tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17558475550676834172024-02-18T18:04:01.263-08:00bike wriderJust Pedalbikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-30835270116063666482014-01-15T00:27:00.001-08:002014-01-15T00:28:31.789-08:00Lunch Hour Bike Paths and SingletrackI have a job that I go to a couple days a week.<br />
The best part of having a job is riding a bike to and from it. In addition to commuting I've been taking advantage of the "lunch hour" encouraged by the company to get out and ride a few miles. <br />
Just a couple of minutes from the office and I'm on one of the greenbelts that wind through and across Anchorage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6_8uh5H0NlFDb-dccqs-rQhyxzr9JY_3Jz1klDKf4cDeNZcpdw5Ik9PPCgTAky15zoLFYePICvWFSGiI5PYCaRIbjscb9OQdY3n0UegKEmTFohmQAsw6jGSB88dxkLGXQqrsKWRE0oNm/s1600/IMG_4866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6_8uh5H0NlFDb-dccqs-rQhyxzr9JY_3Jz1klDKf4cDeNZcpdw5Ik9PPCgTAky15zoLFYePICvWFSGiI5PYCaRIbjscb9OQdY3n0UegKEmTFohmQAsw6jGSB88dxkLGXQqrsKWRE0oNm/s320/IMG_4866.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Less than 15 minutes from my desk and I can snag a slice of pizza, a thermos of coffee from<a href="http://beartooththeatre.net/" target="_blank"> the Beartooth</a> and boogie down to sea level to enjoy my lunch with a view of the Alaska Range. </div>
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I've been exploring every little spur of urban singletrack spur I can find off the Chester Creek Trail. Most of it leads to homeless camps. Some of it makes for some pretty sweet, creekside cruising.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzue9jEgsPS_Ut8RmUsKFgbFXsnMafi5UC7tMPrQda2etViHTsRdWztipBLsLgPEMdm11TEjKGDBJcdisQVMrHbAh9UhQwW9N5y51_ILg57QOrocv-XtcFCV2u2ZPZZ6hIj26bRl04a6_9/s1600/IMG_4904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzue9jEgsPS_Ut8RmUsKFgbFXsnMafi5UC7tMPrQda2etViHTsRdWztipBLsLgPEMdm11TEjKGDBJcdisQVMrHbAh9UhQwW9N5y51_ILg57QOrocv-XtcFCV2u2ZPZZ6hIj26bRl04a6_9/s320/IMG_4904.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Not bad for being in the smack dab in the middle of the biggest city in the state. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WDGPi6bqwIA1hoT52NHwq0gz_fU25hV_yab9wgyfe7Lfe62TF4bHcw4SteRT2uUt8_zsGR_3cT26kVAVpm6P_4FACznnsRHq647MrR_JElzijGBHjWkACXRknq6qX6Qe6iq0Q5Pm9XQc/s1600/IMG_4905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WDGPi6bqwIA1hoT52NHwq0gz_fU25hV_yab9wgyfe7Lfe62TF4bHcw4SteRT2uUt8_zsGR_3cT26kVAVpm6P_4FACznnsRHq647MrR_JElzijGBHjWkACXRknq6qX6Qe6iq0Q5Pm9XQc/s320/IMG_4905.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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If I don't grab coffee from the Beartooth there's <a href="http://www.terrabellacoffee.com/" target="_blank">a little coffee stand</a> a hundred yards or so from work that can fill my cup before I lockup and go back to staring at a computer for the remainder of the afternoon. Most of the time I make it back to work without spilling too much hot coffee on my hand. </div>
<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-54204352669379881712014-01-11T01:45:00.000-08:002014-01-11T01:45:25.969-08:00Winter Trail HazardsI got out for a ride last night . . . a sweet, 1,000ft of descending, 97% singletrack, fatbike ride last night.<br />
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The last little bit of singletrack is a 0.5mile piece of trail I've been trying to get packed in and rideable for the last month or so.<br />
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I'd been out snowshoeing on it the night before (and I only don snowshoes, begrudgingly, for the purpose of better bike riding) and last night it was riding better than it ever has when I came upon open water where there had been none the night before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRAqW7QTUtLvru-dHDlHBVO63kEJerBgAD0VBiPwYHzgpf6ghcJntrCBhxl7DR8R_cFbZJ9vnGSPgsHXeHtc8xhAd7K8uDD8eM90K4rxbQC4pTlQdmolyGmmJFXpRCATGzM7mRajMAN4J/s1600/IMG_4883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRAqW7QTUtLvru-dHDlHBVO63kEJerBgAD0VBiPwYHzgpf6ghcJntrCBhxl7DR8R_cFbZJ9vnGSPgsHXeHtc8xhAd7K8uDD8eM90K4rxbQC4pTlQdmolyGmmJFXpRCATGzM7mRajMAN4J/s1600/IMG_4883.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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It seems a moose approached from the lookers left of the above picture, intersected with the Jumpy Squirrel trail, and punched through to a creek I didn't even know was flowing underneath the trail. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPW3j4urmDrGXuQLiOT2Rnk6JQGhFof_JJLP3bjt7CQbzYk7OBW8H8VC4UlFLWM2q2GLQlHPrA0c02dtLdzDkJ1BeJLPNKYtgfFoLSi4HTMDz9P61fxpRqx2oKO-WyK0NiG1fdsaMmsXe/s1600/IMG_4884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPW3j4urmDrGXuQLiOT2Rnk6JQGhFof_JJLP3bjt7CQbzYk7OBW8H8VC4UlFLWM2q2GLQlHPrA0c02dtLdzDkJ1BeJLPNKYtgfFoLSi4HTMDz9P61fxpRqx2oKO-WyK0NiG1fdsaMmsXe/s1600/IMG_4884.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
From the other side. One moose sized hole in the middle of some winter singletrack. Must have been fairly startling for the moose to suddenly be standing in flowing water, even if it wasn't terribly deep.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-31973990697509517222014-01-10T01:33:00.000-08:002014-01-10T01:33:37.199-08:00Since We Were Together Last . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I last bothered to update this blog I've done a few things. <br />
Here's a few of the highlights in no particular or chronological order:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HbO2FOwsu1bsPmHcE0Ie_ys6tVSpRQkCs3KwuHM-cjRJfn0wZxizeO1bb_QHhvRf3OABBBEC8lZXhDmKa8ERfM2Qo8cL31OH93qGHeVZ7c2oOL45hS48ZH9ZSdX8DLzLPIrOO0ZYGh4f/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HbO2FOwsu1bsPmHcE0Ie_ys6tVSpRQkCs3KwuHM-cjRJfn0wZxizeO1bb_QHhvRf3OABBBEC8lZXhDmKa8ERfM2Qo8cL31OH93qGHeVZ7c2oOL45hS48ZH9ZSdX8DLzLPIrOO0ZYGh4f/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Little and I spent some quality time together. </div>
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He loved going out an rallying dirt trails on his push bike.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsxFRh8HGYLamFP9OGpF-Vi3a3tZlrcoOtoGiWPiXMRf8lRkHYNE-O42ua6Ws90TXP5pm_kmGuUbcqEZPyJBuwX5m8MSI_TrIfL5qishFmFwex4p22cS8mKbyhThmAjuWgXvjmL5hvA-R/s1600/IMG_3449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsxFRh8HGYLamFP9OGpF-Vi3a3tZlrcoOtoGiWPiXMRf8lRkHYNE-O42ua6Ws90TXP5pm_kmGuUbcqEZPyJBuwX5m8MSI_TrIfL5qishFmFwex4p22cS8mKbyhThmAjuWgXvjmL5hvA-R/s1600/IMG_3449.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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A three year old working on his no handers over the table top in the </div>
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backyard is enough to make a parent worry about what the</div>
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adolescent years have in store. He also showed off his </div>
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Superman seat grab more than once.</div>
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I got the realest job I've ever had. I'm talking Mon-Fri, </div>
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8am-5pm, shirts tucked in real. </div>
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Did that for a couple months and tried to quit. </div>
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Reached an understanding with my employer, </div>
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now I work part time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jx4fXhB59_-MpVpwAr_sgGb3-K8-WUCFrdbDs24PWddiYuNQMrPAaaBnKxibyiDXOFOF9AriMqO8VUMzVSUxAszmbZW4L99W68T4Kit45jvtKYsChtnIpFL6hBtwi9TycKFVwFFqOfY8/s1600/IMG_4104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jx4fXhB59_-MpVpwAr_sgGb3-K8-WUCFrdbDs24PWddiYuNQMrPAaaBnKxibyiDXOFOF9AriMqO8VUMzVSUxAszmbZW4L99W68T4Kit45jvtKYsChtnIpFL6hBtwi9TycKFVwFFqOfY8/s1600/IMG_4104.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Got LoL to join me for a fatbike beach </div>
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ride I've had on my radar since 2005. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mneeBg3sozBjbPDBePBoDWxB7YIJ38Po7OJ4Ks9XBTlYXQCllp_cI2JyxSo5JNjsZRSmfRqa07Zz-SS6HTvPIKsBCQbHRNNFht9Yfn-Wq4y10541tqBW48gmX5oXaailSqPMfDpeVOQy/s1600/IMG_4106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mneeBg3sozBjbPDBePBoDWxB7YIJ38Po7OJ4Ks9XBTlYXQCllp_cI2JyxSo5JNjsZRSmfRqa07Zz-SS6HTvPIKsBCQbHRNNFht9Yfn-Wq4y10541tqBW48gmX5oXaailSqPMfDpeVOQy/s1600/IMG_4106.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Ever since I talked to <a href="http://www.freespiritwear.com/hopehomer.html" target="_blank">Pat after he and Kathy did their pioneering beach ride</a> I've wanted to find this cabin. </div>
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The riding, nor the cabin, did not disappoint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOERykTq5Nw3jNFlgKlbVNURXje_pWDcOD1o-IjwcIsPq96UjphodPLTTH-HmnEpsmsPzVQIVc4fXVmCNCJne4fRcgqFWdjn2wlerkvKoh995_WMVKsx83Hs57AS1cHJg2u6KVNEcEpQm/s1600/IMG_4079.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOERykTq5Nw3jNFlgKlbVNURXje_pWDcOD1o-IjwcIsPq96UjphodPLTTH-HmnEpsmsPzVQIVc4fXVmCNCJne4fRcgqFWdjn2wlerkvKoh995_WMVKsx83Hs57AS1cHJg2u6KVNEcEpQm/s1600/IMG_4079.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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This little dude mastered the combination of pedals and balance. </div>
