Trying out the new to me Fuji XT-1

Raven's Grin Inn, Mt Carroll, IL. 

Mill Creek rd, Bellevue , Iowa

Deserted Farm House, Mill Creek Rd. 

Iowa Farm 

Mt Carroll,IL 

Bellevue, Iowa

The locks in Bellevue, Iowa

fisherman coming to shore as the light goes away. 

Not a great photo but these Cranes were waaaay up there heading south to warmer temps. 

Ramp off rte 52 that gives one access to boat launch and viewing area for the locks. 

 My friend Richard was kind enough to pass on his Fuji camera that he was no longer using. It's a Fuji XT-1 mirrorless camera with a 18-135 lens. I took it to Jackson County this past weekend and tried learning it on the go. I got lots more to learn for sure! Most of the shots I took were in Bellevue Iowa as the light was quickly dissapearing in the horizon. I will be glad when we start gaining daylight again. Living in the dark is not good for photography. 

I charged up the battery and found a nicely padded camera bag that I have and set off to capture some images. All in all its a great camera. I will eventually figure out how to shoot the photos from camera to phone. I know how to do it but its something to do with my old phone. might need an update which I'm not sure if it can handle it. I'll post up more photos as I go thru them. 

thanks for reading, 

Ari 

Just Riding along

up and close with the deer

Been really lucky this fall with how the weather has panned out. Yesterday I was made aware of some pants that costco was selling for about 20 dollars. I have pretty much abandoned riding with padded shorts at this point. I  ride 7 days a week and its not feasible to do that. I'm gathering some images to do a write up of things that work for me as far as riding equipment and clothing for commuting. Stay tuned and it will be posting soon. 

So back to the pants. They are made by Gerry and they are a stretch material that is lined with a waffle style fleece on the inside. That waffle lining reminds me of some of my Patagonia tops that I have used in the past. They have 2 handwarming pockets , two rear pockets , one zipped and a small side pocket for your keys or lighter. They also have a drawstring at the hems. I will post photos soon. 

Yesterday I had to get back on the flat pedals since that Morton's Neuroma in my right foot is aggravated again. This time around I will stay off my spd's for a longer time and see if that helps. Im riding some giant Crank bros Stamp pedals with some wide Olukai sneakers. Right foot pedalling Flintstone style. Tomorrow I will be getting my bike ready for Guitar Ted's virtual Turkey Burn:> VTBR. It goes from Thanksgiving Thursday,Friday,Sat, Sun. IF you are interested in riding with me let me know in the comments below. Probably gravel bikes with mixed terrain. 

thanks for reading

A quick road trip

The offspring at Gravert's orchard 

Along Mill Creek rd between Bellevue and La Motte

The locks along Mississippi river at Bellevue, Iowa

Gravert's 

road travelers! 

Bellevue Iowa before the sub 5pm sunset

Mt Carroll , IL 

 Was able to get up early with the offspring and hit the road just after 8am. The target was Graverts Orchard to catch the last batch of apples of the season. I have grown accustomed to only eat apples from Gravert's. Store bought stuff is just so bland that I kinda veer away from it. We picked up 1/2 a bushel, some bosc pears and a dozen fresh eggs and a caramel apple for the offspring. Gravert's is a family owned orchard in Sabula Iowa and we have been going there for years. We make 4-5 trips there a year from Chicago. 

We later cruised along the river towns taking photos and getting something to eat. On the way there we also stopped in Mt Carroll,IL to check out the downtown and the spooky Raven house inn. A long day of driving but it was worth the sights, the apples and produce and spending time with the offspring listening to her music. Temps were in the mid 50's and the sun was out quite a bit. 

thanks for reading, 

ari 

Cold outside

 We are left with a few days of 40's before the thermometer takes a little dive. I've been busy at the shop with different projects. Yesterday I cut and threaded 56 spokes to lace up these nices hoops and hubs. The rims are the new Velocity Aeros. They are an updated version and homage to their OG rim. This rim is disc only, 25 internal, TR and it is made of a more durable alloy. I'm excited to build these up today. I think they will be amazing. The color listed on the box for the hubs is "matte Jade", in case you were wondering. 

Thanks for reading, 

Ari 

A metric in November

 Pulled the Surly Straggler out of the trunk after dropping the daugther off at University. I drive her there then ride home and she gets to practice driving back when Chicago traffic is just a bit less crazy. 

As soon as the wheels on the Straggler hit the parking lot I saw the rear was completely flat. Stans Grail rim running a Vittoria tire 700x38 tubeless. I pulled out my pocket compressor and aired up taking off with the intention of NOT having to put a tube in there. 

I made it home 18 miles later and took a careful look at the tire. I discovered a small shard of glass imbedded in the tire. Took the core out and noticed the inside was dry. And I'm a pro mechanic! Shot in 2oz of sealant, put the cut towards the bottom and presto! Aired it up and off I went in pursuit of that 100K on that beast of a bike. 

I headed south and took up the Centennial trail then the IM canal trail , which is gravel, and ended up in Lockport, IL. A customer had recommended "Godfathers" for lunch and that's what I aimed for. After a delicious, affordable lunch I headed home into a damp, headwind. All and all it was a great solo ride and good training for The Virtual Turkey Burn and also the Rapha 500 coming up in December. 

thanks for reading 

Ari 

Sneaky November

This front was already brewing on Sunday out in Iowa

Been trying to get as many miles as possible in the bank before it gets to ugly. Weatherwise Chicago has been decent. However, we just got one of those new Artic Blasts and it dumped a little snow to just freak everyone out. But in reality it was the snow mixed with the falling leaves that made a concoction that was slippery as snot. 

Today I did my normal routine of dropping my daughter off at college and then riding the 16 miles home. It was an adventure for sure, having to scoot over some slick spots a few times.

I rode my trusty Gunnar Ruffian SS 29er with a Thunderburt in front and a racing Ralph in back. 

An excellent choice for today. I was fortunate to get to work on a nice tailwind. We'll see what happens trying to get home this evening.  

November!

 With the new job and the daughter attending a local college my time has completely vanished. Sorry for the absence and lack of writing on this blog. The new job at 2bici bike shop has been going really well. A great summer and we are still staying busy with mtb repairs and rentals of mountain bikes for riding in the woods. 

2 weeks ago I was able to sneak across the big river and spend some hours in Iowa. It always feels right there. Seeing those gravel roads and hills makes me wanna go ride there. We spent some time picking some delicious apples at Gravert's Orchard in Sabula then had lunch at Kalme's restaurant in St. Donatus. We then cruised back to Chicagoland to the never ending rat race. 

Planning on going there tomorrow. Stay tuned. 

Picking apples at Gravet's 

Giulietta and Jamie

Bellevue, Iowa

Bellevue Iowa