All things biking.

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Ogee Ogilthorpe said:
Disc brakes are there.

Damn, that looks like a hard tail, at least; can't even see if there's any suspension on the front. Those days are long behind me, getting beat up without full suspension!
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Ha ha. Yeah, that goes with me not ever being hard core about the mountain biking part. There will be no long rides that involve rock hopping. Hoping to find some places that have just enough bumps to keep me alert without getting pummeled.
 


Ye Gods! A friend of mine just signed up for this. Great guy but this is a why I don't ride with him.

the-damn.com

THE DAY ACROSS MINNESOTA

August 2nd 2025. The Day Across Minnesota. 240 miles of Minnesota gravel roads by bicycle in a...
the-damn.com the-damn.com
 

Even in MN, it's cycling season!

Who's getting out with any regularity? I'm getting out, but it seems like not enough to really get the legs in cycling shape. I'll have a good week or so, 4-5 times getting out, and then go 10+ days without getting out. Not good. Haven't had a week with over 130 miles in probably over a year.
 

Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
Even in MN, it's cycling season!

Who's getting out with any regularity? I'm getting out, but it seems like not enough to really get the legs in cycling shape. I'll have a good week or so, 4-5 times getting out, and then go 10+ days without getting out. Not good. Haven't had a week with over 130 miles in probably over a year.
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Did a 24 mile ride on Wednesday with my 20 year old son. Total elevation climbed was 1272 feet. My quads hurt afterward.
I am past my days where I ride a lot of miles, but I still enjoy getting out and seeing the sites around the metro.

I live in the bluff area so there's a lot of ups and downs to ride, but that makes for beautiful views. I hope to ride from my place to Prescott, Wisconsin and back, but my boys want to ride with me so it's more about getting the schedules aligned. The section from the archery range to Schaars Bluff at Spring Lake Park Reserve is beautiful. Buffalo, birds, bridges, and bluffs.

I still won't give in to e-biking, despite sore knees. I see too many 20-40 somethings just throttling at 20+ mph and doing no work. It's irritating to have them on the road if they can't put some sweat into the ride.
 


FinnGopher said:
Did a 24 mile ride on Wednesday with my 20 year old son. Total elevation climbed was 1272 feet. My quads hurt afterward.
I am past my days where I ride a lot of miles, but I still enjoy getting out and seeing the sites around the metro.

I still won't give in to e-biking, despite sore knees. I see too many 20-40 somethings just throttling at 20+ mph and doing no work. It's irritating to have them on the road if they can't put some sweat into the ride.
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I get what you're saying, and this is what I thought until I got my road e-bike; I have a Trek Domane+. Looks like a road bike, feels like a road bike, tastes like a road bike, rides like a road bike. I'm not 100% sold on the accuracy of the power meter, I like the power meters on my other road bikes much better, but I could not believe how versatile it was. I used to think it was just for screwing around, people that don't REALLY ride, that kind of thing

I can do just about any road bike workout that I want on my Domane+. At the end of the day, you still control how much power you are using, it's just that the bike can provide some assistance if you want.

The thing about the road e-bike is that it gets me out on the road on days I would not ride on my other road bikes; more windy than I want to ride in, maybe the legs just aren't feeling it that day, or you're just feeling lazy. If the wind is blowing more than like 13-15mph, I'm just not riding one of my road bikes, but I'll get on the road on the e-bike and still get in 20 miles.

I guess in short, as long as I'm putting out 200W, or 225W, it really doesn't matter if the bike is offering me a little bit more. It just means I'm going faster than I would without it and for my riding, speed is honestly the last thing I'm worried about. It's not even on the first page of my bike computer; I only look at my cadence, my 3-second power, my average power for the ride, and sometimes grade and elevation.

1272 ft in 24 miles isn't bad at all. I didn't think anyone could get any kind of elevation gain around that part of the country. I can't go 7 miles from my house without gaining 700+ feet.
 

Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
I get what you're saying, and this is what I thought until I got my road e-bike; I have a Trek Domane+. Looks like a road bike, feels like a road bike, tastes like a road bike, rides like a road bike. I'm not 100% sold on the accuracy of the power meter, I like the power meters on my other road bikes much better, but I could not believe how versatile it was. I used to think it was just for screwing around, people that don't REALLY ride, that kind of thing

I can do just about any road bike workout that I want on my Domane+. At the end of the day, you still control how much power you are using, it's just that the bike can provide some assistance if you want.

The thing about the road e-bike is that it gets me out on the road on days I would not ride on my other road bikes; more windy than I want to ride in, maybe the legs just aren't feeling it that day, or you're just feeling lazy. If the wind is blowing more than like 13-15mph, I'm just not riding one of my road bikes, but I'll get on the road on the e-bike and still get in 20 miles.

I guess in short, as long as I'm putting out 200W, or 225W, it really doesn't matter if the bike is offering me a little bit more. It just means I'm going faster than I would without it and for my riding, speed is honestly the last thing I'm worried about. It's not even on the first page of my bike computer; I only look at my cadence, my 3-second power, my average power for the ride, and sometimes grade and elevation.

1272 ft in 24 miles isn't bad at all. I didn't think anyone could get any kind of elevation gain around that part of the country. I can't go 7 miles from my house without gaining 700+ feet.
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Thanks for the information on e-bikes. I will have to accept Father time eventually and your point about riding in wind is valid and worth pondering.
In the southeast side of the metro there are some nice hills and a few coulees (ravines with creeks that dry up in summer) that wind you up and out of the River valley. It's a bit of a hidden gem area as you also have backwater kayaking on the Mississippi with a lot of nature to enjoy.
Keep riding. It's a great way to enjoy God's wonderful creation.
 

FinnGopher said:
Thanks for the information on e-bikes. I will have to accept Father time eventually and your point about riding in wind is valid and worth pondering.
In the southeast side of the metro there are some nice hills and a few coulees (ravines with creeks that dry up in summer) that wind you up and out of the River valley. It's a bit of a hidden gem area as you also have backwater kayaking on the Mississippi with a lot of nature to enjoy.
Keep riding. It's a great way to enjoy God's wonderful creation.
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Trek Domane+
Specialized Turbo Creo
Cannondale Synapse Neo

All are more than capable Road e-bikes that will make you forget you're on an e-bike. The top tube on my Domane+ has a small screen that I can toggle through a couple different screens; I leave mine on a screen that shows the power that I'm putting out and the power the bike is providing (I still use my Garmin computer on the handlebars, easier to look at and gives me more info obviously like cadence and average power).

Another benefit is it is a nice safety net in case your overextend yourself or hit the wall, bonk, whatever you want to call it. Once or twice, I'm ashamed to admit, went on a long ride, and sure enough about 10-12 miles from making it back to the house, the Vegas heat starts to kick in, you're running low on water and fuel, and it's a good 500-600 ft of elevation gain back to the house, I called the wife to just come and pick me up. With the e-bike, you always know you have the juice to make it back home.

I probably ride the Domane+ on half my rides these days? I think it would be a long time before it's the only bike I have, but it just plain means I get out on the road more. The e-bike also makes it easier to go for an easier recovery ride, even if you don't have a lot of flat terrain that you would want on a recovery ride. Now I have to decide which bike I'm going to ride today
 

Went and sold my old cannondale raven. Time for someone else to enjoy her.
 



Air quality a concern for any cyclists? I'm pretty much an everyday rider and really don't notice.
 

fan of Ray Williams said:
Air quality a concern for any cyclists? I'm pretty much an everyday rider and really don't notice.
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I haven't really noticed it, except about a week ago when I had a climb out of the River valley and I could smell the smoke. My lungs felt a bit less thrilled with the exertion, but it wasn't unbearable. So far I think the warnings have been mostly precautionary for those with chronic asthma and other lung issues. I had childhood asthma, but grew out of it by age 10. I do wonder if this smoke might affect me, but so far I am good.
 

