Some of Each
A Note from Fatty: My friends at Twin Six have just kicked off their October Four-Day Sale, with jerseys at $45 and t-shirts at $15. Those are killer prices, so now might be a good time for you to stock up on your next-year’s riding gear. Click here to go to Twin Six now.
People who are strictly interested in road riding may not relate to this post. And people who are all about the dirt — and nothing but the dirt — won’t get it, either.
Those of you who — like me — love road and mountain biking equally, on the other hand, are about to become very, very jealous.
The Dream
Whenever I go road riding and I see an MTB trail that intersects the road, my mind wanders up that trail a bit. I have, hundreds (thousands?) of times thought to myself, “I’d like to string together pieces of my favorite road and mountain bike rides.”
I should also mention that I’ve talked to my friend Matt Chester about this dream (Disclosure: I maintain Matt’s website, such as it is. He likes to keep it (and everything else) simple): a bike that was reasonable on the road, but that was also capable on singletrack.
So Matt built me this:
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce my MonsterCross. It’s a Titanium dinglespeed (I’ll explain that in a second) cyclocross bike with extra tire clearance for bigger tires, cantilever brakes and On-One Midge drop bars.
So last Saturday, I got on my new MonsterCross and took it for a ride. I figured a combination of the Alpine Loop road and Ridge Trail dirt network would be a good place to get acquainted.
Start on Road
A “dinglespeed” is like a singlespeed, but with two sets of gears. There’s no derailleur or tensioner involved, so you still have the “direct drive” connectedness that I like so much, but you do have two front rings and two cogs in the back. You change which set of gears you’re going to use by stopping, getting out a wrench, moving the chain onto the higher or lower gearset, pull the wheel back to tension the chain, and then tighten the wheel again.
It takes a few minutes, but the effect is worth it: you get a singlespeed feel, while being able to get around on either the road or dirt.
Since I’d be riding about ten miles before I touched dirt, I started with the bigger gearset: 36 x 16. It’s a good compromise gear; I can ride on the flat without spinning out right away, but I can still climb even the steepest parts of the Alpine Loop — albeit with plenty of standing, rocking, and grunting.
I managed to snap a picture while riding. This is just after Pine Hollow, for locals who care:
Oh, by the way, the temperature was 70 degrees, and the colors are starting to change. In other words, it wasn’t a half-bad day to be on the mountain.
Switch to Dirt
After several miles of road climbing and congratulating myself on picking the best day of the year to be on in American Fork Canyon, I came to my first singletrack turnoff.
A few minutes with the wrench and I went from this…
…to this:
Now, instead of a 36 x 16, I was riding a 34 x 18 — a good (though fairly steep) gear for mountain biking.
Time to hit the trail:
Not too shabby-looking, is it?
The Real Reason for this Post
One of the greatest mysteries in the world to me is why people stop mountain biking when Autumn arrives. It is — at least here — by far the best time to ride. It’s cooler, the trail is usually in better shape, and the view is remarkable.
I gloated these thoughts to myself — much as I am to you, now — as I rode sIingletrack to the top of the Alpine Loop.
From there, I continued — still on singletrack — down toward South Fork Deer Creek.
And here — while trying to take a picture of the changing Aspens — I accidentally got a really good shot of the Midge bars.
And then I was back on road again, now climbing back up to the Summit of the Alpine Loop. It’s a steep enough climb that I didn’t switch back to my “road” gearing. Luckily for me, I had an OK view to keep me company.
Here’s a shot I took while riding my bike up the pavement (these are all raw photos, by the way; I haven’t touched them with PhotoShop or anything else):
And here’s another.
Oh, have I mentioned this is the ride I do starting from my house? Just thought I’d rub that in a little.
Home Again
Back at the top of the Alpine Loop, I rode singletrack downhill to Pine Hollow. Which means I was riding this:
And looking at this:
The view could be worse.
From there, I was back on pavement, with a long downhill back to the mouth of the canyon. And then a few miles back to my house.
In conclusion, the MonsterCross is a success, and I live in a road/mountain bike lover’s paradise.
And I now command each and every one of you to envy me.
Comment by kvigor | 10.2.2008 | 10:18 am
Hell, I am a local, I was up AmFark canyon on Saturday, and I’m *still* envious.
Comment by Not a cyclist..... | 10.2.2008 | 10:18 am
Ok, you got your wish – total jealousy.
