Married to a Biker

Vassago Chupa Cabra? 29 aluminum

2011-09-15T09:47:00.000-04:00

Transition TransAm - green 26 inch

2011-09-15T09:45:00.002-04:00

Transition TransAm - green 26 inch

NRS Steel 26-inch

2011-05-25T17:38:00.002-04:00

Purchased yesterday locally...

Salsa El Mariachi

2011-05-25T17:37:00.000-04:00

He's been riding a nearly "stock" gray Salsa El Mariachi. After making a bet with a couple of his friends --something along the lines of him buying them beer if he sells the bike or maybe even gets a new one...

Communter Bike

2011-04-13T09:25:00.002-04:00

A Kona Smoke - steel 700c with fenders.

Updates since the last time...

2011-04-13T09:23:00.000-04:00

He had a Trek Sawyer for a while.

Then he sold the Sawyer and bought an aluminum Cannondale singlespeed 29er - white.

Then he sold the Cannondale and bought a STEEL SALSA EL MARIACHI 29er--gray/red.

His Cool New Bike

2011-03-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

link to trek.com

We've liked the Trek Sawyer bike ever since the Gary Fisher Collection was announced: http://marriedtoabiker.blogspot.com/2010/06/step-child-was-adopted.html

MY cool new bike

2011-03-22T16:52:00.000-04:00

http://www.bikes.com/DATA/BIKE/961_en.pdf

After searching and searching, thinking and thinking, comparing and contrasting, calculating and saving, I finally pulled the trigger on my first new bike since my "new to me" hand-me-down Gary Fisher Rig that I also still really, really like. This will be my ~~third~~ fifth (I forgot about my 2 road bikes, both Trek's) ever brand new bike. Bike #1 was a Trek Mountaintrack that I got for my high school graduation (1998) from Marinette Cycle Center. Bike #2 was my Trek Cruiser Classic that I still have and ride quite a bit from The Sports Rack in Marquette. This is a 2011 Rocky Mountain Metropolis YVR. A crazy good deal was found earlier today and during lunch I bought it! This is the first bike that I haven't bought in a shop.

I found this website of a graphic designer that may have designed the color block on the frame. http://www.sher11.com/lisasher/2010/metropolis-lineup/

From what I could see in the photos on bikes.com the graphic looks more blue than the graphic design webpage. We'll see when it gets here!

After the Banshee...

2011-03-02T14:04:00.003-05:00

After he sold the Banshee Paradox, he bought a Singular Swift (rigid, steel, 29er). It looked a lot like this: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s1O3owT0eC4/TESlMWPNleI/AAAAAAAACaQ/xYO4EZObGIw/s1600/July+002.jpg

but had the Singular rigid fork that matched the frame.

2011 Arrowhead 135

2011-01-31T13:24:00.000-05:00

The race is happening NOW! On our walk to work (7:40EST) we thought about the biker, skiers, and runners who were getting ready for their 7:00CST departure from International Falls, MN. They said it was -9 this morning at the race start. I'm not sure what the temperature was in Marquette, but it felt cold.

Here are the live updates:
http://www.arrowheadultra.com/index.php/results/2011-results

We're watching for #18 Danny Hill.

Before work I tried to find some webcams located in Northern Minnesota:
http://www.rainylakeonestop.com/rainylake_cam.html - International Falls
http://www.lakevermilion.com/EagleEye/index.html - Lake Vermilion (closer to the finish)

2010 In Review: The Bicycles

2010-12-30T11:38:00.000-05:00

Everyone else is doing a year in review so I thought I would too...

By Month
January - Gary Fisher Rig 29
February - Vassago JabberWocky - Green
March - Giant Reign XO
May - Salsa Big Mama and Bianchi SOK
July - Singular Swift, Kona Honky Tonk
August - Specialized Epic Comp, Salsa El Mariachi
November - Rocky Mountain Slayer, Trek Rumblefish
December - Banshee Paradox

Categories:
Local vs. On-line
Gary Fisher Rig - local
Vassago JabberWocky - on-line
Giant Reign - local
Salsa Big Mama - on-line
Bianchi SOK - on-line
Singular Swift - on-line
Kona Honky Tonk - local
Specialized Epic Comp - local
Salsa El Mariachi - on-line
Rocky Mountain Slayer - on-line
Trek Rumblefish - local
Banshee Paradox - on-line

Steel vs. Aluminum & Wheel Size & suspension
Gary Fisher Rig - aluminum, 29, hardtail
Vassago JabberWocky - steel, 29, hardtail
Giant Reign - aluminum, 26, full suspension
Salsa Big Mama - scandium, 29, full suspension
Bianchi SOK - steel, 29, hardtail
Singular Swift - steel, 29, hardtail
Kona Honky Tonk - steel, road bike
Specialized Epic Comp - aluminum, 26, full suspension
Salsa El Mariachi - steel, 29, hardtail
Rocky Mountain Slayer - aluminum, 26, full suspension
Trek Rumblefish - aluminum, 29, full suspension
Banshee Paradox - aluminum, 29, hardtail

Gary Fisher Rig

Vassago JabberWocky

Giant Reign XO

Salsa Big Mama

Bianchi SOK

Singular Swift

Kona Honky Tonk

Specialized Epic Comp

Salsa El Mariachi

Rocky Mountain Slayer (how to pack and ship a bike)

Trek Rumblefish (linked) http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/gary_fisher_collection/29er_full_suspension/rumblefish/

Banshee Paradox

The most consistent thing: Ergon Grips.

Winter Stuff

2010-12-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

Fresh air, blue sky, sunshine. Cross country skiing a few miles from the bike trails. Echo Lake - Marquette, MI.

Trek Rumblefish - Gary Fisher Collection

2010-11-28T09:07:00.001-05:00

He's been riding this for about a week.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/gary_fisher_collection/29er_full_suspension/rumblefish/

29 inches.
110 rear, 120 front suspension.
Can ride it to the trail.

Fixing a Coil Fork that is Leaking Oil/Air

2010-11-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

Where is it leaking? Not the valve, but around the top.

He removed the top with the crank puller and brought it up...saying "I think I can fix this." After explaining how the mechanism works with a rubber gasket at the top of the screwed-on cap I suggested plumbers tape for a fit that was more snug.

Verdict = no air or oil leaking yet.

Perhaps photos will follow after a few rides.

A new bike on the horizon...

2010-11-10T19:17:00.002-05:00

It is one of these:

Singular Swift
Gary Fisher Superfly
Rocky Mountain Slayer
Trek Remedy
Kona - not a Kona, their website is too slow.

