Ride Plans Taking Shape

Some riding plans are emerging out of the fog for 2023

I've been thinking about riding gravel roads again, and this year I want my riding to be about consistency. No huge plans and no grabbing big miles without having a consistent base of rides to build off of. With that all in mind, here are my thoughts going into the year.

Renegade Gents Race: I've been assured that I still have my place on my team and that a lodging plan is available. (Thank you Capn' Steve!) So, that event, which falls on April 1st this year, will be my first "official ride" date for 2023. 

Leading in to that date I want to have put in several consistent rides and off-bike work-out type training efforts to be ready to do this event. Since the Gents Race is about 70 miles or less, I think if I can have a base of several 3-4 hour rides by April 1st I'd feel pretty good about that. Maybe 3-4 of those and several shorter rides as well. That means I have to get going here pretty quick.

Off-bike efforts will include some special stretching and moving exercises I've got planned for myself. Nothing huge, but again - I just want consistency. 

The route for the "Tour of Black Hawk County" might form the basis of another big ride in May

ToBHC/GTDRI? Then I have had a request from a local rider named Josh to ride with me on a big ride sometime this year. This fits in with my desire to bag a century ride at least once this year. Josh and I spoke about the idea this past weekend and I suggested that perhaps the Tour of Black Hawk County route might be a good one to make use of for this ride. 

If I so chose, I need to reroute a bit of the Western edge of the loop. The stupid county had part of the border between Grundy and Black Hawk County paved! Bah! So, to avoid about six to seven miles of madness, I will have to make a big revision to the route. 

And IF I do that, my plan is to run the loop in reverse, so the big miles without resupply are on the front end, and the shorter distances between stops can help get us to the finish in better condition than what I experienced when I did the loop in 2021. 

Double IF: Let's say I find a date in May that you think would work for you to join us. Well......okay then. I am going to allow anyone that can come to join in. It's not necessarily a "Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational", but it pretty much would be. Interested? Drop me a line...... If I get enough interest I may make this "officially official". Or something.....

From the Single Speed Century in 2020

Single Speed Century: So..... Let's say "IF" I get this far into the year and all goes well. Okay, then I am thinking I need to stick in a single speed century ride. I have a couple routes to choose from including this gnarly edition I did back in 2020 with Jeremy Fry which about did me in. I'm thinking this is a Summertime ride and that I would do this whenever it seemed right during June, July, or August.

This may be the bike and set-up, or.....it may not!

The Closure Tour: Sharp readers here might remember this idea I had for a late Summer "over-nighter" tour that I was prepping for. It didn't happen due to circumstances beyond my control, but I have not let this idea go. I feel this needs to happen and for pretty personal reasons which go beyond a bicycle ride. Thus the name of the ride. 

I've got everything I need to do this, I have the bicycles, the route is done, and anytime I have a window to do this, I feel as though I need to just go and get it done. This is high on the list of goals for 2023. I hope that it all works out.

Fat Bike Century: I've done this before, like seven years ago! I have threatened to get back out and do another for years and especially so now that I own the Ti Muk 2. 

As far as a route goes, I have two other completely different routes in mind which I would not use for the other ride ideas here. One would pretty much reprise the 2016 Fat Bike Century while the other one would be an expansion on my Turkey Burn Ride of 2021. 

I like the idea of the latter, but either would tickle my long ride bones and I would have fun either way. The latter idea of the two would require some more route planning and stuff since it is a route that doesn't exist in the mileage I would need, but it wouldn't be any big deal these days to pull something together. Not with the resources at hand today. 

Which reminds me..... Putting together a gravel route in 2005 was a LOT harder! But I digress....

Anywho! These are all huge, gigantic, BIG if's and will not happen unless I start doing the things today to get ready. So, that is the immediate plan. I will show up every day to do the stuff and we'll talk again come the end of March and see where I am at pre-Gent's madness. 

Stay tuned....

Ride Plans Taking Shape

Some riding plans are emerging out of the fog for 2023

I've been thinking about riding gravel roads again, and this year I want my riding to be about consistency. No huge plans and no grabbing big miles without having a consistent base of rides to build off of. With that all in mind, here are my thoughts going into the year.

Renegade Gents Race: I've been assured that I still have my place on my team and that a lodging plan is available. (Thank you Capn' Steve!) So, that event, which falls on April 1st this year, will be my first "official ride" date for 2023. 

Leading in to that date I want to have put in several consistent rides and off-bike work-out type training efforts to be ready to do this event. Since the Gents Race is about 70 miles or less, I think if I can have a base of several 3-4 hour rides by April 1st I'd feel pretty good about that. Maybe 3-4 of those and several shorter rides as well. That means I have to get going here pretty quick.

Off-bike efforts will include some special stretching and moving exercises I've got planned for myself. Nothing huge, but again - I just want consistency. 

The route for the "Tour of Black Hawk County" might form the basis of another big ride in May

ToBHC/GTDRI? Then I have had a request from a local rider named Josh to ride with me on a big ride sometime this year. This fits in with my desire to bag a century ride at least once this year. Josh and I spoke about the idea this past weekend and I suggested that perhaps the Tour of Black Hawk County route might be a good one to make use of for this ride. 

If I so chose, I need to reroute a bit of the Western edge of the loop. The stupid county had part of the border between Grundy and Black Hawk County paved! Bah! So, to avoid about six to seven miles of madness, I will have to make a big revision to the route. 

And IF I do that, my plan is to run the loop in reverse, so the big miles without resupply are on the front end, and the shorter distances between stops can help get us to the finish in better condition than what I experienced when I did the loop in 2021. 

Double IF: Let's say I find a date in May that you think would work for you to join us. Well......okay then. I am going to allow anyone that can come to join in. It's not necessarily a "Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational", but it pretty much would be. Interested? Drop me a line...... If I get enough interest I may make this "officially official". Or something.....

From the Single Speed Century in 2020

Single Speed Century: So..... Let's say "IF" I get this far into the year and all goes well. Okay, then I am thinking I need to stick in a single speed century ride. I have a couple routes to choose from including this gnarly edition I did back in 2020 with Jeremy Fry which about did me in. I'm thinking this is a Summertime ride and that I would do this whenever it seemed right during June, July, or August.

