They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To

Have you ever wondered why it was that your old bike when you were a kid hardly ever needed air in the tires? Have you noticed lately that tubes for bicycles, (that is- if you still use tubes), are seemingly smaller than you remember? There's a reason for all of that.

First of all, tires were a lot heavier than they are today. No......a lot heavier as in waaaay more than you think. We get to repair a lot of bicycles at the shop where I work, and there are a lot of oldies being drug out of the woodwork. Not 70's bikes either, I'm talking about 1960's and previous stuff, like this Carlisle tire I have pictured here.

There is an order of magnitude to how much lighter things have gotten in the past 40-50 years in regard to many of the bicycles average folk use. The first level was achieved when we got the "lightweight" bike boom in the 70's. Remember Schwinn Continentals and Varsitys? Yes, they were "lightweights" for the day. The 80's and 90's came and things got even lighter, but that's another story, and I think you get the picture here.

The point I am trying to make is that the heavier tires didn't leak air as fast as the lighter, thinner tires of today. Then there are the tubes that go inside of these tires. Once American Made, they are also much lighter and thinner than before.

Old tube on the left...

The Carlisle tire had its original 26" X 2.125" tube inside of it. For fun, I compared it to what goes for a 26" X 2.125" tube today. See anything different here?

There is more rubber in that old tube than there is in the replacement tire I put on the old rim! The wall thickness of this old tube is just about akin to what the thicker part of a thorn-proof tube has for rubber. Obviously, what passed for 2.125" in the 50's and 60's is not what we have for that measurement today. (Gee....I wonder if my old elementary school rulers were actually longer too?)

The combination of really heavy, thick tire and really heavy thick tube resulted in a product that obviously weighed far more than similar combinations today, took more effort to ride, and had far worse rolling resistance than modern tires and tubes. The upside here was that stuff lasted forever, (to wit: This tire and tube could still feasibly be ridden), and you hardly ever had flats or needed to maintain air pressure. Bad ride quality, more effort to pedal, but dad-gummit, that stuff lasted fer-ever, and I never had ta put air in them thar tires neither!

Oh how the times have changed!

They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To

Have you ever wondered why it was that your old bike when you were a kid hardly ever needed air in the tires? Have you noticed lately that tubes for bicycles, (that is- if you still use tubes), are seemingly smaller than you remember? There's a reason for all of that.

First of all, tires were a lot heavier than they are today. No......a lot heavier as in waaaay more than you think. We get to repair a lot of bicycles at the shop where I work, and there are a lot of oldies being drug out of the woodwork. Not 70's bikes either, I'm talking about 1960's and previous stuff, like this Carlisle tire I have pictured here.

There is an order of magnitude to how much lighter things have gotten in the past 40-50 years in regard to many of the bicycles average folk use. The first level was achieved when we got the "lightweight" bike boom in the 70's. Remember Schwinn Continentals and Varsitys? Yes, they were "lightweights" for the day. The 80's and 90's came and things got even lighter, but that's another story, and I think you get the picture here.

The point I am trying to make is that the heavier tires didn't leak air as fast as the lighter, thinner tires of today. Then there are the tubes that go inside of these tires. Once American Made, they are also much lighter and thinner than before.

Old tube on the left...

The Carlisle tire had its original 26" X 2.125" tube inside of it. For fun, I compared it to what goes for a 26" X 2.125" tube today. See anything different here?

There is more rubber in that old tube than there is in the replacement tire I put on the old rim! The wall thickness of this old tube is just about akin to what the thicker part of a thorn-proof tube has for rubber. Obviously, what passed for 2.125" in the 50's and 60's is not what we have for that measurement today. (Gee....I wonder if my old elementary school rulers were actually longer too?)

The combination of really heavy, thick tire and really heavy thick tube resulted in a product that obviously weighed far more than similar combinations today, took more effort to ride, and had far worse rolling resistance than modern tires and tubes. The upside here was that stuff lasted forever, (to wit: This tire and tube could still feasibly be ridden), and you hardly ever had flats or needed to maintain air pressure. Bad ride quality, more effort to pedal, but dad-gummit, that stuff lasted fer-ever, and I never had ta put air in them thar tires neither!

Oh how the times have changed!

My Take On "11 Lessons"

I recently came across a series of posts on endurance racer and Trans Iowa Finisher/veteran Charlie Farrow's blog that lists "11 Lessons" from endurance racing by endurance racers. (You can go here, here, here, and here. for all the posts.)

Consider The Source!

Now you should read all those links. I did and there is a lot of Wisdom there. You might ask, what else could one possibly add to that pile-o-gems? Well, probably not a whole lot. That said, I've been around this gravel ultra-endurance and long distance racing scene on both sides of the fence- As an organizer/director and a participant. I feel compelled to underscore a few points I read in those excellent links and maybe add a point or two of my own.

The rules set out by Charlie were simple: List a point briefly, then add in an explanation for it.

So, with no further adieu, here in no particular order are my "11 Lessons" for your perusal.

