Prez Sez

Greetings to all you "cabin fever" bikers out there. Hopefully the weather conditions will be more favorable this March ... than last I apologize for my absence at the February meeting. I was assured that all went as smooth as powder. I would like to thank Eric Fort from Bob's Bikes for sharing his knowledge of layering for cold weather riding. I heard it was very informative. This month we will feature Hardwick Gregg of Cahaba Cycles. I would like to thank all those concerned club members who took time out of their schedules to attend our February Open Steering Committee Meeting. Thanks also to Jack Bransdorf for volunteering to host the meeting and for fixing some great spaghetti. We decided that upon incorporation, BUMP will have seven Board of Directors. In addition to the four current officers. three additional persons have been nominated and will be voted on at the March BUMP meeting. Due to the freezing weather we have experienced lately, BUMP and Oak Mountain Park Officials have determined that a section of our trail: Chimney Sweeps, would have to be closed. We will reopen this section after we do some extensive maintenance this month. Trail closures will occur from time to time according to conditions so please be patient, acknowledge the signs. and don't trash the trails. As always. every rider at Oak Mountain is officially invited to attend our next volunteer trail work-day. Even if you show up for a couple of hours, your conscience will be more at ease. See you there. HUGH. THE LEADER

D:E:EP TjfOU6ffTS
By/ace. Brao,)y
Once in a while I like to go to a debauched city to party my brains out and sling beaded necklaces at scantily clad women. And I think while in the midst of the frenzy "this is fun, this is really fun." But when I try to get up the next morning, or the next week for that matter, I find myself reevaluating my definition of fun. Then I get on my mountain bike and remember.

Support Shops That Support

Cycling In Birmingham
But wait a minute, you say "I can get a Shimano XYZ pan for a 100Iessby mail ordering. Why are their prices so much lower than the local bike shop?" The simple answer to your question is mail order companiesbuy in much, much laIger quantities than any single bicycle shop and their cost of doing business per sales transaction is much. much less. (One magazine ad, one phone, one P.O. Box, and you pay the shipping!) Now if you live in Demopolis or Fort Payne I can understand why you have a dog~ copy of the NashbarCa1aloguein your bathroom aM you candial the number by memory. No question mail ordering is the easiest, most economical way to get your bicycle toys in Small Town, USA. But what about you guys who live in Binningham and belong to a bicycle club? What about those of you who like to do 4 or 5 or more bike races, rides or tOUIS each year? What about those of you who mightneed a quickgear, brake, headsetor bottom brncketadjusnnem,and a spare lUbebeforeyourlong ride this weekend? All members of local bicycle clubs (BUMP, AWV and BBC) receive 10% off purchasesat the local bicycle shops. They also put money into your club through advertising in rewsleners or directdooatioos. am you think of one rare or centuryride you did last yearthatwas l'l(10rganized,spomoredarxVcrsupportedby localiJlrepenIelt bicycleshops? If you appreciate the bicycle shops providing suppon and sponsorship for local cyclingclubs ani eveIl1S, why are you sendingyoorcyclingdollaIS0U1 of state? If you are already a loyal customer of ore or more local bicycle shops-Thank you! You are taking a small but essential pan in making cycling in Alabama beuer. (Also you make it possible for me to make a living, sort of.) If you shop at a local bicycle shop, you can always try it on or hold it in yourhand before paying for it. You can ask questionswithout even buying anything. You can buy a computer,tires,chain etc. and have it installed on your bicycle and be riding it this aftemooo! While you're there, you can also read a magazine, put it back and get an entry fonn for a race or centuryyou didn\ koow about before. I hope you are happy with the serviceand product selection at your bike shop. If you are, tell someore you ride with. If you aren\ satisfied,please tell someone at the bicycle shop. If you stillcan\ get the productor serviceyou want,tell me. Finally. if you think your local bicycle shop will always be there when you need them, ask people at Eastwood Cycles, Dixie Cycles or Magic City Tri-Shop to fix your bike. HardwickGregg, Cahaba Cycles 967 -2003

