Okay, is this just another day? A day of training, or whatever you would normally do on a Sunday? Does the change of calendars mean anything to you?
I guess for me the "traditional" kind of celebration/stupidity that accompanies this day has long since passed and now it really is pretty much another day to me. Sure, I'm looking forward to better weather and getting back out to ride longer rides in the daylight. But that isn't dependant upon the change of the calendar year, really.
All I know is that this cold I have better be a lot better tomorrow so I can take part in the Gravel Goo II that Mr. 24 has organized for us. A good long ride would be a good enough way to start a new calendar year, as far as I'm concerned.
Here's hoping you can get out and ride on New Year's Day too!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Just Another Day?
Okay, is this just another day? A day of training, or whatever you would normally do on a Sunday? Does the change of calendars mean anything to you?
I guess for me the "traditional" kind of celebration/stupidity that accompanies this day has long since passed and now it really is pretty much another day to me. Sure, I'm looking forward to better weather and getting back out to ride longer rides in the daylight. But that isn't dependant upon the change of the calendar year, really.
All I know is that this cold I have better be a lot better tomorrow so I can take part in the Gravel Goo II that Mr. 24 has organized for us. A good long ride would be a good enough way to start a new calendar year, as far as I'm concerned.
Here's hoping you can get out and ride on New Year's Day too!
I guess for me the "traditional" kind of celebration/stupidity that accompanies this day has long since passed and now it really is pretty much another day to me. Sure, I'm looking forward to better weather and getting back out to ride longer rides in the daylight. But that isn't dependant upon the change of the calendar year, really.
All I know is that this cold I have better be a lot better tomorrow so I can take part in the Gravel Goo II that Mr. 24 has organized for us. A good long ride would be a good enough way to start a new calendar year, as far as I'm concerned.
Here's hoping you can get out and ride on New Year's Day too!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Rear View Mirror
Hey, if you're like me and don't plan on smashing brain cells to bits with an over abundance of alcohol and cigarrette smoke, check out Mountain Bike legends pod casts. Ya might just learn sumpthin' and have a laugh while doing it.
The podcasts feature yarns spun by mountain bike pioneers Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, and early sales rep and enthusiast James McLean. Good stuff here and told in a low key, "let's have a beer and talk awhile" type atmousphere.
Find out that you are not too many steps away from the reason it all started, or maybe find out that you are, and you need to get back to that! Whatever, this is a great source of entertainment and learning that might take up oh, say.......bout an hour and a half. Time well spent, I say.
Well, at least I learned something and laughed out loud a few times! Check it out and let me know what you think!
The podcasts feature yarns spun by mountain bike pioneers Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, and early sales rep and enthusiast James McLean. Good stuff here and told in a low key, "let's have a beer and talk awhile" type atmousphere.
Find out that you are not too many steps away from the reason it all started, or maybe find out that you are, and you need to get back to that! Whatever, this is a great source of entertainment and learning that might take up oh, say.......bout an hour and a half. Time well spent, I say.
Well, at least I learned something and laughed out loud a few times! Check it out and let me know what you think!
Rear View Mirror
Hey, if you're like me and don't plan on smashing brain cells to bits with an over abundance of alcohol and cigarrette smoke, check out Mountain Bike legends pod casts. Ya might just learn sumpthin' and have a laugh while doing it.
The podcasts feature yarns spun by mountain bike pioneers Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, and early sales rep and enthusiast James McLean. Good stuff here and told in a low key, "let's have a beer and talk awhile" type atmousphere.
Find out that you are not too many steps away from the reason it all started, or maybe find out that you are, and you need to get back to that! Whatever, this is a great source of entertainment and learning that might take up oh, say.......bout an hour and a half. Time well spent, I say.
Well, at least I learned something and laughed out loud a few times! Check it out and let me know what you think!
The podcasts feature yarns spun by mountain bike pioneers Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, and early sales rep and enthusiast James McLean. Good stuff here and told in a low key, "let's have a beer and talk awhile" type atmousphere.
Find out that you are not too many steps away from the reason it all started, or maybe find out that you are, and you need to get back to that! Whatever, this is a great source of entertainment and learning that might take up oh, say.......bout an hour and a half. Time well spent, I say.
Well, at least I learned something and laughed out loud a few times! Check it out and let me know what you think!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Onward Through The Fog!
Note: Today's post is the last in the series of posts that involves retrospective looks at things involving Guitar Ted Productions. "Regular" rantings will begin again starting tomorrow.
Today I'm looking at '07 and thinking, "What in the world have I done!!?" I've got some mighty big gigs going down next year and the fun won't stop all year long, seemingly. Here's a quick rundown of events that Guitar Ted Productions is putting on, or is a part of: Trans Iowa V3: the third annual and so far, the most awesome edition of the event is coming up in April. This will take up alot of my waking hours between now and then. Sea Otter: The annual race and exposistion, also in April. Just before Trans Iowa, Twenty Nine Inches is planning on attending this event and covering the introductions of product there. April is obviously going to be a month that will make me go crackers!
In May, I plan on getting down to Kansas again for the Dirty Kanza 200, which I have some unfinished business with! June is going to be all about the Big Wheeled Ballyhoo in Decorah, Iowa. An event that centers around a gathering of 29"er nutcases and featuring demo rides and trails to check out, along with some specific fun stuff I can not mention as of yet. Oh yeah, this is a Twenty Nine Inches event, primarily.
July brings the second Guitar Ted Death Ride. The route is semi set in stone and I will be trying to get out and drive/ride it to check it out to verify it over the early spring. Look for announcements here and at the event site.
August has not been scheduled with any evnts or goings on. That's a good thing!
September is Interbike and I'll be doing the Twenty Nine Inches coverage again. Then there is the fall and early winter, but I haven't looked out that far yet.
As for this blog in particular, there might be some very big changes in store. Depending upon whether or not some serious dollars start rolling in for a certain gig I can not mention yet, you may see less or a change of content concerning this blog. And if the finances don't materialize for the other thing, then the focus here will not change, but will get even sharper. I am not sure which way things will go yet, but 2007 sure looks to be an exciting year, and many changes may happen. Right now all I can say is what I have planned and have already mentioned might just pale in comparison. Stay tuned! Whatever happens, 2007 should be alot of fun!
Oh yeah! I made a Top Ten List. Check it out. Many of the folks on the list are also highlights of my year, especially meeting these fabric-meisters from Minny-apple-puss. Listen up and be amazed!
Today I'm looking at '07 and thinking, "What in the world have I done!!?" I've got some mighty big gigs going down next year and the fun won't stop all year long, seemingly. Here's a quick rundown of events that Guitar Ted Productions is putting on, or is a part of: Trans Iowa V3: the third annual and so far, the most awesome edition of the event is coming up in April. This will take up alot of my waking hours between now and then. Sea Otter: The annual race and exposistion, also in April. Just before Trans Iowa, Twenty Nine Inches is planning on attending this event and covering the introductions of product there. April is obviously going to be a month that will make me go crackers!
In May, I plan on getting down to Kansas again for the Dirty Kanza 200, which I have some unfinished business with! June is going to be all about the Big Wheeled Ballyhoo in Decorah, Iowa. An event that centers around a gathering of 29"er nutcases and featuring demo rides and trails to check out, along with some specific fun stuff I can not mention as of yet. Oh yeah, this is a Twenty Nine Inches event, primarily.
July brings the second Guitar Ted Death Ride. The route is semi set in stone and I will be trying to get out and drive/ride it to check it out to verify it over the early spring. Look for announcements here and at the event site.
August has not been scheduled with any evnts or goings on. That's a good thing!
September is Interbike and I'll be doing the Twenty Nine Inches coverage again. Then there is the fall and early winter, but I haven't looked out that far yet.
As for this blog in particular, there might be some very big changes in store. Depending upon whether or not some serious dollars start rolling in for a certain gig I can not mention yet, you may see less or a change of content concerning this blog. And if the finances don't materialize for the other thing, then the focus here will not change, but will get even sharper. I am not sure which way things will go yet, but 2007 sure looks to be an exciting year, and many changes may happen. Right now all I can say is what I have planned and have already mentioned might just pale in comparison. Stay tuned! Whatever happens, 2007 should be alot of fun!
Oh yeah! I made a Top Ten List. Check it out. Many of the folks on the list are also highlights of my year, especially meeting these fabric-meisters from Minny-apple-puss. Listen up and be amazed!
Onward Through The Fog!
Note: Today's post is the last in the series of posts that involves retrospective looks at things involving Guitar Ted Productions. "Regular" rantings will begin again starting tomorrow.
Today I'm looking at '07 and thinking, "What in the world have I done!!?" I've got some mighty big gigs going down next year and the fun won't stop all year long, seemingly. Here's a quick rundown of events that Guitar Ted Productions is putting on, or is a part of: Trans Iowa V3: the third annual and so far, the most awesome edition of the event is coming up in April. This will take up alot of my waking hours between now and then. Sea Otter: The annual race and exposistion, also in April. Just before Trans Iowa, Twenty Nine Inches is planning on attending this event and covering the introductions of product there. April is obviously going to be a month that will make me go crackers!
In May, I plan on getting down to Kansas again for the Dirty Kanza 200, which I have some unfinished business with! June is going to be all about the Big Wheeled Ballyhoo in Decorah, Iowa. An event that centers around a gathering of 29"er nutcases and featuring demo rides and trails to check out, along with some specific fun stuff I can not mention as of yet. Oh yeah, this is a Twenty Nine Inches event, primarily.