1. Know Your Equipment: As a mechanic, it sometimes amazes me that guys are futzing with things or getting knocked out by simple mechanicals right outta the gate at events I've been to. It goes without saying that you need to dial in your fitness, but you also need to dial in a good, basic knowledge of your rig and how to adjust it, repair it, and maintain it. It may save you an event, and it will satisfy your need to know you can trust your steed. Definitely spend some quality time getting to know your bicycle!
2. Know What Equipment Works For You Ahead Of Time: This was one of my earliest lessons in long distance riding. You can go to forums and ask, you can go to your bike shop and ask, and you can ask your buddies, but you need to do due diligence when it comes to finding the right saddle, grips, pedals, clothing, not to mention training, and nutrition. Definitely ask, and listen, but you'll eventually have to put in a lot of training/experimental hours/miles in to find out what works, and what doesn't. There is no "easy button".
3. Make A List, Check It Twice: I once ran into a fella that was a self-supported road touring machine. This guy had done thousands upon thousands of miles of touring, and when he found out I was going on a long trip by bike, he suggested I look at his list. He made a list of everything that went in each bag, and checked it off twice before leaving on tour. Sound overly-anal? Well, try it. You won't forget anything, and you will also have the opportunity to make a visual check on the amount of crap you are packing. (Hint: You may want to leave some of it behind!) How can you logically add or subtract from your kit without careful analysis? The list helps.
4. Aretha Said It: RESPECT: Like the others have said, if you are not a bit nervous, fearful, or anxious, you may be setting yourself up for a fail, and you definitely aren't up for a true challenge. Challenges should be a bit scary, really. Then there is the respect you should have for the fellow competitors, the respect you should have for the venue, and the respect you should have for the volunteers and event leaders. Respect!
5. Only The Lonely Can Play: While some of the most rewarding times at these events is the sharing during the suffering with fellow competitors, you should be prepared to be alone. Very alone. The ebbs and flows of long events sometimes will leave you out there by yourself, with no one at all in sight. I think this hits folks hardest that train all the time with others, but either way, its gonna happen. Don't let it sink you. I would advise that this is a gift that allows you to get to places within yourself that you otherwise would never get to. It is a gift that can't be found in our crazy, fast paced culture. Embrace the loneliness and find peace in it.
6. You Can Choose Your Attitude: This can be a part of #5 above, but it goes beyond that. Sometimes situations arise that are negative, not of your choosing, and uncomfortable. I was in a night time gravel grinder where it was raining so hard I couldn't see five feet in front of me. It was pitch black, I was wet, and it was sketchy as all get out. At first, I was annoyed, but then I chose to marvel at the situation, and I actually laughed out loud. I could have pitched a fit and decided to quit. It was my choice. The rain wasn't my choice. I changed what I could change- my attitude.
7. Break It Down: Others mentioned this as well, but it bears repeating. Look at the event before going into it as a series of challenges. Make little things that are achievable that when they are accomplished make you gain confidence. Got to Checkpoint #1! Woot! Now what is next? Do the next little thing, and add it to the list of accomplishments. I remember one time on a long ride I looked at my computer and thought I'd like to see it read in the 40's for mileage. Okay, when I got there, I decided that I could get it into the 50's, and so forth. It can be anything, but breaking an event down into bite sized chunks is a good strategy. What was that old saw about eating an elephant again? 
8. Have A Plan: Work The Plan: Be Free To Change The Plan!: I think having a strategy going into an event is a good thing. That could be who you want to ride with, how you want to break the event down, (see #7), or what your nutrition plan is. Of course, having a plan doesn't do you a lick of good unless you can implement it. Practice "the plan" on a training ride or three to see if it needs tweaking- or not. (See #2) Finally, don't be afraid to adjust the plan during the event to allow for circumstances beyond your control, or to take advantage of opportunities. (See #6) Holding doggedly onto a plan that no longer will work due to changes in body functions, mechanical issues, weather, or what have you isn't going to lead to success. Be free to change when it makes sense to change. 
9. The "One Hour Rule": I saw this pop up in a few of the others lists. I agree- Give yourself an hour to calm down, assess, rest, and adjust your plan, (see #8), before you decide to pull the plug. You still may end up doing just that, but at least you can rest assured you gave it the proper amount of time to make a decision. I came to this place at the DK 200 a year ago. I came into Checkpoint #1 dehydrated, weak, and dizzy. I ate some food, drank a lot of water, and rested for an hour. I didn't feel one whit better after an hour, so I pulled the plug. Maybe I would have come around though and been able to continue. I wouldn't have known had I stopped right when I arrived at the Checkpoint though.
10. Consider An Exit Strategy: In these ultra long, self supported events, being able to extricate yourself from the course safely without issue is a good plan to have. That may include having a person available to come pick you up. It may mean that you have to be ready and willing to ride yourself out to civilization. This not only makes you responsible for you, as it should be,  but it takes a load off other competitors, and the folks running the event. Like the commercial says: "Know When To Say When", but also be able to take care of your own business if you do say "when". I don't think this is a negative or defeatist attitude, I think it is just being courteous and thoughtful towards the ones you love and love you, and your fellow racers and the directors of these fine events. (See #4)
11. Be Thankful: Finally, I think this is the most important lesson. Be Thankful for your health, your opportunities, your folks that love you that allow for this weirdness, the fellow racers, the volunteers, the directors, the places you get to see, the experiences, and the successes and the failures. Express the thanks in practical ways and in ways that are sure to be appreciated by others. Look around you while you are in an event and be thankful you are doing what you came to do and prepared to do.

So, there ya go. That's my list. I hope you enjoy that and get something useful out of it.

My Take On "11 Lessons"

I recently came across a series of posts on endurance racer and Trans Iowa Finisher/veteran Charlie Farrow's blog that lists "11 Lessons" from endurance racing by endurance racers. (You can go here, here, here, and here. for all the posts.)

Consider The Source!

Now you should read all those links. I did and there is a lot of Wisdom there. You might ask, what else could one possibly add to that pile-o-gems? Well, probably not a whole lot. That said, I've been around this gravel ultra-endurance and long distance racing scene on both sides of the fence- As an organizer/director and a participant. I feel compelled to underscore a few points I read in those excellent links and maybe add a point or two of my own.

The rules set out by Charlie were simple: List a point briefly, then add in an explanation for it.

So, with no further adieu, here in no particular order are my "11 Lessons" for your perusal.

1. Know Your Equipment: As a mechanic, it sometimes amazes me that guys are futzing with things or getting knocked out by simple mechanicals right outta the gate at events I've been to. It goes without saying that you need to dial in your fitness, but you also need to dial in a good, basic knowledge of your rig and how to adjust it, repair it, and maintain it. It may save you an event, and it will satisfy your need to know you can trust your steed. Definitely spend some quality time getting to know your bicycle!
2. Know What Equipment Works For You Ahead Of Time: This was one of my earliest lessons in long distance riding. You can go to forums and ask, you can go to your bike shop and ask, and you can ask your buddies, but you need to do due diligence when it comes to finding the right saddle, grips, pedals, clothing, not to mention training, and nutrition. Definitely ask, and listen, but you'll eventually have to put in a lot of training/experimental hours/miles in to find out what works, and what doesn't. There is no "easy button".
3. Make A List, Check It Twice: I once ran into a fella that was a self-supported road touring machine. This guy had done thousands upon thousands of miles of touring, and when he found out I was going on a long trip by bike, he suggested I look at his list. He made a list of everything that went in each bag, and checked it off twice before leaving on tour. Sound overly-anal? Well, try it. You won't forget anything, and you will also have the opportunity to make a visual check on the amount of crap you are packing. (Hint: You may want to leave some of it behind!) How can you logically add or subtract from your kit without careful analysis? The list helps.
4. Aretha Said It: RESPECT: Like the others have said, if you are not a bit nervous, fearful, or anxious, you may be setting yourself up for a fail, and you definitely aren't up for a true challenge. Challenges should be a bit scary, really. Then there is the respect you should have for the fellow competitors, the respect you should have for the venue, and the respect you should have for the volunteers and event leaders. Respect!
5. Only The Lonely Can Play: While some of the most rewarding times at these events is the sharing during the suffering with fellow competitors, you should be prepared to be alone. Very alone. The ebbs and flows of long events sometimes will leave you out there by yourself, with no one at all in sight. I think this hits folks hardest that train all the time with others, but either way, its gonna happen. Don't let it sink you. I would advise that this is a gift that allows you to get to places within yourself that you otherwise would never get to. It is a gift that can't be found in our crazy, fast paced culture. Embrace the loneliness and find peace in it.
6. You Can Choose Your Attitude: This can be a part of #5 above, but it goes beyond that. Sometimes situations arise that are negative, not of your choosing, and uncomfortable. I was in a night time gravel grinder where it was raining so hard I couldn't see five feet in front of me. It was pitch black, I was wet, and it was sketchy as all get out. At first, I was annoyed, but then I chose to marvel at the situation, and I actually laughed out loud. I could have pitched a fit and decided to quit. It was my choice. The rain wasn't my choice. I changed what I could change- my attitude.
7. Break It Down: Others mentioned this as well, but it bears repeating. Look at the event before going into it as a series of challenges. Make little things that are achievable that when they are accomplished make you gain confidence. Got to Checkpoint #1! Woot! Now what is next? Do the next little thing, and add it to the list of accomplishments. I remember one time on a long ride I looked at my computer and thought I'd like to see it read in the 40's for mileage. Okay, when I got there, I decided that I could get it into the 50's, and so forth. It can be anything, but breaking an event down into bite sized chunks is a good strategy. What was that old saw about eating an elephant again? 
8. Have A Plan: Work The Plan: Be Free To Change The Plan!: I think having a strategy going into an event is a good thing. That could be who you want to ride with, how you want to break the event down, (see #7), or what your nutrition plan is. Of course, having a plan doesn't do you a lick of good unless you can implement it. Practice "the plan" on a training ride or three to see if it needs tweaking- or not. (See #2) Finally, don't be afraid to adjust the plan during the event to allow for circumstances beyond your control, or to take advantage of opportunities. (See #6) Holding doggedly onto a plan that no longer will work due to changes in body functions, mechanical issues, weather, or what have you isn't going to lead to success. Be free to change when it makes sense to change. 
9. The "One Hour Rule": I saw this pop up in a few of the others lists. I agree- Give yourself an hour to calm down, assess, rest, and adjust your plan, (see #8), before you decide to pull the plug. You still may end up doing just that, but at least you can rest assured you gave it the proper amount of time to make a decision. I came to this place at the DK 200 a year ago. I came into Checkpoint #1 dehydrated, weak, and dizzy. I ate some food, drank a lot of water, and rested for an hour. I didn't feel one whit better after an hour, so I pulled the plug. Maybe I would have come around though and been able to continue. I wouldn't have known had I stopped right when I arrived at the Checkpoint though.
10. Consider An Exit Strategy: In these ultra long, self supported events, being able to extricate yourself from the course safely without issue is a good plan to have. That may include having a person available to come pick you up. It may mean that you have to be ready and willing to ride yourself out to civilization. This not only makes you responsible for you, as it should be,  but it takes a load off other competitors, and the folks running the event. Like the commercial says: "Know When To Say When", but also be able to take care of your own business if you do say "when". I don't think this is a negative or defeatist attitude, I think it is just being courteous and thoughtful towards the ones you love and love you, and your fellow racers and the directors of these fine events. (See #4)
11. Be Thankful: Finally, I think this is the most important lesson. Be Thankful for your health, your opportunities, your folks that love you that allow for this weirdness, the fellow racers, the volunteers, the directors, the places you get to see, the experiences, and the successes and the failures. Express the thanks in practical ways and in ways that are sure to be appreciated by others. Look around you while you are in an event and be thankful you are doing what you came to do and prepared to do.

So, there ya go. That's my list. I hope you enjoy that and get something useful out of it.

Well, Now I've Gone And Done It!

The Triple D Race is a winter race where contestants either run, ski, or bike a course that goes through Dubuque, Dyersville, and Durango, Iowa in one form or another. (The bikers use a different course than the runners and skiers)

I got a suggestion to enter into the Triple D last year when folks found out I was building up a Mukluk. Well, that bike didn't come together in time, and just as well, since even if it had, a mechanical in waiting would have put me out of the event in short order.

So I escaped dealing with any sort of winter bike event, that is until I got in CIRREM, which for all intents and purposes was a winter bike race event. (Which, by the way, will take place on February 25th this year) CIRREM was cold, snowy, and the same distance as Triple D, so I have something to go on, at least, for planning.

Yes......you read that right, I am planning on riding the 2012 Triple D event. I got myself into this by a special invite from race director, Lance Andre, who only asks that I write about all of this for your reading pleasure. So, there is the disclaimer. The thing is, this sounds pretty fun, actually.

Everyone that reads this blog of late probably knows I have the bicycle for this deal. The Salsa Cycles Mukluk will be the rig of choice, that is unless it turns out that there is no snow. (Hey- it has happened before in Januray!)

In all likelihood, I'll be on this rig though. I have pogies, so that will be another equipment factor already in hand. Today I am picking up my footwear, some Keen boots I had already planned on getting, and Big Fat Larrys are sitting in the basement ready to be put on the Rolling Darryl rims.

I've got to work on a few more details to. Clothing being one. I have stuff, but finding a good combination for potentially waaaay below zero windchill and air temperatures must be worked on. I've got some ideas there.

Then there is the nutrition. I saw a nice recipe for some homegrown energy bars recently on a friend's blog here. I think I may have to look into that, but when cold temperatures make things hard like a brick, that may not work too well. Experimentation will be taking place.

Training is already happening. I started doing things even before this came up, just in case I decided on doing CIRREM again. Bigger rides will be happening soon.

I plan on doing my usual updates when going into something like this. So look for those coming at random intervals. I will also be doing a big ride report on this event here and on The Cyclistsite.com. Speaking of which, check out the buyers guide we put up for your gift giving convenience here. (Just in case you have a cyclist on your Christmas shopping list.)

Stay tuned for more on Triple D coming soon......

Well, Now I've Gone And Done It!

The Triple D Race is a winter race where contestants either run, ski, or bike a course that goes through Dubuque, Dyersville, and Durango, Iowa in one form or another. (The bikers use a different course than the runners and skiers)

I got a suggestion to enter into the Triple D last year when folks found out I was building up a Mukluk. Well, that bike didn't come together in time, and just as well, since even if it had, a mechanical in waiting would have put me out of the event in short order.

So I escaped dealing with any sort of winter bike event, that is until I got in CIRREM, which for all intents and purposes was a winter bike race event. (Which, by the way, will take place on February 25th this year) CIRREM was cold, snowy, and the same distance as Triple D, so I have something to go on, at least, for planning.

Yes......you read that right, I am planning on riding the 2012 Triple D event. I got myself into this by a special invite from race director, Lance Andre, who only asks that I write about all of this for your reading pleasure. So, there is the disclaimer. The thing is, this sounds pretty fun, actually.

Everyone that reads this blog of late probably knows I have the bicycle for this deal. The Salsa Cycles Mukluk will be the rig of choice, that is unless it turns out that there is no snow. (Hey- it has happened before in Januray!)

In all likelihood, I'll be on this rig though. I have pogies, so that will be another equipment factor already in hand. Today I am picking up my footwear, some Keen boots I had already planned on getting, and Big Fat Larrys are sitting in the basement ready to be put on the Rolling Darryl rims.

I've got to work on a few more details to. Clothing being one. I have stuff, but finding a good combination for potentially waaaay below zero windchill and air temperatures must be worked on. I've got some ideas there.

Then there is the nutrition. I saw a nice recipe for some homegrown energy bars recently on a friend's blog here. I think I may have to look into that, but when cold temperatures make things hard like a brick, that may not work too well. Experimentation will be taking place.

Training is already happening. I started doing things even before this came up, just in case I decided on doing CIRREM again. Bigger rides will be happening soon.

I plan on doing my usual updates when going into something like this. So look for those coming at random intervals. I will also be doing a big ride report on this event here and on The Cyclistsite.com. Speaking of which, check out the buyers guide we put up for your gift giving convenience here. (Just in case you have a cyclist on your Christmas shopping list.)

Stay tuned for more on Triple D coming soon......

Turkey Burn Ride Report

Friday was an awesome, dry, warmer day. But Saturday was the day set for the Turkey Burn ride at The Camp. I awoke Saturday to a wet, windy, colder day. It was still spitting rain as I left the house for the ride, but I had no doubt it would happen.

Captain Bob rails a turn

We've had the Turkey Burn in great weather and not so great. I remember one year when it had snowed already and it was really cold!

This time it was just grey and wet. Cooler than Friday, but seasonable, really. I ended up taking the Snow Dog, since I figured it might be greasy out there. That and the wetter soil would get packed in better by my big Larry tires.

There were those new sections of trail that needed that, and making them sustainable for next year would be a good thing to accomplish on a day like yesterday. I popped a Surly "Lite" fat-bike tube in the hydration pack and took off for the Camp.

When I got there I saw three cars. One I knew was Paul's, the other two weren't familiar to me. (Turns out one of the rigs was captain Bob's, the other was hiz Cuz!) I was late, about an hour or so. As I started to get ready, I saw another car pull in. The powder blue hard tail hanging off the back of the car tipped me off that it was Eric. Sure enough, he popped out a minute or two later. We looked at the sign in board to find out the first group left about 40 minutes ahead of us. Hmm.......they shouldn't be far out from the end. 

Eric stares down the next corner

 Eric let me lead in, and as we circled back towards the trail head, I figured we would see the front runners, but we didn't. So, I just kept my head down and kept steaming on the Snow Dog.

The trails were a bit greasy, as I had feared, but the Larry 3.8"ers were holding a line well, and I could ride about as fast as I wanted to. Traction going up the first steep climb was great, actually.

Eric and I weren't far in when I spied a Bike Tech jersey. It turned out the rider was headed in our direction, so I pulled over and Eric did as well. It turned out to be Paul.

Woodland throne and foot stool

Paul was heading back to the cars and would be taking off. We chatted for a bit, then he went back the way that we had come. I motioned to Eric that he should lead. I was getting gassed by running so hard to not slow him down, and I was already sweating a ton.

Eric took off, and I came about 50 yards behind him. We hit the new, now longer, section of trail and it adds a significant amount to the trails. (Nicely done Karmen! ) Anyway, we then hit the "bottoms" and here I started pulling Eric back to me. I could negotiate the tighter turns quicker, apparently, due to the big Larry traction action.

By this time the Larry tread was packed in fairly well with the sticky river bottom mud. At times the tires would shoot off that mud in big flattish layers which would fly around me as I rode. I felt like I was riding near the back end of an old fashioned manure spreader!

Muddy Mukluk

Eric pulled away from me in the techy, rocky section. The Larrys were just not dealing well with slippery mud on moss covered limestone outcropping. Makes me think I need a set of Nate 3.8"ers after all. I bet those would have grabbed that slick stuff and held on to it.

We so rarely get a day like that around here though. It is more likely we'd be rained off the course before we got another misty, U.K.-like day as we had Saturday.

After going by the river, climbing the switchbacks, and going through the big sweepers, I entered into the newer single track section here. It features a downhill that has lots of tight turns in it. Here I caught up with Eric again. The Larry tires doing much better in the softer grounds.

Well, we finished up the loop, and at the end of the trail we ran into Captain Bob, who was back tracking the trail to come and find us. We stopped for a bit then took off, but this time I let Eric and Captain Bob beat up on each other. I did my own pace behind them and stopped to take a few photos when I wanted to. I finished up as Eric and Captain Bob were packing away their rigs. It was time to chat for a bit, eat some muffins, and chill.

It was a great Turkey Burn, but it was too bad that more folks didn't come out to ride. The trails at The Camp are great now, and they are getting much, much better!

Turkey Burn Ride Report

Friday was an awesome, dry, warmer day. But Saturday was the day set for the Turkey Burn ride at The Camp. I awoke Saturday to a wet, windy, colder day. It was still spitting rain as I left the house for the ride, but I had no doubt it would happen.

Captain Bob rails a turn

We've had the Turkey Burn in great weather and not so great. I remember one year when it had snowed already and it was really cold!

This time it was just grey and wet. Cooler than Friday, but seasonable, really. I ended up taking the Snow Dog, since I figured it might be greasy out there. That and the wetter soil would get packed in better by my big Larry tires.

There were those new sections of trail that needed that, and making them sustainable for next year would be a good thing to accomplish on a day like yesterday. I popped a Surly "Lite" fat-bike tube in the hydration pack and took off for the Camp.

When I got there I saw three cars. One I knew was Paul's, the other two weren't familiar to me. (Turns out one of the rigs was captain Bob's, the other was hiz Cuz!) I was late, about an hour or so. As I started to get ready, I saw another car pull in. The powder blue hard tail hanging off the back of the car tipped me off that it was Eric. Sure enough, he popped out a minute or two later. We looked at the sign in board to find out the first group left about 40 minutes ahead of us. Hmm.......they shouldn't be far out from the end. 

Eric stares down the next corner

 Eric let me lead in, and as we circled back towards the trail head, I figured we would see the front runners, but we didn't. So, I just kept my head down and kept steaming on the Snow Dog.

The trails were a bit greasy, as I had feared, but the Larry 3.8"ers were holding a line well, and I could ride about as fast as I wanted to. Traction going up the first steep climb was great, actually.

Eric and I weren't far in when I spied a Bike Tech jersey. It turned out the rider was headed in our direction, so I pulled over and Eric did as well. It turned out to be Paul.

Woodland throne and foot stool

Paul was heading back to the cars and would be taking off. We chatted for a bit, then he went back the way that we had come. I motioned to Eric that he should lead. I was getting gassed by running so hard to not slow him down, and I was already sweating a ton.

Eric took off, and I came about 50 yards behind him. We hit the new, now longer, section of trail and it adds a significant amount to the trails. (Nicely done Karmen! ) Anyway, we then hit the "bottoms" and here I started pulling Eric back to me. I could negotiate the tighter turns quicker, apparently, due to the big Larry traction action.

By this time the Larry tread was packed in fairly well with the sticky river bottom mud. At times the tires would shoot off that mud in big flattish layers which would fly around me as I rode. I felt like I was riding near the back end of an old fashioned manure spreader!

Muddy Mukluk

Eric pulled away from me in the techy, rocky section. The Larrys were just not dealing well with slippery mud on moss covered limestone outcropping. Makes me think I need a set of Nate 3.8"ers after all. I bet those would have grabbed that slick stuff and held on to it.

We so rarely get a day like that around here though. It is more likely we'd be rained off the course before we got another misty, U.K.-like day as we had Saturday.

After going by the river, climbing the switchbacks, and going through the big sweepers, I entered into the newer single track section here. It features a downhill that has lots of tight turns in it. Here I caught up with Eric again. The Larry tires doing much better in the softer grounds.

Well, we finished up the loop, and at the end of the trail we ran into Captain Bob, who was back tracking the trail to come and find us. We stopped for a bit then took off, but this time I let Eric and Captain Bob beat up on each other. I did my own pace behind them and stopped to take a few photos when I wanted to. I finished up as Eric and Captain Bob were packing away their rigs. It was time to chat for a bit, eat some muffins, and chill.

It was a great Turkey Burn, but it was too bad that more folks didn't come out to ride. The trails at The Camp are great now, and they are getting much, much better!

Trans Iowa V8 Recon #2

Yesterday I got more recon done for Trans Iowa V8 and it was a pretty successful outing, even though not everything about the day was planned. (More on that in a bit) WARNING! Mondo-long post with pics! Getcher coffee/favorite beverage and sit down fer awhile!

I'll share some images today, but not too many road images, since my favorite images weren't of roads, but things I saw along them yesterday. (Yes Jason, I have more barns in today's post!)

My favorite image from the days outing.

First of all, let me say that in no way am I trying to pretend or intimate that I am some sort of "photographer". These are images from a cheap-o Fuji point and shoot set to black and white. There they are, and I like the images. Maybe photo-zealots wouldn't, but so be it. I make no apologies for these. Hey! I'm driving a truck at 40mph, trying to keep track of a route, and shooting with an unsteady right hand......on loose gravel. 

Anyway....the day was a grey one. The skies were wrapped in a blanket of thick clouds, and everything on the Earth was somber, dead, and withered, for the most part. Black and White images seemed very appropriate.

I was so stoked to see I got the tree. I saw it coming down the road, and my camera was buried underneath some maps at the time. So- Here I am, scrambling to find the camera, driving 40mph on gravel, and then trying to open the dang camera and get a shot off. By the time all that happens I have one chance out the passenger window to try for an image and I got it. Definitely a minor miracle there!

The thing is, I am out here with very limited time available to get recon done. I cannot afford to slow down and stop to take a "proper" image. I have to keep rolling on, or I'd be taking images all day and only traveling 20 miles total. Recon ain't-a-gonna git dun like that! So it turns into kind of a game for me that keeps that recon fun.

Yes Jason.....another barn find!

The biggest goal yesterday was to go from Grinnell to Checkpoint #1. This included figuring out if my roll out in Grinnell proper was going to work. I may modify it a bit, but it would be okay the way that it is now.

I was a bit concerned about the chip seal mileage, but it ended up being just tolerable and I think I'll leave it in. You riders will appreciate that luxurious surface to start out on, no doubt!

