A Sunday Ride

With Recon Plans "A" and "B" shot down in flames, I ended up doing some household chores, and then went for a ride. I love this time of year! I always make a pilgramage to the Greenbelt, along Black Hawk Creek this time of the season. It's where I first "mountain biked". I say that because I used to ride off road on a singlespeed back in the seventies. (That's before Mr. 24 was born!) Anyway, to always remember how good it was the first time I rode my ATB, I make the short trip.





The Greenbelt Trail was originally a bridle path that ran along the Black Hawk Creek. In the years since it's been there, it's been re-directed all over the place by the shifting creek channel, and resulting sand deposits. There are several places where the trail gets pretty close to the edge, like in this picture.









Motivation to stay on the established trails comes in the form of bow hunting season for deer!











The trails are relatively flat, requiring that you put it in a single gear, and hammer TT style to make it fun. There are several twists and turns, and even a bridge! It was a perfect day to ride the Karate Monkey. Dry and fast!










Here is a shot of the creek and it's easy to see how the trail is affected when the water gets high. The channel shifts, the floods knock out huge portions of real estate in one area and deposit tons of fine sand in others. The sand is super fine! Like an hour glass would have. Several "sand traps" exist to jerk your front wheel down to a stop. Fortunately, the 29 inch wheels ride right on through it!



Highlights of today's trip are the following.

1. Under a shelter is the remains of some ones picnic. Pop bottles, plates, and wrappers. It was still all there an hour later when I came back through!

2. Woman riding a hybrid mixte frame bike out in the middle of the woods with no helmet, and wearing casual flats for footwear. She probably though I was the geek!

3. On the way back, I spy a baby stroller up ahead in the middle of the trail. I slow down to sneak a look in it as I pass by. It's empty! Then, about 50 yards off the trail, on the creek shore, I see a whole family goofing around. They seemed to know me, since they called out my name, so I'll find out more someday!

4. Only saw two other bikers. I thought I'd see a lot more people, but apparently the football games were too appealing? Hmmm.......

Well, Trans Iowa recon has been re-scheduled for the second week in November, so this time, it better not get screwed up! The body shop says it's nearly done with the car. Well, they'll wish they had gotten it done sooner, because I've begun calling them every day- and I will continue to do so until I get the car back! Awesome!

A Sunday Ride

With Recon Plans "A" and "B" shot down in flames, I ended up doing some household chores, and then went for a ride. I love this time of year! I always make a pilgramage to the Greenbelt, along Black Hawk Creek this time of the season. It's where I first "mountain biked". I say that because I used to ride off road on a singlespeed back in the seventies. (That's before Mr. 24 was born!) Anyway, to always remember how good it was the first time I rode my ATB, I make the short trip.





The Greenbelt Trail was originally a bridle path that ran along the Black Hawk Creek. In the years since it's been there, it's been re-directed all over the place by the shifting creek channel, and resulting sand deposits. There are several places where the trail gets pretty close to the edge, like in this picture.









Motivation to stay on the established trails comes in the form of bow hunting season for deer!











The trails are relatively flat, requiring that you put it in a single gear, and hammer TT style to make it fun. There are several twists and turns, and even a bridge! It was a perfect day to ride the Karate Monkey. Dry and fast!










Here is a shot of the creek and it's easy to see how the trail is affected when the water gets high. The channel shifts, the floods knock out huge portions of real estate in one area and deposit tons of fine sand in others. The sand is super fine! Like an hour glass would have. Several "sand traps" exist to jerk your front wheel down to a stop. Fortunately, the 29 inch wheels ride right on through it!



Highlights of today's trip are the following.

1. Under a shelter is the remains of some ones picnic. Pop bottles, plates, and wrappers. It was still all there an hour later when I came back through!

2. Woman riding a hybrid mixte frame bike out in the middle of the woods with no helmet, and wearing casual flats for footwear. She probably though I was the geek!

3. On the way back, I spy a baby stroller up ahead in the middle of the trail. I slow down to sneak a look in it as I pass by. It's empty! Then, about 50 yards off the trail, on the creek shore, I see a whole family goofing around. They seemed to know me, since they called out my name, so I'll find out more someday!

4. Only saw two other bikers. I thought I'd see a lot more people, but apparently the football games were too appealing? Hmmm.......

Well, Trans Iowa recon has been re-scheduled for the second week in November, so this time, it better not get screwed up! The body shop says it's nearly done with the car. Well, they'll wish they had gotten it done sooner, because I've begun calling them every day- and I will continue to do so until I get the car back! Awesome!

A Giant Sucking Sound

Quickie Post: Car didn't get fixed on time, wife needed the one that did work= Trans Iowa recon postponed until early November! Sorry, ya'all! (suck suck suck!)

A Giant Sucking Sound

Quickie Post: Car didn't get fixed on time, wife needed the one that did work= Trans Iowa recon postponed until early November! Sorry, ya'all! (suck suck suck!)

The Helmet Papers: Page Two

Continuing on with the anti-helmet comments made by our "famous" local cycling guru, I would remind you that his statements are in italics, while mine are in standard font. Read on!

Those who advocate helmet use constantly bring up anecdotal evidence of people who've crashed and whose helmets have "saved their lives" (this claim can only be proven by forensic evidence, which is never provided - a thin plastic shell cracks much more easily than a skull). They never provide anecdotes about the many cyclists who have died with their helmets on. And they neglect to mention the vast majority of cyclists who ride tens of thousands of miles without ever falling on their heads, helmeted or not.

Wow! This is just an outstanding example of bad logic, and purposeful avoidance of facts. Just check out the comments from Thursdays post to see that medical personel can judge from injuries that helmet usage reduces, or eliminates the severity of crash related injuries. But, I suppose the medical EMT's, doctors, and nurses have absolutely no idea what they are talking about! As far as people who have survived a crash not giving evidence of others who have died with helmets on, or high mileage cyclists that have never struck their heads in a wreck, that is a rediculus suggestion! "Hi, I survived a crash because of my helmet! But first, let me say that several people wearing helmets often die from injuries sustained in crashes!" Yeah, riiigggghht! That sounds like a perfectly plausible scenario! Besides, no one is suggesting that helmet usage will save all lives, or prevent all injuries. If they prevent some of that, then why wouldn't you wear one? Remember, we can't predict the future. You don't know if your helmet will save you- or not! It doesn't hurt to wear one, so....why not wear one?

The comment about the thin plastic shell is a direct attempt to dis-inform the reader at this point. Later we will see that the poster has a rather well informed knowledge of how a helmet actually works. This hypocritical stance is reprehensible, and is one of the points that raised my ire about this post.

