Two Things

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 (Image courtesy of Cannondale)

Integration And The Future Of Bicycles:

The big feature being leveraged in today's top cycling brands is integration. Now for many of you, this may conjure up the image of seeing a lack of external cabling on a bicycle. While this is maybe the most obvious and well understood form of integration, there is more happening out there which falls under this term. 

Take for instance Cannondale's "Smart Sense" system. It is an integration of drive train, accessories, and your smart phone into an ecosystem which could be leveraged to do many things. Younger folks seem to have no aversion to "apps", and charging cables, but some of what Smart Sense does is troubling to this old codger. In my opinion, we are losing cycling's simplicity which has been central to finding escape and joy from modern world trappings.  

Smart Sense runs off a battery, of course it does! And it is USB C type compatible. Right! As it should be. You must charge the system if you use the rear radar and lights, right? No big deal. But did you know that Smart Sense uses a cable which runs from the battery in the down tube of the frame to the AXS rear derailleur because they are integrating the system using SRAM's e-Bike type AXS battery which, on an e-Bike, is running off the main battery pack? Crazy stuff there.... 

Anyway, I think you can see how my bicycle, with no batteries to recharge, might be a bit simpler and quicker to get on and, you know.....ride? Take a look at this page on Cannondale's site regarding Smart Sense and count the steps involved in going for a ride with Smart Sense on. Not easy. Not how I define easy, at any rate! 

And you know Cannondale is tracking your rides, right? The Smart Sense uses the app to send "maintenance reminders" and probably could be doing more stuff which we aren't quite aware of as well. I could see this becoming a system with a subscription to receive updates. And even if updates were free, what happens when your software is no longer supported? See that drawer with all your old phones and cables? Now imagine this as being a garage with old, unsupported e-Bikes and "integrated bikes" with no means to reverse the tech to run mechanical group sets.  

I just have an issue when technology causes more steps and more complications. Bicycles are amazing machines which are simple and efficient. Additional technology hasn't done much but make things more complicated and less sustainable. It has gone in a bad direction, in my opinion.  

Hmm..... Bicycles becoming "devices"? I'm not down, sorry..... 

Stained glass window art in Notre Dame Church, Cresco, Iowa

 On Being Recognized:

First of all, my uncle on my mother's side died Tuesday January 20th. I was called to be a pall bearer. As I was in attendance at this event, I was amazed by a couple of relatives who stated that they read these digital pages nearly daily. 

I am always taken aback by these encounters because, well.....I am amazed anyone would read what I am doing here. And to be reminded publicly that people actually do read these ramblings of mine, well, I am surprised every time. 

Surprised in a way which I react thusly: "Oh! This person actually reads my blog?!!" Wow! I really find it kind of surreal even after all this time. I always figure someone is going to say they read my blog and then give me some grief over something they didn't like, or say I'm trash, or worse, but so far...(looks for wood to knock)...this has not happened.....yet. 

Anyway, a funeral was the last place I would have ever suspected to hear compliments about this blog. So, Tom, if you are reading this, Thanks. George also mentioned he keeps up with me here. Thanks man! I know my cousin Dave also reads this stuff from time to time as well. It's just not something I take in as being a real thing, and maybe I should. Maybe I'm just not comfortable with being recognized, I don't know....  

I'll try working on that in the future, but in the meantime, just know I am very thankful for each and everyone of you who check this out. Whether it is one time or on a daily basis. Thank you!

A "Thank You"

 Instead of the "Weekly Top Five" post, which was obviously dominated by the posts concerning my son's death, I wanted to take out some time to express my gratitude. I think it is only right to do so. 

There have been so, so many people who have reached out, texted, and visited over this past week. When you think you are toiling away in a corner in this world and you find yourself thinking, "Probably no one is watching", this comes as a total surprise.  My family is overwhelmed and grateful for all of you who have expressed concern, or have even thought about us at all, since last weekend's tragedy.

While all this is extremely encouraging, helpful, and reminds us we are not alone, there is still a long way to go before we get out of this storm we're in here. The seas have calmed significantly, but there are still times when grief hits like a bolt of lightning. The rain comes in the form of tears. I suspect the ragged edges of this storm will be with us for quite some time.  

Still, we treasure each of you who either have contacted me directly here, via email, text, or on social media. We treasure all the hugs and kind words we received at Jacob's memorial service Friday. We are blown away by the support we received via a GoFundMe set up by one of my wife's associates. The support of our church family has been nothing short of a miracle working in an outpouring of love from our congregation. 

So, there is no way I could ever thank you all, or ever be able to express, our gratitude for even the smallest gesture. Please understand we here truly do appreciate it all and you. 

 I will simply just say "Thank You". 

A Eulogy For Jacob

 

Today, instead of your regular FN&V, I hope you will indulge me in this. I wanted to honor my son, who died in his sleep last Saturday, August 2nd, by sharing the eulogy I wrote for him. Thank you for your consideration and grace in this matter. 

Jacob Isaiah Stevenson

When Phyllis and I were pregnant with Jacob Isaiah Stevenson in late 2002 we were attending a conference at Heartland Vineyard Church. During worship, God impressed upon Phyllis that she should bow down and although she resisted this, eventually she obeyed and then heard in her spirit that the child inside of her was to be named Jacob. Phyllis had already settled on his name being Isaiah, but when this happened, she obeyed and made her choice, his middle name instead.

Jacob was born while I (Mark) was on RAGBRAI working as a mechanic for the riders. He wasn't supposed to be born until August, late in the first week.  But he came early, and I was called at around 5:00am in the morning when Phyllis told me "He is coming now, you need to get home!"

Ever since then Jacob seemingly always had to be early, or first. He wasn't a tiny baby for long, and he grew quickly. As a child he was temperamental. It was apparent to us early on Jacob had a fire inside of him. A passionate fire that was not easily quenched.

Alongside his sister, Izabel, they made quite the pair. Izzy with her quieter, more introspective nature versus Jacob's gregarious, outgoing, wild nature. Their bond grew as they grew, and many times we would stand back and smile as we saw them interact growing up. It was obvious that they loved each other, but - let me tell you - there were days of friction. But overall, they learned to love each other deeply. 

Jacob's first day of school of the 2013/2014 school year.

Jacob was - well....let's be honest here. He was somewhat of a terror at times. Caretakers at the church and throughout his schooling and daycare periods found out that Jacob wasn't suited to sitting still for very long. His make-up was not like many other kids. Jacob also wanted closeness, contact, and he hated being alone as a child. We learned early on that typical discipline measures didn't work as well with him as time alone did. You had to get his attention, and once he understood he couldn't interact with people unless he dialed things back, he was willing to change his course.

My cousin, Dave Houdek, shared this early remembrance of Jacob with me "...the first time I met Jacob. he was around 3 or 4 years old and you guys were at my parents’ house (for Thanksgiving) Jacob was running around the house like a wild man trying to tackle me,. Your Mom (Jacob's grandmother) looked at me with a big smile and said, "That's Jacob!". Yes....yes, that was Jacob in his early years! He was running around like he was on fire almost all the time. 

Jacob photobombing a family picture of friends of ours.

