I posted sometime ago about my little experiment with shorter cranks. I actually have had two bikes set up now with the shorter arms, (170mm, to be exact) and here is my take on what it is like so far.
First off, the Salsa El Mariachi is the geared bike with 170mm arms and to be honest, I had completely forgotten that I had put 170mm arms on there! So in terms of feel, I guess I never noticed anything different about my pedal stroke. It feels totally normal every time I get on it.
The next thing I would have an impression about is this: The El Mariachi seems faster to spin up to speed than some of my other bikes. Granted, I have a really nice set of hoops on it, very light for a guy my size at about 1800 grams for the set, but I also have that on another bike. Oddly enough, that bike has 180mm cranks and seems to promote my slower twitch muscles or something, because I just don't feel that it easy to get leg speed up on that bike. Is it all in my head? maybe, but the longer cranked geared bike seems slower to speed.
On the El Mariachi, this translates to a bike I always want to grab for single track rides. I know, (or at least I "feel like it does") it will come out of corners faster than my longer cranked rigs will. I mentally like this bike better for some strange reason, (keeping in mind,I forgot it had shorter cranks), and this may be a reason why. If I think it is faster, it is, no? I figure there is something to that. I'll keep riding, knowing it has the short crank set, and report back later.
The other rig with the short arms is the Blackbuck. And I know this has shorter arms! How could I forget, since I had them anodized antifreeze green before I slapped them on the bike! It is a reminder of that fact every time I ride this rig. Anyway, as many of you know, the Blackbuck is a single speed. The 170mm cranks are definitely not conventional wisdom here!
Okay, so how has it been? Well, I rather like the shorter cranks here too. The spin up is there, yes, but I feel I can roll the crank arm up into the power section of my cadence easier on climbs. I can spin up some steeps that I would have been hammering at with 180mm cranks at a slower speed. The only time I feel that 180mm cranks might be an advantage here is when I am at or below walking speed on a steep climb, hammering out each pedal stroke like a guy swinging a sledge hammer. That longer arm seems to get you a bit further up the hill with every laborious stroke. Other than that, I would choose my 170mm arms for every other single speed situation. A big advantage goes to the 170mm arms on the flats when you can maintain a high cadence without bouncing yourself off the saddle.
Is any of this 29"er specific? Well, since I don't really ride 26"ers anymore, I can't really address that. I know the Crested Butte guys thought so back in the early part of this decade. I can say that there are some things positive going on with the idea. Enough so that I feel encouraged to pursue it further and keep testing it against my longer cranked bicycles here. I'll keep ya'all posted, but until then, there is a lot of riding to do!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Crank Length Musings
I posted sometime ago about my little experiment with shorter cranks. I actually have had two bikes set up now with the shorter arms, (170mm, to be exact) and here is my take on what it is like so far.
First off, the Salsa El Mariachi is the geared bike with 170mm arms and to be honest, I had completely forgotten that I had put 170mm arms on there! So in terms of feel, I guess I never noticed anything different about my pedal stroke. It feels totally normal every time I get on it.
The next thing I would have an impression about is this: The El Mariachi seems faster to spin up to speed than some of my other bikes. Granted, I have a really nice set of hoops on it, very light for a guy my size at about 1800 grams for the set, but I also have that on another bike. Oddly enough, that bike has 180mm cranks and seems to promote my slower twitch muscles or something, because I just don't feel that it easy to get leg speed up on that bike. Is it all in my head? maybe, but the longer cranked geared bike seems slower to speed.
On the El Mariachi, this translates to a bike I always want to grab for single track rides. I know, (or at least I "feel like it does") it will come out of corners faster than my longer cranked rigs will. I mentally like this bike better for some strange reason, (keeping in mind,I forgot it had shorter cranks), and this may be a reason why. If I think it is faster, it is, no? I figure there is something to that. I'll keep riding, knowing it has the short crank set, and report back later.
The other rig with the short arms is the Blackbuck. And I know this has shorter arms! How could I forget, since I had them anodized antifreeze green before I slapped them on the bike! It is a reminder of that fact every time I ride this rig. Anyway, as many of you know, the Blackbuck is a single speed. The 170mm cranks are definitely not conventional wisdom here!
Okay, so how has it been? Well, I rather like the shorter cranks here too. The spin up is there, yes, but I feel I can roll the crank arm up into the power section of my cadence easier on climbs. I can spin up some steeps that I would have been hammering at with 180mm cranks at a slower speed. The only time I feel that 180mm cranks might be an advantage here is when I am at or below walking speed on a steep climb, hammering out each pedal stroke like a guy swinging a sledge hammer. That longer arm seems to get you a bit further up the hill with every laborious stroke. Other than that, I would choose my 170mm arms for every other single speed situation. A big advantage goes to the 170mm arms on the flats when you can maintain a high cadence without bouncing yourself off the saddle.
Is any of this 29"er specific? Well, since I don't really ride 26"ers anymore, I can't really address that. I know the Crested Butte guys thought so back in the early part of this decade. I can say that there are some things positive going on with the idea. Enough so that I feel encouraged to pursue it further and keep testing it against my longer cranked bicycles here. I'll keep ya'all posted, but until then, there is a lot of riding to do!
First off, the Salsa El Mariachi is the geared bike with 170mm arms and to be honest, I had completely forgotten that I had put 170mm arms on there! So in terms of feel, I guess I never noticed anything different about my pedal stroke. It feels totally normal every time I get on it.
The next thing I would have an impression about is this: The El Mariachi seems faster to spin up to speed than some of my other bikes. Granted, I have a really nice set of hoops on it, very light for a guy my size at about 1800 grams for the set, but I also have that on another bike. Oddly enough, that bike has 180mm cranks and seems to promote my slower twitch muscles or something, because I just don't feel that it easy to get leg speed up on that bike. Is it all in my head? maybe, but the longer cranked geared bike seems slower to speed.
On the El Mariachi, this translates to a bike I always want to grab for single track rides. I know, (or at least I "feel like it does") it will come out of corners faster than my longer cranked rigs will. I mentally like this bike better for some strange reason, (keeping in mind,I forgot it had shorter cranks), and this may be a reason why. If I think it is faster, it is, no? I figure there is something to that. I'll keep riding, knowing it has the short crank set, and report back later.
The other rig with the short arms is the Blackbuck. And I know this has shorter arms! How could I forget, since I had them anodized antifreeze green before I slapped them on the bike! It is a reminder of that fact every time I ride this rig. Anyway, as many of you know, the Blackbuck is a single speed. The 170mm cranks are definitely not conventional wisdom here!
Okay, so how has it been? Well, I rather like the shorter cranks here too. The spin up is there, yes, but I feel I can roll the crank arm up into the power section of my cadence easier on climbs. I can spin up some steeps that I would have been hammering at with 180mm cranks at a slower speed. The only time I feel that 180mm cranks might be an advantage here is when I am at or below walking speed on a steep climb, hammering out each pedal stroke like a guy swinging a sledge hammer. That longer arm seems to get you a bit further up the hill with every laborious stroke. Other than that, I would choose my 170mm arms for every other single speed situation. A big advantage goes to the 170mm arms on the flats when you can maintain a high cadence without bouncing yourself off the saddle.