July brings the second Guitar Ted Death Ride. The route is semi set in stone and I will be trying to get out and drive/ride it to check it out to verify it over the early spring. Look for announcements here and at the event site.
August has not been scheduled with any evnts or goings on. That's a good thing!
September is Interbike and I'll be doing the Twenty Nine Inches coverage again. Then there is the fall and early winter, but I haven't looked out that far yet.
As for this blog in particular, there might be some very big changes in store. Depending upon whether or not some serious dollars start rolling in for a certain gig I can not mention yet, you may see less or a change of content concerning this blog. And if the finances don't materialize for the other thing, then the focus here will not change, but will get even sharper. I am not sure which way things will go yet, but 2007 sure looks to be an exciting year, and many changes may happen. Right now all I can say is what I have planned and have already mentioned might just pale in comparison. Stay tuned! Whatever happens, 2007 should be alot of fun!
Oh yeah! I made a Top Ten List. Check it out. Many of the folks on the list are also highlights of my year, especially meeting these fabric-meisters from Minny-apple-puss. Listen up and be amazed!
Today I'm looking at '07 and thinking, "What in the world have I done!!?" I've got some mighty big gigs going down next year and the fun won't stop all year long, seemingly. Here's a quick rundown of events that Guitar Ted Productions is putting on, or is a part of: Trans Iowa V3: the third annual and so far, the most awesome edition of the event is coming up in April. This will take up alot of my waking hours between now and then. Sea Otter: The annual race and exposistion, also in April. Just before Trans Iowa, Twenty Nine Inches is planning on attending this event and covering the introductions of product there. April is obviously going to be a month that will make me go crackers!
In May, I plan on getting down to Kansas again for the Dirty Kanza 200, which I have some unfinished business with! June is going to be all about the Big Wheeled Ballyhoo in Decorah, Iowa. An event that centers around a gathering of 29"er nutcases and featuring demo rides and trails to check out, along with some specific fun stuff I can not mention as of yet. Oh yeah, this is a Twenty Nine Inches event, primarily.
July brings the second Guitar Ted Death Ride. The route is semi set in stone and I will be trying to get out and drive/ride it to check it out to verify it over the early spring. Look for announcements here and at the event site.
August has not been scheduled with any evnts or goings on. That's a good thing!
September is Interbike and I'll be doing the Twenty Nine Inches coverage again. Then there is the fall and early winter, but I haven't looked out that far yet.
As for this blog in particular, there might be some very big changes in store. Depending upon whether or not some serious dollars start rolling in for a certain gig I can not mention yet, you may see less or a change of content concerning this blog. And if the finances don't materialize for the other thing, then the focus here will not change, but will get even sharper. I am not sure which way things will go yet, but 2007 sure looks to be an exciting year, and many changes may happen. Right now all I can say is what I have planned and have already mentioned might just pale in comparison. Stay tuned! Whatever happens, 2007 should be alot of fun!
Oh yeah! I made a Top Ten List. Check it out. Many of the folks on the list are also highlights of my year, especially meeting these fabric-meisters from Minny-apple-puss. Listen up and be amazed!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Let's Ride!
In the end, it's all about the ride. Let's go grind some gravel together on New Years Day!
The details can be found at Mr. 24's site. (Or here if you have eyesight with electron microscope power! Look at the fine print at the bottom of the picture)
The more the merrier! Let's start out the year right and have a great time doing it!
Let's Ride!
In the end, it's all about the ride. Let's go grind some gravel together on New Years Day!
The details can be found at Mr. 24's site. (Or here if you have eyesight with electron microscope power! Look at the fine print at the bottom of the picture)
The more the merrier! Let's start out the year right and have a great time doing it!
Self Examination Time
Note: With the end of the year looming, Guitar Ted Productions is going to take a look this week at some issues affecting the 29"er scene, endurance racing, and this blog in particular.
Last year, I did a "Rearview Mirror" post. A kind of retrospective on the blog, "Guitar Ted Productions" itself. This will be a similar type of post.
My goals for the blog have largely been met. The writing has become better, (based upon feed back from folks like you, the readers) the content has been more focused, and the hit counter keeps climbing up and up. Mr. 24 contributed another design from his fertile and creative mind which has also enhanced the experience here. (Thanks buddy!)
Just to let everyone know, the blog has been beneficial to me in that I have landed writing gigs including having some catalog copy published in Haro's '07 catalog, writing articles for a few other websites, and becoming a part of the Crooked Cog Network as a contributor to Twenty Nine Inches. So, writing has been very fruitful and rewarding this year, thanks to all those who have read, commented, noticed, offered, and come through for me. You all know who you are.
Personally it was an exciting year as many new things were done and experienced. I won't bore ya'all with details here, because that's not how I am. If you've been reading all along, you probably already know in the first place.
The comments section here is extremely important to me and I try to discuss there whenever I can. Today, if you care to, my desire is to have you use that as a suggestion box of sorts for your comments regarding this blog and anything you want to say, good, bad, or indifferent about how you feel the blog has done this year, or what you would like to see in the future. I'll not get in there today to discuss, but rather let that be a free place for you to say yer piece.
Tomorrow, I'll discuss where this blog will be going, goals, possible changes, and any suggestions that come from todays post and reactions to those.
Last year, I did a "Rearview Mirror" post. A kind of retrospective on the blog, "Guitar Ted Productions" itself. This will be a similar type of post.
My goals for the blog have largely been met. The writing has become better, (based upon feed back from folks like you, the readers) the content has been more focused, and the hit counter keeps climbing up and up. Mr. 24 contributed another design from his fertile and creative mind which has also enhanced the experience here. (Thanks buddy!)
Just to let everyone know, the blog has been beneficial to me in that I have landed writing gigs including having some catalog copy published in Haro's '07 catalog, writing articles for a few other websites, and becoming a part of the Crooked Cog Network as a contributor to Twenty Nine Inches. So, writing has been very fruitful and rewarding this year, thanks to all those who have read, commented, noticed, offered, and come through for me. You all know who you are.
Personally it was an exciting year as many new things were done and experienced. I won't bore ya'all with details here, because that's not how I am. If you've been reading all along, you probably already know in the first place.
The comments section here is extremely important to me and I try to discuss there whenever I can. Today, if you care to, my desire is to have you use that as a suggestion box of sorts for your comments regarding this blog and anything you want to say, good, bad, or indifferent about how you feel the blog has done this year, or what you would like to see in the future. I'll not get in there today to discuss, but rather let that be a free place for you to say yer piece.
Tomorrow, I'll discuss where this blog will be going, goals, possible changes, and any suggestions that come from todays post and reactions to those.
Self Examination Time
Note: With the end of the year looming, Guitar Ted Productions is going to take a look this week at some issues affecting the 29"er scene, endurance racing, and this blog in particular.
Last year, I did a "Rearview Mirror" post. A kind of retrospective on the blog, "Guitar Ted Productions" itself. This will be a similar type of post.
My goals for the blog have largely been met. The writing has become better, (based upon feed back from folks like you, the readers) the content has been more focused, and the hit counter keeps climbing up and up. Mr. 24 contributed another design from his fertile and creative mind which has also enhanced the experience here. (Thanks buddy!)
Just to let everyone know, the blog has been beneficial to me in that I have landed writing gigs including having some catalog copy published in Haro's '07 catalog, writing articles for a few other websites, and becoming a part of the Crooked Cog Network as a contributor to Twenty Nine Inches. So, writing has been very fruitful and rewarding this year, thanks to all those who have read, commented, noticed, offered, and come through for me. You all know who you are.
Personally it was an exciting year as many new things were done and experienced. I won't bore ya'all with details here, because that's not how I am. If you've been reading all along, you probably already know in the first place.
The comments section here is extremely important to me and I try to discuss there whenever I can. Today, if you care to, my desire is to have you use that as a suggestion box of sorts for your comments regarding this blog and anything you want to say, good, bad, or indifferent about how you feel the blog has done this year, or what you would like to see in the future. I'll not get in there today to discuss, but rather let that be a free place for you to say yer piece.
Tomorrow, I'll discuss where this blog will be going, goals, possible changes, and any suggestions that come from todays post and reactions to those.
Last year, I did a "Rearview Mirror" post. A kind of retrospective on the blog, "Guitar Ted Productions" itself. This will be a similar type of post.
My goals for the blog have largely been met. The writing has become better, (based upon feed back from folks like you, the readers) the content has been more focused, and the hit counter keeps climbing up and up. Mr. 24 contributed another design from his fertile and creative mind which has also enhanced the experience here. (Thanks buddy!)
Just to let everyone know, the blog has been beneficial to me in that I have landed writing gigs including having some catalog copy published in Haro's '07 catalog, writing articles for a few other websites, and becoming a part of the Crooked Cog Network as a contributor to Twenty Nine Inches. So, writing has been very fruitful and rewarding this year, thanks to all those who have read, commented, noticed, offered, and come through for me. You all know who you are.
Personally it was an exciting year as many new things were done and experienced. I won't bore ya'all with details here, because that's not how I am. If you've been reading all along, you probably already know in the first place.
The comments section here is extremely important to me and I try to discuss there whenever I can. Today, if you care to, my desire is to have you use that as a suggestion box of sorts for your comments regarding this blog and anything you want to say, good, bad, or indifferent about how you feel the blog has done this year, or what you would like to see in the future. I'll not get in there today to discuss, but rather let that be a free place for you to say yer piece.
