THE Friday Freeride Happy-hour Sessions

[Dr Phil mmkay]

OK folks, due to a number of people showing some interest in this ride and my wanting to add a bit of legitimacy to it, here's the not so official unofficial Friday Freeride thread. Check here for ride updates and news (WF for now, but we might go to diff. locales once we've drained the rollers and berms dry).






So, here are the rules for this ride:



You must have a big bike. OR, a not-so-big-bike that you ride like a big bike ;) (i.e. anyone with any type of suspended bike can show up--yes even hardtails) :D

Climbing is tolerated and participated at the FF sessions but our main emphasis is on GRAVITY riding. Going downhill at speed is our goal. There are other WF rides for those who hate themselves. :rolleyes:

There is no set pace. This ride will be education-oriented. That means we'll be trying out goofy lines, unorthodox riding techniques, and generally just chilling around riding and talking bikes. Learning is encouraged and so is passing on knowledge if any of the DH/FR vets show up.







That's it for now, I'll add more if I can think of anything. This ride will, of course, be on Fridays, at happy-hour (6-ish---616?:p), we usually meet around the powerlines between the berms and the rollers. So far it hasn't been a big ride (biggest was last week with 4 big bikes total), but I hope in time turnout will be significant.

Most important disclaimer: this is FR/DH riding, yes, at a tame XC trail, but still know what you're getting yourself into. Please be mindful of yourself and others around you. We encourage riding safely.

Remember:
There is no shame, there's only freeride.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I won't be leaving for the Wisp race until Saturday morning. So I'll be out there turning knobs and stuff on my suspension to get ready for the race.:rolleyes: I wanted to hold it tomorrow but seeing as how it rained today (while I was descending the hill no less), I think holding off for another day would be wise.

C'mon out if you want to see me make an ass out of myself. I'll be working on hitting the rollers on both sides as fast (and air-free) as possible, and also work on my berm-punishment techniques :p.

Powerlines around 6.

[akern2]

If anyone wants to, i'll be there tomorrow, well before and past happy hour. I will need some guidance as in where and which direction everything is, since i have yet to have gone there.


Giant Reign XO counts as a big bike. I like.

[sevenforty]

Gravity riding and Wakefield in the same post...nice.

As long as it doesn't rain tonight and is sunny tomorrow, the berms and rollers area should be dry by the late afternoon/evening. Since I didn't make it out tonight, I'll probably will try to make it out tomorrow....weather permitting.

[akern2]

Can i call you Flat Eric if you come out, Sevenforty? I still can't get over that avator. I need to watch some more music videos.

[sevenforty]

I will need some guidance as in where and which direction everything is, since i have yet to have gone there.

Oh yeah...just follow the road when you enter WF back to the recycling area. There is a little trail down by the tennis court (to the right of the skate park) that will take you to the area. Just head up towards the power lines hill. Can't miss it.

[sevenforty]

Can i call you Flat Eric if you come out, Sevenforty? I still can't get over that avator. I need to watch some more music videos.

Ha...yeah...but I probably will start getting a plethora of pinch flats if you do, haha. Karma and all.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

OK, you guys convinced me, I think I'll head out there. We'll have the first official Free-ride Friday session....on a Thursday. Very typical for this forum. :D




I'll be out there around 6, so John you might be well verse with WF by then. As posted, I'll be sessioning the rollers to try some speed and finesse. My bars have been narrowed 1 inch for a width of 26". New pedals and seatpost will be put on sometime before the race. I've got new (warm-weather friendly) armor and jersey as well. Hopefully the weather will stay dry up on Wisp and the Conti Diesels arrive soon (tomorrow, or Friday).

Cya out there!

[urbaindk]

Pirate and I (and occasionally a few others) have been doing the same sort of ride out at Patapsco every Wednesday night for the last two-three years or so. We had a great ride last night, maybe a little more XC-oriented than usual, but still really fun.

If anybody is interested in meeting up with us shoot either one of us a PM and we'll put you on the list. The more the merrier.

Good luck with your ride. I'd love to make it out myself, but Wakefield might as well be on the far side of the Moon for me as far as traffic from Annapolis goes.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

One of these days, I'd like to head out there and join you guys. Wednesdays kinda suck for me and Patapsco is kind of a drive as well. You rides bring big bikes out there or just trail bikes? Sounds like a blast though, good to hear others are having this type of fun as well (makes me feel less guilty for the equipment overkill). :rolleyes:

[urbaindk]

We have one spot were we can do short shuttles where the big bike is ideal. Most everywhere else a dual-ring trail bike is ideal. I ride a bottlerocket which is built as a burly DH worthy trail bike so I'm set either way. Last night we did more of a trail ride and bombed all the DH's.

