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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
I know there are more brown pow lovers on this site, yah there is pinkbike but lets be honest, newshcoolers is wayyyy cooler. so lets posts our rides, questions about components, mechanic questions etc in this thread.

I just bought this beauty and i definitely sacrificed uphill capabiltiy in order to get a beefier dh/park bike. id been on a nomad for a while and it's a huge switch in riding styles for me. definitely getting used to the weight and having to keep speed a lot more.

specs for said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highrollers front and back (gona go dhf front and highroller in the back), mtx 33 wheel set, slx brakes, diablous cranks, FSA 760mm Handlebar, Shimano SLX Shifter & Shimano Deore XT Derailleur.



Alright newschoolers, post your bikes. i wanna see some sexy steeds.
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Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
cydwhitOnly if you're riding flow trails, and even then...... Really want to hear the logic behind that one.

I'd argue that learning how to dj helps build and develop skills like bike control, pumping, jumping and air awareness, speed control, cornering and braking, all which are transferrable to dh.

Back in the day, I read an article about Rueben Alcantara (bmx rider) who went out to BC. He broke a chain, but was still keeping up with everyone because he knew how to pump off everything.

(found the article)

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/Ruben-Alcantara-Etnies-RipTV-2006.html
Apr 16 2018 2:42PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
saskskierI'd argue that learning how to dj helps build and develop skills like bike control, pumping, jumping and air awareness, speed control, cornering and braking, all which are transferrable to dh.

Back in the day, I read an article about Rueben Alcantara (bmx rider) who went out to BC. He broke a chain, but was still keeping up with everyone because he knew how to pump off everything.

(found the article)

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/Ruben-Alcantara-Etnies-RipTV-2006.html


Fair enough. And yeah, plenty of the greats came from a BMX background.

I just think in the context of a beginner looking to develop skills suggesting learning how to DJ is not the best call? And

There's not much skills wise you'd get from riding DJ that you don't get from riding pump tracks.

Personally, I've found that the biggest thing that helps me with descending is descending. If that's not available, pump tracks are great, but I'm using a totally different part of my brain, and a totally different set of skills when I'm riding jumps as opposed to when I'm riding tech downhills. Interested to hear other opinions on this though.

But I do think saying DJ skills=DH skills is utterly ridiculous.
Apr 16 2018 2:48PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
cydwhitFair enough. And yeah, plenty of the greats came from a BMX background.

I just think in the context of a beginner looking to develop skills suggesting learning how to DJ is not the best call? And

There's not much skills wise you'd get from riding DJ that you don't get from riding pump tracks.

Personally, I've found that the biggest thing that helps me with descending is descending. If that's not available, pump tracks are great, but I'm using a totally different part of my brain, and a totally different set of skills when I'm riding jumps as opposed to when I'm riding tech downhills. Interested to hear other opinions on this though.

But I do think saying DJ skills=DH skills is utterly ridiculous.


Yeah. I agree with that. The more you ride, the faster you'll progress. Variety will only bring more skills to the table and make you more well rounded (over time).

Also agreed that DJ skills =/= DH skills. They are complimentary, but not the same.
Apr 16 2018 8:19PM
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nxtyrsfulltilts
Posts: 430 - Karma: 1,533
TheDoughAbidesdj skills = dh skills

Riding dirt jumps as a beginner who has little experience in mountain biking or BMX is just suicide on 2 wheels.
Apr 16 2018 9:36PM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,036
ok i guess i should've have been more explicit. should you go hit the pro line at the bike park with no experience? of course fucking not. when i said dj i meant pump track too obviously, theyre usually found in the same places. there are plenty of bike parks that have beginner and intermediate jump lines where you wont necessarily end up in the hospital if you fuck up. besides, learning how to bail on your bike is an important skill too, it happens to everyone. in the event that you do get injured at the bike park theres a way better chance that you wont be in the middle of nowhere if you need medical attention.

are dj skills explicitly transferrable to picking your way through a rock garden? no, the only way to get better at that shit is to ride it regularly. but its pretty nice when youre comfortable enough to air features that are difficult to ride over. if you plan on riding at a lift accessed dh park then there are usually plenty of trails where air awareness and other skills learned from dj make things a lot safer.

bottom line: sure, the best way to learn how to ride trails well is to ride a lot of them. but if you ever want to take your riding to the next level then you should probably get to jumping in some capacity (even if its just pump track at first) and work your way up at your own pace.
Apr 16 2018 10:18PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
There's a reason that DJ bikes and DH bikes are completely different bikes....
Apr 17 2018 12:07AM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
i will give someone a good deal if they buy my bike

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2355702/
Apr 18 2018 1:13AM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,036
ThaLoraxThere's a reason that DJ bikes and DH bikes are completely different bikes....


lololol nice one brah! theres also a reason that the best dh riders can comfortably clear dj sets....
Apr 18 2018 4:18PM
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GhettoYeti
Posts: 210 - Karma: 257
GANDALFi will give someone a good deal if they buy my bike

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2355702/


What kind of a deal?
Apr 18 2018 4:49PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
I demo'd a Transition Scout, sort of want to try a Smuggler, too, but I also kind of just want to send it and get a bike sooner. Tough life eh?
Apr 18 2018 5:34PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
TheDoughAbideslololol nice one brah! theres also a reason that the best dh riders can comfortably clear dj sets....

