tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56288082548552809752024-03-18T03:47:41.370-06:00Big Dummy Daddyliving life with a big green cargo bikeAndy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-70275827537675407122016-09-01T21:24:00.001-06:002016-09-01T21:39:24.505-06:00Will Specialized Fast Trak 29 x 2.0 tires fit a Surly Cross Check?<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/AVvXsEjyfpdateND29Otp5iUc2u4jtt5uLcF8mwuAJsEjYUWwC06micIU8zb9JPC8FM2IBERjT5Q4uZjfceAiI_bgFSdo83C3fM9vulmPQ1qhZP5YQbqTwf6F9yyDntmWzUuoavbPbcUuB8JV-Er/s1600/IMG_20160901_201605381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfpdateND29Otp5iUc2u4jtt5uLcF8mwuAJsEjYUWwC06micIU8zb9JPC8FM2IBERjT5Q4uZjfceAiI_bgFSdo83C3fM9vulmPQ1qhZP5YQbqTwf6F9yyDntmWzUuoavbPbcUuB8JV-Er/s400/IMG_20160901_201605381.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tires look meaty and tough on the bike, but neither wheel will roll without buzzing contact with the frame and fork.</td></tr>
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Uhh... nope. Not quite. After his recent visit, <a href="https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick</a> left me a pair of Specialized Fast Trak Sport 29 x 2.0 tires. Though a little worn, they're nice tires with plenty of rubber left and a fast looking tread pattern. It was the perfect opportunity to see if a skinny (by current standards) 29er tire would have a chance of fitting my 58 cm 2001 <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/search?q=cross+check" target="_blank">Surly Cross Check</a>. I did a little preliminary research and found reports of some success in fitting 50 mm Schwalbe Big Apples, and a couple of random 1.95 inch 29er tires on Cross Checks, but couldn't find anyone on the whole internet who had tried Fast Trak 2.0s. So here I am to provide that public service.<br />
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The results: close, but no cigar. The tires mounted on 20 mm wide Mavic MA3 rims measured out to be almost exactly 50 mm to the outer profile of the knobs. Maybe if I shaved off all the side knobs and had perfectly true rims, there might be a millimeter or so of clearance on each side. I'm not willing to do that. Maybe. However, I've been wanting some fatter tires to replace the pair of nearly worn out Bontrager 38 mm tires (measures out to 34 mm mounted on my MA3s) that I've had on the Cross Check for a long time. Even though the experiment failed, it points to the likelihood that something in the 1.8" to 1.9" (approximately 46-48 mm) wide would be about the right amount of fatness. I could probably even fit fenders with the right tire. I know the 700 x 41 mm Surly Knard is a sure fit, and equates to about 1.6" wide. However, I'm convinced there's a skinny 29er tire out there that will have sufficient clearance, yet push the envelope just a bit more. We don't have a lot of mud here in Colorado, and I wouldn't be riding muddy trails on this bike anyway, so minimal clearance is fine in my book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj_hR-GkeEFrKNIER44J-iORV-MgmCeGiItFuN0_s0voaxD-d3seK4fJHzdh-P7U2IFZf7WxiT1o-g5SQYFyzVtISR-CPBDc9KllJGTLrhu8qKm1fluM5GAXqwfi4wz8r6of59BsIUnpT/s1600/IMG_20160901_201518998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj_hR-GkeEFrKNIER44J-iORV-MgmCeGiItFuN0_s0voaxD-d3seK4fJHzdh-P7U2IFZf7WxiT1o-g5SQYFyzVtISR-CPBDc9KllJGTLrhu8qKm1fluM5GAXqwfi4wz8r6of59BsIUnpT/s400/IMG_20160901_201518998.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast Trak 29 x 2.0 on the front.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIoJdTV3gWuNe4P5Azh20ovgaKFIc-e5n-y-jFN1yGqyFvaVmu6W3xreAQgL3CdJY38eCWHxDpZq4OyVpibnOpuH9X3kKSqEY-iRAdM7gw4UzxIRV3kexUK5on98oMMiMMeItgSeoHtMA/s1600/IMG_20160901_201535727_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIoJdTV3gWuNe4P5Azh20ovgaKFIc-e5n-y-jFN1yGqyFvaVmu6W3xreAQgL3CdJY38eCWHxDpZq4OyVpibnOpuH9X3kKSqEY-iRAdM7gw4UzxIRV3kexUK5on98oMMiMMeItgSeoHtMA/s400/IMG_20160901_201535727_HDR.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mavic MA3, 20 mm wide, on both front and rear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnityy3PzMa4tP46Z5q32Eo2d8KD6hSTZl4JmLvuIFoeZSmM_PI0pNEKHWsDrhT1rfkRsuZNFO_t2JyU-RyHu9NPOBWADmUGZLkB8zEeXagA1HiBm65UwwM6zRb0J6fGViK5kWlOf5Y5ZE/s1600/IMG_20160901_201404223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnityy3PzMa4tP46Z5q32Eo2d8KD6hSTZl4JmLvuIFoeZSmM_PI0pNEKHWsDrhT1rfkRsuZNFO_t2JyU-RyHu9NPOBWADmUGZLkB8zEeXagA1HiBm65UwwM6zRb0J6fGViK5kWlOf5Y5ZE/s400/IMG_20160901_201404223.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of top clearance, not enough side clearance in the fork.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb3CF5iQDNXkhI_pCT1SKp2mSPou7lhbuXHQIWweJ2LJ9hyPU1FFEhhAT2BHG5Uf8yLQRgy86Wu2l9yhf0_8uEGvHp-r-CPdcLJQEKxOfZYzVmaVySZ83wTzCjMMJ3R4Nod3lC8Eh1dxs/s1600/IMG_20160901_201409045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb3CF5iQDNXkhI_pCT1SKp2mSPou7lhbuXHQIWweJ2LJ9hyPU1FFEhhAT2BHG5Uf8yLQRgy86Wu2l9yhf0_8uEGvHp-r-CPdcLJQEKxOfZYzVmaVySZ83wTzCjMMJ3R4Nod3lC8Eh1dxs/s400/IMG_20160901_201409045.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right fork leg.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left fork leg. Tantalizingly close to clearing, if not for knobs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pYiCB0asgZF5iJLEDwfTirlyxrTRYITmcgf-Q0AvG9dcJFQlfg5kMEg00Y1D-bo4VZoXWVw37RXTpoKlk6MFC1lMHZc5PZgPcfUy8RsQ7wUkrjMuIcmum3zaw_qGqVTC7DehWGFn0S4f/s1600/IMG_20160901_201351950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pYiCB0asgZF5iJLEDwfTirlyxrTRYITmcgf-Q0AvG9dcJFQlfg5kMEg00Y1D-bo4VZoXWVw37RXTpoKlk6MFC1lMHZc5PZgPcfUy8RsQ7wUkrjMuIcmum3zaw_qGqVTC7DehWGFn0S4f/s400/IMG_20160901_201351950.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, still 2.0. No better luck in the rear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YHKb30LTsE7p0rB5iBTxxfyM6TY4NkYIxhMJEXZo69FI8HC-FqQS1w83oHqiHb0rAdPqGoOabixIsGjvL-5ubCLRYWaCwzQNhTDALt99_hXXe79gaLAzHA-DxiEgzhwYVyr2zMB9K2-b/s1600/IMG_20160901_201327727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YHKb30LTsE7p0rB5iBTxxfyM6TY4NkYIxhMJEXZo69FI8HC-FqQS1w83oHqiHb0rAdPqGoOabixIsGjvL-5ubCLRYWaCwzQNhTDALt99_hXXe79gaLAzHA-DxiEgzhwYVyr2zMB9K2-b/s400/IMG_20160901_201327727.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Axle slammed rearward in the dropouts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TwfFMpxep_FJnvKmeXFGIlLTmtmdGf80qaJThfPjW2-mkrfbWSWeZlzHFaTMyRYqCECJkYHNgZMR-lZTjBp6yE99WuPVmWC9j1qxdBLqSejpqPoIZ5r6MQXtQb68322du3oejeoAf1TQ/s1600/IMG_20160901_201321390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TwfFMpxep_FJnvKmeXFGIlLTmtmdGf80qaJThfPjW2-mkrfbWSWeZlzHFaTMyRYqCECJkYHNgZMR-lZTjBp6yE99WuPVmWC9j1qxdBLqSejpqPoIZ5r6MQXtQb68322du3oejeoAf1TQ/s400/IMG_20160901_201321390.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close, but not quite clearing the chainstays. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrJebaZTVoZiEHIihZD4gisUQVnxkDYoLAMA5vcc4OWB4D4jXqJQR6JeecVVWc4Jl_zZOV1iF0su35FITEeNvVdi3Voh4WPssdtVcP_TtsM-HhynT0wHaQXqTmSDgx7zLETpfYtgjgsmc/s1600/IMG_20160901_201315327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrJebaZTVoZiEHIihZD4gisUQVnxkDYoLAMA5vcc4OWB4D4jXqJQR6JeecVVWc4Jl_zZOV1iF0su35FITEeNvVdi3Voh4WPssdtVcP_TtsM-HhynT0wHaQXqTmSDgx7zLETpfYtgjgsmc/s400/IMG_20160901_201315327.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seatstays close to clearing, but not. Less room below the brake bridge than below the fork crown, but still adequate.</td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-56467476347836869092016-08-29T13:26:00.001-06:002016-08-29T18:35:31.693-06:00Trail Lael and Gypsy Nick<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/AVvXsEhjyE-kilLdKmVa12ogisB0518JalVDQFsWrJCzfS0ZGiCA7iUZtlBd9N4Nar3OnACZB3Q5AKiTfAZIEiQnMcNd8Fel9AYuM3ddrTd2Mc1jZkJMJk2TqdGXC0tjlwPD-ll8ItcgYlaom31G/s1600/IMG_20160826_145822624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyE-kilLdKmVa12ogisB0518JalVDQFsWrJCzfS0ZGiCA7iUZtlBd9N4Nar3OnACZB3Q5AKiTfAZIEiQnMcNd8Fel9AYuM3ddrTd2Mc1jZkJMJk2TqdGXC0tjlwPD-ll8ItcgYlaom31G/s400/IMG_20160826_145822624.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's always cool to hang out with a personal hero.</td></tr>
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Over the weekend, our friends <a href="https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicholas Carman</a> and <a href="https://laelwilcox.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lael Wilcox</a> paid us a visit on their way to the Colorado Trail. They had a new bike to put together, and a lot of equipment to sort out, so made use of my bike barn for a couple of days. In between, we talked and hung out a bit, hearing of their adventures and some first-hand detail about Lael's recent victory in the <a href="http://transambikerace.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2016 Trans Am Bike Race</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick is a great mechanic, and an inspiration to watch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping Lael set up a big tubeless tire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big box was a big hit.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7Rq8aQ77MfoY1fIHuWJMkylN1Hk3uMapNx-m-RKQ29IabdVHLW9_MYK_QEDmJawYfohp1IITJ_FyqrTOyXNhR0AbHiKShNFzV-agCQub3FgXwcn2cbGSls4b2O_AXER4RPbw40WpxzRR/s1600/IMG_20160828_142632847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7Rq8aQ77MfoY1fIHuWJMkylN1Hk3uMapNx-m-RKQ29IabdVHLW9_MYK_QEDmJawYfohp1IITJ_FyqrTOyXNhR0AbHiKShNFzV-agCQub3FgXwcn2cbGSls4b2O_AXER4RPbw40WpxzRR/s400/IMG_20160828_142632847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VtHEmCRTdBO4GvUe4ZFXRLBG4E4naboWyjFiTkTdsPHLqTfxP_eCGMoNi7wRH6si5BEhEp_Lp68bqB-yEATus4TqhmSzySgzAyllwon76F8mSQBklYHwZHejYG96CrUzhwjJGB48CN9N/s1600/IMG_20160829_073322132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VtHEmCRTdBO4GvUe4ZFXRLBG4E4naboWyjFiTkTdsPHLqTfxP_eCGMoNi7wRH6si5BEhEp_Lp68bqB-yEATus4TqhmSzySgzAyllwon76F8mSQBklYHwZHejYG96CrUzhwjJGB48CN9N/s400/IMG_20160829_073322132.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The school bike now features hand-me-down pedals and frame bag gifted from Lael.</td></tr>
