Much has been written and said about who was the first "mountain biker", who made the first "mountain bike", and the "origins of the sport" of mountain biking. Several claims of "first" are out there with new "firsts" being discovered every other year seemingly. Here's something to illustrate my point.
Did you know that the guy that invented mountain bikes was murdered recently by a tree trimmer named Charlie Cunningham?
No, not that Charlie Cunningham! A mountain bike pioneer and one of the founders of WTB. Although he has been known to live in a tree......... No not that guy. Anyway, this is about Charles Finley Scott, who according to a story on Bicycle Retailer and Industry News and the recent movie "Klunkerz" is "the man many credit to having invented the mountain bike." Here is an excerpt from the BRAIN story:
"It was Scott, who, in 1953, outfitted a Schwinn bicycle with balloon tires, multiple gears and more powerful brakes, calling it his "woodsie bike." He was among the first in the United States to make a sport out of bombing down mountains on a bicycle, according to many cycling historians."
Too bad his "sport" didn't catch on in 1953, or I could have been mountain biking long before I was. That's the thing with inventors. They often are socially inept savants that can't promote themselves out of a wet paper sack! So what if he was the first. (Which is a dubious claim anyway) It made zero impact on cycling, sport, and culture. The "perfect storm", as it were, was attained in Marin County back in the late seventies. From that scene sport, culture, and cycling were forever changed. The tools used may have been put together before, but there's more to it than bombing down a mountainside on a "woodsie" all by yourself.
This fruitless "first" stuff is all rather pompous and silly anyway. Witness the recent flap about who made the first 29"er that came up in Dirt Rag recently. Really, who cares? I'm just glad that all the parts came together and that I can enjoy my off road experience in a better way than before. And why is it that one person has to be credited? At least the movie Klunkerz tried to point out that it was a group effort. Can't we just leave it at that and celebrate the spirit of the thing. It's more than just one person, place, or thing.
Who's first? Who cares! Let's ride!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Who's First? Who Cares!
Much has been written and said about who was the first "mountain biker", who made the first "mountain bike", and the "origins of the sport" of mountain biking. Several claims of "first" are out there with new "firsts" being discovered every other year seemingly. Here's something to illustrate my point.
Did you know that the guy that invented mountain bikes was murdered recently by a tree trimmer named Charlie Cunningham?
No, not that Charlie Cunningham! A mountain bike pioneer and one of the founders of WTB. Although he has been known to live in a tree......... No not that guy. Anyway, this is about Charles Finley Scott, who according to a story on Bicycle Retailer and Industry News and the recent movie "Klunkerz" is "the man many credit to having invented the mountain bike." Here is an excerpt from the BRAIN story:
"It was Scott, who, in 1953, outfitted a Schwinn bicycle with balloon tires, multiple gears and more powerful brakes, calling it his "woodsie bike." He was among the first in the United States to make a sport out of bombing down mountains on a bicycle, according to many cycling historians."
Too bad his "sport" didn't catch on in 1953, or I could have been mountain biking long before I was. That's the thing with inventors. They often are socially inept savants that can't promote themselves out of a wet paper sack! So what if he was the first. (Which is a dubious claim anyway) It made zero impact on cycling, sport, and culture. The "perfect storm", as it were, was attained in Marin County back in the late seventies. From that scene sport, culture, and cycling were forever changed. The tools used may have been put together before, but there's more to it than bombing down a mountainside on a "woodsie" all by yourself.
This fruitless "first" stuff is all rather pompous and silly anyway. Witness the recent flap about who made the first 29"er that came up in Dirt Rag recently. Really, who cares? I'm just glad that all the parts came together and that I can enjoy my off road experience in a better way than before. And why is it that one person has to be credited? At least the movie Klunkerz tried to point out that it was a group effort. Can't we just leave it at that and celebrate the spirit of the thing. It's more than just one person, place, or thing.
Who's first? Who cares! Let's ride!
Did you know that the guy that invented mountain bikes was murdered recently by a tree trimmer named Charlie Cunningham?
No, not that Charlie Cunningham! A mountain bike pioneer and one of the founders of WTB. Although he has been known to live in a tree......... No not that guy. Anyway, this is about Charles Finley Scott, who according to a story on Bicycle Retailer and Industry News and the recent movie "Klunkerz" is "the man many credit to having invented the mountain bike." Here is an excerpt from the BRAIN story:
"It was Scott, who, in 1953, outfitted a Schwinn bicycle with balloon tires, multiple gears and more powerful brakes, calling it his "woodsie bike." He was among the first in the United States to make a sport out of bombing down mountains on a bicycle, according to many cycling historians."
Too bad his "sport" didn't catch on in 1953, or I could have been mountain biking long before I was. That's the thing with inventors. They often are socially inept savants that can't promote themselves out of a wet paper sack! So what if he was the first. (Which is a dubious claim anyway) It made zero impact on cycling, sport, and culture. The "perfect storm", as it were, was attained in Marin County back in the late seventies. From that scene sport, culture, and cycling were forever changed. The tools used may have been put together before, but there's more to it than bombing down a mountainside on a "woodsie" all by yourself.
This fruitless "first" stuff is all rather pompous and silly anyway. Witness the recent flap about who made the first 29"er that came up in Dirt Rag recently. Really, who cares? I'm just glad that all the parts came together and that I can enjoy my off road experience in a better way than before. And why is it that one person has to be credited? At least the movie Klunkerz tried to point out that it was a group effort. Can't we just leave it at that and celebrate the spirit of the thing. It's more than just one person, place, or thing.
Who's first? Who cares! Let's ride!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday News And Views
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: An update for ya'all that might be coming. (What......all five or six of us. Heh heh!) Anyway, the course is draining well, road repairs are in full swing, and with little to no rain for the week the "B" roads should firm up rather well. We'll be just past a full moon, so the earliest part of the ride might be pretty fun with that and a rising sun. This should be fun and I'm excited. See ya early Saturday!
SE Racing Stout: I'm going to hang it up on the peg until after the ride mentioned above, but so far I'm impressed. Keeping in mind it's a $470.00 retail rig, this bike has been performing above my expectations. Would I change some stuff if I owned one? Absolutely. Is their some stuff on it that stinks? No, I just have high expectations of my equipment and some certain peccadilloes that I indulge myself in that would necessitate some parts swappage, that's all. In fact, I did change a couple of things I just couldn't do without. A longer seat post and clipless pedals, but then I think most riders getting this rig would agree with those minor changes. More soon on this surprising rig at Twenty Nine Inches.
The Bike Lab: I've mentioned this before but the newest addition to the Crooked Cog Network
is up and running with it's final look and layout. Check it out.
