I have been spending some time swapping back and forth between my Inbred 29"er and my Karate Monkey lately. I have been very curious as to the differences in the two set ups that I was running and how I might want to change one or the other. One thing that became more and more apparent was that I really liked the KM and the Inbred bugged me.
Initially when I set up the Inbred, I took measurements off of my Karate Monkey, to mimic the same seated position, height, and saddle to handlebar length. The biggest difference was that I was running the stem on the Inbred in a positive rise which put the handle bar slightly higher than the KM's. Should be good I thought, just wanted to see if a more relaxed posistion on the upper body would work for me. With the exception of the Salsa seat posts slipping, the answer seemed to be yes at the Dirty Kanza. I felt great all day riding that bike. However; when I got back and started the swapping between the KM and the Inberd, something was really off on the Inbred.
I felt more in the bike on the KM instead of on top of the bike as I was on the Inbred. Another thing was the saddle height and posisition. They were feeling way off from the KM. Even though I had set up the Inbred off of measurements from the KM, I was not getting the same sensations on both bikes.
So, I disregarded the previous set up on the Inbred and made some minor changes based upon feel. I felt the saddle was too low, so up it went about 5mm. That was better, but about two weeks later it went up another 5mm. Ahh! Much improved! Then I was chatting with Mr. 24 at work and he mentioned reposistioning his Arione, making it feel much better. Oddly enough, I had just decided to try the same thing. I did the change yesterday and it looks to be a winner. The last change was to flip over the stem to negative rise, which places my hands in about the same posistion as they are on the KM. Looks like that one will work too!
The point is that the changes are slight, and the sensations that they give on the bike are huge! I am much happier with the Inbred after a short single track ride yesterday afternoon than I have been previously. In fact, I was about to condem the Inbred to the sales block the other day, that's how unhappy I was with it!
So, if you are not quite happy with your current bike, it might not be a bad idea to tweak a few things first before you run out and spend a bunch of money on a new bike. My changes didn't cost me any money. Just some thought and time to effect the desired changes. The results were fantastic for me. Maybe you won't be so fortunate, but at least you'll know what you like, and that alone makes tweaking worth it.
Just remember small changes will make big differences on the bike. Do not do anything radical right out of the box! A little bit here and there might be all you'll need to change a so-so ride into your favorite rig!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Little Changes = Big Differences
I have been spending some time swapping back and forth between my Inbred 29"er and my Karate Monkey lately. I have been very curious as to the differences in the two set ups that I was running and how I might want to change one or the other. One thing that became more and more apparent was that I really liked the KM and the Inbred bugged me.
Initially when I set up the Inbred, I took measurements off of my Karate Monkey, to mimic the same seated position, height, and saddle to handlebar length. The biggest difference was that I was running the stem on the Inbred in a positive rise which put the handle bar slightly higher than the KM's. Should be good I thought, just wanted to see if a more relaxed posistion on the upper body would work for me. With the exception of the Salsa seat posts slipping, the answer seemed to be yes at the Dirty Kanza. I felt great all day riding that bike. However; when I got back and started the swapping between the KM and the Inberd, something was really off on the Inbred.
I felt more in the bike on the KM instead of on top of the bike as I was on the Inbred. Another thing was the saddle height and posisition. They were feeling way off from the KM. Even though I had set up the Inbred off of measurements from the KM, I was not getting the same sensations on both bikes.
So, I disregarded the previous set up on the Inbred and made some minor changes based upon feel. I felt the saddle was too low, so up it went about 5mm. That was better, but about two weeks later it went up another 5mm. Ahh! Much improved! Then I was chatting with Mr. 24 at work and he mentioned reposistioning his Arione, making it feel much better. Oddly enough, I had just decided to try the same thing. I did the change yesterday and it looks to be a winner. The last change was to flip over the stem to negative rise, which places my hands in about the same posistion as they are on the KM. Looks like that one will work too!
The point is that the changes are slight, and the sensations that they give on the bike are huge! I am much happier with the Inbred after a short single track ride yesterday afternoon than I have been previously. In fact, I was about to condem the Inbred to the sales block the other day, that's how unhappy I was with it!
So, if you are not quite happy with your current bike, it might not be a bad idea to tweak a few things first before you run out and spend a bunch of money on a new bike. My changes didn't cost me any money. Just some thought and time to effect the desired changes. The results were fantastic for me. Maybe you won't be so fortunate, but at least you'll know what you like, and that alone makes tweaking worth it.
Just remember small changes will make big differences on the bike. Do not do anything radical right out of the box! A little bit here and there might be all you'll need to change a so-so ride into your favorite rig!
Initially when I set up the Inbred, I took measurements off of my Karate Monkey, to mimic the same seated position, height, and saddle to handlebar length. The biggest difference was that I was running the stem on the Inbred in a positive rise which put the handle bar slightly higher than the KM's. Should be good I thought, just wanted to see if a more relaxed posistion on the upper body would work for me. With the exception of the Salsa seat posts slipping, the answer seemed to be yes at the Dirty Kanza. I felt great all day riding that bike. However; when I got back and started the swapping between the KM and the Inberd, something was really off on the Inbred.
I felt more in the bike on the KM instead of on top of the bike as I was on the Inbred. Another thing was the saddle height and posisition. They were feeling way off from the KM. Even though I had set up the Inbred off of measurements from the KM, I was not getting the same sensations on both bikes.
So, I disregarded the previous set up on the Inbred and made some minor changes based upon feel. I felt the saddle was too low, so up it went about 5mm. That was better, but about two weeks later it went up another 5mm. Ahh! Much improved! Then I was chatting with Mr. 24 at work and he mentioned reposistioning his Arione, making it feel much better. Oddly enough, I had just decided to try the same thing. I did the change yesterday and it looks to be a winner. The last change was to flip over the stem to negative rise, which places my hands in about the same posistion as they are on the KM. Looks like that one will work too!
The point is that the changes are slight, and the sensations that they give on the bike are huge! I am much happier with the Inbred after a short single track ride yesterday afternoon than I have been previously. In fact, I was about to condem the Inbred to the sales block the other day, that's how unhappy I was with it!
So, if you are not quite happy with your current bike, it might not be a bad idea to tweak a few things first before you run out and spend a bunch of money on a new bike. My changes didn't cost me any money. Just some thought and time to effect the desired changes. The results were fantastic for me. Maybe you won't be so fortunate, but at least you'll know what you like, and that alone makes tweaking worth it.
Just remember small changes will make big differences on the bike. Do not do anything radical right out of the box! A little bit here and there might be all you'll need to change a so-so ride into your favorite rig!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Johnny T. in the Great Plains
Here is something I never thought I'd see. A mountain bike company based out of Nebraska! And not just any ol' mountain bike company either, but one that bears the name of one of the greatest American mountain bikers of all time, John Tomac.
It seems that the former director of North American sales for Answer Products, Joel Smith, ( who himself has been a sort of icon over at Answer) is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He licensed the Tomac Bicycles name and plans on relaunching the line. Tomac Bicycles had originally been started as a joint venture between John Tomac and Doug Bradbury,( who was responsible for starting the Manitou line of bikes and front suspension components, which later was bought out by Answer Products). Then the Tomac line was purchased by the American Cycling Group, which also handled Litespeed bikes. What a tangled web!
Anywho, this whole new venture being based out of Nebraska is great. Like the linked article explains, lots of folks have no idea that there is good mountain biking in Nebraska, or anywhere in the Mid West for that matter. Coupled with that is the fact that you have a living legend in John Tomac being affiliated not just in name only makes it even cooler. You gotta remember for us old codgers, Johnny T. was the schiznit! Him and Deadly Nedly..........and Tinker. Anyway, I digress!
Finally, the thought lit on my mind while pondering this news. Hmm.......Lincoln, Nebraska has a pretty good population of 29"ers, I think...........Hmmm.........maybe, just maybe........
Just thinking!
Congrats and good luck to Joel Smith, Johnny T. and Doug Bradbury. I hope the re-launch is sucessful!
It seems that the former director of North American sales for Answer Products, Joel Smith, ( who himself has been a sort of icon over at Answer) is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He licensed the Tomac Bicycles name and plans on relaunching the line. Tomac Bicycles had originally been started as a joint venture between John Tomac and Doug Bradbury,( who was responsible for starting the Manitou line of bikes and front suspension components, which later was bought out by Answer Products). Then the Tomac line was purchased by the American Cycling Group, which also handled Litespeed bikes. What a tangled web!
Anywho, this whole new venture being based out of Nebraska is great. Like the linked article explains, lots of folks have no idea that there is good mountain biking in Nebraska, or anywhere in the Mid West for that matter. Coupled with that is the fact that you have a living legend in John Tomac being affiliated not just in name only makes it even cooler. You gotta remember for us old codgers, Johnny T. was the schiznit! Him and Deadly Nedly..........and Tinker. Anyway, I digress!
Finally, the thought lit on my mind while pondering this news. Hmm.......Lincoln, Nebraska has a pretty good population of 29"ers, I think...........Hmmm.........maybe, just maybe........
Just thinking!
Congrats and good luck to Joel Smith, Johnny T. and Doug Bradbury. I hope the re-launch is sucessful!
Johnny T. in the Great Plains
Here is something I never thought I'd see. A mountain bike company based out of Nebraska! And not just any ol' mountain bike company either, but one that bears the name of one of the greatest American mountain bikers of all time, John Tomac.
It seems that the former director of North American sales for Answer Products, Joel Smith, ( who himself has been a sort of icon over at Answer) is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He licensed the Tomac Bicycles name and plans on relaunching the line. Tomac Bicycles had originally been started as a joint venture between John Tomac and Doug Bradbury,( who was responsible for starting the Manitou line of bikes and front suspension components, which later was bought out by Answer Products). Then the Tomac line was purchased by the American Cycling Group, which also handled Litespeed bikes. What a tangled web!
Anywho, this whole new venture being based out of Nebraska is great. Like the linked article explains, lots of folks have no idea that there is good mountain biking in Nebraska, or anywhere in the Mid West for that matter. Coupled with that is the fact that you have a living legend in John Tomac being affiliated not just in name only makes it even cooler. You gotta remember for us old codgers, Johnny T. was the schiznit! Him and Deadly Nedly..........and Tinker. Anyway, I digress!
Finally, the thought lit on my mind while pondering this news. Hmm.......Lincoln, Nebraska has a pretty good population of 29"ers, I think...........Hmmm.........maybe, just maybe........
Just thinking!
Congrats and good luck to Joel Smith, Johnny T. and Doug Bradbury. I hope the re-launch is sucessful!
It seems that the former director of North American sales for Answer Products, Joel Smith, ( who himself has been a sort of icon over at Answer) is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He licensed the Tomac Bicycles name and plans on relaunching the line. Tomac Bicycles had originally been started as a joint venture between John Tomac and Doug Bradbury,( who was responsible for starting the Manitou line of bikes and front suspension components, which later was bought out by Answer Products). Then the Tomac line was purchased by the American Cycling Group, which also handled Litespeed bikes. What a tangled web!
Anywho, this whole new venture being based out of Nebraska is great. Like the linked article explains, lots of folks have no idea that there is good mountain biking in Nebraska, or anywhere in the Mid West for that matter. Coupled with that is the fact that you have a living legend in John Tomac being affiliated not just in name only makes it even cooler. You gotta remember for us old codgers, Johnny T. was the schiznit! Him and Deadly Nedly..........and Tinker. Anyway, I digress!
Finally, the thought lit on my mind while pondering this news. Hmm.......Lincoln, Nebraska has a pretty good population of 29"ers, I think...........Hmmm.........maybe, just maybe........
Just thinking!
Congrats and good luck to Joel Smith, Johnny T. and Doug Bradbury. I hope the re-launch is sucessful!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Summer School
I was recently contacted by the web genius behind the Crooked Cog web network to do a series of articles about the geometry of 29"ers. Well, some of you long time G-Ted blog readers might remember the series I did last fall on bicycle geometry called "Geometry Class". I am ressurecting the series with a few new tweaks for Twenty Nine Inches, so go check out the first installment.
The series is rather timely in light of the recent dust up over the cyclingnews.com 26 versus 29 test. It's important to see that the two wheel formats have entirely different geometry requirements. This in turn makes riding a 29"er a wholly different experience than riding a 26"er. They both must be handled differently and are not at their best until you learn how to unlock their potential. Those hopping onto a 29"er for the first time are probably not going to experience the very best performance that 29"ers can offer. It takes awhile to gain the knowledge of the nuances of the wheel format.
Having this series will start to help you to see why these differences are so important. One thing I can say is that any small change on a bike that you are used to can be felt immediately and feels much "bigger" than it really is. For instance: I can really tell the difference in power and feel if my seatpost slips just a couple of millimeters! Or if my handlebars rotate just a smidgen, my hands get uncomfortable. Just think what adding all the differences a 29"er brings to the party will do to a rider that has always ridden 26"ers. You can get your contact points all lined up, sure......you'll be comfy that way, but the handling characteristics will be so different that it might just seem un-doable for you. Just hang in there! Help is on the way. Read the rest of the series and hopefully it will unlock the ideas that will lead you to understanding the 29"er and it's peculiar traits.
Look for updates about every week.....or less.......whenever I decide to submit the copy to Twenty Nine Inches, that's when you'll see it!
The series is rather timely in light of the recent dust up over the cyclingnews.com 26 versus 29 test. It's important to see that the two wheel formats have entirely different geometry requirements. This in turn makes riding a 29"er a wholly different experience than riding a 26"er. They both must be handled differently and are not at their best until you learn how to unlock their potential. Those hopping onto a 29"er for the first time are probably not going to experience the very best performance that 29"ers can offer. It takes awhile to gain the knowledge of the nuances of the wheel format.
Having this series will start to help you to see why these differences are so important. One thing I can say is that any small change on a bike that you are used to can be felt immediately and feels much "bigger" than it really is. For instance: I can really tell the difference in power and feel if my seatpost slips just a couple of millimeters! Or if my handlebars rotate just a smidgen, my hands get uncomfortable. Just think what adding all the differences a 29"er brings to the party will do to a rider that has always ridden 26"ers. You can get your contact points all lined up, sure......you'll be comfy that way, but the handling characteristics will be so different that it might just seem un-doable for you. Just hang in there! Help is on the way. Read the rest of the series and hopefully it will unlock the ideas that will lead you to understanding the 29"er and it's peculiar traits.
Look for updates about every week.....or less.......whenever I decide to submit the copy to Twenty Nine Inches, that's when you'll see it!