This characteristic of Jacob was due to his passion for people and relationships. We learned he loved deeply, and he hurt deeply when his peers did not respond to him in kind. Jacob did not have many friends growing up, and it wasn't until he started playing football in middle school that he started to connect with others his age. I think it is important to note here that without the Holy Spirit working in us as parents and within our church family that Jacob may not have grown into what he became. He had critical points during his elementary years where teachers, like Jamie Oberheu, made a big impact on Jacob's development. There were some very difficult times for Jacob in his elementary years and early in middle school. But by the grace of God, he was delivered through it all.

Being in the football program and his involvement in Heartland Vineyard's Youth Group made a huge impact upon Jacob. At a special service, around 2011, Heartland Vineyard had an evangelistic weightlifting crew come in to demonstrate feats of strength and share the Gospel. A call went out for those in the congregation to accept Christ as their savior. Jacob responded to the call. So, thanks to Jesus and the willingness of the church to provide that opportunity which assured Jacob a place in God's kingdom.

Youth group was a highlight of the week for Jacob. He was tabbed as the person to run the snack sales. Youth attending soon found out there were no freebies, no stealing, and if they tried, Jacob wasn't having any of it. This did not surprise Phyllis and I, as we had noted a strong sense of justice and fairness within Jacob at an early age. Jacob detested cheating, stealing, and any attempts at shirking your obligations. Josh Paxton, pastor at the time of Jacob's service in Youth Group, shared a story of Jacob concerning this trait of his.

Jacob apparently was made aware that Josh's son, Cooper Paxton had not paid for his snack. The youth were gathered in the sanctuary for worship and teaching when Jacob marched in, confronted Cooper and was about to drag him out to have him pay when Cooper’s mother, Stephanie Paxton explained to Jacob she had paid for Cooper’s snack in advance. Michael Reed, our current pastor, told us that the snack sales were never really under control until Jacob oversaw them.

This sense of justice and fairness only grew stronger with Jacob as he matured. It impacted a lot of people along the way. His head football coach at West High, Lonnie Moore had this to say about the impact Jacob had. 

Jacob graduated from high school in 2021

"Jacob was a special young man who made a lasting impact on our team and on me personally. He brought a strong work ethic, and a great attitude every time he stepped on the field. His presence will truly be missed, not just as a player, but as a part of our football family"

Jacob also made an impact on those he was involved in Chorus with at West High. During can drives and at practices, Jacob influenced many of his peers. We know this from the several messages we have received since Jacob's death. Jacob loved singing, and he continued to sing even after high school. We were "blessed" to hear his voice singing along to various favorite hard core, dub step, techno, Christian, and heavy metal songs he liked, along with other tunes by various artists. Jacob loved music and had a wide-ranging playlist on his phone. He often shared his favorites with us.

Jacob was a dedicated employee at his first job st the Isle Casino where he was a security guard. He moved on from there to Criterion Manufacturing after his graduation from Hawkeye Tech, where he earned his CNC machining/ tool and die certificate He was drawn to working in metal from a class at the Waterloo Career Center and decided to go to Hawkeye Tech based heavily upon the fact that Chad Smith, was an instructor at the program. Chad had a major influence on Jacob and was a big help in Jacob's success in school and in his work.

I know most of you who knew Jacob will remember him for his hugs. Big, crushing hugs, which at times felt like your atoms were being fused with his. He learned to dial this back for many of you, which is probably a good thing!

But can I tell you about a side of Jacob you may not have been aware of? While he turned out to be a big, imposing figure at 6' 3" and nearly 400lbs, he was never afraid to show his heart to those he loved. His passion for his family and friends was truly palpable.

But what I feel best exemplifies his heart, to me at any rate, was that Jacob was never afraid to reach out and hold my hand. In fact, he did this regularly, in casual situations and even in public. We took a walk around the graveyard near my home recently when he reached out and held my hand for several minutes. He never said a word when he did this, but we would meet eyes, and I knew we shared a deep love for each other.

He had that same heart for many of you. This is what we will miss the most about Jacob. However, I am proud of him. He came into adulthood as an exemplary human being, not because we were great parents, but by the grace of God. And in a typical Jacob way, he was first again. He made it into the loving arms of his Father first before us.

Quotes:

“The power of one man doesn’t amount to much. But, however little strength I’m capable of…. I’ll do everything humanly possible to protect the people I love, and in turn they’ll protect the ones they love. It seems like the least we tiny humans can do for each other” – Roy Mustang from “Full Metal Alchemist”


“On the final day I die, I want to hold my head up high.

I want to tell You that I tried

To live it like a song

And when I reach the other side,

I want to look You in the eye

And know that I’ve arrived

In a world where I belong” – Jon Foreman, Switchfoot


Proverbs 31: v8-9

Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, for the rights of all those who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Friday News And Views

The Trentasi 36"er gravel bike (Image from 36 POLLICI)

And You Thought 29" Wheels Were Big:

History Lesson: In 2006 Ben Witt hatched an idea to take 36 inch diameter uni-cycling wheels and put them into a bicycle. By early 2007 his idea was reality, and the buzz it created was a low hum in the background that never went away. (Learn more about the initial idea from my post about it here)

At the 2006 Dirty Kanza 200, a frame builder I spoke with proposed that the 36"er idea might be pretty cool for a gravel rig. His idea was that the big wheels would act like a fly wheel, storing energy for the climbs and gaining it back on the down hills. A rolling course might see such a big wheeled rig have an advantage, if the rider was hip to the momentum game. 

Nice theory, but in '06/'07, the technology and specifically, materials technology, had not been applied to this novelty wheel size. Later years saw companies developed around the sales of 36" wheels, most notably here, "Dirty Sixer", who cater to the larger framed humans amongst us. Another notable early proponent of the wheel size was custom bike builder, WaltWorks, who made several examples early on as well. 

Okay, now we have that as a backdrop for this: The 36 Pollici "Trentasei" Gravel Bike. This Italian based company also does MTB's in carbon, aluminum, and combinations of those materials. It was inevitable that something along these lines would eventually be done.

Comments: So, yeah.....like the frame builder back in 2006, I too have often wondered about the 36"er's potential for gravel travel fun. No doubt it would have certain advantages. That said, there are certain elements of such a bike that you cannot design out. The most important of those being wheel weight.

You often hear that wheel weight, and more importantly- where that weight is- will determine how well or not a wheel will perform. Too light and you actually harm the important flywheel effects that carry your energy through your pedaling 'dead spots'. (Think counterweights on a crank shaft as a way to understand that) Too heavy and the inertia factor raises its ugly head and imposes upon your energy reserves whenever you have to accelerate that mass. 

So, yeah....I've actually ridden a 36'er on a regular basis for a bit. I'd guess - and it is only a guess - that 36"er wheels would not be my preferred wheel size. And when you stop to think about where 700c came from, (a story far too long for this post), you will find other good reasons why we landed where we are. It's based in science and math folks. We didn't end up here by accident. 

The American Classic Wentworth from a ride I did in November.

More On The American Classic Company Comes To Light:

In the most recent "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" it was reported that industry veteran Chris Clinton is working for American Classic now as of October 1st. This is not of relevance to many of you readers, but it stands out for me because I know Chris and have dealt with him on various occasions. 

