Thoughts for a New Year

Driving and walking around my old home town as another year ends and a new one is about to begin has me reflecting a bit on our current state of being.

It is no doubt that we are a global economy and that isn't going to change anytime soon. Most of the jobs and companies that kept this old town afloat have long since moved to Mexico. Amazon and other online shops have made 24 hour bargain shopping easier for the consumer, at the cost of the mom and pop / brick and mortar stores. Not to mention the loss of taxes to the local economy. You know the main revenue source for things like schools, road improvements, fire protection, parks, greenways, and bike lanes.

Occupy movements are protesting the unfairness of the wealth distribution. Unemployment is still too high. Jobs are still too scarce. Yet we choose to save a few bucks by buying online and not have to pay taxes all the while expecting our government to bail us out. We do this to ourselves. While online shopping isn't in itself a bad thing, we could support each other and our local community to build ourselves back up a bit more, but we don't. We'd rather bitch, blame, and not pay sales tax. We simultaneously embrace and fear change in our instant gratification world.

Maybe in the new year we will learn to be better. Learn that there is more to being a savvy consumer than just saving a few bucks. That sometimes where and how things are made justify those added few dollars. Or that a company that keeps local folks employed deserves a first chance before clicking that buy it now button. And maybe, just maybe my old home town, and yours, won't disappear like all the jobs and local companies have.

Little Moments

Godfather Cup Challenge - Phase II

The weatherman said partly sunny and low 50's were expected today, so imagine my surprise pulling up to the starting location to drizzling rain, 38 degree temps, and solid cloud cover. It stayed that way, along with some crisp wind, all day (Thanks Mr. meaty urologist). Despite the off-forecast, it wouldn't be much of a Godfather Cup Challenge ride if the weather wasn't part of the equation.

Four of the hardier Hardy boys showed up, others unable to make it due to myriad reasons: woke up late, afraid of moisture, afraid of Sycamore Creek's creek crossing and 38% grade, etc..., etc...

Inspired by our Hickman county adventures, Stanley has worked hard at searching out and linking up some Cumberland Plateau gems to ride. 6 big climbs were on tap for today with as much gravel and chip/tar roads as possible between them, along with a known creek crossing or two, and the "bonus" surprise creek crossing in the above photo. Luckily everyone's feet and person remained warm and dry through the deep, car infested, fast moving, cold water. As usual, Stanley's route left little reserves in the tank and offered enough adventure to keep me satisfied while off the bike for the holiday.

North Short Mountain road was one of my favorite adventures of the day, complete with a friendly rider and dog who offered their warm fire at the top of the steep climb section of the road. The waterfall in the photo isn't done any justice to the sheer size and steepness of it by my iPhone camera. Needless to say it was a steep and rushing water fall that was cutting it's way down Short Mountain and through North Short Mountain road. Hog Foot was the other highlight climb for me.

After 5 hours out in the cold a hot cup of coffee and some country cookin' was sounding too good to pass up. Luckily the Alexandria Cafe was open for business and readily able to satisfy both requirements. There aren't a lot of options in the small mountain towns and the Cafe had a bit of a stepping back in time flavor to it, enhanced by the old Christmas tunes softly playing in the background. A perfect ending to a great day on the bike with good friends.

Planning on warmer weather, I didn't take much clothing for the ride. I wore a single layer Melanzana sleeveless base tee and the Bontrager Thermal windblock jacket and was roasty toasty all day long. Full attire: Swiftwick 12" wool socks, knee warmers, Moots Voler bibs, Melanzana base t, Bontrager jacket, endura gloves, and a Moots Cycling cap. Never once did I get cold. Several layers less than I'd normally have had to wear before the new jacket. Color me impressed.

Christmas Time in Franktown

State CX Championships

Over-geared and underpowered.     photo courtesy of Jose Alea.

