I learned about the Mellow Classic on Facebook – my friend sent me a link. Next thing I know I see something on Twitter. Then on Bike Mojo. People are abuzz and I jump – gonna race my single speed True Fab all over Lance Armstrong’s ranch.

Hell yeah. Mountain biking someplace new AND social media in action. Dig it.

This campaign is smart on so many levels. The proceeds will go to the LAF, and that’s reason enough to man up. Lance is selling his home and this publicity is cheap. And I really just appreciate the everyday outreach from the official race blog and @MellowClassic Twitter feed – both are helpful and timely. Kudos to the amazing crew at Mellow Johnny’s.

This past weekend I had the chance to ride at Juan Pelota‘s (translated: one ball’s) ranch. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and was glad to see some familiar faces (like Jody Hunt on the right and John Fruehe below in the creek) and meet some new friends (Todd, a fellow True Fab rider).

Driving out to Dripping Springs is a gorgeous trek. Once you hit Fitzhugh it’s all Hill Country splendor – livestock, cacti and scrub cedar as far as the eye can see. And rollers, damn if you don’t get a sick feeling knowing you’ll be climbing those things on your knobbies.

If you’re driving out, be sure to allow plenty of time. There’s going to be a lot of traffic, and the road is 20 mph in places. I assume they’ll add signage. The lack of adequate street markings showed with cars doubling back often. Bring your GPS, not that it will matter much.

The start gate is a nice cattle feed, complete with flags for our country, state and military folk. You don’t see this everywhere, but you do in Texas. After a quick tour of a trail next to parking and registration, you get dumped directly into single track. If you’re in it to win it, don’t get caught behind some non-technical folks here. This section features plenty of off-camber and large ledges that are all doable with momentum.

After this you’ll enjoy a slow, steep climb and then it all blurs together on me. Singletrack. Doubletrack. Fast downhills in the wide open with a table top to give you the extra push you need. Most climbs were accented by an obstacle, usually a turn upwards. Be strong and pedal hard when the dirt turns north.

One lap is 8 miles and 1,000 feet of climbing.

Yeah, no big deal if you’re a Coloradan or something. But on the 2.3 fat knobby tires and a 34×19… it was tough. My second lap was better than the first, and for that I’m thankful. But I’m still debating on hitting up my LBS for a 20 back there. Either way, think low-tread, fast tires. I saw 29ers and 26ers and people quick on both. Same with the guy on the fully rigid 29er and another on Lenz with 5″ travel. I think the large rims rolled really well out there.

The trail reminds me of a good hybrid of what we have in Austin. Some of it was wide open, like Reimers. Some places had nice obstacles, like City Park and sweet ledges with drop offs, like the BCGB. Other places it was smooth sailing like Walnut Creek. Most of the trail is semi-worn, and only a few new sections exist. You’ll know them by their cushy feel and fresh-cut tree limbs. Oh, and the pavé – how unique to come up on this section.

I’m looking forward to this weekend. My Chicago pal, Ken Dawson, is coming to town and he’s stoked. Cody Baron at Hammerhead Bikes is setting him up with a SS 29er and I have to say – he’s the nicest guy in the bike business. I love my local bike shop (they’re on Twitter, too.)

Here’s some other items of interest that I found:
- Bjorn Selander jumps into Dead Man’s Hole at the ranch (I so want to do this.)
- John Fruehe posts a ton of pics on AustinBike.com.
- Food will be served up by local favorites, Hat Creek Burger Co.

Let’s ride! If you’re out there this weekend, stop me and say hello, yo.