tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92025294170355925012024-02-23T18:02:17.546-08:00George's BikesGeorge Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-26113156543467387812024-01-01T19:51:00.000-08:002024-01-01T19:51:59.145-08:002023 Riding year in review.<div class="separator"><br /></div><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKGbY9aQdk88c7IT3ml8WtTr0gCX8TDgtCzxuId6qkrLoyBP3zNT_3fTQcrDsWutagosJfmi7NiC7An36fu2-SYXyzR18QvM83mn8F6-pXx3DLzt87DrLZkdQW8Wza6G9B9OnPgxSyryK_ufqyoSvL8nIcdRcenLhGuVaoY0taYj9J7As1GpRc3ErLo0/s2368/IMG_0724.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2365" data-original-width="2368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKGbY9aQdk88c7IT3ml8WtTr0gCX8TDgtCzxuId6qkrLoyBP3zNT_3fTQcrDsWutagosJfmi7NiC7An36fu2-SYXyzR18QvM83mn8F6-pXx3DLzt87DrLZkdQW8Wza6G9B9OnPgxSyryK_ufqyoSvL8nIcdRcenLhGuVaoY0taYj9J7As1GpRc3ErLo0/w640-h640/IMG_0724.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Sunrise Highway in San Diego County</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>2023 started out rather quietly, with frequent rains restricting my riding quite a bit. Still, I was able to record a total mileage of 4,500 miles, so it wasn't a complete bust. I did one century, my "3 River Ride" in June, and for the first time in several years I was able to do the Iowa Hill ride. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzerd_IE0qsNC7clHZsO3wwuP77md_aFBLIfAlSC_U490wOB03bu0LZo2fr5S8tJL8IJ59rBSjcHhNwV-yCHWUhd2SJ9Qe8TILQyXWcdUCvU7SRYq-Hzl1ElDpUkR1N-xqV1dfTGis63cr79GiP5K0hhQ_snrqX0iFaDnkvwvhhSDsxKFc_vhOe3d7AN4/s3340/IMG_0542.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="3340" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzerd_IE0qsNC7clHZsO3wwuP77md_aFBLIfAlSC_U490wOB03bu0LZo2fr5S8tJL8IJ59rBSjcHhNwV-yCHWUhd2SJ9Qe8TILQyXWcdUCvU7SRYq-Hzl1ElDpUkR1N-xqV1dfTGis63cr79GiP5K0hhQ_snrqX0iFaDnkvwvhhSDsxKFc_vhOe3d7AN4/w640-h496/IMG_0542.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the I-5 overpass beside the Sacramento River.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0Ffl2n1QjBcDrF09Fp26oMTk7x7RW1mV18FKWAsBP2Rb_wrbd8xhA_b1cp6v3GFApulKeDBIBzjK99pfzqKnzW9kPGfalfsr-VqJt7mBRJo-NF-DI7TV4uCnJg4cSvxCj3aXaQVuWpC8-xmSbovD-rceL7Pj8XMqkPEO5M_DGFoteHCNuYTCrua01JI/s3166/IMG_0680.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3166" data-original-width="2842" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0Ffl2n1QjBcDrF09Fp26oMTk7x7RW1mV18FKWAsBP2Rb_wrbd8xhA_b1cp6v3GFApulKeDBIBzjK99pfzqKnzW9kPGfalfsr-VqJt7mBRJo-NF-DI7TV4uCnJg4cSvxCj3aXaQVuWpC8-xmSbovD-rceL7Pj8XMqkPEO5M_DGFoteHCNuYTCrua01JI/w574-h640/IMG_0680.HEIC" width="574" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Iowa Hill<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkrWS6Yotuv2V9FAEPHYoHRT3A4X_ExbkauxLdbAYA0JXlArIy52JUDgGUuvUMfvEzqhvf9hqsamYJ6OJoLnIJ9KWQABi2DJv5q98B1exZzk3NZYKOhBoNlKwNP6Ux57aFm5B_PFww32eBCIMECvgJO1osSEV_aeV4OvbzVXXfuqhiCS5Bun_JKha2mE/s4608/SAM_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkrWS6Yotuv2V9FAEPHYoHRT3A4X_ExbkauxLdbAYA0JXlArIy52JUDgGUuvUMfvEzqhvf9hqsamYJ6OJoLnIJ9KWQABi2DJv5q98B1exZzk3NZYKOhBoNlKwNP6Ux57aFm5B_PFww32eBCIMECvgJO1osSEV_aeV4OvbzVXXfuqhiCS5Bun_JKha2mE/w640-h360/SAM_1875.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p>While visiting family in San Diego County, I completed one of my favorite rides, the Descanso-Mt. Laguna loop. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68Nu1hWQ1IcLiB9xp2rJSkCrJhM1jqLMpVhb66ll0h8lrWn8htHhirVlkNbgEYYBlF7B1G6CRuUzx34utR9tF30_ypgsGLQUAnU7NJFMUU4_q0mcy4euLaEYmflZge6oAh9JCqQcQOb7DVsSuDzZ32q_8mj_KQ3bSkDp83_WwmTtBOx9p5RkwDzsnPeg/s4032/IMG_0727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2909" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68Nu1hWQ1IcLiB9xp2rJSkCrJhM1jqLMpVhb66ll0h8lrWn8htHhirVlkNbgEYYBlF7B1G6CRuUzx34utR9tF30_ypgsGLQUAnU7NJFMUU4_q0mcy4euLaEYmflZge6oAh9JCqQcQOb7DVsSuDzZ32q_8mj_KQ3bSkDp83_WwmTtBOx9p5RkwDzsnPeg/w462-h640/IMG_0727.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Sunrise Highway, about to descend into Pine Valley.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>So, I had some memorable rides this year despite the slow start of the year. In addition, I enjoyed a couple of nice, albeit short rides while camping this year as well. Camping at Antelope Lake in Northeast California, I found some nice dirt roads:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUeiHTMbzxTZDyHK0L1mUpZSGz3wZn6z27p8clTDbCwo5Jzvu7JNG-Sf3yJH_9Byxv4HQcYp5TEjqHHF3Eeu1XcNIeIgHZ0VogoTG7liliONGfnUYtwhyphenhyphenmQeEqBF3xhu0yuZUCqrP8NTm51giVl1UV4CcDyyOwsGWeA2WxOvWAi6t1yPjsv_cU0r7Emo/s4032/IMG_0670.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUeiHTMbzxTZDyHK0L1mUpZSGz3wZn6z27p8clTDbCwo5Jzvu7JNG-Sf3yJH_9Byxv4HQcYp5TEjqHHF3Eeu1XcNIeIgHZ0VogoTG7liliONGfnUYtwhyphenhyphenmQeEqBF3xhu0yuZUCqrP8NTm51giVl1UV4CcDyyOwsGWeA2WxOvWAi6t1yPjsv_cU0r7Emo/w640-h480/IMG_0670.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above Antelope Lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />While at Salt Point State Campground on the north coast, I took a little 10 mile jog around the park environs.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fv5bdoghb0RN7jfgmW-IdUB7XPmKr_zzr4oFmTzrAAtoj5m5nH4eDS7nKyOhAiDfqABHkCXSp1-ZK9UWU4IGO9kYMs_tjqKiJvvPkeCEB7qlbS1bPrGfLl74ZyyLROmwatgpY79s70eW0FZSzCBNTYWtZhXv71BANCMSs2s3uSf9Z44CeUVBXG-an6g/s4032/IMG_0596.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fv5bdoghb0RN7jfgmW-IdUB7XPmKr_zzr4oFmTzrAAtoj5m5nH4eDS7nKyOhAiDfqABHkCXSp1-ZK9UWU4IGO9kYMs_tjqKiJvvPkeCEB7qlbS1bPrGfLl74ZyyLROmwatgpY79s70eW0FZSzCBNTYWtZhXv71BANCMSs2s3uSf9Z44CeUVBXG-an6g/w640-h480/IMG_0596.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Salt Point CG</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><p>Equipment-wise no big changes occurred. I did mostly complete my rebuild of the 1978 Raleigh Professional and got a miles on it. It certainly is a sweet ride, nice handling and stable for no-handed riding as well. I still have to complete a set of wheels for it, but other than that, it's all set to go!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tmPTY_Nka1o9P5OXGDTdk9soQHz4dFjEiUjf0fIDyUZfRjN5ecUavUTHEJMgo-80-dJ2nE1bpHIX2NROELua5d8Nsw9DrfTkeOgX-CBAJh5SCfqKh9CSMYJ-6UCUn0AYt4M-L_8MwXbYCuk9q8idDVulrTzNyoO7Ig16Nva5K6ae9D8HjJwfMPIwEOU/s3978/IMG_0920.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2843" data-original-width="3978" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tmPTY_Nka1o9P5OXGDTdk9soQHz4dFjEiUjf0fIDyUZfRjN5ecUavUTHEJMgo-80-dJ2nE1bpHIX2NROELua5d8Nsw9DrfTkeOgX-CBAJh5SCfqKh9CSMYJ-6UCUn0AYt4M-L_8MwXbYCuk9q8idDVulrTzNyoO7Ig16Nva5K6ae9D8HjJwfMPIwEOU/w640-h458/IMG_0920.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1978 Raleigh Pro</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>In July, we moved into a condo in Rocklin, about 4 1/2 miles from our old house in Loomis. This most likely will not be a permanent move but we should be here for a few years so I had to make it comfortable for me and my bikes. We have an attached garage so I had to come up with a storage system for the seven bikes in our household. Here is the result:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHNcwGpLRqvgzR3q90zHERw_kSILmnesW-mvfDVoRrDGdHFFRQ2CMA935b3PuJF1PkCRxKHddwNtQjFPJHaFcDA4n9NB6zaGzvey9vvFmRJVFjoMKQE89YAMAK9JVRUxcZW-B_vHjwbJSfvcyF28PBYI5h34o5ziTYkm276GHrc1jkzuXiflEwlWqa7I/s1494/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1494" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHNcwGpLRqvgzR3q90zHERw_kSILmnesW-mvfDVoRrDGdHFFRQ2CMA935b3PuJF1PkCRxKHddwNtQjFPJHaFcDA4n9NB6zaGzvey9vvFmRJVFjoMKQE89YAMAK9JVRUxcZW-B_vHjwbJSfvcyF28PBYI5h34o5ziTYkm276GHrc1jkzuXiflEwlWqa7I/w640-h440/IMG_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bike rack in our new home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The first time I tried this rack, the screws I used were too short and the whole thing came crashing down!! With larger screws, the rack proved capable of holding up most of my bikes; I still have to store the Schwinn on the ground, but that isn't a huge problem. I really don't have room for any more bikes though! My bicycle posters fit nicely above the rack.</p><p>All in all, it was a successful year for my cycling. 2024 poses a couple of new challenges to my cycling calendar however, with a month-long European River Cruise and a camper trip to Alaska slated, so I'll have to work to get my miles in! Stay tuned!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-53229443418656811562023-10-05T21:03:00.001-07:002023-10-07T08:36:59.586-07:00Riding the Mt. Laguna Loop in 2023!<div class="separator"><br /></div><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoc_QG2EZna_ezQIQhzHdOdZLJ2bC110ofjSaAYnCHzGrWaoig9zYpaXCImbIlnpFrj3Zq1OfIJ3WQ0cizmGzG6VQmRVFpCIm0p_L4diySFuTv9WiDxBSQegJgowImwmzi2nfe5MbIlSlTDesMH3IyEmNYjm1OZOF4xQDJjTACk1lx3zGI-xVrtTv5-s/s2368/IMG_0724.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2365" data-original-width="2368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoc_QG2EZna_ezQIQhzHdOdZLJ2bC110ofjSaAYnCHzGrWaoig9zYpaXCImbIlnpFrj3Zq1OfIJ3WQ0cizmGzG6VQmRVFpCIm0p_L4diySFuTv9WiDxBSQegJgowImwmzi2nfe5MbIlSlTDesMH3IyEmNYjm1OZOF4xQDJjTACk1lx3zGI-xVrtTv5-s/w640-h640/IMG_0724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the desert overlook near Mt. Laguna</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>It's been several years since I've had the opportunity to ride in San Diego County. This year, at last, we decided to pay a visit to our old stomping grounds and I had a chance to take a ride. The ride I chose is probably my favorite of all the rides down there; a loop starting near Descanso, going through Cuyamaca State Park and Lake Cuyamaca, up to Mt. Laguna then down through Pine Valley and Guatay and then returning to Descanso. Total distance is just a hair over 50 miles.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIvZvs79k6KD2tFagj2UBtBhPzpXrtj61Z8_FrPcAxwh6CCWg8UkQA5XyYONibCt-PHMELKVflA_0j8CVydEw3BL1PXNXDYuaWCz6rDmZ51HJAnM-iCBG_Je6_SCVP1HMWWDevfmLAcEfqPFpbVh1GqYhbkXupvhRGI8KjvsUCuWltaMQut0DF6RyMgs/s1326/Screenshot%20(3).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1326" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIvZvs79k6KD2tFagj2UBtBhPzpXrtj61Z8_FrPcAxwh6CCWg8UkQA5XyYONibCt-PHMELKVflA_0j8CVydEw3BL1PXNXDYuaWCz6rDmZ51HJAnM-iCBG_Je6_SCVP1HMWWDevfmLAcEfqPFpbVh1GqYhbkXupvhRGI8KjvsUCuWltaMQut0DF6RyMgs/w640-h522/Screenshot%20(3).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a plot of the ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The start is at the Highway 8 Park and Ride which is actually a couple of miles outside of Descanso. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKrMGWm34HoBxHT_Zd3HuqtRMVHVXzWyNt3sOPzNNzroFOwcOnPVxlGIJLvWL_tdJQ2nF8Fpc2G6Wu3Aghyfh0WQ2YOvMksyFp_FPF6atfpnImI8WQtumlg0-bniKvdVprm6xXlMEE91HxahOOvsRsOMasCr0_pAO2fhFhcrFOK3QlGab6V4-283dgoI/s3407/IMG_0709.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2555" data-original-width="3407" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKrMGWm34HoBxHT_Zd3HuqtRMVHVXzWyNt3sOPzNNzroFOwcOnPVxlGIJLvWL_tdJQ2nF8Fpc2G6Wu3Aghyfh0WQ2YOvMksyFp_FPF6atfpnImI8WQtumlg0-bniKvdVprm6xXlMEE91HxahOOvsRsOMasCr0_pAO2fhFhcrFOK3QlGab6V4-283dgoI/w640-h480/IMG_0709.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Park and Ride at the beginning of the ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's fairly easy going at first. I have found the best route for this ride is to turn onto Highway 79 and head for Cuyamaca State Park and take the ride in "clockwise" direction. It's best to do the stretch to Lake Cuyamaca early before traffic becomes a problem. Traffic wasn't a big deal for me since I did this ride on a weekday, but anyone trying this route on a weekend will want to keep it in mind. Also, I rather enjoy the descent from Mt. Laguna to Pine Valley at the end of the ride!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf9QFMHYW6MtFln_c9b6eSGzxCdbpcTVJLMDJPE4D3aW5DNTS7ynA4HXh66lO6x0vtPHU_3ccRjs26sbJYhMPaH-9mg5BqiShsSNvwhzHWbgxEzflFZWo1QpAZMOWgLvJH6wwKLeaIWBm5BSoS5jRh7ckAtnUAbDhPQA4BDHqimuyUAeSUSAqw4m4jyY/s3945/IMG_0711.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2738" data-original-width="3945" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf9QFMHYW6MtFln_c9b6eSGzxCdbpcTVJLMDJPE4D3aW5DNTS7ynA4HXh66lO6x0vtPHU_3ccRjs26sbJYhMPaH-9mg5BqiShsSNvwhzHWbgxEzflFZWo1QpAZMOWgLvJH6wwKLeaIWBm5BSoS5jRh7ckAtnUAbDhPQA4BDHqimuyUAeSUSAqw4m4jyY/w640-h444/IMG_0711.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Descanso</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Riding up Highway 79 will take you through Cuyamaca Sate Park. A very nice place which was badly damaged by a Cedar fire now many years ago! It'd nice to see nature slowly rebuilding across the area.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOjBNnl1oKmZZF0zTSvDBlKOmkmimQUTqMNoyyS_08S6dsCTfK0drSg8fo9kTp_hLGDbHNBXoEFPgjTou-bKrOVl6qA9G5-nrtDhQutCvUaKlQ0TH17ejB-HE1fa_dnZ3Q22F3ASYa5X2q3Xwo7miSwrHbAyEp9myjbNWlA5yAEAMUGVUFkhSeqwa5x0/s3751/IMG_0712.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2662" data-original-width="3751" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOjBNnl1oKmZZF0zTSvDBlKOmkmimQUTqMNoyyS_08S6dsCTfK0drSg8fo9kTp_hLGDbHNBXoEFPgjTou-bKrOVl6qA9G5-nrtDhQutCvUaKlQ0TH17ejB-HE1fa_dnZ3Q22F3ASYa5X2q3Xwo7miSwrHbAyEp9myjbNWlA5yAEAMUGVUFkhSeqwa5x0/w640-h454/IMG_0712.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the State Park on Highway 79.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One benefit(?) of that fire was that the trees and brush were cleared and you can get a good view of Stonewall Peak!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPSRJ8XkIGeHkTTS7lqwW3UkoRXHejoI1B1-rx34ohyqtNP5w-oxb7Cj7-ovd2iOSSG24vwB4UJyHfzFwrs-a1Ur0v2dUtLslUTH7ZRVCLiJX1mJXiuPTcRLT1OTf4DFJRUfX4dMHZ_oL0QkdKwFqrHGn_n7iHQCl8vFwE0vamHqF-ZvGhlR5NOf568E/s3861/IMG_0716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3861" data-original-width="2614" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPSRJ8XkIGeHkTTS7lqwW3UkoRXHejoI1B1-rx34ohyqtNP5w-oxb7Cj7-ovd2iOSSG24vwB4UJyHfzFwrs-a1Ur0v2dUtLslUTH7ZRVCLiJX1mJXiuPTcRLT1OTf4DFJRUfX4dMHZ_oL0QkdKwFqrHGn_n7iHQCl8vFwE0vamHqF-ZvGhlR5NOf568E/w434-h640/IMG_0716.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice view of Stonewall Peak from the road.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After a good little climb you arrive at Paso Pecacho Campground, which is across the road from the Stonewall Trailhead. The road levels out now and you even have a little descent to Lake Cuyamaca.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q5s0_92fV4k56eYatbx1FtHBKtXGkvWyTTFSMVrqL9r8zOJeRylp6bYIbdwnqgfTCv0XC-Mzx6mQHpXHP1HK236zwKsk93BBa668KHysltUJ8lbD5wbKHOWVNZtWjWqjm_TJKoFmQt3iW3lY31ur2q5o5RI3RQj9ROQHtmBHQNzeCydvTCRQl1eofBs/s4027/IMG_0717.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="4027" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q5s0_92fV4k56eYatbx1FtHBKtXGkvWyTTFSMVrqL9r8zOJeRylp6bYIbdwnqgfTCv0XC-Mzx6mQHpXHP1HK236zwKsk93BBa668KHysltUJ8lbD5wbKHOWVNZtWjWqjm_TJKoFmQt3iW3lY31ur2q5o5RI3RQj9ROQHtmBHQNzeCydvTCRQl1eofBs/w640-h328/IMG_0717.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Paso Picacho Campground.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At the lake I stopped and picked up a couple of snacks to supplement my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then I proceeded on past the lake and to County Road S1, the Sunrise Highway!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFhG4K1Bsz1jUY6qE1D0xFS1fOC0QNAllUJKB0JwPNbUaMNS62eeY2c-4wg1OVuant8BU_-dhZjx9IWZmrI8czBM_t9d8Ufi0extND9qP0x6T1fpIIsT6l4UPOQttKchmCIM7dl2626IVMfnf72uYCWWo3HzJIdfIUNLMuluZilyE63wq1OlOwUDzk6g/s3968/IMG_0719.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2456" data-original-width="3968" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFhG4K1Bsz1jUY6qE1D0xFS1fOC0QNAllUJKB0JwPNbUaMNS62eeY2c-4wg1OVuant8BU_-dhZjx9IWZmrI8czBM_t9d8Ufi0extND9qP0x6T1fpIIsT6l4UPOQttKchmCIM7dl2626IVMfnf72uYCWWo3HzJIdfIUNLMuluZilyE63wq1OlOwUDzk6g/w640-h396/IMG_0719.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Cuyamaca.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You have now entered the Anza-Borrego State Park. The start of the Sunrise Highway is level but quickly starts to climb. There is quite a bit of climbing from here on until you reach Mt. Laguna. At one point, the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the highway!<div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GzMlM-F2Wqp4Hkyd_qnqy4Dfh3SjxbUXUJ7OR2t1VqaFhxg7eHPivcwOYytB5cs9OAda5Tgr0YzrIGv15Kv0pvjux5k8PAWW-9Qqz5OQjviwljIc9jbyJUFhKdPYKWmVeEGwFPn3dtf32XMaGq1-405iVNwKY1D70UmwUhgJVe4Avt0VjRGhC6PxO6I/s3024/IMG_0720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2757" data-original-width="3024" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GzMlM-F2Wqp4Hkyd_qnqy4Dfh3SjxbUXUJ7OR2t1VqaFhxg7eHPivcwOYytB5cs9OAda5Tgr0YzrIGv15Kv0pvjux5k8PAWW-9Qqz5OQjviwljIc9jbyJUFhKdPYKWmVeEGwFPn3dtf32XMaGq1-405iVNwKY1D70UmwUhgJVe4Avt0VjRGhC6PxO6I/w640-h584/IMG_0720.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Sunrise Highway, (County Road S1), you encounter the Pacific Crest Trail!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After a while you come to the Mt. Laguna Recreation Area! Still more climbing to go, however!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhkthMsZuL3BS2w4QXj8ZcfXxPfMc4zxU0h9e8vnGkzDiwjmn8MiV5rhed4qW_OMcwOHpYrD1OwDpStUj4IPmPlfGxuU0EnapdRH2QDW0FAdZs1gokccmd6W3EicNAGxzuPTqIWUJrlnaTm6zej5tKQUIeyR1ZN5mbocv1D0gpAr-idbq-Y92TIZNSIs/s4032/IMG_0721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhkthMsZuL3BS2w4QXj8ZcfXxPfMc4zxU0h9e8vnGkzDiwjmn8MiV5rhed4qW_OMcwOHpYrD1OwDpStUj4IPmPlfGxuU0EnapdRH2QDW0FAdZs1gokccmd6W3EicNAGxzuPTqIWUJrlnaTm6zej5tKQUIeyR1ZN5mbocv1D0gpAr-idbq-Y92TIZNSIs/w480-h640/IMG_0721.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuing up the Sunrise Highway.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Eventually you will come to a vista point which overlooks the Anza-Borrego Desert. I have always made a point of stopping here and enjoying the view. I always snap a picture of the bike from this vantage point! This year was no exception. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWFss7kiIDMV-pGHZfkMZX2AUGcFWD3IRG3o1YCW-vHiMLhLLeS6V6y2izG4fGrQjHsQ-8y5K4ttSKPNih9oePPRVVbpZ7Byw0S58TUXnjUsa9iBofakcyD9yMNtdR1ImBcg_o6yRxUnTeOQSpk9clMt_M6aWBz07AdEN9TEeXS-PGs9wW8KX77n_3XE/s3434/IMG_0723.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2552" data-original-width="3434" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWFss7kiIDMV-pGHZfkMZX2AUGcFWD3IRG3o1YCW-vHiMLhLLeS6V6y2izG4fGrQjHsQ-8y5K4ttSKPNih9oePPRVVbpZ7Byw0S58TUXnjUsa9iBofakcyD9yMNtdR1ImBcg_o6yRxUnTeOQSpk9clMt_M6aWBz07AdEN9TEeXS-PGs9wW8KX77n_3XE/w640-h476/IMG_0723.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I take this picture every time I do this ride! Overlooking the Anza-Borrego Desert. Not far from Mt. Laguna now.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a short break and a snack at the Vista Point, I continued on towards Mt. Laguna. By riding this ride in this direction, it is easy to spot the USAF Radar station on a peak off the road. When going the other direction, I never saw it!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl1Ft-SiAfZCvOPD48mWhCtvizF4DbtR2ms7EvvuhQMASo3QtNHpOgZzo7P-eyfMJFIxAziYX337qxd6_BKqUe1he0vj5udoQWyYnNUrMPJN0Jh1bcsYuQlpi2E2WTK6oxqgwniBPSzLn0XK5myKv7IRSPWZSZpfX8F0sSEOZkFZtt6MHwR1E0wTwMps/s2434/IMG_0725%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1809" data-original-width="2434" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl1Ft-SiAfZCvOPD48mWhCtvizF4DbtR2ms7EvvuhQMASo3QtNHpOgZzo7P-eyfMJFIxAziYX337qxd6_BKqUe1he0vj5udoQWyYnNUrMPJN0Jh1bcsYuQlpi2E2WTK6oxqgwniBPSzLn0XK5myKv7IRSPWZSZpfX8F0sSEOZkFZtt6MHwR1E0wTwMps/w640-h476/IMG_0725%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The USAF radar station at Mt. Laguna.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Soon I was in the little village of Mt. Laguna. I stopped at the Visitor's Center which has restrooms and water available. I needed to refill my bottles here. Then I rode through the rest of town. There are a couple of places here where you can buy food and drinks if you need them.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a short climb out of Mt. Laguna, I started the long descent down to Pine Valley. Conditions were ideal and you can make very good time dropping down this road. Thanks to it being a weekday, traffic was very light indeed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsko77h8V3Me-GWU4sxZybskcG2Fgwtkbt2OSINOuec8EExzDJn0tVeQHGVLvP_QlQF1jnNNjjIM_1iEsVyfgkSVdQXoJE6091FC8leRkrvb7Cc69mG4ZifDAyO7O-7BHrvml62XJN2TeboPWMrgblkNifxWL7jIWGmo4zQuI6blmX-Q_5QPJ9cnEn7BE/s4032/IMG_0727.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2909" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsko77h8V3Me-GWU4sxZybskcG2Fgwtkbt2OSINOuec8EExzDJn0tVeQHGVLvP_QlQF1jnNNjjIM_1iEsVyfgkSVdQXoJE6091FC8leRkrvb7Cc69mG4ZifDAyO7O-7BHrvml62XJN2TeboPWMrgblkNifxWL7jIWGmo4zQuI6blmX-Q_5QPJ9cnEn7BE/w462-h640/IMG_0727.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom of the Sunrise Highway, getting close to Pine Valley now.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I just passed through Pine Valley, no stops this time but there are a few places where you can get food. I almost stopped for some ice cream but there were a few people in line in front of me so I decided to continue riding. </div><div><br /></div><div>From Pine Valley you head up a grade to Guatay, then it's a downhill run to the Highway 79 turnoff that you took to go to Lake Cuyamaca. Then up through the little stretch of cafes and markets and back to the Park and Ride. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa4_yKsre2vsPNvpjA31JeNVydaOrsZPP3kxvZQUQrVG4yaON7ToSGdkvqUARxjnAPKkXvb0twRxDFAlKIBVxgzraBMbwaWH9O9wlYZdNKqWeBipGPFSipk-h3CAw3TnQZLnmIoBSURwp3ZsQmb4RiMrLRLut4b-Qj0jn08rF6CoHouebRxY3TS78Wfw/s3584/IMG_0728.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="3584" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa4_yKsre2vsPNvpjA31JeNVydaOrsZPP3kxvZQUQrVG4yaON7ToSGdkvqUARxjnAPKkXvb0twRxDFAlKIBVxgzraBMbwaWH9O9wlYZdNKqWeBipGPFSipk-h3CAw3TnQZLnmIoBSURwp3ZsQmb4RiMrLRLut4b-Qj0jn08rF6CoHouebRxY3TS78Wfw/w640-h474/IMG_0728.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the ride photo of the Mercian at the Park and Ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This ride was a pleasure, as usual. Total distance is just over 50 miles and it took me almost exactly 5 hours. Not a real fast ride, mostly thanks to the 4,600 feet of climbing, I suppose. But the late September weather was really sublime and riding conditions excellent.</p><p>No equipment issues were encountered, not even a flat! My Mercian has triple crank on it but I used the middle ring, (36T), and outer, (44T) for almost the entire ride. I think I dropped into the granny ring once by accident but never really needed it. One odd thing I noticed from the pictures I took on this ride was that my saddle had tilted up a little more than usual. I think it may have slipped some time before this ride but I never noticed it. At any rate, it didn't feel odd at all but I did reduce the tilt a little when I got home!</p><p>If you find yourself in San Diego County someday, be sure to check this route out, it's great!</p></div></div></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-13964104895245546502023-09-04T08:34:00.002-07:002023-09-08T09:47:09.187-07:002023 ride to Iowa Hill.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrNOBX1EFbqttnJyB4I208vAfgcmICZo21hccqkjxeSJ4RzdKj5sgclM9U5KqWETh9561_BNBvGoizgELilLzrmg1f7lksffE0g3MyBVryGSR4ZLlA0163qs380MzGAhYIfiuQCtblV5_n8mLo0iEHl8GwjIhuNJZ5bl9Gf12zraBSYwgDGZscUAcNv0/s4608/SAM_1875.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrNOBX1EFbqttnJyB4I208vAfgcmICZo21hccqkjxeSJ4RzdKj5sgclM9U5KqWETh9561_BNBvGoizgELilLzrmg1f7lksffE0g3MyBVryGSR4ZLlA0163qs380MzGAhYIfiuQCtblV5_n8mLo0iEHl8GwjIhuNJZ5bl9Gf12zraBSYwgDGZscUAcNv0/w640-h360/SAM_1875.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Iowa Hill.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to believe, but it's been SIX years since I've taken the ride up to Iowa Hill! See: <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2017/08/iowa-hill-finning-mill-and-yankee-jims.html">Iowa-Hill-Finning Mill and Yankee Jims.html</a> That seems incredible, but I can't find any record of my doing this ride since that time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in 2017, I did this ride on my Felt V-100 with 700C X 42 tires. This time I rode the Ritchey with 650B X 48 tubeless tires. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBTYFpwUHULvqtDDBcqCrVY-XgB9i0-MsDKwZYFITPWvzQNjXQbpJVTfnw-UslE3tM7rRR5FVL2bCTZACwtsf-GvTRZKwp3a32ZzXu5HlAgAd2fINg0MI3wN06t4KPqrlRBg3WbX-8mD5qOXjI3T8ZPJAcZ_ALeaLOgW6MrpyVyx9vgQVZ42u_0uk760/s4608/SAM_1871.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBTYFpwUHULvqtDDBcqCrVY-XgB9i0-MsDKwZYFITPWvzQNjXQbpJVTfnw-UslE3tM7rRR5FVL2bCTZACwtsf-GvTRZKwp3a32ZzXu5HlAgAd2fINg0MI3wN06t4KPqrlRBg3WbX-8mD5qOXjI3T8ZPJAcZ_ALeaLOgW6MrpyVyx9vgQVZ42u_0uk760/w640-h360/SAM_1871.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />At the American River crossing on Iowa Hill Road.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>I chose this day for the ride because temperatures were forecast to be a little below normal for August, still plenty warm but I hoped no too warm! Unfortunately, I got out rather late and didn't actually start riding until 11:00 am, something I'd pay for later!</div><div><br /></div><div>The ride starts just outside of Colfax. The Park and Ride at the old Dingus McGee site is now cordoned off but you can park near the westbound 80 onramp. Then I followed Canyon Way up to Iowa Hill Road. There begins the steep drop to the North Fork of the American River. After crossing the river, you begin the very long, very steep climb. The first stretch is really tough but there are plenty of other bad stretches too! I've got some pretty small gears on the Ritchey, which is equipped with a triple crank, and I used them...a lot!</div><div><br /></div><div>At long last I came to Iowa Hill. I stopped to snap a picture or two but I didn't really take a break there, instead, I continued on to Sugar Pine Reservoir.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr9TXDZ6kfYcgBNm2I2noKTaAOoWhzn_lXocPPX34AXQ1IKr4C1hL5YHOulK0W6FiOmZIhEabDeLYGLacoAffCWUxzPfRxh7nIJTwt-X3ga26W7itIjawB9L3kGLMfQJdz6yjYierMC5m7kjk5E2NJxQj1FgG91rnMh0jlIab2OEZt3xlwKMROFy1dG8/s3675/IMG_0677.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3675" data-original-width="2776" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr9TXDZ6kfYcgBNm2I2noKTaAOoWhzn_lXocPPX34AXQ1IKr4C1hL5YHOulK0W6FiOmZIhEabDeLYGLacoAffCWUxzPfRxh7nIJTwt-X3ga26W7itIjawB9L3kGLMfQJdz6yjYierMC5m7kjk5E2NJxQj1FgG91rnMh0jlIab2OEZt3xlwKMROFy1dG8/w484-h640/IMG_0677.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally making it to Iowa Hill!<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwyXdRR-5c1NKkBAC_TxPXfdsslsj_elI7NRyFVqOt01OvB14l-iGfoz4e4WuRASwSjJepc9mutBIs6wvr0xcCGmlabfmGwoS1Wu86HAepxLuervTw-R5xmI79haAJA7zR1Io_4hV_GgNmMpgJpII7V4tB4uhUcsvFiU-62CNJ1fNghD3Y1ZeAMR_zL4/s3166/IMG_0680.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3166" data-original-width="2842" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwyXdRR-5c1NKkBAC_TxPXfdsslsj_elI7NRyFVqOt01OvB14l-iGfoz4e4WuRASwSjJepc9mutBIs6wvr0xcCGmlabfmGwoS1Wu86HAepxLuervTw-R5xmI79haAJA7zR1Io_4hV_GgNmMpgJpII7V4tB4uhUcsvFiU-62CNJ1fNghD3Y1ZeAMR_zL4/w574-h640/IMG_0680.jpg" width="574" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Iowa Hill.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The ride from Iowa Hill to Sugar Pine still requires a little more climbing but it isn't nearly as hard as the road from the river to Iowa Hill.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEuUBbPB04fOKoc07vnmKtX2vpgRPTTvkkyVJKdmAnXsvMphtJ2KQ5wdanN6YrmKgcBQ1R7SYV_GFO1YN4zu69-UVI7_PQosAoqN6fcz4Vm1d3SNZwUzqGGoZ7_gn_phD8zHIrTWq43MqhxduHbqqupVcnO10pgjP88B0JZzxYVsHaM25GSf-kRycCP4/s4608/SAM_1877.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEuUBbPB04fOKoc07vnmKtX2vpgRPTTvkkyVJKdmAnXsvMphtJ2KQ5wdanN6YrmKgcBQ1R7SYV_GFO1YN4zu69-UVI7_PQosAoqN6fcz4Vm1d3SNZwUzqGGoZ7_gn_phD8zHIrTWq43MqhxduHbqqupVcnO10pgjP88B0JZzxYVsHaM25GSf-kRycCP4/w640-h360/SAM_1877.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />At Sugar Pine Reservoir.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After passing the Sugar Pine boat ramp turnout and approaching the OHV staging area, I came to the cut-off at Finning Mill Road. This will take you directly to Foresthill Road and it is a pretty nice gravel road winding through some beautiful country.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxldbZG-QXRSFj02KNYN52PFFjcgpHTMSy8cALTL_d3h8p4W5VlQjtE9ve752mt_EhCeEUTw35oXLOxprjzbqY5pRaWAifL89rUvwzj_QNMRK2E_7mwAcatB67VtEcnMW6r_BzYiFLb6wAqf06J_dnPdjYgzzyfM31Bz-sRPRcQqGzpS0CESYEHaX6bQ/s4608/SAM_1879.