Rode Heil to Wild Turkey last night. I kept biffing on the climb (including one event involving handlebar-to-tree contact, and another in which the top tube slammed into my crotch), but my descent was magical. Everything clicked, and I was riding down the rocks and roots like a champ. Smooooove.
I stick to my guns that Heil is an intermediate trail. I've ridden all but one or two features. I never clean all the rest in one ride. but I clean a different set every time. Nothing requires excessive commitment or dramatic fore/aft changes - if you have the oomph and choose a precise line.
Wild Turkey ... I'd call advanced intermediate. I love the descent, but you have to be comfortable with sections of pointy looking rocks with small drops (there's a reason I always ride it counter clockwise), and it behooves you to be real comfortable with pedal ratcheting and, ideally, getting your butt back - otherwise it's going to feel like you're riding a bucking bronco. At one point I let my rear tire get a bit wide, and I came within probably an inch of dropping my rear wheel, and then the rest of me, down an embankment.
But ... that's fun, right?
It is to me.
So I went bopping and bumping down the trail, having a grand old time, and hauling ass down the Heil descent. Lovely.
Now - problem time. One of the reasons I biffed so much is that my flat pedals simply don't have the traction they once had. The traction pins are worn down to soft nubs, and I repeatedly spun them when I needed them to stick. I love these pedals. Deity. Not wafer thin like the modern Deity pedals, but also not as wide as them, either. Super light weight. I transferred them over from my old bike. They are no longer made, and I've looked at eBay periodically without success. Looks like they're the Decoy or probably Decoy LT.
Any suggestions?
(Hmm. It looks like the pins may be replaceable. I have contacted Deity to see if they're still available. Still, suggestions welcome.)
. I had to remember weight shifting, body positioning and getting positioned correctly before entering the turns on the switchbacks. The trails here are in great shape so I will def' be back on the bike once a week. But, damn, I love this bike