Okay, that's all for tonight! More anti-helmet spew, and commentary later!

The Helmet Papers: Page Two

Continuing on with the anti-helmet comments made by our "famous" local cycling guru, I would remind you that his statements are in italics, while mine are in standard font. Read on!

Those who advocate helmet use constantly bring up anecdotal evidence of people who've crashed and whose helmets have "saved their lives" (this claim can only be proven by forensic evidence, which is never provided - a thin plastic shell cracks much more easily than a skull). They never provide anecdotes about the many cyclists who have died with their helmets on. And they neglect to mention the vast majority of cyclists who ride tens of thousands of miles without ever falling on their heads, helmeted or not.

Wow! This is just an outstanding example of bad logic, and purposeful avoidance of facts. Just check out the comments from Thursdays post to see that medical personel can judge from injuries that helmet usage reduces, or eliminates the severity of crash related injuries. But, I suppose the medical EMT's, doctors, and nurses have absolutely no idea what they are talking about! As far as people who have survived a crash not giving evidence of others who have died with helmets on, or high mileage cyclists that have never struck their heads in a wreck, that is a rediculus suggestion! "Hi, I survived a crash because of my helmet! But first, let me say that several people wearing helmets often die from injuries sustained in crashes!" Yeah, riiigggghht! That sounds like a perfectly plausible scenario! Besides, no one is suggesting that helmet usage will save all lives, or prevent all injuries. If they prevent some of that, then why wouldn't you wear one? Remember, we can't predict the future. You don't know if your helmet will save you- or not! It doesn't hurt to wear one, so....why not wear one?

The comment about the thin plastic shell is a direct attempt to dis-inform the reader at this point. Later we will see that the poster has a rather well informed knowledge of how a helmet actually works. This hypocritical stance is reprehensible, and is one of the points that raised my ire about this post.

Okay, that's all for tonight! More anti-helmet spew, and commentary later!

The Helmet Papers: Page One

As I indicated on yesterdays post, I was planning on responding to the anti-helmet posistion that a local cycling personality expouses. There is enough material to cover here, that I thought that it would be better to focus on smaller parts of the transcript, instead of trying to cover the entire piece in one sitting.

The comments recieved from yesterdays post probably reflect the majority opinion out there. However; I think it's wise to see that there are people out there actively trying to convince others that helmets are goofy, or a bad idea altogether.

Backround: This individual was hired for a time as the local papers "cycling expert". He has posted, written, and spoken on numerous occaisions on his anti-helmet posistions. This particular example, that I present, is representative of his current philosophy on the matter. This example was posted on a tandem cycling internet forum. His text is in italics, while my commentary is in standard font. Got it? Okay, let's dig in, shall we?

"My wife and I wear helmets when we go on organized bike rides, mainly to keep the "helmet nazis" off our backs.

I haven't hit my head in a bike crash since 1973- about 80,000 miles ago. and before I'd ever seen a bicycle helmet- and I didn't even have a headache after that one. My wife has never hit her head in a crash. Every time we've put on helmets, it has been a waste of time, effort and comfort."

These are the opening comments to his post. Obviously, anyone can say with clarity, ( at least some people can) what history they have with any chosen activity that they engage in. However; one cannot predict the future! His claim of the amount of miles that he has ridden without biffing his head only amplifies the fact that his probability of crashing is higher. Regardless, the event of an accident, by the very nature of it's name, implies that we do not plan on having an accident. I'm sure, given the choice, this individual, or any of us, would not want an accident to occur. Wearing a helmet is therefore wise, because it can protect you in the event of an accident. An event which is impossible to predict, no matter how many miles you may, or may not have ridden. If it were possible to predict calamities, I wouldn't even bother getting on my bike "the day of an accident", much less wear my helmet that day. Therefore; saying that wearing your helmet is "a waste of time, effort, and comfort" is rediculus. At any rate, I don't see how popping my helmet on wastes time, ( it only takes five seconds to do it) nor effort, (it's sooo simple to put on, a child can do it) or comfort. ( modern helmets being so light, I forget I have mine on!)

Okay! Enough for today. I think this is going to be interesting. I invite any comments you may have, and I would like to compile them. I may end up sending all this along to this individual, after I complete this series.

Plan B is in effect for Trans Iowa recon! (* %*& @!) I will possibly post "Page Two" this evening, as I won't be able to get out of town until very early Saturday morning now, at the earliest.

The Helmet Papers: Page One

As I indicated on yesterdays post, I was planning on responding to the anti-helmet posistion that a local cycling personality expouses. There is enough material to cover here, that I thought that it would be better to focus on smaller parts of the transcript, instead of trying to cover the entire piece in one sitting.

The comments recieved from yesterdays post probably reflect the majority opinion out there. However; I think it's wise to see that there are people out there actively trying to convince others that helmets are goofy, or a bad idea altogether.

Backround: This individual was hired for a time as the local papers "cycling expert". He has posted, written, and spoken on numerous occaisions on his anti-helmet posistions. This particular example, that I present, is representative of his current philosophy on the matter. This example was posted on a tandem cycling internet forum. His text is in italics, while my commentary is in standard font. Got it? Okay, let's dig in, shall we?

"My wife and I wear helmets when we go on organized bike rides, mainly to keep the "helmet nazis" off our backs.

I haven't hit my head in a bike crash since 1973- about 80,000 miles ago. and before I'd ever seen a bicycle helmet- and I didn't even have a headache after that one. My wife has never hit her head in a crash. Every time we've put on helmets, it has been a waste of time, effort and comfort."

These are the opening comments to his post. Obviously, anyone can say with clarity, ( at least some people can) what history they have with any chosen activity that they engage in. However; one cannot predict the future! His claim of the amount of miles that he has ridden without biffing his head only amplifies the fact that his probability of crashing is higher. Regardless, the event of an accident, by the very nature of it's name, implies that we do not plan on having an accident. I'm sure, given the choice, this individual, or any of us, would not want an accident to occur. Wearing a helmet is therefore wise, because it can protect you in the event of an accident. An event which is impossible to predict, no matter how many miles you may, or may not have ridden. If it were possible to predict calamities, I wouldn't even bother getting on my bike "the day of an accident", much less wear my helmet that day. Therefore; saying that wearing your helmet is "a waste of time, effort, and comfort" is rediculus. At any rate, I don't see how popping my helmet on wastes time, ( it only takes five seconds to do it) nor effort, (it's sooo simple to put on, a child can do it) or comfort. ( modern helmets being so light, I forget I have mine on!)