The opening miles are kind of odd. It goes from relatively benign, to having a couple of monster rollers, and back again to benign for about 10 miles. Then it gets more hilly on a consistent level for a bit.

The roads were rough this time of year. There has not been much moisture in Iowa in the last few months, and new gravel just rolls around under the tires like marbles on the rock-hard underlying road surface.

Oddly enough, it wasn't all that dusty either. It was a bit eery actually. I was expecting it to be very dusty, but maybe the dust all blew away in the strong winds of late.

Yes- There will be at least a mile of B Road

I didn't really think I had any B Maintenance road in for the first section coming into Checkpoint #1. Well, guess what?

That's right folks, a mile section of B Maintenance road will be in the first 50 miles of T.I.V8. I know that just amazes you veterans of the event.

Obviously, I got to drive it yesterday. It is bone dry, and has two unbelievably steep hill climbs within that mile. When you are in between the  two ridges, it seems as though you are cut off from the rest of the world. It is almost like being in between two huge swells in a sea of earth.

Trust me- I highly doubt that this will be at all rideable come April 28th, 2011. If it is, well it will be a lot of fun. If not........

I am considering adding a hair more time to get to Checkpoint #1 due to this and......well, you'll see!

Not a barn- A one room school house

 Interesting to note; The route to Checkpoint #1 will be just a bit more than 50 miles. So, shorter than last year. However; it has about as much for hills, and you also will go in every compass direction getting there.

That means you will have a head wind,  if there is a wind that morning, and at least part of that time you will also enjoy a tailwind.

Okay, don't forget that B Maintenance road in there. If it is wet at all, that will be a walking mile, and it will be really tough. Those two climbs are waaay steep! Yes- so are the descents. No ditches either, so there is no escape.

Now last year, with the snafu with the B Road mix-up, the hills, and the wind, I saw where many missed the checkpoint cut-off in a 15 minute window. Had the cut-off time been 15 minutes later than it was, a lot of you would have made it through. So, with that in mind, I am considering a bit of lee-way on time coming into the first checkpoint, due to the difficulties.

At this point, I was totally lost!

Okay, so much for the first leg of T.I.V8! That is going to work out quite well, I think. That put upwards of 170 miles confirmed, (adding in the last recon I did), and in the books ready to be cue-carded this winter.

Now, I had a bit of extra time to do some checking into a snarl of a problem at one point on the return leg of T.I.V8. So, I headed on over to that section of the proposed course to have a look-see.

Essentially, it was like dealing with a three-headed monster. I had three possibilities, with one that I was hoping would be "the winner". I first checked on the two of the "lesser desired" choices.

Well, it looked possible from one standpoint for sure, although there was some construction work going on that would need to be looked into further. Since that wasn't a primo choice, I left it for a "possible later". The other choice looked sketchy. It would require a bicycle to really find out if it would work, since part of the route would be a "no motor vehicles" sort of deal. I didn't bring a bicycle on this trip. Dang!

Still lost, but the roads were rad!

Okay, no big deal, right? My "third choice" would be the winner anyway, or so I had hoped. I got closer, and I was totally stoked. It looked really great. Then, I saw where a farmer had re-claimed about a quarter mile of roadway which cut the route off. No way!

I was super bummed out. But, in the process of checking into the last choice, another, unforeseen choice, not on my maps presented itself. I decided I may as well do some on the ground research, since I was there and all.

Well, I was pressed for time by now, but I hurriedly went about my business. I figured out an approach pretty quickly, now to get out of there. What roads would link up? I looked at my maps and drove to two dead ends. No good!

I decided on adding in about a mile of pavement to solve the riddle. Not my favorite thing to do, but it would work. I was still feeling bummed about the earlier route not working, and decided to hang it up for the day and head on home.

A proper working barn with Holsteins!

 Since recon was done, I could head home on pavement. I looked at the map to find a direct way. I found the road, and followed the signs to the next town. Oddly enough, I got routed onto some gravel. Okay! Let's see where this goes now. It couldn't be far to the next town anyway.

Well, the road was totally awesome! I was immediately thinking how cool it would be to use this road in a T.I. Except....it added more pavement to get to it. Well, the further I went, the less I thought that was a negative. This road was just that good, or so I was thinking.

Then I realized I had absolutely no idea where I was! I had gotten so excited, and the road had so many twists and turns, I didn't know which direction I was heading in. There were only a couple of cross roads, and the signs gave no hints. The sun was shrouded by thick clouds, and everything was drenched in diffused light. I was going to have to stop to figure out where in the world I was, since the town never materialized.

And another barn!

 Well, I rolled up onto a cross road, looked at the signs, and got out my map. Within a few minutes I pinpointed where I was, and saw that I was actually headed in the right direction!

It wasn't the road I had thought I should have been on, and that didn't matter now. I was just stoked to see that if I wanted to, I could make the mistaken turn work out as part of the route!

A few things may make me change my mind against this though. First- A longer stretch of pavement than I'd really want would be necessary to get the riders on this section.

Secondly, there were three dogs, one of them a giant Harlequin Great Dane, that were a bit more "friendly" than I like to see. Yes, there may be other dogs on route that I did not see, but when I do see dogs get aggressive with my vehicle, I think about that a bit.

Finally, this section would more than likely be done by anyone still in the event at night. You wouldn't see any of the cool stuff, just have some really big hills to climb and descend.

The other route is definitely more "bland', but would also be expedient to use in the dark, and would deliver riders to the next part of the Trans Iowa course without the drama of extra paved road miles, dogs, and hills that would definitely put your skills to the test in the dark.

I'll be thinking about that for awhile!

Trans Iowa V8 Recon #2

Yesterday I got more recon done for Trans Iowa V8 and it was a pretty successful outing, even though not everything about the day was planned. (More on that in a bit) WARNING! Mondo-long post with pics! Getcher coffee/favorite beverage and sit down fer awhile!

I'll share some images today, but not too many road images, since my favorite images weren't of roads, but things I saw along them yesterday. (Yes Jason, I have more barns in today's post!)

My favorite image from the days outing.

First of all, let me say that in no way am I trying to pretend or intimate that I am some sort of "photographer". These are images from a cheap-o Fuji point and shoot set to black and white. There they are, and I like the images. Maybe photo-zealots wouldn't, but so be it. I make no apologies for these. Hey! I'm driving a truck at 40mph, trying to keep track of a route, and shooting with an unsteady right hand......on loose gravel. 

