Final Gravel Worlds Prep

Cue sheet production for GW 2021 Trans Iowa style.

 The final run up to my Gravel Worlds 2021 attempt is coming along well. Sunday morning I got the cues formatted into a Trans Iowa style cue sheet standard which I find easier to use. I suppose after 10 plus years of using this style of formatting it would make sense that I would like this better. 

As I mentioned previously, Gravel Worlds often had about 8-9 sheets to cover their course. I managed to get it squeezed down to six. So, I was pretty pleased with that. I also condensed in a couple areas that seemed superfluous to my way of understanding directions where the GW sheet was overly complex. 

The plan is to build up each sheet on card stock and 'self-laminate' each with packing tape, which I've done a lot in the past. It works, but it may not be the prettiest. I also will bring the original print out as sent by Gravel Worlds as a back-up, should the odd-ball loss of my sheets happen for some reason.  So, I should be good there. 

I'm charging the Lezyne Super GPS up here and so that should be good to go. I'll do a quick test of that later today. I need to top up the charges on the Ravemen lights I'll be using. I also will stick a fresh battery in the Olympus TG Tough camera so I won't have to worry about that running out. I'll have chargers for the iPhone and Apple watch in the travel bag. That should take care of the electronics. 

Hopefully the rest of the nutrition lands today or tomorrow. One of my items arrived Sunday, so that was nice to see. I have to bring a couple of things from home, some ibuprofen tablets and some turmeric capsules that I use. Chamois creme! Can't forget that. I've been using this Honeybutt Chamois Creme with Manuka honey in it that seems to be really agreeable with me. Gotta track down the family supply of suntan lotion. I'll ask Mrs. Guitar Ted, she'll know where to find that! 

I've got the clothing thing dialed. I'm going with the no-gloves and Sun sleeves approach. One of my frequent commenters, "Wilson", will be glad to know that he influenced me to stick with the base layer. I'll be taking one of my brand new Twin Six base layers and wearing that underneath my Summer-weight Merino wool jersey from Bike Rags. 

Okay, gotta get to work on a few last minute details. Buttoning this deal up now........

Final Gravel Worlds Prep

Cue sheet production for GW 2021 Trans Iowa style.

 The final run up to my Gravel Worlds 2021 attempt is coming along well. Sunday morning I got the cues formatted into a Trans Iowa style cue sheet standard which I find easier to use. I suppose after 10 plus years of using this style of formatting it would make sense that I would like this better. 

As I mentioned previously, Gravel Worlds often had about 8-9 sheets to cover their course. I managed to get it squeezed down to six. So, I was pretty pleased with that. I also condensed in a couple areas that seemed superfluous to my way of understanding directions where the GW sheet was overly complex. 

The plan is to build up each sheet on card stock and 'self-laminate' each with packing tape, which I've done a lot in the past. It works, but it may not be the prettiest. I also will bring the original print out as sent by Gravel Worlds as a back-up, should the odd-ball loss of my sheets happen for some reason.  So, I should be good there. 

I'm charging the Lezyne Super GPS up here and so that should be good to go. I'll do a quick test of that later today. I need to top up the charges on the Ravemen lights I'll be using. I also will stick a fresh battery in the Olympus TG Tough camera so I won't have to worry about that running out. I'll have chargers for the iPhone and Apple watch in the travel bag. That should take care of the electronics. 

Hopefully the rest of the nutrition lands today or tomorrow. One of my items arrived Sunday, so that was nice to see. I have to bring a couple of things from home, some ibuprofen tablets and some turmeric capsules that I use. Chamois creme! Can't forget that. I've been using this Honeybutt Chamois Creme with Manuka honey in it that seems to be really agreeable with me. Gotta track down the family supply of suntan lotion. I'll ask Mrs. Guitar Ted, she'll know where to find that! 

I've got the clothing thing dialed. I'm going with the no-gloves and Sun sleeves approach. One of my frequent commenters, "Wilson", will be glad to know that he influenced me to stick with the base layer. I'll be taking one of my brand new Twin Six base layers and wearing that underneath my Summer-weight Merino wool jersey from Bike Rags. 

Okay, gotta get to work on a few last minute details. Buttoning this deal up now........

Friday News And Views

The Message Does Not Match The Rhetoric:

As I scrolled through Twitter earlier in the week I came across a sponsored Tweet from the Mashable website featuring a new HPC (electrified bicycle) which was supposedly cool from a styling standpoint. It looked like a 'retro motorcycle'. 