Chris has done tires- mostly- since I have known him. I first met him when he was with Bontrager. Most recently I worked with him on a review of Challenge Tires' new Getaway model. I am glad to see he is at American Classic now as Chris has a wealth of knowledge concerning bicycle tires and should be able to bring a lot of improvements to this range of tires. 

Secondly, and of more import to you, the reader, is that the article mentions Chris as saying that at some point we can expect American Classic wheels again. This should be good news, since the new American Classic company has all the intellectual properties from the original American Classic company. 

I would suspect rim designs, which were excellent, and perhaps even that unique hub design the company had, to be re-introduced in the wheel line. Current wide inner widths for gravel will need to be addressed as the former American Classic gravel wheels would be considered far too narrow internally than the competition offers in 2021 and beyond. Hopefully the American Classic wheel, when it comes out, will feature a gravel tire friendly 24-25mm internal rim width, at least, which I feel is pretty much the sweet spot for internal widths on gravel wheels.

New Member Of The Family:

Meet Felix. He's the newest member of the family around here. Seems that Mrs. Guitar Ted thought that our first feline, Minka, needed a companion. So, last weekend Felix came home to live with us.

He, like Minka before him, came from the Cedar Valley Humane Society shelter. Felix also is a full black cat, (UPDATE: Wait! We found a white patch of fur on his belly!) and we purposely wanted a black cat because they are hardest, (from what I hear) to place with adoptive families. 

So, yeah......no superstitions here. I've actually never thought black cats were unlucky. And, the name, Felix, was specifically chosen to reflect that. Well, that and because I watched Felix The Cat when I was a youngster. 

So far integrating the year and a half old Minka with the 10 week old Felix has been going alright. I mean, they have their moments and it reminds me somewhat of when we had small children. Jealousy, competitiveness, and such things are part of the deal we have to work through. Then you have a baby cat, full of the berries, and it can be a handful. But it is fun and we'll get through. 

Wilde Bicycle Co. Announced- New "Earth Ship" Gravel Bike: 

Monday news broke on a new bicycle company based in Minnesota called the Wilde Bicycle Co. The company is run by former All City Bikes head honcho, Jeff Frane and he is joined in this new venture by Angry Catfish bike shop owners Josh Klauk and Andy Tesh. 

Their company offers US made steel and titanium frames for mountain (Yo-Jeffy) and gravel (Earth Ship), although the press release stated bicycle frames in aluminum would also be offered. 

Frames can be ordered in stock sizes, modified somewhat by semi-custom order, or completely customized frame/fork bicycles can be ordered through Wilde. Earth Ship models in steel start at $2500.00 and in titanium for $3900.00. 

Furthermore; the site states that their geometry is a 'trade secret" and that they do not want their work being copied. While elsewhere it also states that the head and seat tube angles are "fairly traditional". 

Comments: Okay, Jeff Frane has a track record of designing cool bikes at All City. The Angry Catfish guys have experience with manufacturing small batch stuff and have a great business model for selling upscale bicycles. But some of this is a bit odd. USA made frames in "stock" sizes starting at well over 2G? And in a geometry you are keeping "secret"? Let's be honest here- If I am spending nearly three grand on a frame and fork I will know the geometry first. I am betting customers will have this info provided to them. Otherwise, uh.....fairly traditional angles doesn't sound all that "proprietary" to my way of thinking. 

And how much different will this be from an All City Cosmic Stallion? I bet it isn't by very much, if at all. Maybe they have used nicer, thinner frame tubing at Wilde for a nicer ride? I don't know... But that aside, the "DNA" from All City is apparent here. And why wouldn't it be? 

That's a wrap on news for this week. Have a great weekend and thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

The Trentasi 36"er gravel bike (Image from 36 POLLICI)

And You Thought 29" Wheels Were Big:

History Lesson: In 2006 Ben Witt hatched an idea to take 36 inch diameter uni-cycling wheels and put them into a bicycle. By early 2007 his idea was reality, and the buzz it created was a low hum in the background that never went away. (Learn more about the initial idea from my post about it here)

At the 2006 Dirty Kanza 200, a frame builder I spoke with proposed that the 36"er idea might be pretty cool for a gravel rig. His idea was that the big wheels would act like a fly wheel, storing energy for the climbs and gaining it back on the down hills. A rolling course might see such a big wheeled rig have an advantage, if the rider was hip to the momentum game. 

Nice theory, but in '06/'07, the technology and specifically, materials technology, had not been applied to this novelty wheel size. Later years saw companies developed around the sales of 36" wheels, most notably here, "Dirty Sixer", who cater to the larger framed humans amongst us. Another notable early proponent of the wheel size was custom bike builder, WaltWorks, who made several examples early on as well. 

Okay, now we have that as a backdrop for this: The 36 Pollici "Trentasei" Gravel Bike. This Italian based company also does MTB's in carbon, aluminum, and combinations of those materials. It was inevitable that something along these lines would eventually be done.

Comments: So, yeah.....like the frame builder back in 2006, I too have often wondered about the 36"er's potential for gravel travel fun. No doubt it would have certain advantages. That said, there are certain elements of such a bike that you cannot design out. The most important of those being wheel weight.

You often hear that wheel weight, and more importantly- where that weight is- will determine how well or not a wheel will perform. Too light and you actually harm the important flywheel effects that carry your energy through your pedaling 'dead spots'. (Think counterweights on a crank shaft as a way to understand that) Too heavy and the inertia factor raises its ugly head and imposes upon your energy reserves whenever you have to accelerate that mass. 

So, yeah....I've actually ridden a 36'er on a regular basis for a bit. I'd guess - and it is only a guess - that 36"er wheels would not be my preferred wheel size. And when you stop to think about where 700c came from, (a story far too long for this post), you will find other good reasons why we landed where we are. It's based in science and math folks. We didn't end up here by accident. 

The American Classic Wentworth from a ride I did in November.

More On The American Classic Company Comes To Light:

In the most recent "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" it was reported that industry veteran Chris Clinton is working for American Classic now as of October 1st. This is not of relevance to many of you readers, but it stands out for me because I know Chris and have dealt with him on various occasions. 

Chris has done tires- mostly- since I have known him. I first met him when he was with Bontrager. Most recently I worked with him on a review of Challenge Tires' new Getaway model. I am glad to see he is at American Classic now as Chris has a wealth of knowledge concerning bicycle tires and should be able to bring a lot of improvements to this range of tires. 

Secondly, and of more import to you, the reader, is that the article mentions Chris as saying that at some point we can expect American Classic wheels again. This should be good news, since the new American Classic company has all the intellectual properties from the original American Classic company. 

I would suspect rim designs, which were excellent, and perhaps even that unique hub design the company had, to be re-introduced in the wheel line. Current wide inner widths for gravel will need to be addressed as the former American Classic gravel wheels would be considered far too narrow internally than the competition offers in 2021 and beyond. Hopefully the American Classic wheel, when it comes out, will feature a gravel tire friendly 24-25mm internal rim width, at least, which I feel is pretty much the sweet spot for internal widths on gravel wheels.

