A Bit Of A C.O.G.100 Update.

Super limited availability.

With less than three weeks to go here, we have got to be gettin' to gettin' our ducks in a row here at C.O.G.100 central. Things are coming into sharp focus here and we have a few things to pass on to you who are interested or are coming to ride this deal.

First up- We have the hats! (See yesterday's post!) But along with that, we have a super limited amount of extra patches which were embroidered for the hats. These will be offered at the Peace Tree get together the evening before the C.O.G. 100. These will be offered at $5.00/each and will only be available at the venue. Once they are gone, they are gone. We don't have enough to offer through the blog here, so if you want one, get a hold of someone riding in the C.O.G. and have them try to get one. First come, first served. No reserved sales. They are that rare. 

Shirts are in! We have about five or so of you that are not coming to the event that ordered shirts, so we will be sending those out soon. The rest of you will get yours at the event. We will have them at Peace Tree on Friday and at the start at Ahrens Park. If you forget yours, or if you don't come, you'll either need to pay us a bit more to ship them to you, or forfeit your shirt. But we will cross that bridge if we need to. I'm just lettin' y'all know that if you don't make it or are forgetful it will cost you something. Just don't be either of those things and we'll all be happier.

Numbers are in! I wanted to customize them, but it is looking like I probably will not, since my new job is demanding more of my time here. But that's a minor disappointment. I don't think anyone will mind.

Recon for confirmation of the route was to happen Friday, but work intervened, so it looks like Monday now will be that day. Once the course is cleared we will get the cues printed. We will need to bag those, get some pipe cleaners to attach number plates, and well.....we'll be ready. Ready as we'll ever be.

More soon......

A Bit Of A C.O.G.100 Update.

Super limited availability.

With less than three weeks to go here, we have got to be gettin' to gettin' our ducks in a row here at C.O.G.100 central. Things are coming into sharp focus here and we have a few things to pass on to you who are interested or are coming to ride this deal.

First up- We have the hats! (See yesterday's post!) But along with that, we have a super limited amount of extra patches which were embroidered for the hats. These will be offered at the Peace Tree get together the evening before the C.O.G. 100. These will be offered at $5.00/each and will only be available at the venue. Once they are gone, they are gone. We don't have enough to offer through the blog here, so if you want one, get a hold of someone riding in the C.O.G. and have them try to get one. First come, first served. No reserved sales. They are that rare. 

Shirts are in! We have about five or so of you that are not coming to the event that ordered shirts, so we will be sending those out soon. The rest of you will get yours at the event. We will have them at Peace Tree on Friday and at the start at Ahrens Park. If you forget yours, or if you don't come, you'll either need to pay us a bit more to ship them to you, or forfeit your shirt. But we will cross that bridge if we need to. I'm just lettin' y'all know that if you don't make it or are forgetful it will cost you something. Just don't be either of those things and we'll all be happier.

Numbers are in! I wanted to customize them, but it is looking like I probably will not, since my new job is demanding more of my time here. But that's a minor disappointment. I don't think anyone will mind.

Recon for confirmation of the route was to happen Friday, but work intervened, so it looks like Monday now will be that day. Once the course is cleared we will get the cues printed. We will need to bag those, get some pipe cleaners to attach number plates, and well.....we'll be ready. Ready as we'll ever be.

More soon......

Friday News And Views

Trade mags are reporting lots of disruption due to the COVID-19 Virus.

NAHBS Reschedules Due To COVID-19 Virus Issues - Other Events Threatened: 

As you probably know, the world at  large is being disrupted in several ways due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Supply chains from the Far East are behind schedule and fears are rampant that bicycle retailers will have little inventory come the Summer which is peak season for retailers in North America.

Events are not without disruption as well. The UAE Tour was cut short and several people associated with that event have been held in quarantine since. Apparently several Northern Italian classics are under the threat of cancellation or postponement. Thursday the news came out that the Strade Bianche has been cancelled due to fears surrounding this virus. Now word comes from the trade paper, "BRAIN", that NAHBS, the handmade bicycle show to be held in Texas soon, has been postponed until August now. Even Sea Otter is postponing their 2020 event due to this virus according to another "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" article.

While widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has not occurred here in the U.S., it is conceivable that large scale gravel events may also be threatened to postpone or cancel if that were to occur. It is something to keep our eyes on, certainly, but for now, there is little concern that this may happen. The inventory issues retailers will likely face is definitely of much greater concern at this time.

To go "boinger" or to go "bendy"? That is the question.

 Seat Post Challenge: 

So I've had the unique opportunity to use some excellent vibration damping seat posts in the past, and now in the present, and I have future opportunities awaiting me as well. That means I am in the perfect position to give a "Seat Post Challenge" review. Here's my thinking so far coming into this.....

First of all, the obvious thing to assume is that a suspension seat post is the "clear winner". But is it? My experiences have been mixed here. Sometimes a suspension seat post, like the Kinekt, or the Redshift ShockStop, is a great thing to have on a ride. Sometimes it feels like a power-sucking tool of the devil. Besides the fact that these things weigh a metric ton compared to standard posts, which matters. Some aren't very friendly to seat packs either. So, a suspension seat post isn't necessarily the answer, and sometimes it is a negative.

Then you have the "flexible" posts. Posts made from carbon fiber, and to a lesser degree, titanium and then aluminum. These are much more familiar feeling, can handle seat bag mounting, and almost always weigh less than a suspension seat post ever will. (This depends upon how you classify the Specialized CG-R post) That said, carbon fiber, while strong, can break catastrophically with dangerous consequences. (No hyperbole here- it's happened to me.) Many folks don't want that possibility nor want to have to deal with consequences of a possible break in a carbon post out in The Styx of rural America. Obviously, metal posts have a more robust track record, but they flex even less in most instances, so you give up a lot of comfort for peace of mind.