The nice thing about Patapsco is there is some pretty aggressive terrain for testing skills. The bad thing is you have to earn a good 95% of your dh runs by grinding up similar terrain.

But as they say, that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger, speaking of which has anybody seen pirate today? :D

[Dr Phil mmkay]

The bad thing is you have to earn a good 95% of your dh runs by grinding up similar terrain.

But as they say, that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger

When Mark comes on our FF rides, he makes me ride real XC on the big bikes. It's an exercise in part endurance and part self-mutilation. :cool:

[pirate]

But as they say, that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger, speaking of which has anybody seen pirate today? :D

Yeah, yeah... Everyone knows I'm an out of shape fatass. You don't need to rub it in. :D:D:D

[pirate]

That ride last night actually made me consider taking my REAL XC bike out of mothball. :eek:

[Dr Phil mmkay]

It rained, lightly, but there were a lot of mud. And the 495DJ guys came out and made us look like we were practically pedaling backwards. Lack of skills/speed, for the lose. :( Climbing up the hill to get to the berms and rollers, I keep on thinking I'm in a BC rain forest. So much moisture, so much wet dirt.

Getting to the hill wasn't an issue as far as trail condition goes, we kept to the more armored lines and stayed on the gravel. As for the rollers and berms, between us ham-fisting our way through them and the 495 guys killing it, the dirt is nice and packed now. If it dries up a little bit, the rollers would have some choice surface to hammer it out on.

The berms, while ridable, weren't really that outstanding. The ruts towards the bottom sets of berms kinda kills your momentum (unless you have lots of squish :D). I now see a few more interesting "lines" at the hill which I'll be trying out once I grow a pair. But I kind of like to keep my rear wheels straight and true.

Ultimately, a fun and enlightened ride. I'll be in Wisp this weekend for the race and it'll be the same deal next week for Snowshoe. There might be a FF-session again on Thursday, but it's still up in the air.


Oh yeah, and I'm still bleeding...

[Dr Phil mmkay]

So...Thursday again anyone? If I don't shuttle on Friday then I'll hold a Fourth of July Freedom Freeride Friday session....:D

[akern2]

Might be down for that, might be off digging in the woods somewhere (it's a secret). We'll see what happens.

[sevenforty]

Yeah, I probably will be down...just all depends on how much I get accomplished during the day tomorrow. I was hoping for a slow week, but that didn't happen! So could be late too.

[akern2]

i'll be at 495 riding, so i'll meet up with you guys.

Or i won't be there, we'll see. I'm still iffy.

[fxc3700]

What time are you going to be down there? I've been out there by my self lately and could use some motivation to hit some bigger stuff. I'll be out there one way or another tomorrow hopefully there will be some more of us.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

OK guys, since there's a shuttle going on Friday, I might or might not hold the Philly's Freedom-Friday-Freeride session (Oh, the silly names :rolleyes:). I'll be out at the usual spot somewhere around 6 today.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

i'll be at 495 riding, so i'll meet up with you guys.

Or i won't be there, we'll see. I'm still iffy.

"Maybe I'll get a big wing tattoo on my forehead one of these days, just to simplify--simbla--symbolize my love for flying and making music. Maybe I won't. It's up to me..huhuhuh, it's my forehead. Ahuh-huhhuh."





















Oh, Cam. You silly goose. ;)

[pirate]

Nice Phil... I LOL'd. :D:D:D

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Despite the fact that Cam McCaul has the articulation skills of a bag of bricks, he's quite entertaining to watch--if you press the mute button.:)

[whale]

i'll be at 495 riding, so i'll meet up with you guys.

Or i won't be there, we'll see. I'm still iffy.

i will at 495 around 10am or so and riding for a few hours with my girlfriend's little brother... if it doesn't rain.

[skijim668]

Despite the fact that Cam McCaul has the articulation skills of a bag of bricks, he's quite entertaining to watch--if you press the mute button.:)

I was knocking his interview earlier.I bought the "Seasons" video, watching him in the Whistler event. Im in sheer awe of HIS skillz.Definitely more action oriented than words.

