Missing riding

Long time no post. It's been a pretty hectic week. No riding and other stressors like school are starting to affect me. I need to get my butt back on the bike, and soon. Maybe tomorrow, but a back-up plan of skiing and maybe racquetball is already in development. Planning for another century with Steve... actually Steve has to plan this one, I bet it goes northeast. I have been nerding out about two bikes lately. I, per usual do not necessarily need either of these bikes but these are the two concepts that I have been thinking: New gravel/cross bike... Kyle really intrigued me today or fixed gear 29er. I do really want a nice quality gravel bike that can also be a bona fide cross bike if I ever choose to. Kyle sparked my interest in a Rock Lobster Tig Team S.L. frame. It has a lot of upside: I think I could get it with sliders, tire clearance, custom geometry, matching fork probably. Kyle also talked up the guys there a lot and I know he has some interest in them as well. I think I am going tubeless for gravel wheels, so that plus a few other things would equal a sweet ride. The other choice is something I have been kind of obsessing about is a Surly Karate Monkey run fixed with a front brake. Racing Ralph 2.4's front and rear with maybe a Groovy Cycleworks luv handle. I don't know why I have been thinking about this so much lately. I think that it would be so cool in the winter on like snowmobile trails and gravel. I am thinking about lacing it up with some Flows so it would probably be burly but I figure I'll probably be running like 32x18 and just spinning around town. I think that certain trails at sugar could be really sweet i.e. the climbs on the south side. Hopefully I'll get some riding time in and get some major thinking done. Ride reports coming soon I promise.

Cross already

Sooooo, been home for a few days with first illness, now snow, and I have had some time to think. I can't believe that cyclocross bikes have ruled so much of my imagination kingdom. First let me say, before a complete run-down of what has been going through my head: I don't really race much cross, so I am not looking for the same things that your average cross racer is looking for. Now, THAT being said, I want to race cross. I think it is a really hot aspect of cycling. I think the openness to spectators, the inclimate weather, and the constant race mentality are all amazing. I wish I could get into it. Four races in my life have happened as cyclocross races. Fifth place at Jingle Cross in 2008, good races (mid pack) in my first Cat. 3 races this year (and raced the 3 race, then the Open on the singlespeed), and then third at Devil's Cross this year in November. I should be motivated by this. I just don't know what it is, maybe it is too hard... I don't think that is it, but it isn't cold, getting last, or being boring. I just wish the switch would flip for me, so if somehow that is the case this year then I want to have a nice bike worthy of racing, but excelling in long rides because I LOVE gravel. A lot of my long rides are gravel oriented, even more than my road rides. I think it allows me to simultaneously work handling, endurance, and power in one ride more efficiently than any other bike I have. That is why this is a tough decision, and each of the bikes has pros, and cons. This is what is whirling around in my brain, in no particular order...kinda:
Choice: I HAVE a Surly Crosscheck it is nice and comfortable. Ultegra front and rear derailleurs, Bontrager carbon crank, Chris King hubs laced to Stan's ZTR 355 rims.
Pros: Fits, and has, 42c tires, bar-end shifters are reliable, I know I can ride 100 miles on it and be comfortable. Semi-horizontal drops makes it gear or ss friendly
Cons: It isn't really a cross race bike. It is a little small for racing, it is heavy, and the bar-end shifters are as beneficial in a race format. Basically the things that make it a good long gravel bike make it a not as good cyclocross bike.
Choice: Singular Kite
Pros: Well there have only been prototypes but Marty from Prairie Peddler rode one in some late season cross races I believe so this is semi-speculative. Singlespeed/geared compatibility is there via semi-horizontals, I like the ride of steel, Reynolds 853 to be exact, and dealing with Singular is very pleasurable and it is fun to support a business on the rise, and a friend's bike shop.
Cons: Its only a prototype and who knows when it will be available, I am also concerned that even though the ride quality of the 853 should be better than the chromoly of the Surly, I don't know that the weight is going to be that much lighter, and Singular isn't claiming super wide tire clearance, which I want.
Choice: Salsa Titanium La Cruz
Pros: Titanium ride quality should shine on longer rides while being lighter than its steel alternatives, 42mm tire clearance
Cons: Pricey, similar to the crosscheck in that the benefits geometrically of this bike would be great for gravel, but wouldn't lend themselves to cyclocross as much, geared only.
... also if I am going Ti, I know someone who could do that for me:
Choice: Eriksen cross bike
Pros: Custom geometry would lend itself to find a nice mixture between gravel and cross geometries... I think the pros are that I could make this bike however I want it.
Cons: VERY pricey, the most expensive option by far... that is the downside.
Choice: Specialized S-works Tricross
Pros: I know that I like the Tricross geometry, the carbon fiber would be light and should give exceptional gravel ride quality, obviously it can be a legit cx race bike
Cons: Price, possible durability of a carbon bike, tire clearance, and geared only.

