tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50951726890630651032011-10-24T21:15:09.888-06:00BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.comBlogger1251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-76150814566344958892011-10-24T20:10:00.007-06:002011-10-24T21:15:09.988-06:00

It has been way too long, but I am back. Many hard lessons were learned three years ago on the GDMBR, and I will not be repeating the same mistakes. The two biggest lessons were: (1) trying to haul too much stuff; and (2) having a bike that did not fit properly. I was glued to the saddle, because I could not stand up on when it was loaded. It was too unstable. I also carried too much weight

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-34389362099779965182010-04-04T22:13:00.003-06:002010-04-04T22:30:10.817-06:00

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-12313856355856778842010-02-01T20:40:00.005-07:002010-02-01T21:29:37.081-07:00

It has been awhile since I have updated this blog. Although I have been slacking in that regard, I have been very busy working towards year-round gardening. In terms of the continuing the GDMBR tour, it does not look like 2010, will be the year that I get back on the GDMBR. It is more likely I will be available for at least a section or two in 2011. In the meantime, besides being available to

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-86119688372489481422009-08-18T21:07:00.021-06:002009-08-18T22:55:56.371-06:00

I was hoping to knock off another section of the GDMBR this summer, but all spring I had a feeling in my gut that it would not be possible. My wife had a Total Hip Replacement on April 1st, so I knew my time would be limited.On May 17th when I finished up the Santa Fe Century I turned my phone back on and found I had a voice mail from my brother. I do not ever remember my brother calling so I

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-70819074955195724872009-02-27T08:58:00.002-07:002009-02-27T14:37:39.881-07:00

I made this video after a near disaster at the same intersection (Moon and Academy) on Tuesday. The most common complaint motorists have of bicyclists is that they run red lights. At about 5:55 am (according to my SPOT GPS tracker) on Tuesday I was approximately at this position on the street traveling about 17-18 mph when this traffic light turned green. There was one vehicle making a left

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-73488508690490289882009-02-11T21:13:00.000-07:002009-02-11T21:14:12.581-07:00

Last summer I responded to an Internet request for help from one of the Tour Divide racers, Domink Scherer. Unfortunately, I did not review the Tour Divide Race rules prior to lending my rear wheel to Domink to finish the race. His request for help that was posted on the Tour Divide Race Blog completely threw me off guard. I assumed that the request would not have been posted if it was not

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-76683417031874522682008-11-28T19:26:00.002-07:002008-11-28T19:56:23.554-07:00

Naran extended the invitation to join him in Tucson in November for El Tour de Tucson during our GDMBR ride this summer. It would be the only official century event I would participate in this year, because the GDMBR precluded most of my road riding. Despite limited riding for three weeks prior due to flu symptoms, lack of sleep due to a lousy room, and no breakfast I presented myself at the

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-39170134385910748782008-10-14T19:34:00.003-06:002008-10-14T20:20:12.239-06:00

On my way home from the Chuska Challenge I stayed quite north of I-40, and for awhile I was on the alternate route of the GDMBR between Cuba and Grants, New Mexico. The Pueblo Pintado ruins are 1.7 miles off route, but well worth the detour if you have the time and ambition.On GDMBR Map 5B on the Chaco Alternative somewhere near mile 53 (on the map) there is a marked sign to Chaco Canyon. If you

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-50863324542656216882008-10-09T19:28:00.005-06:002008-10-09T20:24:15.277-06:00

The 2008 (14th) Chuska Challenge was progressing well until the rains came in. In the early afternoon the roads and trails were getting slippery, and then slick. Finally they became barely passable.After slogging through mud for a couple of hours, around 5 pm, the main mission became to keep from getting hypothermia. Even in my Canadian military style jacket and high tech clothes I was starting

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-70967209681579084132008-10-05T20:47:00.006-06:002008-10-05T22:26:02.487-06:00

I just got back from the Chuska Challenge and it took me four hours to clean up my bike and gear. We were out in the Chuska Mountains in the Navajo Nation just northeast of Canyon de Chelly in northeastern Arizona. My camera lens cover stopped working after my second wipe out in the mud so I was not able to document the whole experience. Despite having to be rescued out of the mud I had a great

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-46686242578244333792008-09-30T20:16:00.002-06:002008-09-30T20:28:05.678-06:00

On Sunday we took a geology tour at the Valles Calderas National Preserve near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Like the archaeological tour that we did in July this one was also fantastic.The van ride was quite an adventure by itself, but consider that each van had 12 people including the drivers and the tour guides. We started at 9:00 am and ended about 4:15 pm.Frazer and Cathy, our geologists tour

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-45240726417411550472008-09-01T20:50:00.001-06:002008-09-01T20:51:23.245-06:00

I do not know the scientific name for them, but I sure know what "goatheads" do to my bike tires. I had an interesting dialogue with some people about the pluses and minuses of using sealant in tires or tubes for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route ride this past summer. "I don't believe in sealant." "There are no cacti above 4000 feet." Personally, I use sealant in all my tires year round.Most

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-48180394903018155142008-08-03T21:33:00.004-06:002008-08-04T21:31:07.194-06:00

It started off as a lazy hazy warm day cruising by bike through the Valles Caldera National Preserve. When I started there was not a cloud in the sky. Despite my late start, the weather was so nice that I decided to take the high road to Redonditio and do a clockwise loop through Valles Caldera National Preserve.Only four days out of the entire year are set aside for semi-supported mountain bike