Watched yesterday’s and today’s stages of the Criterium du Dauphine and cannot see Pogacar losing the Tour de France unless he is injured or becomes ill. He is so good right now. Really hope I am way off base and it’s very close, but just not seeing it.
 

fan of Ray Williams said:
Watched yesterday’s and today’s stages of the Criterium du Dauphine and cannot see Pogacar losing the Tour de France unless he is injured or becomes ill. He is so good right now. Really hope I am way off base and it’s very close, but just not seeing it.
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You missed Friday's stage then! That's when he put on a clinic. I honestly think when he attacks while staying in the saddle and not standing up that it's for a psychological advantage; has to be a little demoralizing when he bolts past you and he's not even standing up.

I don't think it's hyperbole at this point; he's the best that's ever got on a bike. I'm not a fan of his team UAE, but I'm becoming more and more of a fan of Pogacar.

Remco will get better by the TDF but he was not impressive all week. I watched every Stage last week and outside of the Time Trial, his specialty, he wasn't great. But he and Jonas also hadn't raced in a while.

I'm hoping to see some interesting racing in the TDF for places 3-9, after Pogacar and Jonas. There are a lot of guys that can finish as high as 3rd or 4th in the GC
 



Heading up to Lake Vermilion tomorrow for a few days of fishing. Going to try and get out on the Mesabi trail as well. Been really lazy this summer so not going to knock myself out.
 

Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
You missed Friday's stage then! That's when he put on a clinic. I honestly think when he attacks while staying in the saddle and not standing up that it's for a psychological advantage; has to be a little demoralizing when he bolts past you and he's not even standing up.

I don't think it's hyperbole at this point; he's the best that's ever got on a bike. I'm not a fan of his team UAE, but I'm becoming more and more of a fan of Pogacar.

Remco will get better by the TDF but he was not impressive all week. I watched every Stage last week and outside of the Time Trial, his specialty, he wasn't great. But he and Jonas also hadn't raced in a while.

I'm hoping to see some interesting racing in the TDF for places 3-9, after Pogacar and Jonas. There are a lot of guys that can finish as high as 3rd or 4th in the GC
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Yes, missed Friday’s stage. I will check out the replay.
 

fan of Ray Williams said:
Yes, missed Friday’s stage. I will check out the replay.
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If you didn't see it, I would highly recommend watching Stage 20 of this year's Giro. It was (I think) only available on MAX here in the States, I subscribed just to watch the Giro. Stage 20 was one of the most fascinating and entertaining bike races I have seen in years. The different things going on was just incredible to watch unfold.
 

Good sprint at the end of today’s 2nd stage. At about 10 miles left, was thinking Pogacar is going to win.
 

FinnGopher said:
I haven't really noticed it, except about a week ago when I had a climb out of the River valley and I could smell the smoke. My lungs felt a bit less thrilled with the exertion, but it wasn't unbearable. So far I think the warnings have been mostly precautionary for those with chronic asthma and other lung issues. I had childhood asthma, but grew out of it by age 10. I do wonder if this smoke might affect me, but so far I am good.
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I was going to ride from my place to Prescott, Wisconsin today with my boys, but the air quality was at 175 this morning and we had to postpone. These Canadian wildfires are really a drag.
 


FinnGopher said:
I was going to ride from my place to Prescott, Wisconsin today with my boys, but the air quality was at 175 this morning and we had to postpone. These Canadian wildfires are really a drag.
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My boys and I got out on Sunday afternoon (when the air was slightly improved) and rode the 28 mile trail (ups and downs, no rail trail) from my place to Prescott. I was fighting a cold, so I hitched a ride home, but the boys rode back. I am blessed to have kids that love to bike.

Yesterday I had a short 10 mile ride in the high humidity, but the 15 mph head wind helped to cool me off. There is just something relaxing about a bike ride.
 

