New Years Day Ride

Alert, Alert

New years day Ride
Jan 1st, 2011
9:00 a.m.
Back of North Central Cyclery
Dekalb, IL
Going down to Waterman
Dress Warm

out,

Ari

Surfside Beach, Texas

My oldest daugther married on Dec 19th so Wifey, Giugi and I made the long trek down to the Gulf to attend the wedding. We drove south through St. Louis, then Missouri then Oklahoma , then headed towards DAllas and then Houston and finally met up with the Gulf of Mexico in Surfside Beach, Texas. It was wonderful to get out of the car and peel jackets, shoes and just take in some warm air. Stayed by the beach at a nice Motel, with kitchen, fridge and all the necessities. Attended the Wedding on Sunday and then got to hang out with my boys from Germany. My daughter from Chicago had taken the train with her friend and had already been there for a few days. On my off time I did quite a bit of riding along the beach. The length of the beach was at least 40 miles and. The sand was quite packed since cars are allowed to drive on it. Food was amazing, people were very nice, weather was perfect and the wedding was lovely. Ceremony took place outside and the reception was indoors at a Ranch House. I would not hesitate in visiting that area again since we had such a wonderful time.
Pugsley was the ultimate weapon in riding in that area. The large tires rolled awesome on the sand and I truly enjoyed bringing this bike all the way down. I rented a 2011 Impala Lt and took both wheels, handlebars and pedals off and fit the whole thing in the trunk along with 2 suitcases ,My Aldi tote (my suitecase), wedding presents, shoes and wedding gifts.
It was great to see all my kids, travel through such great scenery and also thankful that we had good driving conditions.

best,

Ari

Riding in Texas

Still processing all what went on down south and will update as soon as it gets all organized in my head.
best,

Ari

T.J. makes heroic effort to show what epic is all about

Winter Storm 2010 from T.J. on Vimeo.

Remember to run the pressure low so you don't bounce!

Ari

Snowbike Presentation

Here is a presentation I did about Snowbikes and a few tips on winter riding. My left pantleg is rolled up since I got goop on my messed up knee.
Viva Italia!!
enjoy,

Ari

NCC Stay Moving Clinic - Snowbikes with Ari from Tobie DePauw on Vimeo.

Another Bitter Outing

I was really happy to see my good friend Brad. Thanks for the Photo Frank.

Making it to the end of the trail. The wind was really cutting me today.

The great 1x1 with 29er wheels, White Industries Disc Hubs and single speed.
Note Suntour XC Pro pedals with Powestraps.

Just wasn't ready to have to switch to my Sorels this early in the winter. Today I used the following to get the ride in.
Craft windfront turtleneck
Rapha longsleeve winter jersey
Patagonia Guide Shell
Busted bib shorts.
Leg warmers
Craft Storm Tights
NCC SOS socks
Smartwool Expedition Socks
Sorel Full Tilt Boots
Patagonia Balaclava
Headsweats Hat
Helmet with Louis Garneau Helmet Cover
Wool Gloves
Moosemitts or Pogies or Snowmobile Handlebar Covers. Whatever you want to call them

I high tailed it all the way to St. Charles with a Tail wind. The bank said 10 degrees with a 15-25mph wind out of the west. I was comfortable until the sun started to sink. I made it to my friend Frank's house just to warm up. He offered me a great espresso and then I rode over to the running store to meet the wife and the little one and get a ride back home. I would have died riding home since I was half frozen at that point.
I opted to use the Surly 1x1 since the GWT snow was not that deep. Once I hit Brown Road in Wasco the Sled-mobile tracks dissapeared and I tried riding on a pock marked trail which was impossible. I walked about 2 miles until I found smoother riding. I was determined to make it to the end and I did.
Tomorrow starts another week and the k-nee is doing better. I am so thankful, so thankful that it is feeling better. Neck and shoulders sore from riding the bumpy terrain.

best,

Ari

Winter Riding has arrived.

Layering up for the return home

Heading east with a tailwind

Darkness fell quick.

Gumby on Pugsley.

Powerline trail on Saturday.

My usual thought is that December will still be rideable at a comfortable rate. As soon as we did the month switch the weather turned on us. On November 28th I was taking a nap in a park and yesterday I was fighting to make it home. Saturday morning awoke us to a thick blanket of fresh snow. I rolled to meet at the 730am time at the shop. I had low hopes of finding anyone there except for my super-reliable riding partner Gumby. I rode the Crosscheck to the shop on slicks and that was interesting. We got out on time and found the riding super-slow and dangerous. At 800 am we headed back to the shop and picked up a couple Surly Pugsleys. WE hit the Poweline trail and rode around the airport. Good exercise and a good sweat was achieved.
Yesterday I mounted the Pugsley as soon as the sun and all the little heat we had dissapeared. I made it almost to route 47 when I decided to turn. I knew i was pushing my luck with a tailwind and as soon as i returned I knew it was going to burn. I had to stop at the Honda store to add additional layers I had in my backpack. Got in a tough 22 miles in almost 3 hours. My cashmere sweater was covered in ice under my jacket. Welcome winter and all your harshness. I am ready for you!

best,

Ari

Just a reminder for anyone interested

In not allowing them selves to give into winter:::::



Ari

General Update

Photographing while laying down to strech my knee and back

The one and only.

