Does anyone mountain bike?

[Oakley]

I just picked up a new bike and started doing some trails that are close by. So I was just curious if anyone on here was into mountain biking or trail riding, also wondering if anyone knew of any good novice type trails to hit.

[MarkWB]

I used to be really in to my mountain bike (iron horse outlaw) for years until I got a car and worked too much and ended up selling my bike. Anywho, if you want to get your feet wet with the whole experience, try riding around High Park or a similar environment and get a feel for the grassy, slippery difference from tarmac. If you're already a bit comfortable, I'd check out forks of the credit provincial park. Been on a nice hike there, and it looked like it'd be awesome for biking. The green trail is more of a novice trail I believe. We hiked the red trail and biking it would definitely be risky.

[CopperRouGe]

I mountain bike a fair bit. I live in Newmarket, but sometimes ride the don valley trails. Fun times!

Lots of trails up my way too. Ravenshoe, Caulson's Hill and Durham Forrest are just a few.

[zoso]

next year i plan to

I'm mainly on the road bike going down lakeshore all the way to winston churchill

[Oakley]

I will definatley check out forks of the credit and the don valley trails, I heard both are good. Me and a buddy are going to check out the Albion conservation area as well.

[mazdaspeedemon3]

If your ever down in Hamilton or niagara area there are some awesome trails around there, I bike mostly Bruce trail, dundas loops, hermitage, sulfer springs

Niagara has some gorgeous trails right by niagara falls

If you google map it, it will give you a highlighted route of all the trails around

[stefanb]

I do. Was a professional trail builder and built the bike park @ Horseshoe and now run a website for MTB...Try to ride for fun these days. Currently ride a '12 Norco Truax.

Biking is fun. Youll like it.

[Oakley]

Just realized I will be needing to buy a bike rack so get to some of these places lol.

[Mr Wilson]

I'll second, third, or fourth the Don. There's several areas where you can park and enter. Trail heads in Sunnbrook Park, Pottery Road and Redway to name a few. Runs vary from the flats, loop and some of the hidden bits. Dropmachine.com used to have weekly rides, not a bad way to get used to the trails.

Blue Mountain has also done a great job on the XC trails in the last few years. The big bonus is you can ride down the Haole run as fast as you can..........just don't get in my way ;)

[optiklenz13]

Bump.. Let's get a crew going and hit up the trails.. :) The Don anyone?

[boo-ninja]

When I lived in orangeville I went to mono cliffs all of the time.

[Rob23]

Been hitting the Don Trails for over 10 years, there pretty good! but they are pretty intense for noobs!

soon i will be visiting my sister in vancouver and doing some downhill there.

[Rob23]

Bump.. Let's get a crew going and hit up the trails.. :) The Don anyone?

Id be in

[FoXy]

Bump.. Let's get a crew going and hit up the trails.. :) The Don anyone?

Ask Mat, he goes all the time. And he races thursday at Durham forest. He goes at least once or twice a week riding with my brother and some other friends.

[Rob23]

Don Trails from last year.

Just need to get that GoPro angled better next time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhOxenhu9Ls

[PCLoadLetter]

I'd be down for some Don trails, I've never been :)

[ace_master]

Not attempting to hijack the Don ride, but I'm probably going to hit Ravenshoe on Saturday if anyone wants to join. Great trails if you've never been.
Will be my first ride this year though (been too busy), so don't expect an adrenaline filled experience.

[PEPSIGIXXER]

what kind of trails are you looking for. Did you want technical, flat out or relaxed.

[Rob23]

Not attempting to hijack the Don ride, but I'm probably going to hit Ravenshoe on Saturday if anyone wants to join. Great trails if you've never been.
Will be my first ride this year though (been too busy), so don't expect an adrenaline filled experience.

Never been
Map link?

[proDJtege]

There's a trail park north of barrie called "Hardwood Hills"
http://www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca/

They have awesome trails I always try to hit twice per summer.

The Don Valley trail is definitely a good idea to try.. then the reward of the beaches is awesome.

[ace_master]

Never been
Map link?

Here is the MTBR link (http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/trails-around-the-world/canada-trails/trails-canada-ontario/trail/ravenshoe-forest-brownhill-tract/prd_166388_4528crx.aspx)

There are 2 parking lots, (one on Ravenshoe, and one on McCowan) I will be parking in the one on Mccowan (https://maps.google.ca/maps?daddr=22500+mccowan+road&hl=en&ll=44.097448,-79.234772&spn=0.768273,2.113495&sll=44.209289,-79.364298&sspn=0.000749,0.002064&t=h&mra=ls&z=10). I will probably be there around 10am.

