Friday News And Views

Titanium El Mariachi.....yum!

In Search Of:

Okay, so I have a request that I want to put forward out there. This isn't for me, but I am asking on behalf of one of my faithful Trans Iowa volunteers. He wants to set up a gravel road rig using a size Large Salsa El Mariachi in titanium. Older models will do, and a frame set is best, but all offers will be entertained.

Got one or know of someone who is tinkering around with selling one in a Large? hit me up at g.ted.productions@gmail.com, and I will get you in touch with the potential buyer, who is serious.

There is nothing at all in this for me, other than trying to help out a volunteer that helps me out with Trans Iowa most every year for nothing other than to be a part of the event. I am just leveraging this forum for him to see if I can help.

Thanks all!

As seen from the saddle of my bike.......

 Testing The Wool:

I was asking a friend, who is going to do Tour Divide in a week here, about how to "beat the heat" that I have issues with during events like Odin's Revenge, or my own GTDRI ride. He said that he had similar problems and part of his solution was ditching the plastic garb for wool. Yes......wool in the Summer. 

I know that may sound silly to many of you, and it did to me at first as well. However; I decided after my friends convincing arguments that I should at least give this idea a whirl. So I ordered up a Giro New Road jersey and I have been using it for the last couple of weeks. My version is a discontinued model, but the wool/poly mix is much like what you'll see in the link there.

So, what do I think? Well, with a good base layer tank underneath, I have had excellent results. Again, I haven't hardly noticed a thing at all other than that I haven't been at all uncomfortable in it. I need to try this in temperatures in the 90's yet, but into the 80's and I am fine. I think there is definitely something to this, but I will have to get into the really hot and humid stuff before I can sign off on the idea that it could help me beat the heat.

More on this later.....

Tire testing.

When I Come Back North:

I have a tire to keep testing, shown here, that I will have more to say about later. I also have to fine tune on my Karate Monkey as a possible rig to ride on the GTDRI route, but if my shoulder is still acting up, I may be swapping over to a completely different set up.

Then I have that Inbred sitting down in the Lab that needs to be put together at some point. I still need a head set to get that one rolling. However; I also have a bike for my son to finish up. That's in the works, and a few small parts have been procured along with a couple other odds and ends that I'll need to finally put that one together. It is really weird how one, small detail can hold up an entire build.

Finally, I have a build, or really, I should say "modification", that has been in the works for a long time, but I have spread out the parts necessary over a longer period because this one is expensive. Well, actually by waiting I got a break due to some recent downspec by SRAM, so I'll have that stuff coming in when it is available from SRAM, and then the "Frankenstein" operation will commence. This one will be an odd mix, which I know people with "official ties" will be shaking their heads at, saying "no, no no!", but I have been curious as to whether or not this will work. Then if it doesn't, I have a bail-out plan, but it would cost even more money. That's what I am trying to avoid.

Stay tuned.....

Have a great weekend and I'll see ya Monday.