New Member Of The Family:

Meet Felix. He's the newest member of the family around here. Seems that Mrs. Guitar Ted thought that our first feline, Minka, needed a companion. So, last weekend Felix came home to live with us.

He, like Minka before him, came from the Cedar Valley Humane Society shelter. Felix also is a full black cat, (UPDATE: Wait! We found a white patch of fur on his belly!) and we purposely wanted a black cat because they are hardest, (from what I hear) to place with adoptive families. 

So, yeah......no superstitions here. I've actually never thought black cats were unlucky. And, the name, Felix, was specifically chosen to reflect that. Well, that and because I watched Felix The Cat when I was a youngster. 

So far integrating the year and a half old Minka with the 10 week old Felix has been going alright. I mean, they have their moments and it reminds me somewhat of when we had small children. Jealousy, competitiveness, and such things are part of the deal we have to work through. Then you have a baby cat, full of the berries, and it can be a handful. But it is fun and we'll get through. 

Wilde Bicycle Co. Announced- New "Earth Ship" Gravel Bike: 

Monday news broke on a new bicycle company based in Minnesota called the Wilde Bicycle Co. The company is run by former All City Bikes head honcho, Jeff Frane and he is joined in this new venture by Angry Catfish bike shop owners Josh Klauk and Andy Tesh. 

Their company offers US made steel and titanium frames for mountain (Yo-Jeffy) and gravel (Earth Ship), although the press release stated bicycle frames in aluminum would also be offered. 

Frames can be ordered in stock sizes, modified somewhat by semi-custom order, or completely customized frame/fork bicycles can be ordered through Wilde. Earth Ship models in steel start at $2500.00 and in titanium for $3900.00. 

Furthermore; the site states that their geometry is a 'trade secret" and that they do not want their work being copied. While elsewhere it also states that the head and seat tube angles are "fairly traditional". 

Comments: Okay, Jeff Frane has a track record of designing cool bikes at All City. The Angry Catfish guys have experience with manufacturing small batch stuff and have a great business model for selling upscale bicycles. But some of this is a bit odd. USA made frames in "stock" sizes starting at well over 2G? And in a geometry you are keeping "secret"? Let's be honest here- If I am spending nearly three grand on a frame and fork I will know the geometry first. I am betting customers will have this info provided to them. Otherwise, uh.....fairly traditional angles doesn't sound all that "proprietary" to my way of thinking. 

And how much different will this be from an All City Cosmic Stallion? I bet it isn't by very much, if at all. Maybe they have used nicer, thinner frame tubing at Wilde for a nicer ride? I don't know... But that aside, the "DNA" from All City is apparent here. And why wouldn't it be? 

That's a wrap on news for this week. Have a great weekend and thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Free At Last

Even memories can be taken away.

 Over four years ago I wrote this post concerning my Mom's old bicycle seen again here today. Well, yesterday she took her final 'ride' on outta this world. And it was a good thing.

See, my Mom was suffering from Alzheimer's. Her quality of life had been pretty dismal for well over a year now. But that's over. 

She has been set free. 

I'm glad it's over. The gut wrenching business of dealing with the disease and its affects has been far reaching. It wasn't just my Mom that suffered, but all of us that loved her and knew her did as well. That said, obviously I am most concerned about my Mom's freedom from those chains. It's sad, this death, but it is also good. 

One's mind often goes to memories of the past and what we experienced with the loved one that is now gone. But I find it rather ironic that this evil disease takes even memories away before death. 

Again I wonder: When was her last bike ride? When was the last time she ran? When was the last time she felt loved? 

Cherish every moment. Love over hate. Strive to live a peaceful life. 

Apologies for the heavy subject today, but I felt I had to address this. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

Dedicated to Linda Belkin, who died Monday, October 25th, 2021. I'll miss you Mom!

Free At Last

Even memories can be taken away.

 Over four years ago I wrote this post concerning my Mom's old bicycle seen again here today. Well, yesterday she took her final 'ride' on outta this world. And it was a good thing.

See, my Mom was suffering from Alzheimer's. Her quality of life had been pretty dismal for well over a year now. But that's over. 

She has been set free. 

I'm glad it's over. The gut wrenching business of dealing with the disease and its affects has been far reaching. It wasn't just my Mom that suffered, but all of us that loved her and knew her did as well. That said, obviously I am most concerned about my Mom's freedom from those chains. It's sad, this death, but it is also good. 

One's mind often goes to memories of the past and what we experienced with the loved one that is now gone. But I find it rather ironic that this evil disease takes even memories away before death. 

Again I wonder: When was her last bike ride? When was the last time she ran? When was the last time she felt loved? 

Cherish every moment. Love over hate. Strive to live a peaceful life. 

Apologies for the heavy subject today, but I felt I had to address this. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

Dedicated to Linda Belkin, who died Monday, October 25th, 2021. I'll miss you Mom!

The Last Time I Was On RAGBRAI....

Jacob at graduation last month.

 Today is my son's birthday. Eighteen.... I recall when Jacob was born, of course I do, but this time of year will always be special for the circumstances surrounding his birthday. See, it has something to do with RAGBRAI.....

Back in 2002, I was still working as a car mechanic. I had recently gotten back more into cycling after being on the sidelines for a few years in the late 90's. So, as a result, I was in the bike shop quite a bit getting bits and things for my bicycles. On one occasion, the owner asked me if I might ever be interested in being an on-the-road mechanic for RAGBRAI, as that particular shop was a licensed RAGBRAI bike shop. That, by the way, is something I find a lot of people do not know about, or understand. That you just cannot show up and repair bicycles on RAGBRAI. No, you have to be approved and under contract from RAGBRAI. Anyway....

So, I accepted the offer in 2002 and that led to my being hired at the bike shop later that year. The following year, Mrs. Guitar Ted and I were expecting the birth of a baby boy in early August. My boss wanted me to wrench on RAGBRAI again, and we decided, Mrs. Guitar Ted and I, that I could squeeze that in just before our son was expected on August 8th. So off I went, new cell phone in hand, you know.....just in case, and RAGBRAI 2003 commenced with myself being the overnight stop mechanic. 

Well, we were in Oskaloosa, Iowa for the next to last overnight, and as a treat, I was invited to sleep in the RV which generally was reserved for the boss and a few of the office people and spouses. Usually I was sleeping in the rented box van, or underneath it, as I did a couple of really hot nights that year. So it was that at around 5:00am my phone rang. It was Mrs. Guitar Ted. Yep......our son was about to be born! 

So, this caused a bit of a ruckus, as you might expect. The shop crew had to roll on to the next town, and so I gathered all my stuff in my duffel bag and was dropped off at the Oskaloosa HyVee grocery store where I set up camp on the bags of water softener pellets stacked outside their front door and started calling for a ride home. Eventually I was able to raise up my sister who lived in Des Moines and she agreed to come and fetch me and get me back to Waterloo. Then it was time to just sit and wait. And wait......and wait! 

All the while I am in the dark as to what is happening with my wife and soon to be born son. I don't know if I'll get back in time to be there when he is born, and I am quite the spectacle in that moment. What is this guy doing? Just sitting there on the soft water pellets with a big duffel bag? Ha! At least the chaos of RAGBRAI commerce and activity kept the focus somewhat off me 100%. Then, after what seemed like an eternity to me, my sister pulls up and off we go. 

