Winter Views: Birthday Ride

It was a balmy 10°F for my Birthday Ride.

Maybe some of you were wondering if I managed to get out for a bicycle ride on my birthday last Sunday. Well, I am happy to report that yes- I did get out. It wasn't anything super-crazy, but it was a good, fun ride and in somewhat challenging conditions. 

I decided to use the Blackborow DS in low range to take it easy on the knees. I know- many of you might think that single speed action is actually worse for the knees, but this low range on the Blackborow DS is pretty spinny. So, I knew I wasn't going to be stressing out my knees too badly and besides, without faster gears I wouldn't be tempted to run a harder gear than I should be. See.......single speeding can be good for you! You just need to use the right single gear. 

My goal for this ride was to go to the lake off Martin Road by Highway 63 and see who might be ice fishing. I'd already seen ice fishing huts on ponds that I never would have dreamed people would try to fish. But there they were. The lake in the Green Belt always attracted ice fishermen. There was a pretty good chance I'd see some action.

So, off I went and spun down the alleys to avoid traffic until I got over by Black Hawk Creek and I had to jump over to the street for a few blocks. It's been so cold that not many people are out and about, so traffic was light. The wind, on the other hand, was a bit stiff and biting. There for a while I thought maybe I'd under-dressed. Actually, that's a sign you've dressed just right if you are Winter riding. 

There were only two ice fishers on the lake. I was surprised.

The trail around the lake looked fun but I veered back into the woods up ahead here.

I met a guy on a fat bike at the top of the dike just before I dove into the Green Belt Trail. I kind of wondered if he came in behind me, but it was hard to tell. The scrunchy sound of my tires masked any other sounds and the trail was beaten in so narrow that I had to pay attention to my own business. 

I figured I'd have to pull up at the place where the trail crosses that rivulet that emanates out of the marshy land along Sergeant Road Trail and the ball diamonds. There has been nothing but confusion at that point since they reworked that area to maintain the dike a few years ago. When I got there I stopped to survey the situation. Then I turned around and sure enough, there was that guy on his bike. I waved him along since I wasn't about to be in a situation where I felt like I couldn't stop whenever I wanted to. 

Up on the dike in the Green Belt

Further down the dike near University Avenue.

I went on then and visited the lake which was fun but there were hardly any ice fishers there. Weird! Then I dove back into the Green Belt so as to stay out of the wind. I ended up getting up on top of the dike then and going all the way down and along that until I reached University Avenue. From there I made my way back to the house. 

It was a great ride and my legs came out of that really well. The snow is about perfect right now with this very frigid air we have. I suspect that if it gets much higher than 20°F that this snow will turn into a mess, but right now the snow is about good as it gets. It sure made for an enjoyable birthday ride.

Winter Views: Birthday Ride

It was a balmy 10°F for my Birthday Ride.

Maybe some of you were wondering if I managed to get out for a bicycle ride on my birthday last Sunday. Well, I am happy to report that yes- I did get out. It wasn't anything super-crazy, but it was a good, fun ride and in somewhat challenging conditions. 

I decided to use the Blackborow DS in low range to take it easy on the knees. I know- many of you might think that single speed action is actually worse for the knees, but this low range on the Blackborow DS is pretty spinny. So, I knew I wasn't going to be stressing out my knees too badly and besides, without faster gears I wouldn't be tempted to run a harder gear than I should be. See.......single speeding can be good for you! You just need to use the right single gear. 

My goal for this ride was to go to the lake off Martin Road by Highway 63 and see who might be ice fishing. I'd already seen ice fishing huts on ponds that I never would have dreamed people would try to fish. But there they were. The lake in the Green Belt always attracted ice fishermen. There was a pretty good chance I'd see some action.

So, off I went and spun down the alleys to avoid traffic until I got over by Black Hawk Creek and I had to jump over to the street for a few blocks. It's been so cold that not many people are out and about, so traffic was light. The wind, on the other hand, was a bit stiff and biting. There for a while I thought maybe I'd under-dressed. Actually, that's a sign you've dressed just right if you are Winter riding. 

There were only two ice fishers on the lake. I was surprised.

The trail around the lake looked fun but I veered back into the woods up ahead here.

I met a guy on a fat bike at the top of the dike just before I dove into the Green Belt Trail. I kind of wondered if he came in behind me, but it was hard to tell. The scrunchy sound of my tires masked any other sounds and the trail was beaten in so narrow that I had to pay attention to my own business. 

I figured I'd have to pull up at the place where the trail crosses that rivulet that emanates out of the marshy land along Sergeant Road Trail and the ball diamonds. There has been nothing but confusion at that point since they reworked that area to maintain the dike a few years ago. When I got there I stopped to survey the situation. Then I turned around and sure enough, there was that guy on his bike. I waved him along since I wasn't about to be in a situation where I felt like I couldn't stop whenever I wanted to. 

Up on the dike in the Green Belt

Further down the dike near University Avenue.

I went on then and visited the lake which was fun but there were hardly any ice fishers there. Weird! Then I dove back into the Green Belt so as to stay out of the wind. I ended up getting up on top of the dike then and going all the way down and along that until I reached University Avenue. From there I made my way back to the house. 

It was a great ride and my legs came out of that really well. The snow is about perfect right now with this very frigid air we have. I suspect that if it gets much higher than 20°F that this snow will turn into a mess, but right now the snow is about good as it gets. It sure made for an enjoyable birthday ride.

Goodbye MCD - Hello Mod. Zero!

The MCD model from Black Mountain Cycles is no more...

 So, a while back now I noted that Black Mountain Cycles was out of MCD frames and forks. I was watching their social media casually for any news on new colors. That's what Mike Varley, (who essentially is Black Mountain Cycles) does- he doesn't change the model much if at all. He just orders new frames and forks in two new colors. That model has worked for over a decade for him.