If anyone want's to come, be prepared to see some mud (bring garbage bags to sit on in the car).

[robl]

Beauty!

Unfortunately I can't join for a ride this weekend, however I'm in to ride some of the trails in the area!
I say we continue to set up some rides on a weekly basis if possible.

Regarding trails, I ride Durham forest pretty well weekly, great spot! Also I've ridden Ravenshoe a couple of times last year. That is also very fun and has some technical trails for sure (Skunk). It's actually amazing for being a relatively small spot. The Don Valley has been on my list of spots to ride, however I haven't made it out yet.


Cheers,
Rob.

[genericmoniker]

I'm fairly new to riding, used to ride some of the more novice-oriented trails in the Don during the early 00's. If anyone is in the West End and knows of any decent novice trails please LMK!

I just throw my bike in the back of my car, haha.

[Oakley]

I have been going to Albion Hill conservation area lately, it absolutely amazing and there's trails for every level. Anyone who mountain bikes, NEEDS to ride here.

[Rob23]

I am willing to try some other trails, but The Don is the best ive ever been to in GTA

[FoXy]

http://chicoracing.com/2013-mountain-bike-schedule/24-hour-races/summer-solstice/overview-and-shedule.html

Both Mat and my brother are going to this. It's a good old time.

[baymoe]

I'd be down for a group ride. Don is an awesome place to ride.

I'm heading to Durham forest tomorrow to for this http://sacredrides.com/trailsandales. It was initially for last week, but got postponed to the 28th due to T-storms.

Shameless plug. Skip to about 2:40 to see me eat dirt lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1jycEkdQKA

[baymoe]

Update to the event hosted by Sacredrides tonight in Durham (see above post for more details). Got contact from the organizer that it is still going down tonight! Word is out that of the 70 spots available, 51 was signed up for so it should be a great ride.

[Scottobot]

I have been going to Albion Hill conservation area lately, it absolutely amazing and there's trails for every level. Anyone who mountain bikes, NEEDS to ride here.

Are you in the Caledon Cycling Club? They do weekly organized rides there.

[boo-ninja]

they also ride on all of the side roads near my work and take up the entire road in a big line instead of riding behind one another. then give all of the drivers dirty looks for going way around them. Makes it quite difficult to drive a line truck with pole trailer around. Single file!, my rants done.

[Scottobot]

they also ride on all of the side roads near my work and take up the entire road in a big line instead of riding behind one another. then give all of the drivers dirty looks for going way around them. Makes it quite difficult to drive a line truck with pole trailer around. Single file!, my rants done.

I can't speak for the road guys. I only rode with the off-roaders, and they were almost all very conscientious. :)

[yearoftherat]

they also ride on all of the side roads near my work and take up the entire road in a big line instead of riding behind one another. then give all of the drivers dirty looks for going way around them. Makes it quite difficult to drive a line truck with pole trailer around. Single file!, my rants done.

There is one group of roadies I encounter in the Niagara Falls region that have the same mentality.

[boo-ninja]

Yeah it has only been the road bikes.

[genericmoniker]

Road bike dudes seem to have a douche-bag aura about them, and in my experience are the BMW drivers of the bike world. They'll turn a nose up at you unless you're on similar or more expensive kit than they are, haha.

[Rob23]

This isnt a cyclist bashing thread. Not all road bikers are like that. In fact they are legally allowed to take up a full lane if they want they keep to the side to be considerate to drivers. There are some idiot cyclists but not all of them are.

[yearoftherat]

I agree. As a roadie myself, I just found that most are polite. It's the few jocks, "I ride for this shop/team, look out", that spoil it for everyone.

[robl]

Speaking as an MTB rider, all roadies are jerks... ;-)
Just kidding, as mentioned by others, a few bad apples can spoil it for the lot.
In fact in talking with a lot of local shops I've heard that there has been huge increase in road-cycling in the GTA over MTB as of late. It's a lot easier and more efficient to get a good ride in by opening your garage door and riding for an hour, rather than it is to load up your rig, drive to a trail, ride, clean up, remount, drive home...