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxldbZG-QXRSFj02KNYN52PFFjcgpHTMSy8cALTL_d3h8p4W5VlQjtE9ve752mt_EhCeEUTw35oXLOxprjzbqY5pRaWAifL89rUvwzj_QNMRK2E_7mwAcatB67VtEcnMW6r_BzYiFLb6wAqf06J_dnPdjYgzzyfM31Bz-sRPRcQqGzpS0CESYEHaX6bQ/w640-h360/SAM_1879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Finning Mill Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Finning Mill takes you to Foresthill Road, just east of town actually. It's an easy ride into town.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAonhGSX_DoF8ztrSqHvFjrZDuORTI3l7hb685-Lr1Z2vBoc_1PUKiqw8WgmNDfeoqPcIeZBVCpMF-QaZb_vdmkZ25g1_93ywHQoQ4TqfX7g-3XYJzL3Garu0g-4jAHsO78sxkEMBSGVlYS-gs_r766YJWjaRZTv_-sWTD9fiAjteKmBLueh9Mje3UUWM/s3735/IMG_0682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3735" data-original-width="2716" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAonhGSX_DoF8ztrSqHvFjrZDuORTI3l7hb685-Lr1Z2vBoc_1PUKiqw8WgmNDfeoqPcIeZBVCpMF-QaZb_vdmkZ25g1_93ywHQoQ4TqfX7g-3XYJzL3Garu0g-4jAHsO78sxkEMBSGVlYS-gs_r766YJWjaRZTv_-sWTD9fiAjteKmBLueh9Mje3UUWM/w466-h640/IMG_0682.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finning Mill Road at Foresthill Road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Upon reaching Foresthill, I stopped at the very nice little community park on the North side of town. I refilled my water bottles and had a snack. It was pretty warm and I was beginning to feel some cramping in my legs so I rode over to a food mart and got a bottle of Gatorade to cool me off and to supplement to plain water. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOJWMBQ4vlPS-bCRHQpYEIAA3R7FF-f5uQvB5SYQULaIs_K5z1z230GlyDdoBwpPj47HQcHG9LqtLnpXU7048zC1X1hBgMk-mspQ8YXvez9wyKj6aTOkAt_C8GYTJXzRleVgy9Hd6C1QjFR5v4NyPnE-IchWCQtywDOyy4fzjXIxhCnMq54vsdaUITKQ/s4608/SAM_1880.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOJWMBQ4vlPS-bCRHQpYEIAA3R7FF-f5uQvB5SYQULaIs_K5z1z230GlyDdoBwpPj47HQcHG9LqtLnpXU7048zC1X1hBgMk-mspQ8YXvez9wyKj6aTOkAt_C8GYTJXzRleVgy9Hd6C1QjFR5v4NyPnE-IchWCQtywDOyy4fzjXIxhCnMq54vsdaUITKQ/w640-h360/SAM_1880.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Foresthill community park.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After that short rest I got on Yankee Jims Road for the descent back down to the American River. I've done this ride many times and there was no surprises here. Actually, the road was in pretty good shape this year with minimal washboard and little traffic. I was happy to see water still coming down a couple of the falls along the road on my way down. Also, since this was the north facing side of the road, I enjoyed some shade on the way down.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7js2DuKZPGYEWSiN9MWTyS2xpjU0USK4O9DCWjzE8xUtoVKmjUYz0GWpe92BsgQXkaxaJpPm8IQuhB_IfpoF5KcqyqEhuStEmFnzQcl4P3uDeVy5FcbyeAeyi2l-i6ot9EPdQaeNx-pNzvmCi-vueBL0o4vKag7TJ0Sr9w8zdJKz1iRjWeZr1RmuU8Y/s4608/SAM_1882.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7js2DuKZPGYEWSiN9MWTyS2xpjU0USK4O9DCWjzE8xUtoVKmjUYz0GWpe92BsgQXkaxaJpPm8IQuhB_IfpoF5KcqyqEhuStEmFnzQcl4P3uDeVy5FcbyeAeyi2l-i6ot9EPdQaeNx-pNzvmCi-vueBL0o4vKag7TJ0Sr9w8zdJKz1iRjWeZr1RmuU8Y/w640-h360/SAM_1882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down Yankee Jims Road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco4JtTxO5IlDOi45f3es0KHJ0P996ckt9RKzHZInjwYmXZtKo3qgLKwvnlkdW4-Sft4Km2cfBIj1I3SsOXQ8_VpkEPTGiVlXlZ7ZBaQhNK-0WQ0MDuwl-bxwpCh3bfwibevYaOa8CPlPZbiEzzlDJeK7G_6Vil6ENXQ4vAEA9xTMNHjx6pgBxlcNAb98/s4608/SAM_1883.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco4JtTxO5IlDOi45f3es0KHJ0P996ckt9RKzHZInjwYmXZtKo3qgLKwvnlkdW4-Sft4Km2cfBIj1I3SsOXQ8_VpkEPTGiVlXlZ7ZBaQhNK-0WQ0MDuwl-bxwpCh3bfwibevYaOa8CPlPZbiEzzlDJeK7G_6Vil6ENXQ4vAEA9xTMNHjx6pgBxlcNAb98/w360-h640/SAM_1883.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along Yankee Jims Road.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmUfXM3Q_Bovteap5bq7VOSZ-QG3ZwWbpNOP_rYfy7eXOlFUlRcQrR8MjVXgasrzfQ556OIHNnsNrLfaYNQ8kMAFWw5FNdE0-OJIDHgSeBrAZZpYV4cKu5aPw9taIhhiz4q5vpfGbOFU-WgZeTNOJYCUv_kUR8rB9CYEfGNfhl3ux_KUWTEjr9d9VU1Q/s4608/SAM_1885.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmUfXM3Q_Bovteap5bq7VOSZ-QG3ZwWbpNOP_rYfy7eXOlFUlRcQrR8MjVXgasrzfQ556OIHNnsNrLfaYNQ8kMAFWw5FNdE0-OJIDHgSeBrAZZpYV4cKu5aPw9taIhhiz4q5vpfGbOFU-WgZeTNOJYCUv_kUR8rB9CYEfGNfhl3ux_KUWTEjr9d9VU1Q/w640-h360/SAM_1885.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crystal clear water of the American River at the Yankee Jims Bridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Unfortunately, after crossing I was on the south facing side of the canyon and was exposed to the bright sun and intense afternoon heat. I took my time and slowly ground my way up to Colfax.</div><div><br /></div><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRKfGKduZNETH2fefDaIPcdj7e-1RBYVEV2QRqu_SQjlwfOklK1Q0LzmTNR2agFqr_lRoNWCrPqkKmdPelgEFXArPPBqXgVw-iU1810M-tWuAs6noaHO7e10fSU7X8TQnAGvrs7dxXFB1QRbfxp9jaeG243rSLT7bJPwEKXi4hdzSw4QKcEePgsgNdrs/s4608/SAM_1886.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRKfGKduZNETH2fefDaIPcdj7e-1RBYVEV2QRqu_SQjlwfOklK1Q0LzmTNR2agFqr_lRoNWCrPqkKmdPelgEFXArPPBqXgVw-iU1810M-tWuAs6noaHO7e10fSU7X8TQnAGvrs7dxXFB1QRbfxp9jaeG243rSLT7bJPwEKXi4hdzSw4QKcEePgsgNdrs/w640-h360/SAM_1886.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The post-ride photo of the Ritchey. A little dirty but no worse for wear!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Well, it was a successful ride in that I did actually complete it, LOL, but my time was terribly slow, over 5 hours and 45 minutes; an average of only 7.3 MPH!! Geez! A full hour slower than my 2015 ride over the same route. Not sure what slowed me down except perhaps, ahem, 8 years of aging!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the bike performed well, with the big 48mm tires handling the gravel portions just fine. I was riding Gravel King slicks, but had little trouble with traction on these dry roads. The only slippage I noticed was when I would try to stand up on steep inclines. I quickly learned to sit back down and just spin the low gears made possible with my triple crank. I'm thinking maybe my relying on these low gears so much may have contributed to my slow pace. I don't know, but I didn't feel particularly tired after this ride, so the low gearing helped me there.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW5gxX-qM3Ito3fRZMS6xjDHId7Ka3vPuihnEaWIH6GNytG5goUISEljTZZNYOA0ONUZYFRuMvM2R6zohLYFEr4Bso1LdOWeOgAX45ZnsS4gDxt9UTKu3WJMH7euOkR7hsZ15cEsLoVmz1fzkI__MvoLOFOBfqvG9QsWXpODL6wwF7NH9Lv8ucVzB_eg/s1272/Screenshot%20(1).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1272" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW5gxX-qM3Ito3fRZMS6xjDHId7Ka3vPuihnEaWIH6GNytG5goUISEljTZZNYOA0ONUZYFRuMvM2R6zohLYFEr4Bso1LdOWeOgAX45ZnsS4gDxt9UTKu3WJMH7euOkR7hsZ15cEsLoVmz1fzkI__MvoLOFOBfqvG9QsWXpODL6wwF7NH9Lv8ucVzB_eg/w640-h394/Screenshot%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a plot of the ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This ride is always something of an adventure for me, I'm so glad I did it this year, and I promised myself it wouldn't be another 6 years before I tried it again! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-44486585005128944312023-07-26T21:09:00.003-07:002023-07-26T22:39:36.323-07:00Moustache bars and me.<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWvoxmioFnAx9fiuoViLS8ocBlODPo-AuLHDQe6SzlHIe0suR8WzeSwYg2gFmSgNqbAPbvs3f5r20fhN2Hac9T-pBzshHf-ih5wuKcB1BTDxUmeznt3GsH-z-0s_l728BHw2EzHQJOIPR7hhFxdbbYOZKmNR6XXG5UhvuUXUzUevWlzigjHAeOlNISK0/s4608/SAM_1809.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWvoxmioFnAx9fiuoViLS8ocBlODPo-AuLHDQe6SzlHIe0suR8WzeSwYg2gFmSgNqbAPbvs3f5r20fhN2Hac9T-pBzshHf-ih5wuKcB1BTDxUmeznt3GsH-z-0s_l728BHw2EzHQJOIPR7hhFxdbbYOZKmNR6XXG5UhvuUXUzUevWlzigjHAeOlNISK0/w640-h360/SAM_1809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Moustache Handlebars came about in the 1990's, thanks to Grant Petersen's spec for the Nitto made bars on the fabled Bridgestone XO-1. Immediately, they were a flashpoint of controversy. Some loved them, many hated them. Over the years different iterations of them have appeared. The set I originally bought were from Bike Nashbar and made of chrome-moly steel, a little heavy, but well shaped. I tried them on a mountain bike but something didn't gel so I threw them into the parts bin where they languished for several years. </p><p>A few years ago, the old 3TTT handlebars I had on my King of Mercia Tourer snapped in two. While pondering their replacement, I remembered my old moustache bars and decided to give them a try. Now something clicked and I immediately liked the bars. After a couple of tweaks in the bars' angle and position of the brake levers, I was hooked. I used these bars on my <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/10/high-sierra-tour-of-2019.html" target="_blank">High Sierra Tour</a> which included Tioga and Sonora Passes and included one day which was close to 120 miles! I felt pretty good even after those long days. After that trip, I switched from downtube shifters to bar cons.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyo7wbmQ_N4z9vzLQiBDcXLXRq5CZFIfHY2IyhJ9UqDmCKYuWdV3VLoNFRhqq9nukUtG5xtwzFZ-BgKe7lTG83L1IHrpKhiPKUZ-oDtQf21ac6EuAiuYLd9hIVEpMb-oZZ0O4BzVZdK0_LcLAjhUfjkJPkPLDwzrfnyhrUQs4kHRIcNzHdFNgdpGUBGc/s4608/SAM_1861.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyo7wbmQ_N4z9vzLQiBDcXLXRq5CZFIfHY2IyhJ9UqDmCKYuWdV3VLoNFRhqq9nukUtG5xtwzFZ-BgKe7lTG83L1IHrpKhiPKUZ-oDtQf21ac6EuAiuYLd9hIVEpMb-oZZ0O4BzVZdK0_LcLAjhUfjkJPkPLDwzrfnyhrUQs4kHRIcNzHdFNgdpGUBGc/w640-h360/SAM_1861.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the moustache bars on my Mercian.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I've been riding with moustache bars on my King of Mercia tourer for several years now, riding some fairly long distances with them and I've been very happy with them. A lot of people don't like them, reporting problems with hand comfort, something I've never experienced. The people reporting these negative reactions are experienced riders whose opinions I respect, but my experience just doesn't square with theirs. In this post, I'm going to illustrate my moustache bar setup and relay some of my experiences.</p><p> One of the more common complaints I've heard about moustache bars is a lack of hand positions available. However, I've found I have at least three hand positions available, more if you count small variations of the three. Drop bars typically offer four, the drops, the ramps, the brake hoods hoods and the flats near the stem. Not that great of difference. </p><p>Here are my basic Moustache hand positions:</p><p>1. Hands on the brake hoods. This position can afford you an almost aerodynamic tuck position. If you wrap your fingers around the hoods, it is a useful position for climbing up to moderate grades. By varying my fingers grip on the hood I can have several slightly different hand positions to alleviate any pressure points that might develop.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWBDwH0cUFD7XHVIHyUIbSkfqXN2Ul-VXNGmIDcpWQMdGWa-AG849Cz6PIHkRg1PfbvjOSwa60d-mHM_TrZFU3iHoNaMz9yqo8kTh05ulRerqA7Z_2iQrOGsA0YRF9-aL_9-xewBd5kBPUNhNOueoM3b2Ip_DW4He7UjBQFlSGRkvkVqDwJuNnusyGT4/s4608/SAM_1862.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWBDwH0cUFD7XHVIHyUIbSkfqXN2Ul-VXNGmIDcpWQMdGWa-AG849Cz6PIHkRg1PfbvjOSwa60d-mHM_TrZFU3iHoNaMz9yqo8kTh05ulRerqA7Z_2iQrOGsA0YRF9-aL_9-xewBd5kBPUNhNOueoM3b2Ip_DW4He7UjBQFlSGRkvkVqDwJuNnusyGT4/w640-h360/SAM_1862.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Position #1 with fingers wrapped around the hoods for a comfortable resting position. This is also a nice position for moderate climbing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99CTPQjOMEGNi1k5PXVfebCzHNe5p4CXjPO_sog7BLhmNNVHqTPMsMgM6HxXtrziLJ6K67LAG20oRt9N7GxIWxK8z1-5B1yUNvYk757FKFb8qWKJf5vcK1mLH_kAKT_uxWj6TxLpvewnucDsPk4VYs6gS8H6WFyWoQ55LNS_deJT8LdrNjpOIeZ5nZrg/s4608/SAM_1867.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99CTPQjOMEGNi1k5PXVfebCzHNe5p4CXjPO_sog7BLhmNNVHqTPMsMgM6HxXtrziLJ6K67LAG20oRt9N7GxIWxK8z1-5B1yUNvYk757FKFb8qWKJf5vcK1mLH_kAKT_uxWj6TxLpvewnucDsPk4VYs6gS8H6WFyWoQ55LNS_deJT8LdrNjpOIeZ5nZrg/w640-h360/SAM_1867.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slight variation of position #1. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Position #2. Hands on the "hooks". I like this position when I need stability. It gives you a nice solid feel for the bars and it is also your main braking position.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAI7Enszqma1q4USTQGRj7miFIkykgl_Rrxok4UfAFWLnNFPL50JGMOmW4VuHLPTn2YR4obqEiUg0K-2hv1oJfHO1CxOKLQ-6VJTGMdTTsj1fn2T4SOsMJWXnz-LQ3_94pu54HgAtC9fWAde5XbAy1AG3Pu76D7YEZRI0R8_1r9T4HHrw4C7iyhhQSHg/s4608/SAM_1865.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAI7Enszqma1q4USTQGRj7miFIkykgl_Rrxok4UfAFWLnNFPL50JGMOmW4VuHLPTn2YR4obqEiUg0K-2hv1oJfHO1CxOKLQ-6VJTGMdTTsj1fn2T4SOsMJWXnz-LQ3_94pu54HgAtC9fWAde5XbAy1AG3Pu76D7YEZRI0R8_1r9T4HHrw4C7iyhhQSHg/w640-h360/SAM_1865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Position #2. A good, stable stance for anything technical like descending a rough road or trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehmakrtj8rBbJav7MKnmNl-7BrPPHEE0m0s-D7Hb-f5aos0dStPmdy-Wt6lgaUEGkcFQ79xwQ3sPe1xH82lnMp2vWKqg1jCYn5fMGZNQq4MgHb_xBXS5HKk-qsFf574a8ZUCLJQKm3zU8SVEz5ECFiyxrPdJ3VCPl1-TrNL1ox-DLXFVVU4ad7-SKtV8/s4608/SAM_1863.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehmakrtj8rBbJav7MKnmNl-7BrPPHEE0m0s-D7Hb-f5aos0dStPmdy-Wt6lgaUEGkcFQ79xwQ3sPe1xH82lnMp2vWKqg1jCYn5fMGZNQq4MgHb_xBXS5HKk-qsFf574a8ZUCLJQKm3zU8SVEz5ECFiyxrPdJ3VCPl1-TrNL1ox-DLXFVVU4ad7-SKtV8/w640-h360/SAM_1863.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Position #2 is also your primary braking position, although I have applied brakes from position #1, when you need some serious braking power, #2 is the way to go.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>3. Hands on the bar ends. This is your hand position for shifting, (assuming you're using barcons, which I highly recommend for a moustache bar equipped bike) and for intense climbing. It's nice to have the leverage when horsing the bike up a steep grade.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULEbed9JUDZ9pgS-LpcPK9wYSRTnzJMpQMTdsxxP-IFHpfI4gEafIK-U1Qp9EG9HeNgUh9gbiJU0MCUAiWz0hYS3fZOP5R365V30iMc3Y_Q7z_9cCAxi1W1h5Tf0hZuTHswvqBasGz4a9CYSuxDLqnvHzhuDjT5xL8cOk48NBNtOEEXodyrPsU-BDsGY/s4608/SAM_1864.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULEbed9JUDZ9pgS-LpcPK9wYSRTnzJMpQMTdsxxP-IFHpfI4gEafIK-U1Qp9EG9HeNgUh9gbiJU0MCUAiWz0hYS3fZOP5R365V30iMc3Y_Q7z_9cCAxi1W1h5Tf0hZuTHswvqBasGz4a9CYSuxDLqnvHzhuDjT5xL8cOk48NBNtOEEXodyrPsU-BDsGY/w640-h360/SAM_1864.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Position #3, for shifting with barcons and for hard climbing.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I spend most of my time in positions #1 and #2, frequently shifting my hands from one spot to another. That's something I also do with drop bars. Position #1 is nice when climbing short, moderate hills, gripping the brake hoods for leverage. Sometimes, when on flat roads, I'll just rest my hands on the brake hoods. Position #2 I'll use for technical riding, such as down steep or rough descents. It's also my braking position.</p><p>Mentioning the bar end shifters reminds me that initially I had downtube shifters on my KOM when I converted to the M-bars. I actually used them for quite some time before finally switching to bar ends. I have to say that bar end shifters are really the way to go with moustache bars. It's just so easy and natural to shift using them.</p><p>Let's look at my handlebar set up. When I was using drop bars on my KOM, I used a 110mm stem. With the moustache bars, I switched to a 90mm. It turns out that I also actually lowered the bars just a tad, which goes a little against the conventional wisdom of moustache bar fitting, most people advise raising them! But generally, moustache bars already put you in a higher position so I found setting the bars just a smidge below saddle level to be comfortable.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwYva69CE-KGvKQmkAFcqDctgtbK89slf91lVoQRE__k285uMBVgF38zVgpCmC_bpoC7sQ_0X8wJ1CNEkf8XWN_NMTAajMTdURzMcEq4j7rWTB1XW-Ssj77M5CtuTipB9iQjVH3-m8vdbkh9ebyZjkj0yn1rdJ-Wxp33M93nI_Zo8qvzfsmitLzaX-bU/s1143/WP_20150310_004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="1143" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwYva69CE-KGvKQmkAFcqDctgtbK89slf91lVoQRE__k285uMBVgF38zVgpCmC_bpoC7sQ_0X8wJ1CNEkf8XWN_NMTAajMTdURzMcEq4j7rWTB1XW-Ssj77M5CtuTipB9iQjVH3-m8vdbkh9ebyZjkj0yn1rdJ-Wxp33M93nI_Zo8qvzfsmitLzaX-bU/w640-h284/WP_20150310_004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOM with drops. Notice that the drops put your hands below the level of the top tube.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9xx3uJf90MM50GnbYox3z5-cmL9hR8NpKhk8GC_QW46s2LHggBxViTwvPmKrx1YOGpeEqx3497QwNDVy3-BJeqiM2zNdN7SDVovjdYO6EEMrZwCrvmk6FS1-Dk4iIQWmQbJO6_MfqKVdWog9wN1_xxaZjTe4Jxnn-nD2rcj_7l7QhN1foHWNjUZUqRU/s572/original_7f649475-323a-4d59-8866-3b0eede1335a_IMG_20220329_115947063_HDR%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="572" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9xx3uJf90MM50GnbYox3z5-cmL9hR8NpKhk8GC_QW46s2LHggBxViTwvPmKrx1YOGpeEqx3497QwNDVy3-BJeqiM2zNdN7SDVovjdYO6EEMrZwCrvmk6FS1-Dk4iIQWmQbJO6_MfqKVdWog9wN1_xxaZjTe4Jxnn-nD2rcj_7l7QhN1foHWNjUZUqRU/w640-h313/original_7f649475-323a-4d59-8866-3b0eede1335a_IMG_20220329_115947063_HDR%20(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOM with Moustache bars. Your lowest hand position is level with the top tube. The raised the brake hoods bring your hands almost level to the saddle height. Also note the downward slant I've set with the bar ends. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I've found a distinct downward slant to be comfortable. It affords a comfortable angle for my hands on the outside position and also gets the brake hoods up to provide support. </p><p>There are two issues concerning the brake lever position that I diverged from Bridgestone's recommendations, (per the 1993 catalogue). The catalogue recommended spacing the tips of the levers about 12-13 cm apart, and to keep them horizontal. My brake levers are 17 to 19 cm apart and are canted slightly upward. These both have resulted in a more comfortable, natural hand position for me. 12cm apart seems very close and would put the levers at an hard to reach angle. Incidentally, I have found that aero style brake levers have worked fine on the moustache bars with my Tektro CR720 cantilever brakes.</p><div>So that's my take on moustache bars. I've thoroughly enjoyed them. So much so that when I picked up a Ritchey gravel bike, I chose them for it. I figure they are ideal for gravel and dirt when you want a good, solid grip on the bars!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm6O8G9XI3NnCb8vZk_kivw3FPahQ1jUMuw5_yuSd9O2-lAWLruoYaZHwtfx2qMSPCJ6su6vp0OyxsZM_5FrwFCdju16uTPKk3hwFaFT_XalW2ThNNsxTYkgzDJ58pxPSvxVhuYSO84ZZCyo9TSkVD2fRpqf64Hrnb_6gczHmq9i76-ptwfxm_tG2foY/s4096/IMG_20220511_171418481_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm6O8G9XI3NnCb8vZk_kivw3FPahQ1jUMuw5_yuSd9O2-lAWLruoYaZHwtfx2qMSPCJ6su6vp0OyxsZM_5FrwFCdju16uTPKk3hwFaFT_XalW2ThNNsxTYkgzDJ58pxPSvxVhuYSO84ZZCyo9TSkVD2fRpqf64Hrnb_6gczHmq9i76-ptwfxm_tG2foY/w640-h480/IMG_20220511_171418481_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ritchey Ascent with moustache bars.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaH_f7IC_DdBp183JeJdjc5TEn7bI0eUdzIG6axGLKx_9vvF7dpMLlFlS2J0fF-C-ADQ3T-bn72zwPzFkt9vMCEpb5apuHs5c3LA0q5eIz1sycCuZT1Onqdm12mFYvSe5t89abpigX7x2uQyK23LNxZU6o1jRUgVsgb2s3CKwfXgviNs-8aYm9RIpLIE/s4608/SAM_1784.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaH_f7IC_DdBp183JeJdjc5TEn7bI0eUdzIG6axGLKx_9vvF7dpMLlFlS2J0fF-C-ADQ3T-bn72zwPzFkt9vMCEpb5apuHs5c3LA0q5eIz1sycCuZT1Onqdm12mFYvSe5t89abpigX7x2uQyK23LNxZU6o1jRUgVsgb2s3CKwfXgviNs-8aYm9RIpLIE/w640-h480/SAM_1784.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Yosemite.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-66408133165121699502023-06-24T20:20:00.000-07:002023-06-24T20:20:40.390-07:00This year's century ride, 2023 edition.<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBJdkQ_SY7PFPl6MBXlCG4-BEfqb8SnHyf4MIvYpb6pK3jcLzz79u1j8rObOL5WU0hYgw8rNdoOEE11Ar7pssP2R3U3jSRrEPYHJiVO2KpAJWo2Et5Fj6C3WWJokgMXKFkekz0nobm2mKf-OKMBtfjjr3CKC-eOjM7Etr8vUX2doZuFcfZjEl2xc3VbQ/s3340/IMG_0542.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="3340" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBJdkQ_SY7PFPl6MBXlCG4-BEfqb8SnHyf4MIvYpb6pK3jcLzz79u1j8rObOL5WU0hYgw8rNdoOEE11Ar7pssP2R3U3jSRrEPYHJiVO2KpAJWo2Et5Fj6C3WWJokgMXKFkekz0nobm2mKf-OKMBtfjjr3CKC-eOjM7Etr8vUX2doZuFcfZjEl2xc3VbQ/w640-h496/IMG_0542.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the I-5 overpass at the Sacramento River.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>In spite of a lackluster winter and early spring, I found my training mileage by mid-June to be good enough to entertain thoughts of attempting a century, (a 100 mile ride), by the third week of the month. We have been enjoying unseasonably cool temperatures in Northern California lately and that is helpful in going that distance. In addition, a bunch of personal stuff is coming up in July so riding time will probably drop. Looking at my schedule and the weather forecast, I figured Tuesday, the 20th, would be optimal.</p><p>It turned out to be a good call. Although there was no cloud cover at all the temperatures were very mild, with the high eventually only reaching the 80's, rather incredible for this late in June! It was cool enough that I wore 3/4 length tights over my riding shorts! I also wore a wool short sleeve jersey and sun sleeves. </p><p>The bike I chose for today's ride was my '80 Mercian Olympic. The 46/30 chainwheels ensured me a good range of lower gears and reasonable cruising high gears. I used my Rivendell/Carradice Handlebar bag to stow my food and gear.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvu23mItGNFhvFcd8LGrGg7suhu1OYuC4-bbmfano72dSgw_IvL-MaH97TIqU_LXz-La0SX2ojePKFgw2SLH5H9DXSDf9Tp63ykdY7Biy-U0Lea4lr9yXJedpApLc_Vq5XSL9VhD8jd_Uv9pqr4_X1dOyOXZ-Yr1rfwS-buKZtnSyQFRUgoCsiyfiywY/s3373/IMG_0537.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="3373" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvu23mItGNFhvFcd8LGrGg7suhu1OYuC4-bbmfano72dSgw_IvL-MaH97TIqU_LXz-La0SX2ojePKFgw2SLH5H9DXSDf9Tp63ykdY7Biy-U0Lea4lr9yXJedpApLc_Vq5XSL9VhD8jd_Uv9pqr4_X1dOyOXZ-Yr1rfwS-buKZtnSyQFRUgoCsiyfiywY/w640-h378/IMG_0537.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice conditions heading out of Lincoln.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The ride turned out to e pretty uneventful. Passing through eastern Lincoln then taking Wise Road to N. Dowd then up to Riosa Road at Sheridan. From there I turned west, and followed Bear River Drive to Pleasant Grove Road. From Pleasant Grove you head west on Cornelius Ave. which will get you to East Nicolaus, then you follow Nicolaus Road to Nicolaus and on to the the Garden Highway</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35AhMVnrVucHM0GrpDV1g-6qJai0XHnxEipk3gPPEsDPdrn8FYAMENzzfIumqpb7gM20fyMAw61DTYoCu8TMQunbNZufGIZuoyqNvjj4HJ5_LI4xquUmR4tn8o-KUKR51tni9lY9ecf9wm_g5JU3tgG0LLRxxssXGXmkmrVcYp0_grzQj3YcKSgdGGCM/s3095/IMG_0538.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="3095" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35AhMVnrVucHM0GrpDV1g-6qJai0XHnxEipk3gPPEsDPdrn8FYAMENzzfIumqpb7gM20fyMAw61DTYoCu8TMQunbNZufGIZuoyqNvjj4HJ5_LI4xquUmR4tn8o-KUKR51tni9lY9ecf9wm_g5JU3tgG0LLRxxssXGXmkmrVcYp0_grzQj3YcKSgdGGCM/w640-h472/IMG_0538.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My annual visit to Nicolaus. Sadly, the Post Office has been closed and is up for sale.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Riding the Garden Highway levee road is always a high point of this ride for me. I enjoy riding along the picturesque Feather River and since I do these rides on weekdays traffic is seldom an issue. In fact, traffic was virtually non-existent on the ride this year.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4tTHI7i7f4NgS0YbqbdDLggU6KWZH329ZcnxyIhIkoZ1sCBQ-aHVvJVZbWHClkF9YHbxXno4OhlhqfThSaHZNQJPOnJRVMHP3NqmoGO06ZWUCUd6zhIA1eY5Wtm_bL7M_SrtIsp8Jjhx8yg5vWIV9wGugnK_87X7cOB38b66lqYvcCeX73NIbATQjk4/s1805/IMG_0540.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1805" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4tTHI7i7f4NgS0YbqbdDLggU6KWZH329ZcnxyIhIkoZ1sCBQ-aHVvJVZbWHClkF9YHbxXno4OhlhqfThSaHZNQJPOnJRVMHP3NqmoGO06ZWUCUd6zhIA1eY5Wtm_bL7M_SrtIsp8Jjhx8yg5vWIV9wGugnK_87X7cOB38b66lqYvcCeX73NIbATQjk4/w640-h364/IMG_0540.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely at the center of this picture; that's the confluence of the Sacramento and Feather rivers!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The one bad thing about riding the Garden Highway in the past has been the terrible road surface around Verona. Well, I'm overjoyed to report that this stretch of road has been resurfaced and is now as smooth as glass! What a treat it was to glide over that stretch of road!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzwWfOe8BKO1McA5jC4TQjIOBT8NtmxISHgnd0TeFji3XqzX6H_PvrkUv1ZC6a2avgV0b4faJbiE-uY_MZvPdAkUXpHWm1gCWyhKNSKkoL17kgFCIGCYk_UStwZDua9SOCmtXcdJt1hDYnlzts1ImyT5knEVfNqgMvLhQSvovHav_uuqnuiVmJVueMiY/s2461/IMG_0541.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="2461" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzwWfOe8BKO1McA5jC4TQjIOBT8NtmxISHgnd0TeFji3XqzX6H_PvrkUv1ZC6a2avgV0b4faJbiE-uY_MZvPdAkUXpHWm1gCWyhKNSKkoL17kgFCIGCYk_UStwZDua9SOCmtXcdJt1hDYnlzts1ImyT5knEVfNqgMvLhQSvovHav_uuqnuiVmJVueMiY/w640-h630/IMG_0541.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The once horrible stretch of asphalt around Verona is now like glass!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I came to the county park located under the I-5 overpass to find it locked up! Fortunately I was able to walk in and use the porta potty and have a snack at the picnic tables. I don't know why it was chained off...</p><p>After the break at I-5, I continued on Garden Highway to the bike lane which leads to Discovery Park and got on the American River Bikeway. Shortly after that my phone died so I couldn't take any more photographs and my ride tracking app stopped! The ride along the bikeway was uneventful and at Beal's Point I got on Auburn-Folsom road, continuing up to King where I turned off for home in Loomis. My final mileage is an estimate, 105 miles.</p><p>Thanks to the mild temperatures I completed this ride feeling quite good! No cramping at all and none over the next night, which can happen to me at times. I'm sure the cool temperatures make all the difference in dealing with this distance. I also took a fair amount of food. A half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a couple of granola type bars and a small bag of red licorice, (I'd pop one of those into my mouth once every hour or so). I think the candy helped keep me energized.</p><p>Equipment wise, the old Mercian worked like a champ! No mechanical issues at all, not even a flat. I used the Panaracer Gravel King Slicks in 32mm. I think these tires are great for road riding. They feel good, corner well and are pretty resistant to flats.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz3uAEjsZbmGLNemNvTKKBUVoUxdL88aqiPjDQy8mvsehj_kv7iVHwgXU6IyaL37vyheeT25_ODolPFrozMRyWyFdx_s2GzsNGPyWECildigJ0LHy5rQdA0mnd_pfxX0OOIqKRVEpPzeTKMdXFzYso1aewCfS1jJjy-kEzCCrRlPdHVM736VuwRF4Rb8/s3960/IMG_0543.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2582" data-original-width="3960" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz3uAEjsZbmGLNemNvTKKBUVoUxdL88aqiPjDQy8mvsehj_kv7iVHwgXU6IyaL37vyheeT25_ODolPFrozMRyWyFdx_s2GzsNGPyWECildigJ0LHy5rQdA0mnd_pfxX0OOIqKRVEpPzeTKMdXFzYso1aewCfS1jJjy-kEzCCrRlPdHVM736VuwRF4Rb8/w640-h418/IMG_0543.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A post ride photo of my Mercian. no issues at all today!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It was good to get the century finished before July. I hope to try to get another century this year, perhaps in the Fall. We'll see. </p>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-25147433043269541042023-03-14T10:57:00.000-07:002023-03-14T10:57:04.856-07:00Rainy day musings.<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r38tQiFONpVogH4O7zFqA46N3Q7gF0cACyF4OR0uxbX4SF02k5XjUNral2IKp9sq6ifiEqxC2MTo42YAT2Byc8fW-ond-B0Xl97QlllnLojmAHmuMycSVAJAu0nINzRi0bhYVxSB99RyUL4siXQ3QqTUzzktv8MFyUqceB15aeavs3mk6A6TrmuO/s3655/IMG_0205.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2390" data-original-width="3655" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r38tQiFONpVogH4O7zFqA46N3Q7gF0cACyF4OR0uxbX4SF02k5XjUNral2IKp9sq6ifiEqxC2MTo42YAT2Byc8fW-ond-B0Xl97QlllnLojmAHmuMycSVAJAu0nINzRi0bhYVxSB99RyUL4siXQ3QqTUzzktv8MFyUqceB15aeavs3mk6A6TrmuO/w640-h418/IMG_0205.