Okay! Enough for today. I think this is going to be interesting. I invite any comments you may have, and I would like to compile them. I may end up sending all this along to this individual, after I complete this series.

Plan B is in effect for Trans Iowa recon! (* %*& @!) I will possibly post "Page Two" this evening, as I won't be able to get out of town until very early Saturday morning now, at the earliest.

Interesting......Hmmm.

There are some interesting, yet unrelated things on my mind today. In no particular order, I submit these for your approval.

1. SRAM secrets unvieled! The secret of how SRAM's new road brifter shifts has been released. I am not sure how this will work in practice, but I am relieved to see that the shift lever is in fact totally independant of the brake lever. No unwanted braking while shifting, which I seem to have a problem with everytime I ride a Shimano equipped bike. I know others may think this is silly, but it is a problem for some. The rest of the gruppo looks nice. Let's see if they can compete on price! If they can, and it works as well as advertised, LOOK OUT Shimano!

2. There is a certain individual living in my community that is regarded as somewhat of a source of cycling knowledge that advocates the non-usage of helmets! That's right! He doesn't think cycling helmets are of any use, and in fact, he thinks they are a detriment! Okay, I really get a little steamed whenever I see his statistics and twisted logic on this matter. I have to take a step back, calm down, and really think it over. So, that's what I'm doing now. I have recieved a transcript of his posistion on helmets, taken from a public internet discussion forum. I am going to dismantle this guy's argument in a civil manner, and it won't be hard to do. Just have to leave the emotions checked at the door on this one! Stay tuned, it won't be a "rant" per se, but a good read none the less.

3. Speaking of ranting, I may have a little of that to do if my car isn't ready today! You may have read my earlier post on a car of mine that's in the body shop. Well, it's supposed to be ready for me to go on Trans Iowa recon tomorrow! It doesn't look good, so I have a "plan B" ready to implement, if necessary. I'll just have to be more efficient!

4. He comes- I go! Speaking of that trip, I only get to see Mr.24 today, and then I'm gone until Monday. That means no posts on the Guitar Ted Productions Network until Sunday evening at the latest. You'll have to head on over to Mr. 24's site for his run down of the whole Japan trip. I'm sure it'll be a good read! Well, I might be posting tomorrow, but only if I do not get my car, which will delay me by a day! We'll see!

Interesting......Hmmm.

There are some interesting, yet unrelated things on my mind today. In no particular order, I submit these for your approval.

1. SRAM secrets unvieled! The secret of how SRAM's new road brifter shifts has been released. I am not sure how this will work in practice, but I am relieved to see that the shift lever is in fact totally independant of the brake lever. No unwanted braking while shifting, which I seem to have a problem with everytime I ride a Shimano equipped bike. I know others may think this is silly, but it is a problem for some. The rest of the gruppo looks nice. Let's see if they can compete on price! If they can, and it works as well as advertised, LOOK OUT Shimano!

2. There is a certain individual living in my community that is regarded as somewhat of a source of cycling knowledge that advocates the non-usage of helmets! That's right! He doesn't think cycling helmets are of any use, and in fact, he thinks they are a detriment! Okay, I really get a little steamed whenever I see his statistics and twisted logic on this matter. I have to take a step back, calm down, and really think it over. So, that's what I'm doing now. I have recieved a transcript of his posistion on helmets, taken from a public internet discussion forum. I am going to dismantle this guy's argument in a civil manner, and it won't be hard to do. Just have to leave the emotions checked at the door on this one! Stay tuned, it won't be a "rant" per se, but a good read none the less.

3. Speaking of ranting, I may have a little of that to do if my car isn't ready today! You may have read my earlier post on a car of mine that's in the body shop. Well, it's supposed to be ready for me to go on Trans Iowa recon tomorrow! It doesn't look good, so I have a "plan B" ready to implement, if necessary. I'll just have to be more efficient!

4. He comes- I go! Speaking of that trip, I only get to see Mr.24 today, and then I'm gone until Monday. That means no posts on the Guitar Ted Productions Network until Sunday evening at the latest. You'll have to head on over to Mr. 24's site for his run down of the whole Japan trip. I'm sure it'll be a good read! Well, I might be posting tomorrow, but only if I do not get my car, which will delay me by a day! We'll see!

A Bike Build Pictorial

Boxed Bike: This is a Raliegh P.U.B. bike. Well, it's inside the box, silly!



This is how bikes arrive at the shop. We just unloaded 32 Ralieghs today! They come to our door on a 53ft. semi trailer/ truck after a loooong trip from Asia! (Usually China, or Taiwan)












This is what you have when you pull it out of the box. Lots of cardboard, plastic wrap, rubberbands, and zip-ties. It takes as long to un-wrap some bikes as it does to assemble them!















Extra parts! Well, not really. The assembly process always entails some installation of whatever parts the manufacturer leaves off at the factory. Most of the time that includes the saddle, seatpost, and pedals, although there could be more than that, depending on the type of bike being assembled.









Here's a look at what the bike looks like in the box. It's amazing that they get shipped thousands of miles like this without getting destroyed, or so much as a scratch!












The Final Product: After carefully un-wrapping, adjusting, assembly, clean-up, and a quick test ride, the bike is ready to be entered into inventory. After that quick computer process, the bike goes out on the sales floor. Or, as in this case, goes into the hold area, in the back room, to be picked up by a customer.

A Bike Build Pictorial

Boxed Bike: This is a Raliegh P.U.B. bike. Well, it's inside the box, silly!



This is how bikes arrive at the shop. We just unloaded 32 Ralieghs today! They come to our door on a 53ft. semi trailer/ truck after a loooong trip from Asia! (Usually China, or Taiwan)












This is what you have when you pull it out of the box. Lots of cardboard, plastic wrap, rubberbands, and zip-ties. It takes as long to un-wrap some bikes as it does to assemble them!















Extra parts! Well, not really. The assembly process always entails some installation of whatever parts the manufacturer leaves off at the factory. Most of the time that includes the saddle, seatpost, and pedals, although there could be more than that, depending on the type of bike being assembled.









Here's a look at what the bike looks like in the box. It's amazing that they get shipped thousands of miles like this without getting destroyed, or so much as a scratch!












The Final Product: After carefully un-wrapping, adjusting, assembly, clean-up, and a quick test ride, the bike is ready to be entered into inventory. After that quick computer process, the bike goes out on the sales floor. Or, as in this case, goes into the hold area, in the back room, to be picked up by a customer.

On-Star For Bikes?

