Tommy D

I don't know much at all about mcycles or the mcycle scene. Why would 2-strokes be illegal? Is it an emissions issue? Is it the power to weight ratio?

BAKA: Thanks for the heelside pumping tips. Like you, I've been too lazy to practice. ;) I'm a bit slow today; it took me a while to figure out what you meant by "Wow, it rotates." :p Nice! Considering the space I have to work with, mebby I'll try a slightly shorter board this year. That Bozi is looking tastey!

Lonerider: This thread is for you! ;) I'd like to learn pumping too, but I need a much larger space to really practice. I can pump a little on toeside, but haven't figured out heelside, or if it is even possible to pump both ways?

Yeah! I've only been wakeboarding a few times, but it's awesome. With any luck I'll be able to whore off my friends more often this year. ;) Of course, they are always looking for a third for spotting, so I'm being used, too. :D

I don't know about weight on this one, but that sounds like a fantastic setup. I have a pair of 45 degree Seismics, and the board carves very well and tight, but is a bit too turny(not unstable) at speed, but I don't go fast and straight anyway. Your 45/30 setup should be nice and controlled, yet manouverable. Also, I think the seismics come with yellow springs (On the softer side.) Even for my 145lb self, the yellows are way too soft. Go for stiffer springs. I upgraded to purple, but those ended up being too stiff for my weight/application. They are for sale cheap if you want to upgrade later. EDIT: Oh, the more grip, the better, IMO. Go with the softer (78a) durometer wheels. Tell Gary 'Tom Williams' sent you. He probably doesn't remember me, but it never hurts to say hello! ;)

Hi. I bought my starter set from Sector 9, but not a complete: I bought the deck/trucks/wheels separately. Definitely avoid the Sector 9 wheels. I have a set, but they are narrow, and very hard/slidey. You can have mine(barely used) for $5, plus shipping. :p Instead, get some wheels by 3DM if you want grip to make your eyes bug out, or the ABEC 11 wheels suggested by Neil. If you shop around, (Asphalt playground, for one) you will be able to build a custom setup for very close to what you can buy a complete setup for, and get what you want. I don't know how those boards compare, and I only have experience on the Cosmic 2. My Cosmic seems to be perfect for my use: Cruising/carving mostly, but some informal slalom turns occasionally thrown in. The flex is about right for me, but I weigh 145lbs. If you get a chance, try before you buy; I'd like to try out some more decks, especially with some softer/springier flex. As for bearings: I've been using cheap-o generic bearings, and they are fine for now, but I will be getting some higher quality stuff soon. I'm staying away from the really expensive stuff, but I don't compete. If you come out to CT at all, I'll be happy to show you my embarassingly small parking lot where I ride. ;)

HAHAHA! I've had a lot of success with Gary Fluitt at http://www.asphaltplayground.com/index.html He knows his stuff, and will give you straight answers. I got my deck here: http://sector9.com/ A lot of info can be found at http://www.ncdsa.com/vendor_banners.asp, but I find that site to be a PITA to sort through stuff, though there are a few links to vendors. If there were a local skate shop to go to, I would support that, but longboarding in my area is practically unheard of, so I've had the best luck online.

I suppose it depends on what you want to do, but here's my setup: Sector 9 Cosmic deck, Randall 2 180 and Seismic 155 trucks (I switch back and forth), 3DM Avalon wheels. My riding is rather laid-back. Mostly carving turns in the local school lot, at slow to moderate speeds. I use it for xtraining; practicing my snowboarding form.

I was out on my board carving up the parking lot yesterday. Sure, it hurts a lot more if I bail, but the carving sensations are similar.

Playing with the keyboard ... I think you might have a more difficult time using the keyboard, rather than a controller. I only ever had success using the keyboard/mouse with 1st person shooters, and flight/space fighter sims. Super cool footage! :) Bob: Yeah! :D :p

I work at IBM. When I lived in Wapp Falls, I would go mt biking up near Millbrook, at the '404' ( think that's what it is called ), just off the Taconic. Now I'm living in Newtown, CT. I bought a house there and I haven't been on my bike as often as I would like. I need to find a place to ride (Mebby even the 404?) that is more or less along my route home. Do you have any suggestions? Brewster, Pawling, perhaps? My bike is a bit old and beat down, but she holds together well and hasn't failed me yet! Time to get back on her before I get old and beat down! :D

http://www.thq.com/games/52016/ Looks like they have a version for PC, and Xbox. :) Be careful though: If you get hooked, and end up playing until the wee hours of the morning, don't blame me. HAHA. Leew: I've tried manual, but haven't given myself enough time to get used to it. (It seems like the bike downshifts on its own anyway if I hit the grass or lean over too far? hmmm) I like many of the tracks now (Even Assen), but I'm partial to Suzuka, Motegi, LeMans, Catalunya, and Sepang.

POUGHKEEPSIE??? Heh. Talk about off topic: I work in POK! :)

IIRC there is some footage of a guy on alpine gear tearing it up pretty well!

Definitely! Last night I maxed out my credits, minus two challenge creds, which, I think, puts me one credit shy of Rossi. What's your gamertag? Tilledog? Davo?

With all this talk of motorcycles, I started to wonder if I were the only person here with an Xbox live account and MotoGP 2. Anyone else climbing the rankings?

That is definitely HOT!

I met this guy in Montana at Big Mountain who was on an Identity. It was super narrow, and very long, but he was ripping up the slope like I've never seen before! He said he'd been riding Identity for years, and had no desire to switch brands.

I have been using TD1s for two years: No abnormal or accelerated wear to the boots. IE - aside from a few parking lot/caffeteria scuffs, there is no damage to the boots from the TDs.

On two separate occasions I had skiers overtaking me. I got a bit nervous when I noticed they weren't passing me, so I stopped. (I really hate being in the way, especially when I don't know the person behind me.) Both times I got props: "Nice carves!" and "Looking great!" Another time I had just finished carving down a steep-for-me pitch and after the flat transition, sat down to wait for my buds. I heard this woman skier talking from about 35 feet away; it turns out she was talking to me: "That looks like fun! What do you call it?" My reply: "Snowboarding." ;) Then I explained a bit more about it and she promised to keep her eyes open so she could watch my friends and I carving throughout the day. It feels good to get props. Looking back, I don't think I've ever gotten props from another snowboarder!

Mebby I'll paint my Raichles ... Then I'll have new boots for next season too! ;) What's the best way to paint my board ... ? HAHA Those boots are a nice red! Reminds me of Ferrari.

I work so I can carve turns! :D

I switched to snowboarding. At the end of the first day, I was proficient enough to survive mild intermediate trails, but it took me considerably longer to learn how to carve. Of course, after 25 years of skiing, it's still my favorite sport, but carving a snowboard offers up more exhileration on the groomers.

:D

I have: '99 Impreza RS with 162,000 miles. 2000 miles ago, I replaced the engine, and should get another 100-150k out of her. '04 WRX wagon, 25,000 miles. Let's see if she'll go as long as the RS! Back in the day I drove a '77 Porsche Targa S. It had about 160k on the clock, and then my brother flipped her. RIP. :rolleyes: