Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Wilderness Trail Bikes

 New CMR i30 Wheels Announced By WTB:

 WTB announced on Wednesday a companion to their recently announced gravel wheel set (article HERE) with similar features to that wheel set. Dubbed the CMR Light 130, this wheel set features a 30mm wide internal rim measurement more suitable for MTB. 

Boost spacing is a part of this as well, obviously. Otherwise this wheel set uses the same technology in the hubs as the CGR gravel wheel set.  

The CMR Light i30 wheel set carries the same warranty as the gravel wheels. As long as you are the original owner, WTB will replace any broken carbon rims, no questions asked. Prices are set accordingly: 

USD:  Front $850 / Rear $950 / Wheelset $1,800
EUR:  Front €727.45 / Rear €822.45 / Wheelset €1,549.90
GBP:  Front £609.50 / Rear £689.50 / Wheelset £1,299

 WTB CMR Light carbon mountain bike wheels will be available at authorized WTB dealers and at WTB.com for North America, or WTB.eu in Europe

Image from The Spinistry's social media

Texas Gravel Series by The Spinistry Set For 2027:

A teaser announcement was made this past week on The Spinistry's social media concerning a 2027 gravel series in Texas where the Spinistry is based. 

All the post said was, "Coming in 2027! It's not all about being fast..." That is an interesting statement. But we will have to wait until the Spinistry gives us more information to understand exactly what this means. 

Comments: The Spinistry has been in the gravel scene promoting gravel races since 2010. Their Red River Riot and Texas Chainring Massacre events are legendary in gravel racing and in the South especially. Kevin Lee, the head idea purveyor of The Spinistry, probably has something cool up his sleeves. We'll be interested in hearing about it soon. 

Stay tuned.... 

Image courtesy of Garmin

Garmin Introduces Edge 1060 GPS Cycling Computer:

Garmin just released a new Edge GPS unit with the 1060 now topping the range for cycling use. The unit has a few new features and many bells and whistles to its credit. 

One of those is talk-to-text (via Garmin Messenger app) and your voice can control the unit to leave your hands free to control your bicycle. It also features a points of interest guide, a road construction warning, and Garmin Coach, which can guide you through specific training regimens. 

There are a raft of other features as well, so click the link or see DC Rainmaker's video on this unit HERE. 

Comments: Yeah....you long time readers already know how I am not very "GPS computer compatible", shall we say? So, this thing is definitely NOT for me. Besides, I can already tell you that if there are more than about four to five things on a screen I cannot read or recognize the information while riding anyway. So, when I use my Wahoo, for instance, I toggle to a page with very basic information.  All the other stuff is 'fluff' anyway, and so I don't care to see it, even if I could. 

This is why last week's bit in the "FN&V" about the new SILCA Omata computer was compelling to me. Basic information with all the data gathered and accessible afterward. Perfect for an old geezer like myself. But it is $80.00, (and so is this new Garmin), so a little pricey. That said, Mrs. Guitar Ted actually told me to get the Omata. I resisted..... We'll see for how long. 

 

Pon Holdings To Cease Cannondale Operations In Connecticutt Headquarters In 2027 According To Reports:

Pon Holdings, the Dutch multi-brand company who owns Cannondale, is planning a new North American headquarters on the West Coast which will become operational in 2027. Meanwhile it plans to phase out its Wilton, Connecticut headquarters for Cannondale in mid-2027. 

The decision will affect over 140 employees and marks the end of an era in North American cycling.  

Comments: A rather pedestrian corporate move, but in North American cycling history, this marks the final tie to the original Cannondale, which started in 1971.  Cannondale started out with child trailers, clothing for cyclists, and touring bags. In the 1980's the US based and family operated company branched out into making aluminum bicycles, which at that time was a rare material in the mainstream cycling market. 

In the late 1990's Cannondale embarked on what would end up becoming its bane when the company sought to manufacture a motocross bike. The company ended up going bankrupt in 2003 when it was acquired by Pegasus Capital Advisors. The manufacturing of aluminum bicycles continued in the USA until 2008 when the Dorel company, based out of Canada, purchased Cannondale adding them to its Schwinn, Mongoose, and GT bicycle brands..This ended US production of Cannondale bicycles, but a US based headquarters was maintained in Wilton, Connecticut. 

In 2022 Dorel completed a sale of their cycling portfolio to Pon Holdings, which also owns Santa Cruz and Cervelo. With this announcement this week, the final US chapter in Cannondale's history will come to a close. 

Image courtesy of COROS.

COROS Dura 2 GPS Announced:

Another evolution of a GPS cycling computer was announced this week with the release of the COROS Dura 2. This GPS device has a ton of features, solar charging capabilities, and an impressive claimed battery life. 

