Friday News And Views

Specialized teased the new Globe brand redux Tuesday. Image courtesy of Specialized

Specialized Re-Ups Globe Brand As EV Line:

You may remember in the late 90's, early 00's that Specialized offered city and cruiser bikes under the "Globe" brand name. (And a touring bike by that name in the 80's and an electric bike line recently that failed) Well, that name is coming back, (again) and will be electrified (again) when it does in late 2022. 

According to Specialized's Globe landing page, these bikes will be dealer only and Specialized claims that they will have a comprehensive support system using their dealer network which will help make the launch a success.

Interestingly, Specialized chose to use the term "EV" instead of "ebike" or "pedal assist" when describing the Globe brand's products in the language on the landing page. If you don't know, "EV" stands for "Electric Vehicle" which leaves the door open to fully-electric vehicles in this brand launch. 

Comments: In the world of electrified bicycles, it is a well known fact within the traditional bicycle industry that internet brands selling product in the HPV (Hybrid Powered Cycles) segment is kicking butt and taking names. Traditional brands in the industry are looking on as brands like Pedego, Rad Power, and others sell bike after bike. 

Obviously, it is a better experience and a safer bet to buy an electrified vehicle from a known brand with a wide network of dealerships. However; the mainstream brands have hogtied themselves to the Class I, II, and III code for electric bicycles and have mainly been providing variations on traditional bicycles fitted with electric motors and batteries. Meanwhile, brands like Rad Power are not tied to that design philosophy and have offered bicycles with a decidedly different take on two-wheeled transportation which has struck a nerve with the younger demographic and non-cycling crowds. 

Taking a look at the image Specialized provided, it is easy to see that this is a more "Rad Power-like" take on an HPV cargo rig. So, I suspect that Globe will not be providing bikes for the Lycra clad crowd and will be going after that same demographic that Rad Power, Pedego, and their ilk has tapped into. Meanwhile, that use of the term "EV" on the landing page is interesting. We will have to wait until this Fall to see what is up.

FDNY PSA about Lithium-Ion battery charging safety.

Fires Blamed On HPV Battery Charging:

Recently two fires connected to the charging of Lithium-Ion batteries for electrified bicycles has been in the news. 

The first was from a Florida bicycle shop, but when more information was released on that particular incident, it seemed that it was partially a user error situation. 

However; in the New York City borough of Queens, it appears that a spark caused the fire in the mid-afternoon which caused severe damage and sent some firemen to the hospital to be treated. 

Comments: This has been an ongoing issue for bike shops who are asked to service electrified bicycles, tricycles, and the like when consumers have purchased the bicycles on-line or used. The risk of fire is rather daunting, especially when Lithium-Ion fires are difficult to extinguish. Insurance policies often do not provide coverage for such fires for businesses and this also puts shop owners in a bind. 

The problem will need to be addressed as the electrification movement gathers steam. As it stands now, many shops refuse work when it comes to electrified bicycles, trikes, and scooters unless they are from a brand that they serve. So, if you are in the market for something like this, make sure you understand the dangers of charging and handling batteries and that maintenance may be difficult to obtain. 

Jingle Cross Cancelled:

In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, the race director of Jingle Cross announced that due to a scheduling issue, Jingle Cross was cancelled for 2022. In the announcement seen on Bike Iowa's website here, race coordinator John Meehan, MD, states that he had secured a date for the event, which was not going to be a World cup event this year, but two months after the typical World Cup scheduling deadline, "the UCI awarded a nearby UCI World Cup on the same weekend." Presumably that would be the UCI World Cup event slated for October 15th in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

Attempts to reschedule the event were unsuccessful, so the result was that the event was cancelled after an 18 year run. The announcement did not indicate whether or not there would ever be another Jingle Cross event with Meehan only signing off by saying, " Hope to see you down the road."

Comments: It might be worth noting here that Fayetteville is the home of the Walmart family's efforts in terms of cycling and that the Fayetteville based January 2022 UCI Cyclo-Cross event was sponsored by Walmart. The UCI also requires a pretty sizable investment from the promoters to host a World Cup event. Seeing that Jingle Cross 'elected not to pursue a World Cup' and that the UCI filled that void with the Fayetteville event, it might point to a money issue at the heart of this matter. 