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The <a href="https://www.adventurecycling.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adventure Cycling Association</a> has no better spokespeople than the dynamic duo of Nick and Lael. Their knowledge is vast and enthusiasm boundless when they're talking of their passion for seeing the world on two wheels. Nick planted some seeds of thought about the feasibility of a family ride along the <a href="https://gaptrail.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Allegheny Passage</a> trail to the <a href="https://gaptrail.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">C&O Canal Towpath</a> from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington DC. It amounts to nearly 350 miles of trail without any car traffic, and free US Forest Service camping along the way. He also told me of <a href="http://bikeflights.com/">BikeFlights.com</a> as an affordable way to get the bikes to the trailhead, which is a great resource for anyone traveling with a bike.<br />
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Lael and Nick have certainly been busy since the <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2013/10/visit-from-gypsy-nick-and-global-lael.html" target="_blank">last time they stopped by</a>. Their selection of bikes and equipment has greatly evolved, and they've put many thousands of miles under their wheels. The future looks to be just as busy. They're set to appear at <a href="http://www.interbike.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Interbike</a> in October, and to lead the inaugural mass start of the <a href="https://bajadivide.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baja Divide</a> in January. The Baja Divide is a route that they scouted, pioneered and documented along the length of Baja California, as a gift to the bikepacking community. Happy travels, and looking forward to your next visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQ-sVytjmSB1wD3J4TwE_ycGbfmSzroWwfM6i872xOvR5huWl7iyUx2ZScjvqn8aUj4nB7mgs0qcrhaYOXaALcJkzquENbEZ4Y6XxRFQY5tGFhO4wXnw_JqoMCVRGCpuhE58HYkROt7GY/s1600/IMG_20160829_103224783_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQ-sVytjmSB1wD3J4TwE_ycGbfmSzroWwfM6i872xOvR5huWl7iyUx2ZScjvqn8aUj4nB7mgs0qcrhaYOXaALcJkzquENbEZ4Y6XxRFQY5tGFhO4wXnw_JqoMCVRGCpuhE58HYkROt7GY/s400/IMG_20160829_103224783_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always enjoy discovering what the bike shop pixies leave behind after a visit.</td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-26009404040093804242016-08-23T10:05:00.001-06:002016-08-23T10:05:43.643-06:00Groot rides a bike in Laramie, WY<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/AVvXsEj6_PvXQeqScJCE8y2VVjXyCVcoZpB6qG0orqgXV7B_8HUK4H5XJjPpiUIALnRB2II1S_j4SB3BFhOMAJfzHHbBt7oWgUj9U2uv2MO85v_NFcYU6uU3hQyDCX1PAZccYKPfkk_eLtpXbHHq/s1600/IMG_20160821_140832347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_PvXQeqScJCE8y2VVjXyCVcoZpB6qG0orqgXV7B_8HUK4H5XJjPpiUIALnRB2II1S_j4SB3BFhOMAJfzHHbBt7oWgUj9U2uv2MO85v_NFcYU6uU3hQyDCX1PAZccYKPfkk_eLtpXbHHq/s400/IMG_20160821_140832347.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls are big <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_(film)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy</a> fans, and especially enjoyed seeing Groot ride a bike in a mural.</td></tr>
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We made a quick trip to Laramie, Wyoming over the weekend. I lived there as a kid, and as an undergrad, and during both periods I recall it as being a great place to ride a bike. I'm happy to report that it has only gotten to be more bike friendly over time, with improvements to bike infrastructure and a blossoming bike culture.<br />
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For those of you unfamiliar with Laramie, a reasonable facsimile of it as a town may be that of the fictional town of Cicely, Alaska from the 1990s TV show Northern Exposure; a largely sleepy community that is at times quirky, with an occasional edge of sophistication. A recent development has been several public art projects in the downtown area, including some <a href="http://www.laramiemuralproject.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">terrific murals</a> and some highly functional and fun, <a href="http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/custom-bike-racks-headed-for-downtown-district/article_be3b6c3f-cb21-5710-a50f-d46de8fc694e.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">locally produced bike racks</a> that feature native animals and scenes.<br />
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An indicator of further change in advancement of bicycle support in the community was in a campaign sign for a local candidate. The sign featured a bike in place of Steamboat the bucking horse from the iconic symbol of Wyoming. For a sitting state representative, in a state where registered automobiles have historically outnumbered people, this is a bold statement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQke3ytd-yxIAJr9ZZzGXEd2yJuMei72oFv6lSanBckppN9h6Af66DJwhC45tuTTvj3a5XtfBa6_ucBB_UvbOkahL9N86V3mzS_Askb3V7Rm-PVI09kd-fUsMdTeKtY93nIOLMAGplflL/s1600/IMG_20160821_140037443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQke3ytd-yxIAJr9ZZzGXEd2yJuMei72oFv6lSanBckppN9h6Af66DJwhC45tuTTvj3a5XtfBa6_ucBB_UvbOkahL9N86V3mzS_Askb3V7Rm-PVI09kd-fUsMdTeKtY93nIOLMAGplflL/s400/IMG_20160821_140037443.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride 'em cowbike! Best of luck to you, <a href="https://legisweb.state.wy.us/LegislatorSummary/LegDetail.aspx?LegID=2004" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rep. Charles Pelkey</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatR8xI7KJAyxf3hrW8SSDH4i7Ptl-oWE2OWZZfJ8drhA3VedjJD-oPCQrInNGvbLHC8EEzZfaIHJmZLldKCBmxJQ6dDU7SGaPQuA5m6CANcydDWTLV6T1MfFmKL6ik8NrV2omHB2PJ6UO/s1600/IMG_20160821_141018080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatR8xI7KJAyxf3hrW8SSDH4i7Ptl-oWE2OWZZfJ8drhA3VedjJD-oPCQrInNGvbLHC8EEzZfaIHJmZLldKCBmxJQ6dDU7SGaPQuA5m6CANcydDWTLV6T1MfFmKL6ik8NrV2omHB2PJ6UO/s400/IMG_20160821_141018080.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thematically appropriate bike racks in this railroad town, and a wall growing food.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oFunM38wCVpVj8w5ou7fHdd6NRkj76wS1Z0ta_jK-PvztiwMCEJPR8STf3yOFn43sAn9ocHmhAhQ4UvSYi69mX1yRx17dQv2t6tQQkptARRfTaU-k8munTW_JmMmtXC2PI5YErtAr02Y/s1600/IMG_20160821_141113096_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oFunM38wCVpVj8w5ou7fHdd6NRkj76wS1Z0ta_jK-PvztiwMCEJPR8STf3yOFn43sAn9ocHmhAhQ4UvSYi69mX1yRx17dQv2t6tQQkptARRfTaU-k8munTW_JmMmtXC2PI5YErtAr02Y/s400/IMG_20160821_141113096_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ramp to the bike/ped bridge over the rail yard is a Laramie landmark. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nEHIEi9mC4MwQJeddSGRWwSeRLy6sJqHZ0Id0JOibAO59vcln0-HWSg93LgLiI24Enj8ia74bfaOBIvcpwGaQ-A-FxIDm-ehrlv-i1LYUC8T-Ahanq0jnHMQsuRS-FMAlcdxtwcdufn-/s1600/IMG_20160821_143142533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nEHIEi9mC4MwQJeddSGRWwSeRLy6sJqHZ0Id0JOibAO59vcln0-HWSg93LgLiI24Enj8ia74bfaOBIvcpwGaQ-A-FxIDm-ehrlv-i1LYUC8T-Ahanq0jnHMQsuRS-FMAlcdxtwcdufn-/s400/IMG_20160821_143142533.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the bridge, a wave to the engineer returns a horn blast, as it did when I was a kid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90XdbX9X69NERqJxPeYqj-smQyDxOwwcobSRaT17kGyHG5YHdWzt_j2rdj6H_uEVR0g8DlU8a-itZbaB2J1ZB_1WcoXcTFYZGY_bKxb2ajD2KKqu-Aw5Sl2W_gleYFk_3xBRf-zlqGC97/s1600/IMG_20160821_143823444_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90XdbX9X69NERqJxPeYqj-smQyDxOwwcobSRaT17kGyHG5YHdWzt_j2rdj6H_uEVR0g8DlU8a-itZbaB2J1ZB_1WcoXcTFYZGY_bKxb2ajD2KKqu-Aw5Sl2W_gleYFk_3xBRf-zlqGC97/s400/IMG_20160821_143823444_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galloping antelope rendered in green steel sure beats a standard bike rack.