Now you may shrug your shoulders and say, "Whatever. As long as people are out of cars and riding bicycles, I am good with it." End of story, we move on......

But hold on here a minute.... I watched the entire video Tweet and not once did the person on the machine make a pedaling motion. Not once. The message there? "It not only looks like a motorcycle, it is one". Now, of course, you may have to actually pedal this particular contraption to get assist, but that is not the visual messaging here, nor does it explicitly say in the video that "you have to pedal this". 

Next, I saw somewhere, (I apologize, because I should have a reference, but it wasn't cycling specific where I saw this), that recreational activities cease for most people surveyed recently when the temperatures get below 60°F. This also has been my contention- that if we think that cycling will become a major transportation mode, we're deluding ourselves. For the poor and less fortunate, yes- but they already are walking and cycling. That doesn't forgive our lack of infrastructure, but it isn't going to increase numbers of cyclists if non-cyclists can find easier ways to be mobile, even if we have infrastructure for cycling in a meaningful way. Electrified cars will pacify most people's feelings that we're 'environmentally conscious' (although I'd say its six of one- half a dozen of another from where we are now) and if you can afford a car- you will live in that mode of transportation every time over that of two wheeled varieties. Especially when everything is miles from everything else and weather is what it is for six months out of the year in the USA. 

Why? Because it is easier to roll with 'car culture'- even over an HPC/electrified bicycle, even if you only have to sit and coast around on it. That's why. Maybe I have a dim view of humanity, but go ahead- change my mind. The message I see being sent doesn't match what the cycling pundits are thinking. Speaking of messages sent, where are the ebike police on this one? Class systems will prevent HPC's from becoming motorcycles? Pssshaw!

New Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #73:

Another podcast is up, which you can grab the link to HERE. But the big news I wanted to point out is that the podcast is now sponsored by Bike Rags. They are the Iowa based supplier of customized apparel for events, businesses, and brands. Mostly cycling related stuff here, but they do hats, t-shirts, and stickers too, so you could use Bike Rags for any promotions you have in mind. 

I'm stoked that we have a sponsor for the podcast now and we will be doing some cool things in the near future with Bike Rags, so stay tuned for that. 

In the meantime, check out the newest podcast and let me know what you think. We are planning on some new features and new ways to access what we do there, so I am excited about the possibilities. (Think visual) I am also proud that since a year ago now we have done twice the output of podcasts in that time than the six previous years combined. I was always a bit dismayed at the haphazard roll out of new podcasts in previous years and one of my goals for 2020 was to get that rectified. With the help of Andy of Andy's Bike Shop that goal was achieved.

The first 29"er- Wes Williams' Willits New Sheriff. Image courtesy of Wes Williams

22 Years Of 29"ers:

The other day on Facebook I noted where Wes Williams posted an image I'd seen several times before. An orange "New Sheriff"  model Willits bike sitting against a building in the snow. It was March 2nd, 1999. You may be saying, "So what?". Well, that bike, and Wes Williams, and a whole bunch of other people behind that bike- and especially "The Tire", ended up revolutionizing mountain biking as we know it today.  

Back in 1999 a bigger wheel for a mountain bike was unheard of. Literally- no one could have even conceived of such a thing. Well, that is unless you were Wes Williams, or some folks from WTB, or Bruce Gordon, or some other folks like Gary Fisher, and others like Bob Poor. Yep! It took a small village, but they got the ball rolling and now look at how things are. 26"ers? Gone..... As a real alternative size for most anyone, it is a dead thing. I'll tell you what- that is a small miracle. I still find it amazing. 

And give credit to 650B/27.5"ers. They helped eradicate 26"er MTB as well. But the 29"er was the thought, the idea that finally became reality, and through every adversity, prevailed and opened up a lot of doors and minds to something better. 

Want to know more? I wrote a history of the wheel size and you can read my page on it HERE. 

Fakes of real products are never made to the same standards.

This Blog Is Real:

Earlier in the week I saw that a deep-fake video had surfaced showing a visage that was purportedly Tom Cruise, but it wasn't. It was so convincingly realistic though that now experts are worried that technology can now be used to influence people by way of using faked images of real people saying and doing things that the 'real' versions of those folks had not ever conceived of saying or doing. 

Sounds like science fiction? But it isn't, and it is truly worrisome. I've seen benign uses of this technology used to animate historical figures, like Frederick Douglass, American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman.It's creepy for sure, and I can see how this sort of thing could get out of hand. But what does faking real people have to do with cycling?