This may be the bike and set-up, or.....it may not!

The Closure Tour: Sharp readers here might remember this idea I had for a late Summer "over-nighter" tour that I was prepping for. It didn't happen due to circumstances beyond my control, but I have not let this idea go. I feel this needs to happen and for pretty personal reasons which go beyond a bicycle ride. Thus the name of the ride. 

I've got everything I need to do this, I have the bicycles, the route is done, and anytime I have a window to do this, I feel as though I need to just go and get it done. This is high on the list of goals for 2023. I hope that it all works out.

Fat Bike Century: I've done this before, like seven years ago! I have threatened to get back out and do another for years and especially so now that I own the Ti Muk 2. 

As far as a route goes, I have two other completely different routes in mind which I would not use for the other ride ideas here. One would pretty much reprise the 2016 Fat Bike Century while the other one would be an expansion on my Turkey Burn Ride of 2021. 

I like the idea of the latter, but either would tickle my long ride bones and I would have fun either way. The latter idea of the two would require some more route planning and stuff since it is a route that doesn't exist in the mileage I would need, but it wouldn't be any big deal these days to pull something together. Not with the resources at hand today. 

Which reminds me..... Putting together a gravel route in 2005 was a LOT harder! But I digress....

Anywho! These are all huge, gigantic, BIG if's and will not happen unless I start doing the things today to get ready. So, that is the immediate plan. I will show up every day to do the stuff and we'll talk again come the end of March and see where I am at pre-Gent's madness. 

Stay tuned....

Looking At The End Of The Year

Considering a century on this rig.

 Well, it's about time to start thinking about wrapping up 2021 here at G-Ted Productions. Time is running out to 'git-er-dun' this year as the season winds down and Winter approaches. I've got a couple of ideas I'd like to check out before the white stuff gets on the ground- if it does- in 2021. 

 

I've been happy to have gotten going- finally - and logging in two century-plus days on the bike so far, but I want to add one more. At least one more. Then I'd say 2021 was something of a success.  At least for me it would be. 

Last year I did a Single Speed Century. I want to do that again, and I might do that in an event here called the ICGravel. It's happening on the 23rd, so I'd be doing that pretty soon if I register here. I think N.Y. Roll is coming too. Maybe..... We will see. Anyway, that would take the issue of finding a route out of my hands, which honestly, is a good idea because I waffle about what to do too much sometimes. Just best sometimes to have someone hand me a route and say- go! 

 

And another thing I've been wanting to do is the Fat Bike Century again. I have that route already, and the bike- The Ti Muk 2 - is already set up for this. I just need to get on the horse and go do it. Maybe in November. A last-gasp ride in 2021! Ha! Anyway, the Ti Muk has the dynamo hub, so lighting is 'built-in' and I don't have to worry much about how the gravel will be with 4" wide tires. We will see. 

So, another thing: There is a route idea I've had for a couple of years to do but it would require about an hour trip to get to the start and then an hour back again, and well..... I just haven't been motivated to do the windshield time for a four-ish hour long ride. I'd really like to do the route, but it isn't a big priority at this time. Maybe if things don't pan out with the Fat Bike Century? Who knows....

 

And then there is the blog stuff which will come on at the end of November here with my 'year in review' posts, my "Bikes of 2021" posts, and more. So, all of that and regular "Fall Views" ride reports and eventually "Brown Season" posts. 

 

Stay tuned.....

Looking At The End Of The Year

Considering a century on this rig.

 Well, it's about time to start thinking about wrapping up 2021 here at G-Ted Productions. Time is running out to 'git-er-dun' this year as the season winds down and Winter approaches. I've got a couple of ideas I'd like to check out before the white stuff gets on the ground- if it does- in 2021. 

 

I've been happy to have gotten going- finally - and logging in two century-plus days on the bike so far, but I want to add one more. At least one more. Then I'd say 2021 was something of a success.  At least for me it would be. 

Last year I did a Single Speed Century. I want to do that again, and I might do that in an event here called the ICGravel. It's happening on the 23rd, so I'd be doing that pretty soon if I register here. I think N.Y. Roll is coming too. Maybe..... We will see. Anyway, that would take the issue of finding a route out of my hands, which honestly, is a good idea because I waffle about what to do too much sometimes. Just best sometimes to have someone hand me a route and say- go! 

 

And another thing I've been wanting to do is the Fat Bike Century again. I have that route already, and the bike- The Ti Muk 2 - is already set up for this. I just need to get on the horse and go do it. Maybe in November. A last-gasp ride in 2021! Ha! Anyway, the Ti Muk has the dynamo hub, so lighting is 'built-in' and I don't have to worry much about how the gravel will be with 4" wide tires. We will see. 

So, another thing: There is a route idea I've had for a couple of years to do but it would require about an hour trip to get to the start and then an hour back again, and well..... I just haven't been motivated to do the windshield time for a four-ish hour long ride. I'd really like to do the route, but it isn't a big priority at this time. Maybe if things don't pan out with the Fat Bike Century? Who knows....

 

And then there is the blog stuff which will come on at the end of November here with my 'year in review' posts, my "Bikes of 2021" posts, and more. So, all of that and regular "Fall Views" ride reports and eventually "Brown Season" posts. 

 

Stay tuned.....

Chilly

Ready and waiting for Winter

 Well, compare last weekend to this weekend and the contrast couldn't be greater. Last weekend we reached 80°F during the day and this weekend we are down to freezing temperatures in the morning and maybe 66°F today and about 20 degrees cooler than that for tomorrow. The Winter/cold weather gear is going to get a work-out now! Wool me NOW! ha! 

I cannot complain. Last year October was washed out with so much rain that any riding in the country was postponed until November. We went from Summer-like temps in September to freezing cold by the time we could ride again in early November. Now we have just basically extended September into halfway into October and we're moving into November two weeks early compared to last year. Well......we will see. It all could warm back up or go straight to snow in a matter of two weeks. Who knows?

All I know is that time is running out. Time to review stuff. The time to get "The Quest" accomplished. The time to get in a fat bike century. Pretty soon it'll be deep Winter, 2021, and new goals and desires will take over. "Gotta get to gettin'", as they say around here. 

