Touring Tuesdays: Day Three- Cranberry Country Part I

Today the "Beg, Borrow, and Bastard Tour" rolls out of Sparta, Wisconsin on its way to parts unknown....

We once again noted how chilly it was for August as we made our way through the early morning traffic of Sparta. Once clear of the city, the terrain consisted of rolling hills and dairy farms. The road itself was clean blacktop with a narrow paved shoulder. Our bikes did not want to roll too well on this pavement though. We did not take much notice of this strange phenomenon, instead we delighted in making fun of the rustic names seen on each mailbox as we rode by. There were many of these names which, unfortunately, I can not note here. I was too busy riding my bike to write them down as I went by.

Soon our road sent us over some more difficult hills. the farms disappeared for the time being. We had come upon some sort of highland area. Suddenly I saw rising before me a very steep and tall hill. This reminded me of the hill outside of Preston, Minnesota, only this hill was not as long and was steeper than that hill. I was certain I could make it, but I was waiting to see how long it took my companions to drop me. As I gazed over to Troy, I saw him put his head down, shift up a gear, and walk right away from us. He crested the hill far in front of Steve and I, then he disappeared. I was busy in my granny gear again, this time holding my own against Steve. The dratted hill decided to steepen on me just then though. This was almost my undoing. Almost.

Steve managed to reach the top about fifty yards ahead of me. There he stopped to watch me as I agonized up the last section. My body screamed to halt, but I would not let this hill beat me! I made it to the top. I was breathing so hard that I thought my chest would never stop heaving. Once my mind cleared, I looked out to see the distant farmlands, but Troy was no where to be seen. Steve congratulated me on my victory over the hill. We had some water and pop tarts to celebrate right in the middle of the road. Soon though, we gave our attention to finding Troy.

The long, fast descent was a welcome reward for us. We made about two to three miles pass beneath us before we saw Troy. He was parked at a fork in the road near a farm waiting for us. We got regrouped and took off once more. We were looking forward to reaching the town of Cataract and maybe a bit of something to eat as well.

We pulled into the small city only to find a small gas station/grocery store along the road. The day was partly cloudy and pleasant, so we took our purchases out to consume them by the road. A local woman stopped by to say hello, but when she spoke, it was apparent that she wasn't a native cheesehead. We were surprised to find out she was a native of Belgium. She expressed her countryman's love for cycling and how she did not find that here in the U.S. The three of us nodded in unison. She went on to tell us that she admired us for our goal of reaching Canada. She was the first adult that had dared to talk to us vagrants. We thought that was really nice.

We left and found out we were not out of hill country just yet. Just north of Cataract the hills were not so big, they were just ganged together! Troy and Steve pulled away and I was left behind. Far behind! At the top of a hill I saw Troy and Steve at least three quarters of a mile ahead of me. This made me quite irritable. Absolutely mad! This in turn motivated me to catch them. I had a long down hill, a flat space, and then a short steep hill after a left turn. Going into the corner I thought I might actually reel them in, but I just didn't have enough left in me to get the job done. I was mad again. Then just as things were looking pretty grim, I noticed that Steve and Troy had pulled up and were waiting for me. I was immensely grateful!

After a short rest stop at the top of the hill, we moved on again. It was decided that we would not continue on towards Black River Falls, as it was out of our way northwards. We took County "O" to the east, and that road was a very nice straight blacktop that had young, tall pine trees lining both sides for as far as we could see. This screened off the view, and the wind. We could only see up the level road and the sky above our heads. There was no traffic at all on this lonely stretch of road which allowed us to all ride together and converse freely. After awhile it seemed that this road would never end. We knew that the next town up was called Millston, but we had no clear idea of how far away it was.

Then we saw an alarming sight. Fall color! Not just a little bit either, but a whole grove that had fallen under Fall's powers. We stopped to take some pictures which didn't please Troy. Apparently "stop" was a word equivalent to "defeat" in Troy's mind.

That became very apparent once we took off again. Troy set a pace that was borderline brutal. This had been a tough day for me and it wasn't even noon yet! Finally we reached a turn in the road, which was cause for some celebration since this road was so flat, straight, and boring. Troy agreed to a stop here and we discovered the reason for the turn. It was a lake, which we took some photos of. I was thankful for the break, but I wondered where Millston was. It seemed that it really wasn't on this road. Not much later on though, we came to the outskirts of Millston, and I was relieved to see that town. Since it was around noon, we hoped to find a place to eat. We didn't find much, just a local joint, but it looked good from the outside.

Next Tuesday we'll find out what he inside of that local joint was like and find out about Cranberry Country a bit more.

Touring Tuesdays: Day Three- Cranberry Country Part I

Today the "Beg, Borrow, and Bastard Tour" rolls out of Sparta, Wisconsin on its way to parts unknown....

We once again noted how chilly it was for August as we made our way through the early morning traffic of Sparta. Once clear of the city, the terrain consisted of rolling hills and dairy farms. The road itself was clean blacktop with a narrow paved shoulder. Our bikes did not want to roll too well on this pavement though. We did not take much notice of this strange phenomenon, instead we delighted in making fun of the rustic names seen on each mailbox as we rode by. There were many of these names which, unfortunately, I can not note here. I was too busy riding my bike to write them down as I went by.

