Author Topic: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!  (Read 1566 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline hygieneboy

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 220
  • Karma: +3/-142
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooo dirty!!!!
 ;)

I rode this trail for the first time this past Wednesday. Here I thought Moonscape was the challenging trail at Alafia. Damn that's a gnarly trail.  I picture a Gator's back being kinda bumpy but rideable. This trail felt like  I was climbing mini- Mount Everests over and over and over again. What a workout!  Let me just tell you I've never walked so much on a trail holding my bike to the side like an old man's walker. The parts I did muster the courage to ride on I was praying " I do not want to die today".  Gatorback would make a tough hiking trail let alone one for bicycles. Has anyone ridden this whole trail without setting a foot down or having to jump off for a short section ?

Offline cgarolr

  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ***
  • Posts: 179
  • Karma: +11/-159
  • Gender: Male
    • Tampa Cigar Roller Services
  • My Bike: 2007 Bianchi RITA 29er - 32x18 (SS)
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2010, 12:00:29 AM »
Has anyone ridden this whole trail without setting a foot down or having to jump off for a short section ?

Yes...with the bike listed to the left...
It's all fun and games 'til someone loses an eye.  Then it's just a game: FIND THE EYE!!!

My cigar rolling business is for sale!  Email for details!   www.CigarCreations.com

Offline hygieneboy

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 220
  • Karma: +3/-142
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooo dirty!!!!
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2010, 08:53:21 AM »
I'd have to see it to believe it on a single speed.  ???

Offline Tootsjofus

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • First Bike
  • ****
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: 2007 Yeti 575
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2010, 09:27:59 AM »
On a good day I may put a foot down once or twice.  Something on that trail always seems to kick my ass.     :-[

Offline cgarolr

  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ***
  • Posts: 179
  • Karma: +11/-159
  • Gender: Male
    • Tampa Cigar Roller Services
  • My Bike: 2007 Bianchi RITA 29er - 32x18 (SS)
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2010, 01:16:04 PM »
I'd have to see it to believe it on a single speed.  ???

I am not saying that I do it EVERY time, but the last time I rode I did...got lucky on some spots where I took the perfect line (especially the soft sand prior to the 45 degree turn before the long "s" climb near the last 10th of the trail...)

I have had a lot of time to practice lately, being unemployed and all ;)
It's all fun and games 'til someone loses an eye.  Then it's just a game: FIND THE EYE!!!

My cigar rolling business is for sale!  Email for details!   www.CigarCreations.com

Offline hygieneboy

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 220
  • Karma: +3/-142
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooo dirty!!!!
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2010, 01:23:32 PM »
What's your gearing? Must be small up front and large out back. I had a Rockhopper Single Speed 29er for a couple years, 32 teeth up front and 15 teeth in the back. It was perfect for Morris Bridge/Trout Creek but I sold it when I started riding Boyette and Alafia.

Offline cgarolr

  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ***
  • Posts: 179
  • Karma: +11/-159
  • Gender: Male
    • Tampa Cigar Roller Services
  • My Bike: 2007 Bianchi RITA 29er - 32x18 (SS)
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2010, 01:32:10 PM »
What's your gearing? Must be small up front and large out back. I had a Rockhopper Single Speed 29er for a couple years, 32 teeth up front and 15 teeth in the back. It was perfect for Morris Bridge/Trout Creek but I sold it when I started riding Boyette and Alafia.

32/18
It's all fun and games 'til someone loses an eye.  Then it's just a game: FIND THE EYE!!!

My cigar rolling business is for sale!  Email for details!   www.CigarCreations.com

Offline cgarolr

  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ***
  • Posts: 179
  • Karma: +11/-159
  • Gender: Male
    • Tampa Cigar Roller Services
  • My Bike: 2007 Bianchi RITA 29er - 32x18 (SS)
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2010, 01:35:52 PM »
Hey are you a dentist?  I got screwed by a dentist that got fired and now I have a gaping hole in my mouth...I need an implant...
It's all fun and games 'til someone loses an eye.  Then it's just a game: FIND THE EYE!!!

My cigar rolling business is for sale!  Email for details!   www.CigarCreations.com

Offline catman

  • Yellow Jersey
  • *****
  • Posts: 1597
  • Karma: +56/-366
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: 2007 Giant Trance 1
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2010, 06:26:07 PM »
I've cleaned it quite a few times but it took me forever. When it had some major maintenance done it was like a 50/50 shot for me to clean it but before that I really struggled to keep from dabbing. I may (heavy on the may)have done it once on my 29'r SS but it wasn't pretty. The bridge after the switchback would get me on that bike. The last climb wasn't very friendly either.
 