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-74192203323357268572008-07-24T22:37:00.007-06:002008-07-25T13:01:29.034-06:00

After our White Mesa and Ojito Wilderness excursion I asked my wife what she wanted to do tomorrow. "Something less athletic," was the immediate response. "Okay, give me an example," was my reply. So today we had reservations for an Archaeological tour in a van at the Valles Caldera National Preserve in the Jemez Mountains near Los Alamos. I have paid to ride my mountain bike on the preserve, but

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-13051726834215042672008-07-22T16:18:00.001-06:002008-07-22T16:19:26.136-06:00

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-40334166450126866552008-07-19T22:18:00.008-06:002008-07-25T12:05:04.179-06:00

The trails are called "White Mesa Trails" because of the abundance of white gypsum, but a lot of colors are represented in the soils and rocks of this incredible mountain biking and hiking area about 35 miles from Albuquerque.In the distance you can see the real "White Mesa."Riding on the "Dragon's Back." The drops offs to either side were a couple hundred feet.Cabezon Peak is in the distance."

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-83195080702969364532008-07-04T10:34:00.001-06:002008-07-04T10:36:17.270-06:00

Unless you are a Superhero, there are aspects of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route that will probably take you by surprise the first time through. Nevertheless, regardless of the amount of physical and mental preparation for racing, or even touring, equipment failure can still stop you anywhere along the route. I am not criticising, just reporting what happened to one well prepared Tour Divide

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-24971777266715975132008-06-27T17:24:00.017-06:002008-06-29T09:20:02.794-06:00

By Hachita we were six strong as a group. From Deming, Lordsburg, and Silver City (?) we converged on the Antelope Wells border crossing on May 23rd. Howard and Judi, the tandem team, arrived about an hour after we departed the border, but joined us in Hachita at Sam Hughes' home. By sheer good luck we escaped the intense Chihauhaun Desert heat. We anticipated temperatures as high as 104 degrees,

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-80352137428825492902008-06-26T20:04:00.004-06:002008-06-27T09:25:24.952-06:00

I signed up to do SkyWarn Spotter training through the National Weather Service several months ago. The first available training was during my GDMBR trip. However, another training was available today. I have always had an amateur level of interest in the weather; especially if I am out in it.Today's SkyWarn Spotter training focused on severe thunderstorms, lightning, flooding, and tornadoes.

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-29073665752174584652008-06-25T14:00:00.004-06:002008-06-26T20:50:56.811-06:00

As we swelter in mid to high ninety degree heat in Albuquerque, many people I meet here are wondering why I am not still on my "big trip?" When I tell them about the the miles of snow and mud, and the strong winds that nearly blew my off Brazos Ridge they don't seem to be able to conjure up a picture of that in their minds. They ask: "How long have you been home?" Perhaps I am referring to some

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-25624978939556454532008-06-24T19:31:00.004-06:002008-06-24T23:08:00.043-06:00

This might be funny or just plain pathetic depending on your point of view. For me I thought it was comical. This morning I decided to go on a club ride. I have not been on a club ride in months. While training for the GDMBR I rode my mountain bike everywhere almost exclusively. As with many cycling clubs, if you are slow than you get dumped in a hurry. The club I belong to has that

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-83193890502926393832008-06-23T10:53:00.003-06:002008-06-23T11:03:04.243-06:00

I should have gotten up early to ride before the heat builds up, but I was a lazy bones and slept in. Right now I am working on editing and writing captions for the pictures in the Picasa Albums located on the left sidebar. I think I will have them all done by tonight, so check them out when you get a chance. I will also post the story of each day with more details as time permits, and I will

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-85814549348924362192008-06-22T09:04:00.001-06:002008-06-22T09:06:03.787-06:00

I know there are people who don't cook when they backpack or bikecamp, and that approach makes sense if there are sources of food during the day. If you travel lightly, then you can go faster, further and make it to the next watering hole more easily. This year in New Mexico I went to the other extreme, but even carrying food, cooking gear, fuel, and water I still lost almost a pound per day.I

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-22639419892515840412008-06-21T14:34:00.010-06:002008-06-22T07:58:29.439-06:00

Now that I finally accepted the fact that I am not going to do more of the GDMBR this summer I am starting to chill out. After a good night's rest I thought I would go for a little ride up Bear Canyon this morning, but then I got whammed with a wicked migraine headache. Usually I only get them when I am not exercising enough, and with a week off from the strenuous exertion of the GDMBR my body is

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-90718480873696217072008-06-21T06:00:00.002-06:002008-06-21T14:04:43.080-06:00

From screws, nuts, bearings, and seals back to a whole bike and BOB trailer again.I was very pleased about how well everything withstood the abuse from the New Mexico part of the GDMBR. All that extra preparation really paid off with very few minor mechanical problems.The front shock had too much negative pressure and was held down by it. My headset had loosened up some too. The great mechanics

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-30561621908009504852008-06-20T10:48:00.001-06:002008-06-20T10:49:54.369-06:00

After reading Tour Divide racer Reuben Kline's report of significant snow pack on a pass near the Idaho-Wyoming border I decided to pull the plug on my trip. Today needed to be the day to start shipping, but with my very recent snow-mud experience in northern New Mexico I have no delusions about what this first-hand report means. If it takes a young warrior 5 hours to do what he expected to

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-18722994084608466112008-06-19T22:07:00.001-06:002008-06-19T22:08:13.843-06:00

This is what a mountain bike and BOB trailer look like completely broken down. I need to ship the bike, trailer, and camping gear tomorrow and Saturday, but I still don't have a physical address to ship to yet. I remain hopeful and optimistic. My latest idea is to ship everything to a General Delivery address at the main post office in Helena. I don't know if there is a limit to how much you can

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-48621013483898982162008-06-18T19:04:00.005-06:002008-06-18T20:02:54.685-06:00

I just purchased a Greyhound bus ticket to Helena. If I don't get bumped at any of the four transfer points, then I will arrive next Thursday at around 7:45 pm. The new baggage restrictions may prohibit me from bringing both my bike and BOB trailer. I don't mind paying the extra fees, but I was told that if there was not room on any of the connecting buses for me or my gear then tough luck! There

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-57394283701429600872008-06-17T23:46:00.003-06:002008-06-17T23:51:16.420-06:00

Tonight I was suppose to be taking an inventory of my leftover food from the recently aborted great GDMBR adventure. Instead I was replanning a sobo trip from Helena, Montana to at least Rawlins, Wyoming. More later ...

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-32765084725671398962008-06-16T21:28:00.004-06:002008-06-17T09:11:42.176-06:00

Today is my younger granddaughter's 2nd birthday and we just got home from taking everyone out for a birthday diner. My older granddaughter has been campaigning to sleep over for several days. My younger daughter is home from L.A. What more could proud parents want than to have the whole family together for a few days?While everyone was taking turns taking baths and showers and getting ready for

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-23873133884498994312008-06-15T00:20:00.005-06:002008-06-16T16:22:40.605-06:00

When I awoke the back and inside aspect of my knees itched and burned badly. I had some kind of rash that was spreading up my legs.Nevertheless, I needed to attend to the Mule before I would be able to do any more climbing. The rear derailleur hanger was twisted even worse than I originally thought. So after breaking camp I replaced it. If possible I wanted to get some pictures of the Cumbres

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-41871174812501937872008-06-14T22:38:00.004-06:002008-06-23T09:18:23.866-06:00

On Thursday, June 12th I ascended to over 11,000 feet elevation to cross Brazos Ridge in northern New Mexico. I was about a half day behind what was left of our group. After dragging the Mule several miles through snow fields, over endless drifts, through mud bogs, streams, puddles, over downed trees, up roads transformed into muddy stream beds at 15% grade, the wind on top literally picked me,

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-1394200242002992812008-06-02T12:07:00.001-06:002008-06-02T12:10:29.037-06:00

Pit Stop for the Mule.There were several cracks and tears on inside casing of the rear tire. I first noticed a slight bulge when I awoke at Beaverhead Work Center in the Gila NF. Even Stan's sealant could not keep up with tears like this one. The 4 ounces of sealant that I put in just before I left was used up when the tire flatted out 20 miles south of Pie Town. I am going back to using tubes -

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-82331799943777335602008-06-01T13:09:00.009-06:002008-06-01T15:28:00.822-06:00

On the latest ACA GDMBR Map (BC-206-07) Section 6A at mile 39.2 it shows a store at NM 12 where you come off (nobo) or enter (sobo) the Plains of Agustin. It does not exist! It never has existed, and it probably will never exist in the future. I never believed that it did, and did not depend on it being there. I would have liked it if it had been there, but on the GDMBR you have to be prepared

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-1910547217214288142008-06-01T12:57:00.001-06:002008-06-01T13:02:08.728-06:00

In nine days I have lost nine pounds, and that is after eating two huge meals yesterday! I expected to lose some weight, but not quite so much so fast. Yesterday around 2 pm I was about 30 miles north of Pie Town when I borrowed Dave's phone (Verizon is the only service that works out there) and called my wife. "I'm about 40 miles from Grants." "Can you meet me at the Lota Burger in Grants

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-44685158611034379662008-05-22T08:54:00.003-06:002008-05-22T09:01:11.005-06:00

Today is the day!!! I still have to load everything into the Xterra, and then we will pick up Cas at the airport around 12:30. The wind was blowing too hard yesterday to change out the belts, but I think they will make the trip okay. The wind is going to pick up again today and it is suddenly 40 degrees cooler. It is great riding weather. Hopefully we will get through the desert before it

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-3839651883843423922008-05-21T16:44:00.004-06:002008-05-21T18:04:28.973-06:00

Despite a year and a half of preparation it still feels like the last minute details are going to overwhelm me. However, closing out the end of the school year is always an exhausting and time consuming process. Nevertheless, I really hoped to be totally packed by now. The last two boxes arrived this afternoon. One was the last shipment of freeze dried food from Nito-Pak, and the other contained

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-23855054795083441822008-05-21T06:05:00.003-06:002008-05-21T06:20:59.984-06:00

Post Office - Mimbres3084 Highway 35 NMimbres, NM88049-9800Phone: (575) 536-9810Business HoursMO 08:00-02:30PM 03:00-04:30PMTU 08:00-02:30PM 03:00-04:30PMWE 08:00-02:30PM 03:00-04:30PMTH 08:00-02:30PM 03:00-04:30PMFR 08:00-02:30PM 03:00-04:30PMSA 10:00-12:30PM Post Office - Pie Town17 Frontage RDPie Town, NM87827-9998Phone: (575) 772-2638Business HoursMO 08:00-12:00PM 12:30-04:30PMTU 08:00-12:

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-35056889946500293452008-05-19T21:59:00.000-06:002008-05-19T21:59:01.190-06:00

Today the drop box to El Rito, New Mexico was picked up by my postman from my front porch. Again I did it all by Internet clicking and credit card. It was actually slightly cheaper to mail it by Click-N-Ship and have the postman pick it up than to take it to the post office. Obviously they are trying to promote the service and to compete with other shipping companies. I called several other

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-13201199212237288992008-05-18T10:55:00.008-06:002008-05-19T13:34:04.126-06:00

I just called Cas to ask him a couple of questions about his bike and the first question he had for me was: "How are you going to carry the French chef?" He said that he had just reviewed the menu on my blog and he was wondering how I was going to prepare all that food?It is simple, I heat up a little water and pour it into the foil bag, stir, wait a few minutes, and then eat. After I am done I

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-8348157536316430212008-05-17T22:41:00.005-06:002008-05-18T12:26:42.169-06:00

Here is the latest revision of my plans (including my eating plan). The money part is a rough guess. If you have any information or suggestions, then please let me know. I week from now I will be sleeping somewhere between Separ and Silver City.Day 1 Friday, May 23AW to Hachita (46 miles)B: $10 DemingL: ProPak - Spaghetti w/ Meat sauce Ice CreamD: Black Bean Tamale PieChocolate CheesecakeCamping

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-5940631558389842992008-05-16T22:24:00.001-06:002008-05-16T22:33:07.789-06:00

Today was "Bike to Work Day," and I definitely saw a fair number of rookies out there. I hope they enjoyed it enough to try it again, and again, and again. I suspect that the spike in fuel costs has inspired a few to try bicycle commuting. Although I did not see any wildlife today, my pheasant buddy gave a war cry as I passed by on the nice rain packed gravel this morning. The balloons cruised

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-3789421269472849962008-05-15T20:10:00.001-06:002008-05-15T20:14:03.396-06:00

I totally spaced the fact that Cas's bike would be arriving either today or tomorrow. I stopped at Costco on my way home to get a few more supplies and I was thinking about running a couple more errands. Fortunately I decided to head home instead, because as I drove into the driveway the Fed Ex truck was pulling up. I was expecting a couple of UPS packages today, but not a Fed Ex one. So, when

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-21365815492915978532008-05-15T00:05:00.002-06:002008-05-15T00:05:01.036-06:00

FINALLY!!! It uploaded and processed!!! If at first you don't succeed ...

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-46527289623981134692008-05-14T11:37:00.006-06:002008-05-14T20:38:38.769-06:00

Hopefully, the mailman will pick up my first drop box to Mimbres, New Mexico today. I logged in to the http://www.usps.com/ site and did a "Click-N-Ship" online; including scheduling a free pick up at my front door. If all goes well, then it will make it a lot easier for my wife to get my drop boxes to me. For 11 pounds by Priority Mail it was only $11.05. I have about 10 more boxes to ship.

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-84973116071432562922008-05-12T22:32:00.012-06:002008-05-14T20:38:02.088-06:00

I used up another personal day today. I left the house at the usual time in hopes of seeing some wildlife or some balloons. I was not disappointed.These balloons descended to skim the surface of the Rio Grande. The breeze blew them up stream.Unfortunately I did not have a clear view of the channel where they dipping their gondolas.I love the colors!I have been waiting for almost six hours for

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-24808555637424934732008-05-11T21:24:00.004-06:002008-05-11T21:52:11.580-06:00

We have a giant, out of control, Peace Rose that I planted in our front yard in 1993, that is in full bloom right now.It has been a weekend of honey-do's that I don't regret. Two weeks from now I will be be in Silver City, and getting ready to make our four day ride to Pie Town.I've been called a "Mother ..." enough times that I kind of expected a card or two, but none arrived. Oh well. Sigh.I

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-66612465833403579582008-05-09T19:50:00.002-06:002008-05-09T20:02:40.054-06:00

This fellow was quite distracted by .... true love!She was high up in a tree and making a lot of noise.Meanwhile about a dozen hot air balloons were not far away and taking a little dunk in the Rio Grande. I could not get close enough to get a clear shot of them bouncing their baskets on the water.That is until my batteries were low and I was out of time. Unfortunately I had to get to work post

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-28839311401091453302008-05-07T20:49:00.001-06:002008-05-09T20:03:03.646-06:00

This post is totally for the birds I saw on my commute today. The pheasant below was getting psyched to defend his territory from another pheasant about a 100 feet away. They were hollering at each other when I rode by this morning.This shot is a little grainy due to the zoom and the low light (early morning).I was thrilled to discover the pair of geese I have been seeing on my afternoon commute

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-58748861002886197792008-05-06T20:26:00.005-06:002008-05-13T13:31:52.396-06:00

Prior to getting bogged down with Senior Final Exams and their grades, I was waylayed putting drop boxes together. That forced me to recalculate my itinerary. However, not that long ago I was lamenting about how difficult it was to delete Waypoints on the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx.Which takes me back to the navigational challenges on the GDMBR with a GPS. Remember, we are traveling in the opposite

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-70233697815005665242008-05-03T08:19:00.009-06:002008-05-05T12:18:57.853-06:00

Naran Patel is one of the people who responded to my ad for GDMBR companions through Adventure Cycling Association (ACA). Although I was a bit leery when he told me he was thinking of doing this expedition on a folding bike, he has since purchased a hardtail and BOB trailer. From the descriptions of his physical training I think he is going to kick my butt for the first week or two.I will be

