64 Times

Still rockin'

 Today is the day I cross the line for the 64th time. It's a number that I never thought I'd see attached to my name. 

I remember a rider back from the days when I was first doing bicycle work. He's a reader of this blog, so, John, if you read this, you might remember this story.

John used to take his lunch at the shop. He'd pull up a five gallon bucket, sit down, and have his meal. He'd chat us up for a bit and then take off back to work  

The shop guys revered John. He was a really good rider, and he was around sixty or so at this point in his life. I can remember thinking, "I sure hope I'm still riding strong at sixty!" 

Well, here I am. I'm probably no where near as "strong" as John was at my age, but hey! I'm doing okay. Better than I figured I would be. And I still am planning on doing this thing for a while. No reasons not to. 

Thanks for reading!

63

Well.......I've made it this far. Today is my birthday. No big deal, but it is a "big deal" to some. You decide what it is to you. 

I joke around that once you've reached this point in Life celebrating a birthday for just one day is not sufficient to give thanks for all the things you've dodged, missed by chance, worked through, survived, or came out on the other side of miraculously that should have killed you. Maybe with a week of thanks, that would be enough time to "celebrate" a birthday once you've gotten around to seeing your sixth decade on this rock.

So, I''ll be celebrating my birthday all week folks. 

And maybe I'll go for a ride, maybe not. It is Winter here, after all, and things are pretty sloppy at the moment. We'll see if I can work it out. 

Finally - Thank you all! I appreciate you stopping by the blog after all these years and reading my writin'. I hope that you have an awesome day and get a ride in as well.

Winter Views: Birthday Ride

Escape Route: Green Belt Trails

Well, first of all, I want to thank all of you that bothered to take the time to offer your well wishes and cheers on the occasion of my birthday on Monday. I very much appreciated those comments both here and elsewhere on social media and in messages. 

Many well-wishers advised that I go for a bicycle ride, and of course, that is exactly what I did. The "frosting" we had on the tress and shrubs was still in effect, miraculously so, and with the addition of Sun, which we hadn't had in quite some while, it was a glorious day for a ride.

It was also frigid cold. 

So, I took out my Blackborow DS since it is currently set with pogies, and off I went. Spinning like a hamster because I left the bike in 'low-range', which if you don't understand, well that refers to the 'dinglespeed' nature of this bike. (Click the link for an ultra-nerd-out on dinglespeed gearing) Anyway, "low" range on the Blackborow DS is pretty spinny, but not low enough to winch yourself up a steep incline, such as the dike entrance to the Green Belt. At least not with snow involved.

But once I scaled that and got down the other side, the Green Belt presents no inclines worth mentioning. So, the gear was perfect for negotiating softer, churned up sections of snow and stable as you can get when it came to off-camber bits due to the wide 4.8" tires. 

It is hard to find the best of the trail to ride at times due to the multi-use nature of the Green Belt

Frosted trees overlook a free-running Black Hawk Creek

The low angle of the Sun made the snow and frost stuck to the tress yet glisten and glow like crazy. Again- a super-unusual state for things here and we have had the luxury of living in this wonderland-like atmosphere for several days. However; later on this day that Sun burned off the frosting, so to speak, and things look a little less awe-inspiring now. 

Headed out towards the Green Belt lake.

There were sights to see that just demanded I stop and soak in as much of it as I could.

It turned out to be a perfect day, or at least morning, to be out in the Green Belt. there was not a soul in sight, (other than the ice fisher I saw), and the sky was a clean, washed blue with some wispy contrails from jet traffic here and there. The contrast between shadows and brilliant snow-scapes was spectacular. The dreary, wild, unkempt Green Belt woodland looked beautiful in its new snow-white clothes. 

A lone figure pulls a sledge across the frozen Green Belt lake.

Simply stunning views!

That was most likely the most beautiful, peaceful, and precious Winter ride I have ever experienced. What a gift! And by far the best birthday ride I've yet had. I hope that you enjoyed the bit I was able to share here. 

Thanks for reading.

Winter Views: Birthday Ride

Escape Route: Green Belt Trails

Well, first of all, I want to thank all of you that bothered to take the time to offer your well wishes and cheers on the occasion of my birthday on Monday. I very much appreciated those comments both here and elsewhere on social media and in messages. 

Many well-wishers advised that I go for a bicycle ride, and of course, that is exactly what I did. The "frosting" we had on the tress and shrubs was still in effect, miraculously so, and with the addition of Sun, which we hadn't had in quite some while, it was a glorious day for a ride.

It was also frigid cold. 

So, I took out my Blackborow DS since it is currently set with pogies, and off I went. Spinning like a hamster because I left the bike in 'low-range', which if you don't understand, well that refers to the 'dinglespeed' nature of this bike. (Click the link for an ultra-nerd-out on dinglespeed gearing) Anyway, "low" range on the Blackborow DS is pretty spinny, but not low enough to winch yourself up a steep incline, such as the dike entrance to the Green Belt. At least not with snow involved.