Ride the Divide

2010-10-02T14:23:00.004-04:00

Whew! This morning, after sleeping in, we watched Ride the Divide. Inspiring to say the least. I like to see what they eat. Cashew granola bars, Emergen-C, olives, pork sandwiches, fruit, nuts, pizza.

We're going for a ride tonight...a night ride with the lights on, with friends. No snow yet, but in the next month or so I think it'll be here.

Watch it here while it lasts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzc1CC1boXM&feature=featured

Is that new?

2010-09-21T10:20:00.002-04:00

Last night his friend rode up and took a look at his bike and then said, "Wait, is that new or were you riding that the last time we rode?"

Thankfully he continues to ride the Salsa.

El Mariachi

2010-09-08T10:22:00.004-04:00

I think the El Mariachi is going to be ridden for a while. Aside from some normal positioning adjustments he seems to like this bike. He's noticing the shorter fork length compared to the Singular. To accommodate this a riser bar may be swapped. He's saying numbers like 490 --perhaps the length of the fork?

Other components include his standard, trusty Bontrager wheels, straight seatpost, and Ergon grips. He has messed around with the gear ratio depending on the ride he's doing that particular week.

Epic Photos

2010-08-31T21:47:00.002-04:00

I had a picture after all.
Specialized Epic Comp 2010.

Epic Out, El Mariachi In

2010-08-25T07:59:00.003-04:00

Spending too much time messing with it in the basement, thinking about it when he was riding, and wanting a hardtail bike again, the Epic has been sold.

I don't even know if I have kept the Epic photos on my computer.

He is now in posession of a Salsa El Mariachi. Here's a link to an article by Matt James about the Salsa 29er:
http://www.examiner.com/cycling-gear-in-national/salsa-cycles-brings-steel-back-to-the-forefront-with-new-el-mariachi

Quick and dirty:
Steel, rigid, 29er, blue. The fork length is shorter than the Singular Swift fork. He's noticing that difference. One thing that he seems to like is the rear dropout and the ability to adjust that area. He's using Bontrager wheels because they never give him problems.

Specialized Epic Comp 29

2010-08-05T13:08:00.002-04:00

Purchased locally, the Epic does what he wants...so far.

Here's a webpage that has a nice picture gallery:
http://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-SP0EPC9.html

Researching Full Suspension Bicycles

2010-07-30T09:04:00.004-04:00

Considerations:

-ride to the trail by road without being totally inefficient (ie: not a 6-inch travel bike)

-gears

-29er

-decent components

-not upgrading parts

-not rigid

He says:

"A do-it-all-reasonably-well-and still pedal fast bike. I wanted a performance bike…I have been marketed to. I want to ride every kind of MQT/Midwest trail and have a bike that performs consistently in all conditions. My rigid does this…but in a way that is more costly to my physiology.

Hate to admit it…sound engineering…over 10 years of refinement to linkages, bearings, tube shapes, suspension bits.

Warranty. Lifetime. Good LBS support.

Fit and finish had to be high quality…"

What do you think he bought? What would you buy? Or would you alter your Singular to accomodate your current desires?

Testing Out the Bike Rack

2010-07-30T08:59:00.002-04:00

While testing out some beer. Both worked very well.

Bikes pictured: Gary Fisher Rig (2008), two Trek Classic Cruisers(2005/6), Kona Honky Tonk (2009), and the bike rack (2010).

Siren Bicycles

2010-07-23T12:52:00.004-04:00

Do you know about Siren Bicycles? How about Ride the Divide?

When he was researching steel hardtail bikes he considered a custom build and found Siren Bicycles. I started following them on Twitter for the heck of it and then heard about Ride the Divide out west.

http://www.sirenbicycles.com/mainpage.html

http://sirenbicycles.wordpress.com/

Have some time on a Friday afternoon? Check them out.

He's getting ready for a 6 hour race/ride tomorrow. Read about the 12 Hours of Potluck here:
http://blindstoker.com/12hour.aspx

Steel Road Bike

2010-07-21T08:33:00.007-04:00

He had been looking for a steel road bike for over a year. Two days ago he saw an 09 Kona Honky Tonk two blocks from our house at Quick Stop Bike Shop. What are the odds?

http://bikes.konaworld.com/09/09_honkytonk_en.cfm

There's a new steel bike in our house.

Upgraded the wheels, changed the seat and pedals.

Kona's 2010 website has nice commentary about the new bikes here:

http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=honkytonk

Singular SWIFT (not Siren)

2010-07-19T15:18:00.003-04:00

The bike is still with us. The fork is not. He's riding rigid and riding single speed. 6 hour race this weekend.

Oops, not a Siren. I must have heard about the Siren Bikes in his quest for this steel bike.

Identify It...

2010-07-06T13:54:00.000-04:00

Superior Bike Fest - Marquette

2010-06-22T11:27:00.003-04:00

Friday Night - Downtown Criterium
Saturday - Road Race and Downhill
Sunday - XC Mountain Bike and Circuit Race

Bikefest Home
Michigan Road Racing State Championship

Entire Race Schedule Here:
http://www.superiorbikefest.com/schedule.php

The step-child was adopted.

2010-06-16T15:45:00.004-04:00

Trek and Gary Fisher made a big announcement today.

"Trek joins forces with two-wheeled wizard Gary Fisher for an innovative line of bikes for mountain, road, and all points in between."

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collection/gary_fisher/bikes/

I like the new group--just wish it didn't have big T R E K letters on the "collection".

His favorite in the new group:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/gary_fisher_collection/29er_hardtails/sawyer/

Swift?

2010-06-09T16:02:00.000-04:00

http://www.singularcycles.com/swift.html

A Couple Upgrades

2010-05-28T18:12:00.001-04:00

Salsa Big Mama - Upgrades. New fork and brakes, swapped over to a white seat so it is all matchy-matchy.

The Green Loop - Heartwood Forestland

2010-05-24T09:48:00.002-04:00

We headed out Saturday morning and rode up the Bridges Trail, then up Division Street to the main South Trails trailhead where we began up "The Green Loop". Up, up, up, then down the sweepy, fast Pioneer Loop. Bill rode the Big Mama, I rode my rigid Rig 1x9. I was tired at the end with a sore lower back.

Bill re-rode the loops the following day and commended me for sticking with it on the rigid bike the day before. There are still trails that he has not ridden in Marquette in 6 years of mountain biking.

Heartwood Forestland area that is home to many of the South Marquette is in jeopardy. Read more here: http://www.mqtcty.org/heartwood.html and map here: http://www.mqtcty.org/city_website/WebsiteGeneral/PDF/Current_Projects/Heartwood/overview_map.pdf

Perhaps a NEW RECORD!

2010-05-13T12:57:00.001-04:00

The Bianchi Sok is for sale! My earlier prediction was correct:

This prediction was made May 5th.

