Dratted weather! We have had to postpone the full on recon of the 2008 Trans Iowa course again. This time it is not the ice, but a big snow storm that has left behind in its wake drifts and temperatures below zero with dangerous wind chills. I don't know about you, but being in a vehicle that is stuck in a snow drift out in the middle of nowhere in Iowa with ambient air temperatures well below zero doesn't sound like a great idea. Maybe its just me? Hmm.....
The good news is that because of the data we were able to glean by the means of modern technology, we are well ahead of the curve in terms of getting our cue sheets prepared. Here is the reality of what that means. In the past, I would look at maps and come up with a proposed course. Because of the unreliability of the source materials I was using, I would have to do a physical reconnoitering of every turn and verify that roads were in fact passable. ( All of that being done in hand writing no less! ) For example: During the T.I.V3 recon, a road that had been on every single map I could find, including the D.O.T.'s online map of this particular county, was in fact closed due to a bridge being gone over the Shell Rock river. It was obvious, (once I laid eyes on the place) that the bridge had been removed several years ago. (Trees don't spring up to a height of 20 feet overnight, ya know?)
Typically maps available to the public can have data that is up to 20 years old. That doesn't cut it for me, so physical recon was necessary first before doing the cue sheets could be considered. Now with the availability to us of fairly up to the minute satellite derived maps we can do the cues pretty accurately and the mileage will be spot on. Cues may have to be slightly modified here and there, but overall we shouldn't have to drive the course first, and we are not this year. It should also be noted that because everything is sourced in the digital realm that hand writing all the cue sheets can be completely avoided now. This not only saves an enormous amount of time, but increases accuracy as well.
Actually, we really don't have to drive the course until much closer to the events time to make sure that certain features haven't been made impassable by recent actions in regards to weather and government. Still, our excitement to see the course drives us to get this done as soon as possible. You never know too, something might crop up that even the latest in mapping technology can't reveal.
We'll get out there sooner than later!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Scuttled!
Dratted weather! We have had to postpone the full on recon of the 2008 Trans Iowa course again. This time it is not the ice, but a big snow storm that has left behind in its wake drifts and temperatures below zero with dangerous wind chills. I don't know about you, but being in a vehicle that is stuck in a snow drift out in the middle of nowhere in Iowa with ambient air temperatures well below zero doesn't sound like a great idea. Maybe its just me? Hmm.....
The good news is that because of the data we were able to glean by the means of modern technology, we are well ahead of the curve in terms of getting our cue sheets prepared. Here is the reality of what that means. In the past, I would look at maps and come up with a proposed course. Because of the unreliability of the source materials I was using, I would have to do a physical reconnoitering of every turn and verify that roads were in fact passable. ( All of that being done in hand writing no less! ) For example: During the T.I.V3 recon, a road that had been on every single map I could find, including the D.O.T.'s online map of this particular county, was in fact closed due to a bridge being gone over the Shell Rock river. It was obvious, (once I laid eyes on the place) that the bridge had been removed several years ago. (Trees don't spring up to a height of 20 feet overnight, ya know?)
Typically maps available to the public can have data that is up to 20 years old. That doesn't cut it for me, so physical recon was necessary first before doing the cue sheets could be considered. Now with the availability to us of fairly up to the minute satellite derived maps we can do the cues pretty accurately and the mileage will be spot on. Cues may have to be slightly modified here and there, but overall we shouldn't have to drive the course first, and we are not this year. It should also be noted that because everything is sourced in the digital realm that hand writing all the cue sheets can be completely avoided now. This not only saves an enormous amount of time, but increases accuracy as well.
Actually, we really don't have to drive the course until much closer to the events time to make sure that certain features haven't been made impassable by recent actions in regards to weather and government. Still, our excitement to see the course drives us to get this done as soon as possible. You never know too, something might crop up that even the latest in mapping technology can't reveal.
We'll get out there sooner than later!
The good news is that because of the data we were able to glean by the means of modern technology, we are well ahead of the curve in terms of getting our cue sheets prepared. Here is the reality of what that means. In the past, I would look at maps and come up with a proposed course. Because of the unreliability of the source materials I was using, I would have to do a physical reconnoitering of every turn and verify that roads were in fact passable. ( All of that being done in hand writing no less! ) For example: During the T.I.V3 recon, a road that had been on every single map I could find, including the D.O.T.'s online map of this particular county, was in fact closed due to a bridge being gone over the Shell Rock river. It was obvious, (once I laid eyes on the place) that the bridge had been removed several years ago. (Trees don't spring up to a height of 20 feet overnight, ya know?)
Typically maps available to the public can have data that is up to 20 years old. That doesn't cut it for me, so physical recon was necessary first before doing the cue sheets could be considered. Now with the availability to us of fairly up to the minute satellite derived maps we can do the cues pretty accurately and the mileage will be spot on. Cues may have to be slightly modified here and there, but overall we shouldn't have to drive the course first, and we are not this year. It should also be noted that because everything is sourced in the digital realm that hand writing all the cue sheets can be completely avoided now. This not only saves an enormous amount of time, but increases accuracy as well.
Actually, we really don't have to drive the course until much closer to the events time to make sure that certain features haven't been made impassable by recent actions in regards to weather and government. Still, our excitement to see the course drives us to get this done as soon as possible. You never know too, something might crop up that even the latest in mapping technology can't reveal.
We'll get out there sooner than later!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
29"er Quotes Saying "Let's Ride!"
I have been posting my thoughts on some of mountain bikings, and specifically 29"ers, little quirks for some time now. However; once in awhile a couple of thoughts are offered up to me by some other really smart folks out there that I think are brilliant and need to be examined. Today's post brings you two such examples.
Disclaimer: The following is my take on each of these quotes. The author of each quote may have a bit different intent than what I have drawn from their quotes. With that understanding, let's proceed, shall we?............
"...........too many people ride on paper instead of the trail."
This gem was the closing statement in an e-mail to me regarding fork trail and geometry of a "certain 29"er" that shall for now remain nameless. The point is that their is a lot........nay, an over abundance of speculation on geometry and its effects on 29"ers. Real world riding experience and its descriptions are often overlooked when some folks get blinded by science. Too much focus on numbers and not enough time spent actually riding what they are speculating on.
This salient point was dropped in on me when I rode Mike Curiak's personal LenzSport Lunchbox during the Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon this past year. Mike sent me an e-mail after the fact telling me the trail figure, head angle and other pertinent numbers from his bike as he had it set up for me. Let me say that I was stunned. Mike put it best when he wrote me, "......but for what the numbers are it’s surprisingly capable. Much more so than most (raises hand) would guess." So it's more about how the bike rides in the "real world" and maybe the numbers are just an indication of how it might ride, not a definition of how it will ride. Food for thought for sure!
The next quote dovetails into my last comments perfectly, I think.
"29ers don't need lower gearing, 29ers need people that actually ride!"
This was pulled from the comments section of yesterday's post and I think it is okay to say that George Wissell was the writer of that. I happen to agree. It gets old reading "stories" concocted by authors you can tell have never ridden the bike they are writing about. Or that have never ridden the "theoretical geometry" that they deem as being worthy/unworthy of consideration. I know......I know.........it is the innerweb-o-sphere way to pose as an expert. You get what you pay for there, and I suppose I ought to leave it alone, since I make some gravy offa this digital realm. The thing is, the place would be much better off if people would turn off this digital black hole and ride more, (or get back to work, as the case may be!)
At any rate, I think my words might be distracting from what George wrote there, so I'll let that speak for itself. It's pretty self explanatory, really.
And I guess that's the theme of this entire post, isn't it?
Go ride yer bike already!
Disclaimer: The following is my take on each of these quotes. The author of each quote may have a bit different intent than what I have drawn from their quotes. With that understanding, let's proceed, shall we?............
"...........too many people ride on paper instead of the trail."
This gem was the closing statement in an e-mail to me regarding fork trail and geometry of a "certain 29"er" that shall for now remain nameless. The point is that their is a lot........nay, an over abundance of speculation on geometry and its effects on 29"ers. Real world riding experience and its descriptions are often overlooked when some folks get blinded by science. Too much focus on numbers and not enough time spent actually riding what they are speculating on.
This salient point was dropped in on me when I rode Mike Curiak's personal LenzSport Lunchbox during the Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon this past year. Mike sent me an e-mail after the fact telling me the trail figure, head angle and other pertinent numbers from his bike as he had it set up for me. Let me say that I was stunned. Mike put it best when he wrote me, "......but for what the numbers are it’s surprisingly capable. Much more so than most (raises hand) would guess." So it's more about how the bike rides in the "real world" and maybe the numbers are just an indication of how it might ride, not a definition of how it will ride. Food for thought for sure!
The next quote dovetails into my last comments perfectly, I think.
"29ers don't need lower gearing, 29ers need people that actually ride!"
This was pulled from the comments section of yesterday's post and I think it is okay to say that George Wissell was the writer of that. I happen to agree. It gets old reading "stories" concocted by authors you can tell have never ridden the bike they are writing about. Or that have never ridden the "theoretical geometry" that they deem as being worthy/unworthy of consideration. I know......I know.........it is the innerweb-o-sphere way to pose as an expert. You get what you pay for there, and I suppose I ought to leave it alone, since I make some gravy offa this digital realm. The thing is, the place would be much better off if people would turn off this digital black hole and ride more, (or get back to work, as the case may be!)
At any rate, I think my words might be distracting from what George wrote there, so I'll let that speak for itself. It's pretty self explanatory, really.
And I guess that's the theme of this entire post, isn't it?
Go ride yer bike already!
29"er Quotes Saying "Let's Ride!"
I have been posting my thoughts on some of mountain bikings, and specifically 29"ers, little quirks for some time now. However; once in awhile a couple of thoughts are offered up to me by some other really smart folks out there that I think are brilliant and need to be examined. Today's post brings you two such examples.
Disclaimer: The following is my take on each of these quotes. The author of each quote may have a bit different intent than what I have drawn from their quotes. With that understanding, let's proceed, shall we?............
"...........too many people ride on paper instead of the trail."
This gem was the closing statement in an e-mail to me regarding fork trail and geometry of a "certain 29"er" that shall for now remain nameless. The point is that their is a lot........nay, an over abundance of speculation on geometry and its effects on 29"ers. Real world riding experience and its descriptions are often overlooked when some folks get blinded by science. Too much focus on numbers and not enough time spent actually riding what they are speculating on.
This salient point was dropped in on me when I rode Mike Curiak's personal LenzSport Lunchbox during the Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon this past year. Mike sent me an e-mail after the fact telling me the trail figure, head angle and other pertinent numbers from his bike as he had it set up for me. Let me say that I was stunned. Mike put it best when he wrote me, "......but for what the numbers are it’s surprisingly capable. Much more so than most (raises hand) would guess." So it's more about how the bike rides in the "real world" and maybe the numbers are just an indication of how it might ride, not a definition of how it will ride. Food for thought for sure!
The next quote dovetails into my last comments perfectly, I think.
"29ers don't need lower gearing, 29ers need people that actually ride!"
This was pulled from the comments section of yesterday's post and I think it is okay to say that George Wissell was the writer of that. I happen to agree. It gets old reading "stories" concocted by authors you can tell have never ridden the bike they are writing about. Or that have never ridden the "theoretical geometry" that they deem as being worthy/unworthy of consideration. I know......I know.........it is the innerweb-o-sphere way to pose as an expert. You get what you pay for there, and I suppose I ought to leave it alone, since I make some gravy offa this digital realm. The thing is, the place would be much better off if people would turn off this digital black hole and ride more, (or get back to work, as the case may be!)
At any rate, I think my words might be distracting from what George wrote there, so I'll let that speak for itself. It's pretty self explanatory, really.
And I guess that's the theme of this entire post, isn't it?
Go ride yer bike already!
Disclaimer: The following is my take on each of these quotes. The author of each quote may have a bit different intent than what I have drawn from their quotes. With that understanding, let's proceed, shall we?............
"...........too many people ride on paper instead of the trail."
This gem was the closing statement in an e-mail to me regarding fork trail and geometry of a "certain 29"er" that shall for now remain nameless. The point is that their is a lot........nay, an over abundance of speculation on geometry and its effects on 29"ers. Real world riding experience and its descriptions are often overlooked when some folks get blinded by science. Too much focus on numbers and not enough time spent actually riding what they are speculating on.
This salient point was dropped in on me when I rode Mike Curiak's personal LenzSport Lunchbox during the Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon this past year. Mike sent me an e-mail after the fact telling me the trail figure, head angle and other pertinent numbers from his bike as he had it set up for me. Let me say that I was stunned. Mike put it best when he wrote me, "......but for what the numbers are it’s surprisingly capable. Much more so than most (raises hand) would guess." So it's more about how the bike rides in the "real world" and maybe the numbers are just an indication of how it might ride, not a definition of how it will ride. Food for thought for sure!
The next quote dovetails into my last comments perfectly, I think.
"29ers don't need lower gearing, 29ers need people that actually ride!"
This was pulled from the comments section of yesterday's post and I think it is okay to say that George Wissell was the writer of that. I happen to agree. It gets old reading "stories" concocted by authors you can tell have never ridden the bike they are writing about. Or that have never ridden the "theoretical geometry" that they deem as being worthy/unworthy of consideration. I know......I know.........it is the innerweb-o-sphere way to pose as an expert. You get what you pay for there, and I suppose I ought to leave it alone, since I make some gravy offa this digital realm. The thing is, the place would be much better off if people would turn off this digital black hole and ride more, (or get back to work, as the case may be!)
At any rate, I think my words might be distracting from what George wrote there, so I'll let that speak for itself. It's pretty self explanatory, really.
And I guess that's the theme of this entire post, isn't it?
Go ride yer bike already!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Gears For Tweakers
I posted a story on these cranks on Twenty Nine Inches because of the hue and cry I have seen over the last couple of years regarding the "gearing discrepancy" between 26"ers and 29"ers. Other than to say That I think the Campy Record OR crank set was awesome, I'm not going to get into the details of this lost gem.
I'll just chime in here to say that I don't quite understand the 20-30-42 crank set that folks want on their 29"ers. I know some will swear that it is totally necessary, and I wouldn't begrudge them having a choice in that regard, but I just do not think it is necessary for all 29"er crank sets or that it is a "29"er specific" problem.
I have ridden a 20T granny on a 26"er with a low cog out back of 32T. A rediculously low gear that I could never hook up with. Way too much torque and quite honestly, barely faster than walking. In the situation "required" for using such a low gear, I would probably be walking no matter what. Also, I have ridden a mountain in Colorado, Vail mountain to be exact, where the switchbacked climb was counted in miles. Yes, I was using a granny gear, but it was a "standard" crank with a 24T low. Yes, I was barely going faster than I could walk, but I figure that it was more me and not so much the bike. More me as in fat me, outta shape me, never had ridden in Colorado before me. Get the picture?
To add to this, I have also ridden HWY 16 west out of Rapid City, SD on a loaded touring bike that weighed so much with all it's gear I could barely lift it up. Gearing? Campy Icarus crankset (26Tgranny) with a 28T low gear out back. Yes, I was in granny for , what is that climb, like five miles? I was clipping along fairly well, as I recall. I had about five days of riding that rig at 100 miles average a day under my belt. A bit better shape than I was in at Vail. Anyway, it worked well, never wanted a lower gear.
So, I'm not really convinced that 29"ers need lower geared cranksets. I am convinced that certain people do. Whatever wheel size they ride on. That crank idea from Campy is a good one and something like it should be available so you can run low, low gears.
It just isn't a 29"er specific problem though.
Gears For Tweakers
I posted a story on these cranks on Twenty Nine Inches because of the hue and cry I have seen over the last couple of years regarding the "gearing discrepancy" between 26"ers and 29"ers. Other than to say That I think the Campy Record OR crank set was awesome, I'm not going to get into the details of this lost gem.
I'll just chime in here to say that I don't quite understand the 20-30-42 crank set that folks want on their 29"ers. I know some will swear that it is totally necessary, and I wouldn't begrudge them having a choice in that regard, but I just do not think it is necessary for all 29"er crank sets or that it is a "29"er specific" problem.
I have ridden a 20T granny on a 26"er with a low cog out back of 32T. A rediculously low gear that I could never hook up with. Way too much torque and quite honestly, barely faster than walking. In the situation "required" for using such a low gear, I would probably be walking no matter what. Also, I have ridden a mountain in Colorado, Vail mountain to be exact, where the switchbacked climb was counted in miles. Yes, I was using a granny gear, but it was a "standard" crank with a 24T low. Yes, I was barely going faster than I could walk, but I figure that it was more me and not so much the bike. More me as in fat me, outta shape me, never had ridden in Colorado before me. Get the picture?
To add to this, I have also ridden HWY 16 west out of Rapid City, SD on a loaded touring bike that weighed so much with all it's gear I could barely lift it up. Gearing? Campy Icarus crankset (26Tgranny) with a 28T low gear out back. Yes, I was in granny for , what is that climb, like five miles? I was clipping along fairly well, as I recall. I had about five days of riding that rig at 100 miles average a day under my belt. A bit better shape than I was in at Vail. Anyway, it worked well, never wanted a lower gear.
So, I'm not really convinced that 29"ers need lower geared cranksets. I am convinced that certain people do. Whatever wheel size they ride on. That crank idea from Campy is a good one and something like it should be available so you can run low, low gears.
It just isn't a 29"er specific problem though.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Maybe It's Time I Tried This
Okay, maybe I've lost my marbles, or maybe it's just the evil influence of certain bloggers. What ever it is, I have got a bug to do not just one, but two bikes as fixies. Yeah...........fixies as in no coasting. This coming from a guy the road bike freaks around here used to call "The Coast King". I know.........it seems weird, but here goes..................
Fixie #1: The classic fixie "rat ride". I am not sure what goes on in other areas of the country with the "fixed gear culture", I only know what rolls out of our shop and around this area when it comes to coast free living. So this rig fits the bill for a "on the cheap" fixie 'round these parts. Your mileage may vary. Here is what I've got: Old Raliegh Grand Prix, 70's vintage. No braze ons, horizontal drops, and a cottered crank. Converted to 700c and fixed by using an old spin on free hub compatible wheel, respaced and redished. Fixed with a Miche' 17T cog and an old bottom bracket lock ring. I won't be able to do any cool "fixe tricks" especially skids, because the fixed cog could back off. Just toodling on this one. I have brakes on it and studded tires for the ice. Pics soon, although she ain't much to look at.
Fixie #2: The re-birth of the Campstove Green Karate Monkey! Yes........off road fixed! This one is a little more serious. I'll have my Chocolate Chip wheels on it. These are the ones that have the Surly Jim Brown hubs laced to Velocity Deep V rims that are powder coated chocolate brown. Nutted axles! Tomi Cog on one side, freewheel on the other in case I get sketched out or way tired. (Yes.......this means no rear brake! I hardly ever use the rear brake any how.) The front will be a disc braked, normal wheel. I'll be getting the Tomi Cog soon and the rest of the bike will be coming together slow but sure. I'll probably be getting it done, oh say about the time the sun is out till 8pm 'round these parts. Soon, but not soon enough!
So, I've probably just signed a death sentence for my knees, but I have been curious for awhile about all of the fixed gear stuff and how I might do riding one, especially off road. No knickers, no "fancy messenger bag" (mine has real use commuting stains, by the way) and no latte's at some cafe' I can't pronounce the name of. If this guy comes around to make fun-o-me, he's barkin' up the wrong tree. I don't give a rip whatcha do out there in fashionista land, I just want to try this thing out before I get any older and see if I can hack it. So there!
I'll be riding the Raliegh soon. Reports to follow.
Fixie #1: The classic fixie "rat ride". I am not sure what goes on in other areas of the country with the "fixed gear culture", I only know what rolls out of our shop and around this area when it comes to coast free living. So this rig fits the bill for a "on the cheap" fixie 'round these parts. Your mileage may vary. Here is what I've got: Old Raliegh Grand Prix, 70's vintage. No braze ons, horizontal drops, and a cottered crank. Converted to 700c and fixed by using an old spin on free hub compatible wheel, respaced and redished. Fixed with a Miche' 17T cog and an old bottom bracket lock ring. I won't be able to do any cool "fixe tricks" especially skids, because the fixed cog could back off. Just toodling on this one. I have brakes on it and studded tires for the ice. Pics soon, although she ain't much to look at.
Fixie #2: The re-birth of the Campstove Green Karate Monkey! Yes........off road fixed! This one is a little more serious. I'll have my Chocolate Chip wheels on it. These are the ones that have the Surly Jim Brown hubs laced to Velocity Deep V rims that are powder coated chocolate brown. Nutted axles! Tomi Cog on one side, freewheel on the other in case I get sketched out or way tired. (Yes.......this means no rear brake! I hardly ever use the rear brake any how.) The front will be a disc braked, normal wheel. I'll be getting the Tomi Cog soon and the rest of the bike will be coming together slow but sure. I'll probably be getting it done, oh say about the time the sun is out till 8pm 'round these parts. Soon, but not soon enough!
So, I've probably just signed a death sentence for my knees, but I have been curious for awhile about all of the fixed gear stuff and how I might do riding one, especially off road. No knickers, no "fancy messenger bag" (mine has real use commuting stains, by the way) and no latte's at some cafe' I can't pronounce the name of. If this guy comes around to make fun-o-me, he's barkin' up the wrong tree. I don't give a rip whatcha do out there in fashionista land, I just want to try this thing out before I get any older and see if I can hack it. So there!
I'll be riding the Raliegh soon. Reports to follow.
