So I took the Hooligan out for it's second ride. Now sporting a 32/18. Chain problems gone. I focused on the handling. The Reba needed a bit more dialing in. I missed my Ergon grips.
Note one, Big wheel,steel fork,Ergons was giving me a better ride than a slightly stiff Reba with Ourys. How would carbon bars fit in the equation?
While Pops was hacking and wheezing his way around the trails. I focused on speed and climbing.
Now here's wear it gets murky. The Hooligan was a razor compared to the Dillinger. Both have the same WTB front tire. I'd forgotten the felling of a front end tucking,drifting searching for traction,but not spitting you off. I knew I was at the edge of adhesion. it felt great. the Hooligan ripped the climbs. I decided it was a keeper. I could race this bike. I was thinking of going total 29er. But we'll see. I can set the Hooligan up with a steel fork, 29'er front wheel and get some more ergons. See if it behaves as well as the Carver. Time will tell.
I've been pretty much a roadie lately. I rode the Enemy of Fun Tuesday. First time since I broke my leg. 32.8 miles 3100+ ft of climbing. These aren't easy hills either. Did it on 2:01. Tough.
Race results a 4th and a 6th. Good TT motor,the hills need work. I made the cut last night till Belden. Then "Big" Todd turned the screws. He's winning everything. Good for him.
Haven't got any response from the crew on the 24 hrs of Round top.
Summer beers have invaded the fridge. I love hefeweizens and wheat beers. The Sam Adams contest winners,we're well, winners.
Trying the Latin American place tonight. Food is to be experienced.
Been riding the Strom to work. 50 mpg and and a good time to ad fro. Maybe more if I baby it.
Enjoy life. OGQ

Yes it's been awhile. Never sure how people find time to update. Latetly it's been the rinse later repeat cycle for me.

We did do an epic dirt road ride. That was really fun. Muddy climbs etc. A true spring classic. Better than booze or drugs.

I did do the opening club races. We lucked out weather wise. Found out who has legs and who doesn't. This means it's time to remove the winter growth. I shaved mine April one. I hate the first time of the year. My heart goes out to the ladies on that issue.

So the new Hooligan is built. Haven't ridden 26 inch wheels now in almost a year. Been running the Dillinger 29'er fully rigid. The Carver has a Reba. All have different yet close gear combos.

The 29er has 32/20(43in),the Carver has a 34/18(49in) and the Hooligan has a 32/17(49/in) wanted a 18 but the eccentric really won't let you get the chain right.

So the Carver had a return to the fold after the Dillinger's BB crapped out on me. Now BB's are supposed to have a "Standard" now that most are external bearings. This is another cycling myth. The manufacturers can't seem to agree on anything. Then release the next big thing. So it was a trip to the shop to discover,the standard doesn't exist. Order a BB. Ride the Carver. Now I feel that bike is magic. But it took abit to re adapt to it. Then the magic returned. But I missed the 29'er's bump eating wheels. My first 29'er MR BIGG was a horrid nightmare. I wasn't feeling the love of big wheels. Yes, I won a race on it. But sold it asap. Back to the Hooligan.Then I rode a team mates Niner. Ahh there was something to this big wheel thing. Soul kicked down the Dillinger and I've been on it ever since. The best part on it. has to be the Argon Ergo grips. My old hands are loving these.

Blue and orange. I wonder if Jonathon Vaughters will be calling me to ride for Slipstream.

So today the new Dillinger will take it's maiden voyage. Will I love it? Will it feel like a sketchy BMX'er? how about traction. I know the big wheel shines there. Will my "test pilot " abilities shine through and I won't even notice? Time will tell.

I've been riding South mountain quite a bit. Bobber has me dialed in pretty well. He rode his "new bike" to be on Saturday and was doing quite well.

Venus. Turned forty. No big blast yet. So no lurid stories or timeline of debauchery. She did go to a martini bar with her HS friends. Seems as though martinis have crept into here thinking. I reminded here of the bad things that happen to people that drink martinis.

The big Zook is prepped and ready to ride. Now if we could get some decent weather.

The sun is shining. I'm smiling. I have a good life. So should you. Go ride your bike or do whatever makes you smile.

Oh and I heard Astana and Rock racing will be at the circuit race at the end of the month. Tuning up for the Tour of Georgia. Michael Ball has a big mouth and tons of money. Cycling needs the money. Besides he's not the only one that has hired dopers.

We're not Dopers. We're just dopes. Is our motto.

Enjoy life. OGQ