Last week I received a press release stating that a new bikepacking/hiking/horseback trail across Texas was being introduced. Called "xTx", the trail consists of paved roads, "back roads", gravel, and possibly some single track.
Starting at Orange, Texas, just Northeast of Huston, the trail meanders Westward until it reaches the Big Bend area of Texas where the trail takes a wild South then North trek and then it darts straight West to El Paso.
The trail, a 1,500 mile route, according to xTx, was conceived of by Charlie Gandy and is an effort of Bike Texas, a non-profit organization. A "test ride" of the first 100 miles of the trail is set to happen on March 10th out of Orange, Texas. You can find out more by checking out their site HERE.
Comments: This is interesting, especially in light of the work already done by The Spinistry to establish cycling routes on back roads and gravel that cross Texas. I know the Spinistry's routes are pretty well vetted out and verified. This new xTx route seems a bit on the rushed side, seeing as it was conceived of only just last year.
Then there is the gratuitous zig-zag across the Big Bend area in order to include some admittedly spectacular mountains, but if you've ever been in West Texas, (I have) it is a truly unforgiving area. I would rather skip both the most Southern and Northern extremes of the route there and shoot straight over to El Paso. But that's just me.
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| Image courtesy of Twin Six |
Twin Six Releases New Standard Rando Color:
Twin Six's Standard Rando v2 frame and fork is really a great platform for anything from - well....randonneuring to gravel, commuting to light touring/bikepacking. The frame was redesigned in 2020 and ever since then T-6 has offered the model in various colors. I happen to have one in the original "Saffron" yellow.
The new hue is called "Cheeky", but to my eyes it looks like a lavender color. I like it. It would be pretty rad with a bunch of ultra-violet anodized bits on there. Or pink ano..... Ah! I'd better stop. It will drive me crazy and I don't need another one of these!
But maybe you are looking for a new whip to get out there on this year? I think the asking price of $850.00 USD for the frame and steel fork is pretty reasonable.
New MTB Festival Announced:
Wilde Bicycles led by Jeffrey Frane has announced the inaugural Midwest Mountain Bike Fest happening June 20-22nd in Cuyuna, Minnesota.
The event will feature an expo where riders will be able to try out various mountain bike offerings from different brands. There will be group rides, clinics, happy hours, and raffles.
“It’s time for a new generation of cycling events, ones not rooted in competition but in fellowship and stewardship. This is the chance to truly engage all of the riding community to come together for one magnificent weekend. It’s going to be a good old fashioned dirt party, on some of the best trails around..” - Event Director Jeff Frane
More information will be available on the event site: midwestmountainbikefest.com.
Comments: This idea is an excellent one and ever since "Dirt Rag's" Dirt Fest there really hasn't been anything quite like this which I have been aware of East of the Rockies. Cuyuna is a destination trail system that is not that far away from Iowa and many other upper Mid-Westerners, so hopefully there will be a good turnout for what is planned to be a yearly event.
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| Image courtesy of SILCA |
New SILCA Ultimate Sealant Formula Released:
SILCA announced that they have a version 2 of their Ultimate Sealant out now that has been in development for two and a half years.
The new sealant has shortened carbon fiber strands which are claimed to remain more isolated in the new natural and synthetic latex liquid. This is allowing for sealant puncture protection for up to 6mm holes, as claimed by SILCA.
Another complaint against the original formula was that it was not injectionable through the valve stem. This has now been addressed with the new sealant's ability to be injected through the valve, as seen in the accompanying image here.
SILCA is so confident in this new formula's performance that they are offering a $500.00 "Bad Day Bonus" to those sponsored athletes who use this sealant in Life Time's Grand Prix. Here's a quote from a recent email blast sent out by SILCA: "...we're offering a $500 Bad Day Bonus to any SILCA-sponsored GP athlete who has a puncture that doesn't seal during a Life Time Grand Prix race."
You can check out this sealant by clicking HERE.
Slop Season To Begin Next Week:
Well, this past week is pretty much utterly forgettable. We were below zero more than we were above zero, and the bitter winds made things even worse than the ambient air temperature would lead you to believe.
I'm happy this will all be left behind soon, but now we will have the transition to Spring I call "Slop Season". The time for fenders and lots of post-ride cleaning!
Temperatures are said to be going up into the upper 40's for a bit, and that will clear the way for some country riding, I hope, which will be nice after being cooped up the last two weeks or so.
I'll probably start off on the Karate Monkey single speed with those Nice Bars on it because the tires are wider and I am not worried about the drive train bits or the finish on the bike, which is over two decades old by now. A few more scratches or a bit more wear and tear on the Campstove Green powdercoat won't make much difference anymore.
If I manage to get out, look for a ride report later in the week next week.
So, I was hoping this would have come out a week ago, but I wasn't up to recording the day which N.Y. Roll and I wanted to record on. So....
You can listen to us carry on this week, or any time after now, really, and hear what we have to say about air pressures, N.Y. Roll's fat bike race, and other nonsense. The episode can be accessed on any podcast provider's platform by searching "Guitar Ted Podcast" or you can listen on Spotify HERE.
I am starting to line up a few guests for upcoming episodes which will feature news about a certain statewide gravel resource, gravel pioneers and their stories, and more. N.Y. Roll and I are really excited about presenting conversations with the first modern-day gravel riders and sharing history you'll never get anywhere else.
Until then, thanks for Reading Guitar Ted Productions! Get out and ride those bikes!
5 comments:
That T6 Standard Rando is a smoking deal at $850 for the frame and fork…
@MG - Truth.
Hand up as one that liked the Nate, as a trail tire. I can see it not being fun on gravel.
GT, how about making separate posts for the podcast. Would make comments/questions easier to make and answer
I am suspicious of any sealant that claims to fix 7mm holes AND be injectable
As one that still uses QR wheels and other “obsolete” components I really like my New Albion Drake (Soma Fab/Merry Sales). $620 for frame and fork and often discounted.
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