</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/AVvXsEhPtMlPANV1tV9PngW9b4K4trMqL9w68Qg-skrQtKn2MSvddVncmGwEbVOEUwYnRZ4GGUNlDVmn-Yig9uE5uATkuirxRvMgdOs5xOt7eN3Xm9ykhbIewtj5FWQoERvszq8FKuEW2boYzgjW/s1600/IMG_20160821_143852821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtMlPANV1tV9PngW9b4K4trMqL9w68Qg-skrQtKn2MSvddVncmGwEbVOEUwYnRZ4GGUNlDVmn-Yig9uE5uATkuirxRvMgdOs5xOt7eN3Xm9ykhbIewtj5FWQoERvszq8FKuEW2boYzgjW/s400/IMG_20160821_143852821.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As does a blue moose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKcMnT-nCAZyxXLv56iBrODHjm3LlitqusJYKXdBn3bNBuR9feC5YpnRv3RwJscl4mWsWthyNnEdSqy-Z4vz7bd1tpAtT_lqTNcB-GK2BKhNgnwFmmoAfrBst4usabrThxBn-sZjo5Rkp/s1600/IMG_20160821_143845379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKcMnT-nCAZyxXLv56iBrODHjm3LlitqusJYKXdBn3bNBuR9feC5YpnRv3RwJscl4mWsWthyNnEdSqy-Z4vz7bd1tpAtT_lqTNcB-GK2BKhNgnwFmmoAfrBst4usabrThxBn-sZjo5Rkp/s400/IMG_20160821_143845379.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.pedalhouse.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pedal House</a> bike shop has been a fixture in the Laramie bike community for more than a quarter century.</td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-39009411209086182832016-08-18T11:10:00.000-06:002016-08-18T11:10:20.878-06:00First day of school, once again<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/AVvXsEizx5wDTPGWncTsLCDwJg3wrH0KiwfS1z3Hh4HzOzPITCyYMCcpF1Aexol79oGa8zoF__AqAgge0KLg4jhwb-WA3Gn9hR-Ld3px7rCz6V4UjFF6lXr5Bwle0d8SegFiR70xDKLob2tWhBdh/s1600/IMG_20160818_074442560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx5wDTPGWncTsLCDwJg3wrH0KiwfS1z3Hh4HzOzPITCyYMCcpF1Aexol79oGa8zoF__AqAgge0KLg4jhwb-WA3Gn9hR-Ld3px7rCz6V4UjFF6lXr5Bwle0d8SegFiR70xDKLob2tWhBdh/s400/IMG_20160818_074442560.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016: Sixth Grade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0DFFUJj1vCxCmiZy8bjmsfcc1P99UUMG6AVO7zLM4DLfhm7FqohXQz44A0YIHnhqCMiuWGdEv6X6Gi2uAGECVeqHC9oRnXfL9S0dYdMEeI4nDhsjR-kV2HanYwvQwmR00Es0UC_HxtpW/s1600/IMG_20150814_085553320-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0DFFUJj1vCxCmiZy8bjmsfcc1P99UUMG6AVO7zLM4DLfhm7FqohXQz44A0YIHnhqCMiuWGdEv6X6Gi2uAGECVeqHC9oRnXfL9S0dYdMEeI4nDhsjR-kV2HanYwvQwmR00Es0UC_HxtpW/s400/IMG_20150814_085553320-2.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2015/08/first-day-of-school-5th-grade-edition.html" target="_blank">2015: Fifth Grade</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmemjf78Ntq588oyPY59v8ipDvSVsFL-62LmUt6GffV-dcFAwKlJ3WBHoEb5UTy3NW5r7d8B8R-omI-8ja7cCDF8CFgpCQ8VYK-Yp1GYn_ECJ95dMjNhyphenhyphenC23hIBEy-42hgbK10lQSZYlB/s1600/IMG_20140815_085229566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmemjf78Ntq588oyPY59v8ipDvSVsFL-62LmUt6GffV-dcFAwKlJ3WBHoEb5UTy3NW5r7d8B8R-omI-8ja7cCDF8CFgpCQ8VYK-Yp1GYn_ECJ95dMjNhyphenhyphenC23hIBEy-42hgbK10lQSZYlB/s400/IMG_20140815_085229566.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2014/08/first-day-of-school.html" target="_blank">2014: Fourth Grade</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVR0MlEWgeyJ94mEkGG5AYfj5aTzHdFBcURAvnVZTm7dcr7P-sI39pWbg6rApOinlRByEmHxFnKiAWTmMssQNQq7QHZo-Ro11HFg8hB3RsQsvknsJThqGZmLwgE5UU6Utt_6YEhFu-85D/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVR0MlEWgeyJ94mEkGG5AYfj5aTzHdFBcURAvnVZTm7dcr7P-sI39pWbg6rApOinlRByEmHxFnKiAWTmMssQNQq7QHZo-Ro11HFg8hB3RsQsvknsJThqGZmLwgE5UU6Utt_6YEhFu-85D/s400/IMG_1731.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2013/08/first-day-of-school.html" target="_blank">2013: Third Grade</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW10uS3N4TG7AW7GqxoD8CfGQhVduGzSN912NGZHPdYPowhHxzKm5yXIsFE9wplA3Asf5loGd63RmbSeRrCzBx83JxYfQ1o9DxNHPpaZinHv7DyvgXIU_MuCJVy0wZY7Cml7Ex5Ai_Ed5M/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW10uS3N4TG7AW7GqxoD8CfGQhVduGzSN912NGZHPdYPowhHxzKm5yXIsFE9wplA3Asf5loGd63RmbSeRrCzBx83JxYfQ1o9DxNHPpaZinHv7DyvgXIU_MuCJVy0wZY7Cml7Ex5Ai_Ed5M/s400/IMG_2487.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2012/08/first-day-of-2nd-grade.html" target="_blank">2012: Second Grade</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRtI3li78F6els31JYFOAcV3BVcyivN-b67j3JBsv7fTCaHXx6ZfF0-cmwYyWK7zEckg0qj70bi5_iR3cU1KtFvMCn8wCRJg3NSqMqfGXoKQQVPEs98vKNzHrxKK-VWtln52EdJzr5rVM/s1600/IMG_6212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRtI3li78F6els31JYFOAcV3BVcyivN-b67j3JBsv7fTCaHXx6ZfF0-cmwYyWK7zEckg0qj70bi5_iR3cU1KtFvMCn8wCRJg3NSqMqfGXoKQQVPEs98vKNzHrxKK-VWtln52EdJzr5rVM/s400/IMG_6212.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-day-of-school-and-shes-already.html" target="_blank">2011: First Grade</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza3rHLH-0wppm9pKvuBqhOP0pZYTUQzGzKwx1dMEAM2Jrx-VafvGQxoOK8jGv9L-Klexg43BpXZDfLmhvAJEya5qiW7CQhO44VCIJlXLl_53ec_ZshRIKRp9GWWjkFnej93cu_QBH4O-U/s1600/IMG_1514-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiza3rHLH-0wppm9pKvuBqhOP0pZYTUQzGzKwx1dMEAM2Jrx-VafvGQxoOK8jGv9L-Klexg43BpXZDfLmhvAJEya5qiW7CQhO44VCIJlXLl_53ec_ZshRIKRp9GWWjkFnej93cu_QBH4O-U/s400/IMG_1514-2.JPG" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-day-of-k-morning-ride.html" target="_blank">2010: Kindergarten</a></td></tr>
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So far, so good, starting each first day of school by bike. She rode a different bike for each year except between second and third grades. Each of these bikes will experience renewed adoration as Lil Sis grows her way up the chain. Next year, I'll have two photos of this type to make.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-75269764473523409862016-08-14T23:06:00.001-06:002016-08-14T23:06:26.465-06:00Enjoying the waning days before school starts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovXukg6D1UVsUr7Rd9ralPLahGpOuscZ6IPTLmbDujhf5ThBXSzv4sdOpQmlpCE3e-eDwAjduTrLWksvcGorFxl_VFjBIJixWhY8Tq9BFVtbEb3IR2XZK1MRXeq6OE-hcWV-zCtN9zVZ0/s1600/IMG_20160814_195059024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovXukg6D1UVsUr7Rd9ralPLahGpOuscZ6IPTLmbDujhf5ThBXSzv4sdOpQmlpCE3e-eDwAjduTrLWksvcGorFxl_VFjBIJixWhY8Tq9BFVtbEb3IR2XZK1MRXeq6OE-hcWV-zCtN9zVZ0/s400/IMG_20160814_195059024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Around here, school inexplicably starts in mid August. Even though this has been the case for us for several years now, I still can't help but feel as though the last couple of weeks before Labor Day are wrongly annexed into the school year.<br />
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We can't do much about it but enjoy the time we have left. There's no better way than to get acquainted with some newly handed-down bikes. Lil Sis is the new rider of an <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2010/07/birthday-bike-bash.html?m=0" target="_blank">Electra Hawaii that Big Sis once enjoyed</a>. Big Sis helped me refurbish a cool old 1994 Kona Hahanna slated for school commuting duty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30eHXR2UT2OfD0R2nX6HCFYZKezXXeULHxyDEx3Cfcc9nSiIdXYCeVcki-gIoM5iXrvoVM2gDbaYeEZbKA43ZjvdmcYzNLEizBw4RGVTrFVKwRiVhGknmA5E8whr9s1lb1Mpc-maxXTiE/s1600/IMG_20160814_195226298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30eHXR2UT2OfD0R2nX6HCFYZKezXXeULHxyDEx3Cfcc9nSiIdXYCeVcki-gIoM5iXrvoVM2gDbaYeEZbKA43ZjvdmcYzNLEizBw4RGVTrFVKwRiVhGknmA5E8whr9s1lb1Mpc-maxXTiE/s400/IMG_20160814_195226298.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's always great to see them learn and master the nuances of new bikes, and incorporate their experiences into a library of skills they'll have forever.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-65173755686121017652016-06-22T09:37:00.001-06:002016-06-22T20:08:08.787-06:00Lael Wilcox won the 2016 Trans Am Bike Race!<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/AVvXsEipNBE-WtkPdiqadmWR5hC0YNRJczu88ZhgLMHZYxEb_MtlExRCjhFs1-vP0695FzVi2QGmb1tBuSGE_mjNdRHi_FOQG-dl_CplB8vHynuO5I9ixub9hJX6i43mrmIVEZ7_3Cd4yMRCF1rC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-06-22+at+9.25.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNBE-WtkPdiqadmWR5hC0YNRJczu88ZhgLMHZYxEb_MtlExRCjhFs1-vP0695FzVi2QGmb1tBuSGE_mjNdRHi_FOQG-dl_CplB8vHynuO5I9ixub9hJX6i43mrmIVEZ7_3Cd4yMRCF1rC/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-06-22+at+9.25.07+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot from <a href="http://trackleaders.com/">Trackleaders.com</a></td></tr>
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In a truly amazing effort, Lael Wilcox has just won the 2016 Trans Am Bike Race, becoming the first racer to cross the finish line. She rode 4,270 miles from Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia in 18 days and 10 minutes. Terrific job, Lael. Congratulations to you and Nick both. Cheers from your fan club here in suburban Colorado.<br />
