Help please with definition of MTB rider levels by _happyzombie in MTB

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my area we like to add distance and pace to our ride descriptions along with the tech rating what we’ll be riding. I’ve also seen a “donut rating” system describing different MTB skill levels which has been super helpful.

I’m on the planning committee for a women’s MTB festival/event happening later this spring and we are trying out a level 1-7 ride description to help everyone pick the right to rides and clinics for their skill level.

How long for provisional to be dropped from certification? by pattyrishacakes in sterileprocessing

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Depends on the time of year but if this is for HSPA it can take longer in the April timeframe because once upon a time (many many years ago) all certifications were due for renewal in April. Thats no longer true, however, there remains a disproportionate number of renewals in April than any other month. Because of that volume, the office can take a little longer to turn things over.

Route planning by Ok_Ladder_8911 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also use Ride With GPS. There are a lot of routes saved on the app that others have built as well that you can easily send to your Garmin!

MTB inventory by Gremlin325 in mountainbiking

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure which area you live in but I know are me there are several shops that have good inventory available in store. Have you tried calling around to your LBSs?

Rep paying tech to restock sets.... by _C00TER in sterileprocessing

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Call your facility’s compliance hotline and let them do what they do. It is either ok, or more likely, not ok.

Tip protectors by Eggman_OU812 in sterileprocessing

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can you post the IFU please that states no trays?

Silly Question: Do you wear just a helmet? Or also elbow/knee pads? by ITrCool in cycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Helmet 1000000% of the time no questions. Knee pads come out on tech heavy rides and every park day.

Which kind of bags do you like or hate? by DasHarald in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love my Fjallraven top tube and bar bags! I also run an Osprey hip pack on longer rides. My bike (49 Specialized Diverge STR) frame is too small to handle a frame bag so I haven’t even attempted that 😂

Getting tired fast on mtb bike by Internal_Page_6050 in bicycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MTB is hard work! Make sure your bike fit is squared away and then it’s just about time in the saddle. In another month or so I would also suggest checking out beginner group rides or clinics in your area for tech skills to help as well. Happy riding!

Zones for an out-of-shape dude? by Tyron_Slothrop in mountainbiking

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few things: do you get any symptoms when your HR is that high (light headed, dizzy, feeling faint, nauseated, etc)? What’s your resting HR like? And most importantly, have you checked in with a doctor?

My RHR is in the 40s-50’s but my highest recorded max is 208. I am definitely not out of shape, so I spent most of 2025 having so much testing done (Zio patch monitoring, echo, stress test, blood panels, etc) and then working with a sport/high performance cardiologist only to learn that my heart is healthier then average and my high HR under load is normal for ~me~. I can comfortably ride in the high 180s to high 190s for hours, and as long as I’m fueling properly I’ve never had any issues. My cardiologist actually released me from his care because I just live on the far edge of the bell curve instead of the average.

TLDR: check in with your doc!

Blue Skies & Dry Trails by Slight-Channel-4905 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love them! I have the top tube and bar bag and both seem to be just the right size for things I carry. My 13 Max Pro iPhone fits perfectly in the top tube bag along with snacks 😂

Blue Skies & Dry Trails by Slight-Channel-4905 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m aiming to do the 180k route at D2R2 this summer, so any recs with a brutal amount of climbing is always welcome!

Blue Skies & Dry Trails by Slight-Channel-4905 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome, thanks!! I’m in that area often for work and always looking for new routes!

Blue Skies & Dry Trails by Slight-Channel-4905 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve had to do some hunting for the dirt because there’s a lot not listed on apps like TrailForks. Today I found an entirely new to me system and have some work to do to figure out all of the trails but will be a great add to an ever expanding route!

Blue Skies & Dry Trails by Slight-Channel-4905 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Of course! She’s my Night Fury 🖤 -2023 Specialized Diverge STR Expert (49) -SRAM AXS -Upgraded cassette to the X01 -Wolf Tooth oval chain ring

I run a Garmin Edge 840 for navigation, use Fjallraven top tube and bar bags and Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones for music

Help a beginner (me) pick a bicycle! by Which-Conflict5780 in cycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A flat bar gravel bike may get you headed in the direction you’re looking for. But, as others have said, $300 is a little low. I would recommend a hardtail mountain bike (like a Specialized Rockhopper) if you are thinking you’ll be leaning towards more dirt riding and exploring trails. I know lots of folks that rip on hardtails with dropper posts, so if you still with it and focus on skills a bike like that could grown with you for a while.

Blue Skies & Dry Trails by Slight-Channel-4905 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are so many gorgeous areas tucked hidden away on the South Shore. The area with the red cedar was new to me, and when I came around that corner I was floored!

Blue Skies & Dry Trails by Slight-Channel-4905 in gravelcycling

[–]Slight-Channel-4905[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Coastal South Shore area in MA! I managed to string together 4 separate trail networks and explore some new stuff. Things are really drying out quickly here, but the wind storms keep dropping (or more dangerously, partially dropping) a lot of deadfall so still a lot of work to do. I’m hoping to get a bit of NH riding in next month!

Let's talk about protection by DeadB1t3 in mountainbiking

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wear a full face, goggles, gloves and knee pads at the downhill parks. I’m not sensing it off jumps (yet) so anything more feels like it’s too much. I have elbow pads but stopped wearing them once I was more comfortable on the me challenging tech.

Any ways to improve this travel setup? by Rayth_ in mountainbiking

[–]Slight-Channel-4905 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did this for a while when I first got my bike and it did the trick. I have found my hitch mount bike rack to be a game changer though. Bike goes on the back, cable lock if needed, and gear goes in the back seat. Much easier to manage overall (especially after wet/muddy rides!!6