It is a December Sunday morning following 16 inches of snow in our Upper Left-hand Corner of Illinois, and as I read my morning email, I receive one from Jilly.
“Are you riding today?”
“Are you serious?” I reply.
“It’s 33 degrees, and I wanna play.” She replies.
Now she has me thinking. Why not? Here’s a promise of fresh air and time to try out two new acquisitions from Rivendell Bikes.
Form most definitely follows function at rivebike.com as exemplified by their ST gloves and possum wool bicycle hat. The gloves are like a lofty down sleeping bag for your fingers, and the “possum” tea cover fits nicely under a helmet, shelters ears entirely, and has a nice little bill to shade your eyes on a bright winter day.
So we’re off on Salsa cyclocross through slush and salt. As I ride behind the Meadows Mall, I’m surprised to find that the ice has nearly vanished, and Fairground, Park, and Becker School Roads are clear as well.
I meet Jilly, and we get in an invigorating twenty mile ride. Only our feet feel the chill.
The ST gloves are like riding barehanded in June. Forget handlebar muffs and lobster gloves; these do the trick for $30 plus shipping. And the possum bill stocking cap is light, soft and warm. Maybe by keeping body heat from escaping the lid and fingertips, we’ll get extra miles from tootsie toes. Bravo, Rivendell. Best fifty eight bucks I’ve spent on winter wear.
So, I guess this is not so much about Jilly and Dave’s excellent December 13th ride. After all, trying new winter gear nudged us out the door in the first place. Nevertheless, a glorious ride, Jilly!
Now, what about winter après cycling? Today’s ride was full of salty sand and wormy road guts, calling for a Salsa scrub afterwards.
Out comes Linda’s watering can to wash Salsa in frigid winter quicker and easier than a garden hose. I dribble warm water over the bike, and rub down lightly with a fleece mitt. Than we dry with an old towel and re-lube from a spray can of Boeshield T-9—another Rivendell miracle.
I first learned of this friction fighting wonder from David Bell at MelloVelo in Santa Fe, New Mexico and rediscovered it on Rivendell’s site. Boeshield is a great all purpose lube for bikes, and slicks up our garage and Chevy Blazer doors when WD40 and lithium grease leave the squeak. Google “Boeshield T-9” for details.
And about our feet; our cold numb feet after our winter ride? No matter! We pull on Keen’s new Winterport II boots while cleaning Salsa. This is truly our acquisition of the season. We feel Birkenstock support inside these warm dry light weight slip-ons which grip the ice and snow like Blizzaks. These boots are it. Unfortunately, they are not available in women's sizes.
And so, this is a Sunday December story (perhaps too commercial). Winter riding brings the joy of outdoors after a stormy confinement. Inevitably, sunlight will clear the roads, and all will be well again.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Crossing to Safety
I borrow this title from a novel by Wallace Stegner.
We have dear friends who just returned from a cruise of the Danube. They left the country while Judy’s mom was sick with pneumonia. She needed to stay in touch, and thanks to the rapidly developing digital world, she was able to pop into an internet café or otherwise borrow a laptop from a shipmate.
One rainy afternoon, I shared a beer with Mida Smith. Among other things, we talked about a bicycle ride she and Tim took across the USofA in 1999. Mida reminisced that, “It was the greatest feeling of freedom I’ve ever had in my life.”
On one hand, we have the digital connection on the Danube, and on the other a near independence from that sort of thing across the Kansas plains.
When I ride my bike, my mobile is always on in my back pocket. But I beg only a silent comfort. Otherwise, when it rings, the aggravation level rises to distraction. Jilly Whiting’s phone invariably rings at least three times while we’re riding. Then we must endure repeated reminder beeps.
We are children with digital toys. We must have them, and yet we reject these tools when we seek our freedom of solitude.
The other day, a young man rode his hot crotch rocket past my condo. Looking like Tom Cruse in Top Gun, he dismounted and immediately pushed up his shades and flipped open his phone. Solitude done; back to the world. Or one's internal vision of one's world?
Here’s a thought. We could ride our bicycle from Freeport to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Certainly, some of those rural roads run through hills inaccessible to the cellular net. Then if we have a problem, we must seek out a stranger to visit with. Perhaps this is partly what Mida meant by feeling freedom.
Is it an opportunity to solve problems on one’s own or approach a stranger on a personal level and gather a smile. How self satisfying this can be as opposed to a raucous too familiar flip phone stuck in your ear and a vacuous too familiar conversation.
We have dear friends who just returned from a cruise of the Danube. They left the country while Judy’s mom was sick with pneumonia. She needed to stay in touch, and thanks to the rapidly developing digital world, she was able to pop into an internet café or otherwise borrow a laptop from a shipmate.
One rainy afternoon, I shared a beer with Mida Smith. Among other things, we talked about a bicycle ride she and Tim took across the USofA in 1999. Mida reminisced that, “It was the greatest feeling of freedom I’ve ever had in my life.”
On one hand, we have the digital connection on the Danube, and on the other a near independence from that sort of thing across the Kansas plains.
When I ride my bike, my mobile is always on in my back pocket. But I beg only a silent comfort. Otherwise, when it rings, the aggravation level rises to distraction. Jilly Whiting’s phone invariably rings at least three times while we’re riding. Then we must endure repeated reminder beeps.
We are children with digital toys. We must have them, and yet we reject these tools when we seek our freedom of solitude.
The other day, a young man rode his hot crotch rocket past my condo. Looking like Tom Cruse in Top Gun, he dismounted and immediately pushed up his shades and flipped open his phone. Solitude done; back to the world. Or one's internal vision of one's world?
Here’s a thought. We could ride our bicycle from Freeport to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Certainly, some of those rural roads run through hills inaccessible to the cellular net. Then if we have a problem, we must seek out a stranger to visit with. Perhaps this is partly what Mida meant by feeling freedom.
Is it an opportunity to solve problems on one’s own or approach a stranger on a personal level and gather a smile. How self satisfying this can be as opposed to a raucous too familiar flip phone stuck in your ear and a vacuous too familiar conversation.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sandals for US
August 17, 2009
Shimano American Corp.
1 HollandIrvine, CA 92618
We love your first generation cycling sandals and are terribly sad they were discontinued.
Please consider bringing back the original design. It was better looking, much lighter and stiffer than the big bulky thing that succeeded it.
We love it far more than any other sandal we’ve owned. Jilly particularly likes the open toe, cause she can tan her tootsies.
Best wishes,
Dave Fonda and Jilly Whiting
Chainlink Cyclists Cycling Club
Freeport, Illinois
Shimano American Corp.
1 HollandIrvine, CA 92618
We love your first generation cycling sandals and are terribly sad they were discontinued.
Please consider bringing back the original design. It was better looking, much lighter and stiffer than the big bulky thing that succeeded it.
We love it far more than any other sandal we’ve owned. Jilly particularly likes the open toe, cause she can tan her tootsies.
Best wishes,
Dave Fonda and Jilly Whiting
Chainlink Cyclists Cycling Club
Freeport, Illinois
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Fausto the Obsidian
The Cash for Clunkers is on, and we’re all taking (or being taken on) a ride.
I have a few ole Clunkers in my stable—my trusty, slightly rusty, 2001 Chevy Blazer for one.
Then there are: my 1981 Trek 412 (my own first bicycle purchase); a recently restored late 70s Motobecane Grand Jubilee (a gift from a barn in New Hampshire); an in progress Raleigh Record (a gift from Joe Dadez, which has been across the United States three times); and a dormant Schwinn Varsity (a gift from Eleanor Chance, which weighs as much as the other three bikes combined).
What am I to do with all these clunkers? The only one which has any hope of fetching clunker cash is the Blazer. But to give that up is to acquire another thirty grand of debt to a Japanese Toyota Prius or the new sleeker Honda Insight.
No. We need to buy American and take nary a farthing from our struggling fellow taxpayers. And, mark you, we need to remain fit and fulfilled into the bargain.
As we approach sixty two and enter the great internal struggle, which would it be?
The American-made carbon fiber wonder of the Pro Cycling Tour or the artistically lovingly hand-shaped steel from the Mecca of custom bicycles to the east Waterloo?
