Silent Sports Chicago

Tour of Wisconsin 2011

2011-08-27T16:33:00.000-05:00

post in the works

Bird Attack!!

2011-06-08T21:54:00.000-05:00

Attack twice by birds tonight. Twice!!
I was out for a ride along the fox river after dinner tonight. It was real hot and humid so no one is out, heading to by LBS (local bike shop) to pick up the recumbent and drop off the LHT for some brake work before the tour.
And out of nowhere, in a tight twisty section of the trail where what I felt was like a hand grabbing my head. I knew it was a bird but WTH. And of all things I had forgotten my helmet so it was in my hair. Just Creepy!
So on the way back, on the recumbent, I made the decision to pedal as fast as possible thru that section.... just in case. Dive bombed again!! and I saw it out the corner of my eye this time. A Blackbird attacking the back of my head!! Just plain creepy to have that thing in your hair.

Yet another reason to always have a helmet on.

The Tour of Wisconsin is coming...soon!

2011-05-19T18:56:00.000-05:00

Less than a month away from the big week long Tour of Wisconsin. From Freeport up to Monroe west thru Darlington and Mineral Point, North to Dodgeville to Blue Mound State Park, thru Madison to New Glarus and back to Freeport. The route looks like a big lollipop but its not for suckers. Its going to be hilly and a epic adventure.
Final bits of gear to be purchased and training to amp up.
Can't wait!!

UltraLight Baitcaster Set-Up

2011-05-11T00:10:00.004-05:00

IMG_1288, a photo by cklineUHC on Flickr.

This is a great set-up for bobber fishing, off a boat or pier. No way you can cast a lure though, which is a huge downer but at an $8 price point it is a cool option for a certain type of fishing. I have it strung with 2# mono at 100meters which is a shocking amount of line for this reel. Next thing to change it that I am going to increase test line to 4 or 6 and much less. Perfect for my trout -slip bobber set-up.

Utlra light maybe not ultra right (yet)

2011-04-09T23:01:00.001-05:00

photo, a photo by cklineUHC on Flickr.

First time out on the water with the new ultralight fly rod set-up. I had a old 5wt line at home so I strung the reel with that. There are a few things wrong. The rod line guides are very small and a knot to connect the fly line to the backing can even go thru the largest guides. And the other thing is also a big deal, you can't get more then 15ft of fly line on the reel. So I must drop the line wt to a 1 or zero if I can find it.
The rod is a little difficult to cast but after a while I found that a roll cast and then a cast like I was casting into the wind work, but only up to 15 ft.

New Ultralight Fly-Fishing set-up

2011-03-27T15:18:00.000-05:00

Here is my new ultra light weight fly fishing set-up. The reel and rod were $18 !!

Total weight of the kit including reel, rod that opens to 36", nippers, and flys is less then 7 oz. This is the new ultimate bike touring set-up.

9:ZERO:7

2011-01-18T14:43:00.001-06:00

9:ZERO:7
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

9:ZERO:7 Fat Tire

2011-01-16T16:10:00.001-06:00

9:ZERO:7 Fat Tire
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

First Ride out with the 9:ZERO:7 !!!

Snow Bike is Done!!!!!

2011-01-14T09:35:00.001-06:00

The 9:ZERO:7 is ready and going to be picked up today!!!!!!!

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snow bike

2011-01-02T09:33:00.001-06:00

Snow bike
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

9:ZERO:7 is the stand getting all ready to be finished

Aurora-Batavia Prairie Path Triangle

2010-10-10T22:24:00.001-05:00

New Blog - Snow Biker Chicago

2010-10-10T22:07:00.000-05:00

Just started a new blog Snow Biker Chicago - SBC
This one is to document the build on my latest bike a Chain Reaction Cycles - 9:ZERO:7 snow bike
from the ground up, every piece needs to be hand picked and researched.

coyotes at dusk in fermilab

2010-07-31T20:46:00.003-05:00

Quick ride at sunset in Fermilab. I was heading home when I heard what sounded like a puppy mill going crazy, pulled over and heard LOTS of coyotes playing around or maybe just eating something, because on the way out of Fermilab a police man pulled me over to ask if I had seen any small dogs running around. Some were missing in the neighborhood and the owners were upset.

"Maybe a dingo ate your poodle"

Hot Weekend tour

2010-06-24T20:17:00.004-05:00

Heading back to the Hennepin Canal Trail this weekend for about a 100 mile ride with one night of camping. The Moots is coming along and its uncharted territory for him so is should be very good. Its going to be super hot though, heat index into the 100F+ range and a chance of thunderstorms. Its the same route from our 4 day tour and it was my favorite stretch of trail. Chances of seeing anyone on the trail have to be low in this kind of weather stiuation, a relaxing ride to the Geneseco Campground, which I think is just awesome. The cleanest showers at any campground I have ever been to, it should be a great end to a very hot, long ride. Cant wait!
I will update everyone on this ride and I know, still owe everyone the Tour Across Illinois ride posting. Soon-scouts honor!
Ride On!
UHC

LHT loaded for touring

2010-06-17T19:11:00.002-05:00

LHT loaded for touring
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

Tour Across Illinois 4-Day 300mile adventure

2010-05-30T09:34:00.001-05:00

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/trans-illinois

Hey Everyone - Follow us on our tour across Illinois. Morris to the Mississippi and back.

Test Ride with the Albatross Bars

2010-04-29T18:50:00.003-05:00

First test ride with the handlebar set-up went better then expected. Fermilab and boy was it windy. First impressions - you are more upright and exposed to the wind and elements without the drop bars, but the ride is delightfully fast and more comfortable then with my Nitto randonneuring bar. It has a weird "dancing on the pedals" feel and the trucker feels like a champ in this arrangement. It would be one bad ass commuter bike.

Down side: is that you really can only get 2 or so hand grip positions. I did start to feel a little twitchy in my hands after an hour or so. I like the front "naked" bar spot for stretching and a little bit of an aero position for this set-up. Thinking that moustache bars would also be really nice on the LHT.

Good Things: I love the new cork grips!! After 4 coats of amber shellac they feel great and look super sweet. Another huge plus with installing the grips and bar-end shifters was I needed to use the "Dremel tool...yea!!!"
Jagwire Cable -B+ With the new set-up I needed to re-cable and replace the housings. The rear derailleurs cable now needs to be a tandem cable! Which is no biggie because of my Rans Stratus XP recumbent. But down side is that tandem cables cost more and are harder to find. Approx $12 each!! The jagwire sets are great, more then enough cable, great color/texture options and good smallwares. Little pricy but worth it. The color chosen for the LHT was "Titanium" and they are tough looking.

Really looking forward to my first test ride with Jack and the Burly trailer. Test Ride number 1 " ...great success..."

Ride On!

old school set-up

2010-04-24T22:00:00.001-05:00

old school set-up
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

LHT new handlebar set-up

2010-04-24T21:58:00.001-05:00

LHT new handlebar set-up
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

LHT rando set-up

2010-03-15T09:06:00.001-05:00

LHT rando set-up
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

Doesn't this go any faster?

2010-03-15T08:42:00.003-05:00

Doesn't this go any faster?
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

Jack's new Livestrong Helmet

2010-03-15T08:42:00.001-05:00

Jack's new Livestrong Helmet
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

Jack is getting ready for the summer riding season with his new-used Burley trailer and Giro Livestrong Helmet

Brooks Flyer Special Saddle for the LHT

2010-03-07T12:34:00.006-06:00

Finally broke down and purchased a new saddle to replace the stock one. After so many years off a diamond frame I was not sure how my butt would handle a new saddle. And based on some information from friends and the Internet and well basically looking at a million picture on Flickr, I went with a Brook Flyer Special.
When it really comes to saddles its hard not to be sitting on a Brooks. But one of that main challenges is the long and painful break in period.
Brooks are a fabulous company that has nothing but awesome products in their line up. For touring and pulling around JAK in the burley I went with a sprung saddle. Hoping if afforded be some extra chushing. Although I am a bigger dude, i have a tiny boney ass. The Flyer Special is based on Brooks workhorse B-17 but with 2 heavy duty springs and hand hammered copper rivets. The quick specs are a saddle width of 170mm and length of 280mm and topping the scales at 870g (1.9#).

The Purchasing Story (My LBS is 25 miles away)
So after weeks of searching and reviewing saddles online, I get down to business and pull the credit card out and search with intent to purchase. Cheapest one out on the market is in the UK and with shipping its still cheaper then getting it anywhere local or in the US. So, on the way home from business trip I stop in North Central Cyclery in DeKalb. Great shop, bought my Trucker there, love the joint. Talk to Toby at the desk, they didn't have one out in their Brooks section, so he offers to get one in, I then tell him that I was still just researching and "found one real cheap online", he's like "well i don't normally match online pricing, but tell me what it is?" I tell him my crazy story about the UK bike shop etc and he was so shocked and thinks its such a great deal he felt he had to match the Price (LOWER then $125). He pulled the shoppe's website up on the Internet and Bing. New saddle baby!!
$40 less then REI and most other places.

While waiting for the new piece gear to arrive, I spoke to some friends and read a few reviews and stories on the best way to break it in. I currently am going with a heating with a very hot hair dryer, combo'd with Brooks Proofide. I have heard stories that it could take months to break in the saddle and after my first ride I hope my extra love with "heat & massage" shortens that time.
Just like in life...rub something long enough, something hard will become soft!!

More updates on the break in process to come

"Get on your bikes and ride"

New Blog - "The Road to Rando" is up and running!!

2009-12-18T15:22:00.005-06:00

My new blog is up and running. Its called The Road to Rando. Based on my new obsession Randonneuring.
Randonneuring: Randonneuring is long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. When riders participate in randonneuring events, they are part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring.

