ingredients for a good ride

steel and lugs - check

wool - check



good place to ride - check



mustache - check

mustache - check

Dirt Roads and Dead Ends

I ducked out for a short sub one hour ride today. I've been wanting to take the XO out for a while now. A week or so ago, I brought it down to the shop to fix a flat, only to discover dry rot on both tires. They were 2.0 Conti Town and Country tires. They were nice tires with good traction, but I was curious how fast the XO really was - it got some new 1.4 Michelins this week.

I pedaled up Apple Valley, then north on Blue Mountain Road. I think Apple Valley was the wettest thing going today. Despite the 60+ weather, Apple valley still had lots of ice and snow. At least I wasn't on the roadie. North into the hills and life was good. I think Blue Mountain Road has got to be one of my favorite places around when the sun is setting. I poked it out to the dead end and turned around. Ironically, Ipod was playing Dirt Roads, Dead Ends and Dust. No dust today, though, just tacky, tacky dirt.

Not often that we're busting out the shorts in December. Still had to go with the tall Smartwool Hiker socks. Probably my favorite socks of all time. So comfy I'm still wearing them.

I was perfect with a long sleeve wooly up top. I love days like this.

The return trip was optimal. Downhill and curvy.

Not bad for a quicky ride from home.

In the end, I was extra double please with how the 1.4s rode. I wonder how it'll be with 1" tires. It might just have me getting rid of one of my roadies. We'll see.

Tuesday, hmm. I really regret saying this, as it rarely ever happens, but I'm going to have to pass on this Tuesday. Looks like the weather will be impending anyway, but I'll be at home with the kiddos. Have fun out there and I'll still meet up at Oskars. :)

wheels new, old, and blue.

The age of the 29er UST is upon us. Say hello to Mavic's new C29ssmax wheelset.
On the official Redstone scale, the front weighed 830g and the rear a very nice 940g. Completely respectufl for big wheels. They appear to be growing on trees at a bike shop near you ;)
Notice the round spokes? A general shop consensus was reached and we already prefer the round over the bladed spokes of the 26" Crossmax.
I got a real beauty in on a trade, too. I have half a mind to keep it but I know I must let it go. It's a great riding little bike, but 46c is too small for me.
Instead, I've got another project to work on this winter. Anybody seen the new ads for Shimano pimping the 25th Anniversary of XT? Here's generation uno, the one and only Deerhead XT. I'll have updates on it's progress over the next couple of weeks.