I think he will want a steel bike. I think he will want a suspension fork on the Bianchi. I think the Bianchi will be sold before summer's end because the frame is too big. I think he will update the components on the Salsa -- wanting a better suspension fork than the one that he is swapping over from the Bianchi.

Seems that the Bianchi was a bit too big. He may confirm or deny this claim. He has said that he likes the Salsa Big Mama so much that he's going to ride just the one bike.

Salsa Big Mama vs. Niner RIP9

2010-05-13T08:11:00.005-04:00

He's keeping this frame for a while. Last night I asked him to compare it to the Niner RIP9 that he sold a year ago because he kept falling. He says the suspension design of the Big Mama is much more simple with one pivot vs. the pivots of the RIP9. This morning he e-mailed me:

The Salsa really does everything pretty well. I like it. My body doesn’t hurt. I can ride roads to the trails. I can ride the trails. I can ride home. I can go with one bike…there are a ton of people who don’t even have that.

There is talk of upgrading the fork from the gray fork that came with the Bianchi--perhaps a Fox.

If I had a giveaway...

2010-05-11T13:43:00.004-04:00

The options would be:

1) Lakeshore Bike Pint Glass -- drink and think about the next bike, new components, the last ride, the next ride...
2) Foam Pipe Insulation -- works great for protecting bikes during shipping
3) Free room rental (futon) for the Ore to Shore weekend or Superior Bike Fest along with personal tour guide.

Churning Rapids - Hancock, MI

2010-05-10T12:56:00.005-04:00

We rode our rigid bikes on the Churning Rapids bike trails in Hancock County, MI. What a beautiful day for riding--50 degrees and sunny. We saw seven people and two dogs in our three hour adventure on the sign-filled trails.

Bill had some rear derailleur trouble in addition to rear break rubbing early in the ride. About half-way through the ride he wrenched on his cranks and his rear wheel popped out of the dropout on one of the pieces of trail. He says he is going to swap out the Easton skewers.

There were many different trails that intersected throughout the trail area -- both single track and two tracks. The IMBA (recognized?/certified?) trails were well maintained and as more people ride them, the better they will be. The trail system reminded us a lot of the Kettle Moraine trails in southeastern Wisconsin with the baby head sized rocks along the river trail. You can even work on your ratcheting skills while crossing the river.

What we rode: He rode his new Bianchi SOK and I rode my Gary Fisher Rig.

Where we rode: http://www.keweenawtrails.com/trails/maasto_churning_2009_10_lg.jpg
We started at the Christianson Road trailhead in the north part of the Churning Rapids: Great Oak Trail south to Oaks Cross Cut, south on Spring Creek, east on Sunset Trail to the River Trail. Somewhere along the River Trail we popped out onto the highway M203 where we rode the road back north to Brooks Road. At Brooks Road we turned back into the trails which meant climbing Brooks Road --similar to the Mount Marquette road (steep). At the top there was more single track that wrapped around a biker's house (Bill saw an Indy Fab bike leaning on the house). We got back on the Sunset Trail then headed north backwards from the way we rode south. The trails (thank goodness) were smoother and more flowy on the way north.

First Ride: Salsa Big Mama '09

2010-05-07T21:01:00.005-04:00

He rode the trails north of town and was able to ride the bike right from the house--rather than hooking it to an SUV or putting it in the back of our Subaru. First impressions are good. Stiffer than the Rip9 that he rode last year. "It's confidence-inspiring like the Reign but you can pedal it." Hey says the Reign was a HOG.

I was the paparazzi when he returned yesterday evening:

(Monona Terrace, University of Wisconsin: thinking about the bikes that were on the way this week)

Reign Accommodations

2010-05-06T10:37:00.004-04:00

When he bought the Reign it was close to stock. He made some accommodations to it during the time it was with him. 1) He replaced the air shock with a coil shock 2) upgraded the front fork 3) made special protective sleeves for the fork out of neoprene and velcro. 4) new wheelset 5) swapped handelbars and grips 6) went 1x9 on the gears 7) and back to 3 x9 8) probably swapped cranks 9) swapped pedals 10) anything else I'm not sure? brakes? cables? headset? cassette?

Out with the Old

2010-05-05T14:58:00.002-04:00

The Vassago was sold on ebay and the Reign is in the process of being sold. They are being sold as the frames only. Some of the other components were saved for the two new bikes.

Speedgoat has sent a Salsa Big Mama frame that will arrive sometime tomorrow.

Jenson USA sent a Bianchi SOK 29er with gears. It arrived a day early (yesterday). Assembeled, customized, and ridden today.

I think the fork from the Bianchi will go on the Salsa, the Bianchi is being ridden rigid with the carbon fork from the Vassago.

New pictures soon.

What changed: He wanted gears. He wanted 29 inch wheels. He didn't like the hassle of the Reign (in order to ride it at a trail he would have to either get a ride from a friend or put it in the back of the Subaru). The Reign's fork doesn't fit on the Thule rack system that we have on the car. He really liked the Vassago, but when he rode with friends who had gears on their bike he felt like he always had the wrong setup 32x16, etc.

My prediction (in white highlight to see): I think he will want a steel bike. I think he will want a suspension fork on the Bianchi. I think the Bianchi will be sold before summer's end because the frame is too big. I think he will update the components on the Salsa -- wanting a better suspension fork than the one that he is swapping over from the Bianchi.

Giant Reign XO 2008

2010-03-22T10:59:00.004-04:00

He went out for a morning ride on Saturday on his singlespeed rigid Vassago. He got the itch for the full-suspension bike after swapping bikes throught the ride with some of his riding pals.

Remembering a Craigslist ad for the Reign, he made contact with the owner and the deal was done on Sunday morning in a parking lot.

Two more wheels in the house and a lot more suspension. He "picked up" the 2008 Reign locally from a guy that recently switched to a Giant Trance. The Reign has Maestro suspension--which means I can wear my Giant bicycles t-shirt with the Maestro logo on the front without feeling like a weirdo.

The Vassago remains.

Friday Night

2010-03-19T20:02:00.003-04:00

Friday night after a few beers in town. Basement internet-surfing and bike-building. Easton XC-2 wheels replacing the Stan's Arch. Tires seated in a matter of minutes(seconds) and a new birthday bike pump here: http://www.lezyne.com/index.php/products/floor-pumps/alloy-floor-drive-4.html.

March Update

2010-03-16T16:36:00.002-04:00

Stan's Arch wheels are not in our house anymore (thank goodness). He spent an entire day (7am-5pm) working on bike stuff particularly hours trying to seat the tires while using a crappy pump. FAIL.

