Sooner Or Later?

Riding into the future or off to the sunset?

I remember several years ago that I had a Facebook message-fest with a rider that had the opinion that the "gravel scene" was going to change fundamentally due to the influx of "competitive road racers" who would bring in a different feel to gravel events. There would be no more of the "gentleman's" rules and there may even come a time when "real rules" and governing bodies would wiggle into the gravel road racing scene.

I also see stories in mainstream cycling media stating that the downturn in the American road racing scene is a big issue that needs to be addressed. One of the several ways suggested to bolster that ailing racing scene is to tap into the burgeoning gravel road racing scene. It is no secret that USAC has already taken a hard look at this and is already trying to woo promoters over to their ways and means of doing things.

As I sit and contemplate these things on a chilly late November evening, I am happy to say that the predictions of the inevitable fall of the gravel racing scene into a similar morass that the road racing scene seems to find itself in has not materialized. I am happy to see that the tentacles of governing bodes and sanctioning have not reached into the heart of the gravel racing scene and ripped its heart out.  I am sure that there are those that feel it is a "sooner rather than later" situation. That at some point, yes, even gravel racing will be found to be as rotten for many as other forms of racing seem to be. Maybe for a few it already is there.

A "family reunion" at Gravel Worlds registration at Cycle Works in Lincoln, NE.

I guess I have held back from writing about this for a while, mostly because I feel a bit too close to gravel racing and riding. Of course I am biased. Why wouldn't I be? But then I am reminded that I have been around the rise of this scene since the beginning of it all and I have paid particular attention to it all along. Some folks call me names that infer that I am some sort of "father" to this deal. I don't say that about myself, and maybe I downplay it, but according to some folks I have a say in this. So here are my thoughts.......

In my humble opinion, there isn't any reason to believe that the gravel racing and riding scene will end up getting to the point that road racing finds itself in now. How can I say this? Well, there were signs, and still are signs, that gravel road racing, at any rate, is an experience that many promoters understand intimately. Because of that they offer that same experience to others. That resonates with riders and since this is the case, we see things like the Land Run 100 selling out 1000 spots to its 2017 event in two hours and twenty minutes. We see things like the Dirty Kanza 200 selling out in hours as well, with 2000 riders total. The demand to have the chance to be part of the "family" and have a social and physical experience, the likes of which is not offered by any other form of cycling, is still on the rise. Obviously it is. That much is fact.

The people involved are what makes it work like it does. (Image courtesy of C. Parsons)

This is why other forms of cycling may be seeing declining numbers. This may explain why road racing seems to be having a tough go. It is maybe why articles about USAC are being published that are stating losses in revenue. I see the gravel road rides and gravel road races being a very different experience than other forms of organized cycling events.

 People come to these gravel based cycling events and they know they will be accepted. They know that there isn't a hierarchy based upon classes, points, categories, or what have you. People understand that you can show up on a Schwinn Collegiate converted to single speed and get the same amount of respect and acceptance as a guy on the latest Open Cycles UP rig. People understand that if you need help out on the course, someone, or five, will offer you assistance. In the gravel scene, there basically is only one rule. That is, "Don't be a dick", to put it bluntly. It seems to have been a widely accepted, respected, and followed rule, as far as I can tell.

There is also a social element to the gravel road racing scene that may be as big a part for many as the riding itself. At the gravel race, you simply do not just show up and ride. You come early to mingle and stay late to swap stories over adult beverages. Many events foster this by offering pre-race events, days ahead of the riding in some cases, and often post race gatherings. Some will offer the rider both. The chance to interact with fellow riders, (I wouldn't go so far as to say "competitors", because that isn't the case), will forge new friendships and reunite old friends in a way that I haven't seen in other competitive cycling events.

 I think it also must be mentioned that gravel races or rides don't require special, hard to create, hard to get to venues. Most places have roads where the surfaces are unpaved and the traffic counts are super low. That has made the creation of routes and rides easy to do. Trying to set up a road race, criterium, or even to find a good venue for mountain bike events is much more difficult to do, in my opinion. 

As long as promoters and riders still "get it", gravel racing and riding will be around a long time.

So, while road racing seems to be in decline here, and governing bodies scramble to find ways to rejuvenate their reason for being, the gravel scene is thriving. I think if the pundits in the media and those in the industry of structured cycling governance were to be completely honest with themselves they would easily agree that the rise in gravel road riding and racing was, in part, a reaction to what they stand for by common riders. The folks that are looking to escape a multitude of rules, structure that seems arbitrary, and escaping from paying fees that seem to not bring the riders any real value, are attracted to the gravel scene. There they find no license fees, no arbitrary categories, and the rules are basic and easily understood. There is a challenge to this type of cycling that is new, exciting, and pushes riders to discover new things about themselves, others, and their world. Places to hold these events are easily obtained and easy to get to.  There is the chance to ride all day with like minded folks, enjoy camaraderie, and make new friends over a beer afterward, or beforehand. I just don't think that traditional modes of cycling offer such things.

There may come a day when the whole deal fades away, gets "ruined" by something or another, or is superseded by something else we haven't discovered yet on two wheels. But until that day comes, I don't think we need to worry too much about this form of cycling getting sullied by things like too many sanctions or what have you. As long as the promoters and the riders "get it", this scene will keep kicking up dust for years to come.

Sooner Or Later?

Riding into the future or off to the sunset?

I remember several years ago that I had a Facebook message-fest with a rider that had the opinion that the "gravel scene" was going to change fundamentally due to the influx of "competitive road racers" who would bring in a different feel to gravel events. There would be no more of the "gentleman's" rules and there may even come a time when "real rules" and governing bodies would wiggle into the gravel road racing scene.

I also see stories in mainstream cycling media stating that the downturn in the American road racing scene is a big issue that needs to be addressed. One of the several ways suggested to bolster that ailing racing scene is to tap into the burgeoning gravel road racing scene. It is no secret that USAC has already taken a hard look at this and is already trying to woo promoters over to their ways and means of doing things.

As I sit and contemplate these things on a chilly late November evening, I am happy to say that the predictions of the inevitable fall of the gravel racing scene into a similar morass that the road racing scene seems to find itself in has not materialized. I am happy to see that the tentacles of governing bodes and sanctioning have not reached into the heart of the gravel racing scene and ripped its heart out.  I am sure that there are those that feel it is a "sooner rather than later" situation. That at some point, yes, even gravel racing will be found to be as rotten for many as other forms of racing seem to be. Maybe for a few it already is there.

