Time For A Concept Bike! Part III

When the subject of this concept for a gravel grinder specific rig came up, I got a few comments about some other bikes that would be good for the job, and wouldn't require a "clean sheet of paper" approach. On one hand that is a very good way to go about this situation. I mean, why bother with all the bother if you can just get by with something already being produced and save money in the process? It makes sense, and it deserves to be discussed. Finally, to be perfectly honest, I looked long and hard at both of the following bikes and nearly pulled the trigger on both. Still might do that for one of them.

Salsa Cycles Casseroll (Version II): Here is a classy bike and it has been recently overhauled with some details that brought it close to being my choice.

What's Good: First of all, Salsa went with cantilever brakes, which make this an immediate contender. They added the front rack, which isn't necessary, but it is an interesting addition that I could make useful. The fact that it looks smashing doesn't hurt either. Cost could easily be contained by going with the frame set option, and using some old Campy stuff I already own.Finally, it has a relaxed, low-ish geometry.

So Why Not? Basically it boils down to the geometry and an unknown in tire clearance. I am pretty sure it falls shy of my 42mm ideal tire size, (web site states it can take 38's with fenders), so that isn't ideal for me. The geometry, while backed off from criterium steepness, isn't quite where I would like it either. Still a definite "maybe" here.

Surly Bikes Cross-Check: How many gravel grinders have at least one Cross-Check in their pelotons? I bet most if not all.

What's Good: The Cross-Check has some features that are spot on. Slacker head tube angle, big tire clearance. The new Robin's Egg Blue is stunning, and the frame is as reliable as tomorrow's sunrise. As with the Casseroll above, the Cross-Check supports a single speed option. Again, a frame only option leaves me with a cheaper alternative than going custom.

So Why Not? Again, the geometry isn't quite where I would like to see it. Another thing that I see as a strike against this frame is the heavier tubing used throughout. However; the tire clearance is enormous on the Cross-Check, and there is no denying its gravel grinding pedigree. Again, a definite "maybe".

A Note On Geometry: You'll notice I am being a stickler on the geometry deal. Why? Well, for two years running I have almost bitten the dust because the geometry of the bike I was riding down a really fast, loose descent caused handling issues I would rather not experience. I also have noted that over longer periods in the saddle, I like a more stable, "in the bike" feeling, and I can't find that in many of today's offerings.

The Cross-Check and the Casseroll both have elements of their design that I find attractive. If I could have an offspring of the two, I would probably go with that, but obviously, that isn't going to happen. So, I am exploring a custom bike that addresses my concerns and isn't a mountain bike. That was my mistake before: I insisted on single track-ability. Not so with this bike. I'm going for a pure gravel rig here.

So, stay tuned. I hope to hammer out some more details on this idea soon, and maybe, just maybe, I'll move on to actually having something made. And don't get me wrong- I may still end up with one of the two choices above. You never know........

Time For A Concept Bike! Part III

When the subject of this concept for a gravel grinder specific rig came up, I got a few comments about some other bikes that would be good for the job, and wouldn't require a "clean sheet of paper" approach. On one hand that is a very good way to go about this situation. I mean, why bother with all the bother if you can just get by with something already being produced and save money in the process? It makes sense, and it deserves to be discussed. Finally, to be perfectly honest, I looked long and hard at both of the following bikes and nearly pulled the trigger on both. Still might do that for one of them.

Salsa Cycles Casseroll (Version II): Here is a classy bike and it has been recently overhauled with some details that brought it close to being my choice.

What's Good: First of all, Salsa went with cantilever brakes, which make this an immediate contender. They added the front rack, which isn't necessary, but it is an interesting addition that I could make useful. The fact that it looks smashing doesn't hurt either. Cost could easily be contained by going with the frame set option, and using some old Campy stuff I already own.Finally, it has a relaxed, low-ish geometry.

So Why Not? Basically it boils down to the geometry and an unknown in tire clearance. I am pretty sure it falls shy of my 42mm ideal tire size, (web site states it can take 38's with fenders), so that isn't ideal for me. The geometry, while backed off from criterium steepness, isn't quite where I would like it either. Still a definite "maybe" here.

Surly Bikes Cross-Check: How many gravel grinders have at least one Cross-Check in their pelotons? I bet most if not all.

What's Good: The Cross-Check has some features that are spot on. Slacker head tube angle, big tire clearance. The new Robin's Egg Blue is stunning, and the frame is as reliable as tomorrow's sunrise. As with the Casseroll above, the Cross-Check supports a single speed option. Again, a frame only option leaves me with a cheaper alternative than going custom.

So Why Not? Again, the geometry isn't quite where I would like to see it. Another thing that I see as a strike against this frame is the heavier tubing used throughout. However; the tire clearance is enormous on the Cross-Check, and there is no denying its gravel grinding pedigree. Again, a definite "maybe".

A Note On Geometry: You'll notice I am being a stickler on the geometry deal. Why? Well, for two years running I have almost bitten the dust because the geometry of the bike I was riding down a really fast, loose descent caused handling issues I would rather not experience. I also have noted that over longer periods in the saddle, I like a more stable, "in the bike" feeling, and I can't find that in many of today's offerings.

The Cross-Check and the Casseroll both have elements of their design that I find attractive. If I could have an offspring of the two, I would probably go with that, but obviously, that isn't going to happen. So, I am exploring a custom bike that addresses my concerns and isn't a mountain bike. That was my mistake before: I insisted on single track-ability. Not so with this bike. I'm going for a pure gravel rig here.

So, stay tuned. I hope to hammer out some more details on this idea soon, and maybe, just maybe, I'll move on to actually having something made. And don't get me wrong- I may still end up with one of the two choices above. You never know........

Hero To Zero

Saturday was all about the Turkey Burn ride at Camp Ingawanis' South Side. I got up late and moseyed on out there by about 9:30am, I suppose it was. There were three guys setting to go out, and they turned to wait for me, but I waved them on. It was cold and I didn't want them to catch a chill waiting for me to fumble through my stuff.

I saw Captain Bob's bike and another Orbea sitting there, but I didn't know where those two might be. I took off and rode a loop on my own. One thing that was quite apparent was that it was so cold the ground was frozen and that traction was endless. Basically, this is our version of "hero dirt". There was no way you could go too fast to break your tires loose. Well, not the AKA Geax tires I was running anyway!

After running one lap, I got back where the three fellows ahead of me were just taking off their helmets and heading inside the big RV that was parked out there. Inside was Captain Bob, not feeling too well. He had a nasty cold or some other malady. He had done a bit of riding and settled in the RV for the duration.

We all chatted each other up for awhile, but then the party broke up. I went out for another lap before leaving. On this one, I scared up the big deer herd in the Camp and deer were scurrying all around me, and across the trail in front of me. In fact, it got a bit spooky after I noticed one big doe that walked alongside the trail not more than a few feet from me. I decided to stop and let the deer settle down and clear out while I snapped a few images. Then, I took off to find an empty parking lot, just like it usually is when I ride out there. A magical day for a ride.