The solar charging is interesting. COROS claims riding in 2 hours of bright sunlight will give you an hour of battery life. This may help extend battery life on long rides and allow you to get by without constant recharging of the unit. 

Controls are a combination of physical buttons, haptic buttons, and COROS claims the device can be voice controlled as well. Of course, there are a ton of interesting features. I watched a video from "Bikepacking.com" which you can see HERE that explains everything very well. The COROS Dura 2 is $499.00 USD. 

Comments: I use a Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM (around $300.00 USD) and I find it to be useable, not 100% reliable, and not all that intuitive to use. I like the climb feature, elevation readouts, and the navigation is "okay". So, I'm always on the lookout for an improvement, and this COROS device seems to have some nice features and the ability to simplify things, which would be my preference. 

The review I linked above has a pretty frank and honest take, I feel, and the comments given in the review reflect what is close to being inline with what I'd want out of a GPS head unit. So, I'm intrigued here, as I still need a navigation device. (Something is about 90% going to happen next year where I'll need reliable GPS navigation). 

The COROS might be a good investment. I like it over the Garmin right now. Wahoo hasn't updated in a bit, so maybe they will have an impressive update soon, but for now, I'm leaning toward this COROS. We'll see......

That'll do it for this week. Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions! Now get out there and ride those bicycles! 

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Xfusion

Xfusion G.E.T. 30 Gravel Bike Suspension Fork:

A new choice in front suspension for a gravel bike is now offered by Xfusion, a company known maybe more for its value oriented MTB suspension fork offerings. The new fork, dubbed the G.E.T. 30, (Grand Epic Trail) is based on a 30mm diameter stanchion platform and is available in the aforementioned 30mm of travel but can be converted to have 40mm or 50mm of travel. 

The fork also features external rebound adjustment and a lock-out function. There is a "Qflip" lever, designed for drop bars, which can lock out the fork or be used as a dropper post lever which is available separately. 

The damper unit is based on an air spring design for lightweight. It also is adjustable. The damper is Xfusion's Finecut RL2 sealed cartridge design damper which offeres improved oil flow for better small bump sensitivity, according to Xfusion. 

Offsets are available in 45mm or 51mm. The fork with an uncut steer tube weighs a claimed 2.9lbs. Designed for 700c wheels and gravel tires in Matte Black or Gloss Sand.. The G.E.T. 30 starts at $659.00 USD.  

Comments: You all probably know I am not a fan of telescopic, short-travel forks for gravel riding. That aside, this seems like a good alternative to Fox and SRAM/Rock Shox if someone is convinced this is a good idea. (Having a gravel suspension fork.)  

Image courtesy of Stoll Bikes

The 32" Watch: Big Wheels Win, Are Faster:

In the new world in which we live now where 32"er bikes roll on this planet, we now can say one of these monster wheeled bikes has won something. 

The Cape Epic, a multi-stage MTB XC event saw rider Felix Stehli win Stage three with his partner rider. Stehli was riding a production Stoll Bikes 32"er FS bike. 

In other 32"er news, Trans Iowa veteran (v8) rider John Karrasch has an article up on "The Escape Collective" in which he shows his recent testing on the Maxxis Aspen 32"er versus the same model in 29".  

John does a lot of rolling resistance testing on MTB and gravel tires,. He also has a bike fitting business so check out his work  

English Cycles prototype 32'er. Image courtesy of English Cycles

English Cycles, a custom bike builder from Eugene , Oregon, has a new prototype 32"er built as a bike packing rig. 

When I interviewed Sam Alison for the Guitar Ted Podcast recently he mentioned bike packing as being one of the ways 32"ers would likely be used. 

Seems Rob English would agree. His proto is for his testing purposes. In a blog post on the English Cycles site, Rob said he tried to maintain the fit and proportions of his 29"er as much as possible. He goes into great detail about certain aspects of building around this wheel size which is interesting.  

Check out this bike in further detail on the English Cycles' site HERE. 

Heard From Mid-South: Teravail has two 32" tires coming out. They will be based on the Cannonball and Camrock models. 

Rumors: Salsa Cycles Fargo 32"er? Seems to be a rampant rumor and was heard on the Shiftless podcast a week ago. Also: Mavic is rumored to be looking into 32"ers. Stay tuned.... 

 Finally another small builder, BTCHN Bikes, has an Alpina 32"er hardtail available now which looks interesting. Available in Med, L, XL sizes only. Check out the details on their sire HERE.  

The USA Trail Coast to Coast News:

The Spinistry folks are letting their TUBA Trail supporters know that the recon of the route, mostly gravel and dirt, across the USA has been completed. 

We interviewed Kevin Lee of the Spinistry who is the main developer of this trail on our Guitar Ted Podcast earlier this year. (Listen to the episode HERE) Kevin was still in the final stages of the trail's development then, but you get a great idea from the talk we had as to what this trail will be like. 