Dear Bill,
For your birthday I am going to get you a Lezyne bicycle floor pump. I hope it is the last one you ever own.

http://www.lezyne.com/index.php/products/floor-pumps.html

Anyone have experience with these products?

There was talk last week of selling the Vassago. After reviewing the bikes of '09 I think I convinced him to keep the steel bike.

Bikes of '09:
Niner SIR9 - Green, Steel, Rigid
Niner RIP9 - Blue, Full-sus
Gary Fisher Rig - '08 model that I'm now riding
OS Blackbuck - rigid, singlespeed, 29
Trek Remedy - Full suspension 26-inch (couch)-another bad decision (my thought)
Fisher Cobia - Brushed crome color-this was a bad decision (my thought)
Niner MCR - I don't even remember this bike. I think it was dark brown and glittery.
Gary Fisher Rig - '09

Early Spring Riding

2010-03-08T14:35:00.004-05:00

The Vassago is pretty sweet. It is very similar to the Ferrous.

He went out for a 3 hour ride this past Saturday morning. Some frozen over backroads, and then some snowpack singletrack. The temps were perfect for riding on the snow. He got out back on to the road just as the snowpack started to get spongy from rising temps and sun.

Quiet Bikes

2010-03-02T15:27:00.003-05:00

Don't you want your bike to be quiet? No chain slap, no creaks, etc.? Then why would you want this?

Seems awfully loud to me.

Awaiting Trial

2010-02-26T08:40:00.002-05:00

He spent part of the evening in the basement working on it. All that needs to be done is a chain and chain ring. That and the snow to melt. 60 days until the trails will no longer be snow-covered.

The Arrival

2010-02-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Stan's Arch Wheels

2010-02-20T17:21:00.004-05:00

The Speedgoat wheels arrived earlier this week. Some things that make them special--they are not quick release, the company didn't cheap out on the rim tape that they sent, they sent along extra spokes, and the wheels are white, the hubs are Surly disc. For some reason I have a difficult time when I'm having conversations about wheels and tires and interchange the words. I know what a wheel is and what a tire is but flip them around often. Maxxis Ignitor tires were hard to seat(he said).

JabberWocky

2010-02-17T11:57:00.003-05:00

The Vassago Jabberwocky frame will be delivered on Friday. The wheels arrived yesterday from SpeedGoat. The (slow, I hope) build begins.

Valentine's day for a Biker

2010-02-15T07:07:00.004-05:00

2 boxes of CTC (Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
Mountain Bike Action magazine and
BIKE Magazine's 2010 Buyers Guide (I think it is actually called THE BIBLE)
-he says it's mostly 26-inch full suspension bikes by Trek and Specialized.

Currently: eagerly waiting for the arrival of a Vassago Army Green 29-inch steel singlespeed.

Winter Riding

2010-02-08T10:35:00.002-05:00

He's been riding the trails north of town near Mead Pond. The snow, packed down by hikers and snowshoers, has been decent for winter riding. Windproof gloves, scullcap, windproof pants and jacket, and shoe covers keep him warm. He's using my wheels while he waits for his to be built at Speedgoat.

After selling the CrossMax he says...

2010-01-28T10:54:00.003-05:00

My new wheels are much simpler.

No freehub. Gears don’t sit on a freehub body…they screw on individually. I think it will be durable and nice. I hope. They will be heavier than the Cmax, but more durable. Regular 14g straight DT swiss spokes…cheap to replace…

They look good, too.

They are being built by Speedgoat with a Surly freewheel hub. (I think) He says they are more serviceable than the CrossMax.

He's going the singlespeed route with the Gary Fisher Rig. I think he will regret this by June 1. He will say "I'm never in the right gear." "Riding home from the trail takes a long time b/c I need one gear for riding the trails and another when I'm riding home."

We'll see...

CrossMax Wheels

2010-01-28T10:12:00.001-05:00

No longer in the R&R household.

Arrowhead Ultra - Minnesota

2010-01-17T08:27:00.002-05:00

Registration still available for the Groundhog's Day Weekend event. The fastest bike finisher completed the 135 mile trek last year in 21 hours. I'm pretty sure he was riding a Pugsley.

Arrowhead Ultra:

Of 59 starters, 24 finished the Arrowhead in under 60 hours and 1 was disqualified for getting lost and taking a car ride back to the trail.

26 bikers started, 15 finished.
26 on foot, 8 finished
7 skiers, 1 finished.

Completing the course is no small feat as winter temperatures in this area of Minnesota have been known to reach a record -60F degrees. No wonder the locals have dubbed their town the "Icebox of the Nation" and "Frostbite Falls".

A recap of a skier: http://www.arrowheadultra.com/2009reports/Maxwell2009.htm

E-Bizzle

2010-01-15T18:45:00.006-05:00

The swap:

Currently on Ebay: 4 wheels, 3tires. Currently being paid for: Crossmax 29er wheelset from Lakeshore BikePhoto: Guitar Ted and Twentynineinches.com

He's had Crossmax wheels before -- just not the 29 inch version. One of the things he's looking forward to this summer is a weekend in IOWA -- hoping for a bike celebrity sighting of G-Ted.

Rigs

2010-01-10T15:58:00.000-05:00

How long will he keep the RIG?

Gary Fisher Rig 2008 and 2009

2010-01-10T15:52:00.002-05:00

He took his friend out on the 29ers in the snow. With a break from the lake effect snow he was able to ride both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

Gary Fisher Rig Rigid

2010-01-03T12:13:00.004-05:00

This is the Vassago Fork from my Rig. He says it sucks. The Fox fork that comes with the bike is in its holding rack (my Rig) for the winter. I was stading up on the back porch taking this photo. The bike is NOT too small, right? He's currently messing around with the saddle position.

We just finished watching eBay auctions end and were surprised at how high the bidders went on a crankset. Shipping the stuff this week. The Niner MCR was shipped on Thursday.

BIKE UPDATE '09

2009-12-30T17:22:00.003-05:00

The last (I hope) bike of 2009 is a 2009 Gary Fisher Rig -- 19" with a Fox fork.

Niner MCR has been sold on Ebay. The poll is closed.

He chose this bike for the warranty, lack of corrosion of frame material, good engineering, ability to run single or geared, and the Fox fork and Bontrager wheels.

Photos soon with personalization of the stock bike.

Will the real Bill Richards please stand up, please stand up

2009-12-17T08:37:00.007-05:00

http://whereonearthisbill.blogspot.com/2009/12/marquette-michgan.html

Not the Bill Richards you were thinking...
Yes, he rides. Lots of different bikes he has owned. Haven't seen any bike messengers --yet. It can be awfully cold and quite snowy but a Surly Pugsly could take you where you need to go.