TRAILWORKDAY
Our last work-dayon February12 w~ very productive. Since the sedKlns we had wanted to do maintenance on were under water, we went ahead withnew construdion on the last leg of the loop. We had a good tum-out, taking in account the cokl, gray weather. We even had bur newfaces show LP and reportklrdutyso they "Woukln' feel so guit}'ridngon the trailsanymore.' A bog sectionof heftysQe-hilng w~ knockedout in just a few hours. Our next Trail workday is scheduled for Sunday, April 10th. Ifwe are rained (orSllOwed)out we willreschedule forSunday, April17th. We are planningto wori<on repairingthe damage caused by the freezingweather and the highwalertableil the ChimneySwe9Ssedoo near the RC Track. We'l meet at the Park Officeon Terrace Driveat1 Dam. Bringwork gloves, water and a snack. Ifyou arrivea littlelate,come to the RCTrack. The work-daysplanned forthe rest ofthe year are: May7,Saturday June 5, Sunday July 9, Saturday August 7, Sunday Sept. 10, Saturday October 9, Sunday Nov.5, Saturday Dec. 11, Sunday

Developing Policy on Trail Closure at Oak Mountain

Hopefully we won' have anotherwirterlikethis one again fora bog time,but inany event, it h~ become clear that we have to protect the trails when they are in damageable condition. Afirmand enforced TrailClosure Policywillbe devel~ by next winterand willbe posted at the trailheads, the shops and inthe Grinder. Inthe interim,don' be surprised ff theytum youaway at the gale the week alIera freeze. You mightwanttocallthe ParkOfficebeforemakilg the drive.

DER

Response From Bike Shops

Anyone in the BUMP Club who goes to the meetings knows, Hardwick's always there. Cahaba Cycles has repeatedly soughtout BUMP to offer support.. The day before the Memo to tl..ocalBike Stores in the FebruaryGrinder even came out, I happened to be at Bob's and Eric Fon Lookme aside to tell me he and Bob's Bikes wanted to become moreinvolved with BUMP. Ericdid a greatjob Vo'ilh our firstStore Presenta1irnat the Februarymeeting and showeda HansRey videotha1wasimedible. We truly appreciatethe interest and support wehave alreadyreceived,and fm surethe stores notice we're in there supponing them as well. BUMP wants to build on the good relationswe have with the stores. Gub and LocalBike Shoprelationshave been strnined in recem years from whal I understand, but that was before my time, and the climate in the local cycling community today is such that no one underestimatesthe need for us allto worktogether. The responsetha1wehave receivedfromthe localbike shops is as follows: Ideas for Structuring of Dealer Membership Program from Bob's BUMP is most defInitely the most focused group of all the bike clubs in Birmingham, and have a straight-forward approach to the sport of mountain biking. As an independent bike shop we would like to show our support of BUMP by not only cominuing the half-price membership program and the BUMP discoum,but by joining the BUMP Dub as a Dealer Member in much the same way dealers can be a pan of IMBA. In backing the BUMP Club, I believe all of the local shops will benefitbecause withoutan advOOlCy group fightingfor land access,there wouldbe no place to ride and no reason to buy mountain bikes. Land access issues have been a problem since we've sold mournain bikes. What we wanLBUMP to do for us is to continue 10 patronize our shop as well as the other local shops, and discourage mail ordering. We wouldlike to be included in the monthlymembe!1ihip rosteras a Dealer Member. We would like the opportunity to contributeto the Grinder in the form of articles and advertising. And as mentioned in the last Grinder, to take part in BUMP meetings to give presentations, and occasionally give maintenance or skills workshops in conjunction with BUMP events. Additionaldetails will need to be worked out, but we at Bob's Bikes appreciale the exposurewe can receivethroughbeing a part of BUMP and wish to lend our support to strengthen the position of the cycling community in Alabama. RogerByrd,ownerof Bob'sBikes Proposal For BUMP Sponsorship From Cahaba Cycles A. Continue half-pricememberships for new BUMP members Vo'ith pun;haseof any bicycle. B. Continue 10% discounton non-sale merchandiseexcludingbicyclesand labor. C. The New Deal! BUMP members keep their receipts each time they make a purchase at either Cahaba Cycles locations. At the monthly BUMP meetings, turn in the receipts to BUMP Officers. They will tOl3lthe receipts and turnthem in to CahabaCycles ead! month. Cahaba Cycles will write a check to BUMP for 5% of the total of all purchases including bicycles and sale merchandise. What we wantin return: A. A displayadin each issueof the Grinler. B. BUMP Members to support shops tha1sponsorthe club and to encouragetheir friendsto do likewise. C. The opportunityto be involved Vo'ith BUMP rides,races, etc. Response from Homewood Cycle and Fitness Thankyou for your invitation to your monthly meetings and the opportunity to represem our products and services. I would also like to say thanks for your organization's support of the Local Bike Shops, specifically Homewood Cycle and Fitness. Loyal customers such as yourselves help us to support the bicycling community llOl only by providing bike productsand servicebut alsoby donatingtime and money to bicyclingorganizationssuch as yours. Matt Yester, Manager: Homewood Cycle & Fimess Response from River Oaks Cycles I applaud the efforts and accomplishments of BUMP and would like to offer a 20% discount to all BUMP members. Earl Hall,ownerof RiverOaks