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Raleigh Pro finished! I've since re-routed the front brake cable to run behind the handlebars.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>It's been a pretty wet Winter here in Northern California this year. That's a good thing since we've needed the water so badly, but it has put a real damper on my riding. My mileage this year has been really low. We've got several camping trips planned this year so it looks like this year's mileage isn't going to approach the 5,000 mile mark of the last few years!</p><p>I have been tinkering though and have got the '78 Raleigh Pro assembled now. I've only taken it out for a few short rides but I've been pretty impressed with it's "feel". Looking forward to the dry season when I can really take it out for some longer rides.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKki1rATS_ypdcL-ItrVFsuVMok6kVXfvnfRa18yAq6Ma5JQ56RUI5Hs135RkHwgP2pplaMtwnOO-CVqlNXF4YbIjKyeWlaj_wPGQZL4Nbg3EG38kM5dWl1lWrpcc_7XFpoBLHW6vn51dMPWGccKtzaUIiBwYZz-eY3x-35jY-HHgZrybSGWFT1-v/s3998/IMG_0110.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="3998" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKki1rATS_ypdcL-ItrVFsuVMok6kVXfvnfRa18yAq6Ma5JQ56RUI5Hs135RkHwgP2pplaMtwnOO-CVqlNXF4YbIjKyeWlaj_wPGQZL4Nbg3EG38kM5dWl1lWrpcc_7XFpoBLHW6vn51dMPWGccKtzaUIiBwYZz-eY3x-35jY-HHgZrybSGWFT1-v/w640-h448/IMG_0110.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the proper cable routing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I've changed the brake levers on my '80 Mercian from Shimano to my older Tektro levers with the integrated quick release on the lever. This will allow a little more clearance when removing and installing wider, (32mm) tires. It had been a problem squeezing the 32mm Gravel King through the brake pads before, also I like the feel of these levers. I took the opportunity to install new handlebar wrap at the same time. While it was on the rack, I found some fenders lying around and installed them, too. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wm_DAcDJL6430iUinNwYb_kiAbaWBoL8vufxFpMv7APx7oDMatAzl6HUupub8zTDewsqksI3ONswQNPGTGV9IxhHnW1-rMf8FPgi8hl_E9SPYVKZXUtlIPO0g8dHVWw1pgw1JSnaow9ttpQdcjBmGAOfQ8eFn_hJRP1d2r5xIU5ah4BPoD2xAy8A/s4032/IMG_0159.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wm_DAcDJL6430iUinNwYb_kiAbaWBoL8vufxFpMv7APx7oDMatAzl6HUupub8zTDewsqksI3ONswQNPGTGV9IxhHnW1-rMf8FPgi8hl_E9SPYVKZXUtlIPO0g8dHVWw1pgw1JSnaow9ttpQdcjBmGAOfQ8eFn_hJRP1d2r5xIU5ah4BPoD2xAy8A/w640-h480/IMG_0159.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New levers and tape, plus fenders installed!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>With so few chances to ride so far, I haven't had a lot of memorable rides to report. Just a few local loops. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlaTmR7P8E4QijqhRJUNqER3e8VdGcJXbpktj9bCZhxkrSVT-gSZXgRZN7yWOXyhe4C9WBaJHFBNSqcW4PxwTgqiEcvB9zkcOzw5IhmkL33QJjTL3LIxDgcWh1qHy_2p3aovP88FVnTHH-KM8W4SN81eKe8sAXA-kmNIhqDYMnuTN5jPOWKtoWEIn/s2889/IMG_0196.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2889" data-original-width="2816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlaTmR7P8E4QijqhRJUNqER3e8VdGcJXbpktj9bCZhxkrSVT-gSZXgRZN7yWOXyhe4C9WBaJHFBNSqcW4PxwTgqiEcvB9zkcOzw5IhmkL33QJjTL3LIxDgcWh1qHy_2p3aovP88FVnTHH-KM8W4SN81eKe8sAXA-kmNIhqDYMnuTN5jPOWKtoWEIn/w624-h640/IMG_0196.HEIC" width="624" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, I posed my bike against the rock which had fallen onto Taylor Road during one of our many storms! It had come to rest in the middle of the road just before the railroad overpass at Newcastle. Crews had moved it to this place on the roadside.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKadJ6oOIw57BHNZtOP6P-6ORspVc9PixWB3oVs1wbrdE5NE38nJpd-A0-SH8JwfLD5hm8qozJ-XSOJ4N93re8SvtZKx8paclKIiz_zUTfGH4tlXhF1xQIDket-cnDaXBO2KlRPGEvZNOGV5X17fPT092DhdBsMBWdSyBSsbYRwUDj29-yg2P7kJMS/s3856/IMG_0248.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3856" data-original-width="2974" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKadJ6oOIw57BHNZtOP6P-6ORspVc9PixWB3oVs1wbrdE5NE38nJpd-A0-SH8JwfLD5hm8qozJ-XSOJ4N93re8SvtZKx8paclKIiz_zUTfGH4tlXhF1xQIDket-cnDaXBO2KlRPGEvZNOGV5X17fPT092DhdBsMBWdSyBSsbYRwUDj29-yg2P7kJMS/w494-h640/IMG_0248.HEIC" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took a short ride to Rattlesnake Bar to see if the water had reached the ramp yet. Not Quite!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Well, I hope to put in some more interesting rides as soon as the weather cooperates! Maybe i'll get a actual bike tour in later on.</p>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-11914722850153092102023-02-04T20:18:00.002-08:002023-02-06T09:56:39.131-08:00My 2022 rides and bikes.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb9fiYV6MFiTrmvZib11rqkc5yCQpQQsArCFkLjxPN9kDg7FRXabX55GjFFR7nbPfQXdozvM6Kqf9ePWIS8U1ohcjetd1JZzJc8tmk4OJlPlmUS1dQ4eIfGlGUYEVAKL2iG6NahcD5uYy23uFW-HQz9L1fLf1ux1HTCxVxp7nKMhXQKmwF3H-goS9/s4096/IMG_20220705_110928323_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb9fiYV6MFiTrmvZib11rqkc5yCQpQQsArCFkLjxPN9kDg7FRXabX55GjFFR7nbPfQXdozvM6Kqf9ePWIS8U1ohcjetd1JZzJc8tmk4OJlPlmUS1dQ4eIfGlGUYEVAKL2iG6NahcD5uYy23uFW-HQz9L1fLf1ux1HTCxVxp7nKMhXQKmwF3H-goS9/w640-h480/IMG_20220705_110928323_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest stop during my Three Rivers Century Ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />2022 was another year where I managed to ride a little over 5,000 miles! The total mileage was 5.090 and it was the fourth year in a row that I broke the 5,000 mile mark. This was despite completing only one century, see <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-edition-of-my-three-rivers-ride.html">2022 Edition of my Three Rivers Ride.</a> <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxiugefxKkN6ZNsochANWqP3fON3KmTV9JjXJ6umzf-zn621eWvIKVKBXrNl2isi-yT3KZoGLK8y2HmMfjR5CkLD6xCd4rrlu8LHTRP8XluJ15dcvdhwPE7xlOqf0Ml9IDBLbFBcpbr8K4dLyVrMtsXJs15eauHyklG2d_V3Ib6KaLZOmkRiiCu5F/s4096/IMG_20220518_101856040.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxiugefxKkN6ZNsochANWqP3fON3KmTV9JjXJ6umzf-zn621eWvIKVKBXrNl2isi-yT3KZoGLK8y2HmMfjR5CkLD6xCd4rrlu8LHTRP8XluJ15dcvdhwPE7xlOqf0Ml9IDBLbFBcpbr8K4dLyVrMtsXJs15eauHyklG2d_V3Ib6KaLZOmkRiiCu5F/w640-h480/IMG_20220518_101856040.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the bridge on McCourtney Road east of Camp Far West.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I also did my 100 KM gravel ride, see <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2022/05/late-spring-riding-around-camp-far-west.html" target="_blank">Riding around Camp Far West.</a> Most of my rides were from 20 to 40 miles this year. I was careful not to stress my knees, using a 44 tooth chainring on two of my Mercian KOM tourer and my Ritchey gravel bike as well as on my SS fixed gear. I really don't miss the higher gears on the top end.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2y0uHvQ5YutqfuEhxj9_WPiQxcvrppJV-Ga7VUBvk-HeotdCK68zOLlcepgfy1hAMhy_ddp8aAhWj6Hsxnd9yjB0GdkeSMlOzg3NVoK3ZBo4s8Wvq5LpVm-uYvJfVWocrLfGD-_xt3wtcE_TSZitOYWQ9vXgNB6hQlBYvA_zsAGFOO_owFObL-B6_/s3017/IMG_20220406_103014173_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2096" data-original-width="3017" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2y0uHvQ5YutqfuEhxj9_WPiQxcvrppJV-Ga7VUBvk-HeotdCK68zOLlcepgfy1hAMhy_ddp8aAhWj6Hsxnd9yjB0GdkeSMlOzg3NVoK3ZBo4s8Wvq5LpVm-uYvJfVWocrLfGD-_xt3wtcE_TSZitOYWQ9vXgNB6hQlBYvA_zsAGFOO_owFObL-B6_/w640-h444/IMG_20220406_103014173_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fixed gear Mercian Olympic.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I discovered that fixed gear riding with the slightly lower gear was actually a little more fun especially on downhill runs I found that I could control the speed a little more easily. That's something I wouldn't have guessed would result from a lower gear on a fixie! Also, the new chainring I installed was a "Narrow/Wide" style designed for 1X drivetrains. It seems to work great on a fixed gear drivetrain and seems very quiet compared to the old chainring, but that may have been due to wear on the old one.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNpYiM60nybzXlGsUQVeDnJazZ55i4-DO4NHx90y9rbqC4f6gzYpDxAYNAYo7zyD2XRhbg0uyWIcloiu0rlK8xD_zDV4eg6i7MWs9zSbpY9uMPGiMQdnvqyHSJOqq5N7in4zprb5e0FA22msQd1MPDvOI2ebhwa1G_z3j1lQVnCDV1P2KhRmqPWKT/s4096/IMG_20220511_171729617_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNpYiM60nybzXlGsUQVeDnJazZ55i4-DO4NHx90y9rbqC4f6gzYpDxAYNAYo7zyD2XRhbg0uyWIcloiu0rlK8xD_zDV4eg6i7MWs9zSbpY9uMPGiMQdnvqyHSJOqq5N7in4zprb5e0FA22msQd1MPDvOI2ebhwa1G_z3j1lQVnCDV1P2KhRmqPWKT/w640-h480/IMG_20220511_171729617_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelago rack on the Ritchey.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G-OARr_mytrMoC9Jmtu8BRzKZ0xMnaSo2JwtBhmo2cYRrd_45iSVjxVEgeKTgHgeJN6k9Sc2FufyhDq7dEio39a0bNTAzNB9rqKDyGQOmJLgINt8hqCQjmAtG753t7ILVVRe0OkhykO0SX8j_9YxiZgv8nq9YkRfhLLqDearORmBBHTCTXIMdFi0/s3406/IMG_0023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2445" data-original-width="3406" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G-OARr_mytrMoC9Jmtu8BRzKZ0xMnaSo2JwtBhmo2cYRrd_45iSVjxVEgeKTgHgeJN6k9Sc2FufyhDq7dEio39a0bNTAzNB9rqKDyGQOmJLgINt8hqCQjmAtG753t7ILVVRe0OkhykO0SX8j_9YxiZgv8nq9YkRfhLLqDearORmBBHTCTXIMdFi0/w640-h460/IMG_0023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My newest bag, a Tourbon!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I finally found a nice font rack to fit on the Ritchey, a Pelago (Finnish) brand aluminum rack. It took a little finessing to make the top metal strap fit but after that, it worked well. I mounted that huge Ostrich F-106 handlebar bag on it but I have since replaced it with a newer bag, a Tourbon from eBay. Time will tell if it is a good one, but it seems to have a lot of nice features so I'm hopeful!</p><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lM4YaLc-G7DZ9phEPAiIDZBDTc6aQxyzPht8jwlD2pMS9EH5aGyzMw3CgUEKa9qfT5RxGJd9kjmIGiRJxL5gE9SGsySuHg9RAxRuPoxRS1D0IrJ952G66lBggQwPgw8cph-jK91Mg4Ney7yQvyM6NIvuAA1eMaNhztRPmalvuYmoDXoOZt1S-LSb/s3507/IMG_0055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3507" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lM4YaLc-G7DZ9phEPAiIDZBDTc6aQxyzPht8jwlD2pMS9EH5aGyzMw3CgUEKa9qfT5RxGJd9kjmIGiRJxL5gE9SGsySuHg9RAxRuPoxRS1D0IrJ952G66lBggQwPgw8cph-jK91Mg4Ney7yQvyM6NIvuAA1eMaNhztRPmalvuYmoDXoOZt1S-LSb/w640-h414/IMG_0055.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Winter project: a 1978 Raleigh Pro!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The biggest project of the year was the late year acquisition of a very nice 1978 Raleigh Professional frameset off of eBay. I'd been wanting something to hang all of my old Campy Nouvo Record components on for some time and this one came up. I had been watching it for a while when suddenly the seller dropped the price to a very attractive point so I snapped it up. All in all it is in very good shape for being some 45 years old! Really not a spec of rust. One odd problem was a small bulge in the steering tube. The only way I figure this could have happened would be by clamping down on a Cinelli stem binder bolt very, very hard! Since I planned to use a Nitto Technomic with it's wedge shape binder, I figure this wouldn't be a problem and it looks like I'm right, as the Nitto stem fits just fine.<div><br /></div><div>I had planned to use 100% Campy stuff on this bike but my Record headset turned out to be too badly brinelled to use. I picked up an FSA Duron cartridge bearing headset. It's a very good headset and it looks the part.<br /><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpneQnpP-gi6JzvFPzNcDZSApsFMoRkjM27Zp2qQbd-62dEPDtaGBpBtgOKIZLiHvdAZ5uYr5ZFmxeZI9vOpMzlh89fLxISuuTyfCIsXmQ22Tt3TYsjeSgP7vN-GWktpmLxiDG0kVOini3iS43GhM6iujVXwdDbxWeYxitKquT3EPZ3Bo0h_tta0y3/s3998/IMG_0110.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="3998" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpneQnpP-gi6JzvFPzNcDZSApsFMoRkjM27Zp2qQbd-62dEPDtaGBpBtgOKIZLiHvdAZ5uYr5ZFmxeZI9vOpMzlh89fLxISuuTyfCIsXmQ22Tt3TYsjeSgP7vN-GWktpmLxiDG0kVOini3iS43GhM6iujVXwdDbxWeYxitKquT3EPZ3Bo0h_tta0y3/w640-h448/IMG_0110.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Project completed!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>So I was able to complete the build fairly cheaply, although I did splurge for some Campy brake cable guides and a seat binder bolt. The wheels are sort of place holders for the moment until I can lace up my Campy hubs, By the way, I installed 26mm Panaracer Gravel king slicks on the bike because I wasn't sure if 28's would fit and I found the 26's at a good price. They fit fine and I think 28's will too so that's what I'll most likely go with in the future, but we'll see, the 26's feel fast!</p><p>The Raleigh will most definitely be a fair weather bike. The old Campagnolo drivetrain means you have to be imaginative to get low gearing. In this case, I have a 14-28 rear freewheel cluster. in order to make the Nouvo Record rear derailleur handle that, I've reduce the difference in the front chainrings considerably. I am running 42/46 chainrings up there and all is well. Still, this won't be my first choice in climbing any Sierra passes!</p><p>I've only taken the bike out for a couple of short rides, but I have enjoyed them! It reminded me of the old days of riding fast bikes! It handles very well, cornering nicely yet it's pretty stable, no-hand riding is a breeze on this bike! I'm looking forward to taking out on longer rides when the weather dries out.</p><p>Looking forward to next year, I don't think I'll manage another 5,000 mile year. We are planning a camping trip up to Alaska with our travel trailer so that will take a big chunk of time out of my prime riding season. I do hope to get some sort of bike camping trip in so we will see.</p><p>Equipment wise, it should be a quiet year indeed, I only anticipate building a set of wheels for the Raleigh. Other than that, it will be just regular maintenance and repair. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEha98skuCSm4yqdBexvL6nznreWHSaltMZkg2iumlZ9S0XVx7FgGSv5V84TncWh1JTEnGi-KlnxxDKFAt6CUGRpW-Y91FqDLRYo1aj6XPyFvdIsOEiyff1zM4qhPywjM5yECnNzMr3EpMC7zLH6P0XEccaf8yYPb68rD_zTO8OY8pgdRt-CyE2z5Y/s2944/original_7f649475-323a-4d59-8866-3b0eede1335a_IMG_20220329_115947063_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="2932" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEha98skuCSm4yqdBexvL6nznreWHSaltMZkg2iumlZ9S0XVx7FgGSv5V84TncWh1JTEnGi-KlnxxDKFAt6CUGRpW-Y91FqDLRYo1aj6XPyFvdIsOEiyff1zM4qhPywjM5yECnNzMr3EpMC7zLH6P0XEccaf8yYPb68rD_zTO8OY8pgdRt-CyE2z5Y/w638-h640/original_7f649475-323a-4d59-8866-3b0eede1335a_IMG_20220329_115947063_HDR.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From March, 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-74935053659062755942022-07-10T09:37:00.004-07:002022-07-11T16:22:17.501-07:002022 edition of my Three Rivers Ride<p> </p><p>It's early July so I felt it was time to attempt a century. I had several 100K and 50 milers under my belt by this time, so I figured it was time to try the 100 miles. The weather forecast suggested cooler than normal temperatures for the week, (highs in the low to mid 90s), so what better time for the attempt?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfrszVXQrcojHkdRq050rQAJAW9LubeMbe-mVfYWouT89rRcMlwmJToVPpBmKF3JxjCCExzT0YvOV2rfK4Zws9xTp8kbns4V774vHkdlL5qcykerhHWA0YdcyhKvGSObDRXKPXx08S66fbFh0c-ltCHSeQfv-ZKt65diafsAI-khhVQPVq1RJ8QL-/s894/2022%20Century.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="894" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfrszVXQrcojHkdRq050rQAJAW9LubeMbe-mVfYWouT89rRcMlwmJToVPpBmKF3JxjCCExzT0YvOV2rfK4Zws9xTp8kbns4V774vHkdlL5qcykerhHWA0YdcyhKvGSObDRXKPXx08S66fbFh0c-ltCHSeQfv-ZKt65diafsAI-khhVQPVq1RJ8QL-/w640-h360/2022%20Century.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen shot of Map My Ride's plot of my ride.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINm6mypFxUtxmcjjwKWuKcJbKHftplyTta14kUwKMgMBtlnaiF5MDLqAbrkPvgP7SypeD861W5_-5LU8RSSFwPXe8gIC6c9vW0DC1OKZcwSucHwVmTcAisdkgrb8eJ_C2uzlNR1agg3P6pggEmzwZOzv1HRBLuDmBKBuV3kCVgAvvPjN6FfmTCyvY/s772/Screenshot%20(43).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="772" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINm6mypFxUtxmcjjwKWuKcJbKHftplyTta14kUwKMgMBtlnaiF5MDLqAbrkPvgP7SypeD861W5_-5LU8RSSFwPXe8gIC6c9vW0DC1OKZcwSucHwVmTcAisdkgrb8eJ_C2uzlNR1agg3P6pggEmzwZOzv1HRBLuDmBKBuV3kCVgAvvPjN6FfmTCyvY/w640-h242/Screenshot%20(43).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the basic stats for the ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I chose to ride my King Of Mercia Touring for this ride. The riding position with the moustache bars and the 32mm tires both make for a reasonably comfortable ride for this distance.<br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcLqFgxIj2We-hWp7qpKMq1CvIDDHx24B9YE-ZSg_4jbBgaEUy0SiG4mmVIR07lNwkfD91cZgrarxw-LkEfw8Q02Bw-3woL457bIglxDxc3TE_kdZGwRNs71TcU2tFdI_fQScD8K8GoXYo2NZB9xGpRTo8sVlWW-R64gV0Ff2Z847qq_BWO3CYncT/s4608/SAM_1809.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcLqFgxIj2We-hWp7qpKMq1CvIDDHx24B9YE-ZSg_4jbBgaEUy0SiG4mmVIR07lNwkfD91cZgrarxw-LkEfw8Q02Bw-3woL457bIglxDxc3TE_kdZGwRNs71TcU2tFdI_fQScD8K8GoXYo2NZB9xGpRTo8sVlWW-R64gV0Ff2Z847qq_BWO3CYncT/w640-h360/SAM_1809.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The KOM, pre-ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The morning started off underneath an overcast of low clouds! This was welcome since I was bound to spend a lot of time under bright sunshine for a lot of this ride!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaSgfKFiUfxWFjH2HTMdJsFSaQun0o1anSiL1PeFd35iQZ3XBpJn0ARkFuocowo8RLU4c-E-W47WIv2Qng_i5-zin5hp4bWSO8yurDdGfN_bza2pSLL8JT3iqcNR6w2wQr4uFrQXLRNaBk2myRZhL2cWHMLW26Vi8yOSHWZ12xnoWebiOpx11BiFQ/s4608/SAM_1810.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaSgfKFiUfxWFjH2HTMdJsFSaQun0o1anSiL1PeFd35iQZ3XBpJn0ARkFuocowo8RLU4c-E-W47WIv2Qng_i5-zin5hp4bWSO8yurDdGfN_bza2pSLL8JT3iqcNR6w2wQr4uFrQXLRNaBk2myRZhL2cWHMLW26Vi8yOSHWZ12xnoWebiOpx11BiFQ/w640-h360/SAM_1810.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside of Lincoln. The clouds persisted until I reached Sheridan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This year, I decided to follow the route I tried last year, going north from Lincoln then turning west to Sheridan and Nicolaus. This gives me a nice path through less crowded roads. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9axdeRaKyuVhXIsuWqoBMQb65TQQAyA4lO4tIrvqF24uIWfAUlzVq9-_1TW6WcXqvxVlpXEUTMEGat-XfWJbFs7UKDcKEE3FuUAwVGneibyZ8tfPDUO_s9gjwTX5f5iNYwDfJrQeVsS1tq_bfOhQQ0KX-tIfm2VejUZuUJ69ET1yZwJDu0yOMp1x/s4608/SAM_1812.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9axdeRaKyuVhXIsuWqoBMQb65TQQAyA4lO4tIrvqF24uIWfAUlzVq9-_1TW6WcXqvxVlpXEUTMEGat-XfWJbFs7UKDcKEE3FuUAwVGneibyZ8tfPDUO_s9gjwTX5f5iNYwDfJrQeVsS1tq_bfOhQQ0KX-tIfm2VejUZuUJ69ET1yZwJDu0yOMp1x/w640-h360/SAM_1812.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicolaus, quiet as usual!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After passing through Nicolaus I soon reached the Garden Highway as it runs along the Feather River. The Garden Highway is generally a nice route for bikes except for a couple of miles of really bad pavement. It's those few miles that make the 32mm tires worthwhile! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWCP0AdqAae4BNpTxMgq6UTqSH0bctiI6mV8C-rN51jbGRLZr2g0hI2uTWgIs5QR6KAP-RjvwPgyWj1Nj7N4WLVGTImgu9NVPzVx0FBcui5CPN3XxXgEw3WWUC-cn2Ak0xpph5CkxP60B4NMxupZgxzG2fESd-zipzgyAAX-H9JOyySOWNsfF1Kgu/s4608/SAM_1814.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWCP0AdqAae4BNpTxMgq6UTqSH0bctiI6mV8C-rN51jbGRLZr2g0hI2uTWgIs5QR6KAP-RjvwPgyWj1Nj7N4WLVGTImgu9NVPzVx0FBcui5CPN3XxXgEw3WWUC-cn2Ak0xpph5CkxP60B4NMxupZgxzG2fESd-zipzgyAAX-H9JOyySOWNsfF1Kgu/w640-h360/SAM_1814.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Garden highway.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Eventually the Garden Highway comes to the Interstate 5 overpass. Here is a very nice picnic and boat launch site at just about the halfway point of my ride. I always stop here for a lunch break and to stretch and massage my foot a bit!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtAlTU20L7qbdZ3XXQdeIuRog38aZnKUBni6HFwrZr60a2P273avYI8MXTq3XjJQhmNkfl4UUKJ55zVc7AL8aHFjFZy8-WceROvlYou84W2SU7KTlZfGezoeCFwZ1jVxd7v9hl4g60dA4nsNokUbY33A17OFJWxg7BACevJadWPCtS8W3ou-0bS7f/s4608/SAM_1815.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtAlTU20L7qbdZ3XXQdeIuRog38aZnKUBni6HFwrZr60a2P273avYI8MXTq3XjJQhmNkfl4UUKJ55zVc7AL8aHFjFZy8-WceROvlYou84W2SU7KTlZfGezoeCFwZ1jVxd7v9hl4g60dA4nsNokUbY33A17OFJWxg7BACevJadWPCtS8W3ou-0bS7f/w640-h360/SAM_1815.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the I-5 overpass.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After that break, it's time to head into Sacramento. This year I am happy to report that the Garden Highway is again open through to Discovery Park! Last year's detours are gone, although there is considerable construction going on along side the roadway.</div><div><br /></div><div>The transition from the Garden Highway to the American River Bikeway at Discovery Park seems a bit easier this year, I can't really say what the difference is but I found myself at Discovery Park a bit sooner than I expected!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlQo2PQjBqwhm5emBgw1YemBdxV2Vt1kM8mMNnXYSyynsCgQgvft1Krq2RLyp-wcO1oZbhnyL1_08Idargum6u4uQwoHP-cdHGlMlB-xdj246RLzSUc40pZtueDgyiD32HzAnJ_mMVYq_XwDpofpoUuNSzJGzwIZq9bxmQ0TB6yWgwd4mKS8bXiY4/s4608/SAM_1817.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlQo2PQjBqwhm5emBgw1YemBdxV2Vt1kM8mMNnXYSyynsCgQgvft1Krq2RLyp-wcO1oZbhnyL1_08Idargum6u4uQwoHP-cdHGlMlB-xdj246RLzSUc40pZtueDgyiD32HzAnJ_mMVYq_XwDpofpoUuNSzJGzwIZq9bxmQ0TB6yWgwd4mKS8bXiY4/w640-h360/SAM_1817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the American River Parkway.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The ride along the Parkway was uneventful, all the way up to Beale's Point on Folsom Lake. Sadly, the snack bar is closed down at the visitor's center, so I had to be content with just refilling my water bottles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Heading home on Auburn Folsom Road, I found the road blocked off at Dick Cook Road! I later found out that a car had knocked some power lines down onto the road, forcing the closure. This meant having to go over a couple of very steep pitches while heading to Val Verde Road. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0rBLNJX0slTTBgcjr5qazR2PC2a6Qbi-zqsAqeZtJW0l0ruQg38fcc0aoZLs4mbNhMo3GBBB-5g-Q7brswEPgYtHI8fgnrteC5FA1_zerMAacQHOLJfg-3iXt053VyoADouasWx-Ohrn9BtzYsWhyla6NfpwfbiPA89V8J9iugnEKGVfHquPGeDY/s4608/SAM_1818.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0rBLNJX0slTTBgcjr5qazR2PC2a6Qbi-zqsAqeZtJW0l0ruQg38fcc0aoZLs4mbNhMo3GBBB-5g-Q7brswEPgYtHI8fgnrteC5FA1_zerMAacQHOLJfg-3iXt053VyoADouasWx-Ohrn9BtzYsWhyla6NfpwfbiPA89V8J9iugnEKGVfHquPGeDY/w640-h360/SAM_1818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>All in all, this was a pretty satisfying ride. I made an effort to eat frequently on this ride, popping pieces of red licorice once an hour. I also tried to make sure I drank often. I brought some powdered lemonade to add to my water bottles to make the water from the fountains on the trail more palatable. These things, along with using lower gears and spinning more, all helped me avoid any cramping this year. (Temperatures mostly in the 80s and low 90s also helped a lot!)</div><div><br /></div><div>With the century behind me now, I am looking forward to some other rides coming up, including Iowa Hill/ Yankee Jim's road, which is something I haven't done in a couple of years.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Equipment notes:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Mercian, with it's triple crankset and 32mm tires performed perfectly well again. Not even a flat, which is always a plus! I used Panaracer Gravel King tires, which have become my favorite. I wore my old Sugoi bib shorts which had always been great in the past. however, this year they did not protect me from a bit of chafing, so this may be the last century for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also used a sun sleeves and a sun hat, essentially a short billed baseball cap with a flap of cloth hanging down the sides and back to keep the sun off. I think protection from the sun really helped your endurance up on these hot summer days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-25873969227973512732022-05-19T21:24:00.004-07:002022-05-20T19:42:45.186-07:00Late Spring; Riding around Camp Far West and some equipment notes.<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlspEYKOYYckz0zwDgFHhCBUNyHK38AschKyBPQ_BYlUGZlr8Wq0qrnL4ftX-pfiDAaLUXT3picBeKxiUsvEijYZhpgVYm0bnmfDSuT_mOefahzLoiqlr0Lt1mbUIg9ed7Sr8K8nITkgRQWOv3LFoADaj0UC0-nUm4O_vRgVQQ8l0rHqW_dry5NvM/s4096/IMG_20220518_100538683.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlspEYKOYYckz0zwDgFHhCBUNyHK38AschKyBPQ_BYlUGZlr8Wq0qrnL4ftX-pfiDAaLUXT3picBeKxiUsvEijYZhpgVYm0bnmfDSuT_mOefahzLoiqlr0Lt1mbUIg9ed7Sr8K8nITkgRQWOv3LFoADaj0UC0-nUm4O_vRgVQQ8l0rHqW_dry5NvM/w640-h480/IMG_20220518_100538683.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Long Ravine Road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I've been a little lazy writing this blog, but I haven't been doing too much of interest while recovering from a bout with tendonitis that developed last fall. I'm happy to report that my knee pain has pretty much disappeared! The winter's been mild and unfortunately dry so I've been able to ride regularly, putting in about 400 miles per month. I've installed smaller chainrings on my bikes to reduce the strain on my knees, as well as raising the saddle up back to a level I had it earlier. My knees seem to have recovered, thank goodness! I think raising the saddle was the most important factor, but that's just my guess.</p><p>Anyway, I've been gradually increasing my mileage and finally felt ready to try a 100 km gravel and pavement ride, the Camp Far West loop!</p><p>For this ride I chose the Ritchey Ascent, shod with 650b X 48mm Panaracer Gravel King slicks, set up as tubeless. These are very nice tires and roll nicely on pavement as well as over gravel.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKzYkzo75AkQXEbUtm42UHGX7K-97ymzFIU_rTFrBOjvg--uxk0uEOcbOFmNDQ8oGIddnGVfJMtuRzPdxMuoUkvOmf6PEKI6zw0om3pO1CQDY0TzRqz8sSUr6oz0wQTrBlk7P1Lfxx9aKIkKgECVVX25DBuXDCL681Ol5AEO_5hhBRvKs7Y_7XD6O/s4096/IMG_20220518_085453573.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKzYkzo75AkQXEbUtm42UHGX7K-97ymzFIU_rTFrBOjvg--uxk0uEOcbOFmNDQ8oGIddnGVfJMtuRzPdxMuoUkvOmf6PEKI6zw0om3pO1CQDY0TzRqz8sSUr6oz0wQTrBlk7P1Lfxx9aKIkKgECVVX25DBuXDCL681Ol5AEO_5hhBRvKs7Y_7XD6O/w640-h480/IMG_20220518_085453573.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stop at Racoon Creek.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_hiYx3xc83dcw38x1w8YsdowMb_73lBiD3fyrYMyv2JTpHCQtNwMdtvGrb0mHkr7ftPVvk5px6fKPD9yVg-U4P7b3qI0QWsb5h6-xEkuY_H_hYFbv2KyI_COLhSyUadByk5_SLZcEH_rAqNspKoVw1FTK6lMRYq0b5SZxhIl5ftreMAGzYSdYF1l/s4096/IMG_20220518_085502544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_hiYx3xc83dcw38x1w8YsdowMb_73lBiD3fyrYMyv2JTpHCQtNwMdtvGrb0mHkr7ftPVvk5px6fKPD9yVg-U4P7b3qI0QWsb5h6-xEkuY_H_hYFbv2KyI_COLhSyUadByk5_SLZcEH_rAqNspKoVw1FTK6lMRYq0b5SZxhIl5ftreMAGzYSdYF1l/w640-h480/IMG_20220518_085502544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I've done this ride a couple of times now and I'm getting more comfortable with it. It's starts with about 20 miles of pavement from Loomis, through Lincoln and up McCourtney Road to Camp Far West.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RNg1GpzhdN-vsz0Vayk3H5sEosNMFsQRDm_P6K35M-WiF_9SLPNvf0Q4JQxjMa9FRzUZoOEuIQDFfihk9C21zsjXbPjoD1jbu7miHVy--UslOynxZsnWm9xH66yF-bh9dx1TOf_g7aQ3pONXIH_ij8rZX-XULZ7uxTbOJ4x31dgm80-564I589hz/s4096/IMG_20220518_093047607.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RNg1GpzhdN-vsz0Vayk3H5sEosNMFsQRDm_P6K35M-WiF_9SLPNvf0Q4JQxjMa9FRzUZoOEuIQDFfihk9C21zsjXbPjoD1jbu7miHVy--UslOynxZsnWm9xH66yF-bh9dx1TOf_g7aQ3pONXIH_ij8rZX-XULZ7uxTbOJ4x31dgm80-564I589hz/w640-h480/IMG_20220518_093047607.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Far West</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Passing the Camp Far West Entrance, you begin a very steep climb, actually two! After cresting the second climb you come to the start of the gravel. This year, the road is in fair shape, but there's a lot of washboard to contend with. I didn't lower the air pressure in the Gravel Kings, I just kept them at a little over 40 lbs. of pressure. While this gave a bit of a rough ride, the width of the tires provided good support and I didn't really have any big problems with the dirt roads. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRzr0qU22sgfHOohbX7i-G65yrqlwpEJL2Hn2_GwY_LXAnqIlTODLIvtT3TZ74CkKA2R2Oq9RnVQ0n3PM8HJMrc8EtQ6wDyiEnOJfa2QOzPG6tyyMIi9bpJ74V6-sSbd5NgwsdoiS2Zcj9Lcie9HNn9tWbos8lUS0NxGDz6kmbJ_zbXSDMsS3V7hp/s4096/IMG_20220518_095819938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRzr0qU22sgfHOohbX7i-G65yrqlwpEJL2Hn2_GwY_LXAnqIlTODLIvtT3TZ74CkKA2R2Oq9RnVQ0n3PM8HJMrc8EtQ6wDyiEnOJfa2QOzPG6tyyMIi9bpJ74V6-sSbd5NgwsdoiS2Zcj9Lcie9HNn9tWbos8lUS0NxGDz6kmbJ_zbXSDMsS3V7hp/w640-h480/IMG_20220518_095819938.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting down Long Ravine Road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As I mentioned earlier, I'm starting to get familiar with this route, I didn't even have to refer to Google Maps pre-ride! </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQcXuVTN6vyaXEtGrQFmpHOUMN350h1ga5veA2tPX1R2RrmPQBLS5YPDDOL-VzEHCEi3IW4d2a7AoO8TmN0ke12F7MNmQBnDzAJpCY8Hk8L84QX_MG7uuawQY5mLGzTtU5IvDQ8RnB2_3cBJF62RxJLZBGwjtuisNtUSO_daMpEUuisMCLqzIkoyV/s4096/IMG_20220518_101856040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQcXuVTN6vyaXEtGrQFmpHOUMN350h1ga5veA2tPX1R2RrmPQBLS5YPDDOL-VzEHCEi3IW4d2a7AoO8TmN0ke12F7MNmQBnDzAJpCY8Hk8L84QX_MG7uuawQY5mLGzTtU5IvDQ8RnB2_3cBJF62RxJLZBGwjtuisNtUSO_daMpEUuisMCLqzIkoyV/w640-h480/IMG_20220518_101856040.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming to the bridge on McCourtney Road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I followed Long Ravine until it turns into McCourtney, (the other McCourtney, north of CFW.), then turned on White Oak Drive to Perimeter Road. On Perimeter I ran into a road grading crew, which probably means a better road surface for folks doing this ride now!</p><p>Eventually Perimeter becomes paved and after a while you will come to MacDonald Road. Although marked as a locked, private road, it is passable by bicycles. I confirmed this when chatting to a resident there. The road is indeed gated, but he said it's just to prevent automobile traffic, bikes were not a problem. That's good news as it is a good way to connect to Garden Bar.</p><p>After reaching Garden Bar Road, it's pretty much pavement for the rest of the ride. I took a short break at Higgins Corner for a snack and to relax my foot which can get uncomfortable on longer rides. </p><p>After that, it was the usual jaunt up Hwy. 49 to Auburn and then home. With temperatures in the 70s and 80s, I was pretty comfortable and had no real problems. Total distance was 62.24 miles, (I'll call it 100 K's), time was 5 1/2 hours. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Equipment Notes:</span></p><p>As I said, I rode my Ritchey Ascent with 48mm tires. These were very adequate for these conditions. It might be helpful to reduce tire pressure to absorb some of the washboard, but I didn't bother. Even though these are "slick" tires, I had no trouble with slipping at all.</p><p>One new piece of equipment is a Pelago front rack to support the massive Ostriche Handlebar bag. I've been hunting for a front rack for this bike for some time since I've become a real fan of handlebar bags. The Pelago is aluminum and comes with a lot of fittings to accommodate various bikes. The unique problem I had with finding a rack for the Ritchey is the fork crown fitting. The Ritchey's fork only has a threaded hole in the back of the crown, nothing in front, so this made mounting a rack tricky. The Pelago rack came with two metal struts for mounting to the fork and one of them was able actually reach under the fork crown and be bolted to that rear hole! Perfect!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSrkRV-udJvxA2LVpgFjYfcmJ4asRKICVxUhxcbr62FHj3_-HGwn5_KDG4agniT4gAwOmHcm9eQZZdVqUI0CEFfdgqn0ANDGIETihzpMKZUj0JFMCagTjlS8PhaAawx2LSoPHA2pnoY5d9YD5Q0Zc6aLbUTFBvi6JE6FqUYLF6eWuBLwuuBPmQeqR/s4096/IMG_20220511_171618821_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSrkRV-udJvxA2LVpgFjYfcmJ4asRKICVxUhxcbr62FHj3_-HGwn5_KDG4agniT4gAwOmHcm9eQZZdVqUI0CEFfdgqn0ANDGIETihzpMKZUj0JFMCagTjlS8PhaAawx2LSoPHA2pnoY5d9YD5Q0Zc6aLbUTFBvi6JE6FqUYLF6eWuBLwuuBPmQeqR/w480-h640/IMG_20220511_171618821_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pelago front rack.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVgdJHFz38zL5YKlI74XKE7ANDJpToX8EFqV9RydG60zFzm-9fYS7KEnxT1Cwyo3QcOyXDCH9pfLB5JzMXdRenH8BrvMXUhHCdaMtlTojGaWhnfm3fh0IlaZb2J89H8bwSmZ4Nx0Bq_b7h8ddOtHlUy0gElH5gY1ttXVIQJpSc1ezv1swJCjzj_z1/s4096/IMG_20220511_171729617_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVgdJHFz38zL5YKlI74XKE7ANDJpToX8EFqV9RydG60zFzm-9fYS7KEnxT1Cwyo3QcOyXDCH9pfLB5JzMXdRenH8BrvMXUhHCdaMtlTojGaWhnfm3fh0IlaZb2J89H8bwSmZ4Nx0Bq_b7h8ddOtHlUy0gElH5gY1ttXVIQJpSc1ezv1swJCjzj_z1/w640-h480/IMG_20220511_171729617_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a shot of the fork crown mounting.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt9CzKCoLhHDC-LgIE8clyX5PprEliweY3R5EG8FnFeuwU5TD8nF8uWL7D4xNHvpD7n0iqXdRDpn6Tqcd0vQVkRwnbAXOnGPXq7ECEcqlzH3O3rcyGrGvreRpesX3adoirOp7tE0txpncsnATKCdBuvaZ-msOZZ7qT18Up9km-Q04KPjZWLx78Fpl/s4096/IMG_20220511_171418481_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt9CzKCoLhHDC-LgIE8clyX5PprEliweY3R5EG8FnFeuwU5TD8nF8uWL7D4xNHvpD7n0iqXdRDpn6Tqcd0vQVkRwnbAXOnGPXq7ECEcqlzH3O3rcyGrGvreRpesX3adoirOp7tE0txpncsnATKCdBuvaZ-msOZZ7qT18Up9km-Q04KPjZWLx78Fpl/w640-h480/IMG_20220511_171418481_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's a shot with the rack and the Ostriche bag.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm quite happy with this arrangement, although the Ostriche bag is a bit too much, I really don't need that much capacity so I may try to find a smaller alternative.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned earlier, I've been reducing my gearing in order to protect my knees. On my fixed gear ride, I replaced the 46 with a brand new narrow/wide 44. The results were a surprise to me. first, the narrow/wide chainring was very quiet! Things really quieted down in my drivetrain, I don't know if it was because of the narrow/wide configuration, or maybe a new chainring is just quieter? I'm still using the old chain, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, i found that descending hills with the reduced gearing was actually easier! I feel like I can backpedal a little more effectively, so that is a plus!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwtSZuMMPW7I7aZ-AnIbA_9Nxd5CQZIaBhlJmtSELV0E4MncJFWYcf6XIycu5_dpWpCmn3O5NyriIheZE2_jUGyPVGtpDyOPRbGaLDMgBqrJKoZPUPe8AI0TlSzbLaxu3OlKf47xFrnNG20O9Yl7Brk8Pob9ipaTlQGXcfyeWNUsmelgr34zvAMZ5/s3017/IMG_20220406_103014173~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2096" data-original-width="3017" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwtSZuMMPW7I7aZ-AnIbA_9Nxd5CQZIaBhlJmtSELV0E4MncJFWYcf6XIycu5_dpWpCmn3O5NyriIheZE2_jUGyPVGtpDyOPRbGaLDMgBqrJKoZPUPe8AI0TlSzbLaxu3OlKf47xFrnNG20O9Yl7Brk8Pob9ipaTlQGXcfyeWNUsmelgr34zvAMZ5/w640-h444/IMG_20220406_103014173~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fixed gear with the new chainring.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>That's about it for now, I'll close with a gratuitous shot of my KOM on Chamberlain Road.<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp0bnEEv_9-GPwRZMk1zR79AVvitYEG3guR_usss0XYESyKRC4tICDJP7XuNlcRjkxfJTtQhGRiKuZtwKvLzl58OOAyL9SxA1DiMHImhkYMm5rsyN_VLFmyW3y4RsJIHAf5X31Ff592TbZEgV4Q7GKVDp82aXTHfVyKi9ZMmFOOIDZwgAXLzxWfRV/s3909/original_7f649475-323a-4d59-8866-3b0eede1335a_IMG_20220329_115947063_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3909" data-original-width="2932" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp0bnEEv_9-GPwRZMk1zR79AVvitYEG3guR_usss0XYESyKRC4tICDJP7XuNlcRjkxfJTtQhGRiKuZtwKvLzl58OOAyL9SxA1DiMHImhkYMm5rsyN_VLFmyW3y4RsJIHAf5X31Ff592TbZEgV4Q7GKVDp82aXTHfVyKi9ZMmFOOIDZwgAXLzxWfRV/w480-h640/original_7f649475-323a-4d59-8866-3b0eede1335a_IMG_20220329_115947063_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-84625469364567855502021-12-26T13:21:00.006-08:002021-12-30T09:35:53.475-08:00Year's end thoughts, activities and mileage.<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj37bQirSOCu2SL97BNlFDoELa0vsZT6AubEM23w-SLjHovzOPyDM91OkpHc4ujn7e3nzDc8DcZN-1Uql04Mf1RC4a9jBhpxPtztWlRfZX1PLg2s6bMIaX3LPfJgCB-yOdap3w8pavPz27vvNm6gLQf6BGrbkdhBD9N1-IyeuGuDi1HSoJQhMCpd5jo=s4096" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj37bQirSOCu2SL97BNlFDoELa0vsZT6AubEM23w-SLjHovzOPyDM91OkpHc4ujn7e3nzDc8DcZN-1Uql04Mf1RC4a9jBhpxPtztWlRfZX1PLg2s6bMIaX3LPfJgCB-yOdap3w8pavPz27vvNm6gLQf6BGrbkdhBD9N1-IyeuGuDi1HSoJQhMCpd5jo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On McCourtney road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Looks like I won't be riding much this last week of the year, so I think it a good time to jot down some reflections on this strange year. Besides the usual Covid related issues, I had an unexpected physical problem develop by late summer; I was experiencing some sharp pain in my left knee. I mentioned it to my doctor at my annual physical so he ordered an x-ray. This revealed I had developed tendonitis in that knee, (along with a little arthritis which I think has probably been there for some time). </p><p>Therefore, I was forced off my bike for a good month while trying various remedies including rest, ice and topical ointments. I was able to gradually start biking again, but only for short rides. I built up to 20-30 mile rides at a pretty slow pace, even for me!</p><p>One other thing I did was reduce my gearing, I changed my big rings on my two main bikes, (the Mercian KOM and the Ritchey). I replaced the 46's with 44's and actually used my granny gears for almost all of my climbing, never standing up on the hills as that caused my knee a lot of discomfort. Another thing I changed was my seat height, I found that raising the saddle about 1.5 centimeters seemed to ease some pressure on that knee!</p><p>By the time of this writing, (just after Christmas), I'm happy to report that almost all of my knee pain seems to have disappeared!</p><p>Reflecting on this episode, I now suspect that one possible cause of my tendonitis may have been my <i>lowering</i> my saddle earlier this year while experimenting with my riding position and trying to resolve a problem I had with my right foot! When I raised my saddle back to it's original height I definitely felt better! Interesting! </p><p>Despite my knee problem, and only riding one century, I managed to again accumulate over 5,000 miles on the bikes in 2021, 5,220 miles to be exact! I was surprised to hit 5,000 with so much time off the bike.</p><p>Because of my injury my rides were not so noteworthy this year. Besides the century I did enjoy one long mixed gravel/pavement ride with the Ritchey that was about 100 kilometers. Most other rides ranged from 15 to 35 miles around the area. Here's a link to the ride report on my century: <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2021/06/first-century-for-2021-three-river-ride.html" target="_blank">First century for 2021</a> and here's a link for the gravel ride: <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2021/06/late-late-spring-ride-around-camp-far.html" target="_blank">Ride around Camp Far West</a></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJf2c1Lb800ICLMn3IrWGPf5dVV6FEZcUiJzE_jrLNb1UjoEwb8gxrOiixNyRKP3fY4vC3IOGOrtlXS5EvTvCm6QMdX_pvHRHcg5Kj7qwaivJvraWnGhY-ze6N04B6fomEeQITwJ6OlnaI0QJZIxvP5dEc4O-7mI_Y8DdNQwaItDzBsYT2c8VUdSvn=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJf2c1Lb800ICLMn3IrWGPf5dVV6FEZcUiJzE_jrLNb1UjoEwb8gxrOiixNyRKP3fY4vC3IOGOrtlXS5EvTvCm6QMdX_pvHRHcg5Kj7qwaivJvraWnGhY-ze6N04B6fomEeQITwJ6OlnaI0QJZIxvP5dEc4O-7mI_Y8DdNQwaItDzBsYT2c8VUdSvn=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Feather River on this year's century.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhvDtcu5x1Hfsa6P7WQ3KKnHkTXhay1K1K7CyXHIGgzUej4Ntbck2MGw_prSTWd7cq_a0Ugi9f_mfecrtTGCgkGt2RByk3Jv6eE-CbArFdNNJzl2HS8i2_6gRv4428OWWZWNE45UqJL3aYKy847mLqLXubZomuadGgVy6DauUNm7AdJabbIO9M3kgh=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhvDtcu5x1Hfsa6P7WQ3KKnHkTXhay1K1K7CyXHIGgzUej4Ntbck2MGw_prSTWd7cq_a0Ugi9f_mfecrtTGCgkGt2RByk3Jv6eE-CbArFdNNJzl2HS8i2_6gRv4428OWWZWNE45UqJL3aYKy847mLqLXubZomuadGgVy6DauUNm7AdJabbIO9M3kgh=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the gravel north of Camp Far West.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Another interesting, but short ride was from Cisco Grove along frontage roads to Donner Summit outside of Soda Springs. The road through Soda Springs was undergoing a rebuild and I would have been better served to have ridden my Ritchey through there! The Mercian managed quite well, though!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMyhDJhZ0Mo6PldsvWE9IdoS8aGbNaK8JVCMmbwwm95fcvZmyUYd6TkZDxBG7SjT9uqB0Cs_X5Z4O7zawGbrpI-yr-H41mbMDYxVrwbWGSQH8GN_YrcACzK7XQtKd2ewHgBKqgHM-nxhvc_pxPyk_qOn0MGZJtDe8O9Ubvavh6llpBesv3WtS4Dtiu=s4096" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMyhDJhZ0Mo6PldsvWE9IdoS8aGbNaK8JVCMmbwwm95fcvZmyUYd6TkZDxBG7SjT9uqB0Cs_X5Z4O7zawGbrpI-yr-H41mbMDYxVrwbWGSQH8GN_YrcACzK7XQtKd2ewHgBKqgHM-nxhvc_pxPyk_qOn0MGZJtDe8O9Ubvavh6llpBesv3WtS4Dtiu=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Donner Pass Road at the Summit. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As far as equipment news, there were two items I worked on this year. I built a set of tubeless wheels for the Ritchey which allowed me to try 48mm Gravel King tires. The lightness of this tubeless set up is pretty impressive and they performed pretty well although I think 48mm may be a bit of overkill for most of my riding!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxrwjuCqis_4F2QE2szDMKNmefS_VVNZ7_QJVor2EXgV1qXvDqbWVdvVk66bYWcKPb3RqXPVqul0YZcZ_kA1VMdUwVoUn3P7l5wzYvndmwiCYthNQ0iHXSlGpUZj0Mre4JgOBYZcIshk2tCBV5MHpIRiW8FrrFrk_cz_U2k6N6RkU-WfS1D8fkVfMv=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxrwjuCqis_4F2QE2szDMKNmefS_VVNZ7_QJVor2EXgV1qXvDqbWVdvVk66bYWcKPb3RqXPVqul0YZcZ_kA1VMdUwVoUn3P7l5wzYvndmwiCYthNQ0iHXSlGpUZj0Mre4JgOBYZcIshk2tCBV5MHpIRiW8FrrFrk_cz_U2k6N6RkU-WfS1D8fkVfMv=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ritchey with 48's!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The other mod I performed was to change to triple chainrings. This turned out to be quite timely as I really needed the lower midrange when my knee went bad!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfB3CZKtm5x_WwwWiih9NHh_ONxVYGPVjbdHSpMgoOKQzAq9Upk5vriLeOKcUDv9g-fwsgR9vYNBkUNkINKRj5JGxjIdSU0p8aLRKj-IZ6nUC58haHmZMPVazC8HUE6L0zKq-hq0eCiN2lg06pLaVOmgL-2PEfQ5TEqtZqd4Bkl2dCctbQFmjXinMw=s4096" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfB3CZKtm5x_WwwWiih9NHh_ONxVYGPVjbdHSpMgoOKQzAq9Upk5vriLeOKcUDv9g-fwsgR9vYNBkUNkINKRj5JGxjIdSU0p8aLRKj-IZ6nUC58haHmZMPVazC8HUE6L0zKq-hq0eCiN2lg06pLaVOmgL-2PEfQ5TEqtZqd4Bkl2dCctbQFmjXinMw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mercian's triple.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijCDCzBkxMe2MLKoFO3xlEY7tjuH3LZOgnyB1z3vzSzKhXAGRu640dtyxvBpohqe_T5wHNj89NbJGqqeJ_-KqQIHM6N8k4IyQm_5nS9tTF25iwYUVZSWQQmAIkSC4ji1STaXxNfKtwlvd9LXVaSw2BSCYgEzENW6H9lKjyKi3TW3DuAZ4_ivd3IAga=s4096" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijCDCzBkxMe2MLKoFO3xlEY7tjuH3LZOgnyB1z3vzSzKhXAGRu640dtyxvBpohqe_T5wHNj89NbJGqqeJ_-KqQIHM6N8k4IyQm_5nS9tTF25iwYUVZSWQQmAIkSC4ji1STaXxNfKtwlvd9LXVaSw2BSCYgEzENW6H9lKjyKi3TW3DuAZ4_ivd3IAga=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the Ritchey's.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Here's a link to some photos from this year: <a href="https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipNvKzZK03JkgLQkVE5iFFy0UIyUbgTTeU_JqFkQ" target="_blank">2021 Rides</a></p><p>Next year I hope to ride a couple of centuries and also try to get a camping trip in! I haven't decided where the camping will be done yet. I hope my knee holds up!</p>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-13835812467267504522021-06-16T20:21:00.000-07:002021-06-16T20:21:10.271-07:00First Century for 2021, the Three River Ride.<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9wHOhjZQzUmDbyts74TBBANwlNbJJ9UarBpcfj419kJ_Uv2wn8N7jWgtqH5UUJssRzPuzxyUWe35NVd0Zk8Y69U9xZZjWMPIHg04LV6z9qCNg9yQx0t4Idsib3W_qVk3kB7sNMOC8ZA/s2048/IMG_20210615_094212074+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9wHOhjZQzUmDbyts74TBBANwlNbJJ9UarBpcfj419kJ_Uv2wn8N7jWgtqH5UUJssRzPuzxyUWe35NVd0Zk8Y69U9xZZjWMPIHg04LV6z9qCNg9yQx0t4Idsib3W_qVk3kB7sNMOC8ZA/w640-h480/IMG_20210615_094212074+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Feather River.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Time had arrived for me to attempt a Century ride. I've managed a few 100 kilometer rides recently and the weather was forecast to be favorable for an 8 hour jaunt with a high in the lower 90s, so I took the opportunity to go on my annual "3 River's Tour". The rivers being the Feather, the Sacramento and the American Rivers. Here's a screenshot of the actual route:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19jHgjDKjPnAiFEVpBixysmB_visTUd_I2b9GxGOOfzoLI74Zy7RL1pPGF6DYSFmAPwbhtL4WcbkoDpoiMVwHeVFv-GLKNDAcbtwvkUVENdPEhcwR2eN7t1POl31PrZYPsDq62wRjRK0/s1600/3+River+Route.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19jHgjDKjPnAiFEVpBixysmB_visTUd_I2b9GxGOOfzoLI74Zy7RL1pPGF6DYSFmAPwbhtL4WcbkoDpoiMVwHeVFv-GLKNDAcbtwvkUVENdPEhcwR2eN7t1POl31PrZYPsDq62wRjRK0/w640-h360/3+River+Route.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This year, I anticipated I'd have to add a little distance at the start of the ride to compensate for shortening the ride at the end due to recent road work on Auburn Folsom Road. In the event, the road work had been completed so my ride ended up being a little longer that usual! There was a detour off the Garden Highway which added a mile or two to the ride as well!</p><p>The extension I came up with at the start of the ride involved riding up to Sheridan then following Rioso Road and Bear River Drive to Pleasant Grove Road, dropping down to Cornelius Road and entering East Nicolaus there. This had the added benefit of bypassing Nicolaus Road out of Lincoln, which is narrow and can have some traffic.</p><p>The ride was pretty uneventful except for the detour on the Garden Highway. After regaining my planned route I was on the American River Bikeway until reaching Beales Point on Folsom Lake. At that point I got on Auburn Folsom road and braced myself for whatever route change I would face. Happily, the work on A/F road is completed and I was able to follow my traditional route up to King Road then on King to home. Total mileage came to a little over 112 miles, so it was a good effort! </p><p>The Mercian worked well, really no issues, not even any flats. I continue to appreciate the moustache handlebars for long distance riding.</p><p>Here are a few pictures of this year's ride:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvBmn-5mkNvHvmA3JQwSFfLCziH6fz_7i9D9Jg2aMjaHX_tWcw5I9dSfBR1B8Gn2Y9DxYalZiMigLngrKTxF1RNUg_BNcNzmWfv1x7NOWBmOcT4LuV-RyFCeeR5mw8Y2N8wyKAY4T5LU/s4160/IMG_20210615_075421716_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvBmn-5mkNvHvmA3JQwSFfLCziH6fz_7i9D9Jg2aMjaHX_tWcw5I9dSfBR1B8Gn2Y9DxYalZiMigLngrKTxF1RNUg_BNcNzmWfv1x7NOWBmOcT4LuV-RyFCeeR5mw8Y2N8wyKAY4T5LU/w480-h640/IMG_20210615_075421716_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along McCourtney Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiONjjyMhxz-P2N9exg4qNECSdUqETNRA96jfxpX9hDjG-jUn-Eb4IXo1vSqnzAD2D-zTj8eTYHlcV3xKKx3-BcRTrYacYgIzJygahiAQg8b_3OB5hQ8X1Q2HOP_g50wIzji0f-2KpWE/s4160/IMG_20210615_080319840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiONjjyMhxz-P2N9exg4qNECSdUqETNRA96jfxpX9hDjG-jUn-Eb4IXo1vSqnzAD2D-zTj8eTYHlcV3xKKx3-BcRTrYacYgIzJygahiAQg8b_3OB5hQ8X1Q2HOP_g50wIzji0f-2KpWE/w640-h480/IMG_20210615_080319840.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Rioso Road, looking southwest.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiONjjyMhxz-P2N9exg4qNECSdUqETNRA96jfxpX9hDjG-jUn-Eb4IXo1vSqnzAD2D-zTj8eTYHlcV3xKKx3-BcRTrYacYgIzJygahiAQg8b_3OB5hQ8X1Q2HOP_g50wIzji0f-2KpWE/s4160/IMG_20210615_080319840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ2F0PC-h74t2mnWt2YBTkto_OJUzX5rPqjHoXzQu3N8tsCF2cv-FpVGpkoVs8w2vvoQLSekdLKzBVstrjJw4_tx-hYXo3SblMzhqCeKvCftJhCx2RDbVVwP-55BhWM0jEoSWgjUsQdE/s4160/IMG_20210615_091934694.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZ2F0PC-h74t2mnWt2YBTkto_OJUzX5rPqjHoXzQu3N8tsCF2cv-FpVGpkoVs8w2vvoQLSekdLKzBVstrjJw4_tx-hYXo3SblMzhqCeKvCftJhCx2RDbVVwP-55BhWM0jEoSWgjUsQdE/w640-h480/IMG_20210615_091934694.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At sleepy little Nicolaus.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Dk-JxPrpSQurGO5wXUT86AKts-squCpZVItZfMpa0hDvBJ-DranUG_ozuZESp6T-BOYsBED432qy0PIbPOVzUHpGZk6s4Llez7sLCQlkXCcWD97W6lvUUc99m5Tkn_lDZTTS8Ybbqas/s4160/IMG_20210615_094212074.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Dk-JxPrpSQurGO5wXUT86AKts-squCpZVItZfMpa0hDvBJ-DranUG_ozuZESp6T-BOYsBED432qy0PIbPOVzUHpGZk6s4Llez7sLCQlkXCcWD97W6lvUUc99m5Tkn_lDZTTS8Ybbqas/w640-h480/IMG_20210615_094212074.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out on the Feather River on the Garden Highway levee road</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1cnC_B929Sz3124yjHbCJerFNq5SGRorAkNLX4TVq4DhS7KW0Ld4Ao_khdOLlwAibTyVyMh6FPQhbSg9tc4XSy9A3VJThGIz28_O1Ywykr82Bfsfc7ejHDDJkCuZb7l4Ej5g8ePU6-A/s4160/IMG_20210615_102256759.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1cnC_B929Sz3124yjHbCJerFNq5SGRorAkNLX4TVq4DhS7KW0Ld4Ao_khdOLlwAibTyVyMh6FPQhbSg9tc4XSy9A3VJThGIz28_O1Ywykr82Bfsfc7ejHDDJkCuZb7l4Ej5g8ePU6-A/w640-h480/IMG_20210615_102256759.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old riverboat is still there, but the nearby RV Park has closed down.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof8zTeq0AuAzbU9VA2JVYZx0OL2-Aq5a6lVO-Fd81r-HnGVMtx0o_dHyjUAsqfN5xgKkEBFEMdNd1TutbbOgT8S1LeBpj3iXXUiQJDb2mFYUch9cmYBKCrh51PKNqcUlQBsmPe7aFlt4/s4160/IMG_20210615_110123250_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof8zTeq0AuAzbU9VA2JVYZx0OL2-Aq5a6lVO-Fd81r-HnGVMtx0o_dHyjUAsqfN5xgKkEBFEMdNd1TutbbOgT8S1LeBpj3iXXUiQJDb2mFYUch9cmYBKCrh51PKNqcUlQBsmPe7aFlt4/w640-h480/IMG_20210615_110123250_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rest stop at the small park under the I-5 overpass.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC_mkYqdlmhDyQVtw9pAkx3e86WUKF0_-uLMSMj4RPQM-QD4SBHzVjSf9gPp2o6l9NkTcGySqYvb3tbURA5hY3dWkg3hEQYBNx60sEShKmjnK-Ga8i-Alxw0H6_aiZVLB-d_REdoa8I0/s4160/IMG_20210615_111713485.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC_mkYqdlmhDyQVtw9pAkx3e86WUKF0_-uLMSMj4RPQM-QD4SBHzVjSf9gPp2o6l9NkTcGySqYvb3tbURA5hY3dWkg3hEQYBNx60sEShKmjnK-Ga8i-Alxw0H6_aiZVLB-d_REdoa8I0/w480-h640/IMG_20210615_111713485.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortly past the rest stop, the Garden Highway is shut down for road work! The detour took me several miles out of my way!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtM9mpOWoisYhDsnhGIwOIdg2jNBoUTb8daZxi0Q1vrKeud3BabImHMmqMUYTffMPjWaJ6qLkjyD4AqGI9BVL6EnhJOmbZuDIUodBI3knLnA_8cGSgleMzjK_uf8KLAFARGU07_R4kik/s4160/IMG_20210615_154257868.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtM9mpOWoisYhDsnhGIwOIdg2jNBoUTb8daZxi0Q1vrKeud3BabImHMmqMUYTffMPjWaJ6qLkjyD4AqGI9BVL6EnhJOmbZuDIUodBI3knLnA_8cGSgleMzjK_uf8KLAFARGU07_R4kik/w640-h480/IMG_20210615_154257868.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-ride view of my Mercian. No mechanical issues at all this time, not even any flats!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-1768596541966735332021-06-13T08:28:00.001-07:002021-06-13T20:53:34.276-07:00Late, late Spring ride around Camp Far West<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbcgcOwEDWxw-DiNwmqYA3bwDfQMvCVYhCuBBL6eHLmtn6IuyAVeuQ7SXnXNQFQnwZO_OQV8p4JfJqfW858qhNlc2yC2Prct2uJKu_uxEczMzso20fGWuVKyBEfcp0Zy-VZ9SX7pglPc/s4160/IMG_20210609_091803874.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbcgcOwEDWxw-DiNwmqYA3bwDfQMvCVYhCuBBL6eHLmtn6IuyAVeuQ7SXnXNQFQnwZO_OQV8p4JfJqfW858qhNlc2yC2Prct2uJKu_uxEczMzso20fGWuVKyBEfcp0Zy-VZ9SX7pglPc/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_091803874.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pause at Camp Far West Reservoir.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">I decided to try the loop around Camp Far West, taking advantage of an unseasonably cool weather pattern. It was a pretty nice ride with no real issues. Camp Far West Road was not in the greatest condition with heavy washboard on a lot of it. Long Ravine was a little bumpy too. Things smoothed out somewhat on McCourtney and beyond, probably because there tends to be less traffic on those roads.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a repeat of a ride I discovered last year, see: <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2020/07/exploring-roads-north-of-camp-far-west.html" target="_blank">Roads north of Camp Far West.</a> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I adjusted the route just a little.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Not much commentary this time, I'll supply some info in the captions.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLzYlRUBJNTn2uq0HGG4X7EoZLwcunsfoKftBxxRWt9U77CA0NlU0UAlEELTFKMIT4aRxNAgNPchYgiY6rTs3YUJHj6rKOVdXgeKjE4-xVkZqOtGnlutbO7z0n00fHiV3ZKFj8fqGfyM/s4160/IMG_20210609_085215405.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLzYlRUBJNTn2uq0HGG4X7EoZLwcunsfoKftBxxRWt9U77CA0NlU0UAlEELTFKMIT4aRxNAgNPchYgiY6rTs3YUJHj6rKOVdXgeKjE4-xVkZqOtGnlutbO7z0n00fHiV3ZKFj8fqGfyM/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_085215405.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On McCourtney Road, heading to Camp Far West.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW75iepgo7TdoPm0fQDo5P7SQ_k-J4AU2Kl0DVrPQ6FGL6z1Pne1ztRaXojBOHPTndIDjRdrMdr-7bqoGGNxttkeLnmp29Gmdswio2AQ5MGeCfsg3QqbQ3oLBX3irBF5CNaJ085ym_dfY/s4160/IMG_20210609_091801090.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW75iepgo7TdoPm0fQDo5P7SQ_k-J4AU2Kl0DVrPQ6FGL6z1Pne1ztRaXojBOHPTndIDjRdrMdr-7bqoGGNxttkeLnmp29Gmdswio2AQ5MGeCfsg3QqbQ3oLBX3irBF5CNaJ085ym_dfY/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_091801090.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Far West is pretty low this year!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhi1OjAJsS8ocFEnOQHwKClWxtcRHop9fCN0tJmhlipW4bQGECXldibSSb5px-47OOcaDqYVsVeZydo0gf9yZh7meO6rfDb1QqCZURO1PhIW7voHaeWYEFUdFn96osU6lCXbdGtJIt6E/s4160/IMG_20210609_094614903.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhi1OjAJsS8ocFEnOQHwKClWxtcRHop9fCN0tJmhlipW4bQGECXldibSSb5px-47OOcaDqYVsVeZydo0gf9yZh7meO6rfDb1QqCZURO1PhIW7voHaeWYEFUdFn96osU6lCXbdGtJIt6E/w480-h640/IMG_20210609_094614903.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the intersection of Camp Far West Road and Long Ravine Road, looking down Long Ravine Rd.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVTg101FiJ0SUGUDJylJ8tpLgscAq7QIpr9xoWvDOVy2AGy6rtM66R2TwFTiuWC-Y93E9crk76-g8E9nWeWvpqlOPA2McIqTDfZ0dvp1kqrvLswGGKBcFziS994xmN7rBJU2teYapcII/s4160/IMG_20210609_095810633.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVTg101FiJ0SUGUDJylJ8tpLgscAq7QIpr9xoWvDOVy2AGy6rtM66R2TwFTiuWC-Y93E9crk76-g8E9nWeWvpqlOPA2McIqTDfZ0dvp1kqrvLswGGKBcFziS994xmN7rBJU2teYapcII/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_095810633.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Long Ravine Road, the irrigated fields on the right added some greenery.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAH-0cOWuDW9rhsOhlS9gPtQcSZ5b-dY4NJHV927BLZYADw30MkpYRo-u7aJsDRfmCdeBbizA05iETGbN5RLaJa9Gj84v0Z1r2oBPTMxOFaelfIRYyXfUL5beCBsMjrnY1AjpVamQhu8/s4160/IMG_20210609_100538611.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAH-0cOWuDW9rhsOhlS9gPtQcSZ5b-dY4NJHV927BLZYADw30MkpYRo-u7aJsDRfmCdeBbizA05iETGbN5RLaJa9Gj84v0Z1r2oBPTMxOFaelfIRYyXfUL5beCBsMjrnY1AjpVamQhu8/w480-h640/IMG_20210609_100538611.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the junction of Long Ravine Rd. and McCourtney! This end of McCourtney is cut off from the lower, (southern) section by the reservoir.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX35odo8qaHAgVAGD_3lIYdOhvkYMvIDAhNAmEsyWjCFB8Z_03QHlnsy0hgW1g5Zm-7Q0Xcgn_OWzKwdQDFBXo2pfi6jwpN_2sw6Gx9AVMs-gRvenqHcZTtWkdRKXiXgeCBwrGX59Z64/s4160/IMG_20210609_100815230.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX35odo8qaHAgVAGD_3lIYdOhvkYMvIDAhNAmEsyWjCFB8Z_03QHlnsy0hgW1g5Zm-7Q0Xcgn_OWzKwdQDFBXo2pfi6jwpN_2sw6Gx9AVMs-gRvenqHcZTtWkdRKXiXgeCBwrGX59Z64/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_100815230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty solid bridge on this stretch of McCourtney!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUe9HfQGVE3olkSrKpWy1zCa_refiEGp9Bs0derdhwDnLwOEPZrfQr19ls-CxwYTagw-lo-YkcE7AusfKa6cYCpMkBHFXTgSvCZVqXz4m63HXeGog53-86NzZDrxju3ZdCneg4kxEf0k/s4160/IMG_20210609_101135577.