In June’s Tour for Cancer Century, I had the delight of riding with Dave Wages who crafts bicycles in his Ellis Cyclery shop in Waterford—once the home of Schwinn’s Paramont custom shop. Dave luggs at the hearts and desires of those who adore what only a true artisan can provide.
However, time is rolling rapidly away from my body’s ability to keep pace. Technology, spinning, and abstinence from Blue Moon and vino may be the only answer to the grim advance. Spinning is too early in the AM, and abstinence from golden foam and fragrant red is unthinkable. Trek held hope—and not just any Trek, but the Madone endorsed by the Great American Armstrong himself as customized by their Project One programme— a simply obscene Obsidian Blue Red Carbon 6.5 in all it’s elegant simplicity.
This bicycle greets one with a paint job which is free from graphic distractions and appears as deep and mystical as Lake Tahoe. Obsidian has the power to heal and make young. Faust (Fausto) himself could ask for no more. And the new Madone comes with the endorsement (viz. peer pressure) of more than a few of our fellow Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois riders.
“It is the best investment I’ve ever made,” claims Eric Helm. Eric passed his beloved Serotta down to his son and found new wings on his 6.5. Fred Shappert strapped on a new electric blue Fizik saddle and tactile bar tape on his 6.5 and sold his 5200 on Ebay even to the envy of that greedy Cote from Huh knee well.
Then came Rick Long, who only two years ago was on an old steel Columbia with enough weight and road rash to make one groan on or alongside the saddle. First, Rick bought a suitable LeMond aluminium. Then, he trekked to Madison only to return with a Baccetta recumbent. Finally, the Lorelei Madone lured Rick smack dab into the promise of carbon fiber.
Now, that same siren has claimed the Fausto within me. And so, not unlike Doktor F. himself, I traded a small portion of my trust for the hope of continuing (pray lingering) youth. Ohh, to be swifter, fit and free from the dread of what lies ahead!
Mind you, this is the ultimate stimulus package: A USA made in Waterloo, Wisconsin Trek Madone Obsidian Blue frame & fork replete with Sram Force components from a company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois USA and Race X Lite wheels, tires, brakes, stem and handlebars made by Bontrager— owned by Trek USA.
Perhaps this isn’t really as risky as Goethe’s tragic obsession. This could be a patriotic celebration of all that is good and clean about the American dream. For what is the risk if the return on investment is at hand or peddle.
I recall purchasing an IBM Personal Computer back in the early 80s. As advertised by Charlie Chaplin’s silhouette, that piece of windowless word-bound technology cost me well over five grand. Imagine what its power represents by today’s standard. And instead of getting me out of doors into the fresh air, this technology drew me into its royal blue vacuum tube.
Basta! I will not further remorse this decision. The deed is done. I have turned my back on the Clunker junk money and struck a deal with my local Freeport Bicycle Shop on a pride of America purchase. It is my fantasy, my trust, my life. Now, it truly is time to lick the plate clean
I have a few ole Clunkers in my stable—my trusty, slightly rusty, 2001 Chevy Blazer for one.
Then there are: my 1981 Trek 412 (my own first bicycle purchase); a recently restored late 70s Motobecane Grand Jubilee (a gift from a barn in New Hampshire); an in progress Raleigh Record (a gift from Joe Dadez, which has been across the United States three times); and a dormant Schwinn Varsity (a gift from Eleanor Chance, which weighs as much as the other three bikes combined).
What am I to do with all these clunkers? The only one which has any hope of fetching clunker cash is the Blazer. But to give that up is to acquire another thirty grand of debt to a Japanese Toyota Prius or the new sleeker Honda Insight.
No. We need to buy American and take nary a farthing from our struggling fellow taxpayers. And, mark you, we need to remain fit and fulfilled into the bargain.
As we approach sixty two and enter the great internal struggle, which would it be?
The American-made carbon fiber wonder of the Pro Cycling Tour or the artistically lovingly hand-shaped steel from the Mecca of custom bicycles to the east Waterloo?
In June’s Tour for Cancer Century, I had the delight of riding with Dave Wages who crafts bicycles in his Ellis Cyclery shop in Waterford—once the home of Schwinn’s Paramont custom shop. Dave luggs at the hearts and desires of those who adore what only a true artisan can provide.
However, time is rolling rapidly away from my body’s ability to keep pace. Technology, spinning, and abstinence from Blue Moon and vino may be the only answer to the grim advance. Spinning is too early in the AM, and abstinence from golden foam and fragrant red is unthinkable. Trek held hope—and not just any Trek, but the Madone endorsed by the Great American Armstrong himself as customized by their Project One programme— a simply obscene Obsidian Blue Red Carbon 6.5 in all it’s elegant simplicity.
This bicycle greets one with a paint job which is free from graphic distractions and appears as deep and mystical as Lake Tahoe. Obsidian has the power to heal and make young. Faust (Fausto) himself could ask for no more. And the new Madone comes with the endorsement (viz. peer pressure) of more than a few of our fellow Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois riders.
“It is the best investment I’ve ever made,” claims Eric Helm. Eric passed his beloved Serotta down to his son and found new wings on his 6.5. Fred Shappert strapped on a new electric blue Fizik saddle and tactile bar tape on his 6.5 and sold his 5200 on Ebay even to the envy of that greedy Cote from Huh knee well.
Then came Rick Long, who only two years ago was on an old steel Columbia with enough weight and road rash to make one groan on or alongside the saddle. First, Rick bought a suitable LeMond aluminium. Then, he trekked to Madison only to return with a Baccetta recumbent. Finally, the Lorelei Madone lured Rick smack dab into the promise of carbon fiber.
Now, that same siren has claimed the Fausto within me. And so, not unlike Doktor F. himself, I traded a small portion of my trust for the hope of continuing (pray lingering) youth. Ohh, to be swifter, fit and free from the dread of what lies ahead!
Mind you, this is the ultimate stimulus package: A USA made in Waterloo, Wisconsin Trek Madone Obsidian Blue frame & fork replete with Sram Force components from a company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois USA and Race X Lite wheels, tires, brakes, stem and handlebars made by Bontrager— owned by Trek USA.
Perhaps this isn’t really as risky as Goethe’s tragic obsession. This could be a patriotic celebration of all that is good and clean about the American dream. For what is the risk if the return on investment is at hand or peddle.
I recall purchasing an IBM Personal Computer back in the early 80s. As advertised by Charlie Chaplin’s silhouette, that piece of windowless word-bound technology cost me well over five grand. Imagine what its power represents by today’s standard. And instead of getting me out of doors into the fresh air, this technology drew me into its royal blue vacuum tube.
Basta! I will not further remorse this decision. The deed is done. I have turned my back on the Clunker junk money and struck a deal with my local Freeport Bicycle Shop on a pride of America purchase. It is my fantasy, my trust, my life. Now, it truly is time to lick the plate clean
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Pour Cercle les Vignobles
Most Chicagoans think of Illinois as farm country flat. On weekends, thousands stream out of the Windy City for the lakes in the North Country. We bike riders haven’t yet mastered the miracle of riding across water, but we do know there are spectacular roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois closer to Chicago than Wisconsin’s lakes.
The choicest of these routes meander around the Galena, and some of the most scenic pass by three vineyards which have grown to maturity in the Upper Left during the last decade.
Last autumn, I had it in mind to ride my bicycle along these peaseful roads and visit each of the wineries on a kind of tour I’ll call Pour Cercle les Vignobles, or Circle the Vineyards. The Saturday on Memorial Day Weekend seemed the perfect time to reconnoiter la route. The weather cooperated with moderately warm temperatures and light winds—a splendid day to explore les vignobles, meet nice people, and enjoy a wee taste at each destination.
Leaving the trusty Blazer at Galena’s park on Stagecoach Trail just east of town, I rode immediately to Kayte’s Coffee shop to fuel up on a cappuccino fortissimo. No artificial additives please; just two shots of rich espresso and foamy whole milk.
From Kayte’s we headed out the south end of town on Blackjack Road. Blackjack can be tediously busy and not at all pleasant for biking unless you have a shiny chromed Vee Twin between your legs. So, we detoured left on Irish Hollow Road which flows into Rocky Hill Road and rises up upon a ridge line above Blackjack. To get on top, prepare to climb a 15% to 18% grade which might put you off the bike if you aren’t suitably geared or trained.