A "family reunion" at Gravel Worlds registration at Cycle Works in Lincoln, NE.

I guess I have held back from writing about this for a while, mostly because I feel a bit too close to gravel racing and riding. Of course I am biased. Why wouldn't I be? But then I am reminded that I have been around the rise of this scene since the beginning of it all and I have paid particular attention to it all along. Some folks call me names that infer that I am some sort of "father" to this deal. I don't say that about myself, and maybe I downplay it, but according to some folks I have a say in this. So here are my thoughts.......

In my humble opinion, there isn't any reason to believe that the gravel racing and riding scene will end up getting to the point that road racing finds itself in now. How can I say this? Well, there were signs, and still are signs, that gravel road racing, at any rate, is an experience that many promoters understand intimately. Because of that they offer that same experience to others. That resonates with riders and since this is the case, we see things like the Land Run 100 selling out 1000 spots to its 2017 event in two hours and twenty minutes. We see things like the Dirty Kanza 200 selling out in hours as well, with 2000 riders total. The demand to have the chance to be part of the "family" and have a social and physical experience, the likes of which is not offered by any other form of cycling, is still on the rise. Obviously it is. That much is fact.

The people involved are what makes it work like it does. (Image courtesy of C. Parsons)

This is why other forms of cycling may be seeing declining numbers. This may explain why road racing seems to be having a tough go. It is maybe why articles about USAC are being published that are stating losses in revenue. I see the gravel road rides and gravel road races being a very different experience than other forms of organized cycling events.

 People come to these gravel based cycling events and they know they will be accepted. They know that there isn't a hierarchy based upon classes, points, categories, or what have you. People understand that you can show up on a Schwinn Collegiate converted to single speed and get the same amount of respect and acceptance as a guy on the latest Open Cycles UP rig. People understand that if you need help out on the course, someone, or five, will offer you assistance. In the gravel scene, there basically is only one rule. That is, "Don't be a dick", to put it bluntly. It seems to have been a widely accepted, respected, and followed rule, as far as I can tell.

There is also a social element to the gravel road racing scene that may be as big a part for many as the riding itself. At the gravel race, you simply do not just show up and ride. You come early to mingle and stay late to swap stories over adult beverages. Many events foster this by offering pre-race events, days ahead of the riding in some cases, and often post race gatherings. Some will offer the rider both. The chance to interact with fellow riders, (I wouldn't go so far as to say "competitors", because that isn't the case), will forge new friendships and reunite old friends in a way that I haven't seen in other competitive cycling events.

 I think it also must be mentioned that gravel races or rides don't require special, hard to create, hard to get to venues. Most places have roads where the surfaces are unpaved and the traffic counts are super low. That has made the creation of routes and rides easy to do. Trying to set up a road race, criterium, or even to find a good venue for mountain bike events is much more difficult to do, in my opinion. 

As long as promoters and riders still "get it", gravel racing and riding will be around a long time.

So, while road racing seems to be in decline here, and governing bodies scramble to find ways to rejuvenate their reason for being, the gravel scene is thriving. I think if the pundits in the media and those in the industry of structured cycling governance were to be completely honest with themselves they would easily agree that the rise in gravel road riding and racing was, in part, a reaction to what they stand for by common riders. The folks that are looking to escape a multitude of rules, structure that seems arbitrary, and escaping from paying fees that seem to not bring the riders any real value, are attracted to the gravel scene. There they find no license fees, no arbitrary categories, and the rules are basic and easily understood. There is a challenge to this type of cycling that is new, exciting, and pushes riders to discover new things about themselves, others, and their world. Places to hold these events are easily obtained and easy to get to.  There is the chance to ride all day with like minded folks, enjoy camaraderie, and make new friends over a beer afterward, or beforehand. I just don't think that traditional modes of cycling offer such things.

There may come a day when the whole deal fades away, gets "ruined" by something or another, or is superseded by something else we haven't discovered yet on two wheels. But until that day comes, I don't think we need to worry too much about this form of cycling getting sullied by things like too many sanctions or what have you. As long as the promoters and the riders "get it", this scene will keep kicking up dust for years to come.

Trans Iowa v13: Special Request

A while ago I asked that all registered Rookies respond by e-mail and get me a way to contact you via e-mail for future Trans Iowa communications. I am happy to report that most of the Rookies were very prompt and considerate in responding quickly. (THANK YOU! )

However; I have seven individuals who either are not paying attention or are too busy to bother with my request. Not sure what the deal is. So, today I am asking for help in getting these seven individuals to respond to me by Thanksgiving Day this coming Thursday.

If I do not hear from these folks by then, I will be left with no other alternative but to strike their names from the roster. I really don't want to have to do that, and I am betting they don't want that either. So, if you know any of these folks, please let them know that they need to respond by Thursday this coming week or they will be out of T.I.v13. Call them, e-mail them, send a smoke signal, I don't care, but my efforts to reach them are falling on deaf (digital) ears, apparently.

 All Present And Accounted For!! THANKS!!

• Stephen Gaston
• Ethiene Narvaez
• Timothy Winterlin
• Sheldon Thompson
• Ian Wilkey
• Luke Brager
• Terri Collins

Trans Iowa v13: Special Request

A while ago I asked that all registered Rookies respond by e-mail and get me a way to contact you via e-mail for future Trans Iowa communications. I am happy to report that most of the Rookies were very prompt and considerate in responding quickly. (THANK YOU! )

However; I have seven individuals who either are not paying attention or are too busy to bother with my request. Not sure what the deal is. So, today I am asking for help in getting these seven individuals to respond to me by Thanksgiving Day this coming Thursday.

If I do not hear from these folks by then, I will be left with no other alternative but to strike their names from the roster. I really don't want to have to do that, and I am betting they don't want that either. So, if you know any of these folks, please let them know that they need to respond by Thursday this coming week or they will be out of T.I.v13. Call them, e-mail them, send a smoke signal, I don't care, but my efforts to reach them are falling on deaf (digital) ears, apparently.