Is any of this 29"er specific? Well, since I don't really ride 26"ers anymore, I can't really address that. I know the Crested Butte guys thought so back in the early part of this decade. I can say that there are some things positive going on with the idea. Enough so that I feel encouraged to pursue it further and keep testing it against my longer cranked bicycles here. I'll keep ya'all posted, but until then, there is a lot of riding to do!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Drop Bars And Top Tube Lengths For Off Roading
It seems that lately I have been seeing a lot of questions about what length top tube you need to get to run drop bars off road. This is a question that has some unspoken myth and serious consequences for "real" off road uses. Let me explain.....
First off, it is imperative that you know how to position your drops for off roading. The whole reasoning for even using drops might be useful here, but I'll just say that one of the benefits is that your hand grip can be more relaxed in the rough if you are in the drops. So, it is a generally understood thing amongst drop bar aficionados that you ride in the drops all the time.
If this is understood, then your drop bar positioning becomes clear. The bars drop section must be as close to the same height from the ground and distance from your saddle as your current flat bar/riser bar set up. You cannot achieve this by using a shorter top tubed frame. Why? Well, a shorter top tubed frame is, in reality, a bike one size too small for you! You wouldn't buy a frame that size for your "normal" bars, so why would you do this for a drop bar bike?
The reason that this myth got started was because the function of fitting a drop bar to a properly sized frame is the function of the proper stem. Usually a short reach, high rise affair that for years was nearly impossible to get easily. To compensate for this lack of stem choice, some made the assumption that using a shorter top tube, (ie: a bike a size too small) would solve the stem issue. Not a good idea for proper off roading.
Now stem choices in high rise/short reach are becoming more common, (IRD, Salsa, and a few others com to mind) and custom builders are available to do this sort of work all across the nation. (Check out the inner-web-o-sphere for more) There is no excuse now for not using the proper stem.
Just keep in mind that you will need to accommodate the reach factor of the bar into your stem calculations along with the bars drop measurement. Yes.......you will have a goofy looking stem! There isn't anything that you can do about that unless you go custom. If you end up loving drops for off road, you won't care about the stems looks anyway. Heck, you might even grow to love that look.
So, next time you see someone talking about getting a "shorter top tube" for their drop bar set up, set them straight. It is a bad mistake waiting to happen!
First off, it is imperative that you know how to position your drops for off roading. The whole reasoning for even using drops might be useful here, but I'll just say that one of the benefits is that your hand grip can be more relaxed in the rough if you are in the drops. So, it is a generally understood thing amongst drop bar aficionados that you ride in the drops all the time.
If this is understood, then your drop bar positioning becomes clear. The bars drop section must be as close to the same height from the ground and distance from your saddle as your current flat bar/riser bar set up. You cannot achieve this by using a shorter top tubed frame. Why? Well, a shorter top tubed frame is, in reality, a bike one size too small for you! You wouldn't buy a frame that size for your "normal" bars, so why would you do this for a drop bar bike?
The reason that this myth got started was because the function of fitting a drop bar to a properly sized frame is the function of the proper stem. Usually a short reach, high rise affair that for years was nearly impossible to get easily. To compensate for this lack of stem choice, some made the assumption that using a shorter top tube, (ie: a bike a size too small) would solve the stem issue. Not a good idea for proper off roading.
Now stem choices in high rise/short reach are becoming more common, (IRD, Salsa, and a few others com to mind) and custom builders are available to do this sort of work all across the nation. (Check out the inner-web-o-sphere for more) There is no excuse now for not using the proper stem.
Just keep in mind that you will need to accommodate the reach factor of the bar into your stem calculations along with the bars drop measurement. Yes.......you will have a goofy looking stem! There isn't anything that you can do about that unless you go custom. If you end up loving drops for off road, you won't care about the stems looks anyway. Heck, you might even grow to love that look.
So, next time you see someone talking about getting a "shorter top tube" for their drop bar set up, set them straight. It is a bad mistake waiting to happen!
Drop Bars And Top Tube Lengths For Off Roading
It seems that lately I have been seeing a lot of questions about what length top tube you need to get to run drop bars off road. This is a question that has some unspoken myth and serious consequences for "real" off road uses. Let me explain.....
First off, it is imperative that you know how to position your drops for off roading. The whole reasoning for even using drops might be useful here, but I'll just say that one of the benefits is that your hand grip can be more relaxed in the rough if you are in the drops. So, it is a generally understood thing amongst drop bar aficionados that you ride in the drops all the time.
If this is understood, then your drop bar positioning becomes clear. The bars drop section must be as close to the same height from the ground and distance from your saddle as your current flat bar/riser bar set up. You cannot achieve this by using a shorter top tubed frame. Why? Well, a shorter top tubed frame is, in reality, a bike one size too small for you! You wouldn't buy a frame that size for your "normal" bars, so why would you do this for a drop bar bike?
The reason that this myth got started was because the function of fitting a drop bar to a properly sized frame is the function of the proper stem. Usually a short reach, high rise affair that for years was nearly impossible to get easily. To compensate for this lack of stem choice, some made the assumption that using a shorter top tube, (ie: a bike a size too small) would solve the stem issue. Not a good idea for proper off roading.
Now stem choices in high rise/short reach are becoming more common, (IRD, Salsa, and a few others com to mind) and custom builders are available to do this sort of work all across the nation. (Check out the inner-web-o-sphere for more) There is no excuse now for not using the proper stem.
Just keep in mind that you will need to accommodate the reach factor of the bar into your stem calculations along with the bars drop measurement. Yes.......you will have a goofy looking stem! There isn't anything that you can do about that unless you go custom. If you end up loving drops for off road, you won't care about the stems looks anyway. Heck, you might even grow to love that look.
So, next time you see someone talking about getting a "shorter top tube" for their drop bar set up, set them straight. It is a bad mistake waiting to happen!
First off, it is imperative that you know how to position your drops for off roading. The whole reasoning for even using drops might be useful here, but I'll just say that one of the benefits is that your hand grip can be more relaxed in the rough if you are in the drops. So, it is a generally understood thing amongst drop bar aficionados that you ride in the drops all the time.
If this is understood, then your drop bar positioning becomes clear. The bars drop section must be as close to the same height from the ground and distance from your saddle as your current flat bar/riser bar set up. You cannot achieve this by using a shorter top tubed frame. Why? Well, a shorter top tubed frame is, in reality, a bike one size too small for you! You wouldn't buy a frame that size for your "normal" bars, so why would you do this for a drop bar bike?
The reason that this myth got started was because the function of fitting a drop bar to a properly sized frame is the function of the proper stem. Usually a short reach, high rise affair that for years was nearly impossible to get easily. To compensate for this lack of stem choice, some made the assumption that using a shorter top tube, (ie: a bike a size too small) would solve the stem issue. Not a good idea for proper off roading.
Now stem choices in high rise/short reach are becoming more common, (IRD, Salsa, and a few others com to mind) and custom builders are available to do this sort of work all across the nation. (Check out the inner-web-o-sphere for more) There is no excuse now for not using the proper stem.