And now for an unrelated question: what ever happened to your horrible wrist pain issue that you whined about many months ago? Did you ever get it fixed or did it go away on its’ own?
Comment by Little1 | 10.2.2008 | 10:20 am
First… i can’t believe i’m first!
indeed every road ride, any little pathway of into the bush is inviting, and on the mountain bike sometimes i just want a nice smooth pull on the road. that bike looks like the answer!
Comment by Little1 | 10.2.2008 | 10:20 am
crikey it seems three of us were writing and posting at the same time!
Comment by Ian | 10.2.2008 | 10:26 am
I hope Matt Chester has made things right with the dozens of people he’s ripped off before building you that sweeeeeet ride. I think your future GF carbon SS is just silly exercise of excess… but that bad boy is a luddites wet dream.
Comment by peter | 10.2.2008 | 10:28 am
Envy is an understatement. I have long been a fan of SS and Fixed gear setups. Mostly on 700x 28c or even up to 32c. However i was blessed with a Trek 510 form 1982 that handles 700X42c tires and am currently running this fixed. Love the feel of MonsterCross. I just picked up another frame 1980s schwinn that I thin will handle the 42c tires and thats getting built into a Nexus Hub 3 speed Scorcher……..
Take it easy and I enjoyed your Interbike coverage.
Win Susan
Comment by Likey not so Bikey | 10.2.2008 | 10:29 am
Your command is my wish
Comment by bikemike | 10.2.2008 | 10:29 am
i hate you…maybe hate is too strong…i loathe you.
maybe loathe is stronger than hate…deal with it. i am, at the very least…jealous.
who painted those pictures? they’re obviously not real.
Pingback by Some of Each | Randomblog blog | 10.2.2008 | 10:31 am
[...] Some of Each Posted by admin on October 02, 2008 random A Note from Fatty: My friends at Twin Six have just kicked off their October Four-Day Sale, with jerseys at $45 and t-shirts at $15. Those are killer prices, so now might be a good time for you to stock up on your next-year’s riding gear. Click here to go to Twin Six now</a…More… [...]
Comment by Rob | 10.2.2008 | 10:33 am
Great post and pix. Yes…quite envious.
But I’ve said this before. Another new bike? We really need a complete run-down of the entire stable. You’ve admitted to the following:
Superfly, Filmore, WaltWorks, Ibis road bike, beach cruiser tandem, MonsterCross, Weapon of Choice, with the Superfly SS on the way. I must have missed soemthing….
I’ll stop stalking you now and go back to work….
Win Susan!!
Comment by leroy | 10.2.2008 | 10:39 am
Yeah, well, it looks okay, in a sort of Norman Rockwell meets Ansel Adams kind of way, I guess.
Sorry, I’m a bit jaded. I got to draft a panel truck for a short stretch through Upper Manhattan as I rode a Brooklyn – Manhattan – Bronx – mid-town Manhattan loop for my commute this morning.
And parts of the roads were newly paved so I guess I’m just hard to impress this morning.
(Oh okay, I’ll admit it. I am very, very jealous. In NYC, “single track” refers to subway construction.)
Comment by chiggins | 10.2.2008 | 10:40 am
Mr. Thill just recently posted an entry on his old Stumpy, set up as a single-speed tourer. Similar theme, though seemingly executed the other way. Must be a fall thing.
Can ya talk a bit about the bars? I have an older Trek 970 that I believe would make a sweet trail/touring platform, I’d dig some informed opinions from you and your readers on your/their experience setting up a cockpit for this kinda application.
(Also, autumn at your place is lookin’ mighty purdy.)
Comment by cheapie | 10.2.2008 | 10:41 am
i’m not jealous of the bike. at all. but i do envy you the view and the close trails. esp when the snow falls and you can add snowboarding to the list of fun things to do nearby.
Comment by Duncan Watson | 10.2.2008 | 10:43 am
Mission complete
Comment by Mike | 10.2.2008 | 10:43 am
Very nice. I hereby declare that you should ride the MonstorCross at Leadville next year.
Comment by Hamish A | 10.2.2008 | 10:43 am
Just when I think there can’t possibly be ANOTHER cycling niche along comes Monstercross…
Ok, I admit. I’m just jealous. Not so much of the new bike (which does look sweet) but of the ride.
