Thursday, January 19, 2012

New Camera

I bought a new video camera. I'm going to, you know, make videos and whatnot. I guess.

It's my first feature film, but it's pretty awesome. I really think I have a future in film making.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Evolution

Much like the 29er movement from a few years ago, the fat bike is gaining momentum in the market. The question is: Will it ever be more than a niche product?

In 2004 I bought a Karate Monkey. At that time, not many people knew what a 29er was. To me it just made sense, so I took the plunge and ordered one online without ever seeing a 29er in person. Eight years later 29ers are everywhere, because apparently they really did make sense.

I'm a little late arriving to the fat bike party. The "snow people" have been riding them for a while now, but here in California they are still a novelty. I think once people realize this isn't just a bike for nutjobs in Minnesota and Alaska, the platform will take off.

I have been watching what On One is doing with their fat bike with great interest. I am a big fan of On One anyway, and I think they are bringing a different perspective to the table. This bike isn't being designed for the typical snow or sand riding. They are aiming at something with fat tires that handles like . . . a mountain bike.


I like the Surly just fine. The Pugsley is a monster truck—stable and predictable—that crushes everything in its path. But so far it's kind of tall and short for my liking. Not bad for what it's designed for, but I am still a racer at heart. I can't help but wonder about a bike that's a little bit more like an off-road racer: longer, lower, steeper and quicker.

That said, I have yet to dip the Pugs' tires in snow, where I hear the benefits of slower steering will become more apparent. Hopefully it will eventually snow in the Sierras.

At any rate, it's going to be fun watching this species evolve.

Later.

Monday, January 02, 2012

Fat Tour

I got out for a little tour of Incline Village today. Nothing too difficult, though, since I was a bit sore from the previous day's efforts. A couple hours of basketball at the recreation center in the morning and a 2.5-hour hike in the afternoon had really taxed some normally unused muscles. Ah, the plight of the aging cyclist.

I was surprised to see the beaches open, with nobody manning the gates. In my experience Incline Village doesn't miss many opportunities to generate income. Normally there wouldn't be any money to be had because the beaches should be covered in six feet of snow, but there were actually a lot of people out there enjoying a balmy January day on the sand.

I rode along the water for a while, but the unusual consistency of the sand made it tough. I had managed to stay on top of all the sand I had tried riding prior to today, but this stuff was different—course and seemingly light in weight. Even riding in the "sweet spot" at the water line didn't work. In fact, it became even softer, like quicksand. It was the first time the Pugs failed at something, so I was bummed out.



I moved on to some local trails nestled in the middle of town. Once I started exploring this summer, I found little gems hidden here and there. With a little effort you can link some things together and have a nice little ride.

I took a few timer pics. This one I immediately tossed aside because of the weird exposure and graininess. Then the more I looked at it, the more I liked it.


It wasn't the most exciting ride ever, but the Pugs is still new enough that I get a kick out of riding it.

Later.