I've got two suspension seat posts, (Cane Creek and Redshift), experience on two versions of the Kinekt, and the Specialized CG-R, if you categorize that as "suspension". I've got that PRO Carbon with Dyneema post, a Whiskey Parts post, and a couple Salsa Regulator Titanium posts around here. Plus several standard aluminum posts including a Thomson or two. Between all those, and my experiences, I should be able to come to some conclusions.

I've been looking into accelerometers  for my iPhone to see if that wouldn't aid me in my quest to see what works and what doesn't. I've seen a few things but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. However; even if that doesn't happen, I'm going through with this. So, stay tuned for my results throughout the coming Spring weeks.

The Noble GX5 will be sporting the aMTBer Smoothe Lube to start.

 Lube-Off To Get Underway:

I've got two bikes set to go now on the Lube-Off which was announced recently. The contenders are WPL Wet Lube, Lilly Lube, and the aMTBer Smoothe Lube 1.2.

The Noble GX5 will be sporting the Smoothe Lube 1.2 and as a matter of fact, it has had it on for a while already. I'll be doing a finishing up on time with that lube and then move this bike over to the WPL Wet Lube to get that rotated into the mix.

The Fargo Gen I will be getting Lilly Lube. Although the Lilly Lube says it can go over any previous lube, since it self-cleans, I will be stripping the Fargo's chain anyway and keeping a level playing field with regard to the other lubricants in this test/shoot-out. So, I should be started with all of this as you read this today. Look for any updates soon, as the time limitation is six hours, and after that a final verdict on each lube is given.

The "control" lube is still the DuMonde Tech lube which I am running on the pink Black Mountain Cycles MCD. I already have a couple hours on that one as well. Keep in mind, the chain was touched up after the last Lube-Off and has not had any maintenance since that time.

 C.O.G. 100 Hats:

Check it out! N.Y. Roll models the new C.O.G. 100 hats which just came in Wednesday. Each participant in the event is going to receive one of these at either the pre-race event at Peace Tree downtown Grinnell, or you will get it when you check in at the event venue.

The design was put together by myself and executed by Bike Rags which is located here in Iowa. Check them out if you need any custom apparel for your club, team, or event. N.Y. Roll and I have been pretty happy with their stuff and customer service is top notch. Bike Rags is our supplier for the Iowa Single Speed Gravel Championship jerseys as well.

I have access to a few extras in regards to the hats. One is spoken for. I may have a couple others. If you really have to have one, make me an offer. I'll see what I can do. Otherwise this is it. We wanted to keep these special for those riders that committed to the C.O.G.100.


Okay, that's all for this week! Have a great weekend and get out there and ride!

Friday News And Views

Trade mags are reporting lots of disruption due to the COVID-19 Virus.

NAHBS Reschedules Due To COVID-19 Virus Issues - Other Events Threatened: 

As you probably know, the world at  large is being disrupted in several ways due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Supply chains from the Far East are behind schedule and fears are rampant that bicycle retailers will have little inventory come the Summer which is peak season for retailers in North America.

Events are not without disruption as well. The UAE Tour was cut short and several people associated with that event have been held in quarantine since. Apparently several Northern Italian classics are under the threat of cancellation or postponement. Thursday the news came out that the Strade Bianche has been cancelled due to fears surrounding this virus. Now word comes from the trade paper, "BRAIN", that NAHBS, the handmade bicycle show to be held in Texas soon, has been postponed until August now. Even Sea Otter is postponing their 2020 event due to this virus according to another "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" article.

While widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has not occurred here in the U.S., it is conceivable that large scale gravel events may also be threatened to postpone or cancel if that were to occur. It is something to keep our eyes on, certainly, but for now, there is little concern that this may happen. The inventory issues retailers will likely face is definitely of much greater concern at this time.

To go "boinger" or to go "bendy"? That is the question.

 Seat Post Challenge: 

So I've had the unique opportunity to use some excellent vibration damping seat posts in the past, and now in the present, and I have future opportunities awaiting me as well. That means I am in the perfect position to give a "Seat Post Challenge" review. Here's my thinking so far coming into this.....

First of all, the obvious thing to assume is that a suspension seat post is the "clear winner". But is it? My experiences have been mixed here. Sometimes a suspension seat post, like the Kinekt, or the Redshift ShockStop, is a great thing to have on a ride. Sometimes it feels like a power-sucking tool of the devil. Besides the fact that these things weigh a metric ton compared to standard posts, which matters. Some aren't very friendly to seat packs either. So, a suspension seat post isn't necessarily the answer, and sometimes it is a negative.

Then you have the "flexible" posts. Posts made from carbon fiber, and to a lesser degree, titanium and then aluminum. These are much more familiar feeling, can handle seat bag mounting, and almost always weigh less than a suspension seat post ever will. (This depends upon how you classify the Specialized CG-R post) That said, carbon fiber, while strong, can break catastrophically with dangerous consequences. (No hyperbole here- it's happened to me.) Many folks don't want that possibility nor want to have to deal with consequences of a possible break in a carbon post out in The Styx of rural America. Obviously, metal posts have a more robust track record, but they flex even less in most instances, so you give up a lot of comfort for peace of mind.

I've got two suspension seat posts, (Cane Creek and Redshift), experience on two versions of the Kinekt, and the Specialized CG-R, if you categorize that as "suspension". I've got that PRO Carbon with Dyneema post, a Whiskey Parts post, and a couple Salsa Regulator Titanium posts around here. Plus several standard aluminum posts including a Thomson or two. Between all those, and my experiences, I should be able to come to some conclusions.

I've been looking into accelerometers  for my iPhone to see if that wouldn't aid me in my quest to see what works and what doesn't. I've seen a few things but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. However; even if that doesn't happen, I'm going through with this. So, stay tuned for my results throughout the coming Spring weeks.

The Noble GX5 will be sporting the aMTBer Smoothe Lube to start.

 Lube-Off To Get Underway:

I've got two bikes set to go now on the Lube-Off which was announced recently. The contenders are WPL Wet Lube, Lilly Lube, and the aMTBer Smoothe Lube 1.2.