ROCKFORD
Some 23 riders went to Rockford on the chilly, gray morning of Sunday, February 6th to take on some of the most challenging trails, in some of the most challenging conditions BUMP has ever ridden. Our hosts, Doug and Sarah McConnell, own and manage 2200 acres in Coosa County, southeast of Birmingham. The ride was split up into two parts, before and after lunch. The first part, a nine mile loop which was meticulously marked by Doug, consisted of creek crossings, singletrack, and numerous steep uphills which required pushing the bikes. Because of the recent rain and freezing temperatures, the muddiness of the trail made it difficult to climb and descend, but a thick layer ofleaves cushioned our many spills that day. When we reached Doug and Sara's cabin, we dove into the homemade chili and Portuguese sweet bread waiting there. We ate and socialized and recounted falls and even hosed off our bikes. After our bellies were full, about two thirds of our number headed for a warm car and a change of clothes ...especially dIy socks. But the rest of us forged on for the second loop, which was a little shorter but as challenging as the first, and were rewarded with some sunshine. This area is a proposed site of the NORBA sanctioned BUMP mountain bike race we are hoping to hold sometime in '94. Despite the harshness of the conditions the day of our ride, we are excited about the opportunity the McConnells have extended to us to further explore their extensive singJetrack and woods-road network. Our thanks to Doug and Sara McConnell. We are planning to return for a weekend camping trip on Aprillst-3rd. The cost will be only $10 per person which will include dinner on Saturday night. Or you can go just for Saturday for $5. Plan to join usl Jack Bransdorf

~eal Life Letters t() Iledda

Dear Sirs, . As I would be very interested in your association for mountain bikes, so if you send me your entry fonn, I would be very grateful. I'm looking forward to be your membership, and to having your informations. Sincerely yours, Yonago-shi, Tottori Yasumas Ashida 683 Japan 27741 Kawasaki Dear Sirflv1a'am: I picked up a copy of your newsletter "the Grinder" at the lake end of Oak Mountain State Park on Feb. 12 and gave what I could in the BUMP envelope. You have a great newsletter-probably read it 3 or 4 times now. Really sad about the Race Day Massacre Hedda Rockhopper wrote about in When We Were Kicked Off The Trails. I do hope that is eventually relaxed am trailaccess is OK again. This time when I was visiting in Hoover I did not bring my bike-mostly because I did not know what the status of Mtn. Biking was at Oak Mountain. In my area some places are bike friemly ard some are not At least ore pace is...1:xJt stay CNVay when irs roggy wet (likeall ths winter!) I expect to return to Hoover and Oak Mountain in the near future. I am not especially fast, but I can ride for hours. ~ sure would be appreciated if some representatives of BUMP could go on a ride with me my next trip. n you have any of YOlJ' folks visit the Knoxville area that want to ride, give me a call or write. Thanks. Davi:l Marlin 4524 Millertown Pike Knoxville, TN 37917 (615) 523-9563

