When should you care about YOUR trails? The time is now! I have been watching the recent rise in interest in trail maintenance amongst some of the more influential members of our cycling community here. The history of trail maintenance in this area is sketchy, to say the least. My sincere hope is that this new rise of activity and interest will be a sustained one. I also hope that this responsibility is not bourne by a few, as is all too often the case. Time will tell.
The recent rise in interest seems to be directly tied to a proposed race event for 2006 in Geo. Wyth State Park. That's all well and fine, but what happens after that is what I'm interested in. I certainly understand that doing this work will be a reward and a benefit to those participating in the event, but what about the vast majority that won't be participating? Are you people that are not racing, or helping to put on the race going to be not only using trail, but maintaining it? It's your responsibility as well. Is the racing community going to disappear from the trail maintenance detail after their event? That's not good stewardship.
I heard a plan idea, put forth by Carlos the Jackal, that really made sense to me. This is what his thoughts were. If the primary off road trail that you use happens to be close to where you live, ( and often times this is exactly the case) then why not take it upon yourself to be a trail maintainer in that area? If you know of others in the same situation that are trail users, then band together to focus on that trail system. We are talking about three or four basic trail systems here. Ullrich Park, The Green Belt, and Geo. Wyth/ Lower Hartman. Wyth and Hartman could be split up, as there is enough work/ trail on both sides of the river to make that distinction. Of course, if you do not live close to a system, but want to work on it anyway, (Ullrich) then you should do that. I live closest to the Green Belt, so that would be my choice of trail to maintain. Anybody out there with me? Let's not wait for a vote, or some one else to do it. Lets not wait for a phone call. If you are reading this, you are invited! (Well, if you are not a local, then get up and maintain your local trail!) Let's see this through, and not let up. The more we take care of it, the easier it will be to do. If we let it go, then trails get swallowed up by dead falls, grass, and other things. We lose trail, less riders will bother to come out, and the problem gets worse. It's everyones responsibility that rides off road here to pitch in. Do it!
The time for action is now!
Friday, November 04, 2005
It's All In The Timing
When should you care about YOUR trails? The time is now! I have been watching the recent rise in interest in trail maintenance amongst some of the more influential members of our cycling community here. The history of trail maintenance in this area is sketchy, to say the least. My sincere hope is that this new rise of activity and interest will be a sustained one. I also hope that this responsibility is not bourne by a few, as is all too often the case. Time will tell.
The recent rise in interest seems to be directly tied to a proposed race event for 2006 in Geo. Wyth State Park. That's all well and fine, but what happens after that is what I'm interested in. I certainly understand that doing this work will be a reward and a benefit to those participating in the event, but what about the vast majority that won't be participating? Are you people that are not racing, or helping to put on the race going to be not only using trail, but maintaining it? It's your responsibility as well. Is the racing community going to disappear from the trail maintenance detail after their event? That's not good stewardship.
I heard a plan idea, put forth by Carlos the Jackal, that really made sense to me. This is what his thoughts were. If the primary off road trail that you use happens to be close to where you live, ( and often times this is exactly the case) then why not take it upon yourself to be a trail maintainer in that area? If you know of others in the same situation that are trail users, then band together to focus on that trail system. We are talking about three or four basic trail systems here. Ullrich Park, The Green Belt, and Geo. Wyth/ Lower Hartman. Wyth and Hartman could be split up, as there is enough work/ trail on both sides of the river to make that distinction. Of course, if you do not live close to a system, but want to work on it anyway, (Ullrich) then you should do that. I live closest to the Green Belt, so that would be my choice of trail to maintain. Anybody out there with me? Let's not wait for a vote, or some one else to do it. Lets not wait for a phone call. If you are reading this, you are invited! (Well, if you are not a local, then get up and maintain your local trail!) Let's see this through, and not let up. The more we take care of it, the easier it will be to do. If we let it go, then trails get swallowed up by dead falls, grass, and other things. We lose trail, less riders will bother to come out, and the problem gets worse. It's everyones responsibility that rides off road here to pitch in. Do it!
The time for action is now!
The recent rise in interest seems to be directly tied to a proposed race event for 2006 in Geo. Wyth State Park. That's all well and fine, but what happens after that is what I'm interested in. I certainly understand that doing this work will be a reward and a benefit to those participating in the event, but what about the vast majority that won't be participating? Are you people that are not racing, or helping to put on the race going to be not only using trail, but maintaining it? It's your responsibility as well. Is the racing community going to disappear from the trail maintenance detail after their event? That's not good stewardship.