Tomorrow, I'll discuss where this blog will be going, goals, possible changes, and any suggestions that come from todays post and reactions to those.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Smorgasboard of Suffering: Open 24hrs!
Note: With the end of the year looming, Guitar Ted Productions is going to take a look this week at some issues affecting the 29"er scene, endurance racing, and this blog in particular.
As the year comes to an end it's interesting to take a look at the incredible endurance racing moments that occurred during 2006. The rain outs, the severe weather effects on 24hr races, the astounding lengths that humans will go to to win a silly bike race. All these things have spurred much debate and discussion in the endurance community. It's been a wild and bumpy ride. And to think, that doesn't even begin to touch upon things like the 100 miler series, the emergence of more "under the radar" type ultra endurance races and the athletes that shone forth during the 2006 season.
First off, my hats off to all you enduro nut jobs out there. I respect all of you guys and gals immensely. For those of you that tasted sweet success, (I didn't say victory for a reason!) , congratulations. For those of you that found yourself injured, demoralized, or just generally burnt out, here's to a much better 2007!
Now we are looking at a new season and training is well under way for many of you out there. I can't wait to see what unfolds for 2007. It looks like, at the very least, to be more of the same, in terms of races and events. (Sans rain, tornadoes, and floods of biblical proportions, hopefully!) I am, of course, up to my eyeballs in the planning for Trans Iowa V3, which is looking like a record setting event for Mr. 24 and I. We expect more starters than ever before, more DNF's than ever before, and more finishers than ever before. (At least we should see finishers if the weather and time limits don't dictate otherwise!)
I'm sure T.I.V3 won't be the only event to see records fall in 2007 either. I suspect that the endurance event category will see increasing numbers of participants in 2007, much as we have seen in past years. The shift from 24hr. races to the marathons, 6/12's, and 100 milers will probably be the story in 2007 as far as events are concerned.
Personally, I am looking forwards to a successful T.I.V3, and getting back to Kansas for another crack at their 200 miler in May. I also am in the early stages of planning for another long ride (I hesitate to call this an endurance event, it's waaay too low key for that!) in the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational. This edition should find the event in a different part of Iowa. I have been poking around and I currently have a 111 mile route scoped out with over 3000 feet of climbing, or so says the route finder. It's not in North East Iowa and that's pretty good climbing in a state that's known for being flat. (I can't wait for you Rocky Mountain, Ozark, and East Coasters to start laughing.........go ahead! Laugh! It's not as easy as you might think!)
Beyond this madness that I somehow got wrapped up in, I want to get in on a 4 man 24hr team, or maybe a 12 hour race somewhere along the line this year. We'll see! It's gonna be a crazy year! Not just for me, but for alot of endurance racers.
There's just so much to choose from! It's like an endurance buffet that's open 24hrs!
As the year comes to an end it's interesting to take a look at the incredible endurance racing moments that occurred during 2006. The rain outs, the severe weather effects on 24hr races, the astounding lengths that humans will go to to win a silly bike race. All these things have spurred much debate and discussion in the endurance community. It's been a wild and bumpy ride. And to think, that doesn't even begin to touch upon things like the 100 miler series, the emergence of more "under the radar" type ultra endurance races and the athletes that shone forth during the 2006 season.
First off, my hats off to all you enduro nut jobs out there. I respect all of you guys and gals immensely. For those of you that tasted sweet success, (I didn't say victory for a reason!) , congratulations. For those of you that found yourself injured, demoralized, or just generally burnt out, here's to a much better 2007!
Now we are looking at a new season and training is well under way for many of you out there. I can't wait to see what unfolds for 2007. It looks like, at the very least, to be more of the same, in terms of races and events. (Sans rain, tornadoes, and floods of biblical proportions, hopefully!) I am, of course, up to my eyeballs in the planning for Trans Iowa V3, which is looking like a record setting event for Mr. 24 and I. We expect more starters than ever before, more DNF's than ever before, and more finishers than ever before. (At least we should see finishers if the weather and time limits don't dictate otherwise!)
I'm sure T.I.V3 won't be the only event to see records fall in 2007 either. I suspect that the endurance event category will see increasing numbers of participants in 2007, much as we have seen in past years. The shift from 24hr. races to the marathons, 6/12's, and 100 milers will probably be the story in 2007 as far as events are concerned.
Personally, I am looking forwards to a successful T.I.V3, and getting back to Kansas for another crack at their 200 miler in May. I also am in the early stages of planning for another long ride (I hesitate to call this an endurance event, it's waaay too low key for that!) in the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational. This edition should find the event in a different part of Iowa. I have been poking around and I currently have a 111 mile route scoped out with over 3000 feet of climbing, or so says the route finder. It's not in North East Iowa and that's pretty good climbing in a state that's known for being flat. (I can't wait for you Rocky Mountain, Ozark, and East Coasters to start laughing.........go ahead! Laugh! It's not as easy as you might think!)
Beyond this madness that I somehow got wrapped up in, I want to get in on a 4 man 24hr team, or maybe a 12 hour race somewhere along the line this year. We'll see! It's gonna be a crazy year! Not just for me, but for alot of endurance racers.
There's just so much to choose from! It's like an endurance buffet that's open 24hrs!
Smorgasboard of Suffering: Open 24hrs!
Note: With the end of the year looming, Guitar Ted Productions is going to take a look this week at some issues affecting the 29"er scene, endurance racing, and this blog in particular.
As the year comes to an end it's interesting to take a look at the incredible endurance racing moments that occurred during 2006. The rain outs, the severe weather effects on 24hr races, the astounding lengths that humans will go to to win a silly bike race. All these things have spurred much debate and discussion in the endurance community. It's been a wild and bumpy ride. And to think, that doesn't even begin to touch upon things like the 100 miler series, the emergence of more "under the radar" type ultra endurance races and the athletes that shone forth during the 2006 season.
First off, my hats off to all you enduro nut jobs out there. I respect all of you guys and gals immensely. For those of you that tasted sweet success, (I didn't say victory for a reason!) , congratulations. For those of you that found yourself injured, demoralized, or just generally burnt out, here's to a much better 2007!
Now we are looking at a new season and training is well under way for many of you out there. I can't wait to see what unfolds for 2007. It looks like, at the very least, to be more of the same, in terms of races and events. (Sans rain, tornadoes, and floods of biblical proportions, hopefully!) I am, of course, up to my eyeballs in the planning for Trans Iowa V3, which is looking like a record setting event for Mr. 24 and I. We expect more starters than ever before, more DNF's than ever before, and more finishers than ever before. (At least we should see finishers if the weather and time limits don't dictate otherwise!)
I'm sure T.I.V3 won't be the only event to see records fall in 2007 either. I suspect that the endurance event category will see increasing numbers of participants in 2007, much as we have seen in past years. The shift from 24hr. races to the marathons, 6/12's, and 100 milers will probably be the story in 2007 as far as events are concerned.
Personally, I am looking forwards to a successful T.I.V3, and getting back to Kansas for another crack at their 200 miler in May. I also am in the early stages of planning for another long ride (I hesitate to call this an endurance event, it's waaay too low key for that!) in the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational. This edition should find the event in a different part of Iowa. I have been poking around and I currently have a 111 mile route scoped out with over 3000 feet of climbing, or so says the route finder. It's not in North East Iowa and that's pretty good climbing in a state that's known for being flat. (I can't wait for you Rocky Mountain, Ozark, and East Coasters to start laughing.........go ahead! Laugh! It's not as easy as you might think!)
Beyond this madness that I somehow got wrapped up in, I want to get in on a 4 man 24hr team, or maybe a 12 hour race somewhere along the line this year. We'll see! It's gonna be a crazy year! Not just for me, but for alot of endurance racers.
There's just so much to choose from! It's like an endurance buffet that's open 24hrs!
As the year comes to an end it's interesting to take a look at the incredible endurance racing moments that occurred during 2006. The rain outs, the severe weather effects on 24hr races, the astounding lengths that humans will go to to win a silly bike race. All these things have spurred much debate and discussion in the endurance community. It's been a wild and bumpy ride. And to think, that doesn't even begin to touch upon things like the 100 miler series, the emergence of more "under the radar" type ultra endurance races and the athletes that shone forth during the 2006 season.
First off, my hats off to all you enduro nut jobs out there. I respect all of you guys and gals immensely. For those of you that tasted sweet success, (I didn't say victory for a reason!) , congratulations. For those of you that found yourself injured, demoralized, or just generally burnt out, here's to a much better 2007!
Now we are looking at a new season and training is well under way for many of you out there. I can't wait to see what unfolds for 2007. It looks like, at the very least, to be more of the same, in terms of races and events. (Sans rain, tornadoes, and floods of biblical proportions, hopefully!) I am, of course, up to my eyeballs in the planning for Trans Iowa V3, which is looking like a record setting event for Mr. 24 and I. We expect more starters than ever before, more DNF's than ever before, and more finishers than ever before. (At least we should see finishers if the weather and time limits don't dictate otherwise!)
I'm sure T.I.V3 won't be the only event to see records fall in 2007 either. I suspect that the endurance event category will see increasing numbers of participants in 2007, much as we have seen in past years. The shift from 24hr. races to the marathons, 6/12's, and 100 milers will probably be the story in 2007 as far as events are concerned.