Then Sunday came and it was a whole different scene. I had a different bike with a new fork on it and with new tires on it as well. The fork was a shorter axle to crown affair and I had never ridden the Big Mama with a 100mm fork. Recipe for disaster? Well, consider the fact that the temperatures "soared" into the 40's, melting the top layer of "perma-frost" and the answer is "yes". Yes it was a recipe for disaster.

I have to explain the terrain I rode on. "Grease" is the name for the condition of the dirt I am talking about. Silty river fluff that is mostly black dirt and sand mixed together which holds plenty of moisture. Generally at this time of year it freezes, which is a fast, fun condition to ride on. When the sun hits bare earth and the temps get around freezing or above, then that top layer un-freezes and turns into this "grease".

It might be a bit hard to understand yet, so let me offer this example: Let's say you have a tiled floor. Now imagine you have an inch of axle grease on that and some sand and leaves over this enough to camouflage the grease. Now imagine riding a pretty smooth two inch to three inch wide tire on that.

Yeah.......it's not going to be pretty!

Fortunately I had on the new tires: Bontrager 29-4's, which are really aggressively knobbed affairs. Still, these were barely enough to keep you upright, and to be honest, a couple of times they didn't. But really, in a few of my spills, no tire would have helped. It was just that slick. I did manage to ride out a few slides and one was a true crossed up affair at speed through a corner. WooHoo!

<=="I'll get you next time, you filthy, greasy trail! Grrr!"

The best biff was the last of the day. Trail goes down into a shallow ravine, then hard right at the incline out. The tires gave way, and I got dumped off on the right side, falling on my right knee and right hand in the sticky black dirt. I actually slid forward to a stop about a foot, and then as I sat motionless, I actually slid backwards back down the slight decline a few inches. That tells you how slippery it was! If dirt could mimic slippery snow, this is it.

The funniest thing about the dirt when it gets like this is that it doesn't really stick to anything else but your tires. My frame showed no signs of this muck after I got home, and even my thermal tights were barely showing any effects of the greasy dirt on my knee after I got home. It is the strangest stuff.

All in all it was a great weekend. One day I couldn't fall down if I tried, and I pushed it hard. The next day I was tippy-toeing around the single track and I fell to the earth four times. Hero to zero. Keeps me honest, it does!

Hero To Zero

Saturday was all about the Turkey Burn ride at Camp Ingawanis' South Side. I got up late and moseyed on out there by about 9:30am, I suppose it was. There were three guys setting to go out, and they turned to wait for me, but I waved them on. It was cold and I didn't want them to catch a chill waiting for me to fumble through my stuff.

I saw Captain Bob's bike and another Orbea sitting there, but I didn't know where those two might be. I took off and rode a loop on my own. One thing that was quite apparent was that it was so cold the ground was frozen and that traction was endless. Basically, this is our version of "hero dirt". There was no way you could go too fast to break your tires loose. Well, not the AKA Geax tires I was running anyway!

After running one lap, I got back where the three fellows ahead of me were just taking off their helmets and heading inside the big RV that was parked out there. Inside was Captain Bob, not feeling too well. He had a nasty cold or some other malady. He had done a bit of riding and settled in the RV for the duration.

We all chatted each other up for awhile, but then the party broke up. I went out for another lap before leaving. On this one, I scared up the big deer herd in the Camp and deer were scurrying all around me, and across the trail in front of me. In fact, it got a bit spooky after I noticed one big doe that walked alongside the trail not more than a few feet from me. I decided to stop and let the deer settle down and clear out while I snapped a few images. Then, I took off to find an empty parking lot, just like it usually is when I ride out there. A magical day for a ride.

Then Sunday came and it was a whole different scene. I had a different bike with a new fork on it and with new tires on it as well. The fork was a shorter axle to crown affair and I had never ridden the Big Mama with a 100mm fork. Recipe for disaster? Well, consider the fact that the temperatures "soared" into the 40's, melting the top layer of "perma-frost" and the answer is "yes". Yes it was a recipe for disaster.

I have to explain the terrain I rode on. "Grease" is the name for the condition of the dirt I am talking about. Silty river fluff that is mostly black dirt and sand mixed together which holds plenty of moisture. Generally at this time of year it freezes, which is a fast, fun condition to ride on. When the sun hits bare earth and the temps get around freezing or above, then that top layer un-freezes and turns into this "grease".

It might be a bit hard to understand yet, so let me offer this example: Let's say you have a tiled floor. Now imagine you have an inch of axle grease on that and some sand and leaves over this enough to camouflage the grease. Now imagine riding a pretty smooth two inch to three inch wide tire on that.

Yeah.......it's not going to be pretty!

Fortunately I had on the new tires: Bontrager 29-4's, which are really aggressively knobbed affairs. Still, these were barely enough to keep you upright, and to be honest, a couple of times they didn't. But really, in a few of my spills, no tire would have helped. It was just that slick. I did manage to ride out a few slides and one was a true crossed up affair at speed through a corner. WooHoo!

<=="I'll get you next time, you filthy, greasy trail! Grrr!"

The best biff was the last of the day. Trail goes down into a shallow ravine, then hard right at the incline out. The tires gave way, and I got dumped off on the right side, falling on my right knee and right hand in the sticky black dirt. I actually slid forward to a stop about a foot, and then as I sat motionless, I actually slid backwards back down the slight decline a few inches. That tells you how slippery it was! If dirt could mimic slippery snow, this is it.

The funniest thing about the dirt when it gets like this is that it doesn't really stick to anything else but your tires. My frame showed no signs of this muck after I got home, and even my thermal tights were barely showing any effects of the greasy dirt on my knee after I got home. It is the strangest stuff.

All in all it was a great weekend. One day I couldn't fall down if I tried, and I pushed it hard. The next day I was tippy-toeing around the single track and I fell to the earth four times. Hero to zero. Keeps me honest, it does!

Time For A Concept Bike! Part II

<===Scene from the Turkey Burn ride. Report on that and more on Monday.

Continuing on with the thoughts on a gravel grinder specific bike from yesterday's post. I laid out the basic geometry of the bike as I see it, now I want to get into some things that are maybe a bit strange, and certainly specific to my wants and desires.

The first thing that needs to be covered is the drop out question. I've seen many a Trans Iowa and Dirty Kanza 200 ride come to a screeching halt due to a rear derailleur getting ripped off, a replaceable drop breaking, or a integral hangar getting twisted beyond repair in the field. This would be less of an issue if one could more easily convert to a single speed set up in the field. This would be a workable solution if track ends, (with a derailleur hangar), or forward facing horizontal drop outs were used. Plus, then I could single speed this rig, if and when I wanted. (And I might want that) The other workable solution here would be to go with a split shell eccentric bottom bracket, but that is somewhat off the radar due to a brake idea Ben Witt and I have.....