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Never had training wheels. He loved it and so did dad.</div>
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Still need to work on mastering the concept of </div>
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speed control through braking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yl0zbBKmZ0GwTP-r-JpAiSpBATX_6V-XbMAr7812B0PfJSKttCF2ZAyri-eUMIkbDalMND63egMtGRofo2aAUv3DoCqHbmouoZEnHUhDfe_wGd_hHsX5Zq9e8qsD7n-uosc3RhjvWq2C/s1600/IMG_4264.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yl0zbBKmZ0GwTP-r-JpAiSpBATX_6V-XbMAr7812B0PfJSKttCF2ZAyri-eUMIkbDalMND63egMtGRofo2aAUv3DoCqHbmouoZEnHUhDfe_wGd_hHsX5Zq9e8qsD7n-uosc3RhjvWq2C/s1600/IMG_4264.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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My parents came to visit and my dad left </div>
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with his first new bike in 25 years.</div>
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(A Surly Ogre.) We went and rode it in </div>
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the mountains, which made him smile. </div>
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He's been taking it out for lots of </div>
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fun adventures since he got home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf6HKnuEqTUFV3Bq5hl1R7DwcdWpu779CsJbkqa62Sz5avmC6Cm4GlogllxRVsHClsfGsmrPvVeqXNcQmfMf8oIeAe4vkB8H3P8M5MT8Gm5scwEuC2FTsYFxcmw1yR2xLk627gIxjRVRM/s1600/IMG_4365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf6HKnuEqTUFV3Bq5hl1R7DwcdWpu779CsJbkqa62Sz5avmC6Cm4GlogllxRVsHClsfGsmrPvVeqXNcQmfMf8oIeAe4vkB8H3P8M5MT8Gm5scwEuC2FTsYFxcmw1yR2xLk627gIxjRVRM/s1600/IMG_4365.jpg" height="320" width="239" /> </a></div>
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We welcomed a sweet little girl into our family in July </div>
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(part of the motivation for my parents' visit.)</div>
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She is happy, healthy and awesome. 6 months old this week. </div>
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I continue to perform much of my own bike maintenance.</div>
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Occasionally with interesting results. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg4fAeyE6grbWqBFk5-sgwmgXaXq6xzyTpOHVmc4I0deHAUsf_qJB1OAJQVtweaiRcL-6hNUEN3OLE5YYYi8TPQb23w195qFYKF6vFmu32v2Pu_EC9eQlXFHbYEUa3JmAHEXdbj0I8Rj9/s1600/photo+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg4fAeyE6grbWqBFk5-sgwmgXaXq6xzyTpOHVmc4I0deHAUsf_qJB1OAJQVtweaiRcL-6hNUEN3OLE5YYYi8TPQb23w195qFYKF6vFmu32v2Pu_EC9eQlXFHbYEUa3JmAHEXdbj0I8Rj9/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="239" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Did some fishing, but not nearly as much as we'd like.</div>
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He wanted to keep every fish we caught that day. </div>
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I let him keep this one. </div>
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That kid devoured every last crumb of that little trout </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTv5GfnP0NFOFcp_IXye11pAF6qDHMjkI2lRqQoakckt_PzRJdxE69cov91z9TtMBwatBXA_GdahxxJgvl9XcfpVzL2QoYFWsmCshLkocUA7e3tJulYPibLFlsDG8zLBs7BiJkGXB1iTn/s1600/photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTv5GfnP0NFOFcp_IXye11pAF6qDHMjkI2lRqQoakckt_PzRJdxE69cov91z9TtMBwatBXA_GdahxxJgvl9XcfpVzL2QoYFWsmCshLkocUA7e3tJulYPibLFlsDG8zLBs7BiJkGXB1iTn/s1600/photo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Did I mention fatbiking on the beach near Nikiski?</div>
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That was awesome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A7kF7-VSUMbYNVsd-E2q2HwV3tsDRW87ATGTJKM5DKAt1Wz7KWhbDgZWFNqGPnk3p9raIWEQGFRw-LffWREbLx6mUZZJuI81PB0T9Gao7TD6GXv7GYIxgX_pyDOu6piUZ8hCUAh8GuNu/s1600/IMG_3989_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A7kF7-VSUMbYNVsd-E2q2HwV3tsDRW87ATGTJKM5DKAt1Wz7KWhbDgZWFNqGPnk3p9raIWEQGFRw-LffWREbLx6mUZZJuI81PB0T9Gao7TD6GXv7GYIxgX_pyDOu6piUZ8hCUAh8GuNu/s1600/IMG_3989_2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /> </a></div>
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My brother came to visit.</div>
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We rode bikes.</div>
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<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-5450995013133810762014-01-09T02:02:00.000-08:002014-01-09T02:02:01.251-08:00My iPhone Tried to Kill This BlogA new job, a new baby, and a smartphone all combined to try and kill this blog (but mostly it was the phone.)<br />
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But I still ride bikes, and I'm hoping to even write a few words and post a few pictures every now and again on this here blog.<br />
So if anybody out there is still interested here's just a little something:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlqGAmqi4lm7enGb5MrSfanSlgst5DCRioZDL40b94c4F5-_5n07SrlppDtwfcLX__AIowrYRQ0PQDFqUY0KnpDffBXjpYV3uYh0peJEz51JZ8zN0hZUeCwVa79oMjJbod-jgPJ_Z64Qy/s1600/Nate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlqGAmqi4lm7enGb5MrSfanSlgst5DCRioZDL40b94c4F5-_5n07SrlppDtwfcLX__AIowrYRQ0PQDFqUY0KnpDffBXjpYV3uYh0peJEz51JZ8zN0hZUeCwVa79oMjJbod-jgPJ_Z64Qy/s1600/Nate.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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My wife's Christmas gift to me was one simple thing. A fat, aggressive tire named after me, even though I am neither fat, nor terribly aggressive. The yin to my yang I suppose. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1zA_Yar_21rDDwBenaadx7XifqxD2Xz01rLXCm6I5DnQ6Z0jmM3GQGrfYzJk9BuhxOvMKDYi9v3Y9cFxKCHwhw8FP2niKOhRYyCWHLEK9Ac7q3BzsPlE2KNmDXsshRNOnT2Tm5QP1FSD/s1600/pads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1zA_Yar_21rDDwBenaadx7XifqxD2Xz01rLXCm6I5DnQ6Z0jmM3GQGrfYzJk9BuhxOvMKDYi9v3Y9cFxKCHwhw8FP2niKOhRYyCWHLEK9Ac7q3BzsPlE2KNmDXsshRNOnT2Tm5QP1FSD/s1600/pads.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
It seems I change my brake pads even less often than I update my blog.<br />
Stopping power was greatly improved when I switched to some pads that weren't worn down to next to nothing.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-24661782884536757032013-05-26T02:44:00.001-07:002013-05-26T02:44:32.731-07:00ClippedClipped in for the first time in eight or nine months, and I liked it.<br />
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<img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj-YiLQ8vHX9R0KZ1OszK6HFdNJFG6X1rZ1s3SpmV6tIzHxIdA-OnE9Fcn9Fl-iRPv5nhqLjYBJbYoqO8KcHrk6d2mi-8aq6vc4Li2E5CdNsi0MjCVDBwOBIXQjV6sR4rc0Tm5RNm38_2/s320/clip.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=1&ProductID=5" target="_blank">Tangle bag</a> isn't mine, but I thought I'd try it out before I gave it away.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-30457597636205247142013-05-01T01:26:00.002-07:002013-05-01T01:26:29.225-07:00AprilThirty for thirty.<br />
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Some short.<br />
Some less short.<br />
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But at least one ride, everyday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5krZBt3AGxxIPqRydekDXMS5q_TRdwyrZyseFOcN_qxHUT9PhjWe-5lAzblDYgclLqreNl9c9fr6dEqqgqlVwIGvIMEiH6DZSAeC-Dy6QUAVdLy9XAeDwSGiM2ATa7ayQp-1tm-BCsB1S/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5krZBt3AGxxIPqRydekDXMS5q_TRdwyrZyseFOcN_qxHUT9PhjWe-5lAzblDYgclLqreNl9c9fr6dEqqgqlVwIGvIMEiH6DZSAeC-Dy6QUAVdLy9XAeDwSGiM2ATa7ayQp-1tm-BCsB1S/s320/photo+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Always better than not riding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ-dMDsu70e3N9Zpay6cnFHzAbbjr94idNMRsww8PrVIknqZBw35CjrvUqb2-gvqWzmtV4n0_nHHLxZAdFwG6uWFCjWhQ3i3M7fAN5FWcj-xYedo_rCkLwzxsjB3AtPcEAqRs0kgX3iC5/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ-dMDsu70e3N9Zpay6cnFHzAbbjr94idNMRsww8PrVIknqZBw35CjrvUqb2-gvqWzmtV4n0_nHHLxZAdFwG6uWFCjWhQ3i3M7fAN5FWcj-xYedo_rCkLwzxsjB3AtPcEAqRs0kgX3iC5/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-80212036041129543482013-04-23T01:29:00.000-07:002013-04-23T01:36:01.773-07:00Things and Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April has been amazing, and I've been getting some riding in.</div>