Summer School
I was recently contacted by the web genius behind the Crooked Cog web network to do a series of articles about the geometry of 29"ers. Well, some of you long time G-Ted blog readers might remember the series I did last fall on bicycle geometry called "Geometry Class". I am ressurecting the series with a few new tweaks for Twenty Nine Inches, so go check out the first installment.
The series is rather timely in light of the recent dust up over the cyclingnews.com 26 versus 29 test. It's important to see that the two wheel formats have entirely different geometry requirements. This in turn makes riding a 29"er a wholly different experience than riding a 26"er. They both must be handled differently and are not at their best until you learn how to unlock their potential. Those hopping onto a 29"er for the first time are probably not going to experience the very best performance that 29"ers can offer. It takes awhile to gain the knowledge of the nuances of the wheel format.
Having this series will start to help you to see why these differences are so important. One thing I can say is that any small change on a bike that you are used to can be felt immediately and feels much "bigger" than it really is. For instance: I can really tell the difference in power and feel if my seatpost slips just a couple of millimeters! Or if my handlebars rotate just a smidgen, my hands get uncomfortable. Just think what adding all the differences a 29"er brings to the party will do to a rider that has always ridden 26"ers. You can get your contact points all lined up, sure......you'll be comfy that way, but the handling characteristics will be so different that it might just seem un-doable for you. Just hang in there! Help is on the way. Read the rest of the series and hopefully it will unlock the ideas that will lead you to understanding the 29"er and it's peculiar traits.
Look for updates about every week.....or less.......whenever I decide to submit the copy to Twenty Nine Inches, that's when you'll see it!
The series is rather timely in light of the recent dust up over the cyclingnews.com 26 versus 29 test. It's important to see that the two wheel formats have entirely different geometry requirements. This in turn makes riding a 29"er a wholly different experience than riding a 26"er. They both must be handled differently and are not at their best until you learn how to unlock their potential. Those hopping onto a 29"er for the first time are probably not going to experience the very best performance that 29"ers can offer. It takes awhile to gain the knowledge of the nuances of the wheel format.
Having this series will start to help you to see why these differences are so important. One thing I can say is that any small change on a bike that you are used to can be felt immediately and feels much "bigger" than it really is. For instance: I can really tell the difference in power and feel if my seatpost slips just a couple of millimeters! Or if my handlebars rotate just a smidgen, my hands get uncomfortable. Just think what adding all the differences a 29"er brings to the party will do to a rider that has always ridden 26"ers. You can get your contact points all lined up, sure......you'll be comfy that way, but the handling characteristics will be so different that it might just seem un-doable for you. Just hang in there! Help is on the way. Read the rest of the series and hopefully it will unlock the ideas that will lead you to understanding the 29"er and it's peculiar traits.
Look for updates about every week.....or less.......whenever I decide to submit the copy to Twenty Nine Inches, that's when you'll see it!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Saturday Bits
Just a quick post today, because.......well, you should be outside riding! That's why!
Note: Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational link has finally been added in the right side bar. Check it out if you are interested in the ride.
Kona has released photos of their 2007 29 inch wheeled range. Go check 'em out at Twenty Nine Inches . I thought the Kula was a bit too feminine for my tastes. Just me maybe......
Stans No Tubes has finally come out with the first tubeless compatible 29"er tire. Called "The Crow" the tire is a low tread, race oriented tire that should cut some significant grammage off current race tire set ups. Check out a review in this thread by a fellow Iowan, Bruce Brown. (That's his screen name as well)
A nice batch of studio shots of the new Niner R.I.P. Niner full suspension bike have surfaced with some commentary on this thread on mtbr.com. Or you could check out all of Niners offerings at their official website: www.ninerbikes.com
That's it for today!
Note: Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational link has finally been added in the right side bar. Check it out if you are interested in the ride.
Kona has released photos of their 2007 29 inch wheeled range. Go check 'em out at Twenty Nine Inches . I thought the Kula was a bit too feminine for my tastes. Just me maybe......
Stans No Tubes has finally come out with the first tubeless compatible 29"er tire. Called "The Crow" the tire is a low tread, race oriented tire that should cut some significant grammage off current race tire set ups. Check out a review in this thread by a fellow Iowan, Bruce Brown. (That's his screen name as well)
A nice batch of studio shots of the new Niner R.I.P. Niner full suspension bike have surfaced with some commentary on this thread on mtbr.com. Or you could check out all of Niners offerings at their official website: www.ninerbikes.com
That's it for today!
Saturday Bits
Just a quick post today, because.......well, you should be outside riding! That's why!
Note: Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational link has finally been added in the right side bar. Check it out if you are interested in the ride.
Kona has released photos of their 2007 29 inch wheeled range. Go check 'em out at Twenty Nine Inches . I thought the Kula was a bit too feminine for my tastes. Just me maybe......
Stans No Tubes has finally come out with the first tubeless compatible 29"er tire. Called "The Crow" the tire is a low tread, race oriented tire that should cut some significant grammage off current race tire set ups. Check out a review in this thread by a fellow Iowan, Bruce Brown. (That's his screen name as well)
A nice batch of studio shots of the new Niner R.I.P. Niner full suspension bike have surfaced with some commentary on this thread on mtbr.com. Or you could check out all of Niners offerings at their official website: www.ninerbikes.com
That's it for today!
Note: Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational link has finally been added in the right side bar. Check it out if you are interested in the ride.
Kona has released photos of their 2007 29 inch wheeled range. Go check 'em out at Twenty Nine Inches . I thought the Kula was a bit too feminine for my tastes. Just me maybe......
Stans No Tubes has finally come out with the first tubeless compatible 29"er tire. Called "The Crow" the tire is a low tread, race oriented tire that should cut some significant grammage off current race tire set ups. Check out a review in this thread by a fellow Iowan, Bruce Brown. (That's his screen name as well)
A nice batch of studio shots of the new Niner R.I.P. Niner full suspension bike have surfaced with some commentary on this thread on mtbr.com. Or you could check out all of Niners offerings at their official website: www.ninerbikes.com
That's it for today!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Bicycle "Survivor"
Yesterday Mr. 24 and I were wrenching at our jobs in the bike shop when he piped up and asked me a question.
"If you were stranded on a desert island with only one choice of bicycle tool that you could have with you, what would it be?"
Hmm........... I thought for a minute and answered, "A chainwhip. That way I could bludgeon small animals to death and be able to eat." (Yep, typical man! Thinking with his stomach!)
Jeff said he'd have a multi tool. What? A multi tool?!! What are you going to do with that? He never really explained himself, so I voted him off the island!
Mecahnics! A strange lot we are!
So............ what tool are you bringing to the island? (Keep it above the waistline, okay?)
Have a great weekend!
Go for a ride!
"If you were stranded on a desert island with only one choice of bicycle tool that you could have with you, what would it be?"
Hmm........... I thought for a minute and answered, "A chainwhip. That way I could bludgeon small animals to death and be able to eat." (Yep, typical man! Thinking with his stomach!)
Jeff said he'd have a multi tool. What? A multi tool?!! What are you going to do with that? He never really explained himself, so I voted him off the island!
Mecahnics! A strange lot we are!
So............ what tool are you bringing to the island? (Keep it above the waistline, okay?)
Have a great weekend!
Go for a ride!
Bicycle "Survivor"
Yesterday Mr. 24 and I were wrenching at our jobs in the bike shop when he piped up and asked me a question.
"If you were stranded on a desert island with only one choice of bicycle tool that you could have with you, what would it be?"
Hmm........... I thought for a minute and answered, "A chainwhip. That way I could bludgeon small animals to death and be able to eat." (Yep, typical man! Thinking with his stomach!)
Jeff said he'd have a multi tool. What? A multi tool?!! What are you going to do with that? He never really explained himself, so I voted him off the island!
Mecahnics! A strange lot we are!
So............ what tool are you bringing to the island? (Keep it above the waistline, okay?)
Have a great weekend!
Go for a ride!
"If you were stranded on a desert island with only one choice of bicycle tool that you could have with you, what would it be?"
Hmm........... I thought for a minute and answered, "A chainwhip. That way I could bludgeon small animals to death and be able to eat." (Yep, typical man! Thinking with his stomach!)
Jeff said he'd have a multi tool. What? A multi tool?!! What are you going to do with that? He never really explained himself, so I voted him off the island!
Mecahnics! A strange lot we are!
So............ what tool are you bringing to the island? (Keep it above the waistline, okay?)
Have a great weekend!
Go for a ride!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Love Removal Machine
Every morning I get up and read the news and views on the ol' net here. It's better than a news paper, since I don't have to dispose of anything when I'm done with it. Well, at least in a physical sense. Mentally the trash still piles up. Which brings me to bicycles. Yeah, bicycles. They are a great way for me to "take out the trash" that accumulates on my mind. The stuff that I read about, the stress from daily grinding, and the pent up energy all need to get dumped. The bicycle is the perfect vehicle for it.
I can get out there, even on my commute to work, and get alot of crap unloaded. The longer the ride, the better though. That's why I like the longer rides. You get to download and then re-load. The smells, the sights, and the sounds of nature are something that can re-charge you. Inspiring the mind and spirit. Forgetting about...........well, what ever you need to forget about. Feeling real pain, you put the percieved pains into perspective, and things don't seem quite so bad.
Anyway, words are pretty useless to describe what "it" is. All I can say is, "it" works. I feel so much better after a ride. That's why bicycles are the perfect machine for dealing with "junk". Yep, the internet is the perfect newspaper and the bicycle is the perfect way to dispose of that "paper".
Are you spending too much time on the "digital paper"? It's a Love Removal Machine!
Go ride your bike!
I can get out there, even on my commute to work, and get alot of crap unloaded. The longer the ride, the better though. That's why I like the longer rides. You get to download and then re-load. The smells, the sights, and the sounds of nature are something that can re-charge you. Inspiring the mind and spirit. Forgetting about...........well, what ever you need to forget about. Feeling real pain, you put the percieved pains into perspective, and things don't seem quite so bad.
Anyway, words are pretty useless to describe what "it" is. All I can say is, "it" works. I feel so much better after a ride. That's why bicycles are the perfect machine for dealing with "junk". Yep, the internet is the perfect newspaper and the bicycle is the perfect way to dispose of that "paper".
Are you spending too much time on the "digital paper"? It's a Love Removal Machine!
Go ride your bike!
Love Removal Machine
Every morning I get up and read the news and views on the ol' net here. It's better than a news paper, since I don't have to dispose of anything when I'm done with it. Well, at least in a physical sense. Mentally the trash still piles up. Which brings me to bicycles. Yeah, bicycles. They are a great way for me to "take out the trash" that accumulates on my mind. The stuff that I read about, the stress from daily grinding, and the pent up energy all need to get dumped. The bicycle is the perfect vehicle for it.
I can get out there, even on my commute to work, and get alot of crap unloaded. The longer the ride, the better though. That's why I like the longer rides. You get to download and then re-load. The smells, the sights, and the sounds of nature are something that can re-charge you. Inspiring the mind and spirit. Forgetting about...........well, what ever you need to forget about. Feeling real pain, you put the percieved pains into perspective, and things don't seem quite so bad.
Anyway, words are pretty useless to describe what "it" is. All I can say is, "it" works. I feel so much better after a ride. That's why bicycles are the perfect machine for dealing with "junk". Yep, the internet is the perfect newspaper and the bicycle is the perfect way to dispose of that "paper".
Are you spending too much time on the "digital paper"? It's a Love Removal Machine!
Go ride your bike!
I can get out there, even on my commute to work, and get alot of crap unloaded. The longer the ride, the better though. That's why I like the longer rides. You get to download and then re-load. The smells, the sights, and the sounds of nature are something that can re-charge you. Inspiring the mind and spirit. Forgetting about...........well, what ever you need to forget about. Feeling real pain, you put the percieved pains into perspective, and things don't seem quite so bad.
Anyway, words are pretty useless to describe what "it" is. All I can say is, "it" works. I feel so much better after a ride. That's why bicycles are the perfect machine for dealing with "junk". Yep, the internet is the perfect newspaper and the bicycle is the perfect way to dispose of that "paper".
Are you spending too much time on the "digital paper"? It's a Love Removal Machine!
Go ride your bike!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
News Flash! G.T.D.R.I. Blog is Up!
For Immediate Release! The Guitar Ted Productions blog was apparently getting "clogged up" with all of this Death Ride jibberish, so the Master Mind of Kerkove Media made an executive decision to open a Death Ride Channel for you all to check out from time to time. That banner is pretty awesome, so if you need anything done in the graphic design area, you need to see the Master Mind!
From now on, all communications regarding the Death Ride will be facilitated through The Death Ride Channel. Any of you guys or gals wanting in on the fun will need to go there for your latest news and views. Kapiche?
All righty then...........
From now on, all communications regarding the Death Ride will be facilitated through The Death Ride Channel. Any of you guys or gals wanting in on the fun will need to go there for your latest news and views. Kapiche?
All righty then...........
News Flash! G.T.D.R.I. Blog is Up!
For Immediate Release! The Guitar Ted Productions blog was apparently getting "clogged up" with all of this Death Ride jibberish, so the Master Mind of Kerkove Media made an executive decision to open a Death Ride Channel for you all to check out from time to time. That banner is pretty awesome, so if you need anything done in the graphic design area, you need to see the Master Mind!
From now on, all communications regarding the Death Ride will be facilitated through The Death Ride Channel. Any of you guys or gals wanting in on the fun will need to go there for your latest news and views. Kapiche?
All righty then...........
From now on, all communications regarding the Death Ride will be facilitated through The Death Ride Channel. Any of you guys or gals wanting in on the fun will need to go there for your latest news and views. Kapiche?
All righty then...........
Strange Numbers!
After some of the information came out on the new Raleigh XXIX, I got kind of curious. Why no suspension corrected fork? Why the shorter than normal seat tubes? I sent in a request for some answers to our trusty Raleigh rep. He forwarded my questions to the product engineering wonks, they answered him, and he forwarded it to me. Still following? Anyway.......here is the answer to "Why the non-suspension corrected fork?"
From Raleigh.....
"The actual fork being used is a 40mm offset. The information that got printed was a typo. And that stuff happens.
The actual axle to crown height is 430mm. Not quite suspension height but not too low either. And we kept it this way to keep it as a true single speed and not have look abnormal. And like Mark pointed out…it does allow for more people to fit the bike. And that is why the seat tube actuals are shorter than normal. It’s to compensate for the larger tires. We didn’t want it to be too high with the bigger wheels and with a suspension fork with sag; the geometry is not much different. This is how our completely built samples, with and with out suspension, have measured out. Please note this is with an 80mm travel Reba compensated with 20mm of sag.
