Fall Fiesta: 29er Porn

Half the bikes, if not more, at this year's Fall Fiesta were 29ers.  Hard to believe what started out as a fad could actually gain enough traction to where the original wheelset is now becoming the minority.  Granted, little wheels still have their usefulness on downhill and stuntry bikes but it seems like 29er is now dominating the market.

John Isch has a Niner

One of Al's many 29ers

Glen's Monocog and Paula's Trek Superfly

My Misfit diSSent sporting a new seat post finally - no more creaks!

Giles Corey rides a bike?

The Giles Corey Brewing Co made a HARD PRESSED appearance at CT NEMBA's Fall Fiesta on Sunday, despite the early morning showers.

On the Menu (Speise Karte) today:

Dark Things  

Seven Malts and three hops come together to create a roasty, smooth drinking German Ale perfect for fall.  Dark like stout, rich like porter, but drinks like lager.  Dunkle Dinge!

Homestead Noble Pils

Brewed right in Hebron, the Homestead Noble Pils blends five noble hops with the highest quality pilsner malt.  A true gulper.

ECHO'Fest

Their annual Oktoberfest offering.  Brewed true to style and then dosed with pounds of sweet potatoes.  The Reinheitsgebot be damned!

Pumphaus Heffe

The third pumpkin ale from GCBC.  This time around they brewed a traditional Hefeweizen but added just the right amount of pumpkin and spice.  Hints of clove, banana and subtle Vanilla round out classic fall flavors.

Hop Ceiling Pale Ale

Light on body, but bitter as hell!  Overhopped with Citra & Amarillo, Giles robbed from future generations to make this brew happen.

Fall Fiesta: The Wafflers' Ride

 (l to r):  Mike, Tren, Mark, John

After the rain let up and all the other rides took off, Tren and I hung out for any late comers.  Sure enough, we had a taker.  Mike wasn't sure the ride was on but decided to check it out anyway.  Same with John, only he was coming down from Massachusetts so while he was getting ready the three of us took a practise loop.  Once back at the tent we picked up John and headed off on what was to be a 6 mile XC ride the Intermediate Route for the Fall Fiesta.

Leaving as late as we did meant we probably wouldn't wouldn't be hitting the trail out the Blackledge Falls and with all the rain we got the Ribbon Trail was a no go.  So today's route (in blue) followed the route that was laid out for the Fall Fiesta, for the most part.  

The rain shall pass and we'll be riding in no time!

It was pouring when I got to Gay City Sunday morning

but on the horizon there was a break in the clouds

the rain wasn't finished just yet

but it was quickly becoming apparent that the day would be great

though a few more drops needed to fall

It was like Herbert von Karajan conducting the

Vienna Philharmonic's rendition of 

Also Sprach Zarathustra

(or the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) 

The riding shall begin!

Another Big Wheeled bike on the Gussy

Yet another ride at Upper Paugussett which marks the fourth visit this week.  I sought out this new cart road I found last weekend to see where it goes from the other direction and it's very encouraging that I now have a way to loop back onto the Gussy without having to leave the forest on trails and old cart roads.  It seems the popularity of the Gussy trail is increasing more and more.  Nearing the top of the trail with the yellow trail intersection I met a guy who had found the Gussy by way of this blog and he was rolling a Giant Talon 29er!  Boo Yeah, another 29er on the Gussy.  That's awesome.

It was getting dark and he was setting up his lights but we chatted for a few minutes.  He was working in the area, read about the Gussy on the Snack and was riding the trail for the second time!  He told me he had come across a hunter walking out of the forest that was looking for squirrels but it wasn't the infamous Hunter Dumper that I see often during hunting season. I hope to meet up with this Gussy rider sometime here, feel free to shoot me an email eatsleepfish at gmail, and I will show you some more stuff in the forest.  By the time I got home it had started rain and in a matter of seconds thereafter it was pouring.  I hope the new guy didn't get caught in that down pour.