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUe9HfQGVE3olkSrKpWy1zCa_refiEGp9Bs0derdhwDnLwOEPZrfQr19ls-CxwYTagw-lo-YkcE7AusfKa6cYCpMkBHFXTgSvCZVqXz4m63HXeGog53-86NzZDrxju3ZdCneg4kxEf0k/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_101135577.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming to the intersection of McCourtney and White Oak Road. McCourtney goes straight but becomes a private road and dead-ends; You need to go left on White Oak.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mw7p64dWZOWmcHX1Dj7I-_Q3SZCVBptosbGgkM0W21h98NeGn3R4chWqXwO5LRWDaqR4ZED05xwxXLxKoyuZY_wJZw9FPxPYvLlSuO9R8Q9manGS9Vfk-wBkP_BrB1vfO99eMeW-o14/s4160/IMG_20210609_101231597.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mw7p64dWZOWmcHX1Dj7I-_Q3SZCVBptosbGgkM0W21h98NeGn3R4chWqXwO5LRWDaqR4ZED05xwxXLxKoyuZY_wJZw9FPxPYvLlSuO9R8Q9manGS9Vfk-wBkP_BrB1vfO99eMeW-o14/w480-h640/IMG_20210609_101231597.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the sign on McCourtney that's on the right side of the picture above. It also has a handy mileage indicator!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9BWsyuS5pSlJSXswnZx25o9XjFBL1jJeL1GPRHEFFNUCPrN2Tz5HVYqMTeUzU38PopTe6M5lbkJdmm8us6DVrCojTsHajirgGj-APU7Uq4QQOsPoMm1SSKecVeE5UsYLY__NlgXmqiI/s4160/IMG_20210609_102138776.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9BWsyuS5pSlJSXswnZx25o9XjFBL1jJeL1GPRHEFFNUCPrN2Tz5HVYqMTeUzU38PopTe6M5lbkJdmm8us6DVrCojTsHajirgGj-APU7Uq4QQOsPoMm1SSKecVeE5UsYLY__NlgXmqiI/w480-h640/IMG_20210609_102138776.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You follow White Oak for a couple of miles until you reach Perimeter Road. At this point, Perimeter is graveled but eventually becomes paved.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdpxiCPHh3HwcteRgNSi9aOvaOEqrh2Y_4bhtpR9F-p-RPVyFYUmvuCI36jRJqhj9RXkmwkMc4S3NRbVXu03fh_5NhgRNG4CIC2aZP79l8R9iQdcF_Rg4kmmHF8F8XztZ03FIXKTgDSQ/s4160/IMG_20210609_104840155.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdpxiCPHh3HwcteRgNSi9aOvaOEqrh2Y_4bhtpR9F-p-RPVyFYUmvuCI36jRJqhj9RXkmwkMc4S3NRbVXu03fh_5NhgRNG4CIC2aZP79l8R9iQdcF_Rg4kmmHF8F8XztZ03FIXKTgDSQ/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_104840155.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from Perimeter Road, looking west.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbuBQifvjBMQ-np0y2SwYcnAjv2hC3GOb3cqOw1uvJSKMs-X_eRtbbuqtpCqJ2rusWyCpuKXnvowbXVoD83CnRZpj3Mf7v_a1ChPTKILsY6fryDpEgMbTZLIqqmzcYuv2T1J-jajkVAc/s4160/IMG_20210609_110908097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbuBQifvjBMQ-np0y2SwYcnAjv2hC3GOb3cqOw1uvJSKMs-X_eRtbbuqtpCqJ2rusWyCpuKXnvowbXVoD83CnRZpj3Mf7v_a1ChPTKILsY6fryDpEgMbTZLIqqmzcYuv2T1J-jajkVAc/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_110908097.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year, I took MacDonald Road off of Perimeter to reach Garden Bar. Here. I'm approaching Cabrera Road, (coming in from the left), which is the route I took last year. In either case, you're on a private drive so you have to be...discreet! </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYARkquShK8KPZxbsRYcL2MDAIYMey56_3TI7Ouj6nvrG8aVs9IGfUBYrADxiLf-DAseUgdvN9JL_xC9aMZtPg64wikupdPsrKxctzkdUMAVjK7wZ22hrxtF0D6JmaV8pABwO3QUH-cU4/s4160/IMG_20210609_111816661.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYARkquShK8KPZxbsRYcL2MDAIYMey56_3TI7Ouj6nvrG8aVs9IGfUBYrADxiLf-DAseUgdvN9JL_xC9aMZtPg64wikupdPsrKxctzkdUMAVjK7wZ22hrxtF0D6JmaV8pABwO3QUH-cU4/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_111816661.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eventually, MacDonald reaches Garden Bar and now the rest of the ride will be on pavement.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Equipment notes:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course I took the Ritchey for this ride. I used my new 650b wheelset, tubeless with 48mm Gravel King tires. I kept these at about 45 lbs pressure and didn't bother to lower the pressure for the gravel. The slick tires performed nicely and I only had them slip on loose stuff maybe once or twice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Having indexed shifting is really a benefit on a ride like this where you encounter conditions that demand concentration on bike handling and not shifting! The old Ultegra bar-ends worked great with the STX rear derailleur! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Really no issues this time. I did miss having a handlebar bag, I may look into getting a front rack and "Rando" style front bag some day.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwZhnjYyidAj4nVqcJk5LAksEsZE8o7RZNiW47laSb6RHz6pRBxFc_yjb8CT-uaRy19CthXviKpzeeADCEwvAdiiKdlncvqkBYEozhqd7faDGN_Tzn3qmXoOZxzPTgFxAz4s3AJoZcT8/s4160/IMG_20210609_132351420.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwZhnjYyidAj4nVqcJk5LAksEsZE8o7RZNiW47laSb6RHz6pRBxFc_yjb8CT-uaRy19CthXviKpzeeADCEwvAdiiKdlncvqkBYEozhqd7faDGN_Tzn3qmXoOZxzPTgFxAz4s3AJoZcT8/w640-h480/IMG_20210609_132351420.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-ride shot of the Ritchey, a little dusty but no worse for wear!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-61833052877619011862021-05-30T11:56:00.000-07:002021-05-30T11:56:05.240-07:00Springtime 2021 and the return of the triple crankset!<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlWtiLTzJ9w_QXChUtNK25a-jdWhnOUVh9WGZz4-4NROSm4D7BQR7__eGoYs3rFRNIrX0WsiRcQIkcEqFkEesSkHPMcMOLind7tDb2hTqzOt6ChsvkcjNIexHsmg4bXotWuIVeZrjZL8/s4096/IMG_20210502_082950530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlWtiLTzJ9w_QXChUtNK25a-jdWhnOUVh9WGZz4-4NROSm4D7BQR7__eGoYs3rFRNIrX0WsiRcQIkcEqFkEesSkHPMcMOLind7tDb2hTqzOt6ChsvkcjNIexHsmg4bXotWuIVeZrjZL8/w640-h480/IMG_20210502_082950530.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shimano DX crankset, circa 1985.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>In the past few years, single chainring cranksets have become <i>de rigueur </i>in mountain buke circles and the pattern has been creeping into the gravel and road biking world as well. In some ways it makes sense; one less derailleur saves some weight and complexity. It does require an enormous rear cassette cog, (some are approaching 50 teeth!), and a specially designed rear mechanism to handle that large cog. </p><p>Of course, in light of these trends, I have moved in the opposite direction and have converted two of my bikes to <i>triple cranks</i>! I have been using compact, wide range doubles over the past several years. These have been fine, but when using this system, I tend to look at it as a 1X plus granny, which necessitates running the chain across all the rear cogs with the large ring, increasing "chain deflection" and possibly reducing chain life.</p><p>I got to thinking, why not add that middle ring and increase the number of gears available while reducing chain deflection? I have several old 110/74 BCD triple cranks laying around and all the necessary chainrings. So I constructed two triples and put them on my Mercian KOM and Ritchey Ascent. The result has been satisfying!</p><p>On the Mercian, I installed a venerable Shimano DX, a very nice quality triple from the '80s. i had the appropriate rear derailleur in the parts bin so I installed that as well, using my SunTour Barcons for shift levers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFeJPcY9XuFvef5oNKRcm2OWROHzKIdroB1LPcaQDdMsAyY43q3tdLo8Dw7Qhq9xJyQ74q8m8gDTfeOsc9WA9ij43wxUeBofInvOuUDljoyaFhbgu3Av2hSx1OJovPsLYhILREwQaUCw/s4096/IMG_20210502_082957564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFeJPcY9XuFvef5oNKRcm2OWROHzKIdroB1LPcaQDdMsAyY43q3tdLo8Dw7Qhq9xJyQ74q8m8gDTfeOsc9WA9ij43wxUeBofInvOuUDljoyaFhbgu3Av2hSx1OJovPsLYhILREwQaUCw/w640-h480/IMG_20210502_082957564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>For the Ritchey, I used a Shimano RSX triple, again from the part bin. I purchased new, (old) derailleurs for it. An RSX triple front and an STX GS rear. To shift these, I kept the Ultegra 8-speed bar end shifters.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHOHsZhhATaOSW8ysGSTDp4V4p6S2MR5iZxgoCh6CMEcR4YyhFnrMNT1N5llVrkZuY4SvyBaO18GY1u6fBNkNwDVkQZfGf8oVAq8dwaCl5mKNCtFryyGARCek7pxbFlLBKpB_d9NDafM/s4096/IMG_20210502_082800244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHOHsZhhATaOSW8ysGSTDp4V4p6S2MR5iZxgoCh6CMEcR4YyhFnrMNT1N5llVrkZuY4SvyBaO18GY1u6fBNkNwDVkQZfGf8oVAq8dwaCl5mKNCtFryyGARCek7pxbFlLBKpB_d9NDafM/w640-h480/IMG_20210502_082800244.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-18359222253035740632021-01-08T20:25:00.018-08:002021-01-11T08:50:57.887-08:00Late season ride on Ponderosa Way and Yankee Jims Road. 2020 year's end review.<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqRQhiK7TNc7rZJqybTndsrEvMwYYb0Kw48-jD-FtpGHd-sbrlBNv9gitLRO9Ht7Knb7jdw4RQUlDAWS9YmVIpsY5TXuyKaYH2R3K5vLUM5V6CKWBxw0FNnH-YqjWhUEMw0uwrg3hx_o/s2048/IMG_20201112_102840231_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqRQhiK7TNc7rZJqybTndsrEvMwYYb0Kw48-jD-FtpGHd-sbrlBNv9gitLRO9Ht7Knb7jdw4RQUlDAWS9YmVIpsY5TXuyKaYH2R3K5vLUM5V6CKWBxw0FNnH-YqjWhUEMw0uwrg3hx_o/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_102840231_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Ponderosa Road Bridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Fall was speeding by and the holiday season was fast approaching. It was time, (11/12/2020) for a last adventure ride before by seasonal training ride routine began.<div><br /></div><div>I decided to take the Ritchey to Ponderosa Way, it would be interesting to see how it handled that rough road.</div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, I started this ride at the old Park and Ride at Colfax, by the site of the old "Dingus McGees". This is a handy jumping off point for both this ride and for Iowa Hill. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW3hsJxLn4-GgGumorWqjYN1UrI1j6DqfxqwxfR_-4vM3Lzinnt7ykXNlCPoNyItUCKaPh0qykkqJZYWufGtXvNk2NZ1vbHXg67bUE9qkI0e3XUxJ9WIyimBC-TmHNGzdWx4027k1qmc/s4096/IMG_20201112_092225704_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW3hsJxLn4-GgGumorWqjYN1UrI1j6DqfxqwxfR_-4vM3Lzinnt7ykXNlCPoNyItUCKaPh0qykkqJZYWufGtXvNk2NZ1vbHXg67bUE9qkI0e3XUxJ9WIyimBC-TmHNGzdWx4027k1qmc/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_092225704_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Colfax Park and Ride<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>For this ride you start by heading west, up to Placer Hills Road. You then follow Placer Hills for a few miles to the Weimar Crossing Road intersection.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJHBFz-pwKQkkA9U83zoh5fAGSL1yq0vTitxsxE0pmbTOD7bIzaP6XfaF4PebsfKrHYK6-yTP6yGIO1L0r7vkIQBcrRToK3Um8uooOKnwCCte_TgVUQWuZ8SIqBW57U40coS-lnOWf3g/s2048/IMG_20201112_095347812.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJHBFz-pwKQkkA9U83zoh5fAGSL1yq0vTitxsxE0pmbTOD7bIzaP6XfaF4PebsfKrHYK6-yTP6yGIO1L0r7vkIQBcrRToK3Um8uooOKnwCCte_TgVUQWuZ8SIqBW57U40coS-lnOWf3g/w480-h640/IMG_20201112_095347812.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Weimar Sign<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Up over a little rise then you descend into the little village of Weimar. From there you are on Ponderosa Way, which you will follow all the way to Foresthill Divide Road. The paved portion of Ponderosa includes a pretty good climb up to the border of the Auburn State Recreational Area. At that point you start a long descent. You eventually come to an open gate that has a sign indicating that the bridge is out! Don't worry, it is closed to vehicular traffic, but pedestrians and bikes are free to use it.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbcyE3W02wySGwOTsCe7UsYWD2Xfsq15sBqaD139JzhSSfrqGrFcbb3xbmqcyRrT_LGBlf6RBkTxhEv67RJnBVOYcCk8C9ChRoXJ3wly8Ojr-wjMPfqR85dEYwLU-Yfolw2TXEG7zQAA/s4096/IMG_20201112_100948310.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbcyE3W02wySGwOTsCe7UsYWD2Xfsq15sBqaD139JzhSSfrqGrFcbb3xbmqcyRrT_LGBlf6RBkTxhEv67RJnBVOYcCk8C9ChRoXJ3wly8Ojr-wjMPfqR85dEYwLU-Yfolw2TXEG7zQAA/w480-h640/IMG_20201112_100948310.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the State Recreation Area.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The road now turns to dirt/gravel and it's condition goes downhill along with the road! This is one of the worst roads I've ridden, lots of ruts and holes. I rode the brakes quite a bit, glad to have the Spyre discs on this ride. The mustache handlebars also give you a nice stable riding position. Generally, I was pretty satisfied with the Ritchey's performance here. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr6WuKS7NvPGPfPu8rnHDxxPqoxv_fVX56iR-QVivl7XWnhecaPEZJUCkfbqCtDaAm_PpWyQRhTHmejCN3d71v20fQWx-MCxAEFevzajpsrU7fep5Moq0UMhLEfWjCw0NcuTnHcwHUWY/s4096/IMG_20201112_102840231_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr6WuKS7NvPGPfPu8rnHDxxPqoxv_fVX56iR-QVivl7XWnhecaPEZJUCkfbqCtDaAm_PpWyQRhTHmejCN3d71v20fQWx-MCxAEFevzajpsrU7fep5Moq0UMhLEfWjCw0NcuTnHcwHUWY/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_102840231_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Ponderosa Bridge, now closed to cars.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After the long, rough descent I came to the bridge over the North Fork of the American River. I don't know what has caused the closure of this bridge, but it does look a little bit shabbier than the bridge at Yankee Jims. In any event, I'm glad it is closed as this reduces the traffic on the road to practically nothing! I did meet one fellow in a Jeep on the other side of the bridge who was wondering if it was okay to park, that was about the extent of the traffic on this weekday!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKM7q5roEGuzNQCuNfEtwFdSEdyMFtf1MObsVJ62zTR-TsUi2O1HGmoDPkpvhqFbh_5RISDm2Gd6PVZeWs1Hk64poG8MMP6Umwujvnidqcne96m-joN2EloPgDn5jLBmjWzpxpCjPitU/s4096/IMG_20201112_102850379.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKM7q5roEGuzNQCuNfEtwFdSEdyMFtf1MObsVJ62zTR-TsUi2O1HGmoDPkpvhqFbh_5RISDm2Gd6PVZeWs1Hk64poG8MMP6Umwujvnidqcne96m-joN2EloPgDn5jLBmjWzpxpCjPitU/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_102850379.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponderosa Bridge over the N. fork of the American River.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It was now time for the long climb to Foresthill Divide Road. This side of the road is in better condition than the north side so climbing wasn't technical at all, just laborious! I was passed by a trail bike, (motorcycle), at one point, that was the extent of the traffic until I reached Foresthill divide Road!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBmic-CGv5Z-KITygVDnLNpCyRFQ929KHzZE-hmdSbHvPwjHEsThOxJgn72EGm1AkNPVNNet9VGDsBT7xue4MM05yTQXffVbumh_LigvftbEId2uFFS4zlAr4AI9be6DipY4wPmIFNg0/s4096/IMG_20201112_105351922.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBmic-CGv5Z-KITygVDnLNpCyRFQ929KHzZE-hmdSbHvPwjHEsThOxJgn72EGm1AkNPVNNet9VGDsBT7xue4MM05yTQXffVbumh_LigvftbEId2uFFS4zlAr4AI9be6DipY4wPmIFNg0/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_105351922.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pausing on the climb up from the Ponderosa Bridge.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After reaching the pavement, the climb continued into Foresthill. There, I stopped at Worton's Grocery Store and ate a snack at their wonderful picnic tables. Then I was off to Yankee Jims Road.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KmmjdF58RDBeuzvf4peVWaVG26VjC41RKsveUJR6ovetecRUQQ3EXiFnrGuE_HKRmqZGNJWplkhdwSsK4iiH5XRcmSVmqtkKnjLROsk2q2AGplrWjci6PG9IW0z08nbdKZM4VVWtsRc/s4096/IMG_20201112_115823272_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KmmjdF58RDBeuzvf4peVWaVG26VjC41RKsveUJR6ovetecRUQQ3EXiFnrGuE_HKRmqZGNJWplkhdwSsK4iiH5XRcmSVmqtkKnjLROsk2q2AGplrWjci6PG9IW0z08nbdKZM4VVWtsRc/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_115823272_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Worton's</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've described Yankee Jims many times in these pages so I won't go into much detail here. Generally the road was okay this year, maybe a little more washboard than I like. At the bottom I hit the corrugated steel plate that forms the road surface of the bridge a little too hard and this caused a pinch flat on my rear tire! This would turn out to be the only mechanical issue of this ride.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7C5ZnC_Qd6aJ8s73yHn6KTUdPYkE2CgKAntyFPVeFZd92Zs4AGU3mlkSUDT609lCw4Nd5N5cOLTi7Ro8KZkFZVRKS2PmB6GH6jKpoSnqcpvfYX7DRl1TGaq035XpdBo_brNha-Q3rxk/s4096/IMG_20201112_123950497_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7C5ZnC_Qd6aJ8s73yHn6KTUdPYkE2CgKAntyFPVeFZd92Zs4AGU3mlkSUDT609lCw4Nd5N5cOLTi7Ro8KZkFZVRKS2PmB6GH6jKpoSnqcpvfYX7DRl1TGaq035XpdBo_brNha-Q3rxk/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_123950497_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom of Yankee Jims Road, note the deflated rear tire!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelMyCXGIXXC9GJnJGTQluYM-WijhXBzT0saZ43dea5CPHRQRKoi0vcUZ-vLl5e4NF52U-bUPOGmgCutXVXXZ8NTHWb45lx-jnNK3gtyHwW9eYZiDurqABMbj8yD9YPtzAXB7ULWVYr-4/s4096/IMG_20201112_125712254_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelMyCXGIXXC9GJnJGTQluYM-WijhXBzT0saZ43dea5CPHRQRKoi0vcUZ-vLl5e4NF52U-bUPOGmgCutXVXXZ8NTHWb45lx-jnNK3gtyHwW9eYZiDurqABMbj8yD9YPtzAXB7ULWVYr-4/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_125712254_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory view back at Yankee Jims Bridge!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The rest of the ride was the usual climb up to Colfax. Nothing unusual here, one or two cars encountered but really, traffic was very light. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although this is a relatively short distance ride, (35 miles), the climbing, (4958 feet in elevation gain), and the road conditions really slow you down. It took me four hours to finish the ride!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTHcn8TWMhfaIXh6E3dY19lZVKN8uxANYJoonElBW4ISuSD7vUlgdFJQnD9owpCp7RdXrq0cCgg9OBY4UFELqhtpK7Gw95VUuk3EAfBJTebhiaEH41RlvEq29yljTrgAnOM1D7sHlIlg/s4096/IMG_20201112_134642297.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTHcn8TWMhfaIXh6E3dY19lZVKN8uxANYJoonElBW4ISuSD7vUlgdFJQnD9owpCp7RdXrq0cCgg9OBY4UFELqhtpK7Gw95VUuk3EAfBJTebhiaEH41RlvEq29yljTrgAnOM1D7sHlIlg/w640-h480/IMG_20201112_134642297.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the ride shot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><b>Equipment notes:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>No mechanical issues outside the flat at Yankee Jims Bridge!</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a good ride to test out the Ritchey Ascent and I was pretty happy with it's performance. Handling-wise, it sort of disappears on the pavement and is pretty stable on the rough stuff. Of course, having the 42mm Gravel King tires and disc brakes goes a long way to inspiring confidence on rough roads. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have set up this bike with indexed, (8-speed) bar end shifters. On rough roads like this, I like having positive shifts without having to adjust shifter position a lot which of course the indexing provides. It's really the only bike I have with indexing but I think that it is appropriate for this style of riding.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, mustache handlebars have once again proven to me that they are perfect for this type of mixed surface riding. They can afford a comfortable aero position on the road and a very stable stance on the rough stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Year's end notes:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Thus ended my last "adventure" ride of 2020. COVID had some impact on my riding this year. I avoided a lot of long rides, only riding one century this year. That one was the flat <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/06/three-rivers-century-ride-2019-edition.html">"Three River Century"</a> I do every year. I also managed a <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2020/07/exploring-roads-north-of-camp-far-west.html">100km ride</a> which included a long stretch of gravel around Camp Far West.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did get a lot of shorter rides in. In fact my cumulative mileage for 2020 was one of my highest, 5,265 miles!</div><div><br /></div><div>Equipment wise, the big item was the Ritchey. Initially I set this bike up with the 650b wheels left over from my Felt. Towards the end of the year I collected the components for a new set of 650b wheels, this time they were to be tubeless. I chose Sun-Ringle Helix rims, Shimano M525A disc hubs and Panaracer Gravel King Slicks, 650X48mm.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the first time I ever tried to set up a tubeless tire system and I was anxious to see how it works. There were a couple of hiccups but I finally was able to get the tires working. I haven't put many miles on these yet, but on the short test rides I've taken the wheels seem quite light, and the ride seems very nice!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8BoFpeB43Z1z0WmymHShvi-Pk2KQeceSpnmBNPzaWGmr6-KnnbfvvS-TyUyBAOSHU75bxynmhMZXLV8_pgGmCcORv-UvkizFUapfrovVC9C8rIhw5926RMfP9gq5GMb8UEcPlfoN0K8/s4096/IMG_20201224_121217998.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8BoFpeB43Z1z0WmymHShvi-Pk2KQeceSpnmBNPzaWGmr6-KnnbfvvS-TyUyBAOSHU75bxynmhMZXLV8_pgGmCcORv-UvkizFUapfrovVC9C8rIhw5926RMfP9gq5GMb8UEcPlfoN0K8/w640-h480/IMG_20201224_121217998.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ritchey's new shoes!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Well, that's a wrap for 2020, good riddance! Looking forward to 2021!</div><div><br /></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-23127386894994205052020-08-16T23:29:00.000-07:002020-08-16T23:29:27.038-07:00Exploring roads north of Camp Far West<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/AVvXsEhW9De3EosH2SEkFELoAUwb21kyDrUXwjtovmLPDcvQ10GajbA-aFC2sqSTIKUUWPgw8T0qtZ0a_U8wYtTOLbhS8Sds3H1T4fU0PEMsm7qxb2-YccPmE9cv_3Puyl8H49nTxmzMh79K8Vg/s1600/IMG_20200610_100332923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9De3EosH2SEkFELoAUwb21kyDrUXwjtovmLPDcvQ10GajbA-aFC2sqSTIKUUWPgw8T0qtZ0a_U8wYtTOLbhS8Sds3H1T4fU0PEMsm7qxb2-YccPmE9cv_3Puyl8H49nTxmzMh79K8Vg/s640/IMG_20200610_100332923.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down Long Ravine Road.</td></tr>
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<br />Having ridden my new Ritchey Ascent on most of my local training circuits, I decided it was time to do some dirt road exploring with it. I wanted to check out a route which would take me from Camp Far West, off McCourtney Road, eastward to eventually connect to Highway 49 just north of Auburn.<div><br />
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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/AVvXsEhWOSNJgi6EZSv6yFOWC0jB9H5VFTsBqCQStgBpcLUCUCf53PLBmB8oDJz_LMWK4ryZGnEeY7vgLClc1tivzWZDuA462NU_VYfTYufzCtnlUHbGO7QrxqvwOoGkVfj4JoBa2teJQeJ_6sY/s1600/IMG_20200610_090820818_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOSNJgi6EZSv6yFOWC0jB9H5VFTsBqCQStgBpcLUCUCf53PLBmB8oDJz_LMWK4ryZGnEeY7vgLClc1tivzWZDuA462NU_VYfTYufzCtnlUHbGO7QrxqvwOoGkVfj4JoBa2teJQeJ_6sY/s640/IMG_20200610_090820818_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along McCourtney Road</td></tr>
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<br />The ride along McCourtney was uneventful, it was a pleasant morning with little wind. But it was starting to warm up! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmehg5y0jMWWD48C4qO57jHxkngZ7xrjDArEBSGphD7sp6jXCDza7-42S-7TUKAssB2sAsjo2o3Mg28yruiqXEmOZuC7TbfXBOfSlowk4_A7dNPiBgm4AA1SvgiK714xEO6-EwOlMDb04/s1600/IMG_20200610_093731351.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmehg5y0jMWWD48C4qO57jHxkngZ7xrjDArEBSGphD7sp6jXCDza7-42S-7TUKAssB2sAsjo2o3Mg28yruiqXEmOZuC7TbfXBOfSlowk4_A7dNPiBgm4AA1SvgiK714xEO6-EwOlMDb04/s640/IMG_20200610_093731351.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Far West Reservoir</td></tr>
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Passing Camp Far West, it looked like the water was quite high. I went up the steep, paved road which goes by the campground entrance and then hit the gravel! The first part of the road was a little chewed up with a fair amount of washboard but the 42mm Gravel Kings handled the rough stuff well. I soon came to the junction of Camp Far West and Long Ravine Roads.<br /><br />
<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/AVvXsEgCS04BLx97xc39GJBoHK12NSJ39xcCNdmb2B-06Br2wTLuGBqvPYIglrAQhRVgLMg_QTUTcIykYFkIqwbKX-vP1n6RwRpssOozsEhLS4CzcI73beatXwFfnOLHHCGjGXTBT8VZGDbRFrY/s1600/IMG_20200610_100315298_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS04BLx97xc39GJBoHK12NSJ39xcCNdmb2B-06Br2wTLuGBqvPYIglrAQhRVgLMg_QTUTcIykYFkIqwbKX-vP1n6RwRpssOozsEhLS4CzcI73beatXwFfnOLHHCGjGXTBT8VZGDbRFrY/s640/IMG_20200610_100315298_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junction of Camp Far West and Long Ravine Roads</td></tr>
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<br />Now I turned east and road down Long Ravine. It was a very good road with just short sections of washboard and practically no traffic!<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeC2ukPnMxlKJCb2-A5NVMXkg5VU2hQOfJZ_BBBWf3rQg6usstsmRSFMiuSdJiHRHBAiQ2Xx_alGgMq_dIpa84TUX5fDveLDllrEKp5bwyTfx2kDhTHgFC-F4xzUk-rOVcY759PPWxfU/s1600/IMG_20200610_100332923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeC2ukPnMxlKJCb2-A5NVMXkg5VU2hQOfJZ_BBBWf3rQg6usstsmRSFMiuSdJiHRHBAiQ2Xx_alGgMq_dIpa84TUX5fDveLDllrEKp5bwyTfx2kDhTHgFC-F4xzUk-rOVcY759PPWxfU/s640/IMG_20200610_100332923.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of Long Ravine Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y4NUjk4XwxBIpv2hJSd1WoNQLa9SjFPmBl7YZmMxaRhSdA1y2g9C_eJtafn1kdPSeA2NXaGKWZH-5gWXZg84Ew8qD3ZPvR20A45YibzGOeMhiL4NssK4q8xGFFupgpDX9fH8VT6cMPQ/s1600/IMG_20200610_101604833.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y4NUjk4XwxBIpv2hJSd1WoNQLa9SjFPmBl7YZmMxaRhSdA1y2g9C_eJtafn1kdPSeA2NXaGKWZH-5gWXZg84Ew8qD3ZPvR20A45YibzGOeMhiL4NssK4q8xGFFupgpDX9fH8VT6cMPQ/s640/IMG_20200610_101604833.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along Long Ravine Road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UJbMD7fBU98sI4PaRr_U_h0W7WpyuljPoGVSVG_MQZ2Mh9Z6xnAX3Wd6SDtYog3JN8lkC-vvH-jfGmZD2P3e-sTfThk1OU4f12wKUSdKKh43hSFsU1L2ehuHgwltGqjzGVBgFLne5tw/s1600/IMG_20200610_101608905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UJbMD7fBU98sI4PaRr_U_h0W7WpyuljPoGVSVG_MQZ2Mh9Z6xnAX3Wd6SDtYog3JN8lkC-vvH-jfGmZD2P3e-sTfThk1OU4f12wKUSdKKh43hSFsU1L2ehuHgwltGqjzGVBgFLne5tw/s640/IMG_20200610_101608905.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Ravine Road.</td></tr>
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<br />Following the main road bearing right I found McCourtney Road again! Apparently a portion which had been cut off by Camp Far West Reservior's construction. (McCourtney actually continues northeast all the way to Grass Valley. That might be an interesting ride for the future!) Continuing right on McCourtney a short distance brings you to to the junction with White Oak Drive and there is a sign here pointing you to the left, onto White Oak Drive.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you follow the road which looks the most traveled, you will go in the right direction! Eventually I came to Perimeter Road which I was to follow for quite a while. Eventually, Perimeter Road turns to pavement, although it is still very lightly traveled.</div><br />I had to decide where to leave Perimeter Road to get over to Highway 49 without too much meandering! I passed MacDonald Road, which looked like a possibility. Passing that I came to Cabrera Road. This road was shown on my Google map as going through to MacDonald, but it was posted as a private road with no outlet! As I stopped there wondering if I should go back to MacDonald, a fellow drove by and I asked him about the road. Turns out he is something of a cyclist himself! He said to go ahead it actually did go through to MacDonald, and, although it is gated, bikes can get through no problem!<div><br /></div><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaH16VGhSAuLaBADn5-S0XG3uaT-4U1ovy2ylge1uJDrICp0e0gIuOfayhocTLHd8zd9CbgACMj3aAvL3UdK97PNds_YmFqG5qQ3H673NQdl1mmyXW8slpucP9ylDkzWrTzu8YXnFkg4/s1600/IMG_20200610_114708222_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaH16VGhSAuLaBADn5-S0XG3uaT-4U1ovy2ylge1uJDrICp0e0gIuOfayhocTLHd8zd9CbgACMj3aAvL3UdK97PNds_YmFqG5qQ3H673NQdl1mmyXW8slpucP9ylDkzWrTzu8YXnFkg4/s640/IMG_20200610_114708222_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Cabrera Road, closed to cars, but bikes are OK I guess, but I recommend taking Macdonald road.</td></tr>