Well, no solid news was forthcoming and I had been hearing that frame/fork sellers on the smaller end of the scale were getting pushed aside for larger orders by their Far East manufacturing partners. I figured that didn't bode well for Black Mountain Cycle's future in frames and forks. 

Then, via a trusted friend, I got word that the MCD and the Road Plus models were getting axed from the line up with a possibility of a new model that combined the best of both into one. I did not say anything at the time, but now Mike Varley himself has posted on the BMC site about this development. 

So, it's true! No more MCD's! There will be a new model, combining the Road Plus and MCD. There will be a few changes with the new "Mod. Zero" too. But I think that in the long view this will be seen as a really good thing, and here are my reasons why I think that is so- in no particular order. 

• 44mm Head Tube: Mike Varley doggedly stuck to the 1 1/8th inch standard straight steer tube for a LONG time after it was out of fashion. The move to the 44mm head tube is wise from a few standpoints. One- Obviously a tapered steer tube carbon fork could be substituted in for the steel fork. This may not strike you as a positive, but here's the deal- Carbon forks have been around for 30+ years and the industry has them figured out. The benefits of a steel fork are largely negated when you put a disc brake on the fork. The extra reinforcement necessary makes the steel fork heavier, less lively, and therefore not as much the advantage as you might desire. Plus, you can minimize stack height, relative to what you can do with 1 1/8th straight head tubes, to the max for those who want that. (And there are those who do want that)
• Replaceable Rear Derailleur Hangar: While it is true that you can bend a steel drop out back into shape, it is better to just bolt a new hangar on. If the hangar is made from stout aluminum and is designed so that it has a good base for the derailleur to operate off of, this is a better way to go. Plus bending a steel drop out that also has a through-axle receptacle integrated into it is a lot harder to do anyway. Besides, who has the tools to bend back a derailleur hangar in the field? With a replaceable hangar you can just bolt a new one on and done!  
  
• Flat Mount Brakes: While I despise flat mount brakes, it is high-time Mike did this. Your choices and applications open up, and well.......it is the way of the World now. Plus, as Mike says, it looks a bit better overall. 
• Proper Wide-650B Clearances: This is probably more a nod to the folks who were Road Plus buyers. But be that as it may, it does appeal to me if I were to be thinking more off than on roads. The versatility of the new bike model is greater then the two older ones, and I could see a knobbly XC-ish 27.5"er for backcountry explorations. And also- big, wide smoothies are going to fit better as well. I'd consider those for a road tour, as a for instance. 

Mike Varley's sample he is testing for the BMC "Mod. Zero" model. (Image courtesy of Black Mountain Cycles.)

Mr. Varley states in his blog post (linked above) that the 700c clearances will not change significantly from what I have with my MCD. Still, as Mike says- "50-ish" millimeters. I'm actually okay with that as those bigger 29"er tires start weighing quite a bit. And besides, I am a bigger fan of the 42mm-47mm sizes for my riding. Also of note- If you wanted bigger tires on an MCD type of bike, Mike offers the LaCabra. 

Image of the Mod. Zero decal from Black Mountain Cycles' Instagram

As for geometry, we don't have any solid details. Mike only alludes to the subject of geometry when he said of the old MCD and Road Plus bikes that they were "very close in terms of basic geometry. What- if any- tweaks would be made to Mod. Zero are not known at this time. 

I would make a suggestion or two- But Mike has probably made his mind up already. But what the heck! Here is what I would like to see from the "Mod. Zero". 

• An ever so slightly slacker head tube angle. It would really help with bigger tires and more extreme terrain, but it also is awesome on gravel. 
• Maybe a tic more fork offset to bring back a bit quicker handling, but also to 'kick out' that front tire a hair more to gain a bit more compliance and toe-overlap room. 
• Mike is combining the old 650B "road plus tire" sized bike with the old 700c compatible rig, so bottom bracket drop cannot get too crazy. That said, my Twin Six Standard Rando does just fine on 650B wheels with a 75mm bottom bracket drop. I'd LOVE to see that on the new "Mod. Zero", but I'd be really pleased if it were 72.5mm as well. 
• Do I spy bottle mounts on the fork? A huge plus in my mind if that is the plan.
  

Now for the million dollar question: Will Guitar Ted be getting one? If you read the linked post from Mike, you already know that these bikes won't be seen here until mid-2023 at the earliest. So, yeah..... Here's where I am at with my fleet of gravel machines.....

I'm likely to retire the Noble Bikes GX5 by sometime around 2023-ish. While it is a great bike, it is going to be five years old by 2023 and being a carbon frame, ridden on gravel, and that not too kindly, well..... It may very well be okay, but I expect that newer designs and technologies may start making that bike a bit off the back in terms of what I can test on there. Maybe not. We will see. And it has to survive that long, which- being a carbon bike- is no guarantee. 

Then I have that old Tamland Two I keep threatening to retire but keeps coming back. That bike will be nine years old in 2023. And the Fargo? ha! So, yeah..... I could see a Mod Zero for Riding Gravel duties. This depends on the finer details which I don't have yet, and I cannot predict what I'll be doing next month much less than a year and a half from now. I don't really need a Mod. Zero, but I might be able to use one for work purposes. So, if I am still doing RidingGravel.com I would consider one seriously. If I am not? I have a perfectly fine BMC MCD.

Goodbye MCD - Hello Mod. Zero!

The MCD model from Black Mountain Cycles is no more...

 So, a while back now I noted that Black Mountain Cycles was out of MCD frames and forks. I was watching their social media casually for any news on new colors. That's what Mike Varley, (who essentially is Black Mountain Cycles) does- he doesn't change the model much if at all. He just orders new frames and forks in two new colors. That model has worked for over a decade for him.

Well, no solid news was forthcoming and I had been hearing that frame/fork sellers on the smaller end of the scale were getting pushed aside for larger orders by their Far East manufacturing partners. I figured that didn't bode well for Black Mountain Cycle's future in frames and forks. 