Rigid 70degree HA 315mm BB height
Suspension 69.5 degree HA 328mm BB height
And we are in the works with a geared version using an 80mm travel Reba."
end message..........
So, that's the answer? They wanted it to fit shorter people? This is sort of strange, and I have noticed that alot of production 29"ers have leaned this way. Raleigh is at the extreme in this, however. The only companies 29 inch wheeled offerings that will accomodate larger riders is the upcoming Haro Mary, due out in August. I'm talking about complete bikes available at bike shops, not frame sets or custom jobs. I suppose you could make an exception for Niner and Surly, but they are not really availble on a nationwide scale on bike shop floors.........yet!
Anyway, these numbers on the head tube and fork offset are kind of weird. I'm not sure they will inspire those looking for quick handling. I might still be getting my hands on one of these, so I hope to report some real world test results. I just wish the seat tubes were longer. I'd have to run at least a 400mm post for the top tube measurement that would accomodate me!
So, it seems that the "mainstream" bicycle companies must be looking at their large and extra large sales figures for mountain bikes and saying, "well, these 29"ers better fit the medium and small sized riders, or we'll be sitting on a lot of Larges and XL's in the 29 inch sizes." So, maybe that is why we are seeing "large" sized 29"ers that would be "mediums" from custom builders. Perhaps these product managers ought to check out the mtbr.com poll that was run showing the vast majority of respondants wanting large and extra large sizes. Hmm............
These strange numbers are coming from strange ideas, me-thinks!
Strange Numbers!
After some of the information came out on the new Raleigh XXIX, I got kind of curious. Why no suspension corrected fork? Why the shorter than normal seat tubes? I sent in a request for some answers to our trusty Raleigh rep. He forwarded my questions to the product engineering wonks, they answered him, and he forwarded it to me. Still following? Anyway.......here is the answer to "Why the non-suspension corrected fork?"
From Raleigh.....
"The actual fork being used is a 40mm offset. The information that got printed was a typo. And that stuff happens.
The actual axle to crown height is 430mm. Not quite suspension height but not too low either. And we kept it this way to keep it as a true single speed and not have look abnormal. And like Mark pointed out…it does allow for more people to fit the bike. And that is why the seat tube actuals are shorter than normal. It’s to compensate for the larger tires. We didn’t want it to be too high with the bigger wheels and with a suspension fork with sag; the geometry is not much different. This is how our completely built samples, with and with out suspension, have measured out. Please note this is with an 80mm travel Reba compensated with 20mm of sag.
Rigid 70degree HA 315mm BB height
Suspension 69.5 degree HA 328mm BB height
And we are in the works with a geared version using an 80mm travel Reba."
end message..........
So, that's the answer? They wanted it to fit shorter people? This is sort of strange, and I have noticed that alot of production 29"ers have leaned this way. Raleigh is at the extreme in this, however. The only companies 29 inch wheeled offerings that will accomodate larger riders is the upcoming Haro Mary, due out in August. I'm talking about complete bikes available at bike shops, not frame sets or custom jobs. I suppose you could make an exception for Niner and Surly, but they are not really availble on a nationwide scale on bike shop floors.........yet!
Anyway, these numbers on the head tube and fork offset are kind of weird. I'm not sure they will inspire those looking for quick handling. I might still be getting my hands on one of these, so I hope to report some real world test results. I just wish the seat tubes were longer. I'd have to run at least a 400mm post for the top tube measurement that would accomodate me!
So, it seems that the "mainstream" bicycle companies must be looking at their large and extra large sales figures for mountain bikes and saying, "well, these 29"ers better fit the medium and small sized riders, or we'll be sitting on a lot of Larges and XL's in the 29 inch sizes." So, maybe that is why we are seeing "large" sized 29"ers that would be "mediums" from custom builders. Perhaps these product managers ought to check out the mtbr.com poll that was run showing the vast majority of respondants wanting large and extra large sizes. Hmm............
These strange numbers are coming from strange ideas, me-thinks!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
It'll Cost Ya!
Some of you long time Guitar Ted Blog readers might remember this late July '05 blurb having to do with a slight of hand pulled by Trek on those planning on attending their dealer only show in Madison, Wisconsin. Well, it looks as though that the same monetary shenanigans are being employed once again.
Look, if you own a company that relies heavily upon an independant retail outlet model for sales and you would like them to be informed, supportive, and enthusiastic about selling your products, you probably shouldn't have a prohibitive entry fee to come and see the product at your own expo. Just a thought, guys. I mean, $200.00 a head to just come up and gaze upon your bikes? Last year, we practically had to pull someones teeth to even get our questions answered, because the Trek work force was sooo tired after four days of expo madness. I'm sorry, but the customers at our bike shop expect the same level of service whether we've been at the job for ten hours a day for a whole week. I'm not interested in shelling out my hard earned dough just to get ignored, and wander around a fancy convention center filled with shiny bikes when I can sit home and catch it all on the net for free.
Then there is this whole hierarchy thing with Trek where the best dealers in the country, ( the top 100 or so) get to look first, then the rest of the schmucks get in later to be coddled or ignored based upon how big they are or are not. Nice! Thanks for tossing us some crumbs dudes. We may be a small shop, but we sell Trek bikes that wouldn't get sold if we were not here. The decision to charge this rediculous fee to come and see their bikes isn't very encouraging, by the way.
Well, it all really doesn't matter since I scheduled the Guitar Ted Death March Invitational on the same weekend as the Trek Show in Madison.
Let it be known that I'd rather be riding a bike than getting charged $200.00 to look at some bikes.
Rant over.
Look, if you own a company that relies heavily upon an independant retail outlet model for sales and you would like them to be informed, supportive, and enthusiastic about selling your products, you probably shouldn't have a prohibitive entry fee to come and see the product at your own expo. Just a thought, guys. I mean, $200.00 a head to just come up and gaze upon your bikes? Last year, we practically had to pull someones teeth to even get our questions answered, because the Trek work force was sooo tired after four days of expo madness. I'm sorry, but the customers at our bike shop expect the same level of service whether we've been at the job for ten hours a day for a whole week. I'm not interested in shelling out my hard earned dough just to get ignored, and wander around a fancy convention center filled with shiny bikes when I can sit home and catch it all on the net for free.
Then there is this whole hierarchy thing with Trek where the best dealers in the country, ( the top 100 or so) get to look first, then the rest of the schmucks get in later to be coddled or ignored based upon how big they are or are not. Nice! Thanks for tossing us some crumbs dudes. We may be a small shop, but we sell Trek bikes that wouldn't get sold if we were not here. The decision to charge this rediculous fee to come and see their bikes isn't very encouraging, by the way.
Well, it all really doesn't matter since I scheduled the Guitar Ted Death March Invitational on the same weekend as the Trek Show in Madison.
Let it be known that I'd rather be riding a bike than getting charged $200.00 to look at some bikes.
Rant over.
It'll Cost Ya!
Some of you long time Guitar Ted Blog readers might remember this late July '05 blurb having to do with a slight of hand pulled by Trek on those planning on attending their dealer only show in Madison, Wisconsin. Well, it looks as though that the same monetary shenanigans are being employed once again.
Look, if you own a company that relies heavily upon an independant retail outlet model for sales and you would like them to be informed, supportive, and enthusiastic about selling your products, you probably shouldn't have a prohibitive entry fee to come and see the product at your own expo. Just a thought, guys. I mean, $200.00 a head to just come up and gaze upon your bikes? Last year, we practically had to pull someones teeth to even get our questions answered, because the Trek work force was sooo tired after four days of expo madness. I'm sorry, but the customers at our bike shop expect the same level of service whether we've been at the job for ten hours a day for a whole week. I'm not interested in shelling out my hard earned dough just to get ignored, and wander around a fancy convention center filled with shiny bikes when I can sit home and catch it all on the net for free.
Then there is this whole hierarchy thing with Trek where the best dealers in the country, ( the top 100 or so) get to look first, then the rest of the schmucks get in later to be coddled or ignored based upon how big they are or are not. Nice! Thanks for tossing us some crumbs dudes. We may be a small shop, but we sell Trek bikes that wouldn't get sold if we were not here. The decision to charge this rediculous fee to come and see their bikes isn't very encouraging, by the way.
Well, it all really doesn't matter since I scheduled the Guitar Ted Death March Invitational on the same weekend as the Trek Show in Madison.
Let it be known that I'd rather be riding a bike than getting charged $200.00 to look at some bikes.
Rant over.
Look, if you own a company that relies heavily upon an independant retail outlet model for sales and you would like them to be informed, supportive, and enthusiastic about selling your products, you probably shouldn't have a prohibitive entry fee to come and see the product at your own expo. Just a thought, guys. I mean, $200.00 a head to just come up and gaze upon your bikes? Last year, we practically had to pull someones teeth to even get our questions answered, because the Trek work force was sooo tired after four days of expo madness. I'm sorry, but the customers at our bike shop expect the same level of service whether we've been at the job for ten hours a day for a whole week. I'm not interested in shelling out my hard earned dough just to get ignored, and wander around a fancy convention center filled with shiny bikes when I can sit home and catch it all on the net for free.
Then there is this whole hierarchy thing with Trek where the best dealers in the country, ( the top 100 or so) get to look first, then the rest of the schmucks get in later to be coddled or ignored based upon how big they are or are not. Nice! Thanks for tossing us some crumbs dudes. We may be a small shop, but we sell Trek bikes that wouldn't get sold if we were not here. The decision to charge this rediculous fee to come and see their bikes isn't very encouraging, by the way.
Well, it all really doesn't matter since I scheduled the Guitar Ted Death March Invitational on the same weekend as the Trek Show in Madison.
Let it be known that I'd rather be riding a bike than getting charged $200.00 to look at some bikes.
Rant over.
Monday, June 12, 2006
G.T.D.R.I. Update and Bits
Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational: August 19th, (Saturday) sun up to sundown. Starting in Pfieffer Park, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Navigation by map provided at start. No fee, no support, and no prizes. I'm going for a long gravel grinder that day and you are welcome to come along. The approximate mileage is just under 150 miles. There will be only three towns on route and all three have convenience stores to re-supply from. The course is one large loop and will end at Pfieffer Park. There is parking available at the park.
Okay, that's the pertinent information. Here is what has been happening on the course developement and a little tidbit or two of information on it. I had originally sat down and planned a route through places I wanted to ride through, but the distance was far too great at 170 plus miles. I had to do some editing! I sat down this weekend to hash it out over some maps, (thanks to b.d. sahib!) and I came up with some major modifications. Right now, the course is estimated at 148 miles. I will have to confirm that for you all that are interested later. I have also found a way to pull maps off of the Iowa D.O.T. site that will work nicely for the navigation needs of anyone that decides to ride along.
The course will start in Black Hawk County, pass southwards and slightly eastwards to Tama County making a "U" shaped turn to the West and then straight North. Entering the southern portion of Grundy County we will turn west into Hardin County. We will follow the Iowa River valley for a short spell then peel off straight to the east out of Hardin and into Grundy County again. Cutting straight across Grundy County, we will arrive back into Black Hawk County and Cedar Falls hopefully before the sun sets. The towns passed through will be Traer, Gladbrook, and Steamboat Rock. Don't let the proximity of the towns fool you! I have at least 50 miles between Traer and Gladbrook, for instance.
Well, that's about it for updates now. I have to start riding the course now to verify that all the roads are there, so more updates will be posted as they become available. In the meantime; read about a real endurance event and be inspired! It's one of the best ride re-caps I have read. It's long, but well worth it. See if the closing paragraphs hit you like they did for me.
And speaking of re-caps, go check out Mr. 24's re-cap of the Ponca XC......er Marathon event that took place this past Saturday in a warmer climate than Iowa has had lately. 48 degrees this morning! Brrrr! I thought I was done with jackets for awhile!
Ride your bike today.......OUT!
Okay, that's the pertinent information. Here is what has been happening on the course developement and a little tidbit or two of information on it. I had originally sat down and planned a route through places I wanted to ride through, but the distance was far too great at 170 plus miles. I had to do some editing! I sat down this weekend to hash it out over some maps, (thanks to b.d. sahib!) and I came up with some major modifications. Right now, the course is estimated at 148 miles. I will have to confirm that for you all that are interested later. I have also found a way to pull maps off of the Iowa D.O.T. site that will work nicely for the navigation needs of anyone that decides to ride along.
The course will start in Black Hawk County, pass southwards and slightly eastwards to Tama County making a "U" shaped turn to the West and then straight North. Entering the southern portion of Grundy County we will turn west into Hardin County. We will follow the Iowa River valley for a short spell then peel off straight to the east out of Hardin and into Grundy County again. Cutting straight across Grundy County, we will arrive back into Black Hawk County and Cedar Falls hopefully before the sun sets. The towns passed through will be Traer, Gladbrook, and Steamboat Rock. Don't let the proximity of the towns fool you! I have at least 50 miles between Traer and Gladbrook, for instance.
Well, that's about it for updates now. I have to start riding the course now to verify that all the roads are there, so more updates will be posted as they become available. In the meantime; read about a real endurance event and be inspired! It's one of the best ride re-caps I have read. It's long, but well worth it. See if the closing paragraphs hit you like they did for me.
And speaking of re-caps, go check out Mr. 24's re-cap of the Ponca XC......er Marathon event that took place this past Saturday in a warmer climate than Iowa has had lately. 48 degrees this morning! Brrrr! I thought I was done with jackets for awhile!
Ride your bike today.......OUT!
G.T.D.R.I. Update and Bits
Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational: August 19th, (Saturday) sun up to sundown. Starting in Pfieffer Park, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Navigation by map provided at start. No fee, no support, and no prizes. I'm going for a long gravel grinder that day and you are welcome to come along. The approximate mileage is just under 150 miles. There will be only three towns on route and all three have convenience stores to re-supply from. The course is one large loop and will end at Pfieffer Park. There is parking available at the park.
Okay, that's the pertinent information. Here is what has been happening on the course developement and a little tidbit or two of information on it. I had originally sat down and planned a route through places I wanted to ride through, but the distance was far too great at 170 plus miles. I had to do some editing! I sat down this weekend to hash it out over some maps, (thanks to b.d. sahib!) and I came up with some major modifications. Right now, the course is estimated at 148 miles. I will have to confirm that for you all that are interested later. I have also found a way to pull maps off of the Iowa D.O.T. site that will work nicely for the navigation needs of anyone that decides to ride along.
