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Fat Tire Tour of Milwaukee 2011 Recap

FTTM XXVII went off on Saturday, June 18th with great weather, about 400 cyclists, several stops, music, barrel bashing, wheelies, wrestling and some quantity of beer consumed. Already can’t wait ’till next year.

Probably best to just look at the pictures!

Greg’s Flickr Set – http://www.flickr.com/photos/gasmith/sets/72157626996602306/

If you’ve got a photoset, shoot me a URL and I’ll post it.

Here is the route I rode – http://connect.garmin.com/activity/93409817

BTW, don’t forget about the Steel is Real ride in September. More info coming on that one.

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Dirt Burger

Back from Dirt Burger in Decorah. A memorable weekend to be sure but I don’t remember all of it. I do remember the part where I gave the left ankle a twist while playing Disc Golf with Gunner at Luther. I remember the band and rain the night before. Both were fine by me. Pretty sure there was Bocce Ball playing at some point. Ward won a frame. I didn’t see the teeter-totters burning in the fire pit but I know when it happened by the hooting’ and a hollering’  There is video somewhere. Seems O’Gara’s team are the Intergalactic Bucketball Champs. Oh, yeah and rode the bikes some. More later as it comes back to me. Don’t miss the next one if you know what’s good for you.

Some pix here.

Surly Trailer video here.

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FTTM XXVII – Route Info

From the eventmaster himself com these updates on the rout and the day’s festivities:

People ask if they need a fat tire bike for FTTM.  Lots of people do the ride on skinny-tire bikes. The real off-road riding is on optional route loops. The main route is on streets or bike trails. You do have to be careful with skinny tires though because of pavement cracks, potholes and cobblestones, like just after the start at Best Place on Juneau (those cobble layers need a lesson). Don’t just follow someone on a fat-tire bike because they just roll over them. Keep a look out for yourself.

The on-road route will be 20 miles total and we’ll stop at Sobelman’s (2 miles, Pee Wee Tequila Dance Contest), Benno’s (7 1/2 miles, Beer Barrel Bump), Leff’s Lucky Town (11 miles, special ladies showing of giant urinal), Valley Inn (14 miles, gateway to Art Trail), Lakefront Brewery (18 miles, beer barrels flow at 2:30), and Wolski’s Tavern (19 miles).

Off-road options include following the Hank Aaron Trail west of 76th Street where after 94th it is just the old RR grade with the ties taken up (except the last couple hundred yards), down onto the Oak Leaf Trail and into Tosa. This adds six miles to the distance. The Hart Park Metro Mountain Bike trails are fun single-track. The Art Trail is awesome and real close to the Valley Inn. You’ll need someone to show you how to find it. It adds another mile to the ride.

Plenty of food options!

Your lunch options include Sobelman’s (Milwaukee’s best burgers), Benno’s (fun menu + there’s a Mexican place I can’t remember the name of real close), Leff’s Lucky Town (great sandwich menu and Hartfest with food vendors is across the street) and Valley Inn (great pizza). And of course there’s the grilling that will be happening at the finish at Best Place.

Music

The Squeezettes and the Beanstalks will be musicing up the various joints along the way and I assume Eric will have the rolling radio station on the ride so bring your ancient FM radio to tune in.

Plus, Gambrinus, the King of Beer, has returned to the garden of the old Pabst Brewery, now Best Place, where we will start & finish this year’s FTTM. Have you picture taken with him!

Will there be bike bowling?

Will “Spokesmodel” Dave lap up beer like a dog?

Find out on Saturday, June 18th 2011 beginning at Best Place. Day-of registration begins at 8:30AM and Roll out is at 10AM. Plan on being out ALL DAY you pansies!

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Biking the Hoan Bridge

With the Ride for the Arts just past and the fact that, during that ride, thousands of people experienced riding the Hoan legally, I figured it was a good time to remind you all to please sign the petition:

https://bayviewbash.wufoo.com/forms/s7x3w7/

to let our elected officials know you support permanent bicycle and pedestrian access over the Hoan Bridge.
Wouldn’t hurt to shoot your elected city, county and state representatives an email or paper letter letting them know how important this is to the city for future transportation needs, quality of life issues and safe passage between Bayview and the Southside and Downtown and points north!

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Dirty Kanza Results

Congratulations to our good buddy, and Schlick Cycles Dealer, Steven Goetzelman from Iowa City, IA and co-owner of 30th Century Bicycles for his 11th place overall in 2011 version of the 200 Mile Dirty Kanza gravel race in Kansas. Even better he was 2nd in the singlespeed class and one of 65 finishers out of 300 starters.

In his own words!

Brief Dirty Kanza report: 205 miles, 212 for the day including ride to and from start. 30 miles with the leaders. 1 looong stop looking at the map and scratching the head. 2 flats. 1 wrath of dog storm. 0 dabs. 1 effin’ gear. 15 hours 7 mins, 15 mph avg on the bike. 2 chafed butt cheeks!

Sweet, Steve!

Full results here:

http://www.dirtykanza200.com/new-dirt/dirty-kanza-200-results/

http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2011/jun/06/official-results-2011-dirty-kanza-200/

Steve’s full story on Bike Iowa here:

http://bikeiowa.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/the-official-2011-dirty-kanza-200-official-race-report/

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Alex’s Rule 12

From our buddy Alex. Not sure what the other 11 are but if they are gems like this one we’ll have to find out!

The minimum number of bikes one should own is three. The correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner.