Day off well spent (photo heavy)

Sure, as much as I would love to be in New Zealand right now attending SSWC2010 I had to settle for another day off work instead. Too bad. Looks like Dejay's loving the experience and all the attention you get being a "pro single speeder."

My day off was made better the night before when I came home to a box of happy.

What's inside? I knew before I opened the box since Industry Nine has recently hired some expert help in the labeling department.

Yes, my ultra tight and light wheelset finally made it to Bad Idea Racing headquarters... just in time for some wheel swapping so I can stop riding that egg shaped wheel at work on the DeBernardi until I recover from that condition that we dare not speak of.

How light could these magic wheels be?

The front wheel...

and the rear...

What was the net effect on the Kestrel when everything was mounted up with rim tape from the LBS and a little bit of sweat and tears?

Before:

After:

I am aware of the fact that the old wheels that were replaced weren't necessarily high end. I also aware of the fact that the stock Mavic skewers were heavier than the ones that replaced them. I am also also very aware of the fact that dropping .9lbs is freaking incredible.

How best to test them on my day off? Yesterday I had an early appointment with the dentist, so I decided to ride the 10.something miles to his office (AKA: The House of Pain).

No, I do not wear chamois to the dentist. I need the female dental assistants to pay attention to what going on topside if you know what I mean.

Why ride to the dentist?

Why not?

It's sorta scenic if I take the proper route. I even saw some deer that I think Grig Martin would have strong feelings for.

They were hiding in such a covert manner I wondered if they heard that Grig was in the area looking for another woodland creature rendezvous.

The Pie had an important business call and asked that I not re-enter the house before 11:00am, so I stopped and took some glamor shots in the park.

Can you say "wide flanges?" Do you feel as dirty as I do when I say it in a whisper?

The rear is a nice match to the front, what with the logos, and blackness, and overall appeal to the five senses (yes, I did lick them).

How did they ride? Like wheels, but more like Superman and Batman had fraternal twin babies and those babies were wheels that fought crime and thwarted bad guys with super powers and utility belts.



To be thorough with my day's testing I mounted up a Zone to carry my stuff. So much better than a fanny pack.

This is staying on the road bike since the shit I carry with me is an awkward load. For the most part I don't really get flats on road rides, but I did end up fixing three flats that happened mysteriously in my bike room when I got home.

Once I got done fixing all the flats I shouldn't have had I threw a Rampage on the front of the Superbeast and headed right out the door (after a second pot of coffee).

I rode out to the secret location of the Dirt Bag Short Track Race (this Sunday). I took it easy and scoped it out in both directions... except this thing which didn't look like something I'd ride backwards.

From there I proceeded over to the Backyard Trails to test my weak joint that I don't talk about anymore. I swear I went very slowly. How slow? This guy yelled "On your left" and then blew by me.

I think he heard that amorous fellow Grig Martin was about, and he's already made the rounds in the mammal kingdom and looking for a new challenge. Maybe he just wanted to get a better look at my Rag Top loaded with a fat tube and some tools. I bet a turtle could carry a lot of cool turtle stuff with this strapped to his back

I felt okay (as far as that thing I don't talk about), but no better than that. I've been on a geared bike for the past three weeks straight which would make it the longest amount of time I've been off a one speed bike of any sort for almost a decade. As soon as this "issue" is resolved the Fastest Bike in the World will come back down off the wall and life will go back to the normal abnormal.

Meh, still a bit puffy.

Oh well... it could be worse.

I could be in New Zealand.