I made it back in time, and I was witness to Jacob's birth. It's been quite the adventure ever since. Now he is eighteen, and they say he is an 'adult' now. Hard to believe it, and yes- it went by so fast. Well, here we are now and Happy Birthday Jacob! May you be blessed with many more markings of your birthday in the years to come! 

And as for me, I'll always remember my 'last day on RAGBRAI'!

The Last Time I Was On RAGBRAI....

Jacob at graduation last month.

 Today is my son's birthday. Eighteen.... I recall when Jacob was born, of course I do, but this time of year will always be special for the circumstances surrounding his birthday. See, it has something to do with RAGBRAI.....

Back in 2002, I was still working as a car mechanic. I had recently gotten back more into cycling after being on the sidelines for a few years in the late 90's. So, as a result, I was in the bike shop quite a bit getting bits and things for my bicycles. On one occasion, the owner asked me if I might ever be interested in being an on-the-road mechanic for RAGBRAI, as that particular shop was a licensed RAGBRAI bike shop. That, by the way, is something I find a lot of people do not know about, or understand. That you just cannot show up and repair bicycles on RAGBRAI. No, you have to be approved and under contract from RAGBRAI. Anyway....

So, I accepted the offer in 2002 and that led to my being hired at the bike shop later that year. The following year, Mrs. Guitar Ted and I were expecting the birth of a baby boy in early August. My boss wanted me to wrench on RAGBRAI again, and we decided, Mrs. Guitar Ted and I, that I could squeeze that in just before our son was expected on August 8th. So off I went, new cell phone in hand, you know.....just in case, and RAGBRAI 2003 commenced with myself being the overnight stop mechanic. 

Well, we were in Oskaloosa, Iowa for the next to last overnight, and as a treat, I was invited to sleep in the RV which generally was reserved for the boss and a few of the office people and spouses. Usually I was sleeping in the rented box van, or underneath it, as I did a couple of really hot nights that year. So it was that at around 5:00am my phone rang. It was Mrs. Guitar Ted. Yep......our son was about to be born! 

So, this caused a bit of a ruckus, as you might expect. The shop crew had to roll on to the next town, and so I gathered all my stuff in my duffel bag and was dropped off at the Oskaloosa HyVee grocery store where I set up camp on the bags of water softener pellets stacked outside their front door and started calling for a ride home. Eventually I was able to raise up my sister who lived in Des Moines and she agreed to come and fetch me and get me back to Waterloo. Then it was time to just sit and wait. And wait......and wait! 

All the while I am in the dark as to what is happening with my wife and soon to be born son. I don't know if I'll get back in time to be there when he is born, and I am quite the spectacle in that moment. What is this guy doing? Just sitting there on the soft water pellets with a big duffel bag? Ha! At least the chaos of RAGBRAI commerce and activity kept the focus somewhat off me 100%. Then, after what seemed like an eternity to me, my sister pulls up and off we go. 

I made it back in time, and I was witness to Jacob's birth. It's been quite the adventure ever since. Now he is eighteen, and they say he is an 'adult' now. Hard to believe it, and yes- it went by so fast. Well, here we are now and Happy Birthday Jacob! May you be blessed with many more markings of your birthday in the years to come! 

And as for me, I'll always remember my 'last day on RAGBRAI'!

Friday News And Views

The New Fox Transfer SL Dropper Post.

 FOX Debuts New Dropper For XC/Gravel Bikes:

Dropper posts, the seat posts which have the ability to lower via a mechanical connection to a lever at your handlebar, are generally thought of as a mountain biking thing. The ability to get that saddle down and out of the way is a boon to off-road cyclists on descents. But the aerodynamic benefits to gravel riders seems to be less known. That benefit, perhaps best described when one thinks about that banned 'top tube seated position' that Pro road racers used to use, is definitely something you have to feel to have it be believed. 

FOX, just this week, debuted a new FOX Transfer SL post which has been lightened quite a bit to get around the complaints many gravel and XC MTB riders have about traditional dropper post weight. This new post weighs a little over 300 grams, (327 claimed), which is about 130 grams more than many fancy, carbon seat posts. (Of course, that doesn't include the lever to operate the post, nor the cable and housing)

Posts will be available in 27.2mm, 30.9mm, and 31.6mm at $399.00 for the Factory version and $329.00 for the Elite version. Various dropper lengths will also be available. 

How did FOX drop the weight so far? Well, they made this post operate via a coil spring with only two positions instead of an infinitely settable positioning within limitations of the dropper. FOX claims that most gravel and XC MTB riders only want 'all the way down' or 'all the way up' positions anyway. This allowed FOX to ditch all the air seals, hydraulic fluids, and the attendant mechanisms to house that within the post. 

Comments: So, in other words, FOX remade Specialized's Command Post from almost ten years ago. I happen to have a Command Post and it operates almost identically to this new FOX post. It has two positions: All the way down or what Specialized called a "Cruiser" height. It is a cable operated post, like the new Transfer SL, and the only difference is that Specialized used an air spring versus FOX's coil spring. 

Otherwise this will appeal to those who want light weight and dropper ability. The downsides are that grit and grime from dirt road/gravel road riding will affect the operation of this sort of post negatively, especially when you see that FOX took away all the sealing mechanisms in order to attain the weight target they set. Time will tell, but the seemingly low-tech seat post, which most of us take for granted, undergoes tremendous amounts of stress and torque while riding. Not to mention exposure to dirt, dust, mud, rain, etc. How this post will hold up to all of that is yet to be seen. 

The Cannondale "Bugger" trailer (Image from old Cannondale marketing print)

Cannondale Turns 50:

Hard to believe it, but Cannondale, as a brand, turns 50 years old this month. Back in 1971 the company started by Joe Montgomery offered its first product, a touring trailer towed by the bicycle. The first product of its kind ever offered. 

The idea was to get the load off the back of the cyclist and using the same positioning, the trailer was designed so that the load could be carried with no weight put on the bike at all. This saved wheels from being stressed more than they would have been with the weight bourne by the bicycle. Of course, this all happened at the dawn of the height of bicycle tourism, so the product found an audience fairly quickly. In fact, one could argue that 'bikepacking' was invented by the brand back in the 70's. 

That history can be read on the MOMBAT page for the brand here. I highly recommend that you check it out. Cannondale was not just a bicycle brand! There are a few things I learned there which I had never known before I researched this entry for today's 'FN&V'. 

My introduction to Cannondale was via mountain bikes, of course, and more intimately through my touring days, which you can read about by clicking the "The Touring Series" tab just under the header on the upper right here. I was exposed to cool Cannondale panniers and Cannondale cycling clothing through those experiences. 

Congratulations to Cannondale on 50 years! 

Good Luck Unbound Riders:

Last week I riffed on this new event's name, which has a really weird reason for being in existence. I say that because 99.9% of folks are just rolling over the DK200 into this and basically 'the why' of this has been swept under a rug. Okay....so be it. Not my circus.....

That said, I do wish everyone a safe, fun, successful event.