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Rode to the post office with Little to mail a birthday present to my brother in-law. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrsYAyduSmes9myP7UVAs9G4GDgbAB7qpOSeP0ZahZvwZsF5S8diDx7qlLzkRuxPK2oeZxq_lihrn6Zd5gPWq18ChxK1rWTG-l14-iSLPn6Mnon6tiUAnwUpg5-Jsr-ixHZMBEu82ahRv/s1600/photo+5-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrsYAyduSmes9myP7UVAs9G4GDgbAB7qpOSeP0ZahZvwZsF5S8diDx7qlLzkRuxPK2oeZxq_lihrn6Zd5gPWq18ChxK1rWTG-l14-iSLPn6Mnon6tiUAnwUpg5-Jsr-ixHZMBEu82ahRv/s320/photo+5-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had to hit up 3 different LBSs to find an AK shop t-shirt for a birthday present, but I was really pleased with what I eventually found.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS28xbnl3Y2O1tZ9OFc47s3_3GCNGuGM8imRNWesf2Qkdv04-tz97_snHpbqrBEL3rxfLL91U99OcAM7eSuTTnGbpGGeAOXQoPDmlTdXQLF99K7EuKJ0PJC4Eln_XynwzHZwN_oioPTBi/s1600/photo+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS28xbnl3Y2O1tZ9OFc47s3_3GCNGuGM8imRNWesf2Qkdv04-tz97_snHpbqrBEL3rxfLL91U99OcAM7eSuTTnGbpGGeAOXQoPDmlTdXQLF99K7EuKJ0PJC4Eln_XynwzHZwN_oioPTBi/s320/photo+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Noticed this sign while I was locking up to the bike rack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC057eKmmCPixjx7i1jxUaTC1l8k7NPewCF4pxrhVZK8_qaJsXE3J_soO9RbQau3ePg3O3vZ206cAes82jHcrci36W4GxVt7b9lF_SoApg-AcmMzN2vyUFoR9KNdqEPHaglSbyYpmAK-KM/s1600/photo+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC057eKmmCPixjx7i1jxUaTC1l8k7NPewCF4pxrhVZK8_qaJsXE3J_soO9RbQau3ePg3O3vZ206cAes82jHcrci36W4GxVt7b9lF_SoApg-AcmMzN2vyUFoR9KNdqEPHaglSbyYpmAK-KM/s320/photo+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty sure it's entrapment to install a bike rack where bicycling is forbidden.</div>
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<a href="http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/diy-stem-mounted-water-bottle/" target="_blank">Vic</a> inspired me to experiment with some hose clamp, stem mounted water bottle. Little saw what I was doing and requested on for his trike. He and I were both pleased with the results.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4_eOzymVMkMw0Xhc1u3Z-60PyopuLi0AzZULNSJc8DHSlau2fNEtmzVc4feBhGjsip9wnaT09_iAIpCIOr9-onNqGIeXv9UdmalTeb70yLGKL0Z5HHJ1wJNhNySFhlhE2GIkp1fT2sy5/s1600/photo+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4_eOzymVMkMw0Xhc1u3Z-60PyopuLi0AzZULNSJc8DHSlau2fNEtmzVc4feBhGjsip9wnaT09_iAIpCIOr9-onNqGIeXv9UdmalTeb70yLGKL0Z5HHJ1wJNhNySFhlhE2GIkp1fT2sy5/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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LoL came by this weekend with a sweet new fork for his Moonlander. It's amazing how light this hunk of plastic is. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v-YUZhqFEq4N-hDXDUnNKLKJKTliT8FTKIGPNkT0YZZfItUKoeSBlWgnSS3SlXosWeKoAyaqs_XkQGSjPtnmXBjA-KyVs9HaTDc806pjttboFms-eCFEErrihEO5Lx4YyzsFzNIaFq1g/s1600/photo+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v-YUZhqFEq4N-hDXDUnNKLKJKTliT8FTKIGPNkT0YZZfItUKoeSBlWgnSS3SlXosWeKoAyaqs_XkQGSjPtnmXBjA-KyVs9HaTDc806pjttboFms-eCFEErrihEO5Lx4YyzsFzNIaFq1g/s320/photo+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Fortunately I have an irrational fear of crabon that keeps me from investing large sums of money in shiny plastic bits.</div>
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<a href="http://oceanaircycles.com/" target="_blank">Ocean Air Cycles</a> <span style="color: black;">had their</span> t-shirts on sale for cheap. Nice looking shirts, funky, small US bike company, how could I resist. I was even happier when the package arrived with more than just a t-shirt. A few stickers and some beautiful postcards were just above and beyond.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr6fcnyLLJDHWKoHg_ELL5GZc4vMfuKqiCXRedNGufQRCxyB3UriilD_bKTJaLmm5v0sSJrDIx7xPrPnx5M3EDBp57n3iUK3tgmdByexNj8duL-QGKEb9xXzveMfBfgplAGwMNnnAHJ1Y/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr6fcnyLLJDHWKoHg_ELL5GZc4vMfuKqiCXRedNGufQRCxyB3UriilD_bKTJaLmm5v0sSJrDIx7xPrPnx5M3EDBp57n3iUK3tgmdByexNj8duL-QGKEb9xXzveMfBfgplAGwMNnnAHJ1Y/s320/photo+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Like I said the April riding has been amazing. Blue sky, warm (above freezing) day time temps and smooth snowy trails are hard to beat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL7m3KjtucnCV7GduVchmkx1pQ8uAsFsTQprFKJyFuv5vcpGHJchXhJzBHBlt0SC-phb7cGyaAGzuVwuPnplMSTwzSf-sWC1yjqWcjHLQ8du4h9WWP0PMwOr8j1IssELyEcBL_1KhxBYT/s1600/photo+3-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL7m3KjtucnCV7GduVchmkx1pQ8uAsFsTQprFKJyFuv5vcpGHJchXhJzBHBlt0SC-phb7cGyaAGzuVwuPnplMSTwzSf-sWC1yjqWcjHLQ8du4h9WWP0PMwOr8j1IssELyEcBL_1KhxBYT/s320/photo+3-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFNLwrAkK_04pcckqj0rBMIYuE4ULes8F6i8g9wvEJKxDpHPAYQMBgTBuTQGnHEJ7zyxX-A5kz1SEFVszYyqFnBcHgo6xnpQPU3wr6vLupsQl4N4UVnHjjrWWOEx71gTKqoxPijAQ9LWF/s320/photo+1-2.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Neither this guy, nor myself were in too much of a hurry this afternoon, so we spent a while checking each other out and sharing the trail before we both went peacefully on our respective ways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4hyphenhyphenVVgIs7WNcgrD1KbM1I8d1KvexLA0YIjFoveNS_PWQx1IwkAtC3MJ7f8DuFWNBeuDvA1jpTPL6CtxXB0d10N7haby1gBd-f2_84Bf-P1VDgnwOi8keXzNcX9JYBGEdDQSIDOdXtgua/s1600/photo+2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4hyphenhyphenVVgIs7WNcgrD1KbM1I8d1KvexLA0YIjFoveNS_PWQx1IwkAtC3MJ7f8DuFWNBeuDvA1jpTPL6CtxXB0d10N7haby1gBd-f2_84Bf-P1VDgnwOi8keXzNcX9JYBGEdDQSIDOdXtgua/s320/photo+2-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The trails were holding up pretty well, even as the temps approached 50deg F. Nice to be out riding in a short sleeved jersey and shants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SS6-BfDelgjrF8mwTqHMTy5lrXLQlsJavrJurPYJYwF83_YOyQBh8xtSETVXKWuk-A2a9UOQYDLJgd7LGLNWoDHkyigf0NwIyCnAHepQyfVO_rA6IByb3f610wnNjV1gl0uveqoArJQ4/s1600/photo+5-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SS6-BfDelgjrF8mwTqHMTy5lrXLQlsJavrJurPYJYwF83_YOyQBh8xtSETVXKWuk-A2a9UOQYDLJgd7LGLNWoDHkyigf0NwIyCnAHepQyfVO_rA6IByb3f610wnNjV1gl0uveqoArJQ4/s320/photo+5-3.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Things were a little punchy and deep if you had to dab off the packed trail, but there are worse problems to have.</div>
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Stumbled across this old run down cabin in the woods. Less than two miles from our house, but on a little used trail that I had never explored before. Would have been a pretty sweet place to live back in its day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcizRnt2DLtGxZ1p0qwXz0FHfw6kImirHghcsLBfspYnJZMpnBnHVfMyoffvELKec248Bum88bi2s33OQwA1whX6BLxuSYTLd61o_L5MawT54ORgWT2uGeAeRDzIaZQng08rzPi_I3x1H/s1600/photo+4-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcizRnt2DLtGxZ1p0qwXz0FHfw6kImirHghcsLBfspYnJZMpnBnHVfMyoffvELKec248Bum88bi2s33OQwA1whX6BLxuSYTLd61o_L5MawT54ORgWT2uGeAeRDzIaZQng08rzPi_I3x1H/s320/photo+4-2.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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I persuaded Little to help me slap the <a href="http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/big_apple" target="_blank">Big Apples</a> back on the Dummy and ride to the park with me. He did an awesome job hanging on to the back of the Big Donkey. I still plan to build <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-difference-that-couple-of-days-makes.html" target="_blank">a proper seat</a> for him or <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/cargo-bicycles/xtracycle-cargo-accessories/kids-and-family/hooptie.html" target="_blank">something</a>, so that he and I can both relax a little bit while he's back there. As it was I was rolling slowly and constantly seeking conservation that he was still hanging on with both hands (most of the time he was).</div>
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It's really fun to have him out of the trailer and to be able to maintain a conversation while we roll along. 4 fun miles together this evening. His only complaint was that he hurt his bottom when we practiced riding off a curb at low speed. I'll set him up with a <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/cargo-bicycles/xtracycle-cargo-accessories/seat-pads.html" target="_blank">magic carpet</a> or something similar soon.<br />
I'm really excited for this next chapter of family riding.<br />
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<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-37430353282576869462013-04-19T20:32:00.000-07:002013-04-20T01:56:49.986-07:00PinkSpring is most definitely in the air <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(you can smell 6 months worth of dog waste melting out of the snowbanks)</span> and we have been blessed with a good long stretch of beautiful cloudless days. The trails have remained in fantastic condition, freezing firmly on the cold clear nights and staying firm almost all day long, and I have been fortunate enough to get some excellent riding in on a new (to me) bike.<br />
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That pink fatbike you see is now legally mine. The previous owner was kind enough to allow me a good long window to test ride and think about the purchase. Mrs. was in love with it the minute she saw it and has no qualms about being married to a man who rides around on an XL pink bike. Getting her stamp of approval was not insignificant.<br />
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The bike fit me amazingly well as soon as I threw a leg over it. It's not often I hop on another person's bike and don't feel the urge to fiddle with one thing or another.<br />
