Saturday, March 24, 2012

New Project Coming!



I know its been awhile but I finally have gotten squared away, debts paid and promises kept (some of them late... sorry RM) but I am putting a new ride together for 2012











I will show more after my frame arrives and I start building!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Sorry its been awhile!


I really don't have anything to ad...yet. It seems to me I will be more active starting this winter, I have a few more ducks I have to put in a row before I can resume pedaling and blogging......

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Haro 650b Beasley 6 month Review!


I have had my Beasley now for six months and the more I ride this bike the more I love It! It is more responsive in the twisties than my Ol' Karate Monkey. Feels more natural than the Gary Fisher Rig (G1). and it still rolls better than any 26" I have had.


I have done some upgrades, The wheels had to go, they really didn't want to stay true, but now I am rolling on some Phil Wood hubs laced to Velocity Blunts, for power I am running a White Industries freewheel. I also swapped out both the Ritchie seat post and headset, the seat post kept tilting and the headset was pedestrian at best. I installed a Thomson Elite for a post and a FSA Orbit MX for the headset.

The next to get switched was the brakes, the bb5's are fine but I prefer the adjust ability of the bb7's, I also went with 185 rotors just to be obnoxious. For grips I am running Lizard Skins Moab. The WTB saddle was comfy but I swapped it out for a Brooks Swift. For pedals I chose Crank Bros Mallets. I call this bike my Armageddon build as I went for durability with most of the parts.


Like I said I am really enjoying this 650b bike I don't see it taking the place of 29ers but as a nice compliment. But it is a great bike at a great price way to go haro!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Vist to Chateau Aux Arc!











My wife and I recently took a trip to Altus, AR to enjoy some local wines. We got a late start as we took the scenic roads instead of traveling the interstate. We decided to spend all our time at one vineyard as not to feel rushed. We chose to visit Chateau Aux Arc and we are glad that we did.


Their tasting room is at one of their vineyards not along a state highway so there was more charm and less commotion. As soon as we got out of the car we were greeted by a friendly old dog. During our visit we encountered several dogs all friendly and they really added to the charm of the experience.

Now on to the wines! It all really starts with their chardonnay that come from some of the oldest vines in the state and what really started Chateau Aux Arc (C.A.A.) as a true winery. I really enjoyed the chardonnay as it had none of the characteristics associated with its Napa brethren, not in the least bit oaky. It was closer to chardonnays from Eastern France.

The next couple of wines I really enjoyed are labeled as "American" meaning the grapes aren't necessarily from Arkansas but were vinted and bottled by C.A.A. We enjoyed The Dragonfly Red (my wife's favorite.) If I recall correctly it is a blend of Merlot and Zinfandel. We also enjoyed their American Syrah.

During the visit I was told that the owner, Audrey House vowed in 2007 to start producing wines that are only made with Arkansas Grapes! We applaud her efforts.

The final wine I am going to mention is their award-winning Cynthiana, which is grown in Altus; this red had great character and spiciness that I really enjoyed!

We bought a mixed case of wine and it's already gone so we will be heading to Altus real soon!

Their website is www.chateauauxarc.com

Monday, July 6, 2009

My New Gunnar Roadie!

This is my new road bike, I sold my Roubaix Pro almost 3 months ago and I decided this time around to go with a steel frame. I went with Gunnar as it is an excellent value for a U.S. handcrafted frame. I also went with a steel fork just because I think it looks good, it has a very smooth ride, just a bit heavier than a carbon fork.



I went with a Sram Red drive train. for parts I used Deda stem, bars,tape & seat post. I went with a Chris King Headset. I am running Mavic wheels,pedals & computer.
For tires I choose to go with Michlein Pro 3's
I m running a Selle Italia saddle.
Extra items are Arundel seat bag & bottle cages.
I spent a lot of time choosing parts I thought would look good and perform well, I hope you enjoy looking at it as much as I do riding it!






Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Recent Find Vintage Cycling Poster


My Wife was visiting the local resale shop and she came across this beautiful poster!

I did a google search for Cycles Auto-Moto and I did not find any info on this print, but I did find lots of other cool prints to look at.
This poster may actually be a catalog cover that was enlarged to poster size.
anyway it will look awesome on the wall....