The Rig - first look

The new kid in the stable is a 2015 Salsa Fargo Ti (size sm - a lot of people ask that).  It has taken some time to feel the love as it is so different from a front suspension rigged mountain bike.   But, we are getting there.  The only modifications I've made so far are a longer 90mm stem and a WTB saddle. Much better.  It is stock with SRAM 2x10 28-42 but my wimpy self wants more gears, so a RaceFace Next SL 24-38 is on order.  I've also jumped into the dyno hub world and have a KLite, USB charger and dyno hub wheel on the way.
That'll be it really for gear on the bike.  All of my 2011/2014 gear is fine though I did have to get a smaller Revelate frame bag for this bike.  At the end of the trip where this photo was taken, the front harness gave it up, but Revelate has already repaired it and sent it back.

Going back to Big Bend in February.  Wish I could take this kid with me but not this time.  Willits will get a turn. :)

Gap Analysis (Its a Project Manager thing)

Since I’ve not updated the blog in well, a really long time, it seemed a good idea to bridge the gap.  My year is typically structured around 1 big event.  The last 4 have been no exception.  In between, life happens.

2012

May/June

TWS 2012 Prelim, 42 – Tandem Mixed, Jeff Wueste <3

TWS 2012, 260

August 

Jeff left for South America to join the Amazon Express Expedition that paddled the entire length of the Amazon River from a newly identified source, to the Atlantic.  He would be away for the next 4 months paddling 3600 miles of the 4100 mile expedition.  (Documentary, Peeled Faces of the Amazon).

MR340 2012, 340 – 5man, Mike Gordon, John Erskine, Jim Weber, Joe Geisinger

September

CR100 2012, 100 – Tandem Womens, Debbie Richardson

I called this the trifecta or the triple crown of racing from Texas; to complete all 3 of the best known marathon races in one season.  I believe I am the only female to have done so.  The CR100 is now a 100k so for now, the accomplishment stands.  

2013

May/June

TWS 2013 Prelim, 35 – 3man – Debbie Richardson, Heather Harrison

TWS 2013, 260                                                                                                                                     

September

CR100 2013, 100 – Tandem Mixed, Andrew Condie

2014

March

Jeff is off again.  This time to Russia to participate in the Volga River Expedition, the first descent of Europe's longest river.  Gone 3 months this time and paddled 2300 miles source to sea.

June

Grand Depart, Tour Divide – 300 miles.  Scratched at the border.  I came home injured but glad to see Jeff and my family.  Intervention from the universe?  I don’t know. 

On October 18^th, my father passed away.  He had been recovering from an illness in June but well enough that I felt comfortable leaving.  I would not trade the precious time with him I was gifted.  

2015

May

TWS 2015 Prelim, 35 – Womens, Amy

July

MR340 2015, 340 – Solo

Total - 1812 miles.

Other races and adventures are sprinkled throughout.  Trips to Big Bend twice a year, to Boston to see family and participate in my brother’s 1^st gravel event the D2R2.  A niece has graduated college, a nephew neck deep in it and a niece doing a semester in Israel.

My beautiful Slaten and Spencer boats are still out there on the rack and I’m occasionally on the water but I am so happy to be back on the bike! 

I have an idea about what is next.  I sent an email, reserved a room got a plane ticket... 

Now just ride.  Oh, and I have a new bike  :D