Ride Plans Taking Shape: Update

A week ago I floated some ideas that I was going to try and pursue for 2023 rides on gravel. I'm not going to recap everything said there here today, so you may want to review that post for context.

I received enough positive feedback on the ToBHC idea that I took some time to research an alternative to the Western border section that has been paved. There is a solution, so that could be implemented and it would add about three miles to the loop. 

However; as I reviewed the original course, I was a bit dismayed by the short sections of pavement sprinkled all over on the Eastern side of Black Hawk County that I felt I had to utilize. I was sticking myself into a bit of a box considering the original idea which was "Mike & Todds 105" ride, an old pavement century loop of Black Hawk County done back in the 1990's I was aware of. I realized over the past week that I didn't have to stick to those self-imposed rules and I could still have a "Tour of Black Hawk County" that was a bit more interesting than what I had done originally. 

So, here's to a completely new course! Yep! That's right! This allows me to try and loop together a bunch of what is cool in Black Hawk County, not just a circumnavigation of it. I will be making a list of things I would want to ride and ride by for sights and see if I can make it into something coherent.

That doesn't mean that there won't be some paved sectors. I know that there are some things I want to show off in far Eastern Black Hawk County that will require some bits of pavement to be included to get there. Notably crossings of HWY 20, as an example. But I'll see if I can work it out so that we have more gravel than the original ToBHC.

Then as far as mileage goes, I want to keep this around a century. Definitely 100 miles, definitely not more than 110 miles. To my way of thinking, some mileage over 100 is forgivable, but doing say, 96 miles? Why so close to bagging a century and stopping short? Doesn't make sense to me. So, a 100+, but not a lot more than that. 

And as far as Black Hawk County goes, I've been on everything gravel and dirt the county has to offer by bicycle. I can say with confidence that there is really not a lot of reasons to ride Southern Black Hawk County, especially in the Southwestern quadrant. Only a couple of things stand out- The Petrie Road Level B section, and the three mile Level B section I used which is actually in Tama County on the original ToBHC route. Otherwise? Meh!  Well, I think so, anyway. 

So, this route will likely be mostly on the East side of Waterloo, but I'm not 100% sold on that until I start trying out route ideas, fitting in the resupply points, and so on. So, I have some work to do and if you are interested in this, it will be a ride that has some visual and historical interest. Not just miles of "on-the-grid" gravel with no real stimulation other than corn, beans, and dust. Although let's face it- There will be a LOT of that too! Ha ha! 

Beyond that there was a suggestion by me that this might be a GTDRI-like deal and there were a couple dates suggested as well. I have no news on any of that other than to say that my first inclination was to get this done in May. I could see this slipping into June, but honestly, the sooner the better for me. It'll keep my feet to the fire, and that's a good thing.

More on this when I have something to share.

Ride Plans Taking Shape: Update

A week ago I floated some ideas that I was going to try and pursue for 2023 rides on gravel. I'm not going to recap everything said there here today, so you may want to review that post for context.

I received enough positive feedback on the ToBHC idea that I took some time to research an alternative to the Western border section that has been paved. There is a solution, so that could be implemented and it would add about three miles to the loop. 

However; as I reviewed the original course, I was a bit dismayed by the short sections of pavement sprinkled all over on the Eastern side of Black Hawk County that I felt I had to utilize. I was sticking myself into a bit of a box considering the original idea which was "Mike & Todds 105" ride, an old pavement century loop of Black Hawk County done back in the 1990's I was aware of. I realized over the past week that I didn't have to stick to those self-imposed rules and I could still have a "Tour of Black Hawk County" that was a bit more interesting than what I had done originally. 

So, here's to a completely new course! Yep! That's right! This allows me to try and loop together a bunch of what is cool in Black Hawk County, not just a circumnavigation of it. I will be making a list of things I would want to ride and ride by for sights and see if I can make it into something coherent.

That doesn't mean that there won't be some paved sectors. I know that there are some things I want to show off in far Eastern Black Hawk County that will require some bits of pavement to be included to get there. Notably crossings of HWY 20, as an example. But I'll see if I can work it out so that we have more gravel than the original ToBHC.

Then as far as mileage goes, I want to keep this around a century. Definitely 100 miles, definitely not more than 110 miles. To my way of thinking, some mileage over 100 is forgivable, but doing say, 96 miles? Why so close to bagging a century and stopping short? Doesn't make sense to me. So, a 100+, but not a lot more than that. 

And as far as Black Hawk County goes, I've been on everything gravel and dirt the county has to offer by bicycle. I can say with confidence that there is really not a lot of reasons to ride Southern Black Hawk County, especially in the Southwestern quadrant. Only a couple of things stand out- The Petrie Road Level B section, and the three mile Level B section I used which is actually in Tama County on the original ToBHC route. Otherwise? Meh!  Well, I think so, anyway. 

So, this route will likely be mostly on the East side of Waterloo, but I'm not 100% sold on that until I start trying out route ideas, fitting in the resupply points, and so on. So, I have some work to do and if you are interested in this, it will be a ride that has some visual and historical interest. Not just miles of "on-the-grid" gravel with no real stimulation other than corn, beans, and dust. Although let's face it- There will be a LOT of that too! Ha ha! 