The story is that the bike was originally built up by a <a href="http://www.speedwaycyclesak.com/" target="_blank">local shop/fatbike company</a> employee. He put in the special request for a XL frame in pink and then decked it out in the parts you might expect from guy who gets a shop discount: XTR rear derailleur, SLX front, Mr. Whirly crank, cut out Speedway 70mm rims, Thomson stem, etc.<br />
Apparently he moved out of state not too long after finishing the build and a casual friend of mine scooped it up for a steal. However, it seems that for my friend the lure of 800cc snowmachines trumped pedal power and the bike saw almost no action for the past two winters.<br />
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Long story short, he was happy to let the bike go to someone who would ride it, the bike fit me and Mrs. approved. I initially hesitated, but encouragement and sound advice from a couple of <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">fellow</a> bike <a href="https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">junkies</a> pushed me over the edge.<br />
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It may be pink, but it rides like the darkest black of a moonless night.<br />
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I'm secure enough to enjoy the obvious jokes that will ensue. My favorite so far was the woman on horseback asking if I had borrowed my wife's bike.<br />
I've actually had a thing for pink frames ever since I first saw <a href="http://www.freespiritwear.com/hopehomer.html" target="_blank">Pat Irwin</a>'s pink 1x1 eight or nine years ago.<br />
I figure with one kid and another on the way my manhood is adequately accounted for and I shouldn't let a good deal pass me by.<br />
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Changes thus far:<br />
The bike came with a horribly narrow carbon bar, so I swapped it for an <a href="http://shop.titusti.com/product-p/hboomac-sil.htm" target="_blank">On-One Mary bar</a> before I rode it for the first time. The Mary bar is nice, but I think I'll ultimately change it out for something with a little less back sweep. I was thinking a Salsa Whammy bar would be nice, but it seems no one is selling them these days. On-One Fleegle perhaps. To be determined.<br />
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It also had Endomorph tires front and rear, which had amazingly awkward handling characteristics. I've since swapped those for (27tpi) Larrys. I picked one Larry up cheap at the local bike swap and acquired the other from a guy on craigslist who wanted to trade a Larry for an Endomorph, don't ask me why. Handling was noticeably improved by the tire swap.<br />
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Down the road I'll likely get the <a href="http://surlybikes.com/parts/mwod_chainrings" target="_blank">MWOD</a> rings for the Mr. Whirly crank. I have absolutely no need for the big ring, and wouldn't mind moving the chain out from the rear tire a bit.<br />
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The little ski hill in town has closed for the season so I snuck over there one evening this week after a quick singletrack ride and goofed around on the groomed slopes.<br />
Good times.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-89321167095134833512013-04-09T15:35:00.000-07:002013-04-09T15:35:47.133-07:00They Tell Me It's April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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They tell me it's April, but you could have fooled me.</div>
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Spring Time in Alaska. No offense to Johnny Horton, but June's voice makes this my preferred version of his song:</div>
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Had a modified version of this stuck in my head riding around last night:<br />
"When it's springtime in Alaska there's <i>four feet of snow."</i><br />
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We've had two storms move through in the past 5 days, each dropping 6-14inches of snow depending on where you're at in town.<br />
While lot's of folks are grumbling and understandably ready for spring I've been more than happy to watch the snow come down. And what great snow it's been.<br />
Not the heavy wet concrete snow you'd expect in the spring, but fine, light powder. One of the finer things in life if you ask a ski bum in recovery like me.<br />
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I haven't managed to ski much lately for a variety of reasons, but I have managed to get out and ride around in the fresh stuff.<br />
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Sunset Sunday. </div>
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In between storms. </div>
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Over 14hours between sunrise and sunset these days.</div>
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Fat tracks in fresh snow. </div>
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The front deck on our house has a ramp instead of steps.</div>
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The previous owner built it so a wheelchair bound friend </div>
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The bike friendliness was a definite bonus when we bought the house.</div>
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coming down hard when I was out riding last night.</div>
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Spring will appear sooner or later, but for now I'm going to keep doing my best to enjoy the amazing combination long days and great snow.</div>
bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-44612594821710036202013-03-22T02:08:00.000-07:002013-03-22T02:08:07.018-07:00The Freaks Come Out At Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;">Tonight I manged to get out and join the LBS ride that was in the neighborhood.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EbOpo5wBbEE_niXi_Hq4tkBencd2njONs0O4jzjJ7kjezxAzgUw9k9bFheq5iA16lwkIbARGqg4cc9V3Nddix_cL7YIM97OexF3ZhwmjCbq7DPnN8oZe8-TzQ161U1N4gd88mrQuN3Wt/s1600/photo+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EbOpo5wBbEE_niXi_Hq4tkBencd2njONs0O4jzjJ7kjezxAzgUw9k9bFheq5iA16lwkIbARGqg4cc9V3Nddix_cL7YIM97OexF3ZhwmjCbq7DPnN8oZe8-TzQ161U1N4gd88mrQuN3Wt/s320/photo+1.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I have been fortunate enough to have yet another <a href="http://www.fatbackbikes.com/" target="_blank">Fatback</a> come my way. That's 3 in 3 weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">This pink steed was offered to me for an extended test ride with the option to buy at a very fair price. </span></div>
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<br /><a href="http://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Gypsy Nicholas</a> told me what I should have know already, that I ought to thin out my stable in order to add a fatbike. If you are looking for a quality used bike give me a shout, I've got a few that I'm looking to part with.</div>
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The ride tonight was great. A dozen fine folks came together to roll through the woods on fatbikes. Conversations were pleasant and effortless and a few eye catching bike bits came out of the woodwork.</div>
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First was a pair of powder coated Surly <a href="http://surlybikes.com/parts/rabbit_hole" target="_blank">Rabbit Hole</a>/<a href="http://surlybikes.com/parts/knard_29" target="_blank">Knard</a> wheels. These bits were not on a <a href="http://surlybikes.com/bikes/krampus" target="_blank">Krampus</a>, but rather on a <a href="http://surlybikes.com/bikes/neck_romancer_pug" target="_blank">Pugsley (NeckRomancer</a> if I'm not mistaken). Looked like a fun set of wheels to have for a fat bike, might have to do something like this some time if I should choose to acquire the pink Fatback.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL6seMW2bEkOqB0vEwaplIYCgCVK5cEvpcLmbeb5HKT2sgCVpBxdkytKZ0rNn_T8QBQPuzT8aewkUg4uNJVIyoC8siqV6HR_4uslVKgCeloYY0Eeu1uOU5JZTnaJMPz6M4kUFsv1OttiO/s1600/photo+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL6seMW2bEkOqB0vEwaplIYCgCVK5cEvpcLmbeb5HKT2sgCVpBxdkytKZ0rNn_T8QBQPuzT8aewkUg4uNJVIyoC8siqV6HR_4uslVKgCeloYY0Eeu1uOU5JZTnaJMPz6M4kUFsv1OttiO/s320/photo+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The other thing I spotted on the ride was these wheels on a <a href="http://www.salsacycles.com/bikes/mukluk" target="_blank">Salsa Mukluk</a>:<br />
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I didn't get a chance to chat with the owner, but I did do some serious gawking.</div>
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Good gosh, look at the size of those cutouts!</div>
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100mm rims with <a href="http://surlybikes.com/parts/bud_4point8" target="_blank">Bud</a> and <a href="http://surlybikes.com/parts/lou_4point8" target="_blank">Lou</a> mounted up. </div>
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This ride was ready for business </div>
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There was a pair of spokes, parallel to each other between each set of cut outs.</div>