Fantastic post Fatty, thanks for making me want to ride tonight!
WIN Susan!!!
Comment by dug | 10.2.2008 | 10:45 am
looks like you can see russia from your house!
Comment by TomE | 10.2.2008 | 10:48 am
Very nice Fatty! I got out in Colorado last weekend for some Aspen rides…with my pink jersey. I’ll send some along for your files!
Comment by Jeff | 10.2.2008 | 10:49 am
That bike both alures and confounds me…much like every theatre major I dated in college…
It seems like every couple weeks you’ve got a new bike. Just how many bikes are in your stable?
Comment by Barb | 10.2.2008 | 10:50 am
I don’t ride – I’m Wife-of-Rider – but can and do admire the beauty of your state. Oregon is nothing to be sneezed at, however. You should see it here.
Comment by S | 10.2.2008 | 10:54 am
whoah!, trees and stuff.
That isn’t real, is it?
I mean, is it?
That’s just not fair……..
Comment by Saso | 10.2.2008 | 10:58 am
Colors could be better. Trees are a bit dull. Singletrack looks quite dusty.
Oh well, I admit it, I AM jealous. Enjoy it!
Comment by Daren | 10.2.2008 | 11:02 am
There’s a cross race Saturday in Draper at the horse arena calling you and the MonsterCross. There’s a SS division.
Comment by Don | 10.2.2008 | 11:02 am
*envy*
Comment by Alyssa | 10.2.2008 | 11:04 am
Drool…
And thanks for mentioning the TwinSix sale—perfect timing since I’ve been drooling all over their stuff lately as well.
Comment by Kathleen | 10.2.2008 | 11:07 am
Thoroughly, completely and exhaustedly (is that a word?) jealous. Beautiful ride. Maybe I need to move to Utah.
Comment by UpNorth | 10.2.2008 | 11:11 am
I fully agree – fall IS the best time for mountain biking. We’re a little further along here than you are. Nothing like riding the trails covered in leaves – those roots come out of no where!
Comment by mmat | 10.2.2008 | 11:12 am
how come nobody will build me a bike? i want a monstercross too!
Comment by DanKMTB | 10.2.2008 | 11:14 am
You know, I have that same problem of wanting to veer off of the road onto every trail I pass when riding road bikes. My solution, up to very recently, has been to do so on my old SS converted Rudge. Then, this summer, I bought a real road bike, so I have to be more careful about what trails I pick. Now that I’ve seen this post I want both your bike and your trails. House too, actually. Damnit… I was pretty happy with my current setup until about 5 minutes ago. I think you just replaced my need for a SWOBO Folsom. Anybody says a word to me about too many bikes, I’m blaming you. I too would like a stable list (and maybe photo shoot), both because I’m curious and so I can use it as ammo for when I buy/build yet another bike.
Comment by DANO | 10.2.2008 | 11:15 am
Crossbikes are by far the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Comment by Garmon | 10.2.2008 | 11:23 am
Hey Fatty,
That posting just cost me $100. I’d been on the fence about getting one of the Twin 6 Alpe d’Huez tees, ended up getting the jersey & three t-shirts instead!
Those photos are spectacular. I was up riding Provo Canyon this morning, similar view, but less singletrack. The Ridge Trail rocks.
Comment by Clydesteve | 10.2.2008 | 11:25 am
Pthhhhht!!
That’s jealosy.
Comment by VA Biker | 10.2.2008 | 11:30 am
Um, no command necessary. Green w/o trying.
Envious? Of the bike, yes. Of the road with an actual shoulder, yes. Of the trail that looks like real singletrack without impassible rocks, yes.
I’ve given up on MTB in my area because of the rockiness. Some call it fun. I call it one pedal stroke away from serious injury.
I’ve gone to a cyclocross bike to get on fire roads, etc., and that’s okay, but if I had a trail like that, I’d ride it instead.
Sigh.
WIN Susan!
Comment by Mike P | 10.2.2008 | 11:37 am
Hmmmmmmmm. I think you may have just sold me on selling one of my too-many road bikes and getting a cross bike. I’d just need to find a place to ride it.
You think those climbs are nice… come to Illinois. We can take turns riding up and down my driveway. It’s at least 2 feet of elevation change. Intense for IL standards. For offroading, we could ride in the grass beside my driveway.