Your reward is to roll easily along beneath the shade trees free of traffic with an occasional belle vue over the Mississippi Valley. Cross over Blackjack Road near the ski hill and ride towards Blanding Landing. As you drop off the ridge, squeeze your brakes for a hard left turn on to Batey Hollow Road. This is another lovely bucolic road which will take you back up to Blackjack. From there, ride Blackjack down to Hanover and follow Route 84 through town.
At the southern edge, as Route 84 fades to the right, ride straight ahead and prepare to climb up Hanover Road—about 11%. After you crest the hill, the large limestone gate marks the entrance to Rocky Waters winery. The Spahn family has been growing grapes here for nearly 12 years and just recently opened their handsome tasting room which overlooks the vines and majestic river valley to the southwest. The setting looks like it dropped out of Oregon, but from here you can definitely see Iowa.
Departing Rocky Waters, continue east on Hanover Road over to Derinda Road. At the top of the hill, turn right and ride into one of the most beautiful valleys in the Upper Left, and peddle out on a long steady grade to Massbach Ridge. The road surface is smooth—an excellent opportunity to settle into a nice tempo and pray not to be unnerved by the raucous Vee Twin Harley’s.
Roads like this are Hog Heaven on weekends. But no matter; they pass by quickly, and we’re back into our thoughts and the rhythmic rotation of peddles.
As Derinda tops off, turn left at the sign pointing to Stockton and Mount Carroll and left again towards Stockton. Massbach Ridge winery is just up the road. While not as spectacular as Rocky Waters, this winery has developed a great following over the years.
Today, Peggy Harmston’s tireless work on her terroir is paying off with a remarkable Reserve Red. And that is exactly all I tasted for the day. Peggy was entertaining guests, but took time for a photo with the Chianti Kid. Thereafter, it was time to face the challenge of the route to our final winery.
Continue towards Stockton about a mile or two, and hang a left on Skene Road to take you back over to Derinda Road. The descent off Massbach Ridge on Skene is a total scream. My friend Dennis Robinson has easily topped 50 MPH down this hill on his Baccetta recumbent.
Not surprisingly, the climb back up to Derinda is equally steep. On top, turn right for more steady climbing north to Terrapin Ridge and busy US Route 20. Cross over 20 and plummet into the Apple River Valley on Becker Road.
At the bottom, Becker flattens out and rides easily over the Apple River on a concrete deck which was once an old steel “pony trussed” bridge. We’re now on Goose Hollow Road which narrows and serpentines through yet another picturesque valley up to Shaw Road. Turn left, and climb Shaw over the only gravel stretch to the Elizabeth Scales Mound blacktop.
Like Derinda Road, Elizabeth Scales Mound is smooth tarmac, and has been surprisingly devoid of traffic the last three Saturdays I’ve ridden it. The tree line also scrubs off the stiff northwest winds we’ve been braving in the Upper Left this Spring. We’ll continue north on E-S Mound to Rawlins Road and turn west.
This was one of the few times I’ve had the pleasure of going down Rawlins Road. Instead of slugging up the18% face, we flew down and continued west over Gilford Road to Ford Road. Turning right on Ford Road, we trudged back north up to Stagecoach Trail for our final vineyard.
I had considered a couple extra climbs en route but passed, as I had never been on Ford Road or to Galena Cellars for that matter. The next few miles confirmed a wise decision.
I arrived at Galena Cellars off a sharp hill on the north shoulder of Stagecoach Trail. This oldest of wineries in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois was more humble than I expected. And the view to the Northwest across the vineyards and the Galena River valley is lovely indeed.
Galena Cellars was a buzz with visitors packed inside the tasting room, touring the winery, or otherwise sitting in the shade outdoors enjoying the splendid view. I dearly wanted to flop down in one of the vinyl Adirondacks and join them, but legs stiffened their warning to respect the steep hill back up to Stagecoach Trail.
Unlike Derinda and Elizabeth-Scales Mound Roads, this stretch of Stagecoach is well populated by vehicles of all kinds. So, we cautiously glanced over our left shoulder on our decent into Galena.
Our departure on this journey round the vineyards began with coffee at Kayte’s. If you haven’t tasted enough along your Cercle les Vignobles, may we suggest Jamie Carroll’s Wine Studio? Jamie’s is on the north side of the street a block or so west of Kayte’s.
You can sit in her tasting room, or browse for a bottle to take home.
So now the seed has finally been sown, and we’re planning to organize our first Pour Cercle les Vignbles during the fall harvest. If anyone is interested, please send a comment or email me at cycleupperleft.il@gmail.com.
The choicest of these routes meander around the Galena, and some of the most scenic pass by three vineyards which have grown to maturity in the Upper Left during the last decade.
Last autumn, I had it in mind to ride my bicycle along these peaseful roads and visit each of the wineries on a kind of tour I’ll call Pour Cercle les Vignobles, or Circle the Vineyards. The Saturday on Memorial Day Weekend seemed the perfect time to reconnoiter la route. The weather cooperated with moderately warm temperatures and light winds—a splendid day to explore les vignobles, meet nice people, and enjoy a wee taste at each destination.
Leaving the trusty Blazer at Galena’s park on Stagecoach Trail just east of town, I rode immediately to Kayte’s Coffee shop to fuel up on a cappuccino fortissimo. No artificial additives please; just two shots of rich espresso and foamy whole milk.
From Kayte’s we headed out the south end of town on Blackjack Road. Blackjack can be tediously busy and not at all pleasant for biking unless you have a shiny chromed Vee Twin between your legs. So, we detoured left on Irish Hollow Road which flows into Rocky Hill Road and rises up upon a ridge line above Blackjack. To get on top, prepare to climb a 15% to 18% grade which might put you off the bike if you aren’t suitably geared or trained.
Your reward is to roll easily along beneath the shade trees free of traffic with an occasional belle vue over the Mississippi Valley. Cross over Blackjack Road near the ski hill and ride towards Blanding Landing. As you drop off the ridge, squeeze your brakes for a hard left turn on to Batey Hollow Road. This is another lovely bucolic road which will take you back up to Blackjack. From there, ride Blackjack down to Hanover and follow Route 84 through town.
At the southern edge, as Route 84 fades to the right, ride straight ahead and prepare to climb up Hanover Road—about 11%. After you crest the hill, the large limestone gate marks the entrance to Rocky Waters winery. The Spahn family has been growing grapes here for nearly 12 years and just recently opened their handsome tasting room which overlooks the vines and majestic river valley to the southwest. The setting looks like it dropped out of Oregon, but from here you can definitely see Iowa.
Departing Rocky Waters, continue east on Hanover Road over to Derinda Road. At the top of the hill, turn right and ride into one of the most beautiful valleys in the Upper Left, and peddle out on a long steady grade to Massbach Ridge. The road surface is smooth—an excellent opportunity to settle into a nice tempo and pray not to be unnerved by the raucous Vee Twin Harley’s.
Roads like this are Hog Heaven on weekends. But no matter; they pass by quickly, and we’re back into our thoughts and the rhythmic rotation of peddles.
As Derinda tops off, turn left at the sign pointing to Stockton and Mount Carroll and left again towards Stockton. Massbach Ridge winery is just up the road. While not as spectacular as Rocky Waters, this winery has developed a great following over the years.
Today, Peggy Harmston’s tireless work on her terroir is paying off with a remarkable Reserve Red. And that is exactly all I tasted for the day. Peggy was entertaining guests, but took time for a photo with the Chianti Kid. Thereafter, it was time to face the challenge of the route to our final winery.
Continue towards Stockton about a mile or two, and hang a left on Skene Road to take you back over to Derinda Road. The descent off Massbach Ridge on Skene is a total scream. My friend Dennis Robinson has easily topped 50 MPH down this hill on his Baccetta recumbent.
Not surprisingly, the climb back up to Derinda is equally steep. On top, turn right for more steady climbing north to Terrapin Ridge and busy US Route 20. Cross over 20 and plummet into the Apple River Valley on Becker Road.