Thanks,
Rob


This isnt a cyclist bashing thread. Not all road bikers are like that. In fact they are legally allowed to take up a full lane if they want they keep to the side to be considerate to drivers. There are some idiot cyclists but not all of them are.

[Swerny]

I have 3 bikes.

Mountain, road and a singlespeed cross bike that I commute to work on.

There are d-bags in all 3 "disciplines".

[peterm15]

Now I don't ride myself but was at Hilton falls the weekend, there was a lot of bikers and trails to ride on. Lots of flat trails as well as technical trails. ( one called bent rim trail)

Just figure some of you may like to know in case you don't already.

[optiklenz13]

http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/c571c80ed09711e290d522000a1fb852_7.jpg

fixed link..

[optiklenz13]

The one by Loblaws was friggin' slippery yesterday.. Muddy as hell, I wiped out yesterday. :/

[Rob23]

You should have waited until today, its dry now. I went for a pretty long solo ride today, a few close calls but no spills.

[optiklenz13]

I know. I got the itch. Hahaha. I'll probably go again today. Just need to finish up on some errands.

[baymoe]

Rob23, may have crossed one another today. Got there around 1pm. Went from Loblaws trailhead to the fringe of Sunnybrook. Mosquitoes are in full force in the woods! Start from the Loblaws trailhead?

[Rob23]

Rob23, may have crossed one another today. Got there around 1pm. Went from Loblaws trailhead to the fringe of Sunnybrook. Mosquitoes are in full force in the woods! Start from the Loblaws trailhead?

yup started at the loblaws trailhead and went north, then through the flats to the dirt jumps, then crothers woods, then back to loblaws in the south trail head.

there were a few other mazda 3s but i didn't notice any tm3 members.

[CopperRouGe]

Going to try and ride the don tomorrow after work from the Loblaws trailhead.

Rain, rain go away!

[baymoe]

yup started at the loblaws trailhead and went north, then through the flats to the dirt jumps, then crothers woods, then back to loblaws in the south trail head.

there were a few other mazda 3s but i didn't notice any tm3 members.

Car isn't labelled :cool

http://imageshack.us/a/img836/5456/20130609162820.jpg

I'm terrible with faces, but can usually pick out a bike from a crowd. What do you ride? I'm on a orange Mongoose.

[optiklenz13]

Yup..

http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/633fa39ad15a11e286b022000ae90285_7.jpg

[baymoe]

That's going to leave a mark, ouch.

Where did this happen? I took a spill on the long downhill bridge in Party Atmosphere (again lol). I'm going to clear that darn thing one day!

[Rob23]

That's going to leave a mark, ouch.

Where did this happen? I took a spill on the long downhill bridge in Party Atmosphere (again lol). I'm going to clear that darn thing one day!

I know which one your talking about I think, the one that hooks right at the very end? Im happy Ive never come off that one before.


Car isn't labelled :cool

http://imageshack.us/a/img836/5456/20130609162820.jpg

I'm terrible with faces, but can usually pick out a bike from a crowd. What do you ride? I'm on a orange Mongoose.

Nope you weren't there when I first showed up, I would have noticed. I was riding a Kona Fire Mountain thats about 12 years old lol. Its dark green and I had a bright green water bottle thats pretty distinctive.
We should go next weekend.

[baymoe]

I know which one your talking about I think, the one that hooks right at the very end? Im happy Ive never come off that one before.

Yep. Lead up to it looks harmless.

Nope you weren't there when I first showed up, I would have noticed. I was riding a Kona Fire Mountain thats about 12 years old lol. Its dark green and I had a bright green water bottle thats pretty distinctive.
We should go next weekend.

For sure, as long as you don't mind my slow pace.

Ride Durham Forest/Walkers Wood much? I'm usually totally lost in there, so seeking a guide lol

[Rob23]

For sure, as long as you don't mind my slow pace.

Ride Durham Forest/Walkers Wood much? I'm usually totally lost in there, so seeking a guide lol

Never been to Durham Forest

[baymoe]

Give it a whirl. Great trail system, just a bit confusing to navigate around. I had my last run tracked via Endomondo on the phone with the help of a fellow rider.

[optiklenz13]

Mat, (Sechemedia) goes to Durham Forest.

I spilled on the trail right by my house. Not at loblaws.

[robl]

If anyone is going riding at Durham forest, PM me.
It's close to me and I'm always looking for more riding partners!
Weather permitting I'll be riding there at least once this weekend.