I heard a plan idea, put forth by Carlos the Jackal, that really made sense to me. This is what his thoughts were. If the primary off road trail that you use happens to be close to where you live, ( and often times this is exactly the case) then why not take it upon yourself to be a trail maintainer in that area? If you know of others in the same situation that are trail users, then band together to focus on that trail system. We are talking about three or four basic trail systems here. Ullrich Park, The Green Belt, and Geo. Wyth/ Lower Hartman. Wyth and Hartman could be split up, as there is enough work/ trail on both sides of the river to make that distinction. Of course, if you do not live close to a system, but want to work on it anyway, (Ullrich) then you should do that. I live closest to the Green Belt, so that would be my choice of trail to maintain. Anybody out there with me? Let's not wait for a vote, or some one else to do it. Lets not wait for a phone call. If you are reading this, you are invited! (Well, if you are not a local, then get up and maintain your local trail!) Let's see this through, and not let up. The more we take care of it, the easier it will be to do. If we let it go, then trails get swallowed up by dead falls, grass, and other things. We lose trail, less riders will bother to come out, and the problem gets worse. It's everyones responsibility that rides off road here to pitch in. Do it!
The time for action is now!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Mr. 24 International, and Thoughts On Rumors
I saw that a certain race was catching the eye of Mr. 24. (What's the deal? He goes overseas to race, and now he's Mr. 24 International?) I think that since he is sponsored by a company that sells lights, then he should be looking at this instead. Hey, it's the same island, and everything. Why not? Besides being an international racer, he would get his mug on nation wide TV! Might as well reach for that brass ring while you can!
Regarding the post from yesterday about rumors, it seems that alot of people know stuff out there! It's really interesting that in today's "inter-connected world" that you have to be more careful than ever about what you tell someone. You never know, once you tell a "friend", the next thing you know, it's all over the world on the net! Big Brother is watching, indeed! I suspect that companies are either already aware of this, or are becoming so. Much to the chagrin of us common folk, I think this is going to draw a cloak of secrecy around corporations, and their goings on. Anyway, it's fun to see how it works now!
Regarding the post from yesterday about rumors, it seems that alot of people know stuff out there! It's really interesting that in today's "inter-connected world" that you have to be more careful than ever about what you tell someone. You never know, once you tell a "friend", the next thing you know, it's all over the world on the net! Big Brother is watching, indeed! I suspect that companies are either already aware of this, or are becoming so. Much to the chagrin of us common folk, I think this is going to draw a cloak of secrecy around corporations, and their goings on. Anyway, it's fun to see how it works now!
Mr. 24 International, and Thoughts On Rumors
I saw that a certain race was catching the eye of Mr. 24. (What's the deal? He goes overseas to race, and now he's Mr. 24 International?) I think that since he is sponsored by a company that sells lights, then he should be looking at this instead. Hey, it's the same island, and everything. Why not? Besides being an international racer, he would get his mug on nation wide TV! Might as well reach for that brass ring while you can!
Regarding the post from yesterday about rumors, it seems that alot of people know stuff out there! It's really interesting that in today's "inter-connected world" that you have to be more careful than ever about what you tell someone. You never know, once you tell a "friend", the next thing you know, it's all over the world on the net! Big Brother is watching, indeed! I suspect that companies are either already aware of this, or are becoming so. Much to the chagrin of us common folk, I think this is going to draw a cloak of secrecy around corporations, and their goings on. Anyway, it's fun to see how it works now!
Regarding the post from yesterday about rumors, it seems that alot of people know stuff out there! It's really interesting that in today's "inter-connected world" that you have to be more careful than ever about what you tell someone. You never know, once you tell a "friend", the next thing you know, it's all over the world on the net! Big Brother is watching, indeed! I suspect that companies are either already aware of this, or are becoming so. Much to the chagrin of us common folk, I think this is going to draw a cloak of secrecy around corporations, and their goings on. Anyway, it's fun to see how it works now!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Keeping One Ear to the Ground
There are rumors, and then there are rumors! Is Specialized coming out with a full suspension 29 incher? Is Trek going to hit the trails with a steel, hardtail, single speed 29"er? Should be answers soon! Check out this action on mtbr.com for more rumor fun! Give me more if ya got any!
Keeping One Ear to the Ground
There are rumors, and then there are rumors! Is Specialized coming out with a full suspension 29 incher? Is Trek going to hit the trails with a steel, hardtail, single speed 29"er? Should be answers soon! Check out this action on mtbr.com for more rumor fun! Give me more if ya got any!
Evidence of Higher Intellegence
Yesterday, my boss picked up this....ahem!..."gem". It's a 19th century ladies shaft drive bike featuring more carbon fiber! The rims and the handle bars are wood on this baby! (If you're having a little trouble with yesterdays and todays refernces to carbon fiber, then let me help you out. Wood is a form of carbon fiber! That's right, natures own little version of lightweight nirvana.)
That's not the reason I show this bike to you. The real reason for this is the wheels. I took an un-official measurement of rim diameter using my trusty Stanley tape measure, and found that the rim diameter on this bike is slightly larger than 700c. That's right folks. Even though the grips, saddle, and pedals on this bike are downsized for the ladies, the wheels are big. Bigger diameter rolls over stuff better. We were able to get some air in these crusty, over 100 year old clincher tires, and I'd say the rubber on these is at least a 1.8 inch width. Yep! It's a 29"er folks! A fixed gear, shaft drive, 29"er! Just goes to show you, they really knew a thing or two back then and we are just standing on the shoulders of our ancestors.
