tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73306672024-03-06T23:41:12.012-06:00The DirtBlogLive to ride. Ride to live.MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.comBlogger514125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-25710788630686599022014-10-08T10:32:00.002-05:002014-10-08T10:32:39.748-05:00Some Recent Writing on Other Blogs...Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but I have been writing a fair bit for other blogs. You can read some of my latest writing here:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://fat-bike.com/2014/10/readers-ride-matt-gersibs-singular-puffin/" target="_blank">Fat-Bike.com -- Reader's Ride -- Matt Gersib's Singular Puffin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://twentynineinches.com/2014/09/04/rockshox-bluto-borealis-fh1-150mm-front-hub-ride-impressions/" target="_blank">TwentyNineInches.com -- RockShox Bluto/Borealis FH1 150mm Hub: Ride Impressions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://gravelgrindernews.com/american-classic-hurricane-disc-wheelset-final-review/" target="_blank">GravelGrinderNews.com -- American Classic Hurricane Disc Wheelset: Final Review</a></li>
</ul>
Enjoy... Then get out and ride your bike!<br />
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<br />
Cheers,<br />
MG MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-13451909850131812942014-06-17T12:57:00.003-05:002014-06-17T13:02:35.688-05:00Achieving Tranquility...It seems a bit crazy that the final race of the <a href="http://www.psycowpath.com/" target="_blank">2014 Psycowpath series</a> just came and went, as it seems like my cycling season is just reaching full stride. I only made it to a couple events, but the ones I did attend were awesome. The race this past weekend at <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/parks/parks/search-parks/park-details?pid=187" target="_blank">Tranquility Park</a> in Omaha was no exception. On-time, professional and most importantly, fun! High five to series promoters, Ryan & Roxanne Feagan, and thank you to everyone who volunteered!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6Voik0hvwkPBzKiVah4kHjeevV5zGQP25hRqSlZ-KGesJQBuTPtMpKBmKUMW5GjFbEC16RTJO5sLfD4bxrDoctL3W3vt349NjVgHj7qvWtToViBp7aMVD2enWsNRiypPE-Yr/s1600/Tranquility_Start_JenniferGreer_crSM.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6Voik0hvwkPBzKiVah4kHjeevV5zGQP25hRqSlZ-KGesJQBuTPtMpKBmKUMW5GjFbEC16RTJO5sLfD4bxrDoctL3W3vt349NjVgHj7qvWtToViBp7aMVD2enWsNRiypPE-Yr/s1600/Tranquility_Start_JenniferGreer_crSM.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the pack sprints from the line, I slip a pedal... A veteran move. Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/98191919@N02/sets/72157644766548010/" target="_blank">Jennifer Greer</a></td></tr>
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I raced in the Marathon (4-hour) event, and we had a pretty substantial class at Tranquility. More than 30 racers toed the line, including perennial strong men, Noah Marcus (Greenstreet Velo) and Rafal Doloto (Midwest Cycling-Trek Store), and up-and-comer, Jonathan Wait (Flatwater Cycling/Lincoln Industries). When the gun went off, I messed up clipping into my right pedal, completely slipping off its platform, so I had to sprint to get back to the front as the trail narrowed into singletrack. Fortunately, I went in second wheel behind Rafal, and we immediately set a good tempo. I hadn't planned to lead in the early going, but a slip by Rafal in a switchback corner handed the race lead to me, so I just tried to keep the pace high. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxKREZBEPLN2AzSAXHynKs-C8sbBZ4vpRmT-KSOCURS2a6DDj9xdOMzz2YoR-pOiopORB0BtOuE7JRzniZz7_m56Jrj5rPCn5gCzuqok3OWHC7RJG874bx-qC581KYy7pCjSw/s1600/TranquilityStart02_JenniferGreer_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxKREZBEPLN2AzSAXHynKs-C8sbBZ4vpRmT-KSOCURS2a6DDj9xdOMzz2YoR-pOiopORB0BtOuE7JRzniZz7_m56Jrj5rPCn5gCzuqok3OWHC7RJG874bx-qC581KYy7pCjSw/s1600/TranquilityStart02_JenniferGreer_sm.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinting back to the front after finally clipping into my right pedal. Photo: Jennifer Greer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Within a lap it was clear there were two contenders in this race, Jonathan and I. It was fun riding with him, as our skills were actually quite different. He comes from a road background, and on the climbs he was just tearing it up. I could pull away from him on the downhills though, so for a while it worked for me to lead. By the time he's catch me, we'd be back on a downhill and I could get again get a gap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictD7rk7QBIRG2U-CDnJGIPItqDQJO9R-JWKutkbJngVTMP-DKQgEpRRzedtWbQNpSGE2j9EGLs6FwumAK3vYlrr6guC1jvrTJMNbd4FRvSBYZaqcNPoQ0h4IErLqhCsFwMVNH/s1600/Tranquility_Lap1_JenniferGreer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictD7rk7QBIRG2U-CDnJGIPItqDQJO9R-JWKutkbJngVTMP-DKQgEpRRzedtWbQNpSGE2j9EGLs6FwumAK3vYlrr6guC1jvrTJMNbd4FRvSBYZaqcNPoQ0h4IErLqhCsFwMVNH/s1600/Tranquility_Lap1_JenniferGreer.jpg" height="152" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan Wait stalks me on the first lap. Photo: Jennifer Greer</td></tr>
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This only worked for so long however, and eventually Jonathan's stronger legs won out over my gonzo descending. I was having to take insane risks just to keep him in sight, so eventually I saw the writing on the wall and backed it down to a more sustainable, consistent pace. I had a comfortable lead on 3rd place, so I gradually accepted my position in the race and focused on having fun riding my bike. We ended up with six laps, or 54 miles of racing in just over four hours, and I felt like I put in a good ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HsgwsSocNxRF6ud0obGYyuqJ2uUlY6ly0qa52FVhjDMVi0POxsF7TgmXwYfPec_uk198GSDB91YW87ZJgjsLdngCuPZRtJOKLZ4pTDm9d5PrFxK-VgEKUnbuuhvIfhd7ymwk/s1600/MG02_DJChiWa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HsgwsSocNxRF6ud0obGYyuqJ2uUlY6ly0qa52FVhjDMVi0POxsF7TgmXwYfPec_uk198GSDB91YW87ZJgjsLdngCuPZRtJOKLZ4pTDm9d5PrFxK-VgEKUnbuuhvIfhd7ymwk/s1600/MG02_DJChiWa.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-race, rockin' through "Paul's Motivator", trying to make up time. Photo: DJ Chi Wai</td></tr>
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In the end, since Jonathan is quite a bit younger than I, we both ended up winning our respective classes in the Marathon -- he the under-40 class, and me the 40+ category. But I still know there was no denying Jonathan Wait on this day. He was the true champion and deserves all the glory and credit that goes with it.<br />
<br />
But that said, standing on the top step of the podium is never a bad thing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5hWlrKI2C-BrPylCAdt6EP7cz4h3ghNOOzo6DLvUr7cuWUu23ngCqMmhZ9aDj58p6AVQc5X24hfN4_7MSyyh-KG9MYUlZefJMl1EO4xKbxMdukq871QVmkbbJT-WkVMItUGA/s1600/Tranquility_Marathon40plus_podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5hWlrKI2C-BrPylCAdt6EP7cz4h3ghNOOzo6DLvUr7cuWUu23ngCqMmhZ9aDj58p6AVQc5X24hfN4_7MSyyh-KG9MYUlZefJMl1EO4xKbxMdukq871QVmkbbJT-WkVMItUGA/s1600/Tranquility_Marathon40plus_podium.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the podium = top of the world. Thanks to all who made it possible!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'd like to give a huge thank you to all who help make my cycling possible. Sam at <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/" target="_blank">Singular Cycles</a>, Jon at <a href="http://cospecialityvelo.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Specialty Velo, LLC</a>, Rob at <a href="http://oakley.com/" target="_blank">Oakley</a>, my incredible wife, Laura, and finally, the one and only Guitar Ted. Thank you all for your support of my cycling in 2014!MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-81238921312919100522014-04-02T12:30:00.003-05:002014-04-02T12:30:33.153-05:00Kicking Off the 2014 Season...The 2014 Nebraska mountain bike season got underway this past weekend with the first round of the <a href="http://www.psycowpath.com/" target="_blank">Psycowpath series</a> at Swanson Park in Bellevue. It was a beautiful day for a bike race, which helped bring racers out in near-record numbers.<br />
<br />
I raced in the Marathon category, which is a 4-hour XC event, but there also was a full schedule of traditional XC events taking place as well. We had an incredible turn out in the marathon field, with 52 racers taking the start. Given the numbers, I was fortunate to receive a front-row call-up, thanks to my overall finish in the 2013 Psycowpath series.<br />
<br />
The race started off hard from the gun, with 2013 Psycowpath Marathon series champion, Jim Winkelpleck taking the early lead. Kent McNeill went into the trees second, and I followed Kent in third. The sound of the 50+ rider pack coming behind us was very cool off the start.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS3WCzx4F72FwL6u1YTo_Q49C9BTeCz2FulcETq1O4zaMvuTkpHLZ6exFPmOlEO5-hyAe49UaMZHYnoi3EUld6uGeDsQvyOGOUMx9Qj9hIvDI7-xDOI97cw92wPmoqbi6qi-W/s1600/Swanson+MTB+(83).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS3WCzx4F72FwL6u1YTo_Q49C9BTeCz2FulcETq1O4zaMvuTkpHLZ6exFPmOlEO5-hyAe49UaMZHYnoi3EUld6uGeDsQvyOGOUMx9Qj9hIvDI7-xDOI97cw92wPmoqbi6qi-W/s1600/Swanson+MTB+(83).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racer/photographer <a href="http://www.mccolganphoto.com/" target="_blank">Mike McColgan</a> catches me airing it out on one of Swanson's rollers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
By the half-way point of the first lap, Kent had taken the lead, I was in second and Dale Pinkelman had moved up to third. It was clear relatively early-on that the race would be decided between the three of us, but in the first four laps of the race, it was an all Kent McNeill show. He was putting the wood to us and making it look easy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-guNL-1HUoSlsiBZc-zOoMuRXS710GwfEM5oWhBt-B9Tq9K0wgS-QT0g3pVkoExB0YE9sXZcJdm5efTJPhAfTFXLRorhSvHkGpehvk862LBz1FxURm98XapUNn3Oa3K4HSA3/s1600/Swanson+MTB+(84).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-guNL-1HUoSlsiBZc-zOoMuRXS710GwfEM5oWhBt-B9Tq9K0wgS-QT0g3pVkoExB0YE9sXZcJdm5efTJPhAfTFXLRorhSvHkGpehvk862LBz1FxURm98XapUNn3Oa3K4HSA3/s1600/Swanson+MTB+(84).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using one of Swanson's killer berms to carry a ton of speed. Photo: <a href="http://www.mccolganphoto.com/" target="_blank">Mike McColgan</a></td></tr>
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Sometime around lap five, while running in third, I noticed I was gaining ground on Dale on a couple sections of the course. Eventually I was able to get up to him and wasted no time setting sail for Kent, who I caught not long afterwards. I felt comfortable as I moved into the race lead, and worked diligently in the laps that followed to solidify my lead.<br />
<br />
That plan worked great until about lap eight (of ten), when I began to have hunger pangs from not eating enough in the early going. Unfortunately, even though I ate and drank immediately when I realized my error, the set back was enough to allow Kent and Dale to bridge back up to me. Dale went around first, then Kent came up to my wheel. We rode together for almost a complete lap before I once again went around him early in the final lap. Unfortunately, what I perceived as weakness in Kent was simply a move to mark me, as when he made his final move off my wheel with about a half-lap remaining, it was a move I couldn't counter. Given the situation, I backed off and enjoyed the fruits of my effort, which would earn me third overall for the day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.psycowpath.com/results/" target="_blank">View complete results from the Swanson Shoot Out. </a><br />
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I rode my prototype Singular Rooster in the race and didn't feel at a disadvantage at all relative to Dale and Kent, who both rode 'standard' 29"ers. I'm excited about the potential of the29+ platform in long XC races, as the bikes are fast and offer cornering traction that's simply not available on bikes with smaller tires. I'm stoked enough about 29+ that I've actually sent a Fox fork off to Shockspital to have them make some specific modifications that will allow it to be used on the Rooster. I'm going all-in!<br />
<br />
Look for an update on the Rooster suspension fork project soon, as I just sent the fork off to Shockspital yesterday.<br />
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Cheers,<br />MGMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-22476851817507811232013-10-02T13:40:00.001-05:002013-10-02T13:40:11.403-05:00For Sale: 2012 Salsa Mukluk Frameset -- Large/19-inch...With production of the new Singular Puffin approaching, I'm selling my 2012 Salsa Mukluk 3 frameset to make room in my stable for the new bike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4EPhqeGHbRl9rLkk_xHgI96tB4bkgz2DADIoT4AuwZnOsI9txpE9gqus4hn0hnU_QN-nInfBDSRsarp482tfNb5g4bsqUfiFEE6CYXDTcTeaeylOYXs3R2SiTber_t5LsQJ8/s1600/969324_10151676184372358_356222261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4EPhqeGHbRl9rLkk_xHgI96tB4bkgz2DADIoT4AuwZnOsI9txpE9gqus4hn0hnU_QN-nInfBDSRsarp482tfNb5g4bsqUfiFEE6CYXDTcTeaeylOYXs3R2SiTber_t5LsQJ8/s320/969324_10151676184372358_356222261_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seatpost, stem and headset are included (see below).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The frame is a 19-inch, or Large, and it's in very good overall condition. I'm including a number of parts in addition to the basic frame and fork, including:<br />
<ul>
<li>Salsa stem -- 110mm x 8 degree rise </li>
<li>400mm Kalloy seatpost</li>
<li> Cane Creek 10 cartridge bearing headset</li>
</ul>
All parts came stock on the Mukluk 3 and are in either new, or very good condition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZWUdUmwZpmMDb2KpSL8kSmBXtcLZEqCUQMnqsfGcykohxwo_FlIGTJaVxVT4zSj7Sqi1xXRozTklO2f1H7QCxL56uGO7HcQIChuxVsNzMtfauFRFgnSpxQALzYDdEEGFzCE1/s1600/1238260_10151676184582358_1495416989_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZWUdUmwZpmMDb2KpSL8kSmBXtcLZEqCUQMnqsfGcykohxwo_FlIGTJaVxVT4zSj7Sqi1xXRozTklO2f1H7QCxL56uGO7HcQIChuxVsNzMtfauFRFgnSpxQALzYDdEEGFzCE1/s320/1238260_10151676184582358_1495416989_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only real cosmetic 'flaw' in the frameset is at the rear of the top-tube -- part of the "Mukluk" graphic has peeled.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgWuO6wSXmaRjSdq_mhg_oK-DyLZZ2WqcIMoJcAaBZqYMVGa1W1c7fdFET8R9DA5JiekEm7WoEB_ZU3OrFEsqVXZtjpmbN7gOYsyWJvzEzIWxkZcJg01u1MVFgFSSqVoCbsHLdF/s1600/1238852_10151676184677358_551731464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuO6wSXmaRjSdq_mhg_oK-DyLZZ2WqcIMoJcAaBZqYMVGa1W1c7fdFET8R9DA5JiekEm7WoEB_ZU3OrFEsqVXZtjpmbN7gOYsyWJvzEzIWxkZcJg01u1MVFgFSSqVoCbsHLdF/s320/1238852_10151676184677358_551731464_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A better look at the peeling Mukluk graphic...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The frame has not been built/ridden since April 2013, when I began testing the prototype Puffin I'm riding today.<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/AVvXsEhPQtINb4L_syOKGnr4cUR2bEcIhP9hrjPM-JeyEVw1-S5buXuNV7USSIrsARB9SYexjMjbQcGwkvorWIVMX_Jp2u7O-shOz8sww-HLI0iySJXXJvt9ixI18zRj5H1PcLLyzkzE/s1600/601042_10151676185247358_527825840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQtINb4L_syOKGnr4cUR2bEcIhP9hrjPM-JeyEVw1-S5buXuNV7USSIrsARB9SYexjMjbQcGwkvorWIVMX_Jp2u7O-shOz8sww-HLI0iySJXXJvt9ixI18zRj5H1PcLLyzkzE/s320/601042_10151676185247358_527825840_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The included Salsa Enabler fork can fit up-to 4.8-inch tires.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBKhJMopPJ7WVLn6l8trMweTiC1fwBpnnYZ1tB7Sk90wQ2lqVsRsCuxsPnX0hBw7ybE9UTj5c9um8KxFWPyUDEV0vNjW3I9DpPjP56hN5y1a1df69thU_Wq6JmC5S7Vp6RNF4/s1600/581216_10151676184827358_799167485_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBKhJMopPJ7WVLn6l8trMweTiC1fwBpnnYZ1tB7Sk90wQ2lqVsRsCuxsPnX0hBw7ybE9UTj5c9um8KxFWPyUDEV0vNjW3I9DpPjP56hN5y1a1df69thU_Wq6JmC5S7Vp6RNF4/s320/581216_10151676184827358_799167485_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The non-drive side Mukluk graphic is just fine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEg7iLeOoQlaVMKdKzrtSJ_hX6290vWkgcvYhE7zkz06-5cxb2JlmDiPVd5D2hKU4FEjFSAFYvyYpdXKa7mnupN80bCOWIF3KES_Uv1yqmk_UHGwPG5wfCeH5gWDhzqukRtiG_bP/s1600/1236703_10151676185437358_2013427164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iLeOoQlaVMKdKzrtSJ_hX6290vWkgcvYhE7zkz06-5cxb2JlmDiPVd5D2hKU4FEjFSAFYvyYpdXKa7mnupN80bCOWIF3KES_Uv1yqmk_UHGwPG5wfCeH5gWDhzqukRtiG_bP/s320/1236703_10151676185437358_2013427164_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The included Cane Creek headset has seen very little use (I used a Chris King).</td></tr>
