tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80434537730910200022024-03-13T08:57:04.661-04:00The Slow SpokeStevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-33128711955605861892015-08-15T00:16:00.000-04:002015-08-15T00:16:54.558-04:00Thursday Night Outing.On rare occasion, when the shop closes early, some people ask what the deal is.<br />
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Well.......<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/136297727?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/136297727">Blackwell Boys</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user1858986">Steve Arseneault</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-19180732520877504602015-04-23T15:17:00.000-04:002015-04-23T15:21:47.271-04:00Between Shifts.Well, the quiver has been getting some love as of late.<br />
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Managed to tear down the Guru for a full cleaning, tune-up and subsequent glamour shot session between night shifts.<br />
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Once I get doing that, I can't help but notice the finer details of the bike.</div>
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Now that I have a better camera (with no skills to use it) I figured I'd post some better pics than the ones posted on the build entry. </div>
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Still built as it was for my 40th b-day present to myself and still running great. This one will be with me a long time. I built it to last.<br />
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She's not meant to be the fastest bike in the group ride but while my buddies on the stiffer, "pure race" bikes start to ache, I'm ready for more action ;-)<br />
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Great bike for the long haul.<br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-52665205798358185902015-04-19T23:32:00.004-04:002015-04-19T23:34:21.454-04:00Sometimes Lightning Strikes Twice.Lightning does strike twice..........it does. It's been proven. Sometimes lottery winners win more than once too. For me, I've never been lucky enough to win a lottery but I've been pretty lucky recently and pretty euphoric about what has taken place also. Lottery-like euphoria almost; an excitement in finally getting back on something that I've always said I would.<br />
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A look into past posts will find you reading about Dekerf. Even the picture at the top of this blog is a very old pic of my feet and my Dekerf Team ST that I rode and raced for 9 full seasons (99-08). That bike is the greatest bike I've ever owned (still have it) and very early on, it showed me what a bike "<i><b>can</b></i>" truly be.<br />
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It instilled an appreciation of the finer things in cycling. It opened up a whole new world and understanding for me. I learned to look past marketing bullshit and see what's really real. It made me appreciate the subtleties of a build and I learned what I wanted out of a bike over those earlier years. That bike set the bar wickedly high and it'll be tough to beat.<br />
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I've been fortunate too to be able to own many nice rides (at least I think they're nice) but I always knew that someday, someday I'd snag up another Dekerf. I <i><b>had</b></i> to.<br />
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I know the quality. I know the reliability. I know the feel and I simply LOVE Chris's work. I knew my time would come.<br />
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For those who may not know of Dekerf Cycle Innovations, here's a nice video of Chris Dekerf and his work. He's an absolute master of this craft.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/82971972" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/82971972">Chris Dekerf / Dekerf Cycle Innovations</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/mikenairne">Mike Nairne</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Well, that time <b>has</b> come and I'm quite excited. I........AM.........BACK!! Twice Dekerfed. Freshly built in the following photos and equipped with matching Dekerf tuning fork.<br />
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The Niner MCR 9 was stripped and all parts were swapped over for the build. Everything that was not replaced was simply gone over, cleaned, tuned and slapped on the DK. This helps keep the budget down and the wife happy.<br />
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XO shifter/derailleur was converted to 1x9 setup using a Truvativ Noir crank and Race Face Single Ring up front. I then slipped a SRAM PG 990 cassette I had kicking around onto the King rear hub for that lovely buzzzzzzzzzz out on the trail.<br />
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Stopping is accomplished via Avid BB7's mated to Paul Love Levers up front. Living in a flatter part of the world, the BB7's provide more than enough power and their simplicity is quite appealing. Hydraulics were pulled for use on the fatbike.<br />
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Stans ZTR Arch hoops are laced with DT double butted spokes and a mix of Thomson Elite stem/post, Niner bars, Odi Lock-On grips and Maxxis Cross Mark rubber round off the build.<br />
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Pictures never do a bike any justice but I do the best with my limited photographic skills.<br />
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Here, some random shots of the bike as I try and capture some of those immaculate welds and craftsmanship.<br />
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In purchasing the frame, it was not desirable to separate the tuning fork from it so I got both. To separate this bike and fork would be like severing an arm. Very glad to keep it all together.<br />
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I'm still battling my pneumonia (getting better every day) but building this while recovering has made it much easier.<br />
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Managed to get out on a few shorter test/shakedown rides as of late and I can tell you that this bike has me extremely excited.<br />
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It's good to be back................so damn good to be back.<br />
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Shakedown ride shot.<br />
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Apologies for posting about my own bike like this but I couldn't help it. I quite excited.<br />
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Cheers and keep the rubber side down, folks!<br />
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Thanks for reading...........comment if you want.<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-65667139556679951962015-04-07T21:43:00.001-04:002015-04-15T13:58:11.910-04:00I'm No Retro Grouch! Sweet Rides: Entry #15I'm no retro grouch!<br />
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Well, at least that's what I have to tell myself sometimes. Telling myself sometimes, because, I have to convince <i>myself</i> I'm not! Hahaha<br />
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I have strong opinions in cycling. I have staunch beliefs as to what is good with cycling and what isn't and I have a very strong hatred for what I believe to be marketing tripe: and there's a lot of that right now.<br />
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Here however, with this example, it is a fine example of all that is well in the world. Those who read my posts somewhat regularly (or at least as regularly as I post) will know of my penchant for steel, but this freaking sick ride gets me tempted to jump ship!<br />
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Built by my buddy James at <a href="http://blackwellcycle.com/">Blackwell Cycle</a> (or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blackwellcycle">Facebook</a>), I watched this ride come together and waited with bated breath. It's the one upside to owning your own shop that's for sure. I watched as each part would arrive and be laid out on the bench or hung off the frame in advance of the next component's arrival. The intent James had was to build himself up one hell of a fine hardtail and one that would not only stand the test of time and be race ready but, also, be extremely worry and maintenance free. Nice job!<br />
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He jumped back into the less plush world after years on a full squishy; choosing an as-plush-as-possible full carbon Rocky Mountain Vertex as a base for his build. Clearly with the component selection he made, "feathery" was going to be a word associated with this new build of his.<br />
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RaceFace Next SL carbon cranks mated with SRAM XX1 shifter, derailleur and cassette make for one sick combination. That damn cassette alone is a fine piece of art and needs to be seen to be appreciated. Ridiculous!<br />
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I snapped these photos and it was tough to take a bad shot. The silly thing is so damn nice. Of course James can't take "all" the credit. Rocky Mountain did a fine job too with the frame graphics in my opinion. Just enough colour to make the bike pop out there on the trail but not so much that it's all flash. Fit and finish is very nice and this bike has a nice aggressive racey geometry: there is no doubt. I wan't to race it..................bad.<br />
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James also, by choice (and tastefully I might add), kept everything RaceFace.<br />
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He wanted to keep with that Rocky Mountain/West coast tradition. Pieced together with RF stem, carbon Next seat post and matching RF carbon Next bars, his mission was a success and did the bike worlds of good.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">A DT Swiss OPM O.L 100 fork softens the front end and the latest offerings from Time (XC8 carbon) secure the feet in place. The textbook Odi lock-ons (why anyone would ever go with anything else I'll never know) for the trouble free secure grip no mater what the conditions and Maxxis Ikon tires keep the ride on track in the slick stuff. To finalize the controls, James slapped on some Hope Race Evo X2's (the lightest Hope has to offer) and they finish this thing off right. They absolutely belong on this bike. </span></div>
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All told, as built with everything you see in the pics, the bike weighs in at a mind-blowingly light 20.08lbs. That's right. Before he put the pedals on, it was sub 20lb mountain bike capable of full on race conditions. That's sayin' something.<br />
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How can anyone be a retro grouch when time, engineering, and sure, a bit of cash, gets you numbers and beautiful lookers like that??<br />
