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ladies only ... meow - Corianne, Nicole & Amie

10/18/2015

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Sunday we had a ladies only ride at Sippo Lake Park in Canton, Ohio. It's so awesome to get away from the husbands, the dads, etc. and just laugh and ride our bikes in the woods! There was certainly no shortage of laughter today!
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Jill, Arryn, Corianne, Addie, Teresa, Amie, Lauren, Nicole, Angie and Lisa
Arryn volunteered to have the group to meet up at their house since they live so close to the trail. Here's the group before we took off. It was a chilly afternoon,  but we all dressed in our crazy socks and got going! 
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Lisa, Jill, Addie
Addie led the way for most of the ride. She knows these trails like the back of her hand - riding with her dad and mom through the woods. This girl is impressive on a bike! 
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The trails at Sippo are about 6 miles - they are a combination of hiking/biking trails mixed with some single track. It's a great place to teach a beginner mountain biker the skills that make biking fun - there are some narrow trails and some flat towpath like trail, mixed with some log overs and roots nests. It's a great mix of everything and just short enough to do multiple laps if you're looking for some fitness or a single lap if you're looking for something more social. 
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Ladies riding near the Wildlife Center.

Overall, I would consider the ride a success - there were no tears ... well maybe from laughing!
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Our version of a wheelie ... in no way were we making fun of Amie's husband Mike ... he may have fallen near this spot while trying to attempt a wheelie.
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Some photos by the lake!
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The sun peeked in and out throughout the ride, but the crisp fall weather was beautiful!
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Interesting family hiking the trails ... 9 children and all dressed in their Sunday best ... pushing a stroller through the woods.  We may have attracted them with our meowing while riding up and down the Lonesome Pine Trail.
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Overall, I give this ride a thumbs up!! :) - Corianne

Nicole's take on her first KSD ladies ride!

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My big sister Amie & I have always enjoyed joining in adventures together.  When she asked me to go on the ladies only ride with KSD on Sunday, I thought, “Sure!  Why not?”  

Noticing big wet flakes of snow falling Sunday morning, I couldn’t help but verify, “This gig still on?”  Amie’s response, “Oh yes.”  These mountain bikers are a different breed of biker.  (They’ll ride in just about anything.)

I’m used to riding a comfort mountain bike on the towpath and hike & bike trails throughout Summit & Portage counties.  The tires on my bike are like the Kenda K847 Kross Plus seen here… mostly smooth with knobby outer edges.  



To give me my first true mountain bike experience, Amie tracked down a Cannondale for me to borrow… KNOBBY SIDE DOWN.

What a difference!  A much lighter frame than I’m used to, and the tires easily climbed over the smaller rocks & roots.

My greatest challenge was my first attempt at a log over.  I’m not sure which embarrassed me more… the fact that I ran into a tree only a few inches in diameter OR the fact that it was witnessed by Angie, who graciously let me shake the dust off of “Old Blue” for her.  (Thanks again, Angie!)  Amie, being the good big sister that she is, advised that on my next attempt I get my momentum going and try to coast more over the log & not look straight down… look ahead.  

Log over conquered.  BOOM. 

The ride was made most enjoyable by the group of ladies, ages 9+, who know how to have a good time. “Serious riding without all the seriousness!”  It’s no joke.  Lots of laughter, team spirit, & encouragement.  Sorry, I can’t share what all the laughter was about.  What happens on the trail stays on the trail (unless it’s humorously documented in photographs).

Thank you  Arryn, Addie, Corianne, Jill, Teresa, Lisa, Angie, Amie, & Lauren!  Hope to meet up with you on the trails again sometime.  (Meow!) ​

The ladies' biking day presents a great opportunity to take your daughter out on the trail - Amie

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I must admit, it has been a bit of a struggle to get my daughter Lauren (age 11) out on the mountain bike trails. My husband and I have struggle, as most parents do with that balance of encouraging her to try, but not nagging so much that it turns her off. We got the "it will come" from several friends and family. Well this year it finally did! A big shout out to Addie (age 9) who somehow got Lauren interested enough to give it a try this year.

This ladies ride was a great way to show her another perspective of what "a ladies day out" can be. Thanks to Corianne for organizing the day and choosing a very family friendly trail at Sippo Lake Park. In this environment it allowed all of us ladies to go out for a casual mountain bike ride and have fun.

The ladies ride gave me the opportunity to ride with my daughter to help her to learn to appreciate and love the sport as I do. She is still a bit unsure of mountain biking, but taking her on rides like today helps to show her that mountain biking can be a fun thing that you can go do with your girlfriends. I must say, riding with her takes a lot of patience at times. Like all of us, she has good days and bad. Sometimes she feels more eager to try the hills and obstacles then the others. At this stage of the game it is most important to me that she sees a group of ladies out there having fun in a laid back environment. Many times on Sunday, I tried to encourage her to pedal harder to make it up the hill or pedal strong to get over the roots. Other times she wasn't feeling the love so she chose to walk. I had to remind myself to keep things positive so that she is willing to continue to ride.

