The point of the NPR piece is that mining for the types of raw materials needed to make batteries can and does have adverse/detrimental impacts, and those impacts are borne on the backs of  poor/powerless people in places where there are zero regulatory processes to protect humans and environment and that those impacts are invisible to end users in countries like the US.  

5 hours ago, AustinBike said:

But what the industry needs is some standardization. That will drive adoption faster than anything. Additionally, while it is not optimal, if you had a removable battery you could actually carry a spare with you on an overnight trip if you needed to. Sure, its not optimal because of the weight, but it would be a consideration.

This is such a good point.  I went to the Trek website and read about the Marlin.  Battery life is only 2 - 4 hours, depending, which is hugely suboptimal. Of course, the power option would be for climbing only, but still. The Marlin battery is not removable. Trek will have an additional battery option: 

"When you want to pedal farther, partner your Marlin+ with a 250 watt-hour Bosch PowerMore range extender battery (sold separately) to increase range by over 60%. (Coming soon!)"   That battery mounts on the down tube and just plugs in. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of websites comparing various e-bikes, battery life, weight, and all the things.   

Things will be moving along in the ebike bike packing world when the e bike battery can be charged with a small solar panel. Someone has done it already:  HERE  This is Scandanavia; a hot Texas sun or clear sky in the desert Southwest might work faster. 

Listened to an interestig piece on  NPR discussing the shift to battery-powered cars and the price paid by the people who live where the raw materials are mined and the ecological impact of mining those materials vs the impression that battery power is completely green and clean.  

But, I digress.  These last few weeks, I've really started looking at e-bikes, knowing one is in my future.  Advancing age + difficulty in recovering due to some health issues + plus the side effects of medication for those health issues  -- I'm there.  My main concern is how long a ride will a battery support because I'd like to use one for short, overnight bikepacking trips that would likely be on two-track or bladed roads with no options to stock up on water. Yup, we're talking SE Utah and SW Colorado.  

Thanks for the TREK Marlin link, it looks like a possibility, but I'll be looking around.  A few weeks ago I did find a website on hardtail e-bikes, comparing battery storage capacity. 

On 2/22/2024 at 12:42 PM, Ridenfool said:

Recently had that conversation about not pushing limits with some friends.

Had a bit of a learning experience this past late summer/fall. We were riding Boggy Draw above Dolores, CO two or three times a week at 8,000' elevation.  Mostly non technical, buff singletrack, but the beginning of the loop that we do is a gentle climb for about 3 miles, with a steeper grade towards the end of the climb. 

I finally realized that I could just get in my easiest gear and easy spin right along keeping a steady cadence rather than working at pedalling hard.  That's when I started to be able to do the whole thing without stopping.  Definitely more fun,  easier on the legs and I think better for cardio. 

Rode Outer Log Loop at Walnut Creek Sunday evening and heard two great horned owls hooty hooting at each other, probably from some of the tall cottonwoods down by the creek.  

According to this video, I was hearing two males.  The female call is completely different.  

On 9/17/2023 at 5:48 PM, June Bug said:

Motorola Defy is available and the reports are not good.  The consensus is that it was released too soon, without sufficient testing and tech support is, "Try this. It might work.  No? OK, how about this?"  

Heh, reports are worse now that the company that was making the Defy device has died. 

Bullitt, the rugged manufacturer behind CAT and Motorola smartphones, is no more

"Bullitt, the manufacturer of rugged phones, has closed down due to intense competition in the smartphone market.   The company had ambitious plans for satellite-based text messaging, but the deal to transfer the satellite-focused portion of its company fell through."

Yup, COSTCO has a carbon fiber Intense 951, 150/140 trail/enduro bike, WITH WATER BOTTLE!!!!! 

• Premium Carbon Fiber Frame
• Fox Suspension, 150/140mm Travel
• SRAM 12-Speed Gearing for Easy Climbing
• Adjustable Dropper Post
• Pedals, Water Bottle and Toolkit Included
• 33 lbs

Oneline Price  $2,999

Less                 $1,000

Your price        $1,999  (until March 3)

Shipping and handling included! 

No specifics on the components, I assume basic SRAM, Fox

They also have an Intense gravel bike and a full suspension carbon XC bike. 

Doc. Wassmuth is great, if you don't already have an ENT lined up.  He's in north Austin and does numerous of these "repairs" on a weekly basis, so super experienced.   He also does a procedure at the same time called balloon sinuplasty, that is super helpful if you have repeat sinus infections.  They now have an in-office surgery setup; all very convenient. 