Personally, I am looking forwards to a successful T.I.V3, and getting back to Kansas for another crack at their 200 miler in May. I also am in the early stages of planning for another long ride (I hesitate to call this an endurance event, it's waaay too low key for that!) in the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational. This edition should find the event in a different part of Iowa. I have been poking around and I currently have a 111 mile route scoped out with over 3000 feet of climbing, or so says the route finder. It's not in North East Iowa and that's pretty good climbing in a state that's known for being flat. (I can't wait for you Rocky Mountain, Ozark, and East Coasters to start laughing.........go ahead! Laugh! It's not as easy as you might think!)
Beyond this madness that I somehow got wrapped up in, I want to get in on a 4 man 24hr team, or maybe a 12 hour race somewhere along the line this year. We'll see! It's gonna be a crazy year! Not just for me, but for alot of endurance racers.
There's just so much to choose from! It's like an endurance buffet that's open 24hrs!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Let's Do The Time Warp Again!
Note: With the end of the year looming, Guitar Ted Productions is going to take a look this week at some issues affecting the 29"er scene, endurance racing, and this blog in particular.
The other day I was thinking about some of the local guys that have tried 29"ers and were not very impressed. I was considering the reasons they gave and thinking about the particular bikes they had ridden. Then it dawned on me that they were victims of a time warp!
I remembered that when I first had gotten into the sport of mountain biking that the bike we used then was a very new developement in regards to frame geometry. Head angle, fork trail, and chainstay lengths were all just getting settled in after an experimental phase where designers had taken several different approaches to the design of the mountain bike. Sure, there were a few more nuances to iron out, and suspension threw things into a tizzy for a bit, but these were just minor bumps in the road to a highly refined set of geometry numbers.
Now with the advent of 29"ers and all of the new parameters we find ourselves in a bit of a time warp. Designers are taking different approaches to the bike as it is a different beast from a 26"er. The geometry numbers and details are still changing and being experimented with. This results in a few duds, if you will, in certain aspects of handling and ride characteristics. Just like it was in the 80's for 26"ers, so it would seem to be for us as 29"er riders today.
So, my friends that haven't been too impressed by the format have experienced this and there were expectations coming from the 26 inch world, which has been pretty dialed in for years and years now. They were not expecting to be riding experimental crafts, nor were they aware that they were test pilots. They went in thinking "this is the way they all are", which I have had the pleasure to de-brief them on. It's a problem with 29"ers and it isn't going away very soon.
Next time you take some one out for a 29"er test ride, it might not be a bad idea to explain the Time Warp. It'll spare alot of trouble in the end.
It's just a step to the left.......................
The other day I was thinking about some of the local guys that have tried 29"ers and were not very impressed. I was considering the reasons they gave and thinking about the particular bikes they had ridden. Then it dawned on me that they were victims of a time warp!
I remembered that when I first had gotten into the sport of mountain biking that the bike we used then was a very new developement in regards to frame geometry. Head angle, fork trail, and chainstay lengths were all just getting settled in after an experimental phase where designers had taken several different approaches to the design of the mountain bike. Sure, there were a few more nuances to iron out, and suspension threw things into a tizzy for a bit, but these were just minor bumps in the road to a highly refined set of geometry numbers.
Now with the advent of 29"ers and all of the new parameters we find ourselves in a bit of a time warp. Designers are taking different approaches to the bike as it is a different beast from a 26"er. The geometry numbers and details are still changing and being experimented with. This results in a few duds, if you will, in certain aspects of handling and ride characteristics. Just like it was in the 80's for 26"ers, so it would seem to be for us as 29"er riders today.
So, my friends that haven't been too impressed by the format have experienced this and there were expectations coming from the 26 inch world, which has been pretty dialed in for years and years now. They were not expecting to be riding experimental crafts, nor were they aware that they were test pilots. They went in thinking "this is the way they all are", which I have had the pleasure to de-brief them on. It's a problem with 29"ers and it isn't going away very soon.
Next time you take some one out for a 29"er test ride, it might not be a bad idea to explain the Time Warp. It'll spare alot of trouble in the end.
It's just a step to the left.......................
Let's Do The Time Warp Again!
Note: With the end of the year looming, Guitar Ted Productions is going to take a look this week at some issues affecting the 29"er scene, endurance racing, and this blog in particular.
The other day I was thinking about some of the local guys that have tried 29"ers and were not very impressed. I was considering the reasons they gave and thinking about the particular bikes they had ridden. Then it dawned on me that they were victims of a time warp!
I remembered that when I first had gotten into the sport of mountain biking that the bike we used then was a very new developement in regards to frame geometry. Head angle, fork trail, and chainstay lengths were all just getting settled in after an experimental phase where designers had taken several different approaches to the design of the mountain bike. Sure, there were a few more nuances to iron out, and suspension threw things into a tizzy for a bit, but these were just minor bumps in the road to a highly refined set of geometry numbers.
Now with the advent of 29"ers and all of the new parameters we find ourselves in a bit of a time warp. Designers are taking different approaches to the bike as it is a different beast from a 26"er. The geometry numbers and details are still changing and being experimented with. This results in a few duds, if you will, in certain aspects of handling and ride characteristics. Just like it was in the 80's for 26"ers, so it would seem to be for us as 29"er riders today.
So, my friends that haven't been too impressed by the format have experienced this and there were expectations coming from the 26 inch world, which has been pretty dialed in for years and years now. They were not expecting to be riding experimental crafts, nor were they aware that they were test pilots. They went in thinking "this is the way they all are", which I have had the pleasure to de-brief them on. It's a problem with 29"ers and it isn't going away very soon.
Next time you take some one out for a 29"er test ride, it might not be a bad idea to explain the Time Warp. It'll spare alot of trouble in the end.
It's just a step to the left.......................
The other day I was thinking about some of the local guys that have tried 29"ers and were not very impressed. I was considering the reasons they gave and thinking about the particular bikes they had ridden. Then it dawned on me that they were victims of a time warp!
I remembered that when I first had gotten into the sport of mountain biking that the bike we used then was a very new developement in regards to frame geometry. Head angle, fork trail, and chainstay lengths were all just getting settled in after an experimental phase where designers had taken several different approaches to the design of the mountain bike. Sure, there were a few more nuances to iron out, and suspension threw things into a tizzy for a bit, but these were just minor bumps in the road to a highly refined set of geometry numbers.
Now with the advent of 29"ers and all of the new parameters we find ourselves in a bit of a time warp. Designers are taking different approaches to the bike as it is a different beast from a 26"er. The geometry numbers and details are still changing and being experimented with. This results in a few duds, if you will, in certain aspects of handling and ride characteristics. Just like it was in the 80's for 26"ers, so it would seem to be for us as 29"er riders today.
So, my friends that haven't been too impressed by the format have experienced this and there were expectations coming from the 26 inch world, which has been pretty dialed in for years and years now. They were not expecting to be riding experimental crafts, nor were they aware that they were test pilots. They went in thinking "this is the way they all are", which I have had the pleasure to de-brief them on. It's a problem with 29"ers and it isn't going away very soon.
Next time you take some one out for a 29"er test ride, it might not be a bad idea to explain the Time Warp. It'll spare alot of trouble in the end.
It's just a step to the left.......................
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve Ride
Riding the Dos Niner today. Conditions weren't good for a warp speed single track test, but severe conditions testing was primo.
The ground had about a quarter to a half an inch of wet slop on top of frozen ground. Can you say grease on a table top?
Here's a shot of what I mean. The tires would sink in until they gripped more solid ground. High speed leanin' wasn't in the cards for today. The Dos did pretty well in the sketchy handling department, though and it didn't clog up badly with mud either.
You can see what I mean here. The mud cleared really well from the Michelins, as well. I continue to be impressed by these tires.
A moment to reflect............................
May you have a joyous and peaceful Christmas holiday!
Christmas Eve Ride
Riding the Dos Niner today. Conditions weren't good for a warp speed single track test, but severe conditions testing was primo.
The ground had about a quarter to a half an inch of wet slop on top of frozen ground. Can you say grease on a table top?
Here's a shot of what I mean. The tires would sink in until they gripped more solid ground. High speed leanin' wasn't in the cards for today. The Dos did pretty well in the sketchy handling department, though and it didn't clog up badly with mud either.
You can see what I mean here. The mud cleared really well from the Michelins, as well. I continue to be impressed by these tires.
A moment to reflect............................
May you have a joyous and peaceful Christmas holiday!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Trans Iowa Recon In Photos
Starting out in the morning the gravel was still frozen, but the ravages of the recent wet weather was plain to see. In some spots, the black earth underneath was leaching up through the gravel!
Later on in the morning this was all "peanut butter" consistency.
This is why I do the recon. This road was shown on two recent maps I have as going through. Obviously, this road has been terminated at this point for some years.
No worries though. I managed to find an even more evil route around this point!
They don't make 'em like this anymore! Iowa used to be dotted with these steel and iron bridges back when I was young. They slowly have been replaced by the cold, faceless concrete bridges over time. Very few of these relics remain. Lucky for you, (if you are in Trans Iowa) 'cause you'll get to cross this one!
A view from the road. Long horn cattle at their leisure. If you look closely to the left of the photo, you can se a rooster patolling the pasture.
Unlike Dirty Kanza, you won't have to deal with these beasts on the road, (hopefully!). However; the deer and other varmints roaming the Iowa countryside sometimes do get up on the roads.
More Recon to come! Stay tuned. This course is turning out better than I had imagined and should be a really tough, scenic, fun route.
Trans Iowa Recon In Photos
Starting out in the morning the gravel was still frozen, but the ravages of the recent wet weather was plain to see. In some spots, the black earth underneath was leaching up through the gravel!
Later on in the morning this was all "peanut butter" consistency.
