GRBRAI Or RAGBRAI?

Well they just announced the RAGBRAI route for 2010. RAGBRAI, you might ask? Why yes, that lil' ol' week long, all the way across Iowa ride on bicycles utilizing Iowa's vast network of blacktop roads. It happens every year on the last full week of July. Has every year since 1973. Pretty amazing, eh?

I won't sugar coat it either. I think RAGBRAI is good for a laugh. Once. It gets pretty dang old after that. As far as riding a bicycle goes, it has gotten beyond lame, and stale. No thanks. You might think RAGBRAI is soooo totally awesome that you think I am off my rocker, but that is okay. I've done the whole she-bang once and parts of several other ones. They are all the same. To me at least. A total cycling snooze-fest.

Ya see that road up there? Yeah........now that is a road! No cars, no hordes of party people pretending to be cyclists, and no over regulated, high priced canned entertainment and food vendors. No pretensions. You either ride it and make it, or not, and it is beautiful, peaceful, and much, much more challenging as a cyclist than RAGBRAI.

I came up with an idea about three years ago. I called it GRBRAI. (Gravel Road Bike Ride Across Iowa) I said someone should hop on that and do it. Well, no one did. No surprise there. It takes a lot of logistical work to make a gravel route, much less one all the way across the state. Of course, I've had plenty of experience with that.

Now the RAGBRAI committee has handed me over night towns that make doing a route an almost no-brainer. Check this out: Sioux City to Storm Lake. I've been through here on black tops and going off on gravels would be new, but I know the lay of the land out there, so I know it can be done. Next is Storm Lake to Algona. Okay, now we're talkin. I probably already have one half to three quarters of that day mapped out already from T.I.V1-2 and the aborted plans for the cross state T.I.V3. Algona was our half way town. Nice! Next is Algona to Clear Lake. Again- that's entirely in the can with the exception of the last 5-7 miles into Clear Lake. Next up is Clear Lake to Charles City. Oddly enough, I have a route mapped out. It was from the aborted T.I.V3 course. (We decided to abandon point to points before I finished the course planning that year) Next we have Charles City to Waterloo. I've ridden all of this route with the exception of about 12 miles from Chuck Town to Nashua. Again- easy. Next we have Waterloo to Manchester. Using training route knowledge and Trans Iowa recon knowledge I could piece together this route in five minutes. Manchester to Dubuque is the final leg. This one would prove more difficult since Dubuque County has dang near paved the entire road system within its boundaries. (They must feel that they are part of Wisconsin or something) I'm sure I could eek out about half that days mileage in gravel. Maybe more.

So, I am going to draw it up on Map My Ride and when it is done, ya'all can print it off and do it. I may do a couple of days of it, but since the ride is coming through W'loo, I may be tied down to the shop here doing repairs. We'll see. Last time the ride came through and stayed in Cedar Falls it wasn't that big of a deal.

So, if you are like me, and you want a challenge, you want to get away from people wearing beads and stupid flamingo costumes, and you want to see parts of Iowa that no one else will, hang on. I'll announce when it is ready for public consumption with about 12 disclaimers and what not! ha ha! (Here are a few now!) Remember_ Iowa's gravel roads are public roads and carry lots of different types of traffic, have wild animals running around on them, and may break your bicycle and your body. This isn't a canned, supported, lame-o ride I am talking about. This would be really tough. You would be on your own. It might even really suck. So......you've been warned! I will never and do not now take any responsibility for whatever may happen if this route is drawn up and you ride it. The roads may not even be there in places. Too bad! Figure out yer own re-route.

Okay, I'll do the line drawing later. Now go for a ride ya'all!

GRBRAI Or RAGBRAI?

Well they just announced the RAGBRAI route for 2010. RAGBRAI, you might ask? Why yes, that lil' ol' week long, all the way across Iowa ride on bicycles utilizing Iowa's vast network of blacktop roads. It happens every year on the last full week of July. Has every year since 1973. Pretty amazing, eh?

I won't sugar coat it either. I think RAGBRAI is good for a laugh. Once. It gets pretty dang old after that. As far as riding a bicycle goes, it has gotten beyond lame, and stale. No thanks. You might think RAGBRAI is soooo totally awesome that you think I am off my rocker, but that is okay. I've done the whole she-bang once and parts of several other ones. They are all the same. To me at least. A total cycling snooze-fest.

Ya see that road up there? Yeah........now that is a road! No cars, no hordes of party people pretending to be cyclists, and no over regulated, high priced canned entertainment and food vendors. No pretensions. You either ride it and make it, or not, and it is beautiful, peaceful, and much, much more challenging as a cyclist than RAGBRAI.

I came up with an idea about three years ago. I called it GRBRAI. (Gravel Road Bike Ride Across Iowa) I said someone should hop on that and do it. Well, no one did. No surprise there. It takes a lot of logistical work to make a gravel route, much less one all the way across the state. Of course, I've had plenty of experience with that.

Now the RAGBRAI committee has handed me over night towns that make doing a route an almost no-brainer. Check this out: Sioux City to Storm Lake. I've been through here on black tops and going off on gravels would be new, but I know the lay of the land out there, so I know it can be done. Next is Storm Lake to Algona. Okay, now we're talkin. I probably already have one half to three quarters of that day mapped out already from T.I.V1-2 and the aborted plans for the cross state T.I.V3. Algona was our half way town. Nice! Next is Algona to Clear Lake. Again- that's entirely in the can with the exception of the last 5-7 miles into Clear Lake. Next up is Clear Lake to Charles City. Oddly enough, I have a route mapped out. It was from the aborted T.I.V3 course. (We decided to abandon point to points before I finished the course planning that year) Next we have Charles City to Waterloo. I've ridden all of this route with the exception of about 12 miles from Chuck Town to Nashua. Again- easy. Next we have Waterloo to Manchester. Using training route knowledge and Trans Iowa recon knowledge I could piece together this route in five minutes. Manchester to Dubuque is the final leg. This one would prove more difficult since Dubuque County has dang near paved the entire road system within its boundaries. (They must feel that they are part of Wisconsin or something) I'm sure I could eek out about half that days mileage in gravel. Maybe more.

So, I am going to draw it up on Map My Ride and when it is done, ya'all can print it off and do it. I may do a couple of days of it, but since the ride is coming through W'loo, I may be tied down to the shop here doing repairs. We'll see. Last time the ride came through and stayed in Cedar Falls it wasn't that big of a deal.

So, if you are like me, and you want a challenge, you want to get away from people wearing beads and stupid flamingo costumes, and you want to see parts of Iowa that no one else will, hang on. I'll announce when it is ready for public consumption with about 12 disclaimers and what not! ha ha! (Here are a few now!) Remember_ Iowa's gravel roads are public roads and carry lots of different types of traffic, have wild animals running around on them, and may break your bicycle and your body. This isn't a canned, supported, lame-o ride I am talking about. This would be really tough. You would be on your own. It might even really suck. So......you've been warned! I will never and do not now take any responsibility for whatever may happen if this route is drawn up and you ride it. The roads may not even be there in places. Too bad! Figure out yer own re-route.

Okay, I'll do the line drawing later. Now go for a ride ya'all!

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts Part XI

Welcome to your weekly dose of Trans Iowa V6 related thoughts and comments sprinkled with some actual useful information.

The Waiting List: This is the final weekend for The Waiting List. Once Sunday passes the roster will be frozen and if I recieve drop out notices, the roster will be allowed to contract. Thank you to all who jumped in and let me know you were not going to make it in. I appreciate it, and so do all the folks who took your spots.I never had to wait very long to hear back from folks contacted on the list, so I know these spots were coveted. We had well over 40 folks- something like 46 or 47- on The Waiting List this year, which was a record.

First off, just because the Waiting List is done doesn't mean you should just be a no-show on April 23rd if you know you can not make it. Please let me know ASAP if you can not come to T.I.V6. It will save on spending money for resources for your spot- cue sheets, race packets, and schwag. Plus a lot of time put in as far as preparation. Plus we need a solid number of attendees to the "Pre-Race Meat-Up" so the Grinnell Steakhouse can be best prepared for our gathering. Please! It is super important for me to know if you plan on not making it.