Soon our road sent us over some more difficult hills. the farms disappeared for the time being. We had come upon some sort of highland area. Suddenly I saw rising before me a very steep and tall hill. This reminded me of the hill outside of Preston, Minnesota, only this hill was not as long and was steeper than that hill. I was certain I could make it, but I was waiting to see how long it took my companions to drop me. As I gazed over to Troy, I saw him put his head down, shift up a gear, and walk right away from us. He crested the hill far in front of Steve and I, then he disappeared. I was busy in my granny gear again, this time holding my own against Steve. The dratted hill decided to steepen on me just then though. This was almost my undoing. Almost.

Steve managed to reach the top about fifty yards ahead of me. There he stopped to watch me as I agonized up the last section. My body screamed to halt, but I would not let this hill beat me! I made it to the top. I was breathing so hard that I thought my chest would never stop heaving. Once my mind cleared, I looked out to see the distant farmlands, but Troy was no where to be seen. Steve congratulated me on my victory over the hill. We had some water and pop tarts to celebrate right in the middle of the road. Soon though, we gave our attention to finding Troy.

The long, fast descent was a welcome reward for us. We made about two to three miles pass beneath us before we saw Troy. He was parked at a fork in the road near a farm waiting for us. We got regrouped and took off once more. We were looking forward to reaching the town of Cataract and maybe a bit of something to eat as well.

We pulled into the small city only to find a small gas station/grocery store along the road. The day was partly cloudy and pleasant, so we took our purchases out to consume them by the road. A local woman stopped by to say hello, but when she spoke, it was apparent that she wasn't a native cheesehead. We were surprised to find out she was a native of Belgium. She expressed her countryman's love for cycling and how she did not find that here in the U.S. The three of us nodded in unison. She went on to tell us that she admired us for our goal of reaching Canada. She was the first adult that had dared to talk to us vagrants. We thought that was really nice.

We left and found out we were not out of hill country just yet. Just north of Cataract the hills were not so big, they were just ganged together! Troy and Steve pulled away and I was left behind. Far behind! At the top of a hill I saw Troy and Steve at least three quarters of a mile ahead of me. This made me quite irritable. Absolutely mad! This in turn motivated me to catch them. I had a long down hill, a flat space, and then a short steep hill after a left turn. Going into the corner I thought I might actually reel them in, but I just didn't have enough left in me to get the job done. I was mad again. Then just as things were looking pretty grim, I noticed that Steve and Troy had pulled up and were waiting for me. I was immensely grateful!

After a short rest stop at the top of the hill, we moved on again. It was decided that we would not continue on towards Black River Falls, as it was out of our way northwards. We took County "O" to the east, and that road was a very nice straight blacktop that had young, tall pine trees lining both sides for as far as we could see. This screened off the view, and the wind. We could only see up the level road and the sky above our heads. There was no traffic at all on this lonely stretch of road which allowed us to all ride together and converse freely. After awhile it seemed that this road would never end. We knew that the next town up was called Millston, but we had no clear idea of how far away it was.

Then we saw an alarming sight. Fall color! Not just a little bit either, but a whole grove that had fallen under Fall's powers. We stopped to take some pictures which didn't please Troy. Apparently "stop" was a word equivalent to "defeat" in Troy's mind.

That became very apparent once we took off again. Troy set a pace that was borderline brutal. This had been a tough day for me and it wasn't even noon yet! Finally we reached a turn in the road, which was cause for some celebration since this road was so flat, straight, and boring. Troy agreed to a stop here and we discovered the reason for the turn. It was a lake, which we took some photos of. I was thankful for the break, but I wondered where Millston was. It seemed that it really wasn't on this road. Not much later on though, we came to the outskirts of Millston, and I was relieved to see that town. Since it was around noon, we hoped to find a place to eat. We didn't find much, just a local joint, but it looked good from the outside.

Next Tuesday we'll find out what he inside of that local joint was like and find out about Cranberry Country a bit more.

I'm Not Going To Do It! Ya Can't Make Me!

Well, as many of the cyclists wake up this morning across the United States, they are going to find weather that is unfit for man and beast. Wind chill is what gets to me. I nearly froze to death as a child and once did something insanely stupid involving alcohol, New Years Eve, and 8 inches of snow that caused me to get a frostbitten left ear. So, I hesitate to jump outside and commute to work when other more intrepid cyclists might try to beat the weather. Not that I haven't done that, it just has to be in the right conditions.

At my age, and with my experiences, I pick and choose my battles. I've paid my dues and I don't have anything to prove. Riding to work in negative 30 degree below zero windchill is not a battle I wish to engage. Nope. Not gonna do it.

So today that danged "Dirty Blue Box" had better start up and I will drive that thing into work without any shame. I'm not going to feel guilty. Ya can't make me! Besides it's Mrs. Guitar Ted's birthday, and I have to buy her a card, and then I'm taking her out to dinner. (Shhh! Don't tell her, she doesn't read this and she doesn't know about it yet!)

If you decide to take on the challenge of riding to work in this stuff, more power to you. Be careful, and be safe! I'm not sure you are wise, but am sure you are cycling, so that can't be all bad. I guess......even though it is brutally cold out there.

Here's hoping for a warmer tomorrow!

I'm Not Going To Do It! Ya Can't Make Me!

Well, as many of the cyclists wake up this morning across the United States, they are going to find weather that is unfit for man and beast. Wind chill is what gets to me. I nearly froze to death as a child and once did something insanely stupid involving alcohol, New Years Eve, and 8 inches of snow that caused me to get a frostbitten left ear. So, I hesitate to jump outside and commute to work when other more intrepid cyclists might try to beat the weather. Not that I haven't done that, it just has to be in the right conditions.