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<br />
<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/AVvXsEi0ij-AfsZ5jhO7zvdWcCPIE1m0B3hQEOP3AXSVhPcbEuv7-QsiLrYO_0MIoc1lMk1QJ_I2nv8-DlbofZcHfombWW7ZAmP2h0FGwpMfGZpAFccj1eKkXWeRG4kLlSUjxpOxBsik/s1600/1231181_10151676184982358_1455977657_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ij-AfsZ5jhO7zvdWcCPIE1m0B3hQEOP3AXSVhPcbEuv7-QsiLrYO_0MIoc1lMk1QJ_I2nv8-DlbofZcHfombWW7ZAmP2h0FGwpMfGZpAFccj1eKkXWeRG4kLlSUjxpOxBsik/s320/1231181_10151676184982358_1455977657_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wrapped right chainstay has kept that area in great condition. I've left it wrapped, so the new owner can choose to use it, or ditch it for another solution.</td></tr>
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I'm asking $425 or best offer, plus any applicable shipping.<br />
<br />
Please don't hesitate to ask questions, either through the comments, or <a href="mailto:mattgersib@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via email.</a><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks for looking! </i>MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-70364857227478043682013-07-04T21:51:00.001-05:002013-07-04T22:08:56.055-05:00The Odin's Revenge Experience...<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/AVvXsEjy8zBQpzj-1IYyTvJ0hycRvlshEB8r2d5qvogRdiDbIpLAvhPunu5HiBf7qlw6-rOFBgMFm5kj3zgLpfs_4Xr_fQfj9-ij-74Su_f6ujCNrIBQgb-HR434XEGTcbyFW_QKhs0v/s1600/DSCN2872b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8zBQpzj-1IYyTvJ0hycRvlshEB8r2d5qvogRdiDbIpLAvhPunu5HiBf7qlw6-rOFBgMFm5kj3zgLpfs_4Xr_fQfj9-ij-74Su_f6ujCNrIBQgb-HR434XEGTcbyFW_QKhs0v/s320/DSCN2872b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Nebraska Sandhills -- you get into them in the north loop of the course.</td></tr>
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There have been volumes written about how boring the I-80 drive through Nebraska is. So unless you're from central Nebraska, you'll probably be surprised to learn that a gravel grinder with a start and finish in Gothenburg, Nebraska, just a stone's throw from the Interstate, is one of the most scenic and challenging events of its type in the country.<br />
<br />
In just its second year, <a href="http://odinsrevenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Odin's Reveng</a>e is quickly establishing a reputation as a punisher. Last year, the 180-mile event ran on a day that saw 104-degree temperatures, so attrition was more than 50-percent.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEju8cOAWEkTQsjXVzIqDlbGvRjbHrF2Tj596FRs7ryhZFcwlp9GwoG1I7F5pTFIQNovMGEdZmdFaSa8jdBGf1jubTtdNGmX_7knNuvovrQWvktxDTJDnfHs8LBH3NziI9xBMc6n/s960/552426_456621794357563_2141762460_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8cOAWEkTQsjXVzIqDlbGvRjbHrF2Tj596FRs7ryhZFcwlp9GwoG1I7F5pTFIQNovMGEdZmdFaSa8jdBGf1jubTtdNGmX_7knNuvovrQWvktxDTJDnfHs8LBH3NziI9xBMc6n/s320/552426_456621794357563_2141762460_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornbread & I during the foggy, muggy first loop of the 2012 Odin's Revenge. This year would be much different...</td></tr>
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This year's shortened 150-mile event featured incredible weather, with high temperatures in the mid-80s and clear skies. In the afternoon, an increasing northwest wind made the second half of the course a particular challenge on the way out, but on the way home, we flew on the wings of that same strong wind, now at our back.<br />
<br />
I was fortunate to have a great traveling companion for the adventure -- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10960580677548417562" target="_blank">Guitar Ted</a> -- and he made the trip an absolute joy. G-T drove over from Iowa and then we loaded up our newly-renovated Subaru for the journey to Gothenburg. His timing worked out perfectly, as he rolled into town just as I was finishing up my pre-race grocery shopping. Excellent...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagBqmFq769xN8yimNVENY3N8Fn_rc_d0j4E3yJykU-DH6a2wEyqazDmuLyynCOWndpmuNG8xhj8J659HKg6z4OF9bF7jArX0mcDotPMdi2MLHbeYGlgo3A4Wf2H8b_VBLrwYK/s1600/976997_616967528322988_1386528187_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagBqmFq769xN8yimNVENY3N8Fn_rc_d0j4E3yJykU-DH6a2wEyqazDmuLyynCOWndpmuNG8xhj8J659HKg6z4OF9bF7jArX0mcDotPMdi2MLHbeYGlgo3A4Wf2H8b_VBLrwYK/s400/976997_616967528322988_1386528187_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we pulled into the Gothenburg KOA, we knew we were in the right place... Photo: M. Quigley</td></tr>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO1FMMh5tew1hd2VhAvYLPLNBVH8y02jvgglMNtHQZ3FwppbxIyKrUeDBovaZgSEEP9hs_Ep1rkdDJ99fQ_gxSvnqiHC6XncEzQjJ8TpaV2B-agnvhOTuqP4NfPDeyer-S4SI/s1600/1040279_616967904989617_614478398_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO1FMMh5tew1hd2VhAvYLPLNBVH8y02jvgglMNtHQZ3FwppbxIyKrUeDBovaZgSEEP9hs_Ep1rkdDJ99fQ_gxSvnqiHC6XncEzQjJ8TpaV2B-agnvhOTuqP4NfPDeyer-S4SI/s320/1040279_616967904989617_614478398_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad Quigley, Lace Fraley and I talk bikes and such. Photo: M. Quigley</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
We hit the road for Gothenburg around 11am and were one of the first participants to arrive on-site at the KOA. The DSG crew -- <a href="http://cqsmtbtalesfromthedirt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chad</a> & Merrie Quigley, Kyle Vincent, Matt Bergen, Lane Bergen, Bob Wieck, <a href="http://paulsiebertlive.com/" target="_blank">Paul Siebert</a> and a number of others were on-site preparing for the onslaught of racers, and my recollection from the previous year was that the Friday night "meet up" was one of the most fun parts of the event.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx31FfmmBZ28JBCQjwTItQF-Sq7DvqvuvMGlsLLYeich3iT9-ZEzbHOJVR4Hbw0e-l7onE4Id491R346UYMq8FdcjYgMr3HIw2JcQrmU64m79ImSsQODZWEZWHHX2Ns9q5gZFH/s797/P1060438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx31FfmmBZ28JBCQjwTItQF-Sq7DvqvuvMGlsLLYeich3iT9-ZEzbHOJVR4Hbw0e-l7onE4Id491R346UYMq8FdcjYgMr3HIw2JcQrmU64m79ImSsQODZWEZWHHX2Ns9q5gZFH/s320/P1060438.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://paulsiebertlive.com/" target="_blank">Paul Siebert</a> on the hammered dulcimer. Photo: <a href="http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Guitar Ted</a></td></tr>
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<br />
At some point, Paul got his banjo out and started singing, I cracked a new bottle of Templeton Rye and we got the party started proper. I knew we had a race the next day, so I wasn't going full-throttle, but we were also in the midst of good friends we don't get to see all that often, so we had a little partying to do. It all worked out very nicely... Lots of fun and laughs were had and Paul even played his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammered_dulcimer" target="_blank">hammered dulcimer</a> for us. It's a beautiful instrument I rarely get to experience, and I knew Guitar Ted would be blown away at Paul's ability to make beautiful music with it. Thanks Paul...<br />
<br />
Guitar Ted and I were some of the last to leave the KOA, and after a brief stop at the local grocery store we were back at the Quigley's house, as we'd be staying in their beautiful home for the weekend. Chad and I hung out chatting out back for a few minutes, then I was off to bed for the night.<br />
<br />
I set the alarm on my iPad for 4:15am and was quickly asleep.<br />
<br />
The next morning, I awoke to a surprising amount of light in the room. "What time is it?" I wondered.<br />
<br />
I grabbed my iPad... 5:02am<br />
<br />
"HOLY SH--!"<br />
<br />
I jumped out of bed and immediately started digging for clothes in my bag. I had less than an hour to get dressed and out to the race course. The thoughts rushed though my mind almost too quickly to comprehend, but somehow I collected myself and got everything together in-time. It was much thanks to Merrie Quigley, really, as the breakfast casserole she made enabled me to have a solid breakfast and do it in less than five minutes. That was key...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-caGwcSr2MmK3cqB4ucoInDo8N3SCCpddY5Nli_7LA5cMB9YTu7MTzWHWNuVIniV3d0E9vF_qbclSW_xqVEYGBwijM9juqjkeKBVV4XanficvqihqcvGXGWDveNEts1XdNQ5/s1600/DSCN2855b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-caGwcSr2MmK3cqB4ucoInDo8N3SCCpddY5Nli_7LA5cMB9YTu7MTzWHWNuVIniV3d0E9vF_qbclSW_xqVEYGBwijM9juqjkeKBVV4XanficvqihqcvGXGWDveNEts1XdNQ5/s320/DSCN2855b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over my shoulder as we rolled toward the hills. That's Iowa gravel vet, Jeremy Fry on my wheel. He was riding strong all day.</td></tr>
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<br />
Fortunately, once at the race start, we realized nobody was in a particular hurry and we were running right on-schedule. The start rolled out super easy too, as I was leading it out and since I hadn't ridden any sort of warm up, I didn't want to pedal any too hard in the opening miles. I was content just to spin the legs out and as long as everyone else was cool with it, life was good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9RUk49SVHUaHWuhi5UsRx9gqOvDM01hT0Hvo5AXwT-F5N5DfdYw6laXTSPFaY6ogrI4PN1dcHmYCJerLf37mFyegiUraHZ5XVbx5BTp_YF7IpIWz50dD-oBBNG40IKZEMApz/s1600/DSCN2864b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9RUk49SVHUaHWuhi5UsRx9gqOvDM01hT0Hvo5AXwT-F5N5DfdYw6laXTSPFaY6ogrI4PN1dcHmYCJerLf37mFyegiUraHZ5XVbx5BTp_YF7IpIWz50dD-oBBNG40IKZEMApz/s320/DSCN2864b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornbread rides toward one of the cool railroad bridges on the south side of the course.</td></tr>
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<br />
Of course, it didn't take long before the course itself imposed its presence and some climbs started thinning out the lead pack, which pretty quickly worked down to eight or nine riders. It eventually stabilized into a six-rider lead pack, which held throughout the first, approximately 95-mile loop of the course.<br />
<br />
I had announced my intent to stop at the McDonalds in Gothenburg on my way out on the north loop to the others in the lead group as we were about 10-miles from finishing the south loop. Last year's race winner, Mike Marchand, had stopped there and still was able to pull off the victory, and I could tell my stomach was starting to need something other than the sweet foods I had with me on the bike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGMm_PHOqDjaM3at24vt16UGmaPPay37EiVabkuoiYml5USyXtAajKqbJ-HkrGdI642LijYWq1PsoQMVnf3ehz4tQnJA8rgO4-JP8Mm-2602fUkx00e05iQO8qM6wBfHZss0x/s1600/DSCN2867b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGMm_PHOqDjaM3at24vt16UGmaPPay37EiVabkuoiYml5USyXtAajKqbJ-HkrGdI642LijYWq1PsoQMVnf3ehz4tQnJA8rgO4-JP8Mm-2602fUkx00e05iQO8qM6wBfHZss0x/s320/DSCN2867b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch... I only eat at McDonalds a couple of times a year and this was one of them. It worked well for me.</td></tr>
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<br />
Once we checked-in at Gothenburg, all of us went and restocked our supplies. Todd Tvrdik rode up and checked on me at the McDonalds to see how close I was to leaving. As much as I wanted to roll out with him, I was only about half done and still wanted to eat... I had my priorities, so I wished him good luck and sent him on his way.<br />
<br />
As it turns out, seeing Todd provided me with a spark that kick started me into action. I quickly finished my food and got myself back onto the road. He was about a mile in-front of me, as best I could tell on the slight uphill climb out of town. A persistent northwesterly wind made quick progress impossible, but I spent as much time down on my aero bar as possible in an attempt to pull distance back on Todd. It worked at times, but we played a game of yo-yo until just before the checkpoint, where (I came to learn later) he'd taken a bit of a break, allowing me to ride up just as he was leaving.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWmDn_7C6inqxNZvAKElcDVXPeLmsOvTftdVNQjCr0gne7kzMzHT3jq4f_wBOr5sUKFEGHnlbOyJlRSwy0FZ8BsGyy1M_u_Ph9WUaQpJRoZV0zX2ryX4feZDwHh_ouEOHzpMA/s960/1045059_556484304415912_1167946425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWmDn_7C6inqxNZvAKElcDVXPeLmsOvTftdVNQjCr0gne7kzMzHT3jq4f_wBOr5sUKFEGHnlbOyJlRSwy0FZ8BsGyy1M_u_Ph9WUaQpJRoZV0zX2ryX4feZDwHh_ouEOHzpMA/s320/1045059_556484304415912_1167946425_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todd Tvrdik leaving checkpoint 4 as I arrive. Photo: Matt Bergen</td></tr>
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<br />
As checkpoint volunteer, Bob Wieck attempted to hand me a beer, I somehow resisted and while thanking him, also said "I've been chasing Todd since we left Gothenburg. I still have some work to-do. Let's save that for the finish line."<br />
<br />
And with that, I resumed my chase, now significantly closer than we'd been since my lunch stop. I was confident I'd eventually get him, but also knew Todd wouldn't go down without a fight, so I needed to be strategic about my moves.<br />
<br />
I didn't go after him immediately, instead choosing to pull to within 8-10 seconds, and just pace him, watching how he was riding and where he was riding well. We rode like this for perhaps 12 miles, and then there was a fast two-track dirt road on a ridge that led into a fast, loose and winding downhill. On the upper two-track, Todd surprised me by opening up the gap on me substantially, but then he stood up to stretch his back at the top of the downhill, allowing me to quickly catch back up.<br />
<br />
I sensed this was the time, as I'd been riding well on most of the loose downhills earlier in the day, while Todd and I were both riding in the lead pack. I shifted into my largest gear and moved onto the left line of the two-track. We were flying at more than 30-mph and the loose talcum conditions made steering more of a vague dirt-track sort of experience than a definitive line picking exercise, but I bet I had 6-8mph on Todd when I went around him. I was at terminal velocity... I won't lie. It was sweet.<br />
<br />
He actually said "Holy SHIT!" as I went around.<br />
<br />
I said, "good job, Todd," and kept pedaling.<br />
<br />
From that point on, it was a 15-mile with the wind time trial to the finish, and I'd swear to you that it was mostly downhill too. I gave it everything I had left and rolled into the finish at the KOA completely spent. Todd rolled in a few minutes later looking notably fresher. I think the margin was I simply wanted it more on that day. He rode fantastic and looked great out there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbO6NBN3ntk_a6nfnGNetFUOQNbOhcpFGiFy-dmz6Tojq1EmJlRAKDtav_h1cHHuAX8EhOA90PquUweNfTI0G7vhPLc-PEZvH3iQPfZZY_ZSHzgl3uApdD3I_WK5sM_xNrQX8/s1298/Odins+Revenge+13+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbO6NBN3ntk_a6nfnGNetFUOQNbOhcpFGiFy-dmz6Tojq1EmJlRAKDtav_h1cHHuAX8EhOA90PquUweNfTI0G7vhPLc-PEZvH3iQPfZZY_ZSHzgl3uApdD3I_WK5sM_xNrQX8/s320/Odins+Revenge+13+081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing a long, awesome day in the third-place position. Photo: <a href="http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Guitar Ted</a></td></tr>
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<br />
We were credited with 3rd and 4th place solo, which was good for us, as the three winners came across the line together (very cool, IMHO) and so were all credited with 1st place. In reality though, I know I was more like the 5th place finisher, and I'm cool with that. It was a solid field this year and everyone who participated, and especially those who completed the event -- from the first to the last finisher -- deserve a hearty round of applause. I was stoked to win receive a generous third place prize package that included a Mountain Feedbag from event sponsor, <a href="http://www.revelatedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Revelate Designs</a>. Thanks to Revelate's Eric Parsons for sponsoring the event.<br />
<br />
Thanks to the incredible terrain, this is one tough event, regardless of whether it's 180- or 150-miles! But it's also an event that's incredibly fun and inviting because of its people and its beauty, so I wholeheartedly recommend checking it out. Thanks to the entire DSG crew, but especially to our hosts for the weekend, Chad and Merrie Quigley, for opening their home to us and for their incredible generosity. I know Guitar Ted and I both enjoyed the time we spent with everyone. You can read his posts by the way, <a href="http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2013/07/odins-revenge-race-report.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2013/07/odins-revenge-race-report-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_TzDaBOeat8D9w2gYGK5nj3YZE9oWDbZ4DeTGlbu77LeacKO9rkfiphdKCF3kIk-wgyPvZLEbXlCl-DhQAB5dmIJ4rfBEww2V2pNK4lRAbNSMiicOR9g1FXEoTUdeFuKKwxP/s960/1263_556484364415906_83764579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_TzDaBOeat8D9w2gYGK5nj3YZE9oWDbZ4DeTGlbu77LeacKO9rkfiphdKCF3kIk-wgyPvZLEbXlCl-DhQAB5dmIJ4rfBEww2V2pNK4lRAbNSMiicOR9g1FXEoTUdeFuKKwxP/s320/1263_556484364415906_83764579_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Bergen captures a good shot of the setup I used on my Singular Kite during my checkpoint four stop.</td></tr>