Whatever the main issue was, it seems to point to the end of the run for an Iowa based cyclo cross event of national caliber. I could be wrong, but after 18 years and with no written assurance of future Jingle Cross events in the announcement, the door seems to be closing on this chapter of Iowa cycling.

Simworks Doppo High Plains Drifter. Image courtesy of Simworks.

Simworks introduces Klunker  Style MTB:

Simworks made a splash this week by introducing a klunker style MTB which they say is a modernized version of the style for today's mountain biker/bike packer. 

Sporting a steel, twin-top tube design, and having clearance for either 29" X 2.3' tires or 27.5" X 2.6" tires, the Doppo High Plains Drifter can be had for $2500.00. (It's not entirely clear to me whether that is for a frame and fork or...?) 

Comments: I love a klunker/cruiser style bike and especially one with 29" wheels. This looks good, but only 2.3" tires? Ahh...... Hmm. And that price? Not sure what you are getting there, but if it is a frame/fork only? Yeah...... Not sure from the website what is up there. Maybe you can figure it out... My guess is that's just the frame/fork. 

It's a fine choice, but my take is that if you are into these klunker style MTB's, an old Sawyer or an OS Cycles Blackbuck, if you can track one down, is a much nicer bike and looks as good, if not better, and takes bigger tires. (Note- Cue comments section with modern-day, currently available choices) 

Guitar Ted on a GTDRI a few years back. Image by Rob Evans.

Hall of Fame Ride Reminder:

Okay, so this Hall of Fame deal goes down in less than three weeks in Emporia, Kansas. If you are going to be there June 1st, you can buy a ticket to the banquet and see me get feted for gravel tomfoolery over the years. 

But if that doesn't fit your schedule and you'd like to come on a ride set up by N.Y. Roll which aims to recognize my accomplishments, then see this post on his blog. N.Y. Roll is adding details as they become clearer. So, check back there from time to time, or check the "FN&V" weekly coming up to the date set. If anything comes up, I repost it here on Fridays. 

A Note On The Date Chosen: N.Y. Roll thought- ya know - it might be cool if I was on this ride, so the date chosen reflects the time I have open to do the ride. That just so happens to be a Sunday, since I work on Saturdays. This also happens to be a Sunday where I don't have to play at church in the band. So, I apologize for a date that may not work for you, but again- since this is a ride honoring me, it seemed to make sense for me to be there to N.Y. Roll. So, no giving N.Y. Roll a hard time about the scheduling of this deal, okay? 

That's a wrap for this week! Thanks for reading G-Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

Specialized teased the new Globe brand redux Tuesday. Image courtesy of Specialized

Specialized Re-Ups Globe Brand As EV Line:

You may remember in the late 90's, early 00's that Specialized offered city and cruiser bikes under the "Globe" brand name. (And a touring bike by that name in the 80's and an electric bike line recently that failed) Well, that name is coming back, (again) and will be electrified (again) when it does in late 2022. 

According to Specialized's Globe landing page, these bikes will be dealer only and Specialized claims that they will have a comprehensive support system using their dealer network which will help make the launch a success.

Interestingly, Specialized chose to use the term "EV" instead of "ebike" or "pedal assist" when describing the Globe brand's products in the language on the landing page. If you don't know, "EV" stands for "Electric Vehicle" which leaves the door open to fully-electric vehicles in this brand launch. 

Comments: In the world of electrified bicycles, it is a well known fact within the traditional bicycle industry that internet brands selling product in the HPV (Hybrid Powered Cycles) segment is kicking butt and taking names. Traditional brands in the industry are looking on as brands like Pedego, Rad Power, and others sell bike after bike. 

Obviously, it is a better experience and a safer bet to buy an electrified vehicle from a known brand with a wide network of dealerships. However; the mainstream brands have hogtied themselves to the Class I, II, and III code for electric bicycles and have mainly been providing variations on traditional bicycles fitted with electric motors and batteries. Meanwhile, brands like Rad Power are not tied to that design philosophy and have offered bicycles with a decidedly different take on two-wheeled transportation which has struck a nerve with the younger demographic and non-cycling crowds. 

Taking a look at the image Specialized provided, it is easy to see that this is a more "Rad Power-like" take on an HPV cargo rig. So, I suspect that Globe will not be providing bikes for the Lycra clad crowd and will be going after that same demographic that Rad Power, Pedego, and their ilk has tapped into. Meanwhile, that use of the term "EV" on the landing page is interesting. We will have to wait until this Fall to see what is up.

