Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Pirelli USA.

Pirelli Announces New Offerings In SmarTube Tubes:

Pirelli offers its own version of a TPU tube, tubes that are not butyl rubber, as in traditional tubes, but made from TPU material which is much lighter and can be similar in characteristics to a latex tube but with far better air retention than a latex tube. 

Pirelli announced two new SmarTube offerings, but we are most concerned here with the SmarTube X as it has offerings in sizes for gravel/all-road bikes. 

SmarTube X in the 622-40/622-50 size (fits 40mm to 50mm tires) is three times thicker than the original SmarTube and therefore much more resistant to punctures. yet the tubes are far smaller when stored and take up much less room in a bag or jersey pocket than a similarly sized butyl tube does. 

Available in Schrader or Presta valves, these tubes should provide excellent air retention as well. Currently these are not quite yet available. ETA is set as the end of September. Pricing - SmarTubes are  $39.90/each. 

Comments: I find tubes to be useful in bikes I don't ride often, and I usually carry one on every ride, no matter the bike, just in case. So, these TPU based tubes are pretty nice from that standpoint of space savings, and weighing less. I have tried the Tubolito TPU tubes and have found that they seem to work well. 

Forty bucks a pop is steep, but for the sheer space saving and weight saving benefits, I could see it for someone who runs tubeless and needs an emergency bail-out option that may as well be minimalist if you have to carry that. I also see TPU tubes as being a nice way to get a tubed bike closer to tubeless benefits without going tubeless. You don't get the pinch flat resistance, but other than that, the more robust SmarTube X seems like a decent choice for those not wanting to do the tubeless dance. 

OMM's Basket (Image courtesy of OMM)

A Basket For The Old Man:

Old Man Mountain just released the news publicly about a product they were showing privately at the MADE Show recently. It's a new aluminum basket made to fit most of their current rack line. 

• Stamped and welded aluminum construction is corrosion proof and designed to last.   
• Molle compatible: Customize your basket with accessories designed for Molle mounting pattern.
• Compatible with basket bags designed for “137” baskets.
• Bolts directly to OMM Divide, Divide Fat, Elkhorn, and Pizza Rack for a reliable and rattle free connection.

I'll admit, I am not a basket guy, so a lot of those specs are lost on me, but if the thing bolts directly to an Elkhorn or Divide rack, then I bet these will be rock solid additions to most any bike. These are available now from Old Man Mountain for $80.00. (As are the Ponderosa Panniers and Juniper Trunk Bag I am testing now) For more on this rack, see HERE. 

Image courtesy of 45NRTH

45NRTH Risor Wool Gloves:

 I posted about it being "Light Season" earlier this week, and well....glove season isn't far behind! In that vein, I have been sent a press release from 45NRTH detailing a couple of their glove offerings. One of them caught my eye which is named "Risor"

The Risor is a Merino wool blend glove that will get you by on cool, Fall rides, but it's more than that. This is a perfect liner glove for a Winter mitten, or larger full-fingered gloves. So, it can be a three-season use glove and being that it uses Merino wool, it will stay warm even if you sweat it out. Well, mostly, as it does have a synthetic fabric outer layer to it. 

But that combination of fabrics does give a wool blend glove a longer lifespan, in my experience, so that's good, plus 45NRTH have put that synthetic fabric in places where it matters most for wear. I also like the length of this glove for keeping cold air at bay since you would be able to overlap that cuff with a long sleeved jersey, or jacket, or another glove. 

I guess I should also mention that 45NRTH says this glove is touch-screen compatible. In my experience most gloves that claim this are not all that compatible with touch screens, so take that with a grain of salt. But there- 45NRTH says these gloves work with touch-screens. 

Anyway, I always am on the lookout for nice liner-type handwear for cold weather and this glove looks like it is pretty well thought out. You can pick up a pair for $45.00. Plus, if black isn't your jam it comes in a nice light blue color as well.

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth

Wolf Tooth Offers 12spd GRX Chainrings:

The "johnny-on-the-spot" award for this week goes to Wolf Tooth, who have offered 12 speed replacement rings for Shimano's new 12 speed GRX before almost anyone has even ridden the stuff yet. 

That's pretty amazing! However, the press release I got says that not only can you get 36T-46T round chain rings, but that you can get the same sizes in oval chain rings, plus Wolf Tooth is promising to have an expansion of offerings going up to 52T!

These rings feature Wolf Tooth's "Drop Stop" design and the GRX 12 compatible version is dubbed "Drop Stop ST", so don't mix that up with the various other versions available there for 11 speed SRAM, Shimano, Campy, and the rest. 

52 teeth rings, eh? Will we be seeing a time trial stage at Unbound using aero gravel bikes? HA! You heard it here first! 

Maybe Wolf Tooth could be persuaded to do inner rings for Shimano 2X GRX 12's and then I could get my preferred 46T/36T set up. Hmm.... Anyway, you can check out the details here on Wolf Tooth's site. 

Gravel with a friend...

Special Guest Gravel Grinding:

Today I should be out on a special ride with someone I haven't seen for many years. That will be going on this morning. Hopefully everything comes together to make this happen.

And you know, there is always the "if factor" and things may not pan out, but "if" they do, I'll have a special Country Views post coming up showing just who this individual is and where we rode. Hopefully.... 

Stay tuned on that one.

In the meantime, have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by to read "Guitar Ted Productions"!

Friday News And Views

Apidura Racing Handlebar Pack Image courtesy of Apidura.

Are Handlebar Packs becoming A Thing For Racing?

Last year I tested a handlebar bag from Craft Cadence which wasn't listed as a product for racing, but I suppose you could use it for that. It was a nice handle bar bag, but it had one issue I did not appreciate. The bag rested on the head tube on its bottom edge causing paint rub-through. 

I didn't think about it again until I came across this idea for a handlebar bag from Apidura which is listed as a product for racing on gravel.

I have no axe to grind with Apidura, and the idea for a bag like this is a valid one which I think is interesting. However; it would appear to my eyes that Apidura made the same mistake that Craft Cadence did with their design and allowed the bottom edge of the bag to contact the head tube of the bicycle. I really have a hard time thinking that this Apidura bag would not provide similar results to the Craft Cadence bag I tried. 

And furthermore, Apidura suggests that this is a good idea for racing? Hmm...... Not from an aerodynamic perspective, it isn't. I think perhaps long, unsupported cycling trips are where something like this shines. Somewhere that aero issues are not such a big deal. Or- Maybe the "racing" part of the name is merely there to make us think we are faster if we use such a bag? Anyway, I don't see this idea catching on with folks that are at the start line of gravel races. Top tube bags and half frame bags make more sense to me if you need storage space off your body. 

And yet there is that paint rub-through thing happening (possibly) with a bag design like this. Hmm.... Fix that and I'm interested. 

Update On Trans Iowa Stories:

As I wind down the telling of the tales behind the final Trans Iowa, I am starting to see where this is heading as far as exactly how I will wrap up the Trans Iowa Stories series. 

Originally I thought I would be done.."by late Spring or June", but that was overly optimistic, as it turns out. I think I'll blast right through June and July will probably be the month when I wrap up things. Maybe this will dip into August.

Then it is going to be a deal where I have to figure out a book, or someone suggested an audio reading of the series. That could easily be done via podcast. We will see when I get there. I have to wrap things up first.

I wanted to give you readers a heads up who have found that series interesting. The end is near! Ha! Anyway, after that series wraps up I am going to do one on the Guitar Ted Death Ride series of events which won't be quite as long, I dare say, but no less interesting. So, don't despair if you like gravel road riding tales. I have more and the GTDRI will have several interesting ones. I may even delve into routes and route finding philosophy. The other feature that many do not know about the GTDRI is that the ride figured into recon for Trans Iowa several times as well. 

So look forward to that later this year.

The Esker Ti Japhy frame.

Esker Goes Ti:

News broke on Tuesday of this week that Esker is releasing titanium versions of their Japhy and Hayduke titanium models. The following is from their press release:

“We focus on building the best riding bikes, continually improving, and tuning our ride quality with the various material and design components. When we decided to bring out our hardtail models in titanium, we concentrated on keeping the qualities that riders and reviewers love but took it a step forward by designing the bikes from scratch and using seamless, butted, and cold-shaped 3/2.5 titanium tubing." Said Esker Founder and CEO Tim Krueger.

The Japhy is the 29"er model and can take tires up to 2.8" wide. The Hayduke can do either 27.5 or 29"ers, but is aimed more at the 27.5" user. Both titanium frames will feature 'versatile braze-ons', a custom titanium chain stay yoke, and will come with a bead blasted finish with rainbow anodized graphics. Frames will ship with a Wolf Toth through axle, rocker style "Portage" drop outs, Wolf Tooth seat collar and head set. Cost for a frame set is $2300.00USD and both bikes can be set up as completes. Learn more at www.eskercycles.com 

News photo image showing container broken into.

Another Theft Of New Bikes:

Authorities reported that on May 12th a 40 foot container filled with new bicycles from Merida was broken into at a trucking facility near Felixstowe, Southampton, UK. Thieves broke the seals on the container and reportedly made off with 133 bicycles. 

Several bicycle industry media companies reported on the theft. It is another in an alarming trend seen since the pandemic-induced demand and supply chain issues have made getting bicycles difficult. Furthermore, those issues and the current inflationary climate make it so that thieves can turn these bicycles over on the black market for a handsome profit. 

Authorities are asking consumers to look out for any suspicious listings of Merida models including Big Trail 400 & 600 models,Scultura 400's, and Speeder 100 bikes.  

The facility where the theft occurred has security cameras and everything was done according to protocols concerning the container handling. Thieves still made off with most of the 210 bicycles in the container. 

DeMarchi Dues Ex Machina Portals jersey. Image courtesy of DeMarchi

Is This The "New Rapha"?

My opinions and impressions of Rapha in the beginning of their run as a cycling clothing provider were that they had a penchant for romanticizing  the 'classic' road cycling past. Their clothing was a reflection of that, being a stylized interpretation of classically inspired clothing, but with a modern take. 

Let me know if you think I got that wrong, but that is my impression of what Rapha was all about. 

Now days I feel like that feeling of romanticized classicism of mostly European road racing has been muted, if not lost, in Rapha's presentations of recent times. They still have a premium price, that hasn't changed. To be fair, Rapha has its own look and feel. They sponsor current semi-Pro and Pro road teams. And they offer fully modernized looks alongside their very simple signature looks. Good stuff, I am sure, but it is different than it was in their beginnings. 

So, I bring this up because DeMarchi, and Italian manufacturer of high-end cycling wear, just launched a US portal for their merchandise. Ironically their Heritage Collection is kind of what Rapha was hearkening back to with their original range, but Demarchi isn't taking an inspiration, and trying to interpret that. DeMarchi is just presenting their past, which is, perhaps, a bit more authentic. 

They are expensive as well, but I think the historical look is interesting and a fun way to enjoy the history of cycling. Of course, DeMarchi has a full line of cycling clothing to choose from, including stuff listed under the ubiquitous "Gravel" category. So, if you aren't into the historical deal, then you have other choices.  

But come on now- You gotta admit wearing a jersey that says "Dues Ex Machina" is pretty cool. 

That's a wrap for this week. I hope you all get in a ride or two and stay safe! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions! 

Friday News And Views

Apidura Racing Handlebar Pack Image courtesy of Apidura.

Are Handlebar Packs becoming A Thing For Racing?

Last year I tested a handlebar bag from Craft Cadence which wasn't listed as a product for racing, but I suppose you could use it for that. It was a nice handle bar bag, but it had one issue I did not appreciate. The bag rested on the head tube on its bottom edge causing paint rub-through. 

I didn't think about it again until I came across this idea for a handlebar bag from Apidura which is listed as a product for racing on gravel.