These are, of course, among many other possibilities, and it is possible that my decision will be made by outside sources. For now I'll just be happy with what I have, especially since the mtn bike needs just a bit more dialing in.

Hopefully a ride sometime soon, although I have stopped holding my breath.

continued 29er loving

Singletrack.com

Fisher team moves to 29ers exclusively.

Food Poisoning, and a 29er pseudo-rant

The last 19 hours ish of my life has been not pleasant. I believe it was a case of food poisoning that has left me couch/bed ridden, and as of now am restricted to a regimented diet of: applesauce, apple juice, flat Sierra Mist, and pears. I also have found a new appreciation for a new roll of toilet paper. I think that this basic amenity is probably taken for granted on a day to day basis and all I am saying is wait until you run out at a very untimely time. Anyways long story short I am not getting any riding done this weekend, unless I make a miraculous recovery. So no bike ride posts until maybe Monday. I am trying to post on this religiously though so I will comment that in the last 3 weeks we have had a Specialized bike rep come talk about 29ers and I have sold two 29ers myself. I am very happy about this trend. It had been somewhat tough for me in the past to not talk up the benefits of a big wheeled bike to a customer, because, while I understand that 26 inch wheeled mountain bikes still work very well for some people, if you aren't one of those few individuals where either fit or bicycle handling abilities promotes the benefits of a 26er, and you are not on a 29er, you don't know what you are missing. The game is changing in the mtn world. The old handling and sluggish stereotype is quickly being eradicated by an ever progressing world of builders and new, not just different, geometric ideas. The biggest innovations in the bicycling world, in my opinion, are happening in the 29er world. People are continually figuring out ways to make these bikes more agile, while still retaining the benefits of rollover with the larger wheel. Like I said, I understand that 26 inch wheels may work better for some, I know these people, and they are fast. I can honestly say, that personally, I do not ever think I will buy a 26 inch wheeled mountain bike again. I am happy that they are no longer a trend and are most definitely here to stay. The 29er train has gotten up to speed, and good luck maintaining the momentum on your little 26" wheels. If you want more of my opinion come in to the shop and I'll talk your ear off... if I don't have food poisoning.

new race on schedule

Alright, I thought I was going to do the Almanzo 100 in May, but plans have possibly changed. Almanzo had 400+ entrances and yikes, that is a lot. Those entries included ones for Geoff and Brian from the shop. It is hard for too many guys from the shop to take off at the same time, and since I am already going to be gone a lot for races this year I figured minimizing the conflicts would be a good idea. So, although I am sure it would be a good time with the Iowa City group that is heading there I think I am signing up for something else:


Yeah I can't see how this could not be awesome. Chequamegon 100 Link says 75-80 miles of singletrack included. This would be an epic start to a 3 race, 6 week schedule including Dirty Kanza and Lumberjack 100. LATE ADDITION: Kyle, Robin, Nick, and Marty are all signed up as well. Pain and suffering for us all. Yay.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Roster

