Hi All - It's been really cool to dip in here and see what it's all about - I've really enjoyed "meeting" everyone and feeling a part of it. It also helped me get back into the rhythm of riding (almost) daily, and I needed that bit of structure and support to get me going. I'm going to sign off however - I'm not really financially secure enough to keep going on the monthly....so, Thanks for Everything Anthony et al, adios and happy riding!

Probably can't start planning too early, right? So my current gravel bike has treated me well, but the rear derailleur clutch is busted. If I engage it it makes some very loud noises and does not shift smoothly at all. I had the cables replaced and took it to the LBS I bought it from to service the clutch. They said it looks fine to them and to just not use the clutch... I don't love that advice. Love the store and the people though, they run the local group rides that best suit my riding. So, I am considering replacing the rear mech, changing from a 2x to a 1x? Maybe going electronic. Then when I was talking with my father, he suggested a new bike... who doesn't love someone else encouraging them to get a new bike, haha. My current bike is a Trek Checkpoint Gen 2 SL5.5. I say 5.5 because when I bought this bike I was using it as gravel with road set, and bought the Bontrager rims that come on the SL6. I would love to hear input as to should I just upgrade the drivetrain or if this bike is even a good choice for Unbound 200? I set a most likely unreasonably high goal of making top 200. So bike choice likely makes a meaningful impact in my overall time. I have this compulsion that I should buy from the LBS because of how often I ride with them, but maybe I should just get over that? Their brands are: Trek, Giant, Cervelo, Cannondale.

I like to get through as many books as I can. Normally my next book is a recommendation from a friend. Have you read anything good lately ? Two from me, the lion trackers guide to life & the creative act by Rick Rubin

I know that this is meant to be a Thursday post but I wanted to say it before race season begins. “Aero water bottles” - if you aren’t doing long distance events then just go and get them. Will likely save you a few watts for zero effort. I am talking about the Trek style ones as opposed to those older TT ones. The cages still work with your normal rounded bottles which is pretty handy. I believe that they are as secure as your traditional bottles too? I haven’t heard any bad reviews personally AliExpress or panda podium would be cheaper alternatives. Photo below! If you are doing 8 hour long gravel races then it’s probably not the most practical thing so it’s more relevant to people doing shorter races. But I think it’s worth trying out 🫡

Howdy Folks. I put together a little spreadsheet of rides, races, and events I thought might interest you. I am planning on attending all these. If you add your events to the calendar (try to keep it in date order), perhaps we can get a group together and ride! I'll try to drop links in there as they come up too. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ElczqMK9E-WjqatuQj41Qh9TQKvpUjO9qgWMAcCYwlM/edit?usp=drivesdk