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-14847470182344766932008-05-02T19:56:00.005-06:002008-05-03T08:55:26.995-06:00

I was really hoping to get out of town this weekend, but I have hours of grading to do. Seniors will be taking their final exams on Monday and Tuesday, and I must have their grades ready to submit by Wednesday morning. I also gave my Algebra 2 classes a test on logarithms this week, and I need to get those graded as well. Yuk! Maybe I will get lucky and get them graded quicker than I expect. I

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-64618304663104846862008-05-01T21:00:00.000-06:002008-05-01T21:00:00.508-06:00

Strawberries are coming in to the grocery stores. My Excaliber dehydrator will hold about 7 lbs on the five trays per load. I love strawberries! The wind has been howling for two days now. It has worked out okay, because I took a personal day on Wednesday to run errands that required driving around in the Xterra. In the process I discovered that a hose on my air conditioning has blown out and

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-11800183853853767582008-04-30T10:40:00.005-06:002008-04-30T10:57:44.861-06:00

Here is a little fender bender I saw on my way home yesterday. I did not ride up to see if there were any stop lines painted on the road, but few drivers pay any attention to them anyways. I am sure glad to be on a bike instead of driving. It seems as though many drivers are more courteous of cyclists right now, than they have been through the past several months. There also seems to be an influx

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-24185582571843722552008-04-29T09:00:00.007-06:002008-04-29T09:32:37.419-06:00

The SPOT GPS transponder has a new "Share" feature so that anyone, or select people (with a password), can track my progress on Google Earth. I am going to experiment with this feature starting now. Unfortunately, right now you will only see my tracking information for my commute and local training rides. However, it will give me an opportunity to test the technology prior to the GDMBR trip.

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-11986617319386973472008-04-28T21:57:00.002-06:002008-04-29T12:00:44.308-06:00

It is getting light a lot earlier now (finally!). I should say that it is getting light a lot earlier "again," because it was nearly this light before until they changed the time in early March. This is the second year that the clock has been moved ahead so early in the year, and I hate it. However, it is like they say in Russia: "Tough shiski!" Oh well, I am getting use to it. I just don't see

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-67106343991152194252008-04-27T21:18:00.003-06:002008-04-28T11:21:57.350-06:00

After spending hours deleting a thousand Waypoints from my Garmin eTrek Vista HCx GPS I uploaded another thousand. This gets me from Antelope Wells, New Mexico to the Wyoming border with all the alternatives routes. However, I could not quite fit the Slater main route north from Steamboat Lake State Park in Colorado. I did fit the Columbine alternate route in to the Routes and Waypoints. I am

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-84535620972184774752008-04-26T21:00:00.002-06:002008-04-26T23:41:45.452-06:00

I crashed at 8:30 last night. I was trying to write a post and finally just deleted it and went to bed. I awoke at 2:30 am thinking that it must be around 6:30. When it became clear that I was not going to fall back to sleep I got up and pulled all my trip food from the garage to the kitchen. I started loading plastic bags with 5 day resupply portions. I have plenty of dinner entrees, but I am

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-26655826836979524312008-04-24T19:36:00.002-06:002008-04-24T19:44:28.397-06:00

This is the Bosque Trail at Paseo del Norte. On the far left is a soft dirt road for horseback riding. In the middle is a hard packed gravel road, which I use to shakedown my bike on a daily basis. The paved trail is for hikers, joggers, cyclists, and skaters.On weekdays I usually arrive here around 6:30 am +/- 5 minutes. The main trail has the stripe down the center and the trail coming in from

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-38029752267744239362008-04-23T22:00:00.003-06:002008-04-24T20:54:13.335-06:00

The Garmin MapSource Topo discs arrived yesterday. I did not waste any time getting them loaded onto my eTrek Vista HCx GPS. I am not particularly expert at using it, but I know how handy the GPS navigational information was during my last shakedown.The ACA maps are fantastic as long as everything goes according to plan. If conditions force a detour, then the ACA maps are not adequate to navigate

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-5756893916999717122008-04-22T19:00:00.002-06:002008-04-23T18:27:21.840-06:00

On my morning commute I stopped for a pheasant crossing the Bosque trail. Across the Rio Grande along the Bosque there were a pair of hot air balloons looking for a place to land. As opposed to commuting by motor vehicle in the morning rush hour traffic, I have this tranquil setting at the start of my work day. On the way home along the Bosque I stopped to watch this family of geese sunning

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-84734401752172401202008-04-21T18:22:00.003-06:002008-04-22T14:30:15.016-06:00

Despite my best efforts my drivetrain was just a little bit off. I checked and rechecked the installation and adjustments, and even though it shifts well on the stand, there is still some noise in the higher gears under load. I called to make an appointment with my LBS, but it will be Friday or Saturday until they can help me. With only a month and a day until the trip every training day is

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-89270384785486394192008-04-20T18:43:00.002-06:002008-04-20T18:53:12.038-06:00

I got an early start on continuing the shock rebuild/service today. It was so early that even flat washers were casting a shadow!Look at the length of the shadow from the motion control damper (the red thing). Now consider that it is only about an inch in diameter.The top of the headset looked so good that I was going to skip disassembling the bottom. When I finally got it apart I was sure glad

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-74015176898625435412008-04-19T23:00:00.001-06:002008-04-19T23:00:00.256-06:00