Take note: no one has seen cgarolr do it  :P
Part time mountain biker, full time roadie smiter.

Offline hygieneboy

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 220
  • Karma: +3/-142
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooo dirty!!!!
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #9 on: April 19, 2010, 07:54:26 PM »
Hey are you a dentist?  I got screwed by a dentist that got fired and now I have a gaping hole in my mouth...I need an implant...

I'm a Dental Hygienist full time and also work part time at a bike shop. PM me if you need Dental advice.

Online ProEdgeBiker.com

  • *SPECIALIZED* My Sweatshop Boutique!
  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 1691
  • Karma: +81/-620
  • Gender: Male
  • You Know It!
    • ProEdgeBiker.com
  • My Bike: Custom 09' Specialized Epic w/ Sweet SLR's
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #10 on: April 19, 2010, 09:10:09 PM »
Hey are you a dentist?  I got screwed by a dentist that got fired and now I have a gaping hole in my mouth...I need an implant...

I'm a Dental Hygienist full time and also work part time at a bike shop. PM me if you need Dental advice.

Free Advice: FLOSS!

Offline hygieneboy

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 220
  • Karma: +3/-142
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooo dirty!!!!
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2010, 06:47:58 AM »
Just floss the teeth you want to keep.

Offline KRUNNCHERO

  • Frankenbike builder!
  • Forum Moderator
  • Ninja Master Cyclist
  • *****
  • Posts: 644
  • Karma: +45/-167
  • Gender: Male
  • Smite master!
    • Raymond James Financial Services
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2010, 08:47:39 AM »
You causing trouble again? Just because you can't clear Bridges w/o dabbing doesn't mean cgarolr can't clear Gatorback on a 29r SS w/ a 12T rear gear!
 
I've cleaned it quite a few times but it took me forever. When it had some major maintenance done it was like a 50/50 shot for me to clean it but before that I really struggled to keep from dabbing. I may (heavy on the may)have done it once on my 29'r SS but it wasn't pretty. The bridge after the switchback would get me on that bike. The last climb wasn't very friendly either.
 
Take note: no one has seen cgarolr do it  :P
We continuously seek feedback from you as to how we can improve our policies and procedures since our primary goal is to act in partnership with you. If you have any questions or need to report any problems on the SWAMP forum, please send me a PM and I will get back with you ASAP.

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2010, 09:24:47 AM »
I'm an (((OLD))) guy and will clean it 9.5 times out of 10 But everything is easier when you ride an ELLSWORTH!!! Those who ride one KNOW!!.. I may have a few surprises coming to the trail soon. Did I say I LOVE Rocks and Logs!!

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2010, 09:27:11 AM »
I have ridden with quite a few people on SS's who can clean the trail easily!! I will never be one of them. no SS for me

Offline chisel

  • Yellow Jersey
  • *****
  • Posts: 1616
  • Karma: +136/-83
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #15 on: April 20, 2010, 08:19:47 PM »
i have cleaned it on several occasions. It just takes hitting good lines and proper body english to nail it.      P.S. i have never seen Art or Catman clean it so it never happened. ;D

Online ProEdgeBiker.com

  • *SPECIALIZED* My Sweatshop Boutique!
  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 1691
  • Karma: +81/-620
  • Gender: Male
  • You Know It!
    • ProEdgeBiker.com
  • My Bike: Custom 09' Specialized Epic w/ Sweet SLR's
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #16 on: April 20, 2010, 08:38:00 PM »
I've cleaned my Cassette once on Gatorback.

Offline HalfBreed

  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ***
  • Posts: 230
  • Karma: +28/-729
  • Wake, Smoke, Ride, Work, Sex, Sleep....Day by Day
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #17 on: April 20, 2010, 09:13:05 PM »
Has anyone ridden this whole trail without setting a foot down or having to jump off for a short section ?

Yes...with the bike listed to the left...

ooohh.  I bet u gotta big *!! :)  who cares the bike, can you ride it was the question.  No need to make him feel like an *
Ill bunny hop you bitch!!!

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #18 on: April 21, 2010, 12:34:59 AM »
There is nothing wrong with what he said. He didn't say anything to make anyone feel like an (whatever).