Some of these frame stickers on department store bikes are hilarious! Check this one out from a Jeep mountain bike, "For Assistance Call, 1-877-BIKE AID" Imagine what the conversation might be...............

ring.....ring, Hello! Bike Aid. How can I assist you?

Rider: Umm...yeah, I just tried riding my bike....cough, cough! nnnnnn!

Bike Aid: Sir? Should I call for an ambulance?

Rider: Nah! Just lightin' up here. Okay! I was just riding my bike, and then....cough, cough!......and then it just folded in half! I couldn't believe that the d@#* thing just......

Bike Aid:...Sir, sir! Just calm down! Are you saying that the bike just folded in half?

Rider: Wha? Naahhh! It was the wheel. man! The wheel just folded in half! I just bought this bike yesterday, and it hasn't worked worth a s#$t since I rolled it out the door! It don't shift from 3rd to 4th, and the gooseneck was loose! The tires were low, and I don't know how to put air in those d#@* tires. I never had to put air in my ol' Schwinn when I was a kid. That was the bike that I gave to my sister when I got too big fer it. That'd been back when I.....

Bike Aid: Sir, could you please take me off your calling list, I'm not interested!

Rider: Wha? Interested? Interested in what? Hello!

(dial tone)

On-Star For Bikes?

Some of these frame stickers on department store bikes are hilarious! Check this one out from a Jeep mountain bike, "For Assistance Call, 1-877-BIKE AID" Imagine what the conversation might be...............

ring.....ring, Hello! Bike Aid. How can I assist you?

Rider: Umm...yeah, I just tried riding my bike....cough, cough! nnnnnn!

Bike Aid: Sir? Should I call for an ambulance?

Rider: Nah! Just lightin' up here. Okay! I was just riding my bike, and then....cough, cough!......and then it just folded in half! I couldn't believe that the d@#* thing just......

Bike Aid:...Sir, sir! Just calm down! Are you saying that the bike just folded in half?

Rider: Wha? Naahhh! It was the wheel. man! The wheel just folded in half! I just bought this bike yesterday, and it hasn't worked worth a s#$t since I rolled it out the door! It don't shift from 3rd to 4th, and the gooseneck was loose! The tires were low, and I don't know how to put air in those d#@* tires. I never had to put air in my ol' Schwinn when I was a kid. That was the bike that I gave to my sister when I got too big fer it. That'd been back when I.....

Bike Aid: Sir, could you please take me off your calling list, I'm not interested!

Rider: Wha? Interested? Interested in what? Hello!

(dial tone)

Mr. 24: Best In Class!

Congratulations to International Endurance racer, Jeff Kerkove on his recent domination of the Cat Eye sponsored 24 hour endurance event in Japan!

This guy is all over the place! I look here, and there he is! I look here, and there he is again! This guy is nationwide, doode!

Then again, he's not the only one with a cool Blue Collar MTB shirt! Check out the local spread, and the tiny photo! That's me in my fine T-shirt! I may not be International yet, like Mr. 24, but I'm workin' on it! (Muwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!) One thing is for sure. I'm not the ultra trim, fit, 24hr cycling machine that Mr. 24 is! (Workin' on that too!) but he says that I know everything. Well, if that's true, then his words are golden! Great job, Jeff! Now, getcher self home safe! Later!

Mr. 24: Best In Class!

Congratulations to International Endurance racer, Jeff Kerkove on his recent domination of the Cat Eye sponsored 24 hour endurance event in Japan!

This guy is all over the place! I look here, and there he is! I look here, and there he is again! This guy is nationwide, doode!

Then again, he's not the only one with a cool Blue Collar MTB shirt! Check out the local spread, and the tiny photo! That's me in my fine T-shirt! I may not be International yet, like Mr. 24, but I'm workin' on it! (Muwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!) One thing is for sure. I'm not the ultra trim, fit, 24hr cycling machine that Mr. 24 is! (Workin' on that too!) but he says that I know everything. Well, if that's true, then his words are golden! Great job, Jeff! Now, getcher self home safe! Later!

Ultimate Repair Stand: Best In Class!

Today I noticed that cyclingnews.com posted a review of the Ultimate Pro Elite Repair Stand. This is the very repair stand that I own! I was very interested in what they would have to say about it. I have always been of the opinion that the older Ultimate Pro Repair Stand was the very best portable repair stand ever. The new version, the Elite, is even better!

Well, it looks as though that the reviewer at cyclingnews.com seems to think so too. If you have frequented that site, you know that the tech reviews are usually pretty honest, and that they rarely ever give a perfect score. (In fact, I've never seen a perfect score, but I may have missed one or two!) The Elite Pro stand got the perfect score! I agree that it is an improvement on the old one, which I thought was un-improvable!

The review is pretty thorough, and I agree with all points given. I will say; however, that the repair stand could come with better instructions. It's not obvious exactly how the clamp head works, especially to get it into place and make it rotate. Once you discover the secret, it's easy to operate, and works flawlessly. I also will add that while the way the legs slde up and down the main mast is executed with obvious precision by Ultimate, because of the extremely tight tolerances, it is rather difficult to fold or unfold the legs quickly. One needs to have a degree of patience when setting up for repairs! The precision with which the unit is made is appreciated, though. I feel this unit will definitely withstand the test of time. It also is comforting to know that the price you pay for it is returned to you by the way of a finely crafted tool, that is a joy to use. Really!

Speaking of the price, it is a little steep, compared to many other lesser repair stands. However; if you want a no fuss, quality, hard working, reliable, versatile, and good looking repair stand, go no further than the Ultimate Elite Repair Stand. It is the best, hands down, repair stand ever, and it happens to be portable! Check it out, along with some other cool stuff, here! Here is another reason I like Ultimate stuff. They make some of the best musical instrument, and sound reinforcement supports EVER! These guys know there stuff! Guitar Ted says so!

Ultimate Repair Stand: Best In Class!

Today I noticed that cyclingnews.com posted a review of the Ultimate Pro Elite Repair Stand. This is the very repair stand that I own! I was very interested in what they would have to say about it. I have always been of the opinion that the older Ultimate Pro Repair Stand was the very best portable repair stand ever. The new version, the Elite, is even better!

Well, it looks as though that the reviewer at cyclingnews.com seems to think so too. If you have frequented that site, you know that the tech reviews are usually pretty honest, and that they rarely ever give a perfect score. (In fact, I've never seen a perfect score, but I may have missed one or two!) The Elite Pro stand got the perfect score! I agree that it is an improvement on the old one, which I thought was un-improvable!