Now that the fury of the spring winds has decreased I am ready to service my front fork shock. So, setting aside a modest portion of apprehension and doubt, I am ready to disassemble and reassemble my front fork shock. With parts, tools, oil, and the service manual in hand, I begin the process.Earlier today I changed out the front derailleur, the shifters, and retaped the Marsas Audax padding

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-29729882609880292402008-04-18T06:00:00.006-06:002008-04-18T06:00:00.720-06:00

As I have worked towards "certification" as an ultralite gram weenie I have wondered whether I made a mistake buying the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS. It represents a weight penalty of about a half pound and a significant hassle because it uses batteries. However, on the last shakedown it came to my rescue in making navigation decisions as well as for finding water. Finding water in New Mexico is

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-81330481975900124662008-04-17T06:00:00.002-06:002008-04-17T12:20:04.067-06:00

"If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any at all!" Have you ever felt that way? If you have, then get over it. I just called the store manager of the sporting goods store that I stopped at yesterday, because he was going to save me a MSR Pocket Rocket with MSR Titanium Kettle combination at a special deal sale price. That is ... if they came in, but of course they didn't. So, I checked on

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-73081699703848067592008-04-16T12:00:00.004-06:002008-04-16T22:21:48.825-06:00

On my way home from work yesterday I stopped at a local sporting goods store to see if they carried Primus EtaPower Express stoves. The store manager was very enthusiastic about MSR stoves. At 20 ounces (without fuel) the MSR Reactor stove and cookware seemed a bit on the "obese" side, considering that it did not have a frying pan/lid. The construction was impressive, but I guess I am becoming a

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-79220906741788597772008-04-15T06:00:00.005-06:002008-04-14T20:19:56.964-06:00

When I first saw the new Primus EtaPower Express in real life my first impression was: "How cute." The frying pan/pot lid was so small that I thought it was something from my granddaughters' toy kitchen. I put it back in the box, smiled, and walked away. Now, not even a week later, I want to take another look at it. I have owned a Primus backpacking stove since 1972. In fact, I rebuilt my

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-20230640681766886192008-04-14T06:00:00.002-06:002008-04-14T06:00:01.503-06:00

After installing the Phil Wood bottom bracket bearings into the external cups the only thing left on my original To Do List for the bike before the trip was to service the front shock. However, I found a good deal on a front XTR derailleur and some Deore LX Rapidfire Shifter Pods with the new two-way levers. Along with some Avid Flack Jacket cables that should just about do the trick?Whoops! It

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-44709056157739550572008-04-13T06:30:00.005-06:002008-04-13T08:15:28.395-06:00

Presenting: "The Bloated Mule"I was searching the Internet for "GDMBR" hits yesterday when I ran across a forum in which someone was looking for an equipment list that was somewhere between the ultra-ultralight version of a racer and the "camping luxuries" version of a "Bloated Mule." It struck me that that term "Bloated Mule" fit my rig to a T, and once I got passed the emotional impact of "

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-58713976343110698082008-04-12T09:27:00.014-06:002008-04-13T13:30:25.474-06:00

After almost two months I finally got the other Phil Wood bottom bracket bearing and dust cover in the mail from Peak Cycles/BikeParts.com. I am thrilled to finally have the Phil Wood bearings installed in my bottom bracket for the GDMBR trip.Incidentally, I have heard some very good things about the Enduro Max bearings, but I did not know much about them when I ordered the Phil Wood bearings. If

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-17933096603520572612008-04-12T07:42:00.007-06:002008-04-12T08:04:14.546-06:00

Darren Alff sent me this reminder about his telephone interview with Bernd and Barbie tonight on cooking while touring. I plan to be there. Depending on what twilight zone you are in, you may want to set an alarm to remind you to click on to his link during that hour. It is a one shot deal, so if you miss it ... oh well!******************************************Bob,I just wanted to send a quick

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-42465460875379535112008-04-11T09:51:00.007-06:002008-04-11T21:59:49.614-06:00

Even as I struggle to reduce my base load weight and volume I am also thinking about my food and equipment resupply. Once we reach Del Norte, Colorado the distances between small towns decreases dramatically compared with the logistics in New Mexico. On that basis it should be easier to find food, but equipment like tires, tubes, and fuel may still be problematical.Short of finding a store with

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-38769776899740027562008-04-10T19:07:00.008-06:002008-04-10T21:15:11.498-06:00

"Hey boss! Are you really going to haul all of this stuff? Why don't you just catch some mice and birds along the way? I don't know about you humans."The decision to cook or not cook weighs on my mind as I write this post. Right now my most efficient stove/cookware is my Primus Eta. It performed like a champ during the Ignacio Chavez Grant shakedown a couple of weeks ago. Most of the time I was

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-67724179624862954582008-04-09T07:33:00.010-06:002008-04-10T14:29:11.344-06:00

I wrote a short article on some of the differences between road bike touring and mountain bike-camping touring for Darren Alff's excellent web site. I have already discussed many aspects of my preparations for this epic ride on the GDMBR in this blog, and I there are many key issues to expand on for future posts.Closely related to these differences is establishing slow speed (under 4-5 mph) front

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-19273821423795702332008-04-08T22:48:00.014-06:002008-04-10T11:38:11.876-06:00

My new Integral Designs sil nylon Poncho/Tarp (5' x 8') arrived at REI yesterday and I picked it up today after work. It is necessary to seal the seams with silicone. So, I did that process tonight. There are three remarkable things about sil nylon (silicone coated ripstop nylon) items. First is that they are usually less than half the weight of a similar item in another material. Second is that

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-55015449281681040452008-04-07T17:31:00.006-06:002008-04-12T08:16:07.136-06:00

I stopped by my LBS and ordered the service kit, wipers, seals, and shock oil for the front shock. I decided that I want to take a crack at it myself. It is not cheaper, but I will feel more comfortable knowing how it is built and that I could take it apart if I had to do it. Although it is almost ludicrous that I would do it on the road, because it takes a slightly modified 24 mm socket and some

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-62992575720963643002008-04-06T20:05:00.008-06:002008-04-06T22:11:56.759-06:00

As I initiate my base load weight/volume reduction program my wallet is significantly lighter and less crammed already! Some inspiration for continuing to spend money to lighten and decrease the volume of the equipment load comes from reading Scott Morris's account of ascending Fleecer Ridge. If you scroll down to the 7/22/04 entry in his journal, then you may find some reasons to lighten your

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-57406696122063087922008-04-06T07:33:00.008-06:002008-04-06T22:04:32.580-06:00

I have mentioned Darren's excellent web site a few times in my blog and I have it listed with the "Helpful Links" in the sidebar. This morning while I was waiting for the coffee to brew I was perusing my email, and I received this information from Darren Alff at http://www.bicycletouringpro.com/ . Hey Bob!I've visited your blog a few times and I've got 3 quick things I wanted to notify you about

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-73847927888651841382008-04-04T20:06:00.012-06:002008-04-07T11:57:59.123-06:00

As the sun sets directly behind Mt Taylor tonight it continues to remind me that the GDMBR calls in the spring winds. Buoyed by my success at finding the elusive Barrel Springs near Hunters Camp last week I think I will try to get out to scout some more springs and water holes.My Contrail Tarptent arrived this week, but I still need to seal the seams before I use it. In any case, I will practice

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-84830387622311767642008-04-03T16:28:00.010-06:002008-04-04T17:10:08.454-06:00

Here is an early version of my GDMBR base load list.Bike Camping Equipment ListAka: GDMBR Equipment ListBASICSBikeHelmetShoesBOB TrailerPanniersTool Bag2 Bike Tubes1 BOB TubeSpare tires - 1 eachSpare BOB QRBOB BagRiding GlovesPumpSpare CablesTarpSaddle CoverProfideLock/CablesKeyChain toolShock PumpSpare SpokesSpoke WrenchSpare chain piecesLeatherman Micra4/5 mm AllenCLOTHINGHat2 Sweat Vac2

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-32346635177790664212008-04-01T21:01:00.014-06:002008-04-02T20:01:23.090-06:00

Here are a few moments from my Ignacio Chavez Grant Shakedown. I am just learning how to use the camera and edit the video. It is a bit primitive.

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-3139338137854013772008-04-01T12:17:00.013-06:002008-04-01T18:57:19.812-06:00

If you think clipping your shoes to your pedals is so great, then why don't you try "clipping"your butt to the saddle too? It just makes good sense. In fact, it is pure genius! Think of the watts of power lost from inefficient movements on the saddle. A multitude of scientific studies have revealed that "clipping in" to the saddle will markedly improve your cycling performance. Fortunately, a

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-35415161737660719142008-03-31T22:38:00.006-06:002008-04-18T12:12:27.407-06:00

As I look at pictures of other bike setups I notice that the position of my brake levers are much higher than most. I realize that brake levers are usually set up for the standing position. However, especially when I am pulling a loaded BOB trailer, I do not stand up much. I am hoping that removing the front panniers will allow me to stand up more easily for pressure relief on my ischial

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-33166705412628307072008-03-30T20:19:00.014-06:002008-03-31T15:28:50.744-06:00

You always hope that you have worked the bugs out before the start of a big adventure. Lonesome Mesa probably is not the best place to find out you needed more water carrying capacity, that your favorite tires do not work well in the sand, or that maybe you should have tried some sealant before you got 23 flats in one day. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) in New Mexico is not the best

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-54804773528591212542008-03-30T15:17:00.006-06:002008-03-31T15:30:34.536-06:00

On the first day of the shakedown as I pushed my bike and trailer up the "road" (see picture above) to Seco Tank the realization happened more as a blazing flash of the obvious, rather than like Saul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus. It suddenly became very clear to me that it is time to lighten up the load. Actually this was not a new insight, but rather an acknowledgement that it

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-74531220860116842332008-03-30T10:12:00.007-06:002008-03-30T20:13:08.395-06:00

I know that my posts on the local road rage and deaths of cyclists may not seem relevant at a glance, but from the beginning these types of events have been a major motivation for me to transition from road cycling to mountain bikecamping. As a bicycle commuter I deal with that road rage crap on almost a daily basis. It use to be rare to have a motorist get enraged at you, but now it is rare that

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-88966326284640018432008-03-29T11:24:00.007-06:002008-03-30T22:24:03.789-06:00

A big part of these shakedowns is definitely to have some fun, and I usually have about as much fun as I can stand on these mini-adventures. At the same time, getting away from civilization usually makes you appreciate certain aspects of it when you return; especially potable running water at will. Other reasons to do the shakedowns include an opportunity to train under actual conditions, and

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-51083612771074583362008-03-28T12:39:00.020-06:002008-04-01T21:26:25.007-06:00