FDNY PSA about Lithium-Ion battery charging safety.

Fires Blamed On HPV Battery Charging:

Recently two fires connected to the charging of Lithium-Ion batteries for electrified bicycles has been in the news. 

The first was from a Florida bicycle shop, but when more information was released on that particular incident, it seemed that it was partially a user error situation. 

However; in the New York City borough of Queens, it appears that a spark caused the fire in the mid-afternoon which caused severe damage and sent some firemen to the hospital to be treated. 

Comments: This has been an ongoing issue for bike shops who are asked to service electrified bicycles, tricycles, and the like when consumers have purchased the bicycles on-line or used. The risk of fire is rather daunting, especially when Lithium-Ion fires are difficult to extinguish. Insurance policies often do not provide coverage for such fires for businesses and this also puts shop owners in a bind. 

The problem will need to be addressed as the electrification movement gathers steam. As it stands now, many shops refuse work when it comes to electrified bicycles, trikes, and scooters unless they are from a brand that they serve. So, if you are in the market for something like this, make sure you understand the dangers of charging and handling batteries and that maintenance may be difficult to obtain. 

Jingle Cross Cancelled:

In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, the race director of Jingle Cross announced that due to a scheduling issue, Jingle Cross was cancelled for 2022. In the announcement seen on Bike Iowa's website here, race coordinator John Meehan, MD, states that he had secured a date for the event, which was not going to be a World cup event this year, but two months after the typical World Cup scheduling deadline, "the UCI awarded a nearby UCI World Cup on the same weekend." Presumably that would be the UCI World Cup event slated for October 15th in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

Attempts to reschedule the event were unsuccessful, so the result was that the event was cancelled after an 18 year run. The announcement did not indicate whether or not there would ever be another Jingle Cross event with Meehan only signing off by saying, " Hope to see you down the road."

Comments: It might be worth noting here that Fayetteville is the home of the Walmart family's efforts in terms of cycling and that the Fayetteville based January 2022 UCI Cyclo-Cross event was sponsored by Walmart. The UCI also requires a pretty sizable investment from the promoters to host a World Cup event. Seeing that Jingle Cross 'elected not to pursue a World Cup' and that the UCI filled that void with the Fayetteville event, it might point to a money issue at the heart of this matter. 

Whatever the main issue was, it seems to point to the end of the run for an Iowa based cyclo cross event of national caliber. I could be wrong, but after 18 years and with no written assurance of future Jingle Cross events in the announcement, the door seems to be closing on this chapter of Iowa cycling.

Simworks Doppo High Plains Drifter. Image courtesy of Simworks.

Simworks introduces Klunker  Style MTB:

Simworks made a splash this week by introducing a klunker style MTB which they say is a modernized version of the style for today's mountain biker/bike packer. 

Sporting a steel, twin-top tube design, and having clearance for either 29" X 2.3' tires or 27.5" X 2.6" tires, the Doppo High Plains Drifter can be had for $2500.00. (It's not entirely clear to me whether that is for a frame and fork or...?) 

Comments: I love a klunker/cruiser style bike and especially one with 29" wheels. This looks good, but only 2.3" tires? Ahh...... Hmm. And that price? Not sure what you are getting there, but if it is a frame/fork only? Yeah...... Not sure from the website what is up there. Maybe you can figure it out... My guess is that's just the frame/fork. 

It's a fine choice, but my take is that if you are into these klunker style MTB's, an old Sawyer or an OS Cycles Blackbuck, if you can track one down, is a much nicer bike and looks as good, if not better, and takes bigger tires. (Note- Cue comments section with modern-day, currently available choices) 

Guitar Ted on a GTDRI a few years back. Image by Rob Evans.

Hall of Fame Ride Reminder:

Okay, so this Hall of Fame deal goes down in less than three weeks in Emporia, Kansas. If you are going to be there June 1st, you can buy a ticket to the banquet and see me get feted for gravel tomfoolery over the years. 

But if that doesn't fit your schedule and you'd like to come on a ride set up by N.Y. Roll which aims to recognize my accomplishments, then see this post on his blog. N.Y. Roll is adding details as they become clearer. So, check back there from time to time, or check the "FN&V" weekly coming up to the date set. If anything comes up, I repost it here on Fridays. 

