Come on People...............................

Let's Ride, soon, soon,

 art work by my daughter.

Riding in the Cold. The trend as of late

Our group had set out a well thought program to get everyone in shape and up to speed. Then.....we received the worst winter I can remember. Suddenly getting to work and back became a challenge. I dug out stuff I hadn't used in years. My old Oakley Ski pants, my Craft Merino wool long johns and a host of other hard core winter stuff. 
On January 6th we experienced one of the, if not THE, coldest day of this winter. It was really cold as I rode east bound to the shop. I felt ok. I took short, even breaths and I finally made my 3 mile voyage. 
At 6pm I saddled up and noticed the flags were stiff and the wind was blasting straight out of the west. The temps had dipped to -14 and the winds were at 30mph giving us and awesome -48 windchill. I got on my bike and started pedalling. I knew it was wrong but I figured I would make the 3 miles. Within a 1/2 mile I knew I was getting into trouble. At .79 miles my lungs seized up and I felt like I was choking. I undid my wrappings and struggled for air. 
The cold air felt worse. I covered my mouth again and tried warming up the air with my mitten. I looked around and saw lights at a house. I had to bail, I thought. In that moment a man was crossing the tracks with his truck. I flagged him down and let him know I was unable to breath. He was kind enough to load my bike and bring me back to the shop. There is more to the story but I will tell you later. 
Good friend Guitar Ted sent me a Cold Avenger mask in the mail. This mask is windproof and the respirator in front makes the air you breath in warm and moist. I have been wearing this mask every day since Saturday since the temps have been so brutal. With my Asthma this is huge. I don't have to be scared of breathing the dry, cold air. My daughter and I have been walking to school everyday since my wife needs to use the car to work and then pick her up. Thank you Guitar Ted for this valuable item. 
I also received a link from Jakey La Cruz with riding in the cold. Lots of valuable info and below you will find the links. 
As for my clothing here is the list that has been my 
standard for commuting in the freezer:
Cotton T-shirt
cotton Underwear
Craft wool long johns
Oakley Ski/Snowboard pants
Patagonia Micro Puff hooded jacket
Cashmere wool button up Sweater
liner gloves
Wool Mittens
Cold Avenger Mask 
Carhart Wool hat
Wool Socks
Lake Boots 
http://www.skratchlabs.com/blogs/news/7190600-exercising-in-the-cold-of-winter-by-allen-lim

http://coldavenger.com/

http://charlytri.blogspot.com/2012/02/cold-avenger-recap.html

The cold avenger. It does fog up my glasses. So, I ride without them. 

This does not work. Air coming in is cold and dry. 

The heat coming off the top of the mask keeps my eyes warm

My go to bike with the snow. 26" wheels. Nokian Studded tires. Snowmobile Mitts. Fenders for the salty slush.
Insulated bottles with warm/hot water in case I need a warm up. Next, I am purchasing a Stanley thermos for my waterbottle cage.


thanks Guitar Ted, thanks Cold Avenger, Thanks Charly Tri.

Stay warm and safe,
Spring is around the corner,

Hammer,

Ari 

Slender Fungus Announces.............

J.D. Drifter 

"150 miles of gravel caravan"

In the month of June the Slender Fungus is going to host a 150 mile ride on gravel in the northwest region of IL. The ride will mostly cncompass the Jo Daviess County. 

The starting point will be around Elizabeth, IL.

We have yet to determine the exact date but will post asap so you can start planning your summer rides. 

This ride will be self-supported, have around 10,000 feet of climbing and some of the areas will be pretty remote. The vistas in the area are spectacular! We suggest a sturdy bike with good brakes and adequate gearing. We also suggest plenty of liquids, food, lights, a map of the area and a good attitude. 

Drop us a comment if you are interested. 

Jakey La Cruz will be our route master. We will have the route done on GPS so you can then download into a Garmin if you like. 

As always we invite anyone that wants to participate. 

Thanks for reading and hope to see you there. 

Ari 

Slender Fungus Cycling Association. 

Saturday Riding

We awoke to a bunch of snow on Saturday morning but we in need of a good ride. Dereek Von Weider has showed up with the Buttgrease and we rolled out heading eastbound. I rode the Steamroller to the shop and picked up my Schwinn Sierra with the studded tires. Had a great ride and got in just shy of 25 miles. 
Ari 

The Blue Demon Aboard the Double Wide Desgns "Butt Grease" it has been proven it can slay BearGreases

The Buttgrease and the Schwinn. 

The Blue Demon enjoyed dragging this scarf around town. Reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite Scene in School bus. 

January

No need to tell anyone what we have gone thru. It has been a month of just trying to stay moving as much as possible. I missed riding Monday and Tuesday due to minus wind chills. I have learned my limits with my lungs. Warmth will come and no one will complain about it. Long year of cycling is coming to us. 
Stay warm and stay well,
Ari 

before the snow we had a visitor in front of our house

skinny bike on snow

This beautiful sunrise lasted just minutes. I am glad I saw it. 

freeze-o-matic. Commuting has been a challenge

I need to get on the trails with my gang. 

The stairs will whip us into shape. 

Sunday Ride

Yesterday was Triple D in Dubuque Iowa and it sounds like it was  ton of fun. They received enough snow this year to make it a real snow bike race. The Slender Fungus was represented by our boy T.J. aboard his Pugsley. He has not given any signs of life so I will patiently wait for him to give me details. I stayed around the headquarters and got in a road ride on the cross bike. The winds were nuts but it seemed ok riding into it and sailing home with about 25 miles in. 
Hope y'all had a good weekend. 
Keep movin cause the weeks are ticking away. 
Ari 

just images

I wanted to do a recap of 2013 and other comments but have not found the right time and words. I am sure it will come at some point. Otherwise January has proven to be a challenge. 

Monday the 6th of January. The coldest I have ever ridden

I made it to work but not back. -14 degrees with a -48 windchill would freeze up my asthmatic lungs and seek help. 

We added a longer stem on the Blue Demon's Bike. 

My trusted Chili con Crosso. 

Romeo Rd is part of our Refineries loop. 

Major roads were clean and rideable. 

Ice jam on one side of bridge, raging waters on the other side. 

Stay safe and warm. 
Ari