X'Plor-ing

After several rides on the Psychlo-X with 23c tires it was time to fatten things up. I've read a lot about the new (or more accurately newly returned) Clement tires for gravel and cross racing/riding. Most seem to gravitate towards the 40c X'plor MSO tires. Not really needing anything that fat, I opted for the more expensive (damn my luck and propensity for pricy rubber) and narrower 35c X'plor USH 120tpi tread.

Many reviews have stated that the USH isn't as reassuring or surefooted as the MSO and that 40c is really the narrowest tire for a go to gravel tire. I'm not sure I agree. I rode pavement, grass, gravel, a creek bed, and mud on my ride and the USH rode like a tire. The bike felt confident in all conditions. Even in deep gravel where the wheel knifed in, the bike was predictable. I find it hard to condemn a tire to only urban riding because it doesn't allow one to confidently rail into gravel that is deep and loose and prone to collapse/move from underneath you unexpectedly. The USH rolls efficiently on the road, didn't seem to weigh me down on climbs, cornered confidently, and soaked up the rough stuff capably at a rather high inflation of 60 psi. I think with a wider (21-23mm) rim the USH will really shine. I have big plans for these tires this spring/summer and I hope they continue to live up to my expectations.

Going Psychlo

Few things inspire one to get outside and ride more than the buzz from a new bike. Having an all-terrain road bike has really upped the after work ride stoke. It's easy to fall into the head home and collapse mindset after a 10 hour day on your feet, but the prospect of a geared bike that can rocket me to some trails without spinning 220 rpm while still allowing a fun on the trail gearing option has made it easier to sway the demons.

Although still riding 23c slicks, I got out for some road and off-road fun with Monster Saturday after a long day at work. After a fun pre-work urban ride with AdamD and Ben in the 25 degree sunshine, I sent a text to Monster asking if our standing Saturday ride was still on. Early on I was still amped up to ride. By the time we got the doors locked, I sat down and checked my phone for the first time since 9am. Monster would be there around 4:40pm, it was 4:30. A minimal snack lunch and nothing to drink all day had me wiped and ready to skip out on the ride. Lucky for me he'd been out riding all day and was on his cross bike. This opened up the possibility of riding options and my energy returned. We rode around some of my favorite loops as the sun set and stars came out. Just what I needed.

Sunday I was meeting a new JR racer who is joining the team from Florida at Montgomery Bell. His dad and JD also joined us. The morning started out cold but warmed up to near 50. The trail was in great shape and a lot of the Southeast Moots crew were out getting in a doubles worth of the whole 'monty'. Jamison (another of our JRs) crushed two 23 mile laps. The kid is impressive.

Heading home on the newly opened 840, hot air balloons were visible in the distance. The cool crisp air and gentle wind must have been perfect for their singletrack in the air. It reminded me of the large gathering of balloonists that would flock to WIU in the fall for the rally. The intramural fields would be littered with hot air balloons which would resemble a Jackson Pollack painting from the high up vantage point of the dorm room.

Keeping on with the throwback down memory lane, look what strolled into the shop the other day. They'll be up for sale soon too. The person who owns them is upgrading and these cranks are all original with very, very little wear. They've been hanging in a garage for 10 years. Too bad 170's are a bit too short for me as they'd look pretty fly on the SS.

And now back to the future. My new Retrotec (who makes other nice things besides style setting clothing) Tee with it's homage to one of my favorite movies. Lloyd Dobler would be proud. Cue Peter Gabriel and prepare to queue up the Clash after the Mats.

Fat Road Tuesday

Moots Psychlo-X in roadie mode with 23c tires.

Ten years ago I bought my first real road bike: a Trek 5200 Ultegra equipped carbon fiber road rocket (especially when compared to my only other road bike, a 1986 lugged steel 12 speed Sears Free Spirit). That bike had me hooked from the moment I threw a leg over, clipped in, and headed out of On Two Wheels in Davenport, IA for an hour while they worked on my mountain bike. It was only supposed to be a ride to kill some time while they worked on my bike. I ended up purchasing it and tens of thousands of miles later, I still love the bike. It's been a trooper.

Ironic that even now as I have a cross bike, I'm still hitting dirt/gravel roads on 23c tires. 

About 6 months after buying the Trek, I headed out for my first visit to Colorado with a friend and our road bikes in tow. We hit up several of the famed climbs/routes like Flagstaff, Mt. Evans, Estes Park, and such. It was a grand adventure marred only by a nasty case of road rash (thanks to an expansion gap in the concrete on a long downhill) and the fact that my 23c tired bike slipped and slid on many of the steep, wet, dirt road climbs I found branching off most of the paved routes.  I wanted to explore more and more of the dirt roads, but the skinny 23c tires and minimal tire clearance of the Trek wasn't truly up to the task, although I would put it through many, many miles of "not designed for" roads and loved every minute of it.

While cruising some of the more famous bike shops (such as Vecchio's) in the area, I came across a new to me bike. I'd only just recently gotten into cycling as a sport, so I wasn't so worldy, but I was pretty hip to current road and mountain bikes of the day. However, I'd never heard of, nor seen, a cyclocross bike. Let alone a bike made out of titanium. Walking into one of the Boulder area bike shops I came across a Seven Mudhoney and instantly asked the sales person what the hell it was. I was simultaneously in love and pissed no one had ever told me such a bike existed. I loved my Trek, but this thing looked like the bike capable of what I imagined road riding entailed. Alas, the Trek would have to do, but I've longed for a ti cross bike ever since that fateful day.

The "Boucher" Shot.

Ten years later the time has come to finally retire the old faithful Trek. Aside from the chain, 39t chainring, tires/tubes, cassette, bar tape, and one set of cables the bike is all original. Ten years of tough roads and tougher rides. I'd say I've gotten my money's worth out of it and then some. It has definitely earned its retirement.  A new chapter of my road life is now being written. This time aboard the bike of my dreams, a Moots titanium cross bike. A very capable 23c roadie ride with the added benefits of being able to go fat tired, off road, and loaded touring. My go farther adventure bike. Needless to say, I'm pretty stoked.

Born from left over and take off parts laying around the shop, the bike came together as if the stars meant for it to be. The colors match better than most anal roadies could have picked out of a dream build site, the components mesh and complement each other and the ride, and the fit is dialed. Divine intervention indeed.

Today's inaugural ride was everything I thought it would be: cold, windy, minimally cable stretched, and perfect. I plotted a new route, discovered some rugged gravel (near creek-bed like) roads, and had the quiet backcountry lanes all to myself and one massive off-leash pitbull (luckily he was friendly).

Speaking of pitbulls, meet Brindle. She's our newest foster and she's a ball of happiness wrapped up in a face licking, tail waggling bundle. She's house broken, good with other dogs, and loves to play tug. She's also pretty partial to the couch. If you're looking for a good pet, check out Noah's Ark Society about adoption.

Thadlands

 NPS photo by Cathy Bell

The Badlands have been on my mind a lot as of late. I've been wanting to get there with a bike for years now and just haven't ever made the time. There is a family link to the area via my maternal side, I think that, along with the desire for something new, is the root of this re-sparking of interest. Many of the old races/events that offered a similar experience have morphed into becoming more like the events that drove me to search out the smaller, more remote ones. Like Dirty Kanza. I remember when only 17 of us finished out of around 40 starters. And reading online as the 10 or so that started the year prior made their efforts. Trying to follow a small piece of illegible paper referred to as a "course map."

Now close to 1000 people will be lining up with support crews, marked course, and a 100 mile light version. It truly is great to see the event growing for the town and people behind the event as Kanza truly is a great event in which to be a part, but I don't want to be alone with a thousand other people. It's just me. So I'm looking to expand some horizons in my newly vacant race day calendar plans. The Badlands just might make it into the picture.  (Click for more photos)

NPS photo by Carl Johnson

I'm also trying to hunt down a long lost place in Wyoming with the help of a newly met friend (a Wyoming Historian). I doubt the one room dirt floor cabin still exists from the early 1900's, but you never know. I might be able to find the old homestead. Or it might just be a chance for a new adventures.

Who knows what all 2013 will allow me time for as I want to get back up to New England and see the family, maybe take a bike this time to explore more of the old country. I also am in the planning stages for 2 different multi-day, long distance, off-road backpacking adventures. More exploration, less race driven destinations seem to be the 2013 theme. Though I do plan to keep racing, I think I'll stick to the local Southeast XC scene with hopes for Nationals since they are on this side of the Mrs. Ippi this year.

More as I figure it all out, I reckon. In the interim, here's a video Patrico put together from my surprise birthday party H. and all my friends threw for me. Enjoy.

Horton Here's a Moots

Watching the sunrise Friday morning while doing morning barn chores before work. 

The plan was simple. Roll out Friday night via bike to a place to camp. Camp. Ride back in time for work Saturday morning, preferably in time for a big country breakfast. It almost went off without a hitch. Some may question why one would head out at night to camp in 25 degree weather in January. Some may even wonder why one would do it on a work night. Perhaps I should back up a bit.

