NYC Journal

[Calzone]

Phil,

On the Mountain Trials it might be so slight that any difference does not matter. I have both vintage Speed Springs and newer Steed Springs made by SRP. They don’t have the sag the elastomers they replace had.

Also I checked the Judy XL clearance on the Ti IBIS and it will clear the frame when turned at a 90 and beyond. Don’t know if there is a geometry change, but know that there are other subtle differences between the same sized bikes. First off the Ti IBIS has vertical dropouts on the rear, and the steel IBIS has horizontal drops.

Next the wheelbase is a maximum of 39 1/2 inches on the steel IBIS with the horizontal drops set to the greatest length. Meanwhile the Ti IBIS wheelbase measures 40 inches and of course is not adjustable.

I have a straight bladed fork that is a third type of IBIS fork that they use on their tandems that came on my bike.

I had Steve Pots make me an IBIS Type 2 matching the length of the IBIS tandem forks. I know IBIS used Koski forks and they are shorter than my tandem fork.

My experience with the Rock Shox Judy SL on the Ti Basso back in the day is that the chopper like effect on a retro frame not initially built for a suspension is mucho lame and slows down the steering too much. The effect though on my steel IBIS seems unmeasurable because it had this longer fork. I imagine the very early Mountain Trials with the Koski forks to be more hyper and twitchy.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Phil,

There is a half inch difference (Delta) between a Koski fork and the IBIS tandem fork with straight blades. My Koski forks (I have 2) measure 15 1/2 inches axel to crown, and the straight blade 16 inches. Know that I use a Chris King headset that has a smaller stack height called a “Short-Stack.”

I would not call the Steel IBIS or Ti IBIS steering slow or lax: mucho hyper is what it is.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Today we hiked the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trail that extends from the shooting range (Part of Blue Mountain Preserve) down south to Ossining. This is a trail that is just for hiking.

This cross training suits us well. Understand that “Maggie had a hip replacement about a decade and a half ago, so no trail running or running for her. She needs gentle non jarring workouts like walking and cycling. Also she is 70 so a slow buildup is required.

I mentioned the Century (100 mile ride) I am scoping out, and she mentioned that she wants to do a Century, and maybe next summer is her goal to be able to do one. Very clear I have created a biker-bitch.

The break in the weather is welcomed, and perhaps today will be best to mow my somewhat overgrown lawn.

Also we suspect that Grampy the old rabbit might be an escaped domesticated rabbit because he is not shy and seems rather tame. I would say he weighs about 15 pounds and he is kinda good looking floppy ears and all. Yesterday Maggie was almost within petting distance.

It seems we are located within all this outdoor infrastructure that is being developed all around us, and the Catskills are only a bit more than an hour away. I really love the life we are building out. The kinda camping we are doing is really car camping. We need to get another Seasucker bike rack to mount another bike on the roof of the Audi.

We can actually bike to New Palz.

Looking forward to the fall for the cool weather and the foliage. Looks like many short adventures and explorations will happen. Kinda endless the fun. The Audi seems like the perfect sized car for these trips and I approach 30 MPG.

There is this fuel additive I use once a month that is an octane enhancer. A German mechanic told me to use it to keep the fuel injection clean, and I spend the extra money on Mobil Premium. I need high test because of the turbo.

I wonder if I should convert my Ti IBIS back into a full rigid and try to make it into a somewhat gravel bike with 1.6 wide rear tire and a 1.8 inch wide front. If I can steepen the gearing enough the small rear wheel won’t be a limit. I would likely need to replace the medium cage derailleur with a long cage version. Oh-well.

The idea would be to have a really fun lightweight rigid. The Newsboy is built for comfort and has a heavy leather saddle and mucho heavy mustache bars. It also features a long wheelbase and relaxed handling. The short wheelbase IBIS would be more sporty, agile and be built for speed. In my book more fun.

Conversion is not a big task, but the front brake would need to be x-fered. No big deal, but the bike would be very light in weight, sub 20 pounds, and maybe sub 19 pounds. I had it set up as a single speed with those tires and it weighed in at 17 pounds. Very fast and fun with a 63 inch gear.