What a Blog! Okay, here is another one I previously mentioned, but with only four posts under his belt, Mike Curiak has really impressed, (as I fully expected he would) with his blog. Get in on the ground floor here and then don't miss a post. Really. You will find some pretty cool stuff there that you won't see anywhere else. His latest post on Alaska is worth a thousand of my posts alone. (Okay, so I'm a fan! Sue me!) But tell me, where else are you going to go to get pictures and words like that, huh?
SE Racing Stout: I'm going to hang it up on the peg until after the ride mentioned above, but so far I'm impressed. Keeping in mind it's a $470.00 retail rig, this bike has been performing above my expectations. Would I change some stuff if I owned one? Absolutely. Is their some stuff on it that stinks? No, I just have high expectations of my equipment and some certain peccadilloes that I indulge myself in that would necessitate some parts swappage, that's all. In fact, I did change a couple of things I just couldn't do without. A longer seat post and clipless pedals, but then I think most riders getting this rig would agree with those minor changes. More soon on this surprising rig at Twenty Nine Inches.
The Bike Lab: I've mentioned this before but the newest addition to the Crooked Cog Network
is up and running with it's final look and layout. Check it out.
What a Blog! Okay, here is another one I previously mentioned, but with only four posts under his belt, Mike Curiak has really impressed, (as I fully expected he would) with his blog. Get in on the ground floor here and then don't miss a post. Really. You will find some pretty cool stuff there that you won't see anywhere else. His latest post on Alaska is worth a thousand of my posts alone. (Okay, so I'm a fan! Sue me!) But tell me, where else are you going to go to get pictures and words like that, huh?
Wednesday News And Views
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: An update for ya'all that might be coming. (What......all five or six of us. Heh heh!) Anyway, the course is draining well, road repairs are in full swing, and with little to no rain for the week the "B" roads should firm up rather well. We'll be just past a full moon, so the earliest part of the ride might be pretty fun with that and a rising sun. This should be fun and I'm excited. See ya early Saturday!
SE Racing Stout: I'm going to hang it up on the peg until after the ride mentioned above, but so far I'm impressed. Keeping in mind it's a $470.00 retail rig, this bike has been performing above my expectations. Would I change some stuff if I owned one? Absolutely. Is their some stuff on it that stinks? No, I just have high expectations of my equipment and some certain peccadilloes that I indulge myself in that would necessitate some parts swappage, that's all. In fact, I did change a couple of things I just couldn't do without. A longer seat post and clipless pedals, but then I think most riders getting this rig would agree with those minor changes. More soon on this surprising rig at Twenty Nine Inches.
The Bike Lab: I've mentioned this before but the newest addition to the Crooked Cog Network
is up and running with it's final look and layout. Check it out.
What a Blog! Okay, here is another one I previously mentioned, but with only four posts under his belt, Mike Curiak has really impressed, (as I fully expected he would) with his blog. Get in on the ground floor here and then don't miss a post. Really. You will find some pretty cool stuff there that you won't see anywhere else. His latest post on Alaska is worth a thousand of my posts alone. (Okay, so I'm a fan! Sue me!) But tell me, where else are you going to go to get pictures and words like that, huh?
SE Racing Stout: I'm going to hang it up on the peg until after the ride mentioned above, but so far I'm impressed. Keeping in mind it's a $470.00 retail rig, this bike has been performing above my expectations. Would I change some stuff if I owned one? Absolutely. Is their some stuff on it that stinks? No, I just have high expectations of my equipment and some certain peccadilloes that I indulge myself in that would necessitate some parts swappage, that's all. In fact, I did change a couple of things I just couldn't do without. A longer seat post and clipless pedals, but then I think most riders getting this rig would agree with those minor changes. More soon on this surprising rig at Twenty Nine Inches.
The Bike Lab: I've mentioned this before but the newest addition to the Crooked Cog Network
is up and running with it's final look and layout. Check it out.
What a Blog! Okay, here is another one I previously mentioned, but with only four posts under his belt, Mike Curiak has really impressed, (as I fully expected he would) with his blog. Get in on the ground floor here and then don't miss a post. Really. You will find some pretty cool stuff there that you won't see anywhere else. His latest post on Alaska is worth a thousand of my posts alone. (Okay, so I'm a fan! Sue me!) But tell me, where else are you going to go to get pictures and words like that, huh?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Season's End
I was surfing the net checking out some blogs when I noticed that a lot of the new pictures I was looking at had snow in them. Snow? Yup! It's that time of year again and I am going to struggle.
The biggest thing is the lack of daylight. Yeah........I suppose I have that whatchamacallit syndrome. The one that says you get depressed if there isn't enough sunlight or something. I don't know, but coupled with the cold air it makes for an added challenge to overcome just to get myself out the door. You know......I think I'm part bear or something, because sleeping through the winter sounds like an excellent idea about right now.
Then there is the lack of cycling activities this time of year. That might affect some a lot more than me, but it makes for dull conversations at the bike shop. I suppose this factor of the "off season" doesn't affect me much since I don't ride a lot with other folks anyway. But it's there and that affects some of you, I'm sure.
I know that winter has it's delights. I mean, the first ride in snow always has it's novelty. Cross country skiing is really fun, but that has been a two week long season at best around here for the last seven years. Last time I checked winter was just a weee bit longer than that! Seems like our winters now allow for some extended late season riding until the temps get rediculously low and the wind chill spells death to outdoor seekers. Oh! And don't forget the occaisonal ice storm or two.
Hopefully the end of this season dovetails right into the start of the next one, but somehow I doubt it. Hibernation anyone?
Rider Down! This just in to me thanks to my buddy d.p. via the Folks From Lincoln: Emily Broderson, a fine rider and a tough gal, took a nasty spill at the Homey Fall Fest up in Minny-apple-puss last weekend. She's hurt, but she's going to be okay. Check out the Folks From Lincoln site and scroll down to get all the latest on Em and the Fest. (WARNING: There is a pretty disturbing pic of the results of Em's crash, so if yer queasy, beware!) Send Emily some encouragement @ emilybrodersen@hotmail.com. Thanks for checking this out!
The biggest thing is the lack of daylight. Yeah........I suppose I have that whatchamacallit syndrome. The one that says you get depressed if there isn't enough sunlight or something. I don't know, but coupled with the cold air it makes for an added challenge to overcome just to get myself out the door. You know......I think I'm part bear or something, because sleeping through the winter sounds like an excellent idea about right now.
Then there is the lack of cycling activities this time of year. That might affect some a lot more than me, but it makes for dull conversations at the bike shop. I suppose this factor of the "off season" doesn't affect me much since I don't ride a lot with other folks anyway. But it's there and that affects some of you, I'm sure.
I know that winter has it's delights. I mean, the first ride in snow always has it's novelty. Cross country skiing is really fun, but that has been a two week long season at best around here for the last seven years. Last time I checked winter was just a weee bit longer than that! Seems like our winters now allow for some extended late season riding until the temps get rediculously low and the wind chill spells death to outdoor seekers. Oh! And don't forget the occaisonal ice storm or two.
Hopefully the end of this season dovetails right into the start of the next one, but somehow I doubt it. Hibernation anyone?
Rider Down! This just in to me thanks to my buddy d.p. via the Folks From Lincoln: Emily Broderson, a fine rider and a tough gal, took a nasty spill at the Homey Fall Fest up in Minny-apple-puss last weekend. She's hurt, but she's going to be okay. Check out the Folks From Lincoln site and scroll down to get all the latest on Em and the Fest. (WARNING: There is a pretty disturbing pic of the results of Em's crash, so if yer queasy, beware!) Send Emily some encouragement @ emilybrodersen@hotmail.com. Thanks for checking this out!
Season's End
I was surfing the net checking out some blogs when I noticed that a lot of the new pictures I was looking at had snow in them. Snow? Yup! It's that time of year again and I am going to struggle.
The biggest thing is the lack of daylight. Yeah........I suppose I have that whatchamacallit syndrome. The one that says you get depressed if there isn't enough sunlight or something. I don't know, but coupled with the cold air it makes for an added challenge to overcome just to get myself out the door. You know......I think I'm part bear or something, because sleeping through the winter sounds like an excellent idea about right now.
Then there is the lack of cycling activities this time of year. That might affect some a lot more than me, but it makes for dull conversations at the bike shop. I suppose this factor of the "off season" doesn't affect me much since I don't ride a lot with other folks anyway. But it's there and that affects some of you, I'm sure.
I know that winter has it's delights. I mean, the first ride in snow always has it's novelty. Cross country skiing is really fun, but that has been a two week long season at best around here for the last seven years. Last time I checked winter was just a weee bit longer than that! Seems like our winters now allow for some extended late season riding until the temps get rediculously low and the wind chill spells death to outdoor seekers. Oh! And don't forget the occaisonal ice storm or two.
Hopefully the end of this season dovetails right into the start of the next one, but somehow I doubt it. Hibernation anyone?
Rider Down! This just in to me thanks to my buddy d.p. via the Folks From Lincoln: Emily Broderson, a fine rider and a tough gal, took a nasty spill at the Homey Fall Fest up in Minny-apple-puss last weekend. She's hurt, but she's going to be okay. Check out the Folks From Lincoln site and scroll down to get all the latest on Em and the Fest. (WARNING: There is a pretty disturbing pic of the results of Em's crash, so if yer queasy, beware!) Send Emily some encouragement @ emilybrodersen@hotmail.com. Thanks for checking this out!
The biggest thing is the lack of daylight. Yeah........I suppose I have that whatchamacallit syndrome. The one that says you get depressed if there isn't enough sunlight or something. I don't know, but coupled with the cold air it makes for an added challenge to overcome just to get myself out the door. You know......I think I'm part bear or something, because sleeping through the winter sounds like an excellent idea about right now.
Then there is the lack of cycling activities this time of year. That might affect some a lot more than me, but it makes for dull conversations at the bike shop. I suppose this factor of the "off season" doesn't affect me much since I don't ride a lot with other folks anyway. But it's there and that affects some of you, I'm sure.
I know that winter has it's delights. I mean, the first ride in snow always has it's novelty. Cross country skiing is really fun, but that has been a two week long season at best around here for the last seven years. Last time I checked winter was just a weee bit longer than that! Seems like our winters now allow for some extended late season riding until the temps get rediculously low and the wind chill spells death to outdoor seekers. Oh! And don't forget the occaisonal ice storm or two.
Hopefully the end of this season dovetails right into the start of the next one, but somehow I doubt it. Hibernation anyone?
Rider Down! This just in to me thanks to my buddy d.p. via the Folks From Lincoln: Emily Broderson, a fine rider and a tough gal, took a nasty spill at the Homey Fall Fest up in Minny-apple-puss last weekend. She's hurt, but she's going to be okay. Check out the Folks From Lincoln site and scroll down to get all the latest on Em and the Fest. (WARNING: There is a pretty disturbing pic of the results of Em's crash, so if yer queasy, beware!) Send Emily some encouragement @ emilybrodersen@hotmail.com. Thanks for checking this out!
Monday, October 22, 2007
More SE Racing Stout and Some News
I have gotten a ride or two in on the SE Racing Stout 29"er single speed so far that I'm testing for Twenty Nine Inches. I think I'll reserve comment until I can get a nice longer off road ride or two in on it. This weekend was a washout, literally, from a rain standpoint. The trails around here were just too muddy or underwater.
Here are some pictures to tide you over.
Integrated headsets are not on my list of cool off road component ideas, but seem to hold up well none the less. I still say why make something that could roach your frame if it goes bad. Not a necessary development in my mind. Looks cool though, I'll grant you that.
Another seat post that's too short. This picture was taken with the post at max extension. I tried riding it, but no go! I took it out and realized it was only a 300mm post! When are we going to get it through to companies that we need to spec 400mm posts. You can always chop it down to whatever length you want. Just like a handle bar. Seems reasonable to me. On a positive note, the Velo manufactured saddle feels comfy......so far!
Clearance is okay. I think some of those Racing Ralph tires by Schwalbe or a WTB Weir Wolf LT might be too tight a fit with the wheel all the way up in the drop outs. I'll have to experiment with that.
A smart move to have the geared option here. The 9 speed compatible free hub makes it a lot easier. The simple spacer kit also gives this a clean look as a single speed but limits your choices in cogs to stamped steel ones. A wider based cog, like a Surly cog, would not work without changing to a different spacer kit too. The chain tensioner on one side is smart. It's all you need. People with balance/symmetry issues need not apply!
More on the Se Racing Stout later, stay tuned!
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: The latest scuttlebutt is that the course has suffered water inundation at several points but that the river is retreating quickly. If we can avoid any real soaking rains between now and Saturday, we'll be okay. We're still going with the original route. Keep in touch here, or at the Trans Iowa site for any last minute changes on that. Otherwise the weather for this weekend looks to be clear and pretty cool.
Some New Linkage! I'm very excited to announce the addition of another new blog link here to none other than endurance freak/pioneer ultra endurance crazy/29"er nutcase/ and gear guru Mike Curiak. Mike promises some straight shooting talk on gear, racing, and whatever hits his radar. Plus, there are some killer photos that Mike has taken already up on the site. Check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed. I've got Mike's new blog linked on my right hand side bar for future reference. Also, I have linked Mike's business, Lacemine 29. Mike has literally built over four thousand 29"er wheels and counting, so he probably knows a thing or two about what might work for you. Check him out for your next project.
I like Mike, I've met him a couple of times, and I'm a fan of his straight shooting style. His wealth of knowledge and experience in long distance mountain biking is huge. He also takes a mean photograph and writes an easily read story. That's my take and that's why I'm excited about his blog.
Okay, that's it for your Monday. Ride if you can! It's all about riding your bike, no matter what it is.
More SE Racing Stout and Some News
I have gotten a ride or two in on the SE Racing Stout 29"er single speed so far that I'm testing for Twenty Nine Inches. I think I'll reserve comment until I can get a nice longer off road ride or two in on it. This weekend was a washout, literally, from a rain standpoint. The trails around here were just too muddy or underwater.
Here are some pictures to tide you over.
Integrated headsets are not on my list of cool off road component ideas, but seem to hold up well none the less. I still say why make something that could roach your frame if it goes bad. Not a necessary development in my mind. Looks cool though, I'll grant you that.
Another seat post that's too short. This picture was taken with the post at max extension. I tried riding it, but no go! I took it out and realized it was only a 300mm post! When are we going to get it through to companies that we need to spec 400mm posts. You can always chop it down to whatever length you want. Just like a handle bar. Seems reasonable to me. On a positive note, the Velo manufactured saddle feels comfy......so far!
Clearance is okay. I think some of those Racing Ralph tires by Schwalbe or a WTB Weir Wolf LT might be too tight a fit with the wheel all the way up in the drop outs. I'll have to experiment with that.
A smart move to have the geared option here. The 9 speed compatible free hub makes it a lot easier. The simple spacer kit also gives this a clean look as a single speed but limits your choices in cogs to stamped steel ones. A wider based cog, like a Surly cog, would not work without changing to a different spacer kit too. The chain tensioner on one side is smart. It's all you need. People with balance/symmetry issues need not apply!
More on the Se Racing Stout later, stay tuned!
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: The latest scuttlebutt is that the course has suffered water inundation at several points but that the river is retreating quickly. If we can avoid any real soaking rains between now and Saturday, we'll be okay. We're still going with the original route. Keep in touch here, or at the Trans Iowa site for any last minute changes on that. Otherwise the weather for this weekend looks to be clear and pretty cool.
Some New Linkage! I'm very excited to announce the addition of another new blog link here to none other than endurance freak/pioneer ultra endurance crazy/29"er nutcase/ and gear guru Mike Curiak. Mike promises some straight shooting talk on gear, racing, and whatever hits his radar. Plus, there are some killer photos that Mike has taken already up on the site. Check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed. I've got Mike's new blog linked on my right hand side bar for future reference. Also, I have linked Mike's business, Lacemine 29. Mike has literally built over four thousand 29"er wheels and counting, so he probably knows a thing or two about what might work for you. Check him out for your next project.
I like Mike, I've met him a couple of times, and I'm a fan of his straight shooting style. His wealth of knowledge and experience in long distance mountain biking is huge. He also takes a mean photograph and writes an easily read story. That's my take and that's why I'm excited about his blog.
Okay, that's it for your Monday. Ride if you can! It's all about riding your bike, no matter what it is.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
My Commute In Pictures: Part III
Here's the final installment of my commute. Here I have just crossed the overpass of Green Hill Road and am looking at the curb hop of the on and off ramps from University to Green Hill. Lots of care needed to dodge traffic here! After getting back on to frontage road "safety", I pass by a K-Mart. This finally starts the downhill portion of my commute. I run a diagonal through their parking lot to the right to a side street named Progress. That's a downhill to the next left, on Acorn.
Here's the look up Acorn. Yes, back uphill again! This used to be a service road that crossed the back of the Star Lite Drive In Theater. Right about where those cookie cutter condos sit is where a lot of babies were concieved! Anyway, I go up to the next left and take it for a short spell to a quick right and down hill once more.
Here's the final run in to the back end of the strip mall where Europa Cycle and Ski is located.
I've just about been taken out several times by young gals on their way to work zipping up this street from the right in the photo. Just my luck. Someday I'll probably get nailed within sight of work!
And here it is! The back door to the shop!
And here's my work area. Ready to go for another day!
My Commute In Pictures: Part III
Here's the final installment of my commute. Here I have just crossed the overpass of Green Hill Road and am looking at the curb hop of the on and off ramps from University to Green Hill. Lots of care needed to dodge traffic here! After getting back on to frontage road "safety", I pass by a K-Mart. This finally starts the downhill portion of my commute. I run a diagonal through their parking lot to the right to a side street named Progress. That's a downhill to the next left, on Acorn.
Here's the look up Acorn. Yes, back uphill again! This used to be a service road that crossed the back of the Star Lite Drive In Theater. Right about where those cookie cutter condos sit is where a lot of babies were concieved! Anyway, I go up to the next left and take it for a short spell to a quick right and down hill once more.
Here's the final run in to the back end of the strip mall where Europa Cycle and Ski is located.
I've just about been taken out several times by young gals on their way to work zipping up this street from the right in the photo. Just my luck. Someday I'll probably get nailed within sight of work!
And here it is! The back door to the shop!
And here's my work area. Ready to go for another day!
My Commute In Pictures: Part II
Last time we left off with my crossing Fletcher Avenue on Falls. Right after that intersection I pass a long time Waterloo resturaunt icon in Steamboat Gardens. Finest greasy cheeseburgers anywhere! Okay, focus....focus.....
On up Falls Avenue to my next major intersection at Ansborough. There's a gas station there on the right. 1st motivation for commuting in the morning! Also worth noting is that the final block approaching this intersection is slightly downhill. The last downhill since I crossed the Black Hawk creek bridge. Most of this commute is uphill to the West/Northwest. Funny thing is that we get West/Northwest winds all Fall/Winter/Spring too. Combined with the nearly all uphill profile of this commute it gives me quite the workout somedays. Like Friday when the winds were out of the West at 25-35mph!
Once I get past Ansborough, it's all uphill to University Avenue which is a very busy six lane affair. Fortunately the City saw fit to put in a walkway here that I can use to get up this hill. I call it "Water Tower Hill" because it's got a municipal water tower at the top. It's also the toughest part of my commute.
Things finally level off here at this gas station where I cut through the parking lot to a frontage road running parallel to University. Second motivation for commuting here! I get a kick out of the reactions from folks filling their tanks as I go gliding by. Still slightly uphill through here.
The frontage road dead ends just before the overpass of Green Hill Road. Again, it's fortunate that the City/State saw to it to include walkways over the bridge. University Avenue used to be Highway 218 after Falls Avenue was abandoned as the highway. Now 218 runs a different route and this is actually still a state highway. It's one of the rare unmarked routes, but I happen to know it's State Highway 934. Now you know too!
That's it for part two of My Commute. Stay tuned for Part III coming up yet this afternoon where I will detail out the last section of riding down University Avenues side paths and the final run up to my workplace.
My Commute In Pictures: Part II
Last time we left off with my crossing Fletcher Avenue on Falls. Right after that intersection I pass a long time Waterloo resturaunt icon in Steamboat Gardens. Finest greasy cheeseburgers anywhere! Okay, focus....focus.....
On up Falls Avenue to my next major intersection at Ansborough. There's a gas station there on the right. 1st motivation for commuting in the morning! Also worth noting is that the final block approaching this intersection is slightly downhill. The last downhill since I crossed the Black Hawk creek bridge. Most of this commute is uphill to the West/Northwest. Funny thing is that we get West/Northwest winds all Fall/Winter/Spring too. Combined with the nearly all uphill profile of this commute it gives me quite the workout somedays. Like Friday when the winds were out of the West at 25-35mph!
Once I get past Ansborough, it's all uphill to University Avenue which is a very busy six lane affair. Fortunately the City saw fit to put in a walkway here that I can use to get up this hill. I call it "Water Tower Hill" because it's got a municipal water tower at the top. It's also the toughest part of my commute.
Things finally level off here at this gas station where I cut through the parking lot to a frontage road running parallel to University. Second motivation for commuting here! I get a kick out of the reactions from folks filling their tanks as I go gliding by. Still slightly uphill through here.
The frontage road dead ends just before the overpass of Green Hill Road. Again, it's fortunate that the City/State saw to it to include walkways over the bridge. University Avenue used to be Highway 218 after Falls Avenue was abandoned as the highway. Now 218 runs a different route and this is actually still a state highway. It's one of the rare unmarked routes, but I happen to know it's State Highway 934. Now you know too!
That's it for part two of My Commute. Stay tuned for Part III coming up yet this afternoon where I will detail out the last section of riding down University Avenues side paths and the final run up to my workplace.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
My Commute In Pictures: Part I
I got this idea from Endurosnob, but I tweaked it a bit. Hope you enjoy it.
My commute starts out with a four block long walk with my daughter to school. She likes to help push my bike.
After dropping her off, I back track those four blocks and head up Baltimore to it's dead end at a cemetery where I head left for a short jaunt to an alley for a block, get dumped out on another street and go left, and right down in front of some row houses. Another left/right turn combination finds me at a dead end. Straight ahead there is a 7 foot high embankment to the edge of HWY 63. I cross the four lane road and end up......
Here! On the other side of the road, I head left and down across this grassy field towards that overpass you see here. If your monitor is good, you will make out the path in the grass I've beat down over the last five years. That path drops down another 6ft embankment and dumps me out on the Sargent Road bike path. I go under that overpass, hang a sharp left on the bike path to.........
...this view. There used to be a casket company in this meadow. Now it's full of wild flowers and tall grass prairie. There still are flowers in bloom yet in mid-October, which is really cool. I see lots of birds here, including a Red Tailed Hawk that claims this area as it's territory. To the right there is a very steep 20-30ft high embankment to the Avenue of the Saints highway.
The bike path eventually turns right here, but I go straight from this dead end of Falls Avenue. Falls used to be Highway 218 from Cedar Falls to Waterloo back sixty years ago. Now it's a little used dead end spur at it's Eastern terminus. Up ahead is a bridge across the Black Hawk Creek, another cemetery on the right, and finally an intersection with a major city street, Fletcher Avenue, which used to be Cleaveland Avenue back in the day, but they changed it up about fifteen years ago. Anyway, I continue up Falls Avenue on my way to work.
That's it for today. Part II will detail the rest of the Falls Avenue portion of my commute.
My Commute In Pictures: Part I
I got this idea from Endurosnob, but I tweaked it a bit. Hope you enjoy it.
My commute starts out with a four block long walk with my daughter to school. She likes to help push my bike.
After dropping her off, I back track those four blocks and head up Baltimore to it's dead end at a cemetery where I head left for a short jaunt to an alley for a block, get dumped out on another street and go left, and right down in front of some row houses. Another left/right turn combination finds me at a dead end. Straight ahead there is a 7 foot high embankment to the edge of HWY 63. I cross the four lane road and end up......
Here! On the other side of the road, I head left and down across this grassy field towards that overpass you see here. If your monitor is good, you will make out the path in the grass I've beat down over the last five years. That path drops down another 6ft embankment and dumps me out on the Sargent Road bike path. I go under that overpass, hang a sharp left on the bike path to.........
...this view. There used to be a casket company in this meadow. Now it's full of wild flowers and tall grass prairie. There still are flowers in bloom yet in mid-October, which is really cool. I see lots of birds here, including a Red Tailed Hawk that claims this area as it's territory. To the right there is a very steep 20-30ft high embankment to the Avenue of the Saints highway.
The bike path eventually turns right here, but I go straight from this dead end of Falls Avenue. Falls used to be Highway 218 from Cedar Falls to Waterloo back sixty years ago. Now it's a little used dead end spur at it's Eastern terminus. Up ahead is a bridge across the Black Hawk Creek, another cemetery on the right, and finally an intersection with a major city street, Fletcher Avenue, which used to be Cleaveland Avenue back in the day, but they changed it up about fifteen years ago. Anyway, I continue up Falls Avenue on my way to work.
That's it for today. Part II will detail the rest of the Falls Avenue portion of my commute.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Origin 8 Gary Bar Update
I've been noticing a lot of activity on the web regarding the attributes of the Origin 8 Gary Bar. For some details on the bar, check out my previous posts on it here and here.
I've also added a couple shots I took of my Pofahl 29"er custom that I hop illustrate what the bars look like mounted up and ready to go.
Now I'd like to address a few misperceptions about this bar and it's inevitable comparisons to a On One Midge Bar. The Midge, which made off road drop bar use a reality again, is a bar that was co-designed by a fellow named Don Person, better known on the web-o-sphere as "shiggy".