 All Present And Accounted For!! THANKS!!

• Stephen Gaston
• Ethiene Narvaez
• Timothy Winterlin
• Sheldon Thompson
• Ian Wilkey
• Luke Brager
• Terri Collins

Minus Ten Review- 46

Can you believe this was Ingawanis Woodlands?

Ten years ago on the blog I wrote about my experience at what is now Ingawanis Woodlands with Mike Reimer and Jason Boucher then both of Salsa Cycles. I wrote last week that it was the "second big honor" of that week back then. It was only second because of the time when it occurred, not because it was in some way less than the other thing.

Anyway, check out this image. Those of you who now ride Ingawanis Woodlands may not recognize this at all. This was a service road that ran near to the perimeter of the parcel of land which then was known as the South Side of Camp Ingawanis, and before that, it was the Girl Scouts of America camp portion of Camp Ingawanis.

All that is left of this service road is a portion that runs straight back off of the gravel road to the South end of the property. However; ten years ago, the trails crossed this road at four different points along the way. If you really pay attention, you can see where this was yet today. However; I am willing to bet that unless you've been riding there since before the big logging days, you won't know about this road, which is now choked off with underbrush.

Speaking of the "big logging days", when a company came in and took tons of trees out of both sides of Ingawanis, you also probably didn't get to ride out there when the canopy of trees was such that you were in darkness nearly 2/3rds of the time you were riding out there. I can remember one particular ride when I was out there riding as it was raining. The tree cover was so thick that I never got wet, and the trail, for the most part, stayed completely dry. You couldn't get that ride in today. You'd get soaked. So many trees were logged off, and others lost in various wind storms since then.

The '07 Mamasita from Salsa Cycles.

So, back to that ride ten years ago. That was the day that a lucky few of us got to experience the Mamasita. This was the end of what I would call the first generation of 29"er geometry and development. It was the extreme example of the cycling industries use of then current day technology in an effort to get 29"ers to "handle like 26"ers.

For instance, it was understood that the trail measurement of the front end of 29"ers needed to be "shorter" in order to get "quicker" (unstable) handling like 26"ers had. The only way to do that in 2006 was to steepen the head angle of the frame. Fork offset was "frozen" by years of dogged adherence to "NORBA geometry" for 26"ers at 38mm. Every fork manufacturer used this offset. There were no other choices. So, Salsa decided to steepen the head angle to compensate on the first Mamsitas to a whopping 73° degrees! It worked in one way. However; it made it so that the Reba suspension fork wanted to bend backward, instead of slide on its bushings and compress. The head angle was too steep.

Trek/Gary Fisher working with Fox effectively ended this nonsense the following year when the first Fox 29"er forks came out with a generous 51mm of offset for 29"ers and 46mm of offset for 26'ers. The fork crown forgings now existed to give designers more ways to utilize a better combination of offset, head angle, and wheel size to give us the "slack/long" geometries we see today on trail bikes. 29"ers brought this to reality.

That was quite a ride back in '06, and looking back on it, it was first and foremost a beginning of new friendships. It was secondly a moment in mountain biking history that I got to taste and see. Thirdly, it marked the beginnings of the riding in Ingawanis Woodlands on a regular basis and was a time that cannot again be repeated due to the changes out there.

Minus Ten Review- 46

Can you believe this was Ingawanis Woodlands?

Ten years ago on the blog I wrote about my experience at what is now Ingawanis Woodlands with Mike Reimer and Jason Boucher then both of Salsa Cycles. I wrote last week that it was the "second big honor" of that week back then. It was only second because of the time when it occurred, not because it was in some way less than the other thing.

Anyway, check out this image. Those of you who now ride Ingawanis Woodlands may not recognize this at all. This was a service road that ran near to the perimeter of the parcel of land which then was known as the South Side of Camp Ingawanis, and before that, it was the Girl Scouts of America camp portion of Camp Ingawanis.

All that is left of this service road is a portion that runs straight back off of the gravel road to the South end of the property. However; ten years ago, the trails crossed this road at four different points along the way. If you really pay attention, you can see where this was yet today. However; I am willing to bet that unless you've been riding there since before the big logging days, you won't know about this road, which is now choked off with underbrush.

Speaking of the "big logging days", when a company came in and took tons of trees out of both sides of Ingawanis, you also probably didn't get to ride out there when the canopy of trees was such that you were in darkness nearly 2/3rds of the time you were riding out there. I can remember one particular ride when I was out there riding as it was raining. The tree cover was so thick that I never got wet, and the trail, for the most part, stayed completely dry. You couldn't get that ride in today. You'd get soaked. So many trees were logged off, and others lost in various wind storms since then.

The '07 Mamasita from Salsa Cycles.

So, back to that ride ten years ago. That was the day that a lucky few of us got to experience the Mamasita. This was the end of what I would call the first generation of 29"er geometry and development. It was the extreme example of the cycling industries use of then current day technology in an effort to get 29"ers to "handle like 26"ers.

For instance, it was understood that the trail measurement of the front end of 29"ers needed to be "shorter" in order to get "quicker" (unstable) handling like 26"ers had. The only way to do that in 2006 was to steepen the head angle of the frame. Fork offset was "frozen" by years of dogged adherence to "NORBA geometry" for 26"ers at 38mm. Every fork manufacturer used this offset. There were no other choices. So, Salsa decided to steepen the head angle to compensate on the first Mamsitas to a whopping 73° degrees! It worked in one way. However; it made it so that the Reba suspension fork wanted to bend backward, instead of slide on its bushings and compress. The head angle was too steep.

Trek/Gary Fisher working with Fox effectively ended this nonsense the following year when the first Fox 29"er forks came out with a generous 51mm of offset for 29"ers and 46mm of offset for 26'ers. The fork crown forgings now existed to give designers more ways to utilize a better combination of offset, head angle, and wheel size to give us the "slack/long" geometries we see today on trail bikes. 29"ers brought this to reality.

That was quite a ride back in '06, and looking back on it, it was first and foremost a beginning of new friendships. It was secondly a moment in mountain biking history that I got to taste and see. Thirdly, it marked the beginnings of the riding in Ingawanis Woodlands on a regular basis and was a time that cannot again be repeated due to the changes out there.