~@~~~ [fU@[p~~[fU@@@
Dr. Juan Saxon on Fire Walking
I don't know much about fire walking, it's not my area of expertise and I don't have time to look it up ...but I saw a show on Discovery or maybe it was The Learning Channel, called Arthur C. Clark's Mysterious World about fire walking and it really made me think. If I'd been paying closer attention to the show, I would probably not be any more accurate in relating the following vaguely distorted facts since I usually manipulate the particulars of most anecdotes to suit my purpose anyway-but there was some professor or doctor or something, who put electrodes on some fire walkers from India or wherever, and also on some "regular" people who volunteered to walk across hot coals. The brain waves of the Indian fire walkers during the few seconds of their walk across the coals were very uniform indicating a self-induced trance that enabled them to suffer no pain or injury. The brain waves of the "regular" people showed slight but discernible uniform ronfigurations as well which lets us know that even the untrained mind is able to rope with pain when it wants to. So, where does mountain biking come in? Well, I did my own little casestudy on pain. Our subject, we'll call ...Hedda H., is a 34 year old avid female mountain biker who always hated climbing hills and ronsidered the act of climbing to be painful. She used to have to try to psych herself into staying on the bike until she reached the top of the hill. But slowly as her fitness improved, she noticed that she didn't cuss and complain anymore, she didn't have to play mind games to stay on the bike, and some days she actually enjoyed climbing. Once warmed-up, she reports that she will reach the top of a long, mean hill without clear rerollection of the ascent. She describes the experience of climbing as being completely absorbed in the moment, but the part of her that used to mind the pain is absent or asleep. I was going to put electrodes on rer but tren I got too busy, so I drew ronclusions anyway. The change has rome about not because she is in such good shape that climbing doesn't hurt anymore-it still hurts, and it probably still hurts Juli Furtado, so there goes the fitness theory. The source of the difference, I believe, is in developing endurance ...of pain. Even regular mountain bikers like Ms. H. have the mind-power to overcome the pain of climbing. In addition to improving your fitness, developing the ability to block out pain is an important aspect of conditioning to become better at climbing hills on your mountain bike ...or dealing with life in general. I am not ad vocating going to such extremes as becoming a fire walker to achieve this end. Maybe just don't use potholders for a w bile.

