Ghost Town Discovery

I was cruising Facebook the other day and I came across a post about an Iowa ghost town called "White Pigeon", a town which used to be in Keokuk County. As I read about it, I realized I may have been by the area doing Trans Iowa recon, or maybe it was on a route I came up with. 

Well, as it turns out, Trans Iowa v14 went right by the spot where this ghost town used to be! I don't know about anyone else, but I was excited to learn about this. 

As is the case for me involving Trans Iowas, I recall this road well. The situation was from the last set of cues for the route, and I was trying to find a way back toward Grinnell without adding a ton of extra miles. 

Keeping in mind that this route did not come together until very late into the process, I was also under a lot of self-inflicted pressure to find roads which would not only work, but be something of interest. I guess I stumbled onto something I had no idea of at the time! Had I known about this, I surely would have made a big deal about the route going by a ghost town. 

So, here's a bit of history gleaned from The 29th State page on Facebook. White Pigeon was founded before the Civil War and grew to a decent size with several businesses and churches in its day. However; the railroad bypassed the site of the town, which in the 19th Century was a death sentence for any village. 

White Pigeon hung on for many years though, and it was only after the last business in town burned to the ground around 1930 that it disappeared from the landscape. The only thing remaining is the cemetery which is on the West side of the road from the original town plat. 

From my viewpoint at the time, the gravel road going North from our final checkpoint in Webster, Iowa, was an interesting road because it had a few turns in it. Otherwise I may have chosen another route. Somewhere between mile 2,4 on the cues and mile 5.7 on the cue sheet you would have ridden by the cemetery and the old town site would have been on your right side. 

From the 1895 Atlas of Keokuk County, Iowa by H.G. Bishop

If I'm not mistaken, this road also bears right North of the old site of White Pigeon and turns into a pretty cool Level B Road. That "T"s into H Avenue and the route went North from there. 

I also may have utilized that Level B Road in another Trans Iowa, but I don't think we went South by White Pigeon in that one. 

Anyway, that was a fun discovery, and I am proud now to know I routed Trans Iowa by a legit ghost town. 

I'm also sure we went by others, and some villages we went through maybe will become ghost towns in the future.  

This is partially why I love riding rural areas. I like history, and finding out about the past is good because sometimes there are lessons we can learn from. You never know what you'll find in Iowa, that's for certain, and I'm sure other areas are similarly graced with nuggets of history just waiting for you to discover by bicycle.  

Guitar Ted Lube-Off 2026

  NOTICE:  The Guitar Ted 'Lube-Off' is a comparison of different lubrication products for bicycle chains that is undertaken in 'real world' conditions in a set way. Then I compare and contrast the results with past 'Lube-Off' products to see "which one is best for me". This is done for entertainment purposes and the reader should apply their own reasoning and discernment while reading my 'Lube-Off' entries. What works for me may not work for you at all. 

The Guitar Ted Lube-Off 2026:

Welcome to another totally unscientific look at what lubricant passes my tests to see what chain lube works best on dusty Iowa gravel roads. 

Over the years technology has changed tremendously in terms of chain lubricants. Early on it was the old petroleum based lubes that were tested alongside some chemical stews which then kind of took over for a while. Now things have moved on from there to wax based lubricants with a lot less environmental concerns.  

A Note About Chain Waxing: You may wonder why I will not test chain waxing procedures and products. I'll tell you why - It's more hassle, more equipment, and I don't want to do it. So, while taking off a chain and dipping it in some waxy soup might be better, (more on that in a minute), it is not easier than just cleaning the chain and lubing the chain while it is on the bike. 

I like "easy". I also like spending less money. Maybe I'm a weirdo..... 

 This season I am sort of continuing 2025's Lube-Off and melding it in with two newer contenders. One is the new Super-Secret v2 lubricant from SILCA. One is actually now truly"super-secret" as it hasn't been released yet to the public. I cannot show you this lube .......yet. The embargo on that lubricant lifts in about a month from now. However; I am already using it, so I'll have plenty to say about it in September. 

Image courtesy of SILCA

The Contenders:

The aforementioned SECRET lube, which I cannot talk about yet. It's on a bike I have already. Stay tuned for more on it.

