Surly Straggler ϟ Under Construction

 

Lancaster Farm Sanctuary Gravel Grinder

strava.com/activities/3947315204

Pre "Covid" I had intentions of riding to Lancaster Farm Sanctuary to meet the residents (animal friends) and document a terrific couple (doing great work) leading by example! I know many have cut down on "social distancing" but better safe than sorry. I don't want to disturb anyone with my sweaty body () Please consider making a donation to this sanctuary (and follow them on Instagram if you'd like) They have some of THE MOST precious animal photos I've seen  I know the elevation isn't much, but keep in mind, no hills means zero coasting descents. It was like training 113 miles on gravel rollers with random potholes and loose sand hah. Total consumption: dates, walnuts, water 

lancasterfarmsanctuary.org

S4G: The Undeniable Truth Tour

#switch4good

It was a pleasure to attend Switch4good's Undeniable Truth Tour (Boulder, Colorado) 

This well educated panel took the words right out of my mouth. It is such a relief to know that athletes are finally working alongside medical professionals, to expose cruel traditions based in capitalistic, speciesist, anti-humanitarian sentiment. My stance against dairy is full of conviction. Cultural abuse runs deep, indoctrination is real, environmental racism exists. It feels good to know a collective like Switch4good is standing up to fight the good fight! 

switch4good.org | info@switch4good.org

Mt. Evans

Grueling and epic (Mt. Evans was a blast)  Tips: Eat and drink enough on the ride up, approach well rested, pace yourself, pre-acclimate regarding elevation, be careful descending.  The first half of Evan's descent from the summit is painful.  Cracked asphalt, potholes, high-traffic (goat, human, car)  Met majestic mountain goats with babies.  So graceful on the rocks (compared to the greatest athletes, mountain goat mannerism, and skill set remains unparalleled.

Chapman Drive Trail Off-Road

 Chapman Drive is a dream.  A cyclocross-style venture, not incredibly steep (descending Chapman on a road bike is another story)  I question how climbing up rubble so chill, can make for an unequivocally terrifying descent.  That is why I choose to descend Flagstaff's tarmac (post-Chapman climb)  I also enjoy the enhanced smoothness tarmac offers (psychologically) post several minutes up gravel.  If you shift enough body weight over the rear wheel, it won't spin out much standing.  I very much enjoy the challenge of staying seated vs. standing up gravel.  I'd compare it to a mindfulness exercise of sorts.  The first day I found out about it, I had to do it twice...once wasn't enough.  The forest surrounding Chapman is full of beautiful dark greens and blacks (early June 2018)  I love it . . .