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I still love my steel rides but I'll tell you what, I'd throw my leg over this freaking thing any time of the week!<br />
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Sick bike, James. Nice f#$%ing job!<br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-53059766320066405962015-04-04T13:54:00.000-04:002015-04-04T13:54:00.976-04:00Down for the count..........Down with pneumonia now. Suffering off the bike. This blows ass...<br />
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Pick from last ride I was on over a week ago.<br />
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-52704500949574129492015-02-28T23:49:00.001-05:002015-02-28T23:51:46.969-05:00Been a while.............image dump.Wow, I know I don't post much in here but that's gotta be a record. Haha<br />
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I really don't think many read this shitty blog anyway but, what the hell. This is for those of you who stumble in here, be it through curiosity or accident.<br />
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Still riding.................still taking shots.<br />
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Here are some random shots I've taken over the last while.<br />
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Recent beach outing.<br />
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Solo rail trail outing.</div>
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On the Niner for a change<br />
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Maiden voyage/test ride of the Ice Cream Truck<br />
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Break time while out on the Straggler. Such a fun bike.<br />
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A quick add I made for my buddys' shop.<br />
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Riding the beach just before the (snow) storm hit.<br />
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Nearing the end of a 70ish km point-to-point "race". I soooooo wasn't ready for that event. I was hurting hear. Hahaha<br />
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Just a Rocky Element I really dig. Had to take a shot.<br />
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That's it for now. Not much of an entry I know but I've got plans.....for more......later. Like punk rock, the blog's not dead. I'll continue popping back in on occasion. Hopefully you do as well.<br />
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Cheers.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-75476494002430270122014-06-05T20:52:00.001-04:002014-06-05T20:59:57.620-04:00The Cross Check Is Gone.After years of total reliability and flawless performance, I got rid of a bike that set quite a standard in my quiver: my Surly Cross Check.<br />
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It was a bike that was actually a bit painful to part with but, at least, it isn't far. Sold it to a buddy of mine. At least I will see it out being ridden every now and again. It's gone to a good place.<br />
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One may ask, "Why part with something so admired?" Well, there is a simple answer. Surly released something that, for me, hit the nail right smack on the head! Something that I'd been wanting for years! Basically, not "totally" mind you, but pretty much, a Cross Check with disc tabs.<br />
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Yes, I'm speaking of course of the Straggler. It was a God damned no brainer for me when I saw it way back when. A bike with all the versatility of my CC, some minor geometry changes but disc tabs were a big deal for me. Once I spotted the "Glitter Dreams" paint.................well........................metallic flake??????<br />
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<b>I'm all over that!!</b><br />
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So..............I pulled the Cross Check apart swapping all the parts I could. I was bound and determined to keep my Campy Chorus/Record groupo I loved so much and found the conversion cassette to be a simple solution to getting a Campy groupset to work on a Shimano disc hub. I purchasing only brakes (which were a trade for mtb BB7's I had already), new Brooks Swallow Titanium saddle, Stan ZTR Crest rims (pealed some of the stickers off to make them less "vibrant" - yuck) and laced them up on some older XT disc hubs. I did take the time to apply matching purple nipples to the wheels though. I had a good laugh (we all did) when I went into the shop and asked if I "......could get some purple nipples". Hahaha<br />
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Slapped it all together at my usual stop, <a href="http://blackwellcycle.com/" target="_blank">Blackwell Cycle</a>, and James was kind enough to lace the wheels up for me. That's about the only thing I don't do. F@#% lacing wheels. I can't stand it. It truly pisses me off. Hahaha Thanks again to James and John for getting the frame, fork and extra parts I needed in. Cheers once again.<br />
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Freaking stoked on this build.<br />
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Gotta get these exams done so I can rip it up!<br />
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And my other rides!!! I'm missing my bikes right now.<br />
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I of course snapped some pictures fresh off the bike stand. Here's how it turned out.<br />
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Can't wait to get it dirty!Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-9497961775023018412014-03-07T15:05:00.001-05:002014-03-07T15:05:02.155-05:00Damn AT-AT's!!Had to cut my ride short because of the AT-AT's returning early from patrols! It's so freaking annoying. The pilots often really don't give a shit what's in front of them so, as you know, it's always safer to just head home until they pass.<br />
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Arrogant bastards.<br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-64246541904906622022013-12-19T10:11:00.001-05:002013-12-19T10:16:22.175-05:00Life...........It's Busy!I keep telling myself that it will slow down and things will go back to the way they once were. Truth is, it won't. I have a hard time coming to grips with that. What I'm continuing to do though is trying and adapt. Trying to adjust and manipulate all I have to do in a day and cram in as much cycling as possible without sacrificing anything else.<br />
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It's bee getting better lately. Been doing a fair bit of fat biking.<br />
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Here's a manual-style wheelie for you. HAHA Good times....<br />
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Today's entry will just be a few random shots I've taken while out over the past couple of weeks. It's been fun. Just wish some of my buds would get on board with riding fat.......and in the cold.<br />
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Here's a pic I took just down the street from my house while riding the beach. Lake's starting to freeze up! Soon it'll be time to ride out there a ways. Looking forward to it.<br />
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A little further down the beach I stumbled upon........<br />
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Anyway, gotta get going here. Gotta get some shopping done so I can get back and maybe squeeze another ride in. That would be nice. We'll see.<br />
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Sorry for the obvious lack of effort in this post. Just dropping in to show that all is well and we're still rolling.<br />
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Really wanting to ride my Guru right now but, not freaking way. Too much salt down now.<br />
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I'll post about it eventually I suppose.<br />
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Cheers.<br />
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Here too is a quick/short little video I slapped together a few days ago. Didn't spend much time on it as I wanted to rack miles up instead.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
Feel free to comment so I know you're out there.<br />
Steve A.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/81569165" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/81569165">A Great Escape</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1858986">Steve Arseneault</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-7197311814255906242013-10-28T10:30:00.002-04:002013-10-28T10:39:46.670-04:00Fall Ride After a Crazy Schedule. Just a quick entry today since I finally managed to get out and we took a few shots during our loop.<br />
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It's been a ridiculously long time since I was able to turn any cranks (aside from a few commutes). My work schedule was INTENSE as of late. I'd been working 13hr night shifts straight through since August 13th right up until mid October. There were a scant number of days off - maybe 4 or 5 in two months. It was insane but we got through it.<br />
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Any days off were quickly (and obviously) filled with chores to catch up on and hanging with my kids who were missing me dearly. I can assure you, that feeling was mutual.<br />
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Now that life and workload are back to normal, I have time again to make a few things happen. The other day, I called a buddy James and off we went for some fall riding. I hate fall but I enjoy riding in it.<br />
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A pre-ride shot taken by my buddy. I missed my bike. I was dying to roll.<br />
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Once we rode in, the colours were intense in some areas and the lighting was perfect. The sun popped in and out of the clouds and all was wet so this helped to really make the colours contrast and pop. Especially in the more dense areas.<br />
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There, when the sun hid, the blackened bark of the pines contrasted beautifully with the rust coloured trail and its green coloured edges. I didn't capture a good pic of that because every time I reached for the camera, the sun would pop out again! GRRRRR...... missed out on that.<br />
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I did capture this in the more leafy, less dense part of the trail though. Gives you a good idea of some of the glorious colour to be seen.<br />