Well, due to the parts shortages, forgery of bike parts and bicycles themselves, while always having been a thing, is now a very big deal. People are more susceptible to falling for these scams when the 'real thing' is not available through traditional sources. This came to focus again when Mavic found that forgeries of Mavic wheels were being sold to consumers that were of such low quality that they had caused injury to at least one cyclist. This as reported by road.cc. Furthermore; apparently Mavic tested these wheels after purchasing a set and found that they were so far below standard that they posed a risk of injury and death to anyone who fell prey to the companies that are foisting these fake Mavic wheels on the unsuspecting consumer. 

The lesson? Don't believe what you see celebrities saying and doing on social media and don't buy fake bike parts and bikes. If the sources are not verifiable, traditional retail, don't bite. Or even better- if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

That said, this blog is real and I- Guitar Ted- approve these posts.

Sale On C.O.G. 100 Hats:

I've got a lot of C.O.G 100 hats left and I need to move them outta here. So, through the month of March, I will be knocking $5.00 off the price making these one-off hats fifteen bucks each plus shipping. See the link to the "Guitar Ted's Garage Sale Page" underneath the header image and scroll down a bit to see how to order. 

Mention this post and I will throw in a free hat if you purchase a jersey, also listed on the Garage Sale Page. 

There are not many jerseys left, so once those are gone- they are gone for good and the hat offer will end. So, if you want a piece of gravel grinding history, grab a hat or jersey and wear them proudly. Plus, it will help me get good stuff into the hands of people so it can be used up and I won't have to hawk the stuff here anymore so I can clear out space in my basement. 

And as long as I am here, I'll mention the link to the G-Ted Merchandise on the right column of the blog here. Hit that link and it will take you to Redbubble and my daughter's page there where the G-Ted merch can be ordered. A portion of each sale made there goes directly to my daughter to help fund her art work. Thanks for considering all of this.

Friday News And Views

The Message Does Not Match The Rhetoric:

As I scrolled through Twitter earlier in the week I came across a sponsored Tweet from the Mashable website featuring a new HPC (electrified bicycle) which was supposedly cool from a styling standpoint. It looked like a 'retro motorcycle'. 

Now you may shrug your shoulders and say, "Whatever. As long as people are out of cars and riding bicycles, I am good with it." End of story, we move on......

But hold on here a minute.... I watched the entire video Tweet and not once did the person on the machine make a pedaling motion. Not once. The message there? "It not only looks like a motorcycle, it is one". Now, of course, you may have to actually pedal this particular contraption to get assist, but that is not the visual messaging here, nor does it explicitly say in the video that "you have to pedal this". 

Next, I saw somewhere, (I apologize, because I should have a reference, but it wasn't cycling specific where I saw this), that recreational activities cease for most people surveyed recently when the temperatures get below 60°F. This also has been my contention- that if we think that cycling will become a major transportation mode, we're deluding ourselves. For the poor and less fortunate, yes- but they already are walking and cycling. That doesn't forgive our lack of infrastructure, but it isn't going to increase numbers of cyclists if non-cyclists can find easier ways to be mobile, even if we have infrastructure for cycling in a meaningful way. Electrified cars will pacify most people's feelings that we're 'environmentally conscious' (although I'd say its six of one- half a dozen of another from where we are now) and if you can afford a car- you will live in that mode of transportation every time over that of two wheeled varieties. Especially when everything is miles from everything else and weather is what it is for six months out of the year in the USA. 

Why? Because it is easier to roll with 'car culture'- even over an HPC/electrified bicycle, even if you only have to sit and coast around on it. That's why. Maybe I have a dim view of humanity, but go ahead- change my mind. The message I see being sent doesn't match what the cycling pundits are thinking. Speaking of messages sent, where are the ebike police on this one? Class systems will prevent HPC's from becoming motorcycles? Pssshaw!

New Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #73:

Another podcast is up, which you can grab the link to HERE. But the big news I wanted to point out is that the podcast is now sponsored by Bike Rags. They are the Iowa based supplier of customized apparel for events, businesses, and brands. Mostly cycling related stuff here, but they do hats, t-shirts, and stickers too, so you could use Bike Rags for any promotions you have in mind. 

I'm stoked that we have a sponsor for the podcast now and we will be doing some cool things in the near future with Bike Rags, so stay tuned for that. 