Not that Im able to ride but Itd be cool for someone to set up a lake booter so some of us could try that stuff with minimal consequences.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I'm going to be at WF today with the hardtail. I'll be testing out the limits of my back injury to see how I fair and if I should start doubling up on my NSAID intake. :rolleyes:

[phat possum]

I'm no doctor but wouldn't a hard tail be much worse for your back than a full suspension bike? How did you hurt your back? Hope it heals soon.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Well did a few rounds of the rollers and such. Wasn't too bad. I did the WF round of the casual+ MORE ride and by then the drugs wore off :( Called it quits when my legs started to cramp up and I can feel my spine vibrate with every small rock and pebbles and roots. And that was while standing up.

[sevenforty]

Anyone heading out to WF Thursday or Friday with the big bikes? I rode yesterday and it was perfect conditions...and there was hardly anyone there!

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Dude, my back is still killing me. I'll try and shoot out of WF tomorrow after my lab, I'm not sure if I want to bring out the big bike or the hardtail though.

[sevenforty]

Dude, my back is still killing me.

That sucks. Yeah, I wouldn't do anything to strain it more. Back injuries are not fun.

[skijim668]

I hope the back gets better. I hope its muscular rather than skeletal. Dont feel bad I had my cast removed to reveal a non cooperating hand. My wife thinks its a ploy to get out of changing poopy diapers:eek:.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Thanks man, I guess it's just a matter of not stressing my back too much. I'm sure if I just take it easy for the next week or so I should be ok. Now about that Snowshoe race....:rolleyes:

[Sir_Crackien]

good to see something like this has started in the area. i will have to bring myself out on one sometime in the near future.

[oldskoolbiker]

I was the only person who showed up on a big bike last Friday.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Yeah, because of school this month, I've only been able to ride WF on either Tuesdays and Thursdays if I can manage to get out early in lab. Freeride Fridays will be held on Fridays again once August hits.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Well, school's out, summer break is back on, and I'll be at WF tomorrow for some FR fun. If the Hooky ride doesn't wear me out, I'll come out again on Friday as well.

Tomorrow, I will be on the hardtail, and possibly Friday on the big bike. I recently blowed-up my Crank Bro. Mallets so the 5050XXs will be on there for right now. Will be out at the usual spot (berms and rollers) at 5:300-6:00ish.

All are welcomed, on any type of bike. C'mon out and have a bit of fun. I'm bringing armor, just in case. ;)

[sevenforty]

Anyone coming out for Thursday's session? The weather report is saying thunder/rain/etc... :(

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I'll be out there just in case it stays dry enough to ride. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. :cool:

[akern2]

I'm a maybe. I've gotten word that i might shuttle the Shed, or hit up 495. Either way, i'll be with my team.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I'll be at WF today probably hitting the main yellow loop starting from the rollers down to the base of the berms and repeating until I puke. Anyone down to join? If it's dry, 6:00 at the top of the hill.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Bump for the same deal, WF this afternoon if it doesn't rain. Will be on the hardtail, hitting the downhill park of the "yellow loop." Casual+ on the descents, "slow-poke" on the climbs, hitting air encourgaged. :)

Top of the berms/rollers by 6:16.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Anyone on for tomorrow evening? 6:30 at the recycling bins?

[sevenforty]

I'll be out probably earlier but I'll stick around till then. Haven't gotten much riding in, in the last 3 weeks. Everytime I get some free time, it pours! It's killing me. :)

[Dr Phil mmkay]

How early are you heading out there? I'm off today so I can ride anytime.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Ok, it's now well into Fall, and temp's gone down. That means time to really take advantage and break out the armor and full-face helmets!

We'll be having some FR fun at FH this afternoon around 3ish on big-bikes. Not expecting a lot of players, but will be expecting to have a decently amusing time sessioning a few of the more fun sections of FH.

Lots of pushing bikes up hill, lots of hike-a-bikes, and lots of bombing down as well. Will have a camera out, so probably a bit of Kodak-courage to pass around.

Any other takers?

Just look for the MORE-ons with full-face helmets and over-suspended bikes.

[thelankymanx2]

Sounds like fun until you hit that 2% up hill grade and you all have to hop off and ride your bike.

Good idea. Watching some vids has gotten me in the mood to get a large travel bike.

[mountainwop77]

Im game for sure

[jabberwocky]

Sounds like fun until you hit that 2% up hill grade and you all have to hop off and ride your bike.I've made it up every hill there save one on my dirt jumper. They are doable on a big bike. You just gotta work for it. :D

[Dr Phil mmkay]

It's just casual fun, no expectations to climb, no hard work, just hanging out, riding downhill, and talking bikes.