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The ride was wet and quite slick since, below the layer of wet leaves was a rain-soaked, saturated trail just waiting to catch you out. We were rolling some pretty low pressures. I did go down and slide a fair distance through some sticky gumbo. This, after my front wheel washed out on one of a billion hidden wet roots. Serves me right though. I was getting complacent on a flowy downhill section. No harm done though. The bike and I both slid for a bit before coming to a stop half off the trail. As you know, always better to slide than to come to any abrupt stops.<br />
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Thick gumbo is quite good at dissipating energy!<br />
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Got up, mud-soaked on my right side and laughed a minute or two. The bike was fine too so all was good: great in fact.<br />
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I missed this stuff and I didn't even begin to know just how much until I got out there. I missed the trails, my bike, chatting with my buddy, the unique challenges of riding in the fall, the smells, sights and sounds - all of it.<br />
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God damn. That was good stuff.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-88546870766395558042013-07-25T11:12:00.000-04:002015-04-07T14:36:30.993-04:00My Guru; A Fait Accompli.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Well, I did it again: another bike. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Another bike I mulled over for quite some time: a bike, slow to come to light. I imagined a bike, matched and worked with different component combinations and different color combinations over and over in my mind. Countless builds were dreamt up over the last year or so and often, it’s what helped me fall asleep on many nights in that time. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I imagined and planned how I could bring this to fruition. This second, pure, personal “dream bike”. Once again I thought about how would I make this happen? What would be the best way to build exactly what I wanted. What DID I want? What would I hang from the frame? How would everything tie together to satisfy my needs. More importantly, how would I do all this and still keep a reliable bike possible? I didn’t want a “show bike”. I wanted a workhorse but one that also looked good (at least to me). So many unknowns. So many options. The only thing that was certain was that it would collect many miles and that the frame would this time be titanium.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, another alloy ride. One that would perhaps help satisfy my insatiable appetite for them. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Those who know me or read fairly regularly will know that I have a ridiculous penchant for alloy builds. I’ve done every material under the sun and keep coming back to steel. I had yet to own a ti ride so now was the perfect time to delve into it. Why wait for a knee or hip replacement to experience the benefits of titanium? Why not have a road frame made of the stuff?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I turned 40 this year and so, at 39 looking forward, I felt the appropriate gift to myself would be a bike that, to me, is as beautiful to look as it is to ride. A bit selfish perhaps but..............cycling is my thing and I'd hit a rather large milestone. 40 sucks. It even SOUNDS shitty. How could I make it less so. I could have gone and bought a Corvette like many guys my age decide to do but, no way. After awhile, I knew what I wanted but, it took some serious time to plan out.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My visions and nightly reflections had eventually lead me to one place: a frame with classic geometry, classic tube shapes and a classic titanium finish. I’m not a retro grouch by any means but my desire for a bombproof bike guided me to stick to what I know works - and will work for years to come. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I avoided press-fit BB’s and tapered steerer tubes and opted for a classic threaded BB shell and standard 1 1/8 headtube to house external headset cups. Nothing wrong with any of the features I chose not to add but for the sake of simplicity, known reliability, and the aesthetic ride I was going for (with a classic look) I went old-school. Sure, the bike wouldn’t be as light as it “could” be but, I’ll always give up a hand full of grams for something that will be a nice representation of my vision and meet my needs on the road. I had finally decided on a manufacturer; a step that actually turned out to be one of the hardest things to do. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I went with <a href="http://www.gurucycles.com/en" target="_blank">Guru Cycles</a>: a company based out of beautiful Quebec, Canada that has a strong race history, a strong support and backing of their product and a reputation that is out of this world! They offer fantastic carbon, titanium and steel frames ranging from full blown custom tubesets, geometries and finishes to standard frames and finishes...........and built in house. The fit and finish of all the bikes I’d seen from them have always impressed me so they were a consideration right from the get go.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Early on I reflected on the possibility of a full blown custom build and driving out to their facility for an all out fitting and assessment but, one day, while nerding out during a coffee, I began drawing up a rough sketch of numbers I was looking for. I didn’t get a pic of the final drawing as it became quite elaborate but drew a second one up later to absolutely ensure no changes to my plan would be required (again, not the final drawing but, you get the idea about how bad I can nerd out).</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBN91GXFI4c/UfDt08DGTeI/AAAAAAAAAdU/GPWJEDRvkFo/s1600/geometry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBN91GXFI4c/UfDt08DGTeI/AAAAAAAAAdU/GPWJEDRvkFo/s320/geometry.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I jotted down numbers that were currently working for me on the road bike that I’d be retiring (my Bianchi L’Una). What I’d discovered was that, based on the geometry of Guru’s standard Praemio frame, I could easily mirror my current numbers. It was a win! I didn’t need to go custom thus freeing up some money for other details I’d need to get this beauty built precisely as envisioned. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Praemio was also offered in countless finishes and paint colors/combinations but, although tempted, I decided on a naked look. Remember my longing for a “classic” looker? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">To me, ti should be shown off. I love the look of the stuff: always have. I love welds that are perfectly symmetrical: completely uniform. The proverbial “stack of dimes” if you will. The meticulous work that one pays for essentially. A look that makes a titanium bike - a titanium bike. You just know it when you see it. Why cover those details and take away from the impressiveness that those welding hands laid down in Quebec? No way. For me, I love a well built bike whether I own it or not. The finer details of a build capture my attention and seeing as I was in charge of my bike’s destiny, in terms of its appearance, naked it would HAVE to be. It was final.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My friends James and John at <a href="http://blackwellcycle.com/" target="_blank">Blackwell Cycle</a> (and on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blackwellcycle">Blackwell Cycle</a>) were the obvious choice for me to help see this all through. Guru dealers themselves, friends, riding buddies and experienced with my “I’m-on-a-mission” ways I knew they’d survive another run with me building a bike.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I opted for the Praemio “Pure” with raw brushed tubes followed by the bead blasted logos and black fork. No decals for any logos and, aside from the fork, no paint. In a way I got lucky because for once, my vision lead me straight to the lower end of the price point for this particular frame therefore, again, freeing funds for the remainder of my build. It was working out great so far!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Despite my desire for as much ti as possible, I knew that at least a little color would be necessary to make this ride special to me. Not a large overpowering splash but a minuscule amount. Just enough to tie everything together. What color would that be? Once again, I got lucky, thanks to the sticker.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"A sticker? What the hell are you talking about?” is what you’re probably thinking.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Well, here, one will see a glimpse and be able to validate just how fixated and unwilling I can be to deviate or change course once I have an idea in my head. I know it’s been discussed amongst friends through which they (and I) laugh. Yes it’s true at times but, in my defense, I don’t build really high end bikes too often but when I do, I want it right. I want it my way and exactly my way.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, where does the sticker come in? Well......</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGRgAxUL9Yk/UfDuUQCvidI/AAAAAAAAAdc/oDc3r4Ow6I8/s1600/sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGRgAxUL9Yk/UfDuUQCvidI/AAAAAAAAAdc/oDc3r4Ow6I8/s320/sticker.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Guru frames just happen to come with a sticker expressing its Canadian origin and these stickers just happened to be largely red. Again, luck was on my side as I’d planed to reuse at least a few of the parts from my previous ride. Namely my Eurus wheelset, FSA K-Force calipers, seat post and K-Wing bars. All were consistently black, white and red. Even my ti bottle cages were going to be reused and they themselves have red accents. The red sticker just sealed the deal. Red was my decided target accent colour.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The first red accent piece purchase was a new Chris King headset with the Sotto Voce styled logo to steer me over a billion miles and pop some red into that area of the bike.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-m4X1Wt5tQ/UfDucrtGVwI/AAAAAAAAAdk/yE3OOc68qQY/s1600/chrisking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-m4X1Wt5tQ/UfDucrtGVwI/AAAAAAAAAdk/yE3OOc68qQY/s320/chrisking.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I also decided to order a red seat post clamp for something to do. Why not?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zJrWDdeMQ4/UfDuilJWAKI/AAAAAAAAAds/7fHzeztc77M/s1600/KCMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zJrWDdeMQ4/UfDuilJWAKI/AAAAAAAAAds/7fHzeztc77M/s320/KCMC.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some aspects needed nothing for me to admire as they were though straight from the factory. The rear dropouts are works of art as far as I am concerned. Good lord!