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<br />Well, while this road gets a little small and feels more like a driveway in some spots, you do get to the gate! As you can see in the above photo a cyclist has no problem getting through. After the gate you follow a narrow drive(and past a small pond) and soon you reach MacDonald Road.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv_vFpwakb-rzQkHhrwbe0dIgypftubA2aVZagrlvIWW49tTqPQz5OT7a5hCCm2pDhVcEV_g0NSfP3PrX-BP_lwm1GdzUwtuicG_OVirvzQO7G_9IoaZ7qtxY8mn-7EEePmkLsEUrKVc/s1600/IMG_20200610_115121.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv_vFpwakb-rzQkHhrwbe0dIgypftubA2aVZagrlvIWW49tTqPQz5OT7a5hCCm2pDhVcEV_g0NSfP3PrX-BP_lwm1GdzUwtuicG_OVirvzQO7G_9IoaZ7qtxY8mn-7EEePmkLsEUrKVc/s640/IMG_20200610_115121.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now on MacDonald Road, looking back at where Cabrerra Rd, (right) joins MacDonald.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOg9tADEiYsTHze6E9QgjWnS10zOQV76txvKYY_JVZ7q6-idx6JleZpkfcp8ee6lcnqucyHdKiCHMbWjMwdodJYLanUzWCorHF4fIBxMfHtxSRmxs__NjilKc7aZY5SsAu-ELgyCpGfU/s1600/IMG_20200610_115138.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOg9tADEiYsTHze6E9QgjWnS10zOQV76txvKYY_JVZ7q6-idx6JleZpkfcp8ee6lcnqucyHdKiCHMbWjMwdodJYLanUzWCorHF4fIBxMfHtxSRmxs__NjilKc7aZY5SsAu-ELgyCpGfU/s640/IMG_20200610_115138.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning around on the point where the previous picture was taken, looking down MacDonald.</td></tr>
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All in all, I would recommend just taking MacDonald Road in the future! At the junction with Cabrera, MacDonald Road is dirt with some good climbs. After a mile or so you will come to Garden Bar Road and now the rest of your ride will be on pavement. While stopping at Wolf Road for a snack break I managed to pause my Ride tracking software; not restarting it until I stopped at a Taco Bell in Auburn, so my ride mapping is a little off!<br />
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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/AVvXsEixCLLPnop2LKut5_GhLDJscIveOsa5hQxQmwJU5M6BkcDeRQ9-obYz6StzT0jLvVQnXKcIAYIOKxYbNJqjyo-vMKRCcSO2Euj96gEdJOl_S_4ofYFa1raoiQhbB52EjqXVrnx0cWyL_mA/s1600/Screenshot+%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCLLPnop2LKut5_GhLDJscIveOsa5hQxQmwJU5M6BkcDeRQ9-obYz6StzT0jLvVQnXKcIAYIOKxYbNJqjyo-vMKRCcSO2Euj96gEdJOl_S_4ofYFa1raoiQhbB52EjqXVrnx0cWyL_mA/s640/Screenshot+%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of the ride, note that the Mapper was accidentally paused just before getting on Hwy 49!</td></tr>
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<br />Overall this was a satisfying ride but the total distance on gravel was a little low, I would guess about 12 to 15 miles was on dirt roads. The Ritchey performed well and was excellent on the dirt. I would recommend this ride during the cooler months of the year since there are few facilities between Camp Far West and Auburn.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAiNsLl9KVJMgg1fprqLKfJ3KROSfMguI2XtESTgeZxJqNLYInqiL33IKocRggU9QYFY2BYEvCg0DOFrvcsPgex4XdT2UkfFqLN1yJ6aewRdcj81WRDYreCdYRmhJO3aI24yPm-4jv94/s1600/IMG_20200513_120432562_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAiNsLl9KVJMgg1fprqLKfJ3KROSfMguI2XtESTgeZxJqNLYInqiL33IKocRggU9QYFY2BYEvCg0DOFrvcsPgex4XdT2UkfFqLN1yJ6aewRdcj81WRDYreCdYRmhJO3aI24yPm-4jv94/s640/IMG_20200513_120432562_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No bike photo from this actual ride, but here's the Ritchey it was as pictured but with 2 bottle cages.</td></tr>
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<br /><div><br /></div></div>George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-29840731031006522652020-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:002020-05-18T09:55:23.613-07:00Riding during the COVID 19 shutdown and new bike day!<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/AVvXsEhcirKJIU8PnQ7iEyV2hMHyoOYbpNG9OhNDgiX2kvv5Hp7yHTmMeIrA-aC_rpDPLX4XJrf5ATU1B-LRHxQsrEBt78qTGMM1qlQegHwbqtVImZHlPLf3zAwLWMACmd4_DqX13wwIKfXn8qE/s1600/IMG_20200423_090538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcirKJIU8PnQ7iEyV2hMHyoOYbpNG9OhNDgiX2kvv5Hp7yHTmMeIrA-aC_rpDPLX4XJrf5ATU1B-LRHxQsrEBt78qTGMM1qlQegHwbqtVImZHlPLf3zAwLWMACmd4_DqX13wwIKfXn8qE/s640/IMG_20200423_090538.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at Auburn State Recreational Area in early May.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">COVID and me.</span></b></div>
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While COVID-19 has brought the world to a halt, strangely it's had little effect on a retired guy's riding in California! Even when the Governor issued the Stay At Home order, there were exceptions for solo bicycling which is pretty much all I do. I did restrict my riding to 20 to 30 mile rides through April, but in May I started extending them out a bit. As of the time of this writing, (5/17), my longest ride has been 49 miles.</div>
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Even with these restrictions I've been able to keep my mileage up to 4-500 miles per month for all but December thanks to good riding weather this Spring so I'm on track for at least a normal yearly mileage.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Bike Day!!</b></span></div>
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In the U.S. the Federal Government issued "Stimulus checks" to virtually all citizens, (at least those who had filed taxes in the recent past). In my case, my wife and I each received a $1,200 stipend! What could I possibly do with $1,200 that had to be spent to keep our economy going? </div>
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I had been following a thread on Google Groups iBOB list about a recently discontinued "Allroads" bike by Tom Ritchey, the Ascent. This bike was designed for Quick Release disc brake wheels which probably doomed it in 2016...by then the trend was going to thru-axles. However, I had a set of 650b, Q/R disc wheels left over from my Felt and I had been searching for the right frame. I had been considering the Surly Bridge Club and Midnight Special as well, but the Ritchey is a slightly higher quality frame with lighter tubing and the stack and top tube measurements looked better for my size.</div>
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Best of all, Universal Cycles was closing the Ascents out at $500 off! So I pulled the trigger on a "Large" and it arrived withing 2 days of my order!</div>
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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/AVvXsEgmDu7m9CeKkhICzxXftVWBGbX96z85LaBTt6ovM9HyTMywTkdEHrHjK9lsslnqTB8YmfW7scUHlwXwGmnyw8gayZvs_8Hky0CLULYKvOre4vgQAf_JyTuAYrz013SbBEuq1VxDYDamNsw/s1600/IMG_20200513_120801232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDu7m9CeKkhICzxXftVWBGbX96z85LaBTt6ovM9HyTMywTkdEHrHjK9lsslnqTB8YmfW7scUHlwXwGmnyw8gayZvs_8Hky0CLULYKvOre4vgQAf_JyTuAYrz013SbBEuq1VxDYDamNsw/s640/IMG_20200513_120801232.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New bike day! The Ritchey Ascent.</td></tr>
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I had almost everything I needed to assemble the bike except for handlebars, cabling and bar tape. I opted for mustache style handlebars since I have enjoyed them so much on my Mercian. I have learned that you really should use bar end shifters when running mustache bars and I had a set of Shimano 8-speed shifters in the parts bin. For derailleurs, I used a Shimano RSX double up front. The rear derailleur was a little trickier, as I wanted to use the shifter's indexing. After a few different attempts, I finally found that a long-cage, 9-speed Tiagra, again from the parts bin, worked quite well.<br />
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Inititially, I installed the Tiagra 4700 series compact crank but I wasn't satisfied with the gearing it provided. I finally took the Sugino Messenger crank from my KOM and installed it on this bike. More about the K.O.M. later!<br />
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The Spyre brakes were left over from my Felt. I used some Shimano aero brake levers with them. It's taken a bit of patience to install and adjust these to feel about right to me. The flat mounts provided on this frame are nice and eliminate the need for additional brackets. The rear brake cable takes a really long run of housing! I needed an extra length from the parts to be able to install the front!<br />
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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/AVvXsEgEn2NCujbvv4xi9Hod2AXuAkHaF5dO2AjuWSLybGUbHQ2zF7nKeVajT6MttgeNrDWourmmrXl7hXz4j8EQcwg82e821B-TR21qy1ouNYt31FCmkeuov5ZfGuwNpc8QjYRnaoA1EVHeHUU/s1600/IMG_20200513_120432562_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn2NCujbvv4xi9Hod2AXuAkHaF5dO2AjuWSLybGUbHQ2zF7nKeVajT6MttgeNrDWourmmrXl7hXz4j8EQcwg82e821B-TR21qy1ouNYt31FCmkeuov5ZfGuwNpc8QjYRnaoA1EVHeHUU/s640/IMG_20200513_120432562_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front 3/4 view showing off the Origin 8 Tiki (mustache) handlebars.</td></tr>
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Once everything was assembled I took it out for a test spin around the block. No longer rides initially as I was awaiting the handlebar tape to arrive. Everything felt pretty good, although I had to tweak the brake adjustment a bit.<br />
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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/AVvXsEg08cgcbApjJ0XGa675JnkHATicTRXXpE5nhJjp89bkeE1BO2dHlnGjjiJM26_TIBy366oQ2njGxmpiVyh8x5LDbtpSlSGXbe6SJQH9sgkFnWXF3SEnrMmUwg68IntHtWMyGZEkSYH-auY/s1600/IMG_20200513_120549040_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08cgcbApjJ0XGa675JnkHATicTRXXpE5nhJjp89bkeE1BO2dHlnGjjiJM26_TIBy366oQ2njGxmpiVyh8x5LDbtpSlSGXbe6SJQH9sgkFnWXF3SEnrMmUwg68IntHtWMyGZEkSYH-auY/s640/IMG_20200513_120549040_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look at the rear brake, a TRP Spyre</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/AVvXsEjSIfSsapt6hwS5Vq8haHMXiZYa1yxrz4E6ynSu5h1c0Y6XlNG4fCVurXDUg4XV4h586InZFStdvLJl-lB96lxxVSDtoenD1epJPpsPC9vjDVTMqGinvyFRhO8Zdum__dpYky1O6giWB2k/s1600/IMG_20200513_120556302_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIfSsapt6hwS5Vq8haHMXiZYa1yxrz4E6ynSu5h1c0Y6XlNG4fCVurXDUg4XV4h586InZFStdvLJl-lB96lxxVSDtoenD1epJPpsPC9vjDVTMqGinvyFRhO8Zdum__dpYky1O6giWB2k/s640/IMG_20200513_120556302_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and a look at the front.</td></tr>
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Finally, the tape was installed and it was time for a real ride! I planned to do a short 20 mile hop over to Lincoln. Everything was going so well that once in Lincoln I decided to press on to Chamberlain Road to get a taste of gravel with this bike. That went quite well so I continued into the foothills via Wise Road. The ride ended up being 39 miles with no problems. The bike handled quite well after I got used to the feel of the 42mm Gravel King tires again! That takes a little getting used to but once you are, then they are a lot of fun!<br />
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The only complaint I have about this bike is the (to me) excessive amount of seatpost that is exposed with this compact style frame. It is a "Large", so the stack and reach are okay, but I feel the seat post is a little short, (for aesthetic reasons only). Had I gone with an "Extra-Large", the top tube would have been a bit long and I would have required a very short stem, (and have only gained 2.5 cm's of seat tube). I suppose this is just a question of style, as the feel of the bike is just fine.<br />
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One final comment, I did not even touch the steerer tube of this frameset. You can see in the pictures that there is about a centimeter of steerer above the stem! I'll just leave that alone.<br />
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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/AVvXsEjquiH0rmQfMnUt-iGQf1ZoDmnTYNZGxN1h7Vq-Dx6-PavAwoLZ68qW6jwmv90SzIiqRojgynlt0-UF9j5TbGZSoe4uhjLzWDuMIiB3oXUGNh-3IdK5fCPDbm8EMIxMA-t9OeMqCM3ZlbI/s1600/IMG_20200513_082130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquiH0rmQfMnUt-iGQf1ZoDmnTYNZGxN1h7Vq-Dx6-PavAwoLZ68qW6jwmv90SzIiqRojgynlt0-UF9j5TbGZSoe4uhjLzWDuMIiB3oXUGNh-3IdK5fCPDbm8EMIxMA-t9OeMqCM3ZlbI/s640/IMG_20200513_082130.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-maiden ride shot. </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A new Crankset for the Mercian K.O.M.</span></b><br />
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I mentioned that I had installed the Messenger crank onto the Ritchey. Lest you think that I've left the Mercian hanging there without a crankset, here is an update!<br />
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Some time ago I had found an 86mm BCD crankset on eBay, a Stronglight 80. I have been interested in the 86mm BCD pattern since reading an article in "Cyclist" magazine in the mid 80s! Here's the article: <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/02/cyclist-magazine-tourlines-take-on.html">Cyclist magazine tourlines</a><br />
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The crank came with 42/52 chainwheels but I eventually found some NOS chainwheels on 30/46. Later I also found a 28 that I'm saving. I'll want to try 28/44 for loaded touring sometime.<br />
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With the Messenger crank now on the Ritchey, I was able to install my Stronglight on the Mercian. The one catch with this crankset is that you really should use a bottom bracket with an ISO style taper which is a little different from the standard you find on the ubiquitous Shimano UN range of BB's. I did find a nice unit, (another Origin 8 product!) and used it. The BB didn't want to fit into my frame's shell initially. It had two raised ridges on the dust cover that fits between the cartridge bearings. Well, that was weird, I filed the ridges down until they cleared the shell. I don't know why they are even there!<br />
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Anyway, the crank is now installed and looks great! I took the bike out for a ride and the gearing is quite good for day riding, although I may want to go lower gears when camping.<br />
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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/AVvXsEjCR7_IJEUKuAO95oGs0r24Au2B0ls5oJuB4DaJwMPAkRDla-Pd0FV0wj7W7dwtVlt5umXwaDh75UIPiE2MO1gt-2ohzlQYZTBnLWzOpiLiDEbyFsEj325IQP0WNYeUN9d84QYM0iwC0sY/s1600/IMG_20200512_171516930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR7_IJEUKuAO95oGs0r24Au2B0ls5oJuB4DaJwMPAkRDla-Pd0FV0wj7W7dwtVlt5umXwaDh75UIPiE2MO1gt-2ohzlQYZTBnLWzOpiLiDEbyFsEj325IQP0WNYeUN9d84QYM0iwC0sY/s640/IMG_20200512_171516930.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stronglight 80, finally installed.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Refreshing the older Mercians.</span></b><br />
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Since my Ritchey will now be my 650b bike, I decided to revert my older Mercian Olympic/Classic to 700c. This entailed swapping wheels of course and swapping brakes; I returned the Campy Nouvo Record sidepulls to service. Since I had been swapping cranksets all around, I also changed the crank on the Olympic back to the Velo Orange compact 110mm BCD crank for no particular reason!<br />
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I took this bike out for a longer ride the other day. It seemed kind of sluggish. By the time I got to Lincoln I thought I had a flat tire it was so slow! I pulled over to inspect the wheel. It turned out that the rear wheel had slipped,(horizontal dropouts!), and the tire had been rubbing against the chainstay! I would guess this had been the case for at least 5 miles!<br />
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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/AVvXsEgaotMTi9nXW7ufjtUTtMqWmTNua54JQRFzXQV8ZDYijEPzOAFfwrL0itef2dOk1bG_bk2XqqhB-eVeII7Jqq77MPWHPQScimLL_2wVwP8OAREZy9fRaDKQCDEeOFvroYxFmR3JlRgXDB0/s1600/IMG_20200518_094146124_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaotMTi9nXW7ufjtUTtMqWmTNua54JQRFzXQV8ZDYijEPzOAFfwrL0itef2dOk1bG_bk2XqqhB-eVeII7Jqq77MPWHPQScimLL_2wVwP8OAREZy9fRaDKQCDEeOFvroYxFmR3JlRgXDB0/s640/IMG_20200518_094146124_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The '80 Mercian with 700c wheels again.</td></tr>
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After adjusting the wheel and tightening the Q/R, the bike felt like a rocket!<br />
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Finally, in order to make room for the Ritchey, I had to get rid of a bike. I sold the Nishiki as a frame and transferred the fixed gear equipment over to the '82 Mercian since I still wanted a fixed gear bike available.<br />
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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/AVvXsEhRX_NNMibJl_8w8jE0OyWa3n3vRzPPEh7XPSCr_FZvlK73V0hxUDJkHX2gt2OiNjNNrROr-_zIgPZywKe_Yddb2aVWAge9cD47sSu_y6vpvceQZelSKxB_RRkyiPjoyPQe9e3fjPqTTJU/s1600/IMG_20200518_094355132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX_NNMibJl_8w8jE0OyWa3n3vRzPPEh7XPSCr_FZvlK73V0hxUDJkHX2gt2OiNjNNrROr-_zIgPZywKe_Yddb2aVWAge9cD47sSu_y6vpvceQZelSKxB_RRkyiPjoyPQe9e3fjPqTTJU/s640/IMG_20200518_094355132.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The '82 Classic in fixed gear mode.</td></tr>
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<br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-7968174662133607742020-01-01T18:58:00.004-08:002020-01-01T18:58:48.694-08:002019 year end review and this Winter's projects.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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/AVvXsEj-czLF2EJ5XgDqqZBGnxyVozq2abN-eJn2ofYAHiV1X2TvJM2WoWz0jm-v3khPSksYZKl3DOH0RwLgkRfxDlflvIA1XejEAMi0fWeeoUybaSkSs_rIfPK76GYFsHNJaxPHFgm1ji_wAM8/s1600/SAM_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-czLF2EJ5XgDqqZBGnxyVozq2abN-eJn2ofYAHiV1X2TvJM2WoWz0jm-v3khPSksYZKl3DOH0RwLgkRfxDlflvIA1XejEAMi0fWeeoUybaSkSs_rIfPK76GYFsHNJaxPHFgm1ji_wAM8/s640/SAM_1784.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Olmstead Point, Yosemite NP.</td></tr>
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<b>The year in review:</b><br />
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<span id="goog_698279827"></span>Another year has come and gone! 2019 was a pretty successful year for me, (by my modest standards)! The highlight of this year's riding was my <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/10/high-sierra-tour-of-2019.html">High Sierra tour</a>, which included climbs of Tioga and Sonora Passes. Other interesting rides included a couple of gravel road adventures <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/06/camp-far-west-road-and-beyond.html"> Camp Far West and beyond</a> , <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/07/loon-lake-bikehike.html">Loon Lake bikehike</a>, and the my two century rides, <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/06/three-rivers-century-ride-2019-edition.html">Three rivers century. </a>, <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-foothill-century-2019-edition.html">Foothill century</a>. This year, I added Foresthill and Yankee Jims Road to my foothill route which made it pretty challenging.<br />
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Another significant, (to me), accomplishment was my total yearly mileage which topped 5,000 miles this year!<br />
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So it was a pretty good riding year.<br />
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<b>Winter Projects:</b><br />
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<b>K.O.M. conversion to mustache bars is finalized.</b><br />
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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/AVvXsEh8MjtWDDYwY4EJw-GNsBhni2O4jRo8Fx5_vLrnSNpaBjbVuEpMeajtV1B5JDCLNOrWSWFWmbt4WiciE5Zuy60WOwuzRkkQfodC7QvOHFN4WaIOn_NA4aHop-yAaEWVsziIHHtEtGs6NTw/s1600/IMG_20200101_103317120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MjtWDDYwY4EJw-GNsBhni2O4jRo8Fx5_vLrnSNpaBjbVuEpMeajtV1B5JDCLNOrWSWFWmbt4WiciE5Zuy60WOwuzRkkQfodC7QvOHFN4WaIOn_NA4aHop-yAaEWVsziIHHtEtGs6NTw/s640/IMG_20200101_103317120.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercian with Mustache Bars </td></tr>
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Winter is the time for maintenance. With the KOM Mercian, I decided to commit completely to the mustache handlebar installation. I trimmed down the brake cables to a better fit, (they had been left unchanged from the drop bar configuration). I also installed my old but relatively lightly used SunTour Barcons, handlebar-end shifters. These are basically friction shifters, but have a light ratcheting action which is useful when trimming the derailleurs. Handlebar mounted shifters are generally preferred for mustache bars for ease of access. A new tape job, in black this year, finished off the package.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-0v1syLwsrazmOVbEb1hO3VoQlP6ZWWNAohVpD7tWsNwAVdRdQIXCLqePo2K0yK1_e2-21MxFq77Gjjr-R8eZFcDOqmRkQ3N3_C45ljxrEXdfM_VIPv6NT3XVJtu6rlDkyz8BrNq1X0/s1600/IMG_20200101_103036990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-0v1syLwsrazmOVbEb1hO3VoQlP6ZWWNAohVpD7tWsNwAVdRdQIXCLqePo2K0yK1_e2-21MxFq77Gjjr-R8eZFcDOqmRkQ3N3_C45ljxrEXdfM_VIPv6NT3XVJtu6rlDkyz8BrNq1X0/s640/IMG_20200101_103036990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The barcons did require the cable housing to hang in front of the handlebars so I removed my handlebar bag and rack, replacing them with my Carradice Pendle saddlebag. This combo rides quite nicely but I rather miss the convenience of a handlebar bag. I may have to revisit this at a later date.<br />
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With these installed, I've pretty much committed myself to the mustache bar configuration.<br />
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Finally, I replaced the SKS Longboard fenders with SKS Bluemel "Commuter" fenders which come in a 53mm width. I've liked the wider fenders on my 650b conversion so these seemed like a good idea. Like all SKS fenders these went on without drama, although I did shave off a bit on the front fender to clear the fork blades.<br />
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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/AVvXsEiMhuznZ6Zskm9XVzTLPPfRLx5KeBMC3i9kQxyt-CIwGRvvaMSNIzoUgr90r3j_54TUwicNK4TN0keKOV4qKzKD6RLmYYSLwwCzfbTTA000DpqaiW8sNxa2byLtO8c4m46rn1zwKOY0X7w/s1600/IMG_20200101_103341031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhuznZ6Zskm9XVzTLPPfRLx5KeBMC3i9kQxyt-CIwGRvvaMSNIzoUgr90r3j_54TUwicNK4TN0keKOV4qKzKD6RLmYYSLwwCzfbTTA000DpqaiW8sNxa2byLtO8c4m46rn1zwKOY0X7w/s640/IMG_20200101_103341031.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a bit shaved off to clear the fork to allow the fender to spread with no bending.</td></tr>
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<b>Front bag for the fixed gear:</b><br />
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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/AVvXsEgZu62Lc2CEC2p7p-1PcOJMU1wl8ds0VxoMu2O1Erhcv8ARygkX2W1nxlvq2XWmvw9F7wwM0EG5Nl5isl8T_hCJs9aEURuoQqn_dkvB22SpYeIYrU9AdYAGjwEiEZr-hH0VhIptJ-AdjGo/s1600/IMG_20200101_103746209_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu62Lc2CEC2p7p-1PcOJMU1wl8ds0VxoMu2O1Erhcv8ARygkX2W1nxlvq2XWmvw9F7wwM0EG5Nl5isl8T_hCJs9aEURuoQqn_dkvB22SpYeIYrU9AdYAGjwEiEZr-hH0VhIptJ-AdjGo/s400/IMG_20200101_103746209_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old Blackburn front rack on the Nishiki.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the front bag which was formerly mounted on the KOM now languishing, I decided to mount it on my Nishiki International fixie. To do this I used my very old Jim Blackburn front rack which needed a little twisting to get set on the bike. Now I've got a little more capacity for my fixed gear rides.<br />
<br />
<b>650b Mercian updates:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Just a few minor changes were made to my 650b Mercian conversion. I replaced the Campagnolo brake levers with nearly identical SunTour Superbe levers. Mostly I wanted to protect the old Campy levers from possible damage as the Superbes are little less valuable. I also felt funny about mixing Italian levers with Asian brakes. Silly, I know.<br />
<br />
Actually, the quality of the SunTour levers seem just as high as the Campagnolo.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEj3kt8pIirNoIGChuGtEg2MJA-tVBf6ZaBoJ6ftSo4ZbjNO84j3v-XRDqvW-C2FH9ead95QUxPQJ7AgeF6TLjYga0cORP3LqIretT0Znv_6L9jPIRWO_KJDJQZqefoxG_K6VHVmvmeZ-3Q/s1600/IMG_20200101_103526801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kt8pIirNoIGChuGtEg2MJA-tVBf6ZaBoJ6ftSo4ZbjNO84j3v-XRDqvW-C2FH9ead95QUxPQJ7AgeF6TLjYga0cORP3LqIretT0Znv_6L9jPIRWO_KJDJQZqefoxG_K6VHVmvmeZ-3Q/s640/IMG_20200101_103526801.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Superbe Levers on the Mercian.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One final equipment note; this year I've tried some new pedals, "two-way" Shimano PD-EH500 pedals. These offer a platform surface on one side, and a SPD interface on the other. I wanted to experiment with platform to give my feet the chance to move around. I've found that I can get some foot pain when I keep feet in a fixed spot for an extended period of time.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjZcq7PxVg8_om2akxG8gcd6hznWbe3qEmNAXA1F0jm5d5Qj025uDvQfQdrBHIgCtzqyEnPINRRSoOfu2Eq3AnsIkdNGL6cZzlidRospxNXzeVrhgzVV1YUySIqHME70Q2SN-DfxnemVQ8/s1600/IMG_20200101_103537635_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcq7PxVg8_om2akxG8gcd6hznWbe3qEmNAXA1F0jm5d5Qj025uDvQfQdrBHIgCtzqyEnPINRRSoOfu2Eq3AnsIkdNGL6cZzlidRospxNXzeVrhgzVV1YUySIqHME70Q2SN-DfxnemVQ8/s640/IMG_20200101_103537635_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shimano PD-EH500 two way pedals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I actually used these on my KOM during my Sierra tour. They worked well. The only negative I have found is that ground clearance is a little restricted when using the SPD side; the platform hangs a little lower and I did experience a pedal strike once when cornering while using the SPD side.<br />
<br />
<b>A new home for my bikes!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My youngest son recently returned to the West Coast and is currently staying with us. He is currently between jobs ans so was looking for something to do. We had mentioned that we wanted to have a shed set up to provide a storage site for my bikes. He jumped at this chance. He designed the shed using a CAD program he owned. We supplied the materials and bought some of the tools he needed. We agreed to pay him the same amount that we were going to pay for a store-bought shed, less the costs of the materials and tools.<br />
<br />
It took a few weeks and we had to help here and there but generally, the shed was his product and it came out pretty nicely. I now have all of my bikes hanging, along with Shelly's. Also a couple of the grandkid's bikes are thrown in, along with our Christmas decoration storage boxes.<br />
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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/AVvXsEiKDI-z08ahWJU4Ay_PsHqaacyPsypWP4On1NadKRpUCp_dytWBG9zOEIArbjbMIA7QWaHvcxijwStKqiIuAzeU309OvScWtW_1v5uc0w-FaNU8EuB0lI71vPvs7LpV_ksqFGtU5B9BjFo/s1600/IMG_20191229_152740346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDI-z08ahWJU4Ay_PsHqaacyPsypWP4On1NadKRpUCp_dytWBG9zOEIArbjbMIA7QWaHvcxijwStKqiIuAzeU309OvScWtW_1v5uc0w-FaNU8EuB0lI71vPvs7LpV_ksqFGtU5B9BjFo/s640/IMG_20191229_152740346.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new bike shed!</td></tr>
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With the new year upon me, I have to plan my riding, I managed to avoid Iowa Hill in 2019, something I'll have to remedy in 2020. I want to do more overnight tours, I'm not sure where to at this time. As for equipment, I'd still like to get some sort of disc braked gravel bike frame, but I don't have any room left in the shed!<br />
<br />
