Surly Long Haul Trucker

New Hayes Brakes

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

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

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.