As far as the roster is concerned, my feeling is that we will start the biggest field we ever have had at a T.I. event. That would have to be more than 64. (T.I.V3) We'll see....

Finally, in relation to The Waiting List and in turn, Registration, there will be a slightly different plan set up for next year. (If there is a T.I.V7) It is obvious that gravel road events are very popular. (Almanzo looks to have over 300 participants for its May event, DK 200 sold out in a day, for examples) I may consider a slight expansion to the roster, but only if I see bigger numbers at the start line this year. If we start the number of riders that we normally do, (somewhere in the 50-60 rider range), then I see no reason to expand the roster.

Regardless if the roster expands or not, there will be some sort of change to the registration process. New riders will be given more of a chance to get in. I am not sure how that looks just yet, but I have a long time to mull that over. just know that the registration process will be tweaked "if" another T.I. is run.

Pre-Race Meat-Up Details: Here are some more fine details on the Pre-Race Meat-Up. Remember- this is a required attendance event! This is where you will check in officially for the event, recieve the all important first set of cues, your race numbers, and a packet with some schwag. You will also be invited to eat at The Grinnell Steakhouse where the meeting is taking place in their banquet room.

I am going to give some tentative times here. This may change before April a bit:

• 5:00pm: Gather at The Grinnel Steakhouse. Check in and have your name marked on the roster. Sign the waiver. Sit down for some fine vittles which will include a choice of grill your own chicken, beef, or pork. Vegetable Kabobs and a salad bar will be available for you non-meat eaters. A fully stocked bar is also on the premises.
• 6:30pm: Pre-Race meeting will begin with remarks by Guitar Ted and d.p. Some raffle schwag will be given out. A short Q&A will then be held which will then lead us up to...
• 7:00pm-ish: The Call Up- Each racer will be called up individually, given the race packet, and then you are free to leave.
• 8:00pm: The place should be cleared out and everyone gone to bed!

Note: If you don't get checked in at the door before 6:30pm, you will not be racing T.I.V6!!

I will only call names of folks that were checked in at the door and that have signed the waiver. If you are late- too bad. You've been warned now, and I will continue to let this be known as many ways as I can until April. If you tell me you didn't know about this, I will not believe you. Sorry!

Prices And "Dining Dollars": Here is the breakdown for the main entre's that you have to choose from:

• Grill Your Own" Beef - $15.99 
• Grill Your Own Chicken or Pork - $13.99. 
• Veggie Kabobs - $10.99

To help defray the cost of the meal, and as a welcome to Grinnell, the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce has what is known as "Dining Dollars" available to you, the participants of T.I.V6. Basically, you will be getting two ten dollar gift certificates each. One certificate will be good towards your Pre-Race Meat-Up meal, so you will be spending less of your own money. This is an awesome deal! The other certificate is for a meal on Saturday, which could go to a support person, or I am sure could be spent on Sunday as well. These must be used at Grinnel Chamber of Commerce memeber businesses. (A list will be provided, see below) These certificates can be spent like cash for food. The Dining Dollars will be in a Welcome Packet you can pick up at The Comfort Inn and Suites upon your arrival in Grinnell. The packet will include the following:

-Visitor Guide

-History Book

 -Restaurant Information with map (Here you will find where you can spend the Dining Dollars)

 -The Hub – The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

 -Grinnell Brochure

 -Tour the Barn Quilts of Poweshiek County Brochure

-Merchants National Bank Brochure

-Business Card on the Model Railroad Display

That should set you up for what to expect. There may be more details and tweaks to come, so stay tuned! Thanks go out to Sheryl Parmley and the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce for the awesome work and for the "Dining Dollars".

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts Part XI

Welcome to your weekly dose of Trans Iowa V6 related thoughts and comments sprinkled with some actual useful information.

The Waiting List: This is the final weekend for The Waiting List. Once Sunday passes the roster will be frozen and if I recieve drop out notices, the roster will be allowed to contract. Thank you to all who jumped in and let me know you were not going to make it in. I appreciate it, and so do all the folks who took your spots.I never had to wait very long to hear back from folks contacted on the list, so I know these spots were coveted. We had well over 40 folks- something like 46 or 47- on The Waiting List this year, which was a record.

First off, just because the Waiting List is done doesn't mean you should just be a no-show on April 23rd if you know you can not make it. Please let me know ASAP if you can not come to T.I.V6. It will save on spending money for resources for your spot- cue sheets, race packets, and schwag. Plus a lot of time put in as far as preparation. Plus we need a solid number of attendees to the "Pre-Race Meat-Up" so the Grinnell Steakhouse can be best prepared for our gathering. Please! It is super important for me to know if you plan on not making it.

As far as the roster is concerned, my feeling is that we will start the biggest field we ever have had at a T.I. event. That would have to be more than 64. (T.I.V3) We'll see....

Finally, in relation to The Waiting List and in turn, Registration, there will be a slightly different plan set up for next year. (If there is a T.I.V7) It is obvious that gravel road events are very popular. (Almanzo looks to have over 300 participants for its May event, DK 200 sold out in a day, for examples) I may consider a slight expansion to the roster, but only if I see bigger numbers at the start line this year. If we start the number of riders that we normally do, (somewhere in the 50-60 rider range), then I see no reason to expand the roster.

Regardless if the roster expands or not, there will be some sort of change to the registration process. New riders will be given more of a chance to get in. I am not sure how that looks just yet, but I have a long time to mull that over. just know that the registration process will be tweaked "if" another T.I. is run.

Pre-Race Meat-Up Details: Here are some more fine details on the Pre-Race Meat-Up. Remember- this is a required attendance event! This is where you will check in officially for the event, recieve the all important first set of cues, your race numbers, and a packet with some schwag. You will also be invited to eat at The Grinnell Steakhouse where the meeting is taking place in their banquet room.

I am going to give some tentative times here. This may change before April a bit:

• 5:00pm: Gather at The Grinnel Steakhouse. Check in and have your name marked on the roster. Sign the waiver. Sit down for some fine vittles which will include a choice of grill your own chicken, beef, or pork. Vegetable Kabobs and a salad bar will be available for you non-meat eaters. A fully stocked bar is also on the premises.
• 6:30pm: Pre-Race meeting will begin with remarks by Guitar Ted and d.p. Some raffle schwag will be given out. A short Q&A will then be held which will then lead us up to...
• 7:00pm-ish: The Call Up- Each racer will be called up individually, given the race packet, and then you are free to leave.
• 8:00pm: The place should be cleared out and everyone gone to bed!

Note: If you don't get checked in at the door before 6:30pm, you will not be racing T.I.V6!!

I will only call names of folks that were checked in at the door and that have signed the waiver. If you are late- too bad. You've been warned now, and I will continue to let this be known as many ways as I can until April. If you tell me you didn't know about this, I will not believe you. Sorry!

Prices And "Dining Dollars": Here is the breakdown for the main entre's that you have to choose from:

• Grill Your Own" Beef - $15.99 
• Grill Your Own Chicken or Pork - $13.99. 
• Veggie Kabobs - $10.99

To help defray the cost of the meal, and as a welcome to Grinnell, the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce has what is known as "Dining Dollars" available to you, the participants of T.I.V6. Basically, you will be getting two ten dollar gift certificates each. One certificate will be good towards your Pre-Race Meat-Up meal, so you will be spending less of your own money. This is an awesome deal! The other certificate is for a meal on Saturday, which could go to a support person, or I am sure could be spent on Sunday as well. These must be used at Grinnel Chamber of Commerce memeber businesses. (A list will be provided, see below) These certificates can be spent like cash for food. The Dining Dollars will be in a Welcome Packet you can pick up at The Comfort Inn and Suites upon your arrival in Grinnell. The packet will include the following:

-Visitor Guide

-History Book

 -Restaurant Information with map (Here you will find where you can spend the Dining Dollars)

 -The Hub – The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

 -Grinnell Brochure

 -Tour the Barn Quilts of Poweshiek County Brochure

-Merchants National Bank Brochure

-Business Card on the Model Railroad Display

That should set you up for what to expect. There may be more details and tweaks to come, so stay tuned! Thanks go out to Sheryl Parmley and the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce for the awesome work and for the "Dining Dollars".