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I love the creative thinking and the willingness to just go ahead and do it, the wheels seemed to be working just fine this evening. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EbOpo5wBbEE_niXi_Hq4tkBencd2njONs0O4jzjJ7kjezxAzgUw9k9bFheq5iA16lwkIbARGqg4cc9V3Nddix_cL7YIM97OexF3ZhwmjCbq7DPnN8oZe8-TzQ161U1N4gd88mrQuN3Wt/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR6PqV22IE2qXLtNbV3syoiiIRS21ZRUOrTNXO5oafW2SEMLVU8KtvfWhj8jqWoHOp8XHV2PKaBbqq6Y6r5B0Pt3355hYW3AT3CzeBLtF1uIHKHTc1eSWHBBJbV1QV_H4vdlkPYqYz-e7/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR6PqV22IE2qXLtNbV3syoiiIRS21ZRUOrTNXO5oafW2SEMLVU8KtvfWhj8jqWoHOp8XHV2PKaBbqq6Y6r5B0Pt3355hYW3AT3CzeBLtF1uIHKHTc1eSWHBBJbV1QV_H4vdlkPYqYz-e7/s320/photo+4.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Trails were in great shape and it was really nice to get out and cruise around in the woods with a bunch of other bike appreciating folks.<br />
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<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-40197711313293298052013-03-13T18:18:00.004-07:002013-03-13T18:19:29.750-07:00FatbackingI have had the pleasure of having the opportunity to spend some time aboard a couple different Fatbacks recently.<br />
Cousin Rye N was out of state for a while for work, so Biermag, Little and I made the most of his absence.<br />
The icing on the fat cake is that March is one of the finest months to
be in Alaska: snow, bluebird days, warmer temperatures, no bugs, no
bears, no brush. Take it from me, this is the good life. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZi5NG3cOcjRNRkDfIbAMCxvwo6lifUg-9TGxoXEIbQQWWXhyphenhyphen7fIgrZJTGMvZpIQapmZ_Y3AYQLN8a6AYIaodWuZoe0btv2bRkNLvp4AtSqE_PcPZ49MPpgm0p8E9BDBdgRkWZNdlWYyC/s1600/IMG_2433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZi5NG3cOcjRNRkDfIbAMCxvwo6lifUg-9TGxoXEIbQQWWXhyphenhyphen7fIgrZJTGMvZpIQapmZ_Y3AYQLN8a6AYIaodWuZoe0btv2bRkNLvp4AtSqE_PcPZ49MPpgm0p8E9BDBdgRkWZNdlWYyC/s320/IMG_2433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I had to bribe that little face in the trailer with some tortilla chips to get him in there. After that he was good to go for a two hour ride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXLG5RA1ioquW4jYMnuFhI4RuzM6FYhCPvYqb5K24EZLJDJ8GRBRIWJuBzn3ARkF87L-DG_rhxzpVx5Uecz3NhLwmxrTYFtqLAlNvBlgQWWy6zwT_TIF_Nf-SQjCNdmrkJIJqC5VRJMCr/s1600/IMG_2428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXLG5RA1ioquW4jYMnuFhI4RuzM6FYhCPvYqb5K24EZLJDJ8GRBRIWJuBzn3ARkF87L-DG_rhxzpVx5Uecz3NhLwmxrTYFtqLAlNvBlgQWWy6zwT_TIF_Nf-SQjCNdmrkJIJqC5VRJMCr/s320/IMG_2428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Pistenbully rolled through heading the other direction during our ride, smoothing out the 5+ inches of heavy wet snow that fell the night before. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wSOZQbjfKdrMPAyc0Xy1xTWVFbjEa3OV2Gvkl3HvOvXLHn0f5Tnc_xCGFE_mXhVdWadU-mUNxGluacb-U_1CjoMk_4BXTC0_hzs5Kv5G_gC4tVrjwutAm1jQE6cYPZwJIWnubE27CLUj/s1600/IMG_2426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wSOZQbjfKdrMPAyc0Xy1xTWVFbjEa3OV2Gvkl3HvOvXLHn0f5Tnc_xCGFE_mXhVdWadU-mUNxGluacb-U_1CjoMk_4BXTC0_hzs5Kv5G_gC4tVrjwutAm1jQE6cYPZwJIWnubE27CLUj/s320/IMG_2426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Experimented with my sunglasses as a filter in the bright sunshine, no instagram action here.<br />
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GSC took off for a little spring break and was kind enough to invite me to take his new steed out for a ride. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9av6qiRIZmrPMXVvYrR5QMqJnhRCxslXjFu7nkLsr-KnZHall2lOWa3ibLfHAFZe3bsNgLs_zhEt0C61dZIcPDPgIb87yb4y5VE79wJwLyMQrU2EM4SQalhdFjvFZ2lMM9x9Fe-rjnRxu/s1600/IMG_2453.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9av6qiRIZmrPMXVvYrR5QMqJnhRCxslXjFu7nkLsr-KnZHall2lOWa3ibLfHAFZe3bsNgLs_zhEt0C61dZIcPDPgIb87yb4y5VE79wJwLyMQrU2EM4SQalhdFjvFZ2lMM9x9Fe-rjnRxu/s320/IMG_2453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That steel fork looks (and rides) awesome if you ask me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7oL3htNcVsngXWq9qK9HV81Z_QSEcHVK5rXiOoBK78vx89hWJXqHxzMuPCxULRxNj_uf-7cb7hMt0EAlYqxOWT7tYZBpWtdwag62543_ETwO8fcIj526omK_u5QQlUzyXwQ-UZ0Ak1pN/s1600/IMG_2448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7oL3htNcVsngXWq9qK9HV81Z_QSEcHVK5rXiOoBK78vx89hWJXqHxzMuPCxULRxNj_uf-7cb7hMt0EAlYqxOWT7tYZBpWtdwag62543_ETwO8fcIj526omK_u5QQlUzyXwQ-UZ0Ak1pN/s320/IMG_2448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I dashed up to a permit only winter trail and spent about an hour climbing in a t-shirt. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMZtiIimeSsL4gyoc6hP_aUBVr7RoIUKW2NSlVEgR7nOmVqLhEcYOER1JvVoPIyjX-VA5bNPmC49TGjGFkSzUJPIAwCY5XhNPQd6_typKORUbO13ZAxvnOmC_MB5quOYLjq_Bio2yF4jG/s1600/IMG_2450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMZtiIimeSsL4gyoc6hP_aUBVr7RoIUKW2NSlVEgR7nOmVqLhEcYOER1JvVoPIyjX-VA5bNPmC49TGjGFkSzUJPIAwCY5XhNPQd6_typKORUbO13ZAxvnOmC_MB5quOYLjq_Bio2yF4jG/s320/IMG_2450.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Trail was in great shape, I had a huge grin on my face the whole ride down. <br />
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Both bikes were a treat to ride. I most definitely concur with <a href="http://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Gypsy Nicholas</a> and <a href="http://jail.sine.com/sheldonbrown/sheldonbrown.com/harris/surly-pugsley/index.html" target="_blank">Sheldon Brown</a> that the fatbike revolution we are seeing is the biggest thing to hit the cycling world since the early days of mountain bikes.<br />
<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-42124167573806653682013-03-08T01:06:00.001-08:002013-03-08T01:06:42.050-08:00Where Have I Been?Where have I been?<br />
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I'm not entirely sure, but it has been fun.<br />
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Biermag offered to watch Little wRider this evening, so LoL and I connected and caught up with a Thursday night shop right. Good to see LoL, it had been a while and I've had a <a href="http://bikeisthenewblack.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> warming gift sitting on my workbench for him for the past couple of weeks.<br />He started up a fine little <a href="http://bikeisthenewblack.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> a while back, and this seemed like an appropriate gift:<br />
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<img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzEHd-nZABFPgzDcdaPLkPjIdSYE2JexTgz8WJWA-HSY4GhLmtQeYO7a6yl6nZFbJz9PJigH74jEtTBJ3DA44PhbHdsfbJHLITS-wRsS597xBmFxfGCptanZq9xmKQhSY6dVzK20RV92N/s320/IMG_2054.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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He's got some good stuff <a href="http://bikeisthenewblack.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">over there</a> do yourself a favor and check it out.<br />
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More than once in recent weeks Little wRider has protested when I begin to prepare for a cross country ski outing, requesting instead that we "go ride bikes in the woods." Who am I to argue with a request like that from a two year old? <br />
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So of course we go ride bikes in the woods. <br />
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It should also be obvious that I use the term 'ride' loosely. Regardless, it's tough to beat an afternoon of bike related goofiness in the woods. <br />
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The Little One is learning at a young age that there is plenty of hike-a-bike involved in winter riding. So far he seems to be okay with it. <br />
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Cousin Rye N disappeared to Jamaica for a few weeks on what he claims is a work related trip, so Biermag and I wasted no time commandeering his Fatback and riding it plenty. When the riding as good as it's been a bike like this should not sit idle.</div>
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Little has also developed an affection for rides on the back of the Big Donkey, or the "Backwards Bike" as he calls it. His logic, as he explained it to me was that having handlebars behind the seat is backwards, therefor it is "The Backwards Bike." I added a bit of titanium to the Donkey to give Little a more stable platform. Rides have mostly been super slow and mellow, back and forth to the playground, but he and I both couldn't be happier. <br />
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Of all the people I know I can't think of anyone who might enjoy a fatbike more than GSC, but up until recently he did not own one, and had only ridden them very briefly. Well it warms my heart to know that he took the plunge, and I had the pleasure of riding with both him and SHeck on a recent weekend. <br />
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GSC said something mid-ride along the lines of "I had no idea . . ." which I took to mean that he was very much enjoying his new, fat set of wheels.<br />
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Crickett the dogg approves of GSC's new dog walking machine. <br />
