EOJ: Keep Moving Forward

Love the Mounds

2011-09-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Back in July, been busy..., a few of us played hooky and visited Levis and Trow Mounds in Central, WI. A campfire, overnight camp, bacon breakfast, and riding ensued...

Untitled from jmeiser on Vimeo.

Hard to beat.

2011-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

The waves lapping on the shore as a front is moving in on the West Coast of Michgan along Lake Michigan's shoreline...

Or the perfect sunsets after a day spent riding trails, swimming at the beach, catching naps, and enjoying time with family.

That's a Michigan summer for you...not shabby, not shabby at all.

Touched.

2011-06-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

By the red dirt that is...

Friday morning a few of the usual crew and a few others met at Colossal Cafe in South MPLS for breakfast. This was not to be our usual Friday Morning Ride. Those few others were a good amount of the Salsa crew. We were to load our bikes and head north to the freshly opened Cayuna Trail System near Crosby, MN.

The Cayuna Mountain Bike Trail System is a special one. Years of hard work with the Minnesota DNR has payed off. There have been many individuals involved and there is no way I could do justice to the work they have done.

Let's let the photos do the talking...

It has begun.

2011-04-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

A fine layer of clay and limestone silt coats every surface of my bicycle exposed to the rotation of the wheel. The speckled pattern continues across my jersey. It is only broken by the smile on my face. Gravel race season has begun.

Ragnarok 105 is perennially the most difficult race course in the Midwest. It boasts 7700 vertical feet of climbing 111 miles of rural Minnesota roads. The grades are steep and the roads are rutted from early season farm traffic.

The first race of the season is always a gamble. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. With the AZT 300 only a week away my goals were to ride conservatively and not push the pace. I was compelled to challenge Eki in the KOM(King of Mountains) competition when there was no one else willing, or able, to hold him off. It left me recovering from mile 30-65 and holding on by my fingertips from 65-85 as Tri, Farrow, and Buffington pushed the pace.

After checkpoint 3, mile 85, the group rested a bit before tackling "Heath's Hill". It's a behemoth of a climb, 1.5 miles at near 10% grades, rutted and rocky. Throw in a tent full of hecklers and it nearly broke me. It was here that Jeff Austin-Phillips made his attempt at a breakaway. It took us nearly 5 miles to gobble him back up. As we turned onto Lehrback road the finish began in earnest. Ek and Brandon Manke attacked on the climb, breaking the group and separating themselves. I chased and reconnected on the downhill, taking chances in the corners and pushing beyond my comfort zone.

In the end I made the mistake of attacking for the wrong stop sign! Oops, oh well. At least I took that stop sign sprint. There was no way I could have recovered from that effort. I rounded the final corner in 3rd place and pushed with what I had left. I watched on as Brandon took first and Ek came in second. Sure, winning would be great, but it's never really been about the trophy. I'm proud simply to be in the lead pack.

What a finish, what a race! Each year the lead gets faster and the competition more tough. I came into this race feeling a bit uncertain about where my fitness was. I've been contemplating my commitment to these events and wondering if this might be the last year I really compete in any capacity. It sure would be easier to sleep in on those 20 degree March mornings. My excitement, my love for riding rural country roads has been renewed by the Ragnarok. I keep coming back because of the scenery and the people that I've met along the way.

That Came Together Nicely!

2011-04-07T18:18:00.001-07:00

That Came Together Nicely!, originally uploaded by Jmeiser.

That Came Together Nicely!

The Last Hoorah

2011-03-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Or was it?

Last week Miker and Jason invited me on a trip to Minnesota's North Shore. We loaded up Jason's Element with four Mukluk's, Snowshoes, and loads of camera gear. For three days we road and shot photos and video. With my little point & shoot I captured a few images that I like. This one sums up my experience on day two.

We climbed miles of snow machine trails until we could climb no more, then hiked to the top of Carlton Peak. We then looped our way around the back side of Carlton to the North Shore trail where this shot was taken. This ride got me thinking about riding these trails on a little tour next winter...

Coming Together.

2011-03-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Something silver-ish showed up yesterday for me. I've been waiting for this one for a few months.

There are a couple of details I'm looking forward to riding and testing on whatever terrain I may find.

It's tough work sometimes...

Somedays it is bluebird, somedays not so much.

2011-03-12T08:09:00.001-08:00

Somedays it is bluebird, somedays not so much., originally uploaded by Jmeiser.

Somedays it is bluebird, somedays not so much.

An Excerpt

2011-03-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

This evening I sent a quick note to Mark Stevenson (Guitar Ted). It felt as if I was telling coach that I wouldn't be playing ball again this season...

"I am heading to AZ to race in the AZT 300 the weekend before TI this year. By the somber tone, this of course means I am withdrawing my name from the roster for TI this year.

Believe me when I say that this was a tough choice to make. I hold you responsible in a large way for my endurance addiction! I mean that in the best of ways. TI was the first endurance event that I ever participated in. When I finished it my mind was blown. I discovered things about my ability that I never knew and it sent me in a completely new direction. So I toiled, raced 100 mile MTB events, gravel, Divide, and TI three more times. These experiences are why I started Cheq 100 and TW. I will continue to come back to them and I will be back to TI. For this year though, I'm heading west.

When it comes down to it there are a dozen other riders out there who can set a TI course record and win the event. Gorilla, Ek, Godfrey, Krause, Andre, Doom, and several others are all working hard for it. It will be exciting to sit on the sidelines and listen in. I'll want to be there physically on race day I'm sure.

Thank you too you and D.P. for continuing to develop the cycling scene here in the upper Midwest. I will be forever indebted to you for it."

--

A lot of time, physical and emotional energy over the last four years have gone into my spring preparation for the TransIowa over the last four years.

Photo Credit: Captain Bob

I'll miss riding with competitors and comrades that I enjoy spending time with. Have fun out there on the roads of Iowa!

Just another day in the office.

2011-02-21T12:16:00.001-08:00

Just another day in the office., originally uploaded by Jmeiser.

Just another day in the office.

You lookin' at me?

2011-02-08T15:56:00.001-08:00

You lookin' at me?, originally uploaded by Jmeiser.

You lookin' at me?

P.O.E. Peak Elite AC

2011-01-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

I awoke before the sunlight and peaked my head out from under my quilt and tarp to see if anyone else was rustling about. I heard a bit of snoring and pulled the quilt back over to block out what little light there was. After a couple more hours of dreaming I was awaken by my travel mates packing up and getting started on the first morning of our tour.

Just a few weeks earlier I was standing on the concrete floor of the Sand's Convention Center having a conversation with Aaron James, Global Sales Manager at Pacific Outdoor Equipment in Bozeman, MT. I was casually flipping my way through P.O.E.'s 2011 product catalog on a slow Friday morning of the annual Interbike show.

I stopped midway through the catalog on the page where the Peak Elite AC rested.

The specifications touted a sub-1lb. pad for my 6'2" frame with an R-Value of 2.5-4.4. At the mere mention of my interest in the pad Aaron began digging around in a duffel. He emerged with a rolled up Peak Elite AC. I began looking it over and before I got far he offered it to me for evaluation.

Immediately I noticed the elongated hexagon shape on the surface of the pad. Aaron began explaining the principles of BIO-mapped insulation and how they laminate material into these areas to create more warmth around key areas of the body.

I've been waiting months for the Peak Elite AC to show up on P.O.E.'s site so that I might share my experience using the pad. I am grateful to Aaron for allowing me the opportunity.

I've used my fair share of inflatables over the last couple years. My experience started with the Exped 7.5 .

That experience ended abruptly in a park outside of Butte, MT. Broken glass will shred ultralight air mats. Prior to the end of the 7.5, I was never fully happy with the comfort. I had many a cool night sleeping on it as it had no real insulation properties. The claimed R-Value is 0.7. The Exped 7.5 is truly a 1-Season summer pad. It weighs in at a claimed 530g.

After my experience with the Exped I was on to a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core.

The Big Agnes has a claimed weight of 770grams in the 20x78 mummy shape with a rating for 15F. I have used the Big Agnes down to nights around the mid-20's. I was quite cozy with the Big Agnes. However, it was certainly heavier than what I wanted to carry for summer travel. This is a great pad for late fall/early winter travel. As I write this the Big Agnes pad I used is accompanying my brother on a winter tour down the Appalachian Mountains. Which brings me to my forays into the non-insulated ultralight...

This past summer I decided to give a Gossamer Gear 1/8" evazote foam mat a try.

At roughly 125g for a 20x60 sheet this is by far, ultralight. It rolled and packed neatly under my handlebars, I never needed to inflate it, and I never had to worry about rolling off of it. It was however, not the most comfortable thing. I rolled every hour just to keep my hips, back, and legs from going numb. While I want to like this pad for all trip uses, it just doesn't provide enough comfort for a full night's sleep. A short nap is a different story. I'll likely be using an 1/8" evazote mat on future trips as a ground cloth that adds just a bit more insulation. A large sheet 40"x84" weighs around 1/2lb, about the same as my Tyvek ground cloth, slightly more bulky, but also warmer.

On to the Peak Elite AC.

When I awoke the second time that first morning of our California Central Coast Tour the sun was already beginning to light the golden hills. I had drifted into a deep sleep in those few hours, had a few unmemorable dreams, and apparently snored extremely loud. It was easily the best night of sleep I've had in the outdoors that I can remember. The Peak Elite AC never shifted and never lost air.

Photo courtesy of the Adventure Monkey

In addition to comfort, the Peak Elite AC packs down small enough to be strapped under my handlebars and out of my cables.

After this trip I feel like I've found a great sleeping setup for bikepacking. The Peak Elite AC had helped round out what I've been working on since early 2009. I've never slept as comfortably on any trip as I did on the California Central Coast Tour. Overnight temps hovered in the mid-40's-low 50's fahrenheit. The air was cool and damp (very damp when we slept on the Pacific).

I have recommended this pad to several friends since using it for camping, touring, and racing. I will continue to use it myself (trying to keep it away from glass) and give it a long term use and abuse experience in a variety of environments.

Fat Biking with PK and JB on the River Bottoms

2011-01-07T07:59:00.001-08:00

Fat Biking with PK and JB on the River Bottoms, originally uploaded by Jmeiser.

Fat Biking with PK and JB on the River Bottoms

The Glow.

2010-11-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Riding to work on Monday, out of the corner of my eye I saw an intense orange glow.

I turned to look and noticed that during this specific time of year, at this specific time in the morning, the sun is angled in just a way that it lights up the underside of this bridge where Nokomis lake spills into the Minnehaha Creek.

I thought, "I've got to bring a camera for this tomorrow," and committed it to memory and kept on my way to work. All day I thought about the glow, the intensity of the sun's light, and the reflections off the water.

Tuesday morning on the way out the door I grabbed the camera and stuffed it into my pack pocket. I arrived at Nokomis lake to catch the sun just as it was coming to full intensity under the bridge. I could have spent the entire morning there, watching the light dance across the surfaces, studying the reflections on the water, and following the fog as it burned off the warm lake.

I'm committing these days to memory. The sun's light basks the morning and evening in a deep orange glow this time of year. It makes the changing of seasons, the time in between perfect fall days and white winter days, something to look forward to.

This time of year, until the cold sets in and I adapt, it is difficult to stay motivated to get on the bike in the morning. I cling to the warm days, but know the cold ones are coming. Layer by layer the winter riding clothing comes out and I begrudgingly add the extra bulk. My body feels the exhaustion of winter months coming on and my energy level is sinking.

I'll find my winter groove and I sure am looking forward to skiing again this winter. Until then I'll keep looking for inspiration like the glow.

Fields of Gold

2010-10-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Climbing out of Reliz Canyon on day one of the California Central Coast tour we encountered a road rarely traveled. The summer's growth has turned to a field of gold, beautiful in the evening light.

A Bright Light

2010-10-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'm happily home from an incredible week in California. First touring the California Central Coast with Erik Mathy, Gnat, and The Adventure Monkey; then meeting a few folks at the Pablove foundation, The Path Bicycle Shop, Topanga Creek Bicycles; and finally representing Salsa Cycles at a Ride the Divide premier in Santa Monica.

Sound like a whirlwind of a week? It was, and it has left me inspired, motivated, and energized. A bright light has come on. There is so much opportunity to be captured by the experience. Now it is time to organize, prioritize and make it happen.

Look for some future posts on the Central Coast Tour. I'll cover the route, the gear, and the experience to be shared on the Salsa Cycles Blog. As for the rest, we'll be sorting through that this coming week, but you will be seeing the outcome in the future for sure.

Today however was time to reconnect with Anni and Eli after being away from them. They were a constant thread in my thoughts and conversations for the week. It's good to be home, seeing our little man smile, and enjoying our little family.

A ride through the woods

2010-10-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

With a stop at a lake

It sure has been awhile. It's a bit difficult to put into words the experience of being a new dad. It is an incredible experience and I'm loving it. I have a back log of stories to tell, but there is no other place I'd rather be than where I am right now.

Fine Koski

2010-09-21T06:38:00.001-07:00

I'll try the coffee cup.

Friday Morning.

2010-09-19T13:16:00.001-07:00

Going to miss coffee, bacon, and hashbrowns this week

El Rancho.

Nice and cool here in the desert.

You are missed.

2010-09-19T09:25:00.001-07:00

I already miss this guy and that girl. Thank you for having bacon with me this morning E.

Tomato Sauce

2010-09-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

that gets us up to 39 jars for the year. It ought to see us through

9 Mile Crossing

2010-09-17T08:59:00.001-07:00

Mukluk.

2010-08-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

First, something from Eric at Revelate Designs, upon his hearing of the name of the new Salsa Mukluk.

Next up, the bike. Rides like a snow bike should, slow and steady. That is unless I put my 29er wheelset on it. Then it rides like a slow and stable 29er.

I've had it on bushwhack, sand, and chunk of the river bottoms for a few work commutes. I've had it out on the singletrack.

So far, so good. I can't wait for some winter epics!

Eli.

2010-08-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Enough said.

Eli Matthew Meiser, 6lbs. 13oz., Born 08.08.10. He and mom are doing great! Dad? We'll see...

Sights.

2010-08-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've been busy. Ride, Work, Ride, Eat, Play, Sleep, Repeat. It seems that things have been go since mid-April. Something going every weekend, or at least every other. I've been stressed at times, but don't take pity...I do it to myself and it has all been in the pursuit of fun.

The ride season was full for me this year, packing in as many of the gravel road 100's and ultras in the region as possible. It has left me yearning for singletrack.

Putting on two events was an interesting and rewarding experience. Thank you for all that came out. We will be doing both the Chequamegon 100 and the TransWisconsin again. I can assure you that. One day I'll even get around to writing about my own experience.

Anni and I have been trying to keep up with our garden. With all the rain, it has been a challenge. Anni's out picking nearly every morning when I get on the bike to work. Growing some of our own food is very fulfilling. There is nothing better than knowing the food on the table was the result of your own work.

Finally, the biggest change of all. Very soon we'll welcome into our lives a new life. We're anxiously awaiting meeting this little person and have been preparing in many ways.

Yes, what a spring and summer it has been. Here's a few of the sights along the way, in no particular order.

A short video.

2010-07-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

From the Ground Up from Chris Skogen on Vimeo.

Chris Skogen has been an inspiration to me since I first met him. He's pure class and puts on a great event. His heart and head are in the right place. I suggest you check out Almanzo sometime...

TransWisconsin in Photos.

2010-06-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

My time spent scouting and riding the route.

I'm short on words for the experience. I had an incredible ride before pulling the plug in Hayward. I rode some incredible terrain and hiked a bit of sand. I rode solo for most of the three days out there and pushed to overcome some of the personal challenges I had on the Divide. I scouted some new sections for 2011 that will be sure to please...

16 riders congregated in the town of Hazel Green for the start. Many fewer than had signed up, but still a solid showing for an event of this nature in its first year. I think we'll have a few more next year. A big Thank You for those that came out and rode, regardless of where you finished your ride!

I'll come through with more about my own ride soon. Life gets in the way and it has been a busy and enjoyable spring/summer!

You can also check out a few photos from Mike and Steve.

Follow the TransWisconsin

2010-06-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

You can check out the occasional mobile cast here: TransWisconsin

You can follow my Spot tracker here: Spot Share Page

The weather's looking decent with some spotty thunderstorms and heat coming our way.

I'm looking forward to living on the bike for a few days.