Just Riding Along

<===Just itchin' for some long gravely rides.

I was doing a write up on some cycling gizmo earlier and I just had to stop for a minute and remind my self that it isn't about data. It isn't about graphs, GPS tracks, heart rate, or whatever.

It's about the ride.

It isn't about carbon fiber, hydro-formed aluminum, tubeless tires, or even 29"ers.

I guess this long, cold, snowy winter has got me to thinking about how good it is just to ride a bicycle. Any ol' bicycle, but preferrably the one that you just really enjoy being on. (Whatever that "one" is) I know that for me, I sure miss riding that Fargo right about now. I have written a ton of words about this bike, and how it is a game changer and all, but the one thing about it is this: It just feels right when I ride it.

In fact, it doesn't really matter that it is this waaay cool mountainbike adventure touring rig. I just smile every time I get to ride it on some lonesome gravel road, and I miss that right now. A lot.

So while "Just Riding Along", or as we shop rats know it- "JRA"- is a negative experience most of the time as it relates to customers, I wish I was "JRA" right now on a dusty path. I guess that time will come soon enough.

Hopefully it will warm up a bit so we can all ride out the end of this winter. If you can't, well- hold on! It won't be much longer! Have a great weekend and ride em if ya can!

Just Riding Along

<===Just itchin' for some long gravely rides.

I was doing a write up on some cycling gizmo earlier and I just had to stop for a minute and remind my self that it isn't about data. It isn't about graphs, GPS tracks, heart rate, or whatever.

It's about the ride.

It isn't about carbon fiber, hydro-formed aluminum, tubeless tires, or even 29"ers.

I guess this long, cold, snowy winter has got me to thinking about how good it is just to ride a bicycle. Any ol' bicycle, but preferrably the one that you just really enjoy being on. (Whatever that "one" is) I know that for me, I sure miss riding that Fargo right about now. I have written a ton of words about this bike, and how it is a game changer and all, but the one thing about it is this: It just feels right when I ride it.

In fact, it doesn't really matter that it is this waaay cool mountainbike adventure touring rig. I just smile every time I get to ride it on some lonesome gravel road, and I miss that right now. A lot.

So while "Just Riding Along", or as we shop rats know it- "JRA"- is a negative experience most of the time as it relates to customers, I wish I was "JRA" right now on a dusty path. I guess that time will come soon enough.

Hopefully it will warm up a bit so we can all ride out the end of this winter. If you can't, well- hold on! It won't be much longer! Have a great weekend and ride em if ya can!

Snow Biking, Tire Death, And The T.I.V6 Waiting List

<===The Maxxis Ardent 2.25 died a long, painful death.

Well, on January 27th, at approximately 9:00am, a Maxxis Ardent 2.25"er bit the dust, (as a tubeless tire) in my kitchen. Cause of death was a weak sidewall that couldn't stop hemorrahging sealant through spontaneaously created perforations.

It will be survived by an Ardent 2.4 inch tire.

The Ardent 2.25, while lauded by many across the land for its attributes, never behaved itself in like manner at my home. In fact, it was a miscreant as a tubeless tire and never more than average as a tubed tire. Society has been relieved of bearing this under producing example that I have as I will be retiring this to the dust bin. Too bad too. It seemed to have so much potential.

Snow Biking: So instead of ripping up some snow packed streets with the Dillinger/Velocity/Ardent package I instead called into duty the Salsa Cycles El Mariachi named "Grimace" outfitted with the porcine WTB Kodiak tires mounted to the wide Gordo hoops. This proved to be a stellar choice. I ended up finding some well travelled snowmobile tracks and the big WTB's floated me right quick down the trail. Now I can finally understand just a bit what it would be like to have a Pugsley or some other fine snow bike.

I only lasted about an hour, but I need to work into things gradually, since I haven't had many outdoor opportunities of late. The single speed and weight of the wheels made for a constant effort that was taxing, but enjoyable. Good riding at any rate. I feel snow riding, at least the style I do, sharpens my handling skills and balance. I was putting out a pretty consistent effort too, so I thought it was a better way to spend an hour than I would have otherwise.

Speaking Of Training: How is the T.I.V6 training going? Are you going to be on that start line in front of Bikes To You in Grinnell on April 24th? No? Then please let me know so I can move some folks off The Waiting List to the roster before Sunday at midnight! That's when The Waiting List turns back into a pumpkin until next time.

Snow Biking, Tire Death, And The T.I.V6 Waiting List

<===The Maxxis Ardent 2.25 died a long, painful death.

Well, on January 27th, at approximately 9:00am, a Maxxis Ardent 2.25"er bit the dust, (as a tubeless tire) in my kitchen. Cause of death was a weak sidewall that couldn't stop hemorrahging sealant through spontaneaously created perforations.

It will be survived by an Ardent 2.4 inch tire.

The Ardent 2.25, while lauded by many across the land for its attributes, never behaved itself in like manner at my home. In fact, it was a miscreant as a tubeless tire and never more than average as a tubed tire. Society has been relieved of bearing this under producing example that I have as I will be retiring this to the dust bin. Too bad too. It seemed to have so much potential.

Snow Biking: So instead of ripping up some snow packed streets with the Dillinger/Velocity/Ardent package I instead called into duty the Salsa Cycles El Mariachi named "Grimace" outfitted with the porcine WTB Kodiak tires mounted to the wide Gordo hoops. This proved to be a stellar choice. I ended up finding some well travelled snowmobile tracks and the big WTB's floated me right quick down the trail. Now I can finally understand just a bit what it would be like to have a Pugsley or some other fine snow bike.

I only lasted about an hour, but I need to work into things gradually, since I haven't had many outdoor opportunities of late. The single speed and weight of the wheels made for a constant effort that was taxing, but enjoyable. Good riding at any rate. I feel snow riding, at least the style I do, sharpens my handling skills and balance. I was putting out a pretty consistent effort too, so I thought it was a better way to spend an hour than I would have otherwise.

Speaking Of Training: How is the T.I.V6 training going? Are you going to be on that start line in front of Bikes To You in Grinnell on April 24th? No? Then please let me know so I can move some folks off The Waiting List to the roster before Sunday at midnight! That's when The Waiting List turns back into a pumpkin until next time.

Wednesday News And Views

Updates To Gravel Grinder News: In the news on Gravel Grinder News are the race results and a short report from the weekend's running of the first Red River Riot in St. Jo, Texas. Also look for registration news for Vermont's Gravel Grinder Springtime classic and a new addition to the gravel road events in the Twin Cities area called the Westside Dirty Benjamin. Links and info are over there on GGN, so take a look.

Also of note: You can now participate in the conversations if you'd like by commenting on GGN. In the future you can expect some gear reviews, editorils, and more. Stay tuned!

 Salsa Cycles Vaya: Ever since I saw the Vaya prototype last summer I have sort of been ho-hum on the concept, but regardless, it is a cool bike. (Check out the details here) Salsa has made what I would refer to as a "Fargo-lite", a bike that takes up to 43mm tires, but in many ways strikes me as a more "road-centric" version of the awesome Fargo. There isn't a thing wrong with that at all. Really, it has more to do with my off road bias. I will confess that I have trouble dealing with the idea of riding a tire under 42mm wide. I really have a hang up with that. But I digress.......

The Vaya will definitely speak to those who have found traditional geometry in touring bikes lacking for comfort. A tall head tube with the sloping top tube is going to automatically turn off a lot of road going touring afficianados. Too bad. The Vaya will offer riders a far more comfortable rider positioning in terms of multi-hour rides than any traditional touring rig. I am sure that Vaya also has other cool features, (disc brakes for one), but to my eyes, the Vaya nails the nice upright, relaxed rider position perfectly and will really be valuable on rougher roads and gravel. In fact, I would agree with what Dirty Kanza promoter, Jim Cummings has written when he opined that it was the best gravel road rig he's laid eyes on. Yeah, at least from a production bike standpoint, I think that is correct.