Packed and ready to roll. 

I've bemoaned about limited time off and the lack of true "weekends" due to my employment. Even if I did get two consecutive days off, I'd still not be able to get away for wild adventures I read about from so many peers. It's just the way it is and not all that bad really. I also have a friend in a similar situation who is trying to make a dream come true. He's aiming for the Tour Divide race this year. Something that takes a lot of saddle as well as gear preparation time. He also has a wife and two young children who require dad to not be away on a bike all the time before attempting a potentially 4 week solo adventure.

The route.

While discussing strategies and gear options with him, we hit upon training. Knowing how much he adores his time with the family, getting in good solid training is going to be a challenge to balance with the rest of life's responsibilities. He's also had 3 run-ins with cars while commuting to work and, as he says, it gets harder and harder to recover from each one. So much so that it has inspired him to get it done. I really admire that.

We made camp down along the Duck River. 

During our chat I hit upon an idea: S24o or sub-24hour overnights. Perfect. It would allow him to get saddle time in as well as chances to test gear options, learn some things, not be away all weekend from the kids, and would allow me an avenue for some local adventures to sooth the wanderlust inside. Win-win as they say. The plan calls for at least one s240 a month and hopefully more as the weather improves so the kids/family can join us at the camp sites and get to ride some with dad. 

The new titanium stove worked beautifully. 

This past Friday was our first of the many planned. With the vast amount of rain Middle TN has had the past 8 days, some of the more off-road adventuresome routes were put on the shelf until the ground could dry up and the freeze/thaw would no longer be an issue. So a more back-road option was used.  I've been wanting to check out Henry Horton State Park ever since moving South of Nashville. Camping is along the Duck River, photos I'd seen were scenic, and multiple route options were available.

Dream.

Being a State Park, it also gave us a water source and bath house access, should we need it. As weather improves and our gear gets more tuned, we'll get into more remote and water filtration required venues. For now, being the first one and being 25 degrees, we opted to keep it as simple as possible. The main goals were the ride time, the camping, and having fun. Mission accomplished.

Sunrise along the Duck River. 

Morning Frost. 

Some might be interested in my pack, so hear is a list of what I took:

• Sleeping bag liner (carried on bars)
• Sleeping pad (carried under bars)
• Half Dome 2 tent (carried on bars)
• Coffee, tea, oatmeal, ti spork, fire starter brick (carried in frame bag)
• Spare tube, honey stinger waffles (carried in frame bag)
• Emergency blanket, lighter (carried in frame bag)
• Columbia Two Lives Jacket (carried in small adventure backpack)
• Rain pants and fleece pajama pants (carried in small adventure backpack)
• t-shirt, boxer briefs, arm warmers (carried in small adventure backpack)
• toothbrush (carried in small adventure backpack)
• Small folding stove (carried in small adventure backpack)
• 2 ceramic coated aluminum cups (carried on bars)

Monster rocks. 

My pack worked out well and I'm very pleased with what I have available. Camp was easy to set up and tear down. The bike was simple to pack up without having to wrestle anything. Knowing it wouldn't be above 30 anytime we were outside, I opted for thin fleece pants and my rain pants because the pack down really small and would provide both warm and protection from the biting wind. The Columbia coat is a birthday present (and most expensive piece of gear carried) and made it possible to do this trip on such a meager amount of clothing and lack of a true sleeping bag. It also packs down tiny. The stove was fast to boil water and the fuel I used burned for a very long time. I was very impressed. I totally expected it to be a dud or to be more of a pain than useful. It roared on even as the bulkier camp stove ran out of fuel. Next time I might save some bulk and forgo the tent in favor of my hammock, but the tent is quick, easy, and offers more room to move and store gear.

Today's moment of sunshine from high atop the magic Mountain.

After 75 miles in less than 24 hours, I awoke before sunrise again and headed out for more cycling fun. A large group of us met up at the Mountain at nine with 6 of of us going for the double lapper. 30 miles of singletrack heaven. It was one of the top 3 rides I've ever done up there. The weather was perfect, the trail was perfect, the bike was dialed, our 6 person group cohesive, and we drank in all the amazing views. My day off certainly feels as though it's been a full weekend.

Silo for Jason.

4T

Party on!

It's been a long time since I've been able to update the blog, so this will be photo heavy. Sorry for that. Well, it's here. 40.

