Wayne is the inventor/manufacturer of the Gravity Dropper seat post. He was out visiting Hosking post interbike and he and Chris wanted to ride.
We did a magnificent loop from the Wmson Valley Trailhead, in via the technical way, counter clockwise around the basin, hitting all the techy stuff in Mint Wash, the "Triple Challenge" climbing 349, then the long descent from above Cayuse out through the gate.
We had lots, and I mean lots of fun. Wayne never rides much anymore, but he is one of these guys who can kick the crap out of you anyway (small, near zero body fat, high natural VO2). Technical skills are superb. He rode every technical obstacle I could lead him in to, on sight on his decidely XC-ish blur. Didn't even slow down to take a look, just held my wheel.
Seatposts are a second career and certainly don't pay the bills for him, but he is passionate about the product. He is probably the last person who would need such a device. Nice guy. Makes me happier about recommending these posts to everyone who rides a bike. I am getting one for the SS, and maybe the commuter some day. Amazing how something I never "needed" before has changed my riding style and comfort so much it has basically become a necessity. I put it's utility up there with suspension and big wheels. I also wonder if I ever would have migrated to the big wheel format if I had had this dealio before.
Stand-out memory is flying all out down the last long descent. Chris and Wayne on my heels. Sliding both wheels frequently in the loose DG. Three, dare I say, expert riders with totally different styles (?, Moto, XC-racer), Weights (175, 220?, 130?) bikes (Lunchbox, Bionicon, Blur), drivetrains (Gripshift, Sram trigger, XTR), and two different wheel sizes; all ripping it up and having a blast.
We were so evenly matched (at least downhill). I think that is what made it so fun. That is such a rare thing on any group ride.
Great times. Nice to meet you Wayne. Hope the company takes off eventually before Special-ed steals the idea and puts it on all their bikes.
To anyone else, buy one of these things.
Random thoughts.
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2 comments:
Good to hear the report on riding with the GD owner. I have dealt with the company via phone and e-mail. They have always taken care of me. Nice to know that he is a real rider.
I feel the same about my GD. I don't want to ride any bike that doesn't have one!! (which is most other bikes!!)
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