Looks like the weather will be pretty okay. Basically pretty typical for this event. "High" humidity, which for them is around what? 40%? And there will be wind. Oh yes.... From the South too, so getting back to Emporia will be tougher than going out. 

Lots of Sunshine too, so, as a person who has experienced all of this there in the past, you'd better stay on top of that hydration, measure out your pace, and keep moving. Sitting around will not be a good play unless you are overheating, dehydrated, and hurting. 

The "North" route tends to be the more gnarly way down there, so I suspect that I will hear about a lot of attrition, biffs, flat tires, and stories about dragging tail to Emporia from this one. That's par for the course down there with this sort of weather set up. 

I hear a lot of folks are going with road shoes and pedals. Hope that you do not have to hike-a-bike on some rocky bits with those. Otherwise this event really caters to that sort of set up and the weather is looking to be playing into that set up as well. Should be interesting. 

Anyway, I am not there, obviously, since I have a family to collect tomorrow, which leads me to the next and last entry today......

Been 'Batchin' It: 

So all this week, a short week, I admit, I have been home alone here. My son graduated last week and since the El Paso relatives could not come to celebrate with us, we sent most of the family down to see them. I, of course, stayed behind to take care of our cat, the plants, and to be able to work the days I could. 

So, with the way the timing of everything worked out with this trip, it precluded me from even thinking about going to Emporia. I will be on the road tomorrow to collect my family from the airport down in Des Moines. Yes- we have to go 2 hours to get to an airport sometimes. That's just how it worked out to be the least expensive way for us. 

Never fear though! I will be sneaking in  a ride, I hope, and that will get reported on next week. Until then, be well, stay safe, ride, have fun, and I'll see y'all soon here on G-Ted Productions. Thanks for reading!

Friday News And Views

The New Fox Transfer SL Dropper Post.

 FOX Debuts New Dropper For XC/Gravel Bikes:

Dropper posts, the seat posts which have the ability to lower via a mechanical connection to a lever at your handlebar, are generally thought of as a mountain biking thing. The ability to get that saddle down and out of the way is a boon to off-road cyclists on descents. But the aerodynamic benefits to gravel riders seems to be less known. That benefit, perhaps best described when one thinks about that banned 'top tube seated position' that Pro road racers used to use, is definitely something you have to feel to have it be believed. 

FOX, just this week, debuted a new FOX Transfer SL post which has been lightened quite a bit to get around the complaints many gravel and XC MTB riders have about traditional dropper post weight. This new post weighs a little over 300 grams, (327 claimed), which is about 130 grams more than many fancy, carbon seat posts. (Of course, that doesn't include the lever to operate the post, nor the cable and housing)

Posts will be available in 27.2mm, 30.9mm, and 31.6mm at $399.00 for the Factory version and $329.00 for the Elite version. Various dropper lengths will also be available. 

How did FOX drop the weight so far? Well, they made this post operate via a coil spring with only two positions instead of an infinitely settable positioning within limitations of the dropper. FOX claims that most gravel and XC MTB riders only want 'all the way down' or 'all the way up' positions anyway. This allowed FOX to ditch all the air seals, hydraulic fluids, and the attendant mechanisms to house that within the post. 

Comments: So, in other words, FOX remade Specialized's Command Post from almost ten years ago. I happen to have a Command Post and it operates almost identically to this new FOX post. It has two positions: All the way down or what Specialized called a "Cruiser" height. It is a cable operated post, like the new Transfer SL, and the only difference is that Specialized used an air spring versus FOX's coil spring. 

Otherwise this will appeal to those who want light weight and dropper ability. The downsides are that grit and grime from dirt road/gravel road riding will affect the operation of this sort of post negatively, especially when you see that FOX took away all the sealing mechanisms in order to attain the weight target they set. Time will tell, but the seemingly low-tech seat post, which most of us take for granted, undergoes tremendous amounts of stress and torque while riding. Not to mention exposure to dirt, dust, mud, rain, etc. How this post will hold up to all of that is yet to be seen. 

The Cannondale "Bugger" trailer (Image from old Cannondale marketing print)

Cannondale Turns 50:

Hard to believe it, but Cannondale, as a brand, turns 50 years old this month. Back in 1971 the company started by Joe Montgomery offered its first product, a touring trailer towed by the bicycle. The first product of its kind ever offered. 

The idea was to get the load off the back of the cyclist and using the same positioning, the trailer was designed so that the load could be carried with no weight put on the bike at all. This saved wheels from being stressed more than they would have been with the weight bourne by the bicycle. Of course, this all happened at the dawn of the height of bicycle tourism, so the product found an audience fairly quickly. In fact, one could argue that 'bikepacking' was invented by the brand back in the 70's. 

That history can be read on the MOMBAT page for the brand here. I highly recommend that you check it out. Cannondale was not just a bicycle brand! There are a few things I learned there which I had never known before I researched this entry for today's 'FN&V'. 

My introduction to Cannondale was via mountain bikes, of course, and more intimately through my touring days, which you can read about by clicking the "The Touring Series" tab just under the header on the upper right here. I was exposed to cool Cannondale panniers and Cannondale cycling clothing through those experiences. 

Congratulations to Cannondale on 50 years! 

Good Luck Unbound Riders:

Last week I riffed on this new event's name, which has a really weird reason for being in existence. I say that because 99.9% of folks are just rolling over the DK200 into this and basically 'the why' of this has been swept under a rug. Okay....so be it. Not my circus.....

That said, I do wish everyone a safe, fun, successful event.

Looks like the weather will be pretty okay. Basically pretty typical for this event. "High" humidity, which for them is around what? 40%? And there will be wind. Oh yes.... From the South too, so getting back to Emporia will be tougher than going out. 

Lots of Sunshine too, so, as a person who has experienced all of this there in the past, you'd better stay on top of that hydration, measure out your pace, and keep moving. Sitting around will not be a good play unless you are overheating, dehydrated, and hurting. 

The "North" route tends to be the more gnarly way down there, so I suspect that I will hear about a lot of attrition, biffs, flat tires, and stories about dragging tail to Emporia from this one. That's par for the course down there with this sort of weather set up. 

I hear a lot of folks are going with road shoes and pedals. Hope that you do not have to hike-a-bike on some rocky bits with those. Otherwise this event really caters to that sort of set up and the weather is looking to be playing into that set up as well. Should be interesting. 

Anyway, I am not there, obviously, since I have a family to collect tomorrow, which leads me to the next and last entry today......

Been 'Batchin' It: 

So all this week, a short week, I admit, I have been home alone here. My son graduated last week and since the El Paso relatives could not come to celebrate with us, we sent most of the family down to see them. I, of course, stayed behind to take care of our cat, the plants, and to be able to work the days I could. 

So, with the way the timing of everything worked out with this trip, it precluded me from even thinking about going to Emporia. I will be on the road tomorrow to collect my family from the airport down in Des Moines. Yes- we have to go 2 hours to get to an airport sometimes. That's just how it worked out to be the least expensive way for us. 

Never fear though! I will be sneaking in  a ride, I hope, and that will get reported on next week. Until then, be well, stay safe, ride, have fun, and I'll see y'all soon here on G-Ted Productions. Thanks for reading!