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CfzxLPxDh7o/UfDuoNZbu7I/AAAAAAAAAd0/7kR4vXny3-w/s1600/dropouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CfzxLPxDh7o/UfDuoNZbu7I/AAAAAAAAAd0/7kR4vXny3-w/s320/dropouts.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After a dozen or so years with Campagnolo, I decided on making a change to SRAM. Nothing against Campy. I absolutely loved everything about my Campy groups over the years and they ran flawlessly (still do as I still run it on my cross bike) I just felt that to make this new bike “new”, I needed change. I’d heard great things about the SRAM Red groupo and I’ve always been a fan of their stuff in the mountain bike world (have run SRAM X.O. for years). Besides, as an added bonus, the Red groupo is, you guessed it, black and red! Perfect! I was confident it would all work great and fit in nicely with my black and red motif. I also decided on the SRAM Red ceramic BB to finish it off. The BB came with nice red cups of course.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I made my list and ordered the remaining parts. The distributers/SRAM were a little weird in getting the parts to me initially and I became quite concerned about crankset colours. A colour change was in the works at SRAM and a large backorder was in effect. Luckily however, everything eventually arrived as planned. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">While I waited for a final part (Shimano freehub body for the Eurus wheelset) I assembled the bike with parts that were being swapped from the now retired Bianchi.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eaheaFmzMQ/UfDuvGTSVUI/AAAAAAAAAd8/GjiRzf6SiAM/s1600/mockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eaheaFmzMQ/UfDuvGTSVUI/AAAAAAAAAd8/GjiRzf6SiAM/s320/mockup.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Then off to the shop to measure 14 times and cut a perfectly good carbon steer tube once. This part always makes me nervous. I measure, check and re-check so many times. HAHAHA.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga_pGDowKFY/UfDu1F9gq6I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Z0A2nQZVQz8/s1600/fork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga_pGDowKFY/UfDu1F9gq6I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Z0A2nQZVQz8/s320/fork.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Once everything had arrived, I retreated back to my house and into my basement. A straight forward assembly saw me emerge the following morning after a good night's sleep with my new ride. My 40th b-day gift to myself.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My fait accompli. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxoNGP1vLxE/UfDu8D54RNI/AAAAAAAAAeM/I2If4wWlI-I/s1600/bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxoNGP1vLxE/UfDu8D54RNI/AAAAAAAAAeM/I2If4wWlI-I/s320/bike.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bead blasted logos.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_PnkInYOKo/UfDvAz0go2I/AAAAAAAAAeg/KsmoJSn3n9s/s1600/bike3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_PnkInYOKo/UfDvAz0go2I/AAAAAAAAAeg/KsmoJSn3n9s/s320/bike3.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf087y1cy7c/UfDvA2fZfUI/AAAAAAAAAec/z31PUnxDmHg/s1600/bike4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf087y1cy7c/UfDvA2fZfUI/AAAAAAAAAec/z31PUnxDmHg/s320/bike4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I LOVE how the headtube looks.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKgK3u9io14/UfDvAWu6yPI/AAAAAAAAAeU/76eD2VXNHd4/s1600/bike5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKgK3u9io14/UfDvAWu6yPI/AAAAAAAAAeU/76eD2VXNHd4/s320/bike5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sadly, I also built this bike in a year that refuses to allow me to ride. Things beyond my control are keeping me from the bike(s) but I am not concerned. I am determined to make up for this year’s loss of saddle time in spades next year and seeing as this particular bike is made of ti, it’ll be ready and able for many years to come.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It does have a few hundred KM's on it already but it's been mostly, so far, a collection of shorter outings but hey, better than nothing. Soon enough I will get to know this bike well with the epic days in the saddle that I crave. I'm looking forward to working this bike out on the road and making it earn its keep as all my bikes do. I had one person suggest that the bike was "too nice to ride". Although thankful for the comment, I replied "Not a chance." Besides, if I don't ride this bike.....................my wife will kill me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, thanks for reading.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Special thanks to Lesley for not getting “too” mad at me for this one. I owe you again! :-)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Thanks also to James Grant and John Elliott for allowing me to stop in for coffee and talk shop with respect to the build. Appreciate the help boys! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Steve A.</span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-30709945850186907192013-03-28T11:27:00.001-04:002013-03-28T11:32:37.757-04:00Missing The Niner and The Warm Temps Today.I spotted this pic from an 8hr race I took part in last year and I got a crazy urge to get the hell out there again.<br />
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I really need a fix. I'm sick of this cold weather crap. It's time to get warmed up and out on the Niner.<br />
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It's ready to go! I just need this weather to swing a bit more so that the trails become doable.<br />
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God damn! Let's get this show on the road!<br />
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<b>STEEL IS REAL!!!</b><br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-91942321835836750182013-03-26T12:33:00.001-04:002013-03-26T12:33:26.602-04:00BAAAAAAARRRFFFFFF.........Yeah, I know. Hell of a title, eh?<br />
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On Sunday morning I headed out for a ride with a couple of friends. Nothing over the top; just a good ride at average pace and fairly short. Both were basically going for a shakedown run on new rides so I knew it wouldn't be a hard-pressed ride. None of us have managed much of a season so far anyway - truth be told. Each of us with our own legitimate reasons I suppose but....... Since they'd be running brand new rockets I told them I'd be "slumming it on my CrossCheck".<br />
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Sunday morning came and from the outset, I wasn't sure. I had a puking son on Thursday night, and on this particular morning (also his birthday) my stomach was trying to tell me something - or was it?<br />
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Sometimes I can, admittedly, be very stupid, but, most times my stupid actions are based on stubbornness and unwillingness to conceive defeat: something I most certainly should have done that morning. I'd later regret my denial and unwillingness to read the signs.<br />
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From the first turn of the cranks I felt totally off. Straight away I knew something was up. I couldn't find a good rhythm. I couldn't get comfortable. I could't get my heart rate down. I couldn't settle: breathing hard and struggling even at lower speeds. I just kept telling myself that it was due to the lack of "real" riding I'd managed to get in so far this year. I struggled for the duration, grabbing a wheel and hugging it which is very unlike me. I'm not the type to cling to wheels for the span of a ride and ALWAYS make sure I do my share of the work but, today that changed. I stayed behind wheels on the road sections of the ride and only held the front for short bursts. I just couldn't do it. Not sure if my friends noticed - no one said anything - but that's not my style.<br />
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The first hundred feet of the ride saw my computer stop working which turned out to be a broken (worn through) computer wire so I couldn't even tell if I was feeling this way due to elevated speeds or what was happening. With no heartrate, speed, cadence I was blind and couldn't rationalize "why". I was still in denial.<br />
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Fast forward to the midpoint of the ride and I had to sit on the ground for a break. I didn't talk much choosing to listen instead which, again, is unlike me (HAHAHA). My gut started to tense up and it hurt like hell when it did so. Now I <i>knew </i>I was in trouble. I quickly got up and said "We should probably get going!! Right??" I threw a leg over and started off. Another attempt to deny any issue I was having.<br />
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Now on trail, I was able to concentrate on my riding and I did have my mind taken off my stomach for a time. I pressed on at my own pace knowing full well that I just needed to get home.<br />
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Once home, I literally walk in to the house with my daughter now puking in the bathroom (moments before she puked on the front door and porch). I'm quickly on my hands and knees cleaning this all up as we have guests coming over for my son's 4th b-day..................but............alas...........it wasn't to be for me.<br />
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By 12:30pm I'm chucking cookies and in bed. A house full of guests and I'm missing my son's birthday. That is the hardest part of this whole thing. I missed my son's birthday. I slept a full 24hrs getting up only to throw up. Totally crazy. Stupid me. I should not have ridden. I should have read the signs. I should have stayed home. Maybe the ride is what pushed my body over the top. I'm convinced, like my bike, my head has some fucked up wires.<br />