Cheers,
Rob.

[baymoe]

If anyone is going riding at Durham forest, PM me.
It's close to me and I'm always looking for more riding partners!
Weather permitting I'll be riding there at least once this weekend.

Cheers,
Rob.

Interested! I'm over by 14th and 9th, so it's not too far from me either.

[robl]

Beauty!

I'll hit you up when I get the details set on when we're riding.
One morning on the weekend is pretty well guaranteed, with a Friday afternoon ride possible.

Cheers,
Rob.

[optiklenz13]

Went out today @loblaws

http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/e9570df2ecc511e29efa22000ae90e92_6.jpg

[CopperRouGe]

Hitting the don valley trails tonight...I'm sweating just thinking about it :)

[robl]

Hit the trails at Greenwood twice this weekend.
They are fun!

[optiklenz13]

I heard parts of greenwood is overgrown..?

[greyseason]

Anybody ride 24'?
Alexrims DM24 double walled
Cleaning out my room found these two rims, W/O spokes. Picked them up from a garage sale a few years ago, didnt do anything with them

Theyre free if you pick them up. Located in kitchener

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/28/aja3udeg.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/28/a8e7ynes.jpg

[optiklenz13]

Thumbs up! Too bad I ride a 26..

[greyseason]

Oh I know most people will ride 26, I do ( Norco Sasquatch that needs lots of TLC) maybe Brockcharlton rides 24?

[ace_master]

Resurrection : Anyone want to meet up for a ride this weekend at Ravenshoe?

[m_bisson]

Oh I know most people will ride 26, I do ( Norco Sasquatch that needs lots of TLC) maybe Brockcharlton rides 24?

I have a norco sasquatch too! 1999 :)

[Cab0oze]

Subbed for later, bought mtn bike this year and will be in the area a few weekends this summer!

[ken6214]

Anybody ride at Durham Regional forest? Been going almost every weekend this year.

[jswift79]

currently have a Rocky Mountain Vertex 29er from 2012

had 2010/2011 26er Giant Trance back in the day. didnt like full suspension for what i was doing. the rear shock didnt lock out as good and i would lose speed on the down stroke

i go to Glen Eden a few times in the summer. i always bike around port credit and the Erindale Park trail

other trails: Hardwood, Glen Haffy, and the long trail north of Brampton on Mclaughlin/Old Base Line rd (by the train tracks). that trail goes all the way to Bolton

[ace_master]

Anybody ride at Durham Regional forest? Been going almost every weekend this year. ken6214 - I'd be up for a ride Sunday morning at Durham if that works for you. I'm not familiar with the trails, but I'll try to keep up. I hear they're working on some new trails in the area too.

[Superchargedx]

I live in Milton and ride kelso all the time. I am no pro but love to ride!
I ride a Giant Anthem X4 and love it! Perfect for me

[ken6214]

Heading out to Durham regional forest for the first ride of the year. Anyone else going?

[dentinger]

I own a mountain bike.....

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

[taz4432]

Picked up a new MTB at the Spring Bike Show earlier this year. Used to ride/race back in high school but haven't mtb'ed in a good 7 or 8 years so I figured a new bike would be good motivation to get back into it and stick with it. Been out a few times already this year (as weather permits) and it's a blast - I'm out of shape but I've definitely missed it.

Durham is awesome to ride at - haven't been in almost a decade but plan to go back this year. I like to ride Centennial Park in King City since it's close to my parents house, so it's convenient for me when I'm back home. Hardwood up North is great and I plan to make some trips out the Hydrocut and some other areas as well.

Here's the new girl the day I brought her home - 2015 Specialized StumpJumper FSR Comp 29'er. Pedals and some other bits have been changed since then:

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12791005_10205157420209152_5730089683751009969_n.j pg?oh=56faa59c3a3df1c572565f8a09a86e15&oe=57A72856

[Sivart444]

I've been getting into it since moving to BC. I love cross country, we have some exceptional trails out here!


I've got a 2012 Kona Coilair- it's upgraded but its starting to not quite cut it... i should've just ponied up and bought a large frame bike to begin with, ugh!

[genericmoniker]

Growing into a bike is much easier on the wallet than growing out of one.

That being said, snapped my RD hanger, and managed to snap one of the cogs on the RD in half on a ride yesterday. Luckily LBS (Spokes n Slopes in Milton) had what I needed in stock, and is trying to get it back to me by tomorrow. 2013 Norco Charger 9.1.