So What's Wrong With Skinny Tires?: Nothing. Really.......not a thing. I have ridden many many miles on 23mm tires, but from my standpoint it wasn't very inspiring to be limited to paved roads. Never has been. When I was younger, I loved riding bikes, and I resisted giving up my 20" bike, even though I was way too big for it, because of its 2 inch wide tires. Then I got a 26 X 1/38ths shoed single speed coaster braked Huffy. It looked like an English lightweight, and I immediately removed the fenders, much to my father's chagrin, and began to go off road. Someone stole the thing from me, and I never could bring myself to fall in love with the "adult" bikes of the time which were all based on road racers. In fact, I hated them. They didn't like off road tracks, and I did. Bye-bye bicycles.

Well, I heard about this mountain biking thing around 1984 and my ears pricked up, but due to the hobbies of chasing girls, music, and booze, I never pursued the bicycle idea again until 1988. In 1989 I finally got my fat tired rig (again) and never looked back. Skinny tires just do not inspire me all that much. If it is good for you, well then have a great ride. Me? Not so much. Although I have had some good times on road bikes, I just don't even think about riding paved roads anymore and avoid the whole paved thing whenever possible.

Now you know.

But I would do a self supported paved tour for a month in a heartbeat. I would just chose a fatter tire than most folks, so maybe a Vaya would be that bike. Maybe........

Wednesday News And Views

Updates To Gravel Grinder News: In the news on Gravel Grinder News are the race results and a short report from the weekend's running of the first Red River Riot in St. Jo, Texas. Also look for registration news for Vermont's Gravel Grinder Springtime classic and a new addition to the gravel road events in the Twin Cities area called the Westside Dirty Benjamin. Links and info are over there on GGN, so take a look.

Also of note: You can now participate in the conversations if you'd like by commenting on GGN. In the future you can expect some gear reviews, editorils, and more. Stay tuned!

 Salsa Cycles Vaya: Ever since I saw the Vaya prototype last summer I have sort of been ho-hum on the concept, but regardless, it is a cool bike. (Check out the details here) Salsa has made what I would refer to as a "Fargo-lite", a bike that takes up to 43mm tires, but in many ways strikes me as a more "road-centric" version of the awesome Fargo. There isn't a thing wrong with that at all. Really, it has more to do with my off road bias. I will confess that I have trouble dealing with the idea of riding a tire under 42mm wide. I really have a hang up with that. But I digress.......

The Vaya will definitely speak to those who have found traditional geometry in touring bikes lacking for comfort. A tall head tube with the sloping top tube is going to automatically turn off a lot of road going touring afficianados. Too bad. The Vaya will offer riders a far more comfortable rider positioning in terms of multi-hour rides than any traditional touring rig. I am sure that Vaya also has other cool features, (disc brakes for one), but to my eyes, the Vaya nails the nice upright, relaxed rider position perfectly and will really be valuable on rougher roads and gravel. In fact, I would agree with what Dirty Kanza promoter, Jim Cummings has written when he opined that it was the best gravel road rig he's laid eyes on. Yeah, at least from a production bike standpoint, I think that is correct.

So What's Wrong With Skinny Tires?: Nothing. Really.......not a thing. I have ridden many many miles on 23mm tires, but from my standpoint it wasn't very inspiring to be limited to paved roads. Never has been. When I was younger, I loved riding bikes, and I resisted giving up my 20" bike, even though I was way too big for it, because of its 2 inch wide tires. Then I got a 26 X 1/38ths shoed single speed coaster braked Huffy. It looked like an English lightweight, and I immediately removed the fenders, much to my father's chagrin, and began to go off road. Someone stole the thing from me, and I never could bring myself to fall in love with the "adult" bikes of the time which were all based on road racers. In fact, I hated them. They didn't like off road tracks, and I did. Bye-bye bicycles.

Well, I heard about this mountain biking thing around 1984 and my ears pricked up, but due to the hobbies of chasing girls, music, and booze, I never pursued the bicycle idea again until 1988. In 1989 I finally got my fat tired rig (again) and never looked back. Skinny tires just do not inspire me all that much. If it is good for you, well then have a great ride. Me? Not so much. Although I have had some good times on road bikes, I just don't even think about riding paved roads anymore and avoid the whole paved thing whenever possible.

Now you know.

But I would do a self supported paved tour for a month in a heartbeat. I would just chose a fatter tire than most folks, so maybe a Vaya would be that bike. Maybe........

Bike Shop Tales: More On The Trails Part III

Last week I detailed out a story regarding The Bridge Trail. But that wasn't the only trail out there in Geo Wyth State Park........

Sometime during the winter of '93/'94, I heard about another "secret trail" that existed out in the State Park. The details were sketchy. Nobody really wanted to tell me about it, but with me hanging around the bike shop on a daily basis, I was able to ferret out enough bits and pieces in regards to this trail that I pieced it together and found the trail.

It was a bit snowy out there when I found it, and supposedly this trail had just been cut in, thus the secrecy. Nobody wanted the Park Ranger to know about it until it had gotten "burned in" sometime during the coming spring. Once a trail got "burned in" by a fair amount of riders, it really was hard to get rid of it, or prove it hadn't been there for a while. If the Ranger thought a trail had been around a while, it was usually let go, but "new" trails were frowned upon.

This particular trail was cut in by an ex-Advantage Cyclery employee we all knew as "Tater". He was a quiet fellow with huge thighs and usually let his bike riding do the talking. I never got to know him all that well, but he seemed to be a good guy. He would be seen around the shop at times, or out in the woods riding around on his mountain bike, because he was not only an Advantage Cyclery "alum", but he also had raced for the team based out of the shop at one time too.

Anyway, this trail wasn't all that long, located on the south side of the paved path and north of the river, but it had the greatest "flow" and was a blast to ride on really fast. It came off the fitness trail that ran alongside the river and cut towards the paved path in a serpentine fashion. Going in and out of little ravines and across small ridges in a beautiful way that no other bit of trail ever quite matched out there, with the possible exception of the Bridge Trail. Amazingly fun, and not ever used all that much. Even all the way up to this present time. And I must admit, after last year's wind storms which flattened a lot of trees out there, Tater's Trail is no more. Too bad too.

Another trail sprang up in the east end of the Park late in '94 and into '95. This one was never really a secret, but it was well known that the mountain bike riders of that time were eyeing the land to the east of the paved path and there were a lot of empty woods in that direction. So it was that a collaboration of riders met on a regular basis to carve out a long, serpentine bit of single track.

The main instigators were Brian, his friend Dave (Another possible Dead Bikeman), and a mechanic from the other shop, Vance, who was in the Advantage Cycles mechanics class with me back in the day. The trail they and others made back in there came to be known as the "BVD" trail, taking the first letters of the three main designers into its name. The BVD was a long, fun, challenging trail that flowed right off the east end of the fitness trail that came just before the point where the paved path truncated. Then it wound its way mostly north along the western edge of a service road. Then back and forth until it dumped you out around a tussock of weeds that hid the exit just before you got dumped back onto the paved path near the picnic area. Fun stuff and it made for a long,(for Geo Wyth) challenging ride.

Well, that fun lasted about three years before the State and a landowner to the East got embroiled in a legal battle over the State wanting to annex this property that- (yep! You guessed it!)- a lot of the BVD was built on. We came out there one day to find stakes driven in a straight line that cut right across the serpentine trail in several places. It wasn't long afterward that we found No Trespassing signs were staked in right in the middle of the trail. Efforts were made to re-route the BVD, but that basically killed it. By the early 2000's, even though the land eventually went back to the State, the trail was mostly lost.

Most of the George Wyth trails that were really cool back then are gone today with the exception of the Bridge Trail which is still pretty fun, and amazingly, it is in decent shape. However that is, the State Park was the central stomping grounds for most metro mountain bikers in the time I was at Advantage Cyclery. It was where we went to blow off steam, and have fun. Great times that probably will never be re-created again.

Next Week: Getting back to work........