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<br />
For the event, I rode my incredible <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-kite.html" target="_blank">Singular Kite</a> (<a href="http://gravelgrindernews.com/singular-cycles-kite-rider-review/" target="_blank">read my review on GravelGrinderNews.com</a>) set up with a tubeless 43c Bruce Gordon Rock N Road in the front and a tubeless 42c Continental Cyclocross Speed in the rear. The tires worked perfectly and were a competitive advantage in loose, fast sections of the course, undoubtedly. The ability to not have to worry about flats is a complete confidence booster too. I appreciate the ride quality and clearance Singular owner and designer, Sam Alison has built into the frame and fork. It was the perfect ride for Odin's Revenge.<br />
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<i>Thanks for reading!</i>MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-42291048193347079402013-06-14T12:17:00.004-05:002013-06-14T12:17:54.666-05:00Check Out My Dirty Kanza Recap on Gravel Grinder News...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gravelgrindernews.com/2013/06/the-2013-dirty-kanza-200-answering-call.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcWostE1dDN9dp3g9Dm9yxDOOPPauyU9G_HIrkrrd1pXQMUwFGIqCgYFZFjtUMkp7IPQqkgNnXi0PeDV75ORdpjNzKm38v4NZhQIOnOzcwVTB3JgPxVVBu-GfCZrcdrfGPJNU/s320/DirtyKanza200_GravelGrinderNews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My story from the 2013 Dirty Kanza 200 <a href="http://www.gravelgrindernews.com/2013/06/the-2013-dirty-kanza-200-answering-call.html" target="_blank">has been posted on GravelGrinderNews.com</a>. Check it out when you get a chance...<br />
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<i>Thanks for reading!</i> Have a great weekend and I hope to see you out on the road or trail.<br />
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Cheers,<br />MGMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-31708514910898224302013-05-20T13:29:00.002-05:002014-02-14T14:05:11.923-06:00Singular Bikes in the Wild...Spotted this weekend in southeastern Nebraska...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWR17lFGIUSt0t9Np5pHZ-iheP9Uk3AxWJBhI4bcUAvxj0mV-vAt1gjiHM-Rxgs4NFRTMai1uekDz0uE3JUH-DYWEps9duBpROJtrLLJD_MaGV1l_Sa2U5pFdK7qmMZSDMs61/s1600/051813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWR17lFGIUSt0t9Np5pHZ-iheP9Uk3AxWJBhI4bcUAvxj0mV-vAt1gjiHM-Rxgs4NFRTMai1uekDz0uE3JUH-DYWEps9duBpROJtrLLJD_MaGV1l_Sa2U5pFdK7qmMZSDMs61/s320/051813.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elusive <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-gryphon.html" target="_blank">Singular Gryphon</a>... here, headed for home at mile 85 of Saturday's nearly 100-mile pre-<a href="http://www.dirtykanza200.com/" target="_blank">Dirty Kanza 200</a> shakedown run. In a somewhat unprecedented move for me, I'll be running a singlespeed this year at the DK200. You heard it here first...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZpfDi4mYJ-MzcUfbY1zFziUwiNor92eC78vJi1GTrZmF4FyeFDeYrX7rR2O4TZXXCUTRkUnLtb_fzGd_SIuVkZeR0iHUikT51kZz5KnV2wHK0GPqs8eJ-YgZx_7cvDqLBxZ4/s1600/MGsOsprey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZpfDi4mYJ-MzcUfbY1zFziUwiNor92eC78vJi1GTrZmF4FyeFDeYrX7rR2O4TZXXCUTRkUnLtb_fzGd_SIuVkZeR0iHUikT51kZz5KnV2wHK0GPqs8eJ-YgZx_7cvDqLBxZ4/s320/MGsOsprey.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the debut of the new <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-osprey.html" target="_blank">Singular Osprey</a>, and my return to owning a road bike... Well, sort of. It's got 32c tires (yes, they're tubeless) and it's just as fast on smoother gravel as it is on pavement. Clearly it's not for DK200-style riding, but for a lot of the gravel roads we have around here, it's gonna' be just the ticket. Oh, I'll ride some pavement too... Just not <i>too</i> much!</td></tr>
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May is <a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/content/national-bike-month" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Bike Month</a> and it's about the best time of year to get out and ride... Hope to see you out on the roads or trails!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
MGMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-434045376951672212013-05-02T12:23:00.000-05:002013-05-02T12:54:08.656-05:00TransIowa v.9: It Just Wasn't My Year...<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/AVvXsEiDTNBf2a2cBZOCNR_N3-lmwWjR372EcD2Ul_1cY0-6u74hW8tJdlZpU5xGJt1tNXxD5brBzNLAJwLYQ-rv-h8Ux7xF8nlyv5Reytwj43elCiN-AvCFQZ7j99Z2ghCN1oWQV3mT/s1600/Imaginegnat_TransIowa_feel_5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTNBf2a2cBZOCNR_N3-lmwWjR372EcD2Ul_1cY0-6u74hW8tJdlZpU5xGJt1tNXxD5brBzNLAJwLYQ-rv-h8Ux7xF8nlyv5Reytwj43elCiN-AvCFQZ7j99Z2ghCN1oWQV3mT/s320/Imaginegnat_TransIowa_feel_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over TransIowa... Photo: <a href="http://imaginegnat.com/" target="_blank">Gnat</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Gravel road races the length of <a href="http://transiowa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TransIowa</a> are unique. They're long enough to require months of training, so they aren't undertaken lightly and they aren't something you drop out of on a whim. But one thing years of racing these events has taught me is that, sometimes it just isn't your day. And so it was this year at TransIowa v.9.<br />
<br />
The morning of the race started off well enough. I was one of the first riders to show up on the line, actually leaving my hotel for the start line at 3:00am sharp. <a href="http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Guitar Ted</a> had asked us to be there by 3:30 and I was ready a little early, so I decided to get going. When I arrived at the line at 3:10, just one other rider was present that I could see. It was a little eerie, as I knew within minutes a mass of people would descend on the area.<br />
<br />
And so they did. I chatted with a number of other riders, including 2012 TransIowa winner, Eric Brunt, who was looking fit, <a href="http://dirtykanza200.com/" target="_blank">Dirty Kanza 200</a> race director, Jim Cummins, who was looking equally fit, and other friends from Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and other places. Then, after a short talk from Guitar Ted, he led us out of to the edge of town, to the first gravel, in his truck.<br />
<br />
Once we hit the gravel, the pace lit up almost immediately, and a couple of racers started attacking on the early steep climbs. I tried to stay near the front but in the pack so I was in a draft most of the time, but realized after the first couple of hours, when I stopped to remove my jacket, that I was using more energy than I'd thought. The jacket was completely soaked through with sweat... Not a good sign.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUrSgGu_SuJ8no9HkcVa-7NU874Yl61FO5kbSN_qair8Lmle1siLYVMNeY5p02bMW9x8ABz-UdbK1CCpSYogqNjK4GYgTxXwAKpNpVjTWFaK3ZNuW1h9cso4qRO7dYmIXEb1Q/s1600/387360_646114935405560_1050865129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUrSgGu_SuJ8no9HkcVa-7NU874Yl61FO5kbSN_qair8Lmle1siLYVMNeY5p02bMW9x8ABz-UdbK1CCpSYogqNjK4GYgTxXwAKpNpVjTWFaK3ZNuW1h9cso4qRO7dYmIXEb1Q/s320/387360_646114935405560_1050865129_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cqsmtbtalesfromthedirt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chad Quigley</a> catches me making a funny face at CP1. That's Lance Andre lowering the pressure on the 27c Vittoria tubulars on his Trek Madone. It was a decision he'd later regret, as he'd flat his rear tire less than 15 miles later on some chunky asphalt on a section of bike path.</td></tr>
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I pulled into the first checkpoint with Lance Andre, who was riding a <a href="http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/race_performance/domane_6_series/" target="_blank">Trek Domane</a> similar to the one Jay Thomas used to win Gravel Worlds in 2012. The difference was, here at TransIowa, the gravel was much rougher, fresher and chunkier, so Andre had a much bigger challenge on his hands. On the smooth sections, he was rocket fast, but there were times on the fresh gravel where he found himself on the losing end of the battle for control of the bike and would go careening across the road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIYYd3JUlRxOXcPdY86-eWzqrtF6nVKnn2sDGOdeMrMZbcICjtzT_aSVebl47LbETC0E9NlnYeQAJB7uCPah6gCFgEt0pA69kF6tZETFPsukUiwde-0xS22e5ZStNd6o2JHTB/s1600/Imaginegnat_TransIowa_Riding_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIYYd3JUlRxOXcPdY86-eWzqrtF6nVKnn2sDGOdeMrMZbcICjtzT_aSVebl47LbETC0E9NlnYeQAJB7uCPah6gCFgEt0pA69kF6tZETFPsukUiwde-0xS22e5ZStNd6o2JHTB/s320/Imaginegnat_TransIowa_Riding_8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The section of bike path that caused Lance Andre's first flat of the day. Photo: <a href="http://imaginegnat.com/" target="_blank">Gnat</a></td></tr>
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<br />
When we pulled into the checkpoint, <a href="http://cqsmtbtalesfromthedirt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chad Quigley</a>, a Nebraska homeboy volunteering for the event, told me the leaders had taken a wrong turn and were off-course. That meant we were very close to the race lead, but in all honesty, I didn't really care. I just wanted to get back on-course and catch up to <a href="http://www.cornbreadblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cornbread</a>, who'd left the checkpoint just ahead of me, so I quickly arranged my second set of cue sheets and was on my way. I caught Cornbread and (I believe) Jay Barre about two miles later, but started having pain in my right knee on a climb shortly after and let them ride away from me while I tried to figure out what was going on.<br />
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I eventually stopped and did some stretching to try to loosen my leg up, which helped a little. While I was stopped, I had the good fortune of having a big group ride up on me that included Salsa riders, Tim Ek, Paul Errinton and Jim Cummins. Our group eventually grew to also include several members of the Cycle Works/Moose's Tooth team, eventual women's winner (and 4th place overall finisher), Monika Sattler, and others. It was a group I was stoked to be riding with, and honestly thought I'd end up finishing with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGNUT5Svtb0B8lZxOy1eBwQdfAPVO0xvWVn7jq-KGB5_5VVTF6qkkH8cgGqMHDf3CERUxhP4zGKJEIz1Z5TxqkA3_6xDVLKPXcYd4WmM_gfAfCtvMcw8wLD0nPS-jWeH8oKzL/s1600/DSCN2756cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGNUT5Svtb0B8lZxOy1eBwQdfAPVO0xvWVn7jq-KGB5_5VVTF6qkkH8cgGqMHDf3CERUxhP4zGKJEIz1Z5TxqkA3_6xDVLKPXcYd4WmM_gfAfCtvMcw8wLD0nPS-jWeH8oKzL/s320/DSCN2756cr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group coming into the first Casey's stop (at approx. mile 80 in the event). Immediately in-front of me is Paul Errington from the UK, with Tim Ek to his left. Eventual women's winner and 4th place overall finisher, Monika Sattler, rides in-front of Tim.</td></tr>
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<br />
But on this day it wasn't to be. At about 110 miles into the event, my body began to falter again and I quietly drifted to the back of the group. As I dangled at the back, it became harder and harder simply for me to maintain contact, even with the strong draft from the eight-strong group, and at one point I simply made the decision to cut the cord. I rode alone for about 20 more minutes contemplating my fate before I stopped on the side of the road at the entrance to a field, where I sat down and ate a few Honey Stinger waffles and drank a whole water bottle as I sent a text message to Laura warning her that the end may be drawing neigh on TransIowa v.9. But before I decided conclusively, I hopped back on to my bike for about 30 more minutes to confirm my legs weren't coming back (which they weren't).<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/AVvXsEgYQgdp_H227H-r1ZkbmsR1jGPKrnAnXBxo751cxpnqOjIbm9dm6A5wVLc_YzWyw7LcwP8vYmcU1vdAYgGrKFeJyLFnrIZOfpP3N1P0aX-WB-hGYR_2PMP6W1AoU5KU22oqJdcF/s1600/DSCN2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQgdp_H227H-r1ZkbmsR1jGPKrnAnXBxo751cxpnqOjIbm9dm6A5wVLc_YzWyw7LcwP8vYmcU1vdAYgGrKFeJyLFnrIZOfpP3N1P0aX-WB-hGYR_2PMP6W1AoU5KU22oqJdcF/s320/DSCN2763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dusty <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-gryphon.html" target="_blank">Gryphon </a>sits, awaiting my decision...</td></tr>
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At that point, I decided that TransIowa v.9 was over for me. I'd simply burnt too many matches in the early going to make myself last the entire event, and the moment of reckoning was at hand. I made the call with no regrets and nobody to blame for my failure but myself. It's just one of those things that I wish I'd have done better, but I can't do over, so I can just learn from it and move forward.<br />
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I want to thank everyone who supported me with their thoughts and comments in the lead-up and during TransIowa this year. It was truly humbling and inspiring to see how many people were following our progress during the event. Thanks again to all who took time to follow along!<br />
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It was fantastic to see and ride with lots of old friends, and also meet and ride with a lot of cool new people. I was reminded once again of one of the best things about the gravel racing scene -- the people! Thanks to each of you who made this a special event. <br />
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Preparing and competing in TransIowa would not have been possible without the incredible support of my beautiful wife, Laura. Not only was she there to pick me up when I faltered, but she unselfishly allowed me the time necessary to prepare the way I needed to for TransIowa -- and any of you who've done it know that's no small undertaking! And also, thank you to Marty Larson (The Prairie Peddler) and Sam Alison at <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/" target="_blank">Singular Cycles</a>, and Rob Versteegh at <a href="http://www.oakley.com/" target="_blank">Oakley</a> for the support of my riding and racing. I feel honored to represent each of you whenever I'm on my bike! And finally, thank you to Guitar Ted and all of the volunteers who made TransIowa v.9 an unforgettable, life-changing event for so many participants. Even though it didn't work out the way I'd hoped, personally, it was still an amazing experience... Thanks again!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTNBf2a2cBZOCNR_N3-lmwWjR372EcD2Ul_1cY0-6u74hW8tJdlZpU5xGJt1tNXxD5brBzNLAJwLYQ-rv-h8Ux7xF8nlyv5Reytwj43elCiN-AvCFQZ7j99Z2ghCN1oWQV3mT/s1600/Imaginegnat_TransIowa_feel_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-18324846193274903002013-04-25T18:14:00.003-05:002013-04-25T18:14:33.631-05:00Follow TransIowa v.9 This Weekend on Mountain Bike Radio...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mountainbikeradio.com/the-guitar-ted-show/trans-iowa-radio/#.UXm1wsrzn6k" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCoj5enCLtG3zjjqUUq7uibBaRCP9tricLUU2yso-TVc3ouCNX-r8gc8-IDQU1BlSnU_SzaHiT5fkz12XBB0c5Zwk5cgdFbWOm0QNXdzayIqyNsSZnulccGut5W-13edKfBqd/s320/TransIowaV9Radio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mountainbikeradio.com/the-guitar-ted-show/trans-iowa-radio/#.UXm1wsrzn6k" target="_blank">Click here to go to the TransIowa v.9 radio page on Mountain Bike Radio</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Cheers,<br />MGMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-66847678688822427492013-04-23T17:56:00.002-05:002013-04-23T18:14:54.807-05:00Detailing my final TransIowa v9 Bike Setup...It's time for the one we've all been waiting for -- <a href="http://transiowa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TransIowa</a> time is here -- and it looks like this year's event is <a href="http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=41.7436111&lon=-92.72472219999997&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=Grinnell%2C%20IA%2050112%2C%20USA" target="_blank">set to be a good one</a>. We're expecting weather in the mid-60s with sunshine during the day, and lows in the upper-40s during the night, but most importantly, it's forecast to be DRY, which is quite alright as far as I'm concerned. You can bet with all the rain the area's gotten over the past week, the B-roads are going to be awfully damp anyway... but the gravel, yes the gravel should be primo.<br />