<===image credit to Paul Components

Yep! Here is where we go off the beaten path. The Paul Racer Brake is a replica of the old Mafac Racer brake that was in use years ago. As you can see from the photo, it has loads of clearance and it is quite powerful. What we are considering is putting it under the chain stays. Why?

We feel it will allow for an unencumbered seat stay which, since it won't have to resist braking forces, could perhaps be a bit more "flexible" and give a more comfortable ride over the long haul. Not to mention the fact that it will look sleek as all get out.

Yes, there are some technical challenges to fitting all that under there and have the cable work it. This may not happen in the end, at which time we would default to cantilevers, or at least I would. (Or maybe we'd just put the racer brakes on the seat stays after all, who knows!) Anyway, it will be a fun exercise to see if we could possibly pull it all off.

That's all for now. Next weekend there will be a few beers drank and some ideas batted around for this project. I may have some more to report later. Stay tuned....

Time For A Concept Bike! Part II

<===Scene from the Turkey Burn ride. Report on that and more on Monday.

Continuing on with the thoughts on a gravel grinder specific bike from yesterday's post. I laid out the basic geometry of the bike as I see it, now I want to get into some things that are maybe a bit strange, and certainly specific to my wants and desires.

The first thing that needs to be covered is the drop out question. I've seen many a Trans Iowa and Dirty Kanza 200 ride come to a screeching halt due to a rear derailleur getting ripped off, a replaceable drop breaking, or a integral hangar getting twisted beyond repair in the field. This would be less of an issue if one could more easily convert to a single speed set up in the field. This would be a workable solution if track ends, (with a derailleur hangar), or forward facing horizontal drop outs were used. Plus, then I could single speed this rig, if and when I wanted. (And I might want that) The other workable solution here would be to go with a split shell eccentric bottom bracket, but that is somewhat off the radar due to a brake idea Ben Witt and I have.....

<===image credit to Paul Components

Yep! Here is where we go off the beaten path. The Paul Racer Brake is a replica of the old Mafac Racer brake that was in use years ago. As you can see from the photo, it has loads of clearance and it is quite powerful. What we are considering is putting it under the chain stays. Why?

We feel it will allow for an unencumbered seat stay which, since it won't have to resist braking forces, could perhaps be a bit more "flexible" and give a more comfortable ride over the long haul. Not to mention the fact that it will look sleek as all get out.

Yes, there are some technical challenges to fitting all that under there and have the cable work it. This may not happen in the end, at which time we would default to cantilevers, or at least I would. (Or maybe we'd just put the racer brakes on the seat stays after all, who knows!) Anyway, it will be a fun exercise to see if we could possibly pull it all off.

That's all for now. Next weekend there will be a few beers drank and some ideas batted around for this project. I may have some more to report later. Stay tuned....

Time For A Concept Bike!

<===Cool woodland bird house with an interesting cross mounting. Doesn't have anything to do with this post, but I don't have a bicycle yet to show for this, so....

Okay, I've ridden a lot of miles on gravel roads on a lot of bicycles and I have an idea. My idea for a bicycle specifically designed for gravel road riding, and...well.....that's about it!

Yes, I could use it as a paved road bike, but that is a secondary consideration.

There are a few pretty set parameters for this project, and some ideas that could be cool- or could be circular binned. Let's go over the main points that I feel "I" want. (Note: You may not agree, and I will entertain your dissensions, if you want, but I would need some seriously substantial evidence to the contrary for me to give up on the following)

The following are my ideas which are pretty set in my mind for this project.
-Frame in steel
-Over-all concept very "Matt Chester-ish" (If you are familiar at all with his work)
-71.5 degree head angle
-72 degree seat tube angle
-High trail fork
-Tall head tube to reduce stem/spacer necessary for drop bars
-Geared or single speed, (but I could be talked out of the need for SS)
-Capacity for 42mm tires with a bit of room to spare.
-Chain stay length can be long-ish, but this isn't a touring bike either.
-Three water bottle mounts, pump peg, rear rack mounts.
-75mm-80mm BB drop

What this bike isn't going to be is a Rando bike, touring bike, or cyclo-cross bike. It isn't going to carry a load on the front. I may want to have a light load out back, thus the rack mounts, but again, it isn't ever going to have panniers. I'd probably run a 2X10, or some 2X set up with friction shifters likely. It is primarily going to be about being stable, easy to ride when tired, comfortable on long rides, and simple.

I'll hit some optional details I am mulling over in another post. Stay tuned....

Time For A Concept Bike!

<===Cool woodland bird house with an interesting cross mounting. Doesn't have anything to do with this post, but I don't have a bicycle yet to show for this, so....

Okay, I've ridden a lot of miles on gravel roads on a lot of bicycles and I have an idea. My idea for a bicycle specifically designed for gravel road riding, and...well.....that's about it!

Yes, I could use it as a paved road bike, but that is a secondary consideration.

There are a few pretty set parameters for this project, and some ideas that could be cool- or could be circular binned. Let's go over the main points that I feel "I" want. (Note: You may not agree, and I will entertain your dissensions, if you want, but I would need some seriously substantial evidence to the contrary for me to give up on the following)

The following are my ideas which are pretty set in my mind for this project.
-Frame in steel
-Over-all concept very "Matt Chester-ish" (If you are familiar at all with his work)
-71.5 degree head angle
-72 degree seat tube angle
-High trail fork
-Tall head tube to reduce stem/spacer necessary for drop bars
-Geared or single speed, (but I could be talked out of the need for SS)
-Capacity for 42mm tires with a bit of room to spare.
-Chain stay length can be long-ish, but this isn't a touring bike either.
-Three water bottle mounts, pump peg, rear rack mounts.
-75mm-80mm BB drop

What this bike isn't going to be is a Rando bike, touring bike, or cyclo-cross bike. It isn't going to carry a load on the front. I may want to have a light load out back, thus the rack mounts, but again, it isn't ever going to have panniers. I'd probably run a 2X10, or some 2X set up with friction shifters likely. It is primarily going to be about being stable, easy to ride when tired, comfortable on long rides, and simple.

I'll hit some optional details I am mulling over in another post. Stay tuned....

Trans Iowa V7 Update #5

<===What your vision may be like Saturday night, April 23rd.....if you make it that far......

More On Support: Okay, okay.....I said I was going to cut off the T.I.V7 posts here for awhile, but I forgot to finish off my thoughts from the last update, (can be read here). So, suffer me this last assault on your senses regarding Trans Iowa, dear readers, and then I will really leave you be for some time...

But first, if you care to read a truly fine bit of wisdom, and you are a Trans Iowa Rookie, go here. 

Now, on with the show....

After I posted the last update, I received an excellent comment from a Trans Iowa vet that succinctly states what this post is about. These are his words and the bold type is his emphasis I think it is a widely held opinion amongst Vets and Finishers, so Rookies, read closely! . Here it is as it appeared on my last Update Post;

Reflector Collector said...

 "Please emphasize that you are on your own along with the idea that having someone waiting in standby means somewhere else other than leap-frogging riders on the course.