Then, via a trusted friend, I got word that the MCD and the Road Plus models were getting axed from the line up with a possibility of a new model that combined the best of both into one. I did not say anything at the time, but now Mike Varley himself has posted on the BMC site about this development. 

So, it's true! No more MCD's! There will be a new model, combining the Road Plus and MCD. There will be a few changes with the new "Mod. Zero" too. But I think that in the long view this will be seen as a really good thing, and here are my reasons why I think that is so- in no particular order. 

• 44mm Head Tube: Mike Varley doggedly stuck to the 1 1/8th inch standard straight steer tube for a LONG time after it was out of fashion. The move to the 44mm head tube is wise from a few standpoints. One- Obviously a tapered steer tube carbon fork could be substituted in for the steel fork. This may not strike you as a positive, but here's the deal- Carbon forks have been around for 30+ years and the industry has them figured out. The benefits of a steel fork are largely negated when you put a disc brake on the fork. The extra reinforcement necessary makes the steel fork heavier, less lively, and therefore not as much the advantage as you might desire. Plus, you can minimize stack height, relative to what you can do with 1 1/8th straight head tubes, to the max for those who want that. (And there are those who do want that)
• Replaceable Rear Derailleur Hangar: While it is true that you can bend a steel drop out back into shape, it is better to just bolt a new hangar on. If the hangar is made from stout aluminum and is designed so that it has a good base for the derailleur to operate off of, this is a better way to go. Plus bending a steel drop out that also has a through-axle receptacle integrated into it is a lot harder to do anyway. Besides, who has the tools to bend back a derailleur hangar in the field? With a replaceable hangar you can just bolt a new one on and done!  
  
• Flat Mount Brakes: While I despise flat mount brakes, it is high-time Mike did this. Your choices and applications open up, and well.......it is the way of the World now. Plus, as Mike says, it looks a bit better overall. 
• Proper Wide-650B Clearances: This is probably more a nod to the folks who were Road Plus buyers. But be that as it may, it does appeal to me if I were to be thinking more off than on roads. The versatility of the new bike model is greater then the two older ones, and I could see a knobbly XC-ish 27.5"er for backcountry explorations. And also- big, wide smoothies are going to fit better as well. I'd consider those for a road tour, as a for instance. 

Mike Varley's sample he is testing for the BMC "Mod. Zero" model. (Image courtesy of Black Mountain Cycles.)

Mr. Varley states in his blog post (linked above) that the 700c clearances will not change significantly from what I have with my MCD. Still, as Mike says- "50-ish" millimeters. I'm actually okay with that as those bigger 29"er tires start weighing quite a bit. And besides, I am a bigger fan of the 42mm-47mm sizes for my riding. Also of note- If you wanted bigger tires on an MCD type of bike, Mike offers the LaCabra. 

Image of the Mod. Zero decal from Black Mountain Cycles' Instagram

As for geometry, we don't have any solid details. Mike only alludes to the subject of geometry when he said of the old MCD and Road Plus bikes that they were "very close in terms of basic geometry. What- if any- tweaks would be made to Mod. Zero are not known at this time. 

I would make a suggestion or two- But Mike has probably made his mind up already. But what the heck! Here is what I would like to see from the "Mod. Zero". 

• An ever so slightly slacker head tube angle. It would really help with bigger tires and more extreme terrain, but it also is awesome on gravel. 
• Maybe a tic more fork offset to bring back a bit quicker handling, but also to 'kick out' that front tire a hair more to gain a bit more compliance and toe-overlap room. 
• Mike is combining the old 650B "road plus tire" sized bike with the old 700c compatible rig, so bottom bracket drop cannot get too crazy. That said, my Twin Six Standard Rando does just fine on 650B wheels with a 75mm bottom bracket drop. I'd LOVE to see that on the new "Mod. Zero", but I'd be really pleased if it were 72.5mm as well. 
• Do I spy bottle mounts on the fork? A huge plus in my mind if that is the plan.
  

Now for the million dollar question: Will Guitar Ted be getting one? If you read the linked post from Mike, you already know that these bikes won't be seen here until mid-2023 at the earliest. So, yeah..... Here's where I am at with my fleet of gravel machines.....

I'm likely to retire the Noble Bikes GX5 by sometime around 2023-ish. While it is a great bike, it is going to be five years old by 2023 and being a carbon frame, ridden on gravel, and that not too kindly, well..... It may very well be okay, but I expect that newer designs and technologies may start making that bike a bit off the back in terms of what I can test on there. Maybe not. We will see. And it has to survive that long, which- being a carbon bike- is no guarantee. 

Then I have that old Tamland Two I keep threatening to retire but keeps coming back. That bike will be nine years old in 2023. And the Fargo? ha! So, yeah..... I could see a Mod Zero for Riding Gravel duties. This depends on the finer details which I don't have yet, and I cannot predict what I'll be doing next month much less than a year and a half from now. I don't really need a Mod. Zero, but I might be able to use one for work purposes. So, if I am still doing RidingGravel.com I would consider one seriously. If I am not? I have a perfectly fine BMC MCD.

Trans Iowa Stories: An Ending- A Release

Zitz, Aker, and Hinde coming home near the end of T.I.v13. Image by Jon Duke.

 "Trans Iowa Stories" is an every Sunday post which helps tell the stories behind the event. You can check out other posts about this subject  by clicking on the "Trans Iowa Stories" link under the blog header. Thanks and enjoy!  

Miller Park was a cold, wet, and wind swept place on Sunday, April 30th, 2017. It was not a good place to be, but that wasn't particular to Miller Park. It was just downright inhospitable anywhere out of doors on that morning. The kind of morning on which a good church goer would seriously entertain the idea of skipping services. But there we were, a small group of Trans Iowa folks. Waiting.....

I guess we thought Dan Hughes had some sort of super-power that day. We were amazed at his tenacity and perseverance. We were amazed that he was going to finish. We were amazed that anyone was going to finish! 