Seriously, Fatty (and anyone else with good riding terrain) don’t take it for granted. Make sure you appreciate it for those of us that don’t have it.
Comment by Adventure Nell | 10.2.2008 | 11:39 am
My lord, that is some lovely trail!!! I have yet to ride anything that smooth and lovely but hoping to this weekend when my bike club heads to Hornby Island here in BC. Awesome looking bike, I don’t understand all the gear talk but it sounds nifty ;)
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Nick | 10.2.2008 | 11:48 am
I’m jealous, Fatty. I just have flat roads, and potholes. You have trees.
If you’re into some geekery, you can use your Garmin GPS and your camera to record where and when you took the photos. Sync the camera clock to the GPS clock, run the GPS, snap away, and at the end of the day, use Geosetter (free) to sync the data, so you know exactly where you took that photo. Geotagging rocks.
Comment by James | 10.2.2008 | 11:49 am
Fatty, did you see the Salsa Fargo at IB? Similar bike, but with gears and more bottle mounts than anyone should need this side of the Saraha.
Comment by Kt | 10.2.2008 | 11:54 am
Here’s my self-captioning of your pictures:
“Wow”
“Whoa”
“Wow”
“Wow”
“Whoa”
“Wow”
(Rinse, repeat– there’s 12 pictures, I’ve only captioned 6, but the remainder follow the same lines)
That’s some amazing scenery, and I find the dinglespeed to be interesting in a mechancially geeky way.
Comment by Jeff | 10.2.2008 | 11:57 am
I will not envy.
I will, however, drool.
Comment by judi | 10.2.2008 | 11:57 am
I really do envy you!
Comment by Craig | 10.2.2008 | 12:10 pm
yeah Ian agree. I hope MC has made it right with all the people he has basically stolen money from.
If he hasn’t, it would be tough for me to accept that bike, as sweet as it is.
Comment by KanyonKris | 10.2.2008 | 12:12 pm
I’m at work. American Fork Canyon is 45 minutes away. Must … resist …
The bike is a fun idea, and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. But I prefer shifting gears easily with a convenient lever right on the bars.
Comment by Paul H | 10.2.2008 | 12:12 pm
Yes, I’m envious, and drooling!
Comment by KaliDurga | 10.2.2008 | 12:15 pm
‘cross bikes will one day rule the world.
I also want to know more about that Midge bar. What’s the wrist angle like? Do you actually feel like you’re in the drops?
Comment by mburdge | 10.2.2008 | 12:23 pm
Sorry–I am not jealous. I did some nice singletrack on my crosscheck this weekend, and I will be getting the Ibis SS going soon. It is a beautiful old drop-barred ibis, power cams and all, and when I was 50 pounds lighter, I was okay–I enjoyed it anyway–the technical single track here on vancouver island. I too have nice trails at my doorstep (well, it is a three minute ride on streets before I hit trail. Come to Duncan and I will show you
Comment by Ian | 10.2.2008 | 12:25 pm
Craig- I know no one will believe this, but apparently MC hasn’t made things right with most of the people he’s shafted… at least as of 8/29/08… I would give that bike back. Seriously. It would pain me to no end, but I could not live with myself knowing I got it as a favor, when many people have paid in full and been waiting 5 years plus. Not sure if that’s noble, foolish or both, but it’s what I’d do.
Comment by Mocougfan | 10.2.2008 | 12:25 pm
Just bought a Cross Bike. Totally love it. Now I just need to move back to Utah.
Comment by Jill | 10.2.2008 | 12:26 pm
Count me as totally green with.
What an awesome bike!
Comment by Susie | 10.2.2008 | 12:32 pm
The hills are alive…:)
Comment by fatty | 10.2.2008 | 12:42 pm
mocougfan – hey, the house next door just went up for sale. c’mon over; you’d be a fantastic neighbor.
Comment by Formely Bent022 | 10.2.2008 | 12:46 pm
Beyond envy….Never thought I would consider moving to Utah, but may have to now.
Comment by je | 10.2.2008 | 1:00 pm
I did Big Cottonwood Canyon on the road bike this morning. I loved it. East Canyon up to Big Mountain is calling my name tomorrow.
Comment by Richard | 10.2.2008 | 1:07 pm
Consider yourself envied. The pictures are great. However, I was out biking on the Winter Park, Colorado ski area trails and the scenery may just match up.
