Slackin'

Slackin' on the Riding lately with the wet and sub freezing temps in the mornings, killing my 30 Days of Biking goal.  I guess that makes me a fair-weather rider? or not core enough to suit up for the conditions though my closet has plenty of gear to get the job done.  No, It's my attitude and as my wife can contest I've been in a bit of a funk as of late.  I've had plenty of offers to get out and ride, but with 3 young kids my windows of opportunity are limited. All good in the end, but I'm itching for a good LONG..RIDE!

A different type of "Slackin'" 

Eleni getting the hang of the new Slackline!

showing up Dad.

I did sneak a short sunrise spin in this morning on the Cross Check.
Hoping not to get rained out for my Thursday 1hr free time during Dance Practice, with hopes to see & roll some different roads.

Did a short windy ride with the whole gang Easter Day looking for the Easter Bunny.
Trying to keep the wheels rolling for 30 Days of biking.

Marlo Checking out the Gravel.

BIKES!

It's "Officially" Bike season and with the head start jump on the building of new Singletrack at MtnVIEW, it's been a good start to the season.  I haven't logged many miles on the bike per say, but getting out with the kids is always fun.

Running the Bike Train with the Trail-A-Bike & Burley in tow.

Marlo rolling the big wheels!

Noon time Recon at MtnView Elevation.

Getting into the Goods which will turn into Fast and Flowy Singletrack in the near future!

#Rideit

DIRT IS DRY!

CRAZY~ March 18th and All of Mountain View Singletrack is dry and ride-able!
Started on a new section yesterday with a Marquette, Michigan transplant and experienced trailbuilder, Michael Neusser.  Will be good to have him on board with trail building as he has experience, vision and the passion....  Good things to come!

The Trail Build & Ride Itch!

Had a quick visit to Mountain View Single Track last night to hike and do some trail recon.

Blown away how quick the snow disappeared!

Might be able to sneak a ride in this weekend along with some trail work!

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  It's been 3 years since I started the "Gear Shed Blog", which I'm now revamping to My Personal Blog to post my obsessions.  And keep the other for Family related stuff, even though I'm horrible at keeping it up, but never wanted to post my personal obsessions on the family site...... So we'll see how long this lasts?

Surly Karate Monkey Build.

Marinating on the thought of getting a 29er Singlespeed originally wanting to get a Surly Karate Monkey but out of my price range, I shopped ebay over the winter for a good deal on something in a lower price range.  Doing battle in the auction world on a few options (Raliegh XXIX, Redline Monocog 29er, even looked a the Motobecane Outcast 29er) I was able to win for what I thought was a great deal on a brand new Redline Monocog 29er.   Getting it just prior to a big Minnesota blizzard not really able to test it out other than a short ride prior to the big dump.  I upgraded a few things (crankset, grips, brake levers) mostly due to doing a singlespeed conversion for a co-worker and using the parts from the Redline to get him a good deal, and me as well on new upgraded parts.  Then one day while stumbling around on craigslist I found a Surly Karate Monkey frame in my size and in the Skidmark Brown color which I really liked that they no longer make for a killer deal and was able to beat the masses and make the transaction first- scoring me a new SURLY frame!  Then I was off to the races to complete the build.

Removing the parts from the Monocog frame.

Fogging Oiled the frame and Forks for rust prevention.

Scored the last set of Surly brown KM forks at jensonusa.  No others to be found.

Homemade headset cup press.

to install new Cane Creek S-3 headset.

worked great!

Using a pipe cutter to cut down the forks.

Headset, Spacers & Race Face Stem installed.

Truvative GXP external bottom bracket.  (crankset and bb scored on ebay)

Truvative FireX Singlespeed crankset with 33t chainring.

Have a 18t rear cog on right now...?

Completed 3/4 view with Avid brake levers and Oury Clear grips.

WTB Exiwolfs 29x2.3  Can't wait for Spring!