The new Super-Secret v2 lube from SILCA. It is an "improvement in every way" over the original Super-Secret lube. I also already have this lube and it is also already on a bike I have here. 

Original Super-Secret from SILCA. Of course, the previous Lube-Off king has to be in this test. Of course, it also is already on a bike I own. 

Effetto Mariposa Flowerpower wax lubricant. I've said this one is so close to Super-Secret lube that it may as well be also a top choice for gravel in dry conditions. Yes, you guessed it, it's already on one of the bikes here. 

Expectations: 

I have a goal of getting 300 miles on the new lubes and whatever I can get on the old contenders. I already know what I have in the older test lubes, so getting a ton of miles in on those isn't a huge deal. But yeah, I want some reference which will be fresh in my mind to remind me what I liked about those lubricants. 

I then expect to uncover which lubricant was best at keeping the chain clean, the cassette clean, the jockey wheels clean, and still is slippery and making my chain "fast".  It should be noted that SILCA claims its newest Super-Secret formula is "just as fast" as waxing a chain in a pot. So, if true, it would be another reason to avoid all that fuss and clutter. 

The Process:

Each chain will be cleaned with Stan's BioBased Degreaser. It's a fairly new product which I have found recently. It does a pretty good job of cleaning a chain on the bike. Using the same degreaser for all the contenders will keep the playing field even. 

Then I will ride each contender in dusty gravel in and around Waterloo, Iowa where I live. The dust here gets into every nook and cranny of a bike and so I know it will challenge each lubricant to the maximum of its capabilities and its claims of performance by the brands. 

In the end, I look for cleanliness. A clean chain, jockey wheels, and cassette mean a faster drive train. IF the lubricant can keep the chain clean, and IF it can do this while still lubricating the chain, that lube is a winner. 

The application process will also be judged alongside these other concerns. Reapplication intervals also matter. SILCA is also claiming the new v2 Super-Secret is able to withstand wet conditions as well. So maybe I'll do a bit of extra testing to see about this. The other lubricants definitely do not hold up in the wet.  

Then whatever process each brand requires for application will be followed. And there are some varied asks of the user to apply the different lubes. So I think you readers will find that part interesting. Then it will just be the riding and hopefully by sometime mid-Fall I'll have results to share. 

So there you go! Stay tuned for the next update on installation for the SILCA, Effetto Mariposa, and the "SECRET" lube, (September update), soon. 

It's Been A Year

Jacob Stevenson at Iowa Speedway, 2017

Whew...... Here we are a year removed from that terrible day in 2025. Most of you know what I am talking about, but if you are new here, you can read about what happened HERE. 

I wrote that post the day after he died. I guess I was on autopilot. I have to say the shock of losing my son unexpectedly probably hadn't sunk in quite yet there. I re-read that post and it seems so detached from reality now. 

But it was all I could say at the time. Since then, the reality has hit me several times like a big truck. Other times it is sneaky and persistent. Haunting, tortuous feelings and memories of the day one year ago are hard to escape. 

But I will not hide the fact that my faith in God has been the thing which has carried me along until this day. It is that faith which will carry me further on up the road until it is my time to leave this Earth. Without that, and God's grace, I wouldn't be here to write to you today, and I know this to be true. 

The view  from my chair on the porch now. 

Afternoons on weekdays were times I looked forward to seeing Jacob come home from work during most of 2024 and 2025. He started out driving in 2023, maybe late 2022, I don't remember now. I found a picture showing when he crashed out a lady's white fence back in February of '23, so he had been driving for a bit by then. Anyway....

I got to be kind of a 'mother hen', waiting out on the porch for him to drive up. He got off work at the Criterion machine shop at 2:30pm. He usually would drive up in front of the house by 2:45, maybe ten till three. 

I'd sit and talk with him a bit, if he was in the mood for it, then I'd leave for work at about 3:30pm to work my 4:00 - 8:00pm shift at the Collective. If I had a day off I would go inside with him and he'd usually get on the internet and play his online games. This was in nice weather, of course, not in Winter. I remember the Summertime of 2025 especially, since he had the 4Runner and seeing him pull up in that was always a relief for me. 

He was home again. 

He'd get out, look up at me over the roof of the 4Runner since he was so tall, and say "Hey Dad.", then he'd grab the messenger bag with his stuff, and come up to the porch. Sometimes he'd stop and talk, other times he'd walk right in. 

Of course, the one day he stopped and shared that meal with me a week or so before he died is really a special time for me. He had gone to Taco Johns and typically he didn't share that with me, but he did that one time before he died.....

And now it has been a year. I look out from the porch now from my chair. Something is missing. He isn't going to pull up anymore. He won't be grabbing that messenger bag out of the back seat, the bag I used to commute to work with. He won't be sharing Taco John's with me, or even just walking past me to get to his video game as quick as he could. 

Why? 

Because he went Home. That's why......

 So, I wanted to mark this day here on the blog. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. They mean a lot to me, as does your reading this blog. 

See ya here again tomorrow.... 
 

House Cleaning

After The Ride For Jacob I realized I had better get to sprucing up my gravel bikes. I hadn't as much laid a hand to the pink BMC since I came back from BRAN in June and the Ride For Jacob was duuuusty! So, the metric century left a lot of residue on the ol' Peregrine Mk4. 

On the one hand, it is good to have this problem. It means I actually had rides and miles on gravel. This is good! So far this year has been better in this regard. Although local riding has suffered a bit with the heat lately. 

But there is the other side. I clean bikes all the time at the Collective. I really don't want to clean bikes when I get home. However; those two bikes in particular were filthy. It was time. 

Plus, as mentioned yesterday in the FN&V, I have new stuff to test on the chains and I may as well clean up everything while I am cleaning the chains, cassettes, and cranks. I knew I would be happy about it afterward, and I was. 

It is just that it is really tedious work. 

The Dirty XLBird

I have the BMC cleaned up now and the XLBird is getting done as well. Then I will just go out and get them all dirty again. It's kind of like making a bed. You're just going to sleep in it again this evening, so why make it all pretty in the morning? 

That is certainly one way to look at things, but I also understand there are intangibles at play. You often can give yourself a sense of worth and well-being by cleaning up yourself and your surroundings. A neatly made bed gives you a sense of order and calm which is valuable. So this is why you should clean your bicycle. It makes you feel better. 

Really. 

But yeah, it can feel like an endless task if you ride a lot! 

Friday News And Views

Teravail Cannonball 32"ers Available:

Image courtesy of Teravail

The 32" wheel introductions have most often been focused on MTB product. However; gravel usage has been teased by several manufacturers and now we have a true gravel component in 32" diameter. The first "gravel" tire for 32'ers is the Teravail Cannonball. 

The Cannonball design was intentionally focused on gravel usage, so while this tire in a 2.2" width may strike some as still being XC MTB focused, it is by design intentions a gravel tire. 

The 32" Cannonball features Teravail's Superstructure Casing which is made up of extra-fine, hardened Nylon fibers to help reduce punctures but retain a supple riding casing. The rubber compound is Teravail's Fast Plus which is claimed to be Teravail's fastest rolling rubber compound in their range. 

You can check out either the tan wall or black wall version of the 32" Cannonball by clicking HERE. 

From Wilde Bicycle Co. social media.

32"er News From Wilde Bicycle Co. 

Seen on social media this week: A Wilde Bicycle Co. post teasing a new, as yet unreleased 32"er MTB XC bike. The post indicated this is a test mule for possible future production. 

There were no concrete dates or timelines given as Wilde wants to wait on a suitable suspension fork to test the frame with. 

Comments: Again, 32"ers are being jumped on by smaller, more agile companies which don't have to wait on production lines to be geared up for large runs. 

Although, I have heard through the grapevine that current factory production is not anywhere near maximum levels, and this may also play into how smaller companies have been able to push smaller production runs through for 32"ers. 

