A gravel adventure to end the year

2018 was a definite year to remember and I am grateful to move past it. Today we explored more of Bonelli.

Here is Douglas showing off his mad skills.  I told him I was going to send this to Peter Sagan letting him know there is a new boss in town and t look out.

Gravel Adventures - Bonelli and Marshal

On Saturday, Mike K and Novo joined me on a gravel adventure.  I had a rough idea of where to go but wasn't 100% sure of the details.  We met at Euro Cafe and headed to Bonelli Park.  From there we did a mix of fire roads and double track.  After Bonelli we headed to lower Marshal Cyn.  We took the wash that leads to the entrance off Emerald but had to jump a fence.  At 40 years of age, climbing a fence isn't as easy as I remember it. 

We headed up the double track on lower Marshal Cyn to the top of Cobal Cyn and finally down to Mills Ave.  Total trip was 26 miles. 

Key Take Aways:
1. 35C tires work but 40c or greater will be better.
2. Tubeless is the way to go.  I was running a traditional setup and at 85 psi, the ride was very rough
3. Climbing Fences suck
4. 11 - 30t cassette is rough.  The better setup is 11 - 34 or greater.  Gearing depends greatly on your style of riding (Flats vs Hills vs Climbing) and you front chainring setup.

Silverback CX Bike

Nice Ritchey Cross Bike

Speedvagen Cross Bike

GRINDURO 2017 -- Dani & Jeremy Chase the Ultimate Party-to-Race Ratio

Why do you ride Gravel?

Why do you ride Gravel? from Niner Bikes on Vimeo.

Introducing The VR

Introducing The VR from Felt Bicycles TV on Vimeo.

Dropped the Bar Tops

I've been wanting to remove my bar top brakes for years.  I had some spare time this weekend so I stopped by Incycle, bought some brake cables and new hoses.

Below is the finished product.  I like the look.  It's cleaner.

While working on my bar tops, I noticed a pretty significant crack on my Thompson stem.  Looks like I have another trip to Incycle. 

Upland Donuts!

Wet and Cold semi gravel ride

Dust Lust - Unsupported gravel race series

Dust Lust - Unsupported gravel race series from OSM films on Vimeo.

Just Pedal Clinic

Getting ready for CX.