Choices are Critical

Ken and I tried out one of our most relaxing ways to incorporate bicycles into other activities, with our second BGB event. That's Bike-Golf-Bike, laid back triathlon style. We were planning to ride up to Stacy to play, but as I was calculating the schedule for Saturday, I realized I couldn't be gone that long, so we chose a closer course near Stillwater. Out the Gateway Trail a ways Ken says, "take the gravel?". Well how can I say no to that.

Turns out I should say no when I am testing tyres I have a good idea are not designed for gravel. I put a set of Panaracer Ribmos on the Cross Check and in trying to encourage others to ride them (purely for testing purposes) I purchased them in 32mm width. Now why would I think we wouldn't be riding gravel? Somewhere in my brain, I know I was thinking I just have to confirm these are not the tyres for me. The most intriguing factor for me is that I enjoy so much of the Panaracer Pasela, (including T-Servs 6 of 8 700c bikes have them) and I figure if they can make that tyre so wonderful, maybe this one is worth a shot.

I have only run them about 50 miles but I'm sure they won't stay on my bike much longer. I think they could make an ok commuter for someone, but after riding Paselas for so long, I am extremely happy with them, and this tyre does not offer anything to improve my ride. The first is that they seemed very springy. Once we hit the gravel, I was bouncing down the road. I had them set at 60psi, which is a little higher than I run my Paselas, but they didn't absorb the bumps. It's a little unclear from the picture, but the tyres are actually pointed a little in the center. I don't think it reduced my rolling resistance, but it sure changes the compression. It also carves into the dirt. We hit a few softer sections of gravel throughout our rides and it was like riding through sand. I had no steering control and bogged down very quickly. Lastly, I did notice the less than smooth transition into cornering. I thought I was going to just feel this in my mind, but Sunday I hopped back on a bike with T-Servs (28mm none the less) and I was surprised at how well they rolled into the corners. So much so that I cased a pedal leaning into a turn, which I have not done for a long time (disclaimer: fixed gear + excited rider, not just excited, stupid rider).

I figure I will run the tyres a few more days on my normal commute to give them a little more of a chance. Then, off to another person to see what they think. Since a number of us at the shop have similar taste in rubber, I have a feeling these are going to be for sale pretty soon. Even with my lack of stellar thoughts for my bike's shoes, the golfing was great and the riding even better.

Garden Time

This past weekend my wife and I spent a whole bunch of time working in our yard. We put in a vegetable garden and planted a number of plants. The weather was absolutely perfect and I was only a little sad there was no biking. With the exception of the small ride for Joe's bachelor party. I think I am still partially dehydrated because of it.

Kids Again

(riding to the park)

Last year we had a rousing game of wiffle ball for a Sunday Slow Ride activity, and it turned out great. From the choosing teams, to the arguing over rules, to the 5th inning stretch bike derby. Everyone had a great time and the injuries were kept to a minimum. Alas, trying to recreate events and experiences only goes so far.

Sunday was our second wiffle ball game day and it was a lot of fun. We played a little harder due to the balls not being quite as wiffly, so they moved a little faster. We had an impromptu derby, but it wasn't the all out pandemonium that derby can be. People had other commitments, slowly reducing our numbers until we had to make a trade to keep things even.

(serious gaming business)

I know it was a good time because I was very tired when I finally came home. Enough energy to eat some dinner and watch a little hockey. Just like being a kid, I fought going to bed. I am paying for it now, tired and cranky, trying to be ready for the real world.