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It's killing me that I missed his birthday. Killing me I tell you.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-57538698319417964842013-03-20T13:47:00.001-04:002013-03-22T09:23:05.179-04:00Sweet Rides Entry #13: A Green Machine<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> It’s been a while for one of these “<i>Sweet Rides</i>” entries so I thought I’d better throw one down today. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">To someone new to the blog, at quick glance one might think the color is the key to a ride’s selection (seeing as the previous Sweet Rides entry is also lime green) but I can assure you that their color is pure coincidence. There are rides of all colors in past SR entries. Steel's the reason then? Nope. Despite my admitted "soft spot" for steel bikes, those who have read past entries already know that there are bikes of all materials that are spotlighted. Some may still think that only bikes that require us to visit our respective banks to discuss our financial plans may be the key, but, again, as I’ve said/shown before, that is not always the case. Most expensive doesn't always mean "best" as I've learned the hard way myself over many years spent abusing bikes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So.......... What is it about this particular bike? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, put simply, I friggin’ like it! That is the biggest rule (obviously) I must adhere to with respect to these entries. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The other big motivating factor for an entry choice is that the bikes must be assembled for a purpose and built up in such a way that they serve that purpose well. Whether that objective is to exist as a pure racer, a bomb-proof grocery getter or an epic all-day steed doesn’t matter. Bikes just need to be assembled for a reason, by the owner, with hand picked parts..............and WORK. When you take this into consideration, you’ll get a better sense as to why I chose this particular bike to write about.<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The bike belongs to my buddy James’</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> daughter. Built by James because his daughter needed something to get around town on: a commuter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The bike itself appealed to me but, I must admit, I thought it was cool as hell that he whipped this bike together (a very long time ago) for her to use as a reliable means of transportation - and she dug it. And THAT is a big reason this bike appealed enough to make the cut. It is nowhere NEAR a choice the average dad would consider but, this dad did and with good reason..............safety/reliability #1 and wickedly unique style for his girl #2.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">From a small town, her bike attracts a lot of attention, as it would, even in bigger towns. It’s different. There are very few 1x1’s in her neck of the woods. A resilient, simple bike. Ruggedly, but, intelligently built and ready for absolutely anything. </span>James left nothing to chance and a closer look quickly reveals both the father-looking-out-for-his-daughter (with respect to nearly-indestructible parts) along with color matching bits and small details for that visual appeal his daughter was undoubtedly looking for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He started with a Surly 1x1 frame and rigid fork for the sake of simplicity and reliability. Let’s face it: we all know that the less “stuff” on a bike, the less can go wrong. His daughter would be rolling whenever she needed to. He wanted her to have no issues. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He assembled the drivetrain with quality parts that would work flawlessly for probably a hundred years in this mostly light duty roll: and it’s perfect. A Race Face XC crankset and BB mated with an e.thirteen bash guard: the guard serving as both a chain guide and providing ring protection just in case. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Nothing less than a nicely machined Rennen Design Group cog paired with a brass Wippermann Connex chain to finish it off. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The high grade brass offers a reliable protection against corrosion. Again, reliable and very low maintenance. A Pazzaz wheel tensioner helps keep everything in alignment.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">No dad wants his girl riding around with flimsy controls and equipment that doesn’t help foster confidence, so, naturally, a Deity riser bar secured via a Thomson Elite X4 stem was in order! Hahahaha</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bling Bling!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dad was cool enough to route the front brake housing through the stem too for a nice touch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Race Face seat post and comfy, yet rugged, WTB saddle offer support.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Nicely sized Maxxis Hookworm tires provide loads of durability and traction for any urban outing. Their volume help soften the rigid frame as a bonus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Peeling all the stickers off the Mavic rims help provide a bit of a cosmetic touch as well. I'd use the term "stealthy" but, since the bike is lime green..............well.............stealthy doesn't work here :-) Besides, I'm positive James wanted his daughter to be seen while in traffic so that color has a natural bonus of a visual pop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He decided that stopping would be provided by reliable and well adjusted set of mechanical Hayes disc brakes he had kicking around. Lots of power and a more than adequate choice for their intended use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Also on the cosmetic front are some nice Steven Hamilton Animal pedals. Green! Imagine that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Can’t let that sticker go to waste. Hahaha "Animal" on this top-tube seems appropriate. I dig it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The bike's been assembled and has been used for a few years now. A well thought out dependable machine that went on to perform as planned, never leaving anyone who used it (mainly his daughter of course) stranded in any way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now starting to drive her own car, she doesn’t ride it as often. The bike hangs around for the most part now but one thing is for absolute certain. Should the car break down, there is absolutely NO way, the bike wouldn’t be ready to rock at the drop of a hat should the need arise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Simple, low maintenance, bomb-proof and reliable. Now <u>that's</u> a sweet ride. An extremely well thought out whip that could handle far more than commuting if anyone decided to test its limits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Not really sure if James’ daughter ever <i>truly</i> realized just how “cool” of a bike she really was riding (she did really like it from what I hear though) but I hope she pulls it down once in a while for a nice ride. It really is a beauty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’d gladly add this one to my quiver.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you’re reading this, give your dad a big hug. He deserves it. It’s a damn nice bike: a very respectable build indeed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Final verdict; <i>Super freaking cool</i>.</span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-59551550858343532192013-02-16T00:00:00.001-05:002013-03-22T09:24:51.939-04:00Another Quick EntryWork's been nuts and winter's been cold but I've been getting out whenever possible.<br />
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On my most recent "stand-out" ride, I rolled out of my driveway and right down to the frozen shore of Lake Huron not 15 seconds away. It was like my own private frozen wasteland coming across only one other person on all of my outings along the lake.</div>
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It was refreshing as hell and incredibly satisfying to have this almost literally right at my front door. All new, all untouched and all mine. I experimented with the route a little this year and found I could get way further out and away than I had previously thought. Next year, I'll be ready and waiting for similar conditions and will press further. I also need to recruit a few fat bikers to come along and make a day out of it perhaps. </div>
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Gear up right though!!! I managed to still stay warm with a windchill of more than -28C!! Hahaha Yeah baby. </div>
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The ice still isn't as far out or as stable as when I was a kid but still quite good and safe closer to shore: which is where I was able to stay (if not right on shore) and still get to where I wanted to go. It really felt EPIC.</div>
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Great fun.</div>
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Day two.........not so blue. That's open water in the upper middle portion of the frame. When I was younger, it was always ice as far as you could see.</div>
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Another sad sight that I was surprised to see at this time of year were zebra mussels: IMO a sign of just how bad it's really getting.</div>
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The mussels are not native to our great lakes and were accidentally introduced via ballast water from ocean going vessels back in the 80's. Since then, the mussel problem has grown exponentially. The mussels are very intrusive and are changing our lakes in a BIG way. It's a tough battle; an impossible one in fact. I think they are here to stay. If I ever see an asian carp on the shore though..............oh boy.</div>
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Anyway. Mild weather returned for a time so my shore outings are all but over. Soon it will be onto the muddy trails and gravel roads again. It's the time of year where I can't get enough cross bike action so...</div>
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REALLY looking forward to some singletrack days though. I'm committed to getting out on the MTB as much as possible (despite a HUGE work year that is coming). I'll try to spend some quality time updating the blog and make it worth reading as opposed to typing these little 2 minute spout offs (like this entry was). Totally un-planned and not really thought out at all. My apologies for that.</div>
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Thank you very much for checking in and reading.</div>
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I appreciate it.</div>
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Don't forget to leave messages or comments. Always stoked to know someone's out there.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Ride on.</div>
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Steve</div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-62418363865662960402012-11-25T21:19:00.004-05:002013-03-22T09:25:42.853-04:00Just A Short Entry TodayI had the day off today because of a scheduled 100+ km road ride that was planned by some friends of mine. There was actually a heap of folks coming out. It was lining up to be a stellar outing!<br />
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Unfortunately, when I got up, I discovered it had snowed. Needless to say, the road hit was out. Too bad: I was ready to deal with the cold.<br />
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So.........since I was still off for the day and I was off because I was supposed to ride; I rocked the Pugsley again today........solo.<br />
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It snowed.............. I had no choice! Hahaha<br />