Maybe It's Time I Tried This
Okay, maybe I've lost my marbles, or maybe it's just the evil influence of certain bloggers. What ever it is, I have got a bug to do not just one, but two bikes as fixies. Yeah...........fixies as in no coasting. This coming from a guy the road bike freaks around here used to call "The Coast King". I know.........it seems weird, but here goes..................
Fixie #1: The classic fixie "rat ride". I am not sure what goes on in other areas of the country with the "fixed gear culture", I only know what rolls out of our shop and around this area when it comes to coast free living. So this rig fits the bill for a "on the cheap" fixie 'round these parts. Your mileage may vary. Here is what I've got: Old Raliegh Grand Prix, 70's vintage. No braze ons, horizontal drops, and a cottered crank. Converted to 700c and fixed by using an old spin on free hub compatible wheel, respaced and redished. Fixed with a Miche' 17T cog and an old bottom bracket lock ring. I won't be able to do any cool "fixe tricks" especially skids, because the fixed cog could back off. Just toodling on this one. I have brakes on it and studded tires for the ice. Pics soon, although she ain't much to look at.
Fixie #2: The re-birth of the Campstove Green Karate Monkey! Yes........off road fixed! This one is a little more serious. I'll have my Chocolate Chip wheels on it. These are the ones that have the Surly Jim Brown hubs laced to Velocity Deep V rims that are powder coated chocolate brown. Nutted axles! Tomi Cog on one side, freewheel on the other in case I get sketched out or way tired. (Yes.......this means no rear brake! I hardly ever use the rear brake any how.) The front will be a disc braked, normal wheel. I'll be getting the Tomi Cog soon and the rest of the bike will be coming together slow but sure. I'll probably be getting it done, oh say about the time the sun is out till 8pm 'round these parts. Soon, but not soon enough!
So, I've probably just signed a death sentence for my knees, but I have been curious for awhile about all of the fixed gear stuff and how I might do riding one, especially off road. No knickers, no "fancy messenger bag" (mine has real use commuting stains, by the way) and no latte's at some cafe' I can't pronounce the name of. If this guy comes around to make fun-o-me, he's barkin' up the wrong tree. I don't give a rip whatcha do out there in fashionista land, I just want to try this thing out before I get any older and see if I can hack it. So there!
I'll be riding the Raliegh soon. Reports to follow.
Fixie #1: The classic fixie "rat ride". I am not sure what goes on in other areas of the country with the "fixed gear culture", I only know what rolls out of our shop and around this area when it comes to coast free living. So this rig fits the bill for a "on the cheap" fixie 'round these parts. Your mileage may vary. Here is what I've got: Old Raliegh Grand Prix, 70's vintage. No braze ons, horizontal drops, and a cottered crank. Converted to 700c and fixed by using an old spin on free hub compatible wheel, respaced and redished. Fixed with a Miche' 17T cog and an old bottom bracket lock ring. I won't be able to do any cool "fixe tricks" especially skids, because the fixed cog could back off. Just toodling on this one. I have brakes on it and studded tires for the ice. Pics soon, although she ain't much to look at.
Fixie #2: The re-birth of the Campstove Green Karate Monkey! Yes........off road fixed! This one is a little more serious. I'll have my Chocolate Chip wheels on it. These are the ones that have the Surly Jim Brown hubs laced to Velocity Deep V rims that are powder coated chocolate brown. Nutted axles! Tomi Cog on one side, freewheel on the other in case I get sketched out or way tired. (Yes.......this means no rear brake! I hardly ever use the rear brake any how.) The front will be a disc braked, normal wheel. I'll be getting the Tomi Cog soon and the rest of the bike will be coming together slow but sure. I'll probably be getting it done, oh say about the time the sun is out till 8pm 'round these parts. Soon, but not soon enough!
So, I've probably just signed a death sentence for my knees, but I have been curious for awhile about all of the fixed gear stuff and how I might do riding one, especially off road. No knickers, no "fancy messenger bag" (mine has real use commuting stains, by the way) and no latte's at some cafe' I can't pronounce the name of. If this guy comes around to make fun-o-me, he's barkin' up the wrong tree. I don't give a rip whatcha do out there in fashionista land, I just want to try this thing out before I get any older and see if I can hack it. So there!
I'll be riding the Raliegh soon. Reports to follow.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Weekend In Review
I had a very non-biking busy weekend and still managed to squeeze in a ride! Ha! I didn't think it was going to be as fun as it was, but the snow was crusty enough that it held me up, (mostly) and I got some nice easy spinning in. Exactly what I needed.
Other bike related stuff was a happening too. Trans Iowa recon was scheduled for Saturday the 19th. I think Mr. 24 and I did a bit of winter recon once, I seem to remember a bit of drifted in B road once upon a time. I've seen so many miles of gravel they all start to blend together at some point! Anyhow, we are going out and I can not wait to see the lay of the land. I've gotten some GPS generated map turns and some other data from d.p. Man! Is it ever helpful to have him on board this go 'round. We practically have cue sheets done without ever going out of our doors! I've been pouring over the data and so far it is looking great. Checkpoints have been designated, at least in the general sense. Specific locations in each city will be identified as we roll through next weekend. Look for an update next week on the T.I.V4 website.
I was also busy considering an offer over the weekend for a new single speed device. I have decided to replace the ol' Inbred with something a bit more, shall we say, stylish. I won't give too much away here, but I can say that this will be a frame and fork that will have the Inbred's parts transferred over to. That means I'll have something just sitting around the Lab and that isn't a good thing for me. It might be for you, maybe. Get the picture? More on the mystery machine later.
Okay, so that was my biking related stuff from the weekend. The rest was all family stuff and playing guitar, which I get to do a little more of tonight. Yeah..........I like that! I noticed a lot of blogging cyclist are now putting a subtext or a sidebar on their blogs/posts that tells us all what they are listening to. Well, I figure I'll go a similar route, but instead of putting on a note about what I'm listen to musically, I'll put a note up on what I'm playing music on. Here is the first one....................
What I'm Pickin' On: 1988 Fender Stratocaster "Strat Plus" with Wilkinson tremolo and Lace sensor pickups. Antique White with a maple fretboard.
Other bike related stuff was a happening too. Trans Iowa recon was scheduled for Saturday the 19th. I think Mr. 24 and I did a bit of winter recon once, I seem to remember a bit of drifted in B road once upon a time. I've seen so many miles of gravel they all start to blend together at some point! Anyhow, we are going out and I can not wait to see the lay of the land. I've gotten some GPS generated map turns and some other data from d.p. Man! Is it ever helpful to have him on board this go 'round. We practically have cue sheets done without ever going out of our doors! I've been pouring over the data and so far it is looking great. Checkpoints have been designated, at least in the general sense. Specific locations in each city will be identified as we roll through next weekend. Look for an update next week on the T.I.V4 website.
I was also busy considering an offer over the weekend for a new single speed device. I have decided to replace the ol' Inbred with something a bit more, shall we say, stylish. I won't give too much away here, but I can say that this will be a frame and fork that will have the Inbred's parts transferred over to. That means I'll have something just sitting around the Lab and that isn't a good thing for me. It might be for you, maybe. Get the picture? More on the mystery machine later.
