Quick Update on Dan

Talked to Dan last weekend, he verified that his collar bone is broken and is out a month but his spirits are high . . . The crazy guy told me that he's already back on his bike riding it around the parking lot with one hand. Just can't hold him down!!!

Croom . . . Give it a chance

Alrigh I know most people have negative thoughts when they here the word "Croom". Well hopefully this post will change that for someone. Last Saturday Dave the machine, Bob the mountain goat and myself went for a ride. . . we ended up doing 30 miles and if anyone remembers it was the first real hot day that we've had this year (kicked my butt). The ride was good we parked at fire tower (like parking there for security and the shower) did the south blue loop to the north blue then took the yellow shortcut back to the trucks. I took my camera and didn't get near as many photos as I had intended(I will be getting much more in the near future) on but got a few and wanted to share the goodness of Croom with everyone . . .


So the first picture is of Bob coming down an option near the pits on the north blue loop . . . There is a fun little drop semi technical down hill followed by a small tire jump . . .


This here is Mount Pisca I believe(not sure on the actual name) . . . If you look hard you can see Dave to the top right well at least his legs are there, the picture doesn't do it justice but its a pretty good down hill you just have to be able to make the climb . . .


Here I am on a log ride just south of the Drunken Monkey which is my favorite section of Croom, there is also a log before this one which is a little more challenging . . .

And this is Dave again on the more challenging log ride, soon hopefully we'll be able to roll right into it and get both on our first try, hasn't happened yet . . .

Anyways those are just a few of the many good options that you can find at Croom. Yes it is sandy and yes there are big hills . . . that are sandy . . . but sprinkled through out all the hills and sand you will find enjoyable and at times challenging sections. If you have only been out there a time or two give it another chance. Its not Alafia or Santos its different, if you ride there enough you will build amazing endurance that you can't get at other ride spots in the area. The key is going out with someone who knows how to get to the good stuff and being able to push yourself on some of the more XC style things. Two pieces of advice bring water, LOTS OF WATER and a map. Because the loops are huge you can easily be 16 miles from your vehicle . . . so if you get lost you want a map to get you back and enough water to get you there. Again if you've only been out there a few times and haven't enjoyed yourself I suggest doing the next SWAMP ride which is the last Sunday of the month I believe you can check Swampclub.org for more information. So please before you bash Croom give it a chance, you don't write a review on a bike after only one short ride, it takes time to get to know the bike and get comfortable on it, Croom is the same way . . . So hopefully we'll see you out there . . . till next time Just Ryde!!!