 Of course, Trans Iowa any year it was held, was no joke from a cycling perspective. 300+ miles, self-navigated, self-supported, and under time limits. Then throw in whatever roads I found: Hills, dirt roads, and even the occasional bike path. On top of all of that, toss on some fresh gravel. Finish it all with a heaping dose of weather. Depending upon the mixture and the nature of the ingredients, Trans Iowa was either a very tough challenge, ridiculously hard, or impossible. When it was on the edge of "ridiculously hard" and not quite "impossible", that was what most folks wanted to see. They called these "classic Trans Iowas". 

This Trans Iowa definitely fell into that "classic" status, and we all knew it while it was unfolding. That's why we were all standing around, shivering, trying to stay warm. We wanted to be eye witnesses to possibly the greatest Trans Iowa finish ever. 

(L-R) Trans Iowa veteran, Ari Andonopoulous, volunteer and T.I. finisher Mike Johnson, and volunteer and T.I. finisher Steve Fuller all awaiting the arrival of Dan Hughes.  (Image by Michael Roe)

From a logistical standpoint I was doing well. The event was going well and I had a finish line volunteer lined up again, which generally speaking wasn't always the case. This time it was Sveta Vold and her youngest daughter, Yeva. She was maybe just old enough to be walking, maybe a little over a year old at the time. Yeva splashed in the many puddles formed in the chip-seal parking lot area while the rest of us stood shivering, waiting... I found the contrast between the joy of a cavorting toddler, seemingly oblivious to the storm going on, and the rest of us cowering adults rather comical. 

Unfortunately for Sveta and Yeva, there was not going to be a lot to do during this soggy day. Trans Iowa was set to have well under ten finishers, and maybe less than five, if things played out accordingly. Hughes' expected arrival was taking so long now that the awaiting group of well-wishers were taking short trips to their vehicles to warm up frozen digits and toes. Along about 10:30am word came, via a text from Jon Duke to me, that Hughes was about ten minutes away from the finish line. I announced to those standing around that we had a finisher coming soon. That got the assembled souls there to stand to attention and all gazed Eastward up the entrance to Miller Park awaiting Dan Hughes arrival. 

My image of Dan Hughes as he finished T.I.v13. I was not ready for what came next....

Looking back, I have to mark that the whole finish line routine I practiced never really got its start until the third Trans Iowa. Since T.I.v1 was so haphazardly run, and because I was the only person in charge, we had to rely on Decorah Time Trial people to man our finish line, so I wasn't there for that one. Of course, Trans Iowa v2 was unfinishable. So, T.I.v3 was the first time I was present for a finisher of the event. And as has been documented before, that first effort made to congratulate the winner wasn't taken well. 

Some events made a big deal about getting that "hug" at the end from the event director. Chris Skogen was famous for his "Almanzo Handshake". What would I do? I cannot say that I really gave the thing much thought back then. I figured that the gentlemanly thing to do was to offer congratulations and a firm handshake. A look in the eyes to convey that I acknowledged the rider's achievement in overcoming the challenge that I set up. A handshake then. And while the first person it was offered to was not pleased, that turned out to be an aberration in the history of Trans Iowa finishers. 

So I figured, ya know, Dan Hughes would roll up, and in his typical, sardonic, dry manner, he would make some crack statement, then I would shake his hand, and we'd make a few pictures together. Then he would hang maybe for a bit, and that would be that. But I wasn't ready for what actually happened.

I have several shots of Dan Hughes at the finish of T.I.v13, but this one by Christopher Rhodes is my favorite.

Hughes showed up finally at about 10:45am. He rolled up to me and I stuck my hand out for that traditional handshake, but Hughes was having none of that. He reached out with his right arm and pulled me close to him in a powerful hug that lasted longer than you might feel comfortable with. 

I know words were exchanged then between he and I, but I have no recollection what those words might have been. All I can remember, and I remember this feeling vividly, is the emotional power that was in that hug Dan gave me. You could say it was a sort of catharsis. A purification of sorts happened right there. Something happened. More than Dan just giving me a hug. It was bigger than that, for him at any rate, and I was left sort of confused by what had just happened. I just knew something really big- more important than finishing Trans Iowa- had just occurred right then. 

Dan Hughes speaking with me shortly after his T.I.v13 finish. Image by Sveta Vold

I've often been told that Trans Iowa was a chance for someone who got into it to have their life changed. I have always taken that to heart, and since T.I.v3 I really focused on that aspect of the event. Many people may not have understood  the various unique facets of Trans Iowa, but then again, many events are not focused on things which are spiritual and psychological. The whole "mental" part of the event was of superior importance to me, so when I got feedback to the effect that someone had a so-called 'life changing' experience out there, I was particularly pleased by that. 

Dan's act was something that conveyed this with more than words to me. It was a powerful moment in my Trans Iowa experiences. Maybe the most memorable moment for me of all 14 years of the event. The fact that Dan is something of an enigma to me, and that his act at the finish line was so intimate and powerful to me, was at once confusing and supremely meaningful. I cannot speak for Dan, but all I know is that something - a release of sorts- happened in that moment, and while I cannot say exactly what that was, it is a moment I will not forget. 

Next: A Contrast Of Two Cyclists

Trans Iowa Stories: An Ending- A Release

Zitz, Aker, and Hinde coming home near the end of T.I.v13. Image by Jon Duke.

 "Trans Iowa Stories" is an every Sunday post which helps tell the stories behind the event. You can check out other posts about this subject  by clicking on the "Trans Iowa Stories" link under the blog header. Thanks and enjoy!  

Miller Park was a cold, wet, and wind swept place on Sunday, April 30th, 2017. It was not a good place to be, but that wasn't particular to Miller Park. It was just downright inhospitable anywhere out of doors on that morning. The kind of morning on which a good church goer would seriously entertain the idea of skipping services. But there we were, a small group of Trans Iowa folks. Waiting.....