The 63 inch gear bike is also an interesting option to train on. These railroad grades are rather modest in elevation changes by design. I could see me riding with just a 63 gear inch for training. Boy I would get mighty strong and fast.

If I need the Ti IBIS as a mountain bike with a front suspension it can easily be converted back.

Cal

 

[Phil_F_NM]

If the rabbit has big floppy ears like a lop, then it’s a survivor from being dumped.

Phil

 

[Calzone]

Phil,

Sadly I think you are right.

What are his chances of survival in the wild? Should I rescue him?

He seems very tame, and not skittish like a wild bunny that are a lot smaller. He is about twice the size of an adult wild rabbit.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

I’m a bit sore from mowing just the rear lawns. The grass was tall, so the push mower required some strength and torque. Ended up having to kinda mow the lawn twice.

I left the front and side yard which are smaller for perhaps today.

The cooler weather is welcomed. We did well with keeping our routine going dispite the heat streets. Today is day 31 and we shall see how far and how long we can ride without the oppressive heat stress.

Wednesday is “Maggie’s” cover reveal. They sent a mock up last week just to have a prop to photograph. There is a separate release in England that has a different cover. Both books are hard cover.

Cal

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Cal, let me ask around regarding the bunny and a possible rescue. House rabbits are completely domesticated and usually don't survive. I'd say try to get some decent photos with a long lens (or even close-ups if the bun will let you), send them to ma, and I'll tell some folks in the NYC House Rabbit Society. Evidently the bun has shade and a cool place because it's survived the heat waves. Anything over 85 degrees is hazardous to house rabbits and those big ears are probably what kept it alive. Rabbits only cool themselves through their ears and the bottoms of their feet.
If you want to be welcoming to the bun, you can stick a frozen plastic bottle of water out in a place in the shade where it visits. You could also put some small amounts of veggies (kale, lettuce, dandelion greens, carrot tops) if you like. No broccoli! if you have a spare carrot, just a little slice like a coin would be nice. A whole carrot like bugs bunny is too much sugar for them, like eating a snickers bar the size of your arm to us. Hydration is a big deal in this weather so a bowl of cool water is also nice to provide.
Just a couple weeks ago I rescued a kitten that had been dumped in the dumpster out back inside its litter box. We got it all taken care of and sent off to a vet then a no-kill shelter for adoption.
Also, have you asked your neighbors if it is their rabbit? Some folks are insane and let their rabbits out. Most get killed by birds of prey, coyotes or dogs. All sorts of hazards out there for this little animal that was bred solely as a cute indoor pet.
Good looking out.
Phil

 

[Calzone]

Phil,

Heart breaking if Grampy was abandoned. I’m on the fence if he was lost or abandoned.

On one hand he is tame, but animals are smarter than you think, and I think he knows our yard is a sanctuary of sorts and that I am no foe.

Earlier about a week or more ago he kept his distance and observed me working in the yard. I kept seeing him. Then a few days later when we had house guests he wandered through and even somewhat approached us.

I know he has been eating lettuce out of our garden, possibly our strawberries, and our a cross the street our neighbor’s apples.

Then the other hand he survived through hellish temperatures that persisted for over a week.

He does display a mottled coat that I would say is the shade of a deer, not patchy, but also not consistent with the small bunnies I see in my yard that are perhaps a few pounds if that. I would say Grampy is well over 12 pounds if not 15.

Could he be just an old wild rabbit? Perhaps too big and fat to be a wild

Cal

 

[Henry]

Phil,

Heart breaking if Grampy was abandoned. I’m on the fence if he was lost or abandoned.

On one hand he is tame, but animals are smarter than you think, and I think he knows our yard is a sanctuary of sorts and that I am no foe.

Earlier about a week or more ago he kept his distance and observed me working in the yard. I kept seeing him. Then a few days later when we had house guests he wandered through and even somewhat approached us.