This is why I do the recon. This road was shown on two recent maps I have as going through. Obviously, this road has been terminated at this point for some years.
No worries though. I managed to find an even more evil route around this point!
They don't make 'em like this anymore! Iowa used to be dotted with these steel and iron bridges back when I was young. They slowly have been replaced by the cold, faceless concrete bridges over time. Very few of these relics remain. Lucky for you, (if you are in Trans Iowa) 'cause you'll get to cross this one!
A view from the road. Long horn cattle at their leisure. If you look closely to the left of the photo, you can se a rooster patolling the pasture.
Unlike Dirty Kanza, you won't have to deal with these beasts on the road, (hopefully!). However; the deer and other varmints roaming the Iowa countryside sometimes do get up on the roads.
More Recon to come! Stay tuned. This course is turning out better than I had imagined and should be a really tough, scenic, fun route.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas!
With the holiday falling on a Monday, this will probably be the last time alot of you will be reading the blog for awhile, so I wanted to take the opportunity to say,"Merry Christmas!"
I hope that whatever ya'all are doing that you are all safe, and that you enjoy yourselves. May your days be filled with buff singletrack and blue skies! Maybe you'll even get a shiny new bike widget or two! (Well, that is if you've been good, right?) Anyway, enjoy yourselves and if you can squeeze in a bicycle ride, all the better!
I'll still be around here posting throughout the weekend, so check in if ya can,
Otherwise, may God bless you all!
Merry Christmas!
I hope that whatever ya'all are doing that you are all safe, and that you enjoy yourselves. May your days be filled with buff singletrack and blue skies! Maybe you'll even get a shiny new bike widget or two! (Well, that is if you've been good, right?) Anyway, enjoy yourselves and if you can squeeze in a bicycle ride, all the better!
I'll still be around here posting throughout the weekend, so check in if ya can,
Otherwise, may God bless you all!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
With the holiday falling on a Monday, this will probably be the last time alot of you will be reading the blog for awhile, so I wanted to take the opportunity to say,"Merry Christmas!"
I hope that whatever ya'all are doing that you are all safe, and that you enjoy yourselves. May your days be filled with buff singletrack and blue skies! Maybe you'll even get a shiny new bike widget or two! (Well, that is if you've been good, right?) Anyway, enjoy yourselves and if you can squeeze in a bicycle ride, all the better!
I'll still be around here posting throughout the weekend, so check in if ya can,
Otherwise, may God bless you all!
Merry Christmas!
I hope that whatever ya'all are doing that you are all safe, and that you enjoy yourselves. May your days be filled with buff singletrack and blue skies! Maybe you'll even get a shiny new bike widget or two! (Well, that is if you've been good, right?) Anyway, enjoy yourselves and if you can squeeze in a bicycle ride, all the better!
I'll still be around here posting throughout the weekend, so check in if ya can,
Otherwise, may God bless you all!
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Raleigh XXIX+G: A Geared 29"er Debut
Raleigh has followed up it's successful introduction of the XXIX single speed with this geared only hardtail in steel called the XXIX+G. (What is this? Some kind of new math?)
The bike comes in a very nice shade of Mr. 24 approved black. (Honestly, I worry about that guy some times. Black, black, or black, I'm thinking he needs to expand his horizons a bit!)
While the graphics seem to be a very subtle affair at first glance, you get a whole different picture when you step behind the bike. It's a unique take on the traditional downtube branding. While I find it appealing as it is, it's a bit of a buzzkill when you mount your bottle cages, as they obscure the font
This is the other end of the spectrum, graphics-wise. Here we have the model name done up in an almost "beer bottle-like" band around the top tube. I like that it's small and out of the way, (probably not the greatest for brand recognition!). Too bad the "Raleigh" decal wasn't done in a similarly subtle and functional fashion
Okay, enough about the looks of the bike, how about the hardware? Well, it's a pretty solid package. Keeping in mind that this is a work horse type of trail bike, I thought Raleigh did a great job. The drive train consists of the ever more common SRAM parts. X-7 rear derailluer is shifted by SRAM X-5 trigger shifters. The front derailluer duties are performed by a Shimano Deore unit. The crank is a TruVativ Firex outboard bearing, two piece type. In the test ride right after build up, the shifters were almost silent and felt stealth-like in comparison to the pronounced "ker-chunk" you hear and feel with X-0 or X-9 stuff. Still, they seemed to work just fine out of the box. The brakes are Avid BB-5's activated by Avid levers sans leverage adjustment. It's a nice setup that should be trouble free. Wheels are spinning on Joy Tech disc hubs laced to WTB rims that have eyelets and are disc specific. Nothing flashy here, just stuff that'll last and do a good job out on the trail. Tires are the ubiquitous WTB Exi Wolfs. While they will be fine for 90% of the folks just getting into 29"ers, I'd have liked to have seen a lighter, snappier set of shoes spec'ed like the Maxxis Ignitors, which would have shed some serious weight off this machine and made it feel alot better to test riders. Not to mention the fact that Ignitors pretty much beat Exi's performance-wise just about anywhere for your average trail rider. Anyway, tires are an easy upgrade, so no big deal here. Up front the shock duties are handled by the excellent Rock Shox Reba, which I felt really makes the bike a great value.
I should also mention that the frame is an excellent double butted steel affair that is very similar to the XXIX single speed, only better. It's better because it's designed around a suspension fork, which the XXIX single speed isn't. (To me, one of the major downfalls of the single speed version of this bike) It also shares the modular driveside aluminum drop out insert, albeit with a derailluer hangar. The lack of an EBB on the XXIX+G means that SS'ing this bike would require a tensioner or an ENO rear hub, if you were so inclined to ditch the drive train.
The rest of the parts spec is pretty solid with the exception of one nit that I also had with the single speed XXIX. The seatpost is too short! These 29"er designs need at least a 400mm seat post to accomodate riders properly. This isn't just a Raleigh problem, but an emerging faux pas that the industry is committing concerning seat post length for 29"ers. Take a cue from the British and spec 400mm seat posts in your 29"ers, please!
This should be an excellent everyday, reliable, smooth riding hard tail, geared specific design for the average trail rider. It also should be an easily upgraded platform for those looking to throw some bling at a nicely designed steel geared specific XC bike. The price is right, and it looks pretty nice, even with the slightly goofy downtube decal. I'll have a full on ride report coming in the next month or so, weather permitting. Stay tuned!
Thanks to the Raleigh Guys for the XXIX+G!! I'll be logging some serious mileage on this bike, so stay tuned for some feedback in the coming months!
Raleigh XXIX+G: A Geared 29"er Debut
Raleigh has followed up it's successful introduction of the XXIX single speed with this geared only hardtail in steel called the XXIX+G. (What is this? Some kind of new math?)
The bike comes in a very nice shade of Mr. 24 approved black. (Honestly, I worry about that guy some times. Black, black, or black, I'm thinking he needs to expand his horizons a bit!)
While the graphics seem to be a very subtle affair at first glance, you get a whole different picture when you step behind the bike. It's a unique take on the traditional downtube branding. While I find it appealing as it is, it's a bit of a buzzkill when you mount your bottle cages, as they obscure the font
This is the other end of the spectrum, graphics-wise. Here we have the model name done up in an almost "beer bottle-like" band around the top tube. I like that it's small and out of the way, (probably not the greatest for brand recognition!). Too bad the "Raleigh" decal wasn't done in a similarly subtle and functional fashion
Okay, enough about the looks of the bike, how about the hardware? Well, it's a pretty solid package. Keeping in mind that this is a work horse type of trail bike, I thought Raleigh did a great job. The drive train consists of the ever more common SRAM parts. X-7 rear derailluer is shifted by SRAM X-5 trigger shifters. The front derailluer duties are performed by a Shimano Deore unit. The crank is a TruVativ Firex outboard bearing, two piece type. In the test ride right after build up, the shifters were almost silent and felt stealth-like in comparison to the pronounced "ker-chunk" you hear and feel with X-0 or X-9 stuff. Still, they seemed to work just fine out of the box. The brakes are Avid BB-5's activated by Avid levers sans leverage adjustment. It's a nice setup that should be trouble free. Wheels are spinning on Joy Tech disc hubs laced to WTB rims that have eyelets and are disc specific. Nothing flashy here, just stuff that'll last and do a good job out on the trail. Tires are the ubiquitous WTB Exi Wolfs. While they will be fine for 90% of the folks just getting into 29"ers, I'd have liked to have seen a lighter, snappier set of shoes spec'ed like the Maxxis Ignitors, which would have shed some serious weight off this machine and made it feel alot better to test riders. Not to mention the fact that Ignitors pretty much beat Exi's performance-wise just about anywhere for your average trail rider. Anyway, tires are an easy upgrade, so no big deal here. Up front the shock duties are handled by the excellent Rock Shox Reba, which I felt really makes the bike a great value.
I should also mention that the frame is an excellent double butted steel affair that is very similar to the XXIX single speed, only better. It's better because it's designed around a suspension fork, which the XXIX single speed isn't. (To me, one of the major downfalls of the single speed version of this bike) It also shares the modular driveside aluminum drop out insert, albeit with a derailluer hangar. The lack of an EBB on the XXIX+G means that SS'ing this bike would require a tensioner or an ENO rear hub, if you were so inclined to ditch the drive train.
The rest of the parts spec is pretty solid with the exception of one nit that I also had with the single speed XXIX. The seatpost is too short! These 29"er designs need at least a 400mm seat post to accomodate riders properly. This isn't just a Raleigh problem, but an emerging faux pas that the industry is committing concerning seat post length for 29"ers. Take a cue from the British and spec 400mm seat posts in your 29"ers, please!