I don't have any super human goals in mind like becoming a
Super Randonneur (rahn doe ner) - A special medal awarded to those randonneurs who successfully complete a challenging series of brevets (200, 300, 400, and 600-kilometers) in a year. A hard-earned honor unto itself and worthy of being any randonneur's goal for the cycling season, the Super Randonneur series of brevets is usually needed to enter a 1200-kilometer event.
or doing the Paris/Brest/Paris (P/B/P)
First run in 1891, the 1200-kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris, or "PBP" as it is commonly called, is a grueling test of human endurance and cycling ability. Organized every four years by the host Audax Club Parisien, the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneurs is the oldest bicycling event still run on a regular basis on the open road. Beginning on the southern side of the French capital, it travels west 600 kilometers to the port city of Brest on the Atlantic Ocean and returns along the same route. Today's randonneur cyclists, while no longer riding the primitive machines used a hundred years ago over dirt roads or cobblestones, still have to face up to rough weather, endless hills, and pedaling around the clock. A 90-hour time limit ensures that only the hardiest randonneurs earn the prestigious PBP finisher's medal and have their name entered into the event's "Great Book" along with every other finisher going back to the very first PBP. To become a PBP ancien (or ancienne for the ladies) is to join a very elite group of cyclists who have successfully endured this mighty challenge. No longer a contest for professional racing cyclists (whose entry is now forbidden), PBP evolved into a timed randonnée or brevet for hard-riding amateurs during the middle part of the 20th century. The event is held in August every four years.
but I would like to do some long distance touring in the mid-west. I love the fact I can leave my house and be on the road to almost anywhere!

Stay Tuned for More Madness!!

I & M Canal Trail - Morris to Marseilles

2009-11-23T10:28:00.006-06:00

Chances are this was the last good weekend of Fall and it was not wasted. My first trip to the I&M Canal was fantastic! Started my adventure in the small town of Morris at the Gebhard Woods access.

At the park, I did notice more then a few pick-ups with a deer in the back, it was the start to shotgun season and all the bikers were dressed in bright yellow or orange, but not me, good lesson learned. Note to self - no fur riding coats...ever! This or more to the point, the shotguns were the only negative to the whole trip, the sound of wind and leaves crunching was suddenly jarred by the explosion of a few shotgun rounds at a poor, tasty deer.
I started my adventure heading West to Marseilles, about 15 miles, give or take a few. It being fall and me being me, I was starting out a little later in the day then planned and the sun was going down early so 30+ miles was perfect for the given time allotted. Viva Marseilles, it must be just like in France.

I can not say enough about the upkeep of the trail. Its Perfect! I did not see a single pop can or piece of trash ANYWHERE! It was lovely. And since it was sightly on the cooler side, I only came arcoss 3 bikers all day. With 2 of them being at the very beginning of the trail. so the trail was empty, with the leaves all down and shot guns in the background, it can't get much better then that.
The trail from Morris to Marseilles is almost 95% trail, there were small section of roads and a few street crossing, but nothing major. You do have to ride a few back country roads near towns, so some farm traffic is around, so heads up.

Seneca is a cute little town on the trail, claiming one of the best burger around I will have to stop another time to check this out. What I do remember of Seneca is that there are places to eat, bank and a few gas stations.
Marseilles has a nice little downtown strip with plenty of food and drink options, also a BK and a few gas stations.

The LHT on the trial. This was the truckers first major event and it passed with flying colors. The bike handles like a dream. Although, the ass end of it was heavy especially over the crushed limestone trail. The Surly Nice Rack is totally bomb-proof and is killer but also weighs a ton, well actually over 1000grams. That the bag, tools, pump and spare tubes backs the Trucker almost too heavy. Even though I was at a nice pace and wasnt carrying full packs I might be making some adjustment to help the overall feel of the ride.

First impressions of upgrades; new tires - the stock ties on the LHT are 37mm conties, and while they are solid and good tires I am thinking about going to a thinner tire with very little tread. Packs - need to lose the rear rack and get either a pack for up front or a rack and bag combo.

Salt Creek Trail

2009-11-23T10:13:00.002-06:00

Just a few pictures from a great ride on the Salt Creek Trail near Brookfield zoo.

Fermi and the Trucker

2009-11-07T21:13:00.003-06:00

Latest LHT Upgrades

2009-10-11T14:51:00.003-05:00

So I have made a few upgrades to the trucker as of late. First, I have added a Nitto Grand Randonneur bar. So far so good, I just returned from the trial ride and things were nice. I am surprised on how comfortable the drops are. What the Rando bar give you is a slight flare to the bars and some shortening of the top bar also. With me having larger shoulders then most bike riders I liked the standard bars for additional room on the to bar but also disliked the fact that the section I liked on the top I hated in the drops. The Rando fully corrects that forearm touch point. The other thing I have noticed is that I like my hoods is line with the bar and perpendicular to the ground and not lined up with the slight flare.
This was also the first time I wrapped a set of bars in over 15 years....hell yea OCD!!
I have also added a German mirror and so far love it, I will have a posting on the mirror soon.

Surly Long Haul Trucker Upgrades

2009-09-26T12:45:00.004-05:00

The first few upgrades have been added to the LHT.
The Surly "Nice Rack" is awesome!! Feels like you could carry ANYTHING on this thing.