At my age, and with my experiences, I pick and choose my battles. I've paid my dues and I don't have anything to prove. Riding to work in negative 30 degree below zero windchill is not a battle I wish to engage. Nope. Not gonna do it.

So today that danged "Dirty Blue Box" had better start up and I will drive that thing into work without any shame. I'm not going to feel guilty. Ya can't make me! Besides it's Mrs. Guitar Ted's birthday, and I have to buy her a card, and then I'm taking her out to dinner. (Shhh! Don't tell her, she doesn't read this and she doesn't know about it yet!)

If you decide to take on the challenge of riding to work in this stuff, more power to you. Be careful, and be safe! I'm not sure you are wise, but am sure you are cycling, so that can't be all bad. I guess......even though it is brutally cold out there.

Here's hoping for a warmer tomorrow!

Turning The Page

It's December, and it is that part of December that just flys by quickly for me. Two birthdays in the family next week, Christmas celebrations, family getting together, and then it is New Years day with a wedding anniversary right on the heels of that day. So for me, the "regular season", if you will, is already over. And now I have something new on my plate to consider going into the new year. Where will that road take me? What is over that big hill? I don't know yet, but I'm still pedaling towards it.

Looking back, it was a year of change anyway. More time on the web side, less time on the shop side, but still busy-busy. I am very thankful though. I got to be outside a lot this year. I got in a lot of great rides. Decorah, Cedar Bend, The Camp, and Hickory Hills. A few trips to Minneapolis. New friends, connecting with old friends. The change was a good one both personally and professionally.

Now it looks as though things could change again for 2009. I can't say what that entails yet, because a trigger hasn't been pulled yet. If the change comes though, you can expect to see it out there. This would be huge.

With that I leave you with this final black and white image I took on one of the last nice days of riding in 2009. I was with my good friend Captain Bob, riding at The Camp, and enjoying all of that. It is a memory, and to me, memories are sort of a "black and white" world. The past is unchangeable. Black and white. The future is in color, but I just don't know what colors those will be yet.

Stay tuned!

Turning The Page

It's December, and it is that part of December that just flys by quickly for me. Two birthdays in the family next week, Christmas celebrations, family getting together, and then it is New Years day with a wedding anniversary right on the heels of that day. So for me, the "regular season", if you will, is already over. And now I have something new on my plate to consider going into the new year. Where will that road take me? What is over that big hill? I don't know yet, but I'm still pedaling towards it.

Looking back, it was a year of change anyway. More time on the web side, less time on the shop side, but still busy-busy. I am very thankful though. I got to be outside a lot this year. I got in a lot of great rides. Decorah, Cedar Bend, The Camp, and Hickory Hills. A few trips to Minneapolis. New friends, connecting with old friends. The change was a good one both personally and professionally.

Now it looks as though things could change again for 2009. I can't say what that entails yet, because a trigger hasn't been pulled yet. If the change comes though, you can expect to see it out there. This would be huge.

With that I leave you with this final black and white image I took on one of the last nice days of riding in 2009. I was with my good friend Captain Bob, riding at The Camp, and enjoying all of that. It is a memory, and to me, memories are sort of a "black and white" world. The past is unchangeable. Black and white. The future is in color, but I just don't know what colors those will be yet.

Stay tuned!

Fat Bike Envy: Part II

<==== Bustin' through the crust.

So I continued to have "fat bike envy" yesterday. When I realized that was happening I thought I'd stop, take a couple of photos, and show you why.

This shot is about a 100 yard long stretch of open, grassy field in the summer months. Now it is a huge obstacle. To get around this, I would have to ride well over a mile out of my way. (Maybe I should!) The thing is, the other, longer route is icy as all get out right now.

Time is also a factor. It takes me long enough to get to work now that I am perennially 10-15 minutes late daily. Going around this isn't really an option!



<==== More snow to come!

This is the view looking forward from the same spot. Go down an embankment, take a right at the bottom where you see that white line going across the photo. (That's the bike path) Then there is at least 150 yards of snow bound bike path and ice to traverse before it dumps me out on a dead end street.

So, I need a fat bike for 350 yards of trail? Whoa! Hold on folks, there's more. Once I get to the intersection of University and Green Hill, which is an overpass/exit-on ramp type intersection, I have another 200 yards or so of snow covered grass much like the photo at the top of the post here to get across. In between, there is the "water tower hill" which features sidewalk that is marginally cleared, (or not at all), of snow which can be another two city blocks of either snow or glare ice. Yesterday it was all ice. I made it, but it was super sketch!

The thing is, normally situations like this on my route last but a few weeks out of every winter. Last winter was an exception, obviously. So to get a fat bike for just this: to get to work for maybe three weeks out of the year? Meh!

That's hard to justify for me.

In other goings on....... The Rainier bike build is going to happen soon. I have a wheel set lined up to get by on for a time while I build up another. I have a crank set lined up that should work out great. I am putting in an order for a stem and seat post. I have some tires, that if they clear, should work great. I have a handle bar and a saddle.

Today I need to get a brake set coming, and I need to figure out brake levers for it. Stay tuned! A build will be happening soon! (Not that I'll be able to ride it anywhere. )

A storm is set to come through here this weekend, probably Saturday night and Sunday. The thing is, it will be all rain with temps above freezing. Then immediately afterwards it is supposed to get really cold.

Nice!

Looking forward to running around on sheets of ice for the near future. Blech!

Have a great weekend and ride a bike if you can!

Fat Bike Envy: Part II

<==== Bustin' through the crust.