There's also a reason that multi-disciplinary training is the gist of what I was getting at....
Apr 18 2018 8:11PM
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RousedWits
Posts: 387 - Karma: 894
What do you all think of the UCI world cup downhill track this year in Losinj Croatia?

Honestly It looks kinda strange to me, but I bet it will end up being rad...
Apr 19 2018 2:21AM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15081 - Karma: 9,158
Anybody gonna be at Sea Otter?
Apr 19 2018 3:07AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
RousedWitsWhat do you all think of the UCI world cup downhill track this year in Losinj Croatia?

Honestly It looks kinda strange to me, but I bet it will end up being rad...

Other than being stupidly rocky, doesn’t look all that interesting. And isn’t there city section? That’s dumb. I mean it’s cool for special events, but not for a UCI should stop.
Apr 19 2018 10:50AM
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GhettoYeti
Posts: 210 - Karma: 257
Much excite for uci
Apr 19 2018 10:55AM
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RousedWits
Posts: 387 - Karma: 894
saskskierOther than being stupidly rocky, doesn’t look all that interesting. And isn’t there city section? That’s dumb. I mean it’s cool for special events, but not for a UCI should stop.


Honestly I agree with you 100%. But I've just got this feeling it will actually be cool once its all set up and people are charging down it.

Hoping they do something interesting with the city part... Right now it looks like your just biking down someone's back alleyway.
Apr 19 2018 11:41AM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,157
GhettoYetiMuch excite for uci


I think your excitement is for world cup racing, the UCI can get fucked
Apr 19 2018 11:58AM
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GhettoYeti
Posts: 210 - Karma: 257
.nastyI think your excitement is for world cup racing, the UCI can get fucked


Just like riding bikes mah dude
Apr 19 2018 12:35PM
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Lonely
Posts: 6743 - Karma: 61,680
Anyone from the midwest here that rides Copper Harbor?
Apr 19 2018 12:50PM
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sklermang
Posts: 2981 - Karma: 1,954
If anyone will be riding eastern MA this year shoot me a PM. Trying to get lots of days in this year at Lynn Woods
Apr 19 2018 2:12PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
Idk if anybody is looking to do some upgrades to their bike, but I have some brand new parts I need to get rid of:

Rock Shox 150mm travel reverb, comes with the new 1x lever

Sram Guide R brakes, both front and rear, horses uncut, includes 6 bolt 180mm rotors

Sram Gx Eagle 32 tooth chairing, x-sync mount
Apr 24 2018 9:13AM
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nxtyrsfulltilts
Posts: 430 - Karma: 1,533
Blake.PIdk if anybody is looking to do some upgrades to their bike, but I have some brand new parts I need to get rid of:

Rock Shox 150mm travel reverb, comes with the new 1x lever

Sram Guide R brakes, both front and rear, horses uncut, includes 6 bolt 180mm rotors

Sram Gx Eagle 32 tooth chairing, x-sync mount

PM me a price for the dropper post
Apr 24 2018 9:59AM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
Found a wicked deal on a dropper post, so I ordered it, and then realized that my bike doesn't have internal routing. How do I do the dropper post?
Apr 24 2018 10:19PM
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mtbakerpow
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 927
RousedWitsWhat do you all think of the UCI world cup downhill track this year in Losinj Croatia?

Honestly It looks kinda strange to me, but I bet it will end up being rad...


Didn’t look as natural as they tried to make it sound. Amazing scenery for tourism but not exactly a bike destination. Wish they had a stop closer to the Pacific Northwest so I could see it in person, hopefully someday!
Apr 24 2018 10:39PM
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RousedWits
Posts: 387 - Karma: 894
mtbakerpowDidn’t look as natural as they tried to make it sound. Amazing scenery for tourism but not exactly a bike destination. Wish they had a stop closer to the Pacific Northwest so I could see it in person, hopefully someday!