Friday News And Views

Based upon Gary Cale's T.I.v4 entrance card

This Could Be A Thing:
Trans Iowa has been something that has ended up becoming a lot more than a gravel road race for many of us. Some folks are actually prompted to get creative with the event, which most generally involves the traditional post card entry, but it is not limited to that. The pictured artwork today is based upon just such an example. This was based mostly on a post card sent in for T.I.v4 by Gary Cale.

With Mr. Cale's blessing, I have been allowed to make use of this artwork for a project. In the years since T.I.v5, t-shirts celebrating the event have been produced. Not for every year, but for many of those years, I have seen or I have in my possession t-shirts depicting different T.I. headers or whatnot. In fact, I am pretty sure Mr. Cale sent me a rendition of this image, which I'll have to dig around for.

Earlier this Fall I posted the card Mr. Cale sent in on Facebook and it got a pretty big response.  So, I figured it might prove to be a popular t-shirt with the riders. This image is the plan, as of now, for the t-shirt that every Trans Iowa v13 rider will get that shows up in April. You won't be able to buy these. It will be a gift from Trans Iowa to everyone that manages to toe the line.

Maybe that will motivate y'all to train and make it to Grinnell in April?

Anyway, it is something fun and a good limited edition treasure that will tell the world at large you are a true gravel grinding nutcase. I mean that in the best possible way. Really.

Now, this could change. If I notice a big, negative reaction, I can always go with the header icon from the site. But y'all will have to let me know what ya think. Good? Not good? Indifferent? Hit me with a comment.

Stay tuned for more soon........

Grippy. Shifty. 11 speedy.

Upgrade For The Kid:

I've been slowly dealing with an upgrade for my son's fat bike. I was trying him out on a 2X 10 set up, but this whole front derailleur thing just throws his brain a curve ball. He gets the rear shifter just fine, but he has never really gotten the idea through his head that there is a granny gear and that it can make hills easier. So, why beat a dead horse? There are other ways to get him something that rewards him more than the 2X set up he has now.

So, I've had this XD Driver'ed rear wheel that I just got a GX cassette for, but I need a grip shift style shifter, because that is what the young man prefers. So I hopped online to do some investigative Grip Shifter research. What I found was a bit surprising.

I was under the impression that actual twisty shifterage for 11 speed SRAM cassettes was going to be ultra expensive. I found out that now you can get NX level Grip Shift and so that's the next big purchase for the son's fat bike.

It's all in the name.......well, that and TRACTION ACTION!

That Name:

I need a better rear tire for the Ti Mukluk and I have it narrowed down to two choices. The Bontrager Barbegazi or the Terrene Tires Wazia. As of right now, I think the Wazia looks more like what I am looking for. 

What gives with these weird names though? Barbegazi? Wazia? I know that they both have backgrounds that sorta make sense, but.....really? 

WaaaaaaaaZEEEEaaahhhh! 

It sounds like the exhaust note of a two stroke motorcycle engine at full song to me.  Anyway, besides the odd sounding name, the Wazia looks a bit more friendly from the commuting angle and it looks to have a ton of traction, which would be handy on my varied surface commute in Winter. 

Whatever I choose, I'd better get it done soon. The weather is definitely changing. Winter is making its presence known!  

That's all for this week. get out and ride if you can!

Friday News And Views

Based upon Gary Cale's T.I.v4 entrance card

This Could Be A Thing:
Trans Iowa has been something that has ended up becoming a lot more than a gravel road race for many of us. Some folks are actually prompted to get creative with the event, which most generally involves the traditional post card entry, but it is not limited to that. The pictured artwork today is based upon just such an example. This was based mostly on a post card sent in for T.I.v4 by Gary Cale.

With Mr. Cale's blessing, I have been allowed to make use of this artwork for a project. In the years since T.I.v5, t-shirts celebrating the event have been produced. Not for every year, but for many of those years, I have seen or I have in my possession t-shirts depicting different T.I. headers or whatnot. In fact, I am pretty sure Mr. Cale sent me a rendition of this image, which I'll have to dig around for.

Earlier this Fall I posted the card Mr. Cale sent in on Facebook and it got a pretty big response.  So, I figured it might prove to be a popular t-shirt with the riders. This image is the plan, as of now, for the t-shirt that every Trans Iowa v13 rider will get that shows up in April. You won't be able to buy these. It will be a gift from Trans Iowa to everyone that manages to toe the line.

Maybe that will motivate y'all to train and make it to Grinnell in April?

Anyway, it is something fun and a good limited edition treasure that will tell the world at large you are a true gravel grinding nutcase. I mean that in the best possible way. Really.

Now, this could change. If I notice a big, negative reaction, I can always go with the header icon from the site. But y'all will have to let me know what ya think. Good? Not good? Indifferent? Hit me with a comment.

Stay tuned for more soon........

Grippy. Shifty. 11 speedy.

Upgrade For The Kid:

I've been slowly dealing with an upgrade for my son's fat bike. I was trying him out on a 2X 10 set up, but this whole front derailleur thing just throws his brain a curve ball. He gets the rear shifter just fine, but he has never really gotten the idea through his head that there is a granny gear and that it can make hills easier. So, why beat a dead horse? There are other ways to get him something that rewards him more than the 2X set up he has now.

So, I've had this XD Driver'ed rear wheel that I just got a GX cassette for, but I need a grip shift style shifter, because that is what the young man prefers. So I hopped online to do some investigative Grip Shifter research. What I found was a bit surprising.

I was under the impression that actual twisty shifterage for 11 speed SRAM cassettes was going to be ultra expensive. I found out that now you can get NX level Grip Shift and so that's the next big purchase for the son's fat bike.

It's all in the name.......well, that and TRACTION ACTION!

That Name:

I need a better rear tire for the Ti Mukluk and I have it narrowed down to two choices. The Bontrager Barbegazi or the Terrene Tires Wazia. As of right now, I think the Wazia looks more like what I am looking for. 

What gives with these weird names though? Barbegazi? Wazia? I know that they both have backgrounds that sorta make sense, but.....really? 

WaaaaaaaaZEEEEaaahhhh! 

It sounds like the exhaust note of a two stroke motorcycle engine at full song to me.  Anyway, besides the odd sounding name, the Wazia looks a bit more friendly from the commuting angle and it looks to have a ton of traction, which would be handy on my varied surface commute in Winter. 