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For the second year in a row, I was fortunate enough to make it out on the first snow of the year. It was a blast.<br />
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Nothing like being the only one around. Incredibly relaxing and I was able to clear my head and recharge. No better way to do that.<br />
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Thanks for reading folks.</div>
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I appreciate it.</div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-7970413180533359752012-11-04T22:14:00.002-05:002012-11-05T00:34:20.700-05:00Where Has The Time Gone??Incredible how much time has passed since my last entry. I do apologize for that. I've been incredibly busy doing a laundry list of things ranging from, keeping the kids busy, to working on the house, to riding, to a bit of racing (and I stress "a bit" of racing) and I even got to working on an old motorcycle. It's been crazy!<br />
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I haven't forgotten about the blog and actually had typed up a few entries but never got around to finishing them enough to post. They were lengthy and, once I was able to return to them to finish, I had lost interest in the content upon re-read. I decided not to bore anyone else with what I had to say and just left them. Hahahaha<br />
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Anyway, things are picking up in my cycling world nowadays again and I'll have loads to talk about in the next bit so I figured I'd best kick the blog up again. <br />
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For now, I'll just drop a quick one. I headed out on a solo hit today and snapped a pic while I was out.<br />
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You'll notice, during said blog hiatus, I've acquired some Large Marge Lites for the Pugs. I love the damn things. Just as stiff as the previous Marge rims I had but 30 times more rad!<br />
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Hey. There's nothing wrong with buying stuff strictly for the sake of looks, is there? Because that's exactly what I did! Hahahaha Sure, you can argue that there is some weight savings to be had but, let's be serious here: this is a Pugs. It's no featherweight no matter how you cut it. The bit of weight saved through the cutouts in the rims is a drop in a bucket. <br />
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I won't lie to you: it was a decision based strictly on "<i>what I wanted</i>". I don't typically pull that kind of thing but, hey, the opportunity was there and I went for it.<br />
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And I'm glad I did. <br />
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-87798290959485027112012-05-13T22:38:00.000-04:002012-05-14T14:09:55.638-04:00Sweet Rides: Entry #12Well, I've been sitting on this one for some time now but have been too busy (read lazy) to post about it. A shame really. I most certainly hadn't forgotten about it though. I didn't really feel an "urgency" until I got talking to a buddy about how I would KILL to have someone develop a 5 or 6 speed drivetrain. And by, say, 5 speed, I mean 5 speed too. Not 5 speed with multiple rings on the front making that “5 speed” actually a 10 or 15 speed. You know?<br />
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I have been saying that for years and I am not the only one in this world that isn’t satisfied with the state of drivetrain tech and/or trends. Many of us are not happy with single speed but don’t feel the need to overkill something with a million gears either.<br />
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Cyclist (mostly mountain bikers, dirt jumpers and hipsters it would seem) unhappy with something will very often take matters into their own hands. We’ll make stuff happen for ourselves, share our findings with other looking to do the same when no one else provides us with the goods: we’ll make stuff work. We’ll make ourselves happy when we want something and it is for this very reason I bring you this beautiful Kermit green bike.<br />
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At first glance, some of you may be rolling your eyes thinking, "He's just putting this up because it's got nice parts on it and it's a Niner. He too owns a Niner so......it shouldn’t count."<br />
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Well, if you are thinking that way, I can assure you, that is not why I'm posting this bike in this "Sweet Rides: Entry#12”.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEqILyZRWnI/T7Bu-9SWaaI/AAAAAAAAAX0/8GGbufvJ3jk/s1600/1x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEqILyZRWnI/T7Bu-9SWaaI/AAAAAAAAAX0/8GGbufvJ3jk/s320/1x6.jpg" /></a></div>Yes, I agree, at first glance this bike is pretty, but, it's what is seen once one looks closer that caught my attention and stoked my goat. Once I learned more, I knew I had found another worthy steed. Kudos to the owner for this stellar rig.<br />
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The owner not only assembled this bike with lovely bits like red Marta SL’s, matching headset, bottle cage bolts, seat post clamp etc. but decided to smartly pack a small, modified, 6 cog cassette onto his single speed hub. An absolute masterpiece!! And it works flawlessly too!<br />
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Do you see what we can do when we put our minds to it??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuTKp1n3AZ0/T7BvW4jjeDI/AAAAAAAAAYA/CRWno5C_T9Y/s1600/1X6aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="190" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuTKp1n3AZ0/T7BvW4jjeDI/AAAAAAAAAYA/CRWno5C_T9Y/s320/1X6aaa.jpg" /></a></div>He achieved this 1X6 sweetness through the use of a SRAM PG-970 11-23T DH cassette mated to a Hope Pro II SS rear hub. Shifting was setup using an Ultegra short cage road derailleur, Dura-Ace bar-con shifter and Paul Thumbie for mounting purposes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mM3PqnKFQ-g/T7BvgTVABtI/AAAAAAAAAYM/c1-NDOTMvQI/s1600/1X6aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mM3PqnKFQ-g/T7BvgTVABtI/AAAAAAAAAYM/c1-NDOTMvQI/s320/1X6aa.jpg" /></a></div>The parts are all quite different in their own right but collectively perform their newer roles perfectly. Perhaps not “as designed” by the manufacturer but, like I said earlier, if we’re not happy, we’ll MAKE ourselves happy and MAKE it work. In this case, the only real modification (if you want to call it that) was a longer derailleur limit screw. Everything else fit without issue. I have read others sometimes need to grind down the rear of the cassette a bit but not in this case. This.........a perfect example and exactly the type of thing that gets me excited. It’s exactly the type of thing I wanted to focus on too when it came to my “Sweet Rides” entries: rides that aren’t off-the-shelf.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4-yuArVRQo/T7BvwTaT7WI/AAAAAAAAAYY/zBRKEUqaFSU/s1600/1x63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4-yuArVRQo/T7BvwTaT7WI/AAAAAAAAAYY/zBRKEUqaFSU/s320/1x63.jpg" /></a></div>This one’s extra special. It’s stuff like this that the big boys pay attention to as well. This sort of “home-engineering” is usually adopted by them years later when they claim “they” came up with it. I look forward to the day when we can specify the number of gears we want. Or, at the very least, have far more option than we do today.<br />
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If for some reason that doesn’t happen, it’s nice to see that there are folks out there who have similar views/ideas as I do and have experimented and worked an issue enough to give anyone of us a head start. <br />
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Or, like in this case, the full-blown answers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnA8Hkv3HfA/T7Bv7Vv1lSI/AAAAAAAAAYk/jmwIwQmD7u8/s1600/1x62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnA8Hkv3HfA/T7Bv7Vv1lSI/AAAAAAAAAYk/jmwIwQmD7u8/s320/1x62.jpg" /></a></div>Thank you!! <br />
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Nice fuckin' job on this one.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-68525892604384458112012-05-12T23:15:00.001-04:002012-05-13T08:34:38.523-04:00Quick Entry........a Pugsley Update.Well, winter's over but the Pugsley's still rolling.
I recent'y slapped on the Alfine 8 and some moustache bars.
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It changed the bike in a BIG way (obviously) and it's even more of a treat to ride now than it was before. Despite being the time of year to be out hidden in the woods on singletrack, I can't stop riding this thing around on regular non-technical gravel outings. This bike is simply a riot to be on. I love it.
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One word sums up today's most recent adventure............
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Thanks for reading.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-2319819225098699782012-04-15T22:39:00.008-04:002012-11-04T23:22:20.016-05:00Paris to Ancaster 2012A race update - short and not-so-sweet.<br />
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In a nutshell, exactly what I was worried was going to happen, DID happen. <br />
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In the week leading up to the event I ended up pretty sick and was forced to stay 100% clear of the bike. I obviously gave up on the idea of beating my best time (which is my goal each and every year) but still, at the very least, I hoped to not create a new personal <span style="font-style:italic;">worst</span> time. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0WoRpA6fHk/T5XXXEloX4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/MZaDWVVLPbI/s1600/p2a121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="200" width="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0WoRpA6fHk/T5XXXEloX4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/MZaDWVVLPbI/s200/p2a121.jpg" /></a></div>So.................my new personal worst time is now 2:53. A full 11 minutes slower than my previous <i>worst</i> and over 35 minutes slower than my best!<br />
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I was actually doing not too badly considering the sickness thing but then blew a chain and lost 7 minutes there. I then overcooked myself trying to make up for lost time (hahahaha - so stupid of me). I absolutely came apart for the last 5k. I was so finished that I started laughing while I nearly crawled up the final climb of the day.<br />
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LOL I was done! I had nothing left.<br />
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No excuses though, even if I didn't have the chain issue, it still would have been my slowest day.<br />
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I still had fun. That's what matters.<br />
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Also<br />