Todays Grueling 45 mile ride with nasty winds.

Yesterday Outside for 5 hours. Campton Forest Preserve and Anderson Park

Our Hott wives

We have known eachother for 20 years.

Nasty humid riding Turkey day.

Last wednesday night. Rain, wetness, cold.

Bad storm last week that dumped a tornado just north of us.

Still nursing the busted knee from 10 days ago. Trying to hit that 20 hour mark on the bike but its freakin tough. Today nearly broke me with that wind that just would not quit. I really hope I wasn't the only dumbass out there.
Ari

Ride schedule for this week/weekend

Thursday 7:30 a.m @ Ari house dist TBD

Friday 7:30 a.m @ Ari House 2 hours

Saturday 7:30 a.m @ Bike shop 2 Hours

Sunday We'll See for now

Don't let your Meat Loaf

Ari

Day off riding

Washboardy I.C. Trail rd. Fuji front wheel

Amazing wasp or bee hive. Fallen from Tree.

Look at those freakin' pipes!!!!!!!!!!

The incredible Navy Jet. Can anyone ID it???

Giugi playing in the Rock River, Oregon,IL

Tree Structures

Tree Structures in Oregon, IL.

Since I was nursing a balloon knee I did not want to go out and do any long efforts. I had to drop off a Paper a the Doctors office in Wasco so I rode the fuji there. At first I had a hard time to even get on the bike. Started off on a really easy gear and after a while it started to loosen up. I rode a total of 3 hours instead of the usual 6 on Mondays but I think I will make it up with the Turkey day this thursday. Saw some incredible things and was happy to have packed a camera.

Now get off the computer and go ride!


ari

The Great Trans Iowa Version #7 , April 2011

The stress of the registration if finally over and I can again start to regain my regular thinking. I pondered for a long while whether I was going to make the roster and I was only convinced of it when I saw my long name on the coveted list. My other comrades also made the list and also along the way we picked up a very talented rookie by the name of Jay. Without further hesitation here is the list representing Illinois and New York by no particular order

Dr. Giggles (Syracuse N.Y. )
Ari (Sycamore, IL)
Hellmut (Sycamore, IL)
Pizza Dan (Chicago, IL)
Jay (Springfield, IL)

Our support and logistics manager will be Chichard, also known to the regular world as Richard.
Giggles was swift to take advantage of booking the rooms already and for now we must concentrate on riding all winter, suffering the cold and wet and snow. I think the group stands a good chance of seeing finishes if the weather can cooperate. You see when the gravel gets a little rain it tends to be ok, instead last year in Grinnell we got a lot of rain and most of the gravel we rode on is known as river gravel which tends to loosen up quicker than the limestone variety.
There will be different strategies in place, such as less weight on bikes, complete elimination of disc brakes and some of us will make changes in nutrition. Hellmut and I will be training on Pugsleys during the winter time. Jay, living in Springfield will hopefully escape some of the jeststream crap that we get up north.
So without much more for now I bid my fellow team mates good luck in getting ready. Keep rolling as much as possible.

Going for a ride,

Ari

Out with a busted knee and thinking of Marco

Bad crash, saturday morning. Knee is stiff and really swollen. Ice, drugs and rest. Tomorrow will go on easy ride to loosen it up. Marco Pantani lives,

ari

Everyone a round of applause

truly amazing and beautiful

ari

general update

reformation

Gumby streching his back, I think

Ari's B-road daily commute

For Chi-chard

Cliner's custom Espresso roast

Attended the cross race on sunday with the girls. Started really riding on Monday. Rode morning and night, commuted tuesday, commuted wednesday then did the Slender Fungus ride. We were surprised to see a rider ahead of us, then we recognized the PDW (Portland Design Works) taillight and then to our surprise it was a resucitated Hellmut. It was great to see him back riding with us. Rode out to St. Charlies and back and it was 34 degrees on the way home. I negated the booties and opted for cold feet. I need to get used to it. 12 hours so far this week on the bike. I would like to hit 24 hours by Sunday.
Only work stands in the way.

best,

Ari

Day off riding

Rode a total of 92 miles today. Half in the morning, Half at night with Gumby. Still fighting a weird cold. Rode Fuji Professional. Old steel bikes rock.
more,
Ari
goodnight.

Marco Pantani Bianchi up for Auction

http://www.raisport.rai.it/dl/raisport/Articoli/ContentItem-ae8fd605-7ba9-48bd-9958-17fdc4c534b8.html


Starting price for the winning Bianchi will be 250,000 Euros.

I still tear for Marco,

best,

ari

Woodstock Cyclocross race

This race was a riot, the weather was perfect.

ari

update

Airport rd. Saturday morning Dry lake, Dekalb,IL

Powerline trail area

Powerline area, Saturday morning

Bird Migration

Last wednesday night ride.

Cold and dark

Quiet commuting route

Al Capone's Hill. Rated at 20 %

Day off riding. Fox river area

Last saturday rare appearance of Hellmut

Secret Slender Fungus route

Hello???

These are in the store, built, ready to roll and just waiting for you to get your paws on them. They also take maxxis hookworms 26x2.5 and I can also build special 29er wheels for them. Three freaky bikes in one. Its not a snow bike. It's an everything bike that you can ride all year round. Come in and check them out.

ari