DK 200: The Facts

2010-06-08T05:06:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable! Corey Godfrey rode like a god to take the win despite dealing with his own physical challenges. I finished 6th, with Tim Ek, who finished 5th. I am deep in recovery mode right now. I was not prepared to ride in 95 degree heat with full exposure for 200 miles. Up here in the great north we've had exactly one day near 90 and none above. A strong will and a good riding partner in Ek helped get me to the finish.

For now, enjoy the data...It is very telling of how the day went if you dig a bit.

Chequamegon 100.

2010-05-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

A few race reports have surfaced and it seems that most everyone had a good time riding the CAMBA trails through the Chequamegon National Forest.

I had an incredible day on the bike. I finished the 100 in just over 10 hours with plenty of stops for rest and a bit of course marking here and there. I hadn't done a century that involved singletrack in a couple of summers. I definitely underestimated the effort it would take.

All said and done it was a great day putting in 100 miles on my newly built Salsa Ti El Mariachi. I think we are going to get along just fine.

Salsa Cycles: Ride the Divide premier!

2010-05-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Salsa Cycles will be hosting a premier of Ride the Divide, a film about racing the Great Divide Mountain Bicycle Trail. The premier will be shown at Riverview Theatre, in Minneapolis, on June 15th 2010.

All details can be found on Salsa Cycles site.

I couldn't be more excited about this event!

NCC HAC

2010-05-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

TIv6.1

2010-04-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

I’ve failed in years past writing my TransIowa reports. I’ve attempted to capture every detail, every last errant rock on the roadway. This year’s ride was simple, keep moving forward. The drudgery of the rain set the tone. As Tim Ek said “You don’t decide, TransIowa decides”. Decide it did.

I’ve never been more confident, more excited for TransIowa than this year. Mark Stevenson (Guitar Ted) noted it the minute I met him at the hotel door. I was excited about connecting with the friends and acquaintances that I’ve met riding in these peculiar events. I was excited to get out on the bike, pedal out some miles, and test myself, and my strategies.

Confidence can be dangerous. When channeled inappropriately it often leads to massive failure, much like my failed attempt at TransIowa V4. After V4 I made some changes to my approach for V5. TransIowa was a focused effort for me. I wanted to finish and use it as a test of my fitness for Tour Divide. I came in to the race in better shape than years passed having put on many miles on the loaded Fargo and the then super secret Ti La Cruz. My effort paid out when Tim Ek and Dave Pramann handed me the victory in the early morning hours of our ride.

This year TransIowa was another focused effort. I had a goal. I wanted a sub-24 hour finish. A win was irrelevant, breaking the 24 hour barrier was the only thing I wanted. I vocalized that goal. I planned physically and mentally for that goal. I made spreadsheets (yeah I know) for that goal.

The weather is always a factor. When Tim Ek says “TransIowa decides,” I believe he means, Iowa and its relationship with the weather patterns. The forecast was looking grim. A storm was developing in the south west and being pushed across the plains. A low pressure cycle was sitting over Iowa. Early Friday morning it began to rain.

The forecast called for rain Friday, clearing up into Saturday morning and a possibility of rain over Saturday night. It left room for optimism, the chance that it wouldn’t rain or would only rain enough to make the course faster. I continued to believe in my hypothesized reality until a new reality was created. It would soon be created.

I once focused a tremendous amount of time and energy on the pre-ride preparations once at the event. It is comforting to have all of this on auto-pilot after a few years of trial and error, trial and success. Saturday morning will always come quickly, but with much anticipation. I relish in the prologue ride to the start line, usually a quiet gentle spin, lights dancing in the darkness. It is a time when I get inside of my head, spin through my goals again, and enjoy being.

At the start line, the excitement begins. We all stage ourselves accordingly. Our friends and loved ones take photos to document that moment in time when we all believe we’ll finish the 300+ mile/500k ride. Mark says a few words then he and Dave Pals, his co-promoter, climb in the lead out vehicle and pace us out of town and onto the gravel.

It was at that very moment that my front tire hit the soft surface of the wet gravel road that my goals began to transition. Thick, chunky soup and crunchy, oily peanut butter come to mind as phrases one might use in describing the surface of the roads. I focused on spinning easy and staying near the front. Partially for position should someone make an early break as Ira Ryan and Brian Hannon did in TransIowa V3. Mostly, to minimize the amount of road spray sent my way. With the roads this soft and wet paceline efforts would only lead to a face full of fine silt mixed with the feces of a thousand pigs.

Charly Tri led the pace into checkpoint one. He was often out front 20-30 yards, ad-libbing lyrics to the tune of The Proclaimers 1988 hit song “500 Miles”. By pace I mean plod, the plod to checkpoint one. We averaged a respectful 15 mph/25kph into the checkpoint. It was respectful given the pre-dawn lightning show, rain, and B-Road hike-a-bike.

It has been reported that there were nine of us that came into the checkpoint together. I wouldn’t know. I never looked behind me. With conditions as they were it was impossible to look around and see who was still there. It was near impossible to do typically simple things like eat on the bike. To do so meant even more grit in the mouth and a high risk of crashing. Left in the lead group after the checkpoint were Charly Tri, Charlie Farrow, Tim Ek, Sean Mailen, John Gorilla, and Jeremy Fry. The sky was clearing up and the roads seemed to be improving. Well, at least the skies were clearing up.

It will make a man whole.

2010-04-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Look at this man. He is whole. All of his desires have been fullfilled. To what does this man owe his fulfillment? To TransIowa.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Wilson, gracious volunteer and observer of the grotesque.

Look for a full report when the sand and grit are washed away. Until then ponder the great unknowns, the questions of your life, while knowing that this man no longer needs to.

Ragnarok

2010-04-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend kicked off the 2010 spring classics with the Ragnarok 105 in Red Wing, MN. Last year with my focus on Tour Divide I decided to ride loaded to the race, camp, and then take in the event. It was an opportunity to test out my gear and the skills required to deploy it as well as train with a load. My setup looked something like this.

This year I decided to take in the race in a similar manner, this time testing my TransIowa setup. I'm not ready to divulge the full setup, too much needs refining. It did however, look something like this.

Kits were a marked change from 2009 to 2010, but I still decided to ride down to Red Wing for the race. Friday afternoon I put in the 80 miles to Red Wing, weaving my way through the farms and state land, eventually finding the descent into Welch Village where I stopped for ice cream and coke. This being a training race my plan was to ride straight through the week, no rest before the race, determine what my limits were and how my fitness is trending. Thursday was a 'work' day at the trails, we've got lots of prototypes to be riding and they just have to be ridden. So I made the sacrifice and put in 50 miles on Thursday. Total miles for the week were 260-270 before the 105 mile race.

Friday night Sean "The Mailman" Mailen and Ryan "Fryn Porky" Horkey drove down and met me at the hotel. After dinner and pre-race prep we were lights out by 10pm. Saturday morning came quickly, but I felt better rested than last year, where I camped in Jake's backyard and was kept awake by the neighbors dog. After a granola and fruit breakfast we made our way to Colvill Park for the start of the race. The mood was mellow and good hearted, one of the reasons I keep coming back to these events.

Sean, Ryan, and I lined up for the start taking our places with others we knew would be in the lead group. The Duluth boys were there (Sir Eki and Charlie Farrow) Charly Tri, Dave Pramann on a Pugsley, and many others. These people are the second reason I come back to these types of events. If you're going to spend hours on a bike with someone, it ought to be someone you like.

The rollout was paced until we hit the dirt, giving everyone time to settle in and relax. Once we hit gravel the pace car pulled off and our speed hastened. We approached KOM #1 and the climber's race was on. I sat in and watched it all play out. Between KOM climbs there was a ton of chatter between racers. Many of us haven't seen each other in several months and it was our opportunity to share our 2010 plans and ask how the winter was.

KOM climb #2 approached, we encouraged Sean "The Mailman" Mailen to attack and take the win. Having trained with the Mailman I knew that he could deliver and take the KOM's should he want to. At the top of KOM #2, he missed a turn and corrected quickly. Sir Tim Eki corrected quickly but slipped up on the gravel and ended up on the floor. He quickly recovered and was back on the bike.

KOM climb #3. I had noticed the field spreading on #2 and planned for an attack off the front. I knew that if I attacked Ryan, Sean, Ek, Tri, and Farrow would come with. I didn't know who else would come with, but I knew a group of 5-10 could work together to gap the field. Quickly the group formed and we turned onto pavement, giving us greater opportunity to attack. We worked together for several miles and our gap to the chase field widened. We continued working together, albeit a bit sloppily.

On the final KOM climb a B-Road that we had descended last year I bottomed out my front wheel on a rock. I knew what was coming and pedaled on until it had gone flat. I unpacked my kit and quickly changed my tube. As I was inflating the chase group approached. They passed and I wrapped up my kit, repacked, and chased them down. I rested with the group for a few minutes and then tried to put together a chase. Several of the group attempted and worked for a few minutes together, but it quickly fell apart. I found myself off the front working solo to reel back in the lead. I soon realized that it would not be so and fell back in with the chase group, hoping to catch them at the checkpoint.

As we approached the checkpoint I made the decision to get in and out quickly in hopes of catching the lead. I found myself riding solo along the Zumbro River, dreaming of fish and peering around every corner for the sight of their wheels. For 30 miles I chased into the headwind catching glimpses of the leaders periodically, but never closing that original gap. I fantasized that they would see me and allow me to get back on this being a gentlemen's race. It would not be so.

Twenty miles out I turned onto 350th and began a climb that would have me rethinking my chase. At the top I made the decision to pedal in at a rest pace. I had accomplished what I came to do and had chased hard enough to know what would transpire if I kept chasing through the climbs. So I stopped for a nature break and put a bit more pressure in my front tire. The chase group caught me quickly and I fell in with them resting and happy to have riding partners again.

Together we approached the climbs, stringing out and rejoining at the top. I was spent, my legs exhausted, I struggled to do any work in the group around the 10 mile mark. I sat in and rested for the final climbs, taking in as much nutrition as I could, hoping to regain an ounce of the energy lost and get an advance on the post race recovery.

Once back on pavement and in town we rested through the traffic and stop signs. On the final approach back into Colvill the attack began. Larry Sauber took a long pull and I chased, being passed by Ted Loosen for an 8th place finish. I was fine with this finish. Confident that I would have been in the lead group without the flat. Happy with how my body and mind responded to the chase.

The Ragnarok 105 crew put on an incredible event. The dirt roads and terrain that the course traverses are absolutely beautiful. These guys work hard to bring us this experience and for that I want to say Thank You!

Scouting.

2010-04-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

Friday night I loaded up the camping gear in a borrowed truck for a drive east to Levis-Trow Mounds. The plan was to scout some trail for TransWisconsin and do a bit of riding on some singletrack I hadn't ridden before.

Saturday Morning I woke up at first light after a windy night and sleep that was less than ideal. So, I made it all better with a bit of breakfast.

After breakfast I hopped in the truck and began my drive. There was alot of this.

and this.

The more I scouted the more excited I became about the TransWisconsin this June.

My day ended in Viroqua, WI with a stop by Bluedog Cycles for a chat with Pete about the local trails. Ten minutes into our conversation a friend from Minneapolis walks in and offers me a place to stay. He and his wife own a century old farmhouse south of town in a little valley. We spent the evening talking about organic gardening, sampling early spring greens in the garden, listening to the frogs, burning last year's wildgrass growth so this year's will thrive, sipping wine, and enjoying great conversation.

Our Sunday morning ride took us down the Rush Creek Valley.

My chance meeting with Mark and the resulting experience were completely unexpected, somewhat random, and incredibly enjoyable.

After my ride with Mark I hit the local singletrack to scout some more.

On the way home I recounted the weekends activities and began the mental download. At one point It thought to myself "I think this thing is going to turn out alright."

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of it lately...

All winter long I ride the same bike to minimize the destruction that road salt and sand cause. This year that bike was a Salsa Vaya. I set it up with flat bars and down tube friction shifters along with a set of 45mm wide tires and a rear rack. The tires helped keep the rubber side down and the rear rack kept weight off my back.

That bike has now gone through a complete overhaul. Torn down and rebuilt, getting a new test wheelset and drivetrain. Everything else has been de-salinated and re-lubed. The drop bars and STI shifters went back on, making this a bike for slaying gravel and smooth singletrack (most of the trails in MPLS).

Along with a rebuild of the Vaya I also rebuilt my Fargo, and Ti La Cruz. I'm waiting patiently for a Salsa Ti El Mariachi...It can't come soon enough.

Not so long ago

2010-03-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

We were playing in the snow...

Lighting fires in the Black Diamond Megalight modified to test out the heated shelter.

Stuffing it's little fire box full of wood.

Running in the snow with Greta the wonder dog.

Enjoying bluebird days in the woods.

This winter was a good one. Anni and I got out and played a bit with friends and barricaded ourselves in on the coldest days. Yesterday we spent the day getting ourselves ready for spring and summer, cleaning around the house. While the cleaning is not so fun, the outcome is rewarding. Time spent on the front porch enjoying the morning sun and cool summer nights to come.

I think Winter's over...

2010-03-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

Each and every morning I, like many others I work with, suit up for the bicycle ride to work. Getting on the bike is a psychological challenge after days of sub-zero temperatures. Those breaks in the temps, when they soar to the teens, are a time for rejoice. I was dreading this past winter's days of aching and tired legs before it even got under way. I was dreading the back and forth commutes along the same roads, on the same bike(I'm spoiled, I know).

To keep the winter doldroms at bay, Ryan and I made a pact that we would drive in early on Wednesdays, work a full day, and then hit the many kilometers of groomed ski trails right out our employers back door. Cross Country Skiing is new for me. Last year I purchased a used set of classics from Frank at Cyclova XC. I skied a few times last year, played around, but didn't really focus on anything more than getting out with friends.

This year, with Ryan and my pact I got out at least 10 times, once a week. With slightly more frequency I was able to get more comfortable on the skis and begin to build some basic foundation. Half way through the season another friend who has moved further south shipped me his skate setup to play on. Each time we got out I planned on bringing my camera, but rarely did. We would ski as the sunset over the park turning all a golden hue. Last week, the last week, was no different. The sun hangs a few minutes longer each night.

Once a week, that was all it took to break the monotony and stimulate my brain with something new to learn. Each week I looked forward to the break from the bike and the time on the skis.

Maybe next year it will be twice a week. Maybe.

Survival Kit...

2010-03-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

It's rare that I do a simple copy/paste of someone else's work here. If I do it's because I respect that person and their expertise in the area. Aaron Teasdale is one of those people. Recently he posted a few photos of his "possibilities", or survival kit that he takes into the backcountry with him. Check it out:

http://aaronteasdale.blogspot.com/2010/03/staying-alive.html

His kit is nice and minimalist for a backcountry tour. It has many similarities to what I thought I needed during last year's Divide tour. However, for an Ultralight racing kit it has plenty of unnecessary items...Especially given that there is almost always a town within a day's reach and there is almost always redundancy in my pack.

This spring I'll get to my own summer 'survival kit' and post it up here. It's sparse, but includes the necessities to get me out of a jam, or keep me warm in one. Like say, the destruction of a drivetrain

Time for a ride. Albeit the daily commute to work.

TransWisconsin!

2010-02-15T05:52:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to announce the TransWisconsin! The midwest's first multi-day, self-supported mountain bike race! These types of events have been popular for several years in the west. It's time we begin to develop this form of mountain bike racing here.

Registration is open! Race day start is June 18th, 2010. To enter you need only to send an e-mail with your name, age, and address as the only information needed.

For more specific information on the race, check out the race details page.

TransWisconsin will follow the 550 mile Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail from Wisconsin's southern border with Illinois to the northern most tip of the Bayfield Penninsula, finishing on the shores of Lake Superior.

Along the route riders will travel through the distinct geographical regions of Wisconsin and towns settled by trappers, farmers, and fisherman. The trail will vary between gravel road, two-track, ATV trail, singletrack, and an unfortunate bit of pavement.

If you've been dreaming of an Ultra Race here in the Midwest, look no further!

TransWisconsin

S.O.C.K.S.

2010-02-11T05:44:00.000-08:00

Knee high, yep... Thick, yep... Unbelievably luxurious, yep...

I purchased two pair of socks at our local shoe shop this weekend. I had seen them once before while in the shop, but scoffed at the prices. Last week, riding by the shop on the way home I noticed a 'buy one get the second half off' sign. So hard to resist and so I indulged.