I have no axe to grind with Apidura, and the idea for a bag like this is a valid one which I think is interesting. However; it would appear to my eyes that Apidura made the same mistake that Craft Cadence did with their design and allowed the bottom edge of the bag to contact the head tube of the bicycle. I really have a hard time thinking that this Apidura bag would not provide similar results to the Craft Cadence bag I tried. 

And furthermore, Apidura suggests that this is a good idea for racing? Hmm...... Not from an aerodynamic perspective, it isn't. I think perhaps long, unsupported cycling trips are where something like this shines. Somewhere that aero issues are not such a big deal. Or- Maybe the "racing" part of the name is merely there to make us think we are faster if we use such a bag? Anyway, I don't see this idea catching on with folks that are at the start line of gravel races. Top tube bags and half frame bags make more sense to me if you need storage space off your body. 

And yet there is that paint rub-through thing happening (possibly) with a bag design like this. Hmm.... Fix that and I'm interested. 

Update On Trans Iowa Stories:

As I wind down the telling of the tales behind the final Trans Iowa, I am starting to see where this is heading as far as exactly how I will wrap up the Trans Iowa Stories series. 

Originally I thought I would be done.."by late Spring or June", but that was overly optimistic, as it turns out. I think I'll blast right through June and July will probably be the month when I wrap up things. Maybe this will dip into August.

Then it is going to be a deal where I have to figure out a book, or someone suggested an audio reading of the series. That could easily be done via podcast. We will see when I get there. I have to wrap things up first.

I wanted to give you readers a heads up who have found that series interesting. The end is near! Ha! Anyway, after that series wraps up I am going to do one on the Guitar Ted Death Ride series of events which won't be quite as long, I dare say, but no less interesting. So, don't despair if you like gravel road riding tales. I have more and the GTDRI will have several interesting ones. I may even delve into routes and route finding philosophy. The other feature that many do not know about the GTDRI is that the ride figured into recon for Trans Iowa several times as well. 

So look forward to that later this year.

The Esker Ti Japhy frame.

Esker Goes Ti:

News broke on Tuesday of this week that Esker is releasing titanium versions of their Japhy and Hayduke titanium models. The following is from their press release:

“We focus on building the best riding bikes, continually improving, and tuning our ride quality with the various material and design components. When we decided to bring out our hardtail models in titanium, we concentrated on keeping the qualities that riders and reviewers love but took it a step forward by designing the bikes from scratch and using seamless, butted, and cold-shaped 3/2.5 titanium tubing." Said Esker Founder and CEO Tim Krueger.

The Japhy is the 29"er model and can take tires up to 2.8" wide. The Hayduke can do either 27.5 or 29"ers, but is aimed more at the 27.5" user. Both titanium frames will feature 'versatile braze-ons', a custom titanium chain stay yoke, and will come with a bead blasted finish with rainbow anodized graphics. Frames will ship with a Wolf Toth through axle, rocker style "Portage" drop outs, Wolf Tooth seat collar and head set. Cost for a frame set is $2300.00USD and both bikes can be set up as completes. Learn more at www.eskercycles.com 

News photo image showing container broken into.

Another Theft Of New Bikes:

Authorities reported that on May 12th a 40 foot container filled with new bicycles from Merida was broken into at a trucking facility near Felixstowe, Southampton, UK. Thieves broke the seals on the container and reportedly made off with 133 bicycles. 

Several bicycle industry media companies reported on the theft. It is another in an alarming trend seen since the pandemic-induced demand and supply chain issues have made getting bicycles difficult. Furthermore, those issues and the current inflationary climate make it so that thieves can turn these bicycles over on the black market for a handsome profit. 

Authorities are asking consumers to look out for any suspicious listings of Merida models including Big Trail 400 & 600 models,Scultura 400's, and Speeder 100 bikes.  

The facility where the theft occurred has security cameras and everything was done according to protocols concerning the container handling. Thieves still made off with most of the 210 bicycles in the container. 

DeMarchi Dues Ex Machina Portals jersey. Image courtesy of DeMarchi

Is This The "New Rapha"?

My opinions and impressions of Rapha in the beginning of their run as a cycling clothing provider were that they had a penchant for romanticizing  the 'classic' road cycling past. Their clothing was a reflection of that, being a stylized interpretation of classically inspired clothing, but with a modern take. 

Let me know if you think I got that wrong, but that is my impression of what Rapha was all about. 

Now days I feel like that feeling of romanticized classicism of mostly European road racing has been muted, if not lost, in Rapha's presentations of recent times. They still have a premium price, that hasn't changed. To be fair, Rapha has its own look and feel. They sponsor current semi-Pro and Pro road teams. And they offer fully modernized looks alongside their very simple signature looks. Good stuff, I am sure, but it is different than it was in their beginnings. 

So, I bring this up because DeMarchi, and Italian manufacturer of high-end cycling wear, just launched a US portal for their merchandise. Ironically their Heritage Collection is kind of what Rapha was hearkening back to with their original range, but Demarchi isn't taking an inspiration, and trying to interpret that. DeMarchi is just presenting their past, which is, perhaps, a bit more authentic. 

They are expensive as well, but I think the historical look is interesting and a fun way to enjoy the history of cycling. Of course, DeMarchi has a full line of cycling clothing to choose from, including stuff listed under the ubiquitous "Gravel" category. So, if you aren't into the historical deal, then you have other choices.  

But come on now- You gotta admit wearing a jersey that says "Dues Ex Machina" is pretty cool. 

That's a wrap for this week. I hope you all get in a ride or two and stay safe! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions! 

Country Views: The First Hot Day

Rollin gravel Eastbound.

Wednesday it was a gorgeous day and was the very first day I would call "Summer-like". The skies were blue bird clear and the wind was nought but a breeze, not even worth mentioning, really. I was itching to get out there, but I had to work on RidingGravel.com first and then all the drama about the Almanzo events distracted me for a bit. But shortly after noon, I managed to load up the State Bicycle Company Warhawk single speed and I headed South, but with a twist.