After only two and a half days of no human contact, except for planes and jets far overhead, I was becoming somewhat feral. Nevertheless, as I regained visual contact of the Jemez Mountains to the north I turned my cell phone on and in a few minutes I had service. I called my wife to see how she was doing and to give my own report. We considered the pluses and minuses and then decided that it

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-77949918271079545162008-03-27T21:58:00.003-06:002008-03-28T21:35:47.127-06:00

I just got back from my "final" shakedown. Here are four pictures that give a glimpse of what I have been up to since Monday. My wife graciously dropped me off at the north gate of the Ignacio Chavez Grant around 4 p.m. on Monday. Commencing immediately with a 0.6 mile push up a 13 % grade with a 50+ lb. load I rode/pushed my bike and trailer about 5 miles to the Seco Tank. I know it does not

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-2956948212176120352008-03-23T09:53:00.011-06:002008-03-23T18:37:54.732-06:00

I activated my SPOT service yesterday and tried it out. I discovered that I need to carry it in a better location so that it can track me more consistently. The "OK" and "Help" functions worked great. I called my wife when I was about 20 miles out to see if she was receiving any SPOT email messages. You can also have text messages, but we do not do text messaging yet. Happily she was able to find

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-61008658324387261472008-03-22T21:47:00.002-06:002008-03-23T18:34:08.004-06:00

Tomorrow I am going to ride in this memorial ride. It is the second one in a few months, but I fully expect the frequency to increase. The amount of road rage is increasing. You don't have to be on a bike. I had a women try to hit me in a parking lot as I was getting out of my vehicle. She was starring at me the whole time and then called me an "F___'n A____w____" because I was in her way. It was

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-86942134784432200692008-03-18T18:27:00.003-06:002008-03-19T10:16:00.408-06:00

Eric Parsons of Epic Designs just emailed me these pictures of my frame bag and "Gas Tank." Some of my group members wanted to know what the heck is a "Gas Tank?" The Gas Tank is on the right. It sits on top of my top tube just behind the stem. It is a little bag for your snack "fuel", camera, etc. The seat post bag, which he calls a "Super Twinkie Seat Post Bag," is in the process of being made.

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-76532799101207246152008-03-16T21:28:00.006-06:002008-03-17T20:40:22.189-06:00

The house smells like warm applesauce tonight as the Cameo apples are still dehydrating. However, I have already uploaded pictures of the hamburg, broccoli and corn after being dehydrated. You can actually see how much volume is saved by the dehydration process. With the broccoli you can see on a postage scale how the 3 lbs of broccoli is now 5 ounces (including the gallon freezer bag)! Look in

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-14332628926729032372008-03-15T18:50:00.017-06:002008-03-28T20:58:57.495-06:00

I am continuing to consider my resupply logistics throughout the GDMBR in New Mexico, and the options are literally "few and far between." A major advantage of traveling the GDMBR southbound (sobo) is that by the time you reach New Mexico you are trained well enough to travel long distances in terms of speed and/or long days in the saddle to significantly reduce your resupply problems. By going

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-29477553407329706652008-03-13T21:49:00.004-06:002008-03-13T22:06:57.793-06:00

Chili Beer Bread is great fresh and very good dehydrated as long as you soak in some soup to rehydrate it.Well cooked and seasoned hamburger ready for dehydration.Get as much grease out as possible without washing it.Ready for the dehydratorThe real "Hamburg Helper"Tomorrow I will show you how much it shrinks when it is dehydrated.This weekend I will dehydrate some broccoli, and then some apples.

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-38155869287499256752008-03-11T12:10:00.009-06:002008-03-31T10:43:43.917-06:00

Yesterday I received the following email from my LBS:BICYCLE HATERS ON KKOB!THE OWNERS AND STAFF OF ALBUQUERQUE BICYCLE CENTER RECEIVED THIS EMAIL ABOUT KKOB RADIO. PLEASE READ THE EMAIL AND CONTACT KKOB AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THIS TYPE OF CONTENT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE BICYCLING COMMUNITY!Hi all, I'm a pretty avid bicyclist, and like most, I've confronted irate drivers who find it amusing to

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-62604247320852363762008-03-09T18:18:00.003-06:002008-03-28T21:00:18.384-06:00

If you want a real treat, then surf over to Jill Homer’s blog and read the story of her preparation for and participation in this year’s Iditarod Invitational. She rode, pushed, and carried her bike 350 miles through the Alaska Interior. She completed the rugged and treacherous course in six days, two hours, and twenty minutes. Bravo Jill!I regularly surf the Internet for blogs and web sites on

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-17347118547614975562008-03-08T09:40:00.020-07:002008-03-31T10:48:54.932-06:00

I was surfing the Internet a couple of months ago reading the blogs of some Great Divide Race (GDR) participants to see how they interpreted the race last year. Dave Nice is a fellow who has attempted to complete the race twice on a fixie. The first year he was fortunate enough to have his bike stolen fairly early in the race while he slept beside a Forest Service road in Montana. I say “

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5095172689063065103.post-56532397251768872382008-03-05T21:46:00.002-07:002008-03-13T22:08:05.110-06:00

In my last post I blogged about the deleterious effects of eccentric muscle contractions over a prolonged period of time such as during endurance events. Of course, you can train to tolerate eccentric contractions, and that is exactly what body builders and other athletes strive to do. In this post I am going to consider another cause of muscle tissue damage.For those readers who have only looked

BikerBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085684938294494722noreply@blogger.com0