Whatever I choose, I'd better get it done soon. The weather is definitely changing. Winter is making its presence known!  

That's all for this week. get out and ride if you can!

Dinglespeed Ramble

Checking out those Jones Bars.

I usually do this ride every Fall that entails going out to the Green Belt and single speeding the length of it out and back. I've done this ride every year for........ I don't even know. Maybe fifteen years? Maybe more. I can't say.

Well, I just hadn't gotten around to it yet. I've usually bagged this ride by mid-October, but not this year, for whatever reason. Didn't have the time or, most likely, I was just into the gravel more. Then a couple things changed.

The first was that I got some Carbon Jones 710 Loop Bars. I was anxious to get out to try them. The thing that pushed me over the edge though was the recent discovery of a fire place/chimney out in the Green Belt that I didn't know was there. New York Roll, a local cyclist, found it. He posted about it on social media Monday in conjunction with a "Super Moon" ride he had planned. Well, he let on to me the location of the ruins, so I went out mainly to see that. Trying the Jones Bar was a side benefit!

The Green Belt is getting really dried out. We had that flood in late September and ever since then it has been pretty sparse on the rain. You can really tell it now as well. Black Hawk Creek is as low as I've seen it all year. The ground is so dry it is rock hard, so the trails were rough except for where there was a lot of sand.

Slow motion eating

It was a great afternoon out on the Green Belt. The Jones bars work really well for me. Great feel and a really natural fit with my hands, arms , and shoulders. I found the ruins of the fireplace. That was cool. I even ran into New York Roll and we chatted a bit. A perfect late Fall day that I am sure is near to the last one for the year. Things are forecast to take a turn for the colder this weekend and I doubt I'll be able to ride without a jacket again until late next Spring.

Dinglespeed Ramble

Checking out those Jones Bars.

I usually do this ride every Fall that entails going out to the Green Belt and single speeding the length of it out and back. I've done this ride every year for........ I don't even know. Maybe fifteen years? Maybe more. I can't say.

Well, I just hadn't gotten around to it yet. I've usually bagged this ride by mid-October, but not this year, for whatever reason. Didn't have the time or, most likely, I was just into the gravel more. Then a couple things changed.

The first was that I got some Carbon Jones 710 Loop Bars. I was anxious to get out to try them. The thing that pushed me over the edge though was the recent discovery of a fire place/chimney out in the Green Belt that I didn't know was there. New York Roll, a local cyclist, found it. He posted about it on social media Monday in conjunction with a "Super Moon" ride he had planned. Well, he let on to me the location of the ruins, so I went out mainly to see that. Trying the Jones Bar was a side benefit!

The Green Belt is getting really dried out. We had that flood in late September and ever since then it has been pretty sparse on the rain. You can really tell it now as well. Black Hawk Creek is as low as I've seen it all year. The ground is so dry it is rock hard, so the trails were rough except for where there was a lot of sand.

Slow motion eating

It was a great afternoon out on the Green Belt. The Jones bars work really well for me. Great feel and a really natural fit with my hands, arms , and shoulders. I found the ruins of the fireplace. That was cool. I even ran into New York Roll and we chatted a bit. A perfect late Fall day that I am sure is near to the last one for the year. Things are forecast to take a turn for the colder this weekend and I doubt I'll be able to ride without a jacket again until late next Spring.

Bikes Of 2016: Twin Six Standard Rando

Used quite a bit this year.....

The time of year has come that I will be reviewing the bikes I used the most throughout 2016 and why. The ups, downs, changes, and more will be discussed. 

 Twin Six Standard Rando: This bike was a review bike for RidingGravel.com last year and I liked it so much I purchased it. I reviewed it in this series last year here. I still really like it, but there were two rather significant changes which made the bike really special this year. 

First was the switch to 650B wheels. I had the opportunity to test the WTB Horizon 47's this year, but I lacked a proper wheel set to do that with. Velocity USA came to the rescue with a set of Aileron rims laced to their own branded hubs.  Once the wheels and tires were set up, I put them on my Raleigh Tamland Two first. However; I switched them over to the Standard Rando after a while. I then discovered that the ride feel with 650B, "Road Plus" rubber was pretty compelling. The Standard Rando got lowered, felt smoother, and spun up ridiculously fast with these wheels and tires. I really had no reason to swap out that tire until a more fully featured 650B, "Road Plus" tire came along, and it did in the form of the Terrene Elwood 650B X 47mm tires. Now I am liking this wheel/tire combo even more with this bike. 

The second thing was the swap to a Brooks Cambium C-17 saddle. I had heard mixed reviews on this newer Brooks model, but my good friend, MG, had five of them, so I knew there was something to the hype. Well, it wasn't love at first ride, by any means. 

The C-17 felt stiff and a bit unforgiving. Even after a couple of gravel outings. I was about to consider how I was going to pawn it off when after the third longer ride it suddenly became super comfortable.  The compliance was 100% better than when new. Even co-workers were surprised when I rode the bike into work and we compared another new C-17 we had in stock with my broken in C-17. Night and day difference. The saddle has been primo ever since then. 

I mentioned last year that the stem, handle bar, and seat post were apt to get changed, and I still mean to get to that. However; other than a swept bar, I cannot see those things really making the bike better. The wheels, tires, and saddle have just been a major improvement. The ride quality has been enhanced, and the only negative is that I have had a few pedal strikes due to the lowered bottom bracket. 

The Aileron rims have been really great so far. I may pick up a 700c sized set and swap the bigger diameter  tires in  from time to time. That would be nice when I need a higher bottom bracket or the characteristics of a 700c set of wheels over that of a 650B, "Road Plus" set up.

Bikes Of 2016: Twin Six Standard Rando

Used quite a bit this year.....

The time of year has come that I will be reviewing the bikes I used the most throughout 2016 and why. The ups, downs, changes, and more will be discussed. 

 Twin Six Standard Rando: This bike was a review bike for RidingGravel.com last year and I liked it so much I purchased it. I reviewed it in this series last year here. I still really like it, but there were two rather significant changes which made the bike really special this year. 