Here are the specs:
Pannier support area: 616 cm² (95 in²) per side
Rack width: 160mm (6.3 in.) outside to outside
Weight: 1110 g (2.45 lb.) with all hardware and bolts - SUPER HEAVY!!!!
Height: Adjustable to accomodate 26”, 700c and 29” wheels
Tubing diameter: 10mm
Tubing: 100% 4130 cro-moly tubing, three thicknesses throughout rack
Hardware: all stainless steel bolts, washers, tubing pieces and castings
Load weight limit: 36 kg (80 lbs)
Surface finish: phosphate coated inside and out, powdercoated exterior

I haven't taken it on a long journey yet but I know the rack, bag, gear, tubes and pump add at least 5 pounds to the bike. The LHT is so pimp that you feel the weight, some road drag, but the bike handles exactly the same as if it was in skeleton mode. Amazing design.
I also added PowerGrips to the pedals. I hate my current pedals but they are getting the job done. The PowerGrips are a nice option, but it does add weight in all the hardware that is required to join it to the pedal. I would rather just be in my SpeedPlay Frogs but with my feet in horrible condition and my Sidi;s broken, current options are limited to whats in the bike bin in the garage.

little jack

2009-09-13T19:37:00.001-05:00

IMG_7136
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

Surly Long Haul Trucker

2009-09-04T20:39:00.002-05:00

New Hayes Brakes

2009-09-04T14:43:00.005-05:00

Although I have had these on for all summer I was waiting for a while until I wrote about them, in an attempt to be fair. The reason being is at first I hated them. And for many reasons; I had issues with the install (which a shop I used to work at added them) them felt like crap and the rotor was rubbing if you didn't keep a straight line. After a few months and many rides later, i am happy to report they have broken in and are running really well. I do have a few concerns like there is no micro adjust or any way to fine tune these on the fly but that and the slight increased weight are the only draw backs. The carbon fiber handle and chrome make them look just tits!!

Bliss Woods Ride

2009-09-04T14:34:00.002-05:00

Its already late in the season and I really needed a little adventure. With the Batavia Spur of the Prairie Path a wreck with construction of the new off ramps, there were not many options for a medium range uncharted territories ride.

Heading South along the Fox River sits a little gem of a ride. The Virgil Gilman Trail cut thru Aurora, along the Blackberry Creek to Sugar Grove. There is beautiful valley right before Bliss Woods that reminded me of Vermont or Rhode Island.

Butterfly House

2009-08-01T11:29:00.003-05:00

There is a nature center on a ride from my folks house out in Geneva. The pond area and grounds are cool but the gravy is at the ButterFly House. Here are a few highlights from inside.

Sweet Little River Section

2009-07-20T07:47:00.003-05:00

The perfect day for fishing. Storm clouds in the background and in the mid to upper 70's, a light breeze to keep the bugs away also was nice. This is the second time Chuck and I have fished this area, but I did some recumbent recon the week before based on a Google earth viewing of the river, and found that there was an even better spot than our previous visit.
We normally drop on on the lower left of the pictures, its an easy crossing that most people don't make to fish the islands, cuts and eddies. But based on the satellite viewing we might be even better with an approach from the North.

The river is at a good level for wade fishing, still fast but shallow enough for full access to all spots on the river.
Within the first 5 casts Charlie already had a Smallmouth on the line. Smaller in size but very well fed and fat!!
White beetle spin with the large lead colored head, silver blade. Go figure!
I hooked up in a tight pool with 2 downed trees on each side. Two nice jumps and he spit the hook. (Caught a rock, yes a rock earlier which dulled the hook point) About the same size as Charlies first and I had on a 2-tail black beetle spin with a silver oval blade. Am thinking that willow blades with gold hammering might be good, also plastic worms with a cone lead head. Next time.
zero hits on fly, threw a popper - flog pattern with rubber pan legs. Good river coverage with the 9wt rod and larger flies.

Sarah's First Ride Back!

2009-07-03T11:55:00.003-05:00

Had Sarah on the Fox River Bike Path today for the first time in almost a year!!!
From Batavia to Geneva and back. Great ride, overcast sky and in the high 70s-perfect day.
Its July 3rd so the path had super heavy traffic but it was surprisingly a fast ride. GO SK!!

Too much of a good thing

2009-05-09T10:47:00.002-05:00

So. .yesterday, its was a beautiful day here in Chicago - almost 80 degrees and sunny. The first awesome spring day for a ride. The Moots and Stratus have good intentions to go for a medium distance ride, which turned into a very very long 38 miler. Both of us had almost nothing to eat the whole day before the ride, which translated to at mile 18 both of my legs and body was cashed in. With 20 more miles to ride and very little fuel it netted out to be one brutal ride. And my longest one of the season so far. It goes to show that some times the best intentions, weather, riding partner can turn into a brutal-brutal ride.
As Phil Ligget would say "we put money in the bank for a future ride", I just hope to cash in on this pain at a later date. More than half of ride ride with cramped quads and not enough fuel, energy, or liquid. Lesson learned.

Fox River Trail Ride - Batavia to Aurora w/ Steve & Jr

2009-04-30T15:16:00.002-05:00

Everyone needs a second job now.

2009-02-15T08:04:00.001-06:00

IMG_2723
Originally uploaded by Fanboy30

See even Spiderman needed to get a second job to make ends meet.