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So, with all that in-mind, my steed for the Big Dance is already packed and ready. No joke. Everything is ready to go, and I wanted to show you all the <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-gryphon.html" target="_blank">Singular Gryphon</a> I'll be riding this year. So, without further ado, here it is:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyyNKNSG_H5wp2StCsdyXxpr0N88P49jWB_IJf1uqiBJoaYC05Tl-PjzszcR43pL3cUkYDC26KLvL8sFirOHiezRIdIwCtIei-h-ywbykHrekzCckOvVS8n3Wo6EeLJNME7l8/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyyNKNSG_H5wp2StCsdyXxpr0N88P49jWB_IJf1uqiBJoaYC05Tl-PjzszcR43pL3cUkYDC26KLvL8sFirOHiezRIdIwCtIei-h-ywbykHrekzCckOvVS8n3Wo6EeLJNME7l8/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The complete bike -- fully-loaded, I'm not sure what it weighs, but it's well over 30 lbs. That said, I won't need to wear any sort of pack on my body. That was a major consideration in what I did here. <a href="http://www.bgcycles.com/rock-n-road-tire.html" target="_blank">43c Bruce Gordon Rock 'N Road tires</a> are super-stable, reasonably light and pretty darn fast. They're tubeless on my bike (they are designed to run w/tubes, however).</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhRyarBoQruYgu3AMXCq53BQjUY5OEm4sT9fK1QWkHA3rSsTjij8-7D1OWUGCF2KOGy_rFg9ia5ViQ0GMna0O3sAxnDVg42WbH0OBCMsKPRpWJpY3V3M0cWW_Kqyq-v-kUuXEzr/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyarBoQruYgu3AMXCq53BQjUY5OEm4sT9fK1QWkHA3rSsTjij8-7D1OWUGCF2KOGy_rFg9ia5ViQ0GMna0O3sAxnDVg42WbH0OBCMsKPRpWJpY3V3M0cWW_Kqyq-v-kUuXEzr/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_HB.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a lot going on at "bar central", with a <a href="http://www.niterider.com/" target="_blank">NiteRider Cordless 600 light </a>sharing space with a <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/cycling/edge-200/prod90675.html" target="_blank">Garmin Edge 200</a> GPS computer (on a <a href="http://www.tatelabs.com/barfly/" target="_blank">Tate Labs BarFly</a> mount) and a map holder of an origin I forget (maybe Detours?) The CamelBak drink tube is mounted on a magnetic steerer-mounted retractable leash made by <a href="http://www.showerspass.com/veleau-1" target="_blank">Veleau</a>, which retains the hose very well, even on bumpy roads. A <a href="http://ecom1.planetbike.com/9022.html" target="_blank">Planet Bike Snack Shack</a> is stuffed to the gills with caffienated <a href="http://shop.honeystinger.com/categories/Organic-Energy-Chews/" target="_blank">Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews</a>. Don't kid yourself. Caffiene is good...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9TAVTip0eVyH4HL5VZ9itTX2PGIbLHqXtBiY9gnneOBwKIcaOnt6P0Nz4tfHX1WiQ-tguGvPa_RpARL-wU6c3n0eEgTIsSmPn76CTBubMRGR9zsFTp0Q4Xg5RJ996RfIOjH1/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_GarminEdge200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9TAVTip0eVyH4HL5VZ9itTX2PGIbLHqXtBiY9gnneOBwKIcaOnt6P0Nz4tfHX1WiQ-tguGvPa_RpARL-wU6c3n0eEgTIsSmPn76CTBubMRGR9zsFTp0Q4Xg5RJ996RfIOjH1/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_GarminEdge200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garmin Edge 200 is a recent change, and it lets me use one computer on all of my bikes -- a great change. On this bike, the BarFly mount also helps facilitate the multi-tasking necessary during 300-plus mile gravel grinders such as TransIowa. I'm running BarFly mounts on both of my drop-bar Singulars, in fact. The rest of my bikes are stuck with standard Garmin mounts, however. Due to the 16-hour battery life of the Edge 200, I had to come up with a charging solution to get through TransIowa, which is that mini-USB plug you can see in the background, behind the Garmin. It is actually a cable loosely zip-tied to the brake cable, so I can easily plug it into my Edge 200 when the battery runs down, even on-the-fly.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxqOfgTjO2aw8vfSX8jN6LDBApg8gMZWrSKUiAC1zJtyhStBC4svlD10keBGqK26ldxQS5cUvwVTKyz3P9kHtkyoNKO6VHVc3MsjvLOdhoFCCUH9PWCQmL8HQp-2z0hZqElyJ/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_Built-inCharging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxqOfgTjO2aw8vfSX8jN6LDBApg8gMZWrSKUiAC1zJtyhStBC4svlD10keBGqK26ldxQS5cUvwVTKyz3P9kHtkyoNKO6VHVc3MsjvLOdhoFCCUH9PWCQmL8HQp-2z0hZqElyJ/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_Built-inCharging.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lithium-ion battery unit sits in the back of the non-drive (shallow) side of my<a href="http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FFP" target="_blank"> Jandd frame bag</a>.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEira3EGyqqbCZx8Rjxz5WeI8N8PqCNFuF8nqbA1-UtLQxHVo00qZtGJrU-oaMSI4X7pvnknwrd9Ad_wtk3xqPW19zR2X2xiTKjx_mUwnN1ZpVQFNZtYXNHZb_-MBWIMk6yjVOLi/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_wiring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira3EGyqqbCZx8Rjxz5WeI8N8PqCNFuF8nqbA1-UtLQxHVo00qZtGJrU-oaMSI4X7pvnknwrd9Ad_wtk3xqPW19zR2X2xiTKjx_mUwnN1ZpVQFNZtYXNHZb_-MBWIMk6yjVOLi/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_wiring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cable running out the back of the frame bag, up the seatpost and onto the top of the rack bag goes to a little surprise...</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgnlc3nhEn3XsDr0D6-M24TtmYKxDXBpdNH5nG_T1KgyWePh7deTreGVbpAdugMezSNNuDRLEiUBWtajHx7tDsQkdsbgrslg0_syd_cPF5ehJVDkyFXdRmxAUTL3gQWrvre0eJU/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_solar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlc3nhEn3XsDr0D6-M24TtmYKxDXBpdNH5nG_T1KgyWePh7deTreGVbpAdugMezSNNuDRLEiUBWtajHx7tDsQkdsbgrslg0_syd_cPF5ehJVDkyFXdRmxAUTL3gQWrvre0eJU/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_solar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... solar charing. With the capacity to take the Li-ion cell from zero-to-full in eight hours of sunlight, I figured it was two ounces of weight worth carrying, as I can charge not only my Garmin, but also my Niterider headlight with the same cable. The solar cell is always plugged-into the Li-ion cell, so it'll charge the battery anytime there's enough light.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwZmF4RbGtUErn1s4Buv4GdXYiuOuPSUrEpeH9BUmG2rxA7IWW4rTkk4NBa2ADnmJu6jLGNwJrzSqZ0ZIisauMG-0gTg_C7f5Qr_-eeT9wSedLtP6J6R_86DR8F7jTo5G2PZQ/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_SalsaRack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwZmF4RbGtUErn1s4Buv4GdXYiuOuPSUrEpeH9BUmG2rxA7IWW4rTkk4NBa2ADnmJu6jLGNwJrzSqZ0ZIisauMG-0gTg_C7f5Qr_-eeT9wSedLtP6J6R_86DR8F7jTo5G2PZQ/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_SalsaRack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My <a href="http://salsacycles.com/components/minimalist_rack" target="_blank">Salsa Minimalist rack</a> securely carries the <a href="http://www.arkel-od.com/us/tailrider.html" target="_blank">Arkel TailRider</a> bag, and also offers an easy mounting point for an old Zefal clip-on fender, which I secured with zip-ties.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgqRcIvxJvOyQWu0QJ55LZQkIKGeEMT6xZd1z41cPFkFRtmaamZLXBU0c2Q-LyMOp3v66L5cwBaKFs_01AYBsnkkz55-_egnLt0WMg9EJHzt3FIJueK9qR6ehT7F6BRPn_Dbf1B/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_lightmount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRcIvxJvOyQWu0QJ55LZQkIKGeEMT6xZd1z41cPFkFRtmaamZLXBU0c2Q-LyMOp3v66L5cwBaKFs_01AYBsnkkz55-_egnLt0WMg9EJHzt3FIJueK9qR6ehT7F6BRPn_Dbf1B/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_lightmount.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also made myself up a homebrew QR nut light mount out of an old broken carbon fiber handlebar, a Bontrager QR nut and some 10-minute epoxy. I knew that carbon bar would be good for something!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatyCpW9Z0izgQ1060EAgWzk9hKbdnNclEreyMYt5zQ49t9rOYZTki3pT3F_LOonsl9m1Q4ntx0kCOwBEaNH_T0i9hnxy6SVI8EEC070fFoFN8zzFeG-MYbGJWnTYVg1W9Kken/s1600/Gryphon_TIsetup_saddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatyCpW9Z0izgQ1060EAgWzk9hKbdnNclEreyMYt5zQ49t9rOYZTki3pT3F_LOonsl9m1Q4ntx0kCOwBEaNH_T0i9hnxy6SVI8EEC070fFoFN8zzFeG-MYbGJWnTYVg1W9Kken/s320/Gryphon_TIsetup_saddle.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, in-case we end up needing to portage our bikes, I decided to pad the underside of my saddle with a piece of an old camping pad. It actually works pretty well. Since it works better to portage the Gryphon with the nose of the saddle (due to the frame design), this is a good solution. We'll see how much it ends up getting used (I hope not much).</td></tr>
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I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of friends in Grinnell at TransIowa v.9. Thanks to my wife Laura for giving me the opportunity to attempt this again, and to Marty Larson (the Prairie Peddler) and Sam Alison at <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/" target="_blank">Singular Cycles</a>, and Rob Versteegh at <a href="http://www.oakley.com/" target="_blank">Oakley</a>, for the support of my riding and racing. Also, thanks to <a href="http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Guitar Ted </a>for once again putting on TransIowa -- the granddaddy of gravel grinders!<br />
<br />
I feel good this year and believe that, with luck on my side, anything is possible. This is the type of event where to finish is to win, so when you're listening to the <a href="http://www.mountainbikeradio.com/the-guitar-ted-show/trans-iowa-radio/#.UXcJwcrzn6k" target="_blank">TransIowa Radio</a> broadcasts, don't be surprised if you don't hear my name among the race leaders in the early going. There's a good chance you'll hear my name among the finishers though -- I'm confident of that much.<br />
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Wish me luck! <i>And thanks for reading...</i><br />
<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-24069434094363458692013-03-13T12:32:00.001-05:002013-03-13T12:33:14.044-05:00Pre-TransIowa Equipment Changes...After an incredibly dry 2012, we've resumed a more abundant precipitation pattern thus far in early 2013. This increase in moisture is of particular note for those of us planning for <a href="http://transiowa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TransIowa v.9</a>, as it increases the likelihood of encountering mud during the event, which will be held April 27-28.<br />
<br />
While I can't speak for anyone else, the increased likelihood of a "moist" T.I. has caused me to completely re-think my equipment setup for the 2013 event. To that end, this past weekend I took my singlespeed <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-gryphon.html" target="_blank">Singular Gryphon</a> and stripped it of its drivetrain, replacing it with a fully-geared setup, optimized to take on the Iowa mud. And with a 43c Bruce Gordon Rock 'n Road on the front, and a 42c Continental Cyclocross Speed on the rear, the bike has more than an inch of mud clearance at any point around both tires. I think this setup will be a key to getting to the finish this year.<br />
<br />
Of course, my training has to be on-track, but I feel good about where I'm at there. And now, I feel great about my equipment as well. I know I'll be on a bike that can go the distance.<br />
<br />
So, with that said, here are some shots of the evolution of my TransIowa v.9 race bikes...<br />
<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/AVvXsEj07Q3B7VFYNePNQMdcQppbkI6uKOdwDLm4D3Sc0XRDZvoRwuWq4C_NRATnII4sV84mQq75kU_X3X0UGySbr_6jxMbsz7kvoL2_9tmtceg8RPjaFbk8ybpThC2dH5psKfPkOv0u/s1600/SingularX2_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07Q3B7VFYNePNQMdcQppbkI6uKOdwDLm4D3Sc0XRDZvoRwuWq4C_NRATnII4sV84mQq75kU_X3X0UGySbr_6jxMbsz7kvoL2_9tmtceg8RPjaFbk8ybpThC2dH5psKfPkOv0u/s320/SingularX2_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grey <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-kite.html" target="_blank">Singular Kite</a> was my first choice for TransIowa. It has fantastic clearance in the fork and seatstays (for a CX bike), but lacks the massive clearance of a true 29-inch mountain bike like the Gryphon. It'll make an awesome steed for summer gravel grinders and fall 'cross races though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgFUTw5ZlwOyArHp23uDJTnILWfj-39FnTBMoNwOiz138Z-ERL9AVHK6wx4owzhLFAMm2BT8RKnpHTz0Qgm-9rkARGOWIl_dHurt-k6_zbp4Yc2ym3mEhZARRqVIqKOUppmugkH/s1600/SingularX2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUTw5ZlwOyArHp23uDJTnILWfj-39FnTBMoNwOiz138Z-ERL9AVHK6wx4owzhLFAMm2BT8RKnpHTz0Qgm-9rkARGOWIl_dHurt-k6_zbp4Yc2ym3mEhZARRqVIqKOUppmugkH/s320/SingularX2_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With massive mud clearance, a retro 8-speed rear end and inexpensive 'parts bin' components I don't have to worry about trashing, my 'V2' Gryphon can roll into muddy conditions with confidence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgVzbA9JqjJHlHku-zsinFJrdfUxmlJDyHmMV0-6IHoudLYEoAwsQuLCjFvd94F4OqoCa7M33Z2mECJpQ-pmXmk9rmPtZH27wBefxdQS0RulT2PxBzoTlxr9Bkpu6xOUzBhUbuB/s1600/SingularX2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzbA9JqjJHlHku-zsinFJrdfUxmlJDyHmMV0-6IHoudLYEoAwsQuLCjFvd94F4OqoCa7M33Z2mECJpQ-pmXmk9rmPtZH27wBefxdQS0RulT2PxBzoTlxr9Bkpu6xOUzBhUbuB/s320/SingularX2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where should we ride today? Regardless of the conditions, I'm fortunate to have a drop-bar dirt bike that's perfect for the job, thanks to <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/" target="_blank">Singular Cycles</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-26778436276237244772013-03-13T10:39:00.000-05:002013-03-18T13:09:04.405-05:0024 Hours in the Old Pueblo... Yeah, it was fun.<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/AVvXsEiV6-Agu4JvIjZbxtVOp-TShV4fnvz-wadBH1UQgl5pQY7k6qMepruwuaFq7bxABbmCYt-kDbt62vNkQ8P8IvH1ym333ioLyZiR9RMeLSrokh_BVnkSv8EPk7CSI-04rr2krfH0/s1600/856106_10200745675027713_1111891813_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6-Agu4JvIjZbxtVOp-TShV4fnvz-wadBH1UQgl5pQY7k6qMepruwuaFq7bxABbmCYt-kDbt62vNkQ8P8IvH1ym333ioLyZiR9RMeLSrokh_BVnkSv8EPk7CSI-04rr2krfH0/s320/856106_10200745675027713_1111891813_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the Tucson desert. Photo: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seanfbuckman?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Sean Buckman</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <a href="http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=5" target="_blank">24 Hours in the Old Pueblo</a> is a race I've always wanted to do, but is also one I honestly never thought I'd do. The necessary 24 hour drive to Tucson for the event is undoubtedly a tough one. This year however, a guest spot opened up on the Colorado-based <a href="http://www.oskarblues.com/" target="_blank">Oskar Blues/Dale's Pale Ale</a> 4-person singlespeed team, and my readiness to escape the cold for a bit to rip some singletrack gave me motivation to do the drive. Game on!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky for us, the wind blew from the south, as I was 'camped' in the green Subaru at the bottom of the image. Photo: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seanfbuckman?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Sean Buckman</a></td></tr>
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After making the long drive down, the Thursday before the (Saturday) race, I pulled into the camp my Colorado-based friends had chosen (conveniently located near a bank of Port-a-Potties). My teammate, Jordan Carr (tech editor for <i><a href="http://www.mountainflyermagazine.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Flyer</a> </i>magazine), had already arrived with co-pilot and pro solo racer, Jari Kirkland. The balance of the crew was made up of Lyons, CO locals, Doug Mers, Keith Johnson and the always entertaining, Sean Buckman. Mers, Johnson and Buckman were riding on a 4-person team and were trying to figure out who would anchor their team.<br />
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Carr and I wouldn't see our singlespeed teammates, Chad Melis (marketing guy for Oskar Blues Brewery and<a href="http://www.reebcycles.com/" target="_blank"> REEB Cycles</a>), and Jeremy Rudolf (brewery manager at Oskar Blues Brewery), until late Friday evening. That's all I'm going to say about that... I'll let them tell whatever stories they want about their adventures getting to the event. Heh heh heh...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race hangin' in camp. Photo: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seanfbuckman?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Sean Buckman</a></td></tr>
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But Jordan, Jari and I had a great time checking the course out Friday morning. I could tell the 2-to-1 gearing I was running (34x17t), while a bit tall in the headwind, was just right when the wind was at my back. I rode my drop-barred <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-gryphon.html" target="_blank">Singular Gryphon</a> on this lap, but later in the day decided I'd race my flat bar <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-swift.html" target="_blank">Singular Swift</a> hardtail for its slightly more forgiving ride (mostly due to the suspension). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad (in the Dale's Pale Ale jersey) and Tinker Juarez run together at the front during the start.</td></tr>
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On race day, Chad led us off, Jordan went second, Jeremy was third while I rode the anchor leg. It was one of the first times I'd not been the first rider when riding a team 24-hour event, so it was a decidedly different feeling not having to even begin getting ready to ride for more than three hours after the start of the race. In fact, I got just one daytime lap on Saturday before having to put the headlights on for my second lap, at around 8:45pm.<br />
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I didn't mind this at all, as I love night riding, and was also rewarded for my effort with the sunrise lap, so I can't complain at all. It was an absolutely awesome experience, as our team, while not the absolute fastest singlespeed team, was at least competitive, and we alternated between second and third place during the night. Ultimately, some interesting team strategy on the part of the other team gave them the upper hand late in the event, and they ended up taking second place by one lap. Apparently they came in about six minutes ahead of us and since that was six minutes before noon, they were allowed to go out for another lap.<br />
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I finished our team's 20th lap at noon, right on the nose (which was the plan for us). I'd actually ridden the longer "skip the bitches" route, so it added a few minutes to my last lap time, as insurance I wouldn't come in ahead of noon. Chad didn't want to go out for another lap... We were content with third and had a lot of beer to drink.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropping in at the end of my final lap, headed for a 12:00 noon, third-place finish. Photo: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seanfbuckman?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Sean Buckman</a></td></tr>
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Overall, the experience of the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo was fantastic. I got the opportunity to ride for the first time of the year in shorts and short sleeves, and with a bunch of friends I haven't ridden with in a long time (or ever, in some cases). Even with the super-long drive, it was still totally worth it. I won't do a lot of crazy drives like that each season, but for an event like that, every once and a while, it's worth the effort... and the trip really isn't that bad.<br />
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Thanks to my awesome teammates: Chad Melis, Jordan Carr and Jeremy Rudolf, and to <a href="http://www.oskarblues.com/" target="_blank">Oskar Blues/Dale's Pale Ale</a> for sponsoring our shenanigans at the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo. Thanks also to Marty Larson, <a href="http://www.theprairiepeddler.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Prairie Peddler</a>, and to Sam Alison at <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/" target="_blank">Singular Cycles</a> for the fantastic bikes I am blessed with riding this season. <i>Edit: Thanks also to everyone involved in our 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo effort this year, including our camp-mates, the FILFy Bastards (who finished 19th place out of 151 teams in the 4-man open class -- stellar!!)</i>.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-31855442114667580812013-01-15T13:49:00.000-06:002013-01-15T14:02:42.143-06:00First ride: Singular Gryphon...I had nearly forgotten how much I like riding singlespeed mountain bikes, but the recent build-up of a new <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-gryphon.html" target="_blank">Singular Gryphon</a> reminded me how much fun singlespeeding can be. In fact, I've been enjoying it so much, it's got me thinking about which 2013 events I might be able to ride on a singlespeed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPluF-Fzxxjk9r2QtftKvVZ8CLE4fkRdrIz4Tn8kDXl-_N8u4uDFFtDCqIbeEj2po8Z1CyCIcn2utsbIAFfu4pW0X2sHDwFgPAdwOlSNoAYH4zTS7XZz9EyfsZu9mri8JTGr2/s1600/MGsGryphon01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPluF-Fzxxjk9r2QtftKvVZ8CLE4fkRdrIz4Tn8kDXl-_N8u4uDFFtDCqIbeEj2po8Z1CyCIcn2utsbIAFfu4pW0X2sHDwFgPAdwOlSNoAYH4zTS7XZz9EyfsZu9mri8JTGr2/s320/MGsGryphon01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic steel lines, drop-bars and a clean singlespeed setup = a good looking bike!</td></tr>
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First introduced in 2009, the Gryphon frameset bears a striking resemblance in profile to the <a href="http://salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo" target="_blank">Salsa Fargo</a> <i>(a bike that itself is very close to my heart for a number of reasons)</i>. And while it's true there are some similarities in geometry and fit, the ride quality of each frame is determined largely by its intended use. For while the Fargo is designed to be used for long-haul bike packing, the Gryphon is designed as more of a standard mountain bike. So, while the current version of the frame does include a rear rack mount, it's not designed as a bikepacking rig. As such, the tube diameters and wall thicknesses have not been beefed up to accommodate the increased load of a cyclist plus a week's worth of gear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOwOUAHYroHHmPCaV4G6-zB670yj2Jcp1yqvWcvPiP9I_3JXN1hefwUzamHQDydiFfa6HW52SL54DM30K9tc1AUDegzH81oIoI7bj-G0RXFMhEQNHzAyTAC1hOJnGT3VdrJeP/s1600/MGsGryphon_HT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOwOUAHYroHHmPCaV4G6-zB670yj2Jcp1yqvWcvPiP9I_3JXN1hefwUzamHQDydiFfa6HW52SL54DM30K9tc1AUDegzH81oIoI7bj-G0RXFMhEQNHzAyTAC1hOJnGT3VdrJeP/s320/MGsGryphon_HT.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color coodination... When the parts are here to make it work, why not?</td></tr>
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This manifests itself as a distinctly smoother, faster, more compliant ride on the Gryphon frame, when compared head-to-head with a steel Fargo. When you ride a steel Fargo, you are constantly reminded of the "bigness" of the bike. You never get the feeling that the bike is particularly fast, but you do feel like it can take whatever you can give it, in terms of terrain or load. Conversely, the Gryphon feels like a light, fast, lively frame that just so happens to be able to accommodate fat tires. The difference between the two frames can be felt in first five pedal strokes. It's that distinct.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgzaOZW7t3wktQ2j_ffrW6-p8Uony-33eU66Go43WcOn8oAoZb5_A1r1AeLv3-TazMRDI6ezDTn-g13pXS6zpk4aomarWKXrY3aDFl1Y7d43w_6tDSCgByK55Orb0FKUXsAVO/s1600/MGsGryphon03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgzaOZW7t3wktQ2j_ffrW6-p8Uony-33eU66Go43WcOn8oAoZb5_A1r1AeLv3-TazMRDI6ezDTn-g13pXS6zpk4aomarWKXrY3aDFl1Y7d43w_6tDSCgByK55Orb0FKUXsAVO/s320/MGsGryphon03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fantastic fork... Reynolds 520 steel fork blades deliver a ride quality that must be ridden to be believed. Carbon? Pfffffttt...</td></tr>
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The fork is a specific area where the Gryphon positively shines. It is perhaps one of the finest riding chromoly forks I've ridden. It simultaneously tracks accurately and offers a fantastic ride quality -- notably smoother than a Fargo fork.<br />
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I built my Gryphon using a mix of parts including the wheelset and saddle/seatpost from my old Salsa Vaya, some TruVativ downhill cranks, some Avid BB7s and an old Salsa bar/stem I had in the parts bin. It all went together super smoothly, and the cool Phil Wood-style EBB made achieving perfect tension on the chain very easy. Cool...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IAoSJFr0CZ1gDVb-hqdq2i_mJ3GMqK_4wK1DMnvqGbK24rgNMsP98hLSXJxcuov5FDfHYPZHm3WU4DswuIqxJQMJtyV2HC8fbuMDjsLtwW6QPsYxgXcK-mv3P0XDdYjS01dz/s1600/MGsGryphon02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IAoSJFr0CZ1gDVb-hqdq2i_mJ3GMqK_4wK1DMnvqGbK24rgNMsP98hLSXJxcuov5FDfHYPZHm3WU4DswuIqxJQMJtyV2HC8fbuMDjsLtwW6QPsYxgXcK-mv3P0XDdYjS01dz/s320/MGsGryphon02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfortable cockpit -- Long days in the saddle will be spent here.</td></tr>
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Long-story-short, my new Gryphon is a keeper -- one I intend to ride and enjoy for a long time to-come. Of course, I'll be posting updates on the bike down the road as I get more miles on it, and will let you know how the relationship progresses. Also, keep your eyes peeled for 'first ride' reviews of my new <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-kite.html" target="_blank">Singular Kite</a> cyclocross/gravel bike, and my <a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/index.php/frames/singular-swift.html" target="_blank">Singular Swift</a> 29-inch hardtail.<br />
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Thanks to Marty Larson at <a href="http://theprairiepeddler.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Prairie Peddler</a> and Sam Alison at<a href="http://www.singularcycles.com/" target="_blank"> Singular Cycles Ltd.</a> Marty is the U.S. importer of Singular Cycles and is my 2013 bicycle sponsor. Visit the <a href="http://theprairiepeddler.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Prairie Peddler site</a> or <a href="mailto:theprairiepeddler@gmail.com" target="_blank">e-mail Marty</a> for more information, pricing or availability of Singular framesets.<br />
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Thanks for reading! <i>Now get out and ride!!</i>MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-16322863501626914102012-12-06T11:26:00.002-06:002013-01-02T10:17:10.266-06:00For Sale: Salsa Ti El Mariachi Frame - Size Large -- SOLD!Here's a good case of never say "never". Today I'm doing something I said I'd never do -- in the process of making room for my 2013 bikes, I'm putting my beloved Salsa Titanium El Mariachi frame up for sale. It's a 2010 version of the frame. I raced it for one season before basically putting into active retirement, where it's been ever since. Because of sponsorship obligations and the fact that I simply have a lot of bikes, I can count on two hands how many times I've ridden the bike over the past two seasons. It's a total garage queen that needs an owner that's going to ride it the way it was meant to be ridden! This is the exact same frame that has been ridden to victory on the Great Divide Route! Its pedigree is unquestionable... It's one of the best hardtail frames I've ridden, hands-down. It's ride quality and handling are amazing! Here are some photos:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDtOgvECytHItyKws2qFXl2c5f6tJP8qGadDlQQ_Mwpn0mlx-DBwSTu297XO1iH3nbTD-QthISmGoG-Vmdjc2KLaqIWTTy_WIti02PBx7z1rFuRg9BHocoavQQQlExgUvuWT/s1600/ElM_rt01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDtOgvECytHItyKws2qFXl2c5f6tJP8qGadDlQQ_Mwpn0mlx-DBwSTu297XO1iH3nbTD-QthISmGoG-Vmdjc2KLaqIWTTy_WIti02PBx7z1rFuRg9BHocoavQQQlExgUvuWT/s320/ElM_rt01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical of titanium, this frame is absolutely clean and free of nicks, dings, dents or flaws. The "Salsa" and "El Mariachi" graphics have been muted somewhat over the years from cleaning with ScotchBrite (the preferred method of cleaning titanium) -- a process I didn't dissuade.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YP5hS7EooqjT5lQROR7azsz6LjIDA3VggEBSHNw3mPsM37lKk74XuLI7UhnVwOCsTmOJe5K47_qaCQRbXw8HQezEttmPh78PCwXkfK6UEijykAkInDoFa_eZRgrLkeNxRLPR/s1600/ElM_L01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YP5hS7EooqjT5lQROR7azsz6LjIDA3VggEBSHNw3mPsM37lKk74XuLI7UhnVwOCsTmOJe5K47_qaCQRbXw8HQezEttmPh78PCwXkfK6UEijykAkInDoFa_eZRgrLkeNxRLPR/s320/ElM_L01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1.75-inch down tube and 1.375-inch top tube deliver excellent stiffness and the fantastic ride quality for which titanium is renowned.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU9xSUzOwgy6RzSLWoSfbaTibF7fi-k8f0JZOp_F8-BlR72yta9F7TjPkGwMMjo4ipf0F_qJgsb83IaEXKTSSzA0ijLFN13RSCt7dhr3YJ9vlELqkE2ExiVSHinkZRiunpVCt/s1600/ElM_ST01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU9xSUzOwgy6RzSLWoSfbaTibF7fi-k8f0JZOp_F8-BlR72yta9F7TjPkGwMMjo4ipf0F_qJgsb83IaEXKTSSzA0ijLFN13RSCt7dhr3YJ9vlELqkE2ExiVSHinkZRiunpVCt/s320/ElM_ST01.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The welds speak to the quality of care and craftsmanship this frame was hand-built with by the folks at <a href="http://www.lynskeyperformance.com/" target="_blank">Lynskey Performance Titanium Bicycles</a> in Tennessee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk263aO1kSEOvM0BS6dpSIYixpmG8vA1uxYAWT3yTXcOEqScjChSqaZueRrijNDnYz6F6JbH0tHfHcy6ZcPbYqXEGh-IozvKUhcQgsQF8TGLQYgA_qnfFa9K_bauQkN1htnyMT/s1600/ElM_Drop01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk263aO1kSEOvM0BS6dpSIYixpmG8vA1uxYAWT3yTXcOEqScjChSqaZueRrijNDnYz6F6JbH0tHfHcy6ZcPbYqXEGh-IozvKUhcQgsQF8TGLQYgA_qnfFa9K_bauQkN1htnyMT/s320/ElM_Drop01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooded, Breezer-style dropouts have a replaceable derailleur hanger.<i> I will include an extra hanger with the frame.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgxsMBnUH9_k9Q1hBWiczz7iRvsH8i4r8EicadQRLt5wmVW_E09hxqa0U1qnkFKFkEl_QZ8C25RBsl2yAvdvE38eINWnMSZAB5nbz86tl_wbQSdt_UyegF7yj_jKoR3rRG9q74H/s1600/ElM_discmount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsMBnUH9_k9Q1hBWiczz7iRvsH8i4r8EicadQRLt5wmVW_E09hxqa0U1qnkFKFkEl_QZ8C25RBsl2yAvdvE38eINWnMSZAB5nbz86tl_wbQSdt_UyegF7yj_jKoR3rRG9q74H/s320/ElM_discmount.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super-clean welds on the rear disc mount. Perfect alignment means squeal-free brake performance.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEg1Cc8JmTrM9NespFVnBeFqfA2Lqe1GMcgw59P9r-tbsVfPhi5wto7e0p70jJ8FFSJKfzVGhyphenhyphenLN9rgiOFPGRzE-kCsEFAbyVcxPHlXeplrPTGtRvf6FX4xhpFuhoiSaPTFZHIkY/s1600/ElM_SSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Cc8JmTrM9NespFVnBeFqfA2Lqe1GMcgw59P9r-tbsVfPhi5wto7e0p70jJ8FFSJKfzVGhyphenhyphenLN9rgiOFPGRzE-kCsEFAbyVcxPHlXeplrPTGtRvf6FX4xhpFuhoiSaPTFZHIkY/s320/ElM_SSB.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More clean welds... this time at the seat stay/seat tube junction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEjDiWRm12gBdZ6XQYmHSCfmUFPKEng64ST2D6VcstDMQJg5CpnSHSq7WAd-w2JSsk1yysSyJ1xMlaYd5BJGeTfhpFR5AhfxdnnG69SG3JDfIDX_4PzhXGXwSbBSST0IKR3-jiLC/s1600/ElM_HT01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiWRm12gBdZ6XQYmHSCfmUFPKEng64ST2D6VcstDMQJg5CpnSHSq7WAd-w2JSsk1yysSyJ1xMlaYd5BJGeTfhpFR5AhfxdnnG69SG3JDfIDX_4PzhXGXwSbBSST0IKR3-jiLC/s320/ElM_HT01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view inside the headtube reveals the measures Salsa went to in order to save weight. Notice the vertical breather slot on the downtube? It matches the manipulation of the down tube, removing as much material as possible. On the bottom bracket shell, the breather is a horizontal slot, matching the tubing manipulation at that end of the down tube. Very cool...</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgDRpdmlnBS6WT2OGVuLmL2RCqXEzyeKhQGrckjo6JmDt1qAfwE5IGZnhSi0ctKWQ_RCzUEpsNSwIXCSEDBSue9Rq-SjPwwYstyx_4EW3GmhrYgUcEUqkaTa5F01cW5qdqnm4M-/s1600/ElM_HT02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRpdmlnBS6WT2OGVuLmL2RCqXEzyeKhQGrckjo6JmDt1qAfwE5IGZnhSi0ctKWQ_RCzUEpsNSwIXCSEDBSue9Rq-SjPwwYstyx_4EW3GmhrYgUcEUqkaTa5F01cW5qdqnm4M-/s320/ElM_HT02.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention the welds on this frame are clean? And the frame itself is so clean, you could eat dinner off the surface.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEipIQ-Er7IzmAyNML8A-oXYyOleh-qzgej_7ggHOOPqyfNOX2eprvjbS93I2jvujAmRiN15GfxEuRv_5vO4m7jxNlXSLwSwzYFC99hgc2dAcpn7dPm5KdlVCuJqsm8oO9iz9RQ3/s1600/ElM_BB01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIQ-Er7IzmAyNML8A-oXYyOleh-qzgej_7ggHOOPqyfNOX2eprvjbS93I2jvujAmRiN15GfxEuRv_5vO4m7jxNlXSLwSwzYFC99hgc2dAcpn7dPm5KdlVCuJqsm8oO9iz9RQ3/s320/ElM_BB01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the previous caption...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgvWLmHJ5BwNMm6WjM8htJpOtTWRSITndBfPxLbOHkdmyetKj7tn49PVlZyLX4Lk2t9xAqq_VhMe6h2WVIwiOhSemitUdkKNdCyXFpXTvLcQqVg_V4j4IKV2nmZbJZErWvi6qSQ/s1600/ElM_L02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWLmHJ5BwNMm6WjM8htJpOtTWRSITndBfPxLbOHkdmyetKj7tn49PVlZyLX4Lk2t9xAqq_VhMe6h2WVIwiOhSemitUdkKNdCyXFpXTvLcQqVg_V4j4IKV2nmZbJZErWvi6qSQ/s320/ElM_L02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, I guess my question is, does $1,100 seem like a bargain or what? If so, <a href="mailto:mattgersib@gmail.com" target="_blank">get a hold of me</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thanks for taking the time to check out my frame! Hope to hear from you soon.<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
MGMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-78182042262912924602012-12-04T12:20:00.001-06:002012-12-07T09:19:34.259-06:00For Sale: 58cm Salsa Vaya Frame/Fork -- SOLD...To prepare for new 2013 bikes to-come, I've decided to part with a couple of my favorite framesets. First up is my 2010 Salsa Vaya -- a 58cm frame, with matching fork. I have been the only owner, and if you know me, you probably also know this bike. It is in very good condition, overall for a three year old frame. Here are some images that I took this morning:<br />
<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/AVvXsEhF1NrV1oqPbjfJRl6l8hF_lb_eiZ4oqEeqtGSzdf3ShDBbWcnm4cZZbiWgY9rJ6Q8FJfu_pPXuvacfgk6T7astkOyhpM2H5IXop5jd89Qpq-12U2hlcS2RXQh_tqwSDAEKA2wc/s1600/Vaya_rt_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1NrV1oqPbjfJRl6l8hF_lb_eiZ4oqEeqtGSzdf3ShDBbWcnm4cZZbiWgY9rJ6Q8FJfu_pPXuvacfgk6T7astkOyhpM2H5IXop5jd89Qpq-12U2hlcS2RXQh_tqwSDAEKA2wc/s320/Vaya_rt_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the drive side... <i>Note: the King headset shown is not included. I am only selling the frame and fork.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEh2d-1fQocuPuuvC_fGX6MU3inYMbj-MR2R3Ts4C8Qi0FmcwRM3vPHR2eaweW-zrdSdb4ModyU5Be5HbX1LquTzy6Oe0xNAz3i5LaKXvSHDmFZqh46CMysoslR2bZQtGpcshpNf/s1600/Vaya_left_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2d-1fQocuPuuvC_fGX6MU3inYMbj-MR2R3Ts4C8Qi0FmcwRM3vPHR2eaweW-zrdSdb4ModyU5Be5HbX1LquTzy6Oe0xNAz3i5LaKXvSHDmFZqh46CMysoslR2bZQtGpcshpNf/s320/Vaya_left_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The non-drive side view. Note the custom PCL downtube sticker. That goes with the frame at no charge. ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEhQFrYmlV0ign4tc324WbAdatuXDqZTQTcKFN7V6Py763rUk2X0eNxV3Jy33D-1pnQWVPQk2cPpI5xhYablV9DjPt0usiC5Vveap9tLgBPCAPpBdUU0ChHjUw9zb7fZvBXo4cEr/s1600/Vaya_TT_rt_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFrYmlV0ign4tc324WbAdatuXDqZTQTcKFN7V6Py763rUk2X0eNxV3Jy33D-1pnQWVPQk2cPpI5xhYablV9DjPt0usiC5Vveap9tLgBPCAPpBdUU0ChHjUw9zb7fZvBXo4cEr/s320/Vaya_TT_rt_sm.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overall paint quality is good throughout the frame, with just a few small nicks, consistent with a nicely kept three year-old frame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEh0zOlZKAJ_ZoX-DKWw4B4aSa_6UeStYgCFBbw87fkNAFjd69yGknW5o7hVfQx8fS7WAxZXSOxESSCz-BWH4f_UpYCiQyywUkjUCP_Oke-RPGeSaIMsazlAsbsnmdU-FqJ3mSD5/s1600/Vaya_chainstays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zOlZKAJ_ZoX-DKWw4B4aSa_6UeStYgCFBbw87fkNAFjd69yGknW5o7hVfQx8fS7WAxZXSOxESSCz-BWH4f_UpYCiQyywUkjUCP_Oke-RPGeSaIMsazlAsbsnmdU-FqJ3mSD5/s320/Vaya_chainstays.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used thick adhesive-backed Mylar material to protect the frame on a number of paint areas that were subjected to wear, such as this bridge that often had a plastic and metal SKS fender clipped over it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEiikhVTOxJIQxJTUhtat4NZQ92M272C2iJQKw_1PvULUpASdqOronqNZPTa8-E_TWjyLt-6k0wYHlnQmZc7rMhVKsGHeZwctrKjXkDvU4kFsNHHWX5AXyDrDPcB6VBOYQ4Mygj3/s1600/Vaya_fork_rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikhVTOxJIQxJTUhtat4NZQ92M272C2iJQKw_1PvULUpASdqOronqNZPTa8-E_TWjyLt-6k0wYHlnQmZc7rMhVKsGHeZwctrKjXkDvU4kFsNHHWX5AXyDrDPcB6VBOYQ4Mygj3/s320/Vaya_fork_rear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-mount disc brakes front and rear are easy to set up and are designed for 160mm disc rotors. These are far better than the (cheaper to manufacture) "International Standard" mounts Salsa uses on the current Vaya. Ask an engineer...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEheJ8DiwzRtpl4TjzdmCk95CMRffKSye8HgJmMcB208rVua6sUFdUeGG5rYPrgbJnC5GiPnASZmQXgAiVkwUfYtpxkbYD6G0f6gqeIabAQYXtD6N8yLb7gvIvCyejWvw37eNFUA/s1600/Vaya_3BottleMounts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ8DiwzRtpl4TjzdmCk95CMRffKSye8HgJmMcB208rVua6sUFdUeGG5rYPrgbJnC5GiPnASZmQXgAiVkwUfYtpxkbYD6G0f6gqeIabAQYXtD6N8yLb7gvIvCyejWvw37eNFUA/s320/Vaya_3BottleMounts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three water bottle mounts allow you to choose whether you carry your water on the bike, or on your body, even on adventure-length rides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>This frameset has been sold.</i> Thank you for looking!!<b> </b><br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>Please note: I am selling just the frame and fork. The pictured headset, stem and seatpost are not included, nor are they negotiable to be included. Thanks again!</b></i>MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-29703833241240458212012-11-26T18:02:00.003-06:002012-11-27T16:48:42.186-06:00Thanking The Folks Who Made 2012 a Success...As 2012 winds down, it's time to take a look back and thank the people who contributed to the successes I achieved over the season, as my 22nd season racing bicycles was perhaps my best yet, overall.<br />
<br />
The season's highlights started with the opportunity to volunteer at TransIowa v.8, and I'd like to thank <a href="http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Guitar Ted</a> for the opportunity to do that. Being able to experience this fantastic event from the "other side" was an unforgettable experience and is a big reason I've decided to jump back into the event as a <a href="http://transiowa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TransIowa v.9</a> participant in 2013.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsluk66k4Bilis82_zRvStyjc9CeDx2GM7fnomxsA-nKYD3Iiqaho_U-oLunPOeuYbi-bx08QvjQNY2p0VwdMTFAVEhErkaUeShsYPtXXPyQMI91AwDxZqQ9D9VUHS5RS-ikse/s1600/2012_Platte_MarathonPodium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsluk66k4Bilis82_zRvStyjc9CeDx2GM7fnomxsA-nKYD3Iiqaho_U-oLunPOeuYbi-bx08QvjQNY2p0VwdMTFAVEhErkaUeShsYPtXXPyQMI91AwDxZqQ9D9VUHS5RS-ikse/s320/2012_Platte_MarathonPodium.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing atop the Marathon podium at Platte River State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had a great season racing my mountain bike as a member of the <a href="http://cycleworksusa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cycle Works</a>/<a href="http://moosestoothblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Moose's Tooth</a> team, much credit due to the awesome <a href="http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/anthem.x.29er.0/9029/48890/" target="_blank">Giant Anthem X-29 0</a> mountain bike I was able to race. It was a huge factor in the victories I earned over the course of the season, including wins in the marathon class in the <a href="http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=2249482" target="_blank">Psycowpath event at Platte River State Park</a>, and the <a href="http://www.gamjams-midwest.net/2012/06/race-results-nebraska-mtb-championships.html" target="_blank">Nebraska State MTB Marathon Championship at Ponca State Park</a>. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VQkCWeS-KthOwK0uXTiENyz4rGngGMW7O0XVbYPhZqTbPFoTRKfyrBWZtgE11EeOGtAmNCK6s58GwnmxNyKYvyHXxJ0C20xV39ghVxvnB3221Ocxcup2hiXbVsJ6vs7lo4CI/s1600/ponca's+revenge_MG_MMcColgan_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VQkCWeS-KthOwK0uXTiENyz4rGngGMW7O0XVbYPhZqTbPFoTRKfyrBWZtgE11EeOGtAmNCK6s58GwnmxNyKYvyHXxJ0C20xV39ghVxvnB3221Ocxcup2hiXbVsJ6vs7lo4CI/s320/ponca's+revenge_MG_MMcColgan_sm.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slithering through the trees on the way to the Ponca win. Photo: Mike McColgan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEioqVGW0xcbZzOAQXIOjFVIW1MN2iOE2b6MsL4DhZtuEG-Qacr_Aw_0FgIn0WY92mO0zAuMGgqpKjZNP23isyCDDK8SZiLCmRPncVQ9k5nteI4IQE585Iw4OCMbwTCEgySCMTrF/s1600/2012StateChampionshipMedals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqVGW0xcbZzOAQXIOjFVIW1MN2iOE2b6MsL4DhZtuEG-Qacr_Aw_0FgIn0WY92mO0zAuMGgqpKjZNP23isyCDDK8SZiLCmRPncVQ9k5nteI4IQE585Iw4OCMbwTCEgySCMTrF/s320/2012StateChampionshipMedals.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The State Championship hardware.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwH61NtZwog_lOYq9Ec18i83kdoiA27YCBs5rep3vaJC8BkBgPv1S8kdDC075BJRNcZkK9CKKYJNmiJFMJnAFokMWS0U0LsN7hAFRVEHxktwCvHONq4bND0opFyT39lHDKsQR/s1600/ponca's+revenge+(218)cr_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwH61NtZwog_lOYq9Ec18i83kdoiA27YCBs5rep3vaJC8BkBgPv1S8kdDC075BJRNcZkK9CKKYJNmiJFMJnAFokMWS0U0LsN7hAFRVEHxktwCvHONq4bND0opFyT39lHDKsQR/s320/ponca's+revenge+(218)cr_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to winning at Ponca. Photo: Mike McColgan</td></tr>
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I also won the 6-hour Pedal in the Pasture at Branched Oak Lake. These victories came in addition to numerous top-three finishes in other races I participated in throughout the season. Thanks to Kris and Julie Sonderup at Cycle Works and The Moose's Tooth for their support! <br />
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Finally, I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.dirtykanza200.com/" target="_blank">Dirty Kanza 200</a> promoters Jim Cummins, Kristi Mohn and Tim Mohn, as they are great friends and are folks who gave me the opportunity to help them race and promote their event in 2012 as one of the racers they featured with a Dirty Kanza trading card.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRB6lChN1QJxZYKED61duzNos5HYMInD9knpq4hKZhb9jkxxTvy2cMIktEVaaW_J00IAJjj_1zgDTYtN4eY98cfAuu2eszjQg6g99zknoOQb58FM6GfDdhaH2TtG5_KZuLIsr/s1600/Matt+Gersib+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRB6lChN1QJxZYKED61duzNos5HYMInD9knpq4hKZhb9jkxxTvy2cMIktEVaaW_J00IAJjj_1zgDTYtN4eY98cfAuu2eszjQg6g99zknoOQb58FM6GfDdhaH2TtG5_KZuLIsr/s320/Matt+Gersib+Front.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2012 Dirty Kanza Trading Card -- the front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiustq0LnTY8f9roHOkCzKj9XSvGQ4Suy3ueedtqPtqQeRmySoFGQlxrJPNhbOHXwieZC-mtpTbQcDWjE22thVm8ZQUKvd8z-J13cWqxkCRB6m5GMBB4emqxwyClOEBkTMXyURA/s1600/458271_10150932304723666_2097220431_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiustq0LnTY8f9roHOkCzKj9XSvGQ4Suy3ueedtqPtqQeRmySoFGQlxrJPNhbOHXwieZC-mtpTbQcDWjE22thVm8ZQUKvd8z-J13cWqxkCRB6m5GMBB4emqxwyClOEBkTMXyURA/s320/458271_10150932304723666_2097220431_o.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura and I at the finish of the 2012 Dirty Kanza 200. Photo: Kristi Mohn</td></tr>
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I backed that up with a 10th place finish in the Veteran class in the race. Talk about a life highlight! I'd never imagined I'd get my own trading card, but now I've got one -- thanks to you guys. Thanks again!! Laura and I are already looking forward to traveling to Emporia for the 2013 Dirty Kanza 200.<br />
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<i>Tuesday edit:</i> When I wrote this story, I walked away knowing I would inevitably forget to thank somebody, but I never thought I'd forget to thank Rob Versteegh at <a href="http://www.oakley.com/" target="_blank">Oakley</a>. Over the years, Rob has been not only a solid supporter, keeping me in the best eyewear on the planet, but he's also been a great friend. Thank you so much for your support and continued friendship, Rob. I am so sorry that thanks to you wasn't in my first draft... I owe you more than one.<br />
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In closing, I'd just like to say that my race finishes this past season were particularly important to me, and also noteworthy, as 2012 has been the single most challenging year of my life from a personal and professional standpoint. The challenges Laura and I have been faced with have been (and continue to be) significant and daunting, and I especially want to thank the people who have stuck with us and have supported us through this challenging time. These folks include both of my Grandmas (my angels), my two incredible TeamMates, Dan and Loyie Weber, my Mom (Terri), Jesse Petersen, Matt Wills, Jim Cummins, Mark Stevenson, Noah Clayton, Errin Vasquez, Brent Schott, and finally, my incredible, beautiful wife, Laura. I sincerely appreciate the contribution each of you has made to my life over the past year, and look forward to making each of your lives better in the future!<br />
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Thanks to everyone who made 2012 great! I'm looking forward to having more fun, and to taking on bigger, more challenging adventures in 2013, both on my fatbike and in life. I hope you'll be with me.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
MG MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-88092303587390070722012-11-18T06:18:00.000-06:002012-11-18T06:18:03.674-06:00ETA of the PCL Jersey Order...It sounds like we should have the new PCL jerseys in Lincoln around November 30, as scheduled. For those of you living out of town, I will need to work with you to arrange shipping from Lincoln to you, which will takea few extra days (and a few dollars as well, unless you'd like to pick them up).<br />
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Thanks for your patience. I'm really looking forward to our new kits and hope you are too!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
MGMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-11600389362144511602012-11-08T15:39:00.002-06:002012-11-08T15:39:17.802-06:00Fat-Bike.com Interview with Matt Gersib - Fat-Bike Racer...<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="http://fat-bike.com/2012/11/interview-with-matt-gersib-fat-bike-racer/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZynC0y6vxO48EFQN-lt1xjnBL1WwrqvozMWySq5591Tian2Yyadw-aZbC5W2xkMqFuKh-slRvbGA0XeahwpjGBpoFwNN226zVmaW8Bz3RwYVIJ0zJC51by3-WrLO_OxoHYWJ/s400/MG_BenWitt.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fat-bike.com/2012/11/interview-with-matt-gersib-fat-bike-racer/" target="_blank">Read Interview with Matt Gersib - Fat-Bike Racer, on Fat-Bike.com</a><a href="http://fat-bike.com/2012/11/interview-with-matt-gersib-fat-bike-racer/" target="_blank">. Photo: Ben Witt</a></td></tr>
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<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-85908040510358691012012-10-09T16:04:00.002-05:002012-10-09T16:04:37.752-05:00PCL Kit Order Deadline Extended to Oct. 14...<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/AVvXsEjdRnQjRGfk-7x4Dc4J26SlFfhXEfsyT3hwdcVgPM6UiL1Y5wml3cNDdxX0xaiimGlrVrNaidXSt-WquYRQ88T8ulpbwmNwr1JlgA-qapRybEn2hjmB8dCRHAoj6fkdZu8BEOAN/s1600/6228334995_a6313c223f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRnQjRGfk-7x4Dc4J26SlFfhXEfsyT3hwdcVgPM6UiL1Y5wml3cNDdxX0xaiimGlrVrNaidXSt-WquYRQ88T8ulpbwmNwr1JlgA-qapRybEn2hjmB8dCRHAoj6fkdZu8BEOAN/s320/6228334995_a6313c223f_b.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You wanna' roll with the Factory Pirates? Here's your chance... <a href="http://www.voler.com/custom/ordering/li/2802" target="_blank">Order NOW!</a></td></tr>
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The deadline for the PCL Jersey/Short order came and went yesterday, and unfortunately we were short of the minimum order in a couple of categories (short sleeve items -- 6 short; long sleeve items -- 4 short), so after talking through our options with the folks at Voler, they graciously offered us an extension until midnight (Pacific time) Sunday, October 14. Let's get those orders in folks!!<br />
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<i><b>Please take a moment to consider ordering some new PCL gear and roll into 2013 Pirate style!! </b></i></h3>
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<a href="http://www.voler.com/custom/ordering/li/2802" target="_blank">Here's the link to the Voler order site.</a></h3>
MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-53516423179619172402012-09-26T11:39:00.004-05:002012-09-26T11:41:30.402-05:00We're Ordering PCL Kits soon...It's time to order up some new Pirate gear!! <br />
