mb – Page 81 – littlecircles

September 4, 2009September 4, 2009

Formula

38/19 + 700×40 CrossTires + Burley + LittleOne + Gear + CSA Pickup + Errands = 42/16 + Saddlebag + 700×32 Slicks

Gear is still too tall to play in the rocky and rooty woods without hike a bike(ing) and my MTB skills need work. I do suspect though that regardless of how low I get the fixed ratio I’ll just find steeper rockier places to climb. And I haven’t really tapped into the ‘mountains’ yet. I have a triple crank from an old Bridgestone in the parts bin that might have to set it up as a single to get smaller rings on the front. Need some bike cave time to sort it out. Would love a reasonable tooth jump with a double dingle so I can switch from road(ish) to dirt(ish) with the same chain. I foresee a MTB in my future. Something that was bound to happen as soon as I parted with the Yeti FRO. Hadn’t ridden it in forever and it fit the Yak better than I – so it is now being ridden on a near daily basis – in the woods and dirt and single track of central VT – instead of hanging on a garage wall. CrossCheck suffers from too high a top tube and non ideal geometry for true MTB use. Maybe a 29r frame and fork I so can transplant all my parts…

September 2, 2009September 2, 2009

River Sun

Sun over the Intervale. Mornings are crisp and dark. 38 x 19 fixed combination + 700 x 40 tires is still a bit tall for playing in the woods – but seems perfect for pulling the little one about in the trailer.

August 31, 2009

Morning Ride

Fall is in the air. Quick trip through the woods and along the lake. Legs still sore from our hike.

August 30, 2009

Sunday Dirt

Solo adventuring today on some favorite roads. Household stuff to do – so I kept it short to 38 or so. Shot some video descending Governor Chittenden Road – but the bar mounted camera bouncing around makes it nearly impossible to watch.

August 29, 2009

Proud V.2

Three years ago next week my (then soon to be) father in-law had a stroke. Yesterday Jen and I hiked him to the top of Camel’s Hump via Forest City, the Long Trail, and Burrows. Impressed and proud that he made the trek – he has been talking about hiking and climbing mountains since his first dark days in the recovery room.

We certainly tired him out – and the Forest City to Long Trail route was ambitious to say the least – but with our help he methodically scrambled the rock below the summit, cursing the vertical on the last push to the top – and did it all in style. We even managed to snag the bill from our waiter during a post hike feast – the entire day was our treat to celebrate life and recovery and possibility.

August 23, 2009August 23, 2009

Wet

Trying to get a long ride in before some family travel sans bikes. Looking to be a wet one.

August 22, 2009

Granola Ninja Training Camp

Stumbled on this secret granola ninja training camp this morning while exploring the local woods. Camo painted extension ladders locked to trees, steel cable slack lines and rigging, climbing wall, tire swings, tree platforms and some sort of zip line. All minutes from downtown Burlington… just off the beaten path.

It is just up the trail from some mild double track, which turns to single track and then footpath. Some foot bridges and plank crossings back in this way too.

August 21, 2009August 21, 2009

Wandering

Wandering the Intervale with the little one.

August 21, 2009August 21, 2009

Snaps

Recent snaps – bike parking in front of Outdoor Gear Exchange and my morning spin.

I wish the parking was designed a bit better – you need to get to the sidewalk to park – instead of having access from the street. And if it had 2 sided entry you could double the number of bikes.

August 19, 2009August 19, 2009

Lake Morning

Morning on the lake with coffee and breakfast from the neighborhood cafe. No fire this morning. Nagging bug working its way through the family has me down – spinning a low gear and being a bit of a tourist in my own neighborhood.

I moved on from the Acron Boxy Rando Bag. It was a fine piece of luggage – but just not for me. I’ve missed having a place for my camera and a few snacks up front – until I found the Mountain Feed Bag from Epic Ride Research. So far it is a winner. Small and out of the way – works on the IF or the Surly. I can pack it full of food or the camera and cell phone. Outside mesh pockets can hold gels, bars, or discarded wrappers. Solid product, made in the states and simple simple simple. Almost a modified climbers chalk bag for the bike.