Bikes are on the way!

The season is soon to kick in. Even though its only 9° today, it really is right around the corner! Anyone who's native to, or has lived in the midwest knows this. This time of year things change pretty fast. As Guitar Ted has so wisely pointed out though, winter does seem to be endless. Especially this year. Seems like the temps been in the single to below zero temps more often than not. Then there's the fact that he just got hit with ANOTHER spat of weather to extend his "vortex of suck".

So where am I going with this? Well, with warmer weather comes people wanting to actually ride their bikes! And a happy by product of people wanting to ride - is people wanting to BUY bikes.

I am very happy to announce that I am an official JAMIS dealer. Why Jamis you ask? Jamis though has been a charm to deal with so far. They are truly excited to start up another dealer in the midwest, a territory that they could grow in.



Jamis' line up is, I think, pretty damned impressive. I like the way the bikes LOOK. They're all clean graphically, with subtle graphics and colors. They don't shout at you (ala Specailized/Cannondale). The price points are all well covered with exceptional deals. Take the Zenith Comp:



Full carbon, 18½ pounds, $1800 retail. Love it! And I'm not a carbon kinda guy.

On the mountain side, there's the Exile SS:


Nice frame, good parts, and comes ready to run as a geary if you want to make the swap.

The bike I'm most impressed with though, is something I think everyone should have in their garage. Yeah, its probably the 'cool' bike to have now, but commuter bikes just make too much sense. In these days of $50 fill ups at the gas station, this will pay itself off rather quickly. I'll be pushing them, thats for sure!



The Commuter 3 has an internal 8 speed hub for no fuss gearing and shifting. Single ring simplicity and looks. Fenders, swept back, comfy bars and a nice seat(not my personal fav - but that's me!)

Anyways - sorry to make this sound like an ad - but I'm stoked to have a line of bikes coming in that I'm excited to sell. I hope to have another line soon too. I'll update as soon as I find out!

Listening to: Finally! I have speakers for the 'puter! The Current outta the MPLS yo. Been good listening today!

Busy busy busy

On Tuesday last, the 15th of January, Lisa and I went to the bank and signed off on the Line of Credit that I was so graciously approved for. Since then I've been busy as a beaver at the shop. Cutting wood left and right, making as much as I can. The work bench is done - well mostly done. Still have to get some plywood for the shelves, mount the counter top and fasten it to the stub wall there - but you get the idea! Its big. Working height of 41½"(I am 6'5" afterall), length of just under 10'. Should provide plenty of space to get messy! I do have to give HUGE props to Deke at Oneota River Cycles over in Decorah, IA. He graciously donated the counter tops that will be used for the workbench top, and the checkout counter. He certainly didn't have to do that for a 'competitor', but that's just the kind of stand-up guy he is. Thanks man! And if you're reading this Rich - heal well!



The other thing bogging this whole operation down is signing up for distributor accounts. With a tempremental fax machine that I haven't figured out yet. That's on the chore list for today - get those things outta here! - so off I am. Busy as a beaver!

Listening to: CMT tv - the coffee shop next door has a HUGE tv placed 'just right' . Gotta get some speakers for the 'puter!

Welp. Guess its time to put up or shut up.

Got word yesterday that my loan request has been approved! Yay!

This means that next week, my life will officailly take its next turn. Things will certainly be more busy. Gotta move accounts. Start accounts. Sign leases. Get ahold of reps. Make things. Lots of things.

And I plan to open March 1.

Oh boy. Best get at it!

Of course I'll post pics of the progress.

Ring 'round the Prairie!

Funny thing - so far this is turning out to be more about rides that I put in than about an opening of a bike shop. I still do plan on opening the shop, have no fear! Still really waiting to hear from the bank...kinda sucks having this all hinge on one thing...but what can ya do?

So on to the latest ride report! We got hit with an ugly storm as I posted up two times ago. That rain that came put riding really on ice for me for about two weeks. Haven't touched the bike other than jaunts around the block. I finally found time to head out on Tuesday! yay! Since getting here to Western WI, I have noticed that the snowmobilers have quite the network of trails. Anyone who lives in the northland here will know what I'm talking about. Those buzzing stinkbombs are all over the place around here in the winter! As loud and obnoxious as they are, they sure do lay down a nice trail to ride in the winter. And those trails take you places that, normally, you can't get to. Through private land, across hidden ravines, and over ridgetops seldom seen by anything other than livestock.

So I took advantage. Conditions at the start were very good. The snow was still cold enough that it supported my girth as I slogged along.

From Ring around t...

Still in town...down by the river!


Still in town, but getting close to the edge. Its here where the climbing/walking begins. One of the finer nuances of winter snow machine trail riding is the, um lack of anything resembling traction on climbs. But its winter - I'm just out to be in the woods on a beautiful day. Not much else.


Going in to the woods for the first time. This is just after crossing an open field where about25 turkey were foraging about. 'Till I came along that it. Seeing turkey's 'fly' is interesting.


Almost at the top of the climb. In summer this section is ridable, but I've never done it, since there's a singletrack that departs from this trail just back down the trail. Anyways. Cool rock formation. Lots of that stuff in these parts.


5 miles in. And just about to start climbing again.


Last shot of the ride. At this point I'm pretty shelled. 13 miles in, and the snow pack got progressivly less packed, making riding a difficult proposition. Just after this shot was taken I came upon the steepest hill I've done in a long time. Over 15% grade according to the GPS. Steep, fast and icy. Kept me on my toes, that's for sure.


http://www.freerice.com/index.php

^^^^See that link? Please click it and go do some good over the course of the next few days. Improve your vocabulary while you're at it.