The review is pretty thorough, and I agree with all points given. I will say; however, that the repair stand could come with better instructions. It's not obvious exactly how the clamp head works, especially to get it into place and make it rotate. Once you discover the secret, it's easy to operate, and works flawlessly. I also will add that while the way the legs slde up and down the main mast is executed with obvious precision by Ultimate, because of the extremely tight tolerances, it is rather difficult to fold or unfold the legs quickly. One needs to have a degree of patience when setting up for repairs! The precision with which the unit is made is appreciated, though. I feel this unit will definitely withstand the test of time. It also is comforting to know that the price you pay for it is returned to you by the way of a finely crafted tool, that is a joy to use. Really!

Speaking of the price, it is a little steep, compared to many other lesser repair stands. However; if you want a no fuss, quality, hard working, reliable, versatile, and good looking repair stand, go no further than the Ultimate Elite Repair Stand. It is the best, hands down, repair stand ever, and it happens to be portable! Check it out, along with some other cool stuff, here! Here is another reason I like Ultimate stuff. They make some of the best musical instrument, and sound reinforcement supports EVER! These guys know there stuff! Guitar Ted says so!

Looking Forward

Well, it's been a long weekend off. I am begining to feel better with my back. I am glad about that! I plan on doing some tougher riding at the end of this coming week while I'm doing Trans Iowa recon. Work schedules have been jumbled a bit due to Mr. 24's abscence. (Haven't heard anything yet, but as of this post, his race should be drawing to a close soon!) Tomorrow is probably the best attended "Mondays With Mark" session that I do. Modern Drivetrain Maintenance, or something along those lines. The title gets changed every year! Fortunately, I don't have to do any paper writing, or extra prep, since I've got everything I need in the can already! Carlos is posting all my written material on the Europa website, so check it out!

I was looking for a device to precisely track the amount of miles for the Trans Iowa course. I'm thinking some sort of GPS unit should do, but which one? Any body got any ideas out there? I'm going to need something that isn't stuck to sitting in a car. Some of the recon will demand that I ride a bicycle. So portability is a concern. I've looked at some Garmin units, but I'm open to suggestions. Any tips would be appreciated! (Oh! I don't need it right away! Jeff and I will re-drive the course at a later date!)

Update on the Super Caliber Prototype: Word is that members of the Fisher/ Subaru Mountain Bike Team will be putting the new bike through it's paces in Colorado somewhere next week. (It'll have to be at a lower elevation, because I think they've got snow up top recently) So, if you reside in Colorado, keep your eyes peeled for it! Maybe you can beg a ride!

Looking Forward

Well, it's been a long weekend off. I am begining to feel better with my back. I am glad about that! I plan on doing some tougher riding at the end of this coming week while I'm doing Trans Iowa recon. Work schedules have been jumbled a bit due to Mr. 24's abscence. (Haven't heard anything yet, but as of this post, his race should be drawing to a close soon!) Tomorrow is probably the best attended "Mondays With Mark" session that I do. Modern Drivetrain Maintenance, or something along those lines. The title gets changed every year! Fortunately, I don't have to do any paper writing, or extra prep, since I've got everything I need in the can already! Carlos is posting all my written material on the Europa website, so check it out!

I was looking for a device to precisely track the amount of miles for the Trans Iowa course. I'm thinking some sort of GPS unit should do, but which one? Any body got any ideas out there? I'm going to need something that isn't stuck to sitting in a car. Some of the recon will demand that I ride a bicycle. So portability is a concern. I've looked at some Garmin units, but I'm open to suggestions. Any tips would be appreciated! (Oh! I don't need it right away! Jeff and I will re-drive the course at a later date!)

Update on the Super Caliber Prototype: Word is that members of the Fisher/ Subaru Mountain Bike Team will be putting the new bike through it's paces in Colorado somewhere next week. (It'll have to be at a lower elevation, because I think they've got snow up top recently) So, if you reside in Colorado, keep your eyes peeled for it! Maybe you can beg a ride!

Update On Fisher Super Caliber!

Well, that didn't take long! The Fisher boys have already logged some trail time on the prototype for the Super Caliber Race Day bike that I posted about a couple days ago. Thanks go out to Ryan Atkinson, Fisher Brand Manager, for posting the pics on mtbr.com .

Needless to say, this is looking more and more like a major hit for Fisher, and 29"ers in general. The initial ride comments by Atkinson were positive. (But, of course!) So, an independant evaluation is in order.



Might I suggest Guitar Ted Labratories? (Ha ha! I won't be holding my breath on that one!)

Keep up the good work, Fisher, and we'll be seeing one of those in my stable soon! (Appologies to the Inbred 29"er, which now has fallen from favor!......sigh!)

Update On Fisher Super Caliber!

Well, that didn't take long! The Fisher boys have already logged some trail time on the prototype for the Super Caliber Race Day bike that I posted about a couple days ago. Thanks go out to Ryan Atkinson, Fisher Brand Manager, for posting the pics on mtbr.com .

Needless to say, this is looking more and more like a major hit for Fisher, and 29"ers in general. The initial ride comments by Atkinson were positive. (But, of course!) So, an independant evaluation is in order.



Might I suggest Guitar Ted Labratories? (Ha ha! I won't be holding my breath on that one!)

Keep up the good work, Fisher, and we'll be seeing one of those in my stable soon! (Appologies to the Inbred 29"er, which now has fallen from favor!......sigh!)

News of Mr. 24!

Well, he made it! Not without some close calls, though! At least the race isn't until Sunday/Monday, and he should have some time to rest up and get his head together! Go Jeff!

My back is feelin' a bit better, but still sore and stiff! Going into work at noon, and riding the bike in. It's the only time my back actually feels good!

More updates as I recieve info!

News of Mr. 24!

Well, he made it! Not without some close calls, though! At least the race isn't until Sunday/Monday, and he should have some time to rest up and get his head together! Go Jeff!

My back is feelin' a bit better, but still sore and stiff! Going into work at noon, and riding the bike in. It's the only time my back actually feels good!

More updates as I recieve info!

Fisher Proto 29"er Super Caliber

Note: Credit for this pic goes to Timothy Grahl's secret contact within the inner workings of Trek's factory in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Thanks Tim! Okay, what we have here is not failure to communicate! That's because the members of the Fisher/ Subaru off road team provided Fisher with direct input into this new 29 inch wheeled bike. These are the first pics of the prototype for the final production model, due out this Spring. See more pictures here!

O.K.? Here are the salient features of this frame. It's purpose is to be a lightweight, XC race platform. Efficiancy is a top priority. To that end, it is a single pivot design. With this type of design, it is less likely that the frame will lose much to unwanted flex. A platform shock should dial out most of the pedal induced bob that isn't already cancelled out by the basic design itself. Also, a single pivot design is going to be lighter than multiple pivots, easier to maintenance, and be more reliable. Plans are for it to have three inches of "race" type suspension, which means it won't ride like a sofa! In all likelyhood, this will be a Rock Shox front/ rear bike, as Fisher has spec'ed all it's other 29 inchers with these components. I'm also betting on a bunch of SRAM controls, and drivetrain gear, as that is also prevalent in Fisher's other 29"er spec. Top it off with Bontrager bars, stem, seatpost, and Race Lite Disc Wheel System, and this should be one killer off road weapon! (Hint: Introduce the Bontrager Tubeless Wheel System simultaneously for an orgasmic effect amongst the 29"er afficionados!)

I'm very stoked that I was wrong in reporting back in August that this project was dead! Thanks to whomever got the project fast-forwarded to this stage! I will be saving my ducats for one of these, so look for one to hit the Guitar Ted Labratories soon! (Well, as soon as Fisher makes it available!)

This should be a watershed mark as far as the 29'er bike is concerned. A mass produced 29 inch wheeled FS XC race bike that will be( presumably) raced by the pro team. It's a matter of fact, what's raced on Sunday, sells on Monday in the XC bike world. What with the big wheels giving a ride that feels like an inch more travel than you've got, suspension-wise, I do not think having only three inches of travel out back will be a liability. I think this should be a home run for Fisher, but that is all left to the product design team now. They have it in their hands now to either step it up, and deliver, or fall on their face. I'm hoping for the home run!

Fisher Proto 29"er Super Caliber

Note: Credit for this pic goes to Timothy Grahl's secret contact within the inner workings of Trek's factory in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Thanks Tim! Okay, what we have here is not failure to communicate! That's because the members of the Fisher/ Subaru off road team provided Fisher with direct input into this new 29 inch wheeled bike. These are the first pics of the prototype for the final production model, due out this Spring. See more pictures here!

O.K.? Here are the salient features of this frame. It's purpose is to be a lightweight, XC race platform. Efficiancy is a top priority. To that end, it is a single pivot design. With this type of design, it is less likely that the frame will lose much to unwanted flex. A platform shock should dial out most of the pedal induced bob that isn't already cancelled out by the basic design itself. Also, a single pivot design is going to be lighter than multiple pivots, easier to maintenance, and be more reliable. Plans are for it to have three inches of "race" type suspension, which means it won't ride like a sofa! In all likelyhood, this will be a Rock Shox front/ rear bike, as Fisher has spec'ed all it's other 29 inchers with these components. I'm also betting on a bunch of SRAM controls, and drivetrain gear, as that is also prevalent in Fisher's other 29"er spec. Top it off with Bontrager bars, stem, seatpost, and Race Lite Disc Wheel System, and this should be one killer off road weapon! (Hint: Introduce the Bontrager Tubeless Wheel System simultaneously for an orgasmic effect amongst the 29"er afficionados!)

I'm very stoked that I was wrong in reporting back in August that this project was dead! Thanks to whomever got the project fast-forwarded to this stage! I will be saving my ducats for one of these, so look for one to hit the Guitar Ted Labratories soon! (Well, as soon as Fisher makes it available!)

This should be a watershed mark as far as the 29'er bike is concerned. A mass produced 29 inch wheeled FS XC race bike that will be( presumably) raced by the pro team. It's a matter of fact, what's raced on Sunday, sells on Monday in the XC bike world. What with the big wheels giving a ride that feels like an inch more travel than you've got, suspension-wise, I do not think having only three inches of travel out back will be a liability. I think this should be a home run for Fisher, but that is all left to the product design team now. They have it in their hands now to either step it up, and deliver, or fall on their face. I'm hoping for the home run!

Ahh! My Back!!

That stuck seat post on Jeff's NRS is exacting it's revenge on me! I must have tweaked a muscle or two in my back, because I can hardly bend over today. It really started up yesterday, and it hasn't gotten any worse, but I'm taking the day off of work, just in case. In the meantime, let's reach back into the Guitar Ted Archives for something, shall we?...........

Ahh, yes! I remember this one! If you look carefully at the picture, you will notice a "dimple" just above the spoke on the left. That is the impression left from a bolt that pierced a tire, happened to find it's way through the spoke hole in the rim bed, and nearly punctured the rim, where you see the dimple! It was an eigth inch, hex head bolt about an inch and a half long. Must have hit it just right.............or wrong! Anyway, that was one of the Tales of the Bizarre from the past summer.

Hope you enjoyed that, and now I'm going off to rest up my back! Hope to be back at it tomorrow! ...............No word yet from Mr.24, so I take it that he got a plane, and is gone! I'll post if I hear anything!

Ahh! My Back!!

That stuck seat post on Jeff's NRS is exacting it's revenge on me! I must have tweaked a muscle or two in my back, because I can hardly bend over today. It really started up yesterday, and it hasn't gotten any worse, but I'm taking the day off of work, just in case. In the meantime, let's reach back into the Guitar Ted Archives for something, shall we?...........

Ahh, yes! I remember this one! If you look carefully at the picture, you will notice a "dimple" just above the spoke on the left. That is the impression left from a bolt that pierced a tire, happened to find it's way through the spoke hole in the rim bed, and nearly punctured the rim, where you see the dimple! It was an eigth inch, hex head bolt about an inch and a half long. Must have hit it just right.............or wrong! Anyway, that was one of the Tales of the Bizarre from the past summer.

Hope you enjoyed that, and now I'm going off to rest up my back! Hope to be back at it tomorrow! ...............No word yet from Mr.24, so I take it that he got a plane, and is gone! I'll post if I hear anything!

A Rush And An Update

We get some field reps in from time to time at the shop. Today, it was the Raliegh rep, and he brought a treat! (How fitting! It is the month of Haloween, afterall!)

Today, he wheeled in a Raliegh Rush Hour. This is the single speed/ fixed gear track bike for the '06 model year. It's pretty cool! You've got the polished, high flange hubs, as seen in the photo with Carlos' foot in it.



You've got the front and rear brakes, which are removable, if you go full trackie! There are no braze-ons! Just like a real track bike shouldn't have! As a matter of fact, it is a real track bike, right down to the geometry. Higher bottom bracket, so you can pedal right through a corner, because you can't coast in fixie mode, ya know! Less fork rake, and steeper head angle for razor sharp steering. Finally, it is steel! Yeah, like an old skool track bike should be.





