Bicycle overload.
View of the City.
Originally uploaded by G e o cycle
I’m sure a ton of you have been checking the twittersphere and various cycling blogs over the past week for news about Trek’s dealer expo called “Trek World.”
It’s all done for the year, it’s a complete week of seeing the latest and greatest that’s being made, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting a ton of new ones.
I didn’t take nearly enough pictures this year but I’m sure there will be much more to be posted up real soon by everyone else.
So if you were like me and had a rather hectic week, take some time and go relax. Hop on the bike and see something new.
I’m getting out for some recreational riding to try and keep my mind off how COOL the new Fisher Rumblefish is. I think I found my new MTB Trail Bike.
Check out the Bishop too. Holy crap.
Ok, now get out and ride your bike. Or at least give it a hug.
Transporter.
Today’s mission was to bring a couple of special bikes from Trek HQ in Waterloo, WI to the Trek Store Madison – East.
I guess the pictures sort of speak for themselves.
I’ll post up pictures of the other bike I brought with me … Alberto Contador’s Yellow/Black Madone that he rode into the Champs Elysée in the 2007 Tour for Team Discovery.
Yes, I am still wearing a grin after transporting these bikes. Yes, I don’t think I’ve ever driven so carefully in my life.
ANOTHER bike?!
To compliment the other bikes in my stable, I decided it was time to get a fun single-speed bike that I can use around town with little worry for keeping it safe while locked up around some more unsavory places around town. 😉
Say hello to my Trek Soho S.
Soon to be tricked out with lights, grips, and maybe another cool part here or there. This bike might actually be the least-modified one I ever own.
It’s a complete blast to ride, and I’ve even done my commute towork on it a couple times. Notice how I’m calling it “it” instead of “her.” This is an attempt to stop trying to personify all my bicycles.
Although, lets admit … having a harem of 5 bikes does sound pretty cool, doesn’t it?
The LeTrek.
Back in a time when Trek had two American Tour winners in its army, they also produced some sweet spine bikes like the one that I was recently able to build up. I acquired the frame through some manner of ritual sacrifice, and some favors from people with a killer collegiate cycling team..
I’ve nicknamed her the “LeTrek.” The photos can obviously show why.
• Reynolds 853 paired with OCLV 120 Carbon – Handmade in Waterloo, Wisconsin!
• Some random Reynolds carbon fork that I acquired with the frame.
• SRAM Force Gruppo
• Bontrager Race X Lite Stem, Handlebars, Seatpost
• Race X Lite Inform Saddle
• Speedplay X2 Pedals
• Various wheels on her now – eventually will get my own set of Bontrager Classics as I’m apparently harsh on my bikes.
The Great Trek Bicycle Making Corporation makes sweet bikes. That they do indeed!
The bike rides even better than I could ever imagine. I won’t lie, I’m quite fond of this build for sure.
Spending a day in dirt.
Originally uploaded by velocorapture
This past Saturday marked a return to the trails since my littleincident a couple weeks back. A heavy work schedule and illness prevented me from riding since then, it felt great to be back in the trees.
There was a special event held in a super secret place by a killer bike making company to celebrate the opening of their trails for the season to employees. Like last fall, it was a time trial event and helped me gauge myself for the upcoming season.
Was a good turnout, and I apparently finished a minute faster than I did last year. It’s all on the technical stuff – no way I am ANY faster up the hills than I was before. Time to lay off the beer … seriously. Others who have been putting in more training finished minutes faster than they did last year, so major kudos there.
After the TT at Jim’s, Claire, Smashly, and I hit up Cam-Rock for some technical singletrack in Cambridge. They’ve been doing a ton of trail-work there, major props to the guys who build with CORP. I’ve been building there before, and it’s a blast. As soon as I can make the time I’ll be there myself.
The day didn’t end after all that mountain biking either. To round off the night, there was dinner at an Indian restaurant. A symphony with a Scot. And a pub-crawl with a newly published author.
What’s next? Ridding my darn yard of Garlic Mustard. That’s what.
… orange?
… orange?
Originally uploaded by G e o cycle
It’s spring time and the Valencia’s gone through a little bit of a change.
Winter was harsh, the wet weather was harsh, the original refresher I did wasn’t enough … my glorious commuter needed MORE.
New housing … new brakes … new shifting … new cages … new computer … new colors.
Spy photo for you right now, she’s lookin’ sweet.
Spring Break at the NOC: #1
Not to entirely steal the ideas of one of my buddies, there’s just so much information to be put down about the last week I had that I haven’t yet been able to do this week on account that we’re prepping for our big sale, and getting tons of new stuff this weekend at the store. It’s been so busy that it looks like it’s going to be a 60 hour week with my first week being back. Whew.
Onto the really important stuff … a vacation with the UW Cycling Club at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Day 1 On the drive down I experienced a big of an overload of energy drinks. Apparently over consumption of such things to keep you awake while driving through the mountains is a BAD IDEA. My resting heartrate was near 120, and it was flying at 180 while talking to people on my ride … that I did … with no sleep … and it was raining. Lesson learned.
Another lesson learned: beer straight after a ride with good friends always makes everything better.
30 miles + a 2 mile climb + no sleep + hyped up on guarana & caffeine + cold and rain = a strange euphoria that I don’t wish to repeat anytime soon.
Day 2
Overcoming the previous day’s efforts, required me to stay in during another rainy day and sleep till the early afternoon. Felt amazing after that … officially ready to ride.
Day 3
To be continued!
Adventures in Progress. 