Socks aren't necessarily one of those items you look at and have fond memories of. Phrases like, 'remember that time...' don't usually come to mind. Thing is, I've got a couple of pairs of socks where these types of phrases do come to mind. I've got a couple of jerseys, and one sweater in particular, where these types of phrases come to mind.

Pieces of gear like this, are this grown man's blanket.

Alcohol Burners

2010-02-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile, but it is time to get back to the cook kit series. I've been a bit busy with winter recreation and spring/summer planning.

Alcohol Burners, otherwise known as stoves are the heat source for many ultralight cooking systems. What stove you choose is based on your needs. Are you going fast & light, or just light? Do you want to boil water for quick noodles, or cook full meals? Fortunately, most of the best alcohol stoves are designs that can be made at home with minimal tools and just a bit of skill. Here, we will explore two types of stove designs, discussing their performance and best uses.

Pot Pressurized Stoves

I first became aware of PPS style stoves via Mini Bull Designs. Mini Bull's proprietor "Tinny" developed his version of this stove into a one piece design that is easy to duplicate. He has several videos that show how to make this stove and he encourages his 'followers' to produce their own. While it is easy to produce, he also sells his own version, the B.I.O.S. 2.2. that is much nicer than anything that I can make in my own shop.

These stoves are quite simple in concept, construction, and use. MiniBull's name, B.I.O.S. is an acronym for Basic In Out System, meaning fuel in, heat out. They are constructed with recycled aluminum bottles from cosmetic products, beer, and soda. MiniBull has many photos on constructing them, I suggest you go to his site for more information. In use, these types of stoves create a very low pressure system with the pot set on top. Heat in the stove causes the fuel to vaporize and the pot on top forces the flame out the jets. The pot does not actually seal the top of the stove, but does sit on the rim and allow some air into the system.

While Mini Bull's design is clean, efficient, and affordable it has one caveat...pot size. Mini Bull's B.I.O.S. 2.2 is only recommended for pots with a diameter of 4-1/2 - 5". With PPS style stoves, the diameter of the stove limits the pot that can be used with it. Considering that I already had a Snow Peak 700 pot, I set out to find an aluminum canister that would work for my needs. It didn't take long...

After playing with several sizes of canisters, making 10+ prototypes, I have settled on three stoves, in order of size:

The Venom Energy Drink aluminum canister
The Burt's Bees deoderant canister
The Cutter bug spray canister

The Venom Energy Drink bottle is just a bit larger than the Budweiser bottle, it is a great stove for those pots over 5". This is a stove that pairs well with an MSR Alpine cookset for 2+ people. It is probably not something that I'll use often, but it was a good experience.

Burn Time: 10 minutes on 2oz. of fuel
Boil Time: 5 minutes for 2 cups of water

The Burt's Bees canister is the perfect size for a 4" pot. It boils water fast for overnighters and multi-day experiences were speed is key. It's slightly more efficient than the Venom stove with the same boil time

Burn Time: 10 minutes on 1.5oz. of fuel
Boil Time: 5 minutes for 2 cups of water

Finally, the Cutter bug spray canister. For boiling water, this stove is the pinnacle of performance and efficiency. It's perfect for sub-4" pots and great for fast & light experiences.

Burn Time: 15 minutes on 1oz. of fuel
Boil Time: 8 minutes for 2 cups of water

While these stoves have many advantages, their primary disadvantage for my use is stability. A small stove supporting a full pot works well, but is more prone to tipping over in some situation. This could easily be solved with a base that allows the pot to sit on the stove, but still stabilizes it. Potentially great for a commercial version, but defeating to some of the simplicity.

"Penny Style Stoves"

This style of stove is likely the most common and often reproduced Alcohol stove. They are produced commercially and there are many sources online to learn how to make your own.

When I set out to build my own I was not interested in the soda can method. I wanted something more durable, so I set out to use the same aluminum bottles as the PPS stoves.

These stoves are constructed from two cut bottle bases pressed together and ported with jets. The hole in the center allows the stove to be filled and primed for burning. After the stove is burning a penny, hence the name, is placed over the hole and the system is pressurized. They are more efficient with fuel than the PPS stove, but do not produce as much heat.

Large Stove

The large stove is made from a Venom energy drink can. The drink smells and tastes like cotton candy...I won't find myself drinking that again. This stove is good for large pots like the MSR Alpine mentioned above. I don't think I'll use it often.

Burn Time: 25 minutes on 2oz. of fuel
Boil Time: 8 minutes for 2 cups of water

Mid Size Stove

This stove is easily the most efficient one I've built to date. It is made from two Cutter cans pressed together. This will likely be my go to for summer trips, overnighters, and mornings on the river. It works well with small pots like my SP 700.

Burn Time: 25 minutes on 1.5oz. of fuel
Boil Time: 10 minutes for 2 cups of water

Small stove

This was an experiment gone wrong using two Axe spray bottles. It burns .5 oz. of fuel for 20 minutes and basically warms 2 cups of water to just below boiling. I see this going in the pile of prototypes that never get used.

Personally, I like penny style stoves better than the P.P.S. stoves I've built. They are more efficient, allowing me to carry less fuel, and when used in conjunction with a windscreen pot stand they are more stable. I've yet to find any major drawbacks for using penny stoves when boiling water for noodles and/or drink for 3-season camping.

Next up we'll explore windscreens! They are crucial to the performance of your cook system and easy to make with just a few tools...

Chequamegon 100!

2010-02-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

By now you've heard, but if not...

We are very pleased to announce, another great addition to the assemblage of midwestern endurance events, the Chequamagon 100. One Hundred miles of sweet northern Wisconsin dirt, the great majority of it on singletrack, and the first endurance event to be held on the great CAMBA system trails.

Based on the self-supported ethos that has gained popularity with other events, the Chequamegon 100 will continue the tradition of self-reliance, riders that finish through determination, and best of all, NO ENTRY FEE! Limited to the first 100 people, all you have to do to sign up is send in an email.

www.Chequamegon100.com has been set up to provide all the race details and create a central place for riders to communicate. As we draw closer to the event, organizers TK and JM will be providing details on camping, meet up locales, and the final route selection.

Cooking Kits

2010-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Today we discuss cooking kits. Specifically, ultralight cooking kits for multi-day and S240/Overnighter experiences. What I've learned has been through my experiences and from the folks in the ultralight backpacking world. Backpacking Light is just the tip of the iceberg in this respect. From BPL there is an endless stream of resources.

First up: What I'll call my Luxury Ultralight kit. If I am going on an overnighter or touring this is the kit I take. Contents of the kit include:

Snow Peak Trek 700 Titanium Mug
Snow Peak 450 Titanium Double Walled Mug
MSR Titanium Spoon

This spoon comes as part of a fork & spoon kit. You may be tempted to buy a spork, but do yourself a favor and don't...you will ultimately find it does neither well.

DIY/MYOG Alcohol Stove (Pot Pressurized or Penny Style depending on the experience)
DIY/MYOG Windscreen and Stove Plate
Bic Lighter

I use a clear lighter so I can see fuel levels. Bic also makes mini lighters that are more compact and lighter. I carry a handful of matches in my ER kit for backup...always, always carry more than one way to start a fire.

Bandana

simple cotton, good for cleaning up and using for other needs in/around camp and on the trail.

Mesh SnowPeak Stuffsack (came with my SP700 Mug)

Total kit weight comes to 350g/12.5oz. without fuel (more on fuel later)

SP700 on a Pot Pressurized Stove

I made one modification to my SP700 that's worth noting. The mug lid comes with a feature to hang it on the side of the pot. While it is clever, I ultimately found this feature useless and it snagged the side of the mesh stuff sack when unpacking. I cut it off, ground, then polished the affected area to finish it. I then drilled two holes in the center of the lid and used some paracord as a lid handle.

SP700 on a penny stove using two titanium stakes and the windscreen for pot support.

I consider this kit luxury as a result of one item in my kit. There is nothing better than sitting in the woods, leaning against a tree, drinking coffee or a cup of tea from this, my SP450 double wall mug. Without the double wall mug, this kit weighs in at 255g/9oz.

Now this kit is great! It's light, flexible, and durable. However, to purchase this kit, costs well over 100US dollars.

This brings me to the second part of our discussion, The DIY/MYOG kit. Contents of the kit include:

24oz. Heineken can pot.
Ziploc 32 oz. storage container
Plastic Disposable Spoon
DIY/MYOG Alcohol Stove (Pot Pressurized or Penny Style depending on the experience)
DIY/MYOG Windscreen and Stove Plate
Bic Lighter

I use a clear lighter so I can see fuel levels. Bic also makes mini lighters that are more compact and lighter. I carry a handful of matches in my ER kit for backup...always, always carry more than one way to start a fire.

Bandana

simple cotton, good for cleaning up and using for other needs in/around camp and on the trail.

Total Kit weight comes to 200g/7oz. without fuel

Heineken Pot on a P.P.S. The lid is removeable via the yellow cord. The top is cut just below the rolled rim. Many users of this pot will insulate with cotton cord, and/or silicon for handling and drinking from the pot. I'll get to that at some point.

All contents of this kit fit inside of the Ziploc storage container, which protects it during transport. The pot fits upside down; lid, stove, lighter, and bandana go in the pot while the windscreen fits between the pot and container. The storage container can also be used as a mug or bowl.

This kit is affordable, accessible, and a full 50g lighter than my luxury kit! You just have to like Heineken, or be willing to dump it out.

Finally, Fuel.

Alcohol stoves can use two types of fuel Methyl and Ethyl Alcohol. Before you use either of these I suggest you read up on the types of alcohol and potential hazards of handling and burning them. Zen Stoves has some great information regarding where to find them and what the risks are. This is not meant to deter you from using alcohol stoves. It is meant to encourage you to read and understand the tools you are using. I sound like Norm Abrams.

I've used both types of alcohol, but I prefer Ethyl. Ethyl alcohol is found at nearly all hardware stores, packaged as denatured alcohol. It is also found in several other products including the beer in the Heineken can and the hand cleaners found in nearly all public spaces these days. However, to be used as a fuel the product must have Ethyl alcohol near the 90% range or above.

My stoves use somewhere between 1-2oz. of fuel per burn. Depending on the length of a trip, opportunities for resupply, meals planned, and stove fuel consumption the amount of fuel needed can be determined. Typically I carry 4-8oz. of fuel in a Nalgene squeeze bottle.

Nalgene squeeze bottle with 8oz. of fuel.

You can also find your own storage solution for fuel. An empty water, soda, or juice container, a used shampoo bottle, etc... All of these will work. Just make sure you won't confuse it with your water supply.

So there you have it a luxury, go out and buy it kit and an ultralight, go out there and make it kit. Both are fully functional and both are elegant in their own way. Next up is alcohol burners, or more commonly, stoves.

Trail Coffee

2010-01-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I was asked about how I make coffee out on the trail. After pondering it for several weeks I've decided to give this question an answer. There are more ways than one:

Cowboy Coffee - most simple and easiest method. Dump the desired amount of grounds in your pot of water after it comes to a boil and take it off the fire. Stir, let it steep and settle for a couple of minutes and drink. Stay away from the last bit of coffee in the bottom of your pot, unless you like silt and grit of course.

While I've had my fair share of cowboy coffee I don't care for it all that much. I prefer a cup of coffee that's been filtered using a paper filter. This eliminates nearly all of the silt and makes for a smooth cup of coffee, which brings us to the next method...

Luxury Light Kit - Earlier this summer I came across Coghlan's coffee/tea filters. They come in bags of 40 for 2.60. First thing I did was lose the small plastic holder that came with them. This was replaced with a small stick/twig wherever I was making camp to have a cup of coffee. I've now graduated beyond the twig to an aero spoke that I clipped and shaped to fit my mug.

You'll see what I mean, just watch the video:

Trail Coffee from jmeiser on Vimeo.

It has taken me months of playing and tinkering to get to this 3 season setup and I'm sure it will continue to evolve as I put it to use this coming spring, summer, and fall. It started here with a titanium Vargo stove that just didn't perform as well as DIY stoves that are easily produced.

Next up... Specifics about the pieces in my cooking kit; Weights, Boil Times, etc...

Black Bean...

2010-01-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Mix up the dough and let it rise on the warm register while doing a bit of bike maintenance. Once it rises, roll it gently into a ball on a lightly floured surface. Let it rest for 30 minutes while the oven and stone heat up to 500 degrees.

Stretch the dough out, as thin as you'd like and spread on a small can of black beans with some crushed garlic mixed in.

Sprinkle on desired amount of onions, gorgonzola, and prosciutto (if so desired).

Next comes the mozzarella

Bake at 500 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the mozzarella and crust reach your desired level of crisp-ness. I like mine browned to a crisp crust over the top.

Pizza at home, like most cooking, takes patience more than time. The dough needs to rise and the oven needs to warm. It all takes simple planning and mindfulness. The results are so good that we rarely go out for pizza anymore. Why would we?

Honored, Humbled, Humored

2010-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

It is with honor that I accept my position atop The List with Ek, Pramann, and Carney! I was informed by the wise Charlie Farrow of this honor today. I could say that he needed to contact me via 'sat' phone while I was out on expedition, but it would only be a lie. I could craft a letter of reception, but it would never match the prose with which Charlie writes. So, I will only say Thank You!

For those of you who have not held Charlie's wheel and had the opportunity to share in friendly conversation while strolling the dirt roads of the Upper Midwest; I can only say you are missing out!

Full Circle

2009-12-31T16:15:00.000-08:00

First, there was some planning...

Then there was waiting...

Next came the sewing...well, this one shows my mom fixing a tire rub hole on a 'hand me down' Epic Designs seatbag for my brother, but she sewed my partial frame bag as well.

and now I'm back to planning...

Mom and I made a deal, I'd build her coat rack if she would sew me a frame bag for TransIowa. I've been scheming about this bag for some time and I'll be asking Eric at Epic Designs to make me a bikepacking version once I've tested my kit and figured a couple of things out and he's gotten through the Winter Packing workload. Ultimately, I'd like this partial bag to be compatible with a handful of bikes in my collection. This one is designed specifically for the TransIowa experience. Allowing me to carry all the water and kit to get me through the ride with minimal stops while keeping the weight off my back.

The construction of this bag is lighter duty, yet plenty wear resistant. I just wouldn't want to be pushing it through some bushwack and slide it down a short rock face, like conditions encountered on Richmond Peak during this past summer's Divide. The material is a 2.2oz. Ripstop Nylon ordered from Quest Outdoor Fabrics, sewn double wall for load carrying capacity. Mom finished it with a 'French Seam', which ends up with a double stitch and a nicely finished seam inside and out. The straps, velcro and nylon cams, were sewn into the seam and reinforced. They are configured to allow use of my Epic Designs Gas Tank. The front of the bag holds my 3L water bladder, while the back 4", seperated by a thin wall, holds tubes, pump, tools, patch kit, chamois cream, etc...

As could be expected Mom, and I, learned a great deal sewing this first bag. She is already putting this knowledge to use on a second version for Mike and his touring 'habit'. Look out for photos of his finished bag soon.

Next will be ample testing, some refinement, and ultimately...a bit of touring this spring, summer, and fall.

Tour Divide: The Full Take

2009-12-28T18:33:00.001-08:00

I finally found a way to compress the full length slide/video show that I put together this past July to share with family and friends!

This is the same show that I shared on an incredible night in the backyard.

Photo Courtesy of GNAT

Sit back, make some popcorn and a smoothie...Enjoy!

Tour Divide 2009 from jmeiser on Vimeo.

Tour Divide Take 4

2009-12-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

The final countdown...

Tour Divide Take 4 from jmeiser on Vimeo.

Tour Divide was definitely the highlight of 2009 for me. Although, getting there has created some incredible memories and launched my interests in a direction that I hope to pursue more in 2010. Look for a highlights of 2009 coming soon... Oh, and I'll get to all those Q's left unanswered from the Midwest Expo.

Hope you've enjoyed these series. I've enjoyed sharing them.

Tour Divide Take 3

2009-12-16T19:36:00.000-08:00

This was a turning point...

Tour Divide Take 3 from jmeiser on Vimeo.

TIV5...The Secret Weapon

2009-12-12T13:09:00.001-08:00

The cat is out of the bag...so to speak. Salsa Cycles and Guitar Ted dropped the word. Whew, glad the veil of secrecy has been lifted!