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Get more info on Nicholas Carman's blog <a href="https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gypsy by Trade</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMWOE0QjSQYDqZYlDgMvNNUfqjRgjEMGsE7RA2dRF9ErglHRTwXtFS4Zia0JWLm_gH9i8UZ36o9OAJDcN9yc9sPUtI1Fky1Vg_zeCJ9cUGAcKnEYJoyDKof-KYZ4RQg_If3iyy5CrF1lh/s1600/IMG_20150623_141211656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMWOE0QjSQYDqZYlDgMvNNUfqjRgjEMGsE7RA2dRF9ErglHRTwXtFS4Zia0JWLm_gH9i8UZ36o9OAJDcN9yc9sPUtI1Fky1Vg_zeCJ9cUGAcKnEYJoyDKof-KYZ4RQg_If3iyy5CrF1lh/s400/IMG_20150623_141211656.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lael when we met up with her during her record-breaking Tour Divide race last year.</td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-18120029844118735702016-05-30T22:31:00.000-06:002016-05-30T22:45:03.234-06:00Reptile encounter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAcVLWXqCiN0C6lXIhVMXPo70sC8EjJfFSKsWeIyni8M3j_lU7cFWpepDpBcCIsU3r1mIvM-2VmqY35cvI1zZeHmjaK-kgofILbDMC5Off-iFoHjvki5IcmCgq5oKrCZe71CE3vLhqMRE/s1600/IMG_20160530_112943500_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAcVLWXqCiN0C6lXIhVMXPo70sC8EjJfFSKsWeIyni8M3j_lU7cFWpepDpBcCIsU3r1mIvM-2VmqY35cvI1zZeHmjaK-kgofILbDMC5Off-iFoHjvki5IcmCgq5oKrCZe71CE3vLhqMRE/s400/IMG_20160530_112943500_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I initially perceived it as a stick and rolled right past, luckily just missing riding over the head of a big bull snake sunning itself in the middle of the trail.<br />
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Big Sis, following a little behind, saw what happened and was less than interested in making a close encounter. However, she was brave enough to provide a cautious smile and pose for scale. The snake was approximately as long as the girl is tall, which is quite a big snake for our little corner of suburbia.<br />
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We later saw a small garter snake (alive), another small garter snake (dead), and a shedded garter snake skin, but none left quite the same impression. In all, it was a good ride and a pleasant Memorial Day.<br />
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-75074509744146721962016-05-21T12:39:00.001-06:002016-05-21T12:39:51.967-06:00Elementary school by bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Big Sister just wrapped up her elementary school experience. So proud of the big person that she's becoming.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-48540016763686722412016-04-13T12:37:00.000-06:002016-04-13T14:57:01.760-06:00New old 3-speed: Dahon Classic III<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/AVvXsEjvOx8HZ6kIJsZkCY3vFOF0p3fb9PPvCH2tS5JRRAnELD0IWZlGv5bpAXZcM4I9gzFmHSKMk3F8GLGGUQIyyywS319cKmrTncnhohRDLZXKhqgk1s9dV8Vov_OnVIFiaUO8_hGRFDnt897g/s1600/IMG_20160412_152014747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOx8HZ6kIJsZkCY3vFOF0p3fb9PPvCH2tS5JRRAnELD0IWZlGv5bpAXZcM4I9gzFmHSKMk3F8GLGGUQIyyywS319cKmrTncnhohRDLZXKhqgk1s9dV8Vov_OnVIFiaUO8_hGRFDnt897g/s400/IMG_20160412_152014747.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1988 Dahon Classic III</td></tr>
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Meet a Dahon Classic III folding bike, fresh from Craigslist. I always like making bike finds of this sort; virtually unused time capsules that have spent decades in storage out of the elements. This bike could not have been ridden more than a couple of miles since new, some 28 years ago. It had a film of grease and dust, incidentally protecting the finish, as well as mostly dry bearing assemblies. A bit of time with some rags brought back its gleam, and a date with some tools and a tube of grease will take care of the bearings. It has a pristine <a href="http://www.sheldonbrown.com/sturmey-archer.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sturmey-Archer 3-speed AW hub</a>, date stamped 87-8, for August of 1987. I'll get to know the hub much better, as I rebuild it to ensure it is functioning optimally after a long period of disuse. Best of all, in short order there will be one more <a href="https://societyofthreespeeds.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vintage 3-speed</a> back on the road.<br />
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This bike isn't mine, as I found it for my mom who plans to bring it with her in a mini RV for wide ranging travels in the near future. However, I was surprised that at my height of about 74 inches, I could extend the saddle and handlebar enough to ride it comfortably. So could Big Sis, who at a foot and a half shorter than me, was an eager test rider.<br />
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I'm somewhat familiar with newer folding bikes, but was surprised at the quality of build and engineering incorporated in this bike, a design that originated nearly 40 years ago. Newer versions are lighter, faster to fold, and offer more features, but <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_T._Hon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. David Hon</a> really nailed it when he envisioned this catalyst for intermodal transportation. If you're in the market for a folding bike and don't want to spend a lot of money, you can't do much better than an older Dahon like this, provided it's in good condition.<br />
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Below are some photos of the bike to dwell in the cloud in perpetuity for anyone searching out details of a vintage Dahon Classic III.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPCHLsC3Rw-pO5sS8GNMvT3oIYP_qqyraUTj7iqlf1YYtFgIWwRGwjWICpTQEY7o5gFvvTTb8IN6uGeZTm-VVbJp0Qk4kM0l_wo6IVYaMZ3nM8khxAM4OhcIRnGZDLe0dBX_UqLV2HeIx/s1600/IMG_20160412_152202206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPCHLsC3Rw-pO5sS8GNMvT3oIYP_qqyraUTj7iqlf1YYtFgIWwRGwjWICpTQEY7o5gFvvTTb8IN6uGeZTm-VVbJp0Qk4kM0l_wo6IVYaMZ3nM8khxAM4OhcIRnGZDLe0dBX_UqLV2HeIx/s400/IMG_20160412_152202206.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to ride...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhx1uH2q9yCFZdVTlILa_76rtPAvL_DH9tQ4WXmNEy6ScDLv5ckx_mJABGSibAMLuu3kHGCJnbTlhrj1zmdPqAR4I97Ci9-1ETRKX0t80ToMczonXkeOq_QcXGl8iARaBEZgll6qvt9OZhc/s1600/IMG_20160412_152525635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1uH2q9yCFZdVTlILa_76rtPAvL_DH9tQ4WXmNEy6ScDLv5ckx_mJABGSibAMLuu3kHGCJnbTlhrj1zmdPqAR4I97Ci9-1ETRKX0t80ToMczonXkeOq_QcXGl8iARaBEZgll6qvt9OZhc/s400/IMG_20160412_152525635.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and folded, for comparison.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiE44CM7mpzJydcKNw3606VeeIhYoo6d9L49cSAo-kpUHMk5VVW00bPbqPj5suzqEGixnKm9pWQV2SoVpUHqappoOXSM9hKcGOlPyggZZPv2hb8X3X8-AiP4mqOikblVJxe8uwuqLGmYGaz/s1600/IMG_20160412_152023512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE44CM7mpzJydcKNw3606VeeIhYoo6d9L49cSAo-kpUHMk5VVW00bPbqPj5suzqEGixnKm9pWQV2SoVpUHqappoOXSM9hKcGOlPyggZZPv2hb8X3X8-AiP4mqOikblVJxe8uwuqLGmYGaz/s400/IMG_20160412_152023512.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturmey-Archer shifter in great shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgrMkjXOVHDkfxz4l7uwToXRGbngwTh23EVvuRkPX1S_BrIPTnEPY8moqepxTHnymuch41oUqQg08JOvlHTZiFrKlPYMHwRftrS_QUP5VgkvAFqVji15kmjbNy_kguQHkYfD_b0uU-Tpmtz/s1600/IMG_20160412_152031278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMkjXOVHDkfxz4l7uwToXRGbngwTh23EVvuRkPX1S_BrIPTnEPY8moqepxTHnymuch41oUqQg08JOvlHTZiFrKlPYMHwRftrS_QUP5VgkvAFqVji15kmjbNy_kguQHkYfD_b0uU-Tpmtz/s400/IMG_20160412_152031278.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the asymmetric design of the handlepost brace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhp-y04ZgnyKSwp1Z2jCgJCwG00-VBTGw7M-sCG26Xmx3ZQmbsOjOeDbCqPSlizqoohcJFH4TUdeb1EF1GdKLoaY9wQXvqYN8Qh6gHouAScUC4zrhH_SUtFyDSIHKl0SBKJjhjd69VoA53U/s1600/IMG_20160412_152042012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-y04ZgnyKSwp1Z2jCgJCwG00-VBTGw7M-sCG26Xmx3ZQmbsOjOeDbCqPSlizqoohcJFH4TUdeb1EF1GdKLoaY9wQXvqYN8Qh6gHouAScUC4zrhH_SUtFyDSIHKl0SBKJjhjd69VoA53U/s400/IMG_20160412_152042012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lee-Chi caliper brakes on chrome steel rims function remarkably well. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiEUIkHZu5Tgt7hM4_9L9s9EslMosMH1E6SCVf0bXCbsIzh_veUW7YHzEwlVZZatYvkk3Bb4Up1REZQGyE6LiM7BQh4OcTrW4xjwcIMQ-i3E1OfEZF7EUb8beHHZZTrwNIGSAul2hSX1do1/s1600/IMG_20160412_152050767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUIkHZu5Tgt7hM4_9L9s9EslMosMH1E6SCVf0bXCbsIzh_veUW7YHzEwlVZZatYvkk3Bb4Up1REZQGyE6LiM7BQh4OcTrW4xjwcIMQ-i3E1OfEZF7EUb8beHHZZTrwNIGSAul2hSX1do1/s400/IMG_20160412_152050767.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folding crank arm on the drive side. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjzGmyTdnuEehIa4mEl1KXwp-MBC1ODKTMSr3sjw43BV6pfFvKxgj-OXGt7YEm-0tTFVDCAH1n_hqP9UHFusNLpo9ph2rJ7gvh8nbXaHydn8jEq7i67uN43Iz_TjM87GYldriFPEeh1AY7f/s1600/IMG_20160412_152059101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGmyTdnuEehIa4mEl1KXwp-MBC1ODKTMSr3sjw43BV6pfFvKxgj-OXGt7YEm-0tTFVDCAH1n_hqP9UHFusNLpo9ph2rJ7gvh8nbXaHydn8jEq7i67uN43Iz_TjM87GYldriFPEeh1AY7f/s400/IMG_20160412_152059101.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The head tube is just a squat cylinder. Wheels are 16-inch. Everything is stock original.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiBXEa14tK8ZpzKRIi-GyxsnCaTXmO0jDB2jXTSjwr9V4qQOqvdRdmR1q_g9c75y4TRT3SLi3b22VRlfdRQokr54w7uluZH71FdInzLrgu43ZZAf42xpT4Ia0jjVYdV_9W0ALmhdgzsrZGW/s1600/IMG_20160412_152108516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXEa14tK8ZpzKRIi-GyxsnCaTXmO0jDB2jXTSjwr9V4qQOqvdRdmR1q_g9c75y4TRT3SLi3b22VRlfdRQokr54w7uluZH71FdInzLrgu43ZZAf42xpT4Ia0jjVYdV_9W0ALmhdgzsrZGW/s400/IMG_20160412_152108516.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serial number stamped on the top of the bottom bracket shell. <a href="http://dahon.com/news-story/how-old-is-my-dahon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Directions on how to interpret the date codes are here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhmNpDqyxK0MqDJmmJurJlQ9j0O691axu7E5YQOn9f-UchMl6dVyeTQlRxv0COONjt1YZhwWO-mchdU4z8LY9_BANJuaojkx2f1oElQVO7yKU9ntDdlARRAVOz9h7BxPdqfg7iu6LASmU7G/s1600/IMG_20160412_152135486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNpDqyxK0MqDJmmJurJlQ9j0O691axu7E5YQOn9f-UchMl6dVyeTQlRxv0COONjt1YZhwWO-mchdU4z8LY9_BANJuaojkx2f1oElQVO7yKU9ntDdlARRAVOz9h7BxPdqfg7iu6LASmU7G/s400/IMG_20160412_152135486.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny Sturmey-Archer AW 3-speed hub.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjcOc9jXQ0lQ3Rt05dY7Yin_jAzgg0o-G0Qw442xtJtS4XWir_-ETc_iHXnOukafviG-0cWAgdXIbKNac9Fy7hjo9iZCZfxp0TW_R0d7xigxB7kozIU__oo2UBFycvzIaUnkiKlEFO-lH-4/s1600/IMG_20160412_152213395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOc9jXQ0lQ3Rt05dY7Yin_jAzgg0o-G0Qw442xtJtS4XWir_-ETc_iHXnOukafviG-0cWAgdXIbKNac9Fy7hjo9iZCZfxp0TW_R0d7xigxB7kozIU__oo2UBFycvzIaUnkiKlEFO-lH-4/s400/IMG_20160412_152213395.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little caster wheel folds down so that the bike can be rolled when folded.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhzwz3xMCPgiHy9S35n_p8yq5hYHOSHPZJTk0L4A6xYq_9OJgK4QSetHAulfg7kyKY4Yigc6IC3Bk8PK29d9xeozWCbSyLM36SA4_9VrwpQYCHtSWaLDYzHbihCAwcR6M-CP0-MWG2OmXex/s1600/IMG_20160412_152225436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwz3xMCPgiHy9S35n_p8yq5hYHOSHPZJTk0L4A6xYq_9OJgK4QSetHAulfg7kyKY4Yigc6IC3Bk8PK29d9xeozWCbSyLM36SA4_9VrwpQYCHtSWaLDYzHbihCAwcR6M-CP0-MWG2OmXex/s400/IMG_20160412_152225436.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of the headpost assembly, with a hinge that folds to the left side of the bike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhCIr9ipE2kBDJHeBpZt0lfE41cObyHgfwYHf4B3gMT32uil8KxvYhpcz3JdvFCEXGBcaJb7APPZgGu9WaSF8CWc0zBY849jIeVHmbEPf_tkAs_kEX7ysbWsrzcfe-72B4KIe4tKmMSUNXC/s1600/IMG_20160412_152236951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIr9ipE2kBDJHeBpZt0lfE41cObyHgfwYHf4B3gMT32uil8KxvYhpcz3JdvFCEXGBcaJb7APPZgGu9WaSF8CWc0zBY849jIeVHmbEPf_tkAs_kEX7ysbWsrzcfe-72B4KIe4tKmMSUNXC/s400/IMG_20160412_152236951.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An astonishingly narrow front hub. I haven't yet measured it, but I've never seen one so narrow. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhaBXOn-zcvmKS7Xeo109s9eFEdJP1LAxZi-wZ4BHKpkQeHymHiqjXPQkyLFANXGQ-TgbSIUlmG7TPjZViJyVjIg1OWWohS95tVswN4njbaXpZF-Fafxtfko9LnaGskIBScn1nGK8lxHecr/s1600/IMG_20160412_152623414_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBXOn-zcvmKS7Xeo109s9eFEdJP1LAxZi-wZ4BHKpkQeHymHiqjXPQkyLFANXGQ-TgbSIUlmG7TPjZViJyVjIg1OWWohS95tVswN4njbaXpZF-Fafxtfko9LnaGskIBScn1nGK8lxHecr/s400/IMG_20160412_152623414_HDR.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Badge above the reflector on the rear fender.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgMS9gEdLJP8d2Nv3uSDG2Mfn8idSswYaTaoS9P15HNU4RKCDE9nYIkxL6Ln5efnr_EVcba-Zcm0yFzJpNx8fgjpVG222Q5uEow4txmmwBao8bl22o8BY3DeLbxRcL-VwCJ53Z40ZsIRfqj/s1600/IMG_20160412_152531599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS9gEdLJP8d2Nv3uSDG2Mfn8idSswYaTaoS9P15HNU4RKCDE9nYIkxL6Ln5efnr_EVcba-Zcm0yFzJpNx8fgjpVG222Q5uEow4txmmwBao8bl22o8BY3DeLbxRcL-VwCJ53Z40ZsIRfqj/s400/IMG_20160412_152531599.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side of the bike, when folded. Note the caster wheel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhNBLZjMhanhqyEhdx-ogBF7jXTBU66yry8thwAFG7kdsfRU4Tq69-JCzQ4_En8WKm9hDOext6QMaZTnPqXHrQ6St4K_QjVIViECi2GVF5EJN1HQzVTqX8LaK5cbzx7rxYKh6Fhbu2NgehQ/s1600/IMG_20160412_152548988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBLZjMhanhqyEhdx-ogBF7jXTBU66yry8thwAFG7kdsfRU4Tq69-JCzQ4_En8WKm9hDOext6QMaZTnPqXHrQ6St4K_QjVIViECi2GVF5EJN1HQzVTqX8LaK5cbzx7rxYKh6Fhbu2NgehQ/s400/IMG_20160412_152548988.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side of the folded bike. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjHNZnqBh6ni7Mln4ic8KJCmxkFesUfeH7uUq6Mtcrk5HzIvQimjuV5_Ma1-y1gTjRKD94jrpD6uzmPhpwgxbLuUffUMfGkDSIcRDOBDsp_frtBtPbMUaYvDiaohoM1SocPcd8TUYRaGEMn/s1600/IMG_20160412_152629406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNZnqBh6ni7Mln4ic8KJCmxkFesUfeH7uUq6Mtcrk5HzIvQimjuV5_Ma1-y1gTjRKD94jrpD6uzmPhpwgxbLuUffUMfGkDSIcRDOBDsp_frtBtPbMUaYvDiaohoM1SocPcd8TUYRaGEMn/s400/IMG_20160412_152629406.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View as folded from the rear, or front, depending on your philosophy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhDbaRMURVcbaW4XJeBj3cdhsoj1vYlufyKuR5B43WP68WCBfiaRCjxGXn43vt1SukA0g7Cm7RJ87yVXAdp1GLHtuJEslKxngOQ0FJSG_TN1xGAQAJ78IwHiMJb_1EUNMqlp-iqBgYrKJm9/s1600/IMG_20160412_152636845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbaRMURVcbaW4XJeBj3cdhsoj1vYlufyKuR5B43WP68WCBfiaRCjxGXn43vt1SukA0g7Cm7RJ87yVXAdp1GLHtuJEslKxngOQ0FJSG_TN1xGAQAJ78IwHiMJb_1EUNMqlp-iqBgYrKJm9/s400/IMG_20160412_152636845.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folded, from the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEigHZkGvcT79x0cpoVj7Cy2XncYVDILe5dK7a-IBsCXpdf5_NivoRZ9M24LrEnpiErDOqjSKQVkOKcCjBMQLlWNbi0XowROTvj_P05roJCjr0AkNW1IO6UdNo44R1Gb4ClQUTUAA0SaUo2w/s1600/IMG_20160411_175737367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHZkGvcT79x0cpoVj7Cy2XncYVDILe5dK7a-IBsCXpdf5_NivoRZ9M24LrEnpiErDOqjSKQVkOKcCjBMQLlWNbi0XowROTvj_P05roJCjr0AkNW1IO6UdNo44R1Gb4ClQUTUAA0SaUo2w/s400/IMG_20160411_175737367.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approximately 56" tall rider.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry pic of the new owner.</td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-30980597268189645442016-04-06T12:08:00.000-06:002016-04-06T12:08:02.890-06:00Familia de tres Xtracycles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Xtracycle Schwinn Panther (big sis), Xtracycle Breezer Villager (mom), and Surly Big Dummy (dad and lil' sis)</td></tr>
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After an Xtracycle on long term loan was recently returned, we now have three longtail cargo bikes in the bike barn. During the time the loaned Xtracycle was absent, big sister grew enough to be able to ride it. Since about the age of three, when she first started riding as co-pilot on the Big Dummy, she's been talking about having a longtail of her own. Now she does. There are not likely too many 10 year-olds in command of a cargo bike, so it will be interesting to see what sort of adventures it inspires.<br />
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In other news, little sister is on the brink of moving up from 12" wheels to 16" wheels. Out of storage comes our 16 inch-wheeled Schwinn Trixie, an old friend that has seen a string of riders in our family. This venerable steed is a great introductory dirt bike for our local suburban singletrack, and has logged hundreds of miles and scorched thousands of skid marks. With a little tune up, it'll be ready for many more.<br />
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-68544345263568746012016-01-10T21:45:00.001-07:002016-01-13T12:50:08.674-07:00Long time, no see<div style="text-align: center;">
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It would be reasonable to have given this blog up for dead. In fact, it may yet be. For a long while, I've had nothing much to add to the ever expanding universe of online activity flowing though myriad venues under a plethora of contrived names. However, I may yet post something here from time to time. Even in my negligence, this site has somehow logged nearly 200,000 visits since it began.<br />
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In any case, happy 2016. I hope to spend as much of this new year on two wheels as I am able.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-51153790287316053542015-08-14T09:53:00.001-06:002015-08-14T16:30:56.867-06:00First day of school, 5th grade edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For each first day of school starting with kindergarten, we've ridden to school. This final year of elementary school was no different.<br />
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Bewilderingly, the first day of school is a half day on a Friday, effectively stealing the last weekend of summer vacation. I can't imagine that much will be learned, yet this is the second year in a row that this has been the case, so it's apparently not a fluke.<br />
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Also bewildering, was when we arrived to discover new picnic tables installed close to the bike rack. The tables greatly impede access to the already lousy wheelbender bike rack, rendering the rack nearly useless. This is a textbook example of designing to fail. It may be no coincidence that we were the only ones who rode to school today.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-19488304028233436472015-07-19T23:13:00.000-06:002015-07-19T23:27:30.848-06:00Bike camp & birthday wheels<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Flying on her new Specialized Myka. </span></td></tr>