But once I scaled that and got down the other side, the Green Belt presents no inclines worth mentioning. So, the gear was perfect for negotiating softer, churned up sections of snow and stable as you can get when it came to off-camber bits due to the wide 4.8" tires. 

It is hard to find the best of the trail to ride at times due to the multi-use nature of the Green Belt

Frosted trees overlook a free-running Black Hawk Creek

The low angle of the Sun made the snow and frost stuck to the tress yet glisten and glow like crazy. Again- a super-unusual state for things here and we have had the luxury of living in this wonderland-like atmosphere for several days. However; later on this day that Sun burned off the frosting, so to speak, and things look a little less awe-inspiring now. 

Headed out towards the Green Belt lake.

There were sights to see that just demanded I stop and soak in as much of it as I could.

It turned out to be a perfect day, or at least morning, to be out in the Green Belt. there was not a soul in sight, (other than the ice fisher I saw), and the sky was a clean, washed blue with some wispy contrails from jet traffic here and there. The contrast between shadows and brilliant snow-scapes was spectacular. The dreary, wild, unkempt Green Belt woodland looked beautiful in its new snow-white clothes. 

A lone figure pulls a sledge across the frozen Green Belt lake.

Simply stunning views!

That was most likely the most beautiful, peaceful, and precious Winter ride I have ever experienced. What a gift! And by far the best birthday ride I've yet had. I hope that you enjoyed the bit I was able to share here. 

Thanks for reading.

Another Trip 'Round The Sun

GT and his cat, Felix The Cat.

 Well, it is that time of the year again, for myself at least, to mark the day as another trip made 'round the Sun. The day when you either pass off things as "no big deal", escape by "celebrating" in some way, or take stock in the passing of time and what it means in your Life. Maybe you do all three in their appropriate measure.

I think as one grows older these special markers of time start to become less frivolous and centered around fun and more serious and considered. I suppose that is only natural. At one time I would have expected a cake, candles to blow out, and presents.Then later on in life I might have thought I should expect drinks, a card or two, and some frivolity with friends. Now? 

I just want to spend time with my immediate family, and then a bike ride on top of that might be nice. I think that's exactly what I'll do. 

It's another day, in the grand scheme of things, and what I do maybe doesn't really matter in the end when it comes to the 23rd of January. But it is my day, and I will mark it as long as I can. 

Hopefully you all out there have a spectacular day and are able to do something meaningful today. Not because it is "my day", but because this day is a gift to you. Make sure you unwrap it and try to give thanks for the things that bless you, because we aren't guaranteed to see another one of these come our way. 

Thanks for reading.

Another Trip 'Round The Sun

GT and his cat, Felix The Cat.

 Well, it is that time of the year again, for myself at least, to mark the day as another trip made 'round the Sun. The day when you either pass off things as "no big deal", escape by "celebrating" in some way, or take stock in the passing of time and what it means in your Life. Maybe you do all three in their appropriate measure.

I think as one grows older these special markers of time start to become less frivolous and centered around fun and more serious and considered. I suppose that is only natural. At one time I would have expected a cake, candles to blow out, and presents.Then later on in life I might have thought I should expect drinks, a card or two, and some frivolity with friends. Now? 

I just want to spend time with my immediate family, and then a bike ride on top of that might be nice. I think that's exactly what I'll do. 

It's another day, in the grand scheme of things, and what I do maybe doesn't really matter in the end when it comes to the 23rd of January. But it is my day, and I will mark it as long as I can. 

Hopefully you all out there have a spectacular day and are able to do something meaningful today. Not because it is "my day", but because this day is a gift to you. Make sure you unwrap it and try to give thanks for the things that bless you, because we aren't guaranteed to see another one of these come our way. 

Thanks for reading.

Over The Weekend

An old square taper 105 crank set will be repurposed, potentially.

First of all, a big "Thank You!" is in order for all the well wishers for my birthday Saturday. Both here and on social media I was feted for my "birthday ending in a zero" accomplishment. So, again- thanks to everyone and all for the messages. 

Secondly, I wanted to take the opportunity to let you all know what I did, since I am sure many of you were hoping/thinking I'd get a ride in. Well, not so much, actually. I decided that instead of riding, I would work on a ride. You might remember the old high flange Dura Ace hubs I was lacing up into wheels. Well, I finished those on Saturday, then I mocked up the bike I am going to set up with these new wheels. 

The wheels built up really well. I used a mix of what I happened to have. DT Swiss spokes on the front wheel and Wheelsmith on the back. It worked out that I could do my half black spoke/half silver spoke idea, and I used all silver brass nipples on this set. Then I taped up the rear wheel and mounted the 700 X 36mm Pasela tire to check out my chain line, see about clearances, and to see if I might be able to mount some fenders. 

The Panaracer 700 X 36mm Pasela tires fit, but only just so...

 I have clearances all around, and fenders should work out, but I could not put a bigger tire on this bike than this 37mm one. Not if I want some modicum of clearance. Oh, and by the way, this is not necessarily a bike I would ever use on gravel, but I could. No, this is being built to serve a different purpose. 