A Note On The Date Chosen: N.Y. Roll thought- ya know - it might be cool if I was on this ride, so the date chosen reflects the time I have open to do the ride. That just so happens to be a Sunday, since I work on Saturdays. This also happens to be a Sunday where I don't have to play at church in the band. So, I apologize for a date that may not work for you, but again- since this is a ride honoring me, it seemed to make sense for me to be there to N.Y. Roll. So, no giving N.Y. Roll a hard time about the scheduling of this deal, okay? 

That's a wrap for this week! Thanks for reading G-Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

Nick will be at Interbike signing copies of this book, in case you are there next week.

Book Signing At Interbike:

Next week Interbike starts and it will be the last time it will happen in Las Vegas. (More about that starting Monday)

If you are going, and I know not many of you are, but if you are, Nick Legan will be there signing copies of his new book, "Gravel Cycling".

Again, I have no skin in this game, but I am one of the resources Nick tapped for the book and there is a chapter about Trans Iowa, I understand. So, anyone that is coming here that has an interest in that event might like this book. I know Nick and he is a good writer and he has researched the book well. Check it out in more detail HERE.

I have a book on pre-order so I should have it in hand by the end of the month or the first week of October. Expect a review shortly afterward. Yes......a book review. I've actually written one before. So, this is not unprecedented.

A "psycho-cross" bike

Jingle Cross Is This Weekend:

Okay, I'm going to say it- The whole idea of a "Jingle Cross" before Thanksgiving ruffles my feathers." I just cannot wrap my mind around why this event just doesn't change its name to something more appropos.

But besides that, the pinacle of the "psycho-cross" season at the beginning of the Iowa CX scene instead of at the end, which seemed "appropriate", seems........like a mistake. Previosuly, all the events in Iowa led up to that final crescendo in Iowa city- the famed Jingle Cross! Cold, wet, and sometimes even snowy, Jingle Cross was a fitting cap to the season here. Now?

Now it is like eating dessert first. Why bother with the rest of it? You'll have seen the best and it won't be any better than that. Well.......if you like your CX Summer-like, that is. There won't be any mud, rain, and definitely no snow. The Mt Krumpit and Grnchy Santa will look so out of place it will be silly. But whatever. I don't pretend to get CX at all.

Party on Garth.........

Hoping to go long on this......

Weekend Plans:

Okay, so I am thinking of doing a big, long ride on the Pofahl single speed this weekend. It all depends on how my health is doing. The cold I have is getting better, but I also have ridden nary a lick in two weeks besides commuting and my single track ride on Wednesday.

The idea is to do a century on a single speed. I am not sure if that will happen Saturday or what. We'll see how I feel. I have a route all planned out and the Pofahl is ready and waiting.

It pretty much will be the set up you see here with the addition of the modified cue sheet holder which is a rearranged Bar Yak set up. Water bottles will number four, with one in the Chaff Bag. I had envisioned a different arrangement for water bottles when this bike was built but that detail didn't transfer to reality. I suppose that could be rectified at some point, but that won't happen in time for the single speed century.

Whenever that happens...... Hopefully soon.

Have a great weekend and ride some bicycle while you are at it!

Friday News And Views

Nick will be at Interbike signing copies of this book, in case you are there next week.

Book Signing At Interbike:

Next week Interbike starts and it will be the last time it will happen in Las Vegas. (More about that starting Monday)

If you are going, and I know not many of you are, but if you are, Nick Legan will be there signing copies of his new book, "Gravel Cycling".

Again, I have no skin in this game, but I am one of the resources Nick tapped for the book and there is a chapter about Trans Iowa, I understand. So, anyone that is coming here that has an interest in that event might like this book. I know Nick and he is a good writer and he has researched the book well. Check it out in more detail HERE.

I have a book on pre-order so I should have it in hand by the end of the month or the first week of October. Expect a review shortly afterward. Yes......a book review. I've actually written one before. So, this is not unprecedented.

A "psycho-cross" bike

Jingle Cross Is This Weekend:

Okay, I'm going to say it- The whole idea of a "Jingle Cross" before Thanksgiving ruffles my feathers." I just cannot wrap my mind around why this event just doesn't change its name to something more appropos.