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Though already half over, July has been eventful, encapsulating bike camp in Waterton Canyon and a double digit birthday. For good or bad, bike camp happened during an especially rainy week in an abnormally rainy year, so big sister is now a seasoned veteran mud rider.<br />
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In the midst of bike camp, she made the jump from 24-inch to 26-inch wheels, via a slightly early birthday bike. The 13-inch frame of a 2012 Specialized Myka Sport is the perfect entry to the world of high quality, big people mountain bike parts. After I performed a quick rebuild, the Myka now features a 2x9 Deore drivetrain, Avid BB5 disc brakes, wide 26" tires, and a Rockshox Recon Gold 100mm suspension fork.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls each on new-to-them bikes. </td></tr>
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I decided after she toughed out the first few rain soaked days of bike camp without complaint, that she was due for the bigger bike. Her old bike, a Specialized Hotrock 24" has served us well, but its gearing was not ideal for conditions, and had begun to look a bit small in proportion to her rapidly growing limbs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaked but smiling after the first epic ride of camp. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was particularly proud of how muddy her legs were. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sewed a tiny framepack to help with the load. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Myka will need a larger framepack. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friend to amphibians. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skipping rocks is an important skill to master. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cateye logged 56 miles of trail over five days. She said she could have gone a lot farther. </td></tr>
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After she figured out that the bigger bike could do things that her old bike couldn't, it was an instant hit. It didn't hurt its popularity that <a href="https://laelsglobe.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lael</a> also rides a <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2015/06/go-lael-go.html" target="_blank">black Specialized bike</a>. She was especially amazed at the ability of the Rockshox Recon to both smoothe the trail and improve control in a way the mostly ornamental RST fork on her Hotrock simply can't do. In all, she's faster and more confident on the Myka, though there is still much to learn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing material shenanigans. </td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-50271845293856300822015-06-23T18:11:00.000-06:002016-04-13T11:12:43.392-06:00Go Lael, go!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The instant that she realized those random people cheering on the side of the road were us.</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tour Divide</a>, for those who don't know, is probably the most challenging long distance race in bicycling. Unlike more well known events, such as the Tour de France, riders have no support teams, can accept no food, water or assistance from anyone, are competing for no fabulous prize money, and many rarely, if ever, encounter a bed or a shower for the duration of the nearly 3,000 mile race. The route traces the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide from Banff, Alberta in southern Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico on the U.S. border with Mexico.<br />
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If you've been keeping track of the <a href="http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tour Divide </a>this year, you'll undoubtedly know about <a href="https://laelsglobe.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lael Wilcox</a>. If you haven't been paying attention, Lael is one of the most exciting parts of this immense race, which, this year is more full of excitement than ever. The best way to keep track of her, in addition to her <a href="http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide15i.php?name=Lael_Wilcox" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spot tracker</a>, is through the blog of her adventure partner and mechanic, <a href="https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicholas Carman</a>.<br />
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After a 2,100 mile warm up ride from her home in Anchorage to the Tour Divide starting line in Banff, Lael started out strong on the 2015 Tour Divide race. Then, she almost immediately caught a severe case of bronchitis and a cold, yet still managed to rack up well over 100 miles a day as she fought her infection on the trail, eventually with the help of antibiotics. For the first week of the race, I can't imagine how difficult it was for her as she battled a serious respiratory illness, in addition to the elements and grueling distances of the route.<br />
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When her Spot tracker showed that she was beginning to cover ever greater distances, passing many competitors along the way, it was a sign that she was feeling better. We've been watching her pink Spot marker move quickly down the map, and when she rolled through Steamboat Springs yesterday, I decided we'd try to find a place to cheer for her along the trail. So today, we made the trek from Denver to a place where the Tour Divide route intersects Highway 285 near Como, Colorado. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leader of Lael's Colorado cheering section. The sign says, "Go Lael! You can do it!"</td></tr>
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We found a place to wait a bit North of Como, and had a picnic lunch. Before I could get my camera out, racers Joe Fox and Andres Bonelli rode past us. I knew that Lael had been picking off the members of the group of riders that they had been a part of, so she couldn't be far behind. About 20 minutes after they went by, we saw her signature light blue helmet, and were happy to have not missed her.<br />
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Lael was all smiles when she realized it was us. In order to answer multiple questions, she gave a quick tour of her bike and what she's carrying. Other than snacks, water, navigation devices, and antibiotics, she isn't hauling much. I have a feeling many Tour Divide racers will reevaluate their loads after seeing the minimal amount Lael carries.<br />
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After a few minutes, it was time to send her on her way. It was great to see Lael in the midst of the race, and I'm happy to say that she's looking healthy and strong, even if she still has the remnants of a deep cough that she described as, "nothing compared to what it used to be."<br />
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We first <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2012/09/launching-pad-for-colorado-trail.html" target="_blank">met Lael and Nick nearly three years ago</a>. She, at the time, was an experienced rider, but novice mountain biker, gaining a footing aboard a used Raleigh XXIX 29er that Nick put together for her. Since then, <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2013/10/visit-from-gypsy-nick-and-global-lael.html" target="_blank">we've seen these two adventurers</a> when their path took them through our part of the world, <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2013/04/visit-to-albuquerque-part-1.html" target="_blank">or our path through theirs</a>. It's now an honor to see Lael again as a top-tier athlete during a likely record-breaking run. At present, 11 days into the race, she's almost a day ahead of the current women's record. We all wish her the best on her way to Antelope Wells.<br />
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Happy trails, Lael!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My official Team Lael cap. </td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-84329997816538155432015-06-07T19:01:00.000-06:002015-06-07T19:01:04.130-06:00Pedal biker!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At 3 years, 3 months, little sister is now a pedal biker. We'll have a lot more to learn, but this is one proud girl with a proud family.<br />