We regularly have conversations about Dicky, Big Worm, and Pisgah. Even had a moment of silence for Wally.

Gary Fisher Rig vs. Niner Something

2009-12-08T08:12:00.010-05:00

SIR Nine - can be single speed or geared, steel (is real), 2 year warranty

MCR - set up to be geared only, steel, 2 year warranty, does not have horizontal dropouts

Fisher Rig - can be single speed or geared, aluminum, lifetime warranty

Was he really riding a Cobia this summer?!

2008 RIG? http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/archivemodel/397

Nice subtle color, beefy fork, would you ride it rigid?

2009 RIG? http://garyfisherbikes.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/gary-fisher-rig.jpg

Nice color, I like the brown wheels, would you keep the components?

2010 RIG? http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/rig-single-speed

I'm pleasantly surprised by the color/graphics. Most of the 2010 fisher graphics seem obnoxious. Looks like the same fork as '08 and '09.

NINERS: http://www.ninerbikes.com/fly.aspx?layout=bike

What to think about:

Aluminum vs. steel

-(do you love Reynolds 853?)
-"It has soul."

-Will it rust? what does frame saver do to the paint job?

-how are the welds --does it matter?

-will you ride it in the rain? snow?

-steel is classic, timeless

-aluminum is cheaper, doesn't rust, but has a general life capacity before it just breaks --but if it does, GF has an amazing warranty.

Single speed vs. geared

-SS - always the wrong gear?

-SS - no muck in your derailleur

-SS - what ratio will you run it? will you be changing this often?

-Geared - 1 x 9?, heavy, ride anywhere

-If buying MCR, how difficult is it to run SS, can it be done?

Cost

- Niner EMD - why buy a Niner if you want an aluminum bike?

- is there a 2009 still in the shop? what upgrades to the RIG have they done since '08?

Graphics

- do you like the flecky, glittery paint of a Niner?

- do you want your bike to have the same graphics of one sold 3 years ago?

- do you want your bike to be identified as an '10 model?

Other thoughts...

Resale value?

Sizing - standover?, toe rub on the front wheel?, does the fork hit the frame when it is turned?

Would your wife consider riding it if you decided it was too small?

Component upgrade? - would you sell some of the components that are stock on the GF?

How difficult is it to get the fork that you want for the Niner? - what about color? Do you really want a hard tail bike?

Niner and GF have been making the 29er bikes for quite a while and seem to know the technology and what works -- rake?, frame geometry?, can you go wrong?

Didn't Gary Fisher sell a steel 29er a while back? Yep--Ferrous seen below.

What else?

What can brown do for you?

2009-10-21T16:11:00.002-04:00

Specialized Saddles in Brown

Marquette Trails in November Bike Magazine

2009-10-12T13:06:00.001-04:00

Just above the right brake cable, Marquette made the cover of Bike magazine. Check out The Flow here.

2009-10-11T12:29:00.013-04:00

Hale and I got out for a spin last Friday evening...just for awhile. Winter weather is creeping in, so it's time to make the most of the milder temps.

We found the brohiohouse.blogspot.com grafitti. Cool.

Fall Mountain Biking - Marquette, MI

2009-10-02T16:54:00.003-04:00

Harlow Lake

Leaves, slippery roots, and rain will make biking a little more tricky on the trails in the next couple of months. We have done some late season riding together on the trails north of Marquette -- the Noquemanon, Harlow Lake, and North Country Trails all have sections of technical singletrack and wider two track for both of our riding styles.

Hitler and the 29er

2009-09-30T10:59:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jElwljxGGs&feature=channel

Pretty funny.

Salsa Fargo

2009-09-14T09:41:00.002-04:00

Double Fargo. It's a Fargo Fargo.

This Salsa Fargo was at Wells Fargo...not in Fargo, but in Marqette.

If it was in Fargo, ND it could have been a Fargo, Fargo, Fargo. That would be something, eh?

Sold 'Em

2009-09-10T16:29:00.002-04:00

The Remedy - full suspension, orange and brown, 26-inch Trek has been sold.

The Cobia - hard tail, silvery, 29-inch Gary Fisher has been sold.

The new bike is a NINER MCR. Steel 29er, GOLD color, fully rigid.

Some parts were swapped over from the Cobia to the Niner.

Ebay drama with the Cobia.

Copper Harbor Fat Tire Mountain Bike Race

2009-09-02T15:45:00.002-04:00

The Copper Harbor Fat Tire Mountain Bike Race is this weekend (Labor Day weekend). There may be a trip up to Copper Harbor in store for us to hit up some of the bike trails either before or after the race.

Here's the weekend agenda for the fest:
ADDITIONAL WEEKEND ACTIVITIES:
Thursday September 3: 6:00pm Group Ride--no cost. Plan to ride one lap (14 miles) of the race course at a group ride pace. Food and drink to follow at local establishment.

Friday September 4: Keweenaw Adventure Company Downhill Shuttle Runs in our 15 passenger van from 12:00-6:00pm--preview the downhill sections + other sweet trails not in the race without having to exert too much energy: $5/run or $15 day pass.

Saturday September 5: Keweenaw Adventure Company Downhill Shuttle Runs. 12:00-6:00pm. $5/run or $15 day pass. Race course will be marked during the afternoon and open for folks to pre-ride at their own pace.

9:00- Midnight--Fat Tire Reception at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge--Social time and live acoustic music with Mike Labeau...no cost (cash bar available).

Marquette Biker in Leadville 100

2009-08-27T11:49:00.005-04:00

Lance Armstrong won the Leadville 100 earlier this month.
David Grant from Marquette finished 100th.

100. David GRANT in 08:49:21.5 MARQUETTE MI M4

http://www.velonews.com/results/96668

We've seen David out training this spring and summer on a Gary Fisher Superfly (I think). He and his wife Nicole Alexander won the Ore to Shore soft rock races individually. WOW. The pictures are of her climbing a sandy hill exiting the Forestville area. She beat the tandem by 21 seconds in the end.

David Grant recaps the Leadville 100 here: http://chocolayacecyclingteam.blogspot.com/2009/08/dave-grant-wins-12-hr-o2s-soft-rock-and.html

Gary Fisher - Cobia

2009-08-18T08:49:00.002-04:00

After swapping out the white and silver components (seat, seat post, crank, and stem) he rode this 29er hardtail with the stock fork. Now he is riding it fully rigid with a black aluminum Bontrager fork. It is a FAST BIKE.

South Trails - Marquette, MI - Britton's Techy Trail

2009-08-04T17:18:00.001-04:00

Perfect day for a ride.