But besides that, the pinacle of the "psycho-cross" season at the beginning of the Iowa CX scene instead of at the end, which seemed "appropriate", seems........like a mistake. Previosuly, all the events in Iowa led up to that final crescendo in Iowa city- the famed Jingle Cross! Cold, wet, and sometimes even snowy, Jingle Cross was a fitting cap to the season here. Now?

Now it is like eating dessert first. Why bother with the rest of it? You'll have seen the best and it won't be any better than that. Well.......if you like your CX Summer-like, that is. There won't be any mud, rain, and definitely no snow. The Mt Krumpit and Grnchy Santa will look so out of place it will be silly. But whatever. I don't pretend to get CX at all.

Party on Garth.........

Hoping to go long on this......

Weekend Plans:

Okay, so I am thinking of doing a big, long ride on the Pofahl single speed this weekend. It all depends on how my health is doing. The cold I have is getting better, but I also have ridden nary a lick in two weeks besides commuting and my single track ride on Wednesday.

The idea is to do a century on a single speed. I am not sure if that will happen Saturday or what. We'll see how I feel. I have a route all planned out and the Pofahl is ready and waiting.

It pretty much will be the set up you see here with the addition of the modified cue sheet holder which is a rearranged Bar Yak set up. Water bottles will number four, with one in the Chaff Bag. I had envisioned a different arrangement for water bottles when this bike was built but that detail didn't transfer to reality. I suppose that could be rectified at some point, but that won't happen in time for the single speed century.

Whenever that happens...... Hopefully soon.

Have a great weekend and ride some bicycle while you are at it!

Jingle Grind

You might just be climbing this same hill on the Jingle Cross Fondo.

Cyclo Cross is a big deal in some areas, and we've been fortunate enough here in Iowa that a few far sighted promoters took their passions for CX and put them to work creating events like "Night Cap Cross", "Spooky Cross", and, of course, "Jingle Cross". In fact, Jingle Cross got so popular and large it has become a World Cup event. That's pretty crazy seeing as how Iowa is probably the last place anyone would think of for any World Cup, UCI sanctioned event to be occurring in.

Well, as one might expect with such a big event, there are lots of satellite events and happenings going on within the umbrella of Jingle Cross weekend. One of those is actually a gravel ride, which the Jingle Cross brass have loaded down with some corporate, unmemorable name that rolls off the tongue like a train wreck. So, I am taking the liberty of calling it "Jingle Grind".

I got to ride down that way on the last Geezer Ride this past Spring and it is amazing territory to ride through. I would highly recommend the ride based just upon that factor alone. However; maybe you are star-struck and would get off riding with some former Pro roadie dudes. Well, Jingle Grind has that as well. Then there is the whole World Cup CX deal, which you get entry to as well. I guess it will be quite the scene. Maybe you'd like that as well? Go for it. The gravel will be a welcomed respite from the cray-cray of the cyclo cross madness.

Anyway, I find it quite remarkable that they added a gravel ride, and it actually is mostly gravel. Cool.

Jingle Grind

You might just be climbing this same hill on the Jingle Cross Fondo.

Cyclo Cross is a big deal in some areas, and we've been fortunate enough here in Iowa that a few far sighted promoters took their passions for CX and put them to work creating events like "Night Cap Cross", "Spooky Cross", and, of course, "Jingle Cross". In fact, Jingle Cross got so popular and large it has become a World Cup event. That's pretty crazy seeing as how Iowa is probably the last place anyone would think of for any World Cup, UCI sanctioned event to be occurring in.

Well, as one might expect with such a big event, there are lots of satellite events and happenings going on within the umbrella of Jingle Cross weekend. One of those is actually a gravel ride, which the Jingle Cross brass have loaded down with some corporate, unmemorable name that rolls off the tongue like a train wreck. So, I am taking the liberty of calling it "Jingle Grind".

I got to ride down that way on the last Geezer Ride this past Spring and it is amazing territory to ride through. I would highly recommend the ride based just upon that factor alone. However; maybe you are star-struck and would get off riding with some former Pro roadie dudes. Well, Jingle Grind has that as well. Then there is the whole World Cup CX deal, which you get entry to as well. I guess it will be quite the scene. Maybe you'd like that as well? Go for it. The gravel will be a welcomed respite from the cray-cray of the cyclo cross madness.

Anyway, I find it quite remarkable that they added a gravel ride, and it actually is mostly gravel. Cool.