It also comes stock with a freewheel, and a fixed cog, for flip-flop duties. That's when you get in over your head running fixed, or too tired, or just need a different ratio, you can flip the wheel around and presto! You can coast! You'll need to bring along a 15mm wrench, though, as this bike has nutted axles, (you guessed it!) just like a real track bike! Get your fix on fer under $600.00!
Just check out the shop website for more details!




Now for the update! We got a call today at the shop from an automated messaging machine that said Jeff's itenerary had been changed! Long story short, they were trying to tell him that his international flight was changed to be leaving on Thursday, instead of today! This call came an hour after Jeff's connecting flight to O'Hare had left! He was probably standing there when we got the call. Weird!! I haven't heard a thing since, so hopefully, he is on his way! If I hear anything, I'll post it!

A Rush And An Update

We get some field reps in from time to time at the shop. Today, it was the Raliegh rep, and he brought a treat! (How fitting! It is the month of Haloween, afterall!)

Today, he wheeled in a Raliegh Rush Hour. This is the single speed/ fixed gear track bike for the '06 model year. It's pretty cool! You've got the polished, high flange hubs, as seen in the photo with Carlos' foot in it.



You've got the front and rear brakes, which are removable, if you go full trackie! There are no braze-ons! Just like a real track bike shouldn't have! As a matter of fact, it is a real track bike, right down to the geometry. Higher bottom bracket, so you can pedal right through a corner, because you can't coast in fixie mode, ya know! Less fork rake, and steeper head angle for razor sharp steering. Finally, it is steel! Yeah, like an old skool track bike should be.





It also comes stock with a freewheel, and a fixed cog, for flip-flop duties. That's when you get in over your head running fixed, or too tired, or just need a different ratio, you can flip the wheel around and presto! You can coast! You'll need to bring along a 15mm wrench, though, as this bike has nutted axles, (you guessed it!) just like a real track bike! Get your fix on fer under $600.00!
Just check out the shop website for more details!




Now for the update! We got a call today at the shop from an automated messaging machine that said Jeff's itenerary had been changed! Long story short, they were trying to tell him that his international flight was changed to be leaving on Thursday, instead of today! This call came an hour after Jeff's connecting flight to O'Hare had left! He was probably standing there when we got the call. Weird!! I haven't heard a thing since, so hopefully, he is on his way! If I hear anything, I'll post it!

Garbage In.....Garbage Out!

Recently we got this bike in the shop to box up for shipment. Nothing really unusual about that, other than the fact that the customer will spend at least a half to three quarters of the value of the bike on shipping and handling!










The unusual part of this bike was this warning sticker. "...ONLY USE WHILE WEARING FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR-..........." Why? Maybe because throngs of snobbish bike nazis might tackle you, while you're riding, and belittle you for riding such a stupid machine? ( I hope not!!!) Maybe they are trying to protect you from being accosted by angry motorists in fat SUV's? (Perhaps that should be fat motorists in angry SUV's!) No-..........no, I think I know why!




It's because they know that this so-called bicycle will fold, break, or implode upon itself at any given moment! Best have that rider bundled up against the inevitable. Saves the product liability lawyer fees from piling up! It doesn't help matters any that this rig looks like it could be hucked from a 6 foot flat to flat. The only thing this should be hucked from is your hands.......straight into the garbage can! Well, maybe after a few gentle spins around the block, first. THEN...........straight into the garbage can! HA!

Garbage In.....Garbage Out!

Recently we got this bike in the shop to box up for shipment. Nothing really unusual about that, other than the fact that the customer will spend at least a half to three quarters of the value of the bike on shipping and handling!










The unusual part of this bike was this warning sticker. "...ONLY USE WHILE WEARING FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR-..........." Why? Maybe because throngs of snobbish bike nazis might tackle you, while you're riding, and belittle you for riding such a stupid machine? ( I hope not!!!) Maybe they are trying to protect you from being accosted by angry motorists in fat SUV's? (Perhaps that should be fat motorists in angry SUV's!) No-..........no, I think I know why!




It's because they know that this so-called bicycle will fold, break, or implode upon itself at any given moment! Best have that rider bundled up against the inevitable. Saves the product liability lawyer fees from piling up! It doesn't help matters any that this rig looks like it could be hucked from a 6 foot flat to flat. The only thing this should be hucked from is your hands.......straight into the garbage can! Well, maybe after a few gentle spins around the block, first. THEN...........straight into the garbage can! HA!

Rushing Around!

Mr. 24 is in a hurry! He's got to be ready to go by this afternoon to jet out to The Land of the Rising Sun! Uno el problema! Seat post stuck in one of the NRS's!!! We'll have to see if we can't un-stick it by this afternoon, or he'll have to hi-jack his old rig from Carlos as a back up bike, or go with one. We'll see.

Here we see the NEW Blue Collar MTB t-shirt, aptly modeled by the svelt, and trim Mr. 24 himself. Thanks go out to Chris and Tim for the t-shirts he gave to me and Jeff! We will wear them with pride!

Well, it's off to work now, but I wanted to encourage everyone reading this to stop by and leave Jeff a comment, and wish him well on his trip and race in Japan. It's an awesome opportunity for him and we are all excited about it down at the shop! Go Jeff!

Rushing Around!

Mr. 24 is in a hurry! He's got to be ready to go by this afternoon to jet out to The Land of the Rising Sun! Uno el problema! Seat post stuck in one of the NRS's!!! We'll have to see if we can't un-stick it by this afternoon, or he'll have to hi-jack his old rig from Carlos as a back up bike, or go with one. We'll see.

Here we see the NEW Blue Collar MTB t-shirt, aptly modeled by the svelt, and trim Mr. 24 himself. Thanks go out to Chris and Tim for the t-shirts he gave to me and Jeff! We will wear them with pride!

Well, it's off to work now, but I wanted to encourage everyone reading this to stop by and leave Jeff a comment, and wish him well on his trip and race in Japan. It's an awesome opportunity for him and we are all excited about it down at the shop! Go Jeff!

Don't Stand So Close To Me!

While everyone is nursing thier Interbike hangovers, I thought I'd dredge out something ya'all may have missed. This comes courtesy of Jonathan Maus', from the site he runs called Bike Portland, so thanks to him!

Apparently, you can't get within 12 feet of The Lance, unless you want to get banned from any further Lance activities. Really? I wonder if Mr. 24 got too close to a certain endurance race promoter? Hmmm...............Just a coincidence, I'm sure! Anywho!..........

I really can't blame Lance, in all seriousness. I mean, wouldn't you get tired of being pressed in upon by all sorts of humanity, every time you make a public appearance? Sure, it's all part of being who he is, but I'm sure that he gets tired of it, at least once and a while. Then there is the safety factor, as well. There are those who do not appreciate The Lance. You know who you are! The mere fact that Lance has become something extra-human is also factoring into this. I mean, even I call him, The Lance!