WIN Susan
Comment by Emily | 10.2.2008 | 1:09 pm
I’ve been riding a new Litespeed for a couple months now and have realized– the more titanium in a person’s life, the better. The more time you spend riding titanium, the happier, healthier, and more enlightened you become.
Stop payment on the Superfly and buy more titanium.
Comment by Dr Codfish | 10.2.2008 | 1:10 pm
INTERSECTION!
We don’t often cross paths but this is pretty close! I have a bike like that, sorta – It’s my Rivvy Quickbeam. Two chainrings and a flip flop hub. I also have the Midge bars on it which I really like. How do you like those compared to Mary’s? And here’s the sci-fi part:
At our rando club meet last weeekend (you remember Seattle International Randoneurs) We are proposing a ‘rough road’ brevet, maybe a 200K or so with a mix of paved, dirt, and path. Your monster would be a reasonable mount.
Win Susan!
Yr Pal Dr Codfish
Comment by Emily | 10.2.2008 | 1:10 pm
Also, yes, jealous of the mountains, though not of the short short season you have up there.
Comment by nwbikr | 10.2.2008 | 1:16 pm
O MFG… That is an amazing ride! I seriously envy you. And that Monstercross looks sweeeeeet!
Comment by Mike Roadie | 10.2.2008 | 1:18 pm
All we have down here is green, green, green Of course, when you all are buried in 3 feet of snow and it’s -10 degrees, we’re riding through the green, green, green at 80 degrees. I’m not sayin’……I’m just sayin’…….
Excuse me, time to go shop at Twin 6……
WIN
Unite
LiveSTRONG
Comment by PissedOffCil | 10.2.2008 | 1:20 pm
Do you think you could post a close-up of your crank?
Comment by Mocougfan | 10.2.2008 | 1:21 pm
Fatty,
Thanks for the update on the house. Can I move my dental practice as well? Course I would annoy you with all my silly requests… can I borrow the superfly, can I borrow the Ibis….etc.
btw…Win Susan. Such a good lady.
Comment by Lizzylou | 10.2.2008 | 1:33 pm
That is a really gorgeous looking day.
I’m kinda interested in those bars. I’ve never seen drops that went out to the side like that. How do you like them?
Comment by fish | 10.2.2008 | 1:37 pm
Matt B. over at Independent Fabrications built me one quite similar a few years ago. He called it the CrossWoods. Good times.
Comment by Philly Jen | 10.2.2008 | 2:04 pm
I envy you because you have an extraordinary spouse. Where can I sign up for one of those? (He wouldn’t even have to be a dinglespeed.)
WIN Susan
Comment by Anonymous | 10.2.2008 | 2:16 pm
VA Biker:
Rocks are fun! You just need soft, sticky tires and a decent amount of flow to your ride (or an expensive, well-suspended bike, which I hear does about the same thing). I do enjoy the occasional stretch of smooth, flowing dirt singletrack, but up here in “The Granite State” if we didn’t ride rocks, we’d be stuck on fire roads and um… real roads. They can be used as obstacles, jumps, etc. Check this out http://www.bikerag.com/nh-exeter_fort_rock_pics.htm for some motivation – rocks can be your friend!
I admit it… I’m still jealous.
Comment by DanKMTB | 10.2.2008 | 2:17 pm
oops… the above comment was from me. Guess that’s what the “Name” box is for, isn’t it?
Comment by Lins - Aust | 10.2.2008 | 2:18 pm
Stunning scenery! Our forests are all eucalpytus so there’s no seasonal change.
Hi Susan.
Comment by BurkeInTheOzarks | 10.2.2008 | 2:19 pm
Nice shots! The leaves are just on the verge or turning here in the Ozarks. This is definitely my favorite time of year to be out riding.
Dug, you always crack me up. I have a feeling you and I would be good friends if we were forced to tolerate each other’s company for an extended period of time…
Comment by fle | 10.2.2008 | 3:07 pm
Admit it Fatty – the pic of the Aspens was taken with the new Assos F1.CC bibshort CrotchCam. I believe I see a bit of spalming at the corner of the pic.
Comment by blinddrew | 10.2.2008 | 3:11 pm
yep, i’m jealous alright. i live in the vale of york, i’ve got to go 20 miles just to see a slope :¬(
Comment by fatty | 10.2.2008 | 3:34 pm
ian and craig – i’m not sure why you think he built this bike as a favor to me. also, i know that matt is working hard on making good to everyone, following an extremely difficult period in his life. i advocate cutting him some slack.