Friday News And Views

Sam Auen, Steve Fuller, David Cornielson, (L-R)

The Renegade Gent's Race 6.0: In 2011 I received an e-mail from my Trans Iowa friend, Steve Fuller, asking me if I would like to join him and three other fellows I did not know for a "gent's style race" in the Des Moines area. I said I would. But to be quite honest, I was very flabbergasted that I had been invited to join with these other Des Moines area cyclists. I was certain that there were other worthy candidates to flesh out the five man team for this seemingly local event. But, I was also motivated to be part of what I knew was a vibrant cycling community, even for just a day.

The thing was, you just never know how you will hit it off- or not- with new folks. Lucky for me, I hit it off just fine with these gents, and so for every year since, we've made the time on the first wekend in April to be part of a team called the "Careless Whispers", so named for our various states of facial hair which, in some cases, is/was somewhat like George Michaels' famous three day shadow beard. He of the "Careless Whispers" song fame. Well......with that out of the way then.....

I am hopeful that for the sixth year running we all can pull together for another day of cycling on April 2nd, 2016. That's when the sixth Renegade Gent's Race will take place. Yep- we've been to every edition so far, the only five person team to have done so intact. The first year there were 15 teams. Last year there were.....I don't know- three times as many folks? Something like that. Anyway- I'd like to keep the streak alive, of course, but more than that, the guys I met that Sun dappled day in April 2011 have become good buddies of mine, even though I see them only once a year, for the most part.

If you are interested in possibly getting a team together, check out BikeIowa.com and keep an eye out there.

I should take a few more pictures of this. Oh well- here's an "old one".

 Project 1X1 Update:

From time to time I am going to post up my recent thoughts on the Project 1x1 and what I've been up to with it. So, here's another tidbit on this old Surly.

My main thought here is that if you have a Surly Troll, Big Dummy, 1X1, or another fat tire friendly 26"er bike, you need to check out these Extraterrestrial tires. Tubeless on the Velocity Cliffhanger rims, these wheels are amazingly smooth, and fun. The tires are so smooth and roll so well that the bike became a favorite to ride in my stable immediately.

I've been doing some commutes and an errand or two so far on this bike running the wheels through snow, mud, rain, and in dry conditions on choppy pavement and a bit of gravel. These wheels are just very fun, smooth, and comfy. The tires are not mtb tires, so you get into situations where you find out that, hey! My back tire isn't gripping! Or you find the bike sliding laterally on mud. It is because the capable, stable feel you get, and the traction that the Extraterrestrials have on more dry, normal stuff, leads you to believe you are invincible. Well, you almost are. Almost. With the tires, that is.......

Anyway, I've been running about 15-20psi in the tires, and I don't see why I should go higher than that. Over 20psi, they get harsh, bouncy, and although they roll fast, they roll just as fast only with a damped, smooth feel at 20 or slightly less. The Cliffhanger rims fit with these is tremendously good. I do not fear any burping or that any issues that would give me pause will ever arise. The tires and rims on this bike are really good.

The incredible weather continues into December

Weather Affecting Cycling Action:

They predicted an El Nino Winter, and so far, that has played out here. Just like I stated in my post yesterday, the weather has been so good we're still cycling out on the gravel roads, although the freeze/thaw cycles have kicked in enough now that single track is getting iffy if you get out when it has been above freezing. Which it has been for most of every day lately.

So, this is good and it is bad. Bad in that this weekend is "Global Fat Bike Day". Saturday's forecast here is for temperatures in the upper 40's and it is supposed to be sunny. That means mud, and great gravel road conditions. If I am riding tomorrow, I am riding gravel roads. Because I can. In December. That usually doesn't happen. I'm taking every opportunity I can get to do that until Winter shows up, if it shows up this year. So, that's the good part about the weather.

This weekend is also Jingle Cross weekend. That's great and all, but I typically don't get really excited about being in big crowds. I did see Cross Vegas one time, and it was spectacular, fun, and I saw some amazing performances. I bet that will happen again this weekend at Jingle Cross. I am just not all that motivated to go watch that. Not my bag, really. But for those of you that get off on cross racing, you should go see this event. It is a rare deal in Iowa to have such an internationally known cycling event. At least the weather will be great for spectators.

That's a wrap for this week. Have fun if you go to Jingle Cross, otherwise, get out and ride!