This should be an excellent everyday, reliable, smooth riding hard tail, geared specific design for the average trail rider. It also should be an easily upgraded platform for those looking to throw some bling at a nicely designed steel geared specific XC bike. The price is right, and it looks pretty nice, even with the slightly goofy downtube decal. I'll have a full on ride report coming in the next month or so, weather permitting. Stay tuned!
Thanks to the Raleigh Guys for the XXIX+G!! I'll be logging some serious mileage on this bike, so stay tuned for some feedback in the coming months!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Shifting The Brain Into "Think"
Lately in different places on the "blogosphere" as it relates to our tiny little corner of the cycling world, I have noticed something. Actually, it's something you can find in everyday life all around you, not just here on the "inner-net". What is it? It's people who haven't taken the time to think.
I know it might seem to be a foriegn concept for some, but if you actually take the time to use that gray matter 'tween the ears and think things through, you might not type the things you type in the comments sections on a lot of the blogs I've been reading lately. You also might just find that with a little bit of "brain engagement" the whole "transmission" of info will run a lot smoother, instead of grinding into angry bits, like it will otherwise.
Besides, these coments make the authors look like idiots.
Maybe I shouldn't be pointing this out, as it probably will detract from alot of peoples daily entertainment. I certainly wouldn't want to be a buzzkill for you guys and gals, and I must admit I've chuckled a time or two at the output of a "unfiltered" mind. However; all the knee-jerk responses and emotional outbursts have been getting a bit more mean spirited lately. Say what you will about frame builder Matt Chester, but he had a pretty cool take on all the "inner web" histrionics: "Calm down." Good advice for alot of the "trolls" out there right about now.
Anyway, if your comment count goes down for the next few days and things seem a bit more civilized, you can blame me! (Like that's ever going to happen! shuu-aahh!)
I know it might seem to be a foriegn concept for some, but if you actually take the time to use that gray matter 'tween the ears and think things through, you might not type the things you type in the comments sections on a lot of the blogs I've been reading lately. You also might just find that with a little bit of "brain engagement" the whole "transmission" of info will run a lot smoother, instead of grinding into angry bits, like it will otherwise.
Besides, these coments make the authors look like idiots.
Maybe I shouldn't be pointing this out, as it probably will detract from alot of peoples daily entertainment. I certainly wouldn't want to be a buzzkill for you guys and gals, and I must admit I've chuckled a time or two at the output of a "unfiltered" mind. However; all the knee-jerk responses and emotional outbursts have been getting a bit more mean spirited lately. Say what you will about frame builder Matt Chester, but he had a pretty cool take on all the "inner web" histrionics: "Calm down." Good advice for alot of the "trolls" out there right about now.
Anyway, if your comment count goes down for the next few days and things seem a bit more civilized, you can blame me! (Like that's ever going to happen! shuu-aahh!)
Shifting The Brain Into "Think"
Lately in different places on the "blogosphere" as it relates to our tiny little corner of the cycling world, I have noticed something. Actually, it's something you can find in everyday life all around you, not just here on the "inner-net". What is it? It's people who haven't taken the time to think.
I know it might seem to be a foriegn concept for some, but if you actually take the time to use that gray matter 'tween the ears and think things through, you might not type the things you type in the comments sections on a lot of the blogs I've been reading lately. You also might just find that with a little bit of "brain engagement" the whole "transmission" of info will run a lot smoother, instead of grinding into angry bits, like it will otherwise.
Besides, these coments make the authors look like idiots.
Maybe I shouldn't be pointing this out, as it probably will detract from alot of peoples daily entertainment. I certainly wouldn't want to be a buzzkill for you guys and gals, and I must admit I've chuckled a time or two at the output of a "unfiltered" mind. However; all the knee-jerk responses and emotional outbursts have been getting a bit more mean spirited lately. Say what you will about frame builder Matt Chester, but he had a pretty cool take on all the "inner web" histrionics: "Calm down." Good advice for alot of the "trolls" out there right about now.
Anyway, if your comment count goes down for the next few days and things seem a bit more civilized, you can blame me! (Like that's ever going to happen! shuu-aahh!)
I know it might seem to be a foriegn concept for some, but if you actually take the time to use that gray matter 'tween the ears and think things through, you might not type the things you type in the comments sections on a lot of the blogs I've been reading lately. You also might just find that with a little bit of "brain engagement" the whole "transmission" of info will run a lot smoother, instead of grinding into angry bits, like it will otherwise.
Besides, these coments make the authors look like idiots.
Maybe I shouldn't be pointing this out, as it probably will detract from alot of peoples daily entertainment. I certainly wouldn't want to be a buzzkill for you guys and gals, and I must admit I've chuckled a time or two at the output of a "unfiltered" mind. However; all the knee-jerk responses and emotional outbursts have been getting a bit more mean spirited lately. Say what you will about frame builder Matt Chester, but he had a pretty cool take on all the "inner web" histrionics: "Calm down." Good advice for alot of the "trolls" out there right about now.
Anyway, if your comment count goes down for the next few days and things seem a bit more civilized, you can blame me! (Like that's ever going to happen! shuu-aahh!)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
I Got The Purple Ones.....
Will I get the brown ones? Not likely, as the orders going into the company that distributes these won't be placed by our shop until we get over the free shipping limit, or until after Christmas. Whichever, it'll be too late for me. These will be snapped up faster than a Guinness can be drained by Paddy.
Come to think of it, this hub color kinda reminds me of beer. Hmm.................beeeeeer!
I Got The Purple Ones.....
Will I get the brown ones? Not likely, as the orders going into the company that distributes these won't be placed by our shop until we get over the free shipping limit, or until after Christmas. Whichever, it'll be too late for me. These will be snapped up faster than a Guinness can be drained by Paddy.
Come to think of it, this hub color kinda reminds me of beer. Hmm.................beeeeeer!
Parts Bin Spec: Shame or Smart?
A nice shiny new rig with old drive train parts? Why do I feel a twinge of embarassment? Why shouldn't I just go ahead and use the parts bin spec? What has gotten ahold of me that is making me think I have to have the latest bits on this new frame, or I can not build it up?
It's sick, I tell you, just plain sick.
And we're not talking your downhilling, stunt riding kind of sick here, we're talking about a disgusting, insipid kind of mindset sick. The spirit of materialism has invaded my cranium, and I decided last night to give it an eviction notice.
You see, I was thinking just last night about when it was going to be that I would be able to ride that Haro Mary XC frame set I got a month ago. I'm thinking, "Gee, that SRAM X-9 stuff is sure nice, and I could get that new saddle I saw, and........." STOP!! Something clicked into gear right then. A sticky old pawl finally worked it's way loose again and dropped into engagement with a free wheeling ring gear. A thought took into view and I realized I was standing right on top of enough drive train parts to build several bikes. Nice parts.
Sure, they were parts that had become outdated, or "surpassed" (supposedly) by some new fangled this-or-that. These parts were still great, serviceable, light, and in some cases better than anything out there today. I ran down into the parts bin dungeon and began rummaging through stuff. Wow! I didn't even know I had this stuff! Well, I did, but I had forgotten..........or had been blinded to it. Which it was, I'm not sure, but I am going to use some of that stuff, and it may not be "cool", but it's gonna work!
Besides, I'll be riding that bike sooner than later, and what good is it to have that stuff if I am not going to use it, ya know?
So, while I'll have several new, shiny and cool bits on the bike, (mostly by the kindness of bike industry peeps. I'll let you all in on it when the bike comes together) I'll also have some "oldy but goody" stuff aboard that'll probably make you shake your head...............
...............................but I don't care!
I'm free from that spirit that haunted me, at least for now!
Parts Bin Spec: Shame or Smart?
A nice shiny new rig with old drive train parts? Why do I feel a twinge of embarassment? Why shouldn't I just go ahead and use the parts bin spec? What has gotten ahold of me that is making me think I have to have the latest bits on this new frame, or I can not build it up?
It's sick, I tell you, just plain sick.
And we're not talking your downhilling, stunt riding kind of sick here, we're talking about a disgusting, insipid kind of mindset sick. The spirit of materialism has invaded my cranium, and I decided last night to give it an eviction notice.
You see, I was thinking just last night about when it was going to be that I would be able to ride that Haro Mary XC frame set I got a month ago. I'm thinking, "Gee, that SRAM X-9 stuff is sure nice, and I could get that new saddle I saw, and........." STOP!! Something clicked into gear right then. A sticky old pawl finally worked it's way loose again and dropped into engagement with a free wheeling ring gear. A thought took into view and I realized I was standing right on top of enough drive train parts to build several bikes. Nice parts.
Sure, they were parts that had become outdated, or "surpassed" (supposedly) by some new fangled this-or-that. These parts were still great, serviceable, light, and in some cases better than anything out there today. I ran down into the parts bin dungeon and began rummaging through stuff. Wow! I didn't even know I had this stuff! Well, I did, but I had forgotten..........or had been blinded to it. Which it was, I'm not sure, but I am going to use some of that stuff, and it may not be "cool", but it's gonna work!
Besides, I'll be riding that bike sooner than later, and what good is it to have that stuff if I am not going to use it, ya know?
So, while I'll have several new, shiny and cool bits on the bike, (mostly by the kindness of bike industry peeps. I'll let you all in on it when the bike comes together) I'll also have some "oldy but goody" stuff aboard that'll probably make you shake your head...............