Beyond that there was a suggestion by me that this might be a GTDRI-like deal and there were a couple dates suggested as well. I have no news on any of that other than to say that my first inclination was to get this done in May. I could see this slipping into June, but honestly, the sooner the better for me. It'll keep my feet to the fire, and that's a good thing.

More on this when I have something to share.

The Last Ride

I brought home a bicycle to the Guitar Ted Estate the other day. That isn't necessarily an unusual thing  I bring home an old bike or some parts on a fairly regular basis. However; this time the haul was something different for me. A notable experience and it made me reflect on things.

The bike itself is nothing remarkable. A late 90's Trek, steel frame and fork, middling component group, and some plastic full coverage fenders. Perhaps the most notable thing to the casual observer would be the odd Cane Creek drop add-ons for the handle bars. Not a bicycle many would take a second glance at. It is only notable to me for what it represents to me and the story behind it.

In the late 90's my Mom took an interest in bicycling. She had observed my love of cycling over the years and she had just moved to a quiet small village after living in Des Moines. She figured cycling would be a safe choice living in that small community where she had moved. She could get out in to the country easily and without a lot of traffic pestering her. Mom has always been a country girl at her core. Cities never set well with her.

She found a close out at the bike shop in the next town over from her and picked it up. Along the way I helped her accessorize the Trek. A computer, clipless pedals and shoes, and yes- those funky drop add-ons. Mom liked those because she could ride into a headwind easier by getting down in those drops.

She rode several single days of RAGBRAI with me on that bike, but I imagine it was all those forays out in to the surrounding countryside that were what was most important to her. She used to regale me with the tales of her jaunts out to other small towns via the network of county blacktop roads she used. She spoke of birds, flowers, and how the crops were doing. It was obvious that she really enjoyed riding and being outdoors.

Then I remember a few years back how she was telling me how cars and trucks were not giving her space. She didn't feel comfortable riding alone out there anymore. She would keep her rides within the city limits from then on. Eventually the tales of rides ceased, and then last year my step Dad gave me the news that my Mom wasn't going to be riding anymore. The onset of dementia made that too risky of an activity. He suggested that I pick up the bike and find it a new owner. That pick up finally happened this Memorial Day weekend.

My Mom is almost 76 years old. I wondered what her last ride was like. Those old tires had absolutely no air in them, and judging by the dust, it had been some time ago. The computer battery was dead. No record of mileage on that bike or the last ride it took my Mom on.

Then I thought about "last rides". When would mine be? Someday it will happen for all of us.

Cherish every ride you get till then.

The Last Ride

I brought home a bicycle to the Guitar Ted Estate the other day. That isn't necessarily an unusual thing  I bring home an old bike or some parts on a fairly regular basis. However; this time the haul was something different for me. A notable experience and it made me reflect on things.

The bike itself is nothing remarkable. A late 90's Trek, steel frame and fork, middling component group, and some plastic full coverage fenders. Perhaps the most notable thing to the casual observer would be the odd Cane Creek drop add-ons for the handle bars. Not a bicycle many would take a second glance at. It is only notable to me for what it represents to me and the story behind it.

In the late 90's my Mom took an interest in bicycling. She had observed my love of cycling over the years and she had just moved to a quiet small village after living in Des Moines. She figured cycling would be a safe choice living in that small community where she had moved. She could get out in to the country easily and without a lot of traffic pestering her. Mom has always been a country girl at her core. Cities never set well with her.

She found a close out at the bike shop in the next town over from her and picked it up. Along the way I helped her accessorize the Trek. A computer, clipless pedals and shoes, and yes- those funky drop add-ons. Mom liked those because she could ride into a headwind easier by getting down in those drops.

She rode several single days of RAGBRAI with me on that bike, but I imagine it was all those forays out in to the surrounding countryside that were what was most important to her. She used to regale me with the tales of her jaunts out to other small towns via the network of county blacktop roads she used. She spoke of birds, flowers, and how the crops were doing. It was obvious that she really enjoyed riding and being outdoors.

Then I remember a few years back how she was telling me how cars and trucks were not giving her space. She didn't feel comfortable riding alone out there anymore. She would keep her rides within the city limits from then on. Eventually the tales of rides ceased, and then last year my step Dad gave me the news that my Mom wasn't going to be riding anymore. The onset of dementia made that too risky of an activity. He suggested that I pick up the bike and find it a new owner. That pick up finally happened this Memorial Day weekend.

My Mom is almost 76 years old. I wondered what her last ride was like. Those old tires had absolutely no air in them, and judging by the dust, it had been some time ago. The computer battery was dead. No record of mileage on that bike or the last ride it took my Mom on.

Then I thought about "last rides". When would mine be? Someday it will happen for all of us.

Cherish every ride you get till then.

What Motivates Me

Several things have happened recently that have made me think.........a lot. Odd things and ordinary things together have inspired me to take stock of just "what-it-is" that makes me do what I do.