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Here's the <a href="http://www.voler.com/custom/ordering/li/2802" target="_blank">link to the Voler/PCL order site</a>. The order will close Oct. 8 and will arrive at the end of November. The design will be the same as the last batch, which looked like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jCjo4Mz1OLbpr97rOOpAXsRWZ6aqvF7YTf9E2rvQEP7kEKDz8CqmvDUj1JdRR95qFsguovLGbLNz1ymFaFkG9sgU08eM0ICe7x1KIjiOs3X5kBHYuabaDDZmS-EZJyCDgm3NWw/s320/PCL_KIT_001_SS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jCjo4Mz1OLbpr97rOOpAXsRWZ6aqvF7YTf9E2rvQEP7kEKDz8CqmvDUj1JdRR95qFsguovLGbLNz1ymFaFkG9sgU08eM0ICe7x1KIjiOs3X5kBHYuabaDDZmS-EZJyCDgm3NWw/s320/PCL_KIT_001_SS.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can choose short-sleeve jerseys or skin suits (you know you want one), long-sleeve jerseys or skin suits (now even I want one), shorts and knickers. It's a veritable Pirate smorgasbord... I have samples of jerseys and shorts at my house you can come over and try... But don't delay. If you wait 'til Oct. 9, you've waited a day too late. You know what to do. <a href="http://www.voler.com/custom/ordering/li/2802" target="_blank">ORDER NOW</a>. Aaaaarrrrggghh...MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-35057071610758933022012-09-05T16:34:00.003-05:002012-09-05T16:38:59.035-05:00The Dakota Five-O by Fatbike... Oh YEAH!!<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/AVvXsEjkdEJcCKWhB1mZ6g1bNYaaAe-T1ICxY2QT2mUfMg37VgJSyMA57Zl0fNSrr9WRj9ncd4Tvsgs7_k0cnMYXFQ6V0e9ogJxlKKcGiwfNz3gtCCQuVmbmmt778xtURxrXYgEnXMJk/s1600/Dakota+50+557.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdEJcCKWhB1mZ6g1bNYaaAe-T1ICxY2QT2mUfMg37VgJSyMA57Zl0fNSrr9WRj9ncd4Tvsgs7_k0cnMYXFQ6V0e9ogJxlKKcGiwfNz3gtCCQuVmbmmt778xtURxrXYgEnXMJk/s320/Dakota+50+557.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patty Wixon catches me near the Bacon Station. <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/116836290262070238593/albums/5784430420496565777?banner=pwa&authkey=CPa0gpeHvIKyeA" target="_blank">See all of Patty's images here</a>.</td></tr>
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Many of you probably have already read about the plans <a href="http://cvo40.blogspot.com/?zx=52e71cf6bb210804" target="_blank">CVO</a> and I hatched to race fatbikes at the <a href="http://dakotafiveo.com/" target="_blank">2012 Dakota Five-O</a> last Sunday. Well, our plan went off without a hitch and everyone lived to ride another day.<br />
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CVO finished the rugged 50-mile off-road course in just over seven hours. Our friend <a href="http://theshockstar.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ben Shockey</a>, from Decorah, Iowa, was the third fatbike rider in the field -- on a singlespeed no less -- and he finished in 5:49:00, which was incredible for a singlspeed fatbike. I finished in five hours flat, which <i>just barely</i> accomplished my goal of finishing in five hours or under on the fatbike. I had ridden a 4:22:00 last year (for 20th overall in the race) so I figured that a five hour fatbike ride was within the realm of possibility for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpDl_OCB9XN1PbmdZ-rFPkYE8gYHRM3CacODnvBVBTuwK2v4puvXdiHBxDFhxr-WT3vC0Oc4ax4ZG69tW5jkLkOEiZiWVagxSMIlJYBr7VeWylAR26Oe5cUm4JtZYl3vcPxln/s1600/318405_4626646706739_78287376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpDl_OCB9XN1PbmdZ-rFPkYE8gYHRM3CacODnvBVBTuwK2v4puvXdiHBxDFhxr-WT3vC0Oc4ax4ZG69tW5jkLkOEiZiWVagxSMIlJYBr7VeWylAR26Oe5cUm4JtZYl3vcPxln/s320/318405_4626646706739_78287376_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle Hansen snaps this image of Schmitty and I on the start line of wave two.</td></tr>
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That said, finishing in five hours on a fatbike was harder than I thought it'd be. Part of it was the fact that my fatbike is about as heavy as fatbikes get, especially in the wheels. My rims aren't the fancy ones with weight-saving cutouts... No, they're the less expensive, and heavier ones. But pointed downhill, my Mukluk was absolute rolling thunder! There were a couple of downhills in particular between aid station one and two where I was able to absolutely FLY past riders on regular bikes thanks to the inertia generated by those massive wheels and the shock absorption of the massive 4-inch wide tires. But on the flip-side, any climbs where momentum wasn't a factor became a big effort... and cumulatively, over four-plus hours of riding, the climbs began to wear on me.<br />
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The good news though, is that the Dakota Five-O finishes with a very long, fast downhill, and it was here that I was able to really open the Muk up and give it the business! In fact, there was a rider who came out of the singletrack a bit behind me, and I think he thought he was going to catch me quickly when he got out onto the road. But as soon as gravity took hold of those big fatbike wheels, I was out of sight. He'd not be seen again until after the finish line...<br />
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The Dakota Five-O has so many awesome things going on... The race is just part of what makes the experience great. One of the other things has to be the experience of camping at the Spearfish City campground -- one of the premier city campgrounds in the country. It's just a minute's ride from the start/finish line too, so you are literally camped at the race. Plus, hot showers, running water and a cool creek running through it make the camping experience great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9j5zJ-AI7nbOa8KtAzIbE8Eug299v6FvkZFYEvu5Nf739Fs1NZxw-pL0OLTPFR_WUIWJamJgD4BE6oj41d_utEjwJ_za-W-kqQbc_bCCJRqIV5o-FM-OIVyAxVgHQtVdN9NY/s1600/327131_3917721014827_320713990_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9j5zJ-AI7nbOa8KtAzIbE8Eug299v6FvkZFYEvu5Nf739Fs1NZxw-pL0OLTPFR_WUIWJamJgD4BE6oj41d_utEjwJ_za-W-kqQbc_bCCJRqIV5o-FM-OIVyAxVgHQtVdN9NY/s320/327131_3917721014827_320713990_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangin' with the Decorah crew, including Singlespeed champ, Trevor Rockwell (left, next to me) and Scott Marx (center). Photo: Ben Shockey</td></tr>
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I definitely recommend checking out the Dakota Five-O if you're into great endurance mountain bike events. Promoters, Perry and Kristi Jewett and their group, the Ridge Riders, have assembled a course, organization and overall event that's absolutely top-notch. The raffle that follows the awards ceremony is one of the largest and best I've ever witnessed, and they do it every year! Incredible!!<br />
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Thank you so much to everyone involved in putting on the Dakota Five-O! It was by far the best mountain bike event I went to in 2012. I look forward to seeing you all next year!MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-7873533484443266902012-08-28T17:55:00.001-05:002012-08-28T17:55:08.479-05:00Fatbiking the Dakota Five-O...It started with a crazy idea hatched on a late night fatbike ride... I'm not even sure who had the idea first, but for at least two weeks now we've been talking about racing fatbikes at the Dakota Five-O, so with the race coming up this weekend, we had to decide... Were we in, or were we just talkin'?<br />
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And we both decided we were all in... So with that settled it's GAME ON! Even though there's no real fatbike "class", so we'll be racing against everyone else, we're cool with it. I'm not convinced it'll even be that much slower... Ask anyone who's ridden with me lately. But I also recognize the climbs outside Spearfish will be another matter.<br />
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That said, I've also mounted a BIG RING for the first time ever... I know how the finish plays out.<br />
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Here's a sneak peek...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazGJdyVneeE_ogdsuLyXvobA-d4Crq55bY1xDXiyF5qDJJRjCFdpSlMwKn2t7gLRWUb1Sask_XyfwUwJX2-2zbWZGhZYqvgU0S85SO6yNZjQU0vmYWhKy2Jylsh6I8U4EvAf2/s1600/DSCN2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazGJdyVneeE_ogdsuLyXvobA-d4Crq55bY1xDXiyF5qDJJRjCFdpSlMwKn2t7gLRWUb1Sask_XyfwUwJX2-2zbWZGhZYqvgU0S85SO6yNZjQU0vmYWhKy2Jylsh6I8U4EvAf2/s320/DSCN2567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-90363590950745977072012-07-15T17:20:00.001-05:002012-07-30T12:44:37.109-05:00Old Town Penobscot 17 Canoe For Sale... SOLD!<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/AVvXsEgx6yzZ5OM86tBMSt77eiE2o70znzz0zF421D2zCYoS2st9P5CsztGN1DBAYH5UFltCquEWs43ycwyjWCb9MOqq7DepDUoM1nUjM63A5iE7t7csUcWThqV_3QpYnUUA8gNVBfCB/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6yzZ5OM86tBMSt77eiE2o70znzz0zF421D2zCYoS2st9P5CsztGN1DBAYH5UFltCquEWs43ycwyjWCb9MOqq7DepDUoM1nUjM63A5iE7t7csUcWThqV_3QpYnUUA8gNVBfCB/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're selling our lightly-used Old Town Penobscot 17 canoe. Though we bought it with grand intentions, it's only been in the water three times (and two of those times were at Holmes Lake, so it hasn't been extreme paddling whatsoever).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0Ofh5tIa-RUXm8vE1Ltj_p0pfbFujrueBNox9mZzaSWMwBWaRL1JQqEIHGxScgMKmBaEB3-26IfktuYLidfVGGRiK4MxNZXUY5q9qZZi1-yGrrKxnBhAaEp01NEPOIruugR4/s1600/1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0Ofh5tIa-RUXm8vE1Ltj_p0pfbFujrueBNox9mZzaSWMwBWaRL1JQqEIHGxScgMKmBaEB3-26IfktuYLidfVGGRiK4MxNZXUY5q9qZZi1-yGrrKxnBhAaEp01NEPOIruugR4/s320/1-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Penobscot 17 is a 17-foot long molded Royalex canoe from Old Town's premier tripping/expedition line. The boat is renowned for its easy paddling and handling, as well as its ability to carry up to a 1,200 lb payload.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XVNLsncPx427rNWjroPmO4RYpyh_LfI97m08PHh8vUa7klHnAqHurafoa3QHYkMj4wmmilv1tkT702wgw_9kErjUYW6by8FXjYPUnuAylcYgcmQYV4pGi8pKmzIt7UOnBEdA/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XVNLsncPx427rNWjroPmO4RYpyh_LfI97m08PHh8vUa7klHnAqHurafoa3QHYkMj4wmmilv1tkT702wgw_9kErjUYW6by8FXjYPUnuAylcYgcmQYV4pGi8pKmzIt7UOnBEdA/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While current Penobscot 17 canoes (now called the Penobscot 17 RX) include inferior webbed seats, this boat features comfortable, stylish cane seats and an ash thwart and yoke. All wood is in top-notch condition.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8W7NyPlWtdBWuYRIf0bMoGPevOd4ZzOpmvQzxUSga1zu9w-zwSg78q3J1iPDO7v5eyUqN2dxjtN1E_GCjLcJrr8aPtJBlRsNJQ_5hcXVrD-tCIm1i_KOw2lz7VcbyRS6kJL3/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8W7NyPlWtdBWuYRIf0bMoGPevOd4ZzOpmvQzxUSga1zu9w-zwSg78q3J1iPDO7v5eyUqN2dxjtN1E_GCjLcJrr8aPtJBlRsNJQ_5hcXVrD-tCIm1i_KOw2lz7VcbyRS6kJL3/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canoe has a few minor surface scratches from transit, but nothing that in any way compromises its water worthiness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudcvKkIlOpl8-n5zpGLYonAci3IouVsZWiqIWWi8EicvARcgCgKDp5SGja2WU3yA33fJc0WXefB9Py6SZgo-VfaAFNckhcolR2KSaBxk7Wr2H7nCk-tWmfEDLm2ZaRzR6JVlh/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudcvKkIlOpl8-n5zpGLYonAci3IouVsZWiqIWWi8EicvARcgCgKDp5SGja2WU3yA33fJc0WXefB9Py6SZgo-VfaAFNckhcolR2KSaBxk7Wr2H7nCk-tWmfEDLm2ZaRzR6JVlh/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The package also includes two Old Town wood paddles and three PFDs (two size adult large, one adult small)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdye08fIEPlDjSq8yrB7A5YSru63SX7AZwQnOdImuS5vfNYGy02mci4Xdw4LMIA5nFFZA_f1Bf07jhZo0bAHbLWeFwlEmk1iwHrbQLzvMRP4rIGYycQdwV-qRkxEYrdW1Uin2/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdye08fIEPlDjSq8yrB7A5YSru63SX7AZwQnOdImuS5vfNYGy02mci4Xdw4LMIA5nFFZA_f1Bf07jhZo0bAHbLWeFwlEmk1iwHrbQLzvMRP4rIGYycQdwV-qRkxEYrdW1Uin2/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MSRP for the canoe alone is $1,599.99. For the entire package (canoe, paddles and PFDs), we are asking $800 plus any applicable shipping charges. Please note: due to the challenge of shipping such a large, heavy item, we are strongly looking for a local buyer, or someone who can travel to pick it up.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Questions? Interested in purchasing? Please contact Matt at mattgersib at gmail dot com, or 402-314-2150.<br />
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Thanks for looking,<br />
MG <br />
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<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-65643762494251786172012-07-03T15:12:00.004-05:002012-07-05T10:04:54.749-05:00Experiencing Odin's Revenge...<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/AVvXsEhyLI2T5l5fC50qtjDPxXYAJZEGwctkFmaCYp3rlOvGUCUScmu1UJZlS8reYcdk56WLrCwlAdws1J-4Lo_GUGR0GtwxDhalrhji3pcAKx7lFCArcj-etLGx9tNdWRyFjH-LPVPX/s1600/Odin's+Revenge+June+30,+2012+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLI2T5l5fC50qtjDPxXYAJZEGwctkFmaCYp3rlOvGUCUScmu1UJZlS8reYcdk56WLrCwlAdws1J-4Lo_GUGR0GtwxDhalrhji3pcAKx7lFCArcj-etLGx9tNdWRyFjH-LPVPX/s320/Odin's+Revenge+June+30,+2012+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Nebraska? Yes it is!! Eventual race winner, Mike Marchand and I navigate a section of deep sand on the first 98 mile loop of <a href="http://odinsrevenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Odin's Revenge</a>. Photo: <a href="http://www.cornbreadblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cornbread</a></td></tr>
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As we pedaled along one of the more primitive dirt roads on the second loop of <a href="http://odinsrevenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Odin's Revenge</a> last Saturday, eventual race winner Mike Marchand and I agreed that, while both of us love the gravel "scene", neither of us love actually racing on gravel. It's an interesting paradox, it seems, as to experience the scene (and the scenery), you've got to do the races. And while we certainly had moments of distress at Odin's Revenge, there were also intense moments of beauty that more than made up for the challenges we experienced.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBvhxlQ4OSnWnZ3Mi075LbI2esufcOjhgJA6hFtZTLxZsoa-theSqNtlXHGRK-KOe8iSe-PX3n7s0LFbpFvpR1aqFMZ4e_1yKzOXRzP1bxoUeehpopAZHZV2To_knpRZC-eRI/s1600/283738_258268207615678_1892623468_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBvhxlQ4OSnWnZ3Mi075LbI2esufcOjhgJA6hFtZTLxZsoa-theSqNtlXHGRK-KOe8iSe-PX3n7s0LFbpFvpR1aqFMZ4e_1yKzOXRzP1bxoUeehpopAZHZV2To_knpRZC-eRI/s320/283738_258268207615678_1892623468_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riders begin to collect for the start. Photo: Kyle Vincent</td></tr>
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A first-year gravel event, Odin's Revenge is the brainchild of <a href="http://paxtonpeleton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Matt Bergen</a>, <a href="http://cqsmtbtalesfromthedirt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chad Quigley</a> and the DSG Crew. It covered 180 miles in two large loops, both of which started and finished at the KOA in the central Nebraska railroad town of Gothenburg. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTP2qsbx6OtrhrN2P5N7JuWjR916N6afZI4ymD-dp_LuqCLOXIxm0J_GmmzgHBRkDIUNZj5dE8bsVBy0yVldXy0qaL2x7o7SUeKbmYOc8uaf_A__qrCpXdHO3BSAEtIHf4phIs/s1600/529362_258415277600971_1214766947_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTP2qsbx6OtrhrN2P5N7JuWjR916N6afZI4ymD-dp_LuqCLOXIxm0J_GmmzgHBRkDIUNZj5dE8bsVBy0yVldXy0qaL2x7o7SUeKbmYOc8uaf_A__qrCpXdHO3BSAEtIHf4phIs/s320/529362_258415277600971_1214766947_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About a mile from the start, the lead pack had already whittled down to four. Cornbread and Mike lead, while Aaron Schnee (in green) and I sit in. Photo: Kyle Vincent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS4k9rQeEEANiF3pD3spRZVZ1Y2nz1JPai3b5TQ9hrsKUQ8Qxwe2QGAzbZAwaFIM31Jqp6Y24Xz2wuET1ZcurdTBzS-gC_0iiH66wwM0pXHV0A5cckGqKRatv_tPO7-5XJlyy/s1600/376519_258415754267590_2064526666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS4k9rQeEEANiF3pD3spRZVZ1Y2nz1JPai3b5TQ9hrsKUQ8Qxwe2QGAzbZAwaFIM31Jqp6Y24Xz2wuET1ZcurdTBzS-gC_0iiH66wwM0pXHV0A5cckGqKRatv_tPO7-5XJlyy/s320/376519_258415754267590_2064526666_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenery along the course was absolutely stunning. Photo: Kyle Vincent</td></tr>