It's important to have your backup/bailout plan in place, but it should be exactly that, a rescue. Not some circling mother-hen-type person(s) meeting riders at various points along the route to make certain you are okay. To me, that sounds a little too much like support.

Enjoy the very lonely feeling and isolation out there, oh so very alone suffering on Iowa gravel"

 

Consider that point "empathized"!

Okay, so we don't want folks out on course, which means no spectating! No spectating means "no one following anyone around." Nobody. Got that? This also applies to checkpoints, which we are going to discourage anyone from going to, (the first one), and forbid anyone going to the second one, which is on a remote intersection of two Iowa rural roads. No parking- no place to sit, no amenities, no restrooms, well.....I think you get the picture.

So, where should support people be? In their hotel, motel, or possibly another cool location. (I'll be making an announcement soon). Stay tuned on that front. We've got time to develop that idea yet.

Wireless Support: Finally, another T.I. Vet suggested this topic: The temptation to "connect" via cell phone while you are riding, or take calls from folks outside the event while you are riding. Tell me what you think: Having a voice in your ear while you would otherwise be "alone" out there is something good, no? Something that gives you a "boost", right? Well, doesn't that sound like "outside support"? I think it is. 

While d.p. and I can not stop anyone from taking this sort of support, I would appeal to your honor as cyclists to not engage in any of that sort of thing. If you have to use a cell phone, let it be only to drop out of the event and call in for a ride. Basically, "Never Quit, Never Use You Cell Phone Unless You're Going To Quit". The only other reason for a call here is to get help in case of an emergency. Okay? Nuff said. 

Just a word on cell phones in Iowa: (Well, Rural Iowa!): You may want to consider actually turning your phones off. Many a T.I. competitor has found themselves without a working cell phone due to the amount of roaming for signals your phones will be doing out in the digital hinterlands. Yes- believe it or not, but cell phone coverage stinks in the country away from main highways in this state, no matter what Verizon, or Sprint, or what ever phone provider says. Just keep in mind that when you are in the vicinity of a paved road you'll  generally get a  signal, and valleys are cell phone death areas. Get on top of a hill if you have to call. Finally, the rural Iowa citizen is generally a good hearted soul. Knock on a door if you have to.

Okay, that should about wrap it up on my "support series" on the T.I.V7 updates here.

 

 

Trans Iowa V7 Update #5

<===What your vision may be like Saturday night, April 23rd.....if you make it that far......

More On Support: Okay, okay.....I said I was going to cut off the T.I.V7 posts here for awhile, but I forgot to finish off my thoughts from the last update, (can be read here). So, suffer me this last assault on your senses regarding Trans Iowa, dear readers, and then I will really leave you be for some time...

But first, if you care to read a truly fine bit of wisdom, and you are a Trans Iowa Rookie, go here. 

Now, on with the show....

After I posted the last update, I received an excellent comment from a Trans Iowa vet that succinctly states what this post is about. These are his words and the bold type is his emphasis I think it is a widely held opinion amongst Vets and Finishers, so Rookies, read closely! . Here it is as it appeared on my last Update Post;

Reflector Collector said...

 "Please emphasize that you are on your own along with the idea that having someone waiting in standby means somewhere else other than leap-frogging riders on the course.

It's important to have your backup/bailout plan in place, but it should be exactly that, a rescue. Not some circling mother-hen-type person(s) meeting riders at various points along the route to make certain you are okay. To me, that sounds a little too much like support.

Enjoy the very lonely feeling and isolation out there, oh so very alone suffering on Iowa gravel"

 

Consider that point "empathized"!

Okay, so we don't want folks out on course, which means no spectating! No spectating means "no one following anyone around." Nobody. Got that? This also applies to checkpoints, which we are going to discourage anyone from going to, (the first one), and forbid anyone going to the second one, which is on a remote intersection of two Iowa rural roads. No parking- no place to sit, no amenities, no restrooms, well.....I think you get the picture.

So, where should support people be? In their hotel, motel, or possibly another cool location. (I'll be making an announcement soon). Stay tuned on that front. We've got time to develop that idea yet.

Wireless Support: Finally, another T.I. Vet suggested this topic: The temptation to "connect" via cell phone while you are riding, or take calls from folks outside the event while you are riding. Tell me what you think: Having a voice in your ear while you would otherwise be "alone" out there is something good, no? Something that gives you a "boost", right? Well, doesn't that sound like "outside support"? I think it is. 

While d.p. and I can not stop anyone from taking this sort of support, I would appeal to your honor as cyclists to not engage in any of that sort of thing. If you have to use a cell phone, let it be only to drop out of the event and call in for a ride. Basically, "Never Quit, Never Use You Cell Phone Unless You're Going To Quit". The only other reason for a call here is to get help in case of an emergency. Okay? Nuff said. 

Just a word on cell phones in Iowa: (Well, Rural Iowa!): You may want to consider actually turning your phones off. Many a T.I. competitor has found themselves without a working cell phone due to the amount of roaming for signals your phones will be doing out in the digital hinterlands. Yes- believe it or not, but cell phone coverage stinks in the country away from main highways in this state, no matter what Verizon, or Sprint, or what ever phone provider says. Just keep in mind that when you are in the vicinity of a paved road you'll  generally get a  signal, and valleys are cell phone death areas. Get on top of a hill if you have to call. Finally, the rural Iowa citizen is generally a good hearted soul. Knock on a door if you have to.

Okay, that should about wrap it up on my "support series" on the T.I.V7 updates here.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving From Guitar Ted Productions!

In perhaps an example of fortuitous timing, Bontrager sent along this belt from their "eco" line of products. Stuff that is recyclable and in some cases, like this, are recycled materials themselves. This belt is made from ISO 622 rubber inner tubes!

A very appropos Thanksgiving gift, since it stretches, which is what my gut is going to do if I am not careful. At least I won't have to let my belt out a notch! It'll just stretch! ha ha!

Okay, I hope all of you are having a great time with family and loved ones. Be safe and don't eat too much!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving From Guitar Ted Productions!

In perhaps an example of fortuitous timing, Bontrager sent along this belt from their "eco" line of products. Stuff that is recyclable and in some cases, like this, are recycled materials themselves. This belt is made from ISO 622 rubber inner tubes!

A very appropos Thanksgiving gift, since it stretches, which is what my gut is going to do if I am not careful. At least I won't have to let my belt out a notch! It'll just stretch! ha ha!

Okay, I hope all of you are having a great time with family and loved ones. Be safe and don't eat too much!

Wednesday News And Views

Problem Solved: I was having some issues with braking on my Badger I just got back up and going again, and I solved the issue with this little doohickey called a Travel Agent. It works really well.

The issue was that with STI levers, which are meant to pull less cable, but have a high mechanical advantage, the Avid BB-7 Mountain Disc Brakes were not functioning at an optimal level. They need lots of cable pull and a lever with less mechanical advantage.