Just keep in mind that you will need to accommodate the reach factor of the bar into your stem calculations along with the bars drop measurement. Yes.......you will have a goofy looking stem! There isn't anything that you can do about that unless you go custom. If you end up loving drops for off road, you won't care about the stems looks anyway. Heck, you might even grow to love that look.
So, next time you see someone talking about getting a "shorter top tube" for their drop bar set up, set them straight. It is a bad mistake waiting to happen!
Monday, August 04, 2008
A Passion For Crashing
Note: This is a story I wrote originally for a gig I had at "The Biking Hub" I came across it today and thought you all might enjoy it. So, here is the original, un-edited version.
I went out for a nice after work single track ride the other day. That is a great way that I’ve found to clear out the cobwebs from a long day at work, which I highly recommend to you all, by the way. On my merry little way, I noticed that the trails were a bit damp. That reminded me of the previous days down pour we received. Not to worry, as the trail system I was on drains very quickly, being mostly sandy, silt dirt in composition. The soil was collecting on my tires a bit and was getting tossed up in the air around me in small bits by my tires. I always am amused by that when it happens, so I kept right on peddling and having fun. That’s right about when it happened.
I got that rude awakening that we all have received at one time or another. The trail went around a tight 90 degree turn to the left. I dove in it with a good head of steam. Then the dirt packed front tire started that dreaded slide that portends doom. I always find that somehow or another I enter a time warp at that moment. How else do you explain the slow motion feel that you get when you are about to be introduced to Mother Earth in a violent manner?
That feeling you get just before the impact. That is such a great moment! I had a physics teacher in college that put it this way: “It’s not the state of being out of control that kills you, it’s the sudden deceleration that does the damage.” He was right about that. I just wish the price of being out of control for that one glorious moment wasn’t quite so high. It seems like you are flying, free from the usual state of gravitational pull, and it is quite exhilarating. Then the bill comes and it’s time to pay.
Thankfully, today’s price tag wasn’t too high. Just a slide on the left leg and forearm in some greasy earth and bruise here and there. Nothing that a hot shower at the end of the ride couldn’t cure. It was fun, actually, and I look forward to the next on the edge flirtation with disaster. Maybe I’m crazy, but I think that it’s part of the mountain biking experience, whether you are a down hill rider or just plunking along on some twisty single track like me. Try embracing that facet of the ride and you just might be having more fun than you thought possible on your trails.
Crashing can even be looked at as a positive experience in another way. You learn what you can and can’t do. You find out what skills you need to sharpen. You can even make better choices in equipment based on crash experiences. A crash should always teach you something. What did I learn today? Well, I should be running a different tire combination when the trails are damp, for one thing. I also learned that people stare at you funny when you are covered in dirt riding home from the trails. That’s okay. I know I’m having fun getting that way. I can’t wait to do it again!
Final note: Funny thing is, I had a crash nearly identical to this last weekend at the Camp! Ride on ya'all!
I went out for a nice after work single track ride the other day. That is a great way that I’ve found to clear out the cobwebs from a long day at work, which I highly recommend to you all, by the way. On my merry little way, I noticed that the trails were a bit damp. That reminded me of the previous days down pour we received. Not to worry, as the trail system I was on drains very quickly, being mostly sandy, silt dirt in composition. The soil was collecting on my tires a bit and was getting tossed up in the air around me in small bits by my tires. I always am amused by that when it happens, so I kept right on peddling and having fun. That’s right about when it happened.
I got that rude awakening that we all have received at one time or another. The trail went around a tight 90 degree turn to the left. I dove in it with a good head of steam. Then the dirt packed front tire started that dreaded slide that portends doom. I always find that somehow or another I enter a time warp at that moment. How else do you explain the slow motion feel that you get when you are about to be introduced to Mother Earth in a violent manner?
That feeling you get just before the impact. That is such a great moment! I had a physics teacher in college that put it this way: “It’s not the state of being out of control that kills you, it’s the sudden deceleration that does the damage.” He was right about that. I just wish the price of being out of control for that one glorious moment wasn’t quite so high. It seems like you are flying, free from the usual state of gravitational pull, and it is quite exhilarating. Then the bill comes and it’s time to pay.
Thankfully, today’s price tag wasn’t too high. Just a slide on the left leg and forearm in some greasy earth and bruise here and there. Nothing that a hot shower at the end of the ride couldn’t cure. It was fun, actually, and I look forward to the next on the edge flirtation with disaster. Maybe I’m crazy, but I think that it’s part of the mountain biking experience, whether you are a down hill rider or just plunking along on some twisty single track like me. Try embracing that facet of the ride and you just might be having more fun than you thought possible on your trails.
Crashing can even be looked at as a positive experience in another way. You learn what you can and can’t do. You find out what skills you need to sharpen. You can even make better choices in equipment based on crash experiences. A crash should always teach you something. What did I learn today? Well, I should be running a different tire combination when the trails are damp, for one thing. I also learned that people stare at you funny when you are covered in dirt riding home from the trails. That’s okay. I know I’m having fun getting that way. I can’t wait to do it again!
Final note: Funny thing is, I had a crash nearly identical to this last weekend at the Camp! Ride on ya'all!
A Passion For Crashing
Note: This is a story I wrote originally for a gig I had at "The Biking Hub" I came across it today and thought you all might enjoy it. So, here is the original, un-edited version.
I went out for a nice after work single track ride the other day. That is a great way that I’ve found to clear out the cobwebs from a long day at work, which I highly recommend to you all, by the way. On my merry little way, I noticed that the trails were a bit damp. That reminded me of the previous days down pour we received. Not to worry, as the trail system I was on drains very quickly, being mostly sandy, silt dirt in composition. The soil was collecting on my tires a bit and was getting tossed up in the air around me in small bits by my tires. I always am amused by that when it happens, so I kept right on peddling and having fun. That’s right about when it happened.
I got that rude awakening that we all have received at one time or another. The trail went around a tight 90 degree turn to the left. I dove in it with a good head of steam. Then the dirt packed front tire started that dreaded slide that portends doom. I always find that somehow or another I enter a time warp at that moment. How else do you explain the slow motion feel that you get when you are about to be introduced to Mother Earth in a violent manner?
That feeling you get just before the impact. That is such a great moment! I had a physics teacher in college that put it this way: “It’s not the state of being out of control that kills you, it’s the sudden deceleration that does the damage.” He was right about that. I just wish the price of being out of control for that one glorious moment wasn’t quite so high. It seems like you are flying, free from the usual state of gravitational pull, and it is quite exhilarating. Then the bill comes and it’s time to pay.
Thankfully, today’s price tag wasn’t too high. Just a slide on the left leg and forearm in some greasy earth and bruise here and there. Nothing that a hot shower at the end of the ride couldn’t cure. It was fun, actually, and I look forward to the next on the edge flirtation with disaster. Maybe I’m crazy, but I think that it’s part of the mountain biking experience, whether you are a down hill rider or just plunking along on some twisty single track like me. Try embracing that facet of the ride and you just might be having more fun than you thought possible on your trails.
Crashing can even be looked at as a positive experience in another way. You learn what you can and can’t do. You find out what skills you need to sharpen. You can even make better choices in equipment based on crash experiences. A crash should always teach you something. What did I learn today? Well, I should be running a different tire combination when the trails are damp, for one thing. I also learned that people stare at you funny when you are covered in dirt riding home from the trails. That’s okay. I know I’m having fun getting that way. I can’t wait to do it again!