First and foremost, it has to be said that I like people and getting to know them. Well, it would be silly for any of us to be living like a monk and be reading this, really. I mean, I am sure that would be a violation of some sort of monastic tenet. So, you are probably like me that way, or you wouldn't be reading this. "Mr. Obvious" stuff right there, I know. But that said, it is a motivation for what I do here and elsewhere on the inner-webz.

Oh sure.....there are some bad apples. But for the most part, it's been a huge plus to have gotten to know so many folks through what I do. Nuff said!

Secondly, it is "the bike" thing. And really, that's it. Riding a bicycle, and riding, and riding, till I'm stupid and the "monkey-butt" is so bad I can't sit on the saddle for a few days. Wash, rinse, repeat. I don't really care about which bike it is, or what kind, if it is a new bike or an old one, a test bike, or just a one off custom bike. Does it have two wheels? Does it fit me reasonably well? I'm good.

Really. That is all there is to it.

<===Hey! Whaddya know? It's a "hand made" bicycle!

Now, I do like to write stuff, (again, cue the "Mr. Obvious" theme), and once in awhile, I seem to upset the apple cart, which gets me in hot water with some folks, seemingly, or mentioned on some big time cycling blog. Maybe I write things sometimes that folks actually like, (which apparently they do, by the reactions I get), but whatever it is, I don't let myself be motivated that way. If it inspires you to think about bicycles, or even better, to go out and ride one, instead of reading this non-sense, then all the better.

See, the thing is, I'd still write this stuff no matter if the audience was one, or whatever it is out there. I just am excited about bicycles and people that are into bicycles. So, if you think I am power mad, looney, looking for another test rig, or for anything other than the enjoyment of riding and writing about this bicycling stuff, then you just don't get it. I don't give a rip about any of the fluff beyond what I mentioned up top in this post.

And that is all.

I got a message last night from a fellow I admire who turned tables on me and told me that what I had done inspired him to "take a different direction" with regards to his cycling. Now he is tackling some stuff that is just mind-boggling. He said I was to blame for some of that. Hard to believe someone like that would credit this curmudgeonly crusty mechanic in Iowa for anything, much less that, but it is a prime example of what it really is all about. Riding bicycles, and inspiring each other to go over the next hill.

Think I'll go for a ride today. Hope to see ya somewhere down the trail...........

What Motivates Me

Several things have happened recently that have made me think.........a lot. Odd things and ordinary things together have inspired me to take stock of just "what-it-is" that makes me do what I do.

First and foremost, it has to be said that I like people and getting to know them. Well, it would be silly for any of us to be living like a monk and be reading this, really. I mean, I am sure that would be a violation of some sort of monastic tenet. So, you are probably like me that way, or you wouldn't be reading this. "Mr. Obvious" stuff right there, I know. But that said, it is a motivation for what I do here and elsewhere on the inner-webz.

Oh sure.....there are some bad apples. But for the most part, it's been a huge plus to have gotten to know so many folks through what I do. Nuff said!

Secondly, it is "the bike" thing. And really, that's it. Riding a bicycle, and riding, and riding, till I'm stupid and the "monkey-butt" is so bad I can't sit on the saddle for a few days. Wash, rinse, repeat. I don't really care about which bike it is, or what kind, if it is a new bike or an old one, a test bike, or just a one off custom bike. Does it have two wheels? Does it fit me reasonably well? I'm good.

Really. That is all there is to it.

<===Hey! Whaddya know? It's a "hand made" bicycle!

Now, I do like to write stuff, (again, cue the "Mr. Obvious" theme), and once in awhile, I seem to upset the apple cart, which gets me in hot water with some folks, seemingly, or mentioned on some big time cycling blog. Maybe I write things sometimes that folks actually like, (which apparently they do, by the reactions I get), but whatever it is, I don't let myself be motivated that way. If it inspires you to think about bicycles, or even better, to go out and ride one, instead of reading this non-sense, then all the better.

See, the thing is, I'd still write this stuff no matter if the audience was one, or whatever it is out there. I just am excited about bicycles and people that are into bicycles. So, if you think I am power mad, looney, looking for another test rig, or for anything other than the enjoyment of riding and writing about this bicycling stuff, then you just don't get it. I don't give a rip about any of the fluff beyond what I mentioned up top in this post.

And that is all.

I got a message last night from a fellow I admire who turned tables on me and told me that what I had done inspired him to "take a different direction" with regards to his cycling. Now he is tackling some stuff that is just mind-boggling. He said I was to blame for some of that. Hard to believe someone like that would credit this curmudgeonly crusty mechanic in Iowa for anything, much less that, but it is a prime example of what it really is all about. Riding bicycles, and inspiring each other to go over the next hill.

Think I'll go for a ride today. Hope to see ya somewhere down the trail...........

Gravel Ride With A-Lo

<===A Great Blue Heron stalking in the backwaters.

My old co-worker A-Lo was back in town for a friends wedding this weekend and wanted to hook up for a gravel ride. I missed the last one he was back for. Not this time!