Happy Holidays!

Listening to: Pandora Holidays. Classic, folk, jazzy, and swingin'. I'm all over the board!

As promised. Slowly getting more legit...

So on the last post, I said the logo was close to being done. And it is! I have to give BIG props to Doug Allan, a long time friend for putting this together for me. I think its turned out fantastic. Classy, classic, and timeless. I think its got staying power. What say the masses?

Without further ado:



Nothing much else to add, other than there has been progress with the bank - so there is still hope!

No riding lately. But I should be skiing! The snow around here is perfect for laying down some tracks and falling down a bit. I'll probably get out this weekend.

Listening to: NPR news. Just heard the Republicans debate in over in IA. Are all politicians so smarmy? - Thats rhetorical, btw...

Season end?

From LaRiv - short...

Nah. More like season slow down. The greater midwest metro plex, other wise known as Southwest Wisconsin, was hit with our first winter storm of the year. Saturday, we got about 3" to 4" of snow. Which really is fine enough. Then it started to rain. Turning all that wonderful snow to a solid sheet of ice. Which makes taking the girls to school via bike and trailer, a rather slippery chore. Time to stud up a set of tires...

Enter the DoDak. My Dad was kind enough in the past few weeks to find both a small 4'x6' utility trailer for the shop, and a truck to pull it with. Both the truck and the trailer are in great shape, and will be the perfect tools to go out and support at events. Thanks Dad!


I have taken Sidra to class in it once so far, and it seems the girls like riding in it. Guess its warmer than the Burley!

I've also just sent the final decision to Doug on my logo. Soon enough I'll be debuting that here. Feels good to have stuff starting to flow in. Makes it all feel more 'real', ya know?

Just a quickie today...back to spreadsheets!

Listening to: The Current. Again.

By request, pics of the 'Backyard' trails!

So Guitar Ted mentioned in a thread on eMpTy BeeR that I've mentioned these trails before but have not actually shown them to anyone who would even be remotely interested. Huh. So here they are. My local stash. These aren't very good shots, firstly. Second, these are shot only on one small section of trail.


Notice in this shot, a large rock off to the left in the shot. I'm standing on it in the next shot.


I'm up about 8' above the trail here.


The view to Wyalusing State Park. And there's some good news about the park I'll get into later. Good stuff for sure!




Yes, its steeper and rockier than it looks. This section is pretty intimidating to come upon. Its ridable, but not every time. This section of trail is actually pretty rocky for a good 1/3 to 1/2 mile.



A few details of the trails. They're primarily horse trails. As such, there are climbs here that can't be done. There is some hiking involved. Personally, I don't mind that. It gives one a chance to slow down, and really take in the surroundings you're riding through. Many trails really don't let you do that, y'know? The trails start at La Riviere City Park, a 300 acre former farm with probably 5 miles of trail on it. Its also the perfect place for a future 'cross race! Anyways, the trails start at La Riviere, and branch out from there. There is a claimed 50 miles of trail laced through the hills here. Yes, you read that right 50, as in 5 - 0 miles of trail. dayum. And they ain't easy as alluded to earlier. Now, that's what they claim. I've been up there exploring for the summer months here, and I feel I've only found 25 or so. If there really is twice that much, I can't wait to find it! If you want to come on around for a ride, PLEASE DO, but be prepared. Its steep. And technical. The single track ain't beginner friendly. If one wants easy, there's Wyalusing, Pikes Peak, or the wide trails on La Riviere proper.

So that's the scoop for the 'Backyard'. While we're talking local trails, I guess I should mention what else this area has to offer. I won't go into terrible detail, I'll save that for later posts. Gotta give myself topics after all!

Wyalusing State Park - there are roughly 10 miles of tail open to bikes. Its all easy, grassy trail with minimal elevation gain. Some pretty views. The July storms destroyed some of the trails there though - and they are looking to develop a new system of sustainable trails, with an aim of attracting more MTBer's to the park. Yay! I'll be helping them with design and layout, and Vernon Trails will be helping with construction if timing is right. They've got their hands pretty full up there in Viroqua. I'll be looking for local help too, so any of you locals wanting to learn trail construction - pay attention! I'll be spreading the word as more news develops!

Pikes Peak State Park, IA - Probably 5 or so miles of moderate trail. Not single track, but ATV width trail that starts on ridge top, and goes alll the way down. Then you climb back up. A somewhat entertaining ride.

Yellow River State Forest, IA - a rough 40 mile loop can easily be created. Again, this is mostly on ATV width trail, with moderate to high horse use, so a single path has been worn in. Can be a pretty fun place to ride.

Volga Rec Area, IA - Ryan and I did a 17 mile loop there a few weeks ago. There used to be an IA mtn bike race there in the years past, but I guess the sand killed it. Yep, this place can be sandy, but one can still get a nice long loop in. Be aware of high horse use though.

That's about it for staying in close proximity to Prairie du Chien. There's lots more if you travel within an hour of here. Yellow River and Volga would be perfect places to start trail creation efforts. The terrain is perfect for truly great singletrack. Something to think about you IA locals!

Ah. this is long enough. Thanks for reading!

Listening to: Loose Fur a great littel side project from Jeff Tweedy. Check it out.