The Travel Agents upped the cable pull to the point where I now have awesome brakes on the Badger. You can read more about it by checking my mini-review on these gizmos over at The Cyclistsite.com.

 What's In My Stand: I had this old girl come through the other day. A Trek 850 Antelope model with under the chain stay roller cam brake.

It is a throwback machine to the mid-80's when mountain bikes were still made to mimic the Norcal geometry which itself was borrowed from "pre-war" Schwinn cruiser bikes.

This one is a "rider" so many of the original parts were gone, but the SunTour "XC" stem was still there and looking great. It's neat to see the old ones come through and it reminds you just how far things have come since the dawn of the modern mtb happened.

They Finally Showed Up! The much anticipated Bontrager 29-4 tires just "showed up" at the shop yesterday. I knew that the last word I got was that the tires would be sent out once they were available, and usually you get some advanced warning of shipment. However; this tire has been so long in the "coming soon" file that I had completely forgotten about them. (Which is absolutely cool and fun. I like surprises like that!)

Anyway, these are looking like they may be the perfect El Paso/Franklin Mountain tires. Makes me want to go down there now to try that theory out, it does! (Which would probably be a much warmer place than here right about now too!)

Anyway, I'll have to pop these on a rig quick and maybe I'll roll these for the Turkey Burn on Saturday at The Camp. By the way, if you make it out there Saturday, Captain Bob says he's bringing chili, so make sure you work up an appetite! Bonus: Weather is now predicted to be a bit warmer than previously thought! WooHoo!

Wednesday News And Views

Problem Solved: I was having some issues with braking on my Badger I just got back up and going again, and I solved the issue with this little doohickey called a Travel Agent. It works really well.

The issue was that with STI levers, which are meant to pull less cable, but have a high mechanical advantage, the Avid BB-7 Mountain Disc Brakes were not functioning at an optimal level. They need lots of cable pull and a lever with less mechanical advantage.

The Travel Agents upped the cable pull to the point where I now have awesome brakes on the Badger. You can read more about it by checking my mini-review on these gizmos over at The Cyclistsite.com.

 What's In My Stand: I had this old girl come through the other day. A Trek 850 Antelope model with under the chain stay roller cam brake.

It is a throwback machine to the mid-80's when mountain bikes were still made to mimic the Norcal geometry which itself was borrowed from "pre-war" Schwinn cruiser bikes.

This one is a "rider" so many of the original parts were gone, but the SunTour "XC" stem was still there and looking great. It's neat to see the old ones come through and it reminds you just how far things have come since the dawn of the modern mtb happened.

They Finally Showed Up! The much anticipated Bontrager 29-4 tires just "showed up" at the shop yesterday. I knew that the last word I got was that the tires would be sent out once they were available, and usually you get some advanced warning of shipment. However; this tire has been so long in the "coming soon" file that I had completely forgotten about them. (Which is absolutely cool and fun. I like surprises like that!)

Anyway, these are looking like they may be the perfect El Paso/Franklin Mountain tires. Makes me want to go down there now to try that theory out, it does! (Which would probably be a much warmer place than here right about now too!)

Anyway, I'll have to pop these on a rig quick and maybe I'll roll these for the Turkey Burn on Saturday at The Camp. By the way, if you make it out there Saturday, Captain Bob says he's bringing chili, so make sure you work up an appetite! Bonus: Weather is now predicted to be a bit warmer than previously thought! WooHoo!

How To Predict The Weather With A Bike Purchase (And More)

As many of you loyal readers know, I committed to buying a Salsa Cycles Mukluk awhile ago. News is that the bikes are coming......soon to this area. (Already in Alaska) How soon will I get the call that mine is ready? Who knows? I'm okay with waiting though.

Whenever that day comes, it will be great to finally have a flotation bike in the stable. "Flotation bike"?, you say? Isn't this a "snow bike"?

No. It isn't, and here is why that is.

You know, when you forget your rain coat, what does it do? Yep! It rains. Superstition? I don't think so. This is a de facto "Law of Life". Tell me you don't break down when you forget your tool kit at home. You know its true! So, in the same vein, it will not snow much at all this winter where I live. Why? Because I am buying a "snow bike". So since it isn't going to snow, I am calling the Mukluk a "flotation bike".

Deal with it!

All I know is that come snow, or no snow, this bike should be a lot of fun.

Gravel Grinder News Updates: Over at Gravel Grinder News I am updating the site with a 2011 Events Calendar which is going to be getting updated throughout the rest of this year and next with any news of dates for events I get. So far a few new ones have been submitted and some old events are sending me their 2011 dates. (Thanks to all who have helped out so far!) If you have any dates to add, or new events to add, send me an e-mail here: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The link to the events calendar will be right under the GGN header image and the current listing on the sidebar will get cleared out by the end of the year. The main reason for the new page is to allow a month by month listing of events, which wasn't possible to pull of with the front page of GGN. I'll continue to post "Race Discussions" for each upcoming month's events, but hopefully this new page will answer the requests I was getting for a "calendar" format for an events list.

Turkey Burn: Well, I guess we're doing the Turkey Burn again this coming Saturday at the South side of The Camp. Temperatures are forecast to be pretty chilly, so dress warm! The trails are in great shape, and word is that the weather is supposed to be dry, so they should be great to ride on. Just waaaay cold! We're talking around 20 degrees when things get going around 8-8:30 am.

Here's how you get there; Find yourself on HWY 218 and go to Janesville, IA. Turn east on County C-50 and go two miles east to a left on gravel at Hawthorne. Go north on Hawthorne 1 1/2 miles to the first left you can make. Take this about a quarter mile and the gate will be on your right side. See ya there!

How To Predict The Weather With A Bike Purchase (And More)

As many of you loyal readers know, I committed to buying a Salsa Cycles Mukluk awhile ago. News is that the bikes are coming......soon to this area. (Already in Alaska) How soon will I get the call that mine is ready? Who knows? I'm okay with waiting though.

Whenever that day comes, it will be great to finally have a flotation bike in the stable. "Flotation bike"?, you say? Isn't this a "snow bike"?

No. It isn't, and here is why that is.

You know, when you forget your rain coat, what does it do? Yep! It rains. Superstition? I don't think so. This is a de facto "Law of Life". Tell me you don't break down when you forget your tool kit at home. You know its true! So, in the same vein, it will not snow much at all this winter where I live. Why? Because I am buying a "snow bike". So since it isn't going to snow, I am calling the Mukluk a "flotation bike".

Deal with it!

All I know is that come snow, or no snow, this bike should be a lot of fun.

Gravel Grinder News Updates: Over at Gravel Grinder News I am updating the site with a 2011 Events Calendar which is going to be getting updated throughout the rest of this year and next with any news of dates for events I get. So far a few new ones have been submitted and some old events are sending me their 2011 dates. (Thanks to all who have helped out so far!) If you have any dates to add, or new events to add, send me an e-mail here: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The link to the events calendar will be right under the GGN header image and the current listing on the sidebar will get cleared out by the end of the year. The main reason for the new page is to allow a month by month listing of events, which wasn't possible to pull of with the front page of GGN. I'll continue to post "Race Discussions" for each upcoming month's events, but hopefully this new page will answer the requests I was getting for a "calendar" format for an events list.