Okay, so that was my biking related stuff from the weekend. The rest was all family stuff and playing guitar, which I get to do a little more of tonight. Yeah..........I like that! I noticed a lot of blogging cyclist are now putting a subtext or a sidebar on their blogs/posts that tells us all what they are listening to. Well, I figure I'll go a similar route, but instead of putting on a note about what I'm listen to musically, I'll put a note up on what I'm playing music on. Here is the first one....................
What I'm Pickin' On: 1988 Fender Stratocaster "Strat Plus" with Wilkinson tremolo and Lace sensor pickups. Antique White with a maple fretboard.
Weekend In Review
I had a very non-biking busy weekend and still managed to squeeze in a ride! Ha! I didn't think it was going to be as fun as it was, but the snow was crusty enough that it held me up, (mostly) and I got some nice easy spinning in. Exactly what I needed.
Other bike related stuff was a happening too. Trans Iowa recon was scheduled for Saturday the 19th. I think Mr. 24 and I did a bit of winter recon once, I seem to remember a bit of drifted in B road once upon a time. I've seen so many miles of gravel they all start to blend together at some point! Anyhow, we are going out and I can not wait to see the lay of the land. I've gotten some GPS generated map turns and some other data from d.p. Man! Is it ever helpful to have him on board this go 'round. We practically have cue sheets done without ever going out of our doors! I've been pouring over the data and so far it is looking great. Checkpoints have been designated, at least in the general sense. Specific locations in each city will be identified as we roll through next weekend. Look for an update next week on the T.I.V4 website.
I was also busy considering an offer over the weekend for a new single speed device. I have decided to replace the ol' Inbred with something a bit more, shall we say, stylish. I won't give too much away here, but I can say that this will be a frame and fork that will have the Inbred's parts transferred over to. That means I'll have something just sitting around the Lab and that isn't a good thing for me. It might be for you, maybe. Get the picture? More on the mystery machine later.
Okay, so that was my biking related stuff from the weekend. The rest was all family stuff and playing guitar, which I get to do a little more of tonight. Yeah..........I like that! I noticed a lot of blogging cyclist are now putting a subtext or a sidebar on their blogs/posts that tells us all what they are listening to. Well, I figure I'll go a similar route, but instead of putting on a note about what I'm listen to musically, I'll put a note up on what I'm playing music on. Here is the first one....................
What I'm Pickin' On: 1988 Fender Stratocaster "Strat Plus" with Wilkinson tremolo and Lace sensor pickups. Antique White with a maple fretboard.
Other bike related stuff was a happening too. Trans Iowa recon was scheduled for Saturday the 19th. I think Mr. 24 and I did a bit of winter recon once, I seem to remember a bit of drifted in B road once upon a time. I've seen so many miles of gravel they all start to blend together at some point! Anyhow, we are going out and I can not wait to see the lay of the land. I've gotten some GPS generated map turns and some other data from d.p. Man! Is it ever helpful to have him on board this go 'round. We practically have cue sheets done without ever going out of our doors! I've been pouring over the data and so far it is looking great. Checkpoints have been designated, at least in the general sense. Specific locations in each city will be identified as we roll through next weekend. Look for an update next week on the T.I.V4 website.
I was also busy considering an offer over the weekend for a new single speed device. I have decided to replace the ol' Inbred with something a bit more, shall we say, stylish. I won't give too much away here, but I can say that this will be a frame and fork that will have the Inbred's parts transferred over to. That means I'll have something just sitting around the Lab and that isn't a good thing for me. It might be for you, maybe. Get the picture? More on the mystery machine later.
Okay, so that was my biking related stuff from the weekend. The rest was all family stuff and playing guitar, which I get to do a little more of tonight. Yeah..........I like that! I noticed a lot of blogging cyclist are now putting a subtext or a sidebar on their blogs/posts that tells us all what they are listening to. Well, I figure I'll go a similar route, but instead of putting on a note about what I'm listen to musically, I'll put a note up on what I'm playing music on. Here is the first one....................
What I'm Pickin' On: 1988 Fender Stratocaster "Strat Plus" with Wilkinson tremolo and Lace sensor pickups. Antique White with a maple fretboard.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Are We Making It Too Easy?
I read something today from one of my favorite blogs, "Gnat Likes Bikes". It's a quote gathered on a self supported tour from one of the folks Gnat met.
"You drop a guy out in the wilderness naked with some basics to survive. If he walks out with a dead animal and some clothing, he's a hunter!"
You know, that got me to thinking. Are we really mountain bikers? Are we true off road cyclists? (Hint: Go read Gnat's post for his take on what hunting has become)
I'm left thinking about this dual suspension this and the 27 speed drivetrains. I'm thinking of the heart rate monitors, the GPS, the nutritional glop, and the latest lycra kit. I don't know about all this stuff. Is it really necessary? Does it make it too easy? Too safe?
I am not saying I have all the answers here, but I do know a few things. I love to just jump on a bike and ride it. Yes.......with no helmet, no riding shorts, and no extra gee gaws! Just me and a bike. I love that feeling. Of course, it isn't really cool to do that, but I'm just being honest here.
Another thing I know: I like my single speed with a rigid fork. It is harder, it hurts more, and it doesn't allow me to go super crazy fast over rough terrain. But I am okay with that. I like going a bit slower. Having to get off up a climb allows me to pay attention more to my surroundings. I listen and look. I like looking at the clean lines of a single speed. I like the simplicity of maintenance.
I know I like to ride in the woods with no heart rate monitor, no computer, and no "nutritional items". I like to just drink some water. I'll eat when I get home, ya know?
I don't have the answer to whether or not we make it too easy. I do enjoy a great FS bike, having no cramps, and a high quality chamois in my shorts. Being comfortable after hours of rough terrain, having my helmet, and a map. It's just that I think we are missing something, and Gnat's quote made me think about those things.
I'll have to go out for a ride and think that one over.
"You drop a guy out in the wilderness naked with some basics to survive. If he walks out with a dead animal and some clothing, he's a hunter!"
You know, that got me to thinking. Are we really mountain bikers? Are we true off road cyclists? (Hint: Go read Gnat's post for his take on what hunting has become)
I'm left thinking about this dual suspension this and the 27 speed drivetrains. I'm thinking of the heart rate monitors, the GPS, the nutritional glop, and the latest lycra kit. I don't know about all this stuff. Is it really necessary? Does it make it too easy? Too safe?
I am not saying I have all the answers here, but I do know a few things. I love to just jump on a bike and ride it. Yes.......with no helmet, no riding shorts, and no extra gee gaws! Just me and a bike. I love that feeling. Of course, it isn't really cool to do that, but I'm just being honest here.
Another thing I know: I like my single speed with a rigid fork. It is harder, it hurts more, and it doesn't allow me to go super crazy fast over rough terrain. But I am okay with that. I like going a bit slower. Having to get off up a climb allows me to pay attention more to my surroundings. I listen and look. I like looking at the clean lines of a single speed. I like the simplicity of maintenance.
I know I like to ride in the woods with no heart rate monitor, no computer, and no "nutritional items". I like to just drink some water. I'll eat when I get home, ya know?
I don't have the answer to whether or not we make it too easy. I do enjoy a great FS bike, having no cramps, and a high quality chamois in my shorts. Being comfortable after hours of rough terrain, having my helmet, and a map. It's just that I think we are missing something, and Gnat's quote made me think about those things.
I'll have to go out for a ride and think that one over.