So I continued to have "fat bike envy" yesterday. When I realized that was happening I thought I'd stop, take a couple of photos, and show you why.

This shot is about a 100 yard long stretch of open, grassy field in the summer months. Now it is a huge obstacle. To get around this, I would have to ride well over a mile out of my way. (Maybe I should!) The thing is, the other, longer route is icy as all get out right now.

Time is also a factor. It takes me long enough to get to work now that I am perennially 10-15 minutes late daily. Going around this isn't really an option!



<==== More snow to come!

This is the view looking forward from the same spot. Go down an embankment, take a right at the bottom where you see that white line going across the photo. (That's the bike path) Then there is at least 150 yards of snow bound bike path and ice to traverse before it dumps me out on a dead end street.

So, I need a fat bike for 350 yards of trail? Whoa! Hold on folks, there's more. Once I get to the intersection of University and Green Hill, which is an overpass/exit-on ramp type intersection, I have another 200 yards or so of snow covered grass much like the photo at the top of the post here to get across. In between, there is the "water tower hill" which features sidewalk that is marginally cleared, (or not at all), of snow which can be another two city blocks of either snow or glare ice. Yesterday it was all ice. I made it, but it was super sketch!

The thing is, normally situations like this on my route last but a few weeks out of every winter. Last winter was an exception, obviously. So to get a fat bike for just this: to get to work for maybe three weeks out of the year? Meh!

That's hard to justify for me.

In other goings on....... The Rainier bike build is going to happen soon. I have a wheel set lined up to get by on for a time while I build up another. I have a crank set lined up that should work out great. I am putting in an order for a stem and seat post. I have some tires, that if they clear, should work great. I have a handle bar and a saddle.

Today I need to get a brake set coming, and I need to figure out brake levers for it. Stay tuned! A build will be happening soon! (Not that I'll be able to ride it anywhere. )

A storm is set to come through here this weekend, probably Saturday night and Sunday. The thing is, it will be all rain with temps above freezing. Then immediately afterwards it is supposed to get really cold.

Nice!

Looking forward to running around on sheets of ice for the near future. Blech!

Have a great weekend and ride a bike if you can!

Fat Bike Envy

Sometimes, (Like about every year about this time) I wish I had a "fat bike". You know......one of those Endomorph treaded, monster truck looking snow rigs. It's just that they are sooo expensive and I need one like maybe three weeks out of every year. It's hard to justify it. But when you need one, nothing else comes close!

<=====Girthy 29"er rim. The "Uma" 50mm wide rim from Speedway Cycles in Alsaska.

I could get close with a 29"er. I am thinking I need to pull the Gordo rimmed wheel set into duty on a single speed bike again. Those Racing Ralphs and WeirWolf LT's are really fat on those rims and would make the job easier. Or I could get Kris Holm rims at 38mm wide. Or........go all out with the "Uma" shown here. But I don't know. I still think I can get by with the Gordos. We'll see.

It's just that I know the Fat Bike would be sooo much more fun. Ya know, it would kind of be like owning my own two wheeled monster truck. How could that not be fun?!

This guy has one to ride in his shop, and I know I could run over there and get my jones on for awhile, but that ain't gonna cut it when I'm swerving and curving on my 29"er with tubeless tires through the pedestrian post holed snow. The ol' Fargo and Karate Monkey have failed to appease me so far. Maybe the Gordos with the big ballooners on will satisfy my urges. I will find out soon. Or not.......the snow may melt by then.

If the snow melts, then my fat bike envy fades and everything is forgotten. Forgotten until I find myself wrestling through another snow field on my way to work after a storm goes through this winter.

Ahh me! I guess I could take the longer way on pavement to work.

Nah! Ain't gonna happen!

Fat Bike Envy

Sometimes, (Like about every year about this time) I wish I had a "fat bike". You know......one of those Endomorph treaded, monster truck looking snow rigs. It's just that they are sooo expensive and I need one like maybe three weeks out of every year. It's hard to justify it. But when you need one, nothing else comes close!

<=====Girthy 29"er rim. The "Uma" 50mm wide rim from Speedway Cycles in Alsaska.

I could get close with a 29"er. I am thinking I need to pull the Gordo rimmed wheel set into duty on a single speed bike again. Those Racing Ralphs and WeirWolf LT's are really fat on those rims and would make the job easier. Or I could get Kris Holm rims at 38mm wide. Or........go all out with the "Uma" shown here. But I don't know. I still think I can get by with the Gordos. We'll see.

It's just that I know the Fat Bike would be sooo much more fun. Ya know, it would kind of be like owning my own two wheeled monster truck. How could that not be fun?!

This guy has one to ride in his shop, and I know I could run over there and get my jones on for awhile, but that ain't gonna cut it when I'm swerving and curving on my 29"er with tubeless tires through the pedestrian post holed snow. The ol' Fargo and Karate Monkey have failed to appease me so far. Maybe the Gordos with the big ballooners on will satisfy my urges. I will find out soon. Or not.......the snow may melt by then.

If the snow melts, then my fat bike envy fades and everything is forgotten. Forgotten until I find myself wrestling through another snow field on my way to work after a storm goes through this winter.

Ahh me! I guess I could take the longer way on pavement to work.

Nah! Ain't gonna happen!

Rainier Is Here! (I Must Be Crazy!)

So.........I guess I got lucky! Back in October I mentioned this. I really didn't think it would happen because it is a very limited edition rig and I was told they were all spoken for. I put in an order anyway. A couple of e-mails were exchanged. Then today, the Fed X guy walks in with a box under his arm with this in it.

