was sick, now studs, still with tubes

A week and a half ago I went for a ride with Mike that ended with him catching an endo with his face on a rock. He gashed his chin and we called it done. I rode on out cutting through some woods and endind at home. Later that night my throat hurt like it hasn't for a long time. I am just now starting to shake whatever it was that I caught. I haven't been riding much since then.

Tonight I finished up the winter commuter. It now has the Alfine 8 speed (again) on it and it will live there until the end of its days. I also put on the saddle bag, fenders, front and rear lights. What I don't have is the tubeless system setup. I ran in to some problems with it tonight. I want to call them and talk tech and maybe I will have it done this weekend. I'll keep you posted.

home sweet home.

The IGH didn't look so big on the mtb. The rim was wide. The tire was wide. After that it looks pretty big on the road bike, especially with the 28c tires. I rode this around in the parking lot a little last night and it feels so weird being on this bike. It almost feels too small, which it isn't, after being on the 29er with 28" wide bars. Oh well, in a matter of time, I will get used to it. After all, its just like riding a bike.

We have some inclement weather coming in over night so I will be riding in the morning to give everything a test run.

ready for the truing stand

It's a beautiful thing when it's shiny and new. Then it has an all new beauty when it is worn in and dirty

So, there is a really good chance that I will have the Bianchi rolling at the beginning of the week. I would have to say that we have be lucky to have an extended fall riding season this year. Usually we are already riding in the snow and deep cold. Heck, it hasn't even been that cold. Well, the days are numbered. It will be here soon enough and I will be ready. I am going to set up the winter studs tubeless this year. At least I plan to. I am using the Stans kit. I will be wrapping the rim with yellow rim tape to seal the spoke holes and a self sealing valve stem with their sealant. Hopefully I can get them to seal up and make it work. I only (unbelievable) had one flat last year with the studs on. That is amazing given the hundreds of miles I logged. Hopefully the tubeless system will give a new experience to it. Stay tuned.

switching it up

The mtb is crippled for the time being. I have started the process of putting the Alfine back on the Bianchi where it will find a permanent home. This was the plan all along, I just look forward to actually having both (at least two) bikes fully operational at all times.

I cut the IGH out of the mtb wheel

I am not sure but the Voodoo might get set up single speed or 1x9 for the winter. It might get nothing at all. I'm not sure that I want to put the energy into it but I hate that it can't be ridden now.

I have loose plans to set it up as a dedicated dirt road rambler. I envision mountain drop bars, STI shifters for perhaps a 2x10. Something that will be comfortable during long periods of time in the saddle. Of course to do this I would have to build up yet another mtb that will be used for Tour Divide. I don't have much in the way of plans for a road bike except for setting the Bianchi up for winter commuting/long rides. Which brings us to this.

ready to be built up

I'm looking forward to a lot of riding in the snow. I find it interesting and fun. It also helps considerably with bike handling skills. This rim was originally going on the front of the bike last year but I never laced it up. I was going to run a dynamo hub but haven't settled into that yet. Therefore I will continue to use the wheel I got from Jim on the front and use this new rim to rebuild the rear wheel.

something cool for a new project I'm starting

Gates Carbon Drive System w/ Center Track

snow ride

I threw the Nevegals back on the mtb and took my dog Holly with me over to a small network of local trails in the woods. It was just as much to spend time with her as it was for me to get out to play in the snow. Not a lot of snow in the woods. A couple of inches and melting. A bit wet and muddy in spots but it was fun. I'll let some pictures do the talking.

a little spot in the woods to play in the snow

I noticed some tire tracks in the mud. someone else had the same idea as me.

I took my dog Holly with me for a little run. she loves being outside.

this was her first time going with me on a ride. the snow made it possible for us to match each others' speed.

this bike has done me well. it has given me a foundation to judge what I want from a MTB.

the IGH will see about one more week on this bike and then it will return to the Bianchi for the remainder of its' life.

almost an hour in the woods. Holly is ready to head home for some treats.

Holly was the reason I got to drive our Durango. my wife doesn't let it out of her sight very often.

a picture of my reflection in the window as I was loading up dog and bike.

Let the winter fun begin!

Someone's bike is in there

small photo dump

On the 6th of November my wife ran a half marathon in Shelburne, VT. It was a chilly start to a beautiful day. I went to support her and ride around a bit while she ran. Here is a small sharing of what I experienced