Friday News And Views

Sam Auen, Steve Fuller, David Cornielson, (L-R)

The Renegade Gent's Race 6.0: In 2011 I received an e-mail from my Trans Iowa friend, Steve Fuller, asking me if I would like to join him and three other fellows I did not know for a "gent's style race" in the Des Moines area. I said I would. But to be quite honest, I was very flabbergasted that I had been invited to join with these other Des Moines area cyclists. I was certain that there were other worthy candidates to flesh out the five man team for this seemingly local event. But, I was also motivated to be part of what I knew was a vibrant cycling community, even for just a day.

The thing was, you just never know how you will hit it off- or not- with new folks. Lucky for me, I hit it off just fine with these gents, and so for every year since, we've made the time on the first wekend in April to be part of a team called the "Careless Whispers", so named for our various states of facial hair which, in some cases, is/was somewhat like George Michaels' famous three day shadow beard. He of the "Careless Whispers" song fame. Well......with that out of the way then.....

I am hopeful that for the sixth year running we all can pull together for another day of cycling on April 2nd, 2016. That's when the sixth Renegade Gent's Race will take place. Yep- we've been to every edition so far, the only five person team to have done so intact. The first year there were 15 teams. Last year there were.....I don't know- three times as many folks? Something like that. Anyway- I'd like to keep the streak alive, of course, but more than that, the guys I met that Sun dappled day in April 2011 have become good buddies of mine, even though I see them only once a year, for the most part.

If you are interested in possibly getting a team together, check out BikeIowa.com and keep an eye out there.

I should take a few more pictures of this. Oh well- here's an "old one".

 Project 1X1 Update:

From time to time I am going to post up my recent thoughts on the Project 1x1 and what I've been up to with it. So, here's another tidbit on this old Surly.

My main thought here is that if you have a Surly Troll, Big Dummy, 1X1, or another fat tire friendly 26"er bike, you need to check out these Extraterrestrial tires. Tubeless on the Velocity Cliffhanger rims, these wheels are amazingly smooth, and fun. The tires are so smooth and roll so well that the bike became a favorite to ride in my stable immediately.

I've been doing some commutes and an errand or two so far on this bike running the wheels through snow, mud, rain, and in dry conditions on choppy pavement and a bit of gravel. These wheels are just very fun, smooth, and comfy. The tires are not mtb tires, so you get into situations where you find out that, hey! My back tire isn't gripping! Or you find the bike sliding laterally on mud. It is because the capable, stable feel you get, and the traction that the Extraterrestrials have on more dry, normal stuff, leads you to believe you are invincible. Well, you almost are. Almost. With the tires, that is.......

Anyway, I've been running about 15-20psi in the tires, and I don't see why I should go higher than that. Over 20psi, they get harsh, bouncy, and although they roll fast, they roll just as fast only with a damped, smooth feel at 20 or slightly less. The Cliffhanger rims fit with these is tremendously good. I do not fear any burping or that any issues that would give me pause will ever arise. The tires and rims on this bike are really good.

The incredible weather continues into December

Weather Affecting Cycling Action:

They predicted an El Nino Winter, and so far, that has played out here. Just like I stated in my post yesterday, the weather has been so good we're still cycling out on the gravel roads, although the freeze/thaw cycles have kicked in enough now that single track is getting iffy if you get out when it has been above freezing. Which it has been for most of every day lately.

So, this is good and it is bad. Bad in that this weekend is "Global Fat Bike Day". Saturday's forecast here is for temperatures in the upper 40's and it is supposed to be sunny. That means mud, and great gravel road conditions. If I am riding tomorrow, I am riding gravel roads. Because I can. In December. That usually doesn't happen. I'm taking every opportunity I can get to do that until Winter shows up, if it shows up this year. So, that's the good part about the weather.

This weekend is also Jingle Cross weekend. That's great and all, but I typically don't get really excited about being in big crowds. I did see Cross Vegas one time, and it was spectacular, fun, and I saw some amazing performances. I bet that will happen again this weekend at Jingle Cross. I am just not all that motivated to go watch that. Not my bag, really. But for those of you that get off on cross racing, you should go see this event. It is a rare deal in Iowa to have such an internationally known cycling event. At least the weather will be great for spectators.

That's a wrap for this week. Have fun if you go to Jingle Cross, otherwise, get out and ride!