Recent content by Wade

Early season is tough, especially if you have a job and family.

For January and February, goal is zero per week. Anything during these months is lagniappe. I’ll be targeting 75 in March, 100 in April, and 150 (or more) per week from May to October. I’ll also have a few 400-500 mile weeks during bike touring season. Of course, being retired helps with the...

Note that there are numerous farm roads with almost zero traffic in Southern Illinois. Here in Franklin County, sometimes I’ll only see 8 or 10 cars on a 40 mile ride. Just take a bit of time to figure out some routes.

I am planning to attend. A good excuse to ride the trail.

I finally decided it was warm enough today. About 17 miles of gravel here in Franklin County.

My brother and I each built our wives an ebike conversion using Swytch out of the UK. Works pretty well. I converted a Specialized flat bar road bike for her. About 35 mile range if she run the battery all of the time.

Anyone else doing winter bike rebuilds while the weather is not conducive to cycling? I have a randoneuring bike which got a new chain, cassette, and bottom bracket. Getting ready to change out the brake and shifter cables. My gravel bike has a belt drive with a Rohloff hub. Changed out the...

I’ve been looking at the US76 route. How is the traffic?

I almost forgot about this ride. One day, 165 miles. St. Louis to Vincennes. I’ll be working rest stops and mechanical support for this ride. Maybe I’ll see some of you there. It’s a challenging ride. https://www.bicycleillinois.com/rail/south/south.htm

I work part time for these guys. I’ll probably ride 3 days on this tour.

Cairo to Chicago. August 16-22. https://www.bicycleillinois.com/bicycleillinois/bicycleillinois.htm

I sometimes have to ride in the rain when leading bike tours in the summer. I have Marmot jacket and pants. Riding in the rain in Southern Illinois in summer is not a big deal. However, in north Wisconsin in 52 degree weather, rain gear is essential.

Around 3700. About 1000 of that on gravel. Not bad for an old guy. Thinking about shooting for 6000 this year.

There are some new regulations coming out from the CPSC regarding e-bike batteries. This should get rid of 70% of the cheap e-bikes out there. Only high-end battery systems (like Bosch) will pass. This might help to thin out the herd. Experienced riders who have aged up to e-bikes (and buying...

In all seriousness, when I lived in Bentonville, Arkansas, e-bikes were starting to become a problem. We had a 45 mile greenway trail. I wouldn’t even consider riding it on weekends as there were people with e-bikes and electric scooters everywhere. Most with no helmets and most with terrible...