19 day countdown until 2017 MINI-PINE ENDURO

Last Sunday was my first proper test of the 2017 race rig on a nearby moto track. Bayside motocross trail and track is a perfect pre-season playground to get the arm pump figured out and to learn the ropes of this new bike. Arm pump......it was ridiculous at first......but after gaining a bit more confidence, the grip loosened and all settled in. Trails too wet to ride so was limited to the tight moto track to get some saddle time/bike fitness in.

Hour meter was 2.5 start and finished at 3.7 hrs. May need to go back to standard suspension settings for the MINI-PINE as I upped all settings to "sport" thinking the suspension would be too plush. I think I'll welcome the plush over the 90 k ride with 5 special tests May 14th. Going in to this event as an opportunity to get used to the bike before the first XC event, May 21st at Cochranes. Looking forward to getting this season going and more importantly.....riding areas becoming OPEN for practice!!!

Limerick trail clearing day is May 6th....anticipate other areas to follow suit shortly after ie FreeFlow where I am only interested in the XC loop over the moto track. One of the events this year will be on these trails and I am really looking forward to having some "homefield advantage"

Bike prep: All guarded up with bash guards(stockers and full wrap arounds), Stock aluminum skid plate, Bullet proof rad guards, and a carbon fiber pipe guard. Changed the tranny oil as I understand it is wise to do after break in and learned the hard way that removing the skid plate is pretty much essential to doing this with minimal mess...Chain also adjusted to counter the break in stretch and found the rear axle has a monster 32 mm axle nut. Trip to Princess Auto and chain adjusted. Jetting...solid...

ALl that is left now is to prep the body and mind. Looking into goggle roll off system......

Oh yeah....reached "level" 45 today and brought the day in with a solid day at Gym. Need to get my MTB membership to get some more 2-wheel endurance training in...at least a couple rides in before event.

First legit training ride Vet B XC Ontario xc series

All things pointed to green light go for a ride on the new husky TX 300 yesterday. What did I learne from this 30-45-1minute ride? This bike is a torque mastah that not only tries to rip your arms off wIth WOT, but actually tries to take FLIGHT!!! I definitely learned quickly that this bike needs a different way of twisting throttle...ride one gear taller and just work throttle in first half range will be the ticket. One month away from first event....mini pine pine may 14th. 90 k ride with 5 special stages. After my first experience will definitely ride this the proper way hahahahahah. Put efforts just during special stages and casual ride between.

Just a matter of time before free flow trails open up aka new compound for training as I have a seasons pass with all access there this year. They have a great 12 k xc loop that is primo for training purposes. Also need to get on the MTB for some cross training and cont to get some more gym sessions in. Thinking frame of mind is in check as my dream last night was all about doing deadlifts and clean and jerks and being super pumped about the movement. Family time today and gym tomorrow.....unless rain stays away then it's back on the bike to burn some more fuel and get. Orr seat time!!!