The Noble GX5 will be sporting the Smoothe Lube 1.2 and as a matter of fact, it has had it on for a while already. I'll be doing a finishing up on time with that lube and then move this bike over to the WPL Wet Lube to get that rotated into the mix.

The Fargo Gen I will be getting Lilly Lube. Although the Lilly Lube says it can go over any previous lube, since it self-cleans, I will be stripping the Fargo's chain anyway and keeping a level playing field with regard to the other lubricants in this test/shoot-out. So, I should be started with all of this as you read this today. Look for any updates soon, as the time limitation is six hours, and after that a final verdict on each lube is given.

The "control" lube is still the DuMonde Tech lube which I am running on the pink Black Mountain Cycles MCD. I already have a couple hours on that one as well. Keep in mind, the chain was touched up after the last Lube-Off and has not had any maintenance since that time.

 C.O.G. 100 Hats:

Check it out! N.Y. Roll models the new C.O.G. 100 hats which just came in Wednesday. Each participant in the event is going to receive one of these at either the pre-race event at Peace Tree downtown Grinnell, or you will get it when you check in at the event venue.

The design was put together by myself and executed by Bike Rags which is located here in Iowa. Check them out if you need any custom apparel for your club, team, or event. N.Y. Roll and I have been pretty happy with their stuff and customer service is top notch. Bike Rags is our supplier for the Iowa Single Speed Gravel Championship jerseys as well.

I have access to a few extras in regards to the hats. One is spoken for. I may have a couple others. If you really have to have one, make me an offer. I'll see what I can do. Otherwise this is it. We wanted to keep these special for those riders that committed to the C.O.G.100.


Okay, that's all for this week! Have a great weekend and get out there and ride!

Back To The Big Dummy

Loaded. Recycling Cycling

So, we do some recycling now days to help out as we can with keeping things out of the landfill as much as possible. I'm not trying to shame anyone here, or pat my own back, but we felt led to do this so that's what we do. Anyway, since we've been doing this we've reduced what is going directly to the landfill by a huge amount by my estimate. We used to fill our garbage can up weekly. Now we're having a rare week if two bags are in the can. Most weeks it is one bag.

So, the point being here is that the rest of that stuff is going.....somewhere. All I know is we take a bunch of cardboard, glass jars, plastic milk jugs, and cans to a recycling area across the Cedar River from where I live. Maybe a mile or two at most away. Typically I use my Big Dummy for this trip, but recently I have been lazy, forgetful, or a slave to convenience, (all three?) and the "Truck With No Name" has been the recycling vehicle. Well, with Spring breaking here I figured it was high time to put an end to that scene.

It had been so long since the Big Dummy had seen the light of day that the tires were nearly flat. Thankfully they have tubes and only air was necessary to bring them back to life again. 20psi in those 2.4" tires is plenty on the 47mm wide rims. Rides so smooth.......

I have been keeping a selection of bungee cords in one inner pocket of one of the cargo bags and the flat repair items and a glass sweep up kit in the other inner pocket on the opposite side. I was inspired by a Des Moines area cyclist named Dori that keeps a dust pan, hand broom, and plastic bags in her cargo bike in case she sees broken glass on a bike path. We see a LOT of broken glass on sidewalks here in Waterloo. Especially so since there are what....three or four liquor stores within a square mile area here, and that does not take into account the two convenience stores in that same area. So, lots of street drinking and yeah.....lots of smashed beer and liquor bottles. So, I sweep that up when I come across it on my Big Dummy now. Hand sweep, scoop with the dust pan, dump it into the plastic shopping bags, and dispose of it later. But that hasn't been happening much since I was using the truck.

Unloaded, heading back home. The Cedar River is in the background.

So, anyway, using the Big Dummy for recycling and errands is a good thing in many ways. I don't get as angry either, because, well.....traffic. It's a calmer way to travel, and I get a chance to slow down and think some. Lot's of great reasons to own this bike, but they don't matter if I don't use it. So, I look toward using it more now. I got lazy, yes. It's easy to do, ya know? But this is just a much better way to go, and I am glad I was reminded of such yesterday.

Back To The Big Dummy

Loaded. Recycling Cycling

So, we do some recycling now days to help out as we can with keeping things out of the landfill as much as possible. I'm not trying to shame anyone here, or pat my own back, but we felt led to do this so that's what we do. Anyway, since we've been doing this we've reduced what is going directly to the landfill by a huge amount by my estimate. We used to fill our garbage can up weekly. Now we're having a rare week if two bags are in the can. Most weeks it is one bag.

So, the point being here is that the rest of that stuff is going.....somewhere. All I know is we take a bunch of cardboard, glass jars, plastic milk jugs, and cans to a recycling area across the Cedar River from where I live. Maybe a mile or two at most away. Typically I use my Big Dummy for this trip, but recently I have been lazy, forgetful, or a slave to convenience, (all three?) and the "Truck With No Name" has been the recycling vehicle. Well, with Spring breaking here I figured it was high time to put an end to that scene.

It had been so long since the Big Dummy had seen the light of day that the tires were nearly flat. Thankfully they have tubes and only air was necessary to bring them back to life again. 20psi in those 2.4" tires is plenty on the 47mm wide rims. Rides so smooth.......

I have been keeping a selection of bungee cords in one inner pocket of one of the cargo bags and the flat repair items and a glass sweep up kit in the other inner pocket on the opposite side. I was inspired by a Des Moines area cyclist named Dori that keeps a dust pan, hand broom, and plastic bags in her cargo bike in case she sees broken glass on a bike path. We see a LOT of broken glass on sidewalks here in Waterloo. Especially so since there are what....three or four liquor stores within a square mile area here, and that does not take into account the two convenience stores in that same area. So, lots of street drinking and yeah.....lots of smashed beer and liquor bottles. So, I sweep that up when I come across it on my Big Dummy now. Hand sweep, scoop with the dust pan, dump it into the plastic shopping bags, and dispose of it later. But that hasn't been happening much since I was using the truck.