However this plays out, my theory is that there is a small amount of 32"er curious, bike nerdy folks who are possible sales targets for 32" wheels and once those folks have their bikes? I think any sort of larger, general cycling population being interested in 32"ers won't be as eager to bite on the unknown. Big brands who aren't going to have 32"ers out until late this year or early in 2027 may find the 32"er market has satisfied their appetite for this wheel size by buying from the smaller companies who were able to pivot to 32"ers more quickly. 

And I could be completely off my rocker. We will see.......
 

Image courtesy of SILCA

SILCA Announces Super-Secret v2 Lubricant:

SILCA Super-Secret lubricant has always fared quite well in my "Guitar Ted Lube-Off" tests and it is my current go-to lubricant for my gravel bikes. It does exceptionally well in dry gravel conditions. However; it wasn't all that great in the wet and so I never really trusted it for Spring, Winter, or if things got wet at any time of the year. 

SILCA has now upped its game with Super-Secret v2 lubricant. The claim is that it is faster, longer lasting, and holds up even in wet conditions. So, I bought some and it will be here shortly. Look for more "Guitar Ted Lube-Off" content soon!

And speaking of the Lube-Off, I last updated the testing HERE.  That was later into last year. I haven't been lax in testing since then, I just haven't updated anything here yet. This will certainly change, obviously, with the new Super-Secret v2 coming here soon. 

 I also have another lube which just arrived and is not yet on the open market. I will be testing it as well. So, this new Lube-Off should be interesting and pitted against the old contenders. Those include Super-Secret v1, the Effetto Mariposa Flowerpower wax lube, and Stan's Dry Lubricant. This Lube-Off should prove to reveal the best lubricant ever for gravel riding. 

I know.....big claim. But I think it will be true, and I am excited to try out these two new lubricants over the end of Summer and into Fall. Stay tuned..... 

New Dura Ace C-50 (mage courtesy of Shimano)

 Do New Dura Ace Wheels Point To What Could Come For Gravel?

On Wednesday Shimano released the poorly held secret that they have new Dura Ace carbon wheels available now. 

These are a range of rim depths and a rear disc wheel for road, triathlon, and perhaps cyclo cross usage. They don't have current "fashionable" inner rim widths for gravel. 

However; what we do see are carbon fiber spokes. The total wheel weight for the 50mm deep Dura Ace wheels (shown) is 1,302 grams for the pair. Curent Shimano RX-880 wheels have a 25mm (vs 23mm for Dura Ace) inner rim width and a 32mm depth vs the 50mm depth of the new Dura Ace. The total weight of the RX-880's is just shy of 1,400 grams at 1,397 grams. This is with stainless steel spokes. 

Obviously trends have changed and Shimano, never one to jump on changes right away, may not be pushing the cutting edges of wheel tech with a new RX series wheel yet. But it is hard to discount what Chinese wheel companies are doing now and for the prices they are doing it at, which are pretty incredibly low. 

Should Shimano come out with an even wider inner rim width gravel wheel set with carbon spokes with a total wheel weight of under 1,400 grams, it would be a huge development. Let's say the newer wheel had a 30mm inner rim width, and carbon spokes. Maybe a 40mm rim depth. It would be very competitive, as long as you bought a bike with those wheels already on it. Dura Ace wheels are well over 2K for the pair, and this is not at all competitive with Chinese gravel wheel sets, many selling for well under 1K for a pair.  

With Shimano you do get a company with service, widespread availability of repair parts, and most bike shops understand and can work on Shimano components. Chinese wheel sets? Hmm..... Not so much. But if you are willing to take a chance..... 

Image courtesy of DT Swiss

DT Swiss Revamps 1800 Wheel Range

Usually we talk about the bougie, expensive wheels here on the FN&V, but not everyone wants, needs, or can afford those carbon fiber wonder-wheels. So, what's a regular Joe or Jill supposed to look for?

How about a reliable, durable, and practical wheel set? This describes DT Swiss' 1800 range of wheels to a "T". 

There are three newly refreshed wheels in the 1800 Spline range now with the Aero (A), Endurance (E), and the Gravel (G) 1800 models. In those three divisions there are some options as well, most notably the option to get a front wheel with a DT Swiss branded Shutter Precision dynamo hub. 