The Frame MaKer

JOHN HODGKIN5-SMOOTIlER BIKES
Many of us are familiar with John Hodgkins by reputation, if nOlpersonally. To many of us he has represented an alternativeto the shops because of his excellencein bicycle twling skills,superiorwheelbuildingand reasonable prices. But that'snot how John wants us to know him. What John really wants to do more of is whal he does best...fiame building. One of nine.kids in his family, the only way John was going to get his own bike was to put one together himself. He was around twelve years old when he boughthis fiThtframesetfor $1jO. He SCIOWlged for !M' and wheels injunkyards and resonedto filling out the rest of the gruppo at Western Auto. From these humble beginnings, John has become the McGyverof the bike world John took early retiremern from BellSouth, and a considerable pay-cut, to build bikes full-time in his garage work-shop. He is establishing his reputation through utilizIDg tacticsthatwOIkedforToyOla--<palityand excelleocefor a reasmableprice. Frame building, like bicycle building, was born of necessity for John. At 6'4", although he had been an avid bicyclistallhis life, he had never had a bike thatreallyfil him. Back before JOOFunado and Joim Tomac had even heard of Durango,John had built himselfa mountainbike,frameand all,and had been to Durango and back. John explains: 'l1'sa prettycomplicatedprocess,and it takes about 40 to 60 hoursto complete a frame. The process stans when I meet with a client. Well sit down an discuss how the bike will be used-rnoUIllain biking, touring, racing, etc. Then I take all the necessary measurements. Usinga specialsoftware program, I come up withthe measurememsfor the frnme. Once the clientagrees on the plans, I draw up a full-sized blueprint of the main triangle and start building. fm very particular to make sure the fiameisdead (Jl <romle." John's business is called SMOOTHER BIKES. And they are. "Large manufacturers use avernges when they build bikes, but what I have discoveredis that nobody's average. The satisfaction of riding a bicycle frame built just for you is thrilling,because the frame is like an extensionof you." All it takes is one look at one of his frames to be a believer. In addition to fining better than a mass-produced bike, a SMOOTHER frame is finished with an attentioo to detail you never see in re<Kly-made bikes. The brazing is perfect. No seams are evident under the flawless paintjob. And there are a couple of other features youjust have to see. To go through the whole process to have a era-moly SMOOTHER built according to your unique dimensions,and painted according to your unique taste, you only have to pay $600 to $800. Pretty reasonable considering what we are already willingto illY forframes 00iltaccordingto the unique dimensionsofIile Average. Think of John Hodgkins not as an alternative to using our local shops, but as an alternative to sending our money to China and then having to do all the adjusting ourselves.

M'John Tomac Deware! I'm training hard. losing the winter fat. and dumping money Into my bike. If I just hod a chance to compete against the Pros.I could show the world (and my friends) I'm pro worthy.' says Walter Mitty. 'Maybe at the Downhill event at the NORBA National Championship series in Helen. Georgia. I can blast Tomac off the turf! Hm.1 wonder just how big a front chainring I should get-a 56 tooth?' ponders Wolter. Well. we can all dream can't we? BUMPmembers and other interested persons are invited to join Wolter in his delusions at the NORBANational Championship SeriesEvent #1. May 20-22 at Uncoi State Park In Helen. Georgia. Thisis a rare opportunity to see all of your favorite pros. Juli Furtado. Ned Overend. Penny Davidson and Tomac. etc. compete in this important race-the first of six pro-elite races scheduled by NORBAin 1994. What is even more exciting is that beginners. sports and experts will compete on the very same courses (we're not worthy) as the pros. including not only crosscountry but dual slalom and downhill. Friday May 20th will be the beginner and sport cross-country and dual slalom (can you soy crash?) Saturday the 21st will be pro and expert cross-country and dual slalom. And on Sunday for all you big chainring-rocket-ossist-hammerheads. a downhill of undetermined maximum velocity. From initial inquiries. it looks like there will be a large BUMPpresence attending and participating in this event. It should be exciting. So train hard and we'll see you there in May. For more information about the event and lodging. contact BarryW. M. Hair at 987-8510.

W At TEl? II1/TTY II1EETS TOIl1AC

..

.8

GRINDER

ASK HUGHIE
Hughie. I had a dream and I was hoping you could tell me what it means. I was mountain biking in a dim warehouse on an obstacle-strewn singlet rack through junk and antique furniture in disarray. I came to a doorway before which I did a 360 in two counterclockwise hops. and then continued to pedal through the door. The "trail" opened up into sunshine. wide open meadows and roll1ng single track as far as the eye could see. Tell me what you think. Pondering in Pell City Dear