I gave my main 'errand bike' away to Andy last year. So, ever since then, I've missed having that around. A bike I could just grab and go on. This bike would have to be set up with flat pedals, and have a lock on board along with lights, in case I need to do any night errands. Fenders would allow for wet weather errand running too. Simplicity is a big focus here, as I don't want a high-maintenance machine, but rather, just the opposite. Utility is very important, so eventually, I may rack and bag this thing up, but initially I will use some big saddle/seat post mounted bags to get the bike into service. 

So, a single speed makes sense, and the old Trek I have was made with horizontal drop outs with axle adjusters, so it will make for a great single speed. Plus, since it comes from the era when braze-ons were held to a minimum, all the cable stops are removable, even the downtube shift bosses. I cannot use the original crank set as it is an odd-ball one that has the inner ring bolted to the big ring which is- in turn- part of the crank arm. So, I cannot utilize it due to my inability to make it a single ring crank with proper chain line. The bottom bracket, a serviceable type, is in wonderful shape, but my choice of a mid 1990's Shimano 105 crank set may make me change that out. This crank can be set up to work with the chain line and still have a single ring. I'm going to see if I have a 40 or 42T ring, but the crank has a perfectly serviceable 39, so I could use that in a pinch.

The ACS Claws 20T free wheel I have to use for this project.

The final gear ratio will be determined by my only choice for a rear cog which is a ACS 20T free wheel. This is a necessary choice since the Dura Ace hub is a screw-on free wheel type. 

Other bits will include a silver Thomson seat post, probably a drop bar, (An old Origin 8 Gary Bar is on there right now), some new bar tape, some flat pedals, of course, and plastic Planet Bike "Freddy Fenders" which I have used on various bikes over the years. 

I needed a saddle, and I thought I might have an old Brooks B-17 around as there was one I had been thinking of that was unaccounted for. After a bit of searching, I found it, a green leather Brooks B-17 Special, the one with the copper rivets. It was the original saddle on the Singular Gryphon I had years ago now. It's turned a dark olive color over the years. You'd barely know it was ever green.

I'm going to have to figure out what is up with the brakes too. They are old center pull Weinmann brakes. Whatever the old levers are that I had been using are not compatible with them. They do not pull anywhere near enough cable, so I will be scavenging up something different for levers. I really think that long pull levers will work well, but that is an experiment that may not happen depending upon what I have at hand to work with. 

So, when this all comes together, I will test it out for suitability, and if it all passes muster, then I might pull it all apart to maybe get the frame powder coated. On one hand, a bad paint job makes the bike less theft-worthy. On the other hand, anything that says "Trek" on the frame is a target for thievery here. If I get it powder coated, don't put anything on it for a brand, then it becomes just a weird old single speed bike. No one will be the wiser, and the bike becomes less of a target. Actually, if I made the bike a fixed gear, it would be even better! 

So, anyway, messing about with that and then spending Sunday playing in the church band and then watching NFL play-off games with my son was what I did for my birthday weekend. Again- thanks to all who passed on well-wishes and congratulations.

Over The Weekend

An old square taper 105 crank set will be repurposed, potentially.

First of all, a big "Thank You!" is in order for all the well wishers for my birthday Saturday. Both here and on social media I was feted for my "birthday ending in a zero" accomplishment. So, again- thanks to everyone and all for the messages. 

Secondly, I wanted to take the opportunity to let you all know what I did, since I am sure many of you were hoping/thinking I'd get a ride in. Well, not so much, actually. I decided that instead of riding, I would work on a ride. You might remember the old high flange Dura Ace hubs I was lacing up into wheels. Well, I finished those on Saturday, then I mocked up the bike I am going to set up with these new wheels. 

The wheels built up really well. I used a mix of what I happened to have. DT Swiss spokes on the front wheel and Wheelsmith on the back. It worked out that I could do my half black spoke/half silver spoke idea, and I used all silver brass nipples on this set. Then I taped up the rear wheel and mounted the 700 X 36mm Pasela tire to check out my chain line, see about clearances, and to see if I might be able to mount some fenders. 

The Panaracer 700 X 36mm Pasela tires fit, but only just so...

 I have clearances all around, and fenders should work out, but I could not put a bigger tire on this bike than this 37mm one. Not if I want some modicum of clearance. Oh, and by the way, this is not necessarily a bike I would ever use on gravel, but I could. No, this is being built to serve a different purpose. 

I gave my main 'errand bike' away to Andy last year. So, ever since then, I've missed having that around. A bike I could just grab and go on. This bike would have to be set up with flat pedals, and have a lock on board along with lights, in case I need to do any night errands. Fenders would allow for wet weather errand running too. Simplicity is a big focus here, as I don't want a high-maintenance machine, but rather, just the opposite. Utility is very important, so eventually, I may rack and bag this thing up, but initially I will use some big saddle/seat post mounted bags to get the bike into service. 