He and Brant Richards of On One worked diligently to bring what they believed to be the perfection of the old WTB drop bar that was originally a modified Cinelli road bar. The Midge proved to be a great success and works great for off road cycling.
Enter Origin 8, which is a "house brand" of J&B Importers. They made the Gary Bar as a competitor to the Midge. It's a drop bar for off roading that is more similar than different in comparison to the Midge, which I detailed in one of my original posts on these bars. (link above) The main difference being the "slope" of the bars from the bar tops to the drops. This is most easily seen from the front view of the bar.
The slope is there on both the Midge and the Gary for a reason. It's to help clear your wrists and forearms while in the drops for off road maneuverability. Without the slope, if you were to thrust your bike sideways for instance, leaning it to make a small steering correction, you would smack your wrists and fore arm into the upper side of the drop bar. So slope is important for increased maneuverability off road. The Origin 8 bar has more slope, which isn't a bad thing off road. This; however, places the brake levers at an unusual position compared to a Midge and especially compared to any drop bar we're used to seeing.
Is that a problem? I really think that it's perceived as a problem that's not really there. For instance, take a look at a mustache bar. The brake levers are on their sides, for crying out loud! I've never heard a complaint about that, and as a matter of fact, some folks praise the position as super comfortable while palming the hoods on a mustache set up. So the Gary Bar is about halfway between that mustache bar and a Midge. I feel it gives my hands a great perch to rest on, but I would say give it a try first before you pass it off as being "non-functional". Besides, you are not supposed to be riding on the hoods of a drop bar in the first place. A point that most are either ignorant of or reject out of hand. I use the hoods rarely off road, and mostly only on longer gravel grinders.
Other than that main functional/aesthetic difference, the two bars- Midge and Gary- are rather similar. The Midge being a more refined bar, the Gary a bit cruder. Both are fantastic off road bar choices, and either should prove to be a great choice for your off road drop bar rig. I like both and recommend both for their intended purposes. The only thing I find that is a bit more appealing in the case of the Gary Bar is it's price, which I think is a killer bargain for what you get. On a budget? The Gary is the obvious choice. Want a more refined, lighter weight bar? Midge is the way to go. Functionally their is very little difference, so either way should work well.
Now go ride yer bike fer cryin' out loud!
Origin 8 Gary Bar Update
I've been noticing a lot of activity on the web regarding the attributes of the Origin 8 Gary Bar. For some details on the bar, check out my previous posts on it here and here.
I've also added a couple shots I took of my Pofahl 29"er custom that I hop illustrate what the bars look like mounted up and ready to go.
Now I'd like to address a few misperceptions about this bar and it's inevitable comparisons to a On One Midge Bar. The Midge, which made off road drop bar use a reality again, is a bar that was co-designed by a fellow named Don Person, better known on the web-o-sphere as "shiggy".
He and Brant Richards of On One worked diligently to bring what they believed to be the perfection of the old WTB drop bar that was originally a modified Cinelli road bar. The Midge proved to be a great success and works great for off road cycling.
Enter Origin 8, which is a "house brand" of J&B Importers. They made the Gary Bar as a competitor to the Midge. It's a drop bar for off roading that is more similar than different in comparison to the Midge, which I detailed in one of my original posts on these bars. (link above) The main difference being the "slope" of the bars from the bar tops to the drops. This is most easily seen from the front view of the bar.
The slope is there on both the Midge and the Gary for a reason. It's to help clear your wrists and forearms while in the drops for off road maneuverability. Without the slope, if you were to thrust your bike sideways for instance, leaning it to make a small steering correction, you would smack your wrists and fore arm into the upper side of the drop bar. So slope is important for increased maneuverability off road. The Origin 8 bar has more slope, which isn't a bad thing off road. This; however, places the brake levers at an unusual position compared to a Midge and especially compared to any drop bar we're used to seeing.
Is that a problem? I really think that it's perceived as a problem that's not really there. For instance, take a look at a mustache bar. The brake levers are on their sides, for crying out loud! I've never heard a complaint about that, and as a matter of fact, some folks praise the position as super comfortable while palming the hoods on a mustache set up. So the Gary Bar is about halfway between that mustache bar and a Midge. I feel it gives my hands a great perch to rest on, but I would say give it a try first before you pass it off as being "non-functional". Besides, you are not supposed to be riding on the hoods of a drop bar in the first place. A point that most are either ignorant of or reject out of hand. I use the hoods rarely off road, and mostly only on longer gravel grinders.
Other than that main functional/aesthetic difference, the two bars- Midge and Gary- are rather similar. The Midge being a more refined bar, the Gary a bit cruder. Both are fantastic off road bar choices, and either should prove to be a great choice for your off road drop bar rig. I like both and recommend both for their intended purposes. The only thing I find that is a bit more appealing in the case of the Gary Bar is it's price, which I think is a killer bargain for what you get. On a budget? The Gary is the obvious choice. Want a more refined, lighter weight bar? Midge is the way to go. Functionally their is very little difference, so either way should work well.
Now go ride yer bike fer cryin' out loud!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A New Bike And Gearing Talk
Twenty Nine Inches just received this SE Racing Stout 29"er for test/review yesterday. SE Racing? Yes......that company! Yes, they do a 29"er and have since 2005. They also have a few really cool fixies in their lineup as well. Anyway........this 29"er is just a bit different than most that you see out there these days.
A lot of these 29"er single speed bikes are a bit complicated......for single speeding. Sliding this, eccentric that, and disc brake worries. SE Racing just does it the ol' fashioned way. Track ends baby! Linear pull brakes, nutted axles, and track ends. Couldn't be simpler, or easier unless it was "fixed". That said, there is a gizmo on it that allows a derailleur to be mounted and there are full cable stops for a triple crank drive train on the frame. Don't worry! I won't succumb to the temptation of gears on this bike. It's got a 51.5" gear on it, so it's geared about perfect for our trails in this area. I shouldn't have any problems with this set up.
Speaking of Gears: In my "Endurance Racing and the 29"er" post's comment section, I received a comment pertaining to how I would gear a 29"er to compensate for the wheel size. I know that the prevailing wisdom out there is to reduce your cranks chain ring sizes to something like 40-30-20, although I've seen guys going for a set up with a 29T middle ring and a 20T granny too. Gearing is such a tough topic. Everybody is so different, how can you recommend a gear package and say, "this is it"? I don't think it works like that. There just isn't an easy answer.
Fitness levels, terrain demands, and individual riding styles and makeup are too varied and complex for there to be an easy answer. The thing is, you just have to experiment. What works for you won't for someone else. Or you could just take the single speeder way and live with what you've got and mash until you have to walk up the climb.