I was either lucky, or crazy......or both!





<====Easton EC 90X carbon goodness.

So this thing, which was a one off show special, is now not only a limited edition rig, but is here and beckoning me to go bogtrotting somewhere. Too bad the season just ended!

Not that it would have mattered, because now I get to build it. Which is really one of the best parts of getting a new frame and fork anyway. Well.........at least for this bike geek!



<==== If it looks like a can of beer, well.....

So now comes all of the choices. The brakes, the cranks, the hubs, the rims. Wheels will need to be built. A handle bar and stem will need to happen. A seat post and saddle.

I didn't mention derailleurs? Didn't you know?


It is a single speed device, don't ya know?!!



<===Simple, classy, and white!

Yep! No gears here! Just a crank and a cog connected by a chain. No worries about shifting. No mud is too muddy! Bring it on!

Actually, the single speedness of the package is what intrigued me the most about this frame. If it had been a geared rig, I think I may have passed on it. Well, it is a single speed and it is white. I have a weakness for white bikes!

<=== The winter project is here!

So now parts acquisition mode will be in full swing. I've got my eye on some red ano bits, a single speed hub set that will be an Allen bolt on deal, and a carbon post with a white saddle, of course!

So I'll leave you with this view for now. Next time you see this, it'll be ride able. That won't be for awhile yet, so hold yer horses!

Time now to go down to the Lab and raid the parts bin.........

Rainier Is Here! (I Must Be Crazy!)

So.........I guess I got lucky! Back in October I mentioned this. I really didn't think it would happen because it is a very limited edition rig and I was told they were all spoken for. I put in an order anyway. A couple of e-mails were exchanged. Then today, the Fed X guy walks in with a box under his arm with this in it.

I was either lucky, or crazy......or both!





<====Easton EC 90X carbon goodness.

So this thing, which was a one off show special, is now not only a limited edition rig, but is here and beckoning me to go bogtrotting somewhere. Too bad the season just ended!

Not that it would have mattered, because now I get to build it. Which is really one of the best parts of getting a new frame and fork anyway. Well.........at least for this bike geek!



<==== If it looks like a can of beer, well.....

So now comes all of the choices. The brakes, the cranks, the hubs, the rims. Wheels will need to be built. A handle bar and stem will need to happen. A seat post and saddle.

I didn't mention derailleurs? Didn't you know?


It is a single speed device, don't ya know?!!



<===Simple, classy, and white!

Yep! No gears here! Just a crank and a cog connected by a chain. No worries about shifting. No mud is too muddy! Bring it on!

Actually, the single speedness of the package is what intrigued me the most about this frame. If it had been a geared rig, I think I may have passed on it. Well, it is a single speed and it is white. I have a weakness for white bikes!

<=== The winter project is here!

So now parts acquisition mode will be in full swing. I've got my eye on some red ano bits, a single speed hub set that will be an Allen bolt on deal, and a carbon post with a white saddle, of course!

So I'll leave you with this view for now. Next time you see this, it'll be ride able. That won't be for awhile yet, so hold yer horses!

Time now to go down to the Lab and raid the parts bin.........

Touring Tuesdays: Day Two-Bluff Country Part IV

We return to the "Beg, Borrow, and Bastard Tour" as the three riders have stopped on the La Crosse River Trail after a loud crunch under my wheels was heard.....

When we had gotten turned around and back to the scene of the crunch, we found Troy's clear lensed Oakley Frogskin glasses in pieces. Seems that they fell off his face because they too were bored with the trail. They fell off thinking that maybe somebody more interesting and exciting would find them and save them from endless trail hell! Unfortunately for the glasses, its plan failed. They were crushed by an unwitting cyclist.

Troy was actually able to rebuild his glasses and we continued. Finally we reached Sparta, Wisconsin and we could go no further. It was 7:00pm, and we had maybe an hour and a half, at best, of sunlight. The main problem was that we had no idea where we would spend the night. After we left the abandoned depot, we found an A&W Restaurant and decided it was a good time to eat.

While ordering our food, I realized that it would be brought out to us by a car hop. When she came out, Troy declared her a sight for sore eyes. Unfortunately, his sandwich wasn't a beauty and Troy was again sorely disappointed in his food. A recurring theme for him throughout this tour. At least we got directions to a local campground.

On the way over we passed by a house with several "hippie wannabees" hanging outside. Steve figured that they were kindred spirits, sympathetic to wandering vagabonds such as ourselves. We stopped to see if we could camp and Steve went in as our ambassador. Well, after wasting time finding out the differences between Woodstock and the "fake Woodstock", we found out we were going to the campground after all. Steve never did come right out and ask those guys if we could stay there. He was disgusted that they didn't come right out and offer!

So much for that! It was getting dark outside fast now and we headed over to the campground as quickly as we could. It was a State campground and we had our fears confirmed that it was a "camping for a fee" joint by folks we met there. We decided to defy the unseen ranger and camp anyway.

On the way in, I realized that I had lost my beloved Fisher Mountain Bike hat, and I retraced my steps a bit as the others dove on into the forest to set up camp. I gave up hope finding it in the fast disappearing light, so I returned into the camping area alone. The campsites at the Sparta Trail head were rather unique, carved as it were right out of the young forest. The sites were all bowl shaped or oval shaped openings in the trees. Each campsite had a narrow opening on to a winding path of about four feet in width. This path had other paths criss-crossing it here and there. We never found out anymore about the paths, unfortunately, but they looked promising for mountain biking.