So, a single speed makes sense, and the old Trek I have was made with horizontal drop outs with axle adjusters, so it will make for a great single speed. Plus, since it comes from the era when braze-ons were held to a minimum, all the cable stops are removable, even the downtube shift bosses. I cannot use the original crank set as it is an odd-ball one that has the inner ring bolted to the big ring which is- in turn- part of the crank arm. So, I cannot utilize it due to my inability to make it a single ring crank with proper chain line. The bottom bracket, a serviceable type, is in wonderful shape, but my choice of a mid 1990's Shimano 105 crank set may make me change that out. This crank can be set up to work with the chain line and still have a single ring. I'm going to see if I have a 40 or 42T ring, but the crank has a perfectly serviceable 39, so I could use that in a pinch.

The ACS Claws 20T free wheel I have to use for this project.

The final gear ratio will be determined by my only choice for a rear cog which is a ACS 20T free wheel. This is a necessary choice since the Dura Ace hub is a screw-on free wheel type. 

Other bits will include a silver Thomson seat post, probably a drop bar, (An old Origin 8 Gary Bar is on there right now), some new bar tape, some flat pedals, of course, and plastic Planet Bike "Freddy Fenders" which I have used on various bikes over the years. 

I needed a saddle, and I thought I might have an old Brooks B-17 around as there was one I had been thinking of that was unaccounted for. After a bit of searching, I found it, a green leather Brooks B-17 Special, the one with the copper rivets. It was the original saddle on the Singular Gryphon I had years ago now. It's turned a dark olive color over the years. You'd barely know it was ever green.

I'm going to have to figure out what is up with the brakes too. They are old center pull Weinmann brakes. Whatever the old levers are that I had been using are not compatible with them. They do not pull anywhere near enough cable, so I will be scavenging up something different for levers. I really think that long pull levers will work well, but that is an experiment that may not happen depending upon what I have at hand to work with. 

So, when this all comes together, I will test it out for suitability, and if it all passes muster, then I might pull it all apart to maybe get the frame powder coated. On one hand, a bad paint job makes the bike less theft-worthy. On the other hand, anything that says "Trek" on the frame is a target for thievery here. If I get it powder coated, don't put anything on it for a brand, then it becomes just a weird old single speed bike. No one will be the wiser, and the bike becomes less of a target. Actually, if I made the bike a fixed gear, it would be even better! 

So, anyway, messing about with that and then spending Sunday playing in the church band and then watching NFL play-off games with my son was what I did for my birthday weekend. Again- thanks to all who passed on well-wishes and congratulations.

Happenings Of Late

A new set of Easton wheels to review

With the sudden arrival of Winter proper last weekend, I have been holed up, for the most part, catching up on things, shoveling snow, or doing maintenance. Family time has also been high up on the menu lately as well.

So, last weekend I had to bust out the shovels and do my duty. We have a sidewalk, parking on the street out front, and I help keep the widow woman's walk and driveway clear with the help of my son as well. It's hard work, shoveling, but it burns up a lot of energy and works muscles I do not get to work when cycling. I guess I actually like doing it too. I know.......weird, huh? But I feel good about myself and the job I can do after shoveling.

I was spending time with my two kids on Monday, since they did not have school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I figured I would ride to work Tuesday, which I did, but then Wednesday was another big snowfall day here and I spent the better part of the morning shoveling with my son. Plus, Tuesday and Wednesday the kids got the day off from school, so they were around more and we got to hang out together more than I thought I would.

Then the furnace guy had to come to inspect the boiler, (passed with flying colors), and then the whole family had dental appointments, (passed with flying colors). Then errands, and after all of that, we went out to eat for my birthday. After this, I got presented with a special birthday cake my daughter bought for me.

I did get to squeeze in some time working on bicycles as well. I revived the "other Inbred", which is a single speed. I also started setting up those Easton wheels, but I don't know how soon I'll be getting to ride them in the upcoming frigid temperatures.

Riding home from work Tuesday in mashed potato snow.

So, now we have snow. Yeah, and I am not really stoked on it because it is the typical granular, sugar-snow which when the temperatures reach 25°F or so, turns into mashed potatoes. I can ride through it, but it takes a lot of effort, and it isn't a whole lot of fun. The did try grooming some trails here, so we'll have to see how that turns out.

In the meantime, I am scheduled to be in Des Moines for the Iowa Bicycle Summit Friday. It is supposed to snow again that day. I sure hope I can get back! (Or even get there!) Plus, it is supposedly going to get bitterly cold starting then through to the end of the following week. That may help this snow set up, or it will turn into beach sand and be darn near impossible to ride through. We'll see.

Happenings Of Late

A new set of Easton wheels to review

With the sudden arrival of Winter proper last weekend, I have been holed up, for the most part, catching up on things, shoveling snow, or doing maintenance. Family time has also been high up on the menu lately as well.

So, last weekend I had to bust out the shovels and do my duty. We have a sidewalk, parking on the street out front, and I help keep the widow woman's walk and driveway clear with the help of my son as well. It's hard work, shoveling, but it burns up a lot of energy and works muscles I do not get to work when cycling. I guess I actually like doing it too. I know.......weird, huh? But I feel good about myself and the job I can do after shoveling.

