Commuter for the Apocalypse

I've rebuilt my 1986 MB-2 (see Sheldon's catalog scan) into a stout commuter that I can load up at the store, pull the Burley trailer and cruise around town night or day in any weather. I use it almost every day from 2 to 15 miles and though it's not fast, there's nothing that can harm it.

It weighs about 40lbs, but is comfy to ride with it's Brooks Champion Flyer and slightly upswept Nitto bars. Fat Crossroad tires, Bullseye hubs and just 6 speeds make it just right for the terrain and the roads and trails I travel locally.

If I were to go touring in a third world country, this is probably the bike I'd take. I got it about 20 years ago for $75. Now that's a bargain.

HED Ardennes Short Review

Rode the 25mm ProRace 2's on a set of HED Ardennes on my MXL for a couple hours yesterday and the ride was definitely different than on the Open Pro rims.

Cornering felt more secure, cushioning was a bit better (I think I was running them around 85-90lbs PSI and I am about 150-155lbs). I liked the feel a great deal and hope to get out again after the next few days of 30 degrees and icy roads.

Never having had a low spoke count wheelset before (these are 18 front, 24 rear), I probably won't use them for randonneuring, but club riding is perfect. A very nice wheelset and maybe even a bit better than my DT RR 1.1 set. The hubs are dreamy smooth, I could coast for considerably longer in places where I've done it previously. Sweet wheels.

What a great day to ride too!

Redline Monocog 29er Day

A nice 20 mile off-road day on the new SS. Works well and ready for
more! These big tires take a bit to spin up but even on technical
stuff don't seem sluggish. Just get on a ride. nice.

Jay Guthrie Fundraiser - Dec 3, 2009

I'm sure most of you have heard about long time R&G club member Jay Guthrie of Jtek Engineering and his battle with cancer. Now Bikes, County Cycles, HED and Ride and Glide Club are joining together in a fund raiser to help Jay and Anne with medical bills.

We will be having a "Get Together" at Now Bikes in Arden Hills (3673 Lexington Ave N) on Thursday Dec 3rd at 7pm. We will be showing the video of Greg Lemond's 1989 TDF victory over Laurent Fignon and will have a "Guest Speaker". Steve Hed will be talking about aerodynamics and what's happening in bicycle racing and I'm sure have many fascinating stories and will take your questions as well.

We'll have pizza from Davannis, beverages and door prizes generously donated by HED, Now, County Cycles and R&G. Tickets will be $20 at the door and get you one ticket in the door prize drawing and free pizza and good times. Extra tickets for the drawings can be purchased as well. Please come over to Now Bikes, socialize with your cycling buddies, swap stories about Jay, and take some time off your trainer. You may even win one!

RSVP to Steve Thatcher at sdthatcher@q.com

You can also donate by PayPal here: http://www.rideandglide.org/fundraiser.htm

Or by sending checks to:
Steve Thatcher
12999 Keller Ave N
Hugo, MN 55038

Make checks out to "Ride and Glide"
Make a note that it's for Jay Guthrie Fund

Thanks to all in your support of Jay and his family.