When I arrived at our campsite, I was surprised to see someone other than Troy and Steve there. My first thought was that we had been detected by Park authorities. However; I quickly dismissed this notion when I realized that the individual had a touring bike. Perhaps he had layed claim to the campsite? Well, it turned out that I had nothing to fear, he was just a tired, weary traveler like us, looking for a nights rest.

His name was Jamey. He also worked for a bike shop. He was two days out from Minneapolis. As we set up our camps, I noticed that Jamey didn't look much like a cyclist. You know, trim, athletic build, and tough in sinew. He looked rather soft and "couch potatoe-ish". Pear shaped was the description finally settled on by Troy and I. Jamey offered us root beer barrels and butterscotch candies as we set up camp. He held up two bags that were full of the stuff. At least five pounds worth. Perhaps this was the downfall of this fruit shaped young man.

After our supper, Troy and I decided to go directly to our tents as we were both very tired. Steve and Jamey decided to keep the fire burning and talk for awhile. I found out that I could not help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Soon the talk faded into the distance as they both walked away for awhile. What they did while they were gone, I do not know, but when they returned, I hadn't fallen asleep yet. I overheard Jamey giving Steve some Wisconsin maps geared for bicycle touring for our trip. With that bit of encouraging news, I finally fell asleep.

It was a chilly, cloudy morning when I awoke. we quickly went about our packing and breakfast making. Jamey had his own food and ate with us. When we were finished eating, it was decided that we should head north out of town. We had once entertained the thought of following the Elroy-Sparta trail, but this went southeastwards, out of our way. Troy was anxious to get northwards, as we hadn't gone that direction since the first day. Jamey said that Wisconsin Rapids would be a good place to ride to, so we took his advice. Once we were all prepared to leave, we rolled out to the entrance to the campgrounds. Here Jamey took leave of us. I noticed that the Elroy-Sparta trail actually started right at that point. Jeremy was going eastwards to parts unknown and the Elroy-Sparta trail was on his way. With a last "Goodbye! Take Care!", we turned and headed back through Sparta.

Check in next week for the beginning of "Day Three- Cranberry Country".

Touring Tuesdays: Day Two-Bluff Country Part IV

We return to the "Beg, Borrow, and Bastard Tour" as the three riders have stopped on the La Crosse River Trail after a loud crunch under my wheels was heard.....

When we had gotten turned around and back to the scene of the crunch, we found Troy's clear lensed Oakley Frogskin glasses in pieces. Seems that they fell off his face because they too were bored with the trail. They fell off thinking that maybe somebody more interesting and exciting would find them and save them from endless trail hell! Unfortunately for the glasses, its plan failed. They were crushed by an unwitting cyclist.

Troy was actually able to rebuild his glasses and we continued. Finally we reached Sparta, Wisconsin and we could go no further. It was 7:00pm, and we had maybe an hour and a half, at best, of sunlight. The main problem was that we had no idea where we would spend the night. After we left the abandoned depot, we found an A&W Restaurant and decided it was a good time to eat.

While ordering our food, I realized that it would be brought out to us by a car hop. When she came out, Troy declared her a sight for sore eyes. Unfortunately, his sandwich wasn't a beauty and Troy was again sorely disappointed in his food. A recurring theme for him throughout this tour. At least we got directions to a local campground.

On the way over we passed by a house with several "hippie wannabees" hanging outside. Steve figured that they were kindred spirits, sympathetic to wandering vagabonds such as ourselves. We stopped to see if we could camp and Steve went in as our ambassador. Well, after wasting time finding out the differences between Woodstock and the "fake Woodstock", we found out we were going to the campground after all. Steve never did come right out and ask those guys if we could stay there. He was disgusted that they didn't come right out and offer!

So much for that! It was getting dark outside fast now and we headed over to the campground as quickly as we could. It was a State campground and we had our fears confirmed that it was a "camping for a fee" joint by folks we met there. We decided to defy the unseen ranger and camp anyway.

On the way in, I realized that I had lost my beloved Fisher Mountain Bike hat, and I retraced my steps a bit as the others dove on into the forest to set up camp. I gave up hope finding it in the fast disappearing light, so I returned into the camping area alone. The campsites at the Sparta Trail head were rather unique, carved as it were right out of the young forest. The sites were all bowl shaped or oval shaped openings in the trees. Each campsite had a narrow opening on to a winding path of about four feet in width. This path had other paths criss-crossing it here and there. We never found out anymore about the paths, unfortunately, but they looked promising for mountain biking.

When I arrived at our campsite, I was surprised to see someone other than Troy and Steve there. My first thought was that we had been detected by Park authorities. However; I quickly dismissed this notion when I realized that the individual had a touring bike. Perhaps he had layed claim to the campsite? Well, it turned out that I had nothing to fear, he was just a tired, weary traveler like us, looking for a nights rest.

His name was Jamey. He also worked for a bike shop. He was two days out from Minneapolis. As we set up our camps, I noticed that Jamey didn't look much like a cyclist. You know, trim, athletic build, and tough in sinew. He looked rather soft and "couch potatoe-ish". Pear shaped was the description finally settled on by Troy and I. Jamey offered us root beer barrels and butterscotch candies as we set up camp. He held up two bags that were full of the stuff. At least five pounds worth. Perhaps this was the downfall of this fruit shaped young man.