H. and I had been able to head North for the New Year returning just 4 days before The Event. 40. For weeks she'd been asking what I had planned for my birthday to which I would always respond "you can't throw your own 40th birthday party." No, I couldn't have a lazertag party because it is too cold and nasty in January. We'd just throw one in the summer despite it not being my birthday, the weather would be better. Blah blah blah. Around and around it would go.

So the morning of my birthday I left the house early for our standing Saturday breakfast ride. Rob, Patrico, and Artimus J met me at the shop and we explored the river and woods around Franktown before grabbing a big country breakfast. Temps were hovering around freezing, but it wasn't raining and being out felt good.

Following a deer trail, we came upon a wash of junk from years of river flooding. The area reminded me of photos Gnat has posted from his fat bike adventure rides up North. A fat bike definitely would have been better at traversing the area than our mtbs, but that didn't stop us from trying. A house shoe wearing Patrico and still under 30 Artimus J had trouble clearing the debris on bikes, I touted the benefits of being 40 and able to out ride the youngsters. Small victories.

Happy B-Day Seth! (That's what everyone who calls the shop thinks is my name.)

Back at the shop, Patrico had made German chocolate cupcakes (with extra German) for my birthday. Our Wednesday night riding regulars had asked what my favorite cake flavor was and promised to make me some. They were also going to meet at the shop so we could all go out for dinner. All being me, H., some of the shop guys, and our Weds night regulars. Others invited (last minute) had plans. Mark, the bossman, had to get back to Lasscassas early too. So he and I headed out a little early from work with Rob (who had plans later) to celebrate with a beer. Everyone had been acting a little weird all day, but just as I'd start to think something was up, something would happen or be said that would completely erase the weirdness. Not wanting to get my hopes up for something that wasn't going to happen, I just rolled with it.

Lisa's amazing cake complete with gravel. 

That is until we got back and the shop was dark. I saw something hanging in the doorway so I hesitated walking in expecting a barrage of nerf darts. (The Simms' family had bought a set for the shop and we've been modding them and pummeling one another every chance we can get). Still thinking it was just the expected crew and possibly some from the other shop, the lights flicked on and the darts didn't fly (well, Patrico did send one my way). As I took it all in I noticed friends I'd not seen in a long time. As my brain started to process everything that was going on I started noticing others: the in-laws, some team riders, my dad?, my brothers?!, my mom?!, Holy Crap my NIECE!!! The entire family had come in from across the nation just to surprise me, along with an enormous amount of friends. Well played, H., well played.

Family. 

She had me thinking she'd failed to put a party together. I'd even joked that I should have called Jeanie that morning (Jeanie planned our Wedding and was at the party). Friends like Lisa had baked a freaking awesome cake AND entertained my sister and her family all day while waiting for the party. Mark and co-workers had pulled off a massive switch-er-roo from bike shop to full on decorated and set party location. Apparently, the party had been in the works for a month and somehow nobody let it slip, despite coming close several times.

My Maeve. 

The party was a big surprise. Having my family there was an even bigger surprise. Seeing the friends who showed up, even more surprising. I couldn't have wished for a better present. (I even got more Nerf guns, so despite no lazertag party, we did tear each other up with Nerf guns late, late into the night). Having my family down and partying with my friends was fantastic. Being a transplant to TN, my family rarely gets to meet many of my friends, and vice-versa. Here they were all together in my environment to celebrate my birthday. A very special night that won't be forgotten.

Speaking of not being forgotten. Travis dropped by the shop the Wednesday after my birthday with a big surprise: his new fat bike. I got to tear around the area on it for a bit and my itch to get one just got worse the longer I played on the bike. Completely impractical. Completely irrelevant to what I need. But completely the bike I should have.

Weather, malfunctioning road bikes, and long hours at the shop kept me from getting much saddle time in last week. By Saturday I was in desperate need for some attitude adjustment. Not getting in a breakfast ride, I was itching to get outside after work despite the rain as it was 70 degrees outside and we normally close before dark on Saturdays. Late bike fits and a few after hours customers later, it was dark, but all was not lost.

Monster had dropped by to say hi. He was out just riding around as his week had been just as off the bike as mine. He was a trooper and waited around for me to be able to get out and we braved the water, mud, and darkness and headed out in search of adventure.

We got 12-ish miles in of trails, bike lanes, paths, deer trail, and bushwacking in before having to split ways. All around I got close to 20 miles of smiles in before heading home to prep my bike and gear for Sunday's adventure. Travis, his fat bike, Nago, and I were heading to The Mountain to get in some much, much needed singletrack.