Final note: Funny thing is, I had a crash nearly identical to this last weekend at the Camp! Ride on ya'all!
I went out for a nice after work single track ride the other day. That is a great way that I’ve found to clear out the cobwebs from a long day at work, which I highly recommend to you all, by the way. On my merry little way, I noticed that the trails were a bit damp. That reminded me of the previous days down pour we received. Not to worry, as the trail system I was on drains very quickly, being mostly sandy, silt dirt in composition. The soil was collecting on my tires a bit and was getting tossed up in the air around me in small bits by my tires. I always am amused by that when it happens, so I kept right on peddling and having fun. That’s right about when it happened.
I got that rude awakening that we all have received at one time or another. The trail went around a tight 90 degree turn to the left. I dove in it with a good head of steam. Then the dirt packed front tire started that dreaded slide that portends doom. I always find that somehow or another I enter a time warp at that moment. How else do you explain the slow motion feel that you get when you are about to be introduced to Mother Earth in a violent manner?
That feeling you get just before the impact. That is such a great moment! I had a physics teacher in college that put it this way: “It’s not the state of being out of control that kills you, it’s the sudden deceleration that does the damage.” He was right about that. I just wish the price of being out of control for that one glorious moment wasn’t quite so high. It seems like you are flying, free from the usual state of gravitational pull, and it is quite exhilarating. Then the bill comes and it’s time to pay.
Thankfully, today’s price tag wasn’t too high. Just a slide on the left leg and forearm in some greasy earth and bruise here and there. Nothing that a hot shower at the end of the ride couldn’t cure. It was fun, actually, and I look forward to the next on the edge flirtation with disaster. Maybe I’m crazy, but I think that it’s part of the mountain biking experience, whether you are a down hill rider or just plunking along on some twisty single track like me. Try embracing that facet of the ride and you just might be having more fun than you thought possible on your trails.
Crashing can even be looked at as a positive experience in another way. You learn what you can and can’t do. You find out what skills you need to sharpen. You can even make better choices in equipment based on crash experiences. A crash should always teach you something. What did I learn today? Well, I should be running a different tire combination when the trails are damp, for one thing. I also learned that people stare at you funny when you are covered in dirt riding home from the trails. That’s okay. I know I’m having fun getting that way. I can’t wait to do it again!
Final note: Funny thing is, I had a crash nearly identical to this last weekend at the Camp! Ride on ya'all!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Dodging Deer
<===The Blackbuck with the Bontrager Race Lite Switchblade fork installed.
I made another trip up to the Camp's south side, the third in seven days, to hit up the excellent single track. If this trail doesn't get burned in, it won't be for my lack of efforts!
It had to be about the most perfect day for a mountain bike ride in a long, long time. Cool, but not cold, hardly any wind, and bright blue skies above a green canopy. The woods were super quiet, and I could hear deer walking through the twigs and underbrush whenever I stopped to listen. In fact, it didn't take long at all before I rustled a few up out of their cover.
<=== The Blackbuck is waiting to gobble up some single track.
The trail was twisty and when I came around a corner, I saw two fawns, most likely twins, jump up and skitter down the trail in front of me. It wasn't long before they both made a hard right into the underbrush. I figured "mama" couldn't be far away, and I was right. She was leaping down the trail in front of me, trying to get me to chase her instead of the fawns. Nature at work, it's awesome!
Well, she was going my way, so I gave chase, but obviously, the doe outran me easily and doubled back through the underbrush to find her little ones. Oddly enough, the trail almost doubled back as well, and eventually I found their fresh tracks on the single track.
<=== Mossy, chunky limestone makes this right hander and steep up a toughy!
I actually found Captain Bob's Berm right away this time on the first lap through! Couldn't hardly believe that. I stopped several times to take photos and made a plan that the second time around would be as non-stop as possible. There are some blow downs that require a dismount.
I took almost an hour on the first go round. Moving a busted down tree and chasing a dead end trail took longer than it should have. I came out of the woods and stopped by the Dirty Blue Box to get the time for a timed lap.
<=== One of my favorite spots on the trail. That's a stream off to the left glinting in the morning sun.
I headed out on lap number two to see if I could get around without any missteps. I did pretty well, except I somehow missed Captain Bob's Berm this time. What the......!!? I can't figure out how I miss that, but it is going to have to be something I figure out next time.
I made it around the rest of the loop in 17 minutes, which I thought was pretty dang good. I have no idea what the distance is out there, but I know I was haulin' pretty well. My legs felt snappy and I was more relaxed and fluid than I can remember being in a long, long time. It was really a great ride.
I can't wait to hit it up again real soon, but you locals will have to join me! Those trails are great, but they need to be burned in, and I can't do it alone!
Dodging Deer
<===The Blackbuck with the Bontrager Race Lite Switchblade fork installed.
I made another trip up to the Camp's south side, the third in seven days, to hit up the excellent single track. If this trail doesn't get burned in, it won't be for my lack of efforts!
It had to be about the most perfect day for a mountain bike ride in a long, long time. Cool, but not cold, hardly any wind, and bright blue skies above a green canopy. The woods were super quiet, and I could hear deer walking through the twigs and underbrush whenever I stopped to listen. In fact, it didn't take long at all before I rustled a few up out of their cover.
<=== The Blackbuck is waiting to gobble up some single track.
The trail was twisty and when I came around a corner, I saw two fawns, most likely twins, jump up and skitter down the trail in front of me. It wasn't long before they both made a hard right into the underbrush. I figured "mama" couldn't be far away, and I was right. She was leaping down the trail in front of me, trying to get me to chase her instead of the fawns. Nature at work, it's awesome!
Well, she was going my way, so I gave chase, but obviously, the doe outran me easily and doubled back through the underbrush to find her little ones. Oddly enough, the trail almost doubled back as well, and eventually I found their fresh tracks on the single track.
<=== Mossy, chunky limestone makes this right hander and steep up a toughy!
I actually found Captain Bob's Berm right away this time on the first lap through! Couldn't hardly believe that. I stopped several times to take photos and made a plan that the second time around would be as non-stop as possible. There are some blow downs that require a dismount.
I took almost an hour on the first go round. Moving a busted down tree and chasing a dead end trail took longer than it should have. I came out of the woods and stopped by the Dirty Blue Box to get the time for a timed lap.
<=== One of my favorite spots on the trail. That's a stream off to the left glinting in the morning sun.
I headed out on lap number two to see if I could get around without any missteps. I did pretty well, except I somehow missed Captain Bob's Berm this time. What the......!!? I can't figure out how I miss that, but it is going to have to be something I figure out next time.
I made it around the rest of the loop in 17 minutes, which I thought was pretty dang good. I have no idea what the distance is out there, but I know I was haulin' pretty well. My legs felt snappy and I was more relaxed and fluid than I can remember being in a long, long time. It was really a great ride.
I can't wait to hit it up again real soon, but you locals will have to join me! Those trails are great, but they need to be burned in, and I can't do it alone!