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The first loop ventured south and west, into the incredible canyon country south of the Platte River valley, while the second loop traveled east and then North, climbing into the remote hills northwest of Cozad, NE. The quality of the course definitely made me proud to be a Nebraskan. From the amazing roads we traversed, to the fantastic challenge of simply completing the event (only six individuals and one two-rider team finished the entire course), it exceeded every single one of my expectations. Even though I'm native to the state, I still found myself pondering the question "This is Nebraska?" on numerous occasions. But the answer was the same each time... "Yes it is!" I was stoked. Never before had I ridden such entertaining dirt roads -- roads that consistently asked me to handle my bike at speeds above 30 mph! Awesome!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIulOwddl0VB5XINyqsPQLyuW83CDzVTp2SHCd4_uhKkfCn-MW79N7vyfTTaYggv-s6h0DHTRpfUCXqhaOhEMoqFeHUZ3zEtAlrQ78yKl7AS7Ow8h40e7Ct-N4E6boy0-SLMjb/s1600/529409_258417140934118_1759423119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIulOwddl0VB5XINyqsPQLyuW83CDzVTp2SHCd4_uhKkfCn-MW79N7vyfTTaYggv-s6h0DHTRpfUCXqhaOhEMoqFeHUZ3zEtAlrQ78yKl7AS7Ow8h40e7Ct-N4E6boy0-SLMjb/s320/529409_258417140934118_1759423119_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing Mike and Cornbread down on a sandy downhill during the first loop. Photo: Kyle Vincent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUblw9a20pKrHjObBXpn5qLdufV4EK6KHAbybOoeWhgjPA6RqXtdNMu1MiG1bmI-Xu_TIDW7SXN90t533e6cY5BN3HZbKdhUnW8QNdUdUPs9Gz3mQXVSDd7occS29ksz2TRs6Z/s1600/Odin's+Revenge+June+30,+2012+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUblw9a20pKrHjObBXpn5qLdufV4EK6KHAbybOoeWhgjPA6RqXtdNMu1MiG1bmI-Xu_TIDW7SXN90t533e6cY5BN3HZbKdhUnW8QNdUdUPs9Gz3mQXVSDd7occS29ksz2TRs6Z/s320/Odin's+Revenge+June+30,+2012+044.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used my <a href="http://www.visiontechusa.com/products/547/Team-Mini-TT-Clip-On-Bars" target="_blank">Vision Mini-TT</a> bars to my advantage in catching back up to Mike on the smoother downhills. Photo: Cornbread</td></tr>
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The challenge of the course made the racing itself a lot more fun, especially during the first loop (98 miles). My <a href="http://www.cycleworksusa.com/" target="_blank">Cycle Works</a>/<a href="http://www.moosestooth.com/" target="_blank">Moose's Tooth</a> teammate, Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey was with us during the first loop and we were having a great time racing up the climbs and ripping the descents. I couldn't believe how fearless Marchand was on his 35c Hutchinson 'cross tires on the downhills in the midst of rocks that could have easily ended his day! Often, I'd have to continue pushing through the uphill and into the downhill simply to make up a little ground on him on the DH. It wasn't easy and I definitely burnt a fair number of matches playing that little game.<br />
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In the final 10 miles of the first loop, I let Cornbread and Mike go ahead and settled into a pace I could better manage, but the damage to my legs had already been done. My power output would not be the same for the remainder of the day. Once I made it into the checkpoint, I learned that Mike and Corey were at McDonald's eating lunch, so I stuck with my race plan and ate leftover Valentino's pizza I had in my cooler and got back out on course quickly -- in less than 15 minutes. This put me back on-course in the race lead, with a several minute lead on Mike, who was now riding solo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6OItANZ4C4_7nV25fH1mn6gCli5hq5onuTTdWp58VeoLzHPx6O8fZW_Hm_U7FnI4TRy-vIlI65g59Hdrl5eFTlJqJpbhHSdOk1cbeucdBN7ul2B2wUbNM68zY0uS8HNe6vPB/s1600/292445_456643094355433_1934942455_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6OItANZ4C4_7nV25fH1mn6gCli5hq5onuTTdWp58VeoLzHPx6O8fZW_Hm_U7FnI4TRy-vIlI65g59Hdrl5eFTlJqJpbhHSdOk1cbeucdBN7ul2B2wUbNM68zY0uS8HNe6vPB/s320/292445_456643094355433_1934942455_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Marchand prepares to head out onto the second loop. Photo: Kyle Vincent</td></tr>
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My lead didn't last long, as Mike caught me less than ten miles into the second loop. We rode together for a short time before he forged ahead once again. This was a good thing, as it allowed me to once again resume a pace that would get me safely across the finish line. I had no idea where the third place rider was behind me, so it was always in my mind that somebody could be "coming to get me". In fact, one of the two-rider teams had sent a rider out onto the course just after Mike, and as I cooled off under a hydrant at a farm along the course about 120 miles in, that rider caught and passed me for a brief period. The heat was oppressive though, and he was wearing a huge backpack, and the combination allowed me to easily catch and pass him back.<br />
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It was here that a brief thunderstorm rolled through and gave us about a 15 minute respite from the heat. Unfortunately, as soon as the storm was gone, when the sun returned, so too did the heat.<br />
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Shortly after that, I stopped seeing Mike's tire tracks in the gravel ahead of me, which caused a bit of concern. I was running out of water and feared that, at his pace, Mike might have been experiencing severe heat-related issues. As it turned out, he'd simply made a wrong turn that resulted in an eight mile detour, so he ended up coming into the mid-loop checkpoint behind me. But we were thankful to see him come in just minutes after I arrived, and we left the checkpoint together again. But it wasn't long before Mike once again rode away from me. Though he was making some navigational errors, he was still riding well. His strength and determination could not be denied.<br />
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Sensing the inevitability of my second place finish, as Mike began to ride away from me, I decided to take a few minutes to sit in the shade under an oak tree along the course, eat some food and enjoy the beauty of the central Nebraska landscape. Up to that point, I hadn't really paused to really take in my surroundings and I'm sure glad I did. I watched Mike glide effortlessly up one of the steepest climbs on the course and out of sight, then I simply sat and enjoyed the sounds of nature... the sounds of silence.<br />
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When I resumed my journey refreshed and renewed, I knew first place was well beyond my grasp and I was perfectly content with that. On this day, a faster rider who wanted it more would take the victory, and I would get exactly what I came for -- a fantastic ride and weekend with great friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-RequDcK6LCKzQ6SDmhjP1cZijJ26hi42ro3oN2UT_JR4U1DbBE0hpDOAlAVDGslGYKLa5841JEnvYL70wPMCJ0FzYImHd0gQgc7mMlwZLE1zdWacCORnNfm5aIevJYkDvHp/s1600/313938_258268107615688_507959404_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-RequDcK6LCKzQ6SDmhjP1cZijJ26hi42ro3oN2UT_JR4U1DbBE0hpDOAlAVDGslGYKLa5841JEnvYL70wPMCJ0FzYImHd0gQgc7mMlwZLE1zdWacCORnNfm5aIevJYkDvHp/s320/313938_258268107615688_507959404_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The raffle table... This was just a fraction of the stuff the DSG Crew gave away! Awesome... Thank you! Photo: Kyle Vincent</td></tr>
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In fact, one of the best parts of the event came on Friday night, after the pre-race rider meeting. The DSG crew raffled off a ton of schwag provided by event sponsors <a href="http://shop.titusti.com/" target="_blank">On-One/Titus</a>, <a href="http://www.amclassic.com/en/index.php" target="_blank">American Classic</a>, <a href="http://www.revelatedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Revelate Designs</a>, <a href="http://www.backcountryresearch.com/" target="_blank">Backcountry Research</a>, <a href="http://www.climbonproducts.com/" target="_blank">Climb On! Products</a>, <a href="http://www.twinsix.com/" target="_blank">Twin Six</a> and a host of others. I ended up taking home a sweet new On-One saddle (which is already on a bike), a tubeless conversion kit from American Classic (awesome!), some TwinSix socks and a Tulbag from Backcountry Research. I don't think anyone came away from the raffle empty handed! Thank you so much to all the event sponsors. Your support is noted, appreciated and I will definitely be considering your products first when it comes time to purchase these type of products in the future. We have to support the folks who support our sport!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU8xxt8Ns-GhWhhdQ2hn5a1T9zR98YxkmnrRrU0K3SqRRWAJKbICFVh4hn0qUvELZsY5zH7kO0Qg2MLTgCf6oZMkqWlsKDfBKxcpce01b3_9n7bAm84r5wDKTczhDxmkOI6eN/s1600/315393_456591811027228_1330381232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU8xxt8Ns-GhWhhdQ2hn5a1T9zR98YxkmnrRrU0K3SqRRWAJKbICFVh4hn0qUvELZsY5zH7kO0Qg2MLTgCf6oZMkqWlsKDfBKxcpce01b3_9n7bAm84r5wDKTczhDxmkOI6eN/s320/315393_456591811027228_1330381232_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iowa endurance stud, Mike Johnson, checks out my Salsa Vaya race setup for Odin's Revenge. Johnson would finish 4th overall (3rd place solo) in the event on his own Salsa Fargo. Photo: Kyle Vincent</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEh84W_GPNdoM2WJeI60bMtKrjmWgGpb0_GzNhoOzOJeOEZ5KKyn4hRrFeCIZ8a0GRRRLflhNyWDmyO64gLUsaFy7BJiaLY-_uo59ibrQGFZ8jTQWNqpMOMhaXzp1zYXymcBFhFR/s1600/205241_258413557601143_201647514_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84W_GPNdoM2WJeI60bMtKrjmWgGpb0_GzNhoOzOJeOEZ5KKyn4hRrFeCIZ8a0GRRRLflhNyWDmyO64gLUsaFy7BJiaLY-_uo59ibrQGFZ8jTQWNqpMOMhaXzp1zYXymcBFhFR/s320/205241_258413557601143_201647514_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here I am checking out Mike's super sweet Fargo setup. The <a href="http://www.ragleybikes.com/our-components/luxy-offroad-drop-bar/" target="_blank">Ragley Luxy</a> bars he's running are extra-nice! Photo: Kyle Vincent</td></tr>
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And with that said, I'd like to thank the folks who support me and make my bicycle racing possible, including first and foremost, my beautiful wife Laura, who understands the time and commitment it takes to train for and compete in these events (and yet still allows me to do them). Thanks also to Kris, Julie and the crews at <a href="http://www.cycleworksusa.com/" target="_blank">Cycle Works</a> and <a href="http://www.moosestooth.com/" target="_blank">The Moose's Tooth</a> in Lincoln. It's an honor to race for and represent the same shop I first worked for at age 17 in 1990. And thank you to Rob Versteegh at <a href="http://www.oakley.com/" target="_blank">Oakley</a> for providing me with the best eyewear money can buy. Anyone who knows me knows I will wear nothing else... I'm an Oakley man.<br />
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Thanks for reading. Hope to see you out on a great adventure sometime soon!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
MG<br />
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<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7330667.post-41860919777517795512012-06-27T19:07:00.001-05:002012-06-28T11:34:33.303-05:00Salsa Big Mama For Sale... SOLD!!<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/AVvXsEiijed96q_lvW9Z1n2338pBQjfFx1HBvn_J1DqrWskHaoiNVuIADOzQWmmBDhGYyn_OIrcj0rtqmszpcSsK9IZlrXbtXFpX2uQT_kahtdBV15_NidUjhBZ92QV6FzXMiY6c5KV-/s1600/BigMama_side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijed96q_lvW9Z1n2338pBQjfFx1HBvn_J1DqrWskHaoiNVuIADOzQWmmBDhGYyn_OIrcj0rtqmszpcSsK9IZlrXbtXFpX2uQT_kahtdBV15_NidUjhBZ92QV6FzXMiY6c5KV-/s320/BigMama_side.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Beauty... The burnt orange paint on the Big Mama has always been one of my favorite Salsa colors.</td></tr>
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<br />
I've decided it's time to sell my beloved Salsa Big Mama... It's something I've been putting off for quite some time, as I'm a big fan of the bike, but ultimately I can't justify having two four inch travel full suspension 29"ers... I just don't end up riding the bike enough to keep it around, so I'm letting it go to a home that can put it to better use.<br />
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If you're in the market for a very budget friendly full suspension 29"er and you ride a 20"/Large frame, please consider my very clean Salsa Big Mama as an option for your next bike. Following are a few descriptive photos, along with contact details for me if you're interested in chatting and learning more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijed96q_lvW9Z1n2338pBQjfFx1HBvn_J1DqrWskHaoiNVuIADOzQWmmBDhGYyn_OIrcj0rtqmszpcSsK9IZlrXbtXFpX2uQT_kahtdBV15_NidUjhBZ92QV6FzXMiY6c5KV-/s1600/BigMama_side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wxL6BVKf-iXVTM93ugvdLxl1dVqhcv0aed_WIciecRdnln6eW4gG9RfzNeyGND4CLMDarcEjrKHapiobTwLfqh2QGKB0ZOTuJNmHsO1Uw6eSCwtIil8aRLCA_3dAeOP-mqZH/s1600/BigMama_controls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wxL6BVKf-iXVTM93ugvdLxl1dVqhcv0aed_WIciecRdnln6eW4gG9RfzNeyGND4CLMDarcEjrKHapiobTwLfqh2QGKB0ZOTuJNmHsO1Uw6eSCwtIil8aRLCA_3dAeOP-mqZH/s320/BigMama_controls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Control Center... Quality components throughout, including a Salsa Pro Moto Ti stem and Bend 3 bar, SRAM X7 GripShift and Hayes HFX hydraulic brakes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4tt5wRCKuIke5rSr6-uib6WAt6NTSt_Yp5IfNCfbMcCNc3CB_6Vuydjx4xMVE-Se5S6AUt8wIlTEfcz_EBP9JGcEUJSF6QP8F2UVI4Kyu8TeebGmwlwNx8cyAcHvJOMZVr41/s1600/BigMama_fork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4tt5wRCKuIke5rSr6-uib6WAt6NTSt_Yp5IfNCfbMcCNc3CB_6Vuydjx4xMVE-Se5S6AUt8wIlTEfcz_EBP9JGcEUJSF6QP8F2UVI4Kyu8TeebGmwlwNx8cyAcHvJOMZVr41/s320/BigMama_fork.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A King headset and Manitou Minute (100mm travel) fork anchor the front of the bike. The Minute features Manitou's latest Absolute + compression damper. The fork's lower legs are nearly new, the result of a warranty replacement, so the bushings are just broken in... no more. Overall, it's an incredible performing fork.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PAgrniTI1l5vrsQuPqulMQPxZmLm0RnlOHlgbkEHgW7fHRJwT08oZh1YQqsvbRu7OvdgHpvMa7CR2h-o7fjnKejqXJNuZLJGo46Kd0iEU2r9ZxxaV6SiYXZ-IKHdBan5hR6J/s1600/BigMama_rearsuspension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PAgrniTI1l5vrsQuPqulMQPxZmLm0RnlOHlgbkEHgW7fHRJwT08oZh1YQqsvbRu7OvdgHpvMa7CR2h-o7fjnKejqXJNuZLJGo46Kd0iEU2r9ZxxaV6SiYXZ-IKHdBan5hR6J/s320/BigMama_rearsuspension.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Fox RP2 provides damping for the rear suspension and the low-leverage design is a proven performer. For my 155 lb weight, I only needed to run 88lbs of pressure, making it super sensitive to small bumps, yet the rising rate linkage provides enough ramp up to eliminate bottoming. It's a great performing design.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWenAF_nMD0q8ddPte16eTqvjCfFQOD5mZRp8KEuaFLUMlEzoRnLFEcHDeB6qK5ROFcj4ubnHqwd6kmZzBDjLhTUU9jtMbpdj5LvPsNxgRSqVAHzRCJumtDCueiK261tpvE8qe/s1600/BigMama_drivetrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWenAF_nMD0q8ddPte16eTqvjCfFQOD5mZRp8KEuaFLUMlEzoRnLFEcHDeB6qK5ROFcj4ubnHqwd6kmZzBDjLhTUU9jtMbpdj5LvPsNxgRSqVAHzRCJumtDCueiK261tpvE8qe/s320/BigMama_drivetrain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drivetrain is an excellent performing combination of a Shimano Deore XT front deraileur and SRAM X7 rear derailleur. They drive the chain across a TruVativ Stylo Team crank (22/32/44 triple) and a SRAM cassette (11-34). Nothing super fancy, but durable, reliable parts that won't let you down in the middle of nowhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb3KExcedGphxzHbJrwAH_J4UQF0RXbxhMBfpPrpCDrXRz46C3KRr_nEzh2_QhLNssDkbfrW3A7R_prZiP6SqkYyca1WoMlPNAsWP2lLHcr8sD9gmIyTkurvh_FPddg0RHNcM/s1600/BigMama_BBforging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb3KExcedGphxzHbJrwAH_J4UQF0RXbxhMBfpPrpCDrXRz46C3KRr_nEzh2_QhLNssDkbfrW3A7R_prZiP6SqkYyca1WoMlPNAsWP2lLHcr8sD9gmIyTkurvh_FPddg0RHNcM/s320/BigMama_BBforging.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Mama frame includes seven custom forged pieces, two of which are shown in this image. It's a robust, very well-built frame!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaBtuPlXZyCRDaZjBqSJFe4JoYpWcPAqODugl_eBzjf7ufWtPU097IOhzrUSeP_E67KtpyiaTC8kXA-7EoOxvuZ5JB87iw89492w3daGIcllw8aaIW9FM7uPEr_-hXSAmZskh/s1600/BigMama_seatpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaBtuPlXZyCRDaZjBqSJFe4JoYpWcPAqODugl_eBzjf7ufWtPU097IOhzrUSeP_E67KtpyiaTC8kXA-7EoOxvuZ5JB87iw89492w3daGIcllw8aaIW9FM7uPEr_-hXSAmZskh/s320/BigMama_seatpost.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Thomson Elite seatpost (31.6mm) and WTB RocketV Team Ti rail saddle offer up a comfortable perch for long miles.</td></tr>
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<br />
The frame and all included parts are in excellent shape and function perfectly. I'm asking $1,100, plus shipping. Please contact me with any questions, at the phone number or address listed in the comments section.<br />
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Thanks for your time and consideration. Happy trails!<br />
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<br />MGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377768960221628840noreply@blogger.com3