I showed up to Williamsburg, riding with Charles Parsons, shotgun in the 'winningest passenger seat in TI history'. You see, when the Gorilla, TIV4 winner, had moved to central Ohio he bestowed upon me the privelage and responsibility of riding with Charles to the start of TIV5.

While unloading my bike the Lincolnites poured out of one very large Suburban. Riders began pecking around the lot, it looked like a chicken coop with way too many roosters. Matt Gersib wandered over having heard of a secret weapon that I might be on. He ogled and reassured me that this would be our little secret. I kept my head down, one of few times that I'm in full on race prep mode.

Saturday, 2:30 AM. The alarm goes off. Mike, my bigger, older, wiser brother and I awake from our slumber. I start the coffee and break out my stash of rocket fuel to down some pre-race calories. Fed, caffeinated, and prepped we roll to the start line with a large posse.

The start line is dark. We all take our places, Guitar Ted and David Pals hop in the 'blue box'. Had I known it would be for the last time, we might have burned an effigy. We're off, finding our legs, saying hello's, and making introductions. My favorite line in the pre-dawn light comes from Dave Pramann; "Are those carbon wheels?" he says. "Why yes they are!" I reply.

Post race, I didn't even bother to clean the bike, the mud will fall off when it wants to. My time was traded between the Ti crosser' and my Fargo while I trained for Tour Divide. Post divide it became my go to for, well, everything while my Fargo was resurrected and my body recovered.

So how does it ride? Would you believe me? Isn't my opinion a bit biased? After close to 4000 miles on it, I'll say incredible! It's nimble, stiff, and forgiving. I was surprised at how quickly I recovered from TIV5. I attribute this to the ride of the bike. I can't wait to get my grubby paws on the Ti El Mariachi! Perhaps it'll be the bike that accompanies me on a couple of bikepacking trips this summer.

We'll see...

For Sale

2009-12-07T20:24:00.001-08:00

I've got a few things for sale over on my Flickr page. Go here for information:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmeiser/sets/72157622958226134/

This will be updated with more in the near future. Leave a comment, or send a message if you are interested in any of it.

Midwest Expo

2009-11-21T16:16:00.001-08:00

Today I gave an hour long presentation "Introduction to Bikepacking" at the annual Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo. I used my experience training for and racing the Tour Divide as the conduit for the experience and shared the gear that I used and am using still.

A big Thank You to everyone that filled room 25 at the Humphrey Center! This was the first time I've presented anything like this and I was pleasantly surprised by the attendance and participation. I'm thankful that we have such a great outdoors community here in the city. Midwest does an incredible job building and serving this community.

For those that came to see me speak, I'd like your feedback! What worked? What didn't? What could I have done more/less of? I can take it, give it to me straight. I want and need to hear(read) it.

Finally, what questions did you have that didn't get answered? Let's keep this an ongoing discussion. If there is enough interest, I'll do a series of posts to answer those questions.

Otherwise, get out and ride!

Out.

2009-11-21T15:45:00.000-08:00

Tim, Miker, and I got out for an overnighter this past week. I had made plans for one the previous week, but ended up with a bad cold that had me thinking staying indoors was a better idea.

We left work around 5pm, made a quick stop at the butcher shop for beef sticks, sausage, and chocolate milk; then headed for the trail.

It was good to get some night riding in. I've been commuting with my P-Tec Apex, but haven't ridden much singletrack with it. I'm continually impressed with the output in such a small package. Light and battery technology has come a long way. In the late 90's my first light had a battery the size of a waterbottle and nowhere near the output.

I had a campsite planned for the night, I hadn't visited it, but thought it was worth a shot. After a short bit of bushwack we made camp next to a lake, but nestled in the woods. First priority was getting a small fire going for the evening. There was a bit of debris in the area and we found a small steel barrel to make a fire in.

After setting up shelter we settled in for dinner and conversation. Relaxing on a unseasonably warm November night in the woods.

After boiling water for noodles on my alcohol stove I tested my first proto woodgas stove. This little woodstove is based off the Bushbuddy, but made of easy to find food cans. I'll dig into the details in a future post.

First testing passed. It took roughly 10 minutes to boil 16 oz. of water after getting the fire going. I broke up small sticks and continually fed them into the fire chamber during use. After boil I added some tea and left it on the stove. The fire burned down quickly and kept my tea warm while I enjoyed it.

Testing and refinement will continue on this little experiment as more overnighters happen, but I'm quite pleased of the results. For just a few dollars in canned goods this little stove is great!

An excerpt

2009-11-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

I started writing this months ago. I came across it today and thought it both informative and humorous. Perhaps you had to be there for the humor part...

The rain ricocheted off the roof of the garage at Red Lake Wildlife Refuge that I called home that night. I bedded down on top of rolled out fiberglass insulation after washing my bike and gear of the mud that stopped me in my tracks at the village of Lakeview. Dinner consisted off gas station fair; Chocolate muffins (600 calories), Frito’s (3200 calories per family size bag), and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (300 calories). I rationed another muffin and a few chips for breakfast, enough to make the 30 miles to Mack’s Inn.

Sleep was heavy and comfortable that night. I woke to the sound of rain on the roof in the early morning. Needing to urinate and not wanting to o outside I grabbed my empty water bottle for a latrine. Feeling guilty, but knowing the road would be a crunchy peanut butter consistency, I climbed back into my bag for another hour of sleep. Just before 6am I woke to first light, ate my rationed breakfast, and packed my gear. The park ranger’s light was on, so I meandered over to thank him for a roof over my head. I never got his name before hitting the road for Idaho. Trail Magic.

Tour Divide Take 2

2009-10-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Tour Divide Part 2 from jmeiser on Vimeo.

News

2009-10-12T17:58:00.001-07:00

Two new events brought to my attention by the eloquent Charlie Farrow.

Tuscobia Ultra & the North Shore Winter Ultra

It seems that the Tuscobia is in it's first year, while the NSWU is in the second. These are great early winter primers for Arrowhead, or some spring gravel suffering.

It seems that Charlie from his post of these racers is still upset at his boy Tim Ek who along with Pramann and I left Farrow in a ditch somewhere in central Iowa. Little did we know that he would literally crawl out of the grave to finish the race and eclipse the effort that Ek, Pramann, and I put in.

I suspect that Farrow will be on the bus that attempts a sub-24 hour finish at this spring's running on the Trans Iowa.

Best Thing at IB 2009...

2009-09-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Was my pillow and the backs of my eyelids after all day at demo and on the show floor...

Seriously though, it was the interactions with people; dealers, friends, acquaintances new and old.

Product is great, but it is only substrate for the experience.

Camping out at Dirt Demo was fantastic! Tim and I left Dirt Demo setup about 5:00 Sunday afternoon loaded up on Burritos and headed up into the hills. After hours riding, getting electrocuted (only a slight tingle, keep hands on the rubber) under the high tension power lines, and pushing for a few more hours we made camp overlooking the town of BC.

We rolled out our ground cloths; Tyvek for me, and E-Blanket for Tim, aired up our mattresses, and layed out our bags under the stars. Despite all the light pollution the stargazing was great. We sipped a bit of coffee and talked for quite awhile about nothing and everything and dozed off to sleep.
Monday morning brought a nice cool breeze that convinced me to climb in my bag pre-dawn. Mostly to keep it from blowing away... When light broke the alcohol stove was lit and more coffee consumed before the roll back into town.

Best start to IB in the past 5 years I've been there. I'm thinking this will be an annual. Are you in?

Gravel 1: Joe 0

2009-09-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Ouch... Wish I had pictures to show the carnage. This just isn't something I want to document visually.

Today I spent most of my time feet up, hoping to heal before the flight to Vegas for Interbike.

Every once in awhile I have one of those crashes where I'm happy to have walked away without a trip to the hospital. I've had a lot of Vitamin G this summer, most times I've emerged victorious against it, but not yesterday.

Tour Divide Take 1

2009-09-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

From the Start in Banff, Canada to Richmond Peak, just outside of Ovando, Montana. This covers about half the time that Chris, Kurt, and I spent roaming the GDMBT until our split in Lima, Montana. Much of this time was also spent chasing or running from the Petervary's on their Tandemonium, Love Shack experience.

So many memories...Funny how the mind forgets the physical conditioning that took place in these first few days.

Tour Divide Part 1 from jmeiser on Vimeo.

Mason

2009-09-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

Nope, nothing about bikes, or riding. Mason Jennings newest album "Blood of Man" launched digitally yesterday. If you're still a luddite and clamor for that jewel case it comes out next Tuesday. I'll be listening to this album today, tomorrow, and likely for the next few months...

Saturday we went to the State Fair with good friends Zach & Becca. We were talking about Mason Jennings and it reminded me of Anni and my second date. Jennings, then on the verge of being a national act opened for Jack Johnson at a small private college in west Michigan. The show was incredible and the music has been a part of our lives ever since.

Beautiful little melodies and fun guitar riffs... This music is at home on a road trip across the plains or a backyard barbecue.

This one happened to be on the south shore of Kauai...

Thirsty

2009-09-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Last spring Anni and I bought a couple starts of hops. I built a couple of simple trellises to grow them on and we had a good covering to soften the stark garage wall.

Fast forward to this summer and the hops are starting to reach their potential. From what I've read it takes 3-years to fully establish them. All summer they have been forming a canopy over part of the back yard as we trained them onto ropes between the house and garage.

This makes me thirsty...

It's harvest time now. For the past couple weeks I've been clipping and drying the flowers for use in some home brew. Only problem is, I've never brewed. So I've solicited a couple of folks that do.

These are going to end up in a brew soon enough.

It hasn't been all gardening lately. Friday morning rides have been fast and fun. I feel like my legs are coming back just in time for a few cross races.

River Bottoms Crew...

Levis Trow

2009-09-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

The last days of summer are upon us. Tim decided to skip a Wednesday of work in favor of singletrack. I decided to join him and work out some of the mental kinks that come from to little singletrack time and a line-up of summer house projects needing to be finished.

At 6:15 we loaded my bike on the car and headed east, stopping at the Bikery after dropping off Tim's Wife at work. A little carpooling is always a good thing. With sustinence in hand it was a short drive to the Black River State Forest and the Levis Trow trailhead. In five years of living in the upper midwest this trail has eluded me. It was time I visit.

This summer my Big Mama has seen very little saddle time when compared to the Fargo, for obvious reasons. I recently swapped the V1 prototype frame for a production prototype. Yesterday was all about getting the suspension dialed in.

Levis Trow is loaded with singletrack. We went up to the North trails and looped back to the car, grabbed lunch and rode up on the mounds to a lookout for lunch. Next time I'm bringing the Hammock

After lunch we spent some time up on the mounds riding a bit more technical terrain. The rock formations, dry environment, and pines reminded me so much of the Gila Mountains in Southern New Mexico.

A few hours of riding is always good for the soul. As the summer is winding down it is time to get in all that I can before the snow flies.

The Workshop

2009-08-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

This past spring I started playing with an Alcohol stove on overnight foray's into the woods. Pressurized stoves are great and I like my Optimus Nova, but there's something to be said for the simplicity of an alcohol stove.

When I first bought the stove I was in need of a quick and light windscreen. I bought a package of aluminum flashing from the local hardware store and got to work on something quick and simple the night before a camp out. I started with two 5"x7" cards and fashioned what you see below. A quick, effective, but crude windscreen.

Windscreen 1.0

After forming a construction paper template to test and refine the concept I got to work on the finished product, Windscreen 2.0

After using and testing W-1.0 for the better part of this summer I had developed quite a few criteria for Windscreen 2.0:

- Provide more stability for the alcohol burner on soft and uneven surfaces, such as loamy soil, sand, or snow.

- Provide more stability for the pot. While the Vargo stove is nice, the tripod does not hold my pot securely.

- Be made of one continuous sheet of aluminum. V-1.0's interlocking design worked, but wasn't reliable, or elegant.

- Provide more wind protection than V-1.0. Having intake on one side of the screen allows me to turn it out of the wind.

- Be useable without the stakes. The stakes provide stability, but if my sleeping kit doesn't necessitate their use I can use a paperclip to hold it together.

- Fit inside my pot. I like that most of my kit can fit in the pot and all but the fuel if I leave the stakes at home.

Windscreen 2.0 has quite a few improvements over 1.0. Three holes in the baseplate provide support for the burner and keep it in place. If the burner starts sinking, the plate will keep it afloat.

The stakes support the stove above the flame while keeping the screen together. This is much more stable than the previous setup.

The whole kit is what I would consider luxury ultralight. This is what I carry on many overnighters, or coffee stops on the way to work. There are a few more things I carry for coffee, but those aren't part of the core kit (another time). Luxury is my Double Wall Snowpeak 450ml mug. I love this thing and if I really wanted to go lighter I could leave it at home, but I don't see that happening.

All of the gear; Windsreen, Base plate, mug, stove, lighter, rag, and spoon fit in my 700ml pot. The stakes will end up in my sleeping kit and the fuel in my bag. Based on the length of the outing I might take more fuel, but this Nalgene container holds about 8 oz. or enough to boil 8 cups of water.

Going light has never been so sexy. I find it serendipitous that despite all of the cooking systems available, alcohol stoves are still finding a niche amongst a few of us. They are simple, affordable, and elegant. Less, truly is, more.

As summer is winding down I find myself longing for time in the woods on my bike or in my hammock. Anni and I are looking for a weekend that isn't full to throw our gear in the car and get out of town with friends. I'm looking forward to those days of hiking, cooking, and relaxing. Forgetting about the projects to be finished and the anxiety of life back in the "real world".

Down but not out

2009-08-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

It was descending the Old Bannack Road to Lima where the drivetrain and derailleur hanger on my Salsa Fargo met their demise. Chris and Kurt stayed while I cobbled my drivetrain back together in the mud only to have it self destruct the moment I put my foot to the pedal.

Photo by Chris Plesko:

The second time around Chris and Kurt moved on while I worked on finding the ever elusive magic gear in my drivetrain that would get me the 35 miles to Lima. I know this trick all to well after a mistake I made during TransIowa V4 led to its use.

Photo by Captain Bob: TransIowa V4 Destruction

In the 35 miles to Lima I stopped twice more to fix my drivetrain as it was slowly ground into a pile of metal shavings. A few short miles after finding a gear that would get me to Lima I caught up with Chris and Kurt taking a break to clean the mud off their bikes. We came across a cattle drive pushing up the road as we rolled down and decided to hike through the sage brush. The smell was absolutely incredible after the previous day's and night's rain.

We descended Big Sheep Creek Road into the canyons shortly after passing the cattledrive. Several more links failed on my chain after bouncing around on the cassette as I maneuvered down the pocked and washboarded road. Fortunately I had packed a small section of chain and several quick links for just such and occasion. I was back on the road in minutes happily enjoying the single speed life and the feeling of enclosure that the canyon provided. By this time Chris and Kurt were long gone. I knew I'd be catching up with them in Lima having a meal at Jan's Cafe.

As I exited the canyon my drivetrain failed for the 3rd and final time before I would reach Lima. The chain had been dancing on the cassette without perfect tension and chainline. Typically it would fall down a cog or two and then hop back up to the sweet spot. This time around, much to my disbelief the chain shifted up on the cassette to the cog above the magic gear. The chain could only be described as hyper-tensioned. I immediately grabbed the brakes to keep the damage to a minimum. I jumped to action, developing a quick strategy to fix this mess and roll easy the last 15 miles to Lima.

The easiest approach to fix my drivetrain debacle this time around was to remove the wheel and simply move the chain back to the magic gear. I grabbed the lever on my DT Swiss RWS 10mm Skewer and applied the force necessary to remove the rear wheel. The ratchet mechanism immediately stripped out rendering the lever useless and eliminating my chances of wheel removal. I stepped back a bit dismayed, but quickly moved to my frame bag to find my chain tool.

My course of action would now be to pop a chain pin to take the chain apart. I had two quick links left in my bag. There were already two in the chain at this point. I turned the lever of the chain tool slowly fearing that the hyper-tensioned chain would pop and cause more damage to the bike or myself. I felt that spot in the pin, just before it pops and quickly pushed through it hoping to push the chain tool pin into the chain quickly. The tension was to high and the chain tool pin missed, causing it to bend and rendering it near useless.