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Sheck borrowed LoL's Moonlander for the day, and rented herself a Fatback the following weekend. Call me crazy, but I don't think it will be long before she's rolling a fatty of her own.<br />
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The Iditarod rolled through town last weekend, and it just so happens that the finish of the first day, ceremonial run ends just a few short miles from our house. <br />
A few years back GSC stuck an bbq grill on an old pair of skis and dubbed it Paco. I inquired into Paco's availability for the Iditarod and a small crew was quickly assembled for some sausage grilling and mushing watching.<br />
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Biermag was kind enough to tow Paco to the trails, much to the delight of numerous spectators, leaving me free to tow Little wRider in his Chariot. <br />
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Grilling sausage on a bluebird day in Alaska just about one of the finest ways I can think of to spend an afternoon.<br />
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One driver drove right off the road and into the soft shoulder trying to capture a photo much like this one on our way home from the Iditarod start. A grill on skis works out much better than one might initially think.<br />
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On one of my rides home recently I was pondering how few moose I have seen in the past month or two. Well below average for up here. Well it wasn't too much later that I heard a klunk outside and looked out to see that this guy had knocked one of my shovels over. There was a deck railing between us, but had I been inclined it would have been very easy to give him a pat on the nose.<br />
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I think that covers most of the good times from around here in the recent past, I'll try to stay a bit more on top of this blogging thing as turn the corner from winter to spring.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-21622896429691693612013-01-29T20:35:00.000-08:002013-01-29T20:38:44.898-08:00Um Guys, Is That What I Think It Is?In a town where fat bikes are a dime a dozen it takes a special bike to turn my head in the dead of winter.<br />
Case and point, I saw this gem locked up at the USGS office when I got to school.<br />
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I'm operating under the assumption that I'm mistaken, but I have a hunch it might be one of the bikes that helped create <a href="http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/sfo_museum/exhibitions/international_terminal_exhibitions/mountain_bikes/07.html" target="_blank">"a whole new sport."</a> I'm thinking it is a 1981 Specialized Stumpjumper. I'm looking at you <a href="http://www.gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Nick</a> and <a href="http://www.bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Andy</a> to verify or dismiss my hypothesis<br />
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It's welded, the '82 was lugged. The downtube decal says 'Specialized'. The later years said 'Stumpjumper'. </div>
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I would apologize for the crappy cellphone pictures, but I'm not sorry, I was in a hurry.</div>
I'll see if it's there again tomorrow and perhaps see if I can figure out a few more details.<br />
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The red Raleigh on the left belongs to a former classmate of mine, I plan on asking if he knows the owner of that vintage steed. Oh, and for those of you into fat bikes, that is in fact a Surly Moonlander just creeping into the lower right corner of the picture. Size small frame I believe. </div>
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In other news, Tarik let me into his <a href="http://tariksaleh.com/tsbc/" target="_blank">club</a>. Got this excellent postcard in the mail:</div>
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You'll have to take my word for it, but the front of the postcard was equally awesome.<br />
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Tarik, if there is a way to procure a small stack of those, apparently custom made, postcards let me know. I'd love to mail them far and wide.<br />
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While I am admittedly proud to be the only member in Alaska, I'd like to see that distinction changed to 'first'. There are some fine folks up here who would make great club members.<br />
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bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-6078146092962403022013-01-24T00:23:00.000-08:002013-01-24T00:25:16.108-08:00Tarik Saleh Bike Club 100 Challenge Wrap Up<a href="http://tsaleh.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-tarik-saleh-bike-club-100-challenge.html" target="_blank">Tarik Saleh Bike Club 100 Challenge</a> Wrap Up:<br />
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Did I ride 100 miles?<br />
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-no<br />
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Did I ride everyday of the challenge?<br />
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-no<br />
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Did I ride more than I would have otherwise?<br />
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-yes:<br />
I rode to and from Christmas dinner (9mi), I towed Little wRider around for a couple of hours, and I snookered my brother into a bike ride just before midnight on New Years Eve, and I did at least 3 "<a href="http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/grant-petersen-short-beats-long/" target="_blank">no ride too short</a>" rides late at night just for the TSBC 100Challenge.<br />
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As such, I successfully completed the TSBC 100Challenge (option 3).<br />
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That's it, I successfully completed The Challenge!<br />
I won't tell you it was easy, but I will tell you that you too could do it if you put your mind to it.<br />
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I'd like to thank Tarik Saleh for organizing and putting on the challenge. His efforts are greatly appreciated.<br />
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I'd like to thank my wife for her love and support in completing The Challenge and bankrolling my bikecycle habit.<br />
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I'd need to thank Little wRider for tolerating the hours of Chariot time without screaming once bribed with tortilla chips.<br />
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And I'd like to thank my brother for joining me on the New Year's Eve ride regardless of what condition he may or may not have been in. (Although the punk did break a chain right at midnight, which resulted in me trading bikes with him and running/scootering/coasting the last 4 miles of our ride.)bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-82703898341925062532013-01-23T14:37:00.000-08:002013-01-23T14:37:27.928-08:00The Tool Park Doesn't Make and The Tarik Saleh Bike Club 100mile ChallengeHad a more dramatic than usual crash this week.<br />
I came through unscathed. My left brake lever smashed into a small stump and rotated to where it was pointing straight down.<br />
<br />
I use <a href="http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/gt42.htm" target="_blank">cork bar end plugs</a> on most of my bikes. Looks like somehow in crashing the left bar plug was pushed a ways inside.<br />
<br />
Apparently one of the few bike repair scenarios where <a href="http://www.parktool.com/" target="_blank">Park Tools</a> doesn't have me covered.<br />
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Had to make do with what I could find around the house.<br />
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Haven't posted much lately but I am pleased to report that over the holidays I along with a few other actively participated in <a href="http://tsaleh.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-tarik-saleh-bike-club-100-challenge.html" target="_blank">the Tarik Saleh Bike Club 100 mile challenge</a>.<br />
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Amazingly lousy weather (combination of both sub-zero and slicker than slick water on ice conditions over the course of the challenge) and parenting responsibilities made option 3 of the challenge the most realistic for me this year. <br />
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"Remember, <a href="http://tariksaleh.com/tsbc/" target="_blank">club rules</a> are 1. Ride bikes, 2. Try not to be an ass. And in
this case, at least ride a bit between Christmas eve and New Years and
then tell me about it." - Tarik Saleh<br />
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I've always liked that rule #2 simply asks that you try, not that you necessarily succeed. That's the kind of club I can be on board with.<br />
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I still have to email Tarik Saleh my results from the challenge. I'm hoping I haven't missed the window of opportunity to receive a button.<br />