<br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-34123679033115543112019-10-05T07:41:00.006-07:002021-05-30T16:24:11.165-07:00High Sierra tour of 2019<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/AVvXsEjH61Eg5fEhpqsVeDjODpSsIC__Uk7_yPslERTBfh6PCW_Uih1aOsm2ya-TrmHR2zANPWTp6cnkv5mQoNrrjg7ZXpzdh5gMBVIqoo4OcoIhAdzT28CVQ3q6P7sqBizFYGBMXlga4UCXe90/s1600/IMG_20190920_104730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH61Eg5fEhpqsVeDjODpSsIC__Uk7_yPslERTBfh6PCW_Uih1aOsm2ya-TrmHR2zANPWTp6cnkv5mQoNrrjg7ZXpzdh5gMBVIqoo4OcoIhAdzT28CVQ3q6P7sqBizFYGBMXlga4UCXe90/s640/IMG_20190920_104730.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Highway 120 to Tioga Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like to plan multi-day bicycle trips for the Fall. It's been a while but I had a hankering for trip so I decided to ride over Tioga Pass, one of the High Sierra passes I hadn't yet ridden. Looking over the map it seemed that I could combine riding Highway 120 through Yosemite with an overnight stay in Sonora, followed by a climb over Sonora Pass on Highway 108. On paper, it looked like I could do it in two days.<br />
<br />
I booked a room in Sonora and planned to have a camp site on Hwy 120 below Tioga Pass for three nights. This would allow me to leave my truck there while I made the ride. The weather proved to be a little dodgy, I had to put everything off one day due to an early season storm system passing through Northern California and brushing the Yosemite area. Watching the weather forecasts proved to be a nerve-wracking experience because it seemed like the only bad weather was to occur around the time of my planned trip!<br />
<br />
Anyway, the day arrived and I made the long trip to Lee Vining and found a great campsite at Lower Lee Vining Campground, a USFS campground on Highway 120, about 12 miles below the summit of Tioga Pass. I set up a tent and had dinner and looked around the campground. This is a nice site, although it is a "dry" one, you have to bring your own water to this campground.<br />
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That night I watched a movie on my tablet, ("Air Strike" a Chinese movie with Bruce Willis, if you aren't interested in Chinese air warfare in the early days of WWII, don't bother!), then went to sleep.<br />
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The next morning I hit the road at around 7:30, starting the long grind up to Tioga Summit. At first, things were pretty routine, just a long slog up the grade. It gradually became a little breezy, then downright windy. As I approached a gap in the mountains approaching Ellery Lake the wind gusts and grade combined to make things downright difficult! At one point on a steep curve a gust hit me in just a way that I was moved into the gravel shoulder and the next thing I flopped over to the ground! Well, that was interesting! I got up and back on the bike and the wind seemed to relent a bit. Soon I was on a slightly less steep section and things got back to normal.<br />
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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/AVvXsEjvVc2weAL-q3OrPf8IMKjSOeaKxubEJ0EnOy2vbs_BF50IWuDVeEIEdUxv0pQtnA19M_s5BPIpRBDHkyo4JnUBNkOyeSVFkx2CFLcwwSiwKeandNJW1hreVxFHc9_SkY6A3sI2tL3bh8s/s1600/SAM_1776.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVc2weAL-q3OrPf8IMKjSOeaKxubEJ0EnOy2vbs_BF50IWuDVeEIEdUxv0pQtnA19M_s5BPIpRBDHkyo4JnUBNkOyeSVFkx2CFLcwwSiwKeandNJW1hreVxFHc9_SkY6A3sI2tL3bh8s/s640/SAM_1776.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way up Tioga Pass on Hwy 120.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby1j19O1nZNqYTI-YMy9-a0ksR8j4y39VH1juZH5fqMjWoIblliE_XOHpvmGcFYunmfiO59_cuKZPad7o5EhRYdvAEd_qOyHganohNl56_cE_8tecPvOIpBYfsygglmQFY-M3OSaMOnY/s1600/SAM_1777.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby1j19O1nZNqYTI-YMy9-a0ksR8j4y39VH1juZH5fqMjWoIblliE_XOHpvmGcFYunmfiO59_cuKZPad7o5EhRYdvAEd_qOyHganohNl56_cE_8tecPvOIpBYfsygglmQFY-M3OSaMOnY/s640/SAM_1777.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Ellery Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It wasn't long after Ellery Lake that I reached the Park entrance and Tioga Summit, (9945 ft.). It's too bad they don't have a nice summit marker there, just the entrance kiosk...<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE02ywCyZzeFRu3NtUy1pmydV6DcsB3ZDoDTWxaoQnvx8SKbtIx_uJQ_AFXOf8RVC2QApnsQeYTONSNlL8jDzPFaDWmBMCanOGMXXVrswHbA3S24nGVSXTbROyxtgvvfo7tsS5WF3pO-c/s1600/IMG_20190918_092328.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE02ywCyZzeFRu3NtUy1pmydV6DcsB3ZDoDTWxaoQnvx8SKbtIx_uJQ_AFXOf8RVC2QApnsQeYTONSNlL8jDzPFaDWmBMCanOGMXXVrswHbA3S24nGVSXTbROyxtgvvfo7tsS5WF3pO-c/s640/IMG_20190918_092328.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it! At the Park entrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I biked through the northern half of Yosemite NP. Lots of interesting scenery. Being Fall, the traffic wasn't too troublesome, but there was definitely a good number of people about.<br />
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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/AVvXsEjTrF5q_qqZcfI2Df5N1cXQNbrID0a5mbSs_r7qrvy9r89JwGAtWOhR6-8TgDVu8BngsNYW2JlUMeqC45x8jfAk91XE-8RQbqI7sp989tWU9SG8uqfEdwqI7_gUDDhQe5L1d8RNpgkO7KI/s1600/SAM_1779.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrF5q_qqZcfI2Df5N1cXQNbrID0a5mbSs_r7qrvy9r89JwGAtWOhR6-8TgDVu8BngsNYW2JlUMeqC45x8jfAk91XE-8RQbqI7sp989tWU9SG8uqfEdwqI7_gUDDhQe5L1d8RNpgkO7KI/s640/SAM_1779.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along 120 in the Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I paused at Olmstead Point to take in the extraordinary view...in the distance you could see the back side of Half Dome.<br />
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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/AVvXsEh2tDASmr39w6qVruRRaXQBDngSRbclxXy-GmnQyU_L-IyqACk0AQCGBamJhaNt5rUjf8h1QB4F1IZek8MFdBa46kGj4NvwmyaoMeeYrMWCkXqE_H2RMkbSUU_jCAbWnP3ThrusP2hTwn8/s1600/SAM_1784.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tDASmr39w6qVruRRaXQBDngSRbclxXy-GmnQyU_L-IyqACk0AQCGBamJhaNt5rUjf8h1QB4F1IZek8MFdBa46kGj4NvwmyaoMeeYrMWCkXqE_H2RMkbSUU_jCAbWnP3ThrusP2hTwn8/s640/SAM_1784.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mercian at Olmstead Point; that's Half Dome in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then it was just a ride in the park! But this park consisted of a continuous series of tough climbs and swift descents. I could see this would be a tough ride in either direction! I had considered making my return ride from Sonora back through the Park but I now rejected that plan because it seemed like it would be simply too hard a ride!<br />
<br />
I eventually left the Park and continued on Hwy 120, finally reaching Groveland after 4:00 pm, man, this was taking a long time!<br />
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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/AVvXsEizAeewKgLLz5rXGjm8rWo_MmJQG7kiXC5AeJQ12RIxAeqHhLxF12tzrMT5krtu0pqlaZcI5QDc_8GC1F9m7mbnMtMl7TUg0OfXFGCgjjZ3_cA7pbrCoTRZtsvU0uA9nGCQZsIa6AF-nNY/s1600/IMG_20190918_162251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAeewKgLLz5rXGjm8rWo_MmJQG7kiXC5AeJQ12RIxAeqHhLxF12tzrMT5krtu0pqlaZcI5QDc_8GC1F9m7mbnMtMl7TUg0OfXFGCgjjZ3_cA7pbrCoTRZtsvU0uA9nGCQZsIa6AF-nNY/s640/IMG_20190918_162251.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, Groveland!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The climb out of Groveland was rewarded with the impressive view from the top of Old Priest Road. Old Priest road, in the picture below, is the narrow and steep road on the left, while the modern road is on the right. I took the modern road and it was hoot! I was lucky to hit it when there was virtually no traffic so I was able to really hit the downhill with gusto! The Mercian was handling very well with the saddlebag/handlebar bag combination so I was able to let it go. MapMyRide indicated a top speed of 45mph on this stretch.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEiEKDSZo2WBqFQD1bskPkp1emf0UL1jPmrQMQeescV0x8tTUkOs3GT8-GoeefzrdasZ7A016sW3TSh6r5HkLB_KqN8cPelQ9vZdtVj229yE-wkAXHMGVfHxd05uO-Kg9LH08VWE7XrMpYw/s1600/SAM_1785a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKDSZo2WBqFQD1bskPkp1emf0UL1jPmrQMQeescV0x8tTUkOs3GT8-GoeefzrdasZ7A016sW3TSh6r5HkLB_KqN8cPelQ9vZdtVj229yE-wkAXHMGVfHxd05uO-Kg9LH08VWE7XrMpYw/s640/SAM_1785a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Past Groveland is Priest Summit. Old Priest Road is on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, all good things must come to an end and so did this descent, at Moccasin. After that it was a gentle climb to a cutoff on Jacksonville Road which took me to Jamestown. This was a tedious climbing stretch but it cut off quite a few miles from taking the Hwy 120 route. I finally reached my hotel in Sonora as it was getting quite dark! It had been a long day, 12 hours and 122 miles! That night I found I had very little appetite which was a little worrying, but I forced myself to eat some dinner and have a pint of Sierra Nevada; <i>that</i> I could do!<br />
<br />
The next morning I had breakfast and headed out. The nice thing about the hotel I chose was that it was on the east side of Sonora so it was easy to get out of town and onto Highway 108, the road up Sonora Pass. I had no illusions about this day's ride; it would be a lot of hard climbing. The only other time I had climbed Sonora Pass, I had stayed the night in a cabin at Dardanelle and had a relatively short ride to the hard part. This time I would have to do a lot more climbing.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZPZEY0ICCpH4ibaWMjDoGn64uaBfuZapkO3AAvqt7RuoQOgCJZZWDmwaVOtHoUgC8Ss1GzVXxPnTnXKTqPKe3agQqtobM1pFgwjIF7m3S_jWCtwDEvg64EWAGyjyQ4dLCYnDtXS7q-Q/s1600/SAM_1791.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZPZEY0ICCpH4ibaWMjDoGn64uaBfuZapkO3AAvqt7RuoQOgCJZZWDmwaVOtHoUgC8Ss1GzVXxPnTnXKTqPKe3agQqtobM1pFgwjIF7m3S_jWCtwDEvg64EWAGyjyQ4dLCYnDtXS7q-Q/s640/SAM_1791.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Highway 108 to Sonora Pass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a tough ride but in many respects, I preferred riding 108 to riding through Yosemite. Generally the road was in better condition and seemed to have more shoulders. It was also much less traveled, traffic was way less. The scenery is still very beautiful although at Dardanelle a fire had destroyed the cabins I had stayed at last time, that was sad to see.<br />
<br />
Past Dardanelle things started to get tough. Approaching the "gates", a gap in the rock that the road goes through, the grade approaches 26 percent! At one point I stopped to catch my breath. Upon starting again, my front wheel swerved and I caught it with my toe! Down I went. This section was so steep that I had to push the bike a few yards before I could even try to mount it. I went down one more time during this ride but fortunately all this mishaps occurred while climbing, so I was going quite slow with no damage to me or my bike!<br />
<br />
The grade continued in varying degrees of severity. I actually flopped over once more on a steep hairpin! This was getting ridiculous! To make matters worse, I had gotten the idea that the summit was 7800 feet, imagine my surprise when I passed a 9,000 foot marker!<br />
<br />
As I continued to slog forward, the weather was getting more and more threatening. First there was an occasional spit of rain but that soon turned to a occasional flake of snow. At least it wasn't windy!<br />
<br />
At long last I came to the summit! what a relief. I snapped a couple of pictures, then a couple of guys who were getting ready to camp up there came along and I got them to snap my picture, thanks guys!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEj0xrdKVk9mwZX16yccATV2EDmvrFeNlTZfuI6WRfW_sUzMqHJFVcHF7IR3mjOHrufSC_Gm0QYMTvXyPXXfHxclTXFKyocAi5CRUFyvnCp7qm39R9fkrXiG47jrPOFndtVbDtlQ2QNgZXM/s1600/IMG_20190919_163247.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xrdKVk9mwZX16yccATV2EDmvrFeNlTZfuI6WRfW_sUzMqHJFVcHF7IR3mjOHrufSC_Gm0QYMTvXyPXXfHxclTXFKyocAi5CRUFyvnCp7qm39R9fkrXiG47jrPOFndtVbDtlQ2QNgZXM/s640/IMG_20190919_163247.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top! I was getting pelted with snow pellets at this point!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my face I think you can see some of the strain of this ride!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjcFSEFW9AWlpiIfHSn-Ghh6jHg-b6qZzy71SAoaccGN1Z72DdljSdj3y55bgncy1zmGaTC7VITATm0cYkfR6hHdEhyVhJw57GO7RfaFp9DZrttY67JXN86o4MHor3idGA0ClvvUr49eu0/s1600/IMG_20190919_163557178.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFSEFW9AWlpiIfHSn-Ghh6jHg-b6qZzy71SAoaccGN1Z72DdljSdj3y55bgncy1zmGaTC7VITATm0cYkfR6hHdEhyVhJw57GO7RfaFp9DZrttY67JXN86o4MHor3idGA0ClvvUr49eu0/s640/IMG_20190919_163557178.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The strain of the ride is on my face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, now I had the pleasure of the grand descent from the summit! And it was thrilling, with lots of steep drops and wild hairpin turns. I loved it. My max speed on this day was 46 mph.<br />
<br />
Upon reaching the bottom of the descent I realized I was really in the middle of nowhere at 5:00 pm in the evening, and with no reservations anywhere. I had to push on to Bridgeport, there was simply no place between where I was and there! I finally made it to town as darkness was falling. I actually used my new bike light! I was relieved to find a vacancy, the last room the place had as it turned out. It was a little pricey, but I definitely enjoyed the room!<br />
<br />
That night I enjoyed a plate of spaghetti and garlic toast and the most delicious pint of Ballast Point Sculpin I ever tasted.<br />
<br />
The next morning I started out in the chilly air. I had managed to loose my gloves the day before so I was using my extra pair of socks for mittens. The ride was now on HWY 395 from Bridgeport to Lee Vining and I had no illusions that this would be a dream ride. However, traffic wasn't too bad and I was enjoying the lonely landscapes of the Eastern Sierra. The was a seemingly endless chain of little summits to cross until finally I reached Conway Summit, 8138 feet. shortly after this was a vista point.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgT7X9OpYCuZBnjddkwJXW2MpI-gGiuNKgBOtRLBRXQ9VP2Xy8EqAqM-5q2_H50yv4njl_HO47K5Fec7fKVK8TKO9Z-U-Kd3Js1PQcc-r3kDp19DF3uMLrXzzNKZGS5Ee4uddlj6V1nVAQ/s1600/IMG_20190920_090941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7X9OpYCuZBnjddkwJXW2MpI-gGiuNKgBOtRLBRXQ9VP2Xy8EqAqM-5q2_H50yv4njl_HO47K5Fec7fKVK8TKO9Z-U-Kd3Js1PQcc-r3kDp19DF3uMLrXzzNKZGS5Ee4uddlj6V1nVAQ/s640/IMG_20190920_090941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final summit...?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the vista point I was able to look down upon Mono Lake and Lee Vining. What a great view!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjTFCL5dQ5zTBBVbBC5hnHoECA_ZeWsu_KvvH2eLkdA9gcSPyw1EjsL6YGxSAqCn0-HcB7J4GbUWw0aALeZZF3JkBpMhwTk1EOGnqd32vxNxgw6geYsQGZhVTjJxn2mF9FejKkkMTPx4kY/s1600/IMG_20190920_091601.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="1600" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFCL5dQ5zTBBVbBC5hnHoECA_ZeWsu_KvvH2eLkdA9gcSPyw1EjsL6YGxSAqCn0-HcB7J4GbUWw0aALeZZF3JkBpMhwTk1EOGnqd32vxNxgw6geYsQGZhVTjJxn2mF9FejKkkMTPx4kY/s640/IMG_20190920_091601.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Yes!! Overlooking Mono Lake and Hwy 395!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The downgrade here was very broad and well shouldered, an easy ride though I didn't hit any extraordinary speeds on it. At the bottom I just rode a series of low hills up and down to the Highway 120 junction. Turning on that it was a few miles to my campsite where I started the ride.<br />
<br />
Total mileage for the two and a half day ride was 244 miles. If the MapMyRide stats are correct, my total elevation gain for the three days was 25,000 feet with the biggest day being the climb up Sonora Pass which amounted to 11,400 feet. Maximum elevation was 9,962 feet while climbing Sonora Pass!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhvm9ahVTgTCImf6IpiFWk7O3MZL5S-VaZNXsg2YXsvEoJYOYqJu-fjps9n8qdcLetKbbeNR2oxQbL5c7w5vblNMH0fP69R4eSRKJ1QH4_Je4uRjTxxyUGOSPn7_iFVAK8TszLmBe2IKUs/s1600/IMG_20190920_104730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm9ahVTgTCImf6IpiFWk7O3MZL5S-VaZNXsg2YXsvEoJYOYqJu-fjps9n8qdcLetKbbeNR2oxQbL5c7w5vblNMH0fP69R4eSRKJ1QH4_Je4uRjTxxyUGOSPn7_iFVAK8TszLmBe2IKUs/s640/IMG_20190920_104730.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final picture taken as I turned onto the road to Lower Lee Vining Campground, looking up at Tioga!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Equipment Notes</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5PTdLOlopCQqJeFu73ZTSpA4bdyJ2Xgw9m39mjVRxKtMw-ifPchJlK84h5GysbpDa-7mdu4pd9wiKTM6QyKkLhVr-oqZzHe4V6qsdH8uDVp_ZG3VICkn2VGz9ry5RcwOpSPUIfiFkd8/s1600/bike.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5PTdLOlopCQqJeFu73ZTSpA4bdyJ2Xgw9m39mjVRxKtMw-ifPchJlK84h5GysbpDa-7mdu4pd9wiKTM6QyKkLhVr-oqZzHe4V6qsdH8uDVp_ZG3VICkn2VGz9ry5RcwOpSPUIfiFkd8/s640/bike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
I rode my King of Mercia Touring model on this ride. The gearing was the most important feature on a ride of the nature, mine consisted of a "wide-range" double, 26/46 chainrings up front and a 12/28 8 speed cassette on back which gave me a satisfactory gear range. I didn't have any serious issues with the drivetrain.<br />
<br />
In fact I had virtually no mechanical issues, at least I thought that much before I got home. No Flats at all, (I put a fresh 700X32 Pasella on the rear before the ride). About a week after this ride, however, after a short day ride at home, I noticed my rear brake wasn't centered. It turned out the brake was fine, the wheel was a bit out of true. It turned out that I had actually broken a spoke on the rear wheel on the drive side at the head! I don't know when this happened but suppose it occurred during the climbing, probably on Sonora Pass!<br />
<br />
My baggage was carried in a Carradice Camper saddlebag supported by a "Bagman" saddlebag support. In addition, a Velo Orange Rando Bag up front carried food and light gear. The bike handles superbly in this configuration.<br />
<br />
This was a very challenging ride. I don't know if I'll ever be able to tackle something like it again! The grades on both passes were really taxing. But I won't be forgetting this ride any time soon, and that's the whole point, isn't it?George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-64003077426385688742019-09-02T19:38:00.000-07:002019-09-02T19:38:56.777-07:00My Foothill Century-2019 edition.<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/AVvXsEiBlMo0JoML8dRu3kUAi8lgSPd7UZ75Fx5IZijjLx7Y8pcYS7cRPsvrn91wDVxQQOvr8wujEvgneEPhqjva10iNJZ-BeRvEo6fPZuQIbUSHXMDuQ5rd-Zko17J5l_eFtAhBgHnflk3_0AI/s1600/IMG_20190820_094412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlMo0JoML8dRu3kUAi8lgSPd7UZ75Fx5IZijjLx7Y8pcYS7cRPsvrn91wDVxQQOvr8wujEvgneEPhqjva10iNJZ-BeRvEo6fPZuQIbUSHXMDuQ5rd-Zko17J5l_eFtAhBgHnflk3_0AI/s640/IMG_20190820_094412.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Foresthill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The time had arrived for me to do my annual century ride through the foothills of the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains. Normally I would plan a route through Auburn and continuing to Meadow Vista and then to either Grass Valley or Colfax. This year bridge replacement on Bowman Road made my route through Auburn more complicated than usual so I decided to change the route and add a few more miles at the same time. I hoped I could stretch out the distance to an even 200 kilometers or 124.25 miles!<br />
<br />
To accomplish this I planned to ride up to Foresthill, then take Yankee Jim's Road to Colfax. From Colfax I would ride Highway 174 to Grass Valley then take the normal route from Grass Valley, that's westbound Highway 20 to Smartsville Road, then on the Wheatland and back to Loomis through Lincoln.<br />
<br />
The first leg of the ride was through Auburn, across the Foresthill Bridge and on up to Foresthill. The long climb to Foresthill is always workout. Getting into town I stopped at Worton's for a chocolate milk and apple pie and took in the view from the picnic tables. The heading picture is from Worton's.<br />
<br />
From Foresthill, I dropped down Yankee Jim's Road to the North Fork of the American River. After a mile or so the road turns to gravel. This year the road seems to be in pretty good shape, just a little washboard to tend with. It was very dusty at first. I took my time descending.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEizpRbKQNgcutxklo777HvQNZbsBb-Uo91FTXMTSKucv5e1oPORMWJME61Z2488I8PRJDnatNqQDVMMzaB55nKtH57ajS2OsmpURBPKP2CcE4rbJMVbzgsBpx4BehVKWXXWOGrEUISO4LI/s1600/IMG_20190820_101252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpRbKQNgcutxklo777HvQNZbsBb-Uo91FTXMTSKucv5e1oPORMWJME61Z2488I8PRJDnatNqQDVMMzaB55nKtH57ajS2OsmpURBPKP2CcE4rbJMVbzgsBpx4BehVKWXXWOGrEUISO4LI/s640/IMG_20190820_101252.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty dusty conditions at first!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was very little traffic on this weekday. I did encounter a couple of horseback riders but no cars on the descent. Climbing out on the north side I met only two vehicles. The road remained in good shape on the other side.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEguDKi45HHInjdYEA6YBrGL6-_qFQO4PQbbW0O7PfUUlDUdmXv_QAMwqGtjQI2feC-XvwJs7ZFGlonN0SknLGQv83DGiaIG9p-QYPcd0iFcKnUFZj6kcnm0M2ZjwPS923ms3VNKiBWKNP8/s1600/IMG_20190820_102542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDKi45HHInjdYEA6YBrGL6-_qFQO4PQbbW0O7PfUUlDUdmXv_QAMwqGtjQI2feC-XvwJs7ZFGlonN0SknLGQv83DGiaIG9p-QYPcd0iFcKnUFZj6kcnm0M2ZjwPS923ms3VNKiBWKNP8/s640/IMG_20190820_102542.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along Yankee Jims Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjA4ixE-aLCWo7Om44yguFl88aB1iOdsEGBZulCs_MViIQODSYZALeh6-Qsu6AH3TA9j6RCFq8wb0ALB4IjUIdA8aZX6jtBwOyjKmCnY3U5ZNmDAcDutw9Ag3Lr2AU-2vS6o7HwvphwovM/s1600/IMG_20190820_102935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4ixE-aLCWo7Om44yguFl88aB1iOdsEGBZulCs_MViIQODSYZALeh6-Qsu6AH3TA9j6RCFq8wb0ALB4IjUIdA8aZX6jtBwOyjKmCnY3U5ZNmDAcDutw9Ag3Lr2AU-2vS6o7HwvphwovM/s640/IMG_20190820_102935.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yankee Jims Bridge over the North Fork of the American River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finally reached Colfax by around 11:00 am. I was beginning to see that I was in for a long day in the saddle! After getting a little mixed up in Colfax I found the way to highway 174 and was soon climbing again. I reached Cedar Ridge at a bit after noon and stopped for a soft drink and to refill my water bottles. I took a break and had a small sandwich then got back on the road heading for Grass Valley.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEiJ1WqJS1kRbZXwSd-zmQBknYa2lz6f2ku8ZnX8BXTN_QX3y6VZtMOhvXEml1togFUgjRgTHRPN28pJ_frzFvnXHMGuCIiD0koJJKoixlJpD-ZCT6vpOIEfsd17iiu-DTBwyZCxTum9HGg/s1600/IMG_20190820_123441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1WqJS1kRbZXwSd-zmQBknYa2lz6f2ku8ZnX8BXTN_QX3y6VZtMOhvXEml1togFUgjRgTHRPN28pJ_frzFvnXHMGuCIiD0koJJKoixlJpD-ZCT6vpOIEfsd17iiu-DTBwyZCxTum9HGg/s640/IMG_20190820_123441.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch break at Cedar Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Approaching Grass Valley you should take the left that takes you to the Empire Mine, a large State Park now. Following this road will take you directly to Highway 20 and the next leg of the route.<br />
<br />
The rest of the ride follows my past routes...for the latest iteration see <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/06/camp-far-west-road-and-beyond.html">Camp Far West Road and beyond.</a> I followed Smartsville Road and a couple of rural roads to Wheatland. There I stopped for some cold drinks and then pressed on to Lincoln and finally home. It was fairly warm, highs approaching the mid and upper 90s and I definitely felt it, with twinges of cramps at times, but I was able to make it home fine. Final mileage was 122.28 miles on MapMyRide. I was not especially fast however, with an average speed of 12 mph I spent a little over 10 hours riding!<br />
<br />
This was a tough ride, the start up to Foresthill is a grind, and Yankee Jims Road is always fun but demanding! Not sure if I'll try it next year when Bowman Road is open again!<br />
<br />
<b>Equipment notes.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Well, no mechanical issues were encountered on this trip! Not even a flat this time. I also tried something to relieve my hotfoot problem. This time I used a half insole to support my arch and absolutely no other padding. not even the factory insole. This provided me a little extra room in the toe box and that seemed to do the trick! I had no pain in the ball of my right foot at all! Wonderful!<br />
<br />
The Mercian, (My K.O.M. touring) preformed great, the mustache bars allowed me a pretty comfortable riding position. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEijTSOW_cm3Uh1jokQSsynvNW9ClC4RpHHaHjnoxPy3fHP3sZtK5edLwh9FKVJpLtG7yqovMBdj5RDXYVPY1M3hs7p302oa7SFiAjWmrfreVC9YTvCqOUuc-eGjQ4bPgaaQX6tbee4AUfA/s1600/IMG_20190820_173518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTSOW_cm3Uh1jokQSsynvNW9ClC4RpHHaHjnoxPy3fHP3sZtK5edLwh9FKVJpLtG7yqovMBdj5RDXYVPY1M3hs7p302oa7SFiAjWmrfreVC9YTvCqOUuc-eGjQ4bPgaaQX6tbee4AUfA/s640/IMG_20190820_173518.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little dusty after 122 miles but otherwise fine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-41747813622518387172019-07-10T07:51:00.000-07:002019-08-23T16:00:08.773-07:00Loon Lake Bike/Hike<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/AVvXsEjcakc7sq4mrmvbsy-e-7WF__nf0FxCG2Qhw60QHw_DdgiKBc9aI8uSFAGf93UqqPO41yY46hyphenhyphenMPVl_PP-goFyqkE5dZFmtF5oKFS94oi-cKXpJjDEgrmDXhwAJtP5B47RosGZDdWk1kMc/s1600/IMG_20190703_080149116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcakc7sq4mrmvbsy-e-7WF__nf0FxCG2Qhw60QHw_DdgiKBc9aI8uSFAGf93UqqPO41yY46hyphenhyphenMPVl_PP-goFyqkE5dZFmtF5oKFS94oi-cKXpJjDEgrmDXhwAJtP5B47RosGZDdWk1kMc/s640/IMG_20190703_080149116.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Forest Service Road 13N11</td></tr>
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I recently spent a couple of weeks camping up in El Dorado County at Loon Lake. I brought my Mercian shod with 650B tires for an occasional ride. My normal ride was out to the dam on the north side of the lake, then over to an outlook on the highway for cell service then back to camp. Barely 8 1/2 miles but it kept my legs spinning. Shelly and I were doing a lot of hiking so I wasn't worried about losing conditioning. One of our hikes started at the Loon Lake Chalet and went up to Chipmunk Butte. On this walk we would pass a Forest Service road marked 13N11 and I was curious about it. Looking at a map, I noticed it looped back to Ice House Road leading to the campground so it seemed to be a nice little circuit for riding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzGgBWwsnhTTWQDLW0jc3Qb9yTAdXkMou6g5Iet0k8JOEEv4yEAVjDETAKzbO2xM9Gc_ggXfjfI6Fb2hzIDrv3ubYbxCEly3OTtfEv3Gke3CCn96WC7pMwDNY6Qe-mywTXtnDH1b_TPQ/s1600/IMG_20190703_071135619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzGgBWwsnhTTWQDLW0jc3Qb9yTAdXkMou6g5Iet0k8JOEEv4yEAVjDETAKzbO2xM9Gc_ggXfjfI6Fb2hzIDrv3ubYbxCEly3OTtfEv3Gke3CCn96WC7pMwDNY6Qe-mywTXtnDH1b_TPQ/s640/IMG_20190703_071135619.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loon Lake Chalet</td></tr>