I was planning on some T.I.V6 recon with d.p., but I invited him to come along instead. So, if the T.I.V6 recon gets balled up, you can point back to this day and say, "ah ha!" Oh well, it probably won't affect that, and it was too nice a day to not be out on a bicycle. I mean, this late into November and to have close to 50 degrees? Yeah.........recon can wait!!



<===A-Lo and D.P.

The ride started out for me at my house. I had to traverse Waterloo and Cedar Falls to get to Bike Tech where the ride was to set off from. It was chilly and pretty dang foggy. I was almost tempted to put lights on, but the forecast called for clearing skies, so I took my chances.

I got over there just in time and there were three others besides me. A-Lo, d.p., and mtbidwell were there. After some futzing around with my air pressure with a pump borrowed from The Thin Man, we were off. It was decided to go around Big Woods Lake, then head over to Ford Road, and wherever we wanted after that.



<====I need work on my "Kerkove Shot" skillz!

The ride didn't get very far when we heard this awful screeching, scratching noise. It was emanating from mtbidwell's rig. His Coda front hub shat out it's bearings and was dying a horrible death. He had to bail out, so we bid him adieu.

Not 50 feet later, I realized my rear tubeless tire was squishy. It was going flat, and the sealant was dried up. So, out came the tube and pump. After a tube install and huff up session with the excellent Lezyne pump, I was good to go. Yes Tubes! WooHoo!



d.p. was sportin' the War Axe eagle on his legs!

After this there was no stopping us. We went north, east, north, west, north, and then ended up in Janesville where the requisite convenience store stop was made.

After a bit of refueling we took off again westwards. Trouble is, everything west and south of Janesville is pretty much pavement. We wandered around searching for limestone goodness, but were coming up empty handed. Heading westwards toward New Hartford would have solved our dilemma, but A-Lo had time constraints, and with me spinning a 34X18 on my El Mariachi with monster truck tires against two cyclo-cross rigs, it was not making me want to find a longer route either.



Gravelly Glory. It's up ahead and to the left.....

Eventually we made it back to Ford Road and went against a stiff southerly headwind back into Cedar Falls. I dropped off A-Lo and d.p. and made my way slowly and steadily back to my house in Waterloo.

It was a fantastic day out on a bike, but after three hours of ride time spinning like a whirling dervish and working those big meats, my legs were cooked!

It's all good though! I hope everyone had a great weekend and got to ride a bicycle.

Gravel Ride With A-Lo

<===A Great Blue Heron stalking in the backwaters.

My old co-worker A-Lo was back in town for a friends wedding this weekend and wanted to hook up for a gravel ride. I missed the last one he was back for. Not this time!

I was planning on some T.I.V6 recon with d.p., but I invited him to come along instead. So, if the T.I.V6 recon gets balled up, you can point back to this day and say, "ah ha!" Oh well, it probably won't affect that, and it was too nice a day to not be out on a bicycle. I mean, this late into November and to have close to 50 degrees? Yeah.........recon can wait!!



<===A-Lo and D.P.

The ride started out for me at my house. I had to traverse Waterloo and Cedar Falls to get to Bike Tech where the ride was to set off from. It was chilly and pretty dang foggy. I was almost tempted to put lights on, but the forecast called for clearing skies, so I took my chances.

I got over there just in time and there were three others besides me. A-Lo, d.p., and mtbidwell were there. After some futzing around with my air pressure with a pump borrowed from The Thin Man, we were off. It was decided to go around Big Woods Lake, then head over to Ford Road, and wherever we wanted after that.



<====I need work on my "Kerkove Shot" skillz!

The ride didn't get very far when we heard this awful screeching, scratching noise. It was emanating from mtbidwell's rig. His Coda front hub shat out it's bearings and was dying a horrible death. He had to bail out, so we bid him adieu.

Not 50 feet later, I realized my rear tubeless tire was squishy. It was going flat, and the sealant was dried up. So, out came the tube and pump. After a tube install and huff up session with the excellent Lezyne pump, I was good to go. Yes Tubes! WooHoo!



d.p. was sportin' the War Axe eagle on his legs!

After this there was no stopping us. We went north, east, north, west, north, and then ended up in Janesville where the requisite convenience store stop was made.

After a bit of refueling we took off again westwards. Trouble is, everything west and south of Janesville is pretty much pavement. We wandered around searching for limestone goodness, but were coming up empty handed. Heading westwards toward New Hartford would have solved our dilemma, but A-Lo had time constraints, and with me spinning a 34X18 on my El Mariachi with monster truck tires against two cyclo-cross rigs, it was not making me want to find a longer route either.



Gravelly Glory. It's up ahead and to the left.....

Eventually we made it back to Ford Road and went against a stiff southerly headwind back into Cedar Falls. I dropped off A-Lo and d.p. and made my way slowly and steadily back to my house in Waterloo.

It was a fantastic day out on a bike, but after three hours of ride time spinning like a whirling dervish and working those big meats, my legs were cooked!

It's all good though! I hope everyone had a great weekend and got to ride a bicycle.

Riding In The Halls Of Gold

<====It just doesn't get any better than this!