Friday, August 01, 2008
You Are Too Weak To Shift! Go Electric!
I see that Shimano is now bringing their much ballyhooed electronic shifting Dura Ace to market later this year. A Shimano official was quoted as saying," “Going electric helps to ensure precision that can make a rider faster and reduce mental fatigue." So, it would seem that shifting causes "mental fatigue", eh? I would venture to guess that shifting a bicycle has to be one of the easiest things you can do while riding. At least in modern times. Mental fatigue? Come on!
Later on, the same Shimano guy is quoted and gives us a much more plausible reason for the existence of electronic shifting, "....there is a certain novelty factor for those enthusiasts that like to indulge in the latest high tech equipment or use the same equipment that professionals use."
Now we're talkin'! "Novelty factor" is all this can possibly offer cyclists. It is a slightly heavier, a bit faster shifting, battery operated shifting system. Electronically controlled shifting is the antithesis of the main mantra of cycling, keep it simple, stupid! More complexity means more things to break down, not to mention creating more batteries in an era of "green" thinking. Why does a bicycle, the ultimate green machine, need to have batteries, electronic chips, and electric motors? Seems like a step backwards to me.
Then you have the UCI, which bans about any technological advance in frames, positioning, or weight reduction. Where are they on electronic shifting? Turning their heads I guess.
Oh well, I suppose there isn't anything to do about it. It's coming and that's that. I just am a bit saddened by it all.
You'll catch me later riding my single speed on the trails this weekend. Have a good one and ride when you can. Summer is almost over!
Later on, the same Shimano guy is quoted and gives us a much more plausible reason for the existence of electronic shifting, "....there is a certain novelty factor for those enthusiasts that like to indulge in the latest high tech equipment or use the same equipment that professionals use."
Now we're talkin'! "Novelty factor" is all this can possibly offer cyclists. It is a slightly heavier, a bit faster shifting, battery operated shifting system. Electronically controlled shifting is the antithesis of the main mantra of cycling, keep it simple, stupid! More complexity means more things to break down, not to mention creating more batteries in an era of "green" thinking. Why does a bicycle, the ultimate green machine, need to have batteries, electronic chips, and electric motors? Seems like a step backwards to me.
Then you have the UCI, which bans about any technological advance in frames, positioning, or weight reduction. Where are they on electronic shifting? Turning their heads I guess.
Oh well, I suppose there isn't anything to do about it. It's coming and that's that. I just am a bit saddened by it all.
You'll catch me later riding my single speed on the trails this weekend. Have a good one and ride when you can. Summer is almost over!
You Are Too Weak To Shift! Go Electric!
I see that Shimano is now bringing their much ballyhooed electronic shifting Dura Ace to market later this year. A Shimano official was quoted as saying," “Going electric helps to ensure precision that can make a rider faster and reduce mental fatigue." So, it would seem that shifting causes "mental fatigue", eh? I would venture to guess that shifting a bicycle has to be one of the easiest things you can do while riding. At least in modern times. Mental fatigue? Come on!
Later on, the same Shimano guy is quoted and gives us a much more plausible reason for the existence of electronic shifting, "....there is a certain novelty factor for those enthusiasts that like to indulge in the latest high tech equipment or use the same equipment that professionals use."
Now we're talkin'! "Novelty factor" is all this can possibly offer cyclists. It is a slightly heavier, a bit faster shifting, battery operated shifting system. Electronically controlled shifting is the antithesis of the main mantra of cycling, keep it simple, stupid! More complexity means more things to break down, not to mention creating more batteries in an era of "green" thinking. Why does a bicycle, the ultimate green machine, need to have batteries, electronic chips, and electric motors? Seems like a step backwards to me.
Then you have the UCI, which bans about any technological advance in frames, positioning, or weight reduction. Where are they on electronic shifting? Turning their heads I guess.
Oh well, I suppose there isn't anything to do about it. It's coming and that's that. I just am a bit saddened by it all.
You'll catch me later riding my single speed on the trails this weekend. Have a good one and ride when you can. Summer is almost over!
Later on, the same Shimano guy is quoted and gives us a much more plausible reason for the existence of electronic shifting, "....there is a certain novelty factor for those enthusiasts that like to indulge in the latest high tech equipment or use the same equipment that professionals use."
Now we're talkin'! "Novelty factor" is all this can possibly offer cyclists. It is a slightly heavier, a bit faster shifting, battery operated shifting system. Electronically controlled shifting is the antithesis of the main mantra of cycling, keep it simple, stupid! More complexity means more things to break down, not to mention creating more batteries in an era of "green" thinking. Why does a bicycle, the ultimate green machine, need to have batteries, electronic chips, and electric motors? Seems like a step backwards to me.
Then you have the UCI, which bans about any technological advance in frames, positioning, or weight reduction. Where are they on electronic shifting? Turning their heads I guess.
Oh well, I suppose there isn't anything to do about it. It's coming and that's that. I just am a bit saddened by it all.
You'll catch me later riding my single speed on the trails this weekend. Have a good one and ride when you can. Summer is almost over!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
In Search Of Captain Bob's Berm
Wednesday found me in ride/testing mode again, so I headed out to the Camp's south side for a couple loops. One of the highlights of the south side trail is the bermed turn Captain Bob labored on. Thus, I have dubbed it Captain Bob's Berm. I was looking forward to railing it during my planned two laps.
The test rig, my OS Bikes Blackbuck, was now fitted with a Bontrager Race X Lite Switchblade fork. This is now the third fork on the Blackbuck for my test on Twenty Nine Inches. I got it installed right before I left for the ride. It looks pretty good on the rig, I must say.
I also sported my new Team Dicky sleeveless jersey. It's pretty cool looking and the hope was that the lack of sleeves would help keep me going in the ultra humid conditions out at the Camp. A little Viking/single speed mojo never hurt either!
Well, I got out there and made my way into the drippy, dank woods. It seemed wetter than last weekend there, perhaps they got rain we didn't get, I don't know. The ground was nigh unto muddy- super tacky, lets call it. Good thing there is a fair amount of sand in the soil there as it kept my tires from "balling up" in black mud.
One loop almost completed and still no berm. Hmmm...... I got dumped out on the road going up into the woods from the main road, about a 100 yards from the car. I decided I must have missed the berm somehow. How I didn't know. Well, it was time for a break anyway and I had a squeaky front rotor to deal with. After adjusting the caliper and pads a bit, I went off again, backwards this time, to find Captain Bob's Berm.
After traversing the whole circuit again, I still hadn't found the berm, nor had I eliminated the squeak from my rotor. So, another pit stop was in order. I finally got that caliper/pad adjustment squared away. This time, instead of trying to do it in semi-lighted conditions, I went out to the gravel road where there was bright sunshine. It sure helps if you can see things!
I've got to say that by this time I was a sweaty mess. It was sooo humid out there, I was completely soaked and dripping with sweat. I knew that two water bottles wasn't going to cut it if I was to go much more, but the berm called me, and I had to find it! So, away I went with a plan in mind. Sure enough, I did finally find it. Not before I had almost completed a third lap though. I railed the very wet, slimy turn with a snap of the rear end at the apex. There! Mission accomplished, now it is time to get outta here!