...............................but I don't care!
I'm free from that spirit that haunted me, at least for now!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Update on Michelin AT XC 29"er Tire
I got the chance to run the Michelin 29"er tire in some true off road conditions Saturday and all I can say is "Wow!". It's a pretty darn good soft soil, loamy conditions, muddy conditions tire. I found the trails to be frozen again at the start of the ride, and then later it got warm enough to get the ground soft, then muddy.
At the start, I didn't feel that the hardness of the trail was an unfriendly element to these tires. We start out with some steep, off camber switch backs, going down hill. Braking control is everything here. I didn't think the Michelin was going to hang on here because of it's narrower width, but I had zero slippage. Then the trails get into a fast, swoopy downhill run. Again, stable, no issues. After that, we have some twisty, tight single track. The trail conditions were still hard yet, so the performance on hardpack in tight single track was acceptable. I wasn't attacking it at warp speed with a higher lean angle though, so I'm reserving judgement on that aspect yet.
We then hit up a steep climb to a ridgeline. By now the temps had risen enough that the softer, loamy to sandy trail conditions of this part of the trail could be tested. First of all, this tire has some claws! I crawled right up the steep section with nary a slip or quibble from the tires. The trail continues to climb up, occaisionally going around a tree, which of course has some exposed roots. No issues, but the roots were dry, so I'll have to see about that when it's wetter/ slipperier sometime. Sand wasn't a problem, but then again, I've not met a 29"er tire that couldn't at least do okay on sand.
Unfortunately, the trails to the rockier sections were blocked off this weekend, so no tests on the rocks. Maybe next time!
At any rate, my first impression of this tire is really good. I think for the spring, or any time the trails are slightly soft to mildly muddy, this tire will be the weapon of choice. When it got warm enough to really get tacky/ muddy Saturday, the Michelins did the best job I have seen yet in this area for muddy riding. We were drifting in the corners, it was so slippery! Almost as if we were riding on ice and snow. In these types of trail conditions, tires here will usually pack full of soil and become huge, heavy slicks. The Michelins would do there best to clear out the mud, flinging clods in the air all around me. The spiky knobs dug in corners, but not until after they slid around a bit. Still, controllable but at a lower speed than you usually would ride. Good stuff! In less sticky stuff, you should get even better results. Black dirt is the king of sticky soils, so I would think anywhere else should be better with this tire.
That's it for now. I'll be back with more findings on the tires later.
Update on Michelin AT XC 29"er Tire
I got the chance to run the Michelin 29"er tire in some true off road conditions Saturday and all I can say is "Wow!". It's a pretty darn good soft soil, loamy conditions, muddy conditions tire. I found the trails to be frozen again at the start of the ride, and then later it got warm enough to get the ground soft, then muddy.
At the start, I didn't feel that the hardness of the trail was an unfriendly element to these tires. We start out with some steep, off camber switch backs, going down hill. Braking control is everything here. I didn't think the Michelin was going to hang on here because of it's narrower width, but I had zero slippage. Then the trails get into a fast, swoopy downhill run. Again, stable, no issues. After that, we have some twisty, tight single track. The trail conditions were still hard yet, so the performance on hardpack in tight single track was acceptable. I wasn't attacking it at warp speed with a higher lean angle though, so I'm reserving judgement on that aspect yet.
We then hit up a steep climb to a ridgeline. By now the temps had risen enough that the softer, loamy to sandy trail conditions of this part of the trail could be tested. First of all, this tire has some claws! I crawled right up the steep section with nary a slip or quibble from the tires. The trail continues to climb up, occaisionally going around a tree, which of course has some exposed roots. No issues, but the roots were dry, so I'll have to see about that when it's wetter/ slipperier sometime. Sand wasn't a problem, but then again, I've not met a 29"er tire that couldn't at least do okay on sand.
Unfortunately, the trails to the rockier sections were blocked off this weekend, so no tests on the rocks. Maybe next time!
At any rate, my first impression of this tire is really good. I think for the spring, or any time the trails are slightly soft to mildly muddy, this tire will be the weapon of choice. When it got warm enough to really get tacky/ muddy Saturday, the Michelins did the best job I have seen yet in this area for muddy riding. We were drifting in the corners, it was so slippery! Almost as if we were riding on ice and snow. In these types of trail conditions, tires here will usually pack full of soil and become huge, heavy slicks. The Michelins would do there best to clear out the mud, flinging clods in the air all around me. The spiky knobs dug in corners, but not until after they slid around a bit. Still, controllable but at a lower speed than you usually would ride. Good stuff! In less sticky stuff, you should get even better results. Black dirt is the king of sticky soils, so I would think anywhere else should be better with this tire.
That's it for now. I'll be back with more findings on the tires later.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Yesterday and Today
Circa 1993: Klein Attitude, full Suntour XC Pro, Ritchey Vantage Comp rims, Sun Tour Grease Guard hubs, Dia Compe canti brakes,Smoke front tire, Joe Murray rear tire. Onza bar ends, Flite Ti saddle IRD seat post, Ringle' bottle cages, and skewers, and Suntour Grease Guard pedals with Christophe straps and generic plastic cages. Helmet by Shoei, (pre Troy Lee branding) Chuck Taylors in a lovely shade of purple, and Giordana bib shorts . No idea what jersey is on underneath the sweat top. That thing on my ankle is a wrestling knee pad that is protecting a 50 cent sized hole I tore into my ankle with the middle chainring. (For the locals, this is at the enterance to Seven Bridges Park)
Circa 2006: Salsa Dos Niner with SRAM X-9 drivetrain and TruVativ Stylo Team crank. DT Swiss hubs laced to Salsa Delgado Disc rims, Avid BB-7 disc calipers and Avid Speed Dial levers. WTB saddle, Salsa Shaft seat post, Rock Shox Reba fork, Salsa Relish rear damper, Michelin AT XC tires, and ancient Shimano clipless peds coutesy of Mr. 24. ( I gota get those back to ya pal!) The helmet in the pic is just for this pose, as it's the very same Shoei helmet from the first pic. I had handpainted it back in the day. The jersey is a Salsa Classico wool, tights by Trek, bibs underneath: Giordana, (but not the same as in the above pic!) Shoes: Lake, glasses by Tifosi. Location: Camp Ingawanis
My! How things have changed!
Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!
UPDATE: 12/9/12: Please read my comment in the comments section if you are coming to this post from the JusticeQuest site. Thank you.
Yesterday and Today
Circa 1993: Klein Attitude, full Suntour XC Pro, Ritchey Vantage Comp rims, Sun Tour Grease Guard hubs, Dia Compe canti brakes,Smoke front tire, Joe Murray rear tire. Onza bar ends, Flite Ti saddle IRD seat post, Ringle' bottle cages, and skewers, and Suntour Grease Guard pedals with Christophe straps and generic plastic cages. Helmet by Shoei, (pre Troy Lee branding) Chuck Taylors in a lovely shade of purple, and Giordana bib shorts . No idea what jersey is on underneath the sweat top. That thing on my ankle is a wrestling knee pad that is protecting a 50 cent sized hole I tore into my ankle with the middle chainring. (For the locals, this is at the enterance to Seven Bridges Park)
Circa 2006: Salsa Dos Niner with SRAM X-9 drivetrain and TruVativ Stylo Team crank. DT Swiss hubs laced to Salsa Delgado Disc rims, Avid BB-7 disc calipers and Avid Speed Dial levers. WTB saddle, Salsa Shaft seat post, Rock Shox Reba fork, Salsa Relish rear damper, Michelin AT XC tires, and ancient Shimano clipless peds coutesy of Mr. 24. ( I gota get those back to ya pal!) The helmet in the pic is just for this pose, as it's the very same Shoei helmet from the first pic. I had handpainted it back in the day. The jersey is a Salsa Classico wool, tights by Trek, bibs underneath: Giordana, (but not the same as in the above pic!) Shoes: Lake, glasses by Tifosi. Location: Camp Ingawanis
My! How things have changed!
Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!
UPDATE: 12/9/12: Please read my comment in the comments section if you are coming to this post from the JusticeQuest site. Thank you.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Saturday Dirt and Clerical Work
First the dirt! I got to put the Dos Niner through a few great dirt trails today and I had alot of fun. The softail part of the bike becomes invisible out on dirt. You don't even realize it's there, but when you don't slip out on a climb, or when you don't get jacked off the saddle on that little pot hole sized bump you didn't see, you realize something is different back there. Climbing was awesome. XC like handling on the twisties, stable 29"er wheels on the down hills, it was all alot of good times. The Michelin tires got a great work out as well. They had to handle the dry, hardpack at first, because the trails were frozen, but as the temps climbed, the trails began to un-freeze, and the mud began to creep into the equation. No sweat for the Michelins. They got a little packed up in the Iowa black dirt, but really, they handled the tacky dirt beter than I expected. The dirt was flinging off, keeping the tread blocks somewhat free to do their job and making the air around myself look pretty much like a flak field. Slipping out a bit in corners, the knobs would eventually find traction, and could be totally trusted to not dump you, within reason.
Now the paperwork! Trans Iowa roster work was done after the ride and it's a mind numbing task, but it had to be done. Mr.24 has it now, and if it passes muster, than he will post it on the site. By the way, did you check out the Special Announcement?
I should have some pictures sometime next week to share of the ride. Check back later!