In the meantime, check out the newest podcast and let me know what you think. We are planning on some new features and new ways to access what we do there, so I am excited about the possibilities. (Think visual) I am also proud that since a year ago now we have done twice the output of podcasts in that time than the six previous years combined. I was always a bit dismayed at the haphazard roll out of new podcasts in previous years and one of my goals for 2020 was to get that rectified. With the help of Andy of Andy's Bike Shop that goal was achieved.

The first 29"er- Wes Williams' Willits New Sheriff. Image courtesy of Wes Williams

22 Years Of 29"ers:

The other day on Facebook I noted where Wes Williams posted an image I'd seen several times before. An orange "New Sheriff"  model Willits bike sitting against a building in the snow. It was March 2nd, 1999. You may be saying, "So what?". Well, that bike, and Wes Williams, and a whole bunch of other people behind that bike- and especially "The Tire", ended up revolutionizing mountain biking as we know it today.  

Back in 1999 a bigger wheel for a mountain bike was unheard of. Literally- no one could have even conceived of such a thing. Well, that is unless you were Wes Williams, or some folks from WTB, or Bruce Gordon, or some other folks like Gary Fisher, and others like Bob Poor. Yep! It took a small village, but they got the ball rolling and now look at how things are. 26"ers? Gone..... As a real alternative size for most anyone, it is a dead thing. I'll tell you what- that is a small miracle. I still find it amazing. 

And give credit to 650B/27.5"ers. They helped eradicate 26"er MTB as well. But the 29"er was the thought, the idea that finally became reality, and through every adversity, prevailed and opened up a lot of doors and minds to something better. 

Want to know more? I wrote a history of the wheel size and you can read my page on it HERE. 

Fakes of real products are never made to the same standards.

This Blog Is Real:

Earlier in the week I saw that a deep-fake video had surfaced showing a visage that was purportedly Tom Cruise, but it wasn't. It was so convincingly realistic though that now experts are worried that technology can now be used to influence people by way of using faked images of real people saying and doing things that the 'real' versions of those folks had not ever conceived of saying or doing. 

Sounds like science fiction? But it isn't, and it is truly worrisome. I've seen benign uses of this technology used to animate historical figures, like Frederick Douglass, American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman.It's creepy for sure, and I can see how this sort of thing could get out of hand. But what does faking real people have to do with cycling?

Well, due to the parts shortages, forgery of bike parts and bicycles themselves, while always having been a thing, is now a very big deal. People are more susceptible to falling for these scams when the 'real thing' is not available through traditional sources. This came to focus again when Mavic found that forgeries of Mavic wheels were being sold to consumers that were of such low quality that they had caused injury to at least one cyclist. This as reported by road.cc. Furthermore; apparently Mavic tested these wheels after purchasing a set and found that they were so far below standard that they posed a risk of injury and death to anyone who fell prey to the companies that are foisting these fake Mavic wheels on the unsuspecting consumer. 

The lesson? Don't believe what you see celebrities saying and doing on social media and don't buy fake bike parts and bikes. If the sources are not verifiable, traditional retail, don't bite. Or even better- if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

That said, this blog is real and I- Guitar Ted- approve these posts.

Sale On C.O.G. 100 Hats:

I've got a lot of C.O.G 100 hats left and I need to move them outta here. So, through the month of March, I will be knocking $5.00 off the price making these one-off hats fifteen bucks each plus shipping. See the link to the "Guitar Ted's Garage Sale Page" underneath the header image and scroll down a bit to see how to order. 

Mention this post and I will throw in a free hat if you purchase a jersey, also listed on the Garage Sale Page. 

There are not many jerseys left, so once those are gone- they are gone for good and the hat offer will end. So, if you want a piece of gravel grinding history, grab a hat or jersey and wear them proudly. Plus, it will help me get good stuff into the hands of people so it can be used up and I won't have to hawk the stuff here anymore so I can clear out space in my basement. 

And as long as I am here, I'll mention the link to the G-Ted Merchandise on the right column of the blog here. Hit that link and it will take you to Redbubble and my daughter's page there where the G-Ted merch can be ordered. A portion of each sale made there goes directly to my daughter to help fund her art work. Thanks for considering all of this.

Friday News And Views

Bontrager's new "WaveCell" technology claims it is a dramatically safer helmet.

Over-Hyped Or Deserved Accolades?

A couple weeks ago Trek rolled out a mysterious social media campaign claiming that it was about to unleash a new technology that was going to be the best thing in 30 years in its category. Immediately the media pundits, keyboard jockeys, and forum crazies were yakking about what it might be. Things from wildly unreasonable fantasies to more down to earth ideas like a new carbon fiber frame technology, or more American manufacturing were thought up.