I know he has been eating lettuce out of our garden, possibly our strawberries, and our a cross the street our neighbor’s apples.

Then the other hand he survived through hellish temperatures that persisted for over a week.

He does display a mottled coat that I would say is the shade of a deer, not patchy, but also not consistent with the small bunnies I see in my yard that are perhaps a few pounds if that. I would say Grampy is well over 12 pounds if not 15.

Could he be just an old wild rabbit? Perhaps too big and fat to be a wild

Cal

Domestic rabbit abandonment is distressingly common. There is a wave of it every year about a month after Easter. Seriously, every single year. If the rabbit has floppy/lop ears then it is basically guaranteed to be a domestic rabbit. All wild cottontails in the US are “up ear” types unless something serious has happened to damage their ears. they can put them down, but they never “flop” as a lop might.

Wild rabbits that aren’t hares (jackrabbits, snowshoe, etc) usually don’t get that big. But, I’ll admit, most of my experience is with desert cotton tails, which are scrawny basically by necessity.

 

[Calzone]

Today we revisited the Brewster to Pawling section that has about a 9 mile railroad grade that extends more or less uninterrupted.

”Maggie” was tired from yesterday’s hiking, so we cut it short and took it easy. Seems like some bike fitting issues need to be worked out. Handlebar, and seat adjustments are very interactive and everyone is different…

Tomorrow is her book cover reveal where bookstores can pre-order her book.

After our ride our agent called. The hiking and biking opportunity was pursued by our agent, but it involved getting on the Instagram treadmill and all the stats and analytics required to maintain a position. At this point we are beyond that. In fact our agent explained that we do not want to mix luxury with the low end.

Also just before this surprise call we talked in the car after our ride about not dealing with all the hassle and obligations. We were cool with walking away from the gig.

Also it seems our agent has a plan, but Maggie is interfering. Where we are heading now is exclusive, and this low lying fruit has to be avoided.

So another gig came under the radar past our agent. The solicitation was to celebrate our marriage in a resort paradise, but know that “Maggie” and I live in sin unmarried because Calvin does not want to pay more in taxes. After being informed that we are not married, a second offer came, but now it was passed to our agent to see if it is suitable for our branding.

In a way it does because we are being marketed as a cool couple together and not separately. This could play up, but also might not be deemed good for our branding. Anyways always flattering to be selected, but the key is not to allow this to go to your head.

I have seen how praise inflates egos, where people fall over themselves from flattery, and then start to believe they are special, gifted, or mucho talented. Too easy to get full of yourself and jump the shark. After a while people begin to believe they are better than most and talented. I call this false ego.

Oh-well. Truth be told I am happy-happy driving just 27 miles from my house to ride a rail to trail and having a toasted lightly butter bagel with a hot chocolate or a caffeinated coffee (small). What I’m saying here: nothing special…

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Henry,

Thanks for your post.

This is distressing. I don’t think hares are indigenous to the Hudson Valley. This rabbit is looking more to be an abandoned or escaped animal.

I have not seen him today.

Also he seems to have found refuge in my yard. I give credit to animals: they seem to know where to get help.

When I was a kid I brought home a wounded dog with a lame leg. He followed me home. I fed him and called a local Pet Patrol that used a ration station to help find lost or found or missing pets. I got the dog to his owner, but giving him up was painful.

It was the right thing to do. Also know that this animal instinctively knew to trust me.

Cal

 

[Phil_F_NM]

There is a branch of the NY House Rabbit Society in Westchester. There is the SPCA of course but an experienced rabbit handler would be a better resource for rescue.
Phil

 

[Henry]

Yes exactly, House Rabbit Society is who I would call as well.

 

[Calzone]

There is a branch of the NY House Rabbit Society in Westchester. There is the SPCA of course but an experienced rabbit handler would be a better resource for rescue.
Phil

Phil,

Thanks. Will call and keep everyone updated.

Water is set out near our herb garden. He has a good supply of food at least.

Last sighting was just yesterday from our kitchen door. “Maggie” spotted him and pointed him out.