Capital ENT and Sinus Center/capitalent.com/

On 2/6/2024 at 9:50 AM, Shinerider said:

All this talk about snoring and apnea.  My wife says I snore a lot, but I am a stomach sleeper.  Not sure how that works out and how my jaw position could help.  CPAP would be a no-go for me because of the sleeping position.  Weird, eh?

My nose doc, Zach Wassmuth, gently trimmed the turbinates for both Mr. JB and I, and fixed deviated septums to improve breathing. 

He also suggested a sleep test and I was blown away that I had sleep apnea.  There were three different types of CPAP masks offered: the little nasal canula felt like a fire hose of air straight in my nose.  The next option was a mini mask that covers the end of the nose and nostrils and that's what I use.  All good.  Initially the air presssure was too strong, but I asked them to lower it, which can be done remotely, then all was fine.  I think the next option is a big mask covering mouth and nose, which looked claustrophobic. 

Quote

"My wife says I snore a lot, but I am a stomach sleeper." 

How does that work? Do you face plant into your pillow and fall asleep from there? 

Anyone know how to describe the start of the BMX Loop? 

Is there an actual address, coordinates? Can't remember if there is a Carsonite marker at the start. 

On 1/11/2024 at 9:47 AM, Barry said:

This joke seems to be the culmination of all that was Mojo. This aquarium joke is all that's left. 

Apropos though and maybe an actual metaphor, since Mojo tanked. 

BikesDirect.com is having a crazy good sale on gravel wheelsets (including tires and rotors) for $299

https://www.bikesdirect.com/gravel-wheel-sale/

Wheelset

GRAVEL 700x45c DT SWISS Front and rear
THRU-AXLE

RIMS: DT SWISS G540 (DiscBrk)

TIRES: Maxxis Rambler 700X45c, 120tpi, EXO/TR Folding 

HUBS: Shimano 10/11Spd 100/142mm w/Ball Bearing,

SPOKES: 32 BlackStainless FREE Shimano CenterLock Rotors

This would be a 2nd wheelset for a Hudski Doggler, which came with 27.5, 2.6 Maxxis Rekons, but the non Boost frame can also accommodate a 29er gravel wheelset. 

The existing drivetrain on the Doggler is Shimano SLX 12 speed with a Shimano MT410 HG+ rear hub.  Front 15x100 & rear 12x142mm wheel spacing. 

This BikesDirect wheelset has a Shimano 10/11 speed hub.  Their web site says: "Fit Standard Shimano 10/11 Speed or SRAM 12Spd SX/NX Cassettes"

Anyway to make this work with a Shimano 11 speed cassette or SRAM cassette...or something? 

1 hour ago, TAF said:

They also took over Bikereg - not sure what their ultimate goal is.

Total domination of the world of outdoor recreation, obvs. 

Here's an overview of the Outside+ strategy from 2021 that lays it out.  The subtext is the bundle, i.e. pay us a BUNCH of $$$ and you get All The Things that they are actively acquiring. 

Outside CEO says 40% of new subscribers are choosing its bundle for access to its entire portfolio. 

We somehow get Outside print mags; I'm not really enjoying the content and don't read much, if any of it. I paid for a Ride With GPS subscription and don't really need or want anything else.  A trail app comes with that subscription but can't remember which one it is.  

On 12/29/2023 at 10:01 PM, MrMentallo said:

Thanks! I've spent the last couple of years in a constant state of injury recovery.

Finally got around to reading a book I got about three years ago titled "Built from Broken: A Science-Based Guide to Healing Painful Joints, Preventing Injuries, and Rebuilding Your Body".  The author is a physical therapist who struggled with re-injuring himself and dealing with chronic problems from re-injury and decided to get after what kept going wrong.  Really liking the morning mobility routine. 

Also ordered something called Morpheus (review HERE), basically a heart rate monitor paired with an app, to monitor what your body is up to, to better structure training. 

Best wishes for your continued healing! 

Info on passes and what you get with your pass HERE (basically demos and shuttles to rides) + socks and beer glass! 

We've been and I can share my experience. 

First, I'm an introvert who doesn't drink beer, so the bike festival scene with tons of people milling around at the venue, crowded trails, beer drinking, live music on the last day wasn't that appealing. 

That said, we took over someone else's registration at the end of Feb - first days of March in 2020 and off we went. 