Offline hygieneboy

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 220
  • Karma: +3/-142
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooo dirty!!!!
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #19 on: April 21, 2010, 06:56:36 AM »
Just like any new trail,  you get more familiar with it and better each time. Since I've only done it once and didn't know what to expect I took it easy instead of going crazy. The many very steep uphill sections with cliffs to fall off were most indimidating. :o

Offline HalfBreed

  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ***
  • Posts: 230
  • Karma: +28/-729
  • Wake, Smoke, Ride, Work, Sex, Sleep....Day by Day
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #20 on: April 21, 2010, 07:31:44 AM »
There is nothing wrong with what he said. He didn't say anything to make anyone feel like an (whatever).

just responding as most of you do to my posts.  Defensive and RUDE!!!!
 
Have a good one...
Ill bunny hop you bitch!!!

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #21 on: April 21, 2010, 07:34:13 AM »
Now that you know what to expect it will be a little easier next time. Forget about whats on your left or right, look  ahead at the trail and CHARGE the hills.. Hit them with as much speed as possible. Don't lock up your brakes on the drops.. Try using you brakes as little as possible, (((momentum is your friend)))

Offline Singletrack Samurai

  • Cycling Sherpa
  • ***
  • Posts: 369
  • Karma: +9/-22
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Salsa Mamasita & Fixie War Machine
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #22 on: April 21, 2010, 07:41:02 AM »
Now that you know what to expect it will be a little easier next time. Forget about whats on your left or right, look  ahead at the trail and CHARGE the hills.. Hit them with as much speed as possible. Don't lock up your brakes on the drops.. Try using you brakes as little as possible, (((momentum is your friend)))

So, you gonna add some Logs and rocks? 

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #23 on: April 21, 2010, 07:42:56 AM »
You bring it on yourself with your tone HB, try another approach.. Be  Nice and they will noy respond that way..His ? was has anyone ridden the trail without putting a foot down not about how people respond to your posts, lets stay on the topic please. I will say no more if it's not about Gatorback.

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #24 on: April 21, 2010, 07:45:55 AM »
I only said I LOVE Rocks and Logs but you never know they may just show up one day!! ;D

Offline Luis

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 159
  • Karma: +6/-28
  • My Bike: Waltworks 29
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #25 on: April 21, 2010, 08:30:47 AM »
The real question is: did anyone clean gatorback "back in the day" when it was still a hard trail?  ;)

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #26 on: April 21, 2010, 09:18:16 AM »
Yes!! Luis. Most who ride it now don't know how hard it actually was. On a scale of 1 to 10, if it was a 10 when it was first built it is a 6 maybe a 7 now. Moonscape was much harder then also. After all these years and who knows how many thousands of riders, rain and people riding the trails when wet all trails will get easier untill one day there isn't much left. I will try to post some before and after pics one day. You will be shocked! when you see how much it has changed.

Offline Scott

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 1185
  • Karma: +38/-234
  • Gender: Male
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #27 on: April 21, 2010, 09:54:00 AM »
Yes!! Luis. Most who ride it now don't know how hard it actually was. On a scale of 1 to 10, if it was a 10 when it was first built it is a 6 maybe a 7 now. Moonscape was much harder then also. After all these years and who knows how many thousands of riders, rain and people riding the trails when wet all trails will get easier untill one day there isn't much left. I will try to post some before and after pics one day. You will be shocked! when you see how much it has changed.
When I was a kid, I walked 47 miles thru the snow just to get to the bus stop ;D :D ;D :D

Offline KRUNNCHERO

  • Frankenbike builder!
  • Forum Moderator
  • Ninja Master Cyclist
  • *****
  • Posts: 644
  • Karma: +45/-167
  • Gender: Male
  • Smite master!
    • Raymond James Financial Services
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #28 on: April 21, 2010, 11:44:01 AM »
Art use to clear it when the dinosaurs still roamed.  :o
We continuously seek feedback from you as to how we can improve our policies and procedures since our primary goal is to act in partnership with you. If you have any questions or need to report any problems on the SWAMP forum, please send me a PM and I will get back with you ASAP.

Offline slowfatguy

  • Yellow Jersey
  • *****
  • Posts: 1643
  • Karma: +87/-193
  • Gender: Male
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #29 on: April 21, 2010, 10:31:15 PM »
Art use to clear it when the dinosaurs still roamed.  :o

Nothing like bunny-hopping a T-rex on your way up the climp to the pine tree meadow! Art is my hero. ;D
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 337
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #30 on: April 22, 2010, 07:48:11 AM »
LMAO!! are you guys trying to say I'm OLD. When I was.. Oh nevermind  :'(

Online drb81

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • ****
  • Posts: 347
  • Karma: +30/-192
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is slow
Re: Gatorback.............................................damn!!!!!!
« Reply #31 on: April 22, 2010, 09:54:01 AM »
Art used to walk uphill both ways to the trailhead.... in the snow.
[/don]