Most of the range goes for a little north of $600.00 USD, so these won't break the bank and you can get solid DT Swiss reliability from the 370 hubs to the spokes and the new rims featuring a 26mm inner width. There are separate rims from this range available also for those looking to build some wheels. 

See the range HERE.  

Image courtesy of Ritchey Design

Ritchey Updates Streem Handlebar:

It seems that the old odball tag which used to be used for flared drop bars is no longer valid. No more "alt-bar" descriptions for these drop bars in 2026. 

Especially since a traditional road drop bar like the Streem now has 10° of flare. This road riding bar now has what Ritchey said in their press release is a design which is "...in line with how riders approach road riding today." And this - "....the compact shape, gentle backsweep, and increasing-radius bends give riders a natural interface for their hands when the road goes long or the pace gets honest. So, backsweep and flare. Hmm..... Gravel has made a dent, it would seem. 

The new Streem is available in aluminum construction in the WCS and Comp ranges with the difference being the WCS has triple-butted tubing. Check out the new bars, which have been priced lower than the outgoing models, and all of Ritchey's handlebar options HERE. 
 

Thanks so much for reading Guitar Ted Productions. Now get out there and ride those bicycles! Summer is fading fast! 

Virtual Ride For Jacob Report: Henry Pratt

I mentioned last week that anyone who could not make the Ride For Jacob on the 25th could do a virtual Ride For Jacob if they wanted to. I also added that anyone wanting to pass along a story with some images could do so and I'd post this on the blog. Kind of like how I have done for the Virtual Turkey Burn rides. 

I know a couple of folks who did their own Ride For Jacob recently, and this is heartwarming. I really appreciate anyone thinking of my son and his family.  

Well, Henry Pratt of New York took me up on the invitation to share his ride and he sent in a beautiful report. I hope that you enjoy this as much as I have. With no further delay, here is the Virtual Ride For Jacob post from Henry Pratt. 

Dear Guitar Ted,
​
​As it happens, I was able to do the Virtual Ride for Jacob on the 25th, perhaps even simultaneous with your own ride, as I left at 9:00am EST. I had a good three hours to use, and I wanted to get in something scenic. It would be my longest ride so far this year, recovering from a wrist badly broken in April (which I'm happy to say has now stopped limiting my riding!). In the mid-Hudson valley of NY, we don't have the endless gravel of the midwest, but we do have some pretty great stuff, including the privately-owned Mohonk Preserve (requires a membership or day pass) and the adjacent Minnewaska State Park. Both are part of the Shawangunk ridge, which is primarily known for world-class rock climbing, but which also features 100+ miles of bike-legal "carriage roads." Most of these are either fine gravel or dirt double-track, with a few chunks of single-track for the adventurous.
​
​On the 25th, I saddled up the Titanium Hoss, my trusty Lynskey Pro GR, and had at it. The weather was beyond ideal: no real wind, clear and a million, low 70s. I don't like to drive in order to bike if I can avoid that, so rode 8 miles of paved rail trail and road to the Testimonial Gateway. This structure was gifted to the Smileys (the folks who used to own Mohonk and it's uber-fancy resort/hotel) by their rich friends as an anniversary present. It has no function now other than looking cool (see picture).

The Testimonial Gateway

 From there, I went through some other parts of Mohonk, mostly uphill, to the Undercliff carriage road--I should have gotten some pictures of the climbers there, but it's under construction and I didn't want to stop. Instead, I went out to Awosting Falls up in Minnewaska. We've had a dry summer, but there's still some pretty good water flowing from it. It's a 65 foot drop.

Awosting Falls

I'd thought of going farther into Minnewaska (there are some great sky lakes to ride around), but was about half done with my available time, so turned around at 20 miles or so and headed back. This time I took Overcliff carriage road, which looks like this, pretty representative of a lot of the trails. The picture doesn't capture it, but this is carved into the side of a ridge that falls off steeply to the left. It's lined with blueberries, huckleberries, and dwarf pitch pine, which is a rare habitat in these parts.