I guess we thought Dan Hughes had some sort of super-power that day. We were amazed at his tenacity and perseverance. We were amazed that he was going to finish. We were amazed that anyone was going to finish! 

 Of course, Trans Iowa any year it was held, was no joke from a cycling perspective. 300+ miles, self-navigated, self-supported, and under time limits. Then throw in whatever roads I found: Hills, dirt roads, and even the occasional bike path. On top of all of that, toss on some fresh gravel. Finish it all with a heaping dose of weather. Depending upon the mixture and the nature of the ingredients, Trans Iowa was either a very tough challenge, ridiculously hard, or impossible. When it was on the edge of "ridiculously hard" and not quite "impossible", that was what most folks wanted to see. They called these "classic Trans Iowas". 

This Trans Iowa definitely fell into that "classic" status, and we all knew it while it was unfolding. That's why we were all standing around, shivering, trying to stay warm. We wanted to be eye witnesses to possibly the greatest Trans Iowa finish ever. 

(L-R) Trans Iowa veteran, Ari Andonopoulous, volunteer and T.I. finisher Mike Johnson, and volunteer and T.I. finisher Steve Fuller all awaiting the arrival of Dan Hughes.  (Image by Michael Roe)

From a logistical standpoint I was doing well. The event was going well and I had a finish line volunteer lined up again, which generally speaking wasn't always the case. This time it was Sveta Vold and her youngest daughter, Yeva. She was maybe just old enough to be walking, maybe a little over a year old at the time. Yeva splashed in the many puddles formed in the chip-seal parking lot area while the rest of us stood shivering, waiting... I found the contrast between the joy of a cavorting toddler, seemingly oblivious to the storm going on, and the rest of us cowering adults rather comical. 

Unfortunately for Sveta and Yeva, there was not going to be a lot to do during this soggy day. Trans Iowa was set to have well under ten finishers, and maybe less than five, if things played out accordingly. Hughes' expected arrival was taking so long now that the awaiting group of well-wishers were taking short trips to their vehicles to warm up frozen digits and toes. Along about 10:30am word came, via a text from Jon Duke to me, that Hughes was about ten minutes away from the finish line. I announced to those standing around that we had a finisher coming soon. That got the assembled souls there to stand to attention and all gazed Eastward up the entrance to Miller Park awaiting Dan Hughes arrival. 

My image of Dan Hughes as he finished T.I.v13. I was not ready for what came next....

Looking back, I have to mark that the whole finish line routine I practiced never really got its start until the third Trans Iowa. Since T.I.v1 was so haphazardly run, and because I was the only person in charge, we had to rely on Decorah Time Trial people to man our finish line, so I wasn't there for that one. Of course, Trans Iowa v2 was unfinishable. So, T.I.v3 was the first time I was present for a finisher of the event. And as has been documented before, that first effort made to congratulate the winner wasn't taken well. 

Some events made a big deal about getting that "hug" at the end from the event director. Chris Skogen was famous for his "Almanzo Handshake". What would I do? I cannot say that I really gave the thing much thought back then. I figured that the gentlemanly thing to do was to offer congratulations and a firm handshake. A look in the eyes to convey that I acknowledged the rider's achievement in overcoming the challenge that I set up. A handshake then. And while the first person it was offered to was not pleased, that turned out to be an aberration in the history of Trans Iowa finishers. 

So I figured, ya know, Dan Hughes would roll up, and in his typical, sardonic, dry manner, he would make some crack statement, then I would shake his hand, and we'd make a few pictures together. Then he would hang maybe for a bit, and that would be that. But I wasn't ready for what actually happened.

I have several shots of Dan Hughes at the finish of T.I.v13, but this one by Christopher Rhodes is my favorite.

Hughes showed up finally at about 10:45am. He rolled up to me and I stuck my hand out for that traditional handshake, but Hughes was having none of that. He reached out with his right arm and pulled me close to him in a powerful hug that lasted longer than you might feel comfortable with. 

I know words were exchanged then between he and I, but I have no recollection what those words might have been. All I can remember, and I remember this feeling vividly, is the emotional power that was in that hug Dan gave me. You could say it was a sort of catharsis. A purification of sorts happened right there. Something happened. More than Dan just giving me a hug. It was bigger than that, for him at any rate, and I was left sort of confused by what had just happened. I just knew something really big- more important than finishing Trans Iowa- had just occurred right then. 

Dan Hughes speaking with me shortly after his T.I.v13 finish. Image by Sveta Vold

I've often been told that Trans Iowa was a chance for someone who got into it to have their life changed. I have always taken that to heart, and since T.I.v3 I really focused on that aspect of the event. Many people may not have understood  the various unique facets of Trans Iowa, but then again, many events are not focused on things which are spiritual and psychological. The whole "mental" part of the event was of superior importance to me, so when I got feedback to the effect that someone had a so-called 'life changing' experience out there, I was particularly pleased by that. 

Dan's act was something that conveyed this with more than words to me. It was a powerful moment in my Trans Iowa experiences. Maybe the most memorable moment for me of all 14 years of the event. The fact that Dan is something of an enigma to me, and that his act at the finish line was so intimate and powerful to me, was at once confusing and supremely meaningful. I cannot speak for Dan, but all I know is that something - a release of sorts- happened in that moment, and while I cannot say exactly what that was, it is a moment I will not forget. 

Next: A Contrast Of Two Cyclists

Sixty-One

Self portrait. GT in his basement shop.

Well, it's THAT day again! The day on which I was born sixty-one years ago is today. So, in light of this auspicious occasion, I am going to take some time to reflect on a few things. Here we go, in no particular order....