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-80884045326495842232015-06-06T10:01:00.000-06:002015-06-06T10:01:00.346-06:00Wheels on dirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-79920011409145925622015-05-03T14:21:00.002-06:002015-05-03T14:27:31.755-06:00Speedster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was the first time that we all took a ride together, each on our own bikes. Little sister has no problem keeping up for most of the distance of our neighborhood loop. When she gets tired, she hops on the Big Dummy, along with her Strider. She's already asked about a bike with pedals, which I have waiting in the wings, but I want her to further improve her handling skills before I make the introduction.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-44345577124505789732015-04-07T20:26:00.000-06:002015-04-07T20:26:24.554-06:00We have a balancer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Little sister made a breakthrough in balance riding on her Strider bike tonight. In the last few weeks, she's gone from walking her bike along, to running her bike along, and recently started lifting both legs simultaneously for just a half second as little self-tests of her courage. But during our evening ride today, she discovered she could lift both legs and coast. It seems she's over the crux and just about has this balance bike thing figured out. I predict more speed and coasting in the immediate future.<br />
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-23108661934380855992015-02-13T14:46:00.000-07:002015-02-13T14:46:28.629-07:00DIY Longtail of the future: Xtracycle MegaRack<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Surly Krampus with a MegaRack and kid seat. Looks like fun. Images in this post are from <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Xtracycle</a>.</td></tr>
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I ordinarily post only photos and content that I've created, though I occasionally make an exception. This is one of those occasions. The images in this post came from a Google Hangouts <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/news/2015/2/13/whats-next-for-xtracycles-freeradical" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video hosted today by Ross Evans of Xtracycle</a>, in which he announced a replacement to the vaunted Xtracycle Freeradical bolt-on kit that was retired last year. I have long been a fan and DIY enthusiast of Xtracycle, and beside my Big Dummy, have owned two Xtracycle Freeradicals.<br />
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The new Xtracycle bolt-on looks to be an improved and more capable design, called the MegaRack. It is designed to be considerably more beefy and stable than the old Freeradical, with versions for multiple tire/wheel sizes, including 29+. For me, this is great news, as in the past few years, I've discovered that 29-inch wheels are more compatible with my height and preferred fit of a bike, and the larger diameter wheels excel for much of how I ride.<br />
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Functional though it may be, the Xtracycle Edgerunner never appealed much to me, with its 20-inch rear wheel. I understand that designing a cargo bike around a smaller diameter wheel lowers the center of gravity and makes for a stronger wheel, but small wheels are not ideal for the rough surfaces where I like to go, and make for a more jarring ride elsewhere. I've nearly maxed out the clearance on my Big Dummy with 26" x 2.3" tires, so the possibility of going much bigger has me cogitating. As a matter of fact, with a set of 29+ wheels, the new MegaRack would make an unsuspended 29er like my <a href="http://bigdummydaddy.blogspot.com/2013/11/wherein-i-venture-into-world-of-big.html" target="_blank">Monocog 29er</a> quite a viable supersized cargo and passenger machine. It's hard to say when or if I'll get my hands on a MegaRack, but it appears to be more than worthy of consideration.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAD images of the MegaRack design. Via <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Xtracycle</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A MegaRack on a folding bike. For this, 20-inch wheels make sense. Via <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Xtracycle</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross showing the new, more stout chainstay bridge connector. Welcome indeed. Via <a href="http://www.xtracycle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Xtracycle</a>. </td></tr>
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-79891024148244990992015-01-27T15:04:00.000-07:002015-01-27T16:00:11.083-07:00Quite likely the best thing about winter in Denver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's 75F/24C on January 27th, I'm wearing shorts and a T-shirt, and taking an afternoon ride on a suburban trail with the sun on my face. Sure, I know winter will be back soon, but it's great for spring to stop by for a visit.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-3900953831734322014-12-31T17:13:00.002-07:002014-12-31T17:13:17.649-07:00Adios, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whatever width of rubber you prefer, may you keep it rolling in 2015.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-19459521760322877932014-11-23T19:30:00.001-07:002014-11-23T19:30:20.194-07:00Thinking of snow<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scout and Pugsley are ready for a blizzard.</td></tr>
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The past couple of weeks brought us some unseasonably cold weather and a bit of snow, but not a lot is left around these parts. During our daily ride today, we were caught in a brief swirling of granules that looked just like crumbly pieces of Styrofoam, but they quickly melted. It's usually around this time of year that I'm in the mood for a nice, substantial snowstorm. In a couple of months I'll likely change my tune, but at present, a thick layer of the white stuff would be most welcome.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-52878770526523774402014-10-31T20:13:00.004-06:002014-10-31T20:13:58.168-06:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-83184416122264046602014-10-11T17:36:00.003-06:002014-10-11T17:36:57.991-06:00There's always room for one more: DIY hanging bike storage<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/AVvXsEgSMVM4Ee04DZUZfejpUxab6B7KWNM22qgq64Tqhz5YBRtjJEr2CWdVKtuD3RJ1tcV0iJcRxYFIF28ZBhqUkmXDuxQ9WxRFEQmPQGxxEhwJ7Jv200nfeju4ThxgfEzWkYX4qOVgT_rhnM9O/s1600/IMG_20141011_133500250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMVM4Ee04DZUZfejpUxab6B7KWNM22qgq64Tqhz5YBRtjJEr2CWdVKtuD3RJ1tcV0iJcRxYFIF28ZBhqUkmXDuxQ9WxRFEQmPQGxxEhwJ7Jv200nfeju4ThxgfEzWkYX4qOVgT_rhnM9O/s1600/IMG_20141011_133500250.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of bikes don't necessarily have to take up lots of space.</td></tr>
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<i style="text-align: left;">Be forewarned, technical bike nerdery ahead. If you choose to follow the instructions, any outcome is your own risk and responsibility. Please don't attempt any construction if you are not confident in your skills.</i></div>
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Imagine that, one way or another, you've found yourself in a situation where you own more bikes than all your neighbors combined. Or, perhaps, you have a more culturally acceptable quantity of bikes (maybe shockingly as few a one), yet still find that you have more bikes than space for bikes. Alternately consider the not so farfetched possibility that you need to spatially justify a bike acquisition in order to maintain domestic tranquility.<br />
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In each of these cases, a better plan for bike parking could improve your life. Fortunately, a good solution is both cheap and easy, using utility hooks available at any hardware store, a few long screws, and some 2x4 or 2x6 scrap wood. You'll also need a drill, a saw, and some other common tools as needed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2TjZiAir8JUelN31MeLr43Bz1kiZwkNo6YqMM0f6ZwyQIhgdVaoLTHMN6dme1srQOxByaIDutM_Pj2_z0R8j8DxKyo2_yInCdTsDtv9149NMFKZ0gjCVwviP838vQUbngPOlBr4Bvsl_/s1600/IMG_20141011_164543535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2TjZiAir8JUelN31MeLr43Bz1kiZwkNo6YqMM0f6ZwyQIhgdVaoLTHMN6dme1srQOxByaIDutM_Pj2_z0R8j8DxKyo2_yInCdTsDtv9149NMFKZ0gjCVwviP838vQUbngPOlBr4Bvsl_/s1600/IMG_20141011_164543535.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The larger type hook on the left allows passage of fatter tires more readily, has a larger diameter steel core, and has a tougher coating than the standard type hook on the right. Bigger is better.</td></tr>
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The above materials are combined into a bike hanging structure from which one or more bikes are hung from the wall by one wheel, thusly:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmCtCMHlRbSP00wZZOMMIjwQFwqLpgz6gE0eXTYVOM3eg_NIv56GcRbdv-1S5J0txpUq_e2h3TnsOXWTet7vB2km8YApMgTL8RGjHw_RulmfxLARVEEpyuLMxraJrrw8w4iKRP5w15JQW/s1600/IMG_20141011_131921070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmCtCMHlRbSP00wZZOMMIjwQFwqLpgz6gE0eXTYVOM3eg_NIv56GcRbdv-1S5J0txpUq_e2h3TnsOXWTet7vB2km8YApMgTL8RGjHw_RulmfxLARVEEpyuLMxraJrrw8w4iKRP5w15JQW/s1600/IMG_20141011_131921070.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternating bars up/bars down for orderly and efficient bike hoarding.</td></tr>
