According to the rules* of the Velominati , rule #12 states that there is a formula for the proper number of bikes a cyclist should own. Actually there are two formulas (formulae?). The first is n+1; n being the number of bikes one currently owns. The second is s-1; s being the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner. Having sold a spare mountain bike last year, I had an opening.
I’m really happy with my mountain and road bikes and I have no interest in a cruiser or bmx bike.
I had been reading about gravel riding. At first, it sounded like a masochistic sport for deprived mid-westerners who don’t have decent mountains or paved roads to ride on. The bike used is basically a cyclocross bike. It has drop handlebars like a road bike, but burlier and comfier with wider tires. It’s a great all-around bike, like the utility infielder of road bikes, it good for all sorts of things. Interestinger and interestinger….
It would be more comfortable for commuting. It has eyelets that would allow me to attach packs and panniers if I want to do some bikepacking, Being a bit heavier than my road bike, it would be a good training bike for longer road ride events like the ones Bike MS put on. You can ride this bike on lots of different surfaces. Pavement, gravel roads, double track, single track, it’s all good.
So….
Last fall I found a great deal on a great bike. I pulled the trigger and, so far, it has been a blast.
To help justify the purchase to my better half and to push myself a bit out of my comfort zone, I signed up for a couple of gravel races. If nothing else, getting ready for these early season races would put me in good shape for the Bike MS Escape to the Lake, for which, by the way, I am currently fundraising.
The first race, the Barry-Roubaix is next Saturday, March 25th. Oy! What was I thinking? It’s Michigan in March! The weather could be crazy. Right now, they are calling for 45 degrees and 80% chance of rain. Ooh, la la! I think that I would rather have 25 degrees and snow, but I don’t get to choose.
I am traveling with 3 friends, to the frozen north. We are riding the 36 mile route. And, being Michigan, I am told that the hills are not Pittsburgh hills, that’s a little good news
More good news is that the event is sponsored by Founder’s Brewery and the finish line party promises to be mighty fine.
And there is always rule #9, “If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.” At least I’ll have that going for me.
Please donate to my Bike MS ride.
Thank you.