Generally speaking, I go South and a mile over or so east or west and then straight back North when I'm headed out that way. But yesterday I decided to travel more toward the East than is my norm. The roads East are good, and I don't know why I don't get out that way more than I do. So, I made a concerted effort to get out of my rut in the route choice and go a different way. I am really glad that I did for several reasons, as we will see here.

Now, of course, the Warhawk is a single speed, but I took it out of fixed mode since I wrecked my hips riding it fixed a while back now. So, I wasn't worried about that, and the hills aren't super steep East and South of town until you get around Hickory Hills, but I wasn't going to have time to go quite that far.

I was able to wear just shorts and a shirt, a wool shirt, to be exact, from Showers Pass. It's a light weight Summer wool shirt with a chest pocket and it doesn't look like a cycling jersey at all. The shorts were also Showers Pass and were baggies. (Note: I reviewed the clothing here) I like not wearing Lycra stuff whenever I can. Oh yeah, and I put flats on the Warhawk and rode in the new Giant shoes I have for flat pedals. So, I was total non-racer out there. With my 39 X 18T gearing, I was all good to go. It was just gorgeous out, actually, borderline too hot at times.

Barns For Jason: Check out the pattern in the brickwork of the silo.

The roads are really coming around too. There is still a lot of damage to take care of, but the mud is gone, many of the ruts have been graded down, and there were lots of fresh gravel patches. There are also a lot of smooth-as-a-table-top parts, and along with that are plenty of loose, almost sandy parts. The dust was bad coming off the cars and trucks I met. So, the roads are bone dry now.

'merica. Check out that rare cab-over semi tractor. Don't see many of those around anymore.

Lots of gravel, green grass, and black earth on the ride. Farmers are planting like crazy now.

Like I said, there wasn't really anything to the wind, and despite it being a headwind going South, it was no big deal. I was glad for it actually. It helped drift the clouds of gravel dust off the roadway whenever a car or truck passed. Plus, it helped keep me cooler. It wasn't humid, but I was sweating! The softer roads in many places was making me earn those miles.

Lots of chunky, fresh gravel is being laid down too.

Another of the several planter rigs I saw working the fields of Black Hawk County. Note the dust.

I ended up crossing Kimball, then Highway 21, but I didn't get as far East as V-37, so then I turned South for a bit and back West on Reinbeck Road. When I came back across Highway 21, I saw that where I crossed was a stopping point for a pilot car to guide folks through a construction zone. The man holding the stop sign was busy looking at his phone, (what else?!), as a long line of cars and trucks waited behind him for their turn to follow the pilot car. As I crossed the pavement, I said hello to the man, who looked up in amazement with his mouth agape. I don't think he ever thought he'd see a cyclist on a gravel road, much less one that far out of town.

There are planted fields everywhere, but many are waiting to be worked yet.

It was a great ride. I was super happy to have gotten out and going a different way than usual was fun. As I rolled up the last miles into Waterloo, I realized something. I hadn't been accosted by any dogs! Maybe all I had to do was declare 2019 as the "Year Of The Dog" and that took care of things. Maybe I have paid my dues. Maybe it was just too warm for those furry beasts to give chase. I don't know, but that was the first time in a long time I haven't had to dismount to deal with angry mongrels.

It could have been the different route. I don't know, but I'll take it. Almost 30 miles, and I felt fantastic. The sickness I had been battling is almost a distant memory now and I am starting to feel more like myself again. Both on and off the bike.

Country Views: The First Hot Day

Rollin gravel Eastbound.

Wednesday it was a gorgeous day and was the very first day I would call "Summer-like". The skies were blue bird clear and the wind was nought but a breeze, not even worth mentioning, really. I was itching to get out there, but I had to work on RidingGravel.com first and then all the drama about the Almanzo events distracted me for a bit. But shortly after noon, I managed to load up the State Bicycle Company Warhawk single speed and I headed South, but with a twist.

Generally speaking, I go South and a mile over or so east or west and then straight back North when I'm headed out that way. But yesterday I decided to travel more toward the East than is my norm. The roads East are good, and I don't know why I don't get out that way more than I do. So, I made a concerted effort to get out of my rut in the route choice and go a different way. I am really glad that I did for several reasons, as we will see here.

Now, of course, the Warhawk is a single speed, but I took it out of fixed mode since I wrecked my hips riding it fixed a while back now. So, I wasn't worried about that, and the hills aren't super steep East and South of town until you get around Hickory Hills, but I wasn't going to have time to go quite that far.

I was able to wear just shorts and a shirt, a wool shirt, to be exact, from Showers Pass. It's a light weight Summer wool shirt with a chest pocket and it doesn't look like a cycling jersey at all. The shorts were also Showers Pass and were baggies. (Note: I reviewed the clothing here) I like not wearing Lycra stuff whenever I can. Oh yeah, and I put flats on the Warhawk and rode in the new Giant shoes I have for flat pedals. So, I was total non-racer out there. With my 39 X 18T gearing, I was all good to go. It was just gorgeous out, actually, borderline too hot at times.

Barns For Jason: Check out the pattern in the brickwork of the silo.

The roads are really coming around too. There is still a lot of damage to take care of, but the mud is gone, many of the ruts have been graded down, and there were lots of fresh gravel patches. There are also a lot of smooth-as-a-table-top parts, and along with that are plenty of loose, almost sandy parts. The dust was bad coming off the cars and trucks I met. So, the roads are bone dry now.

'merica. Check out that rare cab-over semi tractor. Don't see many of those around anymore.

Lots of gravel, green grass, and black earth on the ride. Farmers are planting like crazy now.

Like I said, there wasn't really anything to the wind, and despite it being a headwind going South, it was no big deal. I was glad for it actually. It helped drift the clouds of gravel dust off the roadway whenever a car or truck passed. Plus, it helped keep me cooler. It wasn't humid, but I was sweating! The softer roads in many places was making me earn those miles.

Lots of chunky, fresh gravel is being laid down too.