After our supper, Troy and I decided to go directly to our tents as we were both very tired. Steve and Jamey decided to keep the fire burning and talk for awhile. I found out that I could not help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Soon the talk faded into the distance as they both walked away for awhile. What they did while they were gone, I do not know, but when they returned, I hadn't fallen asleep yet. I overheard Jamey giving Steve some Wisconsin maps geared for bicycle touring for our trip. With that bit of encouraging news, I finally fell asleep.

It was a chilly, cloudy morning when I awoke. we quickly went about our packing and breakfast making. Jamey had his own food and ate with us. When we were finished eating, it was decided that we should head north out of town. We had once entertained the thought of following the Elroy-Sparta trail, but this went southeastwards, out of our way. Troy was anxious to get northwards, as we hadn't gone that direction since the first day. Jamey said that Wisconsin Rapids would be a good place to ride to, so we took his advice. Once we were all prepared to leave, we rolled out to the entrance to the campgrounds. Here Jamey took leave of us. I noticed that the Elroy-Sparta trail actually started right at that point. Jeremy was going eastwards to parts unknown and the Elroy-Sparta trail was on his way. With a last "Goodbye! Take Care!", we turned and headed back through Sparta.

Check in next week for the beginning of "Day Three- Cranberry Country".

Throw Away Bike Parts? What's Up Widdat?

Yesterday I was surfing the web and went on over to my good friend Gnat's blog to see what he was up to. Well, Gnat is in Taiwan checking out 2010 stuff that is coming down the pike for bicycles and doing some other stuff as well. This post that he put up I found extremely interesting and disturbing. I suggest that you all go read it, especially if you care about sustainability, practicality, simplicity, and just plain old responsible manufacturing/marketing techniques. (Which seem to be a rare commodity these days.)

This post on Gnat's blog got to me so much I wrote this missive on The Bike Lab immediately after reading it. (I suppose I'm still incensed, since I'm writing this! ) The thing is, as I say on The Bike Lab piece, this doesn't make any sense from the industries perspective. At least not from what they are saying lately.

Be Good To The Earth: So lately, the whole of the industry has taken up arms against "car culture", saying that bicycling is the "greener" way to go. Nicer to the environment, better for our health, and a "solution" to high energy prices because of the obvious, but also because cycling is a sustainable way to transport humans and goods from point to point. Or is it?

Nevermind that mechanic throwing away those parts in the trash! So now I have to question the authenticity of the message being portrayed here when I see an industry that isn't trying to make the components it sells last longer, be more user friendly, or sustainable. We have plenty of throw away components on bicycles already, you'd think that a responsible industry would be taking those components and making them user serviceable, or at least making them last longer. Noooooo! They want to have less durable high end parts with no serviceability at higher prices. What?!!! This is madness.

So, what to do? Well, you can still have a choice in the matter as a consumer. Just be aware that the latest, shiny, slickly marketed gizmos that hit for 2010 may actually be garbage in a few months time, both literally and figuratively speaking. You can vote with your dollars. Buy it or not.

I'm just hoping that the end users come to their senses and send this stuff packing. Time will tell.

Throw Away Bike Parts? What's Up Widdat?

Yesterday I was surfing the web and went on over to my good friend Gnat's blog to see what he was up to. Well, Gnat is in Taiwan checking out 2010 stuff that is coming down the pike for bicycles and doing some other stuff as well. This post that he put up I found extremely interesting and disturbing. I suggest that you all go read it, especially if you care about sustainability, practicality, simplicity, and just plain old responsible manufacturing/marketing techniques. (Which seem to be a rare commodity these days.)

This post on Gnat's blog got to me so much I wrote this missive on The Bike Lab immediately after reading it. (I suppose I'm still incensed, since I'm writing this! ) The thing is, as I say on The Bike Lab piece, this doesn't make any sense from the industries perspective. At least not from what they are saying lately.

Be Good To The Earth: So lately, the whole of the industry has taken up arms against "car culture", saying that bicycling is the "greener" way to go. Nicer to the environment, better for our health, and a "solution" to high energy prices because of the obvious, but also because cycling is a sustainable way to transport humans and goods from point to point. Or is it?

Nevermind that mechanic throwing away those parts in the trash! So now I have to question the authenticity of the message being portrayed here when I see an industry that isn't trying to make the components it sells last longer, be more user friendly, or sustainable. We have plenty of throw away components on bicycles already, you'd think that a responsible industry would be taking those components and making them user serviceable, or at least making them last longer. Noooooo! They want to have less durable high end parts with no serviceability at higher prices. What?!!! This is madness.

So, what to do? Well, you can still have a choice in the matter as a consumer. Just be aware that the latest, shiny, slickly marketed gizmos that hit for 2010 may actually be garbage in a few months time, both literally and figuratively speaking. You can vote with your dollars. Buy it or not.

I'm just hoping that the end users come to their senses and send this stuff packing. Time will tell.

Thanks For The Flavor: Salsa Cycles

In an ongoing end-of-the-year thank you post-a-thon, I now move on to another of those companies that has gone waaaaay beyond the expectations of this hack scriber. They have shown support and a willingness to work with me that I am greatly humbled by.

Salsa Cycles are one of the "pioneers" of mass produced 29"ers, jumping in on the big wheeled train a few years back when it was still considered a passing fad. Salsa not only helped legitimize the 29"er, it made a big impact right out of the gate with the Dos Niner. That soft tail bike became a 29"er classic, and it still graces the line of the 2009 line up of Salsa's great 29"er bikes.