The trail changed names from TUBA Trail, (Transcontinental Unpaved Bicycle Adventure) to the USA Trail Coast To Coast . The name change reflects this trails status as being the first coast to coast, mainly unpaved trail for bicycle travel/touring. Kevin Lee is quoted in a recent email to TUBA Trail founders which I was able to see as follows: "While there is plenty of room for unpaved riding, we need a name that eliminates confusion and immediately tells the world what we’ve built."

The next stage in this trail's development is a Fall 2026 "dress rehearsal" riding of the route to work out any bugs and then the trail will be formerly opened, barring any issues, afterward.  

For more details see the TUBA Trail Founders page HERE.  

Image courtesy of SRAM

Hammerhead Karoo Share: 

Now Hammerhead Karoo users can share ride routes between devices. SRAM announced the update to the Karoo yesterday in a press release. 

SRAM claims routes and profiles can now be shared "immediately" between Karoo devices. Last minute adds at start lines are now totally possible with Karoo. 

You can learn more about this update and Karoo devices at Hammerhead's site HERE. 

Comments: I tried a Hammerhead Karoo 2 several years ago now and was really disappointed in it. Hopefully SRAM's purchase of Hammerhead has upped the experience quality for users. If you have a Hammerhead, how has it been for you? Let me know in the comments. 

Iowa Wind and Rock Announces Virtual Challenge Opportunity: 

The annual Iowa Wind and Rock event had to be cancelled due to health concerns for the event director. (Fortunately we are expecting a full recovery) 

Instead of the actual event, IWAR is putting out the #NotIWAR challenge. where riders are asked to do a long ride on the weekend of April 17th -  19th. From their Facebook post:

"Although we had to cancel this year's event, there's no reason for your training and fitness to go unused. We'd like to see you, and some friends, challenge yourself with a long ride sometime during the weekend of April 17 - 19. Ideally 100 miles or more, but if the conditions are right, a shorter distance will do. Gravel, bikepacking, singletrack, or mixed surface - it's all good. Just get out and push your limits for a few, or many, hours.

While we're not able to get our community together this year, we think it would be great to have everyone share photos and be able to read stories about their rides! Email works, or better post to IG or FB and use the hashtag #NotIWAR. No promises, but we might try and send something for each one that's submitted as well as gather the submissions and post them on the website as a bit of race history."

So, if you are reading this and think it is a great excuse for a bicycle ride, please consider supporting this idea. Ride a long ride, submit some images and words with the #NotIWAR hashtag, and show some support for this longstanding ultra-gravel ride, and more so for the RD who is recovering from medical procedures which prevented this year's event from happening. 
 

That's a wrap on this week. Happy Spring! get out and ride those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

Gravel Grinder News: Lauf Becomes Title Sponsor of Gravel Worlds:

Last week on Friday (too late to make the cut here) Gravel Worlds announced that they had a new title sponsor in Lauf Cycles. Garmin, who had been the title sponsor of Gravel Worlds, is still backing Gravel Worlds but at a lesser level. 

Lauf Cycles has sponsored Gravel Worlds since 2016, being that event's "official bicycle" since that time, but Gravel Worlds now will have Lauf as a title sponsor for at least the next three years. 

Look for further announcements including new promotions for next year's Gravel Worlds to come. The 2025 dates are August 22nd - 24th. You can learn more about Gravel Worlds at their site HERE.

Legendary Cycling Media Journalist Goes Solo:

For years cycling media's James Huang has commanded respect and fans worldwide for his no-nonsense takes, technical news, and reviews of products. He has worked for many of the most well known cycling publications and websites over the years, most recently with the "Escape Collective". Huang left his post there in May of 2024 and now has announced that he has a Substack hosted site called "n - 1", a take on the famous saying cyclists use when looking at a new bike by saying "n + 1" is the formula for how many bikes you should own. 

Maybe Mr. Huang's writings over the years have impressed and helped you out, or maybe you've never heard of the guy, but to me he is an industry icon. James Huang is "the standard" when it comes to technical cycling journalism and he knows what he is talking about. I have respected him for years, and I actually met him once during a Trek/Fisher press camp in Monterey, California. I'm pretty sure that Mr. Huang was not impressed by me and probably doesn't recall that meeting, but it is one of the highlights of my time in cycling media. 

Give "n -1" a try and if you didn't know where Mr. Huang went now you do. I may have more to say on the state of cycling media in another post. 

Update On The Cross Point Sock Review: 

Some of you readers may recall my review of these Cross Point waterproof socks which I started looking at back in early September HERE. I promised an update "later in the Fall" and so here we are.

The thing is that since that introduction we have been bone dry and hot as far as the weather goes. While we just had a spate of colder weather, we're back into the 70's for a bit and wet weather is still a rarity here. 