At the bottom, Becker flattens out and rides easily over the Apple River on a concrete deck which was once an old steel “pony trussed” bridge. We’re now on Goose Hollow Road which narrows and serpentines through yet another picturesque valley up to Shaw Road. Turn left, and climb Shaw over the only gravel stretch to the Elizabeth Scales Mound blacktop.
Like Derinda Road, Elizabeth Scales Mound is smooth tarmac, and has been surprisingly devoid of traffic the last three Saturdays I’ve ridden it. The tree line also scrubs off the stiff northwest winds we’ve been braving in the Upper Left this Spring. We’ll continue north on E-S Mound to Rawlins Road and turn west.
This was one of the few times I’ve had the pleasure of going down Rawlins Road. Instead of slugging up the18% face, we flew down and continued west over Gilford Road to Ford Road. Turning right on Ford Road, we trudged back north up to Stagecoach Trail for our final vineyard.
I had considered a couple extra climbs en route but passed, as I had never been on Ford Road or to Galena Cellars for that matter. The next few miles confirmed a wise decision.
I arrived at Galena Cellars off a sharp hill on the north shoulder of Stagecoach Trail. This oldest of wineries in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois was more humble than I expected. And the view to the Northwest across the vineyards and the Galena River valley is lovely indeed.
Galena Cellars was a buzz with visitors packed inside the tasting room, touring the winery, or otherwise sitting in the shade outdoors enjoying the splendid view. I dearly wanted to flop down in one of the vinyl Adirondacks and join them, but legs stiffened their warning to respect the steep hill back up to Stagecoach Trail.
Unlike Derinda and Elizabeth-Scales Mound Roads, this stretch of Stagecoach is well populated by vehicles of all kinds. So, we cautiously glanced over our left shoulder on our decent into Galena.
Our departure on this journey round the vineyards began with coffee at Kayte’s. If you haven’t tasted enough along your Cercle les Vignobles, may we suggest Jamie Carroll’s Wine Studio? Jamie’s is on the north side of the street a block or so west of Kayte’s.
You can sit in her tasting room, or browse for a bottle to take home.
So now the seed has finally been sown, and we’re planning to organize our first Pour Cercle les Vignbles during the fall harvest. If anyone is interested, please send a comment or email me at cycleupperleft.il@gmail.com.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Jilly's Trek 5500 Now On Sale
One spin on this bike, and I ask myself, why is she selling it. Compared to my 2100, this 5500 is a rocket. It probably is a combination of lightness, stiffness, and drivetrain. Duh!
The 56cm frame is just a bit cramped but not at all uncomfortable. This bike has a dream ride compared to my 2100. The bumps just melt away.
The JillyTrek has a 52/39 DuraAce crankset, and the arms are a shorter 172.5mm compared to my Bontrager 50/36 compact with 175mm crankarms. So, when I step on it, the bike really shoots ahead.
Joe Dadez and I did some basic clean-up of the bike. I had a nice Bontrager saddle, and we installed new cables and cool carbon fiber lookin housings and retaped the handlebars black. I also added a nice Bontrager black bottle rack with black bolts.
The DuraAce gruppo feels more positive than the Ultegra on my 2100, and the Mavic Cosmic Elite wheels are light and tough. But the paintjob on this bike is really cool. It was done by Metal Specialties with a mirage dual tint metalic paint that changes color in the light from green to purple.
This is also the first time I've ridden a bike with real aero bars, and it is slick feeling like Lance or Levi in the TTTuck.
All in all, this is bike will bring a lot of smiles to someone for a Mille Cent.
The 56cm frame is just a bit cramped but not at all uncomfortable. This bike has a dream ride compared to my 2100. The bumps just melt away.
The JillyTrek has a 52/39 DuraAce crankset, and the arms are a shorter 172.5mm compared to my Bontrager 50/36 compact with 175mm crankarms. So, when I step on it, the bike really shoots ahead.
Joe Dadez and I did some basic clean-up of the bike. I had a nice Bontrager saddle, and we installed new cables and cool carbon fiber lookin housings and retaped the handlebars black. I also added a nice Bontrager black bottle rack with black bolts.
The DuraAce gruppo feels more positive than the Ultegra on my 2100, and the Mavic Cosmic Elite wheels are light and tough. But the paintjob on this bike is really cool. It was done by Metal Specialties with a mirage dual tint metalic paint that changes color in the light from green to purple.
This is also the first time I've ridden a bike with real aero bars, and it is slick feeling like Lance or Levi in the TTTuck.
All in all, this is bike will bring a lot of smiles to someone for a Mille Cent.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tour for Cancer Century - 2009
This past Saturday morning was busy around the Pretzel City. The Pretzel Fest was in full swing all over the city, and the Kids Triathlon at the YMCA were the headliners.
It was also the sixth year that avid cyclists straddled their bikes and headed into the west country on our Tour for Cancer.
Most rode the beautiful 115 mile course through the communities of Lena, Warren, Stockton, Mt. Carroll, and Pearl City. Some opted for a shorter 30 mile ride through McConnell, Buena Vista, and Scioto Mills.
This year, the Grand Century reached further southwest into the hills along Massbach Ridge and Elizabeth Roads into Mt. Carroll. It was a scenic tour de force, as the sun broke our cloud cover, and the southerly winds intensified, as the heat of the day rose into the 90s.
Thankfully, the wind pushed us back up Loran Road towards Pearl City. I slapped on more sun block and packed extra ice in my water bottles. On the way home, I poured as much water over my head as I drank.
As a side note, custom bicycle builder, Dave Wages of Ellis Cycles, joined us from Waterford, Wisconsin astride his beautifully repainted steel cyclocross bicycle. Dave won the best lugged bicycle award at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show this year. It was fun riding with Dave and hearing him talk about his craftsmanship.
We would like to thank all our riders who came out and graciously contributed to the Ferguson Cancer Center. Our Tour doesn’t require an admission fee, and we don’t hand out Tee shirts. Our riders come for the love of peddling long challenging miles in our lovely Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. They come for the camaraderie, and each helped our local Ferguson Center combat Cancer.
Because of the absent mindedness of yours’ truly, nearly half of our contributions were temporarily lost. But a very thoughtful honest gentleman returned them to us through the Freeport Police Department.
Thanks once again to mio amico, Chuck Beichel, for helping mark the course, and a special thanks to Joe Dadez and Ann Mattson from the Freeport Bicycle Company for their technical assistance and support for this year’s event.
Hope to see you all again next year.
It was also the sixth year that avid cyclists straddled their bikes and headed into the west country on our Tour for Cancer.
Most rode the beautiful 115 mile course through the communities of Lena, Warren, Stockton, Mt. Carroll, and Pearl City. Some opted for a shorter 30 mile ride through McConnell, Buena Vista, and Scioto Mills.
This year, the Grand Century reached further southwest into the hills along Massbach Ridge and Elizabeth Roads into Mt. Carroll. It was a scenic tour de force, as the sun broke our cloud cover, and the southerly winds intensified, as the heat of the day rose into the 90s.
Thankfully, the wind pushed us back up Loran Road towards Pearl City. I slapped on more sun block and packed extra ice in my water bottles. On the way home, I poured as much water over my head as I drank.
As a side note, custom bicycle builder, Dave Wages of Ellis Cycles, joined us from Waterford, Wisconsin astride his beautifully repainted steel cyclocross bicycle. Dave won the best lugged bicycle award at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show this year. It was fun riding with Dave and hearing him talk about his craftsmanship.
We would like to thank all our riders who came out and graciously contributed to the Ferguson Cancer Center. Our Tour doesn’t require an admission fee, and we don’t hand out Tee shirts. Our riders come for the love of peddling long challenging miles in our lovely Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. They come for the camaraderie, and each helped our local Ferguson Center combat Cancer.
Because of the absent mindedness of yours’ truly, nearly half of our contributions were temporarily lost. But a very thoughtful honest gentleman returned them to us through the Freeport Police Department.
Thanks once again to mio amico, Chuck Beichel, for helping mark the course, and a special thanks to Joe Dadez and Ann Mattson from the Freeport Bicycle Company for their technical assistance and support for this year’s event.
Hope to see you all again next year.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Peggy in the Rockies
Our diva of ladies cycling fashion was spotted recently as she flew across the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Our man on the scene caught up with Peggy, but only briefly as she dusted him up to Monarch Pass.