The course will start in Black Hawk County, pass southwards and slightly eastwards to Tama County making a "U" shaped turn to the West and then straight North. Entering the southern portion of Grundy County we will turn west into Hardin County. We will follow the Iowa River valley for a short spell then peel off straight to the east out of Hardin and into Grundy County again. Cutting straight across Grundy County, we will arrive back into Black Hawk County and Cedar Falls hopefully before the sun sets. The towns passed through will be Traer, Gladbrook, and Steamboat Rock. Don't let the proximity of the towns fool you! I have at least 50 miles between Traer and Gladbrook, for instance.
Well, that's about it for updates now. I have to start riding the course now to verify that all the roads are there, so more updates will be posted as they become available. In the meantime; read about a real endurance event and be inspired! It's one of the best ride re-caps I have read. It's long, but well worth it. See if the closing paragraphs hit you like they did for me.
And speaking of re-caps, go check out Mr. 24's re-cap of the Ponca XC......er Marathon event that took place this past Saturday in a warmer climate than Iowa has had lately. 48 degrees this morning! Brrrr! I thought I was done with jackets for awhile!
Ride your bike today.......OUT!
Okay, that's the pertinent information. Here is what has been happening on the course developement and a little tidbit or two of information on it. I had originally sat down and planned a route through places I wanted to ride through, but the distance was far too great at 170 plus miles. I had to do some editing! I sat down this weekend to hash it out over some maps, (thanks to b.d. sahib!) and I came up with some major modifications. Right now, the course is estimated at 148 miles. I will have to confirm that for you all that are interested later. I have also found a way to pull maps off of the Iowa D.O.T. site that will work nicely for the navigation needs of anyone that decides to ride along.
The course will start in Black Hawk County, pass southwards and slightly eastwards to Tama County making a "U" shaped turn to the West and then straight North. Entering the southern portion of Grundy County we will turn west into Hardin County. We will follow the Iowa River valley for a short spell then peel off straight to the east out of Hardin and into Grundy County again. Cutting straight across Grundy County, we will arrive back into Black Hawk County and Cedar Falls hopefully before the sun sets. The towns passed through will be Traer, Gladbrook, and Steamboat Rock. Don't let the proximity of the towns fool you! I have at least 50 miles between Traer and Gladbrook, for instance.
Well, that's about it for updates now. I have to start riding the course now to verify that all the roads are there, so more updates will be posted as they become available. In the meantime; read about a real endurance event and be inspired! It's one of the best ride re-caps I have read. It's long, but well worth it. See if the closing paragraphs hit you like they did for me.
And speaking of re-caps, go check out Mr. 24's re-cap of the Ponca XC......er Marathon event that took place this past Saturday in a warmer climate than Iowa has had lately. 48 degrees this morning! Brrrr! I thought I was done with jackets for awhile!
Ride your bike today.......OUT!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
A Cold One: R.A.S.H. Ride Report
Looks a lot like Trans Iowa V2. It also felt alot like T.I.V2! 43 degrees and 25 mph winds with gusts up to 40mph!
This was the campground scene. The "team" busses from the sponsoring teams of the R.A.S.H. Ride are lined up with no activity visible. The campground had about half a dozen tents where they had expected several hundred.
Well, cold, wet, and windy about sums up the 4th annual R.A.S.H. Ride. This is an event for seriously recreational cyclists that use their bicycles as a means to get from bar to bar. I usually do the ride support from the start and then move on up the route to a few of the other bar stops. This year, when I got to the start area I was told to hold off setting up, as the promoter was not expecting much of a turn out. That stuck a fork in things for me, as the start is traditionally where I get the best tip money. Not that I expected anyone to show up either!
In the end, about 80 people took the start and made their way down the road. I actually went up the road and set up at the first town out, but did not get any action at all. Not good. I was coming up on four hours of standing around in sub 50 degree weather, getting rained on intermittently, and chafing my cold, blue hands. No tip money made things even worse. I packed it in after sitting in Jesup, which was the second town out, for about half an hour with hardly any cyclists coming through. Last year, I was busy repairing several bikes at the same time, at the same spot. I wasn't about to waste anymore of my time.
Last year 500 people were on this ride and I did really well. This year, much like T.I.V2, the weather kicked me to the curb. No tip money and cold to the bone. I can't remember a June day in my life being this cold in Iowa, or having as much Esat wind as we have had all this year. Simply incredible!
Oh well. At least there's next year!
A Cold One: R.A.S.H. Ride Report
Looks a lot like Trans Iowa V2. It also felt alot like T.I.V2! 43 degrees and 25 mph winds with gusts up to 40mph!
This was the campground scene. The "team" busses from the sponsoring teams of the R.A.S.H. Ride are lined up with no activity visible. The campground had about half a dozen tents where they had expected several hundred.
Well, cold, wet, and windy about sums up the 4th annual R.A.S.H. Ride. This is an event for seriously recreational cyclists that use their bicycles as a means to get from bar to bar. I usually do the ride support from the start and then move on up the route to a few of the other bar stops. This year, when I got to the start area I was told to hold off setting up, as the promoter was not expecting much of a turn out. That stuck a fork in things for me, as the start is traditionally where I get the best tip money. Not that I expected anyone to show up either!
In the end, about 80 people took the start and made their way down the road. I actually went up the road and set up at the first town out, but did not get any action at all. Not good. I was coming up on four hours of standing around in sub 50 degree weather, getting rained on intermittently, and chafing my cold, blue hands. No tip money made things even worse. I packed it in after sitting in Jesup, which was the second town out, for about half an hour with hardly any cyclists coming through. Last year, I was busy repairing several bikes at the same time, at the same spot. I wasn't about to waste anymore of my time.
Last year 500 people were on this ride and I did really well. This year, much like T.I.V2, the weather kicked me to the curb. No tip money and cold to the bone. I can't remember a June day in my life being this cold in Iowa, or having as much Esat wind as we have had all this year. Simply incredible!
Oh well. At least there's next year!
G.T.D.R.I. Update
Hey, just a quick update on the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational. First off.......Wow! Thanks for all of your interest in this, I never imagined that ya'all would be wanting to come. Since that seems to be the case, here is an update concerning the date for the event and some route news.
I was kindly informed by my racing cohorts at the shop that 24 hrs of 9 mile (National Championships) is being held a week before I was planning on having the G.T.D.R.I. So, in order for them and alot of other like minded folks that would be blown up yet a week after 9 mile to attend, the date needed to be later. It works out on my schedule to do this on the 19th of August, which the enduro freaks heartily supported. What say you? I'm thinking it's going to be the 19th.
The route was initially planned out and tallied to give me a rough estimate of 172 miles. Too much! I have to go back and do some changing. The route is ideally going to be sub 150 and at least 100. Probably something closer to the 150, as there are a few "must ride" choices that I'm not willing to forego. Wuzbeen, a frequent commentator on this blog, got me hooked up with some elevation maps, so there will be hills! Right now, plan on spending your day in the following counties: Black Hawk, Tama, Grundy, and Hardin. Locals will probably already be able to guess what the route will be like!
Going to do ride support for the R.A.S.H. ride today. It's a RAGBRAI "tune up" ride, so not so serious cyclists, if ya know what I mean! Looks to be a bit wet this morning, so there may not be too many folks out. We'll see! I'll have a post ride report from a mechanics view point later today!
I was kindly informed by my racing cohorts at the shop that 24 hrs of 9 mile (National Championships) is being held a week before I was planning on having the G.T.D.R.I. So, in order for them and alot of other like minded folks that would be blown up yet a week after 9 mile to attend, the date needed to be later. It works out on my schedule to do this on the 19th of August, which the enduro freaks heartily supported. What say you? I'm thinking it's going to be the 19th.
The route was initially planned out and tallied to give me a rough estimate of 172 miles. Too much! I have to go back and do some changing. The route is ideally going to be sub 150 and at least 100. Probably something closer to the 150, as there are a few "must ride" choices that I'm not willing to forego. Wuzbeen, a frequent commentator on this blog, got me hooked up with some elevation maps, so there will be hills! Right now, plan on spending your day in the following counties: Black Hawk, Tama, Grundy, and Hardin. Locals will probably already be able to guess what the route will be like!
Going to do ride support for the R.A.S.H. ride today. It's a RAGBRAI "tune up" ride, so not so serious cyclists, if ya know what I mean! Looks to be a bit wet this morning, so there may not be too many folks out. We'll see! I'll have a post ride report from a mechanics view point later today!
G.T.D.R.I. Update
Hey, just a quick update on the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational. First off.......Wow! Thanks for all of your interest in this, I never imagined that ya'all would be wanting to come. Since that seems to be the case, here is an update concerning the date for the event and some route news.
I was kindly informed by my racing cohorts at the shop that 24 hrs of 9 mile (National Championships) is being held a week before I was planning on having the G.T.D.R.I. So, in order for them and alot of other like minded folks that would be blown up yet a week after 9 mile to attend, the date needed to be later. It works out on my schedule to do this on the 19th of August, which the enduro freaks heartily supported. What say you? I'm thinking it's going to be the 19th.
The route was initially planned out and tallied to give me a rough estimate of 172 miles. Too much! I have to go back and do some changing. The route is ideally going to be sub 150 and at least 100. Probably something closer to the 150, as there are a few "must ride" choices that I'm not willing to forego. Wuzbeen, a frequent commentator on this blog, got me hooked up with some elevation maps, so there will be hills! Right now, plan on spending your day in the following counties: Black Hawk, Tama, Grundy, and Hardin. Locals will probably already be able to guess what the route will be like!
Going to do ride support for the R.A.S.H. ride today. It's a RAGBRAI "tune up" ride, so not so serious cyclists, if ya know what I mean! Looks to be a bit wet this morning, so there may not be too many folks out. We'll see! I'll have a post ride report from a mechanics view point later today!
I was kindly informed by my racing cohorts at the shop that 24 hrs of 9 mile (National Championships) is being held a week before I was planning on having the G.T.D.R.I. So, in order for them and alot of other like minded folks that would be blown up yet a week after 9 mile to attend, the date needed to be later. It works out on my schedule to do this on the 19th of August, which the enduro freaks heartily supported. What say you? I'm thinking it's going to be the 19th.
The route was initially planned out and tallied to give me a rough estimate of 172 miles. Too much! I have to go back and do some changing. The route is ideally going to be sub 150 and at least 100. Probably something closer to the 150, as there are a few "must ride" choices that I'm not willing to forego. Wuzbeen, a frequent commentator on this blog, got me hooked up with some elevation maps, so there will be hills! Right now, plan on spending your day in the following counties: Black Hawk, Tama, Grundy, and Hardin. Locals will probably already be able to guess what the route will be like!
Going to do ride support for the R.A.S.H. ride today. It's a RAGBRAI "tune up" ride, so not so serious cyclists, if ya know what I mean! Looks to be a bit wet this morning, so there may not be too many folks out. We'll see! I'll have a post ride report from a mechanics view point later today!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Be Careful Of What You Say!
As I posted yesterday, the cyclingnews.com tech guy has had two identically prepared bikes done up with the only differences being the size of the wheels. Oh yeah, the forks have different geometries............and the chainstay lengths are pretty different in relationship to the saddle posistion...........uhhhh..........and the gearing isn't normalised between the two bikes.................oh yeah, the wheels aren't equally as stiff or efficient due to the peculiar design....................ummm, but other than that, they are identical!
Right.
I haven't even touched on the fact that the tester is relying on heart rate data to guage his performance in conjunction with GPS data. What? No power out put data? Wouldn't it make sense to see if it takes more power to turn a 29"er wheel over varied terrain? Hmmm.............guess not! Never mind that it is one of the key points in the debate over 26" vs. 29" wheels.
However, the real kicker for me is what is written in the first paragraph of the accompaning article.
"James Huang takes an in-depth look at the issue through an engineering lens to figure it out once and for all in Part One of this two-part feature."
Ummmm.........So you are saying that you are going to figure it out once and for all for everybody? For every type of rider on every type of terrain?
Whoa dude!
Then there is this gem that appears as a caption on the first picture you see: "Two options, but which is best?"
So, you are saying that one is "best"? For what? Over all riding anywhere? That's the implication here. Are you guys serious?
It's these statements that I find ludicrous. It makes whatever else the tester does be examined in light of those initial statements. It's a recipe for failure and derision, because there is absolutely no way to answer those questions raised by the statements made. There is not enough money behind this study to cover all the possible variables, and especially when you have one tester, the whole project becomes a laughing stock.
What we have here is...........failure to communicate!
I'm sure that if questioned, the tester would agree that this is not the premise he wishes to explore, but then again, the article says what it says.
What will we learn from this comparison? I think we already have something to learn from it that is very valuable.
Be careful of what you say!
Right.
I haven't even touched on the fact that the tester is relying on heart rate data to guage his performance in conjunction with GPS data. What? No power out put data? Wouldn't it make sense to see if it takes more power to turn a 29"er wheel over varied terrain? Hmmm.............guess not! Never mind that it is one of the key points in the debate over 26" vs. 29" wheels.
However, the real kicker for me is what is written in the first paragraph of the accompaning article.
"James Huang takes an in-depth look at the issue through an engineering lens to figure it out once and for all in Part One of this two-part feature."
Ummmm.........So you are saying that you are going to figure it out once and for all for everybody? For every type of rider on every type of terrain?
Whoa dude!
Then there is this gem that appears as a caption on the first picture you see: "Two options, but which is best?"
So, you are saying that one is "best"? For what? Over all riding anywhere? That's the implication here. Are you guys serious?
It's these statements that I find ludicrous. It makes whatever else the tester does be examined in light of those initial statements. It's a recipe for failure and derision, because there is absolutely no way to answer those questions raised by the statements made. There is not enough money behind this study to cover all the possible variables, and especially when you have one tester, the whole project becomes a laughing stock.
What we have here is...........failure to communicate!
I'm sure that if questioned, the tester would agree that this is not the premise he wishes to explore, but then again, the article says what it says.
What will we learn from this comparison? I think we already have something to learn from it that is very valuable.
Be careful of what you say!
Be Careful Of What You Say!
As I posted yesterday, the cyclingnews.com tech guy has had two identically prepared bikes done up with the only differences being the size of the wheels. Oh yeah, the forks have different geometries............and the chainstay lengths are pretty different in relationship to the saddle posistion...........uhhhh..........and the gearing isn't normalised between the two bikes.................oh yeah, the wheels aren't equally as stiff or efficient due to the peculiar design....................ummm, but other than that, they are identical!