Due to these conditions, I just do not feel it is fair to conclude this review just yet. I am hopeful that colder and wetter weather will present itself and I'll be able to try out this product in proper weather soon. So, if you felt that you were left hanging concerning this review, this is what is going on with it. 

Again, I hope to get this wrapped up soon. 

Image courtesy of Enve Cycles

Enve Cycles Shows New Hex Gravel Tires:

Another new gravel tread is out there called "Hex" and is offered up by Enve Cycles. Available in 40m and 44mm sizes, in tan wall only, the tires feature a nano particle enhanced compound that is claimed to reduce rolling resistance and increase grip. 

Hexagonal knobs provide three-way flex edges for grip as well as providing for an enhanced ride feel. There is puncture protection under the tread and reinforced material around the bead chafer. The Hex is tubeless ready and claimed weight for the 40mm tire is 430 grams and the 44mm tires are claimed to weigh 450 grams each. 

The Hex gravel tires are priced at $75.00 USD each. You can purchase them directly from Enve HERE.

Comments: Enve follows the "not much, if any, tread in the middle and low, laterally placed blocks on the shoulders" recipe for tread design which has been a staple design for gravel tread since the early twenty-teens. Interesting to read that Enve has their contract manufacturer using a "nano particle enhanced compound". This nano particle technology has been pretty much the sole domain of Vittoria tires for several years. Makes you wonder...

Also interesting is the somewhat conservative sizes available. 40mm is racy, but becoming less popular while anything closer to 50mm wide seems to be getting all the flowers from riders of late. Of course, Enve had to work with a factory, as they do not actually make these themselves, so it may be a case where the factory offered up these options and that was it. We may never know, but there you go.... Tires from Enve if you want them. 

RAT 1000 For 2025 Announced:

The Spinistry is an event organizer based in Texas that has created a subset of gravel events that is just as iconic as anything you've heard of. While events like Unbound, Barry-Roubaix, and Gravel Worlds have been stalwart "classic" gravel events for years, I feel many people are unaware that The Spinistry is an organization that deserves to have its events seen in the same light.

Take, for instance, the Red River Riot, an event that has been ongoing since 2010. The Spinistry can boast of other regional events that have become staples in the area as well. 

Their long distance, Tour Divide-like event is the RAT 1000, a stage event across the state of Texas from Texarkana on the Eastern border to Tucumcari, New Mexico just over the border in New Mexico. You can read all about it HERE. There are shorter options, you can 'tour' the route, or you can take on the ITT version and try to set a FKT. It looks like an amazing route and you can do this in October next year if you want to take up the challenge.

That's a wrap on this week! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions! Get out and ride those bicycles!

Some Musings From The Latest Podcast

The latest podcast from the "Guitar Ted Podcast" is up now and it is a pretty interesting show this time. My guest on the show was Kevin Lee of The Spinistry, the Texas based gravel event promotions company which has been doing gravel events since 2010. If you haven't heard this show you can listen by clicking THIS LINK which will take you to the Spotify home site for the podcast. 

If you don't listen to the episodes I have a few points to share today that I thought stoood out. It's interesting to see where the UCI is at with how they want to pursue the gravel scene in North America. 

I wrote a lot about this subject already HERE so I will try not to tread on the same ground again in this post. But the podcast is based upon a lot of what I wrote in the linked article. 

Okay, so with all the previous said, one of the more interesting tidbits for me was being told by Kevin that the UCI had actually pursued The Spinistry to have one of their events be a UCI sanctioned gravel event. I also know many other promoters had been asked to partner with the UCI and this was confirmed by Kevin as well as something which is true. I fully believe the UCI is still trying to convince event promoters to partner with them. In fact, the oft referenced "Marginal Gains" podcast with Erwin Vervecken as guest confirms this as well. 

Another interesting tidbit was the price to have a UCI sanctioned event, the fee for the UCI to even partner up with an event, was $40,000.00 in 2019. Forty thou?!! This doesn't include what you, as a promoter, would have to pony up to get your event up to UCI standards either. So, just from this point alone, it is pretty easy to see why there hasn't been a UCI sanctioned, large scale gravel event in the USA. And as Kevin Lee states in the podcast, the UCI isn't bringing anything to the table for the 40K licensing deal. Apparently prestige and legitimizing your event is what that does for you as an event promoter? Man! I can totally see why no event has accepted that offer! 

Then something Kevin was saying, (at about the 1hr mark of the podcast, by the way) struck me as one of the best descriptions about why the gravel scene is what it is and how the semi-Pro and Pro riders should regard that. I'm paraphrasing Kevin here, but essentially what he said was this gravel cycling scene isn't reliant on competition alone. It has an element of competition, but this is not what is most important. The sense that one can ride a bicycle on gravel - or anywhere, really - and have fun, is what is most important. This "fun" can be an adventure, social gathering, going fast, stopping often, and could include parts of some of this or all of these things. 