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I decided to give the road a try on the Mercian. I hoped the 38mm(1 1/2") tires would provide sufficient grip and protection from pinch flats. In the end, I would guess I had to walk about half of the dirt section. I think a mountain bike could have done more...and a skilled rider could have perhaps ridden it all on a suspension equipped bike. Neither case applies to me! I looked at this ride as similar to those of the "Rough Stuff Fellowship" type rides the English used to do before the dawn of the mountain bike!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIFHMuxKxegRfbuNMBH5cnorKF4kZqnEBn_Em4Si9M_n400C2iW_afOKJA7OimI9__JJxxZKJLLhMiGT1OCIqDCqJk7z6WTadr32iJaNpfXknp5QGSOpRuMLDXI7N9NKFI7H6KZGtXlk/s1600/IMG_20190703_071242033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIFHMuxKxegRfbuNMBH5cnorKF4kZqnEBn_Em4Si9M_n400C2iW_afOKJA7OimI9__JJxxZKJLLhMiGT1OCIqDCqJk7z6WTadr32iJaNpfXknp5QGSOpRuMLDXI7N9NKFI7H6KZGtXlk/s640/IMG_20190703_071242033.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the gravel just past the Chalet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy2KU_l80jIqpsMU_devxMhauQAlm-9dVMdZJCnju_JQ156ZSboZraQU9EzHQIbOGn0pPviiJ8QoBXS8hnfO_UVYhDvLaKhIyTLOs0jtyNIrPtdNfhowV5RJRO_dD8eRZJKFZYypXNRQ/s1600/IMG_20190703_072425025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy2KU_l80jIqpsMU_devxMhauQAlm-9dVMdZJCnju_JQ156ZSboZraQU9EzHQIbOGn0pPviiJ8QoBXS8hnfO_UVYhDvLaKhIyTLOs0jtyNIrPtdNfhowV5RJRO_dD8eRZJKFZYypXNRQ/s640/IMG_20190703_072425025.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the turnoff for USFS Road 13N11</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-9oiNokKiqKrjbzHMvq9oD0BnMLYXlGpZlS8O16BphQo73oCiOhREQRsysnrlUcTVkE55GbVuKzb_0zOVATkeU0gjs0ZU9BqmYiPzL3abOtyVTo1OvNllFskX9isSUj8RlPMxxgnV9k/s1600/IMG_20190703_072704282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-9oiNokKiqKrjbzHMvq9oD0BnMLYXlGpZlS8O16BphQo73oCiOhREQRsysnrlUcTVkE55GbVuKzb_0zOVATkeU0gjs0ZU9BqmYiPzL3abOtyVTo1OvNllFskX9isSUj8RlPMxxgnV9k/s640/IMG_20190703_072704282.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small lake along the route.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m28T2G4A4nK9d_b3zl8s7epN2fJjhbLaZs2U_vkeCdZJMbpc66sKRiIAvbqTUXmbV4I-G4YaAk-ePNpqdEnWHV5CeIfNuot_DzgfJCnezwOGo25Yw1lBdrz0Q6mCDXMMfPDurhVEIn0/s1600/IMG_20190703_072951068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m28T2G4A4nK9d_b3zl8s7epN2fJjhbLaZs2U_vkeCdZJMbpc66sKRiIAvbqTUXmbV4I-G4YaAk-ePNpqdEnWHV5CeIfNuot_DzgfJCnezwOGo25Yw1lBdrz0Q6mCDXMMfPDurhVEIn0/s640/IMG_20190703_072951068.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way gets rough!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkzpvVFqG39cxNa06zn0larBeoHwJpp9c0HKV-Bw435gwt6FuXY7FGwlaiqlQnGefxi-0k5XqJTZULDNMTXeyajNsftAWTWUhRPMOsncFB_sH4Kv4nY5bCQHSo4_KMw-PoGjPH1BcGok/s1600/IMG_20190703_073218793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkzpvVFqG39cxNa06zn0larBeoHwJpp9c0HKV-Bw435gwt6FuXY7FGwlaiqlQnGefxi-0k5XqJTZULDNMTXeyajNsftAWTWUhRPMOsncFB_sH4Kv4nY5bCQHSo4_KMw-PoGjPH1BcGok/s640/IMG_20190703_073218793.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do NOT take this turnoff!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8zmDVNuzJ2zS8Umay6V8lfaPpGTxUdVX8HEI59hpwsIZvf34a-akgEsgTwSwRidU0voqquGqJYaZCa3Twe2SHMhKMMmurPRcobf-jTiuKjJkUJgGZNkGxdB_2-iO8M1rtbV551hixnQ/s1600/IMG_20190703_074248371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8zmDVNuzJ2zS8Umay6V8lfaPpGTxUdVX8HEI59hpwsIZvf34a-akgEsgTwSwRidU0voqquGqJYaZCa3Twe2SHMhKMMmurPRcobf-jTiuKjJkUJgGZNkGxdB_2-iO8M1rtbV551hixnQ/s640/IMG_20190703_074248371.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one of the hiking parts!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8_Z0wI7tDn60Z89b1t21FKac7ggByLffEph1P1UUfhOijMrxrrwSmE_yxTdGCrBWRYhZVxoORTB9vRlVvh7PNWCbOy5HmTq_efI9z98ZUSOkmh9rKYfS6yC5AVZ2n6_x3jdPD5u9UD8/s1600/IMG_20190703_080149116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8_Z0wI7tDn60Z89b1t21FKac7ggByLffEph1P1UUfhOijMrxrrwSmE_yxTdGCrBWRYhZVxoORTB9vRlVvh7PNWCbOy5HmTq_efI9z98ZUSOkmh9rKYfS6yC5AVZ2n6_x3jdPD5u9UD8/s640/IMG_20190703_080149116.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road follows the power lines at this point. I had to skirt around this puddle to the right.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7BNGg-yYfJgJMvauSZ5fF2B11O8NLOrvoMOPxYkv6oEm0I7y79EvrM0cUd5V3TIfs_7mbkzbQzn8JeOnnrPZumrGmKKRSstfD1rccBuq788vqFyg-Z0xvCPEGfsrecIzn-ZGcASqV0w/s1600/IMG_20190703_080735283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7BNGg-yYfJgJMvauSZ5fF2B11O8NLOrvoMOPxYkv6oEm0I7y79EvrM0cUd5V3TIfs_7mbkzbQzn8JeOnnrPZumrGmKKRSstfD1rccBuq788vqFyg-Z0xvCPEGfsrecIzn-ZGcASqV0w/s640/IMG_20190703_080735283.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road finally swings away from the power lines and onto the paved Ice House Road road.</td></tr>
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As you can see from the pictures, quite a bit of this road was very rough indeed. It was in interesting ride though. I'd like to try it with a wider tire sometime. Also, it was pretty wet this year, maybe I'll have better luck in a drier year!<br />
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Still, it was a nice little ride, but only 9.5 miles! I was surprised it was so short a distance. The bike did well, no mechanical issues, but it was definitely not the perfect bike for this ride, although it was good for that last uphill grind up Ice House Road.George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-27451578179722153852019-06-21T20:03:00.005-07:002019-08-11T08:42:27.243-07:00Three River's Century ride, 2019 edition.<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/AVvXsEi8l_DkOlTxgLj_HXjV7GDscFnToFUCWABpcsolrd-WaODbB0EPa56f9dTOMXnaDWDFC7r-ejzyFaNHx6gMaTbUFu2dTJ-318mc1k3fHXiOKjreL6K3r8ZqEIPv0MEGGB7mEgH3IDr1Lxw/s1600/SAM_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l_DkOlTxgLj_HXjV7GDscFnToFUCWABpcsolrd-WaODbB0EPa56f9dTOMXnaDWDFC7r-ejzyFaNHx6gMaTbUFu2dTJ-318mc1k3fHXiOKjreL6K3r8ZqEIPv0MEGGB7mEgH3IDr1Lxw/s640/SAM_1759.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nimbus Dam, from the American River Parkway.</td></tr>
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I've been gradually getting in shape after a slow Spring and decided it was time for an "easy" century ride. For me, that means doing my "Three River Ride", which passes along the Feather, Sacramento, and American Rivers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLinGEhBccJkw7qENRE-CkiR5_y2M0eHwNtm0sR09ouorUY60M9YsSnp1b1Pkq8f1iqQ1E0b1gmtadzQiOX8zoT7ewJwcFvjxClUikdA_VBFyBYzbkdOVu0msvmK4k436Dp3YnKgFDQg/s1600/SAM_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLinGEhBccJkw7qENRE-CkiR5_y2M0eHwNtm0sR09ouorUY60M9YsSnp1b1Pkq8f1iqQ1E0b1gmtadzQiOX8zoT7ewJwcFvjxClUikdA_VBFyBYzbkdOVu0msvmK4k436Dp3YnKgFDQg/s640/SAM_1750.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose the King Of Mercia for this ride.</td></tr>
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This would be the longest ride I've attempted using the mustache bars on my KOM. I was curious how I wold like them for a long ride. The forecast high temperature was "HOT", 101-104F, so I wanted to get an early start. I did manage to get away before 7 a.m. but I should have tried to start earlier! I wore a wicking T shirt under my white jersey with sun sleeves, just like the <a href="https://georgebike.blogspot.com/2019/06/camp-far-west-road-and-beyond.html">Camp Far West ride.</a> This combination has proven to be pretty comfortable in hot weather.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6dlYp01y-vSmZ9uEK4QXBorM9IWrF6Zv8lud2x6qF3qgAyUYGcEeqoWdIT-DxnbrHP0K2j24EuqcWmm2oTmDcoFDLkD3PIgmic1bxoOVLmVe8CIUdL4f4jzpokrbw3iK4Xw7_sRlj64/s1600/SAM_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6dlYp01y-vSmZ9uEK4QXBorM9IWrF6Zv8lud2x6qF3qgAyUYGcEeqoWdIT-DxnbrHP0K2j24EuqcWmm2oTmDcoFDLkD3PIgmic1bxoOVLmVe8CIUdL4f4jzpokrbw3iK4Xw7_sRlj64/s640/SAM_1751.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Pleasant Grove Road</td></tr>
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This route starts from Loomis and goes to Lincoln, via Sierra College Blvd. and Highway 193.<br />
After Lincoln, you take Nicolaus Road, (9th Street in Lincoln), to Pleasant Grove, turn right and then take the first left which is, Nicolaus Ave. you'll stay on this road to the Garden Highway. These are generally quiet country roads but with occasional traffic including a large truck every so often, so you need to take care. the day I rode was a weekday, so the roads were fairly quiet, and Nicolaus seemed deserted!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fNHfe0otmp0XJ7FvFkHKMeMCJO3o3MEor71X3euqPlB2Zs5EVhXU5bQQG7x-M152b0wSVuEAu3yYhdrCaXdXwY9GrwuEAaWYrs1qBB9uPlNvw81vGg2khJC1DjUu-8XKxAueS07jJBc/s1600/SAM_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fNHfe0otmp0XJ7FvFkHKMeMCJO3o3MEor71X3euqPlB2Zs5EVhXU5bQQG7x-M152b0wSVuEAu3yYhdrCaXdXwY9GrwuEAaWYrs1qBB9uPlNvw81vGg2khJC1DjUu-8XKxAueS07jJBc/s640/SAM_1752.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet day in Nicolaus</td></tr>
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Past Nicolaus, you will cross under Highway 99 and the road then becomes the Garden Highway. Here I was treated to the sight of three deer,two young bucks and a young doe, darting in front of me! Eventually, you pass River Oaks Golf Club and ascend to the levee road which you will be on until you enter Sacramento. The levee road is generally in good condition but the shoulders can be a bit narrow. On a weekday, traffic is no problem at all, but I suspect this road could be pretty busy on weekends! Near Verona there are two stretches of very bad pavement, really rough and chewed up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdDX368v4sU9URaUz7OWfwQhas6NZziPi1Q8QTtOSLSUNOMKG7XpQObQcmlRNydL9W-sjHdkitAlinatX7raka_uA6lnC4BlRk58f6_GaNo130HnWeF2LSV5vun_sZyC2uuOOEDVwCW4/s1600/SAM_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdDX368v4sU9URaUz7OWfwQhas6NZziPi1Q8QTtOSLSUNOMKG7XpQObQcmlRNydL9W-sjHdkitAlinatX7raka_uA6lnC4BlRk58f6_GaNo130HnWeF2LSV5vun_sZyC2uuOOEDVwCW4/s640/SAM_1753.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Feather River</td></tr>
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After the second stretch of bad road, a little past Verona, the pavement improves. Soon you cross the Sutter-Sacramento County line and the road is very good. You can soon see Sacramento International airport.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1cvUk8Pec7fZE02NwmEVS2LEzItgD4czsuJAvf2amHtg_sPWKCyf2QI7fix9f89z_JsP-RkZhIRetqDpoeBII24RNY3FtPg5PnMpA9MzDYMh7FFUUiQuQwX8dApS6ZNQAQMYZ9wcx3w/s1600/SAM_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1cvUk8Pec7fZE02NwmEVS2LEzItgD4czsuJAvf2amHtg_sPWKCyf2QI7fix9f89z_JsP-RkZhIRetqDpoeBII24RNY3FtPg5PnMpA9MzDYMh7FFUUiQuQwX8dApS6ZNQAQMYZ9wcx3w/s640/SAM_1755.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Garden Highway with the Sacramento skyline in the distance.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Eventually you'll be able to make out the Sacramento Skyline and soon you're passing under the I-5 overpass. There is a small park with a boat ramp here that makes a good stopping place for a snack and a break.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyUKdirBelmeOgPXQCb5v1H0yMdgyHH7mIIHR4_0YgEh9peC7srFuQa9GiaqIEySqk6mdVu93VZd5l_FMyiPuXhAyVBWL-y_sFdz6Bci-oxziUtVMcLqo9N_84hWPXcn5LOzv6t3WN4k/s1600/SAM_1754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyUKdirBelmeOgPXQCb5v1H0yMdgyHH7mIIHR4_0YgEh9peC7srFuQa9GiaqIEySqk6mdVu93VZd5l_FMyiPuXhAyVBWL-y_sFdz6Bci-oxziUtVMcLqo9N_84hWPXcn5LOzv6t3WN4k/s640/SAM_1754.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After a short break I continued on the Garden Highway, heading to Sacramento. The surrounding become more suburban than rural, soon you come to Discovery Park, the start of the American River Parkway.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW8wsZ06PbNYgO2OZ2qNHnhEKbMzAekKNINNmKF-BAMp7-cgflWcz2E7pKmfu5y6y9mRfjl8-SR-Kge3SY8fdQmRy0jhKqJjdGaOogFamKobk0XtMWFqUQe2bjcRk1uRxEjoLXdLBVvg/s1600/SAM_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW8wsZ06PbNYgO2OZ2qNHnhEKbMzAekKNINNmKF-BAMp7-cgflWcz2E7pKmfu5y6y9mRfjl8-SR-Kge3SY8fdQmRy0jhKqJjdGaOogFamKobk0XtMWFqUQe2bjcRk1uRxEjoLXdLBVvg/s640/SAM_1756.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the American River Parkway</td></tr>
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The Jedediah Smith Multi-Use Trail is the path you ride when riding the Parkway. It's a wonderful trail and it takes you through stretches that seem wild while only being yards from the city! Wildlife can be seen and there are lots of places to stop along the way which have restrooms and water available. I traveled uneventfully up until just past Nimbus Dam, where the trail follows under some steep bluffs. There I was met by a literal brick wall!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW_MLh88Zb65GwkkEwiaPt83S8Je99Ul32VOkewKT2wXisc4nu48VXyS_bpNWFRdyENperSBd_NXfP_r9kNPrSIGtsK1JvRRWuXV2DDcLMgCeTyKRsgEzASRY3ksFWnG2gy14o7YC8TU/s1600/SAM_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW_MLh88Zb65GwkkEwiaPt83S8Je99Ul32VOkewKT2wXisc4nu48VXyS_bpNWFRdyENperSBd_NXfP_r9kNPrSIGtsK1JvRRWuXV2DDcLMgCeTyKRsgEzASRY3ksFWnG2gy14o7YC8TU/s640/SAM_1760.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why yes, the parkway <i>is </i>closed at the Bluffs! Note the path around the roadblock on the right!</td></tr>
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There is an alternative route on the south side of the river now, I've taken that before but frankly didn't care for it; at this point of the ride I'm getting tired and don't want to have to find my way through Folsom! I noticed that there was a well worn path going around the barrier, so I decided to take a chance and try to get through the blockage.<br />
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As you can see in the picture below, there was a good reason for the closure! But again, there are paths going around these blockages as well! I again walked around the debris and continued on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXL8KPQTkXS_O3GtYLbOTpliSfiX1dxxtwuY0nJxp8DIRJGE6P91PHnaLi6AHVW6hirwE424A04Q82WV1wm0FxhWJ0Te9MDxiWVxzHY7-jV0fEcrN9WcGd8qKvWq5cVQrJ-WGjNJHx8w/s1600/SAM_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXL8KPQTkXS_O3GtYLbOTpliSfiX1dxxtwuY0nJxp8DIRJGE6P91PHnaLi6AHVW6hirwE424A04Q82WV1wm0FxhWJ0Te9MDxiWVxzHY7-jV0fEcrN9WcGd8qKvWq5cVQrJ-WGjNJHx8w/s640/SAM_1761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and here's why it's closed! Note again the paths around the obstacles.</td></tr>
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Eventually I came to the second and final wall which again had a path around it. Then I was clear! I was getting close to Negro Bar and Folsom.<br />
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I was now on the final leg of the ride. From Folsom, I rode the bike trail up to Beals Point State Park and stopped there for a break and a cold soda. It was now starting to get pretty warm. The final stretch followed Auburn-Folsom Road up to King, then King to home in Loomis. Final mileage on "MapMyRide" was 101.1 miles.<br />
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Today's ride proved to me that temperatures have a lot to do with my performance on longer rides. My legs were threatening to cramp up quite a bit on the final leg and I'm pretty sure it was because of the 100+ temperatures at the end of the day.<br />
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Equipment wise, I had two issues. One I noticed while riding; shifting was getting a little unreliable between 3rd and 4th gear. It turns out that my derailleur cable had become badly frayed and had lost several strands of material! See below:<br />
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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/AVvXsEi8SnQx7gJNiXts-KCE8drkHTX4cN8QArBHRvZa1hmh0tV6ug1f0oqHZm-jcu-96f8bikQMLI0N-KuMpyylYZmFZpaR3G31JGdX_n5oIGOEbWnFN_uicM7tXpkUlQiMXCadhZjludbMki4/s1600/IMG_20190620_163249079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SnQx7gJNiXts-KCE8drkHTX4cN8QArBHRvZa1hmh0tV6ug1f0oqHZm-jcu-96f8bikQMLI0N-KuMpyylYZmFZpaR3G31JGdX_n5oIGOEbWnFN_uicM7tXpkUlQiMXCadhZjludbMki4/s640/IMG_20190620_163249079.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may have affected my shifting slightly!</td></tr>
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Replacing the cable seems to have eliminated the problem. The other issue I did not discover until I began working on the rear derailleur; I found that I had lost the bolt connecting the right rear fender stay to the frame!<br />
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Finally, the mustache bars worked out fine. I noticed a little more, or maybe just different, pressure on my hands that I compensated for by shifting hand positions. But my neck and back felt very good after the ride, no stiffness at all.George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-1106612677896807142019-06-11T20:47:00.002-07:002019-06-12T09:51:11.119-07:00Camp Far West Road and beyond.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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/AVvXsEhOBEdDEwEGs0m20uk5zk39I4cPdh7TZ0ih5HKPo9vFw0AqKbXSYnhsFznG3gAGHGCugr3cmuQfj9g9StekC7z9yk2TFtYDfGTy2QaZhAFTIbGLY59ublKW6EXbuMjLxoE8hB0Apf1QJv4/s1600/IMG_20190611_084705873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBEdDEwEGs0m20uk5zk39I4cPdh7TZ0ih5HKPo9vFw0AqKbXSYnhsFznG3gAGHGCugr3cmuQfj9g9StekC7z9yk2TFtYDfGTy2QaZhAFTIbGLY59ublKW6EXbuMjLxoE8hB0Apf1QJv4/s640/IMG_20190611_084705873.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Camp Far West Road.</td></tr>
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After a pretty mediocre Spring riding-wise, I'm finally starting to get some, (for me) good mileage in. Unfortunately an early heat wave has decided to settle over Northern California so I have to time the rides for as early in the morning as I can. I decided I wanted to take a couple of stretches of past rides and combine them for a sub-100 mile ride. I sort of succeeded, but did end up with a bit of a longer ride than I planned!<br />
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The route I planned would include about 6 miles of gravel above Camp Far West so I chose the Mercian Olympic I had modified with 650B wheels and Panaracer Col de Vie tires.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AZdW7NQ33RKDiE-A136uiTD0e6x9_hADL-XMwoeVqmludlpHkg63zyD5fxF7o_qw7vpSJMZs2O2aH05y_xgVvZubm1rH3zBjo4QXePxoEb9WJp_gRJpVcd_OHd4OLlRy0sGYJtenIgg/s1600/SAM_1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AZdW7NQ33RKDiE-A136uiTD0e6x9_hADL-XMwoeVqmludlpHkg63zyD5fxF7o_qw7vpSJMZs2O2aH05y_xgVvZubm1rH3zBjo4QXePxoEb9WJp_gRJpVcd_OHd4OLlRy0sGYJtenIgg/s640/SAM_1735.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 650B equipped Olympic was the ride for the day.</td></tr>
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My plan was to ride to Lincoln then take McCourtney Road up to Camp Far West and ride the gravel road from there to Yeager road, then on to Smartsville road. From there I would turn west and take the long open stretch past Beale Air Base to near Linda, turning off on Griffith Avenue and going south to Wheatland, then back to Lincoln and Loomis. Here's the route:<br />
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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/AVvXsEizF0KSmFk5rLJjmbOvlUTARIDkkvg8KV7LyjnS4beRJ2MZVntIR-D2bR4fW27-22xA7uDx_rlMJffxACe6klzh5_9P8wxGevFxb1cxLaQ4N8VQ9aI6A0CxCsdt4hkvW4w5yim3QJk9PXE/s1600/Screenshot_20190611-143026.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF0KSmFk5rLJjmbOvlUTARIDkkvg8KV7LyjnS4beRJ2MZVntIR-D2bR4fW27-22xA7uDx_rlMJffxACe6klzh5_9P8wxGevFxb1cxLaQ4N8VQ9aI6A0CxCsdt4hkvW4w5yim3QJk9PXE/s640/Screenshot_20190611-143026.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of my route (from MapMyRide).</td></tr>
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I wanted to start as early as possible since triple digit heat was forecast in the afternoon. Well, the best I could do was to roll out the driveway at 7:30. But I was thinking it would be a 4 hour ride so I wouldn't be back too late!<br />
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The start was nice with nice mild temperatures and no wind to speak of. Eventually I came to Camp Far West Reservoir, which has a lot of water right now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M2yMveilxPSa78VGF1K9o2Yj0Z6BX3EKOV4IPG4KaxWx4GiDqb_N309UKmd0-mqMaodoVkuP2H4PlAiy-EPbd5SZ6FI3Zmnt3povFTjQo_XcEstXKA2bdOd-IPieBTjHJrqgZi0BbgA/s1600/SAM_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M2yMveilxPSa78VGF1K9o2Yj0Z6BX3EKOV4IPG4KaxWx4GiDqb_N309UKmd0-mqMaodoVkuP2H4PlAiy-EPbd5SZ6FI3Zmnt3povFTjQo_XcEstXKA2bdOd-IPieBTjHJrqgZi0BbgA/s640/SAM_1737.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very full reservoir at Camp Far West.</td></tr>
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I haven't taken this route for some time now, maybe a few years, so I was pleasantly surprised to find the steep grade just past the campground entrance has be resurfaced! It's perfectly smooth right to the start of the gravel! It's still as steep as ever though!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nKlvdsa66A8yhL0jd9sh-sQETVYpM2zWgNjUp4_SyDqUYV8oSLWkhq11Z0hMTXmuZ_b-hVS4DHer2hlWaaeD4cAW8FK2uBxZ3m2FAczL8UN39MdcDncBQVM8AiYCa0V6KjAJIZGUH80/s1600/SAM_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nKlvdsa66A8yhL0jd9sh-sQETVYpM2zWgNjUp4_SyDqUYV8oSLWkhq11Z0hMTXmuZ_b-hVS4DHer2hlWaaeD4cAW8FK2uBxZ3m2FAczL8UN39MdcDncBQVM8AiYCa0V6KjAJIZGUH80/s640/SAM_1739.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New pavement on the climb past the campground!</td></tr>
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After cresting this hill you drop a short distance to the start of the gravel. The condition of the gravel road is no better or worse than I remember. The first section tends to have a fair amount of washboard, probably due to heavier traffic on that stretch. After you finally turn away from the lake things begin to smooth out. The 38mm tires performed quite well on the road. In the past I've ridden with tires as narrow as 28mm, so the extra tire width was just gravy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy0pqdrtivmciJT3b8lOs6apGgDJTogWkY2TcL_-ysKbWPSkPnGlftImclTSVr1PbtSanQEPxzZCYL0eZYzqRsOrBkwKl4pOwrWwD5PewHtYchxH6S1qfwfUfHAwdhFE6eraJgKuu9Wk/s1600/SAM_1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy0pqdrtivmciJT3b8lOs6apGgDJTogWkY2TcL_-ysKbWPSkPnGlftImclTSVr1PbtSanQEPxzZCYL0eZYzqRsOrBkwKl4pOwrWwD5PewHtYchxH6S1qfwfUfHAwdhFE6eraJgKuu9Wk/s640/SAM_1741.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Far West Road.</td></tr>
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Eventually Camp Far West Road ends at a junction with Spenceville Road. Turning left, Spenceville Road travels a short distance to Waldo Junction at a small bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hWKWbWQ_T9ZOq3_T6jO9Gs4ls50lE3D75ETYFxs06Fx6A8gZd-99EsGK5HVATwpbCEBH4qcBHshfBHYviyngpTJYfB5bi7TzIfvYOI0L8hJ5YnCOtoWZWVLs1Ae5ESECnvQOqJJcs7g/s1600/SAM_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hWKWbWQ_T9ZOq3_T6jO9Gs4ls50lE3D75ETYFxs06Fx6A8gZd-99EsGK5HVATwpbCEBH4qcBHshfBHYviyngpTJYfB5bi7TzIfvYOI0L8hJ5YnCOtoWZWVLs1Ae5ESECnvQOqJJcs7g/s640/SAM_1742.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waldo Bridge over Dry Creek.</td></tr>
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After crossing this bridge you travel a short distance on some blacktop but that ends in about 100 yards and you're back on the gravel, grunting over a couple of testy little hills. Eventually you finish the gravel section of our ride at Chuck Yeager Road.<br />
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Turning left would take you to Beale AFB. Back before 9/11, I had been able to pass through the Airbase heading to Wheatland. Alas, nowadays you can't get in without a Military ID. So, we must turn right, continuing on a log climb heading northeast. Eventually you crest the hills and descend to "Hammonton/Smartsville Road.<br />
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Here I turned left climbing for a short while but soon I was on top of the ridge and looking down on the Northern Sacramento Valley! This is a spot where I have taken a photo every time I passed through!<br />
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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/AVvXsEjKv8Oi6Tmef-GuCen7YxzU9VR04ckFDS1vL8u0NRivjDeKtf6qVqa6-PNeCiZ3ljWj7F18A8xoKh91M-y1vjn2H83kWF8lh_Fy5mqaEzx8kNCplFAiEB7TZKK1-olvO31Q60HIEKb92yw/s1600/IMG_20190611_094709720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv8Oi6Tmef-GuCen7YxzU9VR04ckFDS1vL8u0NRivjDeKtf6qVqa6-PNeCiZ3ljWj7F18A8xoKh91M-y1vjn2H83kWF8lh_Fy5mqaEzx8kNCplFAiEB7TZKK1-olvO31Q60HIEKb92yw/s640/IMG_20190611_094709720.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Smartsville Road, you can just make out the Sutter Buttes in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rest of the ride was pretty straightforward. Past the Air Base you eventually will come to Griffith Avenue. Turn left here and proceed for a mile or so until you come to a "T" at Erle road. You turn left here and are on your way through rural roads, Eventually you are on your way to Wheatland. Instead of riding down busy highway 65, I turned off on Dairy Road which turned out to be a very pleasant alternative. Eventually I had to make a left turn to get back to town but it was definitely worth the extra few minutes.<br />
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I stopped at a convenience store while in town and filled my two empty water bottles and bought a large soda with lots of ice! By now it was 11:30, well past my planned finish time, and it was getting warm, probably the low 90s. I had over 60 miles done by then too, so it was going to be at least an 80 mile day.<br />
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For some reason I thought this would be around 60 miles,maybe a 4 hour ride. I underestimated the distance and ended up doing 82 miles in about 6 hours of riding!<br />
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Anyway, the rest of the ride was over very familiar territory, and I ended up at home in time for a late lunch.<br />
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So this was a pretty nice ride, I used sun sleeves and wore a wicking t-shirt under a white lightweight jersey and I was pretty comfortable for the most part. The Mercian performed very well with no mechanical issues at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIT3y83Tw88gthCqr-2MkrAhE70N7EvRilSJmLBfJhYw-sPAfAR4kkfK-7soxrHry9czRMD05_xcpMGZC6d_kgo_PxhvUkoiZmr2pipvwLGDXAGaoms88wceXf29AHze9_Xx2AEi7D5Y/s1600/SAM_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIT3y83Tw88gthCqr-2MkrAhE70N7EvRilSJmLBfJhYw-sPAfAR4kkfK-7soxrHry9czRMD05_xcpMGZC6d_kgo_PxhvUkoiZmr2pipvwLGDXAGaoms88wceXf29AHze9_Xx2AEi7D5Y/s640/SAM_1744.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parting shot, looking back on Waldo Road at the end of the gravel section.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-76318601148263367572019-03-23T10:35:00.000-07:002019-03-25T13:07:47.189-07:00A last few Cyclist Articles.Thanks to iBOB Craig Montgomery I have a copy of a "Tourlines" article I had lost over the years. "The Right Stuff" reminds us that it's not always about the bike!<br />
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Also I've included a couple "Snapshot" articles from Owen Mulholland; "Jacques Anquetil, party boy", I just thought was a funny episode from his career. "The Lion of Flanders" illustrated just how tough the <i>Anciens </i>really were.<br />
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Hope you enjoy the reads!<br />
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<br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-38469888616549955062019-02-14T09:03:00.000-08:002019-02-14T12:38:35.455-08:00More "Cyclist" articles.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought I'd post a couple more of Ed Stiles' Tourlines from Cyclist Magazine. "The Bare Essentials" is from the May, 1985 issue. "The Amazing Patch Story" is from June of 1986. "In praise of Older Bikes", may be an appropriate read for iBOB's; we all seem to have picked up a used bike here and there, no?</div>
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Finally, I'm including a scan of Owen Mulholland's Snapshot piece, a vignette of Eddy Merckx and his first Tour victory. It's really an enjoyable read. Mr. Mulholland wrote many of these Snapshot segments and in 2006 published a very nice book, <a href="https://www.velopress.com/books/cyclings-golden-age/">Cycling's Golden Age</a>, a collection of great stories and photographs. One of the few hardback books I've ever paid full retail for, I was so excited to find his work again!</div>
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<br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202529417035592501.post-26835675031499919582019-02-05T19:09:00.002-08:002019-02-05T19:09:56.100-08:00"Cyclist" Magazine: Tourlines' take on gearing.From August of 1985. Typically, Tourlines takes a minimalist view of gearing at a time when triples were all the rage!<br />
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Nowadays, with the advent of "1X" gearing, the views of these <i>ancients </i>seems very relevant. For me, I have found the most useful gearing for the kind of terrain I encounter here in Northern California is a wide geared double, almost a 1X plus granny if you will, with a big ring in the mid 40's range and a small ring of between 26 to 30 teeth. I continue to use an 8 speed cassette on the rear, these seem to provide more than enough of a gear selection for my riding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwzAsywQGMDcmpbDeEzm9BiEfI6lCD1CHktdpRn42dmMpJ1z020eQETNBZk6jW2MVZQLwQhXTS3W1fdcujyTpRa0BGzgemqmeAcyHk2lZGffRBXXj_tofUWP3SWGPMweSGT0aTKI7ipA/s1600/Tourlines+Gearing+pg2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwzAsywQGMDcmpbDeEzm9BiEfI6lCD1CHktdpRn42dmMpJ1z020eQETNBZk6jW2MVZQLwQhXTS3W1fdcujyTpRa0BGzgemqmeAcyHk2lZGffRBXXj_tofUWP3SWGPMweSGT0aTKI7ipA/s1600/Tourlines+Gearing+pg2.png" /></a></div>
<br />George Clinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09924155582398378907noreply@blogger.com3