So, next time someone says to you something about those "new 29 inch wheeled bikes" being a fad, or weird, or whatever, just look 'em in the eye and say, " 29"ers? It's old news my friend. What rock did you just crawl out from under?" Ha, ha!
History. Don't ever turn your back on history! There's higher intellegence in them thar years!
Evidence of Higher Intellegence
Yesterday, my boss picked up this....ahem!..."gem". It's a 19th century ladies shaft drive bike featuring more carbon fiber! The rims and the handle bars are wood on this baby! (If you're having a little trouble with yesterdays and todays refernces to carbon fiber, then let me help you out. Wood is a form of carbon fiber! That's right, natures own little version of lightweight nirvana.)
That's not the reason I show this bike to you. The real reason for this is the wheels. I took an un-official measurement of rim diameter using my trusty Stanley tape measure, and found that the rim diameter on this bike is slightly larger than 700c. That's right folks. Even though the grips, saddle, and pedals on this bike are downsized for the ladies, the wheels are big. Bigger diameter rolls over stuff better. We were able to get some air in these crusty, over 100 year old clincher tires, and I'd say the rubber on these is at least a 1.8 inch width. Yep! It's a 29"er folks! A fixed gear, shaft drive, 29"er! Just goes to show you, they really knew a thing or two back then and we are just standing on the shoulders of our ancestors.
So, next time someone says to you something about those "new 29 inch wheeled bikes" being a fad, or weird, or whatever, just look 'em in the eye and say, " 29"ers? It's old news my friend. What rock did you just crawl out from under?" Ha, ha!
History. Don't ever turn your back on history! There's higher intellegence in them thar years!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Carbon Fiber is Everywhere!
Hey! Take a look at this carbon fiber flat pedal. It's completely machined out of carbon fiber, and the only metal parts are in the spindle assembly. Traction is said to be great with a rubber soled shoe. Apparently, a mountainbike version is in the works. No word on weight, but it felt light! Durability is unknown, but be sure; Guitar Ted Labratories will stay on top of this developing component news for you!
Carbon Fiber is Everywhere!
Hey! Take a look at this carbon fiber flat pedal. It's completely machined out of carbon fiber, and the only metal parts are in the spindle assembly. Traction is said to be great with a rubber soled shoe. Apparently, a mountainbike version is in the works. No word on weight, but it felt light! Durability is unknown, but be sure; Guitar Ted Labratories will stay on top of this developing component news for you!
Internet Malfunction!
My morning post got sucked into some digital blackhole! Mr. 24 said he couldn't even log in this am. Crazy! To make matters worse, I can't even retrieve any of my e-mail because my computer says I have a "bad password"! Wha? I never would change it. Did it all of a sudden get moldy, and rotten? Too many fruit flys? What? Maybe this should be today's post!.........
We are sorry! We are experiencing technical dificulties here at the palatial Guitar Ted Labratories. We appologize for any inconvienience this may cause. Please stand by for the resumption of your regularly scheduled blog entry!
Now, if only I could get that digital test pattern to post!...........................(noises of hammering and tools hitting a concrete floor).......................................ouch!.......................Later! I'm out!!
We are sorry! We are experiencing technical dificulties here at the palatial Guitar Ted Labratories. We appologize for any inconvienience this may cause. Please stand by for the resumption of your regularly scheduled blog entry!
Now, if only I could get that digital test pattern to post!...........................(noises of hammering and tools hitting a concrete floor).......................................ouch!.......................Later! I'm out!!
Internet Malfunction!
My morning post got sucked into some digital blackhole! Mr. 24 said he couldn't even log in this am. Crazy! To make matters worse, I can't even retrieve any of my e-mail because my computer says I have a "bad password"! Wha? I never would change it. Did it all of a sudden get moldy, and rotten? Too many fruit flys? What? Maybe this should be today's post!.........
We are sorry! We are experiencing technical dificulties here at the palatial Guitar Ted Labratories. We appologize for any inconvienience this may cause. Please stand by for the resumption of your regularly scheduled blog entry!
Now, if only I could get that digital test pattern to post!...........................(noises of hammering and tools hitting a concrete floor).......................................ouch!.......................Later! I'm out!!
We are sorry! We are experiencing technical dificulties here at the palatial Guitar Ted Labratories. We appologize for any inconvienience this may cause. Please stand by for the resumption of your regularly scheduled blog entry!
Now, if only I could get that digital test pattern to post!...........................(noises of hammering and tools hitting a concrete floor).......................................ouch!.......................Later! I'm out!!
Monday, October 31, 2005
29"ers and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
As is fitting for a day like today, I will tell a tale of cycling's "headless horseman". The 29 inch wheeled bike has, for it's short life on this orb, become something of a legend. A legend amongst it's small legion of followers, and a far off tale of wonder and amazement to the rest of the twenty six inch riding, dirt brethren. A tale of a "body of riders" without a head!