Unloaded, heading back home. The Cedar River is in the background.

So, anyway, using the Big Dummy for recycling and errands is a good thing in many ways. I don't get as angry either, because, well.....traffic. It's a calmer way to travel, and I get a chance to slow down and think some. Lot's of great reasons to own this bike, but they don't matter if I don't use it. So, I look toward using it more now. I got lazy, yes. It's easy to do, ya know? But this is just a much better way to go, and I am glad I was reminded of such yesterday.

Brown Season: March Winds Blow

I'm surprised I actually caught these clouds in the image. They were moving so fast!

March. Everyone knows that means "wind". In fact, I am betting that somewhere back in time this period of the year was once known by a name meaning "windy". Probably preceded by some appropriate malediction of the day.

If you live and ride in the Mid-West on the plains, you either embrace the wind, or you go insane because of it, or you don't ride outside. Those are your choices. I choose to embrace it. I'd rather not ride inside, ever, for any reason. I'm probably already insane anyway, so that choice is out the window.

I have a friend who told me once that he taunts the wind. "Is that all ya got? I'm still moving! Bring it on!", he says as he boldly mashes his pedals against the rushing air coming over the plains. I felt inspired by his attitude, so that's what I do now. I even say things out loud if I am alone riding. "C'mon now!, I'll say, "I'm okay!", I'll tell myself. It makes it easier than if you were to gripe about it. Being miserable doesn't help things, and it is a bicycle ride. I mean.....c'mon now! 

I am really just glad that the weather and the roads are cooperating to allow any kind of decent riding at this time of the year. Last year there was no way this was happening. This year we'll have an early Spring, and maybe.....just maybe, it will be a good long Spring, instead of a few days and then leaping straight into Summer's humidity.

The pink MCD. With The Redshift ShockStop stem and seat post, I may have to call this my "Pink Cadillac"!

The bike I rode is the familiar pink MCD from Black Mountain Cycles. I have the Redshift Sports ShockStop stem and seat post on it. Talk about smooth! It gives me a Cadillac ride. The poofy WTB Raddler 44mm tires don't hurt either. In fact, maybe it is almost too much squish. With the saddle, stem, and tires giving way, it seems I have lost a bit of road feedback which maybe is leading to handling issues. Or......it could be the 20+ mph cross winds. Reserving judgment! Going South or North wasn't too bad, but that West-Northwest cross wind was knocking my bike around a bit. Going West?  Ugggh!

The roads South of town are in excellent shape.

 I decided that beating myself up against this gale was not in my best interests, so I chose a route that featured mostly cross wind and a little bit of head and tail wind. It worked perfectly. The roads actually are the best they've been in a long, long time. I saw no soft spots, but perhaps the frost hasn't been drawn out just yet.

As you can see from these images, the snow is almost kaput. Which is fantastic, as the ground now will absorb more of the Sun's energy, kick starting this season into high gear sooner than it got going last year. Last year we had big snow drifts alongside the roads until mid-March and longer. The roads were a big mess, which took all year to recover from, so this respite from a ravaging Winter is good.It also means more riding is being done earlier than last year, so I am hopeful that I'll be in much netter shape for the Renegade Gent's Race at the beginning of April.

Brown Season: March Winds Blow

I'm surprised I actually caught these clouds in the image. They were moving so fast!

March. Everyone knows that means "wind". In fact, I am betting that somewhere back in time this period of the year was once known by a name meaning "windy". Probably preceded by some appropriate malediction of the day.

If you live and ride in the Mid-West on the plains, you either embrace the wind, or you go insane because of it, or you don't ride outside. Those are your choices. I choose to embrace it. I'd rather not ride inside, ever, for any reason. I'm probably already insane anyway, so that choice is out the window.

I have a friend who told me once that he taunts the wind. "Is that all ya got? I'm still moving! Bring it on!", he says as he boldly mashes his pedals against the rushing air coming over the plains. I felt inspired by his attitude, so that's what I do now. I even say things out loud if I am alone riding. "C'mon now!, I'll say, "I'm okay!", I'll tell myself. It makes it easier than if you were to gripe about it. Being miserable doesn't help things, and it is a bicycle ride. I mean.....c'mon now! 

I am really just glad that the weather and the roads are cooperating to allow any kind of decent riding at this time of the year. Last year there was no way this was happening. This year we'll have an early Spring, and maybe.....just maybe, it will be a good long Spring, instead of a few days and then leaping straight into Summer's humidity.

The pink MCD. With The Redshift ShockStop stem and seat post, I may have to call this my "Pink Cadillac"!

The bike I rode is the familiar pink MCD from Black Mountain Cycles. I have the Redshift Sports ShockStop stem and seat post on it. Talk about smooth! It gives me a Cadillac ride. The poofy WTB Raddler 44mm tires don't hurt either. In fact, maybe it is almost too much squish. With the saddle, stem, and tires giving way, it seems I have lost a bit of road feedback which maybe is leading to handling issues. Or......it could be the 20+ mph cross winds. Reserving judgment! Going South or North wasn't too bad, but that West-Northwest cross wind was knocking my bike around a bit. Going West?  Ugggh!

The roads South of town are in excellent shape.

 I decided that beating myself up against this gale was not in my best interests, so I chose a route that featured mostly cross wind and a little bit of head and tail wind. It worked perfectly. The roads actually are the best they've been in a long, long time. I saw no soft spots, but perhaps the frost hasn't been drawn out just yet.

As you can see from these images, the snow is almost kaput. Which is fantastic, as the ground now will absorb more of the Sun's energy, kick starting this season into high gear sooner than it got going last year. Last year we had big snow drifts alongside the roads until mid-March and longer. The roads were a big mess, which took all year to recover from, so this respite from a ravaging Winter is good.It also means more riding is being done earlier than last year, so I am hopeful that I'll be in much netter shape for the Renegade Gent's Race at the beginning of April.