This will NOT be a big-time hurt-fest spin-a-thon or anything. I MIGHT be trying to climb a few cardiac hills since I could've sworn my legs got stronger after that weekend riding in the Shenandoahs! ;) But the emphasis will just be about relaxing and talking lines and riding.

Cya out there if anyone wants to join, I'll most likely start at 3, and then be out at the lot checking up for any late-comers at 5:30

Hope to meet a few new faces today!

[littlesquirt]

how about saturday? anybody gonna be there? i'll try to make it but not sure if i can get off work early today.

[DownHillDan]

It's just casual fun, no expectations to climb, no hard work, just hanging out, riding downhill, and talking bikes.

This will NOT be a big-time hurt-fest spin-a-thon or anything. I MIGHT be trying to climb a few cardiac hills since I could've sworn my legs got stronger after that weekend riding in the Shenandoahs! ;) But the emphasis will just be about relaxing and talking lines and riding.

Cya out there if anyone wants to join, I'll most likely start at 3, and then be out at the lot checking up for any late-comers at 5:30

Hope to meet a few new faces today!

I might be able to be there at 5:30. What should I look for in the lot? Someone with a full face helmet?

[littlesquirt]

just got the big-ol-ok from the boss man here at BMW to take off early. should be there around 3:30 ish. is there a certain place to look for you guys? this will be my first time at FH. thanks

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I'll be in a black scion with the funny-looking plates, will park at the trail head entrance by the big trail map and bulletin board.

Yeah, just look for guys with FF helmets and big bikes. :D

Hope to see you guys there, will be looking around for people at 3-3:30 then!

[Dr Phil mmkay]

So, here are a few videos of us having a bit of fun at FH on big bikes.

Props goes to Charlie (littlesquirt) for trying everything we tried on a smaller bike, and for the first time, too. We need to get you out to the Shed, dude. You'll love it out there!

Charlie jumping the last two waterbars:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_Charliejumpingshockabilly.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=Charliejumpingshockabilly.f lv)

Tony (mountainwop) jumping the last two waterbars:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_Tonyjumpingshockabilly.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=Tonyjumpingshockabilly.flv)

Me on "more difficult"
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_Megoingdownmorediffshockabilly.j pg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=Megoingdownmorediffshockabi lly.flv)

Stephan (sevenforty):
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_Stephanhittingit.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=Stephanhittingit.flv)

Tony:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_TonydownSHockabillydiff.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=TonydownSHockabillydiff.flv )


Now for the "outtakes"

Me with sand in my v*****
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_Mebeingapussywithsandinmyvagina. jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=Mebeingapussywithsandinmyva gina.flv)

Nope, second time didn't work either...
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_MetotallybinningitonShockabillyd iff.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=MetotallybinningitonShockab illydiff.flv)

I wasn't the only one either:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/th_Tonybinningitonthesamerock.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk290/drphilmmkay/?action=view&current=Tonybinningitonthesamerock. flv)
(disclaimer: rock was put back in proper place after we knocked it out, we just ended up going around it--watch out folks, those rocks aren't fully embedded in, they will move on you)

[sevenforty]

Extreme!!! Hahaha...ahhh, it was still a lot of fun.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Yeah, Extreme!


Regardless of how 'gnar' we actually got, we still had a blast, and that's half the battle! G.I.J---ok, nvm....

[littlesquirt]

thanks again guys, had a blast and thanks for breaking me in right on my first ride! no need to hold back now. vids turned out awesome. see you guys next time with pads!!

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Dude, for a first time ride at FH, you sure didn't back away from trying out the gnarlier lines that place has to offer. You're much braver than I was when I first rode there (can't even remember when). I know for a fact I didn't ride down SAB or a few other downhills. Good times, I'm aiming to put together another ride for this coming Friday.

[littlesquirt]

No problem, im off work this friday and my brother is bringing his cannondale up for the weekend. we might be out there early, like noonish....i'll keep ya posted

[Dr Phil mmkay]

OK guys, any ideas for this Friday? Or does everyone want to try FH again?

Dan, sorry you missed out last week, you down for this Friday? FH would be cool again but we could also try Wakotink as well. Although I'm not too familiar with the Accotink side of it. Will bring out the camera again.

What are your thoughts?