Bike Shop Tales: More On The Trails Part III

Last week I detailed out a story regarding The Bridge Trail. But that wasn't the only trail out there in Geo Wyth State Park........

Sometime during the winter of '93/'94, I heard about another "secret trail" that existed out in the State Park. The details were sketchy. Nobody really wanted to tell me about it, but with me hanging around the bike shop on a daily basis, I was able to ferret out enough bits and pieces in regards to this trail that I pieced it together and found the trail.

It was a bit snowy out there when I found it, and supposedly this trail had just been cut in, thus the secrecy. Nobody wanted the Park Ranger to know about it until it had gotten "burned in" sometime during the coming spring. Once a trail got "burned in" by a fair amount of riders, it really was hard to get rid of it, or prove it hadn't been there for a while. If the Ranger thought a trail had been around a while, it was usually let go, but "new" trails were frowned upon.

This particular trail was cut in by an ex-Advantage Cyclery employee we all knew as "Tater". He was a quiet fellow with huge thighs and usually let his bike riding do the talking. I never got to know him all that well, but he seemed to be a good guy. He would be seen around the shop at times, or out in the woods riding around on his mountain bike, because he was not only an Advantage Cyclery "alum", but he also had raced for the team based out of the shop at one time too.

Anyway, this trail wasn't all that long, located on the south side of the paved path and north of the river, but it had the greatest "flow" and was a blast to ride on really fast. It came off the fitness trail that ran alongside the river and cut towards the paved path in a serpentine fashion. Going in and out of little ravines and across small ridges in a beautiful way that no other bit of trail ever quite matched out there, with the possible exception of the Bridge Trail. Amazingly fun, and not ever used all that much. Even all the way up to this present time. And I must admit, after last year's wind storms which flattened a lot of trees out there, Tater's Trail is no more. Too bad too.

Another trail sprang up in the east end of the Park late in '94 and into '95. This one was never really a secret, but it was well known that the mountain bike riders of that time were eyeing the land to the east of the paved path and there were a lot of empty woods in that direction. So it was that a collaboration of riders met on a regular basis to carve out a long, serpentine bit of single track.

The main instigators were Brian, his friend Dave (Another possible Dead Bikeman), and a mechanic from the other shop, Vance, who was in the Advantage Cycles mechanics class with me back in the day. The trail they and others made back in there came to be known as the "BVD" trail, taking the first letters of the three main designers into its name. The BVD was a long, fun, challenging trail that flowed right off the east end of the fitness trail that came just before the point where the paved path truncated. Then it wound its way mostly north along the western edge of a service road. Then back and forth until it dumped you out around a tussock of weeds that hid the exit just before you got dumped back onto the paved path near the picnic area. Fun stuff and it made for a long,(for Geo Wyth) challenging ride.

Well, that fun lasted about three years before the State and a landowner to the East got embroiled in a legal battle over the State wanting to annex this property that- (yep! You guessed it!)- a lot of the BVD was built on. We came out there one day to find stakes driven in a straight line that cut right across the serpentine trail in several places. It wasn't long afterward that we found No Trespassing signs were staked in right in the middle of the trail. Efforts were made to re-route the BVD, but that basically killed it. By the early 2000's, even though the land eventually went back to the State, the trail was mostly lost.

Most of the George Wyth trails that were really cool back then are gone today with the exception of the Bridge Trail which is still pretty fun, and amazingly, it is in decent shape. However that is, the State Park was the central stomping grounds for most metro mountain bikers in the time I was at Advantage Cyclery. It was where we went to blow off steam, and have fun. Great times that probably will never be re-created again.

Next Week: Getting back to work........

I Got Nuttin'

Well, this weekend was a wash from a cycling outside point of view. Just too many things going on to get it fit inbetween the cracks of the different activities Saturday and Sunday. So, here is a random post of jumbled thoughts to start your week off with......

To Go Tubeless Or Not To Go Tubeless? That Is The Question! Well, long time G-Ted Productions readers will remember that I have had my issues with the tubeless conversions and setting up tubeless systems. I have largely been able to overcome all the technical difficulties. Some by trial and error, some by the knowledge passed along by friends, and some by the purchase of an air compressor. (Really! The air compressor is a must have!)

There is just one thing: That is that the "old" style of tires for 29"ers are pretty sketchy converted to tubeless. I have seen sidewall issues that are a bit nerve wracking. Holes that just pop up out of nowhere. I believe because of the extra stress that is put on the sidewalls due to the missing tube. At any rate, I have been able to avoid catastrophic failure, but that doesn't build my confidence up when I see a pin hole just develope in front of my eyes. (That did happen once!)

Now I will say that almost every new tire that has come out in the last two years- whether marketed as tubeless ready or not- sure looks tubeless ready to my eyes. Thicker sidewalls and definitely different bead constructions. Nothing like the tires of 2007 and before. Is it a conspiracy to avoid possible litigation that tire makers are making tubeless ready tires and saying they are not? Well, I wouldn't go that far. But I think that they certainly are aware that these tires are going to be used tubeless and are making design changes based upon that knowledge of the market. It's obvious something is being done, anyway.

Trans Iowa V6 Pre-Race Meat-Up: Okay, I got a few more details on the "Meat-Up". (Yes G.Wissell, I stole the name again!) Anyway.......... There will be a "grill yer own" thing happening there which I think will give the guys and gals in attendance a chance to mill around, chat, and get to know one another just a bit that we have not had before. A steak or veggie kabob thing will be there, plus a well stocked salad bar for you non-meat eating folks. I have been promised that the bar will be open as well. We have to announce times yet, but I have been assured that I can have the room for quite a stretch of time that night. We'll have everybody out by 7-7:30pm I hope. Keep in mind: This is a mandatory meeting, but also- it will be probably the only chance you racers will have to casually chat with anyone on the roster. It should be a good time.

Next up on the "to do list" for T.I.V6 is the finish line party, which we are calling "The Oakley O-down At The Barn". This is going to be special! Stay tuned for details on this. We also will be announcing some of the prizing structure for the event. Then there is the gravel grinder that will happen for the support folks and volunteers that are around on Saturday the 24th of April. A self guided group ride will occur that will have options for 30-60-100 miles and will end up at The Barn later for hanging out. This ride will loop in and out of Grinnell, so you won't be too far from your home base. More details will follow on this too. Plus we'll have special coupons for the out of towners to tourist attractions and eating establishments to occupy the time you have while some nutcracker you know is riding around Iowa like a loon.

Are Gravel Grinders Out Growin' Their Britches?: I look around me this year, and especially since starting Gravel Grinder News, and I see unprecedented numbers of events, but more importantly, an unprecedented number of folks wanting to do this stuff. Just check out the Almanzo 100 roster. There has to be well over 200 folks on this list. I know the other gravel grinders are seeing some healthy numbers as well.

Will this sort of pressure on the events and more importantly- on the public road systems they are held on- raise some eyebrows that we gravel grinders are not really wanting to arouse? Maybe. At any rate, it bears close scrutiny and the outcome of some of these unrestricted, underground events may end up causing  not so free events in the future.

Well, that's it. I'm tapped! Have a great week folks!

p.s: Thanks......a HUGE thanks.....to all who sent there good will on my birthday. I really appreciated that!

I Got Nuttin'

Well, this weekend was a wash from a cycling outside point of view. Just too many things going on to get it fit inbetween the cracks of the different activities Saturday and Sunday. So, here is a random post of jumbled thoughts to start your week off with......

To Go Tubeless Or Not To Go Tubeless? That Is The Question! Well, long time G-Ted Productions readers will remember that I have had my issues with the tubeless conversions and setting up tubeless systems. I have largely been able to overcome all the technical difficulties. Some by trial and error, some by the knowledge passed along by friends, and some by the purchase of an air compressor. (Really! The air compressor is a must have!)

There is just one thing: That is that the "old" style of tires for 29"ers are pretty sketchy converted to tubeless. I have seen sidewall issues that are a bit nerve wracking. Holes that just pop up out of nowhere. I believe because of the extra stress that is put on the sidewalls due to the missing tube. At any rate, I have been able to avoid catastrophic failure, but that doesn't build my confidence up when I see a pin hole just develope in front of my eyes. (That did happen once!)