She is nornal, she thinks some of these ladies are a bit cooler then her mom. I am ok with that. I feel this is a good group of role models for her to look up to. The group today was made up of a variety of skill levels. It is important to me that she learns that no matter what your skill level is, this group can come together and ride as one.

Thank you ladies!
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KSD Favorite moments from 2015

10/13/2015

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As the sun set in the Killbuck valley at the conclusion of 331 Racing's Dr. Knob's Malevolent Team Challenge so did the "race" season for KnobbySideDown Racing for 2015.  Some of the big highlights of 2015 was whether as a team or individuals we raced in five different states (GA,NC,WV,PA,OH), had a blast during the summer at The Edge Outdoors Wednesday night group rides at the Medina Trails, (I mean how can a group ride with 70+ people not be fun!) with the help of our friends on the Frankford Mountain Bike Race Team our 2nd annual "Ohio Rogue's Raid Raystown" event grew to over 80 attendees!! and who can forget the #skirtofshame and all of it's victims! (Adam Elsner and Bill Mickey of FMBR we have not forgot about you yet!)

As a team we had such a fun year there was only one way to write a blog to summarize it, everyone on the team answered this question:

"What is your favorite mtb moment of 2015, give a highlight from this year, whether it was a race, a get together, training ride, or really funny conversation."  


​aaaand go!

Mark beech

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fact: when your mustache isn't up to par just widen your upper lip it fixes everything
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My first race of the year I was chicked by Corianne the last race of the year I got my revenge by overtaking her in the short track while sporting a mustache. (Possibly the mustache gave me the performance enhancement I needed) you're next Kenny although I may need a mustache and a mullet to beat you.

For me in general I have loved the comradery and team spirit that KSD has. From being welcomed back with the skirt of shame at Tuskarzor (is that how you spell it) to my first ride at Mohican where nobody complained about my ridiculously slow pace and although i know he didn't want to do the last section, Kenny was ready to do it if I wanted to finish the lap, to wrapping up the year with the team race at the knob yesterday, just having fun on bikes with like minded individuals, that's what it's all about.

angie burgess

PictureRody of Groovy Cycleworks hamming it up with the ladies of KSD at an Edge Outdoors Wednesday night group ride!
There are so many great memories from this year. Getting at 4th place OMBC race finish at Mt Wood in my first ever race. Completing the Twain Reign of Pain and finishing 3rd with the hubby, even though it poured every lap I went out. All of the slap happiness at the VK24 hr race. Even Dicky Dee heckling the asshole T County backroad driver that wanted to run over me during a winter group ride.

kevin burgess

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There were so many fun times. I guess the highlight was finishing 3rd in the Tuscazoar Twain Reign of Pain with my awesome wife.

Zac Carmel

My favorite moment this year race wise and team wise had to be the knob 24hr. Without the team I truly would have lost if i never received the support i got from everyone. I only showed up with 4 gallons of water and a pack of shot blocks haha.
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Zac Carmel, most photogenic mountain biker in Ohio

Jim Costello

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My favorite memory of 2015 is finishing the Mohican 100K with Kenny and Andrew.  Those idiots can talk me into doing anything!!

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Ever since Mohican 100k Jim still has issues putting his gloves on

lisa costello

PictureTeam Babes On Our Bikes at the Vulture's Knob Team Challenge
This year was a whole lot of FUN! I love that more women and young girls have gotten into this awesome sport and how many new friends I've made. I had a blast with Corianne at the Mohican 100k doing it for the second time feeling way more educated this year. We laugh every time we ride! There really isn't any one event. They each have their own character! The team theme this year was just great. The 24 hour race was a unique experience…. our midnight lap as a team is one of my favorite memories. The VK Team Challenge Short Track relay was one of the most entertaining things I've ever been a part of. Thanks to everyone who shared all of these events with me, I feel blessed to have friends like you!!!
Also the annual Todd Davis Ride and Pool Party! That was a great time!!! There was so much sausage! LOL​

andrew crow

Picture"but guys it's rated at 4 stars on Yelp!"
It definitely has to be the mancation pisgah trip! It ruined every trail since! You have the video that sums it up Kenny.  (Andy did neglect to mention the "motel" that he booked for us to stay in ....The Mountaineer Inn)

todd davis

Picturewho else had wine and cheese at the finish line of the Mohican 100k!
I would have to say supporting teammates that choose to ride in that Mohican 100. Cheers! The World's only wine and cheese aid station. And pretty much every other event we attend.

Dicky Dee

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River crossing 5 of about 13, day one at Pisgah National Forest
The get together we had had Pisgah mancation was my most memorable moment of 2015 .
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Stats for our weekend in Pisgah as a group:
Mileage: 54.2
Elevation: 8200'
Bee stings: 21
Rattle snake spotting: 1
Creek crossings: 13
Trails traveled probably the wrong way:4
Wrecks: 6
Pissed off hikers (not at us): 2
Broken spokes:1
Broken bottle cage (ripped out of frame):1
Seat accessories broke:2
Water bottles lost:2
Flat tires: 3
Screaming fits: 7
Laughs: uncountable


keith feeman

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For me it was a strange year, getting hurt early in the season and then having issues with it that have lingered on. Blowing up prime spring training and canceling 99% of my race plans. So the high lights would be the fun rides with friends. The working at races marshaling the OIRL high school races and watching them develop throughout their season. The team race was excellent. The pool party also. 

