NEMBA Wicked Ride of the East

We're just back from the NEMBA Wicked Ride of the East at Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover, MA. Like all the other NEMBA events we've been to, this one was no different, a well organized venue, some great vendors and a 'wicked' selection of well marked courses to ride meeting all ability levels.  We arrived prior to the 9:30 am start and got ourselves set up for product display.  Both James and I wanted to ride as well, (well, it can't be all work, must play too!) so we ran split shifts on the booth. I got the early morning ride slot (the Trick) and after about a mile into the ride, my front wheel washed out on the slippery leaves in an off camber section and I took to the sky, superman style, floating through the air faster than a speeding bullet, my body and bike going opposite directions! I hit the ground pretty hard, arms extended (like superman) and slammed my head into the turf.  I knew right away the result of that crash, yup, broken helmet with complimentary subtle headache!  The group of riders I was with were hammering from the start and they never looked back.  Seems to me with little choice, I got the 'trick' and the treat was yet to come.  

Speaking of treats, I returned to our booth after my short ride and regrouped.  You know those days when your flowing real good on the bike and you hit the ground hard, well it just threw me off, so I ended my session quicker than I would have liked. Thankfully, James had been working hard and had some candy and chocolate treats for our visitors and some scary, festive Halloween decorations. 

 Rastafari James and his boneheaded friend dressed for success.

Soon after my return, James kitted up and took off to the trails and I didn't see him for at least a couple of hours (the Treat) and he had a great ride.  We both agreed how fun the trails at HP are, lots of good technical sections with some nice flow.  It's a must for any local New England mountain bikers to check out. 

 

 James loaded up with lights, spreading some of that good vibration, Mon!

One can not attend the Wicked Ride and not give credit where credit is due...and all the credit goes to Leebo for his Savory, Spicy Chili.  That hit-the-spot!  Thanks so much Lee and Thanks to all the North Shore NEMBA crew, all the riders who treated themselves to the tricks of the trails and had a fantastic day. Apparently, they had 500+ riders show up and enjoy the spectacular fall weather. 

2011 Exposure Strada gets 10/10 Review

Cycling Active - Strada 10/10

The first lighting reviews of the year are starting to filter into the magazines. The first to fall onto our door mat is that from Cycling Active.
Their test covered commuting and road lights from £75 - £350. Of the lights on test the Exposure Strada topped the table with a full 10/10 score. The Strada gained the 'Test Winner' badge and was praised for; power, user-friendly package and a list of other options that were not present in other lights.
This review for the new Strada carries on from the test wins in 2009 from magazines like Cycling Plus. The Strada was a firm favorite then, and now in its updated form producing 600 lumens its 30% extra brightness without loss on burn time is is a hit alongside the unique features that the light provides.
For more information on the light visit the Exposure Strada Mk.2 page.

NEMBA Fest night ride

The night ride group, pre-ride. Photos courtesy of PK @ Singlespeed Photo

'Powered' by Exposure Lights 

We spent a recent fall weekend at what is quickly becoming a New England Mountain Bike fall classic, NEMBA Fest. The weather, sunny and stellar! The foliage colors, lively and vibrant! The air, cool and crisp!  The coffee, strong and hot! The vibe, super chill and fun! Plus, free grilled Hot Dogs courtesy of Bikeman.  What more can one ask for than hanging out with some great vendors, talking with mountain bikers, bikers off all ages and ability levels, all there in support of NEMBA.  Not to mention, the incredible trail riding at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, NH. 

Saturday was a buzz, up early, car packed, big mug of java in hand we made the short drive over in about an hour, set up the tent and started talking lights, with great reception from like minded riders looking for the benefits the Exposure Lights offer over the competition.  As the day wore on, we had visits from all of the riders who signed up for the free demos for the upcoming evening night ride. 

Heading over to the start of the ride at the campground, riders were already assembling for the roll out at 6:30. PK took the photo above of the group which expands beyond the capacity of the photo.  We cast such a blinding light upon his lens, surely we would light up the forest with streaks and streams of light as we cascaded through the network of trails.  Given the numbers of riders, we split into three groups, fast, moderate, & slower than fast and moderate.  Jumping in on the 'exceptionally' fast group, it was like a race to a fire with about twelve strong riders blasting from the start down the main double track trail parallel to the road. With a few quick turns, we quickly lost the track and fast cadence then "latched" onto the second, more moderately paced group of about 16 riders. Ahh, yes! That old familiar, yet comfortable pace we enjoy so much.  Cruising some sweet trails with super bright lights. Who needs daylight?  

With the fast crew gone well ahead, we quickly settled in, riding through the woods.  I couldn't tell you the name or specific location of the trails, having only ridden (at this point) only one other time at Bear Brook, eleven years ago, but what incredible fun!  We rode about 13 miles all together, with a couple of us heading up the tarred road to the start after about ten off road miles and with even some riders electing to head out again on another loop after the main ride.  

Thanks to everyone for a great night ride that will surely expand for next years 2011 NEMBA Fest.  Also, a BIG thanks to the NEMBA crew for all their effort on this event.  It was very well run, with lots of bike related activities for the whole family, not just Mom or Dad who are so rad, but we saw a lot of kids riding like chips off the old blocks. Bike riding truly is a great activity for everyone!

Here are a few more pics from the night ride, thanks to PK at Singlespeed Photo.

Fired up to ride!

NEMBA represent!

Happy Trails!