When I sat down to make our first MTB post of the season I had already had the idea to do a Blossom theme for one of the posts this season. In a world of forgettable and malignant laugh-track TV shows Blossom tackled some real topics well ahead of the times. Topics that have all of a sudden come back around to the forefront of our attentions once again.
I had my Photoshop and Illustrator apps all loaded up and ready to cut and paste faces onto bodies and scrub letters to make my own custom fonts. And then Kelsey sent me a photo. All of a sudden I didn’t need any of it. It turns out Kelsey had a massive Blossom phase. And all of a sudden I had a lot more free time this weekend. I present to you Kelsom! or uh, Blosly
First, there has been a good amount of rain this Spring. That means we are currently at the mercy of mother nature about riding this week.
If it doesn’t rain and Millstone opens up:
Thursday, May 8. Begin gathering at 5:00 to 5:15 and be ready to roll at 5:30!
Meet at 44 Brook St. Websterville
Helmets are required.
If you have not yet done so this year, filling out our rider waiver form ahead of time is required as well. You can do it all online.
Click here.
For beginner riders the required equipment is:
- A recently serviced mountain bike that came from a bicycle shop or a reputable mountain bike manufacturer (a bicycle from a big box store will fall apart at Millstone Trails)
- The bicycle should have front suspension and disc brakes and be in excellent working order, recently serviced means serviced within the past year and has been found to be reliable in use for the past year. Things that seem like small problems might turn into big problems in adverse environments. You will be riding on challenging terrain. Like Darren says, “Don’t stack your challenges.”
- A helmet.
- Bicycle gloves.
- Hydration back pack, hip pack, or water bottle and cage. Some way to safely and securely carry water with you.
- A helmet.
- Equipment to fix a bicycle flat. This usually includes tire levers, a tube, some kind of travel inflation device (we like mini-pumps/frame pumps), and any tools needed to remove your wheel.
- Clothing that is comfortable yet not too baggy. Bicycle shorts with padding and a bicycle jersey are best. Sporting goods “tech-tee” shirts are a primitive version of bicycle jerseys that work great for first time riders. Shorts with very little seams are also great (like a slim fitting basketball short).
- A helmet.
- A patient presence. All experience levels will be on this ride; a slow pace, regrouping often, re-riding fun or interesting sections of trail, and generally encouraging everyone is a part of this experience.
We aim to shift away from the established social systems within the cycling world. There are no exclusions; participants are asked to create space for individuals—especially black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), women, queer folks, and those from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds—to feel safe, supported, and confident, ensuring the best possible experience for all.