a quickie!

Rode Sta. Rosa today with Jay and Polly. After several months of not heading south, it would be interesting to see how the trails have changed.

Suffice to say, the first part of the trail ride has changed quite a lot. A subdivision development nearby has affected the topography of the first climbs. They're just as tough, but due to the earth-movers and trucks, it was very dusty. Think espasol. Yep, powder-fine dirt that not only compromised traction, but billowed in clouds every time.

One thing about riding in Sta. Rosa is the sheer amount of eye candy. I'm not talking about hot girls on bikes. But hot bikes. Turners, Santa Cruzs, Ellsworths, Yetis, Titus (what's the plural of Titus? hehe), Intenses...top shelf bikes with the latest components. Beautiful pieces of hardware!

We took off at around 7:30 and after the customary stop at the bukohan to regroup, Jay, Polly and myself headed out to blaze our own trail. Jay took us to "muddy trail", which was dry (thank God it's summer!). We rode that same trail during the wet season and it was a death march slog thru mud and ruts. Yukk.

Jay rode like a man possessed (Polly used the term "scorned"), ripping thru the singletrack and plantation trails. It was nice to tackle the course at speed and I did have a sideways moment where my rear wheel slipped sideways as I over-corrected for a rut. Go Magura HS33's! A quick squeeze on the rear brake and Spanky straightened up fine. They may be "vintage" but they are bombproof and have never let me down. I love my bike!

We wrapped up the ride a little after 10:00am, which is sort of like a personal best for our group. Can't wait to ride there again. Next time, master says faster!

P.S. Sorry no snaps. we were too busy riding fast!