My 1st bike @ 8 months old

2008-12-21T15:32:00.001-06:00

IMG_0066
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

baby pastry chef

2008-12-21T15:30:00.001-06:00

ck baby sous chef
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

Daisy May

2008-10-18T12:18:00.002-05:00

Daisy May
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

my poor daisy girl after TPLO surgery

Rans Recumbent Downhill - FAST!! (one handed)

2008-09-26T08:22:00.001-05:00

Rans Recumbent Downhill - FAST!! (one handed)
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

This is one of the larger hills along the Illinois Prairie Path. The Rans Stratus XP is so stable at speed that i really did not think about filming doing this downhill. So, I held the camera in one hand so I could control road noise, had to pass one person almost at top speed, and the bridge crossing are nutz, the bike will fade back and forth along the wooden planks. If i don't have to hit the brakes until the bridge, you can easily hit 35MPH!!

tomato jelly

2008-09-07T17:28:00.002-05:00

IMG_5355
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

AMAZING Tomato salad

2008-08-14T20:57:00.001-05:00

DSCN0370
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

5 different tomatoes fresh from the garden
green zebra, yellow pear, black-cherry, apero, striped german
joined by a sexy balsamic syrup, oaxacan sea salt, basil, and fresh mozzarella from the green farmers market in geneva

Sunset at 36,000ft

2008-08-14T14:58:00.001-05:00

DSCN0344
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

New Pedals

2008-08-08T17:57:00.003-05:00

Love them.
alittle heavy and not super grippy but they look tough as hell

paul from egostatic

2008-08-01T16:26:00.001-05:00

paul from egostatic
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

fido in the market

2008-08-01T16:24:00.001-05:00

fido in the market
Originally uploaded by cklineuhc

First Garden Harvest

2008-07-02T09:20:00.003-05:00

First things out of the new garden were this tasty D'Avignon Radishs from the Southern part of France.
Mmmm...

Hot Doug's

2008-06-25T20:37:00.003-05:00

Hot Doug's Sausage Superstore

Heaven!! in Chicago......

Pheasant Sausage with a black truffle Mustard and sliced Foie Gras and sea salt

Duck Sausage with a Fig and Brandy sauce with cheese stuffed peppadew peppers

Karma

2008-06-23T18:18:00.001-05:00

Have you ever received one of those phone calls that makes your day or even week? Well, I just received one that made my month!
My old jackass boss was demoted to my old job!
Hate to say it but "I told you so!".

Wildlife Hazards

2008-06-12T16:23:00.003-05:00

There have been so many cool wildlife sightings for me lately.
Snapping turtles, birds of prey, herons, but in my last two rides I have come across 2 super cool animals.
A Western Fox snake and a Smooth Softshell turtle.

New Grips

2008-06-12T16:16:00.002-05:00

Added new grips to the Stratus.
Ergon's - LOVE THEM!!
Numb hands are a thing of the past.
They do take a ride or three to get used to, but after the adjustment period for the grips and then correcting the angle, they are butter.
Why ride on anything else?

Touring Test Ride-Prairie Path(B/E/W/B)

2008-05-24T17:20:00.003-05:00

First fully loaded test ride of the season. Steve on the Moots and me on the Stratus. The ride was from Batavia to Elgin on the Fox River Trail, from Elgin to Wheaton, Wheaton back to Batavia on the Prairie Path. Total around 40 miles on a combo of pavement and crushed limestone.

For the Stratus, things went well, new tires were champ and rack system was ok, rider-well he needs to train harder.
But back to racks, Steve had a major SNAFU just past South Elgin, the 2 screws holding the rack to the frame came loose. This is why you test ride fully loaded.

Garmin Edge 205

2008-04-14T18:17:00.003-05:00

Latest gear Garmin Edge 205.
I love it, easy to use and computer access is simple.
A must have.

Windy Day down by the river

2008-03-29T17:55:00.000-05:00

2008-03-27T18:37:00.000-05:00

Aurora River Ride

2008-03-20T19:59:00.003-05:00

The fox river trail south to aurora is closed until June. No biggie, but...
This will keep my quest to the Virgil-Gillman Trail at bay until then.

So....There is a forecast of 9" of snow for this weekend, but it was in the low 50's here today.
Come on spring. Good thing is that all the snow and ice is gone from the trails.
its always better to be riding.

Fermilab Sunday

2008-03-16T17:38:00.001-05:00

Fox River Trail Ride - Batavia to South Elgin

2008-03-15T12:11:00.002-05:00

Great Ride yesterday afternoon. It was very warm out (50F) and the Fox River Trail on the east side was free of snow and ice the whole way to South Elgin. There were some challenging spots in a muddy-limestoney areas but the new bike performed beautifully. The skinny tires worked well and i can't wait to new the stratus new shoes, thinking Conti-SportContact. This was also the first ride with the new Rans Chopper Fairing. So far I really like it. Its ugly and not super sexy, but it did hold the iPod and speakers and waterbottle with no problem, and i did notice a reduction in wind in my chest and leg area. Now all that wind goes right into your face. Also lost a super blinky from the back of the aerotrunk.

Nice Fermilab ride

2008-03-15T11:16:00.003-05:00

Had a nice ride thru Fermilab with Steve (pictured) the other day. First nice day of early spring and one of steve's first rides thru Fermilab. Medium to heavy work traffic but plenty of cool things to see. Nickel tour included fishing ponds, main ring road, horse farms and BUFFALO.