Well, I made a wrong turn, half dazed from the heat and by now, very hungry! I ended up doing another complete lap before getting back to the service road and out of the woods. I was zapped by the heat and super hungry. But it was good times. The Camp trails are not marked yet, and there are a couple of connectors that I didn't know about. Also remembering that I have only ridden these trails twice before, two years apart, and it's no wonder it took me awhile to get my bearings. Not like some places that have signs and maps to go by. Hey, getting a little lost makes it more of an adventure, I say!
I'll be back again, and I'll have pictures next time. Oh! Didn't I tell you? I accidentally erased all my images on my camera once I got home. Too bad too. I looked pretty dang good in that sleeveless jersey!
The test rig, my OS Bikes Blackbuck, was now fitted with a Bontrager Race X Lite Switchblade fork. This is now the third fork on the Blackbuck for my test on Twenty Nine Inches. I got it installed right before I left for the ride. It looks pretty good on the rig, I must say.
I also sported my new Team Dicky sleeveless jersey. It's pretty cool looking and the hope was that the lack of sleeves would help keep me going in the ultra humid conditions out at the Camp. A little Viking/single speed mojo never hurt either!
Well, I got out there and made my way into the drippy, dank woods. It seemed wetter than last weekend there, perhaps they got rain we didn't get, I don't know. The ground was nigh unto muddy- super tacky, lets call it. Good thing there is a fair amount of sand in the soil there as it kept my tires from "balling up" in black mud.
One loop almost completed and still no berm. Hmmm...... I got dumped out on the road going up into the woods from the main road, about a 100 yards from the car. I decided I must have missed the berm somehow. How I didn't know. Well, it was time for a break anyway and I had a squeaky front rotor to deal with. After adjusting the caliper and pads a bit, I went off again, backwards this time, to find Captain Bob's Berm.
After traversing the whole circuit again, I still hadn't found the berm, nor had I eliminated the squeak from my rotor. So, another pit stop was in order. I finally got that caliper/pad adjustment squared away. This time, instead of trying to do it in semi-lighted conditions, I went out to the gravel road where there was bright sunshine. It sure helps if you can see things!
I've got to say that by this time I was a sweaty mess. It was sooo humid out there, I was completely soaked and dripping with sweat. I knew that two water bottles wasn't going to cut it if I was to go much more, but the berm called me, and I had to find it! So, away I went with a plan in mind. Sure enough, I did finally find it. Not before I had almost completed a third lap though. I railed the very wet, slimy turn with a snap of the rear end at the apex. There! Mission accomplished, now it is time to get outta here!
Well, I made a wrong turn, half dazed from the heat and by now, very hungry! I ended up doing another complete lap before getting back to the service road and out of the woods. I was zapped by the heat and super hungry. But it was good times. The Camp trails are not marked yet, and there are a couple of connectors that I didn't know about. Also remembering that I have only ridden these trails twice before, two years apart, and it's no wonder it took me awhile to get my bearings. Not like some places that have signs and maps to go by. Hey, getting a little lost makes it more of an adventure, I say!
I'll be back again, and I'll have pictures next time. Oh! Didn't I tell you? I accidentally erased all my images on my camera once I got home. Too bad too. I looked pretty dang good in that sleeveless jersey!
In Search Of Captain Bob's Berm
Wednesday found me in ride/testing mode again, so I headed out to the Camp's south side for a couple loops. One of the highlights of the south side trail is the bermed turn Captain Bob labored on. Thus, I have dubbed it Captain Bob's Berm. I was looking forward to railing it during my planned two laps.
The test rig, my OS Bikes Blackbuck, was now fitted with a Bontrager Race X Lite Switchblade fork. This is now the third fork on the Blackbuck for my test on Twenty Nine Inches. I got it installed right before I left for the ride. It looks pretty good on the rig, I must say.
I also sported my new Team Dicky sleeveless jersey. It's pretty cool looking and the hope was that the lack of sleeves would help keep me going in the ultra humid conditions out at the Camp. A little Viking/single speed mojo never hurt either!
Well, I got out there and made my way into the drippy, dank woods. It seemed wetter than last weekend there, perhaps they got rain we didn't get, I don't know. The ground was nigh unto muddy- super tacky, lets call it. Good thing there is a fair amount of sand in the soil there as it kept my tires from "balling up" in black mud.
One loop almost completed and still no berm. Hmmm...... I got dumped out on the road going up into the woods from the main road, about a 100 yards from the car. I decided I must have missed the berm somehow. How I didn't know. Well, it was time for a break anyway and I had a squeaky front rotor to deal with. After adjusting the caliper and pads a bit, I went off again, backwards this time, to find Captain Bob's Berm.
After traversing the whole circuit again, I still hadn't found the berm, nor had I eliminated the squeak from my rotor. So, another pit stop was in order. I finally got that caliper/pad adjustment squared away. This time, instead of trying to do it in semi-lighted conditions, I went out to the gravel road where there was bright sunshine. It sure helps if you can see things!
I've got to say that by this time I was a sweaty mess. It was sooo humid out there, I was completely soaked and dripping with sweat. I knew that two water bottles wasn't going to cut it if I was to go much more, but the berm called me, and I had to find it! So, away I went with a plan in mind. Sure enough, I did finally find it. Not before I had almost completed a third lap though. I railed the very wet, slimy turn with a snap of the rear end at the apex. There! Mission accomplished, now it is time to get outta here!
Well, I made a wrong turn, half dazed from the heat and by now, very hungry! I ended up doing another complete lap before getting back to the service road and out of the woods. I was zapped by the heat and super hungry. But it was good times. The Camp trails are not marked yet, and there are a couple of connectors that I didn't know about. Also remembering that I have only ridden these trails twice before, two years apart, and it's no wonder it took me awhile to get my bearings. Not like some places that have signs and maps to go by. Hey, getting a little lost makes it more of an adventure, I say!
I'll be back again, and I'll have pictures next time. Oh! Didn't I tell you? I accidentally erased all my images on my camera once I got home. Too bad too. I looked pretty dang good in that sleeveless jersey!
The test rig, my OS Bikes Blackbuck, was now fitted with a Bontrager Race X Lite Switchblade fork. This is now the third fork on the Blackbuck for my test on Twenty Nine Inches. I got it installed right before I left for the ride. It looks pretty good on the rig, I must say.
I also sported my new Team Dicky sleeveless jersey. It's pretty cool looking and the hope was that the lack of sleeves would help keep me going in the ultra humid conditions out at the Camp. A little Viking/single speed mojo never hurt either!
Well, I got out there and made my way into the drippy, dank woods. It seemed wetter than last weekend there, perhaps they got rain we didn't get, I don't know. The ground was nigh unto muddy- super tacky, lets call it. Good thing there is a fair amount of sand in the soil there as it kept my tires from "balling up" in black mud.
One loop almost completed and still no berm. Hmmm...... I got dumped out on the road going up into the woods from the main road, about a 100 yards from the car. I decided I must have missed the berm somehow. How I didn't know. Well, it was time for a break anyway and I had a squeaky front rotor to deal with. After adjusting the caliper and pads a bit, I went off again, backwards this time, to find Captain Bob's Berm.