Then I saw about a week ago what it really was. Boy! Were most people waaaaay off! My reaction was a laugh, because I knew that when the word came out that many people were going to slag Trek for over-hyping a helmet, while others were just going to groan and turn their heads. I figured it would definitely be one of the most talked about marketing ploys in many a year. I wasn't wrong.

To their credit, Trek social media folks were on point the day of the launch and for the following days. They watched for every positive reaction and regurgitated it on their feeds so as to minimize the collective groans and comments of disappointment from the innergoogles. Talk about stamping out fires! They may have a bigger fire to stamp out now though.

We actually got one in at the shop where I work and I have to say that I wasn't all that impressed. First of all, (and referring to my comments about big-headed cyclists earlier this week), the size Large WaveCell roadie helmet hit my head like a medium sized helmet. No way could I use that! Others tried it on and said it was really a rounder shaped helmet and it seemed pretty wide. Hrrumph! Not that I'd get one anyway. I am not a believer in that design as far as keeping your head cool. It looks like a recipe for a sweaty, hot lid. Time will tell if that proves right. I guess in the meantime I'll just be 40 something percent more likely to have a concussion. Thanks Bontrager!

Teravail Rutland variants.

Teravail Introduces New Gravel Tire: 

The Quality Bicycles tire brand, Teravail, has announced a new tire, the Rutland, in three sizes. The Rutland will come in 700 X 38, 700 X 42, and 650B X 47mm. All are tubeless ready, and both "Light and Supple" and "Durable" casings will be offered. There are skinwall options as well.

Whoo! Another "gravel" tire. The marketplace is pretty crowded now. Amazing to think this when ten years ago there weren't any "gravel specific" tires except the Bruce Gordon "Rock & Road" (which is still available, by the way) I am grateful for all of the choices. That said, I feel that this one is highly derivative.

To my eyes, the Rutland looks a lot like a WTB Resolute with a touch of Riddler thrown in for good measure. Those are fine gravel tires to mimic if you are going to mimic a tire, I guess. It will be interesting to see if they ride as well as the WTB offerings do. I would guess that the Light and Supple variant will be the one that rides the best. By the way, that's the only casing offered in skin wall.

Interestingly, I've noted many tire brands are now recommending inner rim widths in either a range, or a specific dimension, for their tires. The Rutland is best on a 23mm inner width rim, apparently. That's a "wide" rim in terms of what was the norm only a few years ago. In fact, I am testing wheels which are narrower than that and the marketing copy reads as thought these narrower widths are "wider for gravel tires". To be sure, it wasn't all that long ago that a Salsa Delgado rim was considered a "wide" rim and that looks narrow by today's standards. Ten years ago most "road" rims were sub-20mm inner rim width. Things sure have changed.

The Women's Single Speed Champ jersey.

C.O.G.100 Jerseys Are In:

The championship jerseys for the inaugural C.O.G. 100 Iowa Single Speed Gravel Championships are in! They look fantastic too. The Bike Rags company knocked it outta the park with these jerseys and N.Y. Roll and I are stoked about the quality job that Bike Rags provided. The jerseys have a soft, in the hand feel, are full zip, and the colors pop really well. (My image here notwithstanding) The design was rendered just as I wanted it and I am happy that everyone I have shown these to has had nothing but positive reactions to them.

The Men's jersey is pink, the Women's is powder blue. The "C.O.G. 100" pre-order jerseys are lavender and will not say "Iowa SS Champ" on them, but will say "Iowa C.O.G. 100" instead. Those are not quite here yet, but they are promised by the event. If that doesn't happen I will ship jerseys to all the pre-order folks on the list, whether you chose that option during your payment or not. Hopefully they show up.....

In other C.O.G. 100 news, I have the number plates ready, and cues will be stuffed into baggies this weekend. I have to make a check in sheet and a roster sheet and then we are good to roll. Remember, N.Y. Roll and I will be hanging out at the Peace Tree Grinnell taproom from 6:00pm -10:00pm next Friday. If you are in the event, you can come down and get waivers signed, and pick up your schwag if you'd like. Cues will not be distributed until the morning of the event. Right now it looks like the weather will be cool, but clear and with no chances for rain.

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend and get some riding in!

Friday News And Views

Bontrager's new "WaveCell" technology claims it is a dramatically safer helmet.

Over-Hyped Or Deserved Accolades?