Turkey Burn: Well, I guess we're doing the Turkey Burn again this coming Saturday at the South side of The Camp. Temperatures are forecast to be pretty chilly, so dress warm! The trails are in great shape, and word is that the weather is supposed to be dry, so they should be great to ride on. Just waaaay cold! We're talking around 20 degrees when things get going around 8-8:30 am.

Here's how you get there; Find yourself on HWY 218 and go to Janesville, IA. Turn east on County C-50 and go two miles east to a left on gravel at Hawthorne. Go north on Hawthorne 1 1/2 miles to the first left you can make. Take this about a quarter mile and the gate will be on your right side. See ya there!

Getaway Time

<===Ahhh! The soothing elixir of rural solitude went down good.

I'm not going to hide the fact that the last few weeks have been pretty stressful and that reached a climax this past week. Some of it was due to trying to cram in all kinds of activities into the perceived end of good weather. Some of it was due to things going on in my personal life, and some of it was running Trans Iowa. Any of these wouldn't have been a big deal on their own, but the combined effect was wearing me down. I needed to decompress.

There were lots of things going on I could have been a part of this past weekend too. Cranksgiving, the TOBASCO ride, and probably something else I am forgetting. I passed on all of it to do some "Trans Iowa business", which was really, at the heart of it all, a ploy to just unplug for a short time and escape to a place of solitude.

While the place I rode was on the upcoming T.I.V7 course, it wasn't really all about that. In fact, I didn't "need" to do this recon, I just wanted the excuse. I knew that this part of rural Iowa would be just the ticket for my over-crowded mind to get some relief. It did, but it almost didn't!

Just a mile and a half into the ride, my tubeless tire decided it didn't want to be tubeless anymore. Tubeless tires will do that to you. Not a puncture, but when the sealant loses the capacity to maintain an air seal. The sealant was just old. Well, fortunately I had a spare tube, pump, and........tire lever! Ahhhh! I forgot to pack a tire lever!  Maybe I wasn't going to get in this ride. I was not at all happy, I'll say that much!

As curses were carried away on the East wind I settled down, and started to work the bead edge. Using some of the leftover slimy sealant to help, I finally managed to work over the bead by hand. Yes....it was quite difficult! Especially considering that I was working with a Bontrager TLR rim/rim strip and a Hutchinson tire. After I pulled the tire bead off, I sat and picked at the dried up, rubbery sealant. It was kind of therapeutic in that same way peeling sunburned skin off your arm is. (Well, I always got calmer when doing that!) Anyway, I finally finished the task, pumped up the tire, now with a tube inside it, and took off.

I finished the ride feeling very peaceful and satisfied. It was fun, and even though my toes were freezing, it was just what I needed to do. Now I feel ready to pick the ball back up and run with it, except that this darned weather is actually going to the cold side now for this week!

Oh well. It is late November. Whaddya spect? I'll just have to throw on another layer and keep going........

Getaway Time

<===Ahhh! The soothing elixir of rural solitude went down good.

I'm not going to hide the fact that the last few weeks have been pretty stressful and that reached a climax this past week. Some of it was due to trying to cram in all kinds of activities into the perceived end of good weather. Some of it was due to things going on in my personal life, and some of it was running Trans Iowa. Any of these wouldn't have been a big deal on their own, but the combined effect was wearing me down. I needed to decompress.

There were lots of things going on I could have been a part of this past weekend too. Cranksgiving, the TOBASCO ride, and probably something else I am forgetting. I passed on all of it to do some "Trans Iowa business", which was really, at the heart of it all, a ploy to just unplug for a short time and escape to a place of solitude.

While the place I rode was on the upcoming T.I.V7 course, it wasn't really all about that. In fact, I didn't "need" to do this recon, I just wanted the excuse. I knew that this part of rural Iowa would be just the ticket for my over-crowded mind to get some relief. It did, but it almost didn't!

Just a mile and a half into the ride, my tubeless tire decided it didn't want to be tubeless anymore. Tubeless tires will do that to you. Not a puncture, but when the sealant loses the capacity to maintain an air seal. The sealant was just old. Well, fortunately I had a spare tube, pump, and........tire lever! Ahhhh! I forgot to pack a tire lever!  Maybe I wasn't going to get in this ride. I was not at all happy, I'll say that much!

As curses were carried away on the East wind I settled down, and started to work the bead edge. Using some of the leftover slimy sealant to help, I finally managed to work over the bead by hand. Yes....it was quite difficult! Especially considering that I was working with a Bontrager TLR rim/rim strip and a Hutchinson tire. After I pulled the tire bead off, I sat and picked at the dried up, rubbery sealant. It was kind of therapeutic in that same way peeling sunburned skin off your arm is. (Well, I always got calmer when doing that!) Anyway, I finally finished the task, pumped up the tire, now with a tube inside it, and took off.

I finished the ride feeling very peaceful and satisfied. It was fun, and even though my toes were freezing, it was just what I needed to do. Now I feel ready to pick the ball back up and run with it, except that this darned weather is actually going to the cold side now for this week!

Oh well. It is late November. Whaddya spect? I'll just have to throw on another layer and keep going........

Trans Iowa V7 Update: Now What?

<===Out of 100 postcards this was the only one with an Easter/Gravel theme. 

Well, the registration process is over. Now what? Here's the deal for now....

The Waiting List: Unless there are some post cards that arrive today, there will not be a Waiting List. Tomorrow is the last day any post cards will be accepted. If someone, or two get on the list, in all likelihood they will get on the roster. (Last year I transferred in six folks) This Waiting List process works like this: If anyone for any reason on The Roster will not be in T.I.V7, they e-mail me ASAP upon making that decision and I will then contact #1 on the Waiting List. (Again.....if there is one!) If no waiting list is necessary, then I still will want to get the notification of the drops for other purposes, but that will not affect you racers still in the mix.

It is quite possible that the roster will start shrinking sooner than later due to the nature of this year's registration. I will not add riders in a week, two weeks, or even next Tuesday if we do not have a Waiting  List, so don't even ask.

Okay, beyond the possible Waiting List action and the impending and inevitable roster shrinkage Trans Iowa news will be limited to the odd sponsor announcement, and rare mention for the next few months. I don't expect any big news, so essentially T.I.V7 will be going off the grid here until March most likely, when the whole deal will kick back into gear in preparation of the April 23rd start at 4am.

Of course, all of you will be busy training. Hopefully the winter will be conducive to getting in the miles you need where ever you are at. So, for now it is time to move on to other things here on this channel unless I get some big news to share. Happy Training!

Trans Iowa V7 Update: Now What?

<===Out of 100 postcards this was the only one with an Easter/Gravel theme. 