The mountainbiking world has always had it's icons. Leaders of renown that could easily be identified and pointed to as groundbreakers. Pioneers and innovators of the sport. Names like Fisher, Ritchey, Tomac, and Overend. Even the bicycles themselves are icons in some cases. The original Stumpjumper, the Breezer, and most famously, the original "clunkers" that bombed the Repack Trail.
Surely several modern bikes could be pointed to as offshoots, or actual innovations of today. Perhaps the ubiquitous 29"er falls into this category. I think not, though. It's seen as the red headed stepchild by the mainstream, and the shining messiah by it's followers. In reality it's a movement without a leader. Not one design element, not one single person, or group leads the charge. It's merely a wheel. An innocent enough object, yet full of wonder. In the 29 inch size, a terror to the established hierarchy. The knaves and peasants take up their scythes and pitchforks, attacking with lighted torches the very notion that a bigger wheel does anything but slow you down. Yet, this growing sector of the cycling world does not go away. It continues to thrive without means of sustenance by any clear leader. No shining race star, no groundbreaking new design, and no support from the entrenched industry leaders, ( aside from Trek's Fisher brand)
And so, if you are out on a lonely fire road tonight. If you are riding your trusty steed, and something appears out of the fog that has gigantic wheels and a rider with a ghoulish smile. Do not fear! It's just that 29 inch wheel rider, rolling over everything in his path. He won't hurt you, but he might just twist your arm a little! (hint-hint!)
The mountainbiking world has always had it's icons. Leaders of renown that could easily be identified and pointed to as groundbreakers. Pioneers and innovators of the sport. Names like Fisher, Ritchey, Tomac, and Overend. Even the bicycles themselves are icons in some cases. The original Stumpjumper, the Breezer, and most famously, the original "clunkers" that bombed the Repack Trail.
Surely several modern bikes could be pointed to as offshoots, or actual innovations of today. Perhaps the ubiquitous 29"er falls into this category. I think not, though. It's seen as the red headed stepchild by the mainstream, and the shining messiah by it's followers. In reality it's a movement without a leader. Not one design element, not one single person, or group leads the charge. It's merely a wheel. An innocent enough object, yet full of wonder. In the 29 inch size, a terror to the established hierarchy. The knaves and peasants take up their scythes and pitchforks, attacking with lighted torches the very notion that a bigger wheel does anything but slow you down. Yet, this growing sector of the cycling world does not go away. It continues to thrive without means of sustenance by any clear leader. No shining race star, no groundbreaking new design, and no support from the entrenched industry leaders, ( aside from Trek's Fisher brand)
And so, if you are out on a lonely fire road tonight. If you are riding your trusty steed, and something appears out of the fog that has gigantic wheels and a rider with a ghoulish smile. Do not fear! It's just that 29 inch wheel rider, rolling over everything in his path. He won't hurt you, but he might just twist your arm a little! (hint-hint!)
29"ers and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
As is fitting for a day like today, I will tell a tale of cycling's "headless horseman". The 29 inch wheeled bike has, for it's short life on this orb, become something of a legend. A legend amongst it's small legion of followers, and a far off tale of wonder and amazement to the rest of the twenty six inch riding, dirt brethren. A tale of a "body of riders" without a head!
The mountainbiking world has always had it's icons. Leaders of renown that could easily be identified and pointed to as groundbreakers. Pioneers and innovators of the sport. Names like Fisher, Ritchey, Tomac, and Overend. Even the bicycles themselves are icons in some cases. The original Stumpjumper, the Breezer, and most famously, the original "clunkers" that bombed the Repack Trail.
Surely several modern bikes could be pointed to as offshoots, or actual innovations of today. Perhaps the ubiquitous 29"er falls into this category. I think not, though. It's seen as the red headed stepchild by the mainstream, and the shining messiah by it's followers. In reality it's a movement without a leader. Not one design element, not one single person, or group leads the charge. It's merely a wheel. An innocent enough object, yet full of wonder. In the 29 inch size, a terror to the established hierarchy. The knaves and peasants take up their scythes and pitchforks, attacking with lighted torches the very notion that a bigger wheel does anything but slow you down. Yet, this growing sector of the cycling world does not go away. It continues to thrive without means of sustenance by any clear leader. No shining race star, no groundbreaking new design, and no support from the entrenched industry leaders, ( aside from Trek's Fisher brand)
And so, if you are out on a lonely fire road tonight. If you are riding your trusty steed, and something appears out of the fog that has gigantic wheels and a rider with a ghoulish smile. Do not fear! It's just that 29 inch wheel rider, rolling over everything in his path. He won't hurt you, but he might just twist your arm a little! (hint-hint!)
The mountainbiking world has always had it's icons. Leaders of renown that could easily be identified and pointed to as groundbreakers. Pioneers and innovators of the sport. Names like Fisher, Ritchey, Tomac, and Overend. Even the bicycles themselves are icons in some cases. The original Stumpjumper, the Breezer, and most famously, the original "clunkers" that bombed the Repack Trail.