Actually, THIS is the latest podcast now!

As Kevin said, and I agree, the upper echelon of talent in today's gravel scene should never forget what they are privileged to be able to do at gravel events is built upon the foundation of those "12mph riders", as Kevin put it, making the events what they have become. It is this and the variety of events, which has always been a part of gravel, that makes "gravel" the sort of riding many are attracted to. 

Charging a lot of money to promoters to sanction an event is not going to work. Making events all similar in length and style, and forcing riders into a situation where it is all about top level competitors and "cat'ing up", as Kevin put it, is not going to foster growth in cycling here in the USA. It never really worked for road racing, MTB, or cyclo cross. How in the world does anyone think it would work in gravel cycling? It wouldn't. It would end up killing the gravel scene. 

Thanks again to Kevin Lee and The Spinistry for their support!

Friday News And Views

5DEV direct mount chain wheel as shared on their social media.

 The Colorful Edition of the FN&V!

Fashion Plates?

I've been noticing a trend of late on social media. Bicycles with derailleur drive trains being shown with 'pie plate' style, solid chain wheels as 1X drive rings. 

I first noted this back in 2022 at the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame shindig in Emporia, Kansas. I noted a Stormchaser single speed with a brilliant purple, solid chain wheel. 

Then I found out that Absolute Black does a 'pie plate' style ring, which is supposedly aero. It is a rather stark, unusual offering from this company known for its more open designs and industrial looking offerings in several anodized colors. 

Now I am noticing a few custom bikes being shown on the Insta that have silver colored, solid chain wheels. Okay.....something is going on here. I suspect that some more offerings in this style will appear at Sea Otter soon.

I don't know if I am a fan though. Color me jaded by years of working on cheapo BMX kids bikes, but these look like a gussied-up department store bike component. It's hard for me to take the 'pie plate' look seriously. But that's probably just me. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth.

Wolf Tooth Announces New Colors For SS Cogs:

Now for the other end of the drive train, you have Wolf Tooth announcing new colors for their line of single speed cogs. Gold and Orange are being added to their other offerings in the range. 

These are aluminum, of course, but Wolf Tooth also has a stainless steel single speed cog offering for those of you who want the longest lasting cogs and don't care about fashion. (Ha!) 

Comments: I am happy that someone out there still believes in making single speed stuff. That kind of went away for a while there in the last ten years and for a while I was worried that I'd be scrounging for parts for my several single speed bikes. But Wolf Tooth must be selling these things, otherwise they would not introduce more colors, I would imagine anyway. 

Now I know where to go to replenish the look on my Campstove Green Karate Monkey when I wear out a cog, or want to change gearing, and want a green cog! 

Image courtesy of Wheels Manufacturing.

Wheels Manufacturing Offers Anodized BB-30 Options:

Now on to the bottom bracket! Wheels Manufacturing recently added anodized color options for their range of bottom brackets for 30mm spindles. Now available in seven anodized hues for BSA 30, T-47 internal, T-47 outboard, and PF-30 variants. 

Prices are $100 - $124.00 each. You can check them out HERE along with all their other bottom bracket options. 

Comments: I've used Wheels Manufacturing bottom brackets for repairs and personally for years now and have found them to be very good quality options for a decent price. The anodized colors are just icing on the cake here. 

Image courtesy of Chris Skogen's social media

Almanzo 100 v3?:

Monday a surprise announcement from Chris Skogen, the founder of the seminal and legendary Almanzo 100, came out, via Skogen's Instagram page, announcing that the Almanzo 100 was coming back. 

This would mark the third come-back for Skogen and the second time for the event to come back as well. (A timeline of events documenting the retiring of the Almanzo 100 name and original event can be found HERE) 

In the announcement, Skogen indicated that the 100 mile event would occur this May on the 18th. Other details are yet to be released, but this post will be updated when and if those details become available. 

The announcement reads as follows, taken from Skogen's Instagram:

"***WE’RE BACK***

That’s right, we’re bringing Almanzo back!

WHEN: Saturday, May 18th - 8:00am
WHERE: Starting location will be announced here on May 11th
WHAT: 100 mile self-supported route (no drop bags, no outside support, no GPS)
WHO: Everyone
WHY: Because

See you in a few weeks!!

#nerd #party"

Comments:  Mr. Skogen has been known to make surprise, unexpected announcements at odd times regarding the Alamanzo and its satellite events. (See link above) On April 2nd he posted again saying this was "real" and that he is, "Taking another swing at building community in and around the bike space."