Oh, I totally agree bring it to the pnw! I guess back in the 90's they had a downhill world cup race at Snoqualmie... Would be sooo rad to bring it back!
Apr 24 2018 10:59PM
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nxtyrsfulltilts
Posts: 430 - Karma: 1,533
mike759Found a wicked deal on a dropper post, so I ordered it, and then realized that my bike doesn't have internal routing. How do I do the dropper post?

1. Drill a hole in your frame (rip warranty)
2. Buy a new bike
3. Trade your post for one that works with your bike.
Apr 25 2018 2:21PM
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mmccarthy81
Posts: 413 - Karma: 755
Super stoked on my first bike, hitting up the bike park Saturday. I got a 2017 demo bike Commencal Supreme DH V4.2 and all is good on it, besides what seems to be a warp in the wheels that is causing the pads to rub slightly on each rotation of the wheel. I'm going to see if it's possible to true the wheels to fix it, but either way it should be fine to ride. Also need to ditch the green pedals. Was thinking I would do a rasta colorway but am now realizing how hard it will be to make that look decent without blowing a fortune on new components.

**This post was edited on Apr 25th 2018 at 3:04:11pm
Apr 25 2018 3:01PM
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nxtyrsfulltilts
Posts: 430 - Karma: 1,533
mmccarthy81Super stoked on my first bike, hitting up the bike park Saturday. I got a 2017 demo bike Commencal Supreme DH V4.2 and all is good on it, besides what seems to be a warp in the wheels that is causing the pads to rub slightly on each rotation of the wheel. I'm going to see if it's possible to true the wheels to fix it, but either way it should be fine to ride. Also need to ditch the green pedals. Was thinking I would do a rasta colorway but am now realizing how hard it will be to make that look decent without blowing a fortune on new components.

**This post was edited on Apr 25th 2018 at 3:04:11pm

I don't know if trying the wheel will fix that. Could be a hub/axle issue. Still a sick bike
Apr 25 2018 3:31PM
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mmccarthy81
Posts: 413 - Karma: 755
nxtyrsfulltiltsI don't know if trying the wheel will fix that. Could be a hub/axle issue. Still a sick bike

Thanks, and I honestly have no idea, I’m just going to ask the shop if it’s fixable and hope for the best
Apr 25 2018 3:33PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
mmccarthy81Thanks, and I honestly have no idea, I’m just going to ask the shop if it’s fixable and hope for the best


If it's just one part of the rotor rubbing, maybe it got dinged and it could be as simple as taking a wrench and bending the rotor (at the rubbing spot) every so slightly in the opposite direction. Or, you may just need to re-align the calipers which is also super easy and can be done at home. Rotors are generally made of really soft metals and can bend out of place very easily. The good news about that is that they can be bent back in place easily with careful tweaking too.
Apr 25 2018 9:52PM
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mmccarthy81
Posts: 413 - Karma: 755
ThaLoraxIf it's just one part of the rotor rubbing, maybe it got dinged and it could be as simple as taking a wrench and bending the rotor (at the rubbing spot) every so slightly in the opposite direction. Or, you may just need to re-align the calipers which is also super easy and can be done at home. Rotors are generally made of really soft metals and can bend out of place very easily. The good news about that is that they can be bent back in place easily with careful tweaking too.


You can see a distinct warp every rotation when you look at the tire spinning but I’m going to have someone look at it
Apr 25 2018 9:55PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
mmccarthy81You can see a distinct warp every rotation when you look at the tire spinning but I’m going to have someone look at it


Quite often, the "warp" you're seeing in the tire does not actually mean your rims are out of tru. But ya, go have someone take a gander at it.
Apr 26 2018 3:26AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
Finally got to really ride last weekend. Got out and explored Boise and Hailey. Mind wasn't blown at all, but daaaaang it feels good to put tire to dirt again. And fell for my bike again. Hightower LT is so good in so many situations. Thanks Santa Cruz for making really good bikes with good builds for the right price.

Upgrading to the new 170 mm one-up dropper as soon as it's in stock, and then maybe some I9 action this summer if the art gods are good to my wallet. So ready to ride.
Apr 26 2018 10:39AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
cydwhitFinally got to really ride last weekend. Got out and explored Boise and Hailey. Mind wasn't blown at all, but daaaaang it feels good to put tire to dirt again. And fell for my bike again. Hightower LT is so good in so many situations. Thanks Santa Cruz for making really good bikes with good builds for the right price.

Upgrading to the new 170 mm one-up dropper as soon as it's in stock, and then maybe some I9 action this summer if the art gods are good to my wallet. So ready to ride.


Nice! i9's would be sick.