Now the paperwork! Trans Iowa roster work was done after the ride and it's a mind numbing task, but it had to be done. Mr.24 has it now, and if it passes muster, than he will post it on the site. By the way, did you check out the Special Announcement?
I should have some pictures sometime next week to share of the ride. Check back later!
Saturday Dirt and Clerical Work
First the dirt! I got to put the Dos Niner through a few great dirt trails today and I had alot of fun. The softail part of the bike becomes invisible out on dirt. You don't even realize it's there, but when you don't slip out on a climb, or when you don't get jacked off the saddle on that little pot hole sized bump you didn't see, you realize something is different back there. Climbing was awesome. XC like handling on the twisties, stable 29"er wheels on the down hills, it was all alot of good times. The Michelin tires got a great work out as well. They had to handle the dry, hardpack at first, because the trails were frozen, but as the temps climbed, the trails began to un-freeze, and the mud began to creep into the equation. No sweat for the Michelins. They got a little packed up in the Iowa black dirt, but really, they handled the tacky dirt beter than I expected. The dirt was flinging off, keeping the tread blocks somewhat free to do their job and making the air around myself look pretty much like a flak field. Slipping out a bit in corners, the knobs would eventually find traction, and could be totally trusted to not dump you, within reason.
Now the paperwork! Trans Iowa roster work was done after the ride and it's a mind numbing task, but it had to be done. Mr.24 has it now, and if it passes muster, than he will post it on the site. By the way, did you check out the Special Announcement?
I should have some pictures sometime next week to share of the ride. Check back later!
Now the paperwork! Trans Iowa roster work was done after the ride and it's a mind numbing task, but it had to be done. Mr.24 has it now, and if it passes muster, than he will post it on the site. By the way, did you check out the Special Announcement?
I should have some pictures sometime next week to share of the ride. Check back later!
Friday, December 15, 2006
The Final Cut or T.I. Day of Reckoning
The nail biting and pacing back and forth in front of computer monitors across North America has already begun. "Am I going to be in?" "Did they get my card?" "Did they get my package with 300 cards?" (yes..............Really!) "Will they miss my Dad's cards because we have the same name?" "My brother and I both want in, will they pick us together?"
And so on, and so on.
Well, it all comes to a screeching halt this weekend. Trans Iowa will have a roster set by 2pm on Saturday. Some might be included, maybe others......."will be in the outer darkness where there will be gnashing of teeth." Will there even be a lottery? That's the biggest question right now.
That will be determined at about noon today, when I will make a special announcement on the subject. I'll probably post it via the MTBR.com Endurance forum, since doing it on Blogger Beta from work on a ten year old computer would be asking for, well.........a huge headache for one thing! That is, if I didn't crash the thing in the process. Look for the announcement on MTBR first, that's easiest for me to do right now. Noon o'clock, CST, okay?
This is going to mess up alot of lunch times, I bet!
In other goings on, I have two very important birthdays this weekend to attend to. My wife's and my daughter's. You don't miss those! That and it's my weekend to play on the git-box at church, so this Trans Iowa stuff is going to be tough to fit in. A busy weekend in anybodies book!
Okay, so let the madness of the weekend begin!
If you can ride your bike, do it! We have no excuse here. It'll be about 50 degrees today and tomorrow, which is unheard of in the Mid-West. I'll do my best to turn some pedals over myself!
Late!
And so on, and so on.
Well, it all comes to a screeching halt this weekend. Trans Iowa will have a roster set by 2pm on Saturday. Some might be included, maybe others......."will be in the outer darkness where there will be gnashing of teeth." Will there even be a lottery? That's the biggest question right now.
That will be determined at about noon today, when I will make a special announcement on the subject. I'll probably post it via the MTBR.com Endurance forum, since doing it on Blogger Beta from work on a ten year old computer would be asking for, well.........a huge headache for one thing! That is, if I didn't crash the thing in the process. Look for the announcement on MTBR first, that's easiest for me to do right now. Noon o'clock, CST, okay?
This is going to mess up alot of lunch times, I bet!
In other goings on, I have two very important birthdays this weekend to attend to. My wife's and my daughter's. You don't miss those! That and it's my weekend to play on the git-box at church, so this Trans Iowa stuff is going to be tough to fit in. A busy weekend in anybodies book!
Okay, so let the madness of the weekend begin!
If you can ride your bike, do it! We have no excuse here. It'll be about 50 degrees today and tomorrow, which is unheard of in the Mid-West. I'll do my best to turn some pedals over myself!
Late!
The Final Cut or T.I. Day of Reckoning
The nail biting and pacing back and forth in front of computer monitors across North America has already begun. "Am I going to be in?" "Did they get my card?" "Did they get my package with 300 cards?" (yes..............Really!) "Will they miss my Dad's cards because we have the same name?" "My brother and I both want in, will they pick us together?"
And so on, and so on.
Well, it all comes to a screeching halt this weekend. Trans Iowa will have a roster set by 2pm on Saturday. Some might be included, maybe others......."will be in the outer darkness where there will be gnashing of teeth." Will there even be a lottery? That's the biggest question right now.
That will be determined at about noon today, when I will make a special announcement on the subject. I'll probably post it via the MTBR.com Endurance forum, since doing it on Blogger Beta from work on a ten year old computer would be asking for, well.........a huge headache for one thing! That is, if I didn't crash the thing in the process. Look for the announcement on MTBR first, that's easiest for me to do right now. Noon o'clock, CST, okay?
This is going to mess up alot of lunch times, I bet!
In other goings on, I have two very important birthdays this weekend to attend to. My wife's and my daughter's. You don't miss those! That and it's my weekend to play on the git-box at church, so this Trans Iowa stuff is going to be tough to fit in. A busy weekend in anybodies book!
Okay, so let the madness of the weekend begin!
If you can ride your bike, do it! We have no excuse here. It'll be about 50 degrees today and tomorrow, which is unheard of in the Mid-West. I'll do my best to turn some pedals over myself!
Late!
And so on, and so on.
Well, it all comes to a screeching halt this weekend. Trans Iowa will have a roster set by 2pm on Saturday. Some might be included, maybe others......."will be in the outer darkness where there will be gnashing of teeth." Will there even be a lottery? That's the biggest question right now.
That will be determined at about noon today, when I will make a special announcement on the subject. I'll probably post it via the MTBR.com Endurance forum, since doing it on Blogger Beta from work on a ten year old computer would be asking for, well.........a huge headache for one thing! That is, if I didn't crash the thing in the process. Look for the announcement on MTBR first, that's easiest for me to do right now. Noon o'clock, CST, okay?
This is going to mess up alot of lunch times, I bet!
In other goings on, I have two very important birthdays this weekend to attend to. My wife's and my daughter's. You don't miss those! That and it's my weekend to play on the git-box at church, so this Trans Iowa stuff is going to be tough to fit in. A busy weekend in anybodies book!
Okay, so let the madness of the weekend begin!
If you can ride your bike, do it! We have no excuse here. It'll be about 50 degrees today and tomorrow, which is unheard of in the Mid-West. I'll do my best to turn some pedals over myself!
Late!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Michelin AT 29"er Tire
Michelin showed this 29"er tire at Interbike and it slipped under the radar, probably due to the fact that there was just soooo much new 29"er product. Well, that and the fact that unless your entry into 29 inch tires was heee-yooooge, you were not noticed.
Too bad, because this tire deserves alot of attention
Here you can see the widely spaced, squarish tread blocks. This makes the tire clear out mud probably better than any tire I have yet used. The next closest tire was ironically a Michelin in the old green Silicium compound.
The tread measures just a hair under two inches wide with the casing measuring just a hair over two inches wide. The "crown " of the casing is rounded, not flattish. The tire features side knobs, but not really aggresive ones and they certainly do not look to be at an angle for severe lean over traction. I suspect these will break away suddenly at a certain lean angle, but we shall see. The climbing traction is awesome, and they seem to grip onto trail and trail obstacles quite well.
The weight of mine was right at 660 grams, which for a true 2" wide tire isn't bad at all. They rolled exceptionally well on hard pack and pavement, which came as a surprise to me. I will be testing these in a variety of conditions over the next few months and I will report back with some findings soon.
Note: Today and tomorrow are the final days of registration for Trans Iowa. Have you gotten that card in yet? Stay tuned for a special announcement Friday evening concerning the lottery.
Michelin AT 29"er Tire
Michelin showed this 29"er tire at Interbike and it slipped under the radar, probably due to the fact that there was just soooo much new 29"er product. Well, that and the fact that unless your entry into 29 inch tires was heee-yooooge, you were not noticed.
Too bad, because this tire deserves alot of attention
Here you can see the widely spaced, squarish tread blocks. This makes the tire clear out mud probably better than any tire I have yet used. The next closest tire was ironically a Michelin in the old green Silicium compound.
The tread measures just a hair under two inches wide with the casing measuring just a hair over two inches wide. The "crown " of the casing is rounded, not flattish. The tire features side knobs, but not really aggresive ones and they certainly do not look to be at an angle for severe lean over traction. I suspect these will break away suddenly at a certain lean angle, but we shall see. The climbing traction is awesome, and they seem to grip onto trail and trail obstacles quite well.
The weight of mine was right at 660 grams, which for a true 2" wide tire isn't bad at all. They rolled exceptionally well on hard pack and pavement, which came as a surprise to me. I will be testing these in a variety of conditions over the next few months and I will report back with some findings soon.
Note: Today and tomorrow are the final days of registration for Trans Iowa. Have you gotten that card in yet? Stay tuned for a special announcement Friday evening concerning the lottery.