Right.
I haven't even touched on the fact that the tester is relying on heart rate data to guage his performance in conjunction with GPS data. What? No power out put data? Wouldn't it make sense to see if it takes more power to turn a 29"er wheel over varied terrain? Hmmm.............guess not! Never mind that it is one of the key points in the debate over 26" vs. 29" wheels.
However, the real kicker for me is what is written in the first paragraph of the accompaning article.
"James Huang takes an in-depth look at the issue through an engineering lens to figure it out once and for all in Part One of this two-part feature."
Ummmm.........So you are saying that you are going to figure it out once and for all for everybody? For every type of rider on every type of terrain?
Whoa dude!
Then there is this gem that appears as a caption on the first picture you see: "Two options, but which is best?"
So, you are saying that one is "best"? For what? Over all riding anywhere? That's the implication here. Are you guys serious?
It's these statements that I find ludicrous. It makes whatever else the tester does be examined in light of those initial statements. It's a recipe for failure and derision, because there is absolutely no way to answer those questions raised by the statements made. There is not enough money behind this study to cover all the possible variables, and especially when you have one tester, the whole project becomes a laughing stock.
What we have here is...........failure to communicate!
I'm sure that if questioned, the tester would agree that this is not the premise he wishes to explore, but then again, the article says what it says.
What will we learn from this comparison? I think we already have something to learn from it that is very valuable.
Be careful of what you say!
Right.
I haven't even touched on the fact that the tester is relying on heart rate data to guage his performance in conjunction with GPS data. What? No power out put data? Wouldn't it make sense to see if it takes more power to turn a 29"er wheel over varied terrain? Hmmm.............guess not! Never mind that it is one of the key points in the debate over 26" vs. 29" wheels.
However, the real kicker for me is what is written in the first paragraph of the accompaning article.
"James Huang takes an in-depth look at the issue through an engineering lens to figure it out once and for all in Part One of this two-part feature."
Ummmm.........So you are saying that you are going to figure it out once and for all for everybody? For every type of rider on every type of terrain?
Whoa dude!
Then there is this gem that appears as a caption on the first picture you see: "Two options, but which is best?"
So, you are saying that one is "best"? For what? Over all riding anywhere? That's the implication here. Are you guys serious?
It's these statements that I find ludicrous. It makes whatever else the tester does be examined in light of those initial statements. It's a recipe for failure and derision, because there is absolutely no way to answer those questions raised by the statements made. There is not enough money behind this study to cover all the possible variables, and especially when you have one tester, the whole project becomes a laughing stock.
What we have here is...........failure to communicate!
I'm sure that if questioned, the tester would agree that this is not the premise he wishes to explore, but then again, the article says what it says.
What will we learn from this comparison? I think we already have something to learn from it that is very valuable.
Be careful of what you say!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
G.T.D.R.I. and a Quick Reaction.........
G.T.D.R.I. (or the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational) has recieved some actual outside interest! It would appear that I'm not the only nutty one out there!
Anyway.......since there seems to be a desire on the part of some of you to attend, I will breifly give you some details, as they stand at the moment.
As I mentioned yesterday, the idea is to be able to ride the course completely sans lights. This is going to limit the distance and make this a single day event, albeit an all day one. To help those that may need to have a low budget place to shack up for the nights previous to and following the grinder, I am trying to arrange the start at or near to the campgrounds at the local State Park. Camping is pretty cheap, or you can always sleep ghetto style in your vehicle, I suppose.
The course is still in flux at the moment, but once I nail it down I will produce maps based on the Dirty Kanza template. There will be a few cues included, mostly for town passages, but that's it- no course markings. That's too much work for one guy. Hey, if I can negotiate the course with my map, you can too. I may even post the route beforehand, if that helps anyone out. By the way, the photo above is from part of the course, if that matters to anyone. It was taken in August, so that'll give you an idea of what it might look like out there.
On another note......
Cyclingnews.com has arranged a test of two "identically equipped and set up" mtb's in 26 and 29 inch wheel formats to test "scientifically" to see "which wheelsize is best" Already there are some holes here in the testing procedure and equipment that are going to affect the outcome of the test. I will delve more into that tomorrow. Suffice it to say that they have already pre-determined some of the outcome and alot of this is going to come as no surprise to me. In short, we aren't going to cover any new ground with this test, but you never know, maybe there will be a surprise or two. My suggestion is to go for a bike ride. It's far more entertaining than this comparo will be!
G.T.D.R.I. and a Quick Reaction.........
G.T.D.R.I. (or the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational) has recieved some actual outside interest! It would appear that I'm not the only nutty one out there!
Anyway.......since there seems to be a desire on the part of some of you to attend, I will breifly give you some details, as they stand at the moment.
As I mentioned yesterday, the idea is to be able to ride the course completely sans lights. This is going to limit the distance and make this a single day event, albeit an all day one. To help those that may need to have a low budget place to shack up for the nights previous to and following the grinder, I am trying to arrange the start at or near to the campgrounds at the local State Park. Camping is pretty cheap, or you can always sleep ghetto style in your vehicle, I suppose.
The course is still in flux at the moment, but once I nail it down I will produce maps based on the Dirty Kanza template. There will be a few cues included, mostly for town passages, but that's it- no course markings. That's too much work for one guy. Hey, if I can negotiate the course with my map, you can too. I may even post the route beforehand, if that helps anyone out. By the way, the photo above is from part of the course, if that matters to anyone. It was taken in August, so that'll give you an idea of what it might look like out there.
On another note......
Cyclingnews.com has arranged a test of two "identically equipped and set up" mtb's in 26 and 29 inch wheel formats to test "scientifically" to see "which wheelsize is best" Already there are some holes here in the testing procedure and equipment that are going to affect the outcome of the test. I will delve more into that tomorrow. Suffice it to say that they have already pre-determined some of the outcome and alot of this is going to come as no surprise to me. In short, we aren't going to cover any new ground with this test, but you never know, maybe there will be a surprise or two. My suggestion is to go for a bike ride. It's far more entertaining than this comparo will be!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
I Must Be Crazy!
I probably shouldn't mention this.......................................
..............................but I'm planning a ride.
Let me explain. See, ever since I got my feet wet in the endurance event scene by being one of the organizers of Trans Iowa I have had this thing.....this problem with staring at maps for hours on end coming up with new cycling routes through Iowa's backroads. Then I got my feet even wetter by actually riding in the Dirty Kanza 200. Well then I wanted to ride longer events, but there just isn't anything quite like T.I. or the D.K.200 coming up for a while. Soooooo............
To accomodate both of my sicknesses in one balled up, goofy effort, I am in the process of concocting another long gravel grinder for myself. Yep! This one's all about me and what I want. I know, I know..........that sounds so selfish. Well, it probably is and that's not the worst of it.
Right now the details of the course are being worked out. It probably will be 100 to 150 miles in a loop. The start and finish will be in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The tentative date is August 5th, on a Saturday. There will be "Curiak Rules" in effect: No entry fee, No swag, No race numbers, No support of any kind, and No pre-ride meeting. Just show up if you want to and be prepared to ride self supported. If nobody else comes but myself........I don't care. I'm doing this for myself, remember? I'm just putting this out for anyone of like mind that may want to hop on for the ride.
I'm going to need to know if you are coming just to have a map ready for you at the start. Otherwise, that's it. I will post more details at a later date, but the idea will be that at 10mph on course average, you will have plenty of sunlight to finish, so lights are not really necessary. Oh yeah.................I'm calling it the "Guitar Ted Death March Invitational" So, you've been invited!
Yep, I must be crazy! But I don't care. I'm going for a long gravel ride in early August and if anybody else shows up, well that'd be just peachy, but not necessary. In the meantime, I'll be staring at maps and riding lots and lots of gravel roads to get ready.
Maybe I'll see ya out there....................
..............................but I'm planning a ride.
Let me explain. See, ever since I got my feet wet in the endurance event scene by being one of the organizers of Trans Iowa I have had this thing.....this problem with staring at maps for hours on end coming up with new cycling routes through Iowa's backroads. Then I got my feet even wetter by actually riding in the Dirty Kanza 200. Well then I wanted to ride longer events, but there just isn't anything quite like T.I. or the D.K.200 coming up for a while. Soooooo............
To accomodate both of my sicknesses in one balled up, goofy effort, I am in the process of concocting another long gravel grinder for myself. Yep! This one's all about me and what I want. I know, I know..........that sounds so selfish. Well, it probably is and that's not the worst of it.
Right now the details of the course are being worked out. It probably will be 100 to 150 miles in a loop. The start and finish will be in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The tentative date is August 5th, on a Saturday. There will be "Curiak Rules" in effect: No entry fee, No swag, No race numbers, No support of any kind, and No pre-ride meeting. Just show up if you want to and be prepared to ride self supported. If nobody else comes but myself........I don't care. I'm doing this for myself, remember? I'm just putting this out for anyone of like mind that may want to hop on for the ride.
I'm going to need to know if you are coming just to have a map ready for you at the start. Otherwise, that's it. I will post more details at a later date, but the idea will be that at 10mph on course average, you will have plenty of sunlight to finish, so lights are not really necessary. Oh yeah.................I'm calling it the "Guitar Ted Death March Invitational" So, you've been invited!
Yep, I must be crazy! But I don't care. I'm going for a long gravel ride in early August and if anybody else shows up, well that'd be just peachy, but not necessary. In the meantime, I'll be staring at maps and riding lots and lots of gravel roads to get ready.
Maybe I'll see ya out there....................
I Must Be Crazy!
I probably shouldn't mention this.......................................
..............................but I'm planning a ride.
Let me explain. See, ever since I got my feet wet in the endurance event scene by being one of the organizers of Trans Iowa I have had this thing.....this problem with staring at maps for hours on end coming up with new cycling routes through Iowa's backroads. Then I got my feet even wetter by actually riding in the Dirty Kanza 200. Well then I wanted to ride longer events, but there just isn't anything quite like T.I. or the D.K.200 coming up for a while. Soooooo............
To accomodate both of my sicknesses in one balled up, goofy effort, I am in the process of concocting another long gravel grinder for myself. Yep! This one's all about me and what I want. I know, I know..........that sounds so selfish. Well, it probably is and that's not the worst of it.
Right now the details of the course are being worked out. It probably will be 100 to 150 miles in a loop. The start and finish will be in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The tentative date is August 5th, on a Saturday. There will be "Curiak Rules" in effect: No entry fee, No swag, No race numbers, No support of any kind, and No pre-ride meeting. Just show up if you want to and be prepared to ride self supported. If nobody else comes but myself........I don't care. I'm doing this for myself, remember? I'm just putting this out for anyone of like mind that may want to hop on for the ride.
I'm going to need to know if you are coming just to have a map ready for you at the start. Otherwise, that's it. I will post more details at a later date, but the idea will be that at 10mph on course average, you will have plenty of sunlight to finish, so lights are not really necessary. Oh yeah.................I'm calling it the "Guitar Ted Death March Invitational" So, you've been invited!
Yep, I must be crazy! But I don't care. I'm going for a long gravel ride in early August and if anybody else shows up, well that'd be just peachy, but not necessary. In the meantime, I'll be staring at maps and riding lots and lots of gravel roads to get ready.
Maybe I'll see ya out there....................
..............................but I'm planning a ride.
Let me explain. See, ever since I got my feet wet in the endurance event scene by being one of the organizers of Trans Iowa I have had this thing.....this problem with staring at maps for hours on end coming up with new cycling routes through Iowa's backroads. Then I got my feet even wetter by actually riding in the Dirty Kanza 200. Well then I wanted to ride longer events, but there just isn't anything quite like T.I. or the D.K.200 coming up for a while. Soooooo............
To accomodate both of my sicknesses in one balled up, goofy effort, I am in the process of concocting another long gravel grinder for myself. Yep! This one's all about me and what I want. I know, I know..........that sounds so selfish. Well, it probably is and that's not the worst of it.
Right now the details of the course are being worked out. It probably will be 100 to 150 miles in a loop. The start and finish will be in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The tentative date is August 5th, on a Saturday. There will be "Curiak Rules" in effect: No entry fee, No swag, No race numbers, No support of any kind, and No pre-ride meeting. Just show up if you want to and be prepared to ride self supported. If nobody else comes but myself........I don't care. I'm doing this for myself, remember? I'm just putting this out for anyone of like mind that may want to hop on for the ride.
I'm going to need to know if you are coming just to have a map ready for you at the start. Otherwise, that's it. I will post more details at a later date, but the idea will be that at 10mph on course average, you will have plenty of sunlight to finish, so lights are not really necessary. Oh yeah.................I'm calling it the "Guitar Ted Death March Invitational" So, you've been invited!
Yep, I must be crazy! But I don't care. I'm going for a long gravel ride in early August and if anybody else shows up, well that'd be just peachy, but not necessary. In the meantime, I'll be staring at maps and riding lots and lots of gravel roads to get ready.
Maybe I'll see ya out there....................
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Riding In Tune: Counterpoint
Note: This is the second part of a two part post on Riding In Tune: Point/ Counterpoint. Read yesterday's post to get the point presented by my guest, George Wissel. Today's post features my rebuttal and a final statement written by George. Enjoy!
A Counter-Point to Riding with Music By Guitar Ted
I have issues with this practice of riding with music. I won’t touch on everything here such as how music can distract you from being aware of other trail users, or how wearing ear buds to hear your tunes is dangerous to your hearing. I will just cut to the basics here. The opportunity that awaits each and every mountain biker out on the trails that is wasted by listening to your music is too good to miss. That you would never even consider giving yourself a chance to experience that opportunity is sad at best, and downright offensive at worst.
The thing I am talking about is not man made. It’s bigger than anything ever imagined and to think that some random tune getting blasted up into your head is going to enhance that experience is short sighted. I’m talking about nature. The sounds of the animals, the wind, and the water in the stream. These things that could inspire you, or even suggest an appropriate song from your memory, are negated by whatever tune the iPod has up next.
I know that for some, the whole idea is to take your mind off of the pain of a climb, or some such thing. I just do not understand how when you are surrounded by something as awesome as nature that you can’t lose yourself in it. How can a mere song compare? Perhaps we just aren’t tuned in since we have the tunes piped into our heads. Maybe I’m just a neo-hippie; tree hugger, (not likely!) but I’d rather get my inspiration from a more natural source, thank you very much!
In Conclusion...