Surely several modern bikes could be pointed to as offshoots, or actual innovations of today. Perhaps the ubiquitous 29"er falls into this category. I think not, though. It's seen as the red headed stepchild by the mainstream, and the shining messiah by it's followers. In reality it's a movement without a leader. Not one design element, not one single person, or group leads the charge. It's merely a wheel. An innocent enough object, yet full of wonder. In the 29 inch size, a terror to the established hierarchy. The knaves and peasants take up their scythes and pitchforks, attacking with lighted torches the very notion that a bigger wheel does anything but slow you down. Yet, this growing sector of the cycling world does not go away. It continues to thrive without means of sustenance by any clear leader. No shining race star, no groundbreaking new design, and no support from the entrenched industry leaders, ( aside from Trek's Fisher brand)
And so, if you are out on a lonely fire road tonight. If you are riding your trusty steed, and something appears out of the fog that has gigantic wheels and a rider with a ghoulish smile. Do not fear! It's just that 29 inch wheel rider, rolling over everything in his path. He won't hurt you, but he might just twist your arm a little! (hint-hint!)
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Sunday: Late Edition
I got that ride in on Saturday and Ron Saul, if you are reading this, I cleaned the sand pit BOTH ways! Wahoo! That took just a little tweaking to the riding technique to master. Another good lesson learned! It's always fun when you clean a difficult section that has given you fits. Never give up. Never give in. Right Carlos?
My cold from a week ago has manifested itself as a sinus infection now. Uggh!! Well, at least my wife is an R.N., and knows what to do!
Took the kids to grandma and grandpa's house today. No riding! I missed a fun singletrack ride with the Jackal and Mr. 24. It seems that I'm forever doomed to ride by my lonesome!
Finally, there has been a pretty cool homemade mountain bike video making the rounds from right here in good ol' I-oh-way! The exact location has been with held by the author, but I know where this place is! I have always been told it was one of the sweetest trails you could poach in all of Iowa. Yes, it's illeagal trail, my friends! Sorry, but I'm not tellin'!
My cold from a week ago has manifested itself as a sinus infection now. Uggh!! Well, at least my wife is an R.N., and knows what to do!
Took the kids to grandma and grandpa's house today. No riding! I missed a fun singletrack ride with the Jackal and Mr. 24. It seems that I'm forever doomed to ride by my lonesome!
Finally, there has been a pretty cool homemade mountain bike video making the rounds from right here in good ol' I-oh-way! The exact location has been with held by the author, but I know where this place is! I have always been told it was one of the sweetest trails you could poach in all of Iowa. Yes, it's illeagal trail, my friends! Sorry, but I'm not tellin'!
Sunday: Late Edition
I got that ride in on Saturday and Ron Saul, if you are reading this, I cleaned the sand pit BOTH ways! Wahoo! That took just a little tweaking to the riding technique to master. Another good lesson learned! It's always fun when you clean a difficult section that has given you fits. Never give up. Never give in. Right Carlos?
My cold from a week ago has manifested itself as a sinus infection now. Uggh!! Well, at least my wife is an R.N., and knows what to do!
Took the kids to grandma and grandpa's house today. No riding! I missed a fun singletrack ride with the Jackal and Mr. 24. It seems that I'm forever doomed to ride by my lonesome!
Finally, there has been a pretty cool homemade mountain bike video making the rounds from right here in good ol' I-oh-way! The exact location has been with held by the author, but I know where this place is! I have always been told it was one of the sweetest trails you could poach in all of Iowa. Yes, it's illeagal trail, my friends! Sorry, but I'm not tellin'!
My cold from a week ago has manifested itself as a sinus infection now. Uggh!! Well, at least my wife is an R.N., and knows what to do!
Took the kids to grandma and grandpa's house today. No riding! I missed a fun singletrack ride with the Jackal and Mr. 24. It seems that I'm forever doomed to ride by my lonesome!
Finally, there has been a pretty cool homemade mountain bike video making the rounds from right here in good ol' I-oh-way! The exact location has been with held by the author, but I know where this place is! I have always been told it was one of the sweetest trails you could poach in all of Iowa. Yes, it's illeagal trail, my friends! Sorry, but I'm not tellin'!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Local Info and Saturday in Fall
I went and checked out the "new" bit of trail scratched out in Geo. Wyth State Park yesterday, before I checked into work. You can check out the airial view on J.Y.'s October 27th post, here.
The purpose of this section is a way to make a long enough loop for a planned 6/12 hour race, next year. I am going to offer my opinion here based on the purpose of the trail.
1. "New" trail on a section where plenty of "old trail" exists, but was not utilized, is perhaps, a mistake. Many "old timers" around here might remember the fun, twisty singletrack that existed in this section 10 years ago. It got closed down because most of it was on private land, at that time. Now, the State has ownership, and trail in this area is "legal" again. I realize that special consideration for the race was given priority when this trail was put in recently, so any thoughts that the old fun was back were quickly dashed. This is pretty boring trail, people! There are a couple of interesting off-camber spots, but that's about it. About 100 yards of it is routed on the pea gravel access road.
2. The "new" trail is over alot of imbedded grass clumps, and routed through alot of nettles and other underbrush common to Iowa river bottoms. This is a very common problem that often plagues established trail here locally. This won't present itself until about late April, and then it will be nearly impossible to keep the growth at bay, unless there is a constant parade of riders grinding out the singletrack everyday. That is assuming that the area does not fall prey to flooding, which this trail is susceptable to. Then, depending on the severity of the flooding, will make a race in June or July next to impossible on any of this trail system. Even without a flood, this trail is certainly doomed unless it's constantly supervised from April through July to ward off encroachment of vegetation. It won't be easy! I have several years experience in battling this type of situation myself.
Allright, enough about that! Today is another cool, late fall day, and I plan on cruising around the Green Belt again. This will be a low key, fun ride. There won't be very many more chances to enjoy- actually enjoy- the outdoors on a bike. Pretty soon, it will be so cold, that enjoying the outdoors on a bike might be difficult at best. Hopefully, it stays warm enough for awhile to get several more rides in comfortably.
Get out and ride! Enjoy the chance you have, where ever that may be, to feel the joy of riding your bike.
The purpose of this section is a way to make a long enough loop for a planned 6/12 hour race, next year. I am going to offer my opinion here based on the purpose of the trail.
1. "New" trail on a section where plenty of "old trail" exists, but was not utilized, is perhaps, a mistake. Many "old timers" around here might remember the fun, twisty singletrack that existed in this section 10 years ago. It got closed down because most of it was on private land, at that time. Now, the State has ownership, and trail in this area is "legal" again. I realize that special consideration for the race was given priority when this trail was put in recently, so any thoughts that the old fun was back were quickly dashed. This is pretty boring trail, people! There are a couple of interesting off-camber spots, but that's about it. About 100 yards of it is routed on the pea gravel access road.
2. The "new" trail is over alot of imbedded grass clumps, and routed through alot of nettles and other underbrush common to Iowa river bottoms. This is a very common problem that often plagues established trail here locally. This won't present itself until about late April, and then it will be nearly impossible to keep the growth at bay, unless there is a constant parade of riders grinding out the singletrack everyday. That is assuming that the area does not fall prey to flooding, which this trail is susceptable to. Then, depending on the severity of the flooding, will make a race in June or July next to impossible on any of this trail system. Even without a flood, this trail is certainly doomed unless it's constantly supervised from April through July to ward off encroachment of vegetation. It won't be easy! I have several years experience in battling this type of situation myself.
Allright, enough about that! Today is another cool, late fall day, and I plan on cruising around the Green Belt again. This will be a low key, fun ride. There won't be very many more chances to enjoy- actually enjoy- the outdoors on a bike. Pretty soon, it will be so cold, that enjoying the outdoors on a bike might be difficult at best. Hopefully, it stays warm enough for awhile to get several more rides in comfortably.
Get out and ride! Enjoy the chance you have, where ever that may be, to feel the joy of riding your bike.
Local Info and Saturday in Fall
I went and checked out the "new" bit of trail scratched out in Geo. Wyth State Park yesterday, before I checked into work. You can check out the airial view on J.Y.'s October 27th post, here.
The purpose of this section is a way to make a long enough loop for a planned 6/12 hour race, next year. I am going to offer my opinion here based on the purpose of the trail.
1. "New" trail on a section where plenty of "old trail" exists, but was not utilized, is perhaps, a mistake. Many "old timers" around here might remember the fun, twisty singletrack that existed in this section 10 years ago. It got closed down because most of it was on private land, at that time. Now, the State has ownership, and trail in this area is "legal" again. I realize that special consideration for the race was given priority when this trail was put in recently, so any thoughts that the old fun was back were quickly dashed. This is pretty boring trail, people! There are a couple of interesting off-camber spots, but that's about it. About 100 yards of it is routed on the pea gravel access road.
2. The "new" trail is over alot of imbedded grass clumps, and routed through alot of nettles and other underbrush common to Iowa river bottoms. This is a very common problem that often plagues established trail here locally. This won't present itself until about late April, and then it will be nearly impossible to keep the growth at bay, unless there is a constant parade of riders grinding out the singletrack everyday. That is assuming that the area does not fall prey to flooding, which this trail is susceptable to. Then, depending on the severity of the flooding, will make a race in June or July next to impossible on any of this trail system. Even without a flood, this trail is certainly doomed unless it's constantly supervised from April through July to ward off encroachment of vegetation. It won't be easy! I have several years experience in battling this type of situation myself.
Allright, enough about that! Today is another cool, late fall day, and I plan on cruising around the Green Belt again. This will be a low key, fun ride. There won't be very many more chances to enjoy- actually enjoy- the outdoors on a bike. Pretty soon, it will be so cold, that enjoying the outdoors on a bike might be difficult at best. Hopefully, it stays warm enough for awhile to get several more rides in comfortably.