FinnGopher said:
My boys and I got out on Sunday afternoon (when the air was slightly improved) and rode the 28 mile trail (ups and downs, no rail trail) from my place to Prescott. I was fighting a cold, so I hitched a ride home, but the boys rode back. I am blessed to have kids that love to bike.

Yesterday I had a short 10 mile ride in the high humidity, but the 15 mph head wind helped to cool me off. There is just something relaxing about a bike ride.
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It's everything to me, my go-to for winding down, tuning out, listening to music and just enjoying the speed. I got in about 3 hours in Flagstaff last weekend; just about 2 hours on the mountain bike and not quite an hour on the road bike to just shake off the legs. I've been just too lazy to get up at 5am and ride on the weekdays with any consistency here before it gets hot. Maybe tomorrow morning!
 

Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
It's everything to me, my go-to for winding down, tuning out, listening to music and just enjoying the speed. I got in about 3 hours in Flagstaff last weekend; just about 2 hours on the mountain bike and not quite an hour on the road bike to just shake off the legs. I've been just too lazy to get up at 5am and ride on the weekdays with any consistency here before it gets hot. Maybe tomorrow morning!
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You ride harder than I do. Now, I ride more for the peace and less for the pace. But, I love riding along the River or along the bluffs, catching the sights, seeing te eagles soaring, hearing the birds chirping, and feeling the breeze on my face. It's about as peaceful as life can be.
On the other hand, I have a buddy who is presently participating in "The Crusher" in the UP of Michigan. He has 5 days to complete a 500 mile Mountain Bike route from Escanaba to Copper Harbor in the Keewenau Peninsula. He is 2 days in and he's still at it. 38 started the race and over a handful have scratched. I'm not sure he's gonna make it. I know I would have tapped out on day one. Here's a tracker as every racer has a GPS on them.

The Crusher P2P MS 500 bikepack - 2025 live tracking app by trackleaders.com

Embeddable tracking application, live tracking event map for The Crusher P2P MS 500 bikepack - 2025, leaderboard coverage, including links to individual track history pages
trackleaders.com
 

FinnGopher said:
You ride harder than I do. Now, I ride more for the peace and less for the pace. But, I love riding along the River or along the bluffs, catching the sights, seeing te eagles soaring, hearing the birds chirping, and feeling the breeze on my face. It's about as peaceful as life can be.
On the other hand, I have a buddy who is presently participating in "The Crusher" in the UP of Michigan. He has 5 days to complete a 500 mile Mountain Bike route from Escanaba to Copper Harbor in the Keewenau Peninsula. He is 2 days in and he's still at it. 38 started the race and over a handful have scratched. I'm not sure he's gonna make it. I know I would have tapped out on day one. Here's a tracker as every racer has a GPS on them.

The Crusher P2P MS 500 bikepack - 2025 live tracking app by trackleaders.com

Embeddable tracking application, live tracking event map for The Crusher P2P MS 500 bikepack - 2025, leaderboard coverage, including links to individual track history pages
trackleaders.com
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Doesn't matter how hard or how far you're riding, just don't stop riding! I took a picture of this sign along a 100-mile ride I did a couple years back in Santa Fe, NM. Something I always try to remember!!

Bike Sign.jpg
 



I got in about 12 miles this morning before taking cover due to a pop-up thunderstorm that I didn't see on the radar until the rain came in buckets. At first I thought there might be hail, which is why I immediately ducked into a park and found an awning to try salvage some dryness. After about 10 minutes I was able to ride again and get back home. It was a warm rain so that was fine, but I don't enjoy riding in thunder and lightening.
 



Ironically, I have been hiking in the Canadian Rockies and the air is wonderfully clear. However, I drove through and around Jasper and that fire must have been unreal. Trees are burned to a crisp for miles and miles, all the way up and over mountains. It's devastating and some very nice hikes are now closed due to the toxic remains.
But, I got in a nice hike near the Columbia Icefields that was stunning. There are a number of bikes rolling through the parks. Slow and go.
 

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