Another of the several planter rigs I saw working the fields of Black Hawk County. Note the dust.

I ended up crossing Kimball, then Highway 21, but I didn't get as far East as V-37, so then I turned South for a bit and back West on Reinbeck Road. When I came back across Highway 21, I saw that where I crossed was a stopping point for a pilot car to guide folks through a construction zone. The man holding the stop sign was busy looking at his phone, (what else?!), as a long line of cars and trucks waited behind him for their turn to follow the pilot car. As I crossed the pavement, I said hello to the man, who looked up in amazement with his mouth agape. I don't think he ever thought he'd see a cyclist on a gravel road, much less one that far out of town.

There are planted fields everywhere, but many are waiting to be worked yet.

It was a great ride. I was super happy to have gotten out and going a different way than usual was fun. As I rolled up the last miles into Waterloo, I realized something. I hadn't been accosted by any dogs! Maybe all I had to do was declare 2019 as the "Year Of The Dog" and that took care of things. Maybe I have paid my dues. Maybe it was just too warm for those furry beasts to give chase. I don't know, but that was the first time in a long time I haven't had to dismount to deal with angry mongrels.

It could have been the different route. I don't know, but I'll take it. Almost 30 miles, and I felt fantastic. The sickness I had been battling is almost a distant memory now and I am starting to feel more like myself again. Both on and off the bike.

Washing Day

Laid out to dry

That blazing ball of gaseous fire appeared in the sky again Wednesday and it was accompanied by warmer, humid air, not unlike that of a mid-July day. It was also very windy. Plans were to get shorn at the local barber shop and then to go out for a ride.

The first part happened and, well......the second part kind of did. A broken rear spoke sent me packing back home just after getting started. I didn't have another bike ready and I would have needed about the same amount of work on any of them to get out again. Well, any of the gravel rigs, that is. I've got  lot of tubeless maintenance to get through, and then I should be golden, but I've been putting it off and now this. Bah! 

Anyway, I decided that this other thing I've been putting off- namely the washing of a couple of my wool jerseys- was now a thing to get done. I have certain practices I employ when I wash my woolens and they have proven to be effective in keeping the jerseys I have used this practice on in tip-top shape.

Essentially I just hand wash them in a big five gallon bucket I have. Then I lay them out in the Sun to dry, and the windier the better. Well, that described Wednesday to a "T", so I went to work on that. Now my "Summer" weight stuff is ready to be put away for Winter.

Washing Day

Laid out to dry

That blazing ball of gaseous fire appeared in the sky again Wednesday and it was accompanied by warmer, humid air, not unlike that of a mid-July day. It was also very windy. Plans were to get shorn at the local barber shop and then to go out for a ride.

The first part happened and, well......the second part kind of did. A broken rear spoke sent me packing back home just after getting started. I didn't have another bike ready and I would have needed about the same amount of work on any of them to get out again. Well, any of the gravel rigs, that is. I've got  lot of tubeless maintenance to get through, and then I should be golden, but I've been putting it off and now this. Bah! 

Anyway, I decided that this other thing I've been putting off- namely the washing of a couple of my wool jerseys- was now a thing to get done. I have certain practices I employ when I wash my woolens and they have proven to be effective in keeping the jerseys I have used this practice on in tip-top shape.

Essentially I just hand wash them in a big five gallon bucket I have. Then I lay them out in the Sun to dry, and the windier the better. Well, that described Wednesday to a "T", so I went to work on that. Now my "Summer" weight stuff is ready to be put away for Winter.

Friday News And Views

Me. Twin Six Standard Wool Jersey. Image by Izzy

Wool For Summer: My good friend Dr. Giggles turned me on to how to stay cool in Summer. He said, "Get-cher self a wool jersey, son!" I figured he was mad, or had rolled down too many upstate New York and Vermont hills, or something. But he laid out a very convincing case, and being a member of the Slender Fungus Cycling Association, well.....I took note. 

I got a close out special on a Giro wool jersey, which I employed much of last Summer to great success. Ol' Dr. Giggles wasn't foolin' around. He knew what he was on to. So, I was on the lookout for more "Summer weight" wool jerseys, and I'll tell ya, there are not many. I just wasn't connecting with many of the ones Dr. Giggles was suggesting, and some of the others some were pushing my way didn't really hit me right either. I don't know...... I am a picky son of a gun when it comes to what I wear. Just ask Mrs. Guitar Ted!

So, anyway, I was checking out the Twin Six website one day and hey! I saw this thing called The Standard Wool. I didn't waste any time and ordered one up. Those T-6 guys just make really classy, well fitting stuff, and this was no different. However; they also don't do "mee too" design, so there are a couple of things here that are different. The colored part, (blue in my example here), is actually regular ol' jersey fabric. Which is a different touch, but they took that same idea and used it to not only give color to the three back pockets, but to give those pockets structure. Ever had something heavy-ish in a regular wool jersey pocket before? Well, if you have, you know that whatever it is ends up down around yer butt after a while bouncing around back there. Wool stretches, but the Standard Wool Jersey's pockets do not.

Brilliant!

But there's more! In the image above, you cannot tell, but I am soaking wet from a rain shower I got caught in. Hey, wool keeps you warm when that happens. Pretty awesome. Expensive? Yes. $145.00 expensive, which may scare a lot of folks off, but for how this fabric works in hot weather, it is money well spent for me. Your mileage may vary.

The new Olympus Tough TG-5

Tough Camera:

Most of the ride images and stuff I post on here and RidingGravel.com is all imagery taken with my trusty Olympus Tough TG-3. Well, it hasn't let me down yet, but I may replace it, or more likely, add something else to the camera pool. I saw that Olympus just released a Tough TG-5.

Now, I am not one to just get something because it is the next gen thing. You might have noticed I didn't mention the Tough TG-4. It was a minor change from what I had, and I did not see the value in "upgrading", if that even was an upgrade. However; there are some cool features that this TG-5 has that have given me something to chew on.