Someday, maybe the tables will turn for Lance, and he'll long for those days of attention again. Probably not though. Look at the line at the recent Interbike for an autograph from The Cannibal, for an example. Seems like people never forget a legend!

Don't Stand So Close To Me!

While everyone is nursing thier Interbike hangovers, I thought I'd dredge out something ya'all may have missed. This comes courtesy of Jonathan Maus', from the site he runs called Bike Portland, so thanks to him!

Apparently, you can't get within 12 feet of The Lance, unless you want to get banned from any further Lance activities. Really? I wonder if Mr. 24 got too close to a certain endurance race promoter? Hmmm...............Just a coincidence, I'm sure! Anywho!..........

I really can't blame Lance, in all seriousness. I mean, wouldn't you get tired of being pressed in upon by all sorts of humanity, every time you make a public appearance? Sure, it's all part of being who he is, but I'm sure that he gets tired of it, at least once and a while. Then there is the safety factor, as well. There are those who do not appreciate The Lance. You know who you are! The mere fact that Lance has become something extra-human is also factoring into this. I mean, even I call him, The Lance!

Someday, maybe the tables will turn for Lance, and he'll long for those days of attention again. Probably not though. Look at the line at the recent Interbike for an autograph from The Cannibal, for an example. Seems like people never forget a legend!

My Appologies!

Sometimes I screw up. Yeah! Me......I know it's hard to believe, but it's true! We are not perfect! (That includes me.......and you!) So, I am posting today to own up to a couple of oversights that may have caused a bad feeling, or inconvienience.

1. To the boys at Blue Collar Mountain Biking: I should have had you guys linked ages ago! Sorry! It's been rectified.

2. To Adam Lisonbee: I misspelled your name, like....I don't know, a thousand times! And yet you never said a thing! Good on ya! I have corrected the mistake.

3. To Carlos the Jackal, and Leans on Wood: I hadn't linked to the shop site right away. Sorry! I took care of it!

To Anyone Else: If I have screwed something up, offended you, or otherwise made a miscue, let me know. I will do what I can to rectify it, explain why I did it, or maybe I just won't do a thing. But you'll never know, unless you pipe up! So............anyone got anything? Let me know. Don't say I never let you take your shot!

My Appologies!

Sometimes I screw up. Yeah! Me......I know it's hard to believe, but it's true! We are not perfect! (That includes me.......and you!) So, I am posting today to own up to a couple of oversights that may have caused a bad feeling, or inconvienience.

1. To the boys at Blue Collar Mountain Biking: I should have had you guys linked ages ago! Sorry! It's been rectified.

2. To Adam Lisonbee: I misspelled your name, like....I don't know, a thousand times! And yet you never said a thing! Good on ya! I have corrected the mistake.

3. To Carlos the Jackal, and Leans on Wood: I hadn't linked to the shop site right away. Sorry! I took care of it!

To Anyone Else: If I have screwed something up, offended you, or otherwise made a miscue, let me know. I will do what I can to rectify it, explain why I did it, or maybe I just won't do a thing. But you'll never know, unless you pipe up! So............anyone got anything? Let me know. Don't say I never let you take your shot!

Slow Saturday

Take a look at this! (Especially since there is nothing else going on today!) Yep! That's a pretty rusty chain! The owner of the bike brought it in and said "Do not lube the chain! We use that wax stuff!" Umm...okay! Whatever, doode! (Once again, wax is NOT LUBE people!)









Then there was the sign permanently attached to the side of the bike. I found out later that the bike resides at the back of a large recreational trailer. Yep, one of those gorv-ers. You know, "Go RVing", like the TV addy says. Mount up in that land-battleship cruiser, the S.S. Winnebago, suck down enough fuel to run a Prius for a year and a half, and gorv your way an hour or so away from home with your bicycles plastered on the back to the campground nearest to a town. Because, you never know, you may need more Bud-Light, or chips! Put down your self leveling, hydraulic jacks, pop out your living room and bedroom, enable your sattelite TV, start the gas powered generator, pop a tall cool one, and try to find that d@#n Nascar race that's supposed to be on. It's a pretty nice set-up, yeah. It's got just about the same floor space as our real house, and we've got everything we need! Maybe later we'll actually ride our bikes, 'cause it's good for our health, and all. But that depends on when bingo starts in town, and how much-belch!-of this stuff I drink! Ha ha! Ha ha ha!....belch!

........yeah! Gorving is cool................NOT!!!

By the way, when are they going to pave a path into that wilderness area? I should be able to gorv there too! Why should all those backpackers, hikers, and mountainbikers have all that to themselves! Bow to my corpulence! My gorving shall not be hindered!! I...belch!...I need another beer, woman! Pffffffftttttt!!! Brrrrappp! ......Oh crap! .............And another change of underwear!

Slow Saturday

Take a look at this! (Especially since there is nothing else going on today!) Yep! That's a pretty rusty chain! The owner of the bike brought it in and said "Do not lube the chain! We use that wax stuff!" Umm...okay! Whatever, doode! (Once again, wax is NOT LUBE people!)









Then there was the sign permanently attached to the side of the bike. I found out later that the bike resides at the back of a large recreational trailer. Yep, one of those gorv-ers. You know, "Go RVing", like the TV addy says. Mount up in that land-battleship cruiser, the S.S. Winnebago, suck down enough fuel to run a Prius for a year and a half, and gorv your way an hour or so away from home with your bicycles plastered on the back to the campground nearest to a town. Because, you never know, you may need more Bud-Light, or chips! Put down your self leveling, hydraulic jacks, pop out your living room and bedroom, enable your sattelite TV, start the gas powered generator, pop a tall cool one, and try to find that d@#n Nascar race that's supposed to be on. It's a pretty nice set-up, yeah. It's got just about the same floor space as our real house, and we've got everything we need! Maybe later we'll actually ride our bikes, 'cause it's good for our health, and all. But that depends on when bingo starts in town, and how much-belch!-of this stuff I drink! Ha ha! Ha ha ha!....belch!

........yeah! Gorving is cool................NOT!!!

By the way, when are they going to pave a path into that wilderness area? I should be able to gorv there too! Why should all those backpackers, hikers, and mountainbikers have all that to themselves! Bow to my corpulence! My gorving shall not be hindered!! I...belch!...I need another beer, woman! Pffffffftttttt!!! Brrrrappp! ......Oh crap! .............And another change of underwear!