Lyle hung on, caught Diva at the top, and sent back a couple of great photos. Now the entire cycling world knows of her haute couture. Instead of strolling down a runway at the House of Chanel, Peggy gave new meaning to the French word haute by peddling up the big Rocky passes.
Formidable, Mme. Badgett.
Lyle hung on, caught Diva at the top, and sent back a couple of great photos. Now the entire cycling world knows of her haute couture. Instead of strolling down a runway at the House of Chanel, Peggy gave new meaning to the French word haute by peddling up the big Rocky passes.
Formidable, Mme. Badgett.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Twenty Something
This Sunday is as good as it gets. “It’s tulip season again, and I’m oh so happy.”
Last week we had a bit of blackwater fever—much ado about something related to that murky paramilitary organization which operates a training facility for police SWAT teams deep in the undercover bowels of the Upper Left Hand Corner.
My instructions were not to spend too much time on the bicycle, as grandsons Luca and Massimo were in town. So, I decided to encircle the Blackwater Camp along a lovely hilly 25 mile loop which I will christen the “Twenty,” because the last and best climb is just past the 20 mile mark.
We start at the church just north of the Ville de Loran and head south through the Val de Loran then up a big hill towards Mount Carroll. At Meyers Road, we’ll turn north, and roll easily. The crabapple, tulip, and redbud trees pop out red, pink, and purple blossoms as we head over secluded hills and valleys past Skunk Hollow Road leading up to the training center. Why don’t they call it Skunk Hollow Camp and hang a set of whitetail horns over the entrance?
After a spectacular series of hills n dales, Meyers Road intersects with Route 78 which runs between Mount Carroll and Stockton. We turn right and head down a long hill into Heavenly Valley for about a mile where East Loran Road turns east up a nice gradual incline towards the “Twenty.”
Just past the 20 mile mark, the hill kicks up to around 20%-- well maybe 17%? I’ve learned not to place too much stock in my GPS when it comes to gauging the incline of these hills, but my legs felt like it was indeed “Twenty.” So that's where we'll leave it.
So after an hour and three quarters, we’re back in the Blazer and heading home to wrestle with Luca and Massi.
Last week we had a bit of blackwater fever—much ado about something related to that murky paramilitary organization which operates a training facility for police SWAT teams deep in the undercover bowels of the Upper Left Hand Corner.
My instructions were not to spend too much time on the bicycle, as grandsons Luca and Massimo were in town. So, I decided to encircle the Blackwater Camp along a lovely hilly 25 mile loop which I will christen the “Twenty,” because the last and best climb is just past the 20 mile mark.
We start at the church just north of the Ville de Loran and head south through the Val de Loran then up a big hill towards Mount Carroll. At Meyers Road, we’ll turn north, and roll easily. The crabapple, tulip, and redbud trees pop out red, pink, and purple blossoms as we head over secluded hills and valleys past Skunk Hollow Road leading up to the training center. Why don’t they call it Skunk Hollow Camp and hang a set of whitetail horns over the entrance?
After a spectacular series of hills n dales, Meyers Road intersects with Route 78 which runs between Mount Carroll and Stockton. We turn right and head down a long hill into Heavenly Valley for about a mile where East Loran Road turns east up a nice gradual incline towards the “Twenty.”
Just past the 20 mile mark, the hill kicks up to around 20%-- well maybe 17%? I’ve learned not to place too much stock in my GPS when it comes to gauging the incline of these hills, but my legs felt like it was indeed “Twenty.” So that's where we'll leave it.
So after an hour and three quarters, we’re back in the Blazer and heading home to wrestle with Luca and Massi.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tube Tales - Gettin Gassed
At our Spring Banquet of the ChainLinkCyclists, I was asked to enlighten our fellow club mates on the advantages of carrying a couple small CO2 cartridges and a filler attachment instead of the tried and true traveling pump.
I was using my Bontrager regulator attachment, in the demonstration, which I thought only fit Presta valves. These are the smaller diameter stems found on most bicycle tubes today.
I noticed that we were not entirely successful in fully pressurizing our demonstration tire, and meanwhile, my fingers and palm were starting to get frost bite as we repeatedly released the gas from the cold cartridges.
During the demo, the most asked question from the audience was, “Do they make a cartridge filler attachment for a Schrader valve?” Now the Schrader valve is the one we all know when we fill our automobile tires with air. It has a larger diameter than the Presta.
I said I suspected that such things were on the market and referred my charges to Ron and Joe at the Freeport Bicycle Company table across the room.
Not a week later, while riding with Peggy Badgett out of Stockton, I got my answer.
As we descended into Apple Canyon Park, I blew a big hole in my new tube inside my new tire. After getting the bike under control and off on the shoulder, I reached into my kit and pulled forth my regulator and a CO2 cartridge in eager anticipation of showing my prowess at filling the new tube.
After expending two CO2 cartridges, the pressure was still so low that it would have been impossible to get back. Peggy was considering going on ahead to retrieve me in my Blazer. But, as an afterthought, she produced her very trusty pump, saying she did not like cold hands either. In no time, we had the tire up to pressure and continued on out of the park and over the Binkley Bonk into Stockton.
For all my trouble, Peggy bought chocolat milk shakes, and we reviewed the necessities of bicycle carryons.
On the drive back to the Freeport Bicycle Company, I was considering giving up on the CO2 system and getting a pump just like Peggy's. Joe replaced my exploded tube. He said he'd be happy to sell me a new pump, but suggested I use a Presta to Schrader adapter the next time I used my filler attachment. Opps! The missing component in my kit?
The following Tuesday afternoon, Jilly and I had a good laugh over this as we pushed through the grisley westerly wind at Bump n Jamb. She urged me share it on the blog.
So, si tutti, the regulator attachment does fit a Schrader valve. In fact, I have one along with my Presta adapter.
I was using my Bontrager regulator attachment, in the demonstration, which I thought only fit Presta valves. These are the smaller diameter stems found on most bicycle tubes today.
I noticed that we were not entirely successful in fully pressurizing our demonstration tire, and meanwhile, my fingers and palm were starting to get frost bite as we repeatedly released the gas from the cold cartridges.
During the demo, the most asked question from the audience was, “Do they make a cartridge filler attachment for a Schrader valve?” Now the Schrader valve is the one we all know when we fill our automobile tires with air. It has a larger diameter than the Presta.
I said I suspected that such things were on the market and referred my charges to Ron and Joe at the Freeport Bicycle Company table across the room.
Not a week later, while riding with Peggy Badgett out of Stockton, I got my answer.
As we descended into Apple Canyon Park, I blew a big hole in my new tube inside my new tire. After getting the bike under control and off on the shoulder, I reached into my kit and pulled forth my regulator and a CO2 cartridge in eager anticipation of showing my prowess at filling the new tube.
After expending two CO2 cartridges, the pressure was still so low that it would have been impossible to get back. Peggy was considering going on ahead to retrieve me in my Blazer. But, as an afterthought, she produced her very trusty pump, saying she did not like cold hands either. In no time, we had the tire up to pressure and continued on out of the park and over the Binkley Bonk into Stockton.
For all my trouble, Peggy bought chocolat milk shakes, and we reviewed the necessities of bicycle carryons.
On the drive back to the Freeport Bicycle Company, I was considering giving up on the CO2 system and getting a pump just like Peggy's. Joe replaced my exploded tube. He said he'd be happy to sell me a new pump, but suggested I use a Presta to Schrader adapter the next time I used my filler attachment. Opps! The missing component in my kit?
The following Tuesday afternoon, Jilly and I had a good laugh over this as we pushed through the grisley westerly wind at Bump n Jamb. She urged me share it on the blog.
So, si tutti, the regulator attachment does fit a Schrader valve. In fact, I have one along with my Presta adapter.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
MiddleMarch
The earth is still in browns, yet another mild March weekend holds the promise of greener times ahead. The hills beckon, and we are back out to Stockton with bike in Blazer.
This time, we’re on the cyclocross Las Cruces heading northwest out of town along gravel roads bypassing a big climb up Binkley and a relatively busy Canyon Park Road.