[optiklenz13]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160521/d5c666367d0f53b435e027c4b4563ce0.jpg

Ready to hit the Don tomorrow morning..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[optiklenz13]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/125d25376015ca8be838ed46bedbb4c3.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/5d18648ad68c21ee8e664c286013f1fc.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/e79cda97856d631eba81bfd1c0a50af9.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/c8dac05dd9fb12896ed014a1cc2d7093.jpg

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http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/89ac9252a1fa91978f713240f32d67cb.jpg

It's been a very busy week/weekend. Pushing myself each time, prepping for Epic 8 weekend. Hope to see some of the guys here at the Don or DF. Let me know what trails you hit and I'll come out if I can.


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[optiklenz13]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160726/66e7e1b317900a4c1838352ec64331dd.jpg

Joined my first relay race! Great experience, lots of fun, it definitely won't be my last. I have started training for the the next one which is September.


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[Jackal]

^^Pounds lost tally and number of packs to go before a six pack.

[optiklenz13]

^^Pounds lost tally and number of packs to go before a six pack.

Let me see, lost 35 lbs. in total now. Last I checked I was at 151lbs, with 15.5% body fat.. Goal is to go back up to 157 lbs and to drop down to 12%.

Six pack? I wish. I haven't gone full nutrition mode.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160727/8fb571ce2579fdbaad509660c89a9e04.jpg

[Jackal]

Crazy stuff!! Well done! I'd be happy with 5-10 lbs loss and 15 lbs gain of muscle. [emoji23]

[optiklenz13]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160819/0c224815635b912b26eb0d33a8d665c7.jpg

First time at Albion Hills yesterday. I had so much fun.


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[CopperRouGe]

If you like Albion, you should race the Summer Solstice 24 hr race there. It's like the 8 hour, but longer :)

I'm racing in the Fall 8 Hour at Hardwood Hills too. Loads of fun!

[optiklenz13]

If you like Albion, you should race the Summer Solstice 24 hr race there. It's like the 8 hour, but longer :)

I'm racing in the Fall 8 Hour at Hardwood Hills too. Loads of fun!

I raced last July as well for summer Epic 8. Signed up last night for the Fall Epic 8. See you there!!!


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[CopperRouGe]

Nice!!!

[dexter]

So, other than optiklenz13 who's riding the 8 hour with us at Hardwood this weekend?!

[optiklenz13]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160921/1950de4687dc8782c33fddc88492a5ec.jpg

After 3 laps of practice run last Sunday. Hahaha. I need to be at dexter 's level.


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[dexter]

After 3 laps of practice run last Sunday. Hahaha. I need to be at dexter 's level.


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Haha, my level on the trails is nothing to be envious of! I'm a roadie; I just put my head down and go. Put something in my way and I tend to just plow over it rather than trying to pick a decent line around it. Believe me, by the time I'm done my 4 hours I'll be looking at least that wiped!

[CopperRouGe]

I'll be at Hardwood tomorrow for the 8 hour! Weather is supposed to be perfect

[optiklenz13]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160925/d7b3f71c1598933ac1f8bbd1dbfd4663.jpg

Great to finally meet you bro!! Great job today!! You killed it!! dexter

Crashed on my second lap on the last berm, pulled my left calf muscle. Was done by then. I was losing air on my front wheel, and my tire folded on the turn, I was 17psi at that point, and was supposed to be running 20.

Oh well.

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[dexter]

Great to finally meet you bro!! Great job today!! You killed it!! dexter

Crashed on my second lap on the last berm, pulled my left calf muscle. Was done by then. I was losing air on my front wheel, and my tire folded on the turn, I was 17psi at that point, and was supposed to be running 20.

Oh well.

Likewise, great to meet you too! Thanks man, looks like you had a good first lap yourself, shame about the wipe out on the second. Those berms can get a little hairy if you're coming in too hot! That bike of yours is a beast man - so jealous!

Didn't even see the paparazzi snapping that shot of us looking super casual! Haha love it :thumbsup

[optiklenz13]

Bumparoo!! I'm addicted to this race thing... Team went for the Summer Epic 8 last weekend and we almost got podium.. We just lacked strategy. Fack...

http://www.optiklenz13.com/img/s2/v72/p2423171286-6.jpg (http://www.optiklenz13.com/p260710479/e906ea8d6)

I really need stronger legs.. Getting a road bike is a feedback I keep getting. Thoughts? dexter ?

