full on exploration pack. The Imlay Canyon Gear Heaps Pack is better for that. Look for a review soon on Gearreview.com. It is cavernous, comfortable, and tough. I hauled it through a canyon we were scounting out. All in all we did about 23 miles, with about 2000 feet of gain and another 2000 feet of loss. I carried bivy gear, as well as a wet suit, and 300 feet of rope, plus all the regular gear. I think I was weighing in at about 45 pounds or so with the pack. By the end of the day though I still felt pretty good, all things considered. My feet were the most sore part on my body.

Shenanigans

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 23:40:26 GMT

So a couple of weekends ago, we went on a little jaunt though Shenanigans. I was a bit apprehensive at first because I knew full well there were narrows that would be very tight for me at 195. I think the previous record was held by my buddy RAM from Colorado at 193 just a couple of weeks before. He usually floats around the 175 mark, but it must have been a good winter for him. Anyway, here are a few pics and a wmv show that I put together from that trip.