In layman’s directions, head north on Park Road, jog west on Binkley, and continue up Park Road and another jog west then northwest up to Townsend Road.
Once over the hill, we cross Canyon Park Road and continue west on Townsend Road which, wavy of surface, can be busy with vehicles to and from Apple Canyon Lake.
Finally, we drop into the valley across the Apple River. We ride to the stop sign at Scout Camp Road and climb north up Scout Camp to the first left which is Schapville Road. We sigh relief and shed impatient traffic on our way west to the hamlet Schapville.
March legs stiffen in the hills over two climbs before we arrive at a favorite Upper Left Hand village. Just past the church at the intersection of Stadel and Shapville Roads, we turn right on Mill Creek Road.
Now, we truly are free of the beaten path as we ride northwest over chip and gravel in the midst a lovely long valley along Mill Creek. The rock outcroppings and trees offer cool shade in Summer, but this is March, and the sunlight sparkles through the naked canopy as we ride easily in bucolic splendor. Last Fall, Peggy Badget, Dennis Robinson, and I celebrated Dennis’s birthday along this road on our way to New Diggings.
Too soon, we pop out at Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and turn left. Immediately, our legs awake to an arduous grade as we head south towards Elizabeth. Just past Shapville Road, we take the next left on Menzemmer Road and cruise southeast on a long descent.
At the intersection of Stadel Road, which leads back up to Schapville, we continue straight into the gravel on Menzemmer. Back on the chipped surface, it’s up the hill to Hoffman Road. We turn left on Hoffman and left again as it meets Goosehollow Road. Caution is advised on the descent into the corner before Hoffman intersects with Grebner Road.
Keeping the creek on our left, we ride south on the Grebner Gravel. We don’t turn left over the bridge at Salem Road but stay on Grebner until it curves left across the creek and climbs over the hill and the new bridge over the Apple River. At the stop sign, we turn left on Apple River Road and ride east to fork at Woodbine Road and thence up to Woodbine. Once there, it is the third right at Brown Road which crosses Highway 20 and heads south along the east side of the golf course.
At Center Road, we could turn left and ride straight back over to Stockton. But we’ll continue climbing up Brown Road until we reach Baugh Road. Then we’ll loop around Baugh to Eden Road back down to Center. The Las Cruces helps us explore beautiful hilly gravel roads like Baugh and Eden. The Maxxis cross tire on the back wheel grips the gravel over the rollers back east to Stockton.
This time, we’re on the cyclocross Las Cruces heading northwest out of town along gravel roads bypassing a big climb up Binkley and a relatively busy Canyon Park Road.
In layman’s directions, head north on Park Road, jog west on Binkley, and continue up Park Road and another jog west then northwest up to Townsend Road.
Once over the hill, we cross Canyon Park Road and continue west on Townsend Road which, wavy of surface, can be busy with vehicles to and from Apple Canyon Lake.
Finally, we drop into the valley across the Apple River. We ride to the stop sign at Scout Camp Road and climb north up Scout Camp to the first left which is Schapville Road. We sigh relief and shed impatient traffic on our way west to the hamlet Schapville.
March legs stiffen in the hills over two climbs before we arrive at a favorite Upper Left Hand village. Just past the church at the intersection of Stadel and Shapville Roads, we turn right on Mill Creek Road.
Now, we truly are free of the beaten path as we ride northwest over chip and gravel in the midst a lovely long valley along Mill Creek. The rock outcroppings and trees offer cool shade in Summer, but this is March, and the sunlight sparkles through the naked canopy as we ride easily in bucolic splendor. Last Fall, Peggy Badget, Dennis Robinson, and I celebrated Dennis’s birthday along this road on our way to New Diggings.
Too soon, we pop out at Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and turn left. Immediately, our legs awake to an arduous grade as we head south towards Elizabeth. Just past Shapville Road, we take the next left on Menzemmer Road and cruise southeast on a long descent.
At the intersection of Stadel Road, which leads back up to Schapville, we continue straight into the gravel on Menzemmer. Back on the chipped surface, it’s up the hill to Hoffman Road. We turn left on Hoffman and left again as it meets Goosehollow Road. Caution is advised on the descent into the corner before Hoffman intersects with Grebner Road.
Keeping the creek on our left, we ride south on the Grebner Gravel. We don’t turn left over the bridge at Salem Road but stay on Grebner until it curves left across the creek and climbs over the hill and the new bridge over the Apple River. At the stop sign, we turn left on Apple River Road and ride east to fork at Woodbine Road and thence up to Woodbine. Once there, it is the third right at Brown Road which crosses Highway 20 and heads south along the east side of the golf course.
At Center Road, we could turn left and ride straight back over to Stockton. But we’ll continue climbing up Brown Road until we reach Baugh Road. Then we’ll loop around Baugh to Eden Road back down to Center. The Las Cruces helps us explore beautiful hilly gravel roads like Baugh and Eden. The Maxxis cross tire on the back wheel grips the gravel over the rollers back east to Stockton.
March Encore!
It is nearly spring, and the oatmeal land could hide a deer or a Weimereiner relaxing in the warm dormant grass anticipating Spring. In March, our senses are magnetized with anticipation of the coming season. The pull to get outdoors is irresistible.
Here’s a special 35 miler to jump-start your cycling season. Unless you’ve put some miles under your legs, you may want to stay out of the big chain ring for the first 20 miles.
Our preference would be to stop at Karen’s in Stockton for lunch beforehand then hop on and head west on Front Avenue to Golf Road. Follow that south to Center Road which will take you west over to Massbach Road. Continue south to the next stop sign where Massbach turns right and west up your first climb.
Once over, you’ll find a couple of nice rollers as Massbach Road begins to head southwest along the preeminent scenic ridgeline in the Upper Left. Enjoy the open country as you head over to Bethel Road, then turn right and scream down Bethel into the valley which cradles Rush Creek.
Later in the season, you may be tempted to loop back up to Massbach Ridge on Gras Road, but this is March and no time for madness. So exercise patience, because our next climb is just ahead, as Bethel Road rises up to meet Brown Road and a big view of Terrapin Ridge.
Continue on Bethel down across Little Rush Creek towards another long climb up to Terrapin Ridge. At the stop sign, you’ll find Derinda Road as it intersects with US Route 20. Turn left, and ride south on Derinda Road. You’re heading over three long grades averaging about 9%. This is March and a perfect opportunity to build up your climbing legs and enjoy the smooth tarmac and wide rolling khaki hills wooded in sepia and burnt umber.
This time of year, you ride in the leafless trees full of light and the land beyond. From April through October, Derinda is among a favorite Upper Left road for folks with big bellowing “V-twin” chromatics between their legs. But we leg propelled have merely to endure a steady hiss of the warm southern wind in our ears.
Derinda Road becomes Ridge Road at a junction where we turn left over to Massbach. At last, the wind is in our sails as we turn left and head back along Massbach Ridge to Stockton. If you need to fill a water bottle, stop at the winery, and marvel that Peggy Harmston can turn water into Ridge Red.
Here’s a special 35 miler to jump-start your cycling season. Unless you’ve put some miles under your legs, you may want to stay out of the big chain ring for the first 20 miles.
Our preference would be to stop at Karen’s in Stockton for lunch beforehand then hop on and head west on Front Avenue to Golf Road. Follow that south to Center Road which will take you west over to Massbach Road. Continue south to the next stop sign where Massbach turns right and west up your first climb.
Once over, you’ll find a couple of nice rollers as Massbach Road begins to head southwest along the preeminent scenic ridgeline in the Upper Left. Enjoy the open country as you head over to Bethel Road, then turn right and scream down Bethel into the valley which cradles Rush Creek.
Later in the season, you may be tempted to loop back up to Massbach Ridge on Gras Road, but this is March and no time for madness. So exercise patience, because our next climb is just ahead, as Bethel Road rises up to meet Brown Road and a big view of Terrapin Ridge.
Continue on Bethel down across Little Rush Creek towards another long climb up to Terrapin Ridge. At the stop sign, you’ll find Derinda Road as it intersects with US Route 20. Turn left, and ride south on Derinda Road. You’re heading over three long grades averaging about 9%. This is March and a perfect opportunity to build up your climbing legs and enjoy the smooth tarmac and wide rolling khaki hills wooded in sepia and burnt umber.