[SirWanker]

Definitely get a road bike to build up your legs and endurance.
I was a roadie before taking up off-roading ( for self preservation) and the 100+KM rides made a big impact on performance.
Mind you that was before Life, Marriage and a Career came up :P

[Default User]

Always wanted to get into it...never had the money for a nice bike though LOL

only recently got a Canadian Tire special bike to keep up with my kids

[shawnmcw]

Although i don't compete, not anywhere near in the shape i'd need to be to do that, i've biked all my life. Current ride is a 2017 Giant Trance 3 :)
I will be going up to Algonquin tomorrow though

[optiklenz13]

Definitely get a road bike to build up your legs and endurance.
I was a roadie before taking up off-roading ( for self preservation) and the 100+KM rides made a big impact on performance.
Mind you that was before Life, Marriage and a Career came up :P

Hahaha. Nice. I'll definitely consider getting a road bike. I'm just afraid, I might get bored. LOL! Leaning maybe towards an all terrain bike with drop bars.


Always wanted to get into it...never had the money for a nice bike though LOL

only recently got a Canadian Tire special bike to keep up with my kids

LOL! Nice. It's a great exercise for sure..


Although i don't compete, not anywhere near in the shape i'd need to be to do that, i've biked all my life. Current ride is a 2017 Giant Trance 3 :)
I will be going up to Algonquin tomorrow though

I'm not at the competition level yet. I just do it for fun, but when you brush up on a podium place, it really gets interesting.

We should set up a trail ride meet. Anyone here go to the Don often?

[SirWanker]

Hahaha. Nice. I'll definitely consider getting a road bike. I'm just afraid, I might get bored. LOL! Leaning maybe towards an all terrain bike with drop bars.

Dodging cars will keep boredom from setting in :P.
Not too sure where you're based but aim for a route with plenty of climbs.
One of my fav climb in Toronto is Bayview Road extension from Pottery Road to Moore Ave followed by Mt Pleasant from Jarvis to St Clair Ave E. Just be careful with Mt Pleasant due to the traffic volumes.

[optiklenz13]

Dodging cars will keep boredom from setting in :P.
Not too sure where you're based but aim for a route with plenty of climbs.
One of my fav climb in Toronto is Bayview Road extension from Pottery Road to Moore Ave followed by Mt Pleasant from Jarvis to St Clair Ave E. Just be careful with Mt Pleasant due to the traffic volumes.

Hahaha.. Yeah, I hate being on the road too for that reason. LOL.

Yeah, I'm close by there. I bike from my house to the Don Valley trails. A lot have said to get a dedicated road bike instead because I already own a mountain bike. No need for the all terrain, CX bike that they're now known for.

[dexter]

I'd agree; Getting a road bike will be a game changer especially if you can splurge on a Garmin/heart rate monitor/Strava Premium. I got my Garmin in the spring and heart rate monitor last week and am already finding both super useful as training tools especially the HRM when working on max effort sprints.

Sure fire way to get strong legs though... Heavy leg days at the gym a couple of days a week, especially through winter. I try to put on as much raw leg strength as I can in the winter and taper off during the summer so I don't burn the legs out when I'm riding all the time. Based on that pic it looks like you've definitely got bigger calves than I do haha


Hahaha. Nice. I'll definitely consider getting a road bike. I'm just afraid, I might get bored. LOL! Leaning maybe towards an all terrain bike with drop bars.

I can't imagine getting bored on the road bike. Hell, one of my favorite parts about it is that I can just go out there and let the mind wander a bit without really having to think too much about it if I'm just cruising along. Perfect way to get away from things if you need time to think or clear your head.

If you're set on something a little more "all terrain" I would look the CX route. Something like a Giant TCX would probably suit you well; road gearing, disc brakes, knobby tires, more ground clearance and a bit more upright geometry than a road bike but it would still give you the option to swap on some slick 28mm road tires and lay the hammer down on the pavement!

If you were to go with a pure road bike and don't plan on racing on the road I'd look more at Giant's Defy line - endurance geometry (more upright than their race bikes) will give you a more comfortable ride and still give you the pure performance of a dedicated road bike.

Any idea on a budget for this bike? That may help as far as recommendations if you're looking for them.