Calendar of EventS
March 5th-Saturday 1Oam. Trail work day at Oak Mountain. March 6th-Sunday 9am. BUMP ride at Kentuck Trail in Talladega. Meet at Olive Garden near Eastwood Mall. If weather is questionable, call Roger Keel to confirm. 942{)506 or 251-6778. March 18th-Friday 7:30pm. Open Steering Committee Meeting I SlumberPartyto be IlJld at BarryHair'sHome. Bringbed-rolland pillow,P.J.'s optional. Call Barryfor directionsand to find outwhat food to bring. 987-8510 March 26th & 27th-Weekend campout at Sherman's Bluff with SylacaugaClub. Call Billy Beanefor more info. 245-2652 April lst3rd-BUMP Weekend camping trip at Rockford. A weekend of riding, food and fun at the proposed site of the BUMP NORBA Mountain Bike Race. See "ROCKFORD" on page 2, and Call Jack Bransdorffor particulars. 985-1233 April 6th-Wednesday 7:30pm. BUMP Monthly Meeting at the Hoover Public Library, downstairs in the second meeting room on the left. We will be having dinner afterwards. Please note time change from 7pm to 7:30 During Daylight Savings Time. April 10th-Sunday 1Oam. Trail work-day at Oak Mountain. April 16th-Maddog, NORBA Sanctioned Mountain Bike race. Preregistrationformswill be availatle in the bike shopssoon. April 23rd & 24th-NOC Race at Nantahala Outdoor Center in western North Carolina. Preregistration forms will be available in the bike shops soon. May 2Oth22nd-NORBA National Championship Series Event #1. See "Walter Mitty Meets Tomac" on page 3, for more details and get your reservationsin now!

Dear Pondering,

Uh. well ... dreams can be very interesting as well as very ditJ"tcult to explore. The. the. the intent of your subconscious in this case however is glaringly obvious. You see ...your mind is making a poignant commentary on the growth of humanity as a cancer on our planet. In our paleolithic bodies. we have inherited a world which has been vandalized. and we must face picking our way through the wreckage and making do with what we have lfifl The counterclockwise 360 represents turning the clock back and entering an WlSullied world with endless opportunities to move through it and be a part as we were meant to be before the domestication of wild animals and agriculture sent us on our way in the downward spiral of civilization. The main message however. is that the only thing worth taking back to that paleolithic paradise is...the wheeL
Hughie. When my boyfriend and I drive to Oak Mountain before a ride. I like to listen to heart-lifting Anduvian Folk music, and he likes to listen to head-banging rock shit. We fight the whole way down and by the time we get there I'm so mad at him that I'm not willing to ride slow enough for him to keep up with me ... then he pouts. What should we do? Mad in Mountain Brook DearMad, Dear

~PersonQlsQ.
Name Tbat Race Contest-We need a name for our BUMP NORBA sanctioned mounJain bikerace. CallBarrywithentriesandwinner willreceive a prize.

987-8510.
For Sale-BUMP sweatshinsonly $15and tanktopsonly$10. See Hughor call

942-9128 or 328-2626.
To Order-Team BUMPjerseycallBarry987 -8510 or %9-6356. Needed-Donationsfortrailmaintenance at OakMountain.UseBUMPenvelopes provided atNonhandSouthtI3ilhead"Shrires" fordorution Ix>xes. BUMP WEEKEND HOTLINE-Call 8061484 to hear a recorded messageof ridesand eventsfor upcomingweekend. Please call before rides to double cbeck meeting place and time. Leave a message to let us know you'recoming ortoreceive a phonecallformoreinfo. Pictures Wanted-For BUMPScrapbook,call Quinton. 933-7504

Drive separately.

JJIU5T JJ()I~fl[)
Scott Chiz Bill Harrington* Scotty Smith Sport Cole* Gregg Houston Mike Wilson Joe Cotlin* Rex Jones Chris Woods Barbara Dailey Tom Murphree Matt Yester Jim Dailey Debbie Murphree Chris DiGiorgio Kennan Smith* Thanks to our new members for your support of BUMP and of Mountain Biking in Alabama. We look forward to getting to know you. * Special thanks to long-time BUMP pillars for re-joining.

Slbnissions
To submit information of any kind, write to: The GRI NDER City Office, 54D1 9th Avenue South. S'ham 35212; or fax to 591-0990. Office hours9am to 12pm.