I know most of "The Crew" and have ridden and hung out with them several times now. I am humbled by their professional confidence in me and Twenty Nine Inches. I am also greatly humbled by the personal friendships that have developed from this as well.

So to Salsa Cycles and the folks behind the brand, a huge thanks and I look forward to 2009 and beyond.

That's one of the coolest things about this company, in my opinion. They never rest on their past accomplishments. They continue to improve upon past products, (Dos Niner) and at the same time they seem to be able to find new ways to improve upon the big wheeled platform. (Big Mama, Fargo) So, when I say that I look forward to the future, I ain't kidding. It should be one cool ride, that's for sure!

Thanks For The Flavor: Salsa Cycles

In an ongoing end-of-the-year thank you post-a-thon, I now move on to another of those companies that has gone waaaaay beyond the expectations of this hack scriber. They have shown support and a willingness to work with me that I am greatly humbled by.

Salsa Cycles are one of the "pioneers" of mass produced 29"ers, jumping in on the big wheeled train a few years back when it was still considered a passing fad. Salsa not only helped legitimize the 29"er, it made a big impact right out of the gate with the Dos Niner. That soft tail bike became a 29"er classic, and it still graces the line of the 2009 line up of Salsa's great 29"er bikes.

I know most of "The Crew" and have ridden and hung out with them several times now. I am humbled by their professional confidence in me and Twenty Nine Inches. I am also greatly humbled by the personal friendships that have developed from this as well.

So to Salsa Cycles and the folks behind the brand, a huge thanks and I look forward to 2009 and beyond.

That's one of the coolest things about this company, in my opinion. They never rest on their past accomplishments. They continue to improve upon past products, (Dos Niner) and at the same time they seem to be able to find new ways to improve upon the big wheeled platform. (Big Mama, Fargo) So, when I say that I look forward to the future, I ain't kidding. It should be one cool ride, that's for sure!

Trans Iowa: It Is Time To Write Down The History.

The people have spoken! The history of Trans Iowa and related hoo-hah will be gathered together in one place for all to enjoy.

I want to thank all of you that e-mailed me and commented about this. It was all very encouraging. The offers to help and contribute may be called in at some point, but that will be down the road a bit. How long and where this road goes, I am not sure just yet.

I have started on the project already and there are things in the works as of now. Here's how I see this all coming together......

Backround and Beginnings: There will be some information laid out that will give readers the story of how this whole nut bag of an event even took off. The ideas that formed Trans Iowa will be discussed a bit, and early hiccups and mistakes will all be included for the world to see.

Year By Year accounts: There will be a page for every year that Trans Iowa has run that will include facts from each years event, stories on preparations, stories surrounding each event from the directors perspectives, and a run down of each event as it unfolded. There may be a picture or two as well.

Results and Rosters: There will be a page dedicated to the names and accomplishments of T.I. veterans.

Linkage: There will be a massive links page that will direct you to all the stories and photo galleries on T.I. events that we can find. This will also include a link to a "sample route" that will be the route I mentioned in yesterday's post. This will be drawn from the first three Trans Iowa events and run across the entire state.

As you can see, it will be a big project, an ambitious undertaking. But.....that's how all Trans Iowa related things are for me! This will be a long time in coming, but my hope is to get it up and operational within a month to two months. At that time, it will go live and I will be in a position to gather info, and ask for that help that was offered yesterday. So, you ain't off the hook here!

Actually, I did some research and a lot of this stuff I already have, or know where to go get it from. It's just a matter of assembling it all in a cohesive manner. We'll see how that goes!

Okay folks! Trainer time, or go outdoors if you dare! Me? Hmm........I'm thinking Fargo adventure, but we'll see about that. Keep on ridin'!

Trans Iowa: It Is Time To Write Down The History.

The people have spoken! The history of Trans Iowa and related hoo-hah will be gathered together in one place for all to enjoy.

I want to thank all of you that e-mailed me and commented about this. It was all very encouraging. The offers to help and contribute may be called in at some point, but that will be down the road a bit. How long and where this road goes, I am not sure just yet.

I have started on the project already and there are things in the works as of now. Here's how I see this all coming together......

Backround and Beginnings: There will be some information laid out that will give readers the story of how this whole nut bag of an event even took off. The ideas that formed Trans Iowa will be discussed a bit, and early hiccups and mistakes will all be included for the world to see.

Year By Year accounts: There will be a page for every year that Trans Iowa has run that will include facts from each years event, stories on preparations, stories surrounding each event from the directors perspectives, and a run down of each event as it unfolded. There may be a picture or two as well.

Results and Rosters: There will be a page dedicated to the names and accomplishments of T.I. veterans.

Linkage: There will be a massive links page that will direct you to all the stories and photo galleries on T.I. events that we can find. This will also include a link to a "sample route" that will be the route I mentioned in yesterday's post. This will be drawn from the first three Trans Iowa events and run across the entire state.

As you can see, it will be a big project, an ambitious undertaking. But.....that's how all Trans Iowa related things are for me! This will be a long time in coming, but my hope is to get it up and operational within a month to two months. At that time, it will go live and I will be in a position to gather info, and ask for that help that was offered yesterday. So, you ain't off the hook here!

Actually, I did some research and a lot of this stuff I already have, or know where to go get it from. It's just a matter of assembling it all in a cohesive manner. We'll see how that goes!

Okay folks! Trainer time, or go outdoors if you dare! Me? Hmm........I'm thinking Fargo adventure, but we'll see about that. Keep on ridin'!