Justin Simoni as: THE LONG RANGER

I was actually going to mention this day only in passing in my training journal, but realized that it’s not actually an itinerary altogether done that often. If I am to believe Danny’s trip report (which lists a history of completions supplemented by Bill Wright – one of the keepers of such records), the Flatiron Classics TTIAD linkup has been done only a few times.

Continue Reading...

How I Plan a Bikepacking Route

With the early season snow coming to Colorado, some of my bikepacking plans have had to be delayed for a few weeks. Even though I’m ready and my bike’s ready, I’ll have to wait for the weather and roads to clear up.

Enjoying my first summit on the Tour of the Highest Hundred, July 2017

Training Journal 10/28/19 – 11/3/19

A bit of a difficult week for someone like me – it snowed quite heavily a few days this week, making getting outside a little more difficult than usual. I managed to do something to my left ankle, which didn’t really make me want to get outside all that much as well. Better to dial it back and allow the ankle to heal.

Review: Nite Ize SpokeLit – Disc-O Select Rechargeable Light

Note: this product was bought by me at retail. All opinions are mine. Interested in me reviewing your product?

Purchase Options: REI | Amazon

Pros: inexpensive, compact, fun, eye catching light used in an angle not always thought of as a blind spot to other road users. Rechargeable via a micro USB port.
Cons: Probably too fun and colorful for your local bicycle curmudgeon, but buy one for them, anyways.
Weight: 1.2 ounces/35 grams
Run Time: ~ 6 hours; Charge Time: 1.5 hours
Price: $20
More information: NiteIze Website

Training Journal, 10/21/19 – 10/27/19

Training Journal 10/14/19 – 10/20/19

Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 700: Initial Impressions/Review

Note: this bike was bought by me at retail. All opinions are mine. Interested in me reviewing your product?

Pros: Inexpensive, light-enough, comfortable, good bike handling for endless miles. 1×11 drivetrain, carbon fork
Cons: You really want a tubeless setup
Weight: 24lbs for 54cm model
Interesting To: dipping your feet into All Road/Gravel bikes, winter trainer
Price: $1500
More information: Salsa Cycles Website
Purchase at REI or your local bike shop

Intro

With Winter slowly creeping in, I was in the market for a do-it-all road bike – “All Road” being my primary requirement.

Continue Reading...

Bikepacking Talk + Workshop at the Colorado Mountain Club’s Mountain Fest: THANK YOU!

A belated thank you to all the people who showed up at the CMC‘s Colorado Mountain Fest and participated in my talk + workshop! Thanks to the CMC for having me. Below are a few of my favorite slides from the talk.

Here’s some more information on the talks I do – if you’d like to see me talk in your city, help out by telling your favorite outdoor gear/bike shop to get in touch with me. Tell them how stoked you’d be to have me share my stories, inspiration, and advice.

Flatiron Classics Linkup: ROUND ONE!

By around 5:00pm, Peter and I had made our way to Tomato Rock via an overgrown mining road that used to end at a nearby (now closed) quarry. My feet feel as if I’ve been walking on glass for the last 13 hours. My hands, filleted.