I'm gonna try and neglect this blog a little less

Things have been very, very busy with my new photography business. It's a good thing for sure. But, I've been feeling guilty about still having this blog around, and having it get so little attention. I would rather give something up, than to do a mediocre job of it. I was seriously considering calling it quits on this blog. It wouldn't be the first blog I've decided has run it's course. When my house renovation was done, I pulled the blog from the internet. (they still haven't called asking for it back.....hhmmmm)

But then I got to thinking. I still ride my bike a lot. I still love geeking out over bikes and sharing whatever it is I might be geeking out over. Plus, I'm met some excellent people via this blog. Both in reality and virtually. I've even made some good friends, and all though this crazy little blogosphere. This blog has been too good to me to just give it up. I still enjoy thinking, writing and taking pictures of bike related pursuits. I just need to put that stuff up here a little more frequently.

If I'm going to keep a cycling blog, I better actually keep a cycling blog! More to come....

Cheers.

Possible new (light) gravel cruiser

Looking at a few options for a light(er) 700c gravel cruiser. My Karate Monkey is nice, but the big meats, and heavy frame are a little overkill for speedy gravel cruising. My LHT has been assigned to gravel duty in the past, but it's not ideal either. A while ago I started thinking about building up a gravel specific machine, and seeing if I could do it from the parts bin. While cleaning the garage today, an idea came.

Take the old faithful Antelope frame, the touring wheels from a Miyata 100LT I sold, and some Nitto mustache bars. I'm thinking about a 1X8 drivetrain. I don't need a huge gear range, but it would be nice to compensate for slight inclines/decline, and for the wind.

The 700c wheel actually fit well in the frame, although I don't think fenders will be an option. Not that I really want any for this specific build either. I've got some Shimano bar end shifters I could use, and some Shimano 600 brakes that are in pretty nice shape. I'll need a new stem, as this one puts the bars a bit too far forward. You'll also notice a stem extender in there. This frame is really too small for me, by a long shot. But, with the seat-post extension, and the stem extender, it's a pretty nice fit. Add those 700c wheels, and this thing has about an inch more BB clearance that the Karate Monkey. This might just turn into a really sweet, nice and fast gravel machine.

18 miles of smiles

Found a great new route along the canal this evening. Trail head is
just a block from my house. How have I never opted to explore this
before? I hardly started down it, but it's gonna make for some great
longer rides this summer!

Cool gravel grinder

15 miles of quiet back roads, my thoughts, and my good old friend,
Karate Monkey. A nice little polish to a great weekend.

Treating myself after the kids are in bed. So good.