I was spending time with my two kids on Monday, since they did not have school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I figured I would ride to work Tuesday, which I did, but then Wednesday was another big snowfall day here and I spent the better part of the morning shoveling with my son. Plus, Tuesday and Wednesday the kids got the day off from school, so they were around more and we got to hang out together more than I thought I would.

Then the furnace guy had to come to inspect the boiler, (passed with flying colors), and then the whole family had dental appointments, (passed with flying colors). Then errands, and after all of that, we went out to eat for my birthday. After this, I got presented with a special birthday cake my daughter bought for me.

I did get to squeeze in some time working on bicycles as well. I revived the "other Inbred", which is a single speed. I also started setting up those Easton wheels, but I don't know how soon I'll be getting to ride them in the upcoming frigid temperatures.

Riding home from work Tuesday in mashed potato snow.

So, now we have snow. Yeah, and I am not really stoked on it because it is the typical granular, sugar-snow which when the temperatures reach 25°F or so, turns into mashed potatoes. I can ride through it, but it takes a lot of effort, and it isn't a whole lot of fun. The did try grooming some trails here, so we'll have to see how that turns out.

In the meantime, I am scheduled to be in Des Moines for the Iowa Bicycle Summit Friday. It is supposed to snow again that day. I sure hope I can get back! (Or even get there!) Plus, it is supposedly going to get bitterly cold starting then through to the end of the following week. That may help this snow set up, or it will turn into beach sand and be darn near impossible to ride through. We'll see.

51 Trips Around The Sun

Ready To Blaze Thru Another Year

First off, apologies to the regular readers here for this, but today is my day to mark my appearance to this World. It's been a good ride so far. All 51 laps around the Sun of it.

There certainly were some parts I'd rather not remember, and wished I didn't have to go through, but I wouldn't be who I am without that stuff.

As for this space where I write and blather on, I will say that I continue to be amazed and humbled by the numbers of folks that say they read "Guitar Ted Productions" on a daily basis. To you I say "Thanks!" I am certainly appreciative of you all stopping by.

Of course, I get out and about sometimes and people find out that I am "Guitar Ted". It's always interesting, but I'll share one experience that happened recently that reflects on what this day means in a small way.

I was at Triple D, and waiting in the start line, when someone a few folks over heard me mention who I was.

"You're Guitar Ted?, I heard a voice say. I looked over to see a younger man than I and I answered him that I was indeed that person. He went on to say he read this blog and then he mentioned that I was older than he thought I would be. That he thought I was a younger man, a racer type, and ........well.....

Of course, by this juncture he was feeling a bit embarrassed, not knowing if I would be offended by that statement. Of course, I ribbed him a bit, but really, it was no big deal. (So, if you are this fellow that I am describing, no offense was taken, none meant from me either.)

I think it illustrates the personal/impersonal paradox that is the inner-web-o-sphere. You all "know" me, yet there are seemingly obvious things you may not know about me, like how I look in person, or that I am "old". Then there is the other side, the actions and words I portray here are maybe not those some may think of when they think of "middle-age", (whatever that is). So, I take it as a compliment when folks are surprised to see my white beard and silver hair. Yep! I've been around awhile.

And I intend to be around a while longer. See ya'all down the trail somewhere...................

51 Trips Around The Sun

Ready To Blaze Thru Another Year

First off, apologies to the regular readers here for this, but today is my day to mark my appearance to this World. It's been a good ride so far. All 51 laps around the Sun of it.

There certainly were some parts I'd rather not remember, and wished I didn't have to go through, but I wouldn't be who I am without that stuff.

As for this space where I write and blather on, I will say that I continue to be amazed and humbled by the numbers of folks that say they read "Guitar Ted Productions" on a daily basis. To you I say "Thanks!" I am certainly appreciative of you all stopping by.

Of course, I get out and about sometimes and people find out that I am "Guitar Ted". It's always interesting, but I'll share one experience that happened recently that reflects on what this day means in a small way.

I was at Triple D, and waiting in the start line, when someone a few folks over heard me mention who I was.

"You're Guitar Ted?, I heard a voice say. I looked over to see a younger man than I and I answered him that I was indeed that person. He went on to say he read this blog and then he mentioned that I was older than he thought I would be. That he thought I was a younger man, a racer type, and ........well.....

Of course, by this juncture he was feeling a bit embarrassed, not knowing if I would be offended by that statement. Of course, I ribbed him a bit, but really, it was no big deal. (So, if you are this fellow that I am describing, no offense was taken, none meant from me either.)

I think it illustrates the personal/impersonal paradox that is the inner-web-o-sphere. You all "know" me, yet there are seemingly obvious things you may not know about me, like how I look in person, or that I am "old". Then there is the other side, the actions and words I portray here are maybe not those some may think of when they think of "middle-age", (whatever that is). So, I take it as a compliment when folks are surprised to see my white beard and silver hair. Yep! I've been around awhile.