• Two years....well-almost two... of this pandemic is tiring. I feel like it has been 2020 forever. 
• Last year was.....uggh! Last year was great too. Lots of changes happened. 
• Working as a mover for a moving company part time here and there has been enlightening. You've no idea how hard these people work. Think about your toughest days on a bicycle. It's that hard- maybe harder- and those guys and gals do that five days a week. 
• I still like riding bicycles- a lot! 
• I still like playing guitar 
• I still really enjoy writing. 
• I love my family and count myself super-blessed to have a wife and two children that love me.

I have my health, such as it is. It is good, but sixty-one years and you know what? Things change. I'm not complaining. It is what it is. And that is mostly really good for my age. But I won't kid you- as you age, you'd better become acquainted with pain, changing performance of certain body parts, and hair management where you thought hair would never grow! Just kidding! A little......

Thanks for reading G-Ted Productions. I hope that you have an awesome day!

Sixty-One

Self portrait. GT in his basement shop.

Well, it's THAT day again! The day on which I was born sixty-one years ago is today. So, in light of this auspicious occasion, I am going to take some time to reflect on a few things. Here we go, in no particular order....

• Two years....well-almost two... of this pandemic is tiring. I feel like it has been 2020 forever. 
• Last year was.....uggh! Last year was great too. Lots of changes happened. 
• Working as a mover for a moving company part time here and there has been enlightening. You've no idea how hard these people work. Think about your toughest days on a bicycle. It's that hard- maybe harder- and those guys and gals do that five days a week. 
• I still like riding bicycles- a lot! 
• I still like playing guitar 
• I still really enjoy writing. 
• I love my family and count myself super-blessed to have a wife and two children that love me.

I have my health, such as it is. It is good, but sixty-one years and you know what? Things change. I'm not complaining. It is what it is. And that is mostly really good for my age. But I won't kid you- as you age, you'd better become acquainted with pain, changing performance of certain body parts, and hair management where you thought hair would never grow! Just kidding! A little......

Thanks for reading G-Ted Productions. I hope that you have an awesome day!

Back At It

 Well, as I have been hinting at for a bit here, I had my hat in the ring for a new job. Well, now I can say that I have that job and- actually- my first day is today. The job will be in the bicycle realm, but this time it is a bit different in mission. 

The Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective isn't a retail bike shop. Here is the description from their Facebok page:

"The Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective is:

• A volunteer-driven community bike resource

• An entry point for people that may not be ready to purchase a brand new bike

• An educational resource for bicycle safety and maintenance

• The Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective is NOT a bike shop; We do not fix your bikes, but we will show you how to fix your bike."

The CVBC does accept donated bicycles, refurbishes the ones that make sense to refurbish and sell, and then sells those used bikes into the community at a more than fair price to get more folks on bicycles. It is a part time position, but that's no big deal. I don't think I've worked full-time at a bike shop since the early 2000's. 

 

And as well- I've done the retail bicycle thing for about 25 years. That is enough of that. This job has very different challenges and will push me a bit to grow in a bit different way. Another wrenching job would have been more of the same. That would have been 'okay', but this gig promises to be better, I think. Plus I have plenty of time to get other stuff done as the hours are not that demanding. 

 

So, yeah.... I'm excited to get back to work and retire from part time moving duties! 

Back At It

 Well, as I have been hinting at for a bit here, I had my hat in the ring for a new job. Well, now I can say that I have that job and- actually- my first day is today. The job will be in the bicycle realm, but this time it is a bit different in mission. 

The Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective isn't a retail bike shop. Here is the description from their Facebok page:

"The Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective is:

• A volunteer-driven community bike resource

• An entry point for people that may not be ready to purchase a brand new bike

• An educational resource for bicycle safety and maintenance

• The Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective is NOT a bike shop; We do not fix your bikes, but we will show you how to fix your bike."

The CVBC does accept donated bicycles, refurbishes the ones that make sense to refurbish and sell, and then sells those used bikes into the community at a more than fair price to get more folks on bicycles. It is a part time position, but that's no big deal. I don't think I've worked full-time at a bike shop since the early 2000's. 

 

And as well- I've done the retail bicycle thing for about 25 years. That is enough of that. This job has very different challenges and will push me a bit to grow in a bit different way. Another wrenching job would have been more of the same. That would have been 'okay', but this gig promises to be better, I think. Plus I have plenty of time to get other stuff done as the hours are not that demanding. 

 

So, yeah.... I'm excited to get back to work and retire from part time moving duties! 

Friday News And Views

My old co-worker, Carl Buchanan with a "bike shop horror" from '06.

Mechanics Petition For Banning "Unfixable Bikes":

 
Recently a petition has been going around for the "banning of the manufacture of 'unfixable bicycles'."

Typically the bane of average shop mechanics, these "mart-bikes" almost always are made for floor appeal first and foremost, with the slight possibility of actually riding them way down the list of priorities. 

The petition states that such "bicycle-shaped objects" are really disheartening for children and lower income adults who typically rely on these bikes for mobility. The petition states that these bikes result in repair bills that eclipse the value of the bike and cause undue stress and harm. Following is a bullet point list of 'demands'. 

"We call on you to:
- Set a minimum durability standard for bicycles to last at least 500 riding hours before breaking down,
- Design bikes to be serviceable and hold adjustment, with replaceable and upgradable components, and
- Stop creating and selling bikes that are made to fall apart."

Comments: While I can sympathize with the plight of the mechanic, I think this petition is misdirected. Part of the onus here is on the consumer. If people understood what constitutes a "real bicycle" versus what you get at a big box store, it might make a difference in a few cases. But also- and this is probably the real issue, we can lay a LOT of the blame here on the bicycle industry at the higher levels. These are not necessarily the brands you see on 'mart bikes', but on the bike shop quality bikes. They have consistently and constantly driven technology, materials, and therefore costs, through to such a point that now an "entry level" bike-shop bike costs North of $600.00! 