Well, the registration process is over. Now what? Here's the deal for now....

The Waiting List: Unless there are some post cards that arrive today, there will not be a Waiting List. Tomorrow is the last day any post cards will be accepted. If someone, or two get on the list, in all likelihood they will get on the roster. (Last year I transferred in six folks) This Waiting List process works like this: If anyone for any reason on The Roster will not be in T.I.V7, they e-mail me ASAP upon making that decision and I will then contact #1 on the Waiting List. (Again.....if there is one!) If no waiting list is necessary, then I still will want to get the notification of the drops for other purposes, but that will not affect you racers still in the mix.

It is quite possible that the roster will start shrinking sooner than later due to the nature of this year's registration. I will not add riders in a week, two weeks, or even next Tuesday if we do not have a Waiting  List, so don't even ask.

Okay, beyond the possible Waiting List action and the impending and inevitable roster shrinkage Trans Iowa news will be limited to the odd sponsor announcement, and rare mention for the next few months. I don't expect any big news, so essentially T.I.V7 will be going off the grid here until March most likely, when the whole deal will kick back into gear in preparation of the April 23rd start at 4am.

Of course, all of you will be busy training. Hopefully the winter will be conducive to getting in the miles you need where ever you are at. So, for now it is time to move on to other things here on this channel unless I get some big news to share. Happy Training!

Trans Iowa Registration CLOSED!

UPDATE: We have reached our field limit of 100 with four post cards in today putting us exactly on the limit.

Any more cards received tomorrow will go on a Waiting List, then that's that. More to follow, stay tuned.....

Trans Iowa Registration CLOSED!

UPDATE: We have reached our field limit of 100 with four post cards in today putting us exactly on the limit.

Any more cards received tomorrow will go on a Waiting List, then that's that. More to follow, stay tuned.....

You Should Go Ride Here

A couple of things happened today that inspired this post. one was a conversation with a customer at the shop, and the other was the latest issue of IMBA News. Both things had to do with places to ride your mountain bike.

Now, this isn't meant to be an exhaustive list of places to ride, but it is a list of places I think you should ride around here. (Here being Northeast Iowa) These are some killer places to ride and if you like mountain biking, you'll love these trails. Yes: I guarantee it. (Really, that isn't saying much because liking these places is a no-brainer.)

Rock Lake Cluster: Location: Cable, Wisconsin: Just named an IMBA "Epic Ride" this trail network, the excellent work of CAMBA,  is a great ride. I've had the pleasure of riding it in the 90's and in this decade. Crazy, twisty, rocky trails and plenty to challenge any skill level here. You really get a great taste of the "nort-woods" on these trails as they meander around lakes and through the pine trees. The trails are easy to find, and the maps are excellent. (Highly suggest getting one for a ride here) I don't know what took so long for this trail to get "epic" status from IMBA, but I do know it is very deserving of that moniker that is so cliche in mountain biking today. It really is epic! Well worth the drive.

Lebanon Hills: Location, Apple Valley/Eagan, Minnesota, (Basically, the southern Twin Cities area): I've ridden here many times. Don't let the smallish parking lot and innocent look at the gate fool you. What's inside will blow your mind with its twisty-turny, rock laden goodness. Berms! Yes, berms exist in the Mid-West folks, and they are fast and fun. This trail system is laid out so that loops can be accessed from a centralized "meeting" place and are marked according to skill level. Laid out by the hard working folks of MORC, these trails will challenge your mountain biking skills and are not to be taken lightly. I would say that minus high altitude and long climbs, there isn't anything out West that "Leb" doesn't have to offer. The rock gardens are amazing and will blow your mind alone. Go ride there!

Murphy-Hanrehan Trail: Location, Savage, Minnesota area, (Again, southern Twin Cities): Another masterpiece carved out of the woodland prairie by MORC, "Murph"is an amazing trail system that features some of the best flowy trails I have ever ridden. This is an excellent spot to ride if you are a single speeder, by the way. Perhaps a bit less intense than "Leb", Murph is far enough away from the heart of the Twin Cities that you may find yourself alone with your thoughts during much of your ride, but you shouldn't be so selfish as to ride it alone! Best to bring up a tribe and have a single track ho-down here.

Platte River State Park/Omaha Area: Location, Bellevue, Nebraska, and Louisville, Nebraska: This is more than one ride, but you could hit all these in a day, or better yet, two days. A weekend! Road trip! Ah....okay, I'll settle down now. You may be asking yourself, "Nebraska?" Yes- Nebraska! First off, Platte River State Park is an amazing trail system that has a bit of an "unpolished" feel but is well kept up. I like that about the place. The trails have great climbs, fun descents, and plenty of twists and turns mostly under the canopy of old hardwood trees. You do get a bit of a prairie exposure part way through as well. These trails are shared with equestrians, so mountain biking times are limited to very early mornings or after 4pm in the afternoons. Then you can hit up the awesome Omaha trails like Swanson Park and Jewell Park. I wrote up a piece on these trails you can read here. Bottom line- Go to Nebraska and don't forget your mountain bike! It's crazy good riding.

Sugar Bottom Trails: Location, North Liberty, Iowa: These are some of the best trails Iowa has to offer and also some of the oldest ones. Maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers and ICORR, these trails are about 10 miles of twisty, turny, up and down stuff that is a hoot to ride. All the trails are one way, and well marked. Check the ICORR site before heading out there though since the trails will close at the slightest hint of rain. Otherwise, this is a great destination and it is an easy jaunt off the interstate.

Decorah Recreational Trails: Location, Decorah, Iowa: These are some of the better trails anywhere, with a lot of tough climbs, fast, technical descents, and lots of off camber stuff. Check out the trail maps here. Notice that the town is like "right there"? Yeah, you can literally ride yourself silly on some perma-grin inducing trails, then slide on downtown for some awesome grub and libations within a half mile of dumping out of the trail system. Crazy! It doesn't get any better than this in the Mid-west. At least not from a "total experience" perspective. Add in the fact that camping opportunities are right within a short ride of the trails and it gets even better.

Okay, that's a short list, and as I stated up front, it by no means is an exhaustive list. I can think of a few more places that are great rides in the region, but I feel these are the stand outs. Feel free to add some more in the comments section, if you feel so inclined. (If I get enough suggestions, I'll post a Part II)

Whelp! It's getting pretty cold out there, but there isn't any snow yet, and you can sneak in a few more rides. Layer up! Ride on!

You Should Go Ride Here

A couple of things happened today that inspired this post. one was a conversation with a customer at the shop, and the other was the latest issue of IMBA News. Both things had to do with places to ride your mountain bike.

Now, this isn't meant to be an exhaustive list of places to ride, but it is a list of places I think you should ride around here. (Here being Northeast Iowa) These are some killer places to ride and if you like mountain biking, you'll love these trails. Yes: I guarantee it. (Really, that isn't saying much because liking these places is a no-brainer.)

