Getting stuff done

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Dudes. I just sent 242 photos and diagrams to my publisher. I cannot believe how fast Mastering Mountain Bike Skills II came together. With the first edition, I was figuring out how to ride, then figuring out how to explain riding, then figuring out how to express the ideas. With this second edition, I already know how to explain riding — I’ve been teaching this stuff for five years — and it was just a matter of capturing the knowledge in words and images. That plus stay on top of my other work and get ready for the twins.

Nothing like a little stress to get you going.

“OK riders, set ’em up …”

The Twins will be here Wednesday!!!

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We’ve had a heck of a time over here with health scares, hospital stays and 3x-a-week tests, but The Wife has held on, and it looks like we’re gonna make it to our Sept. 30 delivery date.

A week from today, the world will contain two more little rippers! I’m pinned getting ready for them and trying to deliver the MMBSii art (242 photos and drawings) before they arrive. Soon I’ll be pinning diapers.

Who are these little people? We’ll know soon!

The undeniable radness of braking

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Of all riding skills, braking probably gets the least attention. But it sure is useful. And, dare I say, it’s HOT!

Here’s a preview from MMBSii. It shows some decent braking technique — and it shows how little space a decent braker needs to slow down.

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How a slacker seat angle shortens your wheelbase

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Part of the continuing seat-tube-angle saga.

With a sexy diagram.

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How seat angle affects handlebar location

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Inspired by the discussion surrounding Why is a slack seat angle so rip-able?.

With a diagram this time.

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Why is a slack seat angle so rip-able?

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Hey Lee,

I know what I like but don’t know why. I have been riding a few demo bikes and find the slack 71.5-72 seat angle to feel great and very rip-able. When I jump on the 73/74 deg angle it feels … off even with similar head angles and bb heights. Any reason why? I also feel like I can ride with my seat lower with the slacker seat tube. Climbing and pedaling has the same results. Everyone keeps telling me “oh 73-74 will climb better.” I don’t see it. Lay it out for me bro.
MW

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Ripping some raw corners

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Last night Nick Simcik and I did a little ride/shoot on my new little trail. The conditions were steep, loose and very raw. We got a few shots for MMBSii, and we both learned something about the fine art of bike cornering.

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Sorry, too pinned to post, but …

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… I did scratch a short trail into my yard. It’s short, steep and very technical. And it’s lined by cactus.

Yesterday I rode 30 laps for about 60 minutes. Awesome fun so close to home.

Today I spent most of the day at The Wife’s hair salon (she’s supposed to be on bed rest, so I had to wife-sit). Tonight I squeezed in a short session on the home trail. I blew a turn and rolled it out — right through a cactus patch!

The Wife just spent 90 minutes pulling needles from my butt. The joys of marriage.

Report – 2009 Pump Track World Championships

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Yesterday’s backyard event in Canberra, Australia saw big names, tight racing and tons of excitement! (Did we mention the free beer?)

As promised, here’s the report from Aussie Chris.

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World Championships of Compromise

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While certain people are in Australia racing the MTB Worlds, and the luckiest of them are rocking the nearby Pump Track Worlds, some of us are stuck at home working too much.

Yesterday was one of those days, and I settled for figure-eight time trials in my driveway.

Sad. But fun in a bike nerd sort of way.

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Oh man I want to ride

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But alas, I’m rocking some enterprise commercial mortgage origination software.

You can pin that too, but it ain’t the same!

Does this BMX bike fit me?

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Hello Lee,

I hope all is well with you and your wife + kidlets!!!

I’m thinking of getting into BMX and was wondering if you can take a look at the pic below and tell me if this bike is too long for me. I’d like to get the right size bike to start with. I’m 5’3” and this is an Intense Race Pro XL with 21” Top Tube. It does feel a bit too big.

Thanks, in advance, for your advice.

Ramon

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