argh!

Soooo close today to cleaning all of Smith Ravine. This goal has eluded me for pretty much the last 2-3 years. Today involved only one dab, of course not on the most difficult part. The best part was that I was able to clean the final steep loose clime (1/2 mile?) which is frequently my crux move. I know it is doable, I just have never done it.

Smith and Clark springs are undoubtedly the best place to test one's fitness and a bikes ability to climb steep loose semi-technical stuff. I think 40 (Clark Springs) is a touch more difficult, and definitely not climbable at the top.

The key to doing so well today for me was a very leisurely pace up 305 and the lower portions of Smith. I did not feel knackered at all heading in to the final pitches.

The Tractor as always performed admirably on the climbs with the nose staying planted, and the rear wheel not spinning. This is with a long fork, high bars, and a 50mm stem. Not a whimper. The Rampage is the Nevagal's equal on the climbs for sure.

As for the descents: I would like to thank the designers and manufacturers of the WB 135 fork, Kenda Nevegal, and Panaracer Rampage for their excellent contributions to 29er world. Special mention also to the Gravity Dropper. I had not had this combo down Smith before and it is simply superb. The top is steep, loose and rocky. With the fork tire combo, I didn't really need to concern myself with line or placement on the trail. I was able to look way ahead, plan for the big moves, and let the bike barrel over anything in between. Not elegant, but fast, safe, and fun. Ignitors are great in most conditions around here, but they are over matched on the top of Smith. Same for the Reba. The Gravity Dropper makes the bike feel at least two sizes smaller than it is.

I finally worked up the courage to go off Dan's "monkey jump" picnic spot retaining wall to a nice transition while climbing 305. I have looked at this drop at least ten times and passed, but today was the day. Like butter. I went back and measured it...29 inches. Right at the top of my tire. Maybe a few inches more to the landing. That is as high a drop as I have ever done, and as high as I am interested in. Nice mental breakthrough though.

Put short: I had a great ride. And I ordered a Lunchbox because.....?

Probably stupidity as I'm not sure what it can do better than the Curtlo except be more maneuverable. And that might not be an advantage on trails like today.

Anyway, left at 0505, returned at 0815. 305 to top of Smith and back. Felt stronger than I have a right to, and enjoyed Dave's company for 5-10 minutes as he caught me on the top of 305.