It might just happen. Not sure, but very possible.

Everyone needs some hills. Cleans out the legs, the mind and the soul.

It has been kind of a long week and at this time I am toying with the idea to go do some big hills to get the demons out. With the changing weather and such it has been hard to get any group activity going. Giggles lives on the other side of the country, Cookie 1 1/2 hours away, the rest of the crew at least an hour away. So, It looks like tomorrow, with short notice we will be going on a long, long ride. I am not sure of how it is all going to happen. I will be posting later today and hopefully have it figured out. Maybe with the hour change things will be different.
ari 

Are we ready for a change?????

Once upon a time it used to snow.

It used to be that the summer time we would cook in the back room of the bike shop. We greeted sweaty riders as they told us of their exploits on the tarmac. We nodded our heads and gave them on the spot tune ups so they could continue on their mission. As the leaves would turn we would lose the recreational riders.

As the temps dipped we would lose the fast guys. You see,they don't own any winter riding gear and only ride when it's warm. So little by little they dissapeared to be replaced by the hard-core commuters looking for lights, fenders and wet lube.

So, after all the warm weather dissapears, us poor mechanics are left to ride in the dark and cold. How can we motivate for this? We tend to hide in woods where the wind is a bit cut by the trees, we bundle up with wool and windstopper and we take a little flask of good whisky. It isn't easy to ride like this but it is all we get.

 

So, this Sunday if all the stars align I will go out for a long one. It needs to be done.

 

 

Get out if you can,

 

Ari 

Found Pictures

6:30 a.m. Fresh arrived from a straight 260 mile ride. It would take months to get his eyes straight again.

 

 

 

 

The infamous Gypsy Caravan. Never to be duplicated again.

Charlie Farrow and Tim EK. DBD's hard men share a tear and a beer.

My loyal, loyal Gumby.

The original Gypsy Caravan.

My son left, then Bonk King, wifey behind me and dorkus in CRC kit.

Giggles, Cookie, Dorkus line up at T.I.

Lots more found pictures on this missing little hard drive thingy.

Ari

Support the Support the Support

Cookie, Giggles and me-self are still thankful for the amazing support we received from Gumby and T.J. at last years Trans Iowa event. Our Friendship is solid and despite being faraway and full of commitments we do get a chance to see eachother and hang out. We were so glad to have arranged schedules and have met last time in the glorious state of Iowa. I know who my friends are and keep them close at heart.
Today we drove out to Campton Hills to see T.J. race cross on his Pugsley. As usual, the 4b field was packed to the gills with riders and there was a lot of Halloween costumes out there. The race went off and it was amazing to see T.J. race elbow to elbow on his almost 40lbs monster bike. The Husker Du tires almost took the lives of a couple of Newbies but they were smart enough to get the hell out of the way because T.J. was not slowing down.
It was a beautiful day for cross racing. It was clear, windy and crisp. We stayed there for a while and then headed to finish some errands. Congrats to a fine finish and I hope we can ride together soon.
I am trying to organize a ride from St. Charles heading north on the Fox river trail to Wisconsin and back in a day. We will ride cross bikes or whatever else you want. No drop rule, stops for Coffee and lunch. Dress warm and toasty! Target Date is November 10th. Also we are looking to hit Iowa for Mission #4 for Gravel. Ride could be 85miles or longer. Cookie and I have died on the 85milers so far. Keep in touch and don't let your meat loaf,

Best,

Ari

Ira Ryan Cycles Porteur

Early Production Model Porteur with recently added Panaracer Ribmo-S white tires.

Next will be Silver Chainrings and a silver Deralleur. 

 

 

 

 

 

Just taking a little break from the Singlespeed 29er. I put on some Panaracer Ribmo-S 700x28 tires on my Porteur and rode into work today. What a different feeling bike. I really enjoy riding this beauty around but I am spoiled with riding gravel in Iowa. I can't wait for the next mission. 

best, 
Ari 

Rocking October.

The weather for this month has been incredible. So, we have been taking advantage of it as much as possible. Are we heading for another mild winter? Will it snow at all this year? Will our snowshoes collect even more dust in the garage? At any rate I just wanted to mention that we will attempt  Iowa Mission #4 in November. I hope that we can organize another ride like we just did. I hope more people will join us and enjoy the amazing landscape.
Last night we loaded up the bikes with the wife and headed north to the Prairie Path. It was 70 degrees when we left at 9 Pm to start our ride. We rode the trail and enjoyed the warmth and the bright moon that was out. I rode my Gunnar Ruffian SS while wifey was on her All City Spacehorse.
Trail conditions were perfect and we really enjoyed being out.
This weekend we are planning on riding  around the Dekalb County Area. If you have any ideas let me know. I will be direct calling you on the phone starting today.
On a different note I am saddened how the whole road racing scene is a mess. The more I hear about it the more I want to hide out in the country. That is too bad greed took over.
Hope you can get out.

My 9 year old with her Gypsy Boots at Whole Foods.

Riding the "Path" last night. Though we did not Reveal it. Ha-Ha-Ha!!



STill one of my favorite hills of all time. The Bonecrusher.



This is my gang.



This is the kind of support Cookie and I could have used on Sunday

Ari

It's the end of the season??????????????

It has come to my attention that many cyclists have already called it quits for this year. I mean they are packing it up and not riding out doors anymore. As a matter of fact they are already coming into our shop and buying indoor trainers, blocks, mats and trainer specific tires.
I am just bewildered by this behavior. The Slender Fungus had one of the best rides this past Sunday. As a matter of fact our season is just starting. We are hitting up the beautiful gravel roads. The countryside is exploding in wild, deep colors. The shadows are long, the light rich, the fields beautiful . Why would you want to call it quits now???
We can't wait to put on some wool shirts, some leg warmers, carry a flask of whiskey to share. We can't wait to try out some new lights. Every year they get brighter and cheaper. Hello?????????? Are you still there?
And then there is this amazing world known as modern clothing. Fabrics like Windstopper, Goretex, fleece.  Stuff that is now light and keeps you warm without being bulky at all. Stuff that washes easily and lasts for years.
And last but not least the exploding field of Fat Bikes. Adorned with some nice flat pedals and some insulated hiking boots they will take you through the winter.
Pogies will protect you hands, and I guarantee you will have a shitload of fun out there.
So, please...... Don't pack it in yet.

We have just begun,

Ari

Slender Fungus Cycling Association.