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.

Little Adventures

It's been incredible following along Monster's progress in the Tour Divide race. He's crushing it in his typically atypical Monster way. He is of a different breed. That kid loves to ride his bike. He's well past the halway point and into the triple digit miles. 2,711 miles according to "Ride the Divide", though I've heard 2,741 miles bandied about as well. Plus with the forest fires raging and closing some of the sections off, who knows what his real total will be. Whatever it is, it's impressive. Pedal on Scott!

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I've been stealing away small adventures. Whether it's 45 minutes late in the day or early in the morning, I'm embracing my local outdoors. I even managed to squeak a camping excursion into the workweek the night of the super moon. It was the perfect night for a campfire.

A few moments ago as I was closing the chickens up for the night in the hen house, I stopped and looked up. The sky was clear and full of stars. I hopped on my bike and headed out to the back pasture. If the sky was as amazing as it was in the backyard, the way-back backyard would be even better. It was. Darkness, solitude, and beauty encapsulated me. Precious moments.

As the humdrum and bustle of the work week beats you down and wears on your last nerve. When you long for a vacation getaway but can't afford it nor have the time off available to you. When life is serving you lemons instead of lemonade. Look for little moments where you can find your own mini-adventure. Trust me, it's out there waiting. Beckoning. Ripe and ready for the taking.

Time At Play

A friend of mine teaches people how to think creatively. To adapt new ways of thinking to resolve complex problems. He's a pretty damn cool fellow whom I haven't seen in a very long time. Today that changed. We'd made plans earlier in the week to make time to get together for a ride. 

During our ride we caught up on our respective lives and told tales of our adventures. Lamented on time lost and things not done and how friends and loved one have passed on or are fighting illness. He made the comment of me being his pastor; someone whom he comes clean with and expunges all his demons. I was highly honored to hear that. I love our discussions and glimpsing the world through his filters. 

Then, while wandering the isles of the grocery store like a senile old man who lost his way, I started thinking about work and all the projects I need to keep on top of and follow up on and the changes about to happen when Patrico and Apollo leave. The stresses of the job started to overwhelm my peaceful day off.  Then I thought about my time with Parker and changed my line of thinking. I stopped my default. Time to design a new way. To follow Park's lead and design a new work life. 

I've been very fortunate this week. Although my time at home and at rest have been very scarce, I have been rich in friends. Work reached out and stole several hours of my time due to late night customer needs on Monday, but I was still able to make it over to help Monster pack his bike and go over his gear before he flew out for Banff and the grand depart. 

Tuesday was a wash. It involved a few hours of lawn tractor repair followed by hours of mowing, dentist visit, more mowing, traffic court, and finished the night up with more mowing. I did salvage the day with a short ride with the pups. 

Wednesday brought a ride with another friend who has moved on from Nashville. Farkas was back for a short visit and came out to ride with us on our Wednesday night shop ride. Another talented kid living the dream out in Colorado. It was great to be able to catch up with him and beat him in a sprint. Take that Mr. JR National Champion. (I didn't beat him, we're all just saying I did). 

Saturday gave me the gift of an early morning trail ride with the pups and a post work trail ride with the shop crew. An evening of racing around the woods with friends trying to beat the sun. Good times. Times we need to make more time to enjoy. 

Which pretty much sums up my design change. Make more time. My default is to let time run me. I think I'll be much happier running time. 

Daycation Saturday and Sunday Readings

This is the time of year for making hay as they say (they as in them) and we are definitely making some hay. Work hours have crept more and more into the free hours in order to keep people pedaling. The ebb and flow of the bike biz. In itself rewarding and taxing at the same time. Taxing only because it makes travel near impossible and I find myself missing time with the family out of state.

But hay season doesn't last all year and plans are being made for off-season travel so I just need to be patient, which doesn't come easily for me. Luckily I am surrounded by amazing and incredible friends who, for all intents and purposes, are family. Saturday happened to have the stars align to allow several of us to enjoy a brief, but fun, ride together after closing the shop. Friends like these make life better and the taxing hours and waiting for travel more bearable.

Unfortunately, three of these friends will soon be leaving. One (Scott "Monster" McConnell) will be flying out next Wednesday for his first attempt at racing/riding the Tour Divide. I've been able to enjoy a few overnights and late night rides with Scott and his Moots MootoX singlespeed during his build up for the grand depart. The recent months have proved to be a little too jam packed with obligations to get away much, but I was fortunate enough to snag a last ride in with him before he leaves. If anybody can complete this grueling race, Monster can. I imagine the most tired muscles will be in his face from smiling so much. Godspeed Scotty. Pedal on!