I got my first real ride on trails today. Had to drive three hours to get to them, but conditions were prime. I'm absolutely loving my Canfield. Updated geometry and 29" wheels make it night and day compared to the old 26" Nomad. I feel way more confident than I did with the Nomad, and this was the first day on dirt. So stoked for the rest of summer.
Apr 27 2018 12:09AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
I wish it was still ski season
but the suns comin' out

What should I do? Get a YT Jeffsy 27 CF/CF PRO or make my Recluse a bit more plushy? I like the way my Recluse climbs, but I wish it was a bit heavier/plushier for the down.. I think the Jeffsy may be the ticket..
Apr 27 2018 7:30PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
Finally getting back out on the bike. Feels pretty damn good pedaling around. Plus, got my first baselayer sunburn of the season.


**This post was edited on Apr 27th 2018 at 8:29:38pm
Apr 27 2018 8:27PM
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mtbakerpow
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 927
RousedWitsOh, I totally agree bring it to the pnw! I guess back in the 90's they had a downhill world cup race at Snoqualmie... Would be sooo rad to bring it back!

Ya and you used to be able to bike at crystal mountain via chairlift,those were the days!
Apr 28 2018 12:25AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Transition Scout or Smuggler?

I live in Seattle, I’d say I’m an intermediate rider. For those that know Seattle, there are a few features on trails like Off The Grid at Tiger that I walk. Ollalie is probably my favorite trail in the area. Current bike is a 2008ish Specialized FSR. I tend to stay mostly on the ground. I don’t really have any serious gnar shredding aspirations, like big jumps and serious tech. I demoed the Scout and had a great time, but 29ers are so hot right now.
Apr 28 2018 8:56AM
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JmckR
Posts: 1280 - Karma: 5,880
Going Kicking Horse this summer, need accomodation and fwends.. hit me up if anyone else is out there for the season
Apr 28 2018 9:18AM
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RousedWits
Posts: 387 - Karma: 894
mtbakerpowYa and you used to be able to bike at crystal mountain via chairlift,those were the days!


I used to work at Crystal... The trails exist, and could be so rad...The big issue they are running into is stubborn hikers and horseback riders that dont know how to share...
Apr 28 2018 5:27PM
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sklermang
Posts: 2981 - Karma: 1,954
JW does anyone here ride a hardtail? seems like most are full susp. trail bikes or downhill
Apr 29 2018 11:45PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
SklarTransition Scout or Smuggler?

I live in Seattle, I’d say I’m an intermediate rider. For those that know Seattle, there are a few features on trails like Off The Grid at Tiger that I walk. Ollalie is probably my favorite trail in the area. Current bike is a 2008ish Specialized FSR. I tend to stay mostly on the ground. I don’t really have any serious gnar shredding aspirations, like big jumps and serious tech. I demoed the Scout and had a great time, but 29ers are so hot right now.


Get the Scout and don't look back. I demoed that bike too and it's one of the most fun, playful bikes I've ridden. I want to get one for a shorter travel bike
Apr 29 2018 11:52PM
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nxtyrsfulltilts
Posts: 430 - Karma: 1,533
nostreboRJW does anyone here ride a hardtail? seems like most are full susp. trail bikes or downhill


I ride a diamond back syncr pro and it's brilliant.
Apr 30 2018 10:06AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
nostreboRJW does anyone here ride a hardtail? seems like most are full susp. trail bikes or downhill


I have a Hardtail for sale:)




And for those interested. It's a large NS Eccentric. Manitou mattock pro fork, fulcrum red rims, nice little aggressive hardtail. 1500 OBO.
Apr 30 2018 10:21AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,013
nostreboRJW does anyone here ride a hardtail? seems like most are full susp. trail bikes or downhill


I went from an enduro rig to a hardtail for all of last year, went back to a squishy bike now, but got a 29+ hardtail for bike packing.
Apr 30 2018 10:46AM
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mmccarthy81
Posts: 413 - Karma: 755
Anyone ever ridden an NS Soda Air or Soda Coil? Bike shopping for a cheap park bike for my friend so he can stop blowing money on rentals and wanted to know how it would compare to a tradition downhill bike.
May 1 2018 9:27AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
Anyone looking for a new pair of knee pads? I have a brand new pair of POC vpd 2.0
May 5 2018 9:52PM
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ahshit
Posts: 1248 - Karma: 3,024
I can't decide between the jeffsy or capra. Both seem like such good bikes that can handle alot. The issue is I ride a fair amount of park but also spend a lot of time on the trails..
May 13 2018 5:17PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
wpskiI can't decide between the jeffsy or capra. Both seem like such good bikes that can handle alot. The issue is I ride a fair amount of park but also spend a lot of time on the trails..


Jeffsy
May 13 2018 6:14PM
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oiucheekykunt
Posts: 185 - Karma: 451
walk the park your first time down or you might get absolutely fucked.
May 13 2018 8:28PM
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