Anyway....the day was a grey one. The skies were wrapped in a blanket of thick clouds, and everything on the Earth was somber, dead, and withered, for the most part. Black and White images seemed very appropriate.

I was so stoked to see I got the tree. I saw it coming down the road, and my camera was buried underneath some maps at the time. So- Here I am, scrambling to find the camera, driving 40mph on gravel, and then trying to open the dang camera and get a shot off. By the time all that happens I have one chance out the passenger window to try for an image and I got it. Definitely a minor miracle there!

The thing is, I am out here with very limited time available to get recon done. I cannot afford to slow down and stop to take a "proper" image. I have to keep rolling on, or I'd be taking images all day and only traveling 20 miles total. Recon ain't-a-gonna git dun like that! So it turns into kind of a game for me that keeps that recon fun.

Yes Jason.....another barn find!

The biggest goal yesterday was to go from Grinnell to Checkpoint #1. This included figuring out if my roll out in Grinnell proper was going to work. I may modify it a bit, but it would be okay the way that it is now.

I was a bit concerned about the chip seal mileage, but it ended up being just tolerable and I think I'll leave it in. You riders will appreciate that luxurious surface to start out on, no doubt!

The opening miles are kind of odd. It goes from relatively benign, to having a couple of monster rollers, and back again to benign for about 10 miles. Then it gets more hilly on a consistent level for a bit.

The roads were rough this time of year. There has not been much moisture in Iowa in the last few months, and new gravel just rolls around under the tires like marbles on the rock-hard underlying road surface.

Oddly enough, it wasn't all that dusty either. It was a bit eery actually. I was expecting it to be very dusty, but maybe the dust all blew away in the strong winds of late.

Yes- There will be at least a mile of B Road

I didn't really think I had any B Maintenance road in for the first section coming into Checkpoint #1. Well, guess what?

That's right folks, a mile section of B Maintenance road will be in the first 50 miles of T.I.V8. I know that just amazes you veterans of the event.

Obviously, I got to drive it yesterday. It is bone dry, and has two unbelievably steep hill climbs within that mile. When you are in between the  two ridges, it seems as though you are cut off from the rest of the world. It is almost like being in between two huge swells in a sea of earth.

Trust me- I highly doubt that this will be at all rideable come April 28th, 2011. If it is, well it will be a lot of fun. If not........

I am considering adding a hair more time to get to Checkpoint #1 due to this and......well, you'll see!

Not a barn- A one room school house

 Interesting to note; The route to Checkpoint #1 will be just a bit more than 50 miles. So, shorter than last year. However; it has about as much for hills, and you also will go in every compass direction getting there.

That means you will have a head wind,  if there is a wind that morning, and at least part of that time you will also enjoy a tailwind.

Okay, don't forget that B Maintenance road in there. If it is wet at all, that will be a walking mile, and it will be really tough. Those two climbs are waaay steep! Yes- so are the descents. No ditches either, so there is no escape.

Now last year, with the snafu with the B Road mix-up, the hills, and the wind, I saw where many missed the checkpoint cut-off in a 15 minute window. Had the cut-off time been 15 minutes later than it was, a lot of you would have made it through. So, with that in mind, I am considering a bit of lee-way on time coming into the first checkpoint, due to the difficulties.

At this point, I was totally lost!

Okay, so much for the first leg of T.I.V8! That is going to work out quite well, I think. That put upwards of 170 miles confirmed, (adding in the last recon I did), and in the books ready to be cue-carded this winter.

Now, I had a bit of extra time to do some checking into a snarl of a problem at one point on the return leg of T.I.V8. So, I headed on over to that section of the proposed course to have a look-see.

Essentially, it was like dealing with a three-headed monster. I had three possibilities, with one that I was hoping would be "the winner". I first checked on the two of the "lesser desired" choices.

Well, it looked possible from one standpoint for sure, although there was some construction work going on that would need to be looked into further. Since that wasn't a primo choice, I left it for a "possible later". The other choice looked sketchy. It would require a bicycle to really find out if it would work, since part of the route would be a "no motor vehicles" sort of deal. I didn't bring a bicycle on this trip. Dang!

Still lost, but the roads were rad!

Okay, no big deal, right? My "third choice" would be the winner anyway, or so I had hoped. I got closer, and I was totally stoked. It looked really great. Then, I saw where a farmer had re-claimed about a quarter mile of roadway which cut the route off. No way!

I was super bummed out. But, in the process of checking into the last choice, another, unforeseen choice, not on my maps presented itself. I decided I may as well do some on the ground research, since I was there and all.

Well, I was pressed for time by now, but I hurriedly went about my business. I figured out an approach pretty quickly, now to get out of there. What roads would link up? I looked at my maps and drove to two dead ends. No good!

I decided on adding in about a mile of pavement to solve the riddle. Not my favorite thing to do, but it would work. I was still feeling bummed about the earlier route not working, and decided to hang it up for the day and head on home.

A proper working barn with Holsteins!

 Since recon was done, I could head home on pavement. I looked at the map to find a direct way. I found the road, and followed the signs to the next town. Oddly enough, I got routed onto some gravel. Okay! Let's see where this goes now. It couldn't be far to the next town anyway.

Well, the road was totally awesome! I was immediately thinking how cool it would be to use this road in a T.I. Except....it added more pavement to get to it. Well, the further I went, the less I thought that was a negative. This road was just that good, or so I was thinking.

Then I realized I had absolutely no idea where I was! I had gotten so excited, and the road had so many twists and turns, I didn't know which direction I was heading in. There were only a couple of cross roads, and the signs gave no hints. The sun was shrouded by thick clouds, and everything was drenched in diffused light. I was going to have to stop to figure out where in the world I was, since the town never materialized.

And another barn!

 Well, I rolled up onto a cross road, looked at the signs, and got out my map. Within a few minutes I pinpointed where I was, and saw that I was actually headed in the right direction!

It wasn't the road I had thought I should have been on, and that didn't matter now. I was just stoked to see that if I wanted to, I could make the mistaken turn work out as part of the route!

