2023 Summary

2023 was a non-cycling year.  A severe back injury in early March resulted in strict guidance from my doctor to stay off the bike for 18 months. This was disappointing news, but the few times I did head out for a ride the pain and numbness were palpable. Cumulative riding time for the year was less than two hours for not quite 20 miles. Dismal.

Accordingly, the fleet has been culled by one bike (the Surly Cross Check was sold to a coworker), while two others are currently for sale (Nordavinden and Volae). If/when I can return to cycling, I'm going to stay on familiar, comfortable bikes with wide tires.

Not all cycling news for the year was bad, however. In early October I was able to visit Rivendell Bicycle Works in Walnut Creek, CA. It was a fun-filled visit that I won't soon forget. Test rides on  a Platypus and Roadini gave me a feel for their bikes, which - despite being brief - I enjoyed immensely. I hope a Rivendell bike will have a prominent place in my cycling portfolio someday.

(All smiles on the Platypus)

On the commuting front, I invested in a Honda CT125 this summer for my trips to and from work. Unlike my previous Honda scooter, the CT125 can keep up with traffic while boasting an impressive 142 mpg in a little over 600 miles of commuting. The riding experience has been excellent, demanding a heightened awareness similar to randonneuring.

(Honda CT125)

2021 Summary

There was an increase in cycling compared to 2020, with all bikes seeing more time and miles except for the Rawland Nordavinden (road) and Volae (recumbent).  Participation in a September 200k in Minnesota was scuttled to make time to see family in Nebraska. Hope to get back in the ways of randonneuring in 2022!  A trip to Montana is planned.

One cycling-related highlight was the publication of an amended version of a previous blog post in the Fall 2021 issue of American Randonneur. The response was positive, and I thank Janice Chernekoff (editor) for encouraging me through multiple edits of the article.  I found writing for a cycling magazine as challenging as preparing a paper for a peer-reviewed journal!

Favorable fall temperatures and a cessation of gardening activities provided space for a couple lengthy rides.  The gravel roads west of Mandan are a favorite for the variable landscapes and limited, courteous automobile traffic.

(The Surly Crosscheck sporting new handlebar tape and Compass tires)

Last Ride of the Year?

With a major winter storm predicted within the next 36 hours, the opportunity for ‘one last ride’ seemed too good to pass up.  Dressing in layers and with a single water bottle in tow, I headed out late in the morning on my commuter bike, the Surly Cross-Check.

(The commuter, sans Schwalbe tires, Hondo fenders, and Nitto rear rack)

For nearly all of my rides, I travel south out of the neighborhood onto Tyler Parkway, the main arterial from northwest Bismarck into town.  While typically busy with traffic, the road is wide and accommodating to both bicyclists and pedestrians.

(Tyler Parkway, looking south)

Following a brief stop at Gate City Bank, I headed west on Burnt Boat Road until I reached the entrance to the Missouri River overlook.  Here, I paused before riding the steep descent to Pioneer Park.

(Overlooking the Missouri River)

The scene beyond Pioneer Park has changed considerably since my last ride, now with leafless trees and very few trail users.

(One of many excellent paved paths of the Bismarck/MandanTrail Network)

As I proceeded south, I noticed the presence of wildlife activity immediately adjacent to the trail.  A sign that winter has indeed arrived in western North Dakota.

(Bark!  It’s what’s for dinner!)

Further south passing underneath Memorial Bridge, I arrived at the intersection of Memorial Highway and Front Street.  The building on the northeast corner (formerly Hansen’s Furniture) will be the future home of Epic Sports.  Having had a personal tour of the building last month by friend and biking compatriot, Dennis Kemmesat, I can’t wait to see the transformation that is to come.  2014 is slated to be an awesome year for anyone associated with the shop.  My prediction is Epic Sports will be highlighted in Bicycling magazine as one of the best bikes shops in the northern Plains sometime in 2015.

(Future home of Epic Sports)

I headed west into the wind over Memorial Bridge.  There are five turnouts along the south side for each military branch.

(United States Marine Corps turnout on Memorial Bridge)

After navigating through the pseudo-industrial development that comprises Mandan’s Memorial Highway, I resume my travels on a paved path immediately south of Kist Livestock.  By the sound of the stockyard, there is a major sale today.

(Path along the south border of Kist Livestock Auction Company)

Continuing on I reached a critical intersection along the trail.  On any other day, the northern terminus of the Fort Lincoln Trolley is where I decide to travel north (Harmon Lake), west (to work or further to New Salem), or south (Abraham Fort Lincoln State Park or the many gravel roads southwest of Mandan).  Today, however, I turn around to head home.  As much as I would like to continue riding, my daughter is home from college, and with less than a day left of her visit I need to make the most of our limited time together.

(North, West, or South?  All good options!)

Will this be the last ride of the year?  Stay tuned…

Bikes I Ride

The stable of bikes I own are a reflection of my different passions for cycling, and while they each have a defined purpose, I like to think they are adaptable to more than one riding style.  Thanks to over a decade of support by Epic Sports, I've been fortunate to acquire some truly excellent bikes at team prices, three of which have been built following unique guidelines for components and accessories.

Each bike reviewed below briefly describes the following: 1) frame, components, and accessories, 2) intended use, and 3) my most memorable riding experience.

Surly Cross Check (est. 2010)

• The frame is as the title suggests, White Industry cranks and chainrings, Shimano Ultegra derailleurs (2x9) with downtube shifters, Chris King hubs and bottom bracket, Salsa seatpost, stem, skewers, and handlebar, Avid brakes, Tektro brake levers, Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals, Nitto M-12 front rack, Velo-Orange hammered aluminum fenders, Brooks B17 saddle, Schwalbe Marathon tires (32 mm), Acorn randonneur bag and medium seatbag, and Japanese brass bell.  Credit goes to Mike Hilden for creating this wonderful bike.

• This bike serves as my daily commuter.
• Despite its commuter role, my most memorable ride with this bike was a 95 mile jaunt to and from Steele, ND on July 4th, 2011.  It was a calm, cool morning.  Enjoyed sunrise near Driscoll and a tailwind on the way home.

Surly Karate Monkey (est. 2009)

• Another frame by Surly, SRAM X9 (2x9), Mavic Crossmax wheels (29"), Salsa seatpost, stem, and Woodchipper bars, Specialized Rival saddle, and Japanese brass bell.  The pedals have been swapped for Eggbeaters and the tires are now Schwalbe Hurricanes (41 mm).  This bike was originally built by Tyler Huber with a White Industry Double-Double drivetrain and flat handlebar.  The version photographed below was built by Steven Wilke.

• While the most versatile bike of the bunch, it serves primarily as an early season trainer and a year-round gravel bike.
• Burleigh County Cup, May 12th, 2012.

Specialized Epic 29 (est. 2011)

• Full aluminum frame, FSR/Fox suspension (BRAIN in back, Float 29 in front), SRAM XO (2x10), Industry Nine wheels, Maxxis Crossmark tires (tubeless), Specialized stem, bar, and grips, Thomson seatpost, Specialized Rival saddle, and Eggbeater pedals.  This bike was built by Steven Wilke.

• Singletrack.
• Dakota 5-O, September 2nd, 2012.  Briefly led the second wave up the gravel road after the start.  The ride ended poorly (see previous post), but it was still the most memorable day on this bike.

Specialized Roubaix Pro (est. 2005)

• Full carbon frame, Shimano Dura Ace (2x9), Specialized carbon seatpost and handlebar, Specialized aluminum stem, Specialized Avatar saddle, Ksyrium Equipe wheelset (in place of Dura Ace wheelset, which is used rarely), Ruffy Tuffy tires (28 mm), and Speedplay Zero pedals.

• Road riding.  Short distance brevets (up to 300 km).
• Gran Fondo, Fort Collins, CO, August 12, 2011.  Dropped all but one rider climbing Rist Canyon and then rode the remainder of the 90 mile route with the lead group.  Passed through some of my old stomping grounds west of Horsetooth reservoir.  It was a fun day.

Koga-Miyata Terraliner (est. 1998)

• Terraliner frame, Shimano Ultegra (3x8), bar-end shifters, Sugino cranks and chainrings (gearing suitable for touring), Mavic MA40 rims and Ultegra hubs (36 spokes, front and rear), Panaracer Pacela tires (32 mm), Richey seatpost, Nitto stem and handlebar, Velo-Orange aluminum fenders, Brooks B17 saddle, Eggbeater pedals, Zefal frame pump, and Japanese brass bell.  This bike is being upgraded.  Stay tuned for significant improvements.

• Touring.  Longer brevets.
• Cowboy Trail, north central Nebraska, August 2000.  Rode from Atkinson to Platte Center while camping along the way.