After traversing the whole circuit again, I still hadn't found the berm, nor had I eliminated the squeak from my rotor. So, another pit stop was in order. I finally got that caliper/pad adjustment squared away. This time, instead of trying to do it in semi-lighted conditions, I went out to the gravel road where there was bright sunshine. It sure helps if you can see things!
I've got to say that by this time I was a sweaty mess. It was sooo humid out there, I was completely soaked and dripping with sweat. I knew that two water bottles wasn't going to cut it if I was to go much more, but the berm called me, and I had to find it! So, away I went with a plan in mind. Sure enough, I did finally find it. Not before I had almost completed a third lap though. I railed the very wet, slimy turn with a snap of the rear end at the apex. There! Mission accomplished, now it is time to get outta here!
Well, I made a wrong turn, half dazed from the heat and by now, very hungry! I ended up doing another complete lap before getting back to the service road and out of the woods. I was zapped by the heat and super hungry. But it was good times. The Camp trails are not marked yet, and there are a couple of connectors that I didn't know about. Also remembering that I have only ridden these trails twice before, two years apart, and it's no wonder it took me awhile to get my bearings. Not like some places that have signs and maps to go by. Hey, getting a little lost makes it more of an adventure, I say!
I'll be back again, and I'll have pictures next time. Oh! Didn't I tell you? I accidentally erased all my images on my camera once I got home. Too bad too. I looked pretty dang good in that sleeveless jersey!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Great Fork-Off!
<=== From this to.......
<====This! What's next? Stay tuned.......
I've started the big "fork-off" on the OS Bikes Blackbuck. I'll be swapping out to another different carbon fork soon to gauge how a bike handles differently with each in an experiment for Twenty Nine Inches.
Each fork requires me to set up the bike again. Changes to bottom bracket height, top tube effective length, and whatnot make for some interesting stem and saddle positioning quandaries. I'm trying to keep my seated position relative to the bottom bracket the same on each swap, so this is why the challenges have become more than just popping another fork on. Besides that, I'm also keeping my saddle to handlebar relationship constant.
Nothing you do on one part of your bike is independent of other parts. Especially in the geometrical sense. Makes my head spin, it does.
I must be crazy for taking this on, but what the heck?! This is Guitar Ted Productions after all. What else would you expect?
The Great Fork-Off!
<=== From this to.......
<====This! What's next? Stay tuned.......
I've started the big "fork-off" on the OS Bikes Blackbuck. I'll be swapping out to another different carbon fork soon to gauge how a bike handles differently with each in an experiment for Twenty Nine Inches.
Each fork requires me to set up the bike again. Changes to bottom bracket height, top tube effective length, and whatnot make for some interesting stem and saddle positioning quandaries. I'm trying to keep my seated position relative to the bottom bracket the same on each swap, so this is why the challenges have become more than just popping another fork on. Besides that, I'm also keeping my saddle to handlebar relationship constant.
Nothing you do on one part of your bike is independent of other parts. Especially in the geometrical sense. Makes my head spin, it does.
I must be crazy for taking this on, but what the heck?! This is Guitar Ted Productions after all. What else would you expect?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Trek Top Fuel 9.9: Evidence of Things To Come?
<=== Team XR Tire, first shown at Trek World last August. Will we see a 29"er version?
Trek is trickling out some big teasers lately in the run up to its dealer only Trek World show that will happen in about two weeks. Today in a piece on cyclingnews, it is being reported that Trek is showing a completely revamped Top Fuel 9.9 race bike. This bike has several technologies that I have said would transfer over to mountain biking and 29"ers in particular.
When Trek introduced the next generation of the Madone road bike, there were several things about it which raised my eyebrows a bit. Most notably was the tapered steer tube idea, or as Trek calls it E2. This idea made a lot of sense for 29"ers, and sure enough, you will see more 29"er models using the tapered steer tube idea soon. Not just from Fisher either, which I assume will adopt this technology in a new long travel trail bike in 29"er guise.
E2 wasn't the only radical thing on the Madone though. This new Trek Top Fuel model adopts all the bells and whistles from that companies top roadie offering. A carbon fiber frame molded with bearing pockets is one thing that the Top Fuel gets along with a narrower stance bottom bracket spindle and special FSA 2 X 9 crank. The longer seat tube/mast idea is a take off on the Madone's unique set up. I'm not necessarily a fan of either of these two ideas and I do not see them coming over to 29"ers.......yet. The seat mast idea is a particularly daft idea for 29"ers. I hope we never see that cross over, but I'm afeared it probably will in some form.
The other thing I see here on the Top Fuel are the components that foreshadows what I think we will see on the next Superfly or on some other race oriented 29"er from Fisher. Carbon clincher wheels for 29"ers- (the Race XXX Lite), have already been leaked out. The tires on the Top Fuel, the Team XR's, are the next thing I think will be available from Bontrager in 29"er guise. I held a prototype sample last year, (pic above) and these tires are light! Given the already low rolling resistance of the standard XR and its volume, I'd say these Team XRs are going to be a very popular choice amongst racers of 29"ers. Tubeless Ready of course.
I'm sure there will be a few more surprises at Trek World, (and at least one that will frustrate consumers to no end), so stay tuned!
Trek Top Fuel 9.9: Evidence of Things To Come?
<=== Team XR Tire, first shown at Trek World last August. Will we see a 29"er version?
Trek is trickling out some big teasers lately in the run up to its dealer only Trek World show that will happen in about two weeks. Today in a piece on cyclingnews, it is being reported that Trek is showing a completely revamped Top Fuel 9.9 race bike. This bike has several technologies that I have said would transfer over to mountain biking and 29"ers in particular.
When Trek introduced the next generation of the Madone road bike, there were several things about it which raised my eyebrows a bit. Most notably was the tapered steer tube idea, or as Trek calls it E2. This idea made a lot of sense for 29"ers, and sure enough, you will see more 29"er models using the tapered steer tube idea soon. Not just from Fisher either, which I assume will adopt this technology in a new long travel trail bike in 29"er guise.
E2 wasn't the only radical thing on the Madone though. This new Trek Top Fuel model adopts all the bells and whistles from that companies top roadie offering. A carbon fiber frame molded with bearing pockets is one thing that the Top Fuel gets along with a narrower stance bottom bracket spindle and special FSA 2 X 9 crank. The longer seat tube/mast idea is a take off on the Madone's unique set up. I'm not necessarily a fan of either of these two ideas and I do not see them coming over to 29"ers.......yet. The seat mast idea is a particularly daft idea for 29"ers. I hope we never see that cross over, but I'm afeared it probably will in some form.
The other thing I see here on the Top Fuel are the components that foreshadows what I think we will see on the next Superfly or on some other race oriented 29"er from Fisher. Carbon clincher wheels for 29"ers- (the Race XXX Lite), have already been leaked out. The tires on the Top Fuel, the Team XR's, are the next thing I think will be available from Bontrager in 29"er guise. I held a prototype sample last year, (pic above) and these tires are light! Given the already low rolling resistance of the standard XR and its volume, I'd say these Team XRs are going to be a very popular choice amongst racers of 29"ers. Tubeless Ready of course.