Fall riding is so cool because it is such a hit and miss thing. You never know what day is going to be "that" day. The one that is the height of color and with most of the leaves still on the trees.

Some years it never happens due to storms and wind. Sometimes you just don't have the day off when it hits. I used to take vacation on this week or the week before in search of perfect Fall color and experiences. I just love being there on that magical day. Out in the woods riding my bike. It is the best! And ya know what? I think I scored a jack pot of a day today. Gold baby! Just look at that!


<===Kings and Queens never had such golden halls!

The light this time of year only adds to the effect. It isn't as direct as it is in the summer, so you get a filtered light from the leaves that canopy overhead. With all the gold color, everything just looked golden, or tinged with gold. A definite "glow" was in the air. Hard to describe it, but it was really cool!






<===The Big Mama was making life smoove!

The scenes here are from Cedar Bend Park near Waverly. For whatever reason, the predominate color in this forest was yellow. No browns, no oranges, and very little red.

The trails had just the right amount of leaf coverage. Not drifted in. They were wet from an early morning shower too, so they were matted down. The soil was tacky. Rocks were slippery. It was a fun ride!



<===There is a bike in the picture somewhere!

A spectacular day and just a great day for riding in the woods. I hope everyone gets at least one great Fall ride in before the chill winds blow and the leaves fall and mournful looking bare trees are all that's left. Not that you can't have a great ride then, but the certain magic in the air on the perfect Fall day is well worth chasing after.

Have a good time chasing that day down.

Riding In The Halls Of Gold

<====It just doesn't get any better than this!

Fall riding is so cool because it is such a hit and miss thing. You never know what day is going to be "that" day. The one that is the height of color and with most of the leaves still on the trees.

Some years it never happens due to storms and wind. Sometimes you just don't have the day off when it hits. I used to take vacation on this week or the week before in search of perfect Fall color and experiences. I just love being there on that magical day. Out in the woods riding my bike. It is the best! And ya know what? I think I scored a jack pot of a day today. Gold baby! Just look at that!


<===Kings and Queens never had such golden halls!

The light this time of year only adds to the effect. It isn't as direct as it is in the summer, so you get a filtered light from the leaves that canopy overhead. With all the gold color, everything just looked golden, or tinged with gold. A definite "glow" was in the air. Hard to describe it, but it was really cool!






<===The Big Mama was making life smoove!

The scenes here are from Cedar Bend Park near Waverly. For whatever reason, the predominate color in this forest was yellow. No browns, no oranges, and very little red.

The trails had just the right amount of leaf coverage. Not drifted in. They were wet from an early morning shower too, so they were matted down. The soil was tacky. Rocks were slippery. It was a fun ride!



<===There is a bike in the picture somewhere!

A spectacular day and just a great day for riding in the woods. I hope everyone gets at least one great Fall ride in before the chill winds blow and the leaves fall and mournful looking bare trees are all that's left. Not that you can't have a great ride then, but the certain magic in the air on the perfect Fall day is well worth chasing after.

Have a good time chasing that day down.

Classic Fall Ride

<===You have to have a worthy bike....

So I went out Wednesday to go test out the WTB Dissent tires I had mounted up to the Salsa Cycles Big Mama out in the woods of The Camp. As I stepped outside to load up the truck, I felt a heavy drizzle.

Well, overcast skies, drizzle, and cool temperatures- what says "Fall" more than that? I figured it was appropriate, so I kept on with the preparations to leave. Once loaded up, I got into the truck and noticed that hey! I was going to need the windshield wipers to be on. Well, okay. Intermittent wipers. No big deal. It'll blow over and who knows? Maybe it isn't raining, or whatever- at all up at the Camp, ya know? So off I went.



<====.....and you gotta have leaf strewn trail in the woods....

Well those intermittent wipers became full on wipers once I hit the highway, but I figured that at 70mph, ya know, the wipers would need to be on all the way because my speed was like- you know.....making me run into more water droplets. I mean, it probably wasn't "that bad", okay.





<===....and then you have to have a heaping helping of tree color. That's a classic Fall ride!

Ahh! Who am I kidding here! This was a full on rain. Rats! And I was almost there. Okay- I figured once or twice down the big hill and I'd know enough for today. I could pack it in and come back again on the weekend. But then a strange thing happened. By the time I finished getting the tire pressure set, I didn't feel anymore rain. No mist. Nothin'!

On that note I sped off up the service road and had a blast riding the trails. I saw plenty of deer, and even chased a big ol' wild turkey up and it ran off a ways before taking flight. Later on I stopped and I could hear the sounds of the turkeys clucking and chirping to each other. Echoing off the woods and trailing off into silence. Cool!

It was slightly muddy and wet from the rain. Just enough to make it all interesting. The trail ride worked out great for testing the tires and I got in some wonderful time in the woods on a classic Fall day.

Hope that you all get one in soon too. Fall won't be around forever!

Classic Fall Ride

<===You have to have a worthy bike....

So I went out Wednesday to go test out the WTB Dissent tires I had mounted up to the Salsa Cycles Big Mama out in the woods of The Camp. As I stepped outside to load up the truck, I felt a heavy drizzle.

