Rocked and rolled in Frederick

I built the Dean Duke up this weekend. Unfortunately, I lost a fingernail in the process! FYI: disc brakes are basically spinning knives.

For the bikes inaugural ride and my first attempt at clipless pedal mountain biking I decided to head out to Frederick MD. I'd been wanting to hit those trails for quite some time. I'd heard great things and was anticipating a day filled with fast single track and challenging and taxing climbs. Craig from Germantown Cycles was the acting ride leader. As for me, I played the part of ride buffoon...and it was a role I performed with great vigor.

Frederick offered all of the challenges I had been expecting and then some. The 'some' came in the form of rocks, rocks, rocks, and more rocks. In fact, less than 100yards into the ride I was thrown off the bike after launching myself off one rock and into a tree. And so went the day. About 30 minutes in I took the cleats off my pedals...enough was enough. About 1hour in my crank arm fell off. Thankfully, I was able to located the bolt. NEVER EVER BUY TRUVATIV FIRE X cranks. NEVER. Oh, I also managed to lose my keys on the ride.

Despite all the mishaps, the ride was great fun and I can't wait to get out there again. Out of the 5 riders only Craig managed to escape without a horrific looking wreck.

As for how the new bike performed – I honestly can't say. I had never ridden on anything that severe with my Jamis so I have no frame of reference. What I did learn was that on a really difficult course, I am not ready for clipless pedals.

I managed to track down some photos of what it looks like out there.