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The design of your bike hanging rig depends on a few factors: 1) the available wall space 2) the number of bikes you'd like to hang 3) the length of wood available.<br />
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The first step is to measure the length of wall where you'd like to hang your bikes. You'll need at least 20 linear inches of wall for every bike you want to hang. It may require even more space if your bikes have especially wide handlebars, which is the main determining measure. The minimum height of the wall is the length of your bike plus about 8+ inches, so as to keep the bottom tire off the floor when hung.<br />
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Next, is to measure and drill holes in the wood in which the utility hooks will be installed. In my experience, a distance between holes of approximately 18 to 20 inches works well to maximize used space while maintaining relative ease of bike removal when hanging bikes in an alternating bars up/bars down pattern. Therefore, the length of wood you'll need can be calculated as in the following example for a 3-bike rig with hooks spaced 20" apart:<br />
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<ul>
<li>3" (edge to first hook) </li>
<li>+ 20" (first hook to second hook) </li>
<li>+ 20" (second hook to third hook) </li>
<li>+ 3" (third hook to edge) </li>
<li>= 46" board length </li>
</ul>
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Remember, the linear length of wall you'll need is longer than the board length, to accommodate the handlebars of the outer bikes. In this example, the wall will need to be at least 60 linear inches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfgNDDbXXx533-xNW8kJZ5WgjJ0aNXswQJjDZyWpizbqtr80WMZKUmGzctMwVmGtnyw_o9I9Q2zctxdS9ZVXR59Hg-Ismppdc9LMq2rqo8gc9ognvBn3k524k-xv9CnVMT0-eKg23-djV/s1600/IMG_20141011_131633212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfgNDDbXXx533-xNW8kJZ5WgjJ0aNXswQJjDZyWpizbqtr80WMZKUmGzctMwVmGtnyw_o9I9Q2zctxdS9ZVXR59Hg-Ismppdc9LMq2rqo8gc9ognvBn3k524k-xv9CnVMT0-eKg23-djV/s1600/IMG_20141011_131633212.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used three 3 1/2" deck screws anchored in a wall stud to attach the 2x6 board to the wall. The more studs, the better, as they say. </td></tr>
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Drill the first hole into the centerline of the wood, three inches inboard from the edge of the wood. Again, be sure to allow for the distance necessary for the bike's handlebar to clear the neighboring wall. Note that it is important to drill the holes for the utility hooks angled downward about 15 to 20 degrees to relieve stress on them, as the weight of the bike pulls them down. If installed perpendicular to the wall, the utility hooks will bend downward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-zxFugd9f2tOaxZ7LyYV_hJw4EaMIduAY803vRhYswRDJyIqjcwN1XtH-Kun59_5GZnB3FB1FMeIxNMBotfL_EAWjg7jSKd5xQq5rFg9D1EQVLVaJIVwWzy7yNjspqOUjfvJLYf0KCNS/s1600/IMG_20141011_132016608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-zxFugd9f2tOaxZ7LyYV_hJw4EaMIduAY803vRhYswRDJyIqjcwN1XtH-Kun59_5GZnB3FB1FMeIxNMBotfL_EAWjg7jSKd5xQq5rFg9D1EQVLVaJIVwWzy7yNjspqOUjfvJLYf0KCNS/s1600/IMG_20141011_132016608.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the hook angled downward.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbhvZE0PvF8oeAXLlXqCEjh8T_u9Pn-bftnEMDB1781kLe0Ms71zEgyHvCFeNfCdhAswrP9fhMfqtJEGm1-Hhtg6S-_HVM1qBGMCj5OMjGnm2A0c23UYvkaWIR8tHGQcy9W-qm7w9qQmr/s1600/IMG_20141011_131603724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbhvZE0PvF8oeAXLlXqCEjh8T_u9Pn-bftnEMDB1781kLe0Ms71zEgyHvCFeNfCdhAswrP9fhMfqtJEGm1-Hhtg6S-_HVM1qBGMCj5OMjGnm2A0c23UYvkaWIR8tHGQcy9W-qm7w9qQmr/s1600/IMG_20141011_131603724.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I installed these hooks about 18.5" apart on center, in the days before the wide bars that I now so enjoy. I'd lean more toward 20" apart if I were to rebuild.</td></tr>
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Subsequent holes should be approximately 18 to 20 inches apart. Once all the hook holes are drilled, it's time to mount the boards to the wall. I use 3 1/2" deck screws in every stud along the length of the board. Be sure that the screws are solidly in studs, as it wouldn't be much fun to have your bike hanging rig and bikes all collapse on the floor. It is beneficial to have a stud located near each end of the board. Use a level to ensure the board is parallel to the floor, and be sure to have it high enough so your longest bike's rear tire clears the floor. The utility hooks can be installed either before or after the board is screwed to the wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrDZj9u8gWBZGrbDMqzsqOKnnVK8XpFP-3xcb06-nWBWRp0EjFGa4k9i8u-O5jQv2tTDkOxoU5Yy8c1rL3bye2m2ZZ3Jkubtr4G50CTBjc3KriNGCUtZyGBkgqBVIKQIggpqZSwVOzdES/s1600/IMG_20141011_131725710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrDZj9u8gWBZGrbDMqzsqOKnnVK8XpFP-3xcb06-nWBWRp0EjFGa4k9i8u-O5jQv2tTDkOxoU5Yy8c1rL3bye2m2ZZ3Jkubtr4G50CTBjc3KriNGCUtZyGBkgqBVIKQIggpqZSwVOzdES/s1600/IMG_20141011_131725710.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two 29ers with 750+ mm wide handlebars are a little snug on hooks 18.5" on center. I may respace the hooks to be a bit further apart.</td></tr>
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In the case that you've got fatbikes to deal with, such beasts still work fine for hanging. However, a standard utility hook won't work. Many hardware stores carry a variety of hooks that can successfully grasp a fatbike wheel. I found a heavy duty hook that is about 5" wide that fits the Surly Darryl/Larry combo on my Pugsley.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq8XL-fGUgL7y5nzlITzvachdJC0-_ulBzTNl2d-I5haN6MJEYdbktTo9LjPamNGPulfhyihAzJMJJ1e-fZBu9kXCyrpjoiv0qhBK7o9mJrzOFYdOSpoKT0c2JqmK_9FI1nkh9e72DWZH/s1600/IMG_20141011_131802837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq8XL-fGUgL7y5nzlITzvachdJC0-_ulBzTNl2d-I5haN6MJEYdbktTo9LjPamNGPulfhyihAzJMJJ1e-fZBu9kXCyrpjoiv0qhBK7o9mJrzOFYdOSpoKT0c2JqmK_9FI1nkh9e72DWZH/s1600/IMG_20141011_131802837.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pugsley peacefully coexisting with my 30 year-old Miyata. Wide bars on both.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qJ2tOOrLVmWddXxzAkfYjyI-0KQbbhkkwY-KAG14KAxnVCREuiybZ2-i8xu57qZBdLJwXX12wrG-O5OJfr1v6m1R6DuFHcYcDNcfSsp0Cdc7mq-pjbgx8wjAMQcP2nnlx0duB6WN2iXE/s1600/IMG_20141011_131818692_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qJ2tOOrLVmWddXxzAkfYjyI-0KQbbhkkwY-KAG14KAxnVCREuiybZ2-i8xu57qZBdLJwXX12wrG-O5OJfr1v6m1R6DuFHcYcDNcfSsp0Cdc7mq-pjbgx8wjAMQcP2nnlx0duB6WN2iXE/s1600/IMG_20141011_131818692_HDR.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fatties fit fine.</td></tr>
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Just about any bike can be hung using this kind of rig, so long as the bike isn't so heavy that it will pull the hook out of the board. To date, I've hung bikes up to about 60 pounds in weight, with no problem other than hefting a wheel up to the hook.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnbl3679yMb6YH_8xOVnZf_RIIijLbSK83cfNJ9S_3FA0no8_tdbtFyhg7CG0RRaiMe4JqXpiZ8sTEB3hcMdrotA_qi3kuExzqXOmTqn41U-bAiPjjSpAdzALUwqkpYCsGcs_7Gs-tbl5/s1600/IMG_20141011_132108835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnbl3679yMb6YH_8xOVnZf_RIIijLbSK83cfNJ9S_3FA0no8_tdbtFyhg7CG0RRaiMe4JqXpiZ8sTEB3hcMdrotA_qi3kuExzqXOmTqn41U-bAiPjjSpAdzALUwqkpYCsGcs_7Gs-tbl5/s1600/IMG_20141011_132108835.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These hefty old Schwinns hang just fine.</td></tr>
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So there you go. I can't claim that this is the definitive method for storing bikes, but I don't know of any other way that is as cheap, easy, or efficient. Bikes hung in this manner remain simple to retrieve for a ride, they won't fall over and get scratched against each other, and the positive aura emitted from a wall of bikes embiggens any aspiring bike barn. Such a rig can also keep an overly abundant bike herd orderly enough so as to support domestic tranquility, though your mileage may vary.<br />
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<br />Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628808254855280975.post-19302575819564612052014-10-07T20:00:00.000-06:002014-10-07T21:46:15.865-06:00Blood Moon rising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3_4iaFwQEZXGTVkT99nE3Qoa8zcrDhyphenhyphenz3auA5vtJf7-tb_0JMt01N8K176XmLxZIlPuuklvvsoV-CKDiL83n0DuxHplHlDf33C_YGPtfjmtuwnXFJbigXT5fqi-qGnFztLHA2K-ndF-F/s1600/IMG_20141007_184819342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3_4iaFwQEZXGTVkT99nE3Qoa8zcrDhyphenhyphenz3auA5vtJf7-tb_0JMt01N8K176XmLxZIlPuuklvvsoV-CKDiL83n0DuxHplHlDf33C_YGPtfjmtuwnXFJbigXT5fqi-qGnFztLHA2K-ndF-F/s1600/IMG_20141007_184819342.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
It's unlikely that I'll be up at 2:17 am to see the beginning of the lunar eclipse tonight, but the girls and I got to see a terrific golden moonrise. Not a bad consolation prize.Andy D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01721273913834541311noreply@blogger.com0