Basically, the TG-5 is somewhat similar to what I have. However; it does support RAW files, (which I haven't ever used, but probably should), and from my standpoint, better control layout and ergonomics. The TG-3 is a slippery little devil, and there isn't a lot of purchase on the camera body, which gets a little dicey while riding. (Yes.....I shoot a ton of my images while moving. So, sue me. ) The TG-5 has improved grip areas and the control dials are redesigned as well. This may be something that allows me to zoom in with one hand. That would be nice. They also redesigned the mode dial surround so that it doesn't get knocked out of the setting you select easily, which the TG-3 is really prone to do.

The accessory items available for this camera also look a bit more interesting and refined than they have offered in the past. That is a bit enticing, especially the zoom lens, so I may have to seriously consider that as well. But the main things they kept the same were good things. The "tough" features are all the same. Dust proof, freeze proof, shock resistant, and waterproof. All things I insist on for my carry-along camera on my rides. I don't want to baby sit an expensive camera while I am out riding.

It's $450.00 though, so I won't be just grabbing one right off. I need to assess my needs here, and I do have a functioning TG-3, so it isn't like I have to get a camera. But for some of the features this new one has, and the nicer video spec, I can see where it might prove to be a good upgrade, if I use it for video and RAW files, etc.

 GTDRI UPDATE:

Thanks for the feedback, and due to receiving that, I have come to some decisions on the ride.

First- We will start and end at Broad Street Brewing Company in Reinbeck, Iowa. The ride will start at 6:00am.

Second: We will be flying by the seat of our pants if it rains or is wetter than a Level B might allow us to do. We may truncate the route, or .......who knows? If it gets weird, be prepared to roll with it!

Third: This means that the route will have three possibilities for resupply, bailout, or not. First, at mile 28-ish, we will pass just West of Dysart, Iowa. I figure this will be an optional stop. Then we will be going through Traer Iowa at about mile 50. This will definitely be a stop. Then at about Mile 76 we will pass through Garwin, Iowa, and we will definitely be stopping there, I figure.

The route will be 103.5 miles. I plan on doing a recon, at least partial if not all, this holiday weekend. Stay tuned for a recon report next week sometime.

That's a wrap for this edition of Friday News And Views. Have a great weekend!

Friday News And Views

Me. Twin Six Standard Wool Jersey. Image by Izzy

Wool For Summer: My good friend Dr. Giggles turned me on to how to stay cool in Summer. He said, "Get-cher self a wool jersey, son!" I figured he was mad, or had rolled down too many upstate New York and Vermont hills, or something. But he laid out a very convincing case, and being a member of the Slender Fungus Cycling Association, well.....I took note. 

I got a close out special on a Giro wool jersey, which I employed much of last Summer to great success. Ol' Dr. Giggles wasn't foolin' around. He knew what he was on to. So, I was on the lookout for more "Summer weight" wool jerseys, and I'll tell ya, there are not many. I just wasn't connecting with many of the ones Dr. Giggles was suggesting, and some of the others some were pushing my way didn't really hit me right either. I don't know...... I am a picky son of a gun when it comes to what I wear. Just ask Mrs. Guitar Ted!

So, anyway, I was checking out the Twin Six website one day and hey! I saw this thing called The Standard Wool. I didn't waste any time and ordered one up. Those T-6 guys just make really classy, well fitting stuff, and this was no different. However; they also don't do "mee too" design, so there are a couple of things here that are different. The colored part, (blue in my example here), is actually regular ol' jersey fabric. Which is a different touch, but they took that same idea and used it to not only give color to the three back pockets, but to give those pockets structure. Ever had something heavy-ish in a regular wool jersey pocket before? Well, if you have, you know that whatever it is ends up down around yer butt after a while bouncing around back there. Wool stretches, but the Standard Wool Jersey's pockets do not.

Brilliant!

But there's more! In the image above, you cannot tell, but I am soaking wet from a rain shower I got caught in. Hey, wool keeps you warm when that happens. Pretty awesome. Expensive? Yes. $145.00 expensive, which may scare a lot of folks off, but for how this fabric works in hot weather, it is money well spent for me. Your mileage may vary.

The new Olympus Tough TG-5

Tough Camera:

Most of the ride images and stuff I post on here and RidingGravel.com is all imagery taken with my trusty Olympus Tough TG-3. Well, it hasn't let me down yet, but I may replace it, or more likely, add something else to the camera pool. I saw that Olympus just released a Tough TG-5.

Now, I am not one to just get something because it is the next gen thing. You might have noticed I didn't mention the Tough TG-4. It was a minor change from what I had, and I did not see the value in "upgrading", if that even was an upgrade. However; there are some cool features that this TG-5 has that have given me something to chew on.

Basically, the TG-5 is somewhat similar to what I have. However; it does support RAW files, (which I haven't ever used, but probably should), and from my standpoint, better control layout and ergonomics. The TG-3 is a slippery little devil, and there isn't a lot of purchase on the camera body, which gets a little dicey while riding. (Yes.....I shoot a ton of my images while moving. So, sue me. ) The TG-5 has improved grip areas and the control dials are redesigned as well. This may be something that allows me to zoom in with one hand. That would be nice. They also redesigned the mode dial surround so that it doesn't get knocked out of the setting you select easily, which the TG-3 is really prone to do.

The accessory items available for this camera also look a bit more interesting and refined than they have offered in the past. That is a bit enticing, especially the zoom lens, so I may have to seriously consider that as well. But the main things they kept the same were good things. The "tough" features are all the same. Dust proof, freeze proof, shock resistant, and waterproof. All things I insist on for my carry-along camera on my rides. I don't want to baby sit an expensive camera while I am out riding.

It's $450.00 though, so I won't be just grabbing one right off. I need to assess my needs here, and I do have a functioning TG-3, so it isn't like I have to get a camera. But for some of the features this new one has, and the nicer video spec, I can see where it might prove to be a good upgrade, if I use it for video and RAW files, etc.

 GTDRI UPDATE:

Thanks for the feedback, and due to receiving that, I have come to some decisions on the ride.