Right around 15 miles total.

Trail Check

2008-03-11T16:52:00.002-05:00

I gotta fever...and the only remedy is more cow bell, baby!
actually, i just have really bad cabin fever. BAD.
We have a small break in the weather coming on so I road south today on the west side of the river to check out trail conditions. Made it to Moosehead before the trail is completely iced over. The other side of the river was iced over almost completely. My hopes for some trail rides have been thwarted. Need to head North to Geneva to check there and maybe St. Charles.

With the heat rising up to the 50's this week a few good FermiLab Rides are in order.

New AngleTech AeroTrunk

2008-03-05T16:48:00.001-06:00

Had a great ride with the new trunk.
Great design, easy handle, and tons of storage. Perfect. I ordered it from Angletech Cycles. Very helpful and response time to questions is lighting fast.
http://www.angletechcycles.com/

Its freezing cold here currently so my test rides have been shorter. But so far here is what I can tell you.
The Stratus is a very long recumbent, almost 8' feet, and when riding with the AeroTrunk on I don't feel the back end of the bike when i am at speed. I could even make the bike lighter by taking the rear rack off, due to the fact that the Aerotrunk is held on un-supported and I think this would improve things even more. The Angletech Aerotrunk has been said to give you 2-3kmh with a decrease in drag and wind resistance. I need a new bike computer to prove this out. Can't wait to do some time trials on the new bike.

Newest Family Member - Rans Stratus XP

2008-02-23T15:44:00.004-06:00

So...a few weeks ago I posted the Catrike for sale on Craigs list. I loved the Baron, it was a great trike and a joy to ride, but a quest for speed and distance came over me.
The second person who emailed me about the Catrike was also a chef and also owned a bike store. So after many, many emails we made a deal for a trade.

My NEW Rans Stratus XP for my 8 month old Catrike Expedition.

Today was the first day out on the "Blue Bomber". and LOVED IT!! Climbs much better than the trike and is much quicker. The Rans is almost 8' long and you can barely feel it under you. You can feel the speed at about 25 miles an hour and its easy to see where a fairing would come into play. Can't wait for spring!!!

The Beard Dinner Article - click here

2008-02-15T07:12:00.007-06:00

Hey Everyone.
So it has finally arrive.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=132639

Check out the Article in the Daily Herald and the video clips from our trip to NYC to cook at the Beard House.

This was truly a career highlight.

Enjoy

James Beard - The Weird Side

2008-02-09T12:03:00.000-06:00

Who is James Beard?
The easy answers are, the first TV chef, the chef that trained Julia Childs.
The answer that most people don't know is he was a total Exhibitionist.

Cooking Naked, showering outside in his green house, wall and ceiling mirrors in his bathroom, and mirrors above where his bed was. Strange shit.
The Person who is the name sake for what is the equivalent of the culinary worlds Oscars. Hanging Brains everywhere!!

Salumi in Seattle

2008-02-08T14:14:00.001-06:00

On a recent trip to Seattle I had the opportunity to visit Mario Batali's parents Deli - Salumi.
I LOVE this place!!!
You have to be there 20 minutes before it opens to get a good spot in line. I was #2 and by the time I was done eating my sandwich and drinking my wine the line was around the block. Thats how good it is..cult-like.

Salumi is known for their homemade Artisan Cured meats. One on the greatest Sopressata and Salami Sandwiches of all time. (attached picture). Served simply with a garlicy butter spread and a pepper and onion mixture. HEAVEN

Other must try items are
-Coppa - marbled pork shoulder rubbed with chilis and spice and everything nice
- Lomo-which is a rubbed and air dried pork loin
and Guanciale which is pigs jowels (hog heaven, similar to bacon)

Oscar the Cupcake

2008-02-08T14:09:00.000-06:00

Found this tasty treat in the Chelsea Street Market in NYC

James Beard Dinner Practice

2008-01-12T10:44:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday nite, I have the chance to work in the kitchen with some old friends at Niche in Geneva. The task at hand was a practice run of the dinner we would make in a few weeks at the James Beard House in NYC. Here are a few shots of the tasty treats we served.

Boxing Day Ride

2007-12-26T14:52:00.000-06:00

Quick, chilly ride thru FermiLab today. Lots of wildlife out and about and not a single biker anywhere to be seen. The trails were clear and the sun was warming, never got above 41F.

2 Mile Challenge

2007-11-19T14:04:00.000-06:00

In the U.S. approximately 40% of urban trips are under 2 miles, yet less than 5% of of those trips are by human power. Clif Bar is sponsoring an event called the 2 Mile Challenge which encourages people to get out of their cars and onto their bikes (or feet) for trips under 2 miles. At the 2 Mile Challenge website, you can map your 2-mile radius and accept a challenge to use human power for trips under 2 miles.