Riding Off Into The Sunset

My son and my wife walking off after his last vocal concert.

Sunsets. They can be beautiful, amazing, awe inspiring, and memorable. They also can signify endings, since it marks the end of a day for us. Well, myself and my family have reached a pretty memorable 'ending' today. 

It's the graduation from high school for my son. The last child of mine to make that walk across a stage to get a diploma from public school. That's a pretty big deal for us here.

But while it is the end of one thing it marks the beginning of other things as well. What exactly those things might be, we all are not sure. Only thing I know is that my son is excited to go to a tech program at a local community college this Fall. 

This is one of the big reasons I stepped back from promoting and doing events. To be 'there' for my kids and wife at this time of their lives means a lot to them, and obviously it does to me as well. I've stated this as a reason I 'retired' from putting on events several times, and well, as I walked off behind my wife and my son last night after his final vocal performance in his high school career, I knew I had done the right thing.  

I get the whole sentiment attached to my old event called "Trans Iowa". All I have to do is mildly hint at maybe, possibly doing it again and someone hops on and comments something to the effect of "Do it!", and whatnot. But I also understand that they are just being selfish. It has nothing to do with the reasons why I stopped doing that stuff. The sun set on that era of my life, and like my son now, I am looking forward to whatever is down the road for me. 

Sure, like my son might do later on, I look back and wonder what it might be like to be doing those things again, but really, that's a big waste of time, and I hope he, nor myself, ever get caught up in that way of thinking. The past means never going back again. I'm okay with that.......because I have a future to be excited about.  So does my son. 

Sunsets. Enjoy them while they are happening. But get a move on in the morning. Time is not going backward. 

Riding Off Into The Sunset

My son and my wife walking off after his last vocal concert.

Sunsets. They can be beautiful, amazing, awe inspiring, and memorable. They also can signify endings, since it marks the end of a day for us. Well, myself and my family have reached a pretty memorable 'ending' today. 

It's the graduation from high school for my son. The last child of mine to make that walk across a stage to get a diploma from public school. That's a pretty big deal for us here.

But while it is the end of one thing it marks the beginning of other things as well. What exactly those things might be, we all are not sure. Only thing I know is that my son is excited to go to a tech program at a local community college this Fall. 

This is one of the big reasons I stepped back from promoting and doing events. To be 'there' for my kids and wife at this time of their lives means a lot to them, and obviously it does to me as well. I've stated this as a reason I 'retired' from putting on events several times, and well, as I walked off behind my wife and my son last night after his final vocal performance in his high school career, I knew I had done the right thing.  

I get the whole sentiment attached to my old event called "Trans Iowa". All I have to do is mildly hint at maybe, possibly doing it again and someone hops on and comments something to the effect of "Do it!", and whatnot. But I also understand that they are just being selfish. It has nothing to do with the reasons why I stopped doing that stuff. The sun set on that era of my life, and like my son now, I am looking forward to whatever is down the road for me. 

Sure, like my son might do later on, I look back and wonder what it might be like to be doing those things again, but really, that's a big waste of time, and I hope he, nor myself, ever get caught up in that way of thinking. The past means never going back again. I'm okay with that.......because I have a future to be excited about.  So does my son. 

Sunsets. Enjoy them while they are happening. But get a move on in the morning. Time is not going backward. 

A Weekend Off Gravel

Friday Night Lights at Drake Stadium, Des Moines, Iowa.

 Friday night I had the honor of attending my son's high school football playoff game in Des Moines, Iowa. He is a senior and this ended up being his last game, as they lost in the round of sixteen. However; my son's team played last year's State Championship winners and their opponents were ranked #3 at the time my son's team played them. So, they let them know they were there, at least, and we are proud of our son's accomplishments as well as his team's. 

This meant that we had a two hour drive after the game and a wait after that to pick up my son from the high school after the game. Of course, that was very late into the evening and by the time we were all settled in for the night, it was well into the early morning hours of Saturday. That meant that anything early Saturday was out for me as far as riding, and I had a plan to ride later in the day. However; our new cat, Minka, decided I needed to get up at 6:00am to be fed,so...... The best laid plans and all. I was pretty much in a zombie-like state the rest of the day. So, that was that for riding Saturday. 

Too bad too. It got near 60°f that day, but it was really windy. Probably too windy, to be honest, and Sunday was forecast to be similarly windy but even colder. So.....nah! I'll check out until later this week when the temps are supposed to be into the 60's and Sunny. 

So, I did a little research on some stuff, messed with the electronic shifting stuff I am reviewing, and some light recreational activities to keep up my streak of fitness goals I have set for myself. So, I am not all down and out about not riding. Sometimes you have to mix things up, and the family time I got to have is priceless. 

More 'bike stuff' coming tomorrow. Stay tuned......

A Weekend Off Gravel

Friday Night Lights at Drake Stadium, Des Moines, Iowa.

 Friday night I had the honor of attending my son's high school football playoff game in Des Moines, Iowa. He is a senior and this ended up being his last game, as they lost in the round of sixteen. However; my son's team played last year's State Championship winners and their opponents were ranked #3 at the time my son's team played them. So, they let them know they were there, at least, and we are proud of our son's accomplishments as well as his team's. 

This meant that we had a two hour drive after the game and a wait after that to pick up my son from the high school after the game. Of course, that was very late into the evening and by the time we were all settled in for the night, it was well into the early morning hours of Saturday. That meant that anything early Saturday was out for me as far as riding, and I had a plan to ride later in the day. However; our new cat, Minka, decided I needed to get up at 6:00am to be fed,so...... The best laid plans and all. I was pretty much in a zombie-like state the rest of the day. So, that was that for riding Saturday. 

Too bad too. It got near 60°f that day, but it was really windy. Probably too windy, to be honest, and Sunday was forecast to be similarly windy but even colder. So.....nah! I'll check out until later this week when the temps are supposed to be into the 60's and Sunny. 

So, I did a little research on some stuff, messed with the electronic shifting stuff I am reviewing, and some light recreational activities to keep up my streak of fitness goals I have set for myself. So, I am not all down and out about not riding. Sometimes you have to mix things up, and the family time I got to have is priceless. 

More 'bike stuff' coming tomorrow. Stay tuned......

Friday News And Views

The Snow Dog with the Milhouse Bar.

 The Snow Dog Modified:

Recently I told you about the upcoming tenth year anniversary of my getting my first fat bike, a Salsa Cycles Mukluk. I also added that I had thought about adding the Whisky Parts Co.  Milhouse Bar to this bike. Well, as you can plainly see, I have done just that. I basically just swapped bars between this bike and the On One Inbred.

This match is a much better pairing. The On One/Milhouse pairing just didn't work for me. Not sure why, but mostly I think it was an aesthetic issue. It just looked like a "gangly teenager" set up. On the Snow Dog it looks a bit more 'moto'. So, there is that. However; it also feels better on the Snow Dog and that big, wide bar helps overcome the inertia a fat bike wheel has when you want to turn. 

I also did a couple of other swaps while I was at it. The first was the swap of the pedals. I had a set of some clunky, but light and very grippy flat pedals on there. Those I took off and replaced with these Fyxation Mesa MP Subzero pedals. The Fyxations are a lot slimmer and I have really liked their performance in the past. 