Now I will say that almost every new tire that has come out in the last two years- whether marketed as tubeless ready or not- sure looks tubeless ready to my eyes. Thicker sidewalls and definitely different bead constructions. Nothing like the tires of 2007 and before. Is it a conspiracy to avoid possible litigation that tire makers are making tubeless ready tires and saying they are not? Well, I wouldn't go that far. But I think that they certainly are aware that these tires are going to be used tubeless and are making design changes based upon that knowledge of the market. It's obvious something is being done, anyway.

Trans Iowa V6 Pre-Race Meat-Up: Okay, I got a few more details on the "Meat-Up". (Yes G.Wissell, I stole the name again!) Anyway.......... There will be a "grill yer own" thing happening there which I think will give the guys and gals in attendance a chance to mill around, chat, and get to know one another just a bit that we have not had before. A steak or veggie kabob thing will be there, plus a well stocked salad bar for you non-meat eating folks. I have been promised that the bar will be open as well. We have to announce times yet, but I have been assured that I can have the room for quite a stretch of time that night. We'll have everybody out by 7-7:30pm I hope. Keep in mind: This is a mandatory meeting, but also- it will be probably the only chance you racers will have to casually chat with anyone on the roster. It should be a good time.

Next up on the "to do list" for T.I.V6 is the finish line party, which we are calling "The Oakley O-down At The Barn". This is going to be special! Stay tuned for details on this. We also will be announcing some of the prizing structure for the event. Then there is the gravel grinder that will happen for the support folks and volunteers that are around on Saturday the 24th of April. A self guided group ride will occur that will have options for 30-60-100 miles and will end up at The Barn later for hanging out. This ride will loop in and out of Grinnell, so you won't be too far from your home base. More details will follow on this too. Plus we'll have special coupons for the out of towners to tourist attractions and eating establishments to occupy the time you have while some nutcracker you know is riding around Iowa like a loon.

Are Gravel Grinders Out Growin' Their Britches?: I look around me this year, and especially since starting Gravel Grinder News, and I see unprecedented numbers of events, but more importantly, an unprecedented number of folks wanting to do this stuff. Just check out the Almanzo 100 roster. There has to be well over 200 folks on this list. I know the other gravel grinders are seeing some healthy numbers as well.

Will this sort of pressure on the events and more importantly- on the public road systems they are held on- raise some eyebrows that we gravel grinders are not really wanting to arouse? Maybe. At any rate, it bears close scrutiny and the outcome of some of these unrestricted, underground events may end up causing  not so free events in the future.

Well, that's it. I'm tapped! Have a great week folks!

p.s: Thanks......a HUGE thanks.....to all who sent there good will on my birthday. I really appreciated that!

"gravelgrindernews.com" Is Here!

Hey everyone! This is just a heads up that due to the success of Gravel Grinder News I have decided it would be worthwhile to register the domain http://www.gravelgrindernews.com

The old address will still show up for a bit, and your browsers will be redirected to the new address automatically, but you may want to make the change in your book marks if you want to.

This means that you can expect some changes as this site grows in the future. Nothing spectacular for the short term. I was starting this as a trial balloon of sorts to see if the idea had any traction and it seems that you folks out there think it is a worthy endeavor, which has encouraged me to step it up a notch.That said, the site is powered by you.

I rely on your suggestions, and also your tips to keep the info you find there fresh and useful to gravel aficionados all across the nation. Please keep the info and suggestions flowing by e-mailing me anything pertaining to gravel and back road events, races, and results.

Thanks and I hope you all have great adventures out on the gravel in 2010!

"gravelgrindernews.com" Is Here!

Hey everyone! This is just a heads up that due to the success of Gravel Grinder News I have decided it would be worthwhile to register the domain http://www.gravelgrindernews.com

The old address will still show up for a bit, and your browsers will be redirected to the new address automatically, but you may want to make the change in your book marks if you want to.

This means that you can expect some changes as this site grows in the future. Nothing spectacular for the short term. I was starting this as a trial balloon of sorts to see if the idea had any traction and it seems that you folks out there think it is a worthy endeavor, which has encouraged me to step it up a notch.That said, the site is powered by you.

I rely on your suggestions, and also your tips to keep the info you find there fresh and useful to gravel aficionados all across the nation. Please keep the info and suggestions flowing by e-mailing me anything pertaining to gravel and back road events, races, and results.

Thanks and I hope you all have great adventures out on the gravel in 2010!

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts & 49 Trips Around The Sun

<===Old guy in the snow...

Today marks the end of my 49th trip around the sun. It's been a pretty cool ride so far. Sure.....there has been a few pitfalls, but all in all I am blessed, healthy, and pretty dang happy. It doesn't get much better than that on this Earth, ya know?

So, with that out of the way, let's get on to the latest in Trans Iowa V6 goings on, (and some past business!) I had two things come up Friday that were pretty momentous in regards to Trans Iowa over all. First- the T.I.V6 news!



The Trans Iowa V6 Pre-Race Meat-Up: The venue for T.I.V6's pre-race meeting has been determined. I'd like to welcome The Grinnell Steakhouse as the host of our "Pre-Race Meat-Up" for the 2010 edition of T.I.

We'll be using their banquet room and it is plenty big enough to cover our group. There will be finer details on menu choice, costs, and other things coming, but here are a couple of points that you, the T.I.V6 participant, need to keep in mind.

The "Pre-Race Meat-Up" is a mandatory attendance portion of Trans Iowa. First, upon arrival at the Grinnell Steakhouse, you will be required to check in with me and let me know you are in attendance. I will mark your name off on the roster, and at the call up, you will only hear the names of those that checked in. If you don't check in, there will not be any cue sheets for you. Period. Be there! In fact- come early! Times will be released later.

You will get your pre-event pack with the all important first cue sheet set at this meeting on the call up. Any last minute changes will also be detailed at this event. You will then get the standard "be carefuls", and "do and don't" instructions from me. Then there will be a question and answer time allowed for. Of course, we would really like for you to support the business we have retained as our host and eat there. Cost will be determined, but two menu choices- one with meat, one vegetarian, is the goal for me to have provided for you. There will also be drinks available of the alcoholic variety. Again, details will be coming later. Stay tuned!

I'll be taking a head count just before the event that should include racers and support folks so the Grinnell Steakhouse can be ready for us. Finally, I need to point out the efforts on our behalf by Sheryl Parmley of the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce in securing The Grinnell Steakhouse as our host for the "Meat-Up". Thank you!

The Renegade Sportsman: Back before T.I.V3 started, I was contacted by Zach Dundas who wanted some information about this crazy cycling event he had heard about while in Portland, Oregon. Portland is home to T.I.V1 and the eventual T.I.V3 winner, Ira Ryan, so word had spread around the cycling community there about his exploits, which somehow reached Zach's ear. Well, e-mails were exchanged and before I knew it, Zach had a plane ticket and a rental car and was coming along to shadow T.I.V3 as part of the research he was doing for a book. The book, a tome that was to be about the underground, DIY type sporting events around the nation, was not going to be published right away, and T.I.V3 might not even make the cut. So it was that after the event I patiently awaited word that the book was out. Well, I just got word.....

Zach e-mailed me to let me know that the "Renegade Sportsman" is due out in June in paperback and can be pre-ordered now. (Click the link) Zach also assured me that T.I. was in the book by writing me the following:

"The TransIowa provides one of the true centerpieces of the book. (Can there be more than one centerpiece?) The chapter about the TI is epic in length and, I hope, interest, and contains such memorable characters as Ira Ryan, Tim Ek, Team Polska and yourself. The whole book is about the glory of DIY, independent sport, and I believe I make it clear that the TransIowa is one of the greatest such events on the planet."

Wow! Pretty humbling and very cool.

So, get your copy pre-ordered. It's pretty cool that something like a gravel road event gets this kind of exposure. At least your grand kids will have some extant proof beyond your fazed memories that something like Trans Iowa actually happened and that you were part of it!