I'll probably start breaking out the Ti Muk 2 here soon. It's been tuned and ready to go for months now, but I need to re-up the sealant in the tires and see if Rohloff has any of that fluid stuff to clean up the hub and do a fluid change. I'm due there. Anyway, I'll be out battling winds today. More soon......

Chilly

Ready and waiting for Winter

 Well, compare last weekend to this weekend and the contrast couldn't be greater. Last weekend we reached 80°F during the day and this weekend we are down to freezing temperatures in the morning and maybe 66°F today and about 20 degrees cooler than that for tomorrow. The Winter/cold weather gear is going to get a work-out now! Wool me NOW! ha! 

I cannot complain. Last year October was washed out with so much rain that any riding in the country was postponed until November. We went from Summer-like temps in September to freezing cold by the time we could ride again in early November. Now we have just basically extended September into halfway into October and we're moving into November two weeks early compared to last year. Well......we will see. It all could warm back up or go straight to snow in a matter of two weeks. Who knows?

All I know is that time is running out. Time to review stuff. The time to get "The Quest" accomplished. The time to get in a fat bike century. Pretty soon it'll be deep Winter, 2021, and new goals and desires will take over. "Gotta get to gettin'", as they say around here. 

I'll probably start breaking out the Ti Muk 2 here soon. It's been tuned and ready to go for months now, but I need to re-up the sealant in the tires and see if Rohloff has any of that fluid stuff to clean up the hub and do a fluid change. I'm due there. Anyway, I'll be out battling winds today. More soon......

Friday News And Views

SAFETY NOTICE - CUTTHROAT V2 FORK: 

Salsa Cycles, on Wednesday, sent out a notice that owners of the Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe v2 and Cutthroat Carbon v2 forks need to check their fork for a possible safety issue. The affected forks were delivered to dealers in September 2019 to the present and can be identified by their serial numbers which require the fork to be removed from the bike to be seen. 

Riders who are unsure of how to remove the fork safely should have a qualified mechanic look at any suspected fork immediately. You can check in to THIS LINK for more information regarding this advisory. 

Please share this post with anyone you know that has a late model Cutthroat or that has a Cutthroat fork that fits the description here. 

The Ti Muk 2 has been set up and ready for the Fat Bike Century attempt for weeks now.

Fall Planning:

 

With the end of August here, I have been in planning mode for Fall riding and reviewing for RidingGravel.com. I have things I want to do, and things I have to do. Lately, the 'things I have to do' have been taking priority and will continue to do so for quite a while. This is problematic since I failed to get in the entire 100 mile ride I attempted at the beginning of August and I still have the Fat Bike Century on my plate to attempt yet as well. 

But I have things that are continually dragging me away from personal challenges, and while I may sneak in a hundy while doing testing, it won't be on the fat bike. That one may have to wait and I am thinking that is a more likely than not situation. There are wheels that need to be ridden, 'super-secret' stuff to be used, and I have a Light and Motion light needing some night riding scheduled into the mix. All this also hinges on times I have open to ride, and that coupled with weather. 

That, as Jeff Kerkove used to say about Trans Iowa, is 'the wildcard', right? I could really get into a pinch if the weather conspires to be awful on days I have open for test riding. So far this year I have hit the jackpot. I have maybe only had a few days where I had to forgo testing due to weather. In fact, I have had more outside influences keep me from riding this year than I have had issues with weather. So, I hope my weather luck holds. It's 'crunch time' for my reviewing, because sooner than not Winter will be here, and while you may think that's nuts to think this, I know I have at least three months of scheduled reviewing/test rides ahead of me. Yes- There is that much stuff going on. 

 

Mike Varley teased this LaCabra proto plus wheeled bike as a future BMC model.

Plus Bike Dreams:

 

Posting my Ti Muk 2 and selling my Sawyer, which was set up with B+ wheels, has me thinking a lot about plus sized wheels again. It is the one thing 'I think' I am missing in the stable of choices I have here. Having ridden a few of these types of bikes, the concept intrigues me greatly. I know what the wheels are capable of, and I know just exactly what I'd do with a bike with plus sized wheels, if all was right with the design as I see things. 

 

First of all, I'd want to be able to run 29 X 3" tires, although I'd likely do 29 X 2.8"ers in reality. 650B plus sized tires? Eh......why? 29"ers roll over stuff better and with a 3.0" wide 29"er tire, you can traverse some pretty difficult terrain. I've done it, so I know. I've seen it done too. I am convinced of this wheel size's prowess. 

So, that's why I have issues with the proposed BMC LaCabra. As cool as that bike would be, I would rather see it in a 700c format. So, what else is there? Well, you have the Surly ECR. Maybe.... It's over-built and has those stupid Surly drop outs which are a turn-off for me. So..... Jones Bike? Yeah.... a distinct possibility, but the cheap ones are not my cuppa. I'd do a LWB Titanium one in a heartbeat with a truss Fork, but $$$$'s are not what I have available to get into that. Really....the dream bike? A LWB Ti Spaceframe and Truss Fork. Hey, a man has to have a dream rig, right? 

 

Don't tell me about the Fargo. Not interested in the newer ones. I've seen these with 29 X 3" tires and I am not impressed. I don't want "modern trail geometry" either, so that puts a lot of other choices to rest too. No, right now only the Jones Ti LWB has me intrigued. But until I win the lottery...... The Ti Muk 2 will have to do me for now. Yes- I could build 29 X 2.8 wheels for this. However, this screws with the bottom bracket height on a Mukluk and I've tried 29+ wheels on a Mukluk before, so I know this. 

Anyway, just a random thought I have from time to time!

 

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend and put in some bicycling miles! 

Friday News And Views

SAFETY NOTICE - CUTTHROAT V2 FORK: 

Salsa Cycles, on Wednesday, sent out a notice that owners of the Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe v2 and Cutthroat Carbon v2 forks need to check their fork for a possible safety issue. The affected forks were delivered to dealers in September 2019 to the present and can be identified by their serial numbers which require the fork to be removed from the bike to be seen. 