This time of year, you ride in the leafless trees full of light and the land beyond. From April through October, Derinda is among a favorite Upper Left road for folks with big bellowing “V-twin” chromatics between their legs. But we leg propelled have merely to endure a steady hiss of the warm southern wind in our ears.
Derinda Road becomes Ridge Road at a junction where we turn left over to Massbach. At last, the wind is in our sails as we turn left and head back along Massbach Ridge to Stockton. If you need to fill a water bottle, stop at the winery, and marvel that Peggy Harmston can turn water into Ridge Red.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Promise
An azure Sunday Morning
Looking for cycling out of doors.
Legs willing, but spirit cautious
As I settle into a cold leather chair
Espresso in hand
And look out at the white field.
Certainly, the sun will warm this Sunday morning’s earth
And clear roads after Friday night’s snow.
But what if clouds drift over?
Each beginning of the cycling season
Holds promise and uncertainty.
This sunny Sunday morning, I’ll bask in the Promise.
With Promise clearly in mind, I loaded Salsa Las Cruces into my trusty Blazer, Ruby, and schemed my way over to Loran Valley via Mill Grove Road and Owl’s Glen.
I disembarked at the Loran Church and headed south then west on East Loran Road. It was time to ride over some hills.
Up until this morning, most of our rides have been along tame terrain. So this was the first grade test of the season, and it didn’t take long to feel the strain in legs and knees.
We had a short respite as we dropped into Heavenly Valley. Then we turned north on Route 78 and met “The Hawk.” The unyielding north wind drove in its talons, and I was forced into the small chain ring or seize up altogether.
But once in a rhythm, the promise of a good ride returned. Turning back east, I was delighted to be along Willow Road again. This is one of my favorite routes in the Upper Left Hand Corner. Today, “The Hawk” nearly spoiled our pleasant reunion as we approached the Willow United Methodist Church which hosts a “folksy” version of Woodstock each August. Check it out at willowfolkfestival.com.
It was total drudgery on the roll up to Airport Road, but now we were headed directly east. “The Hawk” released its talons and we flew away.
Our Sunday Promise realized, it was time to let the endorphins flow through our spirit and scheme more stories as the season progresses in the Upper Left Hand Corner.
Looking for cycling out of doors.
Legs willing, but spirit cautious
As I settle into a cold leather chair
Espresso in hand
And look out at the white field.
Certainly, the sun will warm this Sunday morning’s earth
And clear roads after Friday night’s snow.
But what if clouds drift over?
Each beginning of the cycling season
Holds promise and uncertainty.
This sunny Sunday morning, I’ll bask in the Promise.
With Promise clearly in mind, I loaded Salsa Las Cruces into my trusty Blazer, Ruby, and schemed my way over to Loran Valley via Mill Grove Road and Owl’s Glen.
I disembarked at the Loran Church and headed south then west on East Loran Road. It was time to ride over some hills.
Up until this morning, most of our rides have been along tame terrain. So this was the first grade test of the season, and it didn’t take long to feel the strain in legs and knees.
We had a short respite as we dropped into Heavenly Valley. Then we turned north on Route 78 and met “The Hawk.” The unyielding north wind drove in its talons, and I was forced into the small chain ring or seize up altogether.
But once in a rhythm, the promise of a good ride returned. Turning back east, I was delighted to be along Willow Road again. This is one of my favorite routes in the Upper Left Hand Corner. Today, “The Hawk” nearly spoiled our pleasant reunion as we approached the Willow United Methodist Church which hosts a “folksy” version of Woodstock each August. Check it out at willowfolkfestival.com.
It was total drudgery on the roll up to Airport Road, but now we were headed directly east. “The Hawk” released its talons and we flew away.
Our Sunday Promise realized, it was time to let the endorphins flow through our spirit and scheme more stories as the season progresses in the Upper Left Hand Corner.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Finally a February Thaw
I guess you could say Sunday, February 8th, was our first official “big outing” of the year.
January was pure winter freeze your face off with no hope of any window of opportunity to ride a bicycle out-of-doors. Thankfully, February opened with the promise of better cycling days to come. A few of the intrepid Andrew “Diet right” wannabees were ready and chompin at the peddles during the first week. Then came Saturday the 7th, and then Sunday at the ole HCC rendezvous!
We were the ChainLink Eleven -- Dennis, Bill, Marsha (We believe that was you underneath the black mask.), Steve, Bill, Paul, Richard, Dave, Chuck, Mike and Andrew with camera in tow for the group photo. Nice pic of the goofy cyclocross snow pile climber, Andrew.
We rolled out a nice leisurely early season pace down Pearl City Road to Van Brocklin. Once around the corner, friendly Sunday riders started falling off the back when a frisky fella on a recumbent challenged a couple uprights. Was that really a head wind? I was too busy gasping for air.
Our ChainLink Eleven cleaned Casey’s General Store out of all their coffee, cocoa, and other human propellants for the return trip. Now we really relished the wind at our backs. Marsha (Our Masked Lady) pulled us back to Freeport in good fashion.
Ahhh, Spring is just around the corner. Maybe.
January was pure winter freeze your face off with no hope of any window of opportunity to ride a bicycle out-of-doors. Thankfully, February opened with the promise of better cycling days to come. A few of the intrepid Andrew “Diet right” wannabees were ready and chompin at the peddles during the first week. Then came Saturday the 7th, and then Sunday at the ole HCC rendezvous!
We were the ChainLink Eleven -- Dennis, Bill, Marsha (We believe that was you underneath the black mask.), Steve, Bill, Paul, Richard, Dave, Chuck, Mike and Andrew with camera in tow for the group photo. Nice pic of the goofy cyclocross snow pile climber, Andrew.
We rolled out a nice leisurely early season pace down Pearl City Road to Van Brocklin. Once around the corner, friendly Sunday riders started falling off the back when a frisky fella on a recumbent challenged a couple uprights. Was that really a head wind? I was too busy gasping for air.
Our ChainLink Eleven cleaned Casey’s General Store out of all their coffee, cocoa, and other human propellants for the return trip. Now we really relished the wind at our backs. Marsha (Our Masked Lady) pulled us back to Freeport in good fashion.
Ahhh, Spring is just around the corner. Maybe.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Glories of Gravel and Old Steel Bridges
We are blessed with an abundance of paved scenic cycling roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. Many stretch south and west from the village of Stockton through Massbach, Mount Carroll, Savanna, and Hanover. They also extend west northwest through Woodbine, Schapville, Elizabeth, and Galena.
Stockton has been home base for my favorite playground this season as we continue to explore challenging roads in the company of fabulous scenery.
I had been riding my Salsa Las Cruces cyclocross bicycle on road tires, although this versatile bike’s standard kit calls for narrow knobby off road tires. In autumn color with the 2008 season drawing to a close, I felt it was time to strap on the knobbies and explore the roads less traveled.
On a mild November Saturday, we started in Stockton from Northwest Eyecare’s Clinic and rolled west to Golf Road and south to Center Road. Center goes gravel just past the north junction of Massbach Road. It wasn’t long before we’re in “driftless” country untouched by ice age glaciers and graced in bucolic splendor.
Before Woodbine, we turned southeast on Eden Road for a climb up Baugh Road. This road is a gem you won’t visit on road tires. Still with knobbies, the Salsa was challenged up steep gravel.
A cyclocross bicycle combines the lightness of a sporty road bike and approaches the terrain versatility of a mountain bike. The drop handlebars provide more comfortable hand positions, and the drivetrain is geared to gobble hills. My Salsa was built up by Ron Mattson at Freeport Bicycle Company who finished it off with beautiful set of tough DT Swiss wheels.
Riding in the forest along Baugh Road, you are treated to long views through the trees on either side. At the intersection of Baugh and Brown Roads, a grand panorama spreads out ahead. When riding over these ridgelines, The Cream’s Jack Bruce sings in my head, “She’s gone, but I don’t worry, cause I’m sittin on top of the world.”
We turned south on Brown Road then slid off the high ridge to Bethel Road and west into the valley. This is a long glide followed by a steady peddle up to Terrapin Ridge. My large chain ring has 48 teeth and mates well to long easy grades like this. But there’s feisty finale on the approach to Route 20 compelling Las Cruces’ lowest gear.