 UPDATED 4/7/24: Mr. Skogen posted on Saturday on Instagram a list of gravel events with some designated as events he will attend. Quoted: "I’ll be at the events in BOLD." One of those events he marked in bold, on May 18th, is The Heywood Ride, the ride that Mr. Skogen handed over to the organizers of The Heywood, when it was called the Almanzo,  and asked that they not use the name "Almanzo" for it. So, they came up with "The Heywood Ride".

So, is the Heywood going back to being called the Almanzo? 

Stay tuned........

Kit for a Cause Jersey image from Gravel Worlds social media.

Jersey To Benefit Cancer Causes:

Gravel Worlds announced recently that they are offering "Kits For A Cause" now through their jersey vendor, Voler USA. 

The first is a design by Kevin Wilkins that features dogs biting one another with a sign on the rear that says "Chase me!"

All profits from the sales of the jerseys are going toward cancer survivor @kevinwilkins and the organization Grind For Life.org which has a mission to provide financial assistance to cancer patients and their families when traveling long distances to doctors and hospitals.

You can check out the kit and order at this link:  www.gravel-worlds.com/kit

Orders for this kit close on April 15th. Gravel Worlds says there will be other efforts similar to this in the future.  

The Guitar Ted Podcast Sponsored by The Spinistry:

A new episode of the Guitar Ted Podcast is up now. In this one N.Y. Roll and I discuss the celebrations of last place, the Sardine Tool, and N.Y. Roll's experience in Texas recently where he rode the Red River Riot.

You can listen to the episode by clicking THIS LINK. 

We are working on new episodes concerning tires and their construction, how gravel roads are made and why, and more. If you have any episode ideas, let me know in the comment section. 

Thanks again to The Spinistry for their continued support of The Guitar Ted Podcast and check out their Gravel 1000 challenge which anyone can engage in from any location. You can find out more about this challenge by clicking THIS LINK.
 

That's a wrap on this colorful edition of the FN&V for this week. Have a great weekend and thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Two Things Tuesday

 Two Things: Number One - Iowa Wind and Rock:

I would be remiss if I did not mention something about the past weekend's events at Iowa Wind and Rock. This is the event that is heavily influenced by, (some would say it is an outgrowth of ), Trans Iowa. So, of course I feel a connection to the event every year. Once again I paid attention to the goings on over the weekend and I also did a Twitter thread on the event as it happened in case you saw that, or want to. (Twitter @guitarted1961) 

The weekend here was pretty much marked by Winter-like weather. It was sub-freezing for a significant time during the event with strong Northwest winds and there was even snow and bitterly cold rain for a bit. The threat of this weather caused IWAR some no-shows, as this sort of weather will do in an event like that, especially a free to enter event. They ended up with 60 hardy souls taking the line. 

Attrition was high in the beginning with most of the event's abandons happening before the first of two checkpoints. The progression of this year's IWAR was a very familiar one for me as the remaining riders were whittled down to a final finishing total of 13. 

Cory Rood was the overall winner in a time of just under 28 hours. That's about "right" for an event like that, with those conditions, based upon my experiences. Congratulations to Cory and all the other 2023 IWAR finishers, riders, volunteers, and race directors for another successful event. As anyone that has read this blog over the years knows, the stress and complexities of an event the magnitude of IWAR/Trans Iowa is immense. Hats off to one and all for this edition of an Iowa classic gravel event. 

Number Two: The Latest Guitar Ted Podcast & News:

As you all that read here are probably aware, I do a podcast with N.Y. Roll that posts about three to four episodes a month. We've got Episode #12 out right now, and we should have another recapping Sea Otter and more coming out later this week. 

We've been getting a lot of feedback on our efforts and I really appreciate that. It has all been encouraging and constructive, which is useful for us and spurs us onward. 

Speaking of "onward", the near future should prove interesting as we move closer to the second installment of folks into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, which I have planned to be in attendance. Since I will be there and several interesting folks will be around, I may try to grab some soundbites and/or interviews which will be appearing on future episodes of the Guitar Ted Podcast.  

Meanwhile we should be getting some more interviews in from other folks as well. So, all of that to look forward to on that channel as we keep trying to get better and put out content that folks find worthwhile. Finally, I wanted to give a shout-out to The Spinistry, the Texas based gravel event promotions entity which has been a big supporter and sponsor of the podcast this year. Check them out for interesting gravel events, bikepacking routes, and more.

Two Things Tuesday

 Two Things: Number One - Iowa Wind and Rock:

I would be remiss if I did not mention something about the past weekend's events at Iowa Wind and Rock. This is the event that is heavily influenced by, (some would say it is an outgrowth of ), Trans Iowa. So, of course I feel a connection to the event every year. Once again I paid attention to the goings on over the weekend and I also did a Twitter thread on the event as it happened in case you saw that, or want to. (Twitter @guitarted1961) 

The weekend here was pretty much marked by Winter-like weather. It was sub-freezing for a significant time during the event with strong Northwest winds and there was even snow and bitterly cold rain for a bit. The threat of this weather caused IWAR some no-shows, as this sort of weather will do in an event like that, especially a free to enter event. They ended up with 60 hardy souls taking the line. 