First- We will start and end at Broad Street Brewing Company in Reinbeck, Iowa. The ride will start at 6:00am.

Second: We will be flying by the seat of our pants if it rains or is wetter than a Level B might allow us to do. We may truncate the route, or .......who knows? If it gets weird, be prepared to roll with it!

Third: This means that the route will have three possibilities for resupply, bailout, or not. First, at mile 28-ish, we will pass just West of Dysart, Iowa. I figure this will be an optional stop. Then we will be going through Traer Iowa at about mile 50. This will definitely be a stop. Then at about Mile 76 we will pass through Garwin, Iowa, and we will definitely be stopping there, I figure.

The route will be 103.5 miles. I plan on doing a recon, at least partial if not all, this holiday weekend. Stay tuned for a recon report next week sometime.

That's a wrap for this edition of Friday News And Views. Have a great weekend!

RidingGravel.com Jersey Design For 2017

The design was selected by a majority of RidingGravel.com readers that voted.

Okay, this will be the jersey design I will be sporting at events for 2017. It was a design idea we posted on RidingGravel.com for the readers to vote on there and on our Facebook page as well. These are the colors that were selected.

Now for a bit of commentary on this jersey versus what I found worked for me last Summer. If you've been reading here, you know that I went with a lightweight wool jersey over a base layer and traditional bib shorts. You may be assuming that this jersey is not wool, and you would be correct. So.......now what? 

Well, never fear. I have already taken this fact into account and have looked at options to have a jersey custom made just for myself. A one-off, if you will, out of Merino wool. The plan is to get the fabric in the colors that are closest, take a sample from the regular jerseys, which I should have later on, to a local seamstress, and have that wool fashioned into an approximation of the design shown here.

It may cost an arm and a leg, but I am unwilling to go backward on the gains I realized from last season with the wool jersey. The "standard" material jersey will get worn aplenty, don't worry, but for the hot, longer events, I will be going with wool. It works for me.

Details on ordering this kit will be released later. There will be no wool jersey option offered, nor planned at this time, so don't ask.

RidingGravel.com Jersey Design For 2017

The design was selected by a majority of RidingGravel.com readers that voted.

Okay, this will be the jersey design I will be sporting at events for 2017. It was a design idea we posted on RidingGravel.com for the readers to vote on there and on our Facebook page as well. These are the colors that were selected.

Now for a bit of commentary on this jersey versus what I found worked for me last Summer. If you've been reading here, you know that I went with a lightweight wool jersey over a base layer and traditional bib shorts. You may be assuming that this jersey is not wool, and you would be correct. So.......now what? 

Well, never fear. I have already taken this fact into account and have looked at options to have a jersey custom made just for myself. A one-off, if you will, out of Merino wool. The plan is to get the fabric in the colors that are closest, take a sample from the regular jerseys, which I should have later on, to a local seamstress, and have that wool fashioned into an approximation of the design shown here.

It may cost an arm and a leg, but I am unwilling to go backward on the gains I realized from last season with the wool jersey. The "standard" material jersey will get worn aplenty, don't worry, but for the hot, longer events, I will be going with wool. It works for me.

Details on ordering this kit will be released later. There will be no wool jersey option offered, nor planned at this time, so don't ask.

GTDRI '16 Gear Review

That's me in front on the Gen I Fargo. Image by Scott Sumpter

The gear I used during my shortened attempt on the 2016 GTDRI was nearly flawless. I did have a thing or two I wasn't happy about, but I'll get to that in a minute. First, let's talk a little here about a few things that did work.

Clothing: All Summer long I have been experimenting with the wearing of a thin, lightweight wool jersey and a base layer tank top. The reasoning is that I would be more comfortable in the heat. My feeling was that once I had sweat out a synthetic jersey, my cooling capacity was hindered and I would begin to overheat. The conclusion I reached earlier this Summer was that there was definitely something to this.

Saturday wasn't brutally hot, but it was super humid, and the temperature did get well up into the 80's by afternoon. I was warm, for sure, but at no point did I ever feel over-heated, nor did I ever get those throbbing headaches when pushing things hard in the heat, which I have on several occasions before this. I'm still giving this a thumbs up until I prove otherwise. I will say that this garb is 100% more comfortable than anything I've tried before. For bottoms I've stuck with the Garneau bib shorts which also have proven to be a better bib short than any I've tried so far. Socks were Sock Guy, which work okay, and shoes were Shimano three strap Velcro closure mtb shoes that are a few years old at least now. On the head was a Walz cycling cap, and a Trek helmet. Everything was working the way it should have.

The Trusty Gen I Fargo with a couple of concerns in the component department......

There were a lot of things right with the bike, and a couple of concerns. First, the concerns....

I called out the Teravail Sparwoods in my report, and I have to say that in terms of tires for the Fargo, these have by far been the most disappointing ones I have ever used. They squirt gravel sideways, which on the surface is just annoying, but it also pitches the back end of the bike sideways at the most inopportune times. You either lose traction, momentum, or control. Sometimes all three at once. I blame that dratted puncture protection belt, which is so unforgiving that the tread area cannot deal with the quick changing gravel surfaces I ride on here in Iowa. I've tried several air pressure settings and the issues persist. I am confident that the issue is the overly stiff part of the tire, and while these have other fine attributes, I am giving them a thumbs down here.

The second concern is related to the first. Since the Sparwoods were wrenching the bike sideways so often, by the time I got to Traer they had loosened the quick release on the Sun-Ringle' wheels to the point that my rear wheel fell out when I picked up my bike to park it at the Traer convenience store stop! Needless to say, that was alarming. I watched that carefully the rest of my ride, and I had to tighten the QR one other time shortly after Traer. That time I over tightened the skewer. I did not have an issue after this. However; I've never had this happen with that skewer and these wheels in years of usage. Similar or worse conditions with these wheels on this bike have never resulted in a loose QR. I have to point to these Sparwoods and the loose gravel as the culprits at this point. I may be wrong, but I am not waiting to find out. A search for new tires is already underway. In fact I know exactly which tires I want to try next. I may even retire these wheels after that episode.