He survived that heat dome earlier in July somehow.

Cal

 

[MrFujicaman]

Better not let the granddaughter see the rabbit-she'll want to keep it!

 

[Calzone]

MFM,

She has a Gin-E Pig named “Moonlight.” She is not an animal person like me.

Kinda funny that “Maggie” a Social Worker with a PhD was not good with our dog that we rescued. When I walked him in East Harlem he had to wear a muzzle. He otherwise would attack people.

Maggie said, “He doesn’t do that with me,” but she did not understand that I was the person more important to him and that the reason why he was a vicious 15 pound dog was that he fiercely protected me.

He would go after Pit Bulls. Interesting that Maggie did not understand dog behavior and pack animal mentality.

BTW in NYC many dogs are rescued animals and their owners fit a certain profile of being kind and decent people. Also animals understand that they have been rescued and are great full. They know the deal…

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Wow,

I’m digging into the Empire State Trailway. I can ride to New Palz.

BTW “Maggie” admits she could never ride on the road with cars. There is a small section of on road riding that makes it not possible for her to do the Century to Poughkeepsie and over the Hudson. Oh-well.

Got sidetracked from doing the side lawn and front lawn today by a surprise family visit. Oh-well.

A friend who is a biker reminded me of all the subtle learning that makes biking a culture of awareness of eating, sleeping and training. Pretty much a lifestyle that can’t be taught because we are all different. No shortcut to being hard core. Biking is a culture, a lifestyle, and a way to live.

Today I realized I needed to tilt my leather saddle back more to help maintain a more rearward position. Every ride is more experience.

I bought this expensive saddle made in France months ago, and it kinda is an investment. The point is that skill and experience take time to distill and a digital influencer who solves problems with a click of a mouse has lots to learn. In her own time…

Anyways she is in a rush of sorts and that really is not what biking is about. Much of this is learning control, and maintaining control by understanding and knowing the limits of yourself and the machine called a bicycle.

I find beauty in Maggie’s discoveries, and right now her envelope is tiny. Understand she is in a rush, but I explain that that is not the way. Oh-well…

Rushing to me is the opposite of relaxing. My rushing through life is over. I’m in no hurry. Meanwhile she wants to be a hard core biker bitch.

Kinda funny is that she has had her new bike for perhaps 2 weeks and wants another one that costs more than double the price. Too bad the IBIS SS Avion was not a true 14 inch bike. Oh-well I’m glad it is now my bike. I love it.

Mike the skinny hipster thinks that bike is too cool. He was very surprised on how balance and responsive was the handling. Also mucho quick in acceleration. You have to know a very fun ride despite being 33 years old and only a retro 7-speed.

Pretty much a stunning looking trophy bike. What a statement of mucho cool. A kin and kinda like driving a vintage Porsche.

BTW I like the Trek FX-6 with its carbon wheels, and carbon frame and fork. Certainly a fast and quick bike, but it is only a 1x11, and the tall gears I would want to go honking in a downhill to avoid spinning out on the cranks just isn’t there. For wide range you need at least a double, and I can see wanting a triple on a bike for touring or random-ear-ring.

Again and again I stressed: more gears is better; and gears are your friend.

She bought the Domane AL-3 instead of the Domane AL-4 that had a higher end drivetrain with more gears And a lower range of gearing. Now she wants a bike with lower gears. The price difference was only $500.00 between the AL-3 and AL-4, but now many thousands on another bike. “Oh-well,” says Calvin.

BTW some of my ghetto writing is due to A.I. The auto correct on this IPAD is mucho annoying. I have to edit and edit again to counter the AI.

Cal

 

[Henry]

Wow,

I’m digging into the Empire State Trailway. I can ride to New Palz.

BTW “Maggie” admits she could never ride on the road with cars. There is a small section of on road riding that makes it not possible for her to do the Century to Poughkeepsie and over the Hudson. Oh-well.

Got sidetracked from doing the side lawn and front lawn today by a surprise family visit. Oh-well.