Well, overcast skies, drizzle, and cool temperatures- what says "Fall" more than that? I figured it was appropriate, so I kept on with the preparations to leave. Once loaded up, I got into the truck and noticed that hey! I was going to need the windshield wipers to be on. Well, okay. Intermittent wipers. No big deal. It'll blow over and who knows? Maybe it isn't raining, or whatever- at all up at the Camp, ya know? So off I went.



<====.....and you gotta have leaf strewn trail in the woods....

Well those intermittent wipers became full on wipers once I hit the highway, but I figured that at 70mph, ya know, the wipers would need to be on all the way because my speed was like- you know.....making me run into more water droplets. I mean, it probably wasn't "that bad", okay.





<===....and then you have to have a heaping helping of tree color. That's a classic Fall ride!

Ahh! Who am I kidding here! This was a full on rain. Rats! And I was almost there. Okay- I figured once or twice down the big hill and I'd know enough for today. I could pack it in and come back again on the weekend. But then a strange thing happened. By the time I finished getting the tire pressure set, I didn't feel anymore rain. No mist. Nothin'!

On that note I sped off up the service road and had a blast riding the trails. I saw plenty of deer, and even chased a big ol' wild turkey up and it ran off a ways before taking flight. Later on I stopped and I could hear the sounds of the turkeys clucking and chirping to each other. Echoing off the woods and trailing off into silence. Cool!

It was slightly muddy and wet from the rain. Just enough to make it all interesting. The trail ride worked out great for testing the tires and I got in some wonderful time in the woods on a classic Fall day.

Hope that you all get one in soon too. Fall won't be around forever!

Wet Ride With The Captain

Woke up Wednesday to wet, drippy conditions and overcast skies. The forecast was calling for the rains from overnight to clear out of the area by late morning with a window of opportunity for a ride happening by lunchtime. Okay, that works for me. I had some stuff I could do before then around The Lab and on the innerweb. I wasn't too worried about not getting in a ride.

Getting in a ride on a bicycle, other than commuting, (which I do not mean to belittle in any way), was rare lately what with the ill timed rains since Trans Iowa. I just have been hard pressed to find the time off that coincides with riding conditions that are better than "duck's weather".

So when I heard the pitter-patter of rain drops mid-morning, my heart sank. I thought that this rain was going away, not redeveloping. Meh! But just then, Captain Bob sent me an e-mail that indicated he had some time to scoot over for a visit. He had some bicycle parts and bikes that he needed to get back to me since they were on loan, and he just wanted to stop by. So I threw on a pot of this awesome organic coffee from a co-operative in Madison, Wisconsin called "Bike Fuel", (Thanks Craig!!!) and waited for the Captain to show up.

We had a nice chat, and when he was about to leave he says, "Hey, if you are going to pop out for a ride at Cedar Bend give me a call." I said I would. So, I made some lunch after he left and checked the radar. No shower activity, the rain was leaving!

So, I threw my riding gear on, popped the new Lynskey Ridgeline into the Dirty Blue Box, and hit the road for Cedar Bend. I called Captain Bob as I pulled out. He said he'd meet me there. I was stoked that I might get a ride in and have Captain Bob there to share it with. Cool.

Well, the skies didn't look so accommodating as I pulled out of Waterloo. Clouds were everywhere. I saw a few sprinkles on the windshield from time to time. "Thick humidity", I thought to myself as I tried to stay optimistic. It went away, but then the drops formed on the windshield again as I pulled into Cedar Bend.

Captain Bob wasn't there yet, he said he would probably get there a bit after I did. So I pulled the featherweight Ridgeline out of the car, put on my helmet and started off. The trails were tacky. Just right. I went in for a ways until I hit the first steep climb, then I heard what every single speeder dreads. "Snap!!!" Came in the direction of the chain. Gah! I stopped. Yep.......loose chain! Checked for my Allen wrenches to tension the chain. Rats! They are back at the car. I soft pedal back, make the adjustment to the sliders, and get set to go. Hmm......I notice that the "thick humidity" is getting "thicker". Ahh.........who am I kidding? It is a full on sprinkly-misty rain now. Nothing that a tree canopy can't stop though, and thankfully the canopy was out now. No Captain yet. Hmmm.........I am a bit concerned, but I speed off into the woods again, expecting the cell phone to ring any second.

I get all the way through the trails on the lower end, work my way up a longish climb, and come out on the gravel service road heading back to the campgrounds. It is raining a bit heavier now, and I am wet. The trails are getting greasy, and I am thinking I am done. I'll just call Captain Bob to let him know not to bother. Of course, just at that precise moment, you can guess what happened.

"Hey! Where are you at? I just pulled in.", says an excited Captain Bob. Realizing he knows it is raining just as much as I do, I figure a lap won't hurt. So we go out for a leisurely lap, trading bikes for a bit, and having a great time.

We get back soaked, muddy, and grinning. Man! It is great to be out riding again!

Wet Ride With The Captain

Woke up Wednesday to wet, drippy conditions and overcast skies. The forecast was calling for the rains from overnight to clear out of the area by late morning with a window of opportunity for a ride happening by lunchtime. Okay, that works for me. I had some stuff I could do before then around The Lab and on the innerweb. I wasn't too worried about not getting in a ride.