A few things may make me change my mind against this though. First- A longer stretch of pavement than I'd really want would be necessary to get the riders on this section.

Secondly, there were three dogs, one of them a giant Harlequin Great Dane, that were a bit more "friendly" than I like to see. Yes, there may be other dogs on route that I did not see, but when I do see dogs get aggressive with my vehicle, I think about that a bit.

Finally, this section would more than likely be done by anyone still in the event at night. You wouldn't see any of the cool stuff, just have some really big hills to climb and descend.

The other route is definitely more "bland', but would also be expedient to use in the dark, and would deliver riders to the next part of the Trans Iowa course without the drama of extra paved road miles, dogs, and hills that would definitely put your skills to the test in the dark.

I'll be thinking about that for awhile!

Friday News And Views

Well, that went well....

Thanksgiving came and went with a reasonable consumption rate. Nothing too far gone went down the hatch yesterday, and I feel pretty good about the food I ate. Of course, I didn't hold off on the IPA's when I got home, but hey! I felt compelled to celebrate a few things. ya know- being thankful and all!

Hope your day was a pleasant one yesterday.

Barn for Jason

I got my gravel road ride in on Wednesday. I figured I had better just get it done, since the snowy weather can't be far off.

I was super stoked to be out there in the country again. The gravel was in great shape. Very dry and super fast. The weather was a bit chilly and gray, but at this time of year, you have to lower your expectations here a bit!

I got in a nice two hour ride and I must not wait as long between gravel rides. So many nice roads to choose from that if I wait to sneak a ride in the choices nearly paralyze me. I need to take advantage more than I have. If I keep up a steady diet of these choices, I won't be wanting to do them all with only two hours to ride!

Well, I also should add that missing out on the longer gravel rides showed up as some very stiff and sore muscles the next day! Another reason not to short shrift myself on those gravel grinders.

It has started! The registration for T.I.V8 has begun with the "Finishers" taking their crack at entering the eighth edition of the event starting today.

The list of finishers is on the site, so no cutters can be allowed! The Finishers have until December 2nd at midnight to claim a spot. If they do not do so by then, the window closes for another year.

There are 57 Finishers in all, and 100 roster spots total. Of course, not all the Finishers will take up a roster spot, so we'll have to wait and see how the rest of the remaining spots gets split up between the Rookies and Veterans. Those classes will be filled via post card starting on December 2nd as well. All registration will come to a close on December 10th. See all the details here.

Hope you all get a ride in sometime over this Holiday weekend!

Friday News And Views

Well, that went well....

Thanksgiving came and went with a reasonable consumption rate. Nothing too far gone went down the hatch yesterday, and I feel pretty good about the food I ate. Of course, I didn't hold off on the IPA's when I got home, but hey! I felt compelled to celebrate a few things. ya know- being thankful and all!

Hope your day was a pleasant one yesterday.

Barn for Jason

I got my gravel road ride in on Wednesday. I figured I had better just get it done, since the snowy weather can't be far off.

I was super stoked to be out there in the country again. The gravel was in great shape. Very dry and super fast. The weather was a bit chilly and gray, but at this time of year, you have to lower your expectations here a bit!

I got in a nice two hour ride and I must not wait as long between gravel rides. So many nice roads to choose from that if I wait to sneak a ride in the choices nearly paralyze me. I need to take advantage more than I have. If I keep up a steady diet of these choices, I won't be wanting to do them all with only two hours to ride!

Well, I also should add that missing out on the longer gravel rides showed up as some very stiff and sore muscles the next day! Another reason not to short shrift myself on those gravel grinders.

It has started! The registration for T.I.V8 has begun with the "Finishers" taking their crack at entering the eighth edition of the event starting today.

The list of finishers is on the site, so no cutters can be allowed! The Finishers have until December 2nd at midnight to claim a spot. If they do not do so by then, the window closes for another year.

There are 57 Finishers in all, and 100 roster spots total. Of course, not all the Finishers will take up a roster spot, so we'll have to wait and see how the rest of the remaining spots gets split up between the Rookies and Veterans. Those classes will be filled via post card starting on December 2nd as well. All registration will come to a close on December 10th. See all the details here.

Hope you all get a ride in sometime over this Holiday weekend!

Giving Thanks

It has been shown in studies that the giving of thanks, being thankful, and having an attitude of gratitude is a healing thing for your soul, and for relationships between folks. I think about that on a day like today. However; I should think about that everyday.

Here are some things that I find myself thinking about lately. This isn't an all inclusive list, but here ya go....

I've got a lot to smile about.

First off, I've got my health, and I get to do things with that health that are a lot of fun for me. I get to enjoy my wife, and my family because of that health. Pretty thankful for that for sure.

I owe a lot to those that went before me.

I recognize that I have a lot of what I do because of the hard work, sacrifices, and love of those that went before me. A lot of those people I don't even know. Many of them are dead and gone, but some of them are still alive and with us. Better thank them while we can.

I'm thankful for where I live.

I'm also very thankful I am blessed to live where I live. Not everyone has the life, the freedom, and the opportunities we do. I'm grateful for being put here where I am.

There is more, a lot more, that I am thankful for. I hope you find some time to reflect upon those things in your life today, and everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks

It has been shown in studies that the giving of thanks, being thankful, and having an attitude of gratitude is a healing thing for your soul, and for relationships between folks. I think about that on a day like today. However; I should think about that everyday.

Here are some things that I find myself thinking about lately. This isn't an all inclusive list, but here ya go....

I've got a lot to smile about.

First off, I've got my health, and I get to do things with that health that are a lot of fun for me. I get to enjoy my wife, and my family because of that health. Pretty thankful for that for sure.

I owe a lot to those that went before me.

I recognize that I have a lot of what I do because of the hard work, sacrifices, and love of those that went before me. A lot of those people I don't even know. Many of them are dead and gone, but some of them are still alive and with us. Better thank them while we can.

I'm thankful for where I live.

I'm also very thankful I am blessed to live where I live. Not everyone has the life, the freedom, and the opportunities we do. I'm grateful for being put here where I am.

There is more, a lot more, that I am thankful for. I hope you find some time to reflect upon those things in your life today, and everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving!