Hot Dogs and Gravel Slogs

Really need to get better about getting these blogs out there into the interwebs quicker, so this one will be a dual write up. Thursday we had our end of the season appreciation picnic for all the riders who came out and rode with us over the summer. Food was good, beer was cold and the company was fantastic. This is our third year doing these at the end of the summer season and they're one of my favorite events, huge heat felt thanks to everyone who came out this summer even if you couldn't make it to the picnic we still appreciated you riding with us.


While the summer rides might be over for the season the Saturday morning fat bike ride (SMNDFBR) is actually about to hit it's stride as the weather turns colder and gets a bit more on the nasty side. While we are about 50/50 during the summer on fat bikes to non fat bikes that moves more toward the pudgy side once the cold and snow start descending on us.




Wasn't too sure what we were going to do for this ride, the initial plan had been to head out to Hickman and 9 South Chargrill but that was on Wednesday when the forecast called for dry conditions. Fast forward to Saturday and we were standing around in the shop at quarter to 9 and it was raining off and on, some of it pretty good but Mother Nature is a fat bike lover so she cleared off right around 9:10.




While the rains might have stopped, it was still wet and really chilly but after talking it over we decided to stick to the original plan weather be damned, so off to the soggy gravel we rode. I love the ladies and guys that we get for this ride, real troopers who rarely complain about the weather and just show up rain, snow or shine prepared to tackle whatever is thrown our way.



The gravel was soft and wet which gave the advantage to the fatter tires, for once we had to slow up and wait on the skinnier tires. Luckily the councilman made an executive decision and deemed it necessary to pull out the ditch beer and call the meeting to order. On Fleek, was the name of this particular brew and if you're a fan of the dark, heavy stouts and porters this one is... well, on fleek as the name implies.


We couldn't dilly dally too long though, Todd was getting so hungry he started gnawing on his Ziploc and plastics nothing anyone should be forced to eat.





For a brief bit the clouds parted and we rode though Roca and onto Hickman under blue skies and sunshine thinking maybe things were looking up weather wise.


9 South, although not located on South 9th Street in Hickman, is always good and the Hickman location is maybe a touch above the original as far as atmosphere goes. Once done we were greeted outside to wind, cold weather and overcast skies once again, it looked like our sunshine was short lived.



The wind did help dry things out considerably during the hour we were in Hickman which helped us to quicken the pace on the way back to help stay warm while riding into the brisk headwind.



Once back on this side of Saltillo Road we regrouped at the shelter and took a quick potty break, this spot is so much nicer since they built the shelter and put a port-o-potty out there. Poor pugs is going to need a bath for sure, she was looking all shiny and pretty for the most part up until this ride but I suppose all that dirt does add a little character.




Back in Lincoln we high tailed it down to the visitor center and picked up our 2017 Lincoln Beer Tour booklets and then rode over to White Elm for a free beer, followed by Code Beer for a half priced pint, they actually give you two half priced pint so you still get a free beer just in two halves. Although we didn't watch the game, you can generally tell when the Huskers didn't do so well and this was one of those times, while not exactly glum you could tell folks weren't overjoyed either. We will get there again one day, you just gotta have faith and a little patients until we can hit our stride again.


Once refreshed it was a short jaunt down N Street and back to the shop and the end of another great SMNDFBR. Thanks to all who made it out and for putting up with the weather, hopefully next weekend we will get a little more sun.

See Y'all Next Season

Once upon a time some old dude said "What is joy without sorrow?" he also went on to write a few books as well with titles like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Prince and the Pauper, so I guess he liked to use words a lot. While I've never written a book I can relate to the quote, last night was the end of the season BBQ and it's always a bit of a melancholy time. On the one hand its great to see everyone one last time for the year but it also means that the rides are over and the summer is soon to follow.


Probably explains the beer and water, beer for easing the sorrow and water to re-hydrate what the tears wring out.


As is always the case with the rides, we also had another great turn out for the BBQ. Some of the greatest people there are to ride with in all of Lincoln are in this picture, if you don't believe me then come on out next year and judge for yourself. Not much more for story, just some pictures from the BBQ. We cannot say it enough how much we truly appreciate everyone who takes the time out of their busy lives to come out and ride with us. Much love!






Of course there had to be ice cream!




Exchanging those digits to keep on riding as long as possible... speaking of which, while the Thursday rights might have ended the Saturday Fat Bike rides will continue throughout the winter. If you haven't been bitten by the Fat Bike bug yet, stop using the good repellent and find out just how much fun they really are. Surly Demo Day is September 28th at the Pioneers Blvd trailhead in Wilderness Park from 2-7 pm, come try them before you buy them and then join us on Saturdays and find out how much stronger you are in spring after riding all winter.

Group Ride BBQ

Thursday night we grilled up some burgers and hot dogs to show our appreciation to all those who have come out this season and help make our group rides the great time that they are.




Booked it to Cycle Works after work to help Rick setup and get things ready for the BBQ, it ended up being a beautiful day to be outside with friends, grilling meats and drinking beers.


Todd was the first to show up so we put him to work helping out, another reason to show up fashionably late to an event but the help was appreciated.










It wasn't long before Todd was not alone and our group ride crew stared pouring in and they looked hungry.


That meant it was time for Rick to work his grill magic.



The finished product was fantastic, if the bike shop thing doesn't work out for Rick, he might have a future in the food truck industry.


I mentioned to Jamie that there were a couple of pair of Bontrager RXL mountain bike shoes that might fit her that were an amazing 50% off and that she should check them out... and she come out with a bike.


Not just one bike either, she wasn't sold on the Fargo so tried her luck with the Ice Cream Truck... ended the night without any new shoes but got something that will be a lot more fun for her than boring ole shoes. Not sure who the sales person what that she talked to when she went in but I like their up sale moxy!


As Jamie rode around in circles, I saw her husband, Mark, and he had a look on his face that I am very familiar with but had never seen on another human being besides my fiance's... it's that look of reluctant acceptance that the bike rack just got a little more crowded and the bank account just got a little less crowded. Sorry Mark, there is no denying N + 1 once cycling gets in your blood.


Had a really good turn out for the BBQ, might just have to try to make these an end of the season regular occurrence.



Decided to sit down and share a coke with a bro and eat some frosted circus cookies... if you're going to bring circus cookies to a BBQ on a warm day, eat them early or else you end up with a big clump of cookies in the bag. On my OSHA mandated rest break I turned my camera over to MG's daughter, she was a lovely assistance and is a natural with the lens. Any time you can get people to drop their guard and act silly you're accomplishing something special, the pictures that follow are an example of her work... remember where you saw her photography first when she hits it big.









An immense thank you to everyone who made it out for the BBQ and to all those who made it to any of our rides this year but couldn't make the BBQ, you guys and gals are awesome and make these rides worth doing. The road rides and the dirt rides have been retired for the season but keep an eye out for the return of the Saturday Morning No Drop Fat Bike Rides once we get a little deeper into fall and the cooler weather.