I'm sure there will be a few more surprises at Trek World, (and at least one that will frustrate consumers to no end), so stay tuned!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Attention: Your Summer Is Almost Over!!
<=== I've been busy testing different forks on my OS Bikes Blackbuck.
Hey! Take a look at your calendar. Yep! It's almost time to start looking for your wool and long fingered gloves folks. Like it or not.
At least you've got a little time for one more shot at summer time fun before you head off to school, put your kids back into school, or before you have to start tuning up your snow blower!
One more chance at doing that "insert rides name here" while you still can wear a short sleeve jersey and have days long enough to pack it in there. Of course, some of you are just itching to get your lights out and start night riding, so I know not everyone is dreading the shorter days ahead.
Me? I'm looking at two possibilities for events in August. I'm still not sure if either will happen. One has a better possibility than another, but I can't say today that I'll be doing either of them. Family details may prevent that. However that goes, I'm okay with it, since September will be Interbike, and I'll be gone for a whole week. Having a quiet month might be just what I need on the bike side of things. We'll see.
I'll still be doing my "fork testing". That will be mostly done on my Wednesdays and weekends. A few other things test-wise will be going on too. However; I'll have to start fitting in some preparations for winter concerning the house. I know it'll be getting cooler sooner than later.
Finally there is this other thing I have in mind. I haven't made an "official" announcement yet, but let's just say that there are things going on concerning this that if the day comes that I do announce "it" I'll be plenty busy. I don't want to have to be sitting around all winter not being able to do things in advance. (Not that we would have another winter like last years, but you never know) So, if things happen that I would press the go button one more time, I'll be a busy bee for awhile before winter sets in!
Attention: Your Summer Is Almost Over!!
<=== I've been busy testing different forks on my OS Bikes Blackbuck.
Hey! Take a look at your calendar. Yep! It's almost time to start looking for your wool and long fingered gloves folks. Like it or not.
At least you've got a little time for one more shot at summer time fun before you head off to school, put your kids back into school, or before you have to start tuning up your snow blower!
One more chance at doing that "insert rides name here" while you still can wear a short sleeve jersey and have days long enough to pack it in there. Of course, some of you are just itching to get your lights out and start night riding, so I know not everyone is dreading the shorter days ahead.
Me? I'm looking at two possibilities for events in August. I'm still not sure if either will happen. One has a better possibility than another, but I can't say today that I'll be doing either of them. Family details may prevent that. However that goes, I'm okay with it, since September will be Interbike, and I'll be gone for a whole week. Having a quiet month might be just what I need on the bike side of things. We'll see.
I'll still be doing my "fork testing". That will be mostly done on my Wednesdays and weekends. A few other things test-wise will be going on too. However; I'll have to start fitting in some preparations for winter concerning the house. I know it'll be getting cooler sooner than later.
Finally there is this other thing I have in mind. I haven't made an "official" announcement yet, but let's just say that there are things going on concerning this that if the day comes that I do announce "it" I'll be plenty busy. I don't want to have to be sitting around all winter not being able to do things in advance. (Not that we would have another winter like last years, but you never know) So, if things happen that I would press the go button one more time, I'll be a busy bee for awhile before winter sets in!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday South Side Camp Ride
<=== Early birds get the single track!
I finally got out to the Camp this year! Only it was on the much un-used south side. I last rode this on a wintry November day with the Salsa Crew. That was a couple years back!
This day was much better. Nice temperatures, and freshly cleared single track, thanks to the hard work of the Ingawanis Mountain Bike Association boys.
<=== The Captain and Super Saul coming up the hill.
We ran into Super Saul by chance as he was soloing out to the Camp on his Super Caliber. He joined us for a lap, watching as we swapped bikes and adjusted saddles between Capt. Bob, MTBidwell, and myself.
<=== MTBidwell waiting up for us aboard the Soul Cycles Dillinger. This guy is fast, fast, fast!
We dropped off Super Saul at the entrance after lap one and went back out after I swapped out for another rig. The single track is very, very promising. It needs a lot of tires to travel over it to "burn it in", but it's very fun and will be fast!
<=== Captain Bob is diggin' it!
All of us had a sweet time out there. I got pretty worked over since my legs are still not 100% after the Death Ride and being sick mid-week. It still was well worth all my effort to go two laps though. I had one "auger in", where my front tire gave way in a sandy corner, but otherwise we were all good.
I must mention that the kiosk at the north end is where you need to sign in. You can now pay a daily fee, or go all out for a yearly pass. The kiosk is in a bit different place than before and it's super nice. Again, the Ingawanis Mountain Bike boys did good. It's really nice. We signed in and drove back to the south side since the Camp's north end is busy with Scout activities for now.
Bikes ridden: Soul Cycles Dillinger, Salsa Mamasita, Salsa Dos Niner, OS Bikes Blackbuck. My favorite? The Blackbuck with the Dillinger a close second, but all these bikes are killer rigs. (To be fair, my set up on the Dos was waaay off for the Camp!) The Dillinger and the Blackbuck are entirely different rigs too. Even though both were single speeds, they rode vastly different.
I'll tell ya something though, the best bike for the Camp's south side would be a Big Mama! Too bad I didn't have that rig out there! Maybe someday.......
Saturday South Side Camp Ride
<=== Early birds get the single track!
I finally got out to the Camp this year! Only it was on the much un-used south side. I last rode this on a wintry November day with the Salsa Crew. That was a couple years back!
This day was much better. Nice temperatures, and freshly cleared single track, thanks to the hard work of the Ingawanis Mountain Bike Association boys.
<=== The Captain and Super Saul coming up the hill.
We ran into Super Saul by chance as he was soloing out to the Camp on his Super Caliber. He joined us for a lap, watching as we swapped bikes and adjusted saddles between Capt. Bob, MTBidwell, and myself.
<=== MTBidwell waiting up for us aboard the Soul Cycles Dillinger. This guy is fast, fast, fast!
We dropped off Super Saul at the entrance after lap one and went back out after I swapped out for another rig. The single track is very, very promising. It needs a lot of tires to travel over it to "burn it in", but it's very fun and will be fast!
<=== Captain Bob is diggin' it!
All of us had a sweet time out there. I got pretty worked over since my legs are still not 100% after the Death Ride and being sick mid-week. It still was well worth all my effort to go two laps though. I had one "auger in", where my front tire gave way in a sandy corner, but otherwise we were all good.
I must mention that the kiosk at the north end is where you need to sign in. You can now pay a daily fee, or go all out for a yearly pass. The kiosk is in a bit different place than before and it's super nice. Again, the Ingawanis Mountain Bike boys did good. It's really nice. We signed in and drove back to the south side since the Camp's north end is busy with Scout activities for now.
Bikes ridden: Soul Cycles Dillinger, Salsa Mamasita, Salsa Dos Niner, OS Bikes Blackbuck. My favorite? The Blackbuck with the Dillinger a close second, but all these bikes are killer rigs. (To be fair, my set up on the Dos was waaay off for the Camp!) The Dillinger and the Blackbuck are entirely different rigs too. Even though both were single speeds, they rode vastly different.
I'll tell ya something though, the best bike for the Camp's south side would be a Big Mama! Too bad I didn't have that rig out there! Maybe someday.......
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