Get out and ride! Enjoy the chance you have, where ever that may be, to feel the joy of riding your bike.
The purpose of this section is a way to make a long enough loop for a planned 6/12 hour race, next year. I am going to offer my opinion here based on the purpose of the trail.
1. "New" trail on a section where plenty of "old trail" exists, but was not utilized, is perhaps, a mistake. Many "old timers" around here might remember the fun, twisty singletrack that existed in this section 10 years ago. It got closed down because most of it was on private land, at that time. Now, the State has ownership, and trail in this area is "legal" again. I realize that special consideration for the race was given priority when this trail was put in recently, so any thoughts that the old fun was back were quickly dashed. This is pretty boring trail, people! There are a couple of interesting off-camber spots, but that's about it. About 100 yards of it is routed on the pea gravel access road.
2. The "new" trail is over alot of imbedded grass clumps, and routed through alot of nettles and other underbrush common to Iowa river bottoms. This is a very common problem that often plagues established trail here locally. This won't present itself until about late April, and then it will be nearly impossible to keep the growth at bay, unless there is a constant parade of riders grinding out the singletrack everyday. That is assuming that the area does not fall prey to flooding, which this trail is susceptable to. Then, depending on the severity of the flooding, will make a race in June or July next to impossible on any of this trail system. Even without a flood, this trail is certainly doomed unless it's constantly supervised from April through July to ward off encroachment of vegetation. It won't be easy! I have several years experience in battling this type of situation myself.
Allright, enough about that! Today is another cool, late fall day, and I plan on cruising around the Green Belt again. This will be a low key, fun ride. There won't be very many more chances to enjoy- actually enjoy- the outdoors on a bike. Pretty soon, it will be so cold, that enjoying the outdoors on a bike might be difficult at best. Hopefully, it stays warm enough for awhile to get several more rides in comfortably.
Get out and ride! Enjoy the chance you have, where ever that may be, to feel the joy of riding your bike.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Commuting By Bike = Risky Business
The topic of getting attacked by passing motorists while riding a bike is not a new one. This is a topic that really hits close to home for me, as I commute to work by bicycle five times a week. I just saw another story relating to this, and it really got me to thinking about a few things.
1. Shouldn't motorist be thanking and even encouraging us because we aren't contributing to the demand for gas, thus making it less expensive and more readily available to them? Instead, they try to kill us!
2. How courageous are you when you point your three ton SUV at me, gun the throttle, and swerve away at the last second while I'm riding on my bike? You really must be tough! Someday, one of these nutjobs is going to get out of their vehicle to confront me. Lord have mercy on that individual!
3. If I, while riding a bike to work, impede your travel by a few measley seconds, how much does that really affect your total travel time? How is it that this sort of "delay" ruins your day? Are you really that mentally fragile?
Well, there probably are no really good answers to these questions. I think that alot of it comes from our sense of entitlement. We think that if our automobile is taken away, broken down, or wrecked that our lives will come to a screeching standstill. Elderly people have been known to give up their will to live when the license is revoked, or so they say! The economy of the nation seems to be intertwined with the success, or lack thereof, of the auto industry.
I remember when I worked for the dark side, at an auto repair shop, when people would give me that look of horror when I informed them that their car would be out of comission for a few days. It was surreal! I remember 9-11, when the fear was that gas prices would skyrocket after the attacks, ( totally un-founded rumor!) when there was a line two to three blocks long at the gas station. People were screaming and cursing at each other at a time when we all needed to be coming together. It was ugly- and scary! Just because they didn't think we would have access to cheap fuel. The same scenes played out recently with the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region.
We need to wake up! We are in need of something that gas, or money, or things can't give us. That's another story! I'm writing about commuting on a bike, so I'll get back to that!
I encourage you all to try commuting. Try running an errand or two by bike. Make a difference! We all do not have to be cell phone yakking, heater smoking, fast food guzzling H2 pilots, do we? I hope not! Here's an idea! Make a new years resolution now! Declare that you will use your bike for something other than racing or training in 2006, at least once in a while! You do like riding a bike.......right? Well......................???
1. Shouldn't motorist be thanking and even encouraging us because we aren't contributing to the demand for gas, thus making it less expensive and more readily available to them? Instead, they try to kill us!
2. How courageous are you when you point your three ton SUV at me, gun the throttle, and swerve away at the last second while I'm riding on my bike? You really must be tough! Someday, one of these nutjobs is going to get out of their vehicle to confront me. Lord have mercy on that individual!
3. If I, while riding a bike to work, impede your travel by a few measley seconds, how much does that really affect your total travel time? How is it that this sort of "delay" ruins your day? Are you really that mentally fragile?
Well, there probably are no really good answers to these questions. I think that alot of it comes from our sense of entitlement. We think that if our automobile is taken away, broken down, or wrecked that our lives will come to a screeching standstill. Elderly people have been known to give up their will to live when the license is revoked, or so they say! The economy of the nation seems to be intertwined with the success, or lack thereof, of the auto industry.
I remember when I worked for the dark side, at an auto repair shop, when people would give me that look of horror when I informed them that their car would be out of comission for a few days. It was surreal! I remember 9-11, when the fear was that gas prices would skyrocket after the attacks, ( totally un-founded rumor!) when there was a line two to three blocks long at the gas station. People were screaming and cursing at each other at a time when we all needed to be coming together. It was ugly- and scary! Just because they didn't think we would have access to cheap fuel. The same scenes played out recently with the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region.
We need to wake up! We are in need of something that gas, or money, or things can't give us. That's another story! I'm writing about commuting on a bike, so I'll get back to that!
I encourage you all to try commuting. Try running an errand or two by bike. Make a difference! We all do not have to be cell phone yakking, heater smoking, fast food guzzling H2 pilots, do we? I hope not! Here's an idea! Make a new years resolution now! Declare that you will use your bike for something other than racing or training in 2006, at least once in a while! You do like riding a bike.......right? Well......................???
Commuting By Bike = Risky Business
The topic of getting attacked by passing motorists while riding a bike is not a new one. This is a topic that really hits close to home for me, as I commute to work by bicycle five times a week. I just saw another story relating to this, and it really got me to thinking about a few things.
1. Shouldn't motorist be thanking and even encouraging us because we aren't contributing to the demand for gas, thus making it less expensive and more readily available to them? Instead, they try to kill us!
2. How courageous are you when you point your three ton SUV at me, gun the throttle, and swerve away at the last second while I'm riding on my bike? You really must be tough! Someday, one of these nutjobs is going to get out of their vehicle to confront me. Lord have mercy on that individual!
3. If I, while riding a bike to work, impede your travel by a few measley seconds, how much does that really affect your total travel time? How is it that this sort of "delay" ruins your day? Are you really that mentally fragile?
Well, there probably are no really good answers to these questions. I think that alot of it comes from our sense of entitlement. We think that if our automobile is taken away, broken down, or wrecked that our lives will come to a screeching standstill. Elderly people have been known to give up their will to live when the license is revoked, or so they say! The economy of the nation seems to be intertwined with the success, or lack thereof, of the auto industry.
I remember when I worked for the dark side, at an auto repair shop, when people would give me that look of horror when I informed them that their car would be out of comission for a few days. It was surreal! I remember 9-11, when the fear was that gas prices would skyrocket after the attacks, ( totally un-founded rumor!) when there was a line two to three blocks long at the gas station. People were screaming and cursing at each other at a time when we all needed to be coming together. It was ugly- and scary! Just because they didn't think we would have access to cheap fuel. The same scenes played out recently with the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region.
We need to wake up! We are in need of something that gas, or money, or things can't give us. That's another story! I'm writing about commuting on a bike, so I'll get back to that!
I encourage you all to try commuting. Try running an errand or two by bike. Make a difference! We all do not have to be cell phone yakking, heater smoking, fast food guzzling H2 pilots, do we? I hope not! Here's an idea! Make a new years resolution now! Declare that you will use your bike for something other than racing or training in 2006, at least once in a while! You do like riding a bike.......right? Well......................???
1. Shouldn't motorist be thanking and even encouraging us because we aren't contributing to the demand for gas, thus making it less expensive and more readily available to them? Instead, they try to kill us!
2. How courageous are you when you point your three ton SUV at me, gun the throttle, and swerve away at the last second while I'm riding on my bike? You really must be tough! Someday, one of these nutjobs is going to get out of their vehicle to confront me. Lord have mercy on that individual!
3. If I, while riding a bike to work, impede your travel by a few measley seconds, how much does that really affect your total travel time? How is it that this sort of "delay" ruins your day? Are you really that mentally fragile?
Well, there probably are no really good answers to these questions. I think that alot of it comes from our sense of entitlement. We think that if our automobile is taken away, broken down, or wrecked that our lives will come to a screeching standstill. Elderly people have been known to give up their will to live when the license is revoked, or so they say! The economy of the nation seems to be intertwined with the success, or lack thereof, of the auto industry.
I remember when I worked for the dark side, at an auto repair shop, when people would give me that look of horror when I informed them that their car would be out of comission for a few days. It was surreal! I remember 9-11, when the fear was that gas prices would skyrocket after the attacks, ( totally un-founded rumor!) when there was a line two to three blocks long at the gas station. People were screaming and cursing at each other at a time when we all needed to be coming together. It was ugly- and scary! Just because they didn't think we would have access to cheap fuel. The same scenes played out recently with the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region.
We need to wake up! We are in need of something that gas, or money, or things can't give us. That's another story! I'm writing about commuting on a bike, so I'll get back to that!
I encourage you all to try commuting. Try running an errand or two by bike. Make a difference! We all do not have to be cell phone yakking, heater smoking, fast food guzzling H2 pilots, do we? I hope not! Here's an idea! Make a new years resolution now! Declare that you will use your bike for something other than racing or training in 2006, at least once in a while! You do like riding a bike.......right? Well......................???
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