I have received a care package from Ruckus Components. They have sent out some carbon bashguards and t-shirts for the Spartacus 100: Blood and Gravel ride. These will be getting raffled off and the end of the ride so stick around and put your name in the hat.

A big thanks to Ruckus Components for sponsoring the ride.

Duke

This was a original part and had about 3500 miles on it and probably one of the cheapest freewheels ever made in China.

It was hot with a heat index of around 100 and I was only a few miles from home. I thought I could limp it the rest of the way but after a quick test that wasn't going to happen then I remembered "When in doubt FLOP it out" a quick flip of the rear wheel, I was FIXED and back in action.

Today I want to send some love to one of my favorite shops:

Terry's Cycle
317 N. State Street
Alma, Michigan 48801

989-463-5260
http://www.terryscycle.com

One of the most single speed friendly shops located in the belly button of Michigan. Terry and Napper are good people and some of the most knowledgeable folks around. So check them out and if you need anything give them a call.

Duke

This weekend is shaping up into a nice one. So its time to do another weekend gravel grinder. Let's plan on Saturday 6/26 10:00am at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area and around 50 miles of dusty trail. The route will be 50 miles of the Spartacus route in reverse. That means there will be a store and a beach stop about half way plan on 4-5 hours total time.

Give me a shout if you want me to keep a look out for you otherwise we roll at 10:15 sharp.

See you on the dusty trail.
Duke

So far this has been the year for flats, I think 90% of them have happened along a 1 mile stretch of gravel. The good thing from all of this is getting back to basics and using patches and a pump. No more burning thru tubes, inflators and filling landfills with all my garbage. Here is a picture