Riders who are unsure of how to remove the fork safely should have a qualified mechanic look at any suspected fork immediately. You can check in to THIS LINK for more information regarding this advisory. 

Please share this post with anyone you know that has a late model Cutthroat or that has a Cutthroat fork that fits the description here. 

The Ti Muk 2 has been set up and ready for the Fat Bike Century attempt for weeks now.

Fall Planning:

 

With the end of August here, I have been in planning mode for Fall riding and reviewing for RidingGravel.com. I have things I want to do, and things I have to do. Lately, the 'things I have to do' have been taking priority and will continue to do so for quite a while. This is problematic since I failed to get in the entire 100 mile ride I attempted at the beginning of August and I still have the Fat Bike Century on my plate to attempt yet as well. 

But I have things that are continually dragging me away from personal challenges, and while I may sneak in a hundy while doing testing, it won't be on the fat bike. That one may have to wait and I am thinking that is a more likely than not situation. There are wheels that need to be ridden, 'super-secret' stuff to be used, and I have a Light and Motion light needing some night riding scheduled into the mix. All this also hinges on times I have open to ride, and that coupled with weather. 

That, as Jeff Kerkove used to say about Trans Iowa, is 'the wildcard', right? I could really get into a pinch if the weather conspires to be awful on days I have open for test riding. So far this year I have hit the jackpot. I have maybe only had a few days where I had to forgo testing due to weather. In fact, I have had more outside influences keep me from riding this year than I have had issues with weather. So, I hope my weather luck holds. It's 'crunch time' for my reviewing, because sooner than not Winter will be here, and while you may think that's nuts to think this, I know I have at least three months of scheduled reviewing/test rides ahead of me. Yes- There is that much stuff going on. 

 

Mike Varley teased this LaCabra proto plus wheeled bike as a future BMC model.

Plus Bike Dreams:

 

Posting my Ti Muk 2 and selling my Sawyer, which was set up with B+ wheels, has me thinking a lot about plus sized wheels again. It is the one thing 'I think' I am missing in the stable of choices I have here. Having ridden a few of these types of bikes, the concept intrigues me greatly. I know what the wheels are capable of, and I know just exactly what I'd do with a bike with plus sized wheels, if all was right with the design as I see things. 

 

First of all, I'd want to be able to run 29 X 3" tires, although I'd likely do 29 X 2.8"ers in reality. 650B plus sized tires? Eh......why? 29"ers roll over stuff better and with a 3.0" wide 29"er tire, you can traverse some pretty difficult terrain. I've done it, so I know. I've seen it done too. I am convinced of this wheel size's prowess. 

So, that's why I have issues with the proposed BMC LaCabra. As cool as that bike would be, I would rather see it in a 700c format. So, what else is there? Well, you have the Surly ECR. Maybe.... It's over-built and has those stupid Surly drop outs which are a turn-off for me. So..... Jones Bike? Yeah.... a distinct possibility, but the cheap ones are not my cuppa. I'd do a LWB Titanium one in a heartbeat with a truss Fork, but $$$$'s are not what I have available to get into that. Really....the dream bike? A LWB Ti Spaceframe and Truss Fork. Hey, a man has to have a dream rig, right? 

 

Don't tell me about the Fargo. Not interested in the newer ones. I've seen these with 29 X 3" tires and I am not impressed. I don't want "modern trail geometry" either, so that puts a lot of other choices to rest too. No, right now only the Jones Ti LWB has me intrigued. But until I win the lottery...... The Ti Muk 2 will have to do me for now. Yes- I could build 29 X 2.8 wheels for this. However, this screws with the bottom bracket height on a Mukluk and I've tried 29+ wheels on a Mukluk before, so I know this. 

Anyway, just a random thought I have from time to time!

 

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend and put in some bicycling miles! 

Friday News And Views

New Radio Ranch podcasts out this week.

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Branches Out:

With this week's podcast posts, we have done 14 new podcasts this year, which is 2/3rds of the output of the podcast up to 2020. We've been busy!  If you want to listen to the latest episodes, check them out here, or find them on your favorite podcast feeds.

Not only are we doing more consistent downloads, we are branching out to now include interviews via the phone. We now have a podcaster outfit which will Bluetooth a cell phone to its recording capabilities so we can get remote interview subjects as part of the podcast. The first of these has already been recorded with one of the RD's for this Fall's unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley event. Dave Pryor's interview will be published soon. Stay tuned for that one.

I'm pretty stoked about this as I've known Dave for several years. He's the "Guy With The Bacon Suit", seen at many East Coast CX events and elsewhere. He is a great guy and as a fellow event promoter, we kind of have a certain bond there.

I am also excited now that we can have people call in to the show and we can take the show on the road, which opens up a ton of possibilities for future episodes. I've already utilized both possibilities this year and I look forward to doing more of those things. Stay tuned for updates.....

Kinekt Suspension Stem Test/Review:

Wednesday the Kinekt Suspension Stem arrived at Andy's Bike Shop so I can test/review it for RidingGravel.com. This is a direct competitor to the Redshift Sports ShockStop stem which I have on a couple of bikes here.

I've also spent a lot of time on Kinekt's own seat post, often called the Body Float Post. I had a previous generation Body Float post on my original Ti Muk fat bike and I used one for a while on my Gen I Fargo. So, it will be interesting to see how their stem works, not only in terms of how it might pair with the Kinekt seatpost, but as a competitor to the ShockStop stem. I've often thought that components like the stems and seat posts offered by Kineckt and Redshift Sports were the way to go because these parts are removable, transferable, and tunable. Unlike proprietary features on some bikes, like rear suspended bits, flexing bits, or special integrated stem/suspension bits, these components are more traditional looking and offer more versatility.

Stay tuned as I get this stem on a bike and get rolling on it. I think the test mule for this one will be the Twin Six Standard Rando v2. But that could change tomorrow depending on the appearance of an "aha! moment" which may end up being a better idea.

'Events' Update: 

I haven't forgotten about my 'events' which I have set up for myself to attempt yet this Summer. I recently pretty much dialed in the Ti Muk 2 for the Fat Bike Century attempt, and now I will be looking for an opportune time to take a day off everything else and go.

