Disconnecting for a while

Shut off the phone
Cut Netflix
No internet.
No Cell Phone
Analogue for a bit.
Will post when possible.
Chill
Summer Time.
Ari

Old, Old School

Been thinking a lot about the old days at Bicycle Specialties in Downers Grove, IL. 
What a lot of fun and comraderie we had at the store. We loved bikes, we loved riding, we loved drinking coffee and having lunch together. A lot of Bike shops these-a-days don't have that passion, that fire, that desire to burn up the road or trail before work.  Twenty plus long years have gone by since those days and I am still deep friends with my ex co-workers. We never disbanded. We stayed friends forever. So I have found some old images that were on "real" photographic paper and have scanned them with a throw away printer, scanner, faxer device that I found. The quality isn't there but you can feel the image.  
I will never forget those days. They were the best. I will scan more of them in the future.

from front to back: Skeeter, C.B.,J.G., McCracken,R.G., Ari, Ricanator

J.G had come to see us and we all went on a really long ride. Tomas joined in on the ride and him and I rode our butts off all the way to Galena, IL.

J.G and I once went on a long one from Downer Grove, IL all the way to Savanna, IL and back the next day.

J.G and I on our way to the Miss. River. Taking a break in Kaneville, IL.

Ari 

Lucas at it again. Wow!

Just the route for now. More later.

Find more Bike Ride in Fayetteville, NY


I had this route in mind for a while and yesterday seemed the day to do it. It was 11:30 a.m., the sun was blasting, heat in the upper 80's and lots of humidity. I picked the Black Mountain Cycles with the heavey Schwalbe tires and set out. Already at mile 13 I wanted to throw in the towel. I was way overheated and nothing felt right. I made the right turn onto Nelson Rd and was greeted by a very strong headwind. This road is fantastic with many hills and a couple of good grinders. I road south and then made a left to get to the top of where the turbines are. I ran out of breath, my feet were burning and I finally made it to the top. 
Continued south on Nelson until route US 20. Headed west and was greeted by another big hill. I truly trashed myself on this ride and was glad to get home. Some very beautiful sights and lots of sun for the day. Next time I will attempt this ride on a road bike and leave the heavy gravel grinder bike at home. Lost 7 lbs in the matter of 45miles of riding. I spent the rest of the day drinking cold water out of a pitcher. 
Summer= Good times. 
best,

Going south on Nelson Rd.

Many fields like this on my ride

These bite when you are a big dude

Riding with your eyes closed makes the pain easier to tolerate

This one to the top of the turbines made me see stars

Yesterday's challenge. Make it to the top.

Amish Buggys

Laundry day out in the fields

Slow down

Another grinder heading west on 20 towards Cazenovia

Stangest sign I have ever seen.

Ari 

Bike to Work Chicago

You can Do it!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Rain Ride

Got out yesterday with Junior and did a good 2 hours in the forest. Very wet and cold for June. On our way back it got really dark and started raining very cold water. It was good to get home and eat warm leftovers and some fantastic BBQ drumsticks. June has been below average and it is even cold inside the house. Went on my second 30minute run this week. Not easy, not easy that running stuff.
best,

Ari 

Rain Ride

Of course for some silly reason I took fenders off two of my bikes and today it rained like the Dickens. So I pumped up the Big Mama and headed for the woods. It was wet, moist and humid in there with lots of overgrowth and bugs. I worked myself hard for 2 hours and got some good exercise in. The big Mama is flawless and I cannot believe Salsa was able to come up with the Spearfish and the Horsethief. Those guys really know how to make a trailbike. I was riding a pair of Kenda Nevegal tires which are light years ahead of some outdated Contis that I had on there before. I went down some nasty stuff and the tires just grab like they have metal studs. I really enjoyed being in the woods and riding this fine machine. Got home, washed bike, took hot shower and did a tick check.
best,

Woodpecker Heaven.

Woodpecker Heaven Part #2

Salsa Big Mama on the White trail.

Rolling Powerline trail. One section is impossible to climb.

Ari

Old School gravel grinding.

Pizza Dan, Dave and the Giggles. Moist gravel, snow, fog.