I once had a great conversation on this subject with the legendary Gary Fisher. He had a great idea, which was to make the same parts over and over for years. Parts which were once 'top-shelf'- he proposed 8 speed XTR as an example- and with the same parts never changing, costs could come way down. Mate those to a simple frame, and boom! Inexpensive, high-quality bicycles for the masses. 

But when you change parts, colors, frame designs, and all that year-to-year, costs are harder to contain. And obviously inflation and all of that comes into play. However; when I see what smaller companies like State Bicycles can sell a bike for, I cannot help but imagine where prices could go if standardization of parts and pieces were maximized for the inexpensive bikes to meet entry level cyclist's needs.  

Hammerhead Purchased By SRAM:

Wednesday news broke that Hammerhead, the cycling computer company which makes the Karoo 2 computer, was acquired by SRAM and added to their portfolio of companies which includes Rock Shox, Zipp, TIME, and Quark, according to an article in "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News". 

Details of the acquisition were not released and SRAM claims all operations at Hammerhead will continue on as before. 

Comments: Obviously there is a plan here and I don't think it will take a genius to see where SRAM is going with Hammerhead's technology. SRAM's new move into an all-integrated system for MTB and road with its AXS wireless groups and further integration with Rock Shox products means that a centralized control unit would be a boon to those existing systems. 

I expect that SRAM will leverage Hammerhead's tech and release their own, proprietary AXS computer head utilizing the same radio frequency established for the SRAM wireless technologies already in place.  A touch screen control unit that would be easily configurable, upgradeable, and one that has a user-friendly, "smart phone-like" interface makes sense for SRAM. 

My question is how does this affect the future for Hammerhead Karoo users in the future?  Will SRAM demands on resources from Hammerhead cause the company to lose focus on their original business? Does that mean that my Hammerhead Karoo 2 becomes a paperweight sooner than it might have anyway? Time will tell, but whenever a take-over like this happens and the press release says "things will continue on as before with the company we bought" I am VERY skeptical.

"Vaccine Pass" Required For Tour Participants?

Recently in the news a new law passed in France may have an impact on professional races held in France including the Tour de France this coming July. 

Apparently any professional will be compelled to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in any sports in France from this point forward. This would also include cycling, despite it being an out of doors activity, mainly due to hotel/motel considerations for team members and staff. Travel considerations would also be subject to the laws if the teams used public airlines, trains, or buses. Additionally, any person going to France to spectate will also have to prove proof of vaccination to enter motels, hotels, restaurants, and bars and to use public transportation. 

While most teams are reporting high percentages of their rosters as being vaccinated, some are not, which may dictate that certain team members not participate in the Tour or other French races. Furthermore, the new French law also stipulates that a booster vaccine shot must be proven to have been taken by any athlete who has been vaccinated for four months or longer.

Similar restrictions exist in Italy, and in some Middle Eastern countries.  The UCI has not formulated its 2022 vaccine protocols yet and said that for the time being teams should respect each nation's laws. 

Comments: Once again, the pandemic strikes. However; some experts are saying we are entering the 'endemic phase' of this viral wave and that the case numbers will show that by the end of this year. Meanwhile other nations are taking a bit of a conservative approach as the Omicron variant rages across the world. In the USA? Events are taking registrants as if nothing is going on. It's a very odd situation. 

I'm not saying we are (the USA) wrong or right, but you'd think that some mention of protocols for the health and safety of riders would still be alluded to, if in fact anything is going to be done at all. We'll see..... It is interesting to note that the industry get together called "CABDA", to be held in Chicago next month, has been cancelled. Meanwhile, the Iowa Bicycle Expo, to be held in Des Moines, Iowa, is full throttle, and will be held this month. Confused? 

Yeah......

The Enduo Track chain ring and chain. (Image courtesy of New Motion Labs)

Enduo Evolve Chain Reminds Of Skip-Tooth Chains Of Past:

Recently a new chain and chain ring design caught my eye as it reminded me of something which looked similar used pre-WWII on many single speed bicycles. The "Enduo Evolve" chain is a bit different take on how a chain works. the company which makes this new chain is called New Motion Labs and they claim a significant energy savings over conventional chains. 

Essentially what a 'normal chain' does when it interfaces with a sprocket is that the chain slides in the 'valley' between the teeth of a sprocket, which causes friction. Furthermore; the roller on one side bears most of the load for energy transfer, and that gets concentrated at the point where the chain pin is inserted into the outer chain plate. All of this wastes energy, according to New Motion Labs. 

They solve the problem by utilizing a 'skip tooth' design and interfacing two links of chain in a 'valley' which then spreads the load against the sprocket teeth and eliminates the sliding of rollers against chain rings. Therefore; it is claimed; the Enduo Evolve chain saves watts.  

Comments: Looking through the New Motion Labs site, their claims make sense. However; it is obvious that this is a single ring/cog drive train set up only. The Enduo Evolve chain is not designed for side loading/shifting and is obviously far too wide anyway. But perhaps for track racing and BMX? It could be pretty good there. I'd give it a whirl on a single speed gravel bike. But I think where this is really meant to go is in the electrified bike, motorcycle, and manufacturing directions. 

Okay, that's a wrap on this week! Stay warm and get outside if you can this weekend! 

Friday News And Views

My old co-worker, Carl Buchanan with a "bike shop horror" from '06.

Mechanics Petition For Banning "Unfixable Bikes":

 
Recently a petition has been going around for the "banning of the manufacture of 'unfixable bicycles'."

Typically the bane of average shop mechanics, these "mart-bikes" almost always are made for floor appeal first and foremost, with the slight possibility of actually riding them way down the list of priorities. 

The petition states that such "bicycle-shaped objects" are really disheartening for children and lower income adults who typically rely on these bikes for mobility. The petition states that these bikes result in repair bills that eclipse the value of the bike and cause undue stress and harm. Following is a bullet point list of 'demands'. 

"We call on you to:
- Set a minimum durability standard for bicycles to last at least 500 riding hours before breaking down,
- Design bikes to be serviceable and hold adjustment, with replaceable and upgradable components, and
- Stop creating and selling bikes that are made to fall apart."