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I'm already looking forward to next years 100mile challenge.<br />
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bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-80858813970613324372013-01-18T02:19:00.000-08:002013-01-18T02:19:46.730-08:00LanceIf Lance Armstrong says he doped, then he most definitely DID NOT.<br />
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The man hasn't spoken an honest word about doping the past fifteen years, and I'm not about to start believing him now.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-89444567145187727932012-12-13T16:01:00.002-08:002012-12-13T16:01:33.485-08:00It's been wicked cold around here. Warmer temps arrived this week along with a healthy dump of snow . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzyodOXs5dHTLgZ9DW8WH4FctU8-RqIh3E7ehHrOA80AQtKcHx6vMhhru0Ypr8yI1Ay_Ey-0zVxt56WcgrPwl83KDi5oT6_EAUholLQY93nv2SGVgWE2xsFC4UOwRep9MPLlrn-_YV-LI/s1600/IMG_1501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzyodOXs5dHTLgZ9DW8WH4FctU8-RqIh3E7ehHrOA80AQtKcHx6vMhhru0Ypr8yI1Ay_Ey-0zVxt56WcgrPwl83KDi5oT6_EAUholLQY93nv2SGVgWE2xsFC4UOwRep9MPLlrn-_YV-LI/s320/IMG_1501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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. . . so when Little has wanted to do a little riding, indoors seemed like a good option.<br />
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Doesn't seem to slow him down much.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-25844586544765258732012-12-09T01:23:00.003-08:002012-12-09T01:23:58.028-08:00Saturday NightAmazing how warm 15deg feels after a month of sub-zero temps.<br />
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Spent the evening in the front yard with a fire and Little wRider. Did a little driveway sledding with one of the neighbor kids.<br />
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Had a FatBack in the garage, Little was asleep and Biermag was around so I snuck out for an hour of riding in the snow. First tracks on the 3" that feel this evening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxyGqil-CX5dFP9hL6n5nhXVm_8OO2DnpJemXe2jp8UlhK5y54ut8u9Y_iUMgD_aHz8DBDV846E559qLcP2EI_sN_IWH4WpSMHdNCFIhlnnoBz0vQI7W7uKTKPAfUwIE-KmlBNXKN5WV6/s1600/IMG_1491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>With the clouds there was enough ambient light that there was no need for the 1,000 lumens strapped to my helmet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmPrUTj_5l9yimxIP7y9-wOjZm2PDx5JLRyVPSM8LM7ZHpKRE4Z7OzsNC4xn9vufV5Oi26WqJs8fHDOdeG1o49METOIYY4L3EBhLIGvQYEEv34V0SZcxtqnWyX8rmmMUtUJV23kUc4NKN/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmPrUTj_5l9yimxIP7y9-wOjZm2PDx5JLRyVPSM8LM7ZHpKRE4Z7OzsNC4xn9vufV5Oi26WqJs8fHDOdeG1o49METOIYY4L3EBhLIGvQYEEv34V0SZcxtqnWyX8rmmMUtUJV23kUc4NKN/s320/IMG_1485.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguytfZzxmCZv5GG-OTObMb7RREYmp8HAhLYqWUxojR6kVfGTsj-saBfbM7ON4M6iD0KuZqYtqP0FnWz6twOmJzM2LvuKjJyKMmtVeUXTODLmWP1DjG5fO9fiF9bMwtKrXF8-ze-G385Vty/s1600/IMG_1488.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguytfZzxmCZv5GG-OTObMb7RREYmp8HAhLYqWUxojR6kVfGTsj-saBfbM7ON4M6iD0KuZqYtqP0FnWz6twOmJzM2LvuKjJyKMmtVeUXTODLmWP1DjG5fO9fiF9bMwtKrXF8-ze-G385Vty/s320/IMG_1488.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-76333537737242550042012-12-04T20:47:00.003-08:002012-12-04T20:47:29.682-08:00FrostfittiSome random acts of creativity I found on one of the bridges on my ride home:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIGNIih1YsbmrMS7NOuzuOBn5H-tXKcdgY2zAh8QKvAFQb0oxsszicbBqED3XYDde2fEsfp2ScSqAVoO-glvWgQz1wK8_VyDdoucXzK4H4l6Z9vu13cvoNe8Z90po99t-6ZOKhcFUXwcd/s1600/IMG_1430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIGNIih1YsbmrMS7NOuzuOBn5H-tXKcdgY2zAh8QKvAFQb0oxsszicbBqED3XYDde2fEsfp2ScSqAVoO-glvWgQz1wK8_VyDdoucXzK4H4l6Z9vu13cvoNe8Z90po99t-6ZOKhcFUXwcd/s320/IMG_1430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt723zgp-fKB7t0_XQ-PjlYZHeP5S08mil8tQrjQwz1WXOt6k4CwwP2aKxM4ryr_uZl1fzH7W8XXuczsuyiHtGUvtPWvWpWt4h7woz5aAimarbDLDrjVoPm_pyH1HGeO7YdCzbyKGiwVID/s1600/IMG_1434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt723zgp-fKB7t0_XQ-PjlYZHeP5S08mil8tQrjQwz1WXOt6k4CwwP2aKxM4ryr_uZl1fzH7W8XXuczsuyiHtGUvtPWvWpWt4h7woz5aAimarbDLDrjVoPm_pyH1HGeO7YdCzbyKGiwVID/s320/IMG_1434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Made me smile.<br />
I think that was the point.<br />
<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-29736916893147190272012-12-03T17:07:00.000-08:002012-12-03T17:07:18.527-08:00Screenshot and Surly BitsTook the longer (~40min) route through the woods today to stockpile some sanity before an afternoon of staring at a screen that looks like this:<br />
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Also gave me the opportunity to mash a little bit on a new to me <a href="http://surlybikes.com/parts/tuggnut" target="_blank">Tuggnut</a> I scored off of ebay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0ePMB5qa63TEACOt_EdUtHK2G3pPCblCkDG9WnCwKNx-KDxLutP5WaN2KFpsKRrV9veXZtDKvQOkJdZlyerpPS20VcECKVZNq4Ty8Elzyre5-KnQyZricwycgDhWlnGzkl84AEbInK_C/s1600/photo-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0ePMB5qa63TEACOt_EdUtHK2G3pPCblCkDG9WnCwKNx-KDxLutP5WaN2KFpsKRrV9veXZtDKvQOkJdZlyerpPS20VcECKVZNq4Ty8Elzyre5-KnQyZricwycgDhWlnGzkl84AEbInK_C/s320/photo-21.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not a little guy, so it's nice to have a little extra peace of mind when mashing the dinglespeed up hills.<br />
I had already tested its ability to open beverages, and I'm pleased to report it did a fine job holding my wheel in place.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-15420954362895482222012-12-01T00:45:00.000-08:002012-12-01T00:45:59.346-08:00Surly's IdeatronSo by this morning I had heard back from Eric, one of the fine folks at SurlyBikes, regarding my 26+ suggestion: <br />
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<i>Nthn,<br /><br />Your idea has been submitted to the Ideatron 8000.<br /><br />We’ll see where it goes from there.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Eric Sovern<br />Surly Bikes</i><br />
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Obviously I'm simply overjoyed that Surly would ever think that something I suggested is worth submitting to any Ideatron, much less to the Ideatron 8000.<br />
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Heck, I'm impressed that anyone from Surly ever took the time to write me back when they could be doing much more important things with their day, like riding Krampi. <br />
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Mission 26+ may never go any further than this, but I will forever hold on to a small glimmer of hope rooted in the words "We'll see where it goes from there." and I thank Eric for that.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-40707302996348716742012-11-30T01:16:00.001-08:002012-11-30T01:16:47.833-08:00Nice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is a <a href="http://surlybikes.com/parts/surly_rack" target="_blank">Nice Rack</a>, but 4lbs isn't something to take lightly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQm38SDO9EmgEUx8p7O0UZmYzSUmWbg5xBrLb86_IZHYhLSrYrvcK-QFTdEwLmz3Z07P46A_5vK_6wrpPhuXHijZvAqmQHTQDA1pQ3XVuCyrDm1mcvxzIC8i4vEbqbP1sWvTaciXVqO8J/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQm38SDO9EmgEUx8p7O0UZmYzSUmWbg5xBrLb86_IZHYhLSrYrvcK-QFTdEwLmz3Z07P46A_5vK_6wrpPhuXHijZvAqmQHTQDA1pQ3XVuCyrDm1mcvxzIC8i4vEbqbP1sWvTaciXVqO8J/s320/photo-20.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://surlybikes.com/">Surlybikes.com</a> says its 3lbs, but I don't think those 2 bungees weigh 8oz each.<br />
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And please don't tell my wife that I've been weighing dirty bike parts on her kitchen scale again.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-43143220136363231202012-11-29T01:11:00.001-08:002012-12-01T01:05:11.934-08:00Christmas Wish ListComments section from my previous post quickly devolved into a discussion of the potential awesomeness of midfat tires.<br />
And ultimately culminated in me sending this email to Surly:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4OZWesSiLWM4CaMy5JVmULbgOxxzEre-5yDB8VcaIa8NkDyfPVPWx95vlj5ntOIbdFTXbkNyJ0erTLE8YyWIIQzdgu_W554AXML1qaAziw0TegdJpkX-v9I_5k-AtUOg4xOGWO2u3a7-/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-11-29+at+12.08.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4OZWesSiLWM4CaMy5JVmULbgOxxzEre-5yDB8VcaIa8NkDyfPVPWx95vlj5ntOIbdFTXbkNyJ0erTLE8YyWIIQzdgu_W554AXML1qaAziw0TegdJpkX-v9I_5k-AtUOg4xOGWO2u3a7-/s320/Screen+shot+2012-11-29+at+12.08.47+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know why the screen shot came through so blurry.</td></tr>
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<i><br /></i>
<i>All I want for Christmas is to buy some marge lites and 26X3.0 Knards for my 1x1.<br /><br /><br />26+<br /><br />You know you want to.<br /><br />I'll consider the seed planted.<br /><br />Have a nice day<br /><br />-Nthn<br />Anchorage, AK<br /><br />http://www.bikewrider.blogspot.com</i><br />
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Like the idea? Drop them a line, bribe them with beverages, can't hurt.<br />