And I intend to be around a while longer. See ya'all down the trail somewhere...................

So, How Did You Celebrate?

So, yeah..........yesterday was my birthday. I am not a big one for parties, and whatever folks do for birthdays out there. I just like to have a day, ya know? Peaceful, fun, relaxing. Time spent with my loved ones, and some time spent alone.

That's my idea of a birthday celebration, and that is exactly what I did.

I got out on The Snow Dog both days this weekend, thanks to what I refer to now as "The Conspirators" who made the frame and fork a reality in a much quicker and less painful fashion than it would have happened otherwise. (Thanks to you fellas!) The Snow Dog got built sooner than I thought and it made for a great "birthday weekend" for me. You can tell because if you look over there I am smiling. Yes, this was on one of the rides and no- I don't wear a helmet in winter on snow rides. Really, it isn't that big of a deal. I can keep my head warmer this way anywho....

I peeled off the bar-mitts to show you all out there The Snow Dog without them. A "certain Trans Iowa winner" asked me how much it weighs. I retorted that I didn't realize folks weighed these things. I mean, it is a "fat bike" after all. After a certain point, it really doesn't matter, I think, but I would say it is 30 something pounds.

How does it ride? Well, as you can imagine, it is different. Bouncy? Yeah, a wee bit. Hard to pedal? No- amazingly it pedals rather well. That said, you can tell immediately when things start tilting upward, and I use a lot of the lower gears on this thing than I would normally. Does it float over everything? No. It needs help from cars, snow machines, or a lot of people. Packed in snow is your friend. Loose, un-packed snow is a no go. Especially the snow we have here now which is really dry, and acts like "hour glass" sand.

It does handle "car snow' rather well, and icy, packed in snow is no big deal at all. Even icy patches are a lot less dangerous. Still slippery, but not "instant down" like it is on skinnier tired rigs. Another nail in the coffin for studded tires for me. (I don't like studded tires, personally.)

I found some snowmobile trails and although the traffic has been low, I still made it through with ease. I wouldn't have been riding on last year's 29"er that I used.

One thing I didn't do, that I should have, was to disassemble the Phil Wood free hub and put in some thinner grease or heavy oil. I had free hub pawls hanging up badly yesterday and today.  Oh well! I guess I'll get to see how that comes apart now!

So, How Did You Celebrate?

So, yeah..........yesterday was my birthday. I am not a big one for parties, and whatever folks do for birthdays out there. I just like to have a day, ya know? Peaceful, fun, relaxing. Time spent with my loved ones, and some time spent alone.

That's my idea of a birthday celebration, and that is exactly what I did.

I got out on The Snow Dog both days this weekend, thanks to what I refer to now as "The Conspirators" who made the frame and fork a reality in a much quicker and less painful fashion than it would have happened otherwise. (Thanks to you fellas!) The Snow Dog got built sooner than I thought and it made for a great "birthday weekend" for me. You can tell because if you look over there I am smiling. Yes, this was on one of the rides and no- I don't wear a helmet in winter on snow rides. Really, it isn't that big of a deal. I can keep my head warmer this way anywho....

I peeled off the bar-mitts to show you all out there The Snow Dog without them. A "certain Trans Iowa winner" asked me how much it weighs. I retorted that I didn't realize folks weighed these things. I mean, it is a "fat bike" after all. After a certain point, it really doesn't matter, I think, but I would say it is 30 something pounds.

How does it ride? Well, as you can imagine, it is different. Bouncy? Yeah, a wee bit. Hard to pedal? No- amazingly it pedals rather well. That said, you can tell immediately when things start tilting upward, and I use a lot of the lower gears on this thing than I would normally. Does it float over everything? No. It needs help from cars, snow machines, or a lot of people. Packed in snow is your friend. Loose, un-packed snow is a no go. Especially the snow we have here now which is really dry, and acts like "hour glass" sand.

It does handle "car snow' rather well, and icy, packed in snow is no big deal at all. Even icy patches are a lot less dangerous. Still slippery, but not "instant down" like it is on skinnier tired rigs. Another nail in the coffin for studded tires for me. (I don't like studded tires, personally.)

I found some snowmobile trails and although the traffic has been low, I still made it through with ease. I wouldn't have been riding on last year's 29"er that I used.

One thing I didn't do, that I should have, was to disassemble the Phil Wood free hub and put in some thinner grease or heavy oil. I had free hub pawls hanging up badly yesterday and today.  Oh well! I guess I'll get to see how that comes apart now!

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts & 49 Trips Around The Sun

<===Old guy in the snow...

Today marks the end of my 49th trip around the sun. It's been a pretty cool ride so far. Sure.....there has been a few pitfalls, but all in all I am blessed, healthy, and pretty dang happy. It doesn't get much better than that on this Earth, ya know?

So, with that out of the way, let's get on to the latest in Trans Iowa V6 goings on, (and some past business!) I had two things come up Friday that were pretty momentous in regards to Trans Iowa over all. First- the T.I.V6 news!