A couple weeks ago Trek rolled out a mysterious social media campaign claiming that it was about to unleash a new technology that was going to be the best thing in 30 years in its category. Immediately the media pundits, keyboard jockeys, and forum crazies were yakking about what it might be. Things from wildly unreasonable fantasies to more down to earth ideas like a new carbon fiber frame technology, or more American manufacturing were thought up.

Then I saw about a week ago what it really was. Boy! Were most people waaaaay off! My reaction was a laugh, because I knew that when the word came out that many people were going to slag Trek for over-hyping a helmet, while others were just going to groan and turn their heads. I figured it would definitely be one of the most talked about marketing ploys in many a year. I wasn't wrong.

To their credit, Trek social media folks were on point the day of the launch and for the following days. They watched for every positive reaction and regurgitated it on their feeds so as to minimize the collective groans and comments of disappointment from the innergoogles. Talk about stamping out fires! They may have a bigger fire to stamp out now though.

We actually got one in at the shop where I work and I have to say that I wasn't all that impressed. First of all, (and referring to my comments about big-headed cyclists earlier this week), the size Large WaveCell roadie helmet hit my head like a medium sized helmet. No way could I use that! Others tried it on and said it was really a rounder shaped helmet and it seemed pretty wide. Hrrumph! Not that I'd get one anyway. I am not a believer in that design as far as keeping your head cool. It looks like a recipe for a sweaty, hot lid. Time will tell if that proves right. I guess in the meantime I'll just be 40 something percent more likely to have a concussion. Thanks Bontrager!

Teravail Rutland variants.

Teravail Introduces New Gravel Tire: 

The Quality Bicycles tire brand, Teravail, has announced a new tire, the Rutland, in three sizes. The Rutland will come in 700 X 38, 700 X 42, and 650B X 47mm. All are tubeless ready, and both "Light and Supple" and "Durable" casings will be offered. There are skinwall options as well.

Whoo! Another "gravel" tire. The marketplace is pretty crowded now. Amazing to think this when ten years ago there weren't any "gravel specific" tires except the Bruce Gordon "Rock & Road" (which is still available, by the way) I am grateful for all of the choices. That said, I feel that this one is highly derivative.

To my eyes, the Rutland looks a lot like a WTB Resolute with a touch of Riddler thrown in for good measure. Those are fine gravel tires to mimic if you are going to mimic a tire, I guess. It will be interesting to see if they ride as well as the WTB offerings do. I would guess that the Light and Supple variant will be the one that rides the best. By the way, that's the only casing offered in skin wall.

Interestingly, I've noted many tire brands are now recommending inner rim widths in either a range, or a specific dimension, for their tires. The Rutland is best on a 23mm inner width rim, apparently. That's a "wide" rim in terms of what was the norm only a few years ago. In fact, I am testing wheels which are narrower than that and the marketing copy reads as thought these narrower widths are "wider for gravel tires". To be sure, it wasn't all that long ago that a Salsa Delgado rim was considered a "wide" rim and that looks narrow by today's standards. Ten years ago most "road" rims were sub-20mm inner rim width. Things sure have changed.

The Women's Single Speed Champ jersey.

C.O.G.100 Jerseys Are In:

The championship jerseys for the inaugural C.O.G. 100 Iowa Single Speed Gravel Championships are in! They look fantastic too. The Bike Rags company knocked it outta the park with these jerseys and N.Y. Roll and I are stoked about the quality job that Bike Rags provided. The jerseys have a soft, in the hand feel, are full zip, and the colors pop really well. (My image here notwithstanding) The design was rendered just as I wanted it and I am happy that everyone I have shown these to has had nothing but positive reactions to them.

The Men's jersey is pink, the Women's is powder blue. The "C.O.G. 100" pre-order jerseys are lavender and will not say "Iowa SS Champ" on them, but will say "Iowa C.O.G. 100" instead. Those are not quite here yet, but they are promised by the event. If that doesn't happen I will ship jerseys to all the pre-order folks on the list, whether you chose that option during your payment or not. Hopefully they show up.....

In other C.O.G. 100 news, I have the number plates ready, and cues will be stuffed into baggies this weekend. I have to make a check in sheet and a roster sheet and then we are good to roll. Remember, N.Y. Roll and I will be hanging out at the Peace Tree Grinnell taproom from 6:00pm -10:00pm next Friday. If you are in the event, you can come down and get waivers signed, and pick up your schwag if you'd like. Cues will not be distributed until the morning of the event. Right now it looks like the weather will be cool, but clear and with no chances for rain.

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend and get some riding in!