The trails were perfect, although a few puddles, lots of sand, and slick roots and rocks. It was a great day to be out in the woods despite a 51 minute traffic jam due to a broken down and burning semi that kept us from being able to join the others already on the trail. Halfway around Travis and I swapped bikes and I took off. The confidence and momentum the fat bike has in the slick and techy rocks is crazy. Despite being 40ish lbs (mostly wheel/tire weight) it climbed well and was rather nimble when momentum was on your side. Bunny hops and rock hucks were very smile inducing.  When I got back onto my 2.4" tires I temporarily felt as though I was on a cross bike, that's how different the bikes are. The Maverick fork combined with the 8psi 4" tires handled the rocky downhills like a champ. I expected some out of control pogo-ing due to the inability to dampen the tire deflection, but it was never an issue. Neither was self-steering. Pretty rad.

The wet and sand wreaked havoc on my brake pads. In fact, with 4 miles left on the trail I had no pad left in the rear and was halfway through my front pads. The chain sounded like a rock crusher and the hubs gritty. A quick hub overhaul (I love my 240s) and parts washer scrubbing of my chain combined with new brake pads has my bike back to like-new condition. So much so I wussed out and didn't run my errands by bike today. The constant rain and fog had me not wanting to risk not being seen riding along the highway, nor did I want to get my fresh bike dirty just yet. Tomorrow. Maybe.

Seeing how it has rained for over a week straight with more continuing overnight in the freezing temps, some of our pasture horses needed a place to get out of the weather. H. and I wrestled with a storage garage we got on sale at TSC in the ankle deep, thick mud. We finally got it all together this afternoon and cinched down over a huge flat rock, probably the only non-muddy patch of land in the pasture. Of course with the new round bale, the horses haven't bothered to get out of the rain. At least they have the option now though. Chores done, it's now time to prep for this weekends adventure, an S24O several of us are doing from the shop. I can't wait.

North

We headed up to Illinois for the New Year Holiday. Aside from a recent funeral, we've not been up to see my family in a long time. That's one of my regrets of my current employment, not getting consecutive days off to be able to make short weekend trips home to see family. As such, we were able to take advantage of how the Holiday fell with my off day and were able to make it up North.

We left out in freezing rain/sleet from TN and into active snow in Southern Illinois. As we progressed Northward, the snow became less and less, to the point where much of the mid state was almost snow-less. Temps were in the low 20's with single digit wind chills while we were there, but it still felt warmer than TN despite the thermometer telling us otherwise. It was good to get some "winter" in for a change. Years past had spared us from the wintery side of winter.

Time passes so quickly, despite how long the school year seemed to drag out years ago. Or how summer seemed to last forever, or Christmas wouldn't come soon enough. Now it seems they are always sneaking up on you. As if it were all just last week. Well I guess they were all last week, but hopefully you get my point. Time marches on. Not seeing someone regularly, you really notice the time passing. People are getting older. I'm getting older. Time changes from "when I get it" to "I need to make it." Time's no longer waiting on us to get around to it.

Recently Kid Riemer of Salsa Cycles posed a question on their facebook page asking "What did you learn from your bike in 2012?" It made me think. First off, what possibly could my bike teach me? Secondly, did I learn anything? I finally realized that my bike taught me not every ride requires performance enhancing clothing nor more time than I have available.

Years past I would not have ridden as I would have believed I needed a specific amount of hours on the bike, or a set amount of miles. That 40 minutes or 15 miles weren't worth the effort. That I had to suffer alone for miles and miles, hours and hours because that's what cycling was all about, right? Meh. I rode my bike a lot as a kid. All the way through high school and college. I was never a cyclist. It's just what I did. What I enjoyed. Several rides this year have reminded me of that and have reshaped my perspective on things. Same goes with travel. It won't all be for racing this year. I'm planning more bike adventures around friends and family. Time is precious and I need to take better care of it.

Three days into the new year and plans are already shaping up and escalating. Two multiday bikepacking trips are in the works. Each one on completely new to me trail systems racking up to roughly 700 miles of self-supported trail between them. Lots of S24O's being planned, hopefully starting within the next week. Mix in the races I'd like to do and the event calendar is shaping up to another full year of adventure. I can't wait and I'm sure time won't either.

So here is to another new year. Another new start. Another pause and reflection. Two days and counting until the big Four-O. I'd hoped for a LazerTag party on the farm, but cold and mud put the kibosh on that. Oh well, there's always Five-O.