Ore to Shore Marquette, MI

2009-08-04T15:14:00.004-04:00

The 2009 Ore to Shore is this weekend. Some of our friends are racing it, others are riding it. We went out for a ride the Sunday before last and rode from our house up the railroad grade behind Econo to Northwoods Drive. After crossing the highway we rode all the way up Midway Drive/510 to the entrance to the trail. There sure are some long climbs on the way up. I was thankful to be riding my rigid 29er. Every pedal stroke was progress. At the trailhead we stopped for a break and had delicious BLT sandwiches before descending into Marquette.

The entire ride was probably between 25 and 30 miles and took around 3 hours. We got caught in the rain near the Forestville trailhead and just kept riding. It seemed easier to ride without sunglasses after a certain point.

There was some mucky muck and some sand but the 29-inch wheels really cruise over the sand so much better than when I rode the race a few years ago on my 26-inch Specialized Hardrock.

Now that was an ugly bike. Silver with black flames like a motorcycle.

Grand Island Cliffs

2009-08-03T08:08:00.002-04:00

2009-08-02T18:30:00.003-04:00

We planned to go biking today. Initially to Harlow Lake in Marquette. Then to Valley Spur in Munising. On our drive to Munising we stopped at the Grand Island Ferry and the ferry was going to leave in 15 minutes. We decided to go for it. A beautiful blue sky day, 70 degrees, almost no bugs, and a nice 20ish mile loop. We took the 12:00 ferry to the island and the 3:30 ferry back. Dairy Queen for the drive home.

2008 Trek Remedy 8

2009-07-09T13:05:00.003-04:00

I held off on posting about the Remedy because I didn't want to jinx it. This 26-inch bike made by Trek arrived at our house one afternoon. I walked up to the back porch and said aloud "Huh, whose bike is that?" His friend had a big smile on his face...he knew what I was thinking.

For the record. I think this bike is the ugliest bike that he has owned. I think the rootbeer color scheme is horrible. The other sucky thing about this bike is the fork doesn't work with our roof rack system. So because it isn't an efficient hard tail that he can ride out to the trail head, he plops it on the back of someone else's car, drives to the trail, and rides. He's been riding this bike built for "highly technical terrain" mostly north of town near Harlow and Hogsback.

What's good:
He's been riding it.
He's been having fun riding.
It is a stiff bike -- no flexing.
Nice warranty help. -- fork issues after about a month
He's kept it more than 40 days.

Farmer Tan

2009-06-15T07:04:00.003-04:00

I have a farmer tan courtesy of the Trek Factory Demo. I had to convince him that we should go to this--I think it was sort of reverse psychology--you know, tell her that you don't want to go so she insists...

We rode two sets of bikes:

First I rode the Trek EX 9 carbon full suspension bike. We rode up, up, up, then down a familiar section of trail to the parking lot. I had to keep reminding myself to sit down over the bumps. This bike was like a couch compared to my fully rigid RIG. I sat much more upright--the distance from the seat to the handelbars was much shorter than my bike. It was fine. I climbed the whole thing, didn't fall, and remembered to sit down more. I knicked a tree with the left side of the handelbar on the way down and was thankful that I only knicked it.

Then I rode the Gary Fisher HI FI 29er. This bike was WAY more comfortable. I think that I was stretched out a little more. I immediately said that I could breathe better. It was more like my bike--less squishy. We rode up a rocky section then went down a swoopy area. Usually on the downhill area my legs get tired from hovering over the seat. I sat down more again through this section and my legs felt much better. We crossed McClellon and rode through one of my favorite sections of trail then back to the parking lot.

I think the HI FI is much more of a cross country style bike--which is what I'm more familiar with than the EX 9. Would I ride a HI FI? Sure. Do I need a HI FI? No. I like my bike.

He rode something Trek and then rode a ROSCOE. On the drive home he said that the reason he didn't want to go was because he didn't want to think about a bike other than the one he is riding. He was thinking about the ROSCOE.

Madsen

2009-05-18T10:27:00.001-04:00

This bike looks like fun!

OS Bikes Blackbuck

2009-05-02T13:03:00.004-04:00

He's been looking at this bike frame for a year or so. Only pictures on the internet though. The story of this frame: one of the WTB founders designed the steel, single-speed frame. He had it shipped this week from California. On Wednesday afternoon it arrived and he put it together and rode it that night. The beauty of single speeds -- you don't have to mess with derailleurs. The picture really isn't that great...but you get the idea. It is steel, rigid with a carbon fork, single speed, and curvy seat stays.

Rode It: Gary Fisher Rig - RIGID

2009-04-20T12:30:00.005-04:00

Other pictures of the RIG setup here and here. It has a creamy white Vassago rigid fork (45mm rake with the Vassago).

We rode the 29ers together last week. He rode the blue Niner and I rode the brownish Gary Fisher Rig. His bike was full suspension. Mine was fully rigid. His bike had gears. Mine was single speed. Guess what? It wasn't bad at all.

We headed out from our house over to Tourist Park, through the woods, on some "new to me" trail, under the bridge, up the hill, across the hwy, up the hill, along the normal trail, through some snow, down to the river, hike-a-bike through some sand, rode a little more, then turned around. I was able to ride through the quick sand much better on the rigid 29er than I would have on my *SOMA Groove* and better than Bill did on the Niner.

The bike was set up pretty well. I didn't have any problem with the singlespeed gear --I'm not sure how it was set up-- 32 x 16? I really have no clue. The gear was a little to small on the way back along Lakeshore so I grabbed ahold of his backpack and let him pull me until we go to Fair Ave.

The fork is a NEW carbon one from Lakeshore. My arms, shoulders, and wrists weren't sore or tired. The other end was though. I didn't think the seat was too high and it didn't seem bad when I was riding the bike, but whoa the next day was another story.

All in all, it was a good ride. Light, fast bike. No falls.

Quick Stop Bike Shop

2009-04-02T10:39:00.002-04:00

Too convenient. Two blocks away. Quick Stop. I usually stay in the car. If he is in there for more than 5 minutes I get out of the car and walk in the store. Sometimes it is at lunch, sometimes it is on the way home from the grocery store, sometimes it is after work. Quick Stop.

Great service, nice people, and too convenient, Quick Stop has the best website and window display of all of the bike shops in town. And I like their sign.

You know how women's clothing stores usually have a comfortable chair for the men to sit in while the wives are shopping. Quick Stop has a chair too and it is comfortable. I'm sure it is one of Andy Gregg's chairs from bikefurniture.com. Could be this model http://bikefurniture.com/pagesSeating/lcmx.htm

Quick Stop sells:

Gary Fisher Bicycles

Kona Bikes

Intense Cycles

Lemond Cycles

Electra Custom Cruisers

Redline Bicycles

Fit Bike Co.

S&M Bikes

Mirraco

Fox Clothing

Troy Lee Designs

Smith Optics

Carbon? Aluminum? Steel?

2009-04-01T08:40:00.003-04:00

WAY OFF! Sweet sweet TI. That's right...Hale gave me full clearnance to purchase a MOOTS.

I put the order in last night, and scheduled delivery is approximately June. A little long to wait, but I don't mind. It is being built exactly as I want it to be built. No compromises in desgin. The only compromise will be to my wallet.

Can't wait!

Birthdays

2009-03-31T10:07:00.006-04:00

He is very lucky to have a birthday in April. Perfect time to start (start? does it ever end?) thinking about bikes and gear.

He sent an e-mail to his parents and me a few weeks ago with a couple of ideas for his birthday...

Since I cannot delay the inevitable, I figure I will ask to be showered with gifts. Enough gifty glee to help me forget that I am on my way to 40. ;-(

Ideas:
Pearl Izumi Attack Bib Short. Size medium. Need.
Osprey Talon 11 pack. Need.

I replied... "A smartass reply. Need."

Dome Show

2009-03-21T10:49:00.005-04:00

Live stream here: http://domecam.nmu.edu/

This weekend all of the bike shops in town are being represented at the annual Dome Show at NMU. It is called the "Boat, Sport and RV Show". All of the new bikes will be on display and probably on sale. It usually also means the bikes will be on sale in the shops too. Good news for bikers. Good news for him.

Yesterday Bill bought a Gary Fisher Rig from Quick Stop Bike Shop. From what I can tell it is a single-speed hardtail bike that has a suspension fork. They blog here: http://quickstopbike.blogspot.com/

He'll be selling his SIR 9. I suggested locking it to the stop sign in front of our house with a "for sale" sign attached to it. The traffic on our street has increased significantly with the Dome Show just three blocks from our house. Interested in a green SIR 9? It is size Large--19 inches. Fully rigid with brand new wheels, cables, handle bars, seat post.

He Sure Is A Lucky Guy

2009-03-13T11:11:00.001-04:00

Hello Fischer Crew - I have a special request. My husband has FINALLY found a bike that he LOVES. In our four years of marriage he has seriously had at least 25 bikes and I have heard about each and every one. From full suspension to hard tail and fully rigid, scandium, aluminum, steel, partial carbon, 26 incher to 29er and back and forth a couple of times. Road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, commuters, you name it. He now rides the Gary Fischer Ferrous and LOVES it. He loves it so much and talks about it so much that three of his friends are now riding 29ers. In attempting to convince another to buy one he let his friend take is beloved Ferrous for a test ride. He started to get nervous after the bike was not returned within two hours --he thought (name) was having a really great ride, and really loving it. An hour later his friend called to say he was having a hard time getting his pedals off of his old bike--he hadn't ridden the bike yet. He called a while later and said he was going to take it out for about an hour. Two hours later (name) arrived with the bike, said he really liked the ride and mentioned that there was a Paragon in his size at the shop. My husband brought the bike in and when he was cleaning his bike noticed paint chipped on the tube that runs from the seat post to the back of the bike --a spot where the pedal wrench could give it a good whack. He was devistated. His perfect, beautiful STEEL bike had its first doink. I calmed him down and told him he did the right thing by letting his friend borrow the bike. That is was definitely an accident that the chip was there, etc. Any how...he is really sad about his bike. Do you have a tiny vial of paint that I could use to touch up the spot on the tube? The spot is about the size of a pencil eraser. If you would rather send it to James at Quick Stop Bike Shop in Marquette that would be wonderful too. Thank you for your help and for making a bike that he is finally more than content with. --Haley

Cyclist vs. Biker

2009-03-04T09:28:00.001-05:00

He asked me, "Why didn't you call it Married to a Cyclist?" He said it makes it seem like motorcycle blog when I say BIKER. Oh well.

Last night we watched Wild Hogs. Well, we watched the movie over the weekend and watched the extras last night.

One of the bonus features was How to Get Your Wife to Let You Buy a Motorcycle.

1) Convince her that you won't be riding your motorcycle with traffic on the express way. --that you'll instead be riding on quiet country roads without other cars.

2) Look good in leather.

3) Tell her that you can really experience scenic views way better than in the car--when you barely get a chance to look out the window.

Here's what I hear when he wants to buy another bike...

1) Convince her that riding a MOUNTAIN bike is so much safer than a road bike--you won't be riding dangerously close to crazy drivers on cell phones.

2) Look good in SPANDEX. (cough)

3) Tell her that you can really experience more nature when you are on the bike trails.

4) Tell her it could be big screen tv's, boats, snow machines, 4-wheelers, or drugs.

What He's Not Buying:

2009-03-03T11:48:00.002-05:00

The Motobecane Titanium 29er http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_TeamTI_29.htm
The FULLY XTR bike here http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantompro_dsIX.htm
This $8800 Specialized Epic
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=09Epic&eid=99

Pedal Damn It!

2009-02-25T09:57:00.003-05:00

More riding. Less Not-riding. Or in other words...stop thinking about riding and just go ride.

Seeing as how this blog is about my Cyclosis, I figured I chould chime in now and again...

Went out for a great ride yesterday on the SIR 9. Nice bike. I still think deep down that a Reynolds 853 hardtail is the bee's knees. However, the reality of back pain dictates that I also have a full squish in the quiver.

Anyhow, the ride was great. Cleared my head and put to rest any thoughts I was having about selling the hardtail. I also decided that I am going to keep running the SIR as a SS. I had been toying wit the idea of popping some gears on it...meh...I like it how it is.

So I think I will be sporting the RIP and the SIR this summer. My hope is to be able to remain convinced that I don't need to do the whole end of season buy/sell/get the updated stuff when November comes around. It would be a novelty for me to ride a bike for two seasons in a row, i.e. not have a new rig every year. Just because one "can" doesn't mean one "can", or should.

Along the same lines, I came across a nice thread on mtbr.com yesterday. Something about "What's cool for 2009?". I was surprised to see how many folks responded with "keep what you have", "ride it 'til it breaks", etc. Apparently I'm not the only one with this sentiment.

Thread is here: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=493924

Bike Bloggers in Our Home

2009-02-18T16:30:00.001-05:00

When we drove to Colorado Springs for Christmas we got a little bored driving through Nebraska and Iowa. Okay, it was more than a little bored. We had some conversations about what our favorite bloggers were blogging about that day...