The next swap was of the seat post and saddle. I had a Cane Creek Thudbuster on it with a WTB Pure saddle. This was replaced by the Redshift Sports ShockStop seat post and a WTB Volt saddle. The Thudbuster is a decent post, but it gets loose in the pivots on me in short order, which then starts a clunk, and yeah...... Plus it is an elastomeric sprung system which doesn't play well with colder temperatures. The Redshift post has a coil spring which is not temperature sensitive and the pivots are bomber on this post. Super-solid, no worries. 

I still may be moving over the Archer Components D1x system to this bike. Stay tuned for that......

New Family Member At G-Ted Productions HQ:

Hey everyone, meet Minka. We just adopted her from the local animal shelter this past week. The story of her arrival here is a long one and has to do with a few odd things. None of that matters now, but the tipping point for getting a cat was a mouse problem we had been battling. All it took was for my daughter and I to find out that the mere presence of a cat was a good deterrent against mice coming  in to our abode. 

The surprise is that we have found out in a few short days that all our lives have been enhanced by the addition of Minka to the household. Mice prevention or no, we're all really happy to have her here. She's full of the berries, as she's only about five months and a little more in age. Still has to grow out of being a kitten, but that's okay. I grew up with cats, so I have a bit of experience with them, and it has been a quick refresher course with Minka running riot around the house here. 

I guess we shouldn't have waited so long to get a pet, but whatever. Now is the time and we have a cat now. Life will certainly be a bit different but we are all in on this and we will make it work. Got any cat tips to share? Go ahead and send them to me if you feel so inclined. 

The new Ritchey Ultra MTB frame

It's The Nostalgia Factor:

Every so often Ritchey Design produces one of their mountain bike frames in the iconic red/white/blue fade paint job. Every time I see it, I want it. Why? It's the "nostalgia factor". I remember those early 90's days looking at MTB mags and seeing these being raced, tested, and in the advertising. They were one of the most sophisticated, high performance, lightweight steel frames one could buy back then. Those final days of 'fully rigid' mountain biking were quite the innovative days. 

Ritchey Design has done it again with the Ultra, a 29" or 27.5+ machine with the conservative take on the 'modern trail geometry', so probably not a bad design for most single track here. I looked at this, and looked......and looked. But really? C'mon! When do I mountain bike anymore? I'm always out on the gravel and mountain bikes are a side show for me these days. I like mountain biking, but I can get on a gravel road, do some Level B Maintenance stuff, and get all my mountain biking vibes in that I ever could on what we have for single track around here. In fact, I would wager that many Level B's in Iowa are better than mountain biking anywhere in the state. 

That's a bold statement, but those that know- well they know. So, I really am not in the market for a bike like this Ritchey, but I really like the way it looks and the history it represents. Bad reasons to get a frame, right? And besides, look at that fat bike up there. That's a mountain bike too. I feel like that fat bike is actually a more versatile bike around here than a straight up mountain bike is. My opinion, your mileage may vary.

And that's a wrap for this week. Have a great weekend and get in some riding if you can.....outdoors!

Friday News And Views

The Snow Dog with the Milhouse Bar.

 The Snow Dog Modified:

Recently I told you about the upcoming tenth year anniversary of my getting my first fat bike, a Salsa Cycles Mukluk. I also added that I had thought about adding the Whisky Parts Co.  Milhouse Bar to this bike. Well, as you can plainly see, I have done just that. I basically just swapped bars between this bike and the On One Inbred.

This match is a much better pairing. The On One/Milhouse pairing just didn't work for me. Not sure why, but mostly I think it was an aesthetic issue. It just looked like a "gangly teenager" set up. On the Snow Dog it looks a bit more 'moto'. So, there is that. However; it also feels better on the Snow Dog and that big, wide bar helps overcome the inertia a fat bike wheel has when you want to turn. 

I also did a couple of other swaps while I was at it. The first was the swap of the pedals. I had a set of some clunky, but light and very grippy flat pedals on there. Those I took off and replaced with these Fyxation Mesa MP Subzero pedals. The Fyxations are a lot slimmer and I have really liked their performance in the past. 

The next swap was of the seat post and saddle. I had a Cane Creek Thudbuster on it with a WTB Pure saddle. This was replaced by the Redshift Sports ShockStop seat post and a WTB Volt saddle. The Thudbuster is a decent post, but it gets loose in the pivots on me in short order, which then starts a clunk, and yeah...... Plus it is an elastomeric sprung system which doesn't play well with colder temperatures. The Redshift post has a coil spring which is not temperature sensitive and the pivots are bomber on this post. Super-solid, no worries. 

I still may be moving over the Archer Components D1x system to this bike. Stay tuned for that......

New Family Member At G-Ted Productions HQ:

Hey everyone, meet Minka. We just adopted her from the local animal shelter this past week. The story of her arrival here is a long one and has to do with a few odd things. None of that matters now, but the tipping point for getting a cat was a mouse problem we had been battling. All it took was for my daughter and I to find out that the mere presence of a cat was a good deterrent against mice coming  in to our abode. 

The surprise is that we have found out in a few short days that all our lives have been enhanced by the addition of Minka to the household. Mice prevention or no, we're all really happy to have her here. She's full of the berries, as she's only about five months and a little more in age. Still has to grow out of being a kitten, but that's okay. I grew up with cats, so I have a bit of experience with them, and it has been a quick refresher course with Minka running riot around the house here. 

I guess we shouldn't have waited so long to get a pet, but whatever. Now is the time and we have a cat now. Life will certainly be a bit different but we are all in on this and we will make it work. Got any cat tips to share? Go ahead and send them to me if you feel so inclined. 

The new Ritchey Ultra MTB frame

It's The Nostalgia Factor:

Every so often Ritchey Design produces one of their mountain bike frames in the iconic red/white/blue fade paint job. Every time I see it, I want it. Why? It's the "nostalgia factor". I remember those early 90's days looking at MTB mags and seeing these being raced, tested, and in the advertising. They were one of the most sophisticated, high performance, lightweight steel frames one could buy back then. Those final days of 'fully rigid' mountain biking were quite the innovative days. 

Ritchey Design has done it again with the Ultra, a 29" or 27.5+ machine with the conservative take on the 'modern trail geometry', so probably not a bad design for most single track here. I looked at this, and looked......and looked. But really? C'mon! When do I mountain bike anymore? I'm always out on the gravel and mountain bikes are a side show for me these days. I like mountain biking, but I can get on a gravel road, do some Level B Maintenance stuff, and get all my mountain biking vibes in that I ever could on what we have for single track around here. In fact, I would wager that many Level B's in Iowa are better than mountain biking anywhere in the state. 

That's a bold statement, but those that know- well they know. So, I really am not in the market for a bike like this Ritchey, but I really like the way it looks and the history it represents. Bad reasons to get a frame, right? And besides, look at that fat bike up there. That's a mountain bike too. I feel like that fat bike is actually a more versatile bike around here than a straight up mountain bike is. My opinion, your mileage may vary.

And that's a wrap for this week. Have a great weekend and get in some riding if you can.....outdoors!