• Joseph Meiser
• Tim Krueger
• Dave Larson
• Paul Haberman
• Adam Blake
• Paul Ziegle

Yeah, I'm in... kinda outgunned at this point though.

delicious dinner

Thank you co-op. I had a great dinner tonight. After selling John his Karate Monkey, which turned out awesome, I need to get some food. Chicken cordon bleu and frog city salad with an appetizer of bacon and horseradish neufchatel cheese spread on their Mediterranean bread. So delicious. Maybe I'll get pictures of the K Monkey and post them up if John lets me. Tomorrow looks like the temps should be high enough so possibly a nice little ride to stretch the legs out, nothing super long. I would like to get a long ride in once more before the end of the week, Friday night or Saturday. That way I will be able to eat so much more at the Williami Super Bowl party on Sunday.

P.S. Shockey has a funny little write up about the ride yesterday. I'll get those turkeys.

Bikerumor | All The Best Cycling News, Tech, Rumors and Reviews!

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/02/02/how-to-build-a-sub-17-lb-mountain-bike-in-under-three-minutes/
I thought that this was a cool video. It is nice that it captures how easily they can get disassembled, but also how much detail goes into reassembling a bike. Plus I dig Fuzzy's beard.

54: the good the bad the ugly and cold

Got 54 wanted 62. The loop of level b roads around the wetlands area were unrideable and cost us some mileage. It was much colder and way windier than I had anticipated. Feet and hands froze at different times in the ride. Started in Cedar Falls with Ben and headed out of town. The wind was blowing I'm guessing between 13-18 mph and originating in the northwest...and blowing directly in our faces. You can check out the loop, all the riding northwest was the beginning, the straight line is running into what would have for sure resulted in epic failure, and then home. It was still nice to be out for about five hours with no real stops aside from the occasional bacon craving or trying to dig the pop-tart out of your feed bag. Ended up riding the Crosscheck, and I think we would have been faster on mtn bikes... even the singlespeeds. Whatever though. I am happy to have my 4th ride over 50 miles in on the 2nd of February, and even having to take two weeks off. Oh and I am always going to do this countdown kind of thing in regards to rides, it'll be like "my thing". This ride consisted of: 54 miles, 965 ft of climbing, 4795 calories burned, 4 pop-tarts, 4 beef sticks, 1 larabar, 4 frozen feet, 6 dogs, 4 turkeys (who I challenged to a gobble off, but lost), 1 unrideable loop.

Post ride included: 2 slices of sausage pizza, 1 roast beef sandwich, 1 Mtn Dew throwback (I love these), and 1 milky way.

P.S. I got to try out my new light for a solid hour and a half, and it looked good. Rode with it helmet mounted and the battery in my jersey pocket. I hope to post up some good pictures of it, and my other light ala mtbr's light comparisons.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for February 2nd

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

Metric 2

Alright, on a day rest I am heading up with Aaron to meet Shockey in Cedar Falls and ride the 64 mile route dubiously name Fatty McFat-Fat. A strange name if you ask me due to the lack of any type of refueling stop... so Starvey McStarve-Starve may be a better name. 64 miles is a really good distance I think: short enough that you can give a good hard effort without worrying about conserving until the end, but long enough to give you experience feeding and staying hydrated while on the bike. I am not sure what bike to ride. The Eriksen would be a little too slow for this endeavor I think, the gryphon could be a good choice with the Edge wheels, I'd just have to switch to 17t from the 16t and rotate the bb... cake... OOOOORRRRR I could ride the Crosscheck singled out. 39 x 16. I have the needed parts, but I just don't know if I want to go to that trouble tomorrow... soooo I think maybe the gryphon wins with a gear swap. I want to get some miles on the gryphon this year, as I think it may see some xc trail and maybe even race time this year. I'll put up the full ride report and garmin info tomorrow night after the ride.