I’m deep into the riding season up here in the northern plains of the US and I thought I’d take a moment to call out things that have been real standouts for me so far this year. I’m doing this especially because it’s wildly hot here for the next few days and I don’t wantContinue reading “Things I Like This Season: 2023”
Category Archives: Bikes
If The Gravel Bike Didn’t Exist
If the gravel bike didn’t exist, it’d be necessary to invent it. In fact, I believe that’s what we’ve seen occur over the last several years of frenzied gravel innovation. Speculation The reason that we didn’t really have something we called a “gravel bike” before was because we had the venerable and (recently) often-referenced 90sContinue reading “If The Gravel Bike Didn’t Exist”
Long Cycle
I didn’t spend too much time on the mountain bike in 2022. Mostly, this was a result of hunting for and getting a significantly better job. This both disrupted my schedule and meant I had to settle into something new, and it entirely consumed my competitive drive. However, I did pick up something new andContinue reading “Long Cycle”
Century #1: Sort Of
In the first part of September 2022, I developed a strange idea: I should ride a fixed gear a really long way. Background I don’t know what it says about me, psychologically, that I enjoy riding fixed gears as much as I do. The overwhelming majority of my road mileage in the last couple ofContinue reading “Century #1: Sort Of”
Warming Trends
(Note: I originally wrote this in March. I’m publishing it in April. Unfortunately, the off season has been a bit longer than I’d like it to be, as it has been profoundly stubborn about warming up. I think there is still relevance, even though it’s roughly a month behind the times!) Days are getting aContinue reading “Warming Trends”
The Off Season
(Pictured: Something I don’t do much anymore) There is a definite off season for cycling where I live. Not for everybody – some people are perfectly happy to brave the cold and snow with some combination of more kit and wider tires. But I’ve long since decided that isn’t for me because it peels backContinue reading “The Off Season”
Accidentally Road Biking
This past year I found myself doing more miles on the road than I ever have. Well, specifically on a bike, but you get the idea. This is notable because, historically, I’ve had almost no interest in tires narrower than two inches. The only material worth riding on is dirt, as far as I couldContinue reading “Accidentally Road Biking”
Fatbikes
It’s November, it’s nearly winter, and I want to talk about fatbikes for a while. I got into fatbikes early in my riding history. I remember walking into the bike shop and being transfixed by the enormous tires and the possibility of never having to stop riding. They were a huge part of my earlyContinue reading “Fatbikes”
Elmwood Park CX 2021
(Pictured: The author, in pain while racing. Good times!) As originally stated in my very first article on this blog this year, I wanted to improve my standing at the next cyclocross race I was able to participate in. To be fully honest, I may not have even done this race if I hadn’t writtenContinue reading “Elmwood Park CX 2021”
Casually Competitive
(Pictured: the author, actually competing) I’ve got an issue: I really like to be competitive but the mileage that I can put in is, honestly, pretty low compared to other people. This is by necessity as I have other obligations that shrink the amount of open time I have for riding my bikes around. ThatContinue reading “Casually Competitive”
Gradually Faster 