Are We Making It Too Easy?
I read something today from one of my favorite blogs, "Gnat Likes Bikes". It's a quote gathered on a self supported tour from one of the folks Gnat met.
"You drop a guy out in the wilderness naked with some basics to survive. If he walks out with a dead animal and some clothing, he's a hunter!"
You know, that got me to thinking. Are we really mountain bikers? Are we true off road cyclists? (Hint: Go read Gnat's post for his take on what hunting has become)
I'm left thinking about this dual suspension this and the 27 speed drivetrains. I'm thinking of the heart rate monitors, the GPS, the nutritional glop, and the latest lycra kit. I don't know about all this stuff. Is it really necessary? Does it make it too easy? Too safe?
I am not saying I have all the answers here, but I do know a few things. I love to just jump on a bike and ride it. Yes.......with no helmet, no riding shorts, and no extra gee gaws! Just me and a bike. I love that feeling. Of course, it isn't really cool to do that, but I'm just being honest here.
Another thing I know: I like my single speed with a rigid fork. It is harder, it hurts more, and it doesn't allow me to go super crazy fast over rough terrain. But I am okay with that. I like going a bit slower. Having to get off up a climb allows me to pay attention more to my surroundings. I listen and look. I like looking at the clean lines of a single speed. I like the simplicity of maintenance.
I know I like to ride in the woods with no heart rate monitor, no computer, and no "nutritional items". I like to just drink some water. I'll eat when I get home, ya know?
I don't have the answer to whether or not we make it too easy. I do enjoy a great FS bike, having no cramps, and a high quality chamois in my shorts. Being comfortable after hours of rough terrain, having my helmet, and a map. It's just that I think we are missing something, and Gnat's quote made me think about those things.
I'll have to go out for a ride and think that one over.
"You drop a guy out in the wilderness naked with some basics to survive. If he walks out with a dead animal and some clothing, he's a hunter!"
You know, that got me to thinking. Are we really mountain bikers? Are we true off road cyclists? (Hint: Go read Gnat's post for his take on what hunting has become)
I'm left thinking about this dual suspension this and the 27 speed drivetrains. I'm thinking of the heart rate monitors, the GPS, the nutritional glop, and the latest lycra kit. I don't know about all this stuff. Is it really necessary? Does it make it too easy? Too safe?
I am not saying I have all the answers here, but I do know a few things. I love to just jump on a bike and ride it. Yes.......with no helmet, no riding shorts, and no extra gee gaws! Just me and a bike. I love that feeling. Of course, it isn't really cool to do that, but I'm just being honest here.
Another thing I know: I like my single speed with a rigid fork. It is harder, it hurts more, and it doesn't allow me to go super crazy fast over rough terrain. But I am okay with that. I like going a bit slower. Having to get off up a climb allows me to pay attention more to my surroundings. I listen and look. I like looking at the clean lines of a single speed. I like the simplicity of maintenance.
I know I like to ride in the woods with no heart rate monitor, no computer, and no "nutritional items". I like to just drink some water. I'll eat when I get home, ya know?
I don't have the answer to whether or not we make it too easy. I do enjoy a great FS bike, having no cramps, and a high quality chamois in my shorts. Being comfortable after hours of rough terrain, having my helmet, and a map. It's just that I think we are missing something, and Gnat's quote made me think about those things.
I'll have to go out for a ride and think that one over.
Friday, January 11, 2008
What I Can Say Is.........
Well, Of the several things rolling around in my mind today, there are only a few that I can actually mention on a public forum such as this today. I know, I know......I've hinted around before about things of a secretive nature and I know it's not fun to click over to this site and read, "I've got a secret" and not read what it is. But.......that's reality right now for me. That is what is going on in my head.
Soon enough it will all be revealed. It all hasn't got to do with me directly either, but some of it does.
I can say that I am getting really excited about what Trans Iowa is going to be this year. The route is going to be spectacular from a challenge standpoint. I'm hoping it is good from a riders perspective too, but that will be seen as soon as d.p. and I get out there and verify it. The event has several volunteers so far, which is amazing from the standpoint that I have not actively seeked out anybody. They have all stepped forward on their own. (By the way, we could use one or two more folks to help, if you are so inclined)
So, details have to be ironed out yet, but the 2008 version of T.I. looks to be falling together quite nicely as of now.
And as for gravel, I will be getting some in this weekend, (hopefully) and I will be very busy playing in the church band on electric guitar and running some side projects down in the lab.
Hopefully you can get a bike ride in too! Have a great weekend.
Soon enough it will all be revealed. It all hasn't got to do with me directly either, but some of it does.
I can say that I am getting really excited about what Trans Iowa is going to be this year. The route is going to be spectacular from a challenge standpoint. I'm hoping it is good from a riders perspective too, but that will be seen as soon as d.p. and I get out there and verify it. The event has several volunteers so far, which is amazing from the standpoint that I have not actively seeked out anybody. They have all stepped forward on their own. (By the way, we could use one or two more folks to help, if you are so inclined)
So, details have to be ironed out yet, but the 2008 version of T.I. looks to be falling together quite nicely as of now.
And as for gravel, I will be getting some in this weekend, (hopefully) and I will be very busy playing in the church band on electric guitar and running some side projects down in the lab.
Hopefully you can get a bike ride in too! Have a great weekend.
What I Can Say Is.........
Well, Of the several things rolling around in my mind today, there are only a few that I can actually mention on a public forum such as this today. I know, I know......I've hinted around before about things of a secretive nature and I know it's not fun to click over to this site and read, "I've got a secret" and not read what it is. But.......that's reality right now for me. That is what is going on in my head.
Soon enough it will all be revealed. It all hasn't got to do with me directly either, but some of it does.
I can say that I am getting really excited about what Trans Iowa is going to be this year. The route is going to be spectacular from a challenge standpoint. I'm hoping it is good from a riders perspective too, but that will be seen as soon as d.p. and I get out there and verify it. The event has several volunteers so far, which is amazing from the standpoint that I have not actively seeked out anybody. They have all stepped forward on their own. (By the way, we could use one or two more folks to help, if you are so inclined)
So, details have to be ironed out yet, but the 2008 version of T.I. looks to be falling together quite nicely as of now.
And as for gravel, I will be getting some in this weekend, (hopefully) and I will be very busy playing in the church band on electric guitar and running some side projects down in the lab.
Hopefully you can get a bike ride in too! Have a great weekend.
Soon enough it will all be revealed. It all hasn't got to do with me directly either, but some of it does.
I can say that I am getting really excited about what Trans Iowa is going to be this year. The route is going to be spectacular from a challenge standpoint. I'm hoping it is good from a riders perspective too, but that will be seen as soon as d.p. and I get out there and verify it. The event has several volunteers so far, which is amazing from the standpoint that I have not actively seeked out anybody. They have all stepped forward on their own. (By the way, we could use one or two more folks to help, if you are so inclined)
So, details have to be ironed out yet, but the 2008 version of T.I. looks to be falling together quite nicely as of now.
And as for gravel, I will be getting some in this weekend, (hopefully) and I will be very busy playing in the church band on electric guitar and running some side projects down in the lab.