First Chilly Ride of the Season

2007-11-18T15:43:00.000-06:00

Chilly ride today, first one of the season. Temps are in the lower 40’s and it’s getting colder every day, proper layering is key. That and Windstopper-Gore. Did a 31-mile loop from Batavia to Aurora from west side to east. And for the first time I stopped at the “cave” I have pasted so many times, it was kinda cool. Very Yoda like. The Catrike was very much at home. Not sure of the full story on the cave area yet, more to come…

Silent Sports Chicago DOT COM is here!!!!!!

2007-11-09T07:58:00.000-06:00

Well.... I started my day off today by purchasing

http://silentsportschicago.com/

the site will not be up and running for a few days so stay tuned to the blog until then.

Thanks
Chris

Fox River Trail Ride - Batavia to Elgin

2007-11-06T16:44:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I rode from my house in Batavia to the riverboat in Elgin. This was the first time I have done this ride on the trike and the last time I made the ride I was in college and road my bike to my summer job -life guarding at the pool (ahhh).
It really is a beautiful ride and some of my favorite spots on the whole Fox River Trail are in this section. As soon as you past down town St. Charles, it really all begins, huge down hills, long empty street, and better yet empty trails. This section of the trail isn't as heavily used as the section between Geneva and St. Charles. And almost right before you go under the Rt. 20 bridge into Elgin there is the connection to the Prairie Path-Elgin Spur.
So, speaking of Elgin, this is where the trail gets a little funky. Its not like you are going to be shot, but 15 years ago in that spot, you might of. I would recommend not crossing under the Rt. 20 bridge. Why ruin a good ride.
There are a few highlights in the area around South Elgin. First being the train museum, and also a cool house with a few small rail cars and tons of switch post signs.
Also in this area, right after you past the Riverwoods area there is a HUGE downhill that ends with a great bridge that crosses the Fox River.
The ride from Batavia to downtown Elgin and back was around 34 miles and when the weather is right and the trail is empty is RULES.

New Rack System for the Baron

2007-11-06T15:58:00.000-06:00

Just added a Old Man Moutain Sherpa rack to the Catrike. Also included a Arkel Tailrider bag that has a build in rainfly.

Album Review: Indigenous - Long Way Home

2007-11-02T10:58:00.000-05:00

Band: Indigenous
Album: Long Way Home

So…Indigenous. Chances are you haven’t yet heard of these cats-yet. I remember listening to them and writing the name of the band down a long time ago and forgot all about them until I heard this sweet song “Leaving” on of all thing the TV show “Deadliest Catch”.
They are a band of what I like to call “old souls” deep, complex but young and lively. With heavily driven guitar work these guys just sound familiar. The sound reminds me of a blend of Los Lobos, SRV, and Big Head Todd. When I lump these kinda people to gather I like to call them -Texas Blues. Smooth, deep, complex, close your eyes and just feel it music.
Their latest release “Long Way Home” has that tubey, blues guitar that I can’t get enough of. Make sure you listen to “Rest of My Days”, “Six Feet Down”, “Things We Do”
Additional listens must include; “Evolution Revolution” from the album Circle, and
“The Way You Shake” and “Leaving” off of Chasing the Sun.

South Corner of the Prairie Path

2007-10-27T17:22:00.000-05:00

Just finished a ride along the prairie path. Started here in Batavia, down to the river, south to aurora, north to Wheaton and then west back to Batavia. Great ride, but fall is here to stay. Kinda cool around 58F. With the leaves changing colors and falling there is a lot of wildlife to see, such as bluejays, cardinals, and a very large hawk that was also startled out of its perch by the Baron. The only thing is that Aurora is challenging, the construction, the traffic, and its a little shady in spots as well. But the plus side to all that is, that I only pasted about 3 people from the east side of the river in aurora until almost near FermiLab. There are a fair amount of horse on this stretch as well, heads up for road apples.

The Girls

2007-10-18T08:31:00.000-05:00

Just a few pics of the girls. Guess what Lucys favorite toy is? Correct- That tennis ball Daisy has.

Tough Ride

2007-09-23T08:14:00.001-05:00

This past friday afternoon I took a ride on the fox river trail heading south from Batavia into Aurora. Beautiful ride, fast, empty space with lots of tree cover and a nice paved path. On the way home, I came across this solo war protester and as I sat there taking pictures I became totally moved by his act. It was the end of the business day, of course I was already well into my ride, but the commuters were well into their rides home. With a light breeze to keep "old glory" a movin' an a simple sign
- "NO WAR".

New Family Member

2007-09-14T07:27:00.000-05:00

We have added a new family member. My wife's Electra Townie 7 speed.
My wife has had a serious back problem for awhile and after a long search and riding many bikes we found this Electra Townie which has feet forward technology. This puts her feet out in front of her and geometry is just perfect. Almost zero pain.