Ultimately, it really doesn't matter if you ride with or without music. The point is, you ride.We all have our reasons, schedules, agendas, motivations, escapes. How do you feel about it? Be heard. Are we full of it? Let's see what the thin side of the coin has to say!
A Counter-Point to Riding with Music By Guitar Ted
I have issues with this practice of riding with music. I won’t touch on everything here such as how music can distract you from being aware of other trail users, or how wearing ear buds to hear your tunes is dangerous to your hearing. I will just cut to the basics here. The opportunity that awaits each and every mountain biker out on the trails that is wasted by listening to your music is too good to miss. That you would never even consider giving yourself a chance to experience that opportunity is sad at best, and downright offensive at worst.
The thing I am talking about is not man made. It’s bigger than anything ever imagined and to think that some random tune getting blasted up into your head is going to enhance that experience is short sighted. I’m talking about nature. The sounds of the animals, the wind, and the water in the stream. These things that could inspire you, or even suggest an appropriate song from your memory, are negated by whatever tune the iPod has up next.
I know that for some, the whole idea is to take your mind off of the pain of a climb, or some such thing. I just do not understand how when you are surrounded by something as awesome as nature that you can’t lose yourself in it. How can a mere song compare? Perhaps we just aren’t tuned in since we have the tunes piped into our heads. Maybe I’m just a neo-hippie; tree hugger, (not likely!) but I’d rather get my inspiration from a more natural source, thank you very much!
In Conclusion...
Ultimately, it really doesn't matter if you ride with or without music. The point is, you ride.We all have our reasons, schedules, agendas, motivations, escapes. How do you feel about it? Be heard. Are we full of it? Let's see what the thin side of the coin has to say!
Riding In Tune: Counterpoint
Note: This is the second part of a two part post on Riding In Tune: Point/ Counterpoint. Read yesterday's post to get the point presented by my guest, George Wissel. Today's post features my rebuttal and a final statement written by George. Enjoy!
A Counter-Point to Riding with Music By Guitar Ted
I have issues with this practice of riding with music. I won’t touch on everything here such as how music can distract you from being aware of other trail users, or how wearing ear buds to hear your tunes is dangerous to your hearing. I will just cut to the basics here. The opportunity that awaits each and every mountain biker out on the trails that is wasted by listening to your music is too good to miss. That you would never even consider giving yourself a chance to experience that opportunity is sad at best, and downright offensive at worst.
The thing I am talking about is not man made. It’s bigger than anything ever imagined and to think that some random tune getting blasted up into your head is going to enhance that experience is short sighted. I’m talking about nature. The sounds of the animals, the wind, and the water in the stream. These things that could inspire you, or even suggest an appropriate song from your memory, are negated by whatever tune the iPod has up next.
I know that for some, the whole idea is to take your mind off of the pain of a climb, or some such thing. I just do not understand how when you are surrounded by something as awesome as nature that you can’t lose yourself in it. How can a mere song compare? Perhaps we just aren’t tuned in since we have the tunes piped into our heads. Maybe I’m just a neo-hippie; tree hugger, (not likely!) but I’d rather get my inspiration from a more natural source, thank you very much!
In Conclusion...
Ultimately, it really doesn't matter if you ride with or without music. The point is, you ride.We all have our reasons, schedules, agendas, motivations, escapes. How do you feel about it? Be heard. Are we full of it? Let's see what the thin side of the coin has to say!
A Counter-Point to Riding with Music By Guitar Ted
I have issues with this practice of riding with music. I won’t touch on everything here such as how music can distract you from being aware of other trail users, or how wearing ear buds to hear your tunes is dangerous to your hearing. I will just cut to the basics here. The opportunity that awaits each and every mountain biker out on the trails that is wasted by listening to your music is too good to miss. That you would never even consider giving yourself a chance to experience that opportunity is sad at best, and downright offensive at worst.
The thing I am talking about is not man made. It’s bigger than anything ever imagined and to think that some random tune getting blasted up into your head is going to enhance that experience is short sighted. I’m talking about nature. The sounds of the animals, the wind, and the water in the stream. These things that could inspire you, or even suggest an appropriate song from your memory, are negated by whatever tune the iPod has up next.
I know that for some, the whole idea is to take your mind off of the pain of a climb, or some such thing. I just do not understand how when you are surrounded by something as awesome as nature that you can’t lose yourself in it. How can a mere song compare? Perhaps we just aren’t tuned in since we have the tunes piped into our heads. Maybe I’m just a neo-hippie; tree hugger, (not likely!) but I’d rather get my inspiration from a more natural source, thank you very much!
In Conclusion...
Ultimately, it really doesn't matter if you ride with or without music. The point is, you ride.We all have our reasons, schedules, agendas, motivations, escapes. How do you feel about it? Be heard. Are we full of it? Let's see what the thin side of the coin has to say!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Riding In Tune: Point
Note: Today's post is a collabrative effort by Bike 29 store owner and fellow blogger George Wisell. Today I have posted the introduction and the first part of the article written by George. Tomorrow, I will post up the second part of the article and conclusion. Enjoy!
Riding In Tune
There are a lot of mountain bikers riding today to the beat. You can find them everywhere. Just look for the tell tail wires dripping off the ear lobes. It’s such a popular thing to do that even hydration pack makers are sewing in ports to accommodate the digital music players. Is this a good thing? Does a fine ride not exist without your personal soundtrack? Mountain bikers George Wisell and Guitar Ted tackle the subject from two different angles in this Point- Counterpoint.
Point: Riding With Music
By George Wisell
I have been riding bikes with headphones for a very long time. As a kid growing up in England, I used to ride my bike everywhere. I rode to and from school, 6 days a week (seriously), to rowing practice 3 towns away twice a week, to the BMX track every Sunday 4 towns away. The rail system was never convenient for me, and you can forget about the buses. The one thing that made all my various trips easier to deal with was to listen to music. Back then it was a giant walkman and tapes. Nothing used to get me more fired up for going to school on dark, cold and blustery December mornings than Iron Maiden. In fact, it gave me the ability to take my mind off of the task at hand. As you can imagine, besides driving on the wrong side of the road, there are many other things at work that make getting anywhere in England on the road a challenge. I was always vigilant, safety was always a huge concern of mine, and being aware of one's surroundings is the difference between life and death in my book. I never fully tuned out the outside world. But the music allowed me to focus, to get the best line through traffic, to seamlessly go from pavement to woods and back again. It was always fun. I got to ride, and listen to my favorite tunes.
Now with the advent of the iPod, I can carry more music than I know what to do with.I don’t always ride with it. I tend not to use it unless I'm specifically going to be on the road versus the woods, I like to know if I am rolling up on a bear or a moose. I only use it when I'm alone too.Now, I always put the pod on shuffle when I ride. Sometimes it's great, often times it's not. 30gigs of music is a LOT of music, and I have several different genres. You never know when Clifford Brown is going to be followed by Slayer.
The whole reason for me to even write this is that the last big ride I did with my iPod was off road. I was trying to meet up with some friends on the trail, and I had a much longer way to go before I could catch them. The iPod somehow knew what to play, every song. I left my house and started grinding up the hill to catch them. You basically gain about 800ft in elevation the first 1.5 miles, before it flattens out again for a mile or so, before it goes up another 800ft in 3 miles. When it turns to dirt, I pull one of the earphones out (in case of bears) and grind all the way to the top. I recognized tread patterns; I knew my friends were a short ways ahead of me. We had all agreed to take a particular trail down, so it would be easy for us to connect.I was determined to catch them. By the time I have reached the summit, there is still no sign of them, so I'd better get moving. The Pod gives me Dick Dale's, “Misirlou”. I was going to catch them.
The instant the trail points down, Dick Dale delivers his signature "jgdjgdjgdjgjdjgdjdjggjjgjdjgjdgjd" (think Pulp Fiction). I rode my ass off trying to catch my friends. I rode so hard in fact that my Karate Monkey actually felt like an IF, lively, snappy, responsive. It was dancing to the music that was coming through my ears. It's true. It became a musical lightning rod. Now, these are trails we ride on all the time, so I know them VERY well, but the tunes helped me focus on getting the best line. Once the Monkey came alive though, new lines appeared, speed increased. I was catching air.I was railing berms at speeds I never had previously attempted on my 6" travel 26er (now parted out and up for sale).I caught them at the bottom. Totally beat potato chips for wheels, but with the biggest grin on my face. They had left 30 minutes before they said they were going to leave.We laughed all the way back to my friend's house and talked about the ride we just did, iPod cooling off in my jersey pocket.I added 6 miles and 1600 extra feet of climbing, and did the ride in the same time as my friends, all with the help of a few randomly selected tunes.
Tomorrow: Counterpoint with Guitar Ted
Riding In Tune
There are a lot of mountain bikers riding today to the beat. You can find them everywhere. Just look for the tell tail wires dripping off the ear lobes. It’s such a popular thing to do that even hydration pack makers are sewing in ports to accommodate the digital music players. Is this a good thing? Does a fine ride not exist without your personal soundtrack? Mountain bikers George Wisell and Guitar Ted tackle the subject from two different angles in this Point- Counterpoint.
Point: Riding With Music
By George Wisell
I have been riding bikes with headphones for a very long time. As a kid growing up in England, I used to ride my bike everywhere. I rode to and from school, 6 days a week (seriously), to rowing practice 3 towns away twice a week, to the BMX track every Sunday 4 towns away. The rail system was never convenient for me, and you can forget about the buses. The one thing that made all my various trips easier to deal with was to listen to music. Back then it was a giant walkman and tapes. Nothing used to get me more fired up for going to school on dark, cold and blustery December mornings than Iron Maiden. In fact, it gave me the ability to take my mind off of the task at hand. As you can imagine, besides driving on the wrong side of the road, there are many other things at work that make getting anywhere in England on the road a challenge. I was always vigilant, safety was always a huge concern of mine, and being aware of one's surroundings is the difference between life and death in my book. I never fully tuned out the outside world. But the music allowed me to focus, to get the best line through traffic, to seamlessly go from pavement to woods and back again. It was always fun. I got to ride, and listen to my favorite tunes.
Now with the advent of the iPod, I can carry more music than I know what to do with.I don’t always ride with it. I tend not to use it unless I'm specifically going to be on the road versus the woods, I like to know if I am rolling up on a bear or a moose. I only use it when I'm alone too.Now, I always put the pod on shuffle when I ride. Sometimes it's great, often times it's not. 30gigs of music is a LOT of music, and I have several different genres. You never know when Clifford Brown is going to be followed by Slayer.
The whole reason for me to even write this is that the last big ride I did with my iPod was off road. I was trying to meet up with some friends on the trail, and I had a much longer way to go before I could catch them. The iPod somehow knew what to play, every song. I left my house and started grinding up the hill to catch them. You basically gain about 800ft in elevation the first 1.5 miles, before it flattens out again for a mile or so, before it goes up another 800ft in 3 miles. When it turns to dirt, I pull one of the earphones out (in case of bears) and grind all the way to the top. I recognized tread patterns; I knew my friends were a short ways ahead of me. We had all agreed to take a particular trail down, so it would be easy for us to connect.I was determined to catch them. By the time I have reached the summit, there is still no sign of them, so I'd better get moving. The Pod gives me Dick Dale's, “Misirlou”. I was going to catch them.
The instant the trail points down, Dick Dale delivers his signature "jgdjgdjgdjgjdjgdjdjggjjgjdjgjdgjd" (think Pulp Fiction). I rode my ass off trying to catch my friends. I rode so hard in fact that my Karate Monkey actually felt like an IF, lively, snappy, responsive. It was dancing to the music that was coming through my ears. It's true. It became a musical lightning rod. Now, these are trails we ride on all the time, so I know them VERY well, but the tunes helped me focus on getting the best line. Once the Monkey came alive though, new lines appeared, speed increased. I was catching air.I was railing berms at speeds I never had previously attempted on my 6" travel 26er (now parted out and up for sale).I caught them at the bottom. Totally beat potato chips for wheels, but with the biggest grin on my face. They had left 30 minutes before they said they were going to leave.We laughed all the way back to my friend's house and talked about the ride we just did, iPod cooling off in my jersey pocket.I added 6 miles and 1600 extra feet of climbing, and did the ride in the same time as my friends, all with the help of a few randomly selected tunes.
Tomorrow: Counterpoint with Guitar Ted
Riding In Tune: Point
Note: Today's post is a collabrative effort by Bike 29 store owner and fellow blogger George Wisell. Today I have posted the introduction and the first part of the article written by George. Tomorrow, I will post up the second part of the article and conclusion. Enjoy!
Riding In Tune
There are a lot of mountain bikers riding today to the beat. You can find them everywhere. Just look for the tell tail wires dripping off the ear lobes. It’s such a popular thing to do that even hydration pack makers are sewing in ports to accommodate the digital music players. Is this a good thing? Does a fine ride not exist without your personal soundtrack? Mountain bikers George Wisell and Guitar Ted tackle the subject from two different angles in this Point- Counterpoint.
Point: Riding With Music
By George Wisell
I have been riding bikes with headphones for a very long time. As a kid growing up in England, I used to ride my bike everywhere. I rode to and from school, 6 days a week (seriously), to rowing practice 3 towns away twice a week, to the BMX track every Sunday 4 towns away. The rail system was never convenient for me, and you can forget about the buses. The one thing that made all my various trips easier to deal with was to listen to music. Back then it was a giant walkman and tapes. Nothing used to get me more fired up for going to school on dark, cold and blustery December mornings than Iron Maiden. In fact, it gave me the ability to take my mind off of the task at hand. As you can imagine, besides driving on the wrong side of the road, there are many other things at work that make getting anywhere in England on the road a challenge. I was always vigilant, safety was always a huge concern of mine, and being aware of one's surroundings is the difference between life and death in my book. I never fully tuned out the outside world. But the music allowed me to focus, to get the best line through traffic, to seamlessly go from pavement to woods and back again. It was always fun. I got to ride, and listen to my favorite tunes.
Now with the advent of the iPod, I can carry more music than I know what to do with.I don’t always ride with it. I tend not to use it unless I'm specifically going to be on the road versus the woods, I like to know if I am rolling up on a bear or a moose. I only use it when I'm alone too.Now, I always put the pod on shuffle when I ride. Sometimes it's great, often times it's not. 30gigs of music is a LOT of music, and I have several different genres. You never know when Clifford Brown is going to be followed by Slayer.