Hopefully you can get a bike ride in too! Have a great weekend.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thursday News and Views
Twin Six Sponsors Underground Media Hack- UPDATE: If you missed the original story, you can check it out here. We have learned that not only has Twin Six decided to sponsor this "Guitar Ted" fellow, but they have actually invited him to be onboard their Team Twin Six roster for 2008.
Generally you might see an athlete with some sort of pedigree being asked to join a team, or even a retired professional racer. Our research into this "Guitar Ted" figure is a bit shadowy, at best, but from what we know, he doesn't seem to fit the mold. We are still trying to get a fix on just what is going on with this. As of now, all we can say is that it's stranger than Rock and Republic's racing team. At least Twin Six has better looking jerseys!
Speaking of racing..... Here's the updated list of events. Dirty Kanza 200- May 31st, 12 Hours of Blue Mound, July 12th, 24 hours of Seven Oaks, September(??), and one more event yet to be determined. I may see about getting into some other events here and there, but these four, ( with one mystery event) are for sure events in 2008 for me.
Then there's always Trans Iowa: Then there is the event I help put on. Trans Iowa looks to be a bit shorter than last year at 312 miles or so. That means the time to complete will be modified downwards too. I'm looking at going to 31 hours with three check points on the route. Stay tuned, this is all still in flux yet. More on the course details will be released after the recon.......coming soon!
Generally you might see an athlete with some sort of pedigree being asked to join a team, or even a retired professional racer. Our research into this "Guitar Ted" figure is a bit shadowy, at best, but from what we know, he doesn't seem to fit the mold. We are still trying to get a fix on just what is going on with this. As of now, all we can say is that it's stranger than Rock and Republic's racing team. At least Twin Six has better looking jerseys!
Speaking of racing..... Here's the updated list of events. Dirty Kanza 200- May 31st, 12 Hours of Blue Mound, July 12th, 24 hours of Seven Oaks, September(??), and one more event yet to be determined. I may see about getting into some other events here and there, but these four, ( with one mystery event) are for sure events in 2008 for me.
Then there's always Trans Iowa: Then there is the event I help put on. Trans Iowa looks to be a bit shorter than last year at 312 miles or so. That means the time to complete will be modified downwards too. I'm looking at going to 31 hours with three check points on the route. Stay tuned, this is all still in flux yet. More on the course details will be released after the recon.......coming soon!
Thursday News and Views
Twin Six Sponsors Underground Media Hack- UPDATE: If you missed the original story, you can check it out here. We have learned that not only has Twin Six decided to sponsor this "Guitar Ted" fellow, but they have actually invited him to be onboard their Team Twin Six roster for 2008.
Generally you might see an athlete with some sort of pedigree being asked to join a team, or even a retired professional racer. Our research into this "Guitar Ted" figure is a bit shadowy, at best, but from what we know, he doesn't seem to fit the mold. We are still trying to get a fix on just what is going on with this. As of now, all we can say is that it's stranger than Rock and Republic's racing team. At least Twin Six has better looking jerseys!
Speaking of racing..... Here's the updated list of events. Dirty Kanza 200- May 31st, 12 Hours of Blue Mound, July 12th, 24 hours of Seven Oaks, September(??), and one more event yet to be determined. I may see about getting into some other events here and there, but these four, ( with one mystery event) are for sure events in 2008 for me.
Then there's always Trans Iowa: Then there is the event I help put on. Trans Iowa looks to be a bit shorter than last year at 312 miles or so. That means the time to complete will be modified downwards too. I'm looking at going to 31 hours with three check points on the route. Stay tuned, this is all still in flux yet. More on the course details will be released after the recon.......coming soon!
Generally you might see an athlete with some sort of pedigree being asked to join a team, or even a retired professional racer. Our research into this "Guitar Ted" figure is a bit shadowy, at best, but from what we know, he doesn't seem to fit the mold. We are still trying to get a fix on just what is going on with this. As of now, all we can say is that it's stranger than Rock and Republic's racing team. At least Twin Six has better looking jerseys!
Speaking of racing..... Here's the updated list of events. Dirty Kanza 200- May 31st, 12 Hours of Blue Mound, July 12th, 24 hours of Seven Oaks, September(??), and one more event yet to be determined. I may see about getting into some other events here and there, but these four, ( with one mystery event) are for sure events in 2008 for me.
Then there's always Trans Iowa: Then there is the event I help put on. Trans Iowa looks to be a bit shorter than last year at 312 miles or so. That means the time to complete will be modified downwards too. I'm looking at going to 31 hours with three check points on the route. Stay tuned, this is all still in flux yet. More on the course details will be released after the recon.......coming soon!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Under The Weather: A Rant
Okay, first of all, this isn't a post about me being sick. I'm fine, so far. Secondly, this isn't about why the weather is weird. Too many theories abound on that subject and I'm of the opinion that nobody knows for sure what's going on.
I only know that it is.
So we lost all of our ski-able snow and have reduced the once white covering of snow to a rock hard, slippery coating of grayish ice/crap that you can't really do much of anything with. It looks like that will be the state of affairs out on the trails for some time to come since the forecast temperatures are going to slip back into the freezing zone by the weeks end. Shoot! I was hoping the weather would stay warm enough, long enough to clear out a path through the woods. Hrrumph!
Then there is the gravel. Well, I'm glad to say that at least that has cleared off to the point we can ride it without fear of getting hurt by falling on slippery ice covered rock. So it looks as though we can roll that for the time being.
Then there is this phenomenon called "ice fog". Huh? When I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke. Yesterday I found out it was real. Real slippery, that is. Everything was coated in a fine layer of black ice. Great! My commute to work, while fall free, was about as tense a ride as you would have if you were threading a narrow section of single track with a 500 foot drop on either side of you. Well, except that the visual wasn't near as good!
Anyway, ice fog is something new to me. If you had said that when I was a kid, I woulda smacked you upside the noggin and said you were loony. No such thing. Never ever saw it in Iowa. How do I know? Well, for one thing, my Dad's 66 Dodge Coronet would never have been able to drive in ice fog conditions what with it's bias ply tires and pre-historic traction. We never saw such conditions back then. We always got around. Mud and snow tires saw to that. Chains if it was really bad. Ice fog woulda killed that car, and us with it.
Just goes to show ya. There's always something new 'round the next corner.
I only know that it is.
So we lost all of our ski-able snow and have reduced the once white covering of snow to a rock hard, slippery coating of grayish ice/crap that you can't really do much of anything with. It looks like that will be the state of affairs out on the trails for some time to come since the forecast temperatures are going to slip back into the freezing zone by the weeks end. Shoot! I was hoping the weather would stay warm enough, long enough to clear out a path through the woods. Hrrumph!
Then there is the gravel. Well, I'm glad to say that at least that has cleared off to the point we can ride it without fear of getting hurt by falling on slippery ice covered rock. So it looks as though we can roll that for the time being.
Then there is this phenomenon called "ice fog". Huh? When I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke. Yesterday I found out it was real. Real slippery, that is. Everything was coated in a fine layer of black ice. Great! My commute to work, while fall free, was about as tense a ride as you would have if you were threading a narrow section of single track with a 500 foot drop on either side of you. Well, except that the visual wasn't near as good!
Anyway, ice fog is something new to me. If you had said that when I was a kid, I woulda smacked you upside the noggin and said you were loony. No such thing. Never ever saw it in Iowa. How do I know? Well, for one thing, my Dad's 66 Dodge Coronet would never have been able to drive in ice fog conditions what with it's bias ply tires and pre-historic traction. We never saw such conditions back then. We always got around. Mud and snow tires saw to that. Chains if it was really bad. Ice fog woulda killed that car, and us with it.