Now to begin the soul searching of what I want to do in 2016

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The Mega Cavern in Kentucky..about two seconds before Keith separated his shoulder...he tripped on Todd...not really but it could have happend

amie jones

PictureOne of the few moments it did not rain at the Tuscazoar Rain of Pain
I had a too many great memories with the group this year but these are at the top of my list. 

​Competing in the Tuscazoar Twain Reign of Pain with Mike was was great. So amazing that we can do this sport together. The weather was crappy but it was a
n amazing event with the KSD crew, and yes I went out for a final lap even though I knew it would not count. I may not be fast but I had a personal goal to achieve that day #dontgetinmyway

PictureOnly women's team brave enough to tackle the 24 hours of Killbuck at Vulture's Knob!!
My other memorable event was the VK 24 Hour Race. The friendships I have made this year with these ladies is amazing. They have pushed me to make me stronger. I am already looking forward to to next year!

Mike Jones

PictureKevin wearing Mike's bra...seriously they had a huge edge in the team challenge!
A lot of great moments and new friends, but the VK team challenge tops everything. Probably the best event I've ever been involved in.

corianne kocarek

 I have a few - the first was getting my Snake Creek TT belt buckle!! The first race of the year - January 3, 2015 - Shep finishing with me ... and around every bend while walking the rock gardens he told me - we're almost there, i promise...haha he was wrong most of the time, but he got me through it!!
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And I can't forget the Tuscazoar Twain Reign of Pain (Rain), the first team race I've ever done with Kenny Kocarek! It's all about the fun!

kenny kocarek

PicturePisgah National Forest where a kilometer really equals a mile or two....
Mine was finishing the Pisgah 111k, it was the first race in a couple years that I was sick to my stomach before starting and I questioned if I could even finish it, now that I did, I fell in love with Pisgah and look forward to going back down and setting a new PR!

josh kunz

My favorite memory this year was rolling the r2d2 full of homebrew to the sat night party at Ohio Rogue's Raid Raystown, and the wheelies and rodeo that followed.
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Homebrewer tip 124: Beer is best is you take it for a walk around the block before serving
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Runner up in the bike rodeo because Josh continued to smoke a cigar the whole time

paul lech

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Cassandra Reeder getting first place in her first ever race.

rodney lucketti

PictureRodney in his typical environment surrounded by Subarus, he actually skipped this ride to detail all of our cars
"Where's Rodney?" pretty much sums up my season

todd mcmillan

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2nd Annual group ride and pool party
I'll be generic, but anytime I get to ride with this group, it's always a good time!

Scott Palmer

PictureYou think you've had a good time, but it's never been A Scott Palmer in dark glasses level of fun
Ohio Rogue's Raid Raystown for sure was amazing. I didn't get up north much this year, but getting together for the weekend is always a blast.

Another moment was at the VK Team Challenge- I was riding with a busted up knee, dented helmet, what I now know is a bruised up shoulder, a
nd was exhausted - and then, on my final lap of the short track, I look back and Paul is there riding beside me, heckling/encouraging me to the line. Yeah, that pretty much sums up why I love this team. That, and we're a juvenile bunch of sob's that ride bikes in the woods and have dick jokes on our jersey.

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tim shepard

My favorite moment was crossing the finish line at the first Snake Gap TT with Corianne, we rode the last ten miles together, and that feeling of finishing is indescribable...especially in those nasty conditions, and man the Team Challenge was the most fun I had this year on my bike.  Thanks for letting me be the "anchor" of the team haha 
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After 9+ hours driving to Georgia Shep will do anything to get to the beer faster!

shane vallen

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The VK team race is definitely my highlight. Even though all the other races/rides throughout the season have been great, this event was the culmination of putting together all the hard work and advice from all my fellow teammates and riders. From food and hydration prep before a race and during a race to “quit locking your elbows” and “four fingers on the handlebars don’t touch your brakes.” To getting my rear tire buzzed on a hill climb and the bombardment of heckling to not stop pedaling when you hit that flat part of trail even though all you want to do it stop and rest. 
Putting the puzzle pieces together has been the theme for this year and stepping up on that podium at the team race was a big piece. Now I can enter the off-season with a lot of motivation to keep building on my gains and get ready for next year. And maybe, just maybe, buzz a few tires of my own.

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5th place at Vulture's Knob Team Challenge, Shane was the glue that held the team together.
We are looking forward to an even better and bigger 2016!  We are having our five year anniversary as a team this year so keep a lookout for some big things going on as we continue to race and be advocates for the sport that brings us all together!!   
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