Monday, December 9, 2013

Custer Peak - Global Fatbike Day

Started at 22 below zero. We rode from Mystic Hills Hideaway to snowmobile trail 7 and up to Custer Peak. I was hot and tired so I didn't summit. The ride was amazing. I was also amazingly slow but the time and effort was completely worth it.

Gear - 2014 Salsa Mukluk 2
Bottoms -
Under Armor base layer
Columbia base layer pants
Under Armor fleece pants

Top - 
Under Armor base layer
Target cycling jersey
Twin Six Thermal jacket
Solomon ski coat

Feet -
1400 gram hunting boots
Danner Wool Socks

Hands - 
Thinsulate glove mittens
Cabelas pogies

I was way too hot. I could probably be fine with losing the Solomon ski coat for those temps. I also need windproof breathable pants. Lose the Under Armor fleece ones and go for something with wind protection and moisture management.

Excited for more. The ride was about 2 hours and maybe covered 5-6 miles.


Friday, January 11, 2013

Gold Rush Gravel Grider

There is a new race in town. The Gold Rush Gravel Grinder.

Like many other races that are popping up around, this one takes to the gravel and public access roads in the Northern Black Hills. It looks like there is a 110 mile option and a shorter 70 mile option. The Grinder looks mostly self-supported although there will be multiple water stations but food must be supplied.

I'm struggling with the thought of going for the full 110 or the shorter 70 mile option. The race leaves from Spearfish park and rolls to Trailshead Lodge for the half-way point of the long option. I know if you go from Spearfish to Trailshead, there is some significant rise in elevation. I have a general idea how one could get from one point to the other but that's on more snowmobile trails.

Seems this could be fun either way you throw it. I have the Salsa Fargo and all the gear to make it a fun ride. The question is if I'll be ready.

What do you have going on June 8, 2013? If you didn't know... now you do. Sign up today!

I need to as well.