Surly reaches 10,000 miles!

Finally, Senior Surly reached this 10K milestone. In actuality, it happened in September but I've been lazy about posting on my blog. Regardless, Senior Surly and I have seen a lot of the countryside which includes riding in 7 different states. Our last major touring trip was back in August when we went from took the GAP/C&O trail from Pittsburgh to DC. The trip was amazing...looking forward to it again next summer. For now, Senior Surly and I plan to brave some of the colder temps during bike commutes. Not every day, but would to continue to ride as weather permits this winter. After all, I'd much rather be steering the handlebars of Senior Surly instead of steering a steering wheel.

MS 150 charity ride

With some financial help from family and friends, I was lucky enough to the do the MS 150 "Escape to the Lake" charity ride. The event organizers put together a fantastic route up to Lake Erie. I managed my first century ride on the first day with the optional loop. Many of us tent camped that night at Allegheny College in Meadville. Then another 64 miles on the second day. So I was a bit of an overachiever at 164 miles for the weekend. The event was very, very well organized and the rest stops had some great snacks. Very well thought-out and would definitely like to do it again next year. Plus, it's for a great cause!

9000 miles now on the Surly

My beloved Cross Check just passed 9000 miles. Impressive. This bike has been through a lot. So, I thought I would pamper my trusted steed with a new rear derailleur. The old, stock derailleur is seeing some wear/rust, and not shifting as cleanly as it probably should. Regardless, stock Surly components have really done quite well given what I've put them through over the course of 9000 miles.

The 2013 cycling race season begins

In early April, the cycling season began for me. Started off with a few local crits, a road race, and then this criterium in McKeesport. Placed well in both, so overall satisfied with how the season started. More crits and Dirt Fest on tap for May. Then several road races and mtn bike races in June. Ride on!

Laying down fresh tracks

Got in some good snow riding at Frick Park. Our small group of cyclists laid down some fresh tire tracks on many of the singletrack trails. The studded tires helped considerably as I noticed just how much of a difference they make with traction. Only issue was ice building up around my cleats toward the end of the ride. Excellent ride given the conditions.

Whoa, that was fast!

Indeed. If you're keeping track at home, Senior Surly quickly gained 1,000 miles in just 3 short months. I actually hit the 8000 miles mark on November 14. Wow, that's a whole lot of riding, Jason! Yes, it sure is. What's great is knowing that many of these miles were logged by commuting around the city. Of course, there were also a few longer trek rides with my wife on some rails-to-trails as well. Good times. Oh, Surly...I think I will buy you some new handlebar tape because you are seeing some wear (if I don't get it for Christmas). Ride on!

Cross season is on!

As the Month of Mud mountain bike series finishes, cyclocross season gets in full swing here in Southwest PA. We are just 2 races into the ABRA series and a few other cross races are sprinkled into the schedule. The ABRA series consists of 8 races that are held in the Pittsburgh/Morgantown region. So far, the series has been a lot of fun using the new Soma and racing in the 3/4 category with friends. Next up, Marilla in Morgantown which had a fantastic course 2 years ago when I raced there.