A friend who is a biker reminded me of all the subtle learning that makes biking a culture of awareness of eating, sleeping and training. Pretty much a lifestyle that can’t be taught because we are all different. No shortcut to being hard core. Biking is a culture, a lifestyle, and a way to live.

Today I realized I needed to tilt my leather saddle back more to help maintain a more rearward position. Every ride is more experience.

I bought this expensive saddle made in France months ago, and it kinda is an investment. The point is that skill and experience take time to distill and a digital influencer who solves problems with a click of a mouse has lots to learn. In her own time…

Anyways she is in a rush of sorts and that really is not what biking is about. Much of this is learning control, and maintaining control by understanding and knowing the limits of yourself and the machine called a bicycle.

I find beauty in Maggie’s discoveries, and right now her envelope is tiny. Understand she is in a rush, but I explain that that is not the way. Oh-well…

Rushing to me is the opposite of relaxing. My rushing through life is over. I’m in no hurry. Meanwhile she wants to be a hard core biker bitch.

Kinda funny is that she has had her new bike for perhaps 2 weeks and wants another one that costs more than double the price. Too bad the IBIS SS Avion was not a true 14 inch bike. Oh-well I’m glad it is now my bike. I love it.

Mike the skinny hipster thinks that bike is too cool. He was very surprised on how balance and responsive was the handling. Also mucho quick in acceleration. You have to know a very fun ride despite being 33 years old and only a retro 7-speed.

Pretty much a stunning looking trophy bike. What a statement of mucho cool. A kin and kinda like driving a vintage Porsche.

BTW I like the Trek FX-6 with its carbon wheels, and carbon frame and fork. Certainly a fast and quick bike, but it is only a 1x11, and the tall gears I would want to go honking in a downhill to avoid spinning out on the cranks just isn’t there. For wide range you need at least a double, and I can see wanting a triple on a bike for touring or random-ear-ring.

Again and again I stressed: more gears is better; and gears are your friend.

She bought the Domane AL-3 instead of the Domane AL-4 that had a higher end drivetrain with more gears And a lower range of gearing. Now she wants a bike with lower gears. The price difference was only $500.00 between the AL-3 and AL-4, but now many thousands on another bike. “Oh-well,” says Calvin.

BTW some of my ghetto writing is due to A.I. The auto correct on this IPAD is mucho annoying. I have to edit and edit again to counter the AI.

Cal

Screen keyboard on the iPad is terrible (as you say, bad autocorrect and strange opinions on what you meant to type), anything longer than a sentence or two I pull out my keyboard case and type it.

 

[Calzone]

AI on an IPAD is muy ghetto.

I use the external keyboard and it still takes over. I have to prevent emo-gees.

I think I am worse than “Maggie” in being a bike-bitch. If you ask me why I live, the answer is to ride my bike. Pretty hard to justify doing road riding when I can avoid cars alltogther. What a life.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Today “Maggie” needs a rest day. A restless night of sleeping is a sign of overtraining where a break in activity is warented. I’m not a coach, but I have decades of experience.

Even though I use to race and got spanked badly, now I see myself as a pretty tough endurance rider where long rides are my domain.

There is a type of bike that is not really the mass market and that is an “All-Road” bike that is made with the right balance to ride/tour/ and travel long distances that also can carry loads. This form of riding favors experience and people who know and understand their abilities and limits to do the long haul. Much of this is expending energy wisely.

Anyways this is the type of riding I’m settling into. Not really mountain bike, not road riding, but something new. Perhaps more akin to cruising on my Newsboy and wandering on a bike for experience and adventure. A new type of ruggedness that perhaps is more about being an endurance athlete, even though I don’t want to compete.

I expect a slow pitch jigging rod to be delivered this morning.

I figure I will mow the lawn and then go on a ride. Might take out the steel IBIS which is set up as my slow bike where I explore hiking trails at Blue Mountain Preserve. My speed is about walking speed and pretty much I just want to stay on the peddles which is hard because of the rocky nature and erosion.

Cal