When we left Austin, there were some vague background noise about this weird illness called "Covid";  a week later we were wondering if we should even go into restaurants to eat while driving home.  

We stayed in a little camping cabin at the lovely and peaceful Dead Horse Ranch State Park  on the Verde River near Cottonwood and rode some fun trails starting from the park.  Other days we drove over to Sedona for activities.

If you haven't been to red rock country, Sedona is truly a stunning, magical setting.  It's not an exaggeration to say it's just amazing. 

Parking at the venue wasn't too much of a problem. You just parked relatively nearby and rode your bike over to the venue, which was on the edge of town. 

The venue was a lot of pop-ups with vendors; IIRC there were some options to demo bikes but don't remember the details, also some food trucks. 

The main thing: You have your choice of daily guided rides -- your choice, depending on skill level.  Alternately, if you are with a group, get a map and go ride.  

If you are a strong rider and love technical challenge, it can be just the  kind of Type II fun you want.  There are intermediate trails as well. 

If you stay in Sedona and like to socialize and do a bar scene, all good.  It's a busy place. 

 Sedona has one main drag through the center of town. It's a tourist mecca.  Lots of traffic.  There were real traffic jams on Sunday as everyone was trying to leave.  

On 12/22/2023 at 3:58 PM, rockshins said:

Were you out there today? Was wondering if it is rideable?

Nope, this was before the multi-day rain episode.  Saturday to Sunday overnight: 2 or so inches of precip.  The actual creek was def optimal for kayaking this morning. 

On 12/23/2023 at 6:31 AM, AustinBike said:

If it was black, that was the one that growled at me and stood in the middle of the trail until I was close enough. Did not seem happy that I was there. Any time I see a dog with no collar I expect the worst. And I am a big dog guy and often stop to pet dogs on my rides.

The one I saw was brindle with some white.

Lovely winter day at WC. 

On 12/21/2023 at 8:37 AM, AustinBike said:

BMX loop has become so much of a shitshow with homeless people, encampments and loose dogs (from the encampments)

There was a loose pit bull-ish pup, but not aggressive fortunately. S/he ran off into the woods. 

2 hours ago, The Tip said:

Install the Austin 311 app. Take a picture of every camp every time and send it in right then, The more reports the better. 

The city IS removing camps, They just don't move as quickly as we would like of course.

Will do.  I'll never ride by there again by myself, though.   Maybe if Mr. June Bug is with me. 

53 minutes ago, ATXZJ said:

Becoming so typical for Austin. Sorry

Thanks, I'm startled at what an affront it was to my WC sensibilities; I was def clutching my pearls. 😱

 The camp is RIGHT ON THE TRAIL.  No attempt to distance or conceal. That said, the trail is super convenient to haul/roll stuff in (3 or 4 shopping carts are scattered here and there off the trail) and it's not visible from the road.   I guess people just poop in the woods?  🚴‍♀️⛺🛒🚽

There's a  more open area very near by that's flatter and more camp-able and is at least a bit off the trail. 

As is, the camp is set up on a slope and looks kind of miserable for sleeping and general functioning (1 star, do not recommend), but it does have trees to tie tarps off to and to hang stuff. 

 I haven't been riding much at the far reaches of WC over the last year, sticking closer to the trails near the Lincolnshire entrance. 

Late yesterday afternoon, I did Inner and Outer Log Loops and headed over to the BMX Loop.  First, I got semi-lost on the way over, ending up somewhere in a tangle of social trails at the end of Severe Consequences.  

When I got close to the entry trail to BMX Loop, I noticed a guy approaching on a bike with squeaky rim brakes and a nice front basket, blasting music.  He dismounted and started walking his bike up the trail, so gave him a few minutes lead. Started up the trail, smelled cigarette smoke, and Rudolph Reindeer on an e-bike, there is an established homeless camp right there on the trail.  Kept riding on what I think is an added part to the trail, which loops around just a few feet from the back of that same camp.  Gack.  There is also an abandoned camp with trash. Just overall creepy. 

Highest, best use for e bike technology: power-assist hand cycles.  Too bad these are so expensive, but I'm sure there will be trickle down technology that will lower the cost in the future. 

Bike-on Maddiline Race-Xe Handcycle  $11,975

On 12/7/2023 at 1:38 PM, Cafeend said:

Most of which are young females...but overall he is harmless. 

So yes, harmless to you, but possibly not to young women. 

Red flag creeper behavior.