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<a href="mailto:derby@surlybikes.com"><u>derby@surlybikes.com</u></a>bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-56817536003032054102012-11-27T17:22:00.002-08:002012-11-27T17:22:30.286-08:00Feels Like WinterWhile the days have gotten short and the temperatures have been cool, there has been lots of beautiful sunshine to enjoy on at least one way of my commute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOF70bYqAmFqxu1a6aUYiDvyL39NhDAW7q3KyLMtCIRnZk3-cfOc2wNpvaXFZVgwESgaINqFPytyI77Z9zh3n_r-b3Dso6jDW3T0thPQTZc_fh65kTiHGDsnyd7sdxqKJbzditnJnSm6K/s1600/IMG_1372.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOF70bYqAmFqxu1a6aUYiDvyL39NhDAW7q3KyLMtCIRnZk3-cfOc2wNpvaXFZVgwESgaINqFPytyI77Z9zh3n_r-b3Dso6jDW3T0thPQTZc_fh65kTiHGDsnyd7sdxqKJbzditnJnSm6K/s320/IMG_1372.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
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I've been riding this beast almost exclusively for the last few weeks enjoying it's midfatness on the little snow we do have. The $30 pogies have continue to serve me well, even after 7 years. I was riding at -5 F this afternoon with my bare hands in them for the last 5 miles of my ride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4u1nEVYrCnflg0qFvfrQJBPtGZgEt9A3nTSkIthjh2AJKgXeOoIg3wLPDh3OJDYCU0dLfPkmmLNEM4J6HkxebuaAf1dLT9SPVqeF3F9rIrJ6PmJEAvO628vJnWlDh38wQYVf2bZ1PTC_/s1600/IMG_1371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4u1nEVYrCnflg0qFvfrQJBPtGZgEt9A3nTSkIthjh2AJKgXeOoIg3wLPDh3OJDYCU0dLfPkmmLNEM4J6HkxebuaAf1dLT9SPVqeF3F9rIrJ6PmJEAvO628vJnWlDh38wQYVf2bZ1PTC_/s320/IMG_1371.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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More exciting than snow has been the overflow from frozen streams around town. I came upon this immediately after leaving the house yesterday. An ice damn in a culvert had water flowing out down the road in single digit temperatures. A couple of trails around town have had a some significant overflow issues on and off over the past few weeks. In a very dorky way, I really enjoy the dynamics of water and ice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GdmJ7STWJycgFuYugndmSdVe8D_OEn1UsGO3bNnrZfJYHUU8RNuUQyZkKVbMEX31l5iYXB87zfuCCGEWih1ZoaR3qDH3nsrmM_0ksfA7d9taga_Z0zsWkae-XapzNzzzFrLQYSgdgjzq/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GdmJ7STWJycgFuYugndmSdVe8D_OEn1UsGO3bNnrZfJYHUU8RNuUQyZkKVbMEX31l5iYXB87zfuCCGEWih1ZoaR3qDH3nsrmM_0ksfA7d9taga_Z0zsWkae-XapzNzzzFrLQYSgdgjzq/s320/IMG_1368.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spotted this guy just off the trail riding to school today,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLpiYPZoJGFKEoOBYWecCknGLkdi1p2v_gCRcj2FtMV3aVXHjoNHmLaGA2IONsrdZw4_botSIxanjVCYe2keg-4XdtW7q5Q6kwh7JwFmSxfNC-RKXZ-zQ4bhiXE72mTdmm_KSdNSQz11H/s1600/IMG_1376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLpiYPZoJGFKEoOBYWecCknGLkdi1p2v_gCRcj2FtMV3aVXHjoNHmLaGA2IONsrdZw4_botSIxanjVCYe2keg-4XdtW7q5Q6kwh7JwFmSxfNC-RKXZ-zQ4bhiXE72mTdmm_KSdNSQz11H/s320/IMG_1376.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GdmJ7STWJycgFuYugndmSdVe8D_OEn1UsGO3bNnrZfJYHUU8RNuUQyZkKVbMEX31l5iYXB87zfuCCGEWih1ZoaR3qDH3nsrmM_0ksfA7d9taga_Z0zsWkae-XapzNzzzFrLQYSgdgjzq/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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then heard something behind me and noticed I'd parked my bike right between the two bulls. Fortunately the were mellow and disinterested in my existence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pNy-ZhnRkle6QR8Sm_KTs6R15_43dbsq80kfNrbjYP1p-GrM_0h33Wgwc99sc74S7RD2ctPD4gjRwW28jIQrAd0t4rDyGrRQWNaEhStEnrST4m9EjM6LlLzoiGVCXje7ZWgN3wumCd9s/s1600/IMG_1380.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pNy-ZhnRkle6QR8Sm_KTs6R15_43dbsq80kfNrbjYP1p-GrM_0h33Wgwc99sc74S7RD2ctPD4gjRwW28jIQrAd0t4rDyGrRQWNaEhStEnrST4m9EjM6LlLzoiGVCXje7ZWgN3wumCd9s/s320/IMG_1380.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The left palm of his antlers appears to have broken off at some point.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755847555067683417.post-1911258620674424752012-11-26T02:08:00.000-08:002012-11-26T02:08:05.199-08:00Q & AFirst there was a question and I had an answer:<br />
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<b>From rootsradicals@yahoo.com cargo bike listserve,</b><br />
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<i>"I'd like a tire that can handle some off-road/gravel/hard-pack/maybe some mud, but which will also be fairly low rolling resistance on the the street. Right now I think my Xtracycle will see mostly street duty, but I'd like to have tires on it that will serve for those times that I might ride on the rough stuff. Also, after seeing some blog posts by a guy who uses his Big Dummy to carry equipment out to his research sites, I've been inspired by the idea of maybe using my Xtracycle to get out to do camping, birding, carrying my boat, etc."</i><br />
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<b>So replied with this,</b><br />
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<i>As a guy who has written "</i>some blog posts by a guy who uses his Big Dummy to carry equipment out to his research sites<i>" I'll throw my two cents out there. <br /><br />(I don't know for sure if it was my posts that you read or not, but if there is somebody else hauling research equipment with a Dummy I'd love to have the link and the chance to pick his brain.)<br /><br />First off I see you bought the Kendas. Looked like a great deal on a quality tire, I hope you enjoy them and report back when you've got some miles and an opinion on them.<br /><br />As for my set up, I am a tire tinkerer. I enjoy experimenting with different tire/rim combos just to see what happens. On the BigDonkey I've tried a number of things including: 2.4 Maxxis Holy Rollers, 3.7 Surly Endomorph (up front only), 3.0 Nokian Gazzaloddi, 2.1 Bontrager 'generic style mountainbike tires', 29x2.35 Schwalbe Big Apples, and my favorite set up 26x2.35 Big Apples.<br /><br />All of these tires were run on a widish (~44mm) Alex DM24 rim, and a couple also spent time on a modified Sun Ringle Double wide.<br /><br />If you were posing this question regarding a non-longtail setup, I would hands down recommend the Holy Rollers (which I've run in the summer on couple different bikes, including my Surly 1x1), but a cargobike is a different beast.<br />This spring a gypsy I crossed path with traded me some Holy Rollers he had for the Big Apples I'd been running on my Dummy. A few thousand miles later he was switching to full on fat tires and offered to mail my Big Apples back to me, to which I enthusiastically said 'yes'. I swapped the Holy Rollers off and slapped the Big Apples back on and everything was again right with the world. Not that the Holy Rollers were bad or lacking, but I just find the Big Apples to be a little nicer, a little quieter, a little smoother and a little more pleasant to ride.<br /><br />The Big Apples plenty of traction for almost all of the trail riding I do on the Dummy. The long, stable cargo bike isn't getting rallied through corners quite the same way a regular bike would so cornering traction isn't a huge issue. <br />The flat protection from the tires is fantastic and the ride quality is super plush. I think Gypsy Nick rode something like 3,000 flat free, loaded, touring miles on my well used Big Apples before mailing them back. <br /><br />A flat tire on a loaded cargobike could be particularly inconvenient.<br />Knock on wood, but in the past 3 years I've had no flats on the Big Donkey that I can recall.<br />I have however shifted the chain off the top of the cassette a couple of times and learned how annoying rear wheel repairs in the field can be.<br /><br />I've had more than one instance of slamming hard into an unavoidable rock and feeling my rim make contact with the rim. Not only have I escaped without pinch flats, but I've also not had to true the rims.<br />It looks like the Schwalbe Fat Franks would also be a excellent option and perhaps provide a hair more traction.<br /><br />Just my thoughts, no more right or wrong than anyone else's, but I'll put them out there for what they're worth.</i><br />
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<b>Then I had a question I sent out to Allman and Gypsy Nick that went something like this:</b><br />
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<i>Subject: Thoughts?</i><br />
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<i>6 miles through the woods to school. <br /><br />4 miles on paths home.<br /><br />2 hours later, in the garage, rear tire is flat . . . tear at the valve stem (presta).<br /><br />2 nights in a row.<br /><br />Additional information available upon request.<br /><br />I have a theory or two, but would be curious if you had any additional insight.</i><br />
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After all the holiday thankfulness I have to say I'm thankful to be able find answers to bike questions on the internet. Not too long ago things were a lot different. <br />
Resources and answers were quite limited by today's standards, I try not to take it for granted.bikewriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15836168247120514287noreply@blogger.com5