Comment by Marla | 10.2.2008 | 3:45 pm
Hey Fatty,
I opened my mailbox this afternoon and found my 09 Fat Cyclist jersey inside! It’s awesome. And love the pocket writing:)
Comment by Canadian Roadie (posing as a mtn biker) | 10.2.2008 | 3:54 pm
Soo jealous… I’d love to ride there. Mmm, smooth singletrack. I’ve got the West Coast gnarly rooty stuff this weekend – should be fun and muddy!
Argh, these Twin 6 sales are bad for my pocket book. Another $100 out the door – oh well!
Win Susan!
Comment by Kristen | 10.2.2008 | 4:06 pm
I think that is every MTB/Roadie dream bike that you’ve got there!
I also had a wonderful surprise today when I got home! My brand new Fat Cyclist jersey!! Can’t wait to rock it this weekend!!
WIN!
Comment by Ian | 10.2.2008 | 4:24 pm
Fatty,
I not implying you didn’t pay for it, I’m just saying you were bumped well ahead of many others that have been waiting a looooong time. (ie: favor) When I saw your post, I was happy because I thought he must have come though for all of those he’s defrauded, but after a small amount of research, I found that’s not the case.
So I ask if MC weren’t a gitchy, off-beat frame builder, but a local banker, that took thousands of dollars from people, lived off that money while he fled the country, and didn’t deliver any any promises, while simultaneously lying as if it were a hobby… would we still be asked to cut relentless amounts of slack due to his nature and tough times encountered? I doubt it, and I would feel bad about being moved ahead in line, knowing so many others are waiting. But that’s just me.
Comment by Paulie | 10.2.2008 | 4:40 pm
Why would you not have a quick release on the back of that thing? You actually have to unbolt the rear wheel to change sprockets?!
Comment by rexinsea | 10.2.2008 | 5:27 pm
Jealous? Well yeah, who wouldn’t be? You’ve offically inspired me to take the road tires and fenders off the Kona Jake the Snake (my rain commuter) so I can also take the trail as I pass it. Alas, it’s supposed to rain here and our trails in the ‘burbs are not near as smooth as that but… muddy rides are fun too. Been thinking about doing this all summer. Now’s the time to take action!
Hmm…now I’m envious also.
Great post!
Comment by Aaron | 10.2.2008 | 5:38 pm
“Why would you not have a quick release on the back of that thing? You actually have to unbolt the rear wheel to change sprockets?!”
A singlespeed has slotted dropouts, and a QR is not strong enough to hold the hub from slipping in the frame while you are pedaling.
Nice looking bike. My buddy Rudi has a Matt Chester frame. It’s very nicely made.
Comment by Michele | 10.2.2008 | 5:56 pm
Our Utah mountains are so beauitful right now (and always) with the changing colors!
Comment by DougG | 10.2.2008 | 6:42 pm
“You change which set of gears you’re going to use by stopping, getting out a wrench, moving the chain onto the higher or lower gearset, pull the wheel back to tension the chain, and then tighten the wheel again.”
What? You have to stop and ch
Comment by DougG | 10.2.2008 | 6:48 pm
Sorry about the incomplete post.
You have to stop and change gears? Thats what the derailleur was invented for! I can see it happening now 2 chainrings and 2 sprockets. Soon it will be three sprockets, then four and people will stay say they ride a single speed because they have to stop, get off their bikes, take a wrench, loosen the wheel, change the gear, tighten the wheel back up and the keep going. I wonder if this will become yet another class of bike racing?
Comment by rich | 10.2.2008 | 6:48 pm
awesome scenery, cool bike….but even more important…I came home today to find a new Fat Cyclist Jersey in teh mailbox….WooHoo….cool note in the pocket
Comment by Mir | 10.2.2008 | 7:04 pm
Ugh. Very jealous!!
Comment by GoTubeless | 10.2.2008 | 7:27 pm
Yeah sick trails. Nice new ride. You’ve got some beautiful terrain right outside the door.
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 10.2.2008 | 7:50 pm
Ah, the dinglespeed. I should have taken out a paten when I did that in 1983. My road fixie runs 42 & 45 chainrings with 18 & 15 sprockets. 63″ through to 81″ with a total of 4 gear combinations, but fixed.