Getting in a ride on a bicycle, other than commuting, (which I do not mean to belittle in any way), was rare lately what with the ill timed rains since Trans Iowa. I just have been hard pressed to find the time off that coincides with riding conditions that are better than "duck's weather".

So when I heard the pitter-patter of rain drops mid-morning, my heart sank. I thought that this rain was going away, not redeveloping. Meh! But just then, Captain Bob sent me an e-mail that indicated he had some time to scoot over for a visit. He had some bicycle parts and bikes that he needed to get back to me since they were on loan, and he just wanted to stop by. So I threw on a pot of this awesome organic coffee from a co-operative in Madison, Wisconsin called "Bike Fuel", (Thanks Craig!!!) and waited for the Captain to show up.

We had a nice chat, and when he was about to leave he says, "Hey, if you are going to pop out for a ride at Cedar Bend give me a call." I said I would. So, I made some lunch after he left and checked the radar. No shower activity, the rain was leaving!

So, I threw my riding gear on, popped the new Lynskey Ridgeline into the Dirty Blue Box, and hit the road for Cedar Bend. I called Captain Bob as I pulled out. He said he'd meet me there. I was stoked that I might get a ride in and have Captain Bob there to share it with. Cool.

Well, the skies didn't look so accommodating as I pulled out of Waterloo. Clouds were everywhere. I saw a few sprinkles on the windshield from time to time. "Thick humidity", I thought to myself as I tried to stay optimistic. It went away, but then the drops formed on the windshield again as I pulled into Cedar Bend.

Captain Bob wasn't there yet, he said he would probably get there a bit after I did. So I pulled the featherweight Ridgeline out of the car, put on my helmet and started off. The trails were tacky. Just right. I went in for a ways until I hit the first steep climb, then I heard what every single speeder dreads. "Snap!!!" Came in the direction of the chain. Gah! I stopped. Yep.......loose chain! Checked for my Allen wrenches to tension the chain. Rats! They are back at the car. I soft pedal back, make the adjustment to the sliders, and get set to go. Hmm......I notice that the "thick humidity" is getting "thicker". Ahh.........who am I kidding? It is a full on sprinkly-misty rain now. Nothing that a tree canopy can't stop though, and thankfully the canopy was out now. No Captain yet. Hmmm.........I am a bit concerned, but I speed off into the woods again, expecting the cell phone to ring any second.

I get all the way through the trails on the lower end, work my way up a longish climb, and come out on the gravel service road heading back to the campgrounds. It is raining a bit heavier now, and I am wet. The trails are getting greasy, and I am thinking I am done. I'll just call Captain Bob to let him know not to bother. Of course, just at that precise moment, you can guess what happened.

"Hey! Where are you at? I just pulled in.", says an excited Captain Bob. Realizing he knows it is raining just as much as I do, I figure a lap won't hurt. So we go out for a leisurely lap, trading bikes for a bit, and having a great time.

We get back soaked, muddy, and grinning. Man! It is great to be out riding again!

Fall Riding Stoke

I'm really not much of a photographer, but I thought these were okay.














It's hard to take a bad shot with this early morning light, a blue sky, and fall colors starting to pop.














The trails are primo too!














Sometimes I'd just slam on the brakes and sit slack jawed for several minutes.














I didn't ride long because I'm recovering from a terrible head cold. This was just what the doctor ordered.





Awesome!

Fall Riding Stoke

I'm really not much of a photographer, but I thought these were okay.














It's hard to take a bad shot with this early morning light, a blue sky, and fall colors starting to pop.














The trails are primo too!














Sometimes I'd just slam on the brakes and sit slack jawed for several minutes.














I didn't ride long because I'm recovering from a terrible head cold. This was just what the doctor ordered.





Awesome!

Black Friday? What?

Disclaimer: I am not a "shopper" in the typical sense of the word and therefore you can take this post with a grain of salt...........

So this day, the day after Thanksgiving, is now known as "Black Friday", huh? This is just another example of mindless consumerism and how many of us become "sheeple" and fall in line with the grinding wheels of marketing. The only thing "black" about today is the skies at the stores opening time.

Well, at least the news outlets will have plenty to talk about. If you care, they will be standing outside of the malls and shopping centers documenting the carnage which will be more chaotic than a LeMans run at Moab. Headlines will predict the fall or rise of modern civilization based upon the amount of dollars transacted over the course of today and this weekend. Weary soldiers laden with bags, boxes, and baggage will scuffle home nearly destroyed by trying to find that "perfect" gift. Well, they can find solace in the knowledge that they collectively kept several media folks jobs secure and greased the wheels of commerce for a short while. Me? I've got something better in mind.

Call me "un-American", but I'm not getting anywhere close to those dens of capitalism. I am spending time with my family and riding my bicycle in the woods tomorrow with like minded friends. I won't get covered in the news, I won't help further our great economy, and I won't be bringing home any shiny gadgets to sling under a tree. I will be smiling. I will be getting sweaty and breathing in some cool crisp air. I'll be riding my bike out in a natural setting and destressing. I'll be coming home to my family and laughing and having a great time. Well, that's the plan anyway.

