I’m worn. Two months since a real ride.
Nokkian Gazza’s provided excellent traction.
Northern Illinois University and the Kishwaukee River
The Great Western Trail parallels Route 64 from Sycamore to St. Charles. The trail connects to the Prairie Path and Fox River Trails. It is a great local resource which is overlooked by most locals. The section east of Route 47 has more usage as surburbanites venture westward into the wilds of rural Kane County. The section from the trail head in Sycamore to Route 47 is lightly traveled. And this is where we rode last evening.
I have been looking forward to riding the 29′ers on the Rat Ride for about a week. I am finding the single speed experience to be much different than geared – more focus on cadence and pedal stroke to find efficiences. Derailleurs and multiple cogs are beginning to seem like a distraction now. Though it will be awhile until I can grind out some serious distance in a single speed set up. This is the only pic from the ride because the camera chose not to work. Too bad because four fellow denizens of the night made it for the ride. Ari, Jay and Evan went to St Charles. I made it 15 miles and Tobie accompanied me on the return leg.
Surly single speed spacer kit on the XT hub. These wheels will eventually end up on a Rawland Drakkar.
Sunday’s Slender Fungus riders were given the warmest weekend in over a month. A ride to Lake Shabbona was in order as the wind was coming out of the south. And lucky we did ride in that direction because there is a lot to see; wind turbines, harvest, combines, fishermen, forest preserve/future casino, hillbillies and tall winged creatures. It was a complete morning.
Lake Shabbona – we rode across the dam and checked out the spillway which slightly resembled a canyon.
There’s a tall bird in picture. An Egret?
Here’s the route. Cue sheets can be provided upon request.
I picked up the Salsa Casseroll a month ago and only have great things to say about it’s ride qualities. Nitto Randonneur handlebars, Ostrich front and rear (not attached today) bags, Brooks B17, Thomson seatpost, Shimano Dyno Hub and a Busch and Muller headlamp.
A Sunday group ride is a rare occasion in these parts which cannot be missed. So we decided to go all out and ride some serious miles.
91 miles with temps in the high 30’s at departure and upper 40’s at finish. The return leg was a slog into headwinds.
Garden Prairie Grain Elevator
Genoa
Haircuts for the Modern Man
Poplar Grove Grain Elevator
Turkeys
Harvest
Long Prairie Trail
Almost 3 inches of rain this week.
We made our way north and then east. Emily and I, limited by time constraints, got 43 miles in. Jay and Ari continued to Campton Hills mixing the Great Western Trail, gravel roads and pavement. I am curious about their mileage and route. Hey Ari post the route!
The ride to the Dekalb County courthouse was mostly on trails. Old State Rd. east takes you into the interior of Kane Co. Please disregard the diagonal line – first gen GPS.
Dekalb County Courthouse
Went to Duck Soup Coop to buy some coffee last night. Despite the clouds the weather was somewhat pleasant.
Bike Path Near NIU
Halloween View of the Kish.
Ari rode to Galena on Sunday. Seven hours thirty five minutes to cover 125 miles – good time considering a cross wind and then head wind.
Surly Big Dummy - Chris King Headset and Hubs
Master Trike Technician Evan Tackling Trek
Eric Master Trike Technician Contemplating Wheel Assembly