Once across busy Route 20, and over Terrapin Ridge, you’ll scream down Becker Road into the Apple River valley. Like the run up, the steep descent soon moderates and you'll cruise easily into the woods before arriving at Apple River Road. Here, we'll turn west up to Elizabeth over a crescendo of rollers.
The most direct way through Elizabeth is to turn right on Route 20, and follow that around the corner. Route 20 forks to the left, ride straight ahead on Main Street down Georgetown Road.
Georgetown Road shortcuts across Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and intersects with Longhollow Road. Along the way, you’ll traverse the Apple River on a rickety old “Pony Truss” steel bridge. This is one of the few remaining steel spans over the Apple River. It was built around 1890 to a length of 200 feet and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Sadly, this span is endangered, and its condition is ranked by Bridgehunter.com as follows: “Inspection (as of 03/2008) -- Deck condition rating: Fair (5 out of 9)--Superstructure condition rating: Critical (2 out of 9) -- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9) --Appraisal: Structurally deficient -- Sufficiency rating: 14.6 (out of 100)”
We were cautious not to catch a tire in the split planks and avoid being pitched into the Apple River. Once across, we exhaled a sigh and headed out of the valley over Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and down Longhollow.
Just before the Equestrian Center, we turned right on Clark lane which climbs in spurts to a high ridge at the eastern edge of the Galena Territories. Clark Road continues over to Rawlins Road, but we turned right on Wachter Road and left on Morley Road to bypass the huge climb up Rawlins to Elizabeth Scales Mound.
Often, we have returned to Stockton across the ridge through Schapville. But today, our knobbies pointed Las Cruces down Menzemer Road in search of more gravel.
On our decent beneath Schapville, we followed Menzemer to Hoffman Road. Continuing south and east to Grebner Road we rolled south across a wide concrete deck which until recently was an old steel trussed bridge spanning the Apple River. Surely, as funding permits, these old bridges will disappear forever.
Back in the Vallee de la Pomme Riviere, we turned left on Apple River Road east into the gravel towards our second old bridge crossing. This 143 footer was also built in 1890 and is classified as a “Through Truss” design. Bridgehunter.com says the May 2006 inspection yielded similar dismal results. “Deck condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Superstructure condition rating: Serious (3 out of 9)-- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Appraisal: Structurally deficient-- Sufficiency rating: 18.4 (out of 100).”
Before these old steel bridges head to the scrap yard, we’ll cross ourselves, light a candle to the Blessed Virgin, and ride happily over these delightful old spans.
Once over Old Steel, you may turn left and continue up Apple River Road to Scout Camp Road. But in search of new gravel, we went right on Welsh Road following that over to Scout Camp. From here, we jogged north on Scout Camp and continued east into a pretty valley on Welsh Road. Eventually, you emerge to a Tee at Logemann. Avoiding Route 20, turn left on Logemann and right on Townline back to Canyon Park Road. From there, it’s south to Binkley and over the Big Binkley Bonk back to Stockton.
Bridges, a Bonk, and a whole lot of gravel along the way. A cyclocross bike is a huge kick to ride as you explore the really rural roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. We increased our repertoire of routes and improved our riding skills. The Salsa Las Cruces has been a Really Outstanding Investment.
Stockton has been home base for my favorite playground this season as we continue to explore challenging roads in the company of fabulous scenery.
I had been riding my Salsa Las Cruces cyclocross bicycle on road tires, although this versatile bike’s standard kit calls for narrow knobby off road tires. In autumn color with the 2008 season drawing to a close, I felt it was time to strap on the knobbies and explore the roads less traveled.
On a mild November Saturday, we started in Stockton from Northwest Eyecare’s Clinic and rolled west to Golf Road and south to Center Road. Center goes gravel just past the north junction of Massbach Road. It wasn’t long before we’re in “driftless” country untouched by ice age glaciers and graced in bucolic splendor.
Before Woodbine, we turned southeast on Eden Road for a climb up Baugh Road. This road is a gem you won’t visit on road tires. Still with knobbies, the Salsa was challenged up steep gravel.
A cyclocross bicycle combines the lightness of a sporty road bike and approaches the terrain versatility of a mountain bike. The drop handlebars provide more comfortable hand positions, and the drivetrain is geared to gobble hills. My Salsa was built up by Ron Mattson at Freeport Bicycle Company who finished it off with beautiful set of tough DT Swiss wheels.
Riding in the forest along Baugh Road, you are treated to long views through the trees on either side. At the intersection of Baugh and Brown Roads, a grand panorama spreads out ahead. When riding over these ridgelines, The Cream’s Jack Bruce sings in my head, “She’s gone, but I don’t worry, cause I’m sittin on top of the world.”
We turned south on Brown Road then slid off the high ridge to Bethel Road and west into the valley. This is a long glide followed by a steady peddle up to Terrapin Ridge. My large chain ring has 48 teeth and mates well to long easy grades like this. But there’s feisty finale on the approach to Route 20 compelling Las Cruces’ lowest gear.
Once across busy Route 20, and over Terrapin Ridge, you’ll scream down Becker Road into the Apple River valley. Like the run up, the steep descent soon moderates and you'll cruise easily into the woods before arriving at Apple River Road. Here, we'll turn west up to Elizabeth over a crescendo of rollers.
The most direct way through Elizabeth is to turn right on Route 20, and follow that around the corner. Route 20 forks to the left, ride straight ahead on Main Street down Georgetown Road.
Georgetown Road shortcuts across Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and intersects with Longhollow Road. Along the way, you’ll traverse the Apple River on a rickety old “Pony Truss” steel bridge. This is one of the few remaining steel spans over the Apple River. It was built around 1890 to a length of 200 feet and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Sadly, this span is endangered, and its condition is ranked by Bridgehunter.com as follows: “Inspection (as of 03/2008) -- Deck condition rating: Fair (5 out of 9)--Superstructure condition rating: Critical (2 out of 9) -- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9) --Appraisal: Structurally deficient -- Sufficiency rating: 14.6 (out of 100)”
We were cautious not to catch a tire in the split planks and avoid being pitched into the Apple River. Once across, we exhaled a sigh and headed out of the valley over Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and down Longhollow.
Just before the Equestrian Center, we turned right on Clark lane which climbs in spurts to a high ridge at the eastern edge of the Galena Territories. Clark Road continues over to Rawlins Road, but we turned right on Wachter Road and left on Morley Road to bypass the huge climb up Rawlins to Elizabeth Scales Mound.
Often, we have returned to Stockton across the ridge through Schapville. But today, our knobbies pointed Las Cruces down Menzemer Road in search of more gravel.
On our decent beneath Schapville, we followed Menzemer to Hoffman Road. Continuing south and east to Grebner Road we rolled south across a wide concrete deck which until recently was an old steel trussed bridge spanning the Apple River. Surely, as funding permits, these old bridges will disappear forever.
Back in the Vallee de la Pomme Riviere, we turned left on Apple River Road east into the gravel towards our second old bridge crossing. This 143 footer was also built in 1890 and is classified as a “Through Truss” design. Bridgehunter.com says the May 2006 inspection yielded similar dismal results. “Deck condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Superstructure condition rating: Serious (3 out of 9)-- Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)-- Appraisal: Structurally deficient-- Sufficiency rating: 18.4 (out of 100).”
Before these old steel bridges head to the scrap yard, we’ll cross ourselves, light a candle to the Blessed Virgin, and ride happily over these delightful old spans.
Once over Old Steel, you may turn left and continue up Apple River Road to Scout Camp Road. But in search of new gravel, we went right on Welsh Road following that over to Scout Camp. From here, we jogged north on Scout Camp and continued east into a pretty valley on Welsh Road. Eventually, you emerge to a Tee at Logemann. Avoiding Route 20, turn left on Logemann and right on Townline back to Canyon Park Road. From there, it’s south to Binkley and over the Big Binkley Bonk back to Stockton.
Bridges, a Bonk, and a whole lot of gravel along the way. A cyclocross bike is a huge kick to ride as you explore the really rural roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. We increased our repertoire of routes and improved our riding skills. The Salsa Las Cruces has been a Really Outstanding Investment.
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