Overcliff Carriage Road

 After that, I ventured up a good hill on Laurel Ledge, nearing the Mohonk Mountain House. The Mohonk folks built these funny little gazebo-like structures along this carriage road for their guests, and the views of the ridge are quite something, so I stopped at one for a small snack and a photo. This is looking northwest at the Trapps, Millbrook Mountain, and, in the distance, Sam's Point.

Overview of Trapps, Millbrook Mountain, and Sam's Point.

 After this stretch, I was at the top of the ridge, so lots of downhill to follow. I shot down some of the aforementioned singletrack, underbiking it a bit, then down the longest and fastest hill of the day, Lenape Lane. About 2/3 of the way down I started to feel an occasional, disconcerting "clunk." Not so good at 30mph with this terrain. So I pulled over, and sure enough, I'd flatted the rear tire. It was a small cut not far off the centerline, not a puncture--I think I must have ripped it on some exposed shale. A ranger happened by and asked if I needed help, but it was an easy fix. Luckily, after pumping it back up, the sealant did its job and I didn't need to put in a plug or a new tube. I don't think I've had a flat for 4-5 years, so I was due.
​
​I was feeling stronger as the ride went on--it's great when that happens--so put some effort into the rest of the gravel and the pavement home. I finished in a touch over 3 hours, including time stopped to take pictures and fix the flat, with a shade over 42 miles and 2500' of climbing on the day.
​
​I feel grateful to have been able to do the Virtual Ride for Jacob. I try as often as I can to reflect on just how lucky I am--to have the time, resources, health, fitness, and family support to be able to do things like this, and this ride in particular brought that home, given the occasion. I hope it was similarly meaningful out in Iowa. I'd have loved to join y'all in person, but that's something of a trek! Needless to say, any who visit the mid-Hudson should definitely check out the Shawangunks. It's a stunning place.
​
​All the best,
​Henry

Wow! What a gorgeous ride! I definitely had no idea there were things like this in New York. (Now wait for N.Y. Roll to give me the business about this!) Anyway, I really am touched by this gesture and it is so cool to know that someone wanted to honor Jacob in this way who never knew him. What a blessing! 

Thanks Henry. This made my day when you sent it in.  

Ride For Jacob: The Bikes

We saw some pretty interesting bikes at the Ride For Jacob last weekend. I was able to get shots of most of them at our Janesville stop. For a few others I relied on shots from Kevin Fox. They are not posed shots so don't expect anything "professional" here!

No drive side, cranks level, tire patches down stuff here. Just some dusty bicycles in situ. If this trips your trigger then read on. If this offends your sensibilities, well you may want to skip this post and perhaps we'll see ya some other day here on the ol' blog. 

So, with that said, here are the thirteen bicycles used on the Ride For Jacob. 

Rob Evans Otso single speed

Kevin Fox said this doubles as his bike packing bike

Jackie's custom painted Stormchaser

Steve's rare Salsa Cycles Titanium La Cruz. I've only ever seen two of these. 

Doug's Salsa Cycles Journeyman

Tony's Titanium Fargo with a custom WaltWorks steel fork

Tom's Crust Bikes Evasion single speed

Dan's Soul Craft Rohloff drop bar bike

Justin's Lauf True Grit

Jason's W.H. Bradford Designs flat bar gravel bike with Black Sheep titanium handlebar

Dave's Lynskey titanium bike with a Lauf fork. (Image by Kevin Fox)

N.Y. Roll with his drop bar Otso Voytek (Image by Kevin Fox)

Of course, this is my Singular Cycles Peregrine Mk4

And there you have it! Quite the eclectic collection of bicycles. We had MTB drop bar conversions from Trans Iowa, (Kevin's) to rare birds, (Steve's Ti La Cruz), to your "average gravel bike" (Doug's Journeyman), and even a custom bike or two (Jason's W.H.B. Designs, Dan's Soul Craft) 

Single speeds, IGH, and 1X and 2X. Flat bar, drop bar, and weird-bar (Jason's). It just goes to show you that any bike can be a gravel bike as long as it is a bike you like. (Poetry?) Anyway, this is what gravel cycling is all about. Bikes, good people, and FUN.  

Look for a special Virtual Ride For Jacob post tomorrow.