Comments: While I can sympathize with the plight of the mechanic, I think this petition is misdirected. Part of the onus here is on the consumer. If people understood what constitutes a "real bicycle" versus what you get at a big box store, it might make a difference in a few cases. But also- and this is probably the real issue, we can lay a LOT of the blame here on the bicycle industry at the higher levels. These are not necessarily the brands you see on 'mart bikes', but on the bike shop quality bikes. They have consistently and constantly driven technology, materials, and therefore costs, through to such a point that now an "entry level" bike-shop bike costs North of $600.00! 

I once had a great conversation on this subject with the legendary Gary Fisher. He had a great idea, which was to make the same parts over and over for years. Parts which were once 'top-shelf'- he proposed 8 speed XTR as an example- and with the same parts never changing, costs could come way down. Mate those to a simple frame, and boom! Inexpensive, high-quality bicycles for the masses. 

But when you change parts, colors, frame designs, and all that year-to-year, costs are harder to contain. And obviously inflation and all of that comes into play. However; when I see what smaller companies like State Bicycles can sell a bike for, I cannot help but imagine where prices could go if standardization of parts and pieces were maximized for the inexpensive bikes to meet entry level cyclist's needs.  

Hammerhead Purchased By SRAM:

Wednesday news broke that Hammerhead, the cycling computer company which makes the Karoo 2 computer, was acquired by SRAM and added to their portfolio of companies which includes Rock Shox, Zipp, TIME, and Quark, according to an article in "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News". 

Details of the acquisition were not released and SRAM claims all operations at Hammerhead will continue on as before. 

Comments: Obviously there is a plan here and I don't think it will take a genius to see where SRAM is going with Hammerhead's technology. SRAM's new move into an all-integrated system for MTB and road with its AXS wireless groups and further integration with Rock Shox products means that a centralized control unit would be a boon to those existing systems. 

I expect that SRAM will leverage Hammerhead's tech and release their own, proprietary AXS computer head utilizing the same radio frequency established for the SRAM wireless technologies already in place.  A touch screen control unit that would be easily configurable, upgradeable, and one that has a user-friendly, "smart phone-like" interface makes sense for SRAM. 

My question is how does this affect the future for Hammerhead Karoo users in the future?  Will SRAM demands on resources from Hammerhead cause the company to lose focus on their original business? Does that mean that my Hammerhead Karoo 2 becomes a paperweight sooner than it might have anyway? Time will tell, but whenever a take-over like this happens and the press release says "things will continue on as before with the company we bought" I am VERY skeptical.

"Vaccine Pass" Required For Tour Participants?

Recently in the news a new law passed in France may have an impact on professional races held in France including the Tour de France this coming July. 

Apparently any professional will be compelled to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in any sports in France from this point forward. This would also include cycling, despite it being an out of doors activity, mainly due to hotel/motel considerations for team members and staff. Travel considerations would also be subject to the laws if the teams used public airlines, trains, or buses. Additionally, any person going to France to spectate will also have to prove proof of vaccination to enter motels, hotels, restaurants, and bars and to use public transportation. 

While most teams are reporting high percentages of their rosters as being vaccinated, some are not, which may dictate that certain team members not participate in the Tour or other French races. Furthermore, the new French law also stipulates that a booster vaccine shot must be proven to have been taken by any athlete who has been vaccinated for four months or longer.

Similar restrictions exist in Italy, and in some Middle Eastern countries.  The UCI has not formulated its 2022 vaccine protocols yet and said that for the time being teams should respect each nation's laws. 

Comments: Once again, the pandemic strikes. However; some experts are saying we are entering the 'endemic phase' of this viral wave and that the case numbers will show that by the end of this year. Meanwhile other nations are taking a bit of a conservative approach as the Omicron variant rages across the world. In the USA? Events are taking registrants as if nothing is going on. It's a very odd situation. 

I'm not saying we are (the USA) wrong or right, but you'd think that some mention of protocols for the health and safety of riders would still be alluded to, if in fact anything is going to be done at all. We'll see..... It is interesting to note that the industry get together called "CABDA", to be held in Chicago next month, has been cancelled. Meanwhile, the Iowa Bicycle Expo, to be held in Des Moines, Iowa, is full throttle, and will be held this month. Confused? 

Yeah......

The Enduo Track chain ring and chain. (Image courtesy of New Motion Labs)

Enduo Evolve Chain Reminds Of Skip-Tooth Chains Of Past:

Recently a new chain and chain ring design caught my eye as it reminded me of something which looked similar used pre-WWII on many single speed bicycles. The "Enduo Evolve" chain is a bit different take on how a chain works. the company which makes this new chain is called New Motion Labs and they claim a significant energy savings over conventional chains. 

Essentially what a 'normal chain' does when it interfaces with a sprocket is that the chain slides in the 'valley' between the teeth of a sprocket, which causes friction. Furthermore; the roller on one side bears most of the load for energy transfer, and that gets concentrated at the point where the chain pin is inserted into the outer chain plate. All of this wastes energy, according to New Motion Labs. 

They solve the problem by utilizing a 'skip tooth' design and interfacing two links of chain in a 'valley' which then spreads the load against the sprocket teeth and eliminates the sliding of rollers against chain rings. Therefore; it is claimed; the Enduo Evolve chain saves watts.  

Comments: Looking through the New Motion Labs site, their claims make sense. However; it is obvious that this is a single ring/cog drive train set up only. The Enduo Evolve chain is not designed for side loading/shifting and is obviously far too wide anyway. But perhaps for track racing and BMX? It could be pretty good there. I'd give it a whirl on a single speed gravel bike. But I think where this is really meant to go is in the electrified bike, motorcycle, and manufacturing directions. 

Okay, that's a wrap on this week! Stay warm and get outside if you can this weekend!