Here's who we talked about and are on a first name (well sort of) basis with in the R&R household:

Jeff Kerkove http://www.jeffkerkove.net/

Team Dicky http://www.teamdicky.blogspot.com/ and his spouse "The Pie"

Guitar Ted http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/

Drunk Cyclist http://drunkcyclist.com/

Mike Curiak http://lacemine29.blogspot.com/

Bike 29 http://bike29.com/ride29er/

I get to hear:
-"Guitar Ted's neighbor is going to be on Wife Swap." You should hear what his neighbor probably says about him...
-"Mike Curiak biked the Iditarod!...without support"
-"does my Drunk Cyclist jersey make me look fat?"
-"bike29's wife commented!"
-" (_____fill in the blank) went back to a rigid fork."

He gets to hear:

-"Crunchy Peas went skiing and she got a new haircut."
-"Friday Playdate is drinking vodka again and she just painted her dining room."
-"Posie Gets Cozy just finished up a new pattern and it is full of beautiful colors."
-"This Young House refinished their hardwood floors."

I like to read happy blogs and he likes to read biker blogs.

Buy the F-ing Pugsley

2009-02-17T16:03:00.004-05:00

This time he isn't the one who is hummming and hawwwing about a Pugsley. Thank goodness! Buy the Pugsley to ride on snow in the wintertime if you really are going to ride it. Don't buy it to show up at a ride in Ishpeming to look cool. Stop humming and hawwing. Geesh!

If you want one there was a pretty dark gray one right in the stinkin' shop. Just buy it and be done with it. Alright? Alright.

You think you're tough? Try this: http://www.arrowheadultra.com/blogger/blogger.html

Riding the RIP 9 in the snow

2009-02-17T16:00:00.003-05:00

Last night he went for a ride on the trails near Tourist Park. Up to the 8, down to the 5, down by the river and up the hill to Wright street. He said his front brake was acting up and later realized he hadn't tightened up the bolt that holds it in place. 1 bolt down. No people on the trails. A pretty good ride.

Selling It S.I.R. 9

2009-02-16T16:33:00.002-05:00

What I'm hearing these days...
-I think I want to keep the singlespeed so we can ride together (mountain bikes)
-I think I'm going to sell the SIR9 to get a headstart
-I think I want to keep the singlespeed so we can ride together (road bikes)
-I think I'm going to sell the SIR9 because it might be too small.

Skiing

2009-02-11T18:08:00.001-05:00

We're skiing this week in Northern Minnesota -- Tofte. Hoping for more snow instead of rain--the complete opposite from normal where more rain would mean less snow and less snow means more biking.

Marquette City Bike Ordinance

2009-02-05T08:46:00.001-05:00

There must be a lot of bike riding happening these days.

NMU Students,

Marquette business owners and city officials have asked the university to remind students about the city ordinance against riding bicycles (as well as skateboards, roller skates and similar devices) on city sidewalks in business districts during regular business hours. Doing so is unsafe for many reasons, but becomes particularly dangerous during the winter months when sidewalks are more narrow and icy. Business owners are also concerned about bike riders being hit by doors that open out into the sidewalk. There has been an increase in the number of accidents involving bike riders on city sidewalks this year.

The city’s ordinance (Uniform Traffic Code, chapter 34, section 6) states: No person shall ride a bicycle, skateboard, roller skates, coaster or similar device on a sidewalk in the City of Marquette in the following business districts, except between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays: Washington Street between Lake Shore Boulevard and Seventh Street; Third Street between Fair Avenue and Baraga Avenue; and Front Street between Ridge Street and Baraga Avenue.

To comply with the ordinance, please dismount from your bike (skateboard or other travel device) when using city sidewalks in these business areas during business hours. If you have questions about this ordinance, please contact the City of Marquette Police at 228-0400. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Cindy Paavola
NMU Director of Communications and Marketing

Featured LBS: Lakeshore Bike | Marquette, MI

2009-02-04T14:37:00.008-05:00

Two minutes from our house, Lakeshore Bike is too convenient... "Can we just stop in during lunch so I can drop off my wheels?"

Lakeshore sells and services bikes. They "specialize" in Specialized, Rocky Mountain, Niner, Jamis, and Electra bikes. They sell mountain, road, BMX, and bike path bikes.

Like a kid in a candy store.

505 North Lakeshore Boulevard Marquette, MI 49855 906.228.7547

Open all year - but not on Sundays

Snowy Bike - DePauw

2009-02-04T13:13:00.002-05:00

Cost (Room and Board + Tuition and Fees) of attending DePauw University 2008-2009 = $40,225.00
http://depauw.edu/univ/profile.asp

Cost of the full suspension bike locked to the bike rack = $96.00 http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4231518

Article photo featured here: http://depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=22883

A Crap Load of Snow

2009-02-04T08:38:00.002-05:00

When we get enough snow at once we're lucky enough to get a snow day. The last two days we've been getting snow, just not quite enough. Skiing instead of biking. Or shoveling instead of biking.

It's Baaack

2009-02-04T08:28:00.001-05:00

After further thought and calculations the RIP is still with us.

Niner R.I.P.9 December 2008- February 2009

2009-02-03T11:19:00.007-05:00

When he was thinking about selling it I thought he was joking.

He had lots of different emotions. Even though he was a little sad about selling the RIP 9, it was ultimately his decision.

R.I.P 9 = Rest In Peace

RIP 9 was a solid bike. She glowed in the dark, didn't creak, had a color similar to the Ferrous, and rode amazingly. Purchased less than two months ago, she was brought into Bill's life with loads of joy and anticipation--an amazingly built 29er, full suspension, a solid fork, nice welds, and quality travel. There was nothing wrong with her, just not the right time.

She joins many amazing bikes who have passed before her (see sidebar). Leaving behind one hardtail Niner, the S.I.R. 9.

E-bay listing soon. May she go for lots of money.

Winter Riding

2009-02-02T16:46:00.004-05:00

Places to ride:

Plowed bike path around town
Packed snow shoe trails
Quiet roads
Hiking trails

Giant Trance

2009-01-30T17:25:00.001-05:00

Getting to know each other, Bill had a pretty good idea that I don't like credit cards or those gimmicky 12-month no interest options available everywhere. After work one day he said he wanted to make a quick visit to a local bike shop. I thought, sure, why not. He said he wanted to look at a bike. Me being a naive girlfriend of a soon to be "dual suspension" owner, I said sure. What he meant to say was "I want to pick up the bike that I bought on credit with one of those gimmicky 12-month no interest credit cards that I know you hate." And here begins the bike buying. It was a 2004 Giant Trance - black and red. He said he thought I would like the look of it because of the colors. I did like the colors and the bike was pretty sharp. --I'm pretty sure Bill called it "dual suspension" back then.

He rode the Klein with big ole platforms--afraid that if he had the toe strap thing that he would fall like he had before. Since he has been riding with the Shimano pedals he has not gone back to the platforms--except for his cruiser bike.