The chain was separated, but I would need to remove a second pin to assemble the quick link. With the bent pin of the chain tool this proved challenging. The pin would line up with the chain pin, only to become misaligned as I attempted to push it through. I fought with it for several minutes finally getting the pin through and keeping the rest of the chain intact. The quick link assembled with ease. I pedaled the chain through to the magic gear and begin to look for material to execute the second part of this trick I'd put to use in TIV4.

This trick to reassemble the drivetrain and limp to the nearest town is a temporary remedy. It is rare to find perfect tension on the chain. Compounded by the cassette with its short cog teeth and shift gates the chain will hop around. During TIV4 I remedied this issued by stuffing small sticks in between the cogs and wrapping them with tall grass above and below the chain to keep it in gear. The approach worked well and so with my past experience I set out to find some sticks and grass. The only problem, there was none. The canyon was rife with small tufts of grass and rocks, but I had long since left the sage brush. I asked that the chain stay in place and that my Fargo get me to Lima and soft pedaled again down the road.

The last nine miles to Lima are a paved road that follows Interstate 15. By the second time my chain failed I had recognized a pattern of how the failures occured. If I was able to stick to smooth sections of gravel, soft pedal through the washboard, and carefully apply pressure to the drivetrain I knew I could make it to the pavement without another failure. When I hit the smooth pavement it would be smooth sailing all the way in to Lima, spinning an easy gear.

Interstate 15 came into sight and I focused my eyes on the point where the gravel ended and I turned onto pavement. As I neared the pavement a second focal point came into view. A small truck with a full suspension rig lingered at the intersection. I figured it to be a blue dot junkie who had come to chase us down and wish us well. The thought of hitching a ride to Lima passed through my mind as I approached. I made a deal with myself and focused on my goal of finishing, eliminating my option of taking a ride forward on the course.

When I reached the intersection a bearded man in his 40's came into view. He waved and said Hello as I approached slowing my Salsa Fargo to a halt. He introduced himself as Andy Buchanan and immediately the name sounded familiar. Later on that evening I would find out that Andy raced the Tour Divide in 08', ultimately dropping as a result of sickness. I knew his name from my own time following blue dots on the Spot Leaderboard. Andy gave me a quick report of where Chris and Kurt were and encouraged me to get into town and get some food. Knowing the rules and spirit of the Divide, Andy never asked if I wanted a ride. It may sound counter intuitive to some to be thankful for a ride not offered, but this was a kind gesture. Andy's way of encouraging me to move forward and not give up, without saying a word his act spoke volumes.

I rounded the corner, crossing under Intersate Highway close to an hour after my encounter with Andy. As the gas station and Jan's Cafe came into view I scanned their walls looking for Chris and Kurt's bikes. They had descended upon Jan's to eat cheeseburgers, fries, and pie; all washed down with hot coffee and cold Coca Cola. I decided my bike could wait until after I had gorged myself. I had already settled with myself that I would not be leaving Lima that day. Even if the drivetrain held together it would be Pinedale before there was a bike shop to fix anything. With the track record of failure and the fact that I had no extra parts or a chain tool, I had made the decision to stay in Lima.

I staggered into Jan's meeting Chris in the front hall talking on the phone with his wife, Marni. I walked into the dining room and spotted Kurt on a stool at the counter. After sitting down and ordering my feast I began to consider my options. It would have been easy mentally and emotionally to bag the whole ride in Lima. I had ridden close to 900 miles, seen some beautiful country, and missed my wife at home. Chris dropped in Lima during his 2008 Divide ITT. Channeling his energy to move on from Lima I immediately dismissed the idea and moved to plan B.

Plan B consisted of getting parts from either a near by town, or having them shipped into Lima from Minneapolis. After discussing Plan B with Chris and Kurt over lunch and feeling quite refreshed after a large piece of coconut cream pie I was confident with my planned course of action.

During Chris, Kurt, and my discussion I asked them "Do you know what the worse part of this whole drivetrain failure is?" To their planned "what?", I said "Breaking up the trio." The three of us had ridden together from Sparwood, BC. We had our rythm, a cadence that worked well and was enjoyable. We would wake up laughing at each other in the mornings and crack jokes between long stretches of silence throughout the day. As we left Jan's Cafe I wished them well and they wished me the same. I told them "I'll see you in a few days." to which they replied "I bet you will." With that the trio became the duo and I became a solo.

I acquired knowledge at Jan's that the motel across the street had internet access, a laundromat, and affordable rooms. The Mountain View Motel caters to Continental Divide Trail Hikers, Cyclists, and travelers. They were well prepared for my arrival and that of others. I discussed my dilemma with the owner and he explained my options. I could call a guy in the next town over who did some work on bikes, or I could have parts shipped in via UPS. He called the guy in the next town while I looked into UPS shipping. There was no pick-up from the guy and early UPS information looked like I could have parts next day. My options had been weighed and the decision was made.

Quickly I made several calls before placing my order for parts to fix my drivetrain. I called DT Swiss to determine how to disassemble my broken skewer and what parts I would need. I dialed up Wheels Manufacturing to determine if the Emergency Derailleur hanger would function with my DT Skewer. I never divulged to them what I was doing, or where I was, it was inconsequential to the discussion. As I spoke to the customer service rep. from DT he said a lever would be shipped to QBP for me. I envisioned it sitting on the shelf for weeks at work, arriving before I did and found just a bit of humor in the situation.

With information in hand I logged onto my QBP account and began an order. Checking off my mental list I ordered a derailleur, chain, new skewer, emergency derailleur hanger, cables, a new multi-tool, and brake pads. I figured I might as well fix what I could while I could. With the ordered entered and on to picking I was thankful to have this resource at my fingertips and on demand when I needed it. Any Divide racer could place an order with an on-line shop, but I could place my order with the largest distributor in the country and my employer QBP.

With the order placed I dialed co-workers with order number in hand to beg for them to intercept and expedite my parts. The first person I reached was Salsa Product Manager and good friend, Tim Krueger. Tim is calm, cool, and collected. He knew immediately what I needed when I explained the situation and said he would get it out ASAP and confirmed overnight shipping to Lima.

With the business done I made a call to my wife to let her know what was going on and see how she was doing. I felt out of body, somewhat frantic, and very impatient. I knew she could help calm me and get my mind off of being stranded in Lima. As we chatted I made mental notes on what I needed to fix and realized that I had lost my shift cable housing somewhere up on the trail. I asked her if she would call Tim and remind him before the package shipped. Later that night she and I talked again. Not only had Tim got all of my requests, but he had also driven the package to the airport for shipping. Knowing Tim, he would have driven it to me if he thought he could get it to Lima faster. I couldn't be more grateful to the support from QBP, Tim, and the rest of my colleagues that made this happen.

I was marooned in Lima, MT for roughly 26 hours. During my time I kept quite busy making plans to leave, cleaning and drying gear, fixing my slashed sleeping gear, doing laundry, eating, resuppplying, and sleeping. I watched from my Motel Room as Jay-P & Tracey Petervary came in and I greeted them at Jan's before they left. I watched as Cannon Shockley, Eric Lobeck, Kevin Dean, Blaine Nester, John Fettis, Alan Goldsmith, Steve Wilkinson, and Leighton White came in for the night and ate dinner with them. After a 10 hour slumber I ate breakfast at Jan's and tracked my package into MT. It's planned arrival would be 3:30 and so I prepped and watched as Eric Bruentjens came and left.

I passed the time waiting by disassembling my bike to the extent possible, making a new sleeping mat, packing gear, and shipping home unneeded gear. Then finally, at the planned time, my package arrived. I quickly unpacked and took inventory, then dove right into the project at hand. In under an hour I had reassembled my Salsa Fargo and was ready to roll. At 4:30 I stopped by the Sporting Goods store to fix my chain tool using their vice, and then the post office to ship home my broken Leatherman. I made a quick call to MTB Cast and was on my way towards Red Lake.

My time in Lima was rich in turbulence. I went up and down, considered dropping, but ultimately chose to leave. I reconfigured my goals and plans pouring over the maps and determining my strategy. I laughed at my broken Leatherman and slashed sleeping gear. The hiatus taught me a few things about perseverence, determination, and the will to endure.

Today I finished reassembling the Salsa Fargo frame that I started on. I considered recycling the frame, but ultimately figured I could fix the snapped hanger and salvage it, or perhaps even make it better. In starting to share my fixed ride the memories started pouring out and all of my experience in Lima came into plain view for the first time since my return.

So how did I fix it? See for yourself...

I was able to find a Wheels Manufacturing replaceable derailleur hanger to bolt directly to the face of my existing dropout. I drilled and tapped the three mounting holes, breaking several bits and a tap in the process. Finally, I modified the hanger ever so slightly to blend the hanger with the Fargo dropout. It shifts well in the stand, next up are some trail tests that proves its worth and durability.

All Fixed:

I'm looking forward to riding my Salsa Fargo again. I've been off of it for over a month as it sat in decay in my basement. There's even a few new parts on the bike, but those will be divulged soon enough...

The Story of Eight...

2009-08-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

The "Peloton" as we referred to ourselves formed in Del Norte, CO when John Fettis, Leighton White, and myself arrived at the Hotel to find Alan Goldsmith, Steve Wilkinson, Blaine Nestor, Cannon Shockley, and Eric Lobeck. We were as surprised to see them as they were surprised to see us. The next morning the Organic Peddler opened their doors at 5:30 to feed us an incredible breakfast before the 4,000 foot climb up Indiana Pass. We rolled out together stringing out and climbing at our own pace.

It was really quite comical that we ended up in such a large group. It was also quite slow in and out of the towns as we rode our way south. The group broke up in Abiqui, NM with Leighton and Alan riding into the evening while the rest of us rested in for the final 600 mile push. The next day the remaining 6 of us caught Alan in Cuba at the Cantina waiting out the mid-day sun and enjoying a rest.

Cuba was full of dirtbags headed for the Rainbow gathering north of town. The grocery was a mess and so the Peloton fragmented a bit more with Blaine heading off the front to chase Leighton. In Pie Town Alan and I caught Leighton at the Pie-O-Neer Cafe. They kept it open late for us by chance, this is some of that trail magic that racers talk about. Leighton used the remaining light to ride into the Gila while we decided to turn in and roll in the morning. Leighton caught Blaine in the Gila and they rode together from Silver City to the finish.

The Gila was beautiful and my legs were feeling great. Some of the remaining group of five (Lobeck contracted Giardia in Pie-Town) wanted to stop at the first campsite we reached in the dusk. I had visions of riding further, and at least wanted to get the climb out of the Gila done in the evening on warm legs. Steve Wilkinson joined me that evening. We rode an extra hour into the dark before I pierced my tire and a storm threatened us. At that point we set camp and hoped for no rain.

After the best night's sleep I had on the Divide, Steve and I rode to Silver City on nothing but nuts and Frito Lays. Leighton and Blaine's tracks in the mud were deep, Steve and I were happy we had stopped. After a long stop in Silver City for food and maintenance, Steve and I departed for Antelope Wells together. It wasn't our intention to break from the group, but we wanted to take advantage of trail and weather conditions, cool and dry.

Riding as eight was great on the trail, but slow in small towns. Ask any waiter/waitress how it is to serve a group of eight. Now ask any of them how it is to serve a group of eight ordering two entrees and food to go.

Did we ever form a pace line? Nope. Would have been a whole lot easier if we had sometimes. Did we enjoy and take advantage of the motivation of traveling together? Yes.

We camped, rode, laughed, ate, and pushed through the mud together. It was natural to ride for hours without saying a word and natural when the group fragmented.

Preview

2009-07-21T05:25:00.001-07:00

Since I returned from Tour Divide I've been keeping busy and getting back to life at home and work. Anni and I have been spending time in the garden. The raspberries are incredible, we've gotten at least 8 pints now off of our little patch. I've been riding my bike, commuting to work and riding the local singletrack with friends. It is great to be able to ride without the focus of any event to come. I'm just enjoying spinning easy.

I've also been working on a short production that captures my experience on the Great Divide to share with family and friends. Jason Boucher posted a blurb about it over at gnatlikes. It was fantastic to have 30+ friends over Saturday to preview the film in our backyard. I was nervous, but it seems that everyone enjoyed it. I'll be figuring out how to get the full length production in a format for download. Until then, enjoy this:

Done.

2009-07-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Finished up the 2009 Tour Divide last night at 8:45, or so... It was fantastic to have Anni, her mom, and several others as a welcoming party when we arrived.

What a ride, just exhausted. There will be so much more to come. So many stories and photos to share.

Stuck in Lima...

2009-06-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Coming over Bannack Pass yesterday the mud gummed up my drivetrain to the point that my rear der. wrapped around my cassette and into the spokes bending my hanger and the der. simiultaneously. I was able to bend the hanger back only to have it snap off shortly after. I then converted the bike to a single speed shortening the chain and finding something that worked to get me the remaining 35 miles to Lima. The chain snapped twice in the next 35 miles, but I made it in for cheeseburgers, french fries, and coconut cream pie!

After lunch the plans began to come together. The Mountain View Motel let me use their computer to place an order with QBP. I then called Tim Krueger, Product Manager at Salsa cycles, stand up guy, and friend. He expedited the order and got it shipped UPS to me. It will arrive in Lima, MT this afternoon. I'll get the bike together and the show on the road. My hope is to make it the 80 miles to Mack's Inn tonight, then on to Wyoming tomorrow.

On its way to Lima is a new drivetrain, replaceable der. hanger, and a few other bits and pieces. I'll use this as an opportunity to tune a few things on the bike that are working and would likely make it to Salida, but are showing wear.

This mishap will put me a full day's riding behind where I was, but still likely under 20 days if I can keep the same momentum that the Trio of Chris Plesko, Kurt Refsnider, and I had going. We were rocking and enjoying the ride. I'll have to use this as impetus to catch back on to those gents.

It has been a good ride this far. My goal has, and still is, to finish this route. Under 25 days comes second, the daily goals keep things in perspective and get me to the next town. In the last roughly 900 miles and 7 days I have experienced more than I have words for, seen so much natural beauty of this country, and eaten a ton of junk food! I'm loving every minute of adventure. Even this little furlough is an opportunity to rest, regroup, and refocus to move on and persevere.

Day 1! Sparwood...

2009-06-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

It's 10:12 here in Sparwood, rolled in at 9:30 after an incredible day of riding. Looks like my spot is not transmitting well. I'll need to change it's location for tomorrow.

Feeling good, riding well. It's recovery time for me; a shower, stretching, fluids, and a good nights rest...

Good luck to all the rest of the TD riders still out there tonight!

Ready?

2009-06-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure I am, but I will be at 10am on Friday the 12th...

I'm putting all of this (although it has changed drastically!)

In a box with this:

So I can climb on the plane tomorrow AM and head toward Banff. Lucky for me I've nailed seat 3-C first class all the way to Calgary.

I'm going to miss a few things while I'm gone. Rides with friends, Colossal, the house, the garden, cold beers, Mojitos, the CSA, the front porch, Minnesota summers, our bed, home cooked meals, backyard BBQ's, etc... but mostly, I'll miss time with her.

I've got a dozen nicknames for her, all of which she'd rather I not publish. This is a photo from our summer adventure last year. I'm looking forward to seeing Anni at the border in New Mexico. After I shower I'll be sure to give her all the hugs and kisses she deserves for being herself: Kind, Selfless, and Supportive are the words that come to mind immediately.

Shakedown.

2009-06-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Miker instigated it, Tim, Sean, and I showed up to work with our bikes loaded. At 4:30, three Fargo's and 1 El Mariachi headed to the river trail. Our pace was comfortable and the weather was perfect. It's hard to call it a shakedown when it's this good.

I stopped for a few photos of Tim and Mike along the way, here they are winding their way amongst the giant cottonwoods, sometimes the white feathery seeds they drop look like a dusting of snow.

After 20 miles and 2 stops, 1 for libations, 1 for food we arrived at the Lebanon hills campground. Not everyone was riding with frame bags and we had plans for singletrack so dropping the panniers and a few pounds of weight made sense.

Lebanon Hills just gets better every time I ride it. This year they've added more rocks and log rides making the course more technical and challenging. It is a good mix of fast flowing singletrack and technical handling. Here's Sean pushing into a berm on his Fargo.

After 8.5 miles of singletrack we were a bit hungry. Back at camp the fire was started and stoves boiled water and heated beans. Boxed Pad Thai was good, but the refried/black bean/ taco seasoning concoction Tim cooked up was incredible. We feasted and enjoyed our New Belgium Arrowhead sitting around the picnic table, but it got late fast and exhaustion set in. We all climbed into our bags for a good night's rest.