First was the switch to 650B wheels. I had the opportunity to test the WTB Horizon 47's this year, but I lacked a proper wheel set to do that with. Velocity USA came to the rescue with a set of Aileron rims laced to their own branded hubs.  Once the wheels and tires were set up, I put them on my Raleigh Tamland Two first. However; I switched them over to the Standard Rando after a while. I then discovered that the ride feel with 650B, "Road Plus" rubber was pretty compelling. The Standard Rando got lowered, felt smoother, and spun up ridiculously fast with these wheels and tires. I really had no reason to swap out that tire until a more fully featured 650B, "Road Plus" tire came along, and it did in the form of the Terrene Elwood 650B X 47mm tires. Now I am liking this wheel/tire combo even more with this bike. 

The second thing was the swap to a Brooks Cambium C-17 saddle. I had heard mixed reviews on this newer Brooks model, but my good friend, MG, had five of them, so I knew there was something to the hype. Well, it wasn't love at first ride, by any means. 

The C-17 felt stiff and a bit unforgiving. Even after a couple of gravel outings. I was about to consider how I was going to pawn it off when after the third longer ride it suddenly became super comfortable.  The compliance was 100% better than when new. Even co-workers were surprised when I rode the bike into work and we compared another new C-17 we had in stock with my broken in C-17. Night and day difference. The saddle has been primo ever since then. 

I mentioned last year that the stem, handle bar, and seat post were apt to get changed, and I still mean to get to that. However; other than a swept bar, I cannot see those things really making the bike better. The wheels, tires, and saddle have just been a major improvement. The ride quality has been enhanced, and the only negative is that I have had a few pedal strikes due to the lowered bottom bracket. 

The Aileron rims have been really great so far. I may pick up a 700c sized set and swap the bigger diameter  tires in  from time to time. That would be nice when I need a higher bottom bracket or the characteristics of a 700c set of wheels over that of a 650B, "Road Plus" set up.

Ghost Rider Gear

"Vizikability" is super important

You know that as a cyclist on roads that being safe means being visible. To many cyclists, this has become an important thing to achieve. For many companies, their marketing focuses entirely on visibility for cyclists. So, you've got your blinkies, your flashing head lights, your day-glo wear, and even lasers for your rearguard. There is a bewildering array of products focused on keeping cyclists visible.

Of course, none of that really matters if the distracted driver is looking at their "device", whatever that may be. That's an entirely different deal.

When/if drivers are actually paying attention, you can do a lot of things to help yourself be more visible anytime of the day or night. I just got something which is oriented toward being visible at night. Typically, if we're focusing on garments, that means bright, "safety green" or "Day-Glo" yellow stuff with lots of ScotchBrite or other reflective panels.  Great stuff for the nighttime, but maybe you are not into looking like a DOT road worker when you are at the local watering hole, shopping at the grocery store, or when you ride in the daytime. Yeah.....some folks are "safety yellow 24-7" freaks. But I, for one, think that's just plain silly. Color of garment, in the daytime at least, isn't going to reach eyeballs like a LED flashing light will. Anywho......

This Refleckt 360° jacket I just got in on test for RidingGravel.com from ProViz is unique in that they have five "normal' colors available, but the minute light hits the fabric in the dark, it glows and you look like your are some ethereal spirit of the netherworld.

Possible para-normal activity in front of Guitar Ted Laboratories. Image by Jacob Stevenson

I think my flashy blue ghost-like visage scooting down the road might attract a bit of attention.

Maybe.

Anyway, it can't hurt, and as long as the jacket actually works, (not "garbage-bag-like, doesn't fall apart, wards off the precip), then I think it is a worthwhile idea. It is made well, as far as I can tell at this point. It has weather-proof zippers, a nice, high, fleece lined collar which has proven to be "beard friendly" so far. No snagging on a zipper or scratchy feelings to report there. The jacket has a "cycling cut", which is to say that it feels best when you are riding. Short front/long tail sort of cut to the hem. No hood, so there may be a negative for some of you.

The jacket was packed up with another garment, which I requested for testing. Bib tights. Man......I hate regular tights. They just do not work well, or feel comfortable to me. I gotta have me some bib tights! So, ProViz sent out the "Pixelite" bib tights with a bunch of "reflectomatic" panel construction for more high-viz action at night. Note- those are some high tech terms there from my own cranium. You may or may not be on board with that. Officially, the Pixelite bibs have a performance fit, are windproof, water-repellent, and.....highly breathable. (You knew that last one was coming, right?) Oh.....and they really do have reflective performance fabric at strategic places. That's true right there.

So, we'll see how it goes. I'll wear this stuff at night, maybe in the rain if the forecast holds up for Friday, and in the colder weather if what they say is correct for Saturday. Then we'll know what's up with this stuff.

Stay tuned.....

NOTE: ProViz sent out these garments at no charge for test/review. I am not being paid nor bribed for these thoughts and opinions.

Ghost Rider Gear

"Vizikability" is super important

You know that as a cyclist on roads that being safe means being visible. To many cyclists, this has become an important thing to achieve. For many companies, their marketing focuses entirely on visibility for cyclists. So, you've got your blinkies, your flashing head lights, your day-glo wear, and even lasers for your rearguard. There is a bewildering array of products focused on keeping cyclists visible.

Of course, none of that really matters if the distracted driver is looking at their "device", whatever that may be. That's an entirely different deal.

When/if drivers are actually paying attention, you can do a lot of things to help yourself be more visible anytime of the day or night. I just got something which is oriented toward being visible at night. Typically, if we're focusing on garments, that means bright, "safety green" or "Day-Glo" yellow stuff with lots of ScotchBrite or other reflective panels.  Great stuff for the nighttime, but maybe you are not into looking like a DOT road worker when you are at the local watering hole, shopping at the grocery store, or when you ride in the daytime. Yeah.....some folks are "safety yellow 24-7" freaks. But I, for one, think that's just plain silly. Color of garment, in the daytime at least, isn't going to reach eyeballs like a LED flashing light will. Anywho......

This Refleckt 360° jacket I just got in on test for RidingGravel.com from ProViz is unique in that they have five "normal' colors available, but the minute light hits the fabric in the dark, it glows and you look like your are some ethereal spirit of the netherworld.

Possible para-normal activity in front of Guitar Ted Laboratories. Image by Jacob Stevenson

I think my flashy blue ghost-like visage scooting down the road might attract a bit of attention.