Lastly, I recall talking to Zach near the end of T.I.V3 and he was telling me that the book wouldn't probably be out until 2009 or so. I remember my immediate thought was that Trans Iowa may very well not even exist by that time. I think I even uttered something to this effect to Zach, who, as I recall, sort of brushed that off and said that he was sure T.I. would be plugging along just fine. He thought rather that it would be his efforts in regards to the book that would be forgotten by then. Well, I hope neither is the case now. (And in fact, it won't be)

I hope you all find this as exciting as I do.

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts & 49 Trips Around The Sun

<===Old guy in the snow...

Today marks the end of my 49th trip around the sun. It's been a pretty cool ride so far. Sure.....there has been a few pitfalls, but all in all I am blessed, healthy, and pretty dang happy. It doesn't get much better than that on this Earth, ya know?

So, with that out of the way, let's get on to the latest in Trans Iowa V6 goings on, (and some past business!) I had two things come up Friday that were pretty momentous in regards to Trans Iowa over all. First- the T.I.V6 news!



The Trans Iowa V6 Pre-Race Meat-Up: The venue for T.I.V6's pre-race meeting has been determined. I'd like to welcome The Grinnell Steakhouse as the host of our "Pre-Race Meat-Up" for the 2010 edition of T.I.

We'll be using their banquet room and it is plenty big enough to cover our group. There will be finer details on menu choice, costs, and other things coming, but here are a couple of points that you, the T.I.V6 participant, need to keep in mind.

The "Pre-Race Meat-Up" is a mandatory attendance portion of Trans Iowa. First, upon arrival at the Grinnell Steakhouse, you will be required to check in with me and let me know you are in attendance. I will mark your name off on the roster, and at the call up, you will only hear the names of those that checked in. If you don't check in, there will not be any cue sheets for you. Period. Be there! In fact- come early! Times will be released later.

You will get your pre-event pack with the all important first cue sheet set at this meeting on the call up. Any last minute changes will also be detailed at this event. You will then get the standard "be carefuls", and "do and don't" instructions from me. Then there will be a question and answer time allowed for. Of course, we would really like for you to support the business we have retained as our host and eat there. Cost will be determined, but two menu choices- one with meat, one vegetarian, is the goal for me to have provided for you. There will also be drinks available of the alcoholic variety. Again, details will be coming later. Stay tuned!

I'll be taking a head count just before the event that should include racers and support folks so the Grinnell Steakhouse can be ready for us. Finally, I need to point out the efforts on our behalf by Sheryl Parmley of the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce in securing The Grinnell Steakhouse as our host for the "Meat-Up". Thank you!

The Renegade Sportsman: Back before T.I.V3 started, I was contacted by Zach Dundas who wanted some information about this crazy cycling event he had heard about while in Portland, Oregon. Portland is home to T.I.V1 and the eventual T.I.V3 winner, Ira Ryan, so word had spread around the cycling community there about his exploits, which somehow reached Zach's ear. Well, e-mails were exchanged and before I knew it, Zach had a plane ticket and a rental car and was coming along to shadow T.I.V3 as part of the research he was doing for a book. The book, a tome that was to be about the underground, DIY type sporting events around the nation, was not going to be published right away, and T.I.V3 might not even make the cut. So it was that after the event I patiently awaited word that the book was out. Well, I just got word.....

Zach e-mailed me to let me know that the "Renegade Sportsman" is due out in June in paperback and can be pre-ordered now. (Click the link) Zach also assured me that T.I. was in the book by writing me the following:

"The TransIowa provides one of the true centerpieces of the book. (Can there be more than one centerpiece?) The chapter about the TI is epic in length and, I hope, interest, and contains such memorable characters as Ira Ryan, Tim Ek, Team Polska and yourself. The whole book is about the glory of DIY, independent sport, and I believe I make it clear that the TransIowa is one of the greatest such events on the planet."

Wow! Pretty humbling and very cool.

So, get your copy pre-ordered. It's pretty cool that something like a gravel road event gets this kind of exposure. At least your grand kids will have some extant proof beyond your fazed memories that something like Trans Iowa actually happened and that you were part of it!

Lastly, I recall talking to Zach near the end of T.I.V3 and he was telling me that the book wouldn't probably be out until 2009 or so. I remember my immediate thought was that Trans Iowa may very well not even exist by that time. I think I even uttered something to this effect to Zach, who, as I recall, sort of brushed that off and said that he was sure T.I. would be plugging along just fine. He thought rather that it would be his efforts in regards to the book that would be forgotten by then. Well, I hope neither is the case now. (And in fact, it won't be)

I hope you all find this as exciting as I do.

Frost And Flash

<===Mrs. Guitar Ted said that "They sure won't miss you on that one!"

So here ya go, the Velocity wheels, Ardent tires, big long fork, 20mm through axle, one speed, and a cool aluminum frame. No goofy names. Just a killer ride. I can't wait to find some dirt on this one.

Yup, that's about it really. No crazy story. No wild tales of how everything came together. I guess I am just boring that way. Oh well!

The tires are tubeless using my buddy MG's cool system which went together in a snap and I am betting will hold up really well. The Ardent 2.4 is up front here with an Ardent 2.25 in the back cause that's how we roll in the Mid-West. Good news is that the Ardent has stretched up to 59 plus silly-meters so far. Still not a 2.4 incher, but it's gettin' close.

<===Click on the pic to make it bigger and find the smiley face Jack Frost left behind!

So we were treated to about three or four days of crazy hoar frost this week. Frost like I can't ever remember seeing. I was stuck inside with family duties for three days and figured I'd miss getting out in it, but when Tuesday came I was treated to an incredible ride to work. The hoar frost had accumulated to such a degree that many of the smaller branches were completely obscured in a brilliant, feathery white. It was as if the trees had sprouted leaves of pure white color. It was an amazing morning!

I was running late, but I just had to stop and pull out my Panasonic LX-3 and take a few hurried shots to remember this by.

Just another of the odd things that have occurred this winter. Now we're supposed to get rained on Saturday which should make everything glum and nasty looking. Makes me even more happy that I stopped a second or two to take these shots. Winter can be beautiful too. I know some folks can't understand how we put up with the cold, but it isn't all that bad once you've lived here awhile.

That said, I am getting that itch for spring to come. I want to hit the dirt with that Dillinger set up with the Rock Shox. I want to ride miles of gravel. I sure would like to see some flowers again too.

It'll be coming!

Ride yer bike if you can and have a great weekend!

Frost And Flash

<===Mrs. Guitar Ted said that "They sure won't miss you on that one!"

So here ya go, the Velocity wheels, Ardent tires, big long fork, 20mm through axle, one speed, and a cool aluminum frame. No goofy names. Just a killer ride. I can't wait to find some dirt on this one.

Yup, that's about it really. No crazy story. No wild tales of how everything came together. I guess I am just boring that way. Oh well!

The tires are tubeless using my buddy MG's cool system which went together in a snap and I am betting will hold up really well. The Ardent 2.4 is up front here with an Ardent 2.25 in the back cause that's how we roll in the Mid-West. Good news is that the Ardent has stretched up to 59 plus silly-meters so far. Still not a 2.4 incher, but it's gettin' close.

<===Click on the pic to make it bigger and find the smiley face Jack Frost left behind!

So we were treated to about three or four days of crazy hoar frost this week. Frost like I can't ever remember seeing. I was stuck inside with family duties for three days and figured I'd miss getting out in it, but when Tuesday came I was treated to an incredible ride to work. The hoar frost had accumulated to such a degree that many of the smaller branches were completely obscured in a brilliant, feathery white. It was as if the trees had sprouted leaves of pure white color. It was an amazing morning!

I was running late, but I just had to stop and pull out my Panasonic LX-3 and take a few hurried shots to remember this by.

Just another of the odd things that have occurred this winter. Now we're supposed to get rained on Saturday which should make everything glum and nasty looking. Makes me even more happy that I stopped a second or two to take these shots. Winter can be beautiful too. I know some folks can't understand how we put up with the cold, but it isn't all that bad once you've lived here awhile.