Sometime mid-night I awoke to a symphony of snoring, not to mention too much heat in my bag. I remembered my earplugs and climbed out of my bag to strip down to the woolies and stick the plugs in my ears. After that it was all good dreams and comfort.

We woke to perfect sun and a couple of these making their way by camp.

After coffee and granola we headed back the way we came. Back to work for the final day of the week. I felt fresh, got a bit beat up at Lebanon on the loaded Fargo, learned that I need to put my earplugs in regardless and sleep outside the bivy unless absolutely necessary. I knew this already, but needed the reminders. Wet down does nothing to insulate and a good nights sleep is critical.

It's less than a week from the start of Tour Divide. Still excited! Still nervous! I'm looking forward to reaching Banff with bike and gear in tow.

Staring Down the Beast

2009-05-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

May has been a great month. As the weather's warmed the rides have continued to flow. Of course there was TransIowa. Two weeks after was the Almanzo. Chris Skogen puts on a killer event, enough said.

River rides too and from work with these clowns have been fun. The trail is fast and the foliage is thick despite the lack of rain.

On the home front the garden is coming in, the hops are over 12 feet at this point. Onions, Garlic, Chives, Garlic Chives, Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Mint, Peas, Tomatoes, Yellow Squash, Zuchini, Raspberries, Pole Beans, Spinach, Carrots, Swiss Chard, and Jalepenos, are in the ground and comng up fast. The perennials are coming on as well, starting to flower and fill out. Much of this is thanks to Anni's parents who came in Memorial Day weekend and helped out immensely. I hope there's some vegetables left in late July.

Commutes, not on the river have been beautiful as well...

Finally, and you won't see this often... Anni and I went home to my parents mother's day weekend , got dressed up, and went to a friends wedding.

So what does this have to do with staring down the beast? Tour Divide starts 2 weeks from tomorrow! Perhaps I'm keeping busy with everything but planning...perhaps I'm confident enough to focus on something, anything, to keep my mind off being nervous.

Overnighter...

2009-05-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Burton suggested we go on an overnighter. Considering I was recovering from Trans Iowa and had been away from home for the weekend we settled upon Wednesday night. The weather held out, a storm front moved through, but dropped no rain over the Minnesota River Valley where we had planned our camp.

I got the call around 8:00, Burton was ready to roll, I was finishing up dishes and was near ready to roll. My Fargo is in a perpetual state of loaded so all it took was addition of libations, beer for the campfire chat and water for the ride and morning coffee. Burton rolled into the backyard and we were ready to hit the trails.

We made our way to the Minnesota River Valley and to our campsite in a good comfortable pace, stopping to take some photos and enjoy the sunset. We set up camp, I in my hammock for the first time and Burton in his new BD Betamid, and made a fire after clearing a small area and collecting wood. We were enjoying the beer we had brought along and some cookies when a hiker strolled into our site. He asked if we minded if he joined us and we invited him to have a seat and enjoy the fire. We introduced ourselves, David lived up on the bluff with his father and was just out for a hike in the twilight. It was a near moon and a perfect night. While the three of us sat down and enjoyed the fire another stranger walked into our camp, this time a deer headed down to the lake.

After a short time David departed and Burton and I climbed into our bags for some sleep. I slept well in the hammock, but ultimately got chilled when the temperature dropped. I had compressed all the insulation on my backside. So I climbed out of my Hammock and into my bivy. Shortly after I climbed into the bivy we were visited by another stranger, this time a large buck, snorting to get a smell of us. He was spooked off by my lamp and I went back to bed.

I was awoken by first light, partly chilled, partly as a result of the sun. I hiked down to the lake and enjoyed the sunrise.

Burton and I had both brought our Esbit stoves to boil some water, so while we made coffee and tea we packed up camp.

While we enjoyed our breakfast and coffee I relaxed in my hammock, enjoying the views from my night's bedroom.

Taking our time, we loaded up and headed for work on the Minnesota River Trail, enjoying the great diversity it has to offer.

Burton was riding stronger than I on the 650B Rawland Sogn. I wasn't interested in going fast, just enjoying the morning.

We crossed Nine Mile Creek and made the rest of our way out of the river valley stopping at a Garage Sale on the bluff for a short period before arriving at work for the day.

I'd say this was a pretty ideal "commute".

TransIowa V5...The Short Version

2009-05-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

At some point I'll be working on the long version. I have the files from my 5th place V3 finish and my failed V4. They've yet to be completed. This may be an indication of the long version's fate.

TIV5 was my 3rd attempt at the famed TransIowa event put on by the dynamic duo of Guitar Ted and David Pals. These fine gentlemen spent 100's of hours planning, route finding, driving, stuffing, and contacting folks to plan a legendary event. These two and all the other volunteers are the cream of the crop. Literally, they're all from Iowa. When I think about the TransIowa I imagine a cyclist pouring over routes, photos, and cue sheets 100 years from now. Talking about the nature of the event, the intensity of the routes, and the tenacity of the competitors.

Here's the excerpt that I posted on MTBR's Endurance Forum Sunday afternoon when I returned home. I had gotten less than 3 hours of sleep since Saturday's 2:30 AM awakening when this was written.

I have yet to even begin the process of finding the words to describe this year's event. My mind is blown, I can't sleep, but I can't stay awake. More information will come when I am right with the world.

A huge thanks the the "Iron Men of Minnesota" for working together throughout the event to get us all to the finish line. I can confidently say the win, would not have been possible without you.

To Charlie Farrow: I was deeply disappointed when it was apparent your tenacity would not be available for us all.

To Dave Pramann: You pulled long and hard for the entire event. In the heat of the day when the wind was blowing you made me suffer, my money was on you or Charlie at the finish.

To Tim Ek: Without your eyes, energy, and motivation for the last 100+ miles I would have gotten lost several {who was I kidding this should have, more} times. I'm not sure if you realized consciously that I could no longer read the cue sheets. Your intuition kept us on course, your motivation kept me from falling asleep on the bike in those last miles.

All I could say when asked how the race went was "It was so fun". It was so much more. I'm proud and honored to be part of the short list of finishers and now winners of this event.

D.P. and G.T. You put on a legendary event! Thank you for the 100's of hours that go into planning and agonizing over the details that make this experience what it is for those who participate!

I'm off for a much needed nap.

I should have added a congratulations to all of this year's finishers as well as all the volunteer's. Finishing is a huge accomplishment! Having these volunteer's to help along the way is a highlight of the event.

The race started out comfortably. Several of my comrades rolled from the hotel to the start line at 3:30 AM, nice and easy. Temperatures were in the mid-40's. The sky was clear and the wind was calm. Jokes were cracked at the start line as we awaited GT's final words prior to leading us out in the Dirty Blue Box.

We rolled out nice and easy following GT until he pulled off the front and the race was on. The group immediately began to splinter as the pace ramped up to a roughly 17+ mph average for the first 40 miles. A group of 20+ riders formed the lead group. The list included the usual suspects; Nearly all the Lincolnites, The Madison Contingent, da Minnesotans, and several others whom I have yet to meet.

We reached the 40 mile checkpoint unscathed. We had ridden through several pig farms and watched an incredible sunset as we headed Southeast. Charlie Farrow was second into the checkpoint. He quickly grabbed his cue sheets and scrambled back onto the road. I chased him and several others including Gorilla, Parsons, Tri, Vargas caught us quickly. Like many others we got lost headed out of town.

Once out on the open road and on route the lead group started working together, but not too many miles in Charlie Farrow and myself began to ride off the front. I was surprised and disappointed that the group had splintered. Charlie inquired of my comfort level with our pace and I inquired the same with him. It was agreed that we were both very comfortable and decided we would go on and work together. An agreement was made to roll off the front when you no longer wanted to pull. This would keep the other rider from worrying about having to pull through.

Charlie and I stopped for a refuel in North English, where we would be caught by Dave Pramann, Tim Ek, and Corey Godfrey. We had already refilled. They came in like a storm, Ek Saying "Let's go, Let's go". I hurried to get my bag on and get on the bike. Charlie Farrow, Tim Ek, Dave Pramann, and myself rolled out of North English in a hurry leaving Corey Godfrey behind to fend for himself. I felt bad, but not bad enough to stop. Godfrey was Ek and Pramann's responsibility if anyone's. A race is a race.

GT has written that he asked me about a downed tree here. I don't remember the conversation, or a tree. This is an indicator of the state of mind I was in during the race.

The "Iron Men of Minnesota" settled into a brisk pace together. Charlie and Dave were riding especially strong. Dave is incredibly smooth and powerful on a bike. Charlie is aggressive. I'd ridden with both of them at last year's Almanzo and new that this would be the winning group. Their experience, strength, and wisdom are intimidating. Tim Ek was struggling, but riding strong. He had chased on to the chase group after flatting early in the event, prior to checkpoint 1. When he and Dave caught Charlie and I, Tim had been battling for 80 miles.

Mid-day as the sun was high and temps were warmer I was struggling physically and mentally. My legs felt strong, but my stomach, head, and shoulders were weak. My stomach was churning. I'd later find out it was the pre-race fried chicken and french fries. I had a slight headache from the constant wind, sun, and heat. My shoulders ached from miles of riding overly stiff armed. I hoped my body and mind would hold out for a finish at this point. Surveying the competition I thought Charlie and Dave would be crossing the line together. This would be my lowest point during the race.

The "IMOM" reached the second checkpoint at mid-day 2:30-3:00 (ish). We took a long rest, filling bottles, eating solid food, reapplying chamois cream, etc... Jason Novak rolled in solo. The 5th Minnesotan had battled the afternoon's headwind to mile 150 mostly solo. After an ample break at the gas station the "IMOM" headed for the hills.

Just short of 200 the tenacious Charlie Farrow fell from the lead group. He had apparently been battling stomach problems from consumables at checkpoint 2. Not surprising, gas station fodder can be misleading and dangerous. Tim attempted to reattach him to the group with no success while Dave and I soft pedaled to wait for them.

I remember what it felt like to break the 200 mile barrier in TIv3. It was an overwhelming feeling, or I was exhausted. Either way, I knew that if I made it to 200 I would finish the race. I won't say it's easy after 200, but there is a certain euphoria that comes at this point. I'd be interested to read a study, or be involved in a study of what happens to an athlete's body beyond this type of barrier.

At this point Dave, Tim, and I had the wind at our backs and 20 miles to checkpoint #3, the final checkpoint. This 20 miles flew by. We were in beautiful country at this point and the sun was low in the western sky. At one point in particular as we were headed north, uphill, and towards a horse farm I noted how absolutely beautiful it was out. Dave, described it perfectly saying "What a bucolic setting". We were met by three horses trotting towards the fence as we trodded towards checkpoint 3.

We reached Traer, Checkpoint 3 at dusk after riding blazingly fast Ridge Road. On the way in we took a wrong turn away from the closed bridge and out towards 63. We ended up adding about a mile on the way in. We were met at the checkpoint gas station by Guitar Ted, David Pals, and several volunteers I have yet to be introduced to. Checkpoint 3 looked familiar and then it came to me. I had met Chris Plesko here during TIv3. He was nursing a flat tire mid-day and munching some pizza as Brian Dukek and I rolled in that year.

Tim, Dave, and I were happy for another long break, it had been 70 miles since checkpoint 2, the sun was getting low, the miles in the saddle were wearing on us, and we were hungry. I went straight for the sausage pizza, a 12oz. Coke, and a 2-pack of Reese's Cups along with 4 bottles of water.

With the Pizza, Coke, Reese's, and a Swiss Cake Roll I had carried from checkpoint 2 gone I prepared for the last 96 miles of the race. I filled my bag and water bottles adding the last of my nutrition mix to the bottles and handing off excess food and water for the next racer's through. I wouldn't need them. I then attended to my shorts applying cold chamois cream for the last time. Finally, I suited up for night knowing that I wouldn't want to stop to put on clothes.

After comments from the volunteers that we were flying and a few fingers pointed my way by my comrades I thought it fitting to suggest we soft pedal the first 20 of the last 96 miles. Tim & Dave both agreed and we were on our way in the final minutes of daylight.

I don't remember the first 40 of the final 96 and the last 60 weren't my finest hour(s). Somewhere around 11:30 we rode by a farmer mowing his lawn. I thought "that's crazy" and then realized the irony in that statement. I was getting tired. Tim was getting stronger. Dave seemed to be unwavering in his strength.

As we bumped along Ridge Road again I was having trouble focusing, staying awake, and losing motivation. I needed something for inspiration. I considered singing, eating more Clif Bloks, and finally settled upon a goal of being the first finisher under 24 hours. Tim, Dave, and I were 60 miles out at this point and had over 4 hours to make it in under 24. I asked if they were interested in setting the goal. I'm not sure what there response was, but in my mind it was "Yes, absolutely!" So, I set the pace.

We were making good time and cruising briskly as Guitar Ted and Dave Pals passed us shortly after the goal was set. I was looking forward to that next left turn, off Ridge Road, hopefully onto something smoother. Then it happened. Tim made the suggestion that we form what Dave has coined "The Devils Pact". That is, decide the race here and ride in together. I was prepared for a finish line battle I hadn't even considered this scenario. I had actually been agonizing over my plot for the breakaway. Would I break early and ride in solo, or wait until the home stretch to jump, risking a 2nd or 3rd place in a spring finish. Here was Tim and Dave offering me the win and negotiating 2nd. I didn't know what to say. I know I didn't say much. I was grateful and elated. I was at a loss for words. It didn't start to sink in until Tim said "Joe, how does it feel to win TransIowa?" I don't think it has fully sunk in yet.

The last 60 miles were a comfortable pace. We were on track for the sub-24 finish sitting up and talking, enjoying an incredible night with a bright moon. We made a navigational error on B-road I and added a mile or so and a few minutes. Not really a big deal considering riding B-Road I was equivalent to riding through a trash dump, literally.

As the final miles deteriorated on the odometer so did I. First to go was my ability to hold a straight line. As I read the cue sheets I started drifting towards the ditches. Fortunately Dave and Tim were there to call it out along with the soft apron on the dirt roads. Next to go was my navigational ability. A gross error was made and we missed the right onto 16th ave. adding significant mileage and eliminating our chances at a sub-24hr finish. I even broke down and called Guitar Ted at this point asking in my most polite 3am voice "Could we get some clarification on the cue sheets here". Never upset a race promoter, don't be an ungrateful ass, get invited back. Tim became our eyes at this point, taking over navigation from here on in. I might still be in Iowa if not for Tim, Thank You! Finally to go was my eyesight. I stopped being able to read altogether I'd look down at the cue sheets and just see the glare on the bag. I gave up reading at this point, trusting Tim to get us in. Mentally, I was a wreck, physically my body still felt strong.

As we approached the final 10 miles Tim came alive igniting what little energy was left in the group. The lights of the Williamsburg outlet malls came into view as did the faint glow of the Motel 8. Cheeseburgers were discussed, the finish line was near. Our success at finishing was celebrated and our plans for crossing the finish line were arranged. Thank you's were said, or so I think (If I didn't say mine to you Dave and Tim, Thank You! I hope my short tale lets you know what I think of your character).

Guitar Ted and Dave Pals picked a perfect road for a glorious finish. B-Road PP was an absolute mess. Muddy as the pig's pen we'd seen earlier in the race and rutted badly. We would have to pick our way through the mud towards the final 100 meters with a small group of congratulatory spectators cheering us as our headlights came into sight. The final meters were a blur as were the first few minutes at the finish. There were handshakes, hugs, some near crying, and the incredible feeling of having won the TransIowa.

I figured we'd come in to a quiet checkpoint and be congratulated by GT and DP. It was great to have so many faces greeting us at the finish especially by brother Mike and John Gorilla. Thank you guys for being there to literally pick me up and dust me off. Next year I hope you'll both be crossing that line. With me in front of you, of course.

Before getting to chilled I was whisked to the hotel by my "team managers" and towards a hot shower. I slowly found my gear tub and picked through it looking for clean warm clothing and the coffee I had stashed at 3am Saturday morning. I hobbled into the bathroom and loaded the coffee maker, slowly stripped the encrusted clothing I was wearing and began to assess the physical damage as I took a long hot shower. I am sun-burned, wind chapped, chafed, and sore all over. My legs are slowly recovering as is the rest.

Folks are starting to ask me if I'll be on the line next year and oddly enough with each recovering day my answer trends closer to... Maybe.