The whole reason for me to even write this is that the last big ride I did with my iPod was off road. I was trying to meet up with some friends on the trail, and I had a much longer way to go before I could catch them. The iPod somehow knew what to play, every song. I left my house and started grinding up the hill to catch them. You basically gain about 800ft in elevation the first 1.5 miles, before it flattens out again for a mile or so, before it goes up another 800ft in 3 miles. When it turns to dirt, I pull one of the earphones out (in case of bears) and grind all the way to the top. I recognized tread patterns; I knew my friends were a short ways ahead of me. We had all agreed to take a particular trail down, so it would be easy for us to connect.I was determined to catch them. By the time I have reached the summit, there is still no sign of them, so I'd better get moving. The Pod gives me Dick Dale's, “Misirlou”. I was going to catch them.
The instant the trail points down, Dick Dale delivers his signature "jgdjgdjgdjgjdjgdjdjggjjgjdjgjdgjd" (think Pulp Fiction). I rode my ass off trying to catch my friends. I rode so hard in fact that my Karate Monkey actually felt like an IF, lively, snappy, responsive. It was dancing to the music that was coming through my ears. It's true. It became a musical lightning rod. Now, these are trails we ride on all the time, so I know them VERY well, but the tunes helped me focus on getting the best line. Once the Monkey came alive though, new lines appeared, speed increased. I was catching air.I was railing berms at speeds I never had previously attempted on my 6" travel 26er (now parted out and up for sale).I caught them at the bottom. Totally beat potato chips for wheels, but with the biggest grin on my face. They had left 30 minutes before they said they were going to leave.We laughed all the way back to my friend's house and talked about the ride we just did, iPod cooling off in my jersey pocket.I added 6 miles and 1600 extra feet of climbing, and did the ride in the same time as my friends, all with the help of a few randomly selected tunes.
Tomorrow: Counterpoint with Guitar Ted
Riding In Tune
There are a lot of mountain bikers riding today to the beat. You can find them everywhere. Just look for the tell tail wires dripping off the ear lobes. It’s such a popular thing to do that even hydration pack makers are sewing in ports to accommodate the digital music players. Is this a good thing? Does a fine ride not exist without your personal soundtrack? Mountain bikers George Wisell and Guitar Ted tackle the subject from two different angles in this Point- Counterpoint.
Point: Riding With Music
By George Wisell
I have been riding bikes with headphones for a very long time. As a kid growing up in England, I used to ride my bike everywhere. I rode to and from school, 6 days a week (seriously), to rowing practice 3 towns away twice a week, to the BMX track every Sunday 4 towns away. The rail system was never convenient for me, and you can forget about the buses. The one thing that made all my various trips easier to deal with was to listen to music. Back then it was a giant walkman and tapes. Nothing used to get me more fired up for going to school on dark, cold and blustery December mornings than Iron Maiden. In fact, it gave me the ability to take my mind off of the task at hand. As you can imagine, besides driving on the wrong side of the road, there are many other things at work that make getting anywhere in England on the road a challenge. I was always vigilant, safety was always a huge concern of mine, and being aware of one's surroundings is the difference between life and death in my book. I never fully tuned out the outside world. But the music allowed me to focus, to get the best line through traffic, to seamlessly go from pavement to woods and back again. It was always fun. I got to ride, and listen to my favorite tunes.
Now with the advent of the iPod, I can carry more music than I know what to do with.I don’t always ride with it. I tend not to use it unless I'm specifically going to be on the road versus the woods, I like to know if I am rolling up on a bear or a moose. I only use it when I'm alone too.Now, I always put the pod on shuffle when I ride. Sometimes it's great, often times it's not. 30gigs of music is a LOT of music, and I have several different genres. You never know when Clifford Brown is going to be followed by Slayer.
The whole reason for me to even write this is that the last big ride I did with my iPod was off road. I was trying to meet up with some friends on the trail, and I had a much longer way to go before I could catch them. The iPod somehow knew what to play, every song. I left my house and started grinding up the hill to catch them. You basically gain about 800ft in elevation the first 1.5 miles, before it flattens out again for a mile or so, before it goes up another 800ft in 3 miles. When it turns to dirt, I pull one of the earphones out (in case of bears) and grind all the way to the top. I recognized tread patterns; I knew my friends were a short ways ahead of me. We had all agreed to take a particular trail down, so it would be easy for us to connect.I was determined to catch them. By the time I have reached the summit, there is still no sign of them, so I'd better get moving. The Pod gives me Dick Dale's, “Misirlou”. I was going to catch them.
The instant the trail points down, Dick Dale delivers his signature "jgdjgdjgdjgjdjgdjdjggjjgjdjgjdgjd" (think Pulp Fiction). I rode my ass off trying to catch my friends. I rode so hard in fact that my Karate Monkey actually felt like an IF, lively, snappy, responsive. It was dancing to the music that was coming through my ears. It's true. It became a musical lightning rod. Now, these are trails we ride on all the time, so I know them VERY well, but the tunes helped me focus on getting the best line. Once the Monkey came alive though, new lines appeared, speed increased. I was catching air.I was railing berms at speeds I never had previously attempted on my 6" travel 26er (now parted out and up for sale).I caught them at the bottom. Totally beat potato chips for wheels, but with the biggest grin on my face. They had left 30 minutes before they said they were going to leave.We laughed all the way back to my friend's house and talked about the ride we just did, iPod cooling off in my jersey pocket.I added 6 miles and 1600 extra feet of climbing, and did the ride in the same time as my friends, all with the help of a few randomly selected tunes.
Tomorrow: Counterpoint with Guitar Ted
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Passionate MTB People Apply Here! Part II
If you haven't heard already, the 12 hours of Cedar Valley got cancelled due to the fact that the primary passionate person got his job yanked and had to move to Missouri. (Not that there is anything wrong with Missouri, mind you) I just mention this as a prime example of what it takes to get the ball rolling on trail maintenance, race promotion, or what have you. When things get done, it's because someone feels strongly enough about it that they decide to take action.
I alluded to the action part at the end of yesterday's post. I know that it might seem a bit hypocritical of me to complain about the Green Belt getting overgrown and then to make these comments, but for the sake of brevity and non-self promotion, I will just say that I've been paying my dues all along. There's been alot of sweat equity put in out there, I'll tell you that much!
So, the point is that we had an event planned and now it's done before it started. That's a bit disappointing for alot of folks out there that were planning on coming to share in what we all love to do: Ride our bikes. It's a bit disappointing for me, because here it looked as though we might have an opportunity to get more local folks jazzed up about riding and trail maintenance. I'm sure it's disappointing for the folks that are on the race team that had their name on this too. All for the lack of passionate people that take action?
Hmm.............I don't know the whole story behind the cancellation of the 12 Hours of Cedar Valley, but I'll bet that's close to the mark!
I alluded to the action part at the end of yesterday's post. I know that it might seem a bit hypocritical of me to complain about the Green Belt getting overgrown and then to make these comments, but for the sake of brevity and non-self promotion, I will just say that I've been paying my dues all along. There's been alot of sweat equity put in out there, I'll tell you that much!
So, the point is that we had an event planned and now it's done before it started. That's a bit disappointing for alot of folks out there that were planning on coming to share in what we all love to do: Ride our bikes. It's a bit disappointing for me, because here it looked as though we might have an opportunity to get more local folks jazzed up about riding and trail maintenance. I'm sure it's disappointing for the folks that are on the race team that had their name on this too. All for the lack of passionate people that take action?
Hmm.............I don't know the whole story behind the cancellation of the 12 Hours of Cedar Valley, but I'll bet that's close to the mark!
Passionate MTB People Apply Here! Part II
If you haven't heard already, the 12 hours of Cedar Valley got cancelled due to the fact that the primary passionate person got his job yanked and had to move to Missouri. (Not that there is anything wrong with Missouri, mind you) I just mention this as a prime example of what it takes to get the ball rolling on trail maintenance, race promotion, or what have you. When things get done, it's because someone feels strongly enough about it that they decide to take action.
I alluded to the action part at the end of yesterday's post. I know that it might seem a bit hypocritical of me to complain about the Green Belt getting overgrown and then to make these comments, but for the sake of brevity and non-self promotion, I will just say that I've been paying my dues all along. There's been alot of sweat equity put in out there, I'll tell you that much!
So, the point is that we had an event planned and now it's done before it started. That's a bit disappointing for alot of folks out there that were planning on coming to share in what we all love to do: Ride our bikes. It's a bit disappointing for me, because here it looked as though we might have an opportunity to get more local folks jazzed up about riding and trail maintenance. I'm sure it's disappointing for the folks that are on the race team that had their name on this too. All for the lack of passionate people that take action?
Hmm.............I don't know the whole story behind the cancellation of the 12 Hours of Cedar Valley, but I'll bet that's close to the mark!
I alluded to the action part at the end of yesterday's post. I know that it might seem a bit hypocritical of me to complain about the Green Belt getting overgrown and then to make these comments, but for the sake of brevity and non-self promotion, I will just say that I've been paying my dues all along. There's been alot of sweat equity put in out there, I'll tell you that much!
So, the point is that we had an event planned and now it's done before it started. That's a bit disappointing for alot of folks out there that were planning on coming to share in what we all love to do: Ride our bikes. It's a bit disappointing for me, because here it looked as though we might have an opportunity to get more local folks jazzed up about riding and trail maintenance. I'm sure it's disappointing for the folks that are on the race team that had their name on this too. All for the lack of passionate people that take action?
Hmm.............I don't know the whole story behind the cancellation of the 12 Hours of Cedar Valley, but I'll bet that's close to the mark!
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Passionate MTB People Apply Here!
The other day I had a bit of a rant about our fast growing vegetation and how it is quickly overtaking our local trails. I got a comment that suggested that we have a trail maintenance crew, or at least someone in charge of organizing said trail maintenance. All great ideas. One problem with that. Passionate people, or in our case, the lack there of.
Now a word to you locals: I already know who most, if not all of you are. I'm not writing this as an indictment of you. Just telling it like it is. You are welcome to comment if this rubs you wrong in any way!
The thing is, there are so few of us and so many miles of trail. Last fall, a local race team and a couple of the more passionate mountainbikers got together to help clear out a small portion of the State Parks trails. A great job was done by all, but they didn't get around to maintaining all the trails out there. It was too big a job for a couple days work. And that doesn't include the municipal trails in Ulrich Park, or the Green Belt. We're talking miles and miles of trail that would require several days each month on each system to maintain. With the amount of dedicated, pasionate mountain bikers that we have in this area, that's asking alot.
We just need more people that live and work in this area that are passionate about their off roading. Perhaps there is a little hope here from two things that I have noticed. The first is the resurgence in sales of mountain bikes in this area. The second is the rise in interest in the trails up at Camp Ingawanis. These trails are a bit more inspiring, shall we say, and invoke a little more passion for the developement and maintenance of them. There is an organized effort developing to maintain those fine trails. Perhaps a little of that will carry over to the local trails, which the governing bodies have no money to spend on maintenance of these trails.
In the mean time I pick up the blow downs and ride out in the Green Belt whenever I can. That is, until the weeds get too high, then I wisely retreat and wait until fall. It's just too much for one guy to take care of on his own.
Let's see, the city should mow the trail the one and only time they do it all year about late August or so............
So, if you have a trail maintenance group in your area, you should consider lending them a hand if you love mountain biking. Those people are a rare quantity of folks that care enough about riding trail to actually do something about it. Shouldn't you? All it takes is a few hours of your time one or two days a year to make a big difference.
If you don't have a trail group in your area, then consider being the first member of one. Maybe you'll be the only one, for awhile. One person can make a difference too. And you might be surprised to find someone joining you someday. Action- not words. Hmm.....that reminds me!
OUT!
Now a word to you locals: I already know who most, if not all of you are. I'm not writing this as an indictment of you. Just telling it like it is. You are welcome to comment if this rubs you wrong in any way!
The thing is, there are so few of us and so many miles of trail. Last fall, a local race team and a couple of the more passionate mountainbikers got together to help clear out a small portion of the State Parks trails. A great job was done by all, but they didn't get around to maintaining all the trails out there. It was too big a job for a couple days work. And that doesn't include the municipal trails in Ulrich Park, or the Green Belt. We're talking miles and miles of trail that would require several days each month on each system to maintain. With the amount of dedicated, pasionate mountain bikers that we have in this area, that's asking alot.
We just need more people that live and work in this area that are passionate about their off roading. Perhaps there is a little hope here from two things that I have noticed. The first is the resurgence in sales of mountain bikes in this area. The second is the rise in interest in the trails up at Camp Ingawanis. These trails are a bit more inspiring, shall we say, and invoke a little more passion for the developement and maintenance of them. There is an organized effort developing to maintain those fine trails. Perhaps a little of that will carry over to the local trails, which the governing bodies have no money to spend on maintenance of these trails.
In the mean time I pick up the blow downs and ride out in the Green Belt whenever I can. That is, until the weeds get too high, then I wisely retreat and wait until fall. It's just too much for one guy to take care of on his own.
Let's see, the city should mow the trail the one and only time they do it all year about late August or so............
So, if you have a trail maintenance group in your area, you should consider lending them a hand if you love mountain biking. Those people are a rare quantity of folks that care enough about riding trail to actually do something about it. Shouldn't you? All it takes is a few hours of your time one or two days a year to make a big difference.
If you don't have a trail group in your area, then consider being the first member of one. Maybe you'll be the only one, for awhile. One person can make a difference too. And you might be surprised to find someone joining you someday. Action- not words. Hmm.....that reminds me!
OUT!
Passionate MTB People Apply Here!
The other day I had a bit of a rant about our fast growing vegetation and how it is quickly overtaking our local trails. I got a comment that suggested that we have a trail maintenance crew, or at least someone in charge of organizing said trail maintenance. All great ideas. One problem with that. Passionate people, or in our case, the lack there of.
Now a word to you locals: I already know who most, if not all of you are. I'm not writing this as an indictment of you. Just telling it like it is. You are welcome to comment if this rubs you wrong in any way!
The thing is, there are so few of us and so many miles of trail. Last fall, a local race team and a couple of the more passionate mountainbikers got together to help clear out a small portion of the State Parks trails. A great job was done by all, but they didn't get around to maintaining all the trails out there. It was too big a job for a couple days work. And that doesn't include the municipal trails in Ulrich Park, or the Green Belt. We're talking miles and miles of trail that would require several days each month on each system to maintain. With the amount of dedicated, pasionate mountain bikers that we have in this area, that's asking alot.