Guitar Ted "Lube-Off": Introducing The Next Round

(L-R) aMTBRer Products "Smoothe Lube 1.2, Lilly Lube, and WPL Wet Chain Lube

Guitar Ted Productions "Lube Off" Intro:

Readers will remember last Fall when I pitted three lubes against each other and found the Champ, DuMonde Tech, to be the winner by a hair over the excellent Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Dry Lube.

By the way, can we just go ahead and say that "chain lube" and a short company name is all we need? I mean, good golly! Some of these lubes are a fair jaw-cracker.

Anyway, here are the next three lubricants I have to pit against each other. One was supposed to have been in the last round, but came too late to be included. I am adding it to this round along with two new-comers. Note- I did not pay for any of these lubricants. I have not been bribed, nor have I been paid to make these posts. These lubricants were either free samples or sent in specifically to be tested and reviewed by me. I will strive to give my honest thoughts and views throughout.

First up we have an independently made and developed lubricant from SoCal, the aMTBer Products Smoothe Lube 1.2. Here's the blurb from their site:

• Our premium chain lube for Gravel and XC MTB. Designed for silent performance on higher cadence efforts from a wax drivetrain system and still stay incredibly clean and fast.  Can be used solely on a fresh clean chain, or as a supplement for your wax-dipped chains, and can be used with Original Smoothe Lube as the maintenance coat between rides.  

Notes; This lube is a wax based lube. It has a very detailed, specific application process, but follow-up lubrication applications are simple*. Claims to not wash off with a bike cleaning of soapy water. Note: Rinse with water while washing your bike. Product is unaffected by soap and bike wash products. *Also- the instructions strongly recommend pre-ride maintenance using a brush application process. Yes.....before each ride. Although I'm told it can go for a "few rides" in between applications as long as those rides are not particularly long ones.

Next we have the Lilly Lube Premium Bicycle Chain Lubricant, also an independently developed product out of SoCal. On to the marketing blurb.....

• EP (Extreme Pressure) additives for superior film strength
• Contains proprietary additives that reduce friction
• Cleans every time you use it
• Petroleum based lubricant
• No added scents or dyes
• Made in the USA   

Notes: The site says this one is good as a wet and a dry lube. NOT a wax based lube, but claims to have "minimal attraction" to dirt and grit. Strictly instructs user to apply 8 hours ahead of a ride. Also, and very interestingly, the application process doubles as a chain cleaning process. Kind of reminiscent of Pro Gold lube in that way. No hints given as to when to re-apply Lilly Lube are given on their site. Hmmm.....

Next up we have WPL Wet Chain Lube from Canada. This one is neither wax based, nor petroleum based, but is made from a combination of oleochemicals (animal and plant based), antioxidants, and seed oils. It is certified biodegradable. Okay, now onto the marketing blurb:

•  Premium bio-based formula made with natural ingredients
• EmulsifiteTM technology provides dynamic cleaning abilities and prevents black goop build-up
• Long-lasting formula improves pedal efficiency by reducing chain wear and friction
• For use on bicycle chains, shifters, derailleurs and cables
• Biodegradable, non-toxic, PTFE-free formula is environmentally friendly
• Made in Canada

Notes: Claims it prevents "black goop build-up". Also claims that when washing with high pressure water, a chemical reacts to help clean the chain.  Regular splashing and running through puddles apparently doesn't affect this lube. Says this is especially good in wet conditions and for ultra-endurance efforts. Pretty straight forward application technique, and suggests reapplication when chain gets dirty.

The Fargo refreshed for 2020 duty, now going on 12 years old!

Comments: The aMTBer lube has already been used some, and so that one will get reviewed first. Then I'll move on to the other two. I'm planning on keeping the six hour use formula in place here, as that was the baseline for the test last Fall. NOTE- the aMTBer lube specifically calls out a pre-ride brush-on ritual for their product, and as you can probably guess, I have a big problem with that. But we'll play by their rules and I have a plan to test this particular lube straight-up as I would prefer to use it.

The other two lubes give no particular time limitations, nor do they call out for "time specific" re-applications as you use the lube, only really saying that you might re-apply when the chain gets dirty. We'll see how long that takes. Either way, the six hour time period is the test protocol here.

I will also be using the "Touch Test" to ascertain how much black goop I gather on these chains as the test progresses. This is a simple wipe of the chain with my index finger across about two inches of the chain's inner run. Whatever comes off, I photograph that and show you. The more gunk/black stuff, the lower down the rung the lube goes on the ratings.

Okay, I think it will be good to briefly go over the champion DuMonde Tech's characteristics here. It is a lube that remains uncannily clean, always out-performing the contenders on the Touch Test and in terms of longevity when it comes to use. Reapplications are few and far between. There is a strict first application protocol, but if it is followed, yeah.... Nothing comes close except the Muc-Off Ceramic C3 Dry, which is very similar in performance results for me.

So, low maintenance, dry, clean looking chains that feel slippery to the touch, and quiet, smooth shifts are the benchmarks. Also- I am taking the perspective of a gravel road rider, primarily. So resistance to grit and dust build up is a big plus in my eyes. Of course, your basic lubrication attributes must be maintained as well, or what's the point, right? As a side note- I readied the Fargo Gen I for this test yesterday.

 Let's see what these contenders bring to the table. Stay tuned........

Guitar Ted "Lube-Off": Introducing The Next Round

(L-R) aMTBRer Products "Smoothe Lube 1.2, Lilly Lube, and WPL Wet Chain Lube

Guitar Ted Productions "Lube Off" Intro:

Readers will remember last Fall when I pitted three lubes against each other and found the Champ, DuMonde Tech, to be the winner by a hair over the excellent Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Dry Lube.

By the way, can we just go ahead and say that "chain lube" and a short company name is all we need? I mean, good golly! Some of these lubes are a fair jaw-cracker.

Anyway, here are the next three lubricants I have to pit against each other. One was supposed to have been in the last round, but came too late to be included. I am adding it to this round along with two new-comers. Note- I did not pay for any of these lubricants. I have not been bribed, nor have I been paid to make these posts. These lubricants were either free samples or sent in specifically to be tested and reviewed by me. I will strive to give my honest thoughts and views throughout.

First up we have an independently made and developed lubricant from SoCal, the aMTBer Products Smoothe Lube 1.2. Here's the blurb from their site:

• Our premium chain lube for Gravel and XC MTB. Designed for silent performance on higher cadence efforts from a wax drivetrain system and still stay incredibly clean and fast.  Can be used solely on a fresh clean chain, or as a supplement for your wax-dipped chains, and can be used with Original Smoothe Lube as the maintenance coat between rides.  

Notes; This lube is a wax based lube. It has a very detailed, specific application process, but follow-up lubrication applications are simple*. Claims to not wash off with a bike cleaning of soapy water. Note: Rinse with water while washing your bike. Product is unaffected by soap and bike wash products. *Also- the instructions strongly recommend pre-ride maintenance using a brush application process. Yes.....before each ride. Although I'm told it can go for a "few rides" in between applications as long as those rides are not particularly long ones.

Next we have the Lilly Lube Premium Bicycle Chain Lubricant, also an independently developed product out of SoCal. On to the marketing blurb.....

• EP (Extreme Pressure) additives for superior film strength
• Contains proprietary additives that reduce friction
• Cleans every time you use it
• Petroleum based lubricant
• No added scents or dyes
• Made in the USA   

Notes: The site says this one is good as a wet and a dry lube. NOT a wax based lube, but claims to have "minimal attraction" to dirt and grit. Strictly instructs user to apply 8 hours ahead of a ride. Also, and very interestingly, the application process doubles as a chain cleaning process. Kind of reminiscent of Pro Gold lube in that way. No hints given as to when to re-apply Lilly Lube are given on their site. Hmmm.....

Next up we have WPL Wet Chain Lube from Canada. This one is neither wax based, nor petroleum based, but is made from a combination of oleochemicals (animal and plant based), antioxidants, and seed oils. It is certified biodegradable. Okay, now onto the marketing blurb:

•  Premium bio-based formula made with natural ingredients
• EmulsifiteTM technology provides dynamic cleaning abilities and prevents black goop build-up
• Long-lasting formula improves pedal efficiency by reducing chain wear and friction
• For use on bicycle chains, shifters, derailleurs and cables
• Biodegradable, non-toxic, PTFE-free formula is environmentally friendly
• Made in Canada

Notes: Claims it prevents "black goop build-up". Also claims that when washing with high pressure water, a chemical reacts to help clean the chain.  Regular splashing and running through puddles apparently doesn't affect this lube. Says this is especially good in wet conditions and for ultra-endurance efforts. Pretty straight forward application technique, and suggests reapplication when chain gets dirty.

The Fargo refreshed for 2020 duty, now going on 12 years old!

Comments: The aMTBer lube has already been used some, and so that one will get reviewed first. Then I'll move on to the other two. I'm planning on keeping the six hour use formula in place here, as that was the baseline for the test last Fall. NOTE- the aMTBer lube specifically calls out a pre-ride brush-on ritual for their product, and as you can probably guess, I have a big problem with that. But we'll play by their rules and I have a plan to test this particular lube straight-up as I would prefer to use it.

The other two lubes give no particular time limitations, nor do they call out for "time specific" re-applications as you use the lube, only really saying that you might re-apply when the chain gets dirty. We'll see how long that takes. Either way, the six hour time period is the test protocol here.

I will also be using the "Touch Test" to ascertain how much black goop I gather on these chains as the test progresses. This is a simple wipe of the chain with my index finger across about two inches of the chain's inner run. Whatever comes off, I photograph that and show you. The more gunk/black stuff, the lower down the rung the lube goes on the ratings.

Okay, I think it will be good to briefly go over the champion DuMonde Tech's characteristics here. It is a lube that remains uncannily clean, always out-performing the contenders on the Touch Test and in terms of longevity when it comes to use. Reapplications are few and far between. There is a strict first application protocol, but if it is followed, yeah.... Nothing comes close except the Muc-Off Ceramic C3 Dry, which is very similar in performance results for me.

So, low maintenance, dry, clean looking chains that feel slippery to the touch, and quiet, smooth shifts are the benchmarks. Also- I am taking the perspective of a gravel road rider, primarily. So resistance to grit and dust build up is a big plus in my eyes. Of course, your basic lubrication attributes must be maintained as well, or what's the point, right? As a side note- I readied the Fargo Gen I for this test yesterday.

 Let's see what these contenders bring to the table. Stay tuned........

Leap Day Excursion

Coffee with Mrs. Guitar Ted and Special Guests at Impact Coffee in Decorah Iowa.

Saturday I had a date. On Leap Day of all things. I mean, how often in life do you get to do something special on Leap Day?

The deal had been set up for March 1st, initially. I was to travel to Decorah, Iowa, a place I was quite familiar with. I've been there to recreate, to put on bike festivals, and to put on Trans Iowa. But I hadn't been there since I had a sit-down with former Almanzo director, Chris Skogen, maybe close to ten years ago now. It'd been a while since I had been there, at any rate. The reason I went this time actually is sort of ironic considering the reason I was there the last time.

Things got switched to Saturday for the meeting at Impact Coffee Bar in Decorah. I was meeting one of the Event Directors of the newly minted Heywood Ride. Emphasis on the ride part. This is not a race, folks. No, this event is geared toward the adventure seeker and for those looking for a personal challenge. I was to interview a long time friend, Marty Larson. He was bringing his daughter along, and I brought along Mrs. Guitar Ted. We found ourselves sat in the spacious interior of Impact Coffee Bar around noon and I proceeded to record the interview which will air on the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch soon. I won't touch on that in this post. You'll have to wait until the podcast goes live. But suffice it to say that for my first effort at a remote recording, I did alright. I think it will turn out fine.

After the interview, two excellent Americanos, and some chatting, it was well past the time to be having some lunch. So, we bid Marty and his lovely daughter goodbye and made our way down Water Street in Decorah to find something good to eat. Mrs Guitar Ted had spotted something Asian when we rolled into town called "Koreana", so off we strolled to see if we couldn't find it.

Lunch. The place is called "Koreana"

After that we took our leisure and strolled the street full of people and shops where there are a lot of cool things to check out. It's amazing to think that this little jewel of a town is in Iowa, tucked away in the corner, as it were, out of the view of the mainstream. I haven't even touched upon the bicycling opportunities there. Mountain biking? Best in Iowa. Gravel? Same. Recreational trail riding? Check! Decorah has two bike shops. It's a stellar area for riding, all within reach of this bustling, vibrant downtown area. By that I mean, you can ride your bike to everything. Mountain bike trails, gravel, and rec paved trails are all within a mile of down town. Frankly, it is probably the coolest town, from a cycling viewpoint, in the Mid-West, and would be the "Bentonville" thing if anyone in the "influencer" crowd paid any mind to Decorah. But......they don't, and really, that's probably for the best. This deal in Decorah didn't pop up due to an inheritance of a billionaire's fortune. It's all grassroots. Take that for what it is worth.

Hallowed ground for those who know.

Of course, I had to give a nod as I passed T-Bock's Sports Bar. The place where two Trans Iowa's had their pre-race meetings at. T.I.v3 was actually on the third floor there, in the old Odd Fellow's space, and T.I.v4 was in T Bock's party room, I think that was in the basement. (Some of you T.I.v4 vets reading this might be able to confirm that) I should also mention that a few T.I. folks actually ate at Mabe's Pizza down the block. Rebels!

For me, T Bock's was where I met some long time friends who I wouldn't have met otherwise. Things change. Places come and go, and I know someday that joint will likely disappear, so it was a bit of a nostalgic feeling which I felt Saturday as I looked at that sign above that doorway and felt all those memories again. But that passed and we moved on into another shop.

It was fun to spend time with Mrs. Guitar Ted, doing things I don't normally get to do, and up there in Decorah again after so long a time. I shouldn't wait so long to go back again, I can say that much. Those hills are calling, and the gravel roads are top notch. Maybe a bit of a trip later this Spring?

Leap Day Excursion

Coffee with Mrs. Guitar Ted and Special Guests at Impact Coffee in Decorah Iowa.

Saturday I had a date. On Leap Day of all things. I mean, how often in life do you get to do something special on Leap Day?

The deal had been set up for March 1st, initially. I was to travel to Decorah, Iowa, a place I was quite familiar with. I've been there to recreate, to put on bike festivals, and to put on Trans Iowa. But I hadn't been there since I had a sit-down with former Almanzo director, Chris Skogen, maybe close to ten years ago now. It'd been a while since I had been there, at any rate. The reason I went this time actually is sort of ironic considering the reason I was there the last time.

Things got switched to Saturday for the meeting at Impact Coffee Bar in Decorah. I was meeting one of the Event Directors of the newly minted Heywood Ride. Emphasis on the ride part. This is not a race, folks. No, this event is geared toward the adventure seeker and for those looking for a personal challenge. I was to interview a long time friend, Marty Larson. He was bringing his daughter along, and I brought along Mrs. Guitar Ted. We found ourselves sat in the spacious interior of Impact Coffee Bar around noon and I proceeded to record the interview which will air on the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch soon. I won't touch on that in this post. You'll have to wait until the podcast goes live. But suffice it to say that for my first effort at a remote recording, I did alright. I think it will turn out fine.

After the interview, two excellent Americanos, and some chatting, it was well past the time to be having some lunch. So, we bid Marty and his lovely daughter goodbye and made our way down Water Street in Decorah to find something good to eat. Mrs Guitar Ted had spotted something Asian when we rolled into town called "Koreana", so off we strolled to see if we couldn't find it.

Lunch. The place is called "Koreana"

After that we took our leisure and strolled the street full of people and shops where there are a lot of cool things to check out. It's amazing to think that this little jewel of a town is in Iowa, tucked away in the corner, as it were, out of the view of the mainstream. I haven't even touched upon the bicycling opportunities there. Mountain biking? Best in Iowa. Gravel? Same. Recreational trail riding? Check! Decorah has two bike shops. It's a stellar area for riding, all within reach of this bustling, vibrant downtown area. By that I mean, you can ride your bike to everything. Mountain bike trails, gravel, and rec paved trails are all within a mile of down town. Frankly, it is probably the coolest town, from a cycling viewpoint, in the Mid-West, and would be the "Bentonville" thing if anyone in the "influencer" crowd paid any mind to Decorah. But......they don't, and really, that's probably for the best. This deal in Decorah didn't pop up due to an inheritance of a billionaire's fortune. It's all grassroots. Take that for what it is worth.

Hallowed ground for those who know.

Of course, I had to give a nod as I passed T-Bock's Sports Bar. The place where two Trans Iowa's had their pre-race meetings at. T.I.v3 was actually on the third floor there, in the old Odd Fellow's space, and T.I.v4 was in T Bock's party room, I think that was in the basement. (Some of you T.I.v4 vets reading this might be able to confirm that) I should also mention that a few T.I. folks actually ate at Mabe's Pizza down the block. Rebels!

For me, T Bock's was where I met some long time friends who I wouldn't have met otherwise. Things change. Places come and go, and I know someday that joint will likely disappear, so it was a bit of a nostalgic feeling which I felt Saturday as I looked at that sign above that doorway and felt all those memories again. But that passed and we moved on into another shop.

It was fun to spend time with Mrs. Guitar Ted, doing things I don't normally get to do, and up there in Decorah again after so long a time. I shouldn't wait so long to go back again, I can say that much. Those hills are calling, and the gravel roads are top notch. Maybe a bit of a trip later this Spring?

Trans Iowa Stories:Thunder And Lightning: Part 1

David Pals (bd.sahib on MTBR.com) comments about the course for v6

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

It was the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Trans Iowa v6 was entered in with a heart full of hope and a promise of the best event we'd engineered yet. It also came with a ton of stress and worry, with the whole thing nearly coming undone before it even started. (See last week's post)

The high was right off the bat with the "Pre-Race Meat-Up" at the newly minted Grinnell Steakhouse. This was a "grill your own" steak place where they had this enormous grill which they fired all up, especially for Trans Iowa, and let our riders, support people, friends, and volunteers use to enjoy some camaraderie and fun. This part of Trans Iowa I was very proud of, and the way the first one went, well....... "Smashing success"? Maybe "better than anyone could have imagined"? All I know is that compared to v5 the year before, this deal was astronomically better. It ended up being more than I had hoped.

Going in, all we were looking for was to create a bit of that early Dirty Kansas vibe. The "Small DK200", as I call it now, where things happened organically, and the field wasn't so big that you didn't get to at least say "hello" to everyone. David had been there, at the early DK's, and he was way into what we were doing too. The smiles on our faces as we watched the night unfold were wide and we felt very proud that evening.

As the crowd came in and mingled the room became full of chatting racers, support people, and some locals who were hip to the event. The vibe was definitely what David and I wanted, and then we did the pre-race meeting. That done, we were packing up our stuff and getting ready to head to our motel. That was about the time a young waitress came up, looking sheepish, and demurely asked us if we were coming back next year. That's exactly when we knew that the Grinnell Steakhouse was impressed with us. To say our stoke was maxed out would be putting things mildly.

The first Trans Iowa in Grinnell started in front of Bikes To You. The scene when David and I arrived. 

Just minutes before the 4:00am start of Trans Iowa v6

The start was electric. The tension was thick as the fog we were diving into. I remember the dichotomy of that Broad Street scene and what we were about to experience. First it was all bright lights and lots of people, and then only moments later, I remember being enveloped in darkness inside of David's Honda Element as we gingerly navigated soft, wet gravel roads. We were in 'Times Square', then we were in 'solitary confinement' in the matter of minutes. It was disconcerting to say the least.

But what was even more disconcerting, ominous even, were the sudden flashes of light I was seeing here and there. David did not see this at first as he was fully concentrating on not going off into a steep ditch. These roads were like roller coaster tracks- steeply up, then just as frighteningly steep going down, so he needed full command of all his faculties to steer the car and not fail. The thick blanket of fog did not help matters.

But then, after much debating about the light being a beacon on a windmill or not, we had to admit this was not anything but lightning. My heart was in my throat as we stopped atop the bridge over I-80 which the course used. I was looking at the radar on my phone, and it wasn't good. A severe thunderstorm warning for Jasper County. Dammit! Should we ride it out or call this thing off. The riders hadn't even gone 20 miles by this time into T.I.v6. David was more optimistic then I at this point. So we went forward. And then the skies unleashed their fury. I was about as low as I could go right about then. I felt terrible.

Next: Thunder And Lightning Part 2

Trans Iowa Stories:Thunder And Lightning: Part 1

David Pals (bd.sahib on MTBR.com) comments about the course for v6

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

It was the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Trans Iowa v6 was entered in with a heart full of hope and a promise of the best event we'd engineered yet. It also came with a ton of stress and worry, with the whole thing nearly coming undone before it even started. (See last week's post)

The high was right off the bat with the "Pre-Race Meat-Up" at the newly minted Grinnell Steakhouse. This was a "grill your own" steak place where they had this enormous grill which they fired all up, especially for Trans Iowa, and let our riders, support people, friends, and volunteers use to enjoy some camaraderie and fun. This part of Trans Iowa I was very proud of, and the way the first one went, well....... "Smashing success"? Maybe "better than anyone could have imagined"? All I know is that compared to v5 the year before, this deal was astronomically better. It ended up being more than I had hoped.

Going in, all we were looking for was to create a bit of that early Dirty Kansas vibe. The "Small DK200", as I call it now, where things happened organically, and the field wasn't so big that you didn't get to at least say "hello" to everyone. David had been there, at the early DK's, and he was way into what we were doing too. The smiles on our faces as we watched the night unfold were wide and we felt very proud that evening.

As the crowd came in and mingled the room became full of chatting racers, support people, and some locals who were hip to the event. The vibe was definitely what David and I wanted, and then we did the pre-race meeting. That done, we were packing up our stuff and getting ready to head to our motel. That was about the time a young waitress came up, looking sheepish, and demurely asked us if we were coming back next year. That's exactly when we knew that the Grinnell Steakhouse was impressed with us. To say our stoke was maxed out would be putting things mildly.

The first Trans Iowa in Grinnell started in front of Bikes To You. The scene when David and I arrived. 

Just minutes before the 4:00am start of Trans Iowa v6

The start was electric. The tension was thick as the fog we were diving into. I remember the dichotomy of that Broad Street scene and what we were about to experience. First it was all bright lights and lots of people, and then only moments later, I remember being enveloped in darkness inside of David's Honda Element as we gingerly navigated soft, wet gravel roads. We were in 'Times Square', then we were in 'solitary confinement' in the matter of minutes. It was disconcerting to say the least.

But what was even more disconcerting, ominous even, were the sudden flashes of light I was seeing here and there. David did not see this at first as he was fully concentrating on not going off into a steep ditch. These roads were like roller coaster tracks- steeply up, then just as frighteningly steep going down, so he needed full command of all his faculties to steer the car and not fail. The thick blanket of fog did not help matters.

But then, after much debating about the light being a beacon on a windmill or not, we had to admit this was not anything but lightning. My heart was in my throat as we stopped atop the bridge over I-80 which the course used. I was looking at the radar on my phone, and it wasn't good. A severe thunderstorm warning for Jasper County. Dammit! Should we ride it out or call this thing off. The riders hadn't even gone 20 miles by this time into T.I.v6. David was more optimistic then I at this point. So we went forward. And then the skies unleashed their fury. I was about as low as I could go right about then. I felt terrible.

Next: Thunder And Lightning Part 2