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Is it bird shit? Nope. Is it bug guts? Nope. Is it a milkshake that someone threw at my windshield? Nope. It's Ancaster Cycle's brochure that pasted itself like wallpaper to my windscreen right in my line of sight. I couldn't even scrape it off with my ice scraper.<br />
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Thanks for that.......Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-22730466430239805952012-03-09T22:13:00.005-05:002013-11-28T13:36:27.621-05:00The Little Escape.I stopped by a place I hadn't ridden in a very long time and certainly now feel that I should visit more often. I was the only one in the entire area except for one walker and their dog. It was a thing of beauty! <br />
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I guess there was at least one beaver around as well but........<br />
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Not even the Navi knew where it was.....<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdzlPTJSN_4/T1rIDIMhZ-I/AAAAAAAAAWY/QtdExCajyZk/s1600/navi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718102632965433314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdzlPTJSN_4/T1rIDIMhZ-I/AAAAAAAAAWY/QtdExCajyZk/s200/navi.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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Another thing of beauty was that I witnessed my first Bald Eagle in this particular area. They had disappeared long ago but have finally recovered enough and have made their way back. It was very cool to see that. Conservation and protection really does work.<br />
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Anyway. Took the Pugs out and mashed that single cog at a nice steady pace. It was peaceful.<br />
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Filmed a little to help you visualize.<br />
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Cheers and thanks for checking in.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37855661?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-26830115283650891362012-02-29T20:50:00.022-05:002012-03-01T08:26:46.425-05:00My Cold Wet Foot (written way back in 2008)A quick mental scan of my riding-buddy-list knocked it down to less than 4 candidates. The filter on this particular occasion was rather fine. The first condition, which sliced 90% of the list, was the fact that I had to be on the road headed to my favorite trail by 6:30am and, the second, which took care of the rest of the list, was the speed at which I wanted to do the trail. My plan was to do two fast loops in time to make it back for a family thing (dad’s 65th) starting at around 2pm. Being a Saturday morning, most of said friends would certainly be in no condition to ride that early in the day let alone at almost race pace. It didn’t take long (only 4 phone calls) before my short list was exhausted and my ride plans were changed to a solo outing. Extra provisions would now need to be packed but, it didn’t bother me. A disappointment, no doubt, not to have some friends there to heckle or to be heckled by, but, I knew I could now go at my own pace and not feel pressured about either being held up or holding <span style="font-style:italic;">them</span> up. I don’t normally like to rush my rides but in this instance there was no alternative. It had to be done this way or I’d have to settle for spending my day doing yard work or cleaning the house or something: not today!<br /><br />I arrive at the trailhead at 7:40am and get out stretching the highway from my legs. I’m surprised to see a couple of hikers coming out of the woods (they must have been hiking in the dark if they did the entire loop) as I let out a big yawn and try to rub the red from my eyes. As soon as my mouth closes I excuse me rudeness and say good morning. My fresh bold cup of coffee and the 1 hour drive did nothing for me as I felt as though I had just rolled out of bed and stood up. It’s usually a bad sign when you feel like this before a ride. <br /><br />I make my way to the back of the car and quickly realize that, despite checking over and over like someone with an obsessive-compulsive disorder what I had packed the night before, I had forgotten my towel that I use for changing. My changing tactics now had to be quickly refigured. A swift run to the back of the car in the cold morning air while the coast was clear gave me just enough time to change from my old torn blue jeans and black CBGB’s ‘T’ into my tights and riding shirt. As I wrap that up, I hear a “good morning”……”giggle giggle giggle” from behind. It scares the hell out of me. I follow the sound of the giggling and see two twenty-something girls come around the corner who had also, presumably, been hiking the trail in the dark. I acknowledge them and I’m convinced they were completely aware of the look of concern on my face. <br /><br />What were they giggling at? I felt an incredible urge to yell out “The air is really cold this morning!!” like George Costanza did in the episode where he was seen after getting out of the pool. You know the one. <br /><br />Unfortunately for me, the cold air wouldn’t change much at all if I’m to be totally honest ;-/<br /><br />Anyway, I shake my head with embarrassment (or should I spell it em-bare-ass-ment) being fairly certain I had just given them a show. As I continue to change I watch them as they walk down the road to see if they are with the other group of hikers that had passed not long before. At this point I’m putting my shoes on standing on one leg as I do so. Just as they reach the vehicles parked a little ways down amongst the other group, the Velcro from my right shoe grips my sock as I try to put my foot in. I loose my balance and try to grab the corner of the car to catch myself and completely miss. This then forces me to put my foot down: something I was trying to avoid at all costs. The reason is simple. Looking out over the nicely trimmed lawn of the parking area, you could see the sun shining through billions of droplets each clinging to its respective blade of grass. They looked like diamonds spread over a nice green blanket of felt. It goes without saying then that, despite being picturesque, my sock wouldn’t go well in the middle of it especially on a morning as cold as this. <br /><br />The Velcro grips my sock and my sock holds on to the Velcro and it’s two against one - no fair! My shoe is ripped from my hands and I almost roll my ankle as I half step on it’s side when it hits the ground. My foot is instantly soaked and my socked foot leaves a perfect size 9.5 print in the pristine piece of water art. I curse as now I have to ride the loop with a cold wet foot. The chuckles start up again in the distance. I look up. The entire group had just witnessed that little scene as well. The man of the group (I assume the dad) yells over, “Off to a good start!” and to this I have no response. I just laugh, nod and give him the thumbs up as I bend down to pick up my shoe. He’s right. What can I say? So far it isn’t good and I haven’t even hit the trail yet! <br /><br />Oh boy.....here we go.<br /><br />I’m finally changed. With tights extending beyond my baggies, my trusted old black jacket keeping my upper half warm and all the extra provisions packed in my Camelbak I’m looking more like a bike courier who took a wrong turn than a guy out for a few hours on the trails. I head off at speed. It hasn’t rained but the trail is just soft enough to allow the knobbies to sink into its upper layer and this robs a lot of the energy I’m trying to put down. It’s not long before I feel that my legs had not yet fully recovered from the 80-something km road ride I had done the day before in the wind. My thighs begin to burn after only a few km’s so I quickly decide to slow up a little. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50TxGmxnmv0/T07k-sQH-BI/AAAAAAAAAVE/VW7GUa7dFZ8/s1600/1a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50TxGmxnmv0/T07k-sQH-BI/AAAAAAAAAVE/VW7GUa7dFZ8/s200/1a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714756742861551634" /></a><br /><br />The trail starts out a little mellow but allows for some very nice, fast, twisty acrobatics between the trees and over some small drops along the way. The air is cool but it’s refreshing and smells of springtime. It’s a beautiful moment. The silence of the forest is broken by the sound of my starving lungs as I climb and my buzzing freewheel when I descend. It’s the first “real” test ride for my new bike and so far I seem to have dialed the settings in perfectly for the conditions. With each revolution of my cranks I’m propelled deeper in to the forest and deeper into bliss. I’m so happy that my rough start is turning out so well but still can’t help but feel how cold my foot is. <br /><br />After a time I enter the pine area. The area smells especially strong this morning as I assume that the brisk winds from the past few days probably cause a lot of needles to fall. At this moment the air is calm and the smell hovers, still, it drifts nowhere as the source holds it in place. The pines are densely packed in this area and are surrounded by low-lying vegetation unable to take any real root. The large pines starve out much of the sunlight and the ground is rich in its acidic sap. The trail snakes though it and stands out well against the green surroundings.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EAYi3tBlxM/T07lNlZCkII/AAAAAAAAAVQ/xKnurlVq258/s1600/2a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EAYi3tBlxM/T07lNlZCkII/AAAAAAAAAVQ/xKnurlVq258/s200/2a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714756998717935746" /></a><br /><br />Instead of tall buildings surrounding this “courier” I’ve got trees scraping the skies above! Sweet!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiMWe5sCft4/T07lZRQew4I/AAAAAAAAAVc/mwAOUN_WMWU/s1600/3a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiMWe5sCft4/T07lZRQew4I/AAAAAAAAAVc/mwAOUN_WMWU/s200/3a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714757199471756162" /></a><br /><br />The reason I like this trail so much is that it takes you through many different sections in a relatively short mount of time. Each section has its own uniqueness. They’re distinctly different. One section may be flat but lightning fast while the next is technical and slow-going. One may be higher up densely covered in trees and the next low lying covered only in grass such is the pic below. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWbWjJcS7QE/T07lnNiugsI/AAAAAAAAAVo/qCRZS2Ssc90/s1600/4a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWbWjJcS7QE/T07lnNiugsI/AAAAAAAAAVo/qCRZS2Ssc90/s200/4a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714757438992712386" /></a><br /><br />I descend a rocky part of the trail and through some 4 foot tall ferns before ending up in a low lying grass area which is where the river’s bank spills over during the winter and early spring months. Only the hardiest of trees can survive here amongst the naturally occurring grasses as the rushing water will either sweep them away or the over-saturated soil will drown them to death. It’s another quick and simple section of trail that sees most everyone hammering the big ring and zipping along the river’s edge before darting back into the woods for more singletrack. <br /><br />On this day I stop for a break and enjoy the sights and sounds. The grass gives away the invisible wind’s location. The blades teeter over slightly as the wind tumbles across it. The lush green turning grayish momentarily as it does so. The grass does a perfect wave across the field and I feel like I’m in the center of a stadium. The fans are showing their appreciation. Collectively the blades sound like hissing or static on a TV screen when they rub together. Yet again, I’m thankful for not pulling the plug on this ride. My foot is still cold and wet. <br /><br />I head back into the cover of leaves and straight for a section I like to call “the brain”. This part of the trail is so heavily covered with roots you’re lucky if rubber actually makes contact with dirt. It’s off camber, very uneven and there are several large rocks that nature has strategically placed for some added excitement. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7YeaxIhxw8s/T07l8VgnAlI/AAAAAAAAAV0/uCuH933Fs7M/s1600/6a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7YeaxIhxw8s/T07l8VgnAlI/AAAAAAAAAV0/uCuH933Fs7M/s200/6a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714757801908568658" /></a><br /><br />Of course the pictures never do any of this stuff justice (as you all know) but trust me, when this is wet, it can be tough to stay upright. <br /><br />I’ve hit this section enough to know the secrets to clearing it but I’m a little nervous on my new steed. I question if it’s capable of carrying me over if I use the same devices I used on my old rides. I hit the opening section pointing slightly upward and across with heavy speed and the bike heads right where I want it to before it slow with the incline. I twist and maneuver slowly but steadily over the section applying nice gentle pedal strokes when the need arises all while trying to keep my weight even above both wheels. One pedal with too much force and you’re down before you know what is happening. The bike bumps along progressively while I swing my weight from side to side and front to back before finally clearing the section without slipping too badly even once. I’m stoked and really starting to fall in love with this new rig. It’s a beauty to ride so far. <br /><br />Shortly after exiting one technical section I’m faced with another that requires concentration and some finesse. I’m heading up a short climb. A section that I feel will be the last true test. My ride passes with flying colors. <br /><br />I’m not sure of the grade on this climb but it’s very steep. Loose, perfectly round stones cover the path and it looks like a giant bag of golf and base balls have been dumped down the hillside. Again, nice gentle pedal strokes are needed to clean this short climb and the classic circular pedal stroke is the only effective means of getting over it without dabbing. It’s tricky but if you can keep certain urges in check, it's doable. <br /><br />Smooth consistent pedaling action will see you up without incident but uneven pressure simply spins the wheel below you and all momentum is instantly lost. There is no recovering from it when on the climb. I'm uncertain at the climbing prowess of my latest quiver addition but head straight in for the fight. I lower my shoulders, slide forward on the saddle and get to work. The rear end stays where it needs to and I have no issues with grip. I muscle through growing more and more confident on the bike the further I go. My legs burn as I crest the top and my lungs are filling to capacity but calling for more. I slowly pedal along to allow my systems to level off again as I was definitely in the red. <br /><br />I wrestle the trail for 20minutes or so after it flattens out again without incident. That is of course until I reach a gradual descent that I like to take at speed. I like to come into the section fast and freewheel down the short grade which twists its way to the river’s edge again before coming back up and almost running over itself. Littering the trail are basketball size rocks and some hefty exposed roots but nothing too crazy if your line is right. <br /><br />As the section approaches I stop pedaling. I’m content with the speed I’m carrying. Just before the trail begins to dip downward I feel, and hear, something strange that isn’t going away. A quick glance to my left reveals the source.<br /><br />Startled, I realize that there is a bird attacking me. Not a big bird either (please no jokes about Sesame Street) but a tiny thing about the height of a coffee mug. All the same, it takes me by surprise as it cries out loudly for its size, flaps its wings in my face and I can hear it repeatedly pecking at my helmet whenever it gets around behind me. The distraction sees me go off the trail after missing a turn and suddenly I’m bush whacking – not good. Judging by the plant life that is toppled over ahead of me it’s clear that I’m not the first to have had a run in with this little angry mother. She’s nesting and, to her, I’m the bad guy. She’s gone now, happy to have sent me on my way and I’m astonished by her bravery. I mean would you go after a 7-story building if it were barreling toward you? I think not. <br /><br />Immediately after regaining my composure and getting back on the trail I remember that it turns back up and in right towards her. The one down side to the popularity of this trail at this point is the fact that she has certainly learned that the threat will be back momentarily. She’ll be waiting for me. <br /><br />As I head back up I slow towards the top. I know I’m getting close to the little mad momma. I scan the trees and spot her I think right when she spots me. She lowers her head and begins walking slowly sideways along the branch to get a good line at me on the trail. I pedal back a little to get my right foot in the 2 o’clock position for maximum acceleration. <br /><br />If this were a western movie, this would be the scene where there would be a close up of my dirty sweaty face as my eyes start to squint; I stare down the bird. Then there would be the close up of the bird slowly crouching and squinting as she stares me down. Next the camera would be focused on my hands that are tightening around my grips and her maybe slowly rolling her wing feathers ready for me to make the move.<br /><br />We stare each other down. Each of us is waiting for the other to make a move. I leave it to her and by now she has had enough. She starts to call out her warning and I know the sh!t’s going down. As though in slow motion I watch her lean forward and drop from her perch a full 15 or so feet before spreading her wings. She’s got some serious speed going. I’m barely rolling despite full power and she’s already on me. I curse and swat at her kinda laughing at the same time and she stays with me for a good 2 minutes (that’s a long time to be attacked). That was the first time (on this trail) that I’d been attacked by a bird and I just hoped that she didn’t pick that same spot next year. Man she was tough but damn that was funny. The only thing that was good about that whole scene was that I’d forgotten about my wet foot! <br /><br />Once she disappears I relax again taking in the sights and sounds. My knobbies hum as my speed is up again and the trail is dryer here. I hit climbs and downhills without a soul around and feel refreshed in this air and thankful for my freedom. I know it is only a few more km’s before I hit the car parking area but the good news is, I’ve made good time even after taking photos along the way. The plans won’t change.<br /><br />Me and my wet foot are heading straight back in for some more wrestling and I know that bird’s gonna be mad as hell.<br /><br />Bring it on.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4yT2iWBsLs/T07mL-3zPgI/AAAAAAAAAWA/S2T-U12c2lc/s1600/7a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 121px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4yT2iWBsLs/T07mL-3zPgI/AAAAAAAAAWA/S2T-U12c2lc/s200/7a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714758070709730818" /></a>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-79223527076909550862012-02-20T21:19:00.004-05:002012-02-20T21:35:48.590-05:00Sweet Rides: Entry #11I'm not sure there has ever been a time where I've felt such a need to hop on a bike and blast off as I did the first time I spotted this pic. The pic itself is really cool and the talent of the photographer could in itself be the topic of a blog entry but, for this entry, it's the content, the ride, that is blowing my mind. <br /><br />I'm not going to say much in this case because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and with a pic this cool, it's worth at least twice that in my opinion. <br /><br />The bike, a Phil Wood single speed all decked out and waiting on what is becoming more and more my favourite surface to get lost on. God damn......<br /><br />I want it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkzqZPv9dTU/T0MBb_X39HI/AAAAAAAAAU4/r4hm9L9iwzo/s1600/496646323_a95a1c662e_z.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkzqZPv9dTU/T0MBb_X39HI/AAAAAAAAAU4/r4hm9L9iwzo/s200/496646323_a95a1c662e_z.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711410332815586418" /></a>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-12509850104160621802012-02-14T08:46:00.003-05:002012-02-14T08:49:10.679-05:00This is SO worth sharing. 90% rider 10% bike?There are a load of people who can learn from this. <br /><br />Here is proof positive that it IS "90% rider 10% bike".<br /><br /><iframe width="400" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W-rAv43UFnA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Thanks to my buddy Tom Meraw for pointing me to this video and to the rider for making it happen. Mad skills for sure.....Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043453773091020002.post-61274227429848850132012-02-08T20:48:00.006-05:002012-02-08T21:00:25.705-05:00I've Been Busy As Usual.I'll enter something with more substance very soon. Probably another "Sweet Rides" entry perhaps.<br /><br />Anyway, there has been lots going on in life but I'm still finding time to get out when I can. Here's a short clip from last week. A nice easy cruise on the Pugs along the beach. It was a STELLAR day.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35822826?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />The bike is proving to be a ton of fun indeed. Post ride pic from a different day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcGwHKEZpmk/TzMm8JE6MNI/AAAAAAAAAUs/Xt7T6vrs-fE/s1600/pugsnow.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcGwHKEZpmk/TzMm8JE6MNI/AAAAAAAAAUs/Xt7T6vrs-fE/s200/pugsnow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706947967479066834" /></a>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766623470139938562noreply@blogger.com0