We just need more people that live and work in this area that are passionate about their off roading. Perhaps there is a little hope here from two things that I have noticed. The first is the resurgence in sales of mountain bikes in this area. The second is the rise in interest in the trails up at Camp Ingawanis. These trails are a bit more inspiring, shall we say, and invoke a little more passion for the developement and maintenance of them. There is an organized effort developing to maintain those fine trails. Perhaps a little of that will carry over to the local trails, which the governing bodies have no money to spend on maintenance of these trails.
In the mean time I pick up the blow downs and ride out in the Green Belt whenever I can. That is, until the weeds get too high, then I wisely retreat and wait until fall. It's just too much for one guy to take care of on his own.
Let's see, the city should mow the trail the one and only time they do it all year about late August or so............
So, if you have a trail maintenance group in your area, you should consider lending them a hand if you love mountain biking. Those people are a rare quantity of folks that care enough about riding trail to actually do something about it. Shouldn't you? All it takes is a few hours of your time one or two days a year to make a big difference.
If you don't have a trail group in your area, then consider being the first member of one. Maybe you'll be the only one, for awhile. One person can make a difference too. And you might be surprised to find someone joining you someday. Action- not words. Hmm.....that reminds me!
OUT!
Now a word to you locals: I already know who most, if not all of you are. I'm not writing this as an indictment of you. Just telling it like it is. You are welcome to comment if this rubs you wrong in any way!
The thing is, there are so few of us and so many miles of trail. Last fall, a local race team and a couple of the more passionate mountainbikers got together to help clear out a small portion of the State Parks trails. A great job was done by all, but they didn't get around to maintaining all the trails out there. It was too big a job for a couple days work. And that doesn't include the municipal trails in Ulrich Park, or the Green Belt. We're talking miles and miles of trail that would require several days each month on each system to maintain. With the amount of dedicated, pasionate mountain bikers that we have in this area, that's asking alot.
We just need more people that live and work in this area that are passionate about their off roading. Perhaps there is a little hope here from two things that I have noticed. The first is the resurgence in sales of mountain bikes in this area. The second is the rise in interest in the trails up at Camp Ingawanis. These trails are a bit more inspiring, shall we say, and invoke a little more passion for the developement and maintenance of them. There is an organized effort developing to maintain those fine trails. Perhaps a little of that will carry over to the local trails, which the governing bodies have no money to spend on maintenance of these trails.
In the mean time I pick up the blow downs and ride out in the Green Belt whenever I can. That is, until the weeds get too high, then I wisely retreat and wait until fall. It's just too much for one guy to take care of on his own.
Let's see, the city should mow the trail the one and only time they do it all year about late August or so............
So, if you have a trail maintenance group in your area, you should consider lending them a hand if you love mountain biking. Those people are a rare quantity of folks that care enough about riding trail to actually do something about it. Shouldn't you? All it takes is a few hours of your time one or two days a year to make a big difference.
If you don't have a trail group in your area, then consider being the first member of one. Maybe you'll be the only one, for awhile. One person can make a difference too. And you might be surprised to find someone joining you someday. Action- not words. Hmm.....that reminds me!
OUT!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Karate Monkey vs. Inbred 29"er!: An Update
I've been doing some back to back rides on the Karate Monkey and the Inbred 29"er, so I thought I would pass on some more of my thoughts, praises, and concerns to you all that might be considering one of these two frames.
I must say a couple of things regarding the Inbred's sliding dropout system. The first is that I absolutely love being able to open the quick release and have the rear wheel in my hands within seconds! The Karate Monkey's dropouts are solid, reliable as the day is long, and easy to tension the chain with but take waaay too long to let you remove the rear wheel, especially with the rear disc brake. The Inbred is the bike to ride when quick rear flat repairs are a high priority for me. Secondly; the concerns of many Inbred riders for the rear tensioners not being sufficiently strong/ tight enough to hold the tension on the chain is not that big of a deal to me. Some folks have pestered Brant of On One to come up with a solution, and he has. A beefier chain tensioner is now available from On One's website. I had some concerns at first, but I think I know what was causing my problem.
I noticed that the sliding drop out was flush to the shiny pearlescent paint job covering the frame where the two parts interface. My belief is that it just took a little while for the sliding drop to get some bite on the frame, due to the paint being so smooth. When higher torque was applied to the pedals, the sliding drop out would....er, slide......and the chain tensioner would bend outwards due to the movement in the drop out. This is not a chain tensioner problem, but a drop out problem. If the drop outs face and matching surface on the frame had a rougher surface from the get-go, the interface would be more secure, and the sliding drop out would stay put where you want it to be. At any rate, mine has quit slipping, but if it does it again, a little surface manipulation on the drop outs and frame may be in order.
I have ridden my Karate Monkey far more miles than the Inbred and since I am a tinkerer when it comes to fitting parts to a bike, the Karate Monkey has a much more refined ergonomic feel than the Inbred at this time. The Karate Monkey has seen several handlebar, stem, and saddle changes over the course of three years. I now feel I have achieved the almost perfect fit/ feel that I can with this bike. The Inbred has a ways to go in this department. I feel okay on the Inbred, and can ride it for extended periods of time, but the Karate Monkey is almost dead on. I can sit on that bike and say that everything.....well almost everything, is perfect on that bike. As far as the contact points, only the peadals are of any concern now, an easy thing to rectify. I may experiment with crank length next, so it's not just perfect yet, but darn near so!
So, it's really not a disadvantage to having one bike over the other here. It's mostly about what parts are going to make it fit and function better for me as a rider. The frames are both really nice, but I think that the difference in frames might become more pronounced if the fit issues with the Inbred were to be fine tuned like they are on the Karate Monkey. Then again, if both bikes fit the same, the frames might not matter? Hmm...............time to look for another Midge Bar perhaps?
Stay tuned! I'll update this again when I have more to write.
Karate Monkey vs. Inbred 29"er!: An Update
I've been doing some back to back rides on the Karate Monkey and the Inbred 29"er, so I thought I would pass on some more of my thoughts, praises, and concerns to you all that might be considering one of these two frames.
I must say a couple of things regarding the Inbred's sliding dropout system. The first is that I absolutely love being able to open the quick release and have the rear wheel in my hands within seconds! The Karate Monkey's dropouts are solid, reliable as the day is long, and easy to tension the chain with but take waaay too long to let you remove the rear wheel, especially with the rear disc brake. The Inbred is the bike to ride when quick rear flat repairs are a high priority for me. Secondly; the concerns of many Inbred riders for the rear tensioners not being sufficiently strong/ tight enough to hold the tension on the chain is not that big of a deal to me. Some folks have pestered Brant of On One to come up with a solution, and he has. A beefier chain tensioner is now available from On One's website. I had some concerns at first, but I think I know what was causing my problem.
I noticed that the sliding drop out was flush to the shiny pearlescent paint job covering the frame where the two parts interface. My belief is that it just took a little while for the sliding drop to get some bite on the frame, due to the paint being so smooth. When higher torque was applied to the pedals, the sliding drop out would....er, slide......and the chain tensioner would bend outwards due to the movement in the drop out. This is not a chain tensioner problem, but a drop out problem. If the drop outs face and matching surface on the frame had a rougher surface from the get-go, the interface would be more secure, and the sliding drop out would stay put where you want it to be. At any rate, mine has quit slipping, but if it does it again, a little surface manipulation on the drop outs and frame may be in order.
I have ridden my Karate Monkey far more miles than the Inbred and since I am a tinkerer when it comes to fitting parts to a bike, the Karate Monkey has a much more refined ergonomic feel than the Inbred at this time. The Karate Monkey has seen several handlebar, stem, and saddle changes over the course of three years. I now feel I have achieved the almost perfect fit/ feel that I can with this bike. The Inbred has a ways to go in this department. I feel okay on the Inbred, and can ride it for extended periods of time, but the Karate Monkey is almost dead on. I can sit on that bike and say that everything.....well almost everything, is perfect on that bike. As far as the contact points, only the peadals are of any concern now, an easy thing to rectify. I may experiment with crank length next, so it's not just perfect yet, but darn near so!
So, it's really not a disadvantage to having one bike over the other here. It's mostly about what parts are going to make it fit and function better for me as a rider. The frames are both really nice, but I think that the difference in frames might become more pronounced if the fit issues with the Inbred were to be fine tuned like they are on the Karate Monkey. Then again, if both bikes fit the same, the frames might not matter? Hmm...............time to look for another Midge Bar perhaps?
Stay tuned! I'll update this again when I have more to write.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Jungle Time Has Come!
I took a nice single track ride after work yesterday. Actually, I went right out of the door from work and straight to the dirt. Ahhh! How nice! There is nothing like raging some singletrack to wind down from a day at the shop! You should try it.
So, here I am on a favorite bit of trail. One that I rode on just a few days ago, and I notice how much more overgrown with weeds the track is. Just since last weekend! Arrrgh! I dread this time of year because it's fast becoming an impassable jungle out on the trails. Soon I'll be relegated to the road bike.
Oh yeah, I know, I know! Go out and maintain some trail, go ride on it anyway......la-di-da! Listen......I've done all of that over the years. Perhaps you folks just do not understand. Iowa trails become jungle! Tangled, twisted, mosquito infested, itchweed laden jungle! It about kills you to either ride in it or try to clear some of it when it's like this. Either you get bitten by a thousand mosquitos, or you get into the itchy nettles and poison ivy. You get intwined in tall foxgrass, as tall as you are on the bike, or you faint from the humidity and temperature which is magnified above and beyond what it is out on the streets. It's a never ending battle, too, because once cut down it comes back again within a week or so. Things grow fast out there in the woods at this time of year!
There are exceptions, of course. Places that have organized trail maintenance, for instance, can keep up with the Green Monster. However; the trails on municipal property in this area don't have that benefit. Nope. It's best to wait until late summer, when all of this jungle vege starts to mature and die off. Then things start getting alot better. Then the first frost comes and everything is glorious once again.
Yeah, the answer is road biking, gravel grinding, or loading up the bike to ride in a more friendly environment. So, the nice after work ride is going to get changed due to the overgrowth of the single track soon. Ah well, I'll enjoy it whilst I can!
So, here I am on a favorite bit of trail. One that I rode on just a few days ago, and I notice how much more overgrown with weeds the track is. Just since last weekend! Arrrgh! I dread this time of year because it's fast becoming an impassable jungle out on the trails. Soon I'll be relegated to the road bike.
Oh yeah, I know, I know! Go out and maintain some trail, go ride on it anyway......la-di-da! Listen......I've done all of that over the years. Perhaps you folks just do not understand. Iowa trails become jungle! Tangled, twisted, mosquito infested, itchweed laden jungle! It about kills you to either ride in it or try to clear some of it when it's like this. Either you get bitten by a thousand mosquitos, or you get into the itchy nettles and poison ivy. You get intwined in tall foxgrass, as tall as you are on the bike, or you faint from the humidity and temperature which is magnified above and beyond what it is out on the streets. It's a never ending battle, too, because once cut down it comes back again within a week or so. Things grow fast out there in the woods at this time of year!
There are exceptions, of course. Places that have organized trail maintenance, for instance, can keep up with the Green Monster. However; the trails on municipal property in this area don't have that benefit. Nope. It's best to wait until late summer, when all of this jungle vege starts to mature and die off. Then things start getting alot better. Then the first frost comes and everything is glorious once again.
Yeah, the answer is road biking, gravel grinding, or loading up the bike to ride in a more friendly environment. So, the nice after work ride is going to get changed due to the overgrowth of the single track soon. Ah well, I'll enjoy it whilst I can!
Jungle Time Has Come!
I took a nice single track ride after work yesterday. Actually, I went right out of the door from work and straight to the dirt. Ahhh! How nice! There is nothing like raging some singletrack to wind down from a day at the shop! You should try it.
So, here I am on a favorite bit of trail. One that I rode on just a few days ago, and I notice how much more overgrown with weeds the track is. Just since last weekend! Arrrgh! I dread this time of year because it's fast becoming an impassable jungle out on the trails. Soon I'll be relegated to the road bike.
Oh yeah, I know, I know! Go out and maintain some trail, go ride on it anyway......la-di-da! Listen......I've done all of that over the years. Perhaps you folks just do not understand. Iowa trails become jungle! Tangled, twisted, mosquito infested, itchweed laden jungle! It about kills you to either ride in it or try to clear some of it when it's like this. Either you get bitten by a thousand mosquitos, or you get into the itchy nettles and poison ivy. You get intwined in tall foxgrass, as tall as you are on the bike, or you faint from the humidity and temperature which is magnified above and beyond what it is out on the streets. It's a never ending battle, too, because once cut down it comes back again within a week or so. Things grow fast out there in the woods at this time of year!
There are exceptions, of course. Places that have organized trail maintenance, for instance, can keep up with the Green Monster. However; the trails on municipal property in this area don't have that benefit. Nope. It's best to wait until late summer, when all of this jungle vege starts to mature and die off. Then things start getting alot better. Then the first frost comes and everything is glorious once again.
Yeah, the answer is road biking, gravel grinding, or loading up the bike to ride in a more friendly environment. So, the nice after work ride is going to get changed due to the overgrowth of the single track soon. Ah well, I'll enjoy it whilst I can!
So, here I am on a favorite bit of trail. One that I rode on just a few days ago, and I notice how much more overgrown with weeds the track is. Just since last weekend! Arrrgh! I dread this time of year because it's fast becoming an impassable jungle out on the trails. Soon I'll be relegated to the road bike.
Oh yeah, I know, I know! Go out and maintain some trail, go ride on it anyway......la-di-da! Listen......I've done all of that over the years. Perhaps you folks just do not understand. Iowa trails become jungle! Tangled, twisted, mosquito infested, itchweed laden jungle! It about kills you to either ride in it or try to clear some of it when it's like this. Either you get bitten by a thousand mosquitos, or you get into the itchy nettles and poison ivy. You get intwined in tall foxgrass, as tall as you are on the bike, or you faint from the humidity and temperature which is magnified above and beyond what it is out on the streets. It's a never ending battle, too, because once cut down it comes back again within a week or so. Things grow fast out there in the woods at this time of year!
There are exceptions, of course. Places that have organized trail maintenance, for instance, can keep up with the Green Monster. However; the trails on municipal property in this area don't have that benefit. Nope. It's best to wait until late summer, when all of this jungle vege starts to mature and die off. Then things start getting alot better. Then the first frost comes and everything is glorious once again.
Yeah, the answer is road biking, gravel grinding, or loading up the bike to ride in a more friendly environment. So, the nice after work ride is going to get changed due to the overgrowth of the single track soon. Ah well, I'll enjoy it whilst I can!
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