Oh the joy.
Comment by roadrash | 10.2.2008 | 8:11 pm
to paraphrase Jerry Maquire – you had me at “Alpine Loop”
Comment by mgrinrr | 10.2.2008 | 8:58 pm
Suffer us to disobey! We renounce and forsake jealousy, covetousness and envy, and simply and wholeheartedly share your happiness.
Also, we like your pretty pictures.
Comment by Debamundo | 10.2.2008 | 9:03 pm
Ok Ok! Geez! I keep saying Kansas is beautiful Kansas is beautiful KANSASISBEAUTIFUL! And sometimes I even believe it. Then you come along and burst my bubble, ya big meanie.
Comment by Chris | 10.2.2008 | 10:02 pm
Howdy, like 4 others… twinsix is shipping the 09 jerseys, I admit that the inside-pocket-wording left me a little baffled though.
Thanks! I love the twinsix jersey material, easily the best feeling I’ve ever put on.
Comment by leon | 10.2.2008 | 10:02 pm
i gotta get me one of those dinglespeeds. better yet i think i’ll build one with flip-flop hubs. a dinglespeed and a fixie.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by bradk | 10.2.2008 | 10:17 pm
Ian and Craig, reading Elden’s post it sounds like he just called Matt and ordered a frame yesterday but I’m pretty sure he’s been on the Chester waiting list as long as anybody, which is to say, a very long time.
Comment by Dobovedo | 10.2.2008 | 10:26 pm
Western Ohio doesn’t look anything like that, but I’d never know it. Being delusional has it’s advantages. I have my own little dream world when I ride.
In fact, there’s not much point in winning that Italy trip. I just rode there on Monday. It was AWESOME!
[OK, so I'm not buying my own BS either. Jealous!]
Comment by Denise | 10.2.2008 | 10:43 pm
I am completely and totally jealous! But on a better note for me….. I got my Fat Cyclist jersey in the mail today!!! I am soooooo thrilled, it is sooooo cool! It is my first jersey ever and I was giddy like a kid in a candy store when I opened it. My daughter is so jealous of me because this jersey rocks and I look pretty dang good in it if I do say so myself!!
Comment by Mr. Flynn | 10.2.2008 | 10:45 pm
I know little of situation, mainly from what I remember of a long ugly thread on MTBR.com years ago. The situation with Matt Chester does seem pretty ugly regardless of how it is painted. Some have been waiting 4 or 5 years and for a long while at least, had little or no contact with Mr. Chester. Not sure what the difficulties were, but I don’t think anyone that actually ordered a frame from him pressed charges against him or sued him or whatever. Since I don’t know him and I don’t think anyone here does either I would put just a little trust in Fatty’s statement that asked that some slack be given.
The fact that Fatty has a bike from him bodes well for the others, irrespective of whether Fatty got a favor or not. It may be the case that in order to build his backlog of frames he would have to mix in “fresh” customers with the backlogged ones. Gotta pay bill and eat while he gets caught up. Even if you were divorced and had to pay back child support had you not paid for years, a court would still allow you to make payments to get caught up instead of taking every dime you made. It would be reasonable if this is what is happening.
Just my two cents as a somewhat neutral observer.
Comment by m o b | 10.3.2008 | 12:25 am
Hi Fatty,
your blog is so good that, given the fact that I am living in Japan, started to copy your style and made our own team blog. Please check an example here:
http://positivo-espresso.blogspot.com/2008/09/sunday-morning-in-shuzenji-race-report.html
So far I was pretty satisfied with the trails Japan is offering, but after seeing the photos … what can I say?
Comment by Tim D | 10.3.2008 | 1:40 am
Autumn is indeed the best time for riding. 12 hours after gettin g home yesterday, my gear is almost dry enough to ride to work today!
Comment by william | 10.3.2008 | 3:37 am
Hi Fatty
How many bikes do you now own. I certainly have lost count of the new arrivals in the last 12 months alone.
Perhaps that is another post to introduce your stable.
Comment by Amanda Dunn | 10.3.2008 | 5:08 am
I am deathly afraid of MTB. And yet, I am positively green.
I miss my NC mountains, and I miss them the most in the fall, and you have the most incredible views…
Enjoy. I’m glad you know how good you have it in those mountains.
Win Susan!