Another friend and co-worker Patrico will be leaving at the end of the month for a cycling adventure all of his own. He'll be riding from Coast to Coast across America on his Swiss Army Knife of bikes: a custom S&S coupled, every feature sans a chain hanger (#regret), Moots Psychlo-X ultimate adventure bike. Patrico and I have grown pretty close outside of work. He's been a competent farm sitter, a compatriot photography nut, a solid riding partner, and popcorn gourmet. He's moving on to the next chapter of his young life and I'm excited for him, but his presence will be greatly missed around the shop, farm, and back country roads.  Although I'm not one to desire a cross country road biking trip, I know it's going to be an amazing journey and I'm a bit envious of his current freedom. My wish for him is to include a bit more gravel/dirt roads and explore more of the remoteness and beauty the Midwest has to offer along his trek across America. Safe travels Patrico. I expect some amazing photos and video and a coffee table book for my bike room. Pedal on!

AdamD, the Apollo to my Rocky. Although he isn't leaving for a cycling adventure, he is leaving soon to follow his passion into the next chapter of his young career. With an eye to the future and a nose to the books, he will soon be off full-time to finish his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He'll still be in the same area code as me and although our schedules won't mesh completely, we should still be able to find some time to pedal together, his presence at work will be greatly missed. He's always been my parachute and had my back. It'll be weird opening the shop without him and his wacky music selections and poor clothing choices.

Changes are scary. Most people resist change pretty hard. As much as a couple of these changes will have profound effects on my life, I'm pretty at ease with them. Social media is great at closing the gaps in time and place and it'll be fun learning what bends and turns their travels will take them. And rather than sadness, I'm filled with excitement. New chapters for all and adventures to be shared. Even if it means I'm the one stuck in the same place. I'm pretty happy in my place. It's a good place to be.

At the moment I am enjoying a lazy Sunday morning listening to a few of my favorite NPR radio shows and listening to the thunderstorm outside. It's been a long time since I've had a day off in the rain (typically it's a race, a commute, or a work event when it's rained lately) and it's rather serene. And as any lazy morning should, I've had some good internet time and stumbled upon a few items I'd like to share.

First, this is a great video. Grab a cup of java, sit back and envy James and his collection, his shop, and his cool ass truck.

Secondly, Bunyan Velo is a relatively new quarterly digital magazine comprised of photos, essays, and stories from cyclists around the globe. It's free online or you can purchase digital copies. I haven't read it yet, but I have looked through at the photos twice of issue 2. My current favorite photo is of the dog sled team.

Thirdly, Specialized (a California bike manufacturer) recently announced their all new over the top wind tunnel for testing designs of bikes, tires, wheels, helmets, clothing, and even trees (hey it's their tunnel and they can do what they want) at their convenience. Velo Orange is a company that makes items for commuters and everyday cyclists like baskets, handlebars, and fenders. I love companies that have and display a sense of humor and Velo Orange has pretty good sense.

Bumped and Ground

Nothing particularly exciting has been taking place as of late. I've mentioned before we've been super busy supporting area cycling events each weekend, but when a small window of opportunity presented itself, I leaped before looking. Way too damn early Sunday morning Jeremy and I headed out for Birmingham, Alabama. We were on our way to race in the Southeast's biggest XC race 19 years running: The infamous Bump & Grind.

Seeing as the SS race started at 8:30am and we had a 3.5 hour drive ahead of us, I'd be lining the Moots MX RSL SS Mk II with the geared Cat 1 class at a more manageable 11:30am. At Oak Mountain. Where the trail has that M.C. Escher quality about it and the whole damn thing feels like your going downhill. Which was pretty obvious when we took off and were spinning 28mph into the woods around the lake. 6 miles into the trail, this little engine with legs spinning like an embroidery machine decided to back off the pace. There was no way I would be able to hold onto that pace for 30 miles, in the heat, with only a single 16oz bottle. I fell back into my own little world in the back of the pack and settled in hoping I'd catch someone up the big climb later on in the trail.

The forecast had called for rain, but it was bluebird skies and sun, 93 degrees and damn hot. We've not seen temps that high in Mid TN yet and it seemed to be affecting a lot of folks. I started passing guys that had blown due to the heat. Cramps seemed to be the name of the game for most folks. Luckily I've not had to deal with them much (just sealed my fate there, dammit) and was able to motor on past. I started keeping count as I made my way towards the top of the mountain. I'd caught and passed 12 of the 25 racers in my category. Mid-pack, just where I like to be.

I'd managed to keep the gaps all the way past Blood Rock as I made my way back to the start/finish area to begin lap 2. Then with about 3 miles to go for lap 1 I got swarmed upon. Nine of the twelve came buzzing passed me with their clickety gears and full suspension bikes. Stupid downhill. I was topped out with no match for a big ring. I decided to try to keep them close and make ground back up on the climb back up.

It worked (for the most part). I managed to pass several back and keep them at bay all the way back to the finish. 17th on the day. Nothing to write home about, but a pretty good showing for bringing a knife to a drone fight. Jeremy's day went a lot smoother and he nabbed 2nd in the Cat 1 30-34 category. About time his stars aligned.

It was a whirlwind trip and before I knew it work was hitting me upside the face and life was back in the swing full kilter. Work, chores, errands, and a little playtime snuck in for good measure. Summer is almost here. God I miss summer vacations.