Was This Goodbye?

The new project frame is due to arrive today. Knowing that wheels and several components from this bike must be used on the new frame, I made a point to take A. Homer Hilsen out this morning.

It will soon be rendered un-ridable, and I've got this simplification project underway that anticipates multiple bikes leaving the premises. Like that last gathering of high school friends at the post-graduation celebration when I knew I'd never see many of them again, I wondered. Was this our last ride together? Was this goodbye?

Trek 660 Needs New Home

I don't know how this will go. I bought a 28 year old bike, poured some money into upgrades, and now its for sale. I suppose it might take just the right kind of buyer for me to get the value of the bike, plus most of my upgrade cost, in a sale. But that's how I'd like to start. Since I've added nicer wheels, brakes, bars, brake levers, cables, much nicer tires, and a spendy saddle, I'd like about $850 for it. We'll split the shipping.

It's not in perfect condition. It's got a few scratches that have been touched up, a little rust (also touched up) in a couple of spots, but no major dents or dings. It rides very nicely, however, and it comes with a pretty nice looking Campy Nuevo Record drive train (rear and front derailleurs, crankset, and shifters).

I might keep the pedals and the computer, but everything else shown is included. I suppose if someone is looking for some kind of a bargain, I might need to take some of the newer, more expensive bits off and sell those separately.

This would be a good bike for someone who would enjoy a classic road bike that performs very well to do spirited rides. As shown, it weighs just under 22lbs (according to my bathroom scale). This might be a little more than the modern road bikes you might be able to buy for about $1000 at your local bike shop. But my guess is that this one will perform better. Maybe its just me, but I think the lively feel of old school steel is delightful.

I've got a lot more details if anyone is interested. I've got a copy of the Trek brochure from 1984 with the frame geometry. I can provide a more detailed parts/build list, and I can take measurements and photos upon request.

So $850 firm then (plus 1/2 shipping), unless of course you want to negotiate.

Now I've Really Done It

I'm really too embarrassed to elaborate at this point. However, I will suggest that bicycle aficionados looking for bargains should monitor this space. Bicycles and components will soon be for sale. Whatever it is that I'm too embarrassed to talk about...um...needs funding. Besides, in spite of appearances, I really am serious about my end destination of simplification. I just happen to be taking the scenic route.

Oh, and one more thing. I really should be under closer supervision.

Late Start

The end of sunlight, followed by the skunk slalom.

Black fur on those critters doesn't reflect light well at all.

You don't see them until you're there.

Why is that little shadow wobbling across the road?

Yikes! Not a shadow.

Evasive maneuvers on narrow county roads.

Where Quickbeams Go

Something to Build On

A longer ride was overdue. I can't remember my last ride over the 100k milestone. Rides in the 30 - 50 mile range are fairly normal, but I'd like to get past the 100 mile mark at least a couple of times this season. Today's target was 100k, and it was plenty challenging.

I could have chosen an easier route. Located north and west of my house, it included more climbing than my local roads. Similar to my local routes, however, more than half the miles were on gravel.

My favorite rest stop is probably the Rosston General Store. It is always good to include that in a loop route. I headed almost directly north through Era to Muenster. Then took a sweeping west to south to east route through Rosston and the Ramble route back home.

The first couple of hours into the wind were a bit of work. But when I was able to turn south, I made good time down to Rosston. Tailwinds and sweeping downhills make for delightful riding.

It was great to see the creeks with water again. After such a dry summer, we've had plenty of moisture through the fall and "winter". I could have taken many more lovely creek photos, and probably should have.

There are some places that are high enough to see far away places. The view above was a little south and west of Muenster, but there were several vistas between that point and Rosston.

I almost took the Quickbeam today. That would not have been the smart choice. There were multiple times during the outing I was thinking how fortunate I was to have coasting and gears.

I'm tired. But it is good to get a longer ride in this early. Something to build on...