Attrition was high in the beginning with most of the event's abandons happening before the first of two checkpoints. The progression of this year's IWAR was a very familiar one for me as the remaining riders were whittled down to a final finishing total of 13. 

Cory Rood was the overall winner in a time of just under 28 hours. That's about "right" for an event like that, with those conditions, based upon my experiences. Congratulations to Cory and all the other 2023 IWAR finishers, riders, volunteers, and race directors for another successful event. As anyone that has read this blog over the years knows, the stress and complexities of an event the magnitude of IWAR/Trans Iowa is immense. Hats off to one and all for this edition of an Iowa classic gravel event. 

Number Two: The Latest Guitar Ted Podcast & News:

As you all that read here are probably aware, I do a podcast with N.Y. Roll that posts about three to four episodes a month. We've got Episode #12 out right now, and we should have another recapping Sea Otter and more coming out later this week. 

We've been getting a lot of feedback on our efforts and I really appreciate that. It has all been encouraging and constructive, which is useful for us and spurs us onward. 

Speaking of "onward", the near future should prove interesting as we move closer to the second installment of folks into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, which I have planned to be in attendance. Since I will be there and several interesting folks will be around, I may try to grab some soundbites and/or interviews which will be appearing on future episodes of the Guitar Ted Podcast.  

Meanwhile we should be getting some more interviews in from other folks as well. So, all of that to look forward to on that channel as we keep trying to get better and put out content that folks find worthwhile. Finally, I wanted to give a shout-out to The Spinistry, the Texas based gravel event promotions entity which has been a big supporter and sponsor of the podcast this year. Check them out for interesting gravel events, bikepacking routes, and more.

Friday News And Views

New Guitar Ted Podcast Out:

If you haven't heard it yet, check out the longest Guitar Ted Podcast yet which was published last Tuesday. In it N.Y. Roll and I interview Kevin Lee, "ride host" of The Spinistry.

The Spinistry is an organization that has been around in North Texas since 2009. They have put on several classic gravel events like The Red River Riot, The Texas Chainring Massacre, and The Hell of North Texas, to name a few. 

In this new episode, Kevin takes us from the early days of his backroad explorations and how those eventually informed his take on gravel events. The Spinistry's vision for the present and future is laid out and  we learned an awful lot.

In my estimation, The Spinistry has been one of gravel grinding's best kept secrets. Maybe that will change now, but I bet a lot of people have never heard about The Spinistry or their events. Check out the podcast where you get you podcast feeds or at Anchor.fm HERE. 

The new Ritchey Skyline. (Image courtesy of Ritchey)

Ritchey Announces New Skyline Drop Bar:

Ritchey announced their newest drop bar called the Skyline early in the week. It is an ergonomic bar with a classic road drop style. (No flare - No sweep to the extensions)

Now normally I wouldn't bother with a roadie drop bar in the news, but..... It seems that flare and sweep for drop bars is falling out of favor with the Pro/Elite classes of gravel racers. I have noted a slight swing backward to "classic road drop designs" of late, and a LOT of weirdness surrounding aero bits for cycling. 

Before I get too far in the weeds here, there is a link to the Ritchey bar HERE.  

Okay, so what do I think about aero for gravel? Well, it is at odds with the "mountain bike-ification" of gravel, that's for sure. But there is a point to be made about being aero-concious. I mean, you probably wouldn't consider wearing a flappy jacket on a windy day because it catches the wind like a sail and you know that is sapping your strength. So, if you care about that, you actually do care about being aero. It's just a matter of degrees at that point. 

But sacrificing comfort and control for being aero on gravel? I think that's not a good trade-off. So, there are more times I'd want a flared drop bar - for comfort and control - than I would want a traditional road drop for being aero. Your mileage may vary.

Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame To Announce The 2nd Class of Inductees:

I voted as a previous inductee and I am excited to see who will be announced next week to be inducted into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame on May 31st in Emporia, Kansas.

So, as I understand it, there will be some sort of ride with the GCHoF members on the 31st as well. (Details TBA) I'm trying to arrange my schedule to attend and Mrs. Guitar Ted may even be coming with me. All kind of up in the air right now, but we will soon know what I can or cannot do.

I have a feeling some of this year's inductees will be a bit 'polarizing' for some and maybe a bit of a 'slam dunk' for others when the list gets revealed. I don't know who is getting in and who is not, but I did see the list we could select from and well, the possibilities for some interesting choices exist, I'll just say that.