The Trans Iowa V6 Pre-Race Meat-Up: The venue for T.I.V6's pre-race meeting has been determined. I'd like to welcome The Grinnell Steakhouse as the host of our "Pre-Race Meat-Up" for the 2010 edition of T.I.

We'll be using their banquet room and it is plenty big enough to cover our group. There will be finer details on menu choice, costs, and other things coming, but here are a couple of points that you, the T.I.V6 participant, need to keep in mind.

The "Pre-Race Meat-Up" is a mandatory attendance portion of Trans Iowa. First, upon arrival at the Grinnell Steakhouse, you will be required to check in with me and let me know you are in attendance. I will mark your name off on the roster, and at the call up, you will only hear the names of those that checked in. If you don't check in, there will not be any cue sheets for you. Period. Be there! In fact- come early! Times will be released later.

You will get your pre-event pack with the all important first cue sheet set at this meeting on the call up. Any last minute changes will also be detailed at this event. You will then get the standard "be carefuls", and "do and don't" instructions from me. Then there will be a question and answer time allowed for. Of course, we would really like for you to support the business we have retained as our host and eat there. Cost will be determined, but two menu choices- one with meat, one vegetarian, is the goal for me to have provided for you. There will also be drinks available of the alcoholic variety. Again, details will be coming later. Stay tuned!

I'll be taking a head count just before the event that should include racers and support folks so the Grinnell Steakhouse can be ready for us. Finally, I need to point out the efforts on our behalf by Sheryl Parmley of the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce in securing The Grinnell Steakhouse as our host for the "Meat-Up". Thank you!

The Renegade Sportsman: Back before T.I.V3 started, I was contacted by Zach Dundas who wanted some information about this crazy cycling event he had heard about while in Portland, Oregon. Portland is home to T.I.V1 and the eventual T.I.V3 winner, Ira Ryan, so word had spread around the cycling community there about his exploits, which somehow reached Zach's ear. Well, e-mails were exchanged and before I knew it, Zach had a plane ticket and a rental car and was coming along to shadow T.I.V3 as part of the research he was doing for a book. The book, a tome that was to be about the underground, DIY type sporting events around the nation, was not going to be published right away, and T.I.V3 might not even make the cut. So it was that after the event I patiently awaited word that the book was out. Well, I just got word.....

Zach e-mailed me to let me know that the "Renegade Sportsman" is due out in June in paperback and can be pre-ordered now. (Click the link) Zach also assured me that T.I. was in the book by writing me the following:

"The TransIowa provides one of the true centerpieces of the book. (Can there be more than one centerpiece?) The chapter about the TI is epic in length and, I hope, interest, and contains such memorable characters as Ira Ryan, Tim Ek, Team Polska and yourself. The whole book is about the glory of DIY, independent sport, and I believe I make it clear that the TransIowa is one of the greatest such events on the planet."

Wow! Pretty humbling and very cool.

So, get your copy pre-ordered. It's pretty cool that something like a gravel road event gets this kind of exposure. At least your grand kids will have some extant proof beyond your fazed memories that something like Trans Iowa actually happened and that you were part of it!

Lastly, I recall talking to Zach near the end of T.I.V3 and he was telling me that the book wouldn't probably be out until 2009 or so. I remember my immediate thought was that Trans Iowa may very well not even exist by that time. I think I even uttered something to this effect to Zach, who, as I recall, sort of brushed that off and said that he was sure T.I. would be plugging along just fine. He thought rather that it would be his efforts in regards to the book that would be forgotten by then. Well, I hope neither is the case now. (And in fact, it won't be)

I hope you all find this as exciting as I do.

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts & 49 Trips Around The Sun

<===Old guy in the snow...

Today marks the end of my 49th trip around the sun. It's been a pretty cool ride so far. Sure.....there has been a few pitfalls, but all in all I am blessed, healthy, and pretty dang happy. It doesn't get much better than that on this Earth, ya know?

So, with that out of the way, let's get on to the latest in Trans Iowa V6 goings on, (and some past business!) I had two things come up Friday that were pretty momentous in regards to Trans Iowa over all. First- the T.I.V6 news!



The Trans Iowa V6 Pre-Race Meat-Up: The venue for T.I.V6's pre-race meeting has been determined. I'd like to welcome The Grinnell Steakhouse as the host of our "Pre-Race Meat-Up" for the 2010 edition of T.I.

We'll be using their banquet room and it is plenty big enough to cover our group. There will be finer details on menu choice, costs, and other things coming, but here are a couple of points that you, the T.I.V6 participant, need to keep in mind.

The "Pre-Race Meat-Up" is a mandatory attendance portion of Trans Iowa. First, upon arrival at the Grinnell Steakhouse, you will be required to check in with me and let me know you are in attendance. I will mark your name off on the roster, and at the call up, you will only hear the names of those that checked in. If you don't check in, there will not be any cue sheets for you. Period. Be there! In fact- come early! Times will be released later.

