The Fixies Rocked!

Big time congratulations to Gran Fondo Fixies, Jeff Bauer & Kevin Kaiser on their successful completion of RAAM 2008.

When they rolled across the finish line in Annapolis today at 7:46PM EDT, they became the first to complete this year's 3000-mile ride across the country. With an average speed of 15.35 mph, it took them 8 days, 4 hours and 21 minutes to complete the west to east crossing - all on fixed-gear bicycles.

They and their crew should be proud of this tremendous accomplishment. The Gran Fondo Fixies are the very first to complete RAAM entirely on fixed-gear bicycles. This is a finish that people will talk about for years to come.

RAAM

Where do I sign up?

Need a trim?

This was spotted by the Gran Fondo Fixies crew as they rolled through Greensburg, IN during RAAM.

Tour de Wayne Century

Yesterday, I had the near pleasure of riding in a century that started from the Wayne County High School in Waynesboro, TN. Actually; it was a nice century considering that it rained for about 2 hours. A 6-mile section had me wondering if I should have swapped my road bike for a mountain bike. It was the Roubaix section.

The good people of Wayne County, TN have put on this century for 5 years, so overall they do a good job. In addition, they asked every participant to fill out a critique, so they seem very interested in making the ride better. The century route took in part of the Natchez Trace, and the rest stops had LOTS of goodies. There is no doubt that a person could gain 10lbs. on this ride.

Although this century is not the best that I have ridden in, it definitely is not the worst. Moreover, the folks that put it on were very friendly and are devoted to making it even better. Therefore, for that reason, if my schedule permits, I will probably go back in 2009.

Overall, I was not impressed with the city of Waynesboro, TN. The first thing I noticed was the lack of a Wal-Mart store. When I went into a convenient store to find out where the Wal-Mart was located, I was quickly told that about five people own most of the businesses, so Wal-Mart has been prevented from building there. I was told that Waynesboro is not very big on change or progress. It is obvious that they are way behind other cities nearby that are similar in size.

Do not get me wrong, I am not a fan of the manner in which Wal-Mart has hurt downtown areas across this country. However, when a city decides to deprive its citizens of the benefits of progress, that is shortsighted and selfish. It was obvious to me that Waynesboro, TN is in need of the tax revenue that would be generated if national business were allowed to build there.

Please know that this is not a slam on the fine people that live there. I am quite sure that many of them feel as I do. I hope that someday they will have the nerve to speak up against the city council and demand change. They need to do something fast before it is too late. Absent a century bike ride, I will probably never have a reason to visit that city again.

Gran Fondo Fixies roll on

RAAM 2008 is underway, and so far, the Gran Fondo Fixies team of Kevin Kaiser and Jeff Bauer has covered 1577 miles of 3000.

Keep in mind that they are crossing the country on fixed-gear bicycles with a gearing of 48-17. That is right: coast to coast with no coasting.

If you would like to find out more about the Gran Fondo Fixies team or other ultra-distance cyclists crossing the country, please be sure to visit the RAAM website.Earlier this evening, the RAAM Media Team caught up with Kevin Kaiser en route through Kansas.

Gran Fondo Fixies

I just wanted to take a moment to wish the best of luck to Jeff Bauer and Kevin Kaiser on their race across America that begins on Sunday, June 8th at noon pacific time from San Diego, California.

Their goal is to complete a 3008-mile race as a two-man relay team on fixed-gear bicycles. Once the race begins, they will have 240 hours to reach the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland.

Here is a word about their start time. Because they are a two-man team riding fixed-gear bikes, the RAAM officials have given them 240 hours to complete the race, rather than the new 216-hour team time limit. They will be starting out with the solo racers. Therefore, their race position is irrelevant to the other teams since they will be starting two days ahead of them. Their only competition is the clock.

If you would like to read about their progress, their crew will be updating a blog throughout the race at: http://teamfixedraam2008.blogspot.com/.

Information about RAAM can be found at: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/.

Chief Ladiga / Silver Comet - GREAT FUN!

During the past couple of months, I've had the pleasure of riding on the Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet trails with various starting points and distances. Each and every time the result has been the same. Simple fun - without the added pressure of riding on surface streets while attempting to avoid impatient maniacs driving two-ton killing machines.

Generally I'm the kind of person that prefers to vary the locations where I ride. So I probably wouldn't enjoy riding the rail trails every week, however I absolutely enjoy the occasional ride on them because it's a chance to ride a more relaxed ride without having to look out for cars back. There are some road crossings to be aware of; but overall, riding on the trails is far more relaxing than riding on roads.

Recently I rode with some of the members of the Druid City Bicycle Club in Tuscaloosa, and on the way over we stopped in Rockmart, GA at a nice Italian restaurant that caters to cyclists. It's located just off the trail, and it even has a bike rack in front for you to park your bike. The food was awesome, and the atmosphere was fun and friendly. There is no doubt that I'll be eating there again sometime.

The next time you're looking for a nice relaxing place to ride your bike, you might want to give the Chief Ladiga / Silver Comet trails a try. Be sure to wave as you go by.