And to be honest, that time is hard to come by. With this pandemic thing, we just end up spending time with the immediate family. The kids don't really see anyone but Mrs Guitar Ted and I. This means that if one of us is gone, it REALLY is a bad deal for the kids because they need people to do stuff with. The guilt when I go for a ride is more real than ever these days.

But I'm intending on doing both the Fat Bike Century and a solo GTDRI ride later this month or early in August. I'd like to sneak both of those in before fall kicks in, if I can. If that happens, I have a couple ideas I want to pursue after that which may or may not be century rides, but will certainly be rides in other parts of Iowa that I have wanted to get around to riding for some time now.   

That's a wrap for this week. get out and ride! Summer will be gone before we know it! 

Friday News And Views

New Radio Ranch podcasts out this week.

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Branches Out:

With this week's podcast posts, we have done 14 new podcasts this year, which is 2/3rds of the output of the podcast up to 2020. We've been busy!  If you want to listen to the latest episodes, check them out here, or find them on your favorite podcast feeds.

Not only are we doing more consistent downloads, we are branching out to now include interviews via the phone. We now have a podcaster outfit which will Bluetooth a cell phone to its recording capabilities so we can get remote interview subjects as part of the podcast. The first of these has already been recorded with one of the RD's for this Fall's unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley event. Dave Pryor's interview will be published soon. Stay tuned for that one.

I'm pretty stoked about this as I've known Dave for several years. He's the "Guy With The Bacon Suit", seen at many East Coast CX events and elsewhere. He is a great guy and as a fellow event promoter, we kind of have a certain bond there.

I am also excited now that we can have people call in to the show and we can take the show on the road, which opens up a ton of possibilities for future episodes. I've already utilized both possibilities this year and I look forward to doing more of those things. Stay tuned for updates.....

Kinekt Suspension Stem Test/Review:

Wednesday the Kinekt Suspension Stem arrived at Andy's Bike Shop so I can test/review it for RidingGravel.com. This is a direct competitor to the Redshift Sports ShockStop stem which I have on a couple of bikes here.

I've also spent a lot of time on Kinekt's own seat post, often called the Body Float Post. I had a previous generation Body Float post on my original Ti Muk fat bike and I used one for a while on my Gen I Fargo. So, it will be interesting to see how their stem works, not only in terms of how it might pair with the Kinekt seatpost, but as a competitor to the ShockStop stem. I've often thought that components like the stems and seat posts offered by Kineckt and Redshift Sports were the way to go because these parts are removable, transferable, and tunable. Unlike proprietary features on some bikes, like rear suspended bits, flexing bits, or special integrated stem/suspension bits, these components are more traditional looking and offer more versatility.

Stay tuned as I get this stem on a bike and get rolling on it. I think the test mule for this one will be the Twin Six Standard Rando v2. But that could change tomorrow depending on the appearance of an "aha! moment" which may end up being a better idea.

'Events' Update: 

I haven't forgotten about my 'events' which I have set up for myself to attempt yet this Summer. I recently pretty much dialed in the Ti Muk 2 for the Fat Bike Century attempt, and now I will be looking for an opportune time to take a day off everything else and go.

And to be honest, that time is hard to come by. With this pandemic thing, we just end up spending time with the immediate family. The kids don't really see anyone but Mrs Guitar Ted and I. This means that if one of us is gone, it REALLY is a bad deal for the kids because they need people to do stuff with. The guilt when I go for a ride is more real than ever these days.

But I'm intending on doing both the Fat Bike Century and a solo GTDRI ride later this month or early in August. I'd like to sneak both of those in before fall kicks in, if I can. If that happens, I have a couple ideas I want to pursue after that which may or may not be century rides, but will certainly be rides in other parts of Iowa that I have wanted to get around to riding for some time now.   

That's a wrap for this week. get out and ride! Summer will be gone before we know it! 

Fat Bike Century: Update

Stripped down a bit. Getting ready.

With the Fat Bike Century next up on the schedule of 'events' for 2020, I had to buckle down and start getting the rig ready to go. The Ti Muk 2 was still pretty much set up in Commuter/Winter mode. I needed to convert the set up to one more in line with the mission of covering 100 miles of gravel.

Of course, getting this thing all muddy over Father's Day weekend was not a big help in achieving the goal. There was a LOT of dried on mud and the chain was a mess. Thankfully a Rohloff drive train meant no damage or extra cleaning was required for the most important part of the drive train. It pretty much makes this as easy as keeping care of a single speed drive train.

I removed a lot of dried on mud, and I still have a ways to go before I can say I'm satisfied there, but I made a big dent in the cleaning area. The chain cleaned up well, so I lubed it with DuMonde Tech, and ran through the gears in the hub, just because.

The main frame bag came off, a Tangle Bag went on, and I kitted out the set up with a spare fat bike tube, pump, and tools. Two stainless steel water bottle cages were fitted, and I removed the down tube splash guard. A small concession to being more aero! Ha! I'm going to use the Showers Pass Ranger hip pack for my extra clothing and nutrition needs. That bag is here on test for RidingGravel.com. I figure a century ride should be a good test.

I have to put a GPS mount for my Lezyne Super GPS on there, and figure out a couple of extra lights, but that will amount to an extra tail light and a blinker up front as I have the generator hub running a rear tail light and front light 24-7 already. So beyond that, I think I need to top off the sealant and that should do it.

Meanwhile I am going to draw up a couple of routes and pick one based on the wind the day I leave on this adventure. Which, by the way, will not be this weekend. I have more Riding Gravel stuff to get to first. So, stay tuned. The Fat Bike Century is coming sooner than later......

Fat Bike Century: Update

Stripped down a bit. Getting ready.

With the Fat Bike Century next up on the schedule of 'events' for 2020, I had to buckle down and start getting the rig ready to go. The Ti Muk 2 was still pretty much set up in Commuter/Winter mode. I needed to convert the set up to one more in line with the mission of covering 100 miles of gravel.