Metro Metric Ride

2007-08-05T18:14:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday a few friends and myself rode in the Metro Metric XXVII, sponsored by the Elmhurst Bicycle Club.
The starting point, registration and finish line was at Hampshire High School, home of the infamous “Whip-purs”.
The day started out by being greeted by a stage-5 clinger. Yes, folks the trike draws in the winners. As we waited for the rest of our riding group, I was accosted by the super geek, and his main attraction had been the Baron in the back of my Jeep. Man, it did look sweet!!. First, I would like to state, I do love to talk to people about trikes and the Baron, and especially enjoy letting people take their first trike ride on the Baron. But 90% of the group was very hung-over and hurting (myself included, see dinner at Blackbird entry) So all the questions, blank stairs and awkward silences were just about all I could handle.
Big thanks to Steve here for helping w/ super geek. Thanks my friend!
Finally, we were all tuned up and on the road. The first section after leaving the high school was on the road and mildly busy, but a few turns later we were on backcountry roads and heading west towards Virgil. The day was simply delightful, warm and sunny without being humid, barely a cloud in the sky.
One of my highlights of the ride was a long back-back country road. The only trike I was riding slower than the group that was divided into sub-bike groups. Jr. on a single speed. Which was a beautiful bike that had a tight handlebar setup with a comfortable riding position and sweet cork grips. {The more cork the better. I will write another entry about my love of cork products and my concern for the growing cork shortages throughout the world. Remember, my love of fly-fishing.} The rest of the group was riding quick and colorful Felt bikes with the exception of a super cool blue bike with TONS of carbon fiber. On this long stretch I never saw another rider, with the exception of a single motorcycle with a sidecar. Another Trike!! Both the rider and passenger gave me a wave, it was nice, and I must say even better than a Jeep wave, which is tuff to beat.
Trike riding allows you enjoy your surroundings so much more. I had the time to look at the farms that were passing by and time to slow down to check out the animals. I came across lots of goats, pigs, horses, and a few jack-asses, With my newly mounted iPod speakers jammin’,

I rode in perfect comfort, at smooth speed and loved every second of it, perfect tricycle bliss. Shortly there after, I was at the Rest Stop and the 18-mile mark. The rest area was great. People checking out bikes, eating tasty snacks of fruit, granola, gorp, Gatorade, and icy cool water. REI was even there with a small stand and mini-shop. We cooled down, topped off water bottles and took off for the final 15 miles. This final section was mostly on roads with light to medium traffic, one major road crossing (RT. 64) and thru two little farm towns.

The last stretches of the ride were along some sod farms and thru downtown Hampshire. Sod farms really let you see forever, peacefully gazing over the vast open flat fields of perfect deep green grass. These peaceful fields only made me want to run my Jeep thru there in 4WD at very high speeds, doing donuts!! Sorry grass hoarders.
After passing thru Hampshire we finished the ride with a tasty corn boil and some homemade snacks.
For the Barons first group ride it was, as Borat would say “Great Success”!!

Also, check out the youtube footage with the attached link. Its me being passed by two roadies.

Dinner At Blackbird

2007-07-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Had dinner at Blackbird last nite with some friends from a past life in Florida. This was the second time I have eaten at the restaurant at this time I was not disappointed by the food.
OK, as always, there were things that could have been improved on but besides the elitist attitude it was a enjoyable evening. We started with a nice round of apps including: sucking pig with a gastric-like puree of fresh forest berries, some kind of lack luster cheese plate, but the winner plate of the table was a crispy Veal Sweetbreads. Gotta love organ meat. These we crispy..most places say crispy but its usually only a thin brown layer or they go the other way and are over cooked and rubbery (nothing can be worse...rubbery guts). These had a thick crispy layer but the inside was just creamy goodness.
The majority of the table ate fish for dinner ( go figure, Floridians) each plate did looked tasty. I ordered the duck breast and daffy never tasted so good. Desserts were great, I had a milk choclate something or other, with a delicious ice cream flavored with curry and coconut. It was Awesome.
All and all, the food is good but the tight space, volume and elitist attidute of the servers will not get me back anytime soon.....also too much use of "foams" on everything!!.
There are far too many great restaurants out there. GO FIND THEM!!

The Red Baron

2007-07-27T17:26:00.000-05:00

I ride a Red Catrike Expedition #70.
What a machine! I am the kind of geek that does TONS of background research on potential purchases. So based on a few hours (too many) of research I narrowed it down to Catrike Expedition and HP Scorpion. Being a former bike machanic, I had a short lists of must haves: awesome breaks, rims, crank, basically all the bells and whistles. Also little things like the frame design, etc.

When I seriously started to look for an Expedition to purchase the first bike shop to return my call was Amlings Cycles in Niles, IL. I searched all the bike shops in a 6 hour radis of Chicago. It was a long wait..long. But I could not be happier with Amlings Cycle and the quality and level of service.
www.amlingscycle.com or in Niles, IL

The trike got its namesake from the pedals I purchased the for my chopper bike, but after a winter ride gone bad and breaking my Sidi riding shoes I had to made some changes. At one time in my life I was into chrome and all things shinny!! But lately I am starting to dig more and more all things powder coated or just plain black. The "Rat Fink" chopper from Electra is to blame here.

www.electra.com

Wet Ride thru FermiLab

2007-07-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

When for a wet ride today with steve thru FermiLab. Steve rode my Giant mountain bike and I was on the "Baron". This was steve's first ride thru FermiLab and even though the sky cried a little it was a good rain training ride. The buffalo were no where to be found, but we did come across a few walkers and a roadie. If you ever get out near the fox river valley, FermiLab is a great spot for fishing, biking, walking, nature photography, and to take the dogs for a run. Check it out but don't tell too many people its a great little secret.