Just goes to show ya. There's always something new 'round the next corner.
Under The Weather: A Rant
Okay, first of all, this isn't a post about me being sick. I'm fine, so far. Secondly, this isn't about why the weather is weird. Too many theories abound on that subject and I'm of the opinion that nobody knows for sure what's going on.
I only know that it is.
So we lost all of our ski-able snow and have reduced the once white covering of snow to a rock hard, slippery coating of grayish ice/crap that you can't really do much of anything with. It looks like that will be the state of affairs out on the trails for some time to come since the forecast temperatures are going to slip back into the freezing zone by the weeks end. Shoot! I was hoping the weather would stay warm enough, long enough to clear out a path through the woods. Hrrumph!
Then there is the gravel. Well, I'm glad to say that at least that has cleared off to the point we can ride it without fear of getting hurt by falling on slippery ice covered rock. So it looks as though we can roll that for the time being.
Then there is this phenomenon called "ice fog". Huh? When I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke. Yesterday I found out it was real. Real slippery, that is. Everything was coated in a fine layer of black ice. Great! My commute to work, while fall free, was about as tense a ride as you would have if you were threading a narrow section of single track with a 500 foot drop on either side of you. Well, except that the visual wasn't near as good!
Anyway, ice fog is something new to me. If you had said that when I was a kid, I woulda smacked you upside the noggin and said you were loony. No such thing. Never ever saw it in Iowa. How do I know? Well, for one thing, my Dad's 66 Dodge Coronet would never have been able to drive in ice fog conditions what with it's bias ply tires and pre-historic traction. We never saw such conditions back then. We always got around. Mud and snow tires saw to that. Chains if it was really bad. Ice fog woulda killed that car, and us with it.
Just goes to show ya. There's always something new 'round the next corner.
I only know that it is.
So we lost all of our ski-able snow and have reduced the once white covering of snow to a rock hard, slippery coating of grayish ice/crap that you can't really do much of anything with. It looks like that will be the state of affairs out on the trails for some time to come since the forecast temperatures are going to slip back into the freezing zone by the weeks end. Shoot! I was hoping the weather would stay warm enough, long enough to clear out a path through the woods. Hrrumph!
Then there is the gravel. Well, I'm glad to say that at least that has cleared off to the point we can ride it without fear of getting hurt by falling on slippery ice covered rock. So it looks as though we can roll that for the time being.
Then there is this phenomenon called "ice fog". Huh? When I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke. Yesterday I found out it was real. Real slippery, that is. Everything was coated in a fine layer of black ice. Great! My commute to work, while fall free, was about as tense a ride as you would have if you were threading a narrow section of single track with a 500 foot drop on either side of you. Well, except that the visual wasn't near as good!
Anyway, ice fog is something new to me. If you had said that when I was a kid, I woulda smacked you upside the noggin and said you were loony. No such thing. Never ever saw it in Iowa. How do I know? Well, for one thing, my Dad's 66 Dodge Coronet would never have been able to drive in ice fog conditions what with it's bias ply tires and pre-historic traction. We never saw such conditions back then. We always got around. Mud and snow tires saw to that. Chains if it was really bad. Ice fog woulda killed that car, and us with it.
Just goes to show ya. There's always something new 'round the next corner.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Silvery- Like The Moon
<===Stainless steel goodness
I got a couple more bits in for the Badger build. I decided to go with a silver theme on the cable housings using some leftover Nokon housing for the shifters. I only had enough to take care of shifting duties though, so something else had to be used for the brakes.
I considered Nokons again.....for a nano-second! They are just sooo expensive and.....well, it takes two kits to do one disc brake bike. I could have held out and saved up for it, but I figured something a bit different would look just fine. I saw these Clark Clim8 cable systems in stainless steel and thought I'd give them a try. The braided stainless housing is almost white in appearance and it looks pretty cool on the bike so far. Stiffness of the casing looks good so I think the braking feel should be excellent. The price for a kit isn't bad but it still takes two kits to do one disc brake equipped bike. Manufacturers need to put longer housing runs in these kits for disc brake bikes. Buying two kits, while good for business, is bad for the consumer and it's kind of a waste. Although I'll find a use for the left over bits, I'm sure. On the plus side the ferrules are lightweight aluminum, well........it's a plus if you are a weight weenie! I'm not, so it is just a mildly amusing curiosity.
<===A new shade of cool
Silvery theme continues with these Origin 8 Gary Bars which originally came out in a shot peened black anodized finish. Now they are available in this bright, silver shot peened finish. Yeah, it isn't a high polish, but for a retail of $25.00, whaddya 'spect?
Funny thing is that I was all giddy about getting these for the Badger since it has a silver Thomson stem and seat post. Well, after some careful consideration I have decided on putting my black Origin 8 Gary Bar on the Badger after all. I think it looks better since I have some black anodized wheel components and crank set. It all kind of ties together better that way.
Oh well! The Gary Bars are cheap, as I said, and I'll find another use for it. In fact, it will probably end up on the Karate Monkey. (That's another whole project!) Now I am going to save up for my mechanical disc brakes. That'll be a bit down the road yet, but when I get those this Badger will be done quite soon after. It's the last piece o the puzzle.
Silvery- Like The Moon
<===Stainless steel goodness
I got a couple more bits in for the Badger build. I decided to go with a silver theme on the cable housings using some leftover Nokon housing for the shifters. I only had enough to take care of shifting duties though, so something else had to be used for the brakes.
I considered Nokons again.....for a nano-second! They are just sooo expensive and.....well, it takes two kits to do one disc brake bike. I could have held out and saved up for it, but I figured something a bit different would look just fine. I saw these Clark Clim8 cable systems in stainless steel and thought I'd give them a try. The braided stainless housing is almost white in appearance and it looks pretty cool on the bike so far. Stiffness of the casing looks good so I think the braking feel should be excellent. The price for a kit isn't bad but it still takes two kits to do one disc brake equipped bike. Manufacturers need to put longer housing runs in these kits for disc brake bikes. Buying two kits, while good for business, is bad for the consumer and it's kind of a waste. Although I'll find a use for the left over bits, I'm sure. On the plus side the ferrules are lightweight aluminum, well........it's a plus if you are a weight weenie! I'm not, so it is just a mildly amusing curiosity.
<===A new shade of cool
Silvery theme continues with these Origin 8 Gary Bars which originally came out in a shot peened black anodized finish. Now they are available in this bright, silver shot peened finish. Yeah, it isn't a high polish, but for a retail of $25.00, whaddya 'spect?
Funny thing is that I was all giddy about getting these for the Badger since it has a silver Thomson stem and seat post. Well, after some careful consideration I have decided on putting my black Origin 8 Gary Bar on the Badger after all. I think it looks better since I have some black anodized wheel components and crank set. It all kind of ties together better that way.
Oh well! The Gary Bars are cheap, as I said, and I'll find another use for it. In fact, it will probably end up on the Karate Monkey. (That's another whole project!) Now I am going to save up for my mechanical disc brakes. That'll be a bit down the road yet, but when I get those this Badger will be done quite soon after. It's the last piece o the puzzle.
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