They can have their plan, I'll take mine above theirs anyday, Black Friday or not!

Black Friday? What?

Disclaimer: I am not a "shopper" in the typical sense of the word and therefore you can take this post with a grain of salt...........

So this day, the day after Thanksgiving, is now known as "Black Friday", huh? This is just another example of mindless consumerism and how many of us become "sheeple" and fall in line with the grinding wheels of marketing. The only thing "black" about today is the skies at the stores opening time.

Well, at least the news outlets will have plenty to talk about. If you care, they will be standing outside of the malls and shopping centers documenting the carnage which will be more chaotic than a LeMans run at Moab. Headlines will predict the fall or rise of modern civilization based upon the amount of dollars transacted over the course of today and this weekend. Weary soldiers laden with bags, boxes, and baggage will scuffle home nearly destroyed by trying to find that "perfect" gift. Well, they can find solace in the knowledge that they collectively kept several media folks jobs secure and greased the wheels of commerce for a short while. Me? I've got something better in mind.

Call me "un-American", but I'm not getting anywhere close to those dens of capitalism. I am spending time with my family and riding my bicycle in the woods tomorrow with like minded friends. I won't get covered in the news, I won't help further our great economy, and I won't be bringing home any shiny gadgets to sling under a tree. I will be smiling. I will be getting sweaty and breathing in some cool crisp air. I'll be riding my bike out in a natural setting and destressing. I'll be coming home to my family and laughing and having a great time. Well, that's the plan anyway.

They can have their plan, I'll take mine above theirs anyday, Black Friday or not!

Visiting An "Old Friend"

I had a chance to sneak in a short bicycle ride this past weekend. It had to fit in time-wise with what I had going on with the rest of my life, which meant that I could not get away to the Scout Camp, or even over across town to a couple of other local trails. Nope, this meant one thing. I had to go visit my "Old Friend".

<==The On One Inbred taking a moments rest before she got all muddy!

The trail I rode was a trail I have ridden since 1989 and one that I have hiked on in years previous to that. It is what we in the Mid-West call a river bottom trail. The modern name for an area like this would be greenbelt, I suppose and in fact, that is the official name of the area. Well, part of the name. The Leonard Katoski Green Belt, that is the full name. The trail winds it's way along the Black Hawk Creek which is a meandering stream that changes its mind about where it is going about every six months or so. This change of direction has an effect on the trail to a large degree.

I can remember parts of the trail that are long since washed downstream and in fact, the creek is still busy taking parts away and adding other new additions. This meant that my ride there was sure to be an adventure, since I had not ridden there for several months.

Sure enough, just like an old friend you have not seen in years, the trails had evolved. There were little surprises, but the main character of the trail was still very much intact. There was a high degree of familiarity, but I was caught out by some of the new changes. This trail is fun because of that. It's always throwing you a curve ball just when you think you have it figured out. The cool thing is, it is all part of the natural ebb and flow of the river and its banks. Nothing is maintenanced on these trails with the exception of the removal of large downed trees at times and a yearly mowing or two for cross country skiers and summertime users.

So, it was good to get out for a bit and ride. It was good to catch up with my "old friend". I see things have changed a bit since I was gone, but that just adds to the attraction of the place for me.

I'll be back soon.

Visiting An "Old Friend"

I had a chance to sneak in a short bicycle ride this past weekend. It had to fit in time-wise with what I had going on with the rest of my life, which meant that I could not get away to the Scout Camp, or even over across town to a couple of other local trails. Nope, this meant one thing. I had to go visit my "Old Friend".

<==The On One Inbred taking a moments rest before she got all muddy!

The trail I rode was a trail I have ridden since 1989 and one that I have hiked on in years previous to that. It is what we in the Mid-West call a river bottom trail. The modern name for an area like this would be greenbelt, I suppose and in fact, that is the official name of the area. Well, part of the name. The Leonard Katoski Green Belt, that is the full name. The trail winds it's way along the Black Hawk Creek which is a meandering stream that changes its mind about where it is going about every six months or so. This change of direction has an effect on the trail to a large degree.

I can remember parts of the trail that are long since washed downstream and in fact, the creek is still busy taking parts away and adding other new additions. This meant that my ride there was sure to be an adventure, since I had not ridden there for several months.

Sure enough, just like an old friend you have not seen in years, the trails had evolved. There were little surprises, but the main character of the trail was still very much intact. There was a high degree of familiarity, but I was caught out by some of the new changes. This trail is fun because of that. It's always throwing you a curve ball just when you think you have it figured out. The cool thing is, it is all part of the natural ebb and flow of the river and its banks. Nothing is maintenanced on these trails with the exception of the removal of large downed trees at times and a yearly mowing or two for cross country skiers and summertime users.

So, it was good to get out for a bit and ride. It was good to catch up with my "old friend". I see things have changed a bit since I was gone, but that just adds to the attraction of the place for me.

I'll be back soon.