That said, I am getting that itch for spring to come. I want to hit the dirt with that Dillinger set up with the Rock Shox. I want to ride miles of gravel. I sure would like to see some flowers again too.

It'll be coming!

Ride yer bike if you can and have a great weekend!

Iced

Wow! What a strange winter it has been so far. Now in the latest snafu of wintry wackiness we have been bathed in ice pellets and freezing rain. A direct hit was avoided here, but still there are a lot of folks without power and the roads were pretty treacherous there for a bit.

So it was that I received a brief "internet vacation" thanks to our service provider that was off line most of last evening and right up to the time of this posting.

This nasty weather, which promises to get even messier for Saturday with rain of all things, is going to make cycling out of doors very challenging, if not impossible. And since I have a distinct aversion to indoor training, that means I may be relegated to walking around when I can between rain, freezing drizzle, or whatever crap weather falls my way over the weekend.

Okay, so enough about that. In the world of cycling I have some projects coming together. I am short two post mount brake studs from having the next beast arise out of the Lab. What is it? Well, let's just say that this guy isn't the only one to have recently built a hard tail 29"er with a long, squishy fork on it. Only mine is more colorful, and therefore better.

You'll just have to wait and see for yourself. (Coming soon to a computer monitor near you!)

Iced

Wow! What a strange winter it has been so far. Now in the latest snafu of wintry wackiness we have been bathed in ice pellets and freezing rain. A direct hit was avoided here, but still there are a lot of folks without power and the roads were pretty treacherous there for a bit.

So it was that I received a brief "internet vacation" thanks to our service provider that was off line most of last evening and right up to the time of this posting.

This nasty weather, which promises to get even messier for Saturday with rain of all things, is going to make cycling out of doors very challenging, if not impossible. And since I have a distinct aversion to indoor training, that means I may be relegated to walking around when I can between rain, freezing drizzle, or whatever crap weather falls my way over the weekend.

Okay, so enough about that. In the world of cycling I have some projects coming together. I am short two post mount brake studs from having the next beast arise out of the Lab. What is it? Well, let's just say that this guy isn't the only one to have recently built a hard tail 29"er with a long, squishy fork on it. Only mine is more colorful, and therefore better.

You'll just have to wait and see for yourself. (Coming soon to a computer monitor near you!)

Spinning Out Of Control

Unless you've been pulling a "Rip Van Winkle" lately you've probably noticed all the goofy, cold, ice, and snow this winter, the strange weather in other parts of the world, earth quakes, political battling, and the rumor of 10 speed mountain bike gruppos from Shimano and SRAM.

I tell ya, it is a sign of the Apocalypse.

Well, really...........we all knew it was coming. We just wanted not to believe it. I mean afterall, SRAM came out with XX and did we really think that would be it? No, we didn't, and you know it. But we were all in denial, that's for sure. Even when Shimano brought out that 12-36T cassette at a Deore level, we were all thinking that someday there would be an XT level 9 speed version, and that all this goofy SRAM XX nonsense would just blow away.

Ha! In reality, Shimano was tipping its hand in that by offering that cassette at that level, they were really telling us everything above that would be 10 speed.


And guess what? It is! XTR, XT, and SLX will all be offered in 10 speed versions for 2011. Much of this will be 2X10 gearing too, just like SRAM's XX offering. Looks like that pesky granny gear will be a thing of the past!

(Speaking of which, here is my buddy Grannygear's take on this. )


<==pics from Hagoromo blog.

But this new Shimano stuff will also be available in a 3X10, making it the first 30 speed mtb group. Crazy! I guess that's good news for those wanting that low gear. (Reportedly 24 X 36T)

The 10 speed thing I was never really a big fan of, and to be honest, I wanted it to fail, but SRAM's XX stuff really works well. If Shimano's stuff works anywhere near as well, I think most folks will be fine with it. At least from a performance standpoint.

Costs to buy in and to maintain this stuff is yet to be determined, but I think the more important question is how often will it need to be replaced? Logically the components will by necessity be thinner, (chain rings, chains) and the force applied to those smaller surface areas will not be decreasing. Road 10 speed is not as durable as its 9 speed predecessors, so I can not see that this will be any different with 10 speed mountain bike componentry. Time will tell, but I have a feeling it won't be a positive outcome. Well.......unless you are a component manufacturer, that is.

Then there is the proprietary/new chain ring BCD's which will be another wrench in the works. No one wants this that I know. We are not asking for it, and it isn't "better". It is another way to "lock you in" and take away choices. Really, what was so bad about five arm 94/58 BCD cranks, or for that matter, why can't we have the old 110/74 BCD back? They use it like crazy on road stuff now. You'd think the component folks would catch on to the idea of making things more compatible/efficient not just for us, but for their bottom line.

Oh well. What can you do? Not much, it seems. They keep on rolling out the new "bling" and riders keep opening their checkbooks and using their credit cards. I suppose it will work "okay", but it could be so much better than "okay" and cheaper too.

Finally, I know a lot of riders are not using a big ring anymore anyway, and 2X10 may be seen as a huge step forward to them. If the gearing choices get low enough for those folks, and the stuff lasts a decent amount of time, with great performance, it will be a hit.

And 9speed will become the realm of Altus hybrid bikes!

Spinning Out Of Control

Unless you've been pulling a "Rip Van Winkle" lately you've probably noticed all the goofy, cold, ice, and snow this winter, the strange weather in other parts of the world, earth quakes, political battling, and the rumor of 10 speed mountain bike gruppos from Shimano and SRAM.

I tell ya, it is a sign of the Apocalypse.

Well, really...........we all knew it was coming. We just wanted not to believe it. I mean afterall, SRAM came out with XX and did we really think that would be it? No, we didn't, and you know it. But we were all in denial, that's for sure. Even when Shimano brought out that 12-36T cassette at a Deore level, we were all thinking that someday there would be an XT level 9 speed version, and that all this goofy SRAM XX nonsense would just blow away.

Ha! In reality, Shimano was tipping its hand in that by offering that cassette at that level, they were really telling us everything above that would be 10 speed.


And guess what? It is! XTR, XT, and SLX will all be offered in 10 speed versions for 2011. Much of this will be 2X10 gearing too, just like SRAM's XX offering. Looks like that pesky granny gear will be a thing of the past!

(Speaking of which, here is my buddy Grannygear's take on this. )


<==pics from Hagoromo blog.

But this new Shimano stuff will also be available in a 3X10, making it the first 30 speed mtb group. Crazy! I guess that's good news for those wanting that low gear. (Reportedly 24 X 36T)

The 10 speed thing I was never really a big fan of, and to be honest, I wanted it to fail, but SRAM's XX stuff really works well. If Shimano's stuff works anywhere near as well, I think most folks will be fine with it. At least from a performance standpoint.

Costs to buy in and to maintain this stuff is yet to be determined, but I think the more important question is how often will it need to be replaced? Logically the components will by necessity be thinner, (chain rings, chains) and the force applied to those smaller surface areas will not be decreasing. Road 10 speed is not as durable as its 9 speed predecessors, so I can not see that this will be any different with 10 speed mountain bike componentry. Time will tell, but I have a feeling it won't be a positive outcome. Well.......unless you are a component manufacturer, that is.

Then there is the proprietary/new chain ring BCD's which will be another wrench in the works. No one wants this that I know. We are not asking for it, and it isn't "better". It is another way to "lock you in" and take away choices. Really, what was so bad about five arm 94/58 BCD cranks, or for that matter, why can't we have the old 110/74 BCD back? They use it like crazy on road stuff now. You'd think the component folks would catch on to the idea of making things more compatible/efficient not just for us, but for their bottom line.

Oh well. What can you do? Not much, it seems. They keep on rolling out the new "bling" and riders keep opening their checkbooks and using their credit cards. I suppose it will work "okay", but it could be so much better than "okay" and cheaper too.

Finally, I know a lot of riders are not using a big ring anymore anyway, and 2X10 may be seen as a huge step forward to them. If the gearing choices get low enough for those folks, and the stuff lasts a decent amount of time, with great performance, it will be a hit.

And 9speed will become the realm of Altus hybrid bikes!