Maybe.

Anyway, it can't hurt, and as long as the jacket actually works, (not "garbage-bag-like, doesn't fall apart, wards off the precip), then I think it is a worthwhile idea. It is made well, as far as I can tell at this point. It has weather-proof zippers, a nice, high, fleece lined collar which has proven to be "beard friendly" so far. No snagging on a zipper or scratchy feelings to report there. The jacket has a "cycling cut", which is to say that it feels best when you are riding. Short front/long tail sort of cut to the hem. No hood, so there may be a negative for some of you.

The jacket was packed up with another garment, which I requested for testing. Bib tights. Man......I hate regular tights. They just do not work well, or feel comfortable to me. I gotta have me some bib tights! So, ProViz sent out the "Pixelite" bib tights with a bunch of "reflectomatic" panel construction for more high-viz action at night. Note- those are some high tech terms there from my own cranium. You may or may not be on board with that. Officially, the Pixelite bibs have a performance fit, are windproof, water-repellent, and.....highly breathable. (You knew that last one was coming, right?) Oh.....and they really do have reflective performance fabric at strategic places. That's true right there.

So, we'll see how it goes. I'll wear this stuff at night, maybe in the rain if the forecast holds up for Friday, and in the colder weather if what they say is correct for Saturday. Then we'll know what's up with this stuff.

Stay tuned.....

NOTE: ProViz sent out these garments at no charge for test/review. I am not being paid nor bribed for these thoughts and opinions.

Loaded

Loaded up with clothes to donate to Goodwill

Saturday was the second time I was able to use the Big Dummy in a loaded capacity. Basically it was the same mission as before, a big ol' load of clothing we didn't need anymore that I carted down to Goodwill. This time I took along my son, Jacob, and he got to ride his new to him fat bike.

Once everything was cinched down the ride was pretty easily done. I keep coming back to my previous XtraCycle/Schwinn mountain bike experiences. The Big Dummy just blows me away with how well it rides loaded down. It handles weight easily with no hint of twist or lateral instability at all. The disc brakes are perfect for the job, obviously, so no comparison at all there.

I pumped up the tires more this time though and ran 35psi rear and about 33psi front. That seemed to be perfect. The bike was a bit of a chore to get moving initially, but all that momentum could be utilized to keep the rig moving along with little extra effort if you understand how to conserve momentum. I guess I must understand that, since I never broke a sweat riding to the Goodwill drop off, despite having to climb some hills at an interminably slow speed due to my son's lack of climbing skills.

Rest stop to feed the bonking boy.

I think he was lacking in the horsepower department due to his underestimating me as I warned him that morning about eating enough for breakfast. He didn't heed my advice and was paying the price. I decided to pull into a convenience store along the way and resupply him with something to eat. It was the right thing to do as he came alive not long afterward.

So, the clothes got dumped off and we made it back home okay. The Big Dummy will be getting more calls in the future for hauling duties, but I did do one thing on the ride Saturday that was a bit of an eye-opener.

There is a dike along the Black Hawk Creek that is pretty steep. In fact, it is the dike I have gone sledding with my son on several times in the past. Anyway, I set the crankset to "granny" and climbed right up it without spinning out the rear wheel, which I was not going to be surprised by if it did happen. Then I pointed the sled downhill and it tracked well, but for a slight tendency for the rear wheel to want to lock up. Not surprising there since I was unloaded and the rear wheel is way behind the rider.  So, this bike can do mountain biking! Well, if it weren't for the fact that you pretty much have to crawl up and over any obstacles in your way. You are not going to launch the front end up and over stuff with this rig, especially if it is loaded down.

I'm pretty stoked to have gotten this bicycle now and I think it will become a very useful tool in the stable going forward. I look forward to more "loaded" adventures in the near future!

Loaded

Loaded up with clothes to donate to Goodwill

Saturday was the second time I was able to use the Big Dummy in a loaded capacity. Basically it was the same mission as before, a big ol' load of clothing we didn't need anymore that I carted down to Goodwill. This time I took along my son, Jacob, and he got to ride his new to him fat bike.

Once everything was cinched down the ride was pretty easily done. I keep coming back to my previous XtraCycle/Schwinn mountain bike experiences. The Big Dummy just blows me away with how well it rides loaded down. It handles weight easily with no hint of twist or lateral instability at all. The disc brakes are perfect for the job, obviously, so no comparison at all there.

I pumped up the tires more this time though and ran 35psi rear and about 33psi front. That seemed to be perfect. The bike was a bit of a chore to get moving initially, but all that momentum could be utilized to keep the rig moving along with little extra effort if you understand how to conserve momentum. I guess I must understand that, since I never broke a sweat riding to the Goodwill drop off, despite having to climb some hills at an interminably slow speed due to my son's lack of climbing skills.

Rest stop to feed the bonking boy.

I think he was lacking in the horsepower department due to his underestimating me as I warned him that morning about eating enough for breakfast. He didn't heed my advice and was paying the price. I decided to pull into a convenience store along the way and resupply him with something to eat. It was the right thing to do as he came alive not long afterward.

So, the clothes got dumped off and we made it back home okay. The Big Dummy will be getting more calls in the future for hauling duties, but I did do one thing on the ride Saturday that was a bit of an eye-opener.

There is a dike along the Black Hawk Creek that is pretty steep. In fact, it is the dike I have gone sledding with my son on several times in the past. Anyway, I set the crankset to "granny" and climbed right up it without spinning out the rear wheel, which I was not going to be surprised by if it did happen. Then I pointed the sled downhill and it tracked well, but for a slight tendency for the rear wheel to want to lock up. Not surprising there since I was unloaded and the rear wheel is way behind the rider.  So, this bike can do mountain biking! Well, if it weren't for the fact that you pretty much have to crawl up and over any obstacles in your way. You are not going to launch the front end up and over stuff with this rig, especially if it is loaded down.

I'm pretty stoked to have gotten this bicycle now and I think it will become a very useful tool in the stable going forward. I look forward to more "loaded" adventures in the near future!

Trans Iowa v13: Announcement For The Rookie Class

Attention Rookie Riders For Trans Iowa v13:

As you know, your registration details did not include a request for your e-mail address. However; many of you thoughtfully added that anyway. To you, I say Thank You!. Your added information will be enough for now, but read on!