[optiklenz13]

I'd agree; Getting a road bike will be a game changer especially if you can splurge on a Garmin/heart rate monitor/Strava Premium. I got my Garmin in the spring and heart rate monitor last week and am already finding both super useful as training tools especially the HRM when working on max effort sprints.

Sure fire way to get strong legs though... Heavy leg days at the gym a couple of days a week, especially through winter. I try to put on as much raw leg strength as I can in the winter and taper off during the summer so I don't burn the legs out when I'm riding all the time. Based on that pic it looks like you've definitely got bigger calves than I do haha



I can't imagine getting bored on the road bike. Hell, one of my favorite parts about it is that I can just go out there and let the mind wander a bit without really having to think too much about it if I'm just cruising along. Perfect way to get away from things if you need time to think or clear your head.

If you're set on something a little more "all terrain" I would look the CX route. Something like a Giant TCX would probably suit you well; road gearing, disc brakes, knobby tires, more ground clearance and a bit more upright geometry than a road bike but it would still give you the option to swap on some slick 28mm road tires and lay the hammer down on the pavement!

If you were to go with a pure road bike and don't plan on racing on the road I'd look more at Giant's Defy line - endurance geometry (more upright than their race bikes) will give you a more comfortable ride and still give you the pure performance of a dedicated road bike.

Any idea on a budget for this bike? That may help as far as recommendations if you're looking for them.

I never planned on racing with the mountain bike either. LOL!. and I spent way more because of having to change bikes instead of just getting the "race bike" the very first time.

This time, I'm getting the bike that I know I'll be happy with. Having said that budget wise, as long as it's manageable for me, I'll go for it.

[dexter]

I never planned on racing with the mountain bike either. LOL!. and I spent way more because of having to change bikes instead of just getting the "race bike" the very first time.

This time, I'm getting the bike that I know I'll be happy with. Having said that budget wise, as long as it's manageable for me, I'll go for it.

Well that makes my answer a bit harder. If there's a possibility that you'd race road or crits I'd probably look into a capable all arounder like a Giant TCR (though the Giant Defy would still be raceable it's not really designed for racing geometry wise). The TCR is certainly race worthy considering Team Subweb won both the climbers and sprinters jerseys at the Tour de France this year on TCR's but also capable enough for an everyday bike if you don't end up racing.

But that brings up the next "hiccup"making the question harder to answer: rim brake or disc brake? As of right now disc brakes are only just making their way into the pro peloton and the UCI still has them banned in most lower level races (all Ontario Cup, most crits, etc) so if you're going to be racing in the next year or 2 you'll probably want to opt for a rim brake version. If you won't be racing that soon, and you want a bike you know you'll be happy with long term, I'd be going the way of the future and opting for a disc version.

I'm confident that professional cycling will all be going the way of the disc in the next few years which will mean lower level racing will get the green light on discs as well. That said, either a TCR with discs (if you want the more aggressive bike) or a Defy with discs (if you want a slightly more relaxed bike) would be the route I'd go. Their line ups for both bikes are pretty extensive so just go with the most expensive one you can justify haha

...and no, I have no affiliation with Giant, I just recommend them because they are such a huge company and manufacture so many of their own parts in house (stems, seat posts, bars, etc) you can't find better bang for the buck.

[optiklenz13]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/4af7f44814febdc9a707527f01bb6c55.jpg

I did something.. dexter


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[dexter]

I did something.. dexter


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Jesus man, you don't mess around! Stunning bike! :hawt I'm super jealous.

I usually do friendly group rides with a few guys (5-10 depending on the day) ranging in age from 19-70 on Sunday mornings. Pace is usually around 28km/h but we always wait for guys at stop signs and stuff if anyone is lagging. I'll PM you my number and if you ever want to come out to a group ride or just meet up for a ride of our own shoot me a text!

[optiklenz13]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/780c765f18e53852f66e12b90e11f68c.jpg

I rode to Niagara Falls from Scarborough this past weekend. It was in my bucket list and when I got invited, I knew I couldn't pass the opportunity. 5 hours of sleep, last minute food prep, unfitted bike ( although I think it did ok, I didn't hurt as much as I anticipated I would) the smile on my face though when I arrived at the falls was priceless.

It was mostly 30kph for the most part, tried to keep up with the younglings at 40kph but had to back off if I wanted to get all the way to Niagara. Lol.

Anywho, that's that. [emoji6]


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