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I have been working on gathering parts for the Cross Check for a while and they are all starting to come together. Today was the start of the shake down, to make sure I feel somewhat prepared for Trans Iowa. I was thinking that I wanted to run as fat of tyre as I could, so I opted for the Bontrager XR-1. A 29er tyre, it makes the tag "fatties fit fine" a true statement. They do actually roll with no rubbing (minus the molding whiskers) underneath my fenders. I had to change gearing a little to make sure my rear wheel was all the way back in the dropouts, but there is plenty of room up front. I'm pretty sure they aren't going to make the final build, but they are fun to ride.
Working in a bike shop sure has it's advantages. I sure didn't have to go with the Schmidt hub, or two Brooks mudflaps, but it really gives the bike some nice flair. I think my favorite is the Edelux light that you can just make out under the basket and the very front of the fender. They just happened to have a black one in stock when I was ordering some other items. What luck! I had my Berthoud fenders powder coated and they turned out really nice. I will remember to take the parts to match in with me the next time. I didn't know I would have to choose from 12 different blacks.
Riding my Pake since October, I have missed getting on different bikes. I can't believe how quick this handles, even with all that wheel underneath me. It definitely is a faster ride and it gives me a small feeling of relief that I don't have to work quite so hard. I know it isn't all about the bike, but it isn't all about the rider either. Balance, always.
So don't always believe the specs that are out there for bikes. Sometimes you have to experiment a little. 29x1.9 tyres and 60mm fenders. Optimal fit, no. Functional, somewhat. Fun, absolutely.
Giggling
I took the studded tyres off my bike this past Thursday. Friday when I rode to work I couldn't stop giggling. Actually it fluctuated between smiling and outright laughing, so I will average it to a 6 mile giggle. It's amazing what we can get used to and riding clunky studded tyres all winter was something I DID get used to. But now that I have shed the studs, I don't know how I do it.
Today was even better as I broke out the Schwinn Voyageur II with platform pedals and all. One of the great things about working Sundays is that we get to ride home in the daylight. That changes what kind of equipment I choose for riding. No lights required! With the exception of my skinny 28mm tyres, it is the perfect metro cruiser for me. If it weren't for riding with Dan, I would have been giggling all the way home. There were small bursts on the way to work.
These experiences this week again remind me what I'm doing with this whole bike thing. The freedom of riding is enough to bring giggles to my mouth and lightens my soul. Who wouldn't want to experience that?