Those that did not include an e-mail on their card are listed below. You need to send me an e-mail @ g.ted.productions@gmail.com

This will be important! I will be sending out important race related information at a later date that you will need to respond to. Without an e-mail, I will obviously not be assured that you have received the upcoming important information I will have for you. So, if your name is on the list below, I will need to hear from you ASAP. As e-mails are received, I will delete names from this list.

By the way, ALL T.I.v13 riders will be getting the information I allude to above in an upcoming e-mail. So, stay tuned. I will get that out to you as soon as I can get my ducks in a row on my end.

Also: If You Cannot Attend T.I.v13 For Any Reason, Please Send Me A Note ASAP!! This is super important for me as all race related expenses come out of my pocket and I need to not waste a cent or any efforts on folks who, for whatever reasons, cannot attend Trans Iowa v13. Thanks for your consideration.

Now for the list:

• Stephen Gaston
• Ethiene Narvaez
• Timothy Winterlin
• Sheldon Thompson
• Ian Wilkey
• Luke Brager
• Terri Collins

Trans Iowa v13: Announcement For The Rookie Class

Attention Rookie Riders For Trans Iowa v13:

As you know, your registration details did not include a request for your e-mail address. However; many of you thoughtfully added that anyway. To you, I say Thank You!. Your added information will be enough for now, but read on!

Those that did not include an e-mail on their card are listed below. You need to send me an e-mail @ g.ted.productions@gmail.com

This will be important! I will be sending out important race related information at a later date that you will need to respond to. Without an e-mail, I will obviously not be assured that you have received the upcoming important information I will have for you. So, if your name is on the list below, I will need to hear from you ASAP. As e-mails are received, I will delete names from this list.

By the way, ALL T.I.v13 riders will be getting the information I allude to above in an upcoming e-mail. So, stay tuned. I will get that out to you as soon as I can get my ducks in a row on my end.

Also: If You Cannot Attend T.I.v13 For Any Reason, Please Send Me A Note ASAP!! This is super important for me as all race related expenses come out of my pocket and I need to not waste a cent or any efforts on folks who, for whatever reasons, cannot attend Trans Iowa v13. Thanks for your consideration.

Now for the list:

• Stephen Gaston
• Ethiene Narvaez
• Timothy Winterlin
• Sheldon Thompson
• Ian Wilkey
• Luke Brager
• Terri Collins

Minus Ten Review- 45

Wow! An actual image from 2006! The first C'Dale 29"er model.

Ten years ago on the blog I was honored in two very special ways. The first was that our Cannondale Rep at the time, Evan Sayre, was kind enough to get me a demo bike which was the first Cannondale 29"er model, the Caffeine F-29. He didn't have to do that, and especially after I had given him no end of grief for C'Dale's lack of a 29"er model for a few years prior to this.

Thanks again, Evan, if you read this.

Anyway, the bike was actually pretty cool. It was my first experience with a Lefty front "strut". (Please do not call a Lefty a "fork") It worked really well. The hidden gem at the time was that the Lefty used a huge, (for the time) offset on the fork, which made the bike handle really well. It pointed to our current state of 29"ers that utilize the offset first promoted by the Gary Fisher Bikes company in their "G-2" geometry, which was 51mm. 

The Caffeine F-29 was a really great first effort, and the only real negative was rear tire clearances. Otherwise it was quite nice, actually. Look at the stem on that thing though! Looooong! Certainly not the fashion of the day now.

The second great honor I was to experience was that Jason Boucher and Mike Reimer of Salsa Cycles (at that time) coming down to ride with me. That was a messed up trip due to bad weather that came the day of the planned ride at Sugar Bottom. It started out with rain, then turning to snow. We ended up riding at the South Side of the Camp, (Now Ingawanis Woodland), and that was the first time I really explored that side of the Boy Scout Camp up there. I remember Miker saying that the place could end up having some spectacular trails. He had a clear vision of that, as today Ingawanis Woodland has become a destination riding venue for mountain bikers from the area and beyond. I'll talk about the South Side more in next week's "Minus Ten Review".

But the biggest deal coming out of that time with Jason and Miker was that I became friends with those two guys and that was a bonus that I forever will be thankful for. Looking back on 2006, it was a pivotal year for me and relationship making that lasts right up to this day.

Minus Ten Review- 45

Wow! An actual image from 2006! The first C'Dale 29"er model.

Ten years ago on the blog I was honored in two very special ways. The first was that our Cannondale Rep at the time, Evan Sayre, was kind enough to get me a demo bike which was the first Cannondale 29"er model, the Caffeine F-29. He didn't have to do that, and especially after I had given him no end of grief for C'Dale's lack of a 29"er model for a few years prior to this.

Thanks again, Evan, if you read this.

Anyway, the bike was actually pretty cool. It was my first experience with a Lefty front "strut". (Please do not call a Lefty a "fork") It worked really well. The hidden gem at the time was that the Lefty used a huge, (for the time) offset on the fork, which made the bike handle really well. It pointed to our current state of 29"ers that utilize the offset first promoted by the Gary Fisher Bikes company in their "G-2" geometry, which was 51mm. 

The Caffeine F-29 was a really great first effort, and the only real negative was rear tire clearances. Otherwise it was quite nice, actually. Look at the stem on that thing though! Looooong! Certainly not the fashion of the day now.

The second great honor I was to experience was that Jason Boucher and Mike Reimer of Salsa Cycles (at that time) coming down to ride with me. That was a messed up trip due to bad weather that came the day of the planned ride at Sugar Bottom. It started out with rain, then turning to snow. We ended up riding at the South Side of the Camp, (Now Ingawanis Woodland), and that was the first time I really explored that side of the Boy Scout Camp up there. I remember Miker saying that the place could end up having some spectacular trails. He had a clear vision of that, as today Ingawanis Woodland has become a destination riding venue for mountain bikers from the area and beyond. I'll talk about the South Side more in next week's "Minus Ten Review".

But the biggest deal coming out of that time with Jason and Miker was that I became friends with those two guys and that was a bonus that I forever will be thankful for. Looking back on 2006, it was a pivotal year for me and relationship making that lasts right up to this day.