Comment by Rob L | 10.3.2008 | 5:58 am
That is utterly awesome. Feel the hate!!!!!!!!
That is a super sweeet ride and way more than tempting to search out a steel frame version.
Comment by Maggi | 10.3.2008 | 6:53 am
Gorgeous pics, Fatty! I’m only a little envious of your view — it’s awfully pretty here in SE PA right now, too.
By the way, my ‘09 Fat Cyclist jersey arrived yesterday– and it looks great! I was showing it off to my Mom, not having explained where the jersey came from yet, and she said, “Turn around, let me see the back.” When I obliged, she snarked, “Gosh, do you really think you need to ADVERTISE that?” Thanks, Ma. (I then explained to her where the jersey came from, and why it is so bloody awesome.)
Comment by jwbikes | 10.3.2008 | 7:14 am
Imagine…..bending to the will of Fatty, going to Twin Six, spending the cat food money for the month (they are going to have to catch their own food this month), finally getting some jerseys in a rather large size (true Clydesdale here), then going to the mailbox and there is the grail. Shining for all to see, my 09 Fatty jersey. Hiding from over curious neighbors lest I be attacked and relieved of my prize, I retreated to my bike building, really a tribute to mediocre ability, and don the JERSEY. I rode my typical 40 mile loop a full ten minutes faster. Did the jersey help that much? Probably. Or it might have been total lack of wind of any type yesterday. I’m going with the jersey.
Total WIN
WIN Susan
Comment by MikeonHisBike | 10.3.2008 | 7:32 am
Fatty,
That’s a way cool setup. I bet it’s nice to jump from Road to Trail and back again. I’m still not sold on the single speed thing though.
Mike
http://mikeonhisbike.blogspot.com
Comment by BunE | 10.3.2008 | 7:35 am
Holy COW! I just got my jersey AWESOME!!!
Oh, and great post!
Comment by Sean | 10.3.2008 | 7:42 am
This is me…..being jealous. Envious. Even angry. I loath you. I need to move.
Thanks for sharing!
Comment by CyndiF | 10.3.2008 | 8:34 am
I’d be jealous, but I live in Colorado.
Comment by Cyclofiend | 10.3.2008 | 9:38 am
That is a thing of pure beauty. Thanks for sharing the ride and views. Little in this world is a good as rides which begin at the front door, encounter huge and varied terrain, and do so with derailleur-free aesthetic.
Been enjoying that myself as of late, on this.
Comment by Lowrydr | 10.3.2008 | 9:57 am
I’m not going to say it…Ok I will say it, you stink. You gotta admit you did stink what with all that sweating you were doing. I’ts just the jealousy that’s talking really it is.
Comment by Josh | 10.3.2008 | 11:30 am
How bizarre: I have built a mirror-image version of your Matt Chester. It’s the poor man’s monster cross, a Karate Monkey frame, old 94bcd double, old Nitto Dirt Drops, and two dingles: the White industries freewheel, and the Surly fixed.
Great minds, eh?
Comment by Di | 10.4.2008 | 8:26 pm
Fall is excellent for riding – if it’s not pouring rain all the time. ;-) Ha! I live by Lake Superior, so there’s no water shortage, here. We’re starting to think about our wintertime activities, and clearing several feet of snow from our driveways.
I was out getting pictures, today. I still have some of the coolest places to check out in my area, but I’ll be covering those next weekend. Hope the weather is good. :-)
img]http://www.moronacity.com/blog/images/2008-Fall_Colors_3.jpg[/img]
Comment by Di | 10.4.2008 | 8:28 pm
That last picture didn’t come out right…I wish we could edit our comments.
Comment by rick | 10.5.2008 | 2:33 pm
holy crap. I DO evny you.
Comment by fuzzy | 10.6.2008 | 6:34 am
Fatty.
You Sir, are a smug git!
I love you for it though.
Luv n stuff.
Fuzzy from the UK
Comment by Ned | 10.8.2008 | 7:54 am
Envy – Done and 2 counts – your simply beatiful county side and your new bike !
Keep the pics coming !
Comment by triathlon wetsuit | 07.20.2010 | 10:25 pm
Very informative post. So site will be popular day by day.
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[...] you go; http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/10/02/some-of-each/ Though you’d be [...]
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[...] James, have you though of building a dinglespeed? Have a butcher at this; http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/10/02/some-of-each/ [...]