Tomorrow brings in the state CX championships. We'll be back out at Lock 4 again. This time I hope to bring better legs and a much smarter gear selection. Several days of rain and some freeze / thaw action should make the super off-camber course nice and sloppy. I can't wait.

Pre-Chirt Satin Finish?

I got out for a freeze-thaw affected gravel ride Friday with a couple friend's I've not ridden near enough with lately. It was cold, but sunny and the ride was something we all were needing. The thawing of the chirt left a nice crust of dirt on the MX RSL. Sunday was more of the same on a still-to-be-cleaned bike. 53 miles and many hours later a new coating of chirt covered the remains of Friday's ride.

46 more commuting miles later, the coating of chirt still clings tightly to MX RSL. Luckily tomorrow's commute calls for 90% chance of rain. Maybe that'll help me clean off this beast.

Though I think MOOTS should offer this as a new finish option, you know like distressed designer jeans and pre-worn guitars. Dried Hickman county chirt is pretty damn durable and would make for a sweet pre-chirt Satin finish option.

Red Skies at Night

This is the scene I was greeted with when pulling into the homestead after a great day out on the bike. It was cold but sunny. Ice cycles clung to rocks of North facing bluffs, the top layer of the gravel was thick and wet from the effects of freeze/thaw. The route was challenging. The companionship spot on. The food, drink, and conversation afterwards - well earned.

Puppies...

"Stop chewing on the blanket."

"Stop chewing on the blanket!"

"Stop chewing on your brother's head."

"Good boy."

Go Greased Lightnin'

 3rd greasing

After 4 rainy day rides (and one left out in the rain overnight) I wanted to check the status of the pf30bb bearings in my MXRSL. The stock white grease was quick to allow the bearings to rust after some wet rides. I flushed it out first and used some King ring drive lube which worked well for months, but is kinda pricey to waste on bearings. This past time I just used the red grease we have on hand on the work stands and it worked amazingly well to keep out the moistness of TN winter. Not needing to flush, I just topped off the grease and re-assembled the crank. Red and ready to ride.

Reassembled and ready for some more creek crossing abuse tomorrow.

Two for Tuesdays

Second Tuesday commute in a row of Southeast winter cold, rain, and exploration. Adam led us to some new killer secret roads to get us over the hills to work. Cross tires from Sunday's racing were left on to add to the off-road commute traction challenge of wet leaves and rocks, sticking to my non-fatbike meme.

A bonus surprise: Farkus brought in coffee (and he doesn't even work on Tuesdays)!

A picture for Corey: Rainy and donuts here.

Homework

Hell yeah I can!

Got handed some homework today. Sweet!!

Green Bags and Ham

Sling (view) 1

 Tomorrow's forecast calls for cold temps, rain, and snow. It'll be another pretty miserable day like the past 2, only colder. Sounds like the perfect day to test out the new Revelate Designs' sling. Having less pliable hydraulic cables, I opted for a higher, less cable cramped mounting than the sample photos on the Revelate Designs site. Feels pretty solid and should ride just fine considering I won't be on anything other than pavement and gravel on the way in to work.

Sling (view) 2

The dry-bag contains my clothes for work, a towel, a wool jersey in case I need more warmth, multi-tool, mini-pump, co2 and inflator, tire lever, and extra chain links. All tucked neatly inside smaller dry-bags. No rear rack, pack, or messenger bag needed. I'm pretty stoked.

Upper Looping

7:43am on a rainy Sunday morning.

me: "I think it's a coffee and couch, read a book day for me. Not feeling particularly motivated."
Parker: "Hmmm. Yeah the weather isn't very inspiring. Did you already see the radar?"
me: "Yeah. I might sneak out later for a short road ride if the rain lets up."
Parker: "I'm seeing a little more adventure in my future than that. Need some mud."


8:34 am

me: "Fall Creek Falls?"
Parker: "Sounds good. You sure you feel up to it?"

10:30 am
'Dorfer: "Riding today?"

1:30 PM Arrive at trail head. Head out into the cold and rain. The trail was in great shape, the temps were holding, the rain jacket was a smart choice.