Here's what works for me, and in no way am I recommending this for anyone else! Single Speed: I gear on the tough side just a bit for the course. If I get down around 8mph I walk. Easy. Multi Speed Drive Train: I almost never use a granny gear (smallest chain wheel on the crank set) Heck, if you are going that slow, you can walk as fast and use different muscles for a bit. If I do get into the granny, it's in the middle of the cassette, which might be one gear lower than a middle ring/biggest cog combo. If manufacturers made a 29-42 crank set, I'd be all over it. Maybe a Stronglight or a custom assembled one is in my future. Whatever it is going to be, that granny ring is going away. It's dead weight and I don't need it. I mean, why would I ever need something lower than a 29 X 34? Again, I might as well walk if I do need something lower than that!
I had a crank set with a 20T granny once and a 32T rear cog in the cassette. It was ridiculous! So much torque that it spun the rear tire on climbs and you couldn't go faster than 10mph anyway spinning like a madman. Crazy I tell ya! I just don't need that. Your mileage may vary.
A New Bike And Gearing Talk
Twenty Nine Inches just received this SE Racing Stout 29"er for test/review yesterday. SE Racing? Yes......that company! Yes, they do a 29"er and have since 2005. They also have a few really cool fixies in their lineup as well. Anyway........this 29"er is just a bit different than most that you see out there these days.
A lot of these 29"er single speed bikes are a bit complicated......for single speeding. Sliding this, eccentric that, and disc brake worries. SE Racing just does it the ol' fashioned way. Track ends baby! Linear pull brakes, nutted axles, and track ends. Couldn't be simpler, or easier unless it was "fixed". That said, there is a gizmo on it that allows a derailleur to be mounted and there are full cable stops for a triple crank drive train on the frame. Don't worry! I won't succumb to the temptation of gears on this bike. It's got a 51.5" gear on it, so it's geared about perfect for our trails in this area. I shouldn't have any problems with this set up.
Speaking of Gears: In my "Endurance Racing and the 29"er" post's comment section, I received a comment pertaining to how I would gear a 29"er to compensate for the wheel size. I know that the prevailing wisdom out there is to reduce your cranks chain ring sizes to something like 40-30-20, although I've seen guys going for a set up with a 29T middle ring and a 20T granny too. Gearing is such a tough topic. Everybody is so different, how can you recommend a gear package and say, "this is it"? I don't think it works like that. There just isn't an easy answer.
Fitness levels, terrain demands, and individual riding styles and makeup are too varied and complex for there to be an easy answer. The thing is, you just have to experiment. What works for you won't for someone else. Or you could just take the single speeder way and live with what you've got and mash until you have to walk up the climb.
Here's what works for me, and in no way am I recommending this for anyone else! Single Speed: I gear on the tough side just a bit for the course. If I get down around 8mph I walk. Easy. Multi Speed Drive Train: I almost never use a granny gear (smallest chain wheel on the crank set) Heck, if you are going that slow, you can walk as fast and use different muscles for a bit. If I do get into the granny, it's in the middle of the cassette, which might be one gear lower than a middle ring/biggest cog combo. If manufacturers made a 29-42 crank set, I'd be all over it. Maybe a Stronglight or a custom assembled one is in my future. Whatever it is going to be, that granny ring is going away. It's dead weight and I don't need it. I mean, why would I ever need something lower than a 29 X 34? Again, I might as well walk if I do need something lower than that!
I had a crank set with a 20T granny once and a 32T rear cog in the cassette. It was ridiculous! So much torque that it spun the rear tire on climbs and you couldn't go faster than 10mph anyway spinning like a madman. Crazy I tell ya! I just don't need that. Your mileage may vary.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday News And Views
Formula Disc Brake Recall: From Bicycle Retailer and Industry News website, we have news of this recall of Formula disc brakes. Here's a short quote from the article:
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Formula Brake USA, yesterday announced a voluntary recall on its Oro Disc Brakes. Roughly 5,700 of these brakes were sold. According to the CPSC, the brake’s hand lever can separate, resulting in a loss of braking. This can cause the rider to lose control of the bike, posing a risk of injury."
You can check out the full notice here.
Single Speed Throwdown Out East: I got this little tidbit in my inbox yesterday, so take it for what it's worth, but an announcement of an "Americas Single Speed Championships" to be held next year in September has been made. Part of a series in New Hampshire called the "Ultimate XC Challenge", the event is slated to kick off with a festival including an XC race that is part of the series out there. The Single Speed Championships will start out with a hill climb that will determine a male and female "red jersey" winner. Then there will be a loop course XC race to help determine an overall winner and an "Americas Single Speed Champion" in a male and female category.
Interestingly, there is a Single Speed World Championships going on out on "the other coast" too next year. Hmm............
Big Wheeled Ballyhoo 2008: There was some question as to which weekend next year that this event would be held on mainly due to the fact that on the sidebar of this very blog I have the date set in the middle of the week next year. (I'm like that! Sorry!) So, the actual dates are tentatively set for June 21st and 22nd. The longest days of the year sound like a good time to ride the biggest off road bicycle wheels, don't you think? Put it on your calendars and plan on joining us, won't you?
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: In a little over a week from now we are going to be setting off from Marengo, Iowa to ride about a 100- 110 miles of Iowa gravel, hills, and dirt. You can find the details and a link to a printable route map/directions here. We will be taking off at 6am in the morning and I expect us to arrive back at the square in Marengo about twelve hours later, maybe sooner or later, depending upon weather and other variables. The ride will have about an hour-hour and a half of darkness to start out with. Please bring a headlight and red tail light with you. Remember, this is a "tune up" for Trans Iowa so no support will be available. You are on your own. We will have one convenience store stop a bit less than halfway into this, so plan accordingly. The terrain ranges from extremely hilly, rolling hills, to dead flat on a combination of very little paved roads, gravel roads, and "B" level maintenance roads ranging from average condition to beyond primitive. If you plan on coming, just show up in Marengo at the East side of the downtown square at about 5:30 am to get saddled up and ready for the 6am take off. Looking forwards to this ride, it should be a hoot! Haloween costumes optional!
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Formula Brake USA, yesterday announced a voluntary recall on its Oro Disc Brakes. Roughly 5,700 of these brakes were sold. According to the CPSC, the brake’s hand lever can separate, resulting in a loss of braking. This can cause the rider to lose control of the bike, posing a risk of injury."
You can check out the full notice here.
Single Speed Throwdown Out East: I got this little tidbit in my inbox yesterday, so take it for what it's worth, but an announcement of an "Americas Single Speed Championships" to be held next year in September has been made. Part of a series in New Hampshire called the "Ultimate XC Challenge", the event is slated to kick off with a festival including an XC race that is part of the series out there. The Single Speed Championships will start out with a hill climb that will determine a male and female "red jersey" winner. Then there will be a loop course XC race to help determine an overall winner and an "Americas Single Speed Champion" in a male and female category.
Interestingly, there is a Single Speed World Championships going on out on "the other coast" too next year. Hmm............
Big Wheeled Ballyhoo 2008: There was some question as to which weekend next year that this event would be held on mainly due to the fact that on the sidebar of this very blog I have the date set in the middle of the week next year. (I'm like that! Sorry!) So, the actual dates are tentatively set for June 21st and 22nd. The longest days of the year sound like a good time to ride the biggest off road bicycle wheels, don't you think? Put it on your calendars and plan on joining us, won't you?
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: In a little over a week from now we are going to be setting off from Marengo, Iowa to ride about a 100- 110 miles of Iowa gravel, hills, and dirt. You can find the details and a link to a printable route map/directions here. We will be taking off at 6am in the morning and I expect us to arrive back at the square in Marengo about twelve hours later, maybe sooner or later, depending upon weather and other variables. The ride will have about an hour-hour and a half of darkness to start out with. Please bring a headlight and red tail light with you. Remember, this is a "tune up" for Trans Iowa so no support will be available. You are on your own. We will have one convenience store stop a bit less than halfway into this, so plan accordingly. The terrain ranges from extremely hilly, rolling hills, to dead flat on a combination of very little paved roads, gravel roads, and "B" level maintenance roads ranging from average condition to beyond primitive. If you plan on coming, just show up in Marengo at the East side of the downtown square at about 5:30 am to get saddled up and ready for the 6am take off. Looking forwards to this ride, it should be a hoot! Haloween costumes optional!
Wednesday News And Views
Formula Disc Brake Recall: From Bicycle Retailer and Industry News website, we have news of this recall of Formula disc brakes. Here's a short quote from the article:
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Formula Brake USA, yesterday announced a voluntary recall on its Oro Disc Brakes. Roughly 5,700 of these brakes were sold. According to the CPSC, the brake’s hand lever can separate, resulting in a loss of braking. This can cause the rider to lose control of the bike, posing a risk of injury."
You can check out the full notice here.
Single Speed Throwdown Out East: I got this little tidbit in my inbox yesterday, so take it for what it's worth, but an announcement of an "Americas Single Speed Championships" to be held next year in September has been made. Part of a series in New Hampshire called the "Ultimate XC Challenge", the event is slated to kick off with a festival including an XC race that is part of the series out there. The Single Speed Championships will start out with a hill climb that will determine a male and female "red jersey" winner. Then there will be a loop course XC race to help determine an overall winner and an "Americas Single Speed Champion" in a male and female category.
Interestingly, there is a Single Speed World Championships going on out on "the other coast" too next year. Hmm............
Big Wheeled Ballyhoo 2008: There was some question as to which weekend next year that this event would be held on mainly due to the fact that on the sidebar of this very blog I have the date set in the middle of the week next year. (I'm like that! Sorry!) So, the actual dates are tentatively set for June 21st and 22nd. The longest days of the year sound like a good time to ride the biggest off road bicycle wheels, don't you think? Put it on your calendars and plan on joining us, won't you?
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: In a little over a week from now we are going to be setting off from Marengo, Iowa to ride about a 100- 110 miles of Iowa gravel, hills, and dirt. You can find the details and a link to a printable route map/directions here. We will be taking off at 6am in the morning and I expect us to arrive back at the square in Marengo about twelve hours later, maybe sooner or later, depending upon weather and other variables. The ride will have about an hour-hour and a half of darkness to start out with. Please bring a headlight and red tail light with you. Remember, this is a "tune up" for Trans Iowa so no support will be available. You are on your own. We will have one convenience store stop a bit less than halfway into this, so plan accordingly. The terrain ranges from extremely hilly, rolling hills, to dead flat on a combination of very little paved roads, gravel roads, and "B" level maintenance roads ranging from average condition to beyond primitive. If you plan on coming, just show up in Marengo at the East side of the downtown square at about 5:30 am to get saddled up and ready for the 6am take off. Looking forwards to this ride, it should be a hoot! Haloween costumes optional!
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Formula Brake USA, yesterday announced a voluntary recall on its Oro Disc Brakes. Roughly 5,700 of these brakes were sold. According to the CPSC, the brake’s hand lever can separate, resulting in a loss of braking. This can cause the rider to lose control of the bike, posing a risk of injury."
You can check out the full notice here.
Single Speed Throwdown Out East: I got this little tidbit in my inbox yesterday, so take it for what it's worth, but an announcement of an "Americas Single Speed Championships" to be held next year in September has been made. Part of a series in New Hampshire called the "Ultimate XC Challenge", the event is slated to kick off with a festival including an XC race that is part of the series out there. The Single Speed Championships will start out with a hill climb that will determine a male and female "red jersey" winner. Then there will be a loop course XC race to help determine an overall winner and an "Americas Single Speed Champion" in a male and female category.
Interestingly, there is a Single Speed World Championships going on out on "the other coast" too next year. Hmm............
Big Wheeled Ballyhoo 2008: There was some question as to which weekend next year that this event would be held on mainly due to the fact that on the sidebar of this very blog I have the date set in the middle of the week next year. (I'm like that! Sorry!) So, the actual dates are tentatively set for June 21st and 22nd. The longest days of the year sound like a good time to ride the biggest off road bicycle wheels, don't you think? Put it on your calendars and plan on joining us, won't you?
Trans Iowa Tune Up Ride: In a little over a week from now we are going to be setting off from Marengo, Iowa to ride about a 100- 110 miles of Iowa gravel, hills, and dirt. You can find the details and a link to a printable route map/directions here. We will be taking off at 6am in the morning and I expect us to arrive back at the square in Marengo about twelve hours later, maybe sooner or later, depending upon weather and other variables. The ride will have about an hour-hour and a half of darkness to start out with. Please bring a headlight and red tail light with you. Remember, this is a "tune up" for Trans Iowa so no support will be available. You are on your own. We will have one convenience store stop a bit less than halfway into this, so plan accordingly. The terrain ranges from extremely hilly, rolling hills, to dead flat on a combination of very little paved roads, gravel roads, and "B" level maintenance roads ranging from average condition to beyond primitive. If you plan on coming, just show up in Marengo at the East side of the downtown square at about 5:30 am to get saddled up and ready for the 6am take off. Looking forwards to this ride, it should be a hoot! Haloween costumes optional!
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