Of course, getting this thing all muddy over Father's Day weekend was not a big help in achieving the goal. There was a LOT of dried on mud and the chain was a mess. Thankfully a Rohloff drive train meant no damage or extra cleaning was required for the most important part of the drive train. It pretty much makes this as easy as keeping care of a single speed drive train.

I removed a lot of dried on mud, and I still have a ways to go before I can say I'm satisfied there, but I made a big dent in the cleaning area. The chain cleaned up well, so I lubed it with DuMonde Tech, and ran through the gears in the hub, just because.

The main frame bag came off, a Tangle Bag went on, and I kitted out the set up with a spare fat bike tube, pump, and tools. Two stainless steel water bottle cages were fitted, and I removed the down tube splash guard. A small concession to being more aero! Ha! I'm going to use the Showers Pass Ranger hip pack for my extra clothing and nutrition needs. That bag is here on test for RidingGravel.com. I figure a century ride should be a good test.

I have to put a GPS mount for my Lezyne Super GPS on there, and figure out a couple of extra lights, but that will amount to an extra tail light and a blinker up front as I have the generator hub running a rear tail light and front light 24-7 already. So beyond that, I think I need to top off the sealant and that should do it.

Meanwhile I am going to draw up a couple of routes and pick one based on the wind the day I leave on this adventure. Which, by the way, will not be this weekend. I have more Riding Gravel stuff to get to first. So, stay tuned. The Fat Bike Century is coming sooner than later......

Update On Upcoming "Events"

Next up on the "events schedule" will be the Fat Bike Century.

As many of you know I had most everything I had planned on doing back in January cancelled or postponed, you know- like everyone else has. Social distancing is probably still your best bet against getting this virus thing, so I have opted to do solo, or nearly solo, 'events' which I have devised for my own pleasure and/or pain.

The first one was successful with the Single Speed Century happening almost a month ago already. Next up for me will be the Fat Bike Century. I suppose it really should be called the Fat Bike Century v2, since I've already done one several years ago with Tony, my friend from the area here who joined me on that excursion.

I did that on the old Ti Muk, and this time it will happen on the Ti Muk 2, of course. It's pretty much ready to roll with the exception that I probably should add some sealant. It's been a long time since I last added any. But that should happen today and I'll get the rig cleaned up. I've only got to remove the big frame bag, add a couple water bottle cages, and that should do it.

The next 100 miler I want to do is my ride of this year's proposed Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational route. I might have one companion for this, and I might not. Depends. The thing is, it for sure cannot be the 20 something numbers of people that it has been the last few years. Not with the COVID-19 thing still wreaking havoc around the country. So while some folks may think it is weak, I don't care. It's a stupid bike ride. No need to take chances with something I have zero control over that could just as easily result in someone getting permanently damaged or dead.

Likely rig for the solo GTDRI

 The route goes through several small villages and towns, so I think I can do this without carrying a ton of stuff. That puts the ride in the capabilities of the MCD. I'll likely throw on some light wheels, cushy tires, and go. I cannot remember the exact mileage I planned, seems 114 is about what I was thinking.

Some of that I am cutting out since this will be a solo route and there is no need to do Petrie Road again for the umpteenth time if I am not showing it to new folks to the road. So, that bit will get cut out and I'll straighten the route out Southward which should bring things down to under 110 miles. (And yes- that is a hint in the direction this is going in.)

 Since I'm not promoting these rides as group rides this year I am not giving out any dates as to when they are happening. That's just how I want things because I would hate it if someone got sick after coming to one of these last two 'events' I am doing. Sorry......not sorry. So, don't ask me when any of this is happening because I won't say. Even my wife won't know probably until the day before I go. Y'all will find out when I roll out a ride report. Some have asked me to say when I am doing things so they can ride at the same time where they are. Ah.......no. Not risking having someone just show up here. Plan a century ride soon and just do your thing. I am doing mine.

In the meantime I am gathering supplies and making a list to check over. Then it will be a matter of watching the weather for a good window to roll out in one of these two routes I have in mind.

Update On Upcoming "Events"

Next up on the "events schedule" will be the Fat Bike Century.

As many of you know I had most everything I had planned on doing back in January cancelled or postponed, you know- like everyone else has. Social distancing is probably still your best bet against getting this virus thing, so I have opted to do solo, or nearly solo, 'events' which I have devised for my own pleasure and/or pain.

The first one was successful with the Single Speed Century happening almost a month ago already. Next up for me will be the Fat Bike Century. I suppose it really should be called the Fat Bike Century v2, since I've already done one several years ago with Tony, my friend from the area here who joined me on that excursion.

I did that on the old Ti Muk, and this time it will happen on the Ti Muk 2, of course. It's pretty much ready to roll with the exception that I probably should add some sealant. It's been a long time since I last added any. But that should happen today and I'll get the rig cleaned up. I've only got to remove the big frame bag, add a couple water bottle cages, and that should do it.

The next 100 miler I want to do is my ride of this year's proposed Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational route. I might have one companion for this, and I might not. Depends. The thing is, it for sure cannot be the 20 something numbers of people that it has been the last few years. Not with the COVID-19 thing still wreaking havoc around the country. So while some folks may think it is weak, I don't care. It's a stupid bike ride. No need to take chances with something I have zero control over that could just as easily result in someone getting permanently damaged or dead.

Likely rig for the solo GTDRI

 The route goes through several small villages and towns, so I think I can do this without carrying a ton of stuff. That puts the ride in the capabilities of the MCD. I'll likely throw on some light wheels, cushy tires, and go. I cannot remember the exact mileage I planned, seems 114 is about what I was thinking.

Some of that I am cutting out since this will be a solo route and there is no need to do Petrie Road again for the umpteenth time if I am not showing it to new folks to the road. So, that bit will get cut out and I'll straighten the route out Southward which should bring things down to under 110 miles. (And yes- that is a hint in the direction this is going in.)

 Since I'm not promoting these rides as group rides this year I am not giving out any dates as to when they are happening. That's just how I want things because I would hate it if someone got sick after coming to one of these last two 'events' I am doing. Sorry......not sorry. So, don't ask me when any of this is happening because I won't say. Even my wife won't know probably until the day before I go. Y'all will find out when I roll out a ride report. Some have asked me to say when I am doing things so they can ride at the same time where they are. Ah.......no. Not risking having someone just show up here. Plan a century ride soon and just do your thing. I am doing mine.