Link Drop

2009-04-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

This showed up on the front cover of the Strib Monday morning...The print story includes a photo and wouldn't you know it there's a shot of my "backside" in it along with several other riders of course.

Speaking of courses the Ragnarok was a great one, just shy of 7000' of climbing over the 105 miles. The climbs may not have been long, but they were steep glacial hills winding up gullies through the trees and topping out in the fields. Easily the most scenic gravel ride I have done to date. I'm guessing that will be cracked this summer.

Flat Bar Fargo Update

2009-04-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Last night as I was pondering our route on the Friday Morning Ride I decided the Flat Bar Fargo would be my bike of choice. The drop bar Fargo is fully loaded with gear and while fun, is somewhat unnecessary for the commute. This was the first time that I've ridden the Flat Bar Fargo any distance since building it early this spring. Honestly, I just haven't been interested in it.

Call me old fashioned, call me a traditionalist, but I believe that a bike rides best when configured that way it was intended. For the Salsa Cycles Fargo, that includes drop bars. Fitting flat bars on a bike intended for drop bars is always a challenge. I can't think of an instance when fitting flat bars to a drop bar bike where compromises aren't made to the fit. This rings true for the Fargo. If I were to fit a Fargo with Flat Bars I would have to ride two sizes larger than what I currently ride to get the cockpit position to match that of my El Mariachi or Big Mama.

For this exercise, riding what would be an XXL Fargo wasn't an option. So I pulled out my trusty 150mm Titec Ti Stem and coupled it with an 11 degree bar. This is the first time in the history of my bicycles that I haven't had to run a large number of stack spacers under the stem. The Fargo headtube is tall for flat bar fit.

So how did it ride? Well, as you would expect, like a bike. Our route took us through the suburbs to the Minnesota River Trail. On the road, the bike felt short, not so comfortable. On the trail, things felt better. The bike handled predictably and much like an El Mariachi without a suspension fork on it. Overall, it rode well.

Will I ride it again? Nope, in fact the front end is disassembled and a Drop Bar is slated to go on this weekend possibly. I just don't see the point in riding the Fargo with Flat Bars. If you want a rigid MTB, there are plenty of Suspension corrected rigid 29ers out there that can be used for multi-purposes.

You may choose to disagree, we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.

Ragnarok Shakedown!

2009-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

The weeks are winding down as I prep for the Great Divide. There's plenty to do... I've yet to decide which event to start in or make travel arrangements. I'm working on my cue sheets and reflecting on solitude for the days on the trail. The more important things are coming together. Bike, check; Gear, check; Riding, check!

Since spring has sprung I've been getting out on more early, long rides than previous years. There was an 80+ ride with Horkey on the cross bike, Saturday Suffering, a Double Grinder Friday followed by a relatively high tempo 80+ saturday, and then this weekend. The Ragnarok did not disappoint. In fact, of the 100+ mile gravel grinders I have ridden the Ragnarok is easily the most scenic and most challenging of them all.

Here's my Ragnarok Ride Report: Photos from the weekend follow.

My weekend started a couple of hours early this past Friday. I packed up at 3- after stashing oatmeal from my desk in a zip-lock for Saturday's breakfast. The weather was absolutely perfect, high 70's and perfectly sunny. A quick route check and I was on my fully loaded Fargo heading southeast towards RedWing. The Plan: Ride to Red Wing fully loaded, Race Ragnarok fully loaded, test myself and my gear.

I crossed the Bloomington Ferry Bridge over the Minnesota River and headed south through the outer ring suburbs. With few through streets, except main feeders I was forced onto some 7 lane hell until I was near Murphy Hanrehan, where I hit my first gravel of the weekend. From there on the roads were wide open. I stopped for Beef & Turkey Jerky somewhere along the way, it all just blends together sometimes.

Most noteable along the route to Redwing was a

Buddhist temple on Cedar Ave. (way south of the cities)
The sounds of spring as I rode through the small town of Randolph and by a game of highschool baseball
Hitting a Turkey on the Cannon Valley Trail

Yeah that really did happen! The bird lived to tell about it and so did I. There was no crash and no noise from the bird, just a thud, like if you kicked a medicine ball. Ridiculous... I still can't believe it happened.

After a dinner of Lasagna at the Staghead and dessert from the DQ, I set up camp in J. Huot's backyard up on the bluff. I was much appreciative of his willingness to give me a spot to camp. It was incredibly warm out so I slept with my bag on top of the bivy, leaving the air mattress inside. I slept fairly well, awakened only by nature's call, a couple of dogs barking, and a slight chill about 5am. I though I'd test out the warmth the bivy adds, so I slipped the bag in it and slept for another hour, until J. came out and gave me a wake up call.

The morning was cool, but comfortable. I layered up with my jerseys, jacket, and knickers while I boiled water for coffee and oatmeal. Coffee felt good, the oatmeal did not. I don't know why I continue to try and eat it, every time I do it elicits a gag reflex. I've got to find something better for breakfast, perhaps some noodles. J. had given me directions to the start. I packed up leisurely and made it by 7- giving myself plenty of time to organize cue sheets and pin on numbers.

Sometime around 7:15 the pre-race meeting happened and we rolled out at 7:30. My strategy was to take it easy, relax, treat this as a training ride. I need to follow through on taking it easy and relaxing. My alter ego wanted to be in the lead group and when it saw the split happen I went with lead, riding with a couple dozen riders on their sub-20 pound cross bikes while I pushed 50 lbs. on my Fargo. I was happy that I'd gone with the lead. Their pace was manageable. I was working, getting dropped on the climbs, but closing back in on the flats.

All was well until I ejected my water bottle on a 40+ mile an hour decent floating over a water bar, grinning ear to ear. Note to self, use the bottle tether! It was one of two bottles that I had and I couldn't leave it behind. I'd left my Wingnut pack at home Friday morning and left myself with two Klean Kanteens for water. This was not ideal for staying well hydrated.

By the end of the day I became adept at the art of grabbing the bottles off the fork, unscrewing them, drinking, and reversing the process. Never once did I stick a finger on the tire, or put the tether in either. The process reminded me of being an alter boy at St. John's, holding the bible during the Gospel reading. I remember Father Kerner moving the Red Ribbon marking the day's gospel to the side when he opened the book. It was a very intentional motion, much like removing the tether, moving it to the side and grabbing my bottle.

After being separated from the lead group, on a downhill of all places, I was relieved. I could relax and go my own pace, not having to worry about sticking on. I rode with B-Rad for awhile. With him on an SS and myself on gears, our paces didn't mesh well. At some point we split, not sure if I went forward or back.

As I was struggling up gravel climbs aboard my fat tired Fargo, using all available gears a bit of vindication happened. Big, Sharp, Rocks. I hope that TI hasn't anything like this. There must have been 1/2 a dozed skinny tired flats at the top. Pinch flats likely. I savored the downhill, happy for fat tires and low pressures.

I rolled into the check point and immediately went for food. A Snickers, Gummy Bears, 2 packs of Cashews, and a Coke. All I'd eaten the first half of the race was a pack of Clif Bloks. I exchanged small talk with the cashier, talking about the "Flood Run" motorcycle ride happening on the same day. She wished me well, I thanked her, relieved myself behind a barn, met up with D. Larson who had come in, and we were on our way.

Dave was riding strong on Saturday. It's strange to see him on Drop Bars, but he seems to be liking them. Someday he might even ditch the baggy shorts for a ride like this. We rode together and worked together for about 30 miles. The scenery was incredible. There wasn't much of a need to say anything. I had to stop for one last water re-fill about 25 miles out. Dave and I parted ways, Dave saying "Come and get me!". To which I replied "See you at the finish line".

Much of the rest of the ride I rode alone and enjoyed the solitude. I was passed by Hurl, making up time from a flat tire early in the race, and a rider from MPLS riding a SS cross bike. The final three climbs over the bluffs and into town were a challenge. I was grinding away in the saddle and watching the SS rider passing me and then hiking the hills. Never caught his name, I'm sure we'll meet again.

The last few miles were a blur, riding through the city, pass Memorial park and back into Covill Park. All in all an incredible ride, sub 8 hours, fully loaded.

What an incredible Friday and Saturday 200 miles between the two in absolutely perfect weather. While I didn't get to spend time with Anni Friday evening and sleep in Saturday, it was a great way to spend my Birthday.

Saturday Suffering...

2009-03-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

That was the title of the e-mail that was sent out as an invite to several individuals who I thought might be interested in a long road ride on Saturday. The weather called for partly cloudy and low 50's. The route that I planned would take us out to Afton, down the river to Red Wing, across to Cannon Falls and back up to Minneapolis. All in All it appeared to be roughly 120 miles via a quick check on Google Maps. When I say roughly, well those of you who know me, know what I mean...

Five souls showed at 7am Saturday morning. Frank had until noon to ride and would join us out to Afton before embarking on his own ride back to Minneapolis. Rob, being wise, came along for the ride but planned to turn out with Frank so as to get home at a decent time. Burton, having built up some Burton Time planned on the full route. Finally, Sean having awakened to his alarm this week made his way over. I was disappointed that my usual partner in crime Fryin Porky couldn't show. However, business had put him on a flight to the city of sin for a "Tradeshow, Tradeshow."

We rolled out with a typical 15 minute delayed start as folks filled water bottles, adjusted cleats, and dusted off their road bikes for an early spring ride. Friday night saw rain and a low hovering right around the freezing point. A heavy frost had blanketed the pavement, the air was cool and moist, the pavement glazed like a delicious donut.

We rolled south across the river and into Mendota at a slow and comfortable pace until we reached the D Street hill. With a north facing slope D Street was glazed full over making the climb on cool legs that much more treacherous. We reached the top of the short climb and spent our time recovering on Victoria Curve down to Lilydale. It was clear that the roads would not be safe until the sun reached a point high enough to warm their icy surface.

The ride through Lilydale was pleasant until we reached the Bluffs on the south side of the river. Friday's rain had left Saturday's glacial runoff. All but Rob would make it through unscathed on this stretch of road. It was a test of each man's handling skills and matter of luck to make it to the High Bridge Climb, where once again the heavy frost would test us. Sean attacked early, Rob in pursuit. I was able hang slightly behind them giving myself just enough room as Sean lost traction sliding out on a tight uphill corner. He brushed himself off and remounted his trusty bike. It would not be the last time Sean would meet the pavement on this day.

The ride out of St. Paul would be generally uneventful with only a short reprieve to fix a flat on and an opportunity for Burton to relieve himself on a neighbors fence while she greeted Saturday's incredible sunrise with the day's first cigarette. Needless to say, It was requested that Burton not use the fence as a latrine in the future.

It is always enjoyable to get out past that last strip mall and 6 lane intersection on the outer ring on long road rides. Our group of five made it to Military Rd just as the sun was reaching high enough to start the warm up cycle. There was a slight South East breeze as we rode East towards Afton spinning easily and enjoying the sights and smells of an early spring day.

When 70th met St. Croix Trail Frank and Rob headed North as Burton, Sean, and I turned south towards Hastings. Our first encounter was a steep grade up a bluff and into the rolling country above the river valley. We rolled easily to Hastings taking turns pulling on a mixture of paved and gravel roads. The long downhill into Hastings left us feeling fresh as we navigated our way through and out of Hastings towards our rest stop in Red Wing.

The road to Red Wing makes it way through the Mississippi river valley. Visible to the east are the Bluffs in Wisconsin. Visible to the West are the Minnesota Bluffs and rolling fields of South eastern Minnesota. We happily enjoyed the flatlands between the two. That is until we reached the climb out of the valley and onto the plateau south of Red Wing. As we stared down the climb we passed an unmarked road heading out towards TI Resort and Casino. Burton asked if that might be our road, my reply was not met with appeasement.

The climb was long, steep, and arduous. After 60+ miles it was not exactly the terrain we were looking for, but it was our route to Red Wing and that was the direction we needed to go. Upon cresting the climb we came across our eventual turnoff that would keep us off of Highway 61 and lead us down to the Cannon Valley River Trail. Mt. Carmel road was smooth, hard packed gravel. After the climb up it felt as if it was entirely downhill. We rolled through the open pastures actively resting and enjoying the quiet roads. I was elated to find that what I thought was our left turn was a continuation of our gravel experience. It was reminiscent of the events that I am pining and planning for this spring.

A deep gully cut its way into the earth's crust leaving a small stream leftover from the receding water. We descended the winding road that followed the water down to the river's edge where we would eventually meet the trail into Red Wing.

Our route took a 180 degree turn, literally and figuratively at the bottom of that Gully. The first thing we were met with on Collischan road was a sign that read "Dead End". I had studied the atlas and made the cue sheets the night before. This was no dead end. We would surely meet Cannon Bottoms road leading us to the Cannon Valley River Trail as planned. Meet Cannon Bottoms road we did.

The sign said "Road Closed", but the two track and foot prints said otherwise. We had nothing to loose, it was either take this nameless road and disobey the successive road closed signs or turn around and take the Highway into town. The "road" became more narrow with each pedal stroke, turning from gravel to "four wheeler" two track in a matter of meters. We pedaled our road bikes further into the unknown through deeper and softer puddles, hoping to reach our next turning point. I was slightly embarrassed that my route planning led us into this situation. Expecting a beckoning question at any moment. I could feel the tension building. The end of what had narrowed its way from a closed road into what was now muddy singletrack came at the perfect time.

When we reached the Cannon Valley River Trail we stopped for a short nature break and a good laugh before making the decision to head into Red Wing for lunch. Of all the route planning for the day I was most concerned about this trail. I expected some residual snow and ice protected by the north facing slopes and warm afternoon sun. We got exactly what we had coming to us. Most of the trail was clear and rideable, but the winter's skiing had left a hard pack that turned into 3" of ice during the spring thaw where the bluffs had protected it.

Lunch in Red Wing was a welcome break where we scarfed delicious cinnamon rolls, scones, strata, and fruit and then bathed it in coffee and espresso. We enjoyed the rest, refilled our water bottles, watched the other patrons as they smelled us, and headed back the way we had come.

Just as we were settling into our pace preparing ourselves for the hike a bike ahead Mailen took his most spectacular fall of the day. With Burton and I riding side by side and Mailen trailing in the middle we were moving comfortable along. I guess Mailen had forgotten the ice on the trail and had fallen comfortably on to our wheels forgetting about the ice. As Burton and I split a section, taking the safe path on either side Mailen took the middle. There was a sound of crushing ice and a delay in realization of what had happened. I peered back to see Mailen picking himself up, once again brushing himself off, and remounting his bike.

The trail to Cannon Falls is incredibly scenic and would be most enjoyable if not for all that ice. The steep bluffs and lush river valley reminded me of last summer's tour of the Rhine River Valley. I envisioned grape vines growing on terraces overlooking the river. This was between bouts of hiking head down through three inches of water covered ice. We hiked off an on all the way to Cannon Falls. Nearly 4 miles of the 20+ mile trail was unrideable the longest stretches 1+ miles of hiking in road shoes and cleats. The few bailouts that came were only during the rideable sections, when the popular vote was to stay the course. If Burton and Sean never join me on another ride this is why. It was slow, demoralizing, and painful. Good preparation for times to come.

The route post Cannon Valley River Trail was smooth sailing. Beyond the fact that there was no ice the wind had turned from the south. We would get to enjoy it propulsion all the way back into the cities. The roads were a relatively flat mix of primarily pavement with a couple of stretches of gravel for good measure. We stopped for a water bottle refill, ran into a couple of local riders, and refilled our stores with squirreled away bake goods from lunch. The miles continued to count away as we pedaled our bikes north on Highway 3 with its wide shoulders and rolling terrain. Autopilot set in, we took turns pulling in silence through Rosemont, Eagan, and Apple Valley happily reaching the Mendota bridge after 8.5 hours of riding and pushing.

Upon crossing the bridge we congratulated each other on a nice effort and great accomplishment. Burton was especially happy, it had been some time since his last 100+ mile effort. I can see already that it has and will give him more confidence on the bike. I recognized a glimmer of hope that Burton and Sean may join me on another of these rides when they thanked me for the route planning.

Anni, tracked me on the SPOT page and waited for my arrival home. She had accomplished all she needed to for the day, finishing the grading necessary to put her on track for her students report cards. I took a much needed shower and we headed out for a relaxed date of Wine Sale shopping at Surdyk's and a dinner at Longfellow Grill. Anni wanted comfort food to feed her cold and I just wanted some food to feed my caloric deficit.