Image by Josh Lederman

Things that worked perfectly included the suite of bags from Becker Gear, J-Paks, and Bike Bag Dude. The life saver of a handle bar, the Ragley Luxy Bar, long out of production, unfortunately, staved off the left shoulder pain well. The Body Float seat post by Cirrus Cycles is like riding in a Cadillac. Smoooooth. Gold Glitter WTB SST saddle? Yes.

What can I say about the Gen I Fargo that I haven't said before? It is my favorite bike I've ever owned. I've had so many awesome adventures on this bike, and it fits so well. I could never get rid of it. Saturday was another typical "Fargo Adventure Ride" which ranks right up there with the best of the rides I've had on this bike dating all the way back to 2008. Like I have also said many a time- the Fargo Gen I has its flaws, but I have not been ticked off enough- ever- to make any of that a concern anymore. I just accept it as the quirks the bike has. Oh! One thing I noticed over the weekend was how well this fork damps vibrations. It is constantly "working" as you ride, and you can see that. These days forks are so overbuilt that the Fargo Gen I fork is a rare treat to ride on gravel roads.

My nutrition failed me, but I think I tracked it down to too much sugary crap at the Traer stop. I have to watch that. Otherwise, my Elite water additive keeps cramps at bay and helped keep me hydrated all day long. Even afterward, I never saw any signs of dehydration, so that was a big plus. I had an organic trail mix that I am sure wasn't the culprit, because I didn't start into that stuff until well after Traer. Oh well! Live and learn!

GTDRI '16 Gear Review

That's me in front on the Gen I Fargo. Image by Scott Sumpter

The gear I used during my shortened attempt on the 2016 GTDRI was nearly flawless. I did have a thing or two I wasn't happy about, but I'll get to that in a minute. First, let's talk a little here about a few things that did work.

Clothing: All Summer long I have been experimenting with the wearing of a thin, lightweight wool jersey and a base layer tank top. The reasoning is that I would be more comfortable in the heat. My feeling was that once I had sweat out a synthetic jersey, my cooling capacity was hindered and I would begin to overheat. The conclusion I reached earlier this Summer was that there was definitely something to this.

Saturday wasn't brutally hot, but it was super humid, and the temperature did get well up into the 80's by afternoon. I was warm, for sure, but at no point did I ever feel over-heated, nor did I ever get those throbbing headaches when pushing things hard in the heat, which I have on several occasions before this. I'm still giving this a thumbs up until I prove otherwise. I will say that this garb is 100% more comfortable than anything I've tried before. For bottoms I've stuck with the Garneau bib shorts which also have proven to be a better bib short than any I've tried so far. Socks were Sock Guy, which work okay, and shoes were Shimano three strap Velcro closure mtb shoes that are a few years old at least now. On the head was a Walz cycling cap, and a Trek helmet. Everything was working the way it should have.

The Trusty Gen I Fargo with a couple of concerns in the component department......

There were a lot of things right with the bike, and a couple of concerns. First, the concerns....

I called out the Teravail Sparwoods in my report, and I have to say that in terms of tires for the Fargo, these have by far been the most disappointing ones I have ever used. They squirt gravel sideways, which on the surface is just annoying, but it also pitches the back end of the bike sideways at the most inopportune times. You either lose traction, momentum, or control. Sometimes all three at once. I blame that dratted puncture protection belt, which is so unforgiving that the tread area cannot deal with the quick changing gravel surfaces I ride on here in Iowa. I've tried several air pressure settings and the issues persist. I am confident that the issue is the overly stiff part of the tire, and while these have other fine attributes, I am giving them a thumbs down here.

The second concern is related to the first. Since the Sparwoods were wrenching the bike sideways so often, by the time I got to Traer they had loosened the quick release on the Sun-Ringle' wheels to the point that my rear wheel fell out when I picked up my bike to park it at the Traer convenience store stop! Needless to say, that was alarming. I watched that carefully the rest of my ride, and I had to tighten the QR one other time shortly after Traer. That time I over tightened the skewer. I did not have an issue after this. However; I've never had this happen with that skewer and these wheels in years of usage. Similar or worse conditions with these wheels on this bike have never resulted in a loose QR. I have to point to these Sparwoods and the loose gravel as the culprits at this point. I may be wrong, but I am not waiting to find out. A search for new tires is already underway. In fact I know exactly which tires I want to try next. I may even retire these wheels after that episode.

Image by Josh Lederman

Things that worked perfectly included the suite of bags from Becker Gear, J-Paks, and Bike Bag Dude. The life saver of a handle bar, the Ragley Luxy Bar, long out of production, unfortunately, staved off the left shoulder pain well. The Body Float seat post by Cirrus Cycles is like riding in a Cadillac. Smoooooth. Gold Glitter WTB SST saddle? Yes.

What can I say about the Gen I Fargo that I haven't said before? It is my favorite bike I've ever owned. I've had so many awesome adventures on this bike, and it fits so well. I could never get rid of it. Saturday was another typical "Fargo Adventure Ride" which ranks right up there with the best of the rides I've had on this bike dating all the way back to 2008. Like I have also said many a time- the Fargo Gen I has its flaws, but I have not been ticked off enough- ever- to make any of that a concern anymore. I just accept it as the quirks the bike has. Oh! One thing I noticed over the weekend was how well this fork damps vibrations. It is constantly "working" as you ride, and you can see that. These days forks are so overbuilt that the Fargo Gen I fork is a rare treat to ride on gravel roads.

My nutrition failed me, but I think I tracked it down to too much sugary crap at the Traer stop. I have to watch that. Otherwise, my Elite water additive keeps cramps at bay and helped keep me hydrated all day long. Even afterward, I never saw any signs of dehydration, so that was a big plus. I had an organic trail mix that I am sure wasn't the culprit, because I didn't start into that stuff until well after Traer. Oh well! Live and learn!