Rock Lake Cluster: Location: Cable, Wisconsin: Just named an IMBA "Epic Ride" this trail network, the excellent work of CAMBA,  is a great ride. I've had the pleasure of riding it in the 90's and in this decade. Crazy, twisty, rocky trails and plenty to challenge any skill level here. You really get a great taste of the "nort-woods" on these trails as they meander around lakes and through the pine trees. The trails are easy to find, and the maps are excellent. (Highly suggest getting one for a ride here) I don't know what took so long for this trail to get "epic" status from IMBA, but I do know it is very deserving of that moniker that is so cliche in mountain biking today. It really is epic! Well worth the drive.

Lebanon Hills: Location, Apple Valley/Eagan, Minnesota, (Basically, the southern Twin Cities area): I've ridden here many times. Don't let the smallish parking lot and innocent look at the gate fool you. What's inside will blow your mind with its twisty-turny, rock laden goodness. Berms! Yes, berms exist in the Mid-West folks, and they are fast and fun. This trail system is laid out so that loops can be accessed from a centralized "meeting" place and are marked according to skill level. Laid out by the hard working folks of MORC, these trails will challenge your mountain biking skills and are not to be taken lightly. I would say that minus high altitude and long climbs, there isn't anything out West that "Leb" doesn't have to offer. The rock gardens are amazing and will blow your mind alone. Go ride there!

Murphy-Hanrehan Trail: Location, Savage, Minnesota area, (Again, southern Twin Cities): Another masterpiece carved out of the woodland prairie by MORC, "Murph"is an amazing trail system that features some of the best flowy trails I have ever ridden. This is an excellent spot to ride if you are a single speeder, by the way. Perhaps a bit less intense than "Leb", Murph is far enough away from the heart of the Twin Cities that you may find yourself alone with your thoughts during much of your ride, but you shouldn't be so selfish as to ride it alone! Best to bring up a tribe and have a single track ho-down here.

Platte River State Park/Omaha Area: Location, Bellevue, Nebraska, and Louisville, Nebraska: This is more than one ride, but you could hit all these in a day, or better yet, two days. A weekend! Road trip! Ah....okay, I'll settle down now. You may be asking yourself, "Nebraska?" Yes- Nebraska! First off, Platte River State Park is an amazing trail system that has a bit of an "unpolished" feel but is well kept up. I like that about the place. The trails have great climbs, fun descents, and plenty of twists and turns mostly under the canopy of old hardwood trees. You do get a bit of a prairie exposure part way through as well. These trails are shared with equestrians, so mountain biking times are limited to very early mornings or after 4pm in the afternoons. Then you can hit up the awesome Omaha trails like Swanson Park and Jewell Park. I wrote up a piece on these trails you can read here. Bottom line- Go to Nebraska and don't forget your mountain bike! It's crazy good riding.

Sugar Bottom Trails: Location, North Liberty, Iowa: These are some of the best trails Iowa has to offer and also some of the oldest ones. Maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers and ICORR, these trails are about 10 miles of twisty, turny, up and down stuff that is a hoot to ride. All the trails are one way, and well marked. Check the ICORR site before heading out there though since the trails will close at the slightest hint of rain. Otherwise, this is a great destination and it is an easy jaunt off the interstate.

Decorah Recreational Trails: Location, Decorah, Iowa: These are some of the better trails anywhere, with a lot of tough climbs, fast, technical descents, and lots of off camber stuff. Check out the trail maps here. Notice that the town is like "right there"? Yeah, you can literally ride yourself silly on some perma-grin inducing trails, then slide on downtown for some awesome grub and libations within a half mile of dumping out of the trail system. Crazy! It doesn't get any better than this in the Mid-west. At least not from a "total experience" perspective. Add in the fact that camping opportunities are right within a short ride of the trails and it gets even better.

Okay, that's a short list, and as I stated up front, it by no means is an exhaustive list. I can think of a few more places that are great rides in the region, but I feel these are the stand outs. Feel free to add some more in the comments section, if you feel so inclined. (If I get enough suggestions, I'll post a Part II)

Whelp! It's getting pretty cold out there, but there isn't any snow yet, and you can sneak in a few more rides. Layer up! Ride on!

Trans Iowa V7: Psych! It Isn't About TIV7!!

Well......some of it is! Too bad! It isn't like I didn't warn ya'all that this blog would be used for "detailed T.I.V7 announcements too long for the T.I.V7 site."

I think ya'all will live through this.

Anyway, this awesome artwork was sent to me in four post cards over a week and a half. I had to assemble said post cards into what you see here.

I like it!

I will be getting some glue, since the provided sticky pads are not quite up to the task, and then I am going to frame this work. Maybe I'll bring it to the Pre-Race Meat-Up to show off. We'll see. (Thanks Emily Brodersen!)

I went out for a ride at The Camp yesterday and I decided to stop and take a pic of this odd tree out there. This bulbous knot goes all the way around the tree bole about 25 feet above the floor of the woods. I call it "Nature's Water Tower" because it reminds me of rural water towers found in the small villages in Iowa.

I have no idea what might cause something like this, but maybe one of you readers out there has an idea for me.

Speaking of The Camp, there will be a "Turkey Burn" ride on the Saturday after Thanksgiving on the South side of Camp. I think we're getting underway about 8am.  If ya need directions, I can fix ya up if you think you might want to head out for some fun riding.

The Camp trails on the South side have been raked, and besides a few dead fall trees, everything is rideable. The recent wet weather was all soaked up by the dry ground and if we avoid any precip before the Turkey Burn, it will be bone dry and hard as a rock again soon.

An Issue Of Weight: The issue of wheel weight and how it affects the ride of a bike came up yesterday on mtbr.com. Interesting stuff.  essentially, it all boiled down to stability. Less weight = more instability. Conversely, more weight seems to keep your wheels planted, and on line, not only making them stronger as well. (Well, if they are going to weigh more, they had better be stronger!)

I think this is true to a point. Obviously, you don't want to have a wheel heavier than need be. Conversely, a wheel that is so light that it starts to "ping" around off stuff is no good either. What is the "magic" balancing point? Well, most wheels are certainly light enough, (speaking in terms of 29"er wheels here). Several folks think they need sub 1600 gram wheels and for mountain biking, (read: NOT racing), that is just silly. Heck, a lot of road racing wheel sets weigh this much!

I have some very light 29"er wheels, some medium weight 29"er wheels, some heavy weight ones, and some that are ridiculous. I know most of the wheels "in the middle" ride just fine. The extremes are a little more unpleasant to ride. Too much of anything is not a good thing, they say, and that goes for wheels. Too little mass, and the wheel gets sketchy- easier to knock off line, and doesn't track off road well. Too heavy- The wheel is harder to accelerate, feels "dead", and is actually harder to steer.

And I haven't even begun to talk about flex, (which can be a very good thing), and strength, both very important functions of a wheel as well. Maybe I'll talk about this some more tomorrow.

Or maybe I'll post about Trans Iowa again, just to be contrary! Ha!