As the world turns...

Let me just say something- WD-40 is not, I repeat, not a lubricant. At all. In fact, there's only one possible use for a can of WD-40 in working on a bike, and that is getting rubber grips (such as Ourys) to stick to handlebars. That's it.

Alright, I feel a bit better.

Well, I had to pull the drop bars off of my bike. I couldn't get them high enough to feel right, and I was sucking ass on anything technical. I did like the way they felt on tight singletrack, but I just can't use 'em. Matt Chester will have to build me a frame one day that's designed for drops. Until then, back to the Marys.

I took the reMaryed bike out on a bit of tech this morning before work, and it felt much better. I need a little time to get used to the setup again, which I'll get in the next week. Looks like tomorrow I'll be trying some semi-tech stuff at O.P. Schnabel , with a possible Madrone visit on Monday when I get back from San Diego.

Did I mention that I love my Phil Wood hubs? Well, they rule.

Tuesday, I think I'm gonna do some initial trail scouting for the 100 miler, see how much dirt we can use. I would love to do the whole thing on dirt, but that's pretty tough in a city the size of S.A.

Oh, and if anyone is into wool, there's a great source for wool jerseys, called SWOBO. Maybe you've heard of 'em. And for teams, clubs, shops, of cabals, there's a company out of Portland called Portland Cyclewear that'll do custom (kinda) jerseys for a damn good price. I like wool, and I think you will, too.

So, what's out next non-sequitur? How about my road bike? Well, alrighty then. For the past 3 months, I've had the pleasure of riding my LeMond Fillmore as my road bike, commuter, what have you. Nice bike. I've made a couple of changes from stock, like a new headset (silver,) new stem, and chopped-and-flipped Syncros drop bar. I'll take some pictures some other time.

Yeah, good stuff out of me today. Kinda like Virginia Woolf. Or Something.

Buenas tardes, beetches.

Los

Ahhhhh...

Another day at the shop.
Ever have those days when absolutely everything you touch turns into a fucking soul sucking project?
Yeah, it was one of those days for me.
So, I'm toying with the idea of a 100ish mile Punk Bike Enduro-type event, with dirt at 3 pop[ular in-town locales, and parade formation riding between them. Just gotta figure out how to con some folks into volunteering. Lots of folks.
There's an event about 90 miles from here that's somewhat like that on January 7th, and it sounds pretty cool, but I don't think I'll be able to attend. It's too soon, and I always have to work on Saturdays, and it's really, you know, legit. What I have in mind would be much more underground, and involve more beer.
Alright, it's time to go pick up D from the airport.

the los

Yeah. How's that for a lull, Mr. Chester?

Alright. 5 months without an update. Is that a record or something?
Damn well should be.
Sooo, quick update, although I seriously doubt anyone is still checking this thing out- living in Texas, back working in a bike shop, getting some riding in.
I don't think most people think of San Antonio when they think of great mountain biking, probably due to the dearth of mountains. But the trails here are pretty darned good. Most importantly, they're fun, and D is having a great time riding them.
Well, not today, since currently it's 27 degrees Fareinheit, and freezing rain is coming down. But 2 days ago she rode, and killed her second derailleur since we moved here. Umm, yeah, it gets a bit rocky.
Hmm. amazing, isn't it? So long between posts, and yet I have so little to say.
Oh, there's been some changes to the bike. I finally put some Phil Wood hubs on the Wily, along with a drop bar. It's really nice although Matt Chester would say I'm too low, and I'd be inclined to agree. It's a cool feeling being on drop bars in tight trees, dropping down steep ravines, going over rocks and roots. I think once I get a higher rise stem, I'll be dialled.
Speaking of the venerable Mr. Chester, I have always been drawn to his bikes, and to his philosophy. He's eschewing the blogapalooza gig at the end of the year, and while it's tempting me to chuck it as well, that's not why I'm mentioning it. I brought it up because I'm going to miss his infrequent, eloquent, enlightening posts. And I just noticed that his backlog of frames is 7 months.
Ahh, the lust for a new bike. How many have fallen into that trap? Well, I for one am trying to avoid it. As much as I'd love to own one of Matt's masterpieces, I don't need one, and am quite happy with my current bike. Although, it would be nice to have something fixed specific. And titanium would be smooth on the ol' back. Perhaps something designed for drop bars... See? That's how I get into trouble. Coveting stuff. Albeit really nice stuff from a one-man operation, and an environmentally concious one to boot.
O.K., it's getting late, and I have to attend a store meeting tomorrow.
Next time: Texas-style Punk Bike Enduro?

the los