[mountainwop77]

Bah I wolnt be able to make it this week, stupid poison ivy :mad:

[akern2]

thread jack!!1!


So i here 7 Springs is having a half off weekend this weekend. I've been up there before, and it's tons of fun like a fat chick. I'm think you's guy's go up that way, (you's guy's meaning Phil and friends), so i can get my bike and ride with some MORE-ons. Oh, and Adventure Sports guys too. Hoodlums really.

[nelsonjm]

thread jack!!1!


So i here 7 Springs is having a half off weekend this weekend. I've been up there before, and it's tons of fun like a fat chick. I'm think you's guy's go up that way, (you's guy's meaning Phil and friends), so i can get my bike and ride with some MORE-ons. Oh, and Adventure Sports guys too. Hoodlums really.

Are you drunk? :P

Were you planning on staying the night friday and sat or what? Also what's the room situation?

[jabberwocky]

I'm off work tomorrow, and might be able to come out. Something local works best for me. Fountainhead, Wakefield/Accotink or Lake Fairfax.

[sevenforty]

I'll be down too, just shoot me a PM what you guys decide.

[akern2]

Are you drunk? :P

Were you planning on staying the night friday and sat or what? Also what's the room situation?

Not at all. I just woke up at an ungodly hour of 9 am. I really have no idea what's happening with 7 Springs, I was just trying to do a feeble attempt to get Phil to bring my Reign up to me. I miss it.


If I was to go, I'd probably go up there on saturday and come back down. I believe I now live close enough that it's feesable for me to do that.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Ight guys, how's 12 sounds? I want as much time as possible to enjoy the trails.

[GBone]

MORE-ons...classic!

[DownHillDan]

Ight guys, how's 12 sounds? I want as much time as possible to enjoy the trails.

I can't make it tommorow

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Bah I wolnt be able to make it this week, stupid poison ivy :mad:

How bad is it? Is this "Oh, I just kinda rubbed up on it by accident" or "man, have I got a drinking-story to tell you guys!"?


BTW: Anyone else have any issue with the Noon-time meet-up? I figure around noon would give us plenty of time to tool around on big bikes and just have a causal fun-session without having to worry around the dying light. Let me know if that's too early.

[mountainwop77]

[QUOTE=Dr Phil mmkay;133995]How bad is it? Is this "Oh, I just kinda rubbed up on it by accident" or "man, have I got a drinking-story to tell you guys!"?


It was bad last weekend after I rode all day saturday. I had to go to the hospital Saturday night and get a steriod injection because of the swelling. No fun. Should be good in a few days hopefully...........

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Damn, Tony, that's pretty bad. Hope you get better soon dude, and obviously, don't be scratching! :)

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Looks like 1:00pm will be the time to start. Anyone else wanting to joint at a different time? Let me know so I can be on the look out for you.

[jabberwocky]

Where? Wakefield?

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Fountainhead. Big bikes, full-face optional. It is cold out though. :)

[jabberwocky]

Fountainhead. Big bikes, full-face optional. It is cold out though. :)Alright, I probably won't make it. Short on time today.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Alright, I probably won't make it. Short on time today.

Oh Ok, no worries, we riding Shed anytime soon?

[littlesquirt]

where is Shed?

[jabberwocky]

Oh Ok, no worries, we riding Shed anytime soon?I probably won't. I'm trying to get some more XC/road miles in over the winter. I probably won't think about shuttling until spring.

where is Shed?Frederick.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

So, 5:30 at the top of the berms. I'll be driving straight from the hospital so I might be a little late. Bring out the big rigs and have a bit of fun, "downhilloween"-style (even though it's XC).

Hopefully, weather cooperates. If there's enough sun out, and the general consensus agrees, we'll bring the party to Accotink as well.

What say you, masses?

[mark w]

FYI sunset is shortly after 6pm. I doubt you'd make it to Accotink in time to do much more than turn around and pedal back.

Time to get some lights - Daylight savings rolls off this Sunday aka dark by 5:30pm and counting.

[Dr Phil mmkay]

No Mas Daylight

Yeah, I guess I'll cancel the ride this week. Ah well...there's always the Shed!

[mountainwop77]

Bah, I brought my bike to work so I could leave straight from here, I'm still looking to ride if anyone is interested

[Dr Phil mmkay]

Sorry man, I'm pretty exhausted to begin with so trying to rush back to WF for a quick ride isn't as great an idea as it seemed.