Today my legs felt relatively fresh as I crawled through the attic fishing electrical through the walls for a project. I'm looking forward to next Saturday's Suffering and the months ahead.

The Stats:

136 miles
15.5 mph average (with hiking at 3-4 mph)
8 hours 30+ minutes on the bike (or hiking and pushing)
10+ hours total ride.

Riding Fargo, Carrying Stuff II

2009-03-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

In January I wrote a post on riding the Salsa Fargo and carrying stuff. I said that the frame bags warranted their own post. That time has come.

I won't make a claim as to when today's iteration(s) of ultralight touring frame bags originated, or who they originated with. I got my first look at them at Interbike 2006. I was walking the aisles of the show, getting a well deserved rest from the booth when I ran into this guy. He was pushing a Redline Monocog 29er with some very interesting looking bags strapped to it. We got to talking about the bags, exchanged business cards and that was that.

Frame bags have evolved rapidly in the last two years with Jeff Boatman at Carousel Design Works and Eric Parsons at Epic Designs working with the best multi-day endurance riders in the world to refine their designs. They are both one man operations. Sewing in the winter to support ITI, Arrowhead, and other Multi-day winter adventures. Sewing to support GDR, CTR, and other Multi-day adventures in the summer.

Their exists a healthy competition between Eric and Jeff. They definitely think of each other as competitors. Judging by their backlogs of work, 6-12 weeks currently, neither of them has to worry about the other.

Sometime last summer I called up Eric to let him know that I wanted to order a set of bags for a prototype. It was June, we had just received the first prototype Fargo frames and I was already planning for this summer. Eric had built bags for several other folks at QBP and they all had good things to say. I considered both Jeff and Eric at the time. I ultimately ordered from Eric because Jeff's site had a note saying he currently wasn't taking any orders. He was deep in summer endurance season and extremely busy.

Here's a word of wisdom for those of you reading this. If you are going to order a set of bags from Jeff or Eric plan ahead. Like any custom manufacturer they need time to build your gear.

It was late October when I received my bags. I ordered a frame bag for a Large Fargo and two seat bags. I immediately mounted them up on the prototype Fargo I have been riding where they have stayed until I built up this, my current production Fargo. The bike I plan to ride the GDR on this summer.

I have used them for commuting since then and loaded them for a couple of winter overnighters. Now that the weather is finally above freezing I've begun to load the bike for summer and the GDR. Lists have been studied and mine has been made. This week was the first time I've loaded it all on the bike to begin the ongoing process of refining, simplifying, and lightening the load. What is critical will stay on board, what can be left behind will. All of this plus some additional items must end up on my person or the bike.

I've already started the process of reduction. If I was planning for a luxury tour the items would have stayed.

I'm always surprised at how much I can get into my frame and seat bag by packing intelligently and simply. I typically use the seat bag for clothes and the frame bag for kitchen and maintenance gear. I'm waiting on a handlebar bag, but will use it for my shelter. Water ends up on the bike, or on my back. Food gets stashed in the gas tank, frame bag, and in my Wingnut pack. For a multi-week tour I'd likely use panniers, but for fast and light or overnight, these are the ticket.

It is hard to believe that GDR is only 12 weeks away. It seemed far off in the distance as we rang in the new year. The process will continue and I'll share some of it along the way. Until then I hope at least a whisper of wanderlust has made it into your mind.

Flat Bar Fargo

2009-03-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

So, I've just set up an original prototype Salsa Fargo (Size L) with flat bars to ride for awhile. Sunny skies this afternoon and an extra hour of sunlight, so I took it out for a short spin overlooking the river.

I've been riding this proto since June. It has gone through several iterations, but none of them has included flat bars. Until now...

I've put the campy 10 drivetrain back on the bike. This time I've pulled my Moonhead Machine Works 10-Speed campy mounts out of their bin.

Moonhead seems to be now defunct. Originally based out of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Moonhead manufactured several machined alloy products along with the classic "Trimble" MTB frames.

With a 140mm Ti Titec 0 degree stem I was able to get the fit within 2cm of my MTB fit. This will be close enough for awhile. If I was going to ride the bike with flat bars all the time I'd likely ride at least 1 if not 2 sizes larger.

A report may come in time. Until then, I've got other projects.

Manufacture

2009-02-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

For the past four years of my tenure in the Bike Industry I have been traveling to places far east where nearly all bicycle product consumed on this earth is produced, Taiwan and Mainland China. For those four years I have been carrying a camera with me, dutifully capturing photos of product in process to relay to brand and product manager's. Much like the "in-process" photos that are seen posted of an American Craft Builders work these photos excite and provide insight into how stuff is made. As I work more in this Industry and put more projects under my belt I continue to be excited by the in-process product. However in my last few trips I have been more intentional of not only catching the product, but also the machinery and tools that are used to create it. I've gathered a few of my favorite photos from these trips. I hope you enjoy!

Bayfield Penninsula

2009-02-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Anni and I headed North with friends to the Chequamegon Forest and the Bayfield Penninsula. To say the least the weekend was fantastic! Tim and Odia are incredible hosts at their families home on Lake Namekagon inviting us for a weekend of hiking, skiing, and sampling of local beers.

Friday night we left MPLS around 7- throwing gear and skis in their car. Saturday AM we woke up to 20F and relatively calm on the lake. Odia made some incredible cornmeal waffles while Tim fried up the bacon and I made coffee.

After much procrastinating and good company we drove to Washburn, WI to sign up for the night's activity "Book Across the Bay". The walk, run, or ski event raises money for the local library and provides a good excuse to setup a 10k course on the bay using ice luminaries. This year the bay was especially icy after early February's thaw leaving it difficult to lay course and impossible to lay track for classics.

Along the way Porter put his auto in the ditch on a slick corner, narrowly missing a sign using the e-brake to control the slide. It was classic, Tim called it as we drifted through the corner ahead of him. I looked back to see what looked like a turn onto a side street. Well done maneuvering and luck made it easy enough to push him out.

After signing up for the "race" we drove over the the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for a hike along the sandstone bluffs in and out of the caves that are only accessible via kayak in the summer and a walk on the frozen ice in the winter.

Anni and I had visited the shore 3+ years ago when we were first married on a drive back from our wedding. We had taken a few days off after the wedding for a mini honeymoon that served as placeholder for the trip we took to Hawaii later that year. It was fall last time we visited. The colors were on their way out and winter was on its way in. At the time we both said "We should come back sometime in the winter to see the ice caves". It took us 3 years to get back.
The bluffs and caves themselves are beautiful. The ice formations create small caverns that would make for good winter camping. We climbed around for several hours before heading back to the car for the short drive back to Washburn for skiing.

Skiing was good, but uneventful sans the bruises from falling on the ice. Thanks Tim, I really wanted to see your ass! Dinner was more eventful with samplers of beer and thick king cuts of Prime Rib at the South Shore Brewery in Ashland.

A fantastic valentine's weekend as far as I'm concerned!

A Weekend in the North Woods

2009-02-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend Anni and I headed up to the Northwoods with a fantastic group of friends. Thursday AM I was picked up by Ryan. After loading our gear we headed North on 35W towards Duluth. Funny thing is we were detoured off route in Hinckley for the legendary Thickburger.
"I think I'm in Love!"

After hitting the liquor store in Duluth, the grocery store in Two Harbors, and Lou's Fish House for some Beef jerky and smoked Salmon we b-lined for Lutsen Resorts.

The Lovely Becca showing off the apples

If you have never done this drive, it is incredibly scenic. The day was beautiful, and the sites incredible.

Friday was spent hitting the slopes. I hadn't touched my board in 4 years. It was good to get out and get some form back. Not good form, but some form.

Saturday was spent on the skinny ski's . Anni , Sean, and I did about 10K, somewhat inadvertently. The weather was fantastic, in the 20's and the snow was good. Thinking we were doing a loop I lead the group. After some questioning of my lead and a map that said otherwise we stopped for a rest and to enjoy the trail beer that Sean had packed.
Evenings were spent making good food, drinking good beer, hot tubs, and general shenanigans. There was also a viewing of this. It comes highly recommended.

This may become an annual. It may not. This is the kind of trip that makes great memories.

Riding Fargo, Carrying Stuff

2009-01-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to carry "stuff" on a bike. From luxury touring to running errands around town the solutions are as equally as varied as the needs. For the last 6+ months I've been riding the Fargo, trying different options for different needs. Here are a few of the ways that I've carried stuff on the Fargo.

By far the most typical setup, rack on the front and rear with panniers. This allowed me to carry massive amounts of "stuff" from Abby's delicious strawberry pie on the front rack to my shoes and booze in the rear panniers. This day I was loaded up for a ride to a backyard BBQ.
Of all the setups I've used on the Fargo this was by far my most used and possibly my favorite setup for all around use. I used this setup for commuting, overnighters, picnic's, errand running, carrying the CSA box, and much more. This particular day I was commuting to work with my laptop, lunch, and gear for the day. Right after this shot, my bike went for a short swim in the lake.

My favorite photo that I've taken of the Fargo. With the rack naked the bike turns into a midwest singletrack slayer. In fact the rack actually acts as a "brushguard" of sorts keeping the neddles and prairie grass at bay. Light=Fast

Here's another view of the front Porteur rack. I purchased this from Velo Orange the Rack itself was built at Banjo cycles by the "Rack Lady". While the rack isn't built for panniers and actually carries them a bit high for optimal handling it worked quite well. Anytime I used this setup I kept the pannier load light.Here I'm loaded for a breakfast picnic down on the river and a commute to work. The front rack is versatile and with loads on it the bike handled well. The Graffiti under the 494 bridge is some of the best in the Metro.
The final setup and how the bike rides today: Epic Designs bags built by proprietor Eric Parsons. With this setup I'll be able to do all the "light touring" that I want and still have room for some luxury along with the necessities. I've got my own adventure planned and this will likely be the setup I ride for that adventure. I'm loving these bags! They warrant another post to explain the details.

Goodbye Old Friend, Hello New

2009-01-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

My beloved Kenda Small Block Eight 700x35's are gone. These tires have seen quite a few miles and have been very good to me. I purchased them specifically for TransIowa V4. After riding a set of 29 x 2.1's for TIV3 and quite a few races in 07' I was very happy with their performance. Two areas specifically, suppleness and traction(or lack there of).

With a 120tpi casing and a light, thin casing at that the SB8 is a supple tire, soaking up bumps and vibration on and off road. They performed flawlessly on the gravel roads in Iowa. I really like the tread pattern on these tires and for the mix of soil we have here in the midwest these were great tires. Both the 2.1" and 32mm versions of the SB8 like to drift in corners. They don't break out, but the wander. This is especially noticeable on hardpack with a bit of loose soil on top.

I remember a corner at Lumberjack 2007 that was exactly like the scenario described above. As I drifted through the turn and the back end of my bike continued outward the rider behind simply said "Whoa". I guess he was amazed at the sight of my large frame drifting through a turn. I was grinning every nanosecond of the experience. I've always loved tires that drift like this. I like that feeling of being right on the edge with rear wheel traction in the corners.

So, Goodbye old friend...You've good to me. I hope your parts are down-cycled into another useful product.

Hello new...While I don't personally care for your "natural" color sidewalls that ride we shared this morning at -20 was especially delightful. The one on the way home at -5 was even better. I think we're going to get along just fine.

Enter the Challenge Grifo XS. While I don't care for the sidewalls, fashion isn't everything. What drew me to these tires was how they are manufactured and the tread pattern. Challenge's website had this to say about the manufacturing process:

"THE MAIN FEATURE OF "HAND-MADE" TUBOLARS IS THAT NO VULCANISATION TREATMENT IS DONE. EXCEPT FOR THE ONE DONE SEPARATELY TO THE TREAD BEFORE IT IS APPLIED TO THE FINISHED CASING. FIRST THE SINGLE PLY IS MADE ON THE LOOM, USING ONLY THE WARP HELD TOGETHER BY A LATEX COATING WHICH REPLACES THE CONVENTIONAL WEFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, TWO SINGLE PLIES ARE ATTACHED TOGETHER IN A ROUND SHAPE AND THE THREADS OF EACH PLY ARE PLACED TO FORM A HERRINGBONE PATTERN. THIS NEW COUPLED PLY IS THEN PRESSED WITH HOT CYLINDERS, CUT TO THE DESIRED SIZE AND THE EDGES FOLDED FOR SUBSEQUENT SEWING.
THE FINISHED CASING OF THE TUBULAR IS OBTAINED BY SEWING THE TWO EDGES OF THE PLY TOGETHER, INSERTING THE INNER TUBE AT THE SAME TIM. THE RIBBON IS MANUALLY APPLIED TO COVER THE STITCHING. AND TO SERVE IN THE FUTURE TO GLUE THE TUBULAR TO THE RIM.
THE FINISHED CASING IS MOUNTED ON A RIM AND THEN INFLATED. THE TREAD, SEPARATELY PREPARED, IS MANUALLY APPLIED AND THE TUBULAR IS NOW READY!!!"

The first ride today aboard a Salsa Chili Con Crosso at -20 while not incredibly inspiring was surprisingly enjoyable. These are great tires for the snow-packed roads in the burbs. Admittedly a bit expensive for this type of riding, but comfortable and well handling.

More Gravel

2009-01-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

It seems that more gravel races are showing up every year. This one comes from the Promoter's of the Kisscross race series and Lumberjack 100 endurance MTB event in Michigan. Rick Plite has been an instigator of cycling events like this for over a decade and a "Race Promoter" for several years. I would love to find my way back to Michigan for the Barry Roubaix, riding 60+ miles of gravel and two track in the early spring.

It seems I may have developed a reputation...

2008-12-31T11:04:00.000-08:00

At least with one individual. I met Charlie Farrow battling 30+ mph winds during TransIowa V4 in 2008. I took his wheel, he took mine as we rode with the 10+ others in the lead group throughout the 85+ miles that we rode together prior to my mechanical mishap(More on this mistake another day).

Photo Courtesy of Captain Bob

I stumbled across this blurb on his site in the right hand column:

Evolving Short List of eccentrics, charismatics, etc. being considered for THE '08 LIST....

A. It is every riders dream to make THE LIST...In an effort to give hope to some, the author of THE LIST has decided to keep a running working draft of those that are being considered for the 2008 List. Of course, there are absolutely no guarantees:
B. Consideration of several 2008 Arrowhead racers including Dave Pramann (another record breaking performance); Greg Patterson, Don Gabielson, Dave Gray
C. Although the Trans-Iowa Race was significantly shortened due to impassable roads, the performance of Joe[Edit-John] Gorilla certainly rasied a few eye brows!!!
D. Joe Meiser tough rider with a propensity to blow out rear wheels...strong efforts in both Trans-Iowa and Almanzo 100 puts him on the short list...

I don't know exactly what it means to be on "The List". I hope there's a prize! Perhaps it is just the honor of riding with Charlie?

I should add that yes in 2008 I did have a propensity to blow out rear wheels...Two of them to be exact. I'm willing to admit it, historically I have had a propensity to blow out rear wheels and wheels in general. To some extent that has subsided a bit as I've become a better cyclist, but in general light wheels and my 200+ pound frame don't exactly mix. I've made some changes to the gear list, specifically in the "Wheels" department in 2009 that should help this problem.

A couple of short weeks after TransIowa V4 we took the line together at the Almanzo 100 in Rochester, MN. Charlie's a character to share the least. I look forward to riding with him in 2009 at TransIowa and Almanzo and wish him the best of luck in the Arrowhead Ultra in February.

Something New in 2009 or, Let's get this rolling.

2008-12-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about this for awhile and thought I might try my hand at it. So here it is...I now have a blog. I'm late to the "game," way late, but hey this isn't a competition. It's a conduit for friends, family, and acquaintances old and new.

Just over four years ago I moved to Minneapolis for a Design job with the largest distributor of bicycle components in the world. Some of you may say "What's a designer doing working at a distribution business?" Others know that said distributor is home to a number of brands (I'm biased here) that produce fantastic products.

I've ridden bicycles all my life, but the last four years have all added up to an incredible experience that keeps unfolding. I've had opportunities to meet some of the most genuine people, visit some spectacular places, and expand myself both personally and professionally. I'm looking forward to sharing these experiences and I hope you'll come along to see how this thing unfolds. I know I'm looking forward to it.