In the meantime I am gathering supplies and making a list to check over. Then it will be a matter of watching the weather for a good window to roll out in one of these two routes I have in mind.

No Events For You!

Postponed, deferred, or cancelled. Most 2020 events I signed up for are not happening.

What a weird year 2020 is going to end up being. ("No duh!", as the kidz say) But I still keep finding new ways to be astonished, disappointed, and put off balance every day. Monday it was the news that another event I signed up for is postponed, or deferred, (optional) and I cannot attend in 2020.

Yeah......first world problems. I get it. But I was looking forward to seeing my brother MG down in Lincoln, seeing that new course, and just getting away from here for a while. Now that this event, the Solstice 100, by the way, is off my calendar, I only have Gravel Worlds to look forward to in mid-August, and who knows if that will even be allowed to happen? I'm going to say 'nope', I really would be surprised if we were allowed to do any big gatherings at that time.

So, I have a plan, and I think it aligns with much of what many events are doing too. I am setting up my own adventures, and planning to do those, and while it'll be just me, that's fine. I generally almost always end up on my own at events anyway. What's different? Well, the pre-event and post-event fun with friends, but I'll have to make do. So, here are my plans for 'events' now that regularly scheduled programming has been postponed, cancelled, and deferred.

• Single Speed Century: I have been digging riding the Salsa Cycles Stormchaser single speed and that has me stoked to do a century on a single speed. I had planned on doing this at some point anyway, and I even went so far as to draw up a course, so I don't even have to plan that part out. This will likely be my first 'event' this year.
• Fat Bike Century: My friend Tony and I were going to do this again. We did one several years ago now, and while it was tough, it was a heck of a lot of fun. I have the bike lined up and all I need is to get a course for this and I'm off. 
• Guitar Ted Death Ride- Solo Version: I called off the GTDRI, but this whole "death ride" deal started with me doing solo crazy road rides, so I thought I could just revisit that, only on gravel. I have a route too. 

That's probably enough to get me into trouble.

I probably won't get to use the Stormchaser on my single speed century ride, but that's okay.

So, for the single speed deal, I have to come up with a choice of bike. Yes.....I have single speeds (plural). I have three single speed mountain bikes, so those are likely out. Too low a gear on both of those. The other two I'm thinking of are my drop bar single speed 'kind of' mountain bikes. The Pofahl and the OG Karate Monkey, which I actually put my longest ride ever on. Then there is the Orange Crush #49.

So, here's where I separate the pretenders from the contenders. Whatever one I choose, I have to make sure I can carry enough water and food to make it and this cannot include a hydration pack. So, I think it comes down to the Pofahl or the Orange Crush. both have 180mm cranks and both are pretty comfy, but I'd likely give the edge, at least now, to the Pofahl.

For the Fat Bike Century I am thinking about giving the nod to my 50th birthday present, The Snow Dog. (The OG Mukluk for those of you who aren't longtime readers here.) That old thing has the perfect gravel tires for a fat bike, the OG Larry 3.8's, and it has all the bottle mounts, plus it is set up 1X9, so I have gear enough for most anything on gravel. I also have a Cane Creek Thudbuster on there and that should make things pretty comfy for the long haul.

The solo version of the GTDRI will be on one of my more comfortable gravel bikes, of course. Probably either the MCD or the Fargo. I'll get great comfort and performance out of either one of those, the difference being the tire size on the Fargo.

Stay tuned for more on these special 'events' here on the blog in the upcoming weeks and months.

No Events For You!

Postponed, deferred, or cancelled. Most 2020 events I signed up for are not happening.

What a weird year 2020 is going to end up being. ("No duh!", as the kidz say) But I still keep finding new ways to be astonished, disappointed, and put off balance every day. Monday it was the news that another event I signed up for is postponed, or deferred, (optional) and I cannot attend in 2020.

Yeah......first world problems. I get it. But I was looking forward to seeing my brother MG down in Lincoln, seeing that new course, and just getting away from here for a while. Now that this event, the Solstice 100, by the way, is off my calendar, I only have Gravel Worlds to look forward to in mid-August, and who knows if that will even be allowed to happen? I'm going to say 'nope', I really would be surprised if we were allowed to do any big gatherings at that time.

So, I have a plan, and I think it aligns with much of what many events are doing too. I am setting up my own adventures, and planning to do those, and while it'll be just me, that's fine. I generally almost always end up on my own at events anyway. What's different? Well, the pre-event and post-event fun with friends, but I'll have to make do. So, here are my plans for 'events' now that regularly scheduled programming has been postponed, cancelled, and deferred.

• Single Speed Century: I have been digging riding the Salsa Cycles Stormchaser single speed and that has me stoked to do a century on a single speed. I had planned on doing this at some point anyway, and I even went so far as to draw up a course, so I don't even have to plan that part out. This will likely be my first 'event' this year.
• Fat Bike Century: My friend Tony and I were going to do this again. We did one several years ago now, and while it was tough, it was a heck of a lot of fun. I have the bike lined up and all I need is to get a course for this and I'm off. 
• Guitar Ted Death Ride- Solo Version: I called off the GTDRI, but this whole "death ride" deal started with me doing solo crazy road rides, so I thought I could just revisit that, only on gravel. I have a route too. 

That's probably enough to get me into trouble.

I probably won't get to use the Stormchaser on my single speed century ride, but that's okay.

So, for the single speed deal, I have to come up with a choice of bike. Yes.....I have single speeds (plural). I have three single speed mountain bikes, so those are likely out. Too low a gear on both of those. The other two I'm thinking of are my drop bar single speed 'kind of' mountain bikes. The Pofahl and the OG Karate Monkey, which I actually put my longest ride ever on. Then there is the Orange Crush #49.

So, here's where I separate the pretenders from the contenders. Whatever one I choose, I have to make sure I can carry enough water and food to make it and this cannot include a hydration pack. So, I think it comes down to the Pofahl or the Orange Crush. both have 180mm cranks and both are pretty comfy, but I'd likely give the edge, at least now, to the Pofahl.