At any rate, you'll know as soon as I do, and we can all dissect and comment on the choices made afterward. I think that things will pan out for the best, so I am hopeful that how the GCHoF started out last year will be the direction it goes in this year as well.

Mid-South Kicks Off Gravel Season:

I know, there has been a Belgian Waffle and a few other gravelly events already in 2023, but to my mind, the Mid-South is the "official" start of the gravel season. 

This weekend it happens again, and while I know that Bobby Wintle probably would rather not have this be the case for anyone, but this event will always be a "time marker" for when the pandemic hit in 2020. 

There was a lot of speculation as to whether Mid-South should, or even could, safely hold an event in light of what we thought then, but they did it and got away with it, I suppose. Not that they did anything wrong, but in the context of 2020, it was a huge risk then. 

I know, this may seem unfair to many of you out there, but those two things are what I think of when Mid-South happens in March. It's gravel event time again and I remember what my feelings were in mid-March of 2020 once again. 

All the best to those who are attending the event this year!

 That's a wrap for this week! I hope that you all get out for a ride! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

New Guitar Ted Podcast Out:

If you haven't heard it yet, check out the longest Guitar Ted Podcast yet which was published last Tuesday. In it N.Y. Roll and I interview Kevin Lee, "ride host" of The Spinistry.

The Spinistry is an organization that has been around in North Texas since 2009. They have put on several classic gravel events like The Red River Riot, The Texas Chainring Massacre, and The Hell of North Texas, to name a few. 

In this new episode, Kevin takes us from the early days of his backroad explorations and how those eventually informed his take on gravel events. The Spinistry's vision for the present and future is laid out and  we learned an awful lot.

In my estimation, The Spinistry has been one of gravel grinding's best kept secrets. Maybe that will change now, but I bet a lot of people have never heard about The Spinistry or their events. Check out the podcast where you get you podcast feeds or at Anchor.fm HERE. 

The new Ritchey Skyline. (Image courtesy of Ritchey)

Ritchey Announces New Skyline Drop Bar:

Ritchey announced their newest drop bar called the Skyline early in the week. It is an ergonomic bar with a classic road drop style. (No flare - No sweep to the extensions)

Now normally I wouldn't bother with a roadie drop bar in the news, but..... It seems that flare and sweep for drop bars is falling out of favor with the Pro/Elite classes of gravel racers. I have noted a slight swing backward to "classic road drop designs" of late, and a LOT of weirdness surrounding aero bits for cycling. 

Before I get too far in the weeds here, there is a link to the Ritchey bar HERE.  

Okay, so what do I think about aero for gravel? Well, it is at odds with the "mountain bike-ification" of gravel, that's for sure. But there is a point to be made about being aero-concious. I mean, you probably wouldn't consider wearing a flappy jacket on a windy day because it catches the wind like a sail and you know that is sapping your strength. So, if you care about that, you actually do care about being aero. It's just a matter of degrees at that point. 

But sacrificing comfort and control for being aero on gravel? I think that's not a good trade-off. So, there are more times I'd want a flared drop bar - for comfort and control - than I would want a traditional road drop for being aero. Your mileage may vary.

Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame To Announce The 2nd Class of Inductees:

I voted as a previous inductee and I am excited to see who will be announced next week to be inducted into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame on May 31st in Emporia, Kansas.

So, as I understand it, there will be some sort of ride with the GCHoF members on the 31st as well. (Details TBA) I'm trying to arrange my schedule to attend and Mrs. Guitar Ted may even be coming with me. All kind of up in the air right now, but we will soon know what I can or cannot do.

I have a feeling some of this year's inductees will be a bit 'polarizing' for some and maybe a bit of a 'slam dunk' for others when the list gets revealed. I don't know who is getting in and who is not, but I did see the list we could select from and well, the possibilities for some interesting choices exist, I'll just say that.

At any rate, you'll know as soon as I do, and we can all dissect and comment on the choices made afterward. I think that things will pan out for the best, so I am hopeful that how the GCHoF started out last year will be the direction it goes in this year as well.

Mid-South Kicks Off Gravel Season:

I know, there has been a Belgian Waffle and a few other gravelly events already in 2023, but to my mind, the Mid-South is the "official" start of the gravel season. 

This weekend it happens again, and while I know that Bobby Wintle probably would rather not have this be the case for anyone, but this event will always be a "time marker" for when the pandemic hit in 2020. 

There was a lot of speculation as to whether Mid-South should, or even could, safely hold an event in light of what we thought then, but they did it and got away with it, I suppose. Not that they did anything wrong, but in the context of 2020, it was a huge risk then. 

I know, this may seem unfair to many of you out there, but those two things are what I think of when Mid-South happens in March. It's gravel event time again and I remember what my feelings were in mid-March of 2020 once again. 

All the best to those who are attending the event this year!

 That's a wrap for this week! I hope that you all get out for a ride! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!