4:20PM Roll up to the cars with just enough daylight left to change and load up. Still cold and raining. Perfect day in the woods. I wouldn't have changed a thing. Sometimes a cold, wet ride in the woods is just what the doctor ordered. And 3 consecutive days of singletrack riding is just what the patient needed.

Happy Packsgiving

...from our pack to yours.

Presenting the Cheese

The presenting of the cheese. Photo cred. Steven Myers

The winning hand.

The Grinders of the Godfather Cup. Photo Cred. Ruthie Myers

Dressage Queen, musical freestyle.

Dressage Queen "Freddie" H.

Father and "Freddie" H. sharing a laugh.

The Godfather Cup

Filling of the Coveted Godfather Cup. Blurry Photo by Jeff Scott

The First Annual Godfather Cup Gravel Grinder has come and gone. What a great day on the bike. 13 contenders braved the threatening rains for a brutal 60 miles of Buffalo Valley roads and 6 brutally contested gravel KOM climbs. Stanley "The Godfather" and I got a few extra miles from our search party expedition for Scott "I tend to wander off" McConnell, while everybody else b-lined it back to the homestead to feast on chilli and beer. Henceforth a new rule has been bestowed upon the Gravel Grinders, we'll call it the McConnell Clause: At the start of a gravel event each grinder shall choose a buddy. If at any turn/intersection your buddy is not present - well, you get the idea.

These types of rides are what keep me addicted to cycling. Initially intended to be an all out race, it was decided a gentleman's group ride would be more fun but to keep it competitive 6 gravel climbs were to be raced for points. 1 point for first, 2 for second and so on down the line (cards were handed out at the top of each climb to keep tally). At the end of the ride the person with the lowest number of points wins. Sign sprints, shenanigans, and downhill races were encouraged, as well as Steven putting me to the rivet before delivering us to hurtful climb number 4 (BTW, Thanks again for that Steven). At the end of the day I ended up with 3 aces and 2 deuces, enough to claim the coveted cup. (KOM 6 was thrown out due to the rescue party expedition splitting the group).

Special thanks out to the Myers family for putting it all together and opening their home to us. Thanks to Stanley and Steven for the perfect route. Thanks to all our hardy friends who showed up and made it worthwhile riding in the rain. I can't wait till next year, though I think it should to be a 2 day stage race next year. Maybe that way we'll properly float the keg.

The Good Stuff

I've got a special adventure awaiting me this weekend, Gravel with the Godfather. The weather looks to be cold and wet. I'm packing accordingly.

Counter Culture

Seeing how most of my adventure cycling friends are out exploring and enjoying life on fat bikes, I figured I'd buck the trend and head out for some anti-fat bike cycling culture. Two small windows of cycling opportunity were available to me today. The cross9'er was the better weapon of choice. Weapon loaded, JD and I headed off into the woods for some skinny bike adventures. Seemed like the thing to do having just ridden 26" wheels in the woods last night. Buck the system, right?

I've ridden on 32c hybrid tires during the summer, but the deep leaf cover and slick rocks is a far cry from hardpack trail and had me appreciating the extra traction and cushion provided by the cross tires. Although not something I'd like to do all the time, it is a fun change of pace picking lines over and through off-camber rock gardens on skinny tires. I was letting the speed get a bit too fast for my inflation and had a few rock to rim smacks, but luckily no dings. So fat tires definitely beat the skinny tires in the rocks, but there's still enough fun factor riding on the skinnies.

When it comes to slicing through deep grass and leaves though, the skinny tires were more than capable. And as I climbed the steep hills, their lighter weight was much appreciated. Open fields, hill sides, singletrack, deer trail, creek beds, and woods all helped provide our evening adventure.

Lacking the flotation of the fat tires, I left the water traversing to the dog. I also avoided the muddy banks.

All in all a perfect ending to a Sunday full of exploring new and far away places.