You will get your pre-event pack with the all important first cue sheet set at this meeting on the call up. Any last minute changes will also be detailed at this event. You will then get the standard "be carefuls", and "do and don't" instructions from me. Then there will be a question and answer time allowed for. Of course, we would really like for you to support the business we have retained as our host and eat there. Cost will be determined, but two menu choices- one with meat, one vegetarian, is the goal for me to have provided for you. There will also be drinks available of the alcoholic variety. Again, details will be coming later. Stay tuned!

I'll be taking a head count just before the event that should include racers and support folks so the Grinnell Steakhouse can be ready for us. Finally, I need to point out the efforts on our behalf by Sheryl Parmley of the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce in securing The Grinnell Steakhouse as our host for the "Meat-Up". Thank you!

The Renegade Sportsman: Back before T.I.V3 started, I was contacted by Zach Dundas who wanted some information about this crazy cycling event he had heard about while in Portland, Oregon. Portland is home to T.I.V1 and the eventual T.I.V3 winner, Ira Ryan, so word had spread around the cycling community there about his exploits, which somehow reached Zach's ear. Well, e-mails were exchanged and before I knew it, Zach had a plane ticket and a rental car and was coming along to shadow T.I.V3 as part of the research he was doing for a book. The book, a tome that was to be about the underground, DIY type sporting events around the nation, was not going to be published right away, and T.I.V3 might not even make the cut. So it was that after the event I patiently awaited word that the book was out. Well, I just got word.....

Zach e-mailed me to let me know that the "Renegade Sportsman" is due out in June in paperback and can be pre-ordered now. (Click the link) Zach also assured me that T.I. was in the book by writing me the following:

"The TransIowa provides one of the true centerpieces of the book. (Can there be more than one centerpiece?) The chapter about the TI is epic in length and, I hope, interest, and contains such memorable characters as Ira Ryan, Tim Ek, Team Polska and yourself. The whole book is about the glory of DIY, independent sport, and I believe I make it clear that the TransIowa is one of the greatest such events on the planet."

Wow! Pretty humbling and very cool.

So, get your copy pre-ordered. It's pretty cool that something like a gravel road event gets this kind of exposure. At least your grand kids will have some extant proof beyond your fazed memories that something like Trans Iowa actually happened and that you were part of it!

Lastly, I recall talking to Zach near the end of T.I.V3 and he was telling me that the book wouldn't probably be out until 2009 or so. I remember my immediate thought was that Trans Iowa may very well not even exist by that time. I think I even uttered something to this effect to Zach, who, as I recall, sort of brushed that off and said that he was sure T.I. would be plugging along just fine. He thought rather that it would be his efforts in regards to the book that would be forgotten by then. Well, I hope neither is the case now. (And in fact, it won't be)

I hope you all find this as exciting as I do.

48 Laps Around The Sun

Yep, today is the day I started this lap race called Life a looong time ago! It's been a great trip so far, and I plan on making many more laps yet.

Anyway, it's kind of funny really, birthdays and all. I mean, you get all hung up about certain things concerning age and what not, especially in this culture. I mean, I am over 30, so I'm not to be trusted, or dead, or both depending on your beliefs. I am over the hill, old and in the way, and irrelevant, if you pay attention to pop culture at all.

I say "Whatever!"

Heck, the other day I was thinking about my age, (Like for the first time in months probably) and I was amazed I am the age I am. I thought, "Really? I'm that old?". I know I don't feel that old! And how is that supposed to "feel" anyway? Heck, I haven't a clue!

Again, "Whatever!"

I remember back when I worked on cars, and it was my birthday. I told every person that day I saw it was my birthday. I thought, "Why not?" I'm not afraid of getting older, or what anybody thinks of it. Well, my co-workers thought I'd popped a screw loose. Oh well! I thought it was fun!

And isn't that what it's all about? Celebrating life? Having fun living it? I sure think so.

Give me bike, a long route, some friends to share it with, and I'm good. See ya down the trail on one of my future laps!

48 Laps Around The Sun

Yep, today is the day I started this lap race called Life a looong time ago! It's been a great trip so far, and I plan on making many more laps yet.

Anyway, it's kind of funny really, birthdays and all. I mean, you get all hung up about certain things concerning age and what not, especially in this culture. I mean, I am over 30, so I'm not to be trusted, or dead, or both depending on your beliefs. I am over the hill, old and in the way, and irrelevant, if you pay attention to pop culture at all.

I say "Whatever!"

Heck, the other day I was thinking about my age, (Like for the first time in months probably) and I was amazed I am the age I am. I thought, "Really? I'm that old?". I know I don't feel that old! And how is that supposed to "feel" anyway? Heck, I haven't a clue!

Again, "Whatever!"

I remember back when I worked on cars, and it was my birthday. I told every person that day I saw it was my birthday. I thought, "Why not?" I'm not afraid of getting older, or what anybody thinks of it. Well, my co-workers thought I'd popped a screw loose. Oh well! I thought it was fun!

And isn't that what it's all about? Celebrating life? Having fun living it? I sure think so.

Give me bike, a long route, some friends to share it with, and I'm good. See ya down the trail on one of my future laps!