Save the Date

We received notice that one of the dates submitted to the Tennessee Cyclocross Calendar has been accepted. Looks like we will at least have one race out at the Cadence Creek Riding Center. All the work we put in building and grading the course last year (up until the day of the race) has paid off dividends this year. New sections were cut and cleared over the winter, but mostly we've just had to maintain it making preparations a lot less stressful.

A new course design with more zigs and zags, some cobbles, maybe a bit of gravel, and potentially a "sand pit" are on the agenda. Our newest feature, which we are calling "grass", is coming along nicely. The wet spring and summer we have been having this year have kept the dust bowl from returning. Hopefully it will continue to fill in throughout the summer.

In any event, October 6th will be the date of the first race. The course is riding well and should be 100% ready by the end of August. Which means I should be able to ride more and cross farm less this fall. Hup, hup!

Gravel Bikes

Most of the 2014 bikes either have been or soon will be announced. It seems most companies are announcing 27.5/650b bikes, gravel race bikes, and fat bikes in their lineups this year. Oh, and disc brakes on road and cross bikes.

My take on fat bikes is that they are some of the most fun bikes one can throw a leg over. Unless you live in a climate that gets a lot of snow or has a lot of sand laden coastline, there really isn't a need. However, if you are bored of the typical or have little time to ride, a fat bike will bring a giant smile to your face.  Use extreme caution if you ever ride one on a trail, they are highly addictive.

The "enduro" market seems to be the new red bull. It seems "enduro" this and "enduro" that are being shoved down every social media outlet available and with that long travel, little larger wheel bikes seem to be all the marketing rage. Even a hard tail or two. This bike I don't get. I have a 29'er and a 26'er that are as close to being the same bike as possible regarding components, fit, and weight. 

I love my 29'er as an xc race bike and for  longer endurance rides. I also know that when I get back on my 26'er, it feels more nimble, faster, and more fun. It's not that I hate the 29'er or that it isn't fun, it's just the 26'er feels that way when I get back on it. So I can see why people might be all ravey raversons about 27.5/650b since they ride more like a 26". However I don't get it. 

I've ridden a 650b bike similar to my 26" and could barely tell a difference. At least not one to justify a new ride. Maybe if I had 1.9 or 2.0 tires on my 26, but I run high volume 2.25 tires and the difference is negligible. Hopping on the 29'er is vastly different in so many ways, I can understand its popularity. Maybe 650b is so buzz worthy because all the 29'er zealots who eschewed 26" wheels realize smaller wheels are still fun but can't admit it and go back to 26 so a new size had to be created? That's my theory. That and since 29'er zealots swore off 26'ers the bike companies had to find a new wheel size to sell them as the 29'er sales flatten out. 

As far as gravel bikes, this is interesting. Some bikes are coming out are rather cool offerings that overshadow the road offerings. Others are more of a "what the hell were they thinking" and "marketing people kinda suck" variety. I've been asked for input on what my ideal gravel race bike would be and I've given my thoughts, but really pretty much any bike will do given a few mods or compromises. 

I used to think fatter tires were better, not so much anymore. Granted fatter tires offer more suspension/softer ride, less knife in on deeper, looser gravel, and tend to float better in sand/mud. But I've had fat tires knife in. I've had them sink into mud and sand. And I've had skinner tires offer a softer yet faster ride. For me 35 to 38c tires are perfect for most conditions and 30c for adventure roading. This trend for 40-45c tires leans towards monster cross or Fargo territory more than towards gravel racer in my mind. But that's just the curmudgeon on me. I feel similarly about disc brakes on road bikes. I get why people want it and understand the benefits. I just don't think they are a requirement for a gravel race bike. Nor do I think throwing fatter tires, disc brakes, and a taller head tube on a bike makes it a gravel specific race bike as some of the bike co's are spitting out. 

I do, however, fully understand their appeal. Fat roading (as I like to call it) is a lot of fun. It is a lot more convenient to head out on a roadie style bike and explore gravel, dirt, and farm roads than it is to load up and drive to a trail head. Less time driving, more time riding but still scratching the itch for off-road fun.  Calling them "Gravel Grinder Bikes" or "Gravel Race Bikes" is going to limit their appeal to folks. Either way, I'm loving the hell out of my Fat Road bike and that's all that really matters.

Pickers and Grinners

Sunflowers remind me of road trips to Colorado.

Summer seems to be in full swing and quickly disappearing before it can be fully enjoyed. Riding has been scarce for me lately.  I guess technically it's long rides that have been scarce, "riding" has been squeezed in here and there. Racing almost non-existent. Races have been falling on weekends where I've been out supporting events for the shop, which has me less than inspired to find "fitness".

The last two Wednesday mornings have involved a few CX compatriots and a big grassy field. We ride/pseudo-race for a few hours before work. It's been a great mental break and reboot of the self morale. Combined with our normal Wednesday night rides, it makes for a solid day of cycling and keeps me from complete curmudgeonry (mostly).

The other rides have just been short jaunts playing in parking lots or running errands to Kroger. For some reason screwing around on bikes after a long stressful day eases the pain. It reminds you of why you chose to break free from the cubicle and follow your folly. Mostly it takes you back in time and you feel like a kid during summer break.

Of course nothing brings out the kid in you than shooting one another with nerf guns. Just remember to wear your eye protection.

The most consistent riding has occurred on the farm. We've had a lot of rain over the past week and a half and although it's meant extra, extra mowing, it has filled the pond back up. The boys and I have wasted no opportunities getting out and swimming between riding laps of the CX course and trails. If only I could figure out a way to keep the pond full year round...

Nothin' like a good woller. 

Then in the "wow you grew up 40 miles from me and raced many of the same mtb races I did" department, American Picker Mike Wolfe stopped in the shop the other day. He and his wife were out shopping and popped in. He was quick to ask about my Moots Rigormootis and then took a spin on Brian Baker's new Frosti, to which H. piped up with "So he's not only interested in junk!" Funny, funny girl.

Of course, I was interested in his bike. A 1937 all original (including the paint) Harley-Davidson with sidecar. Picked from a barn in Pennsylvania. Pretty sweet. Here's to my fellow cornfed kids following their folly.