For the Fat Bike Century I am thinking about giving the nod to my 50th birthday present, The Snow Dog. (The OG Mukluk for those of you who aren't longtime readers here.) That old thing has the perfect gravel tires for a fat bike, the OG Larry 3.8's, and it has all the bottle mounts, plus it is set up 1X9, so I have gear enough for most anything on gravel. I also have a Cane Creek Thudbuster on there and that should make things pretty comfy for the long haul.

The solo version of the GTDRI will be on one of my more comfortable gravel bikes, of course. Probably either the MCD or the Fargo. I'll get great comfort and performance out of either one of those, the difference being the tire size on the Fargo.

Stay tuned for more on these special 'events' here on the blog in the upcoming weeks and months.

Ergon ST Core Saddle Review

The several layers of the Ergon ST Core Prime saddle

Bicycle saddles are one of the contact points for a rider and arguably the most important one. If you get on a bad-for-you saddle, then you won't be riding long, or at the very least, you will be in pain. Who wants to be in pain? (WAIT! Don't answer that! I don't want to know!)

Anyway, pain in the butt, (literally) saddles are no fun. I think we can all agree on that point. So, saddle technology has been something that has been changing a lot over the last 30 years. The segment has seen a ton of changes and it has made certain company's names and broken others. Ergon is one company that kind of hangs its hat on the the saddles it makes, and their newest one is unusual, but no less an Ergon than the others in the line.

Ergon USA made an offer to me and many other "social media influencers" to try out this new saddle. Now I wasn't paid or anything for this, and in fact, they told me I didn't have to say anything if I didn't want to. But I am, and here is what I'm going to say for now....... But first- The specs from the Ergon site:

• CroMo rails,  7x7
• Core made of Closed Cell Particle Foam (E-TPU)
• MicroFiber cover
• Padding made of Orthopedic Comfort Foam
• Gender specific shapes and relief channels
• Available in 2 sizes
• Gender specific designs
• S/M fit sit-bone width of 9-12 cm
• M/L fits sit-bone width of 12-16 cm

I requested a M/L which fell in my range for fit. Once it arrived I noted the white "E-TPU" core and the nice MicroFiber cover. The saddle appears to be heavy, but in the hand it is remarkably light. I did not weigh it, so I will have to do that at some point.

Besides the cut out which isn't really a "cut out", more of a relief channel, the saddle has a flat profile when viewed from the side. I will say up front that flat profile saddles have not been my favorites in years past. I generally find that a slight "bucket shape" or "sagged center" saddle type is more my jam. Saddles like WTB's, for instance. My favorite being the discontinued SST and the Pure series saddles. I generally run those "nose up" a bit and that tends to keep me from pedaling off the nose of a saddle.

So, now that you have a background in what I prefer, you can gauge the rest of this based upon my personal peccadilloes. Obviously everyone has unique physiology, so I wanted to make some statement of where I am coming from in that regard.

The set up of the ST Core saddle was straight forward. I had no issues getting the saddle in the clamp of my Salsa Shaft seat post and then getting my old Carousel Designs seat pack on there as well. There is nothing non-standard underneath this saddle that would prevent you from using most any accessory meant for under the saddle mounting. With the initial saddle set up being dead level, I tried it for a few rides, but as I anticipated, I needed to "nose it up" to keep myself from feeling like I was going to slide off the front of this saddle and also to hopefully be more comfortable. As I say- personal peccadilloes. Once the saddle was tilted up a hair all was in a happy place for me, so I continued the testing.

The saddle was mounted to my fixed gear Surly 1X1 and used for daily commuting

The bike I used this on to begin with was the Surly 1X1 commuter rig which I have currently set up in the fixed gear mode. The theory being here that with fixed gear, you pedal every inch of the way, so a shorter commute could reflect as much pedaling one might do in a longer ride. Anyway, I figured that this bike would be a good test mule because of the amount of pedaling I do when I ride it and pedaling can amplify issues with saddles. Plus, this saddle is touted as something that will move with the rider. What better way to find this out?

So, now after a solid month with this saddle pedaling over grassy fields, bike paths, broken up pavement, and "normal" city streets, I can say that, yes, there is something going on here.

My initial reaction was that I had forgotten to pump up my tires the day I first had this saddle on the bike. But I was mistaken, because it was the give of the saddle that was to blame. The rocking motion one makes while pedaling has no resistance since the saddle moves with the rider. When expected resistance isn't there, I almost always blame a low tire, because generally speaking, that's what is causing that sensation. However; my tires were pumped up, and then I knew the saddle was actually working as advertised. After the initial "nose up" adjustment, I have had no discomfort or numbness issues with this saddle either.

After a month of solid use, the Ergon ST Core looks "good" yet.

My first impressions of the saddle's core material was that it looked a little like a cheap gas station coffee cup, or cottage cheese. I like cottage cheese, so I am going with that. Anyway, I was very skeptical of the material's performance claims and even more so of how it would hold up. Obviously I feel like it works for riding, and it does smooth out road chatter and takes the edge off big bumps, but how did it hold up so far? Well, pretty well, actually.

Obviously there is some bonding agent that holds things together, so I was looking for signs of separation, or any degrading of the E-TPU material, maybe a little discoloration after being exposed to the elements. However; so far, I have noted nothing of the sort. I will continue to monitor this as I keep riding the saddle throughout the Spring.

Plans are to move this saddle over to another rig. Obviously, this is a shape that is meant for a more upright position, so one of my gravel bikes would be the wrong place to try it out. However; I am wanting to do another Fat Bike Century soon, and this saddle is a perfect fit for that activity since I have the proper position on a fat bike for this saddle.

The Ergon ST Core isn't an inexpensive saddle, despite it's "replacement saddle" looks. This is touted as a serious cyclist's saddle on par with touring saddles meant for longer rides. So, the Fat Bike Century idea fits this bill. Look for that to happen probably after Trans Iowa. Until then I'll continue on with the fixed gear Surly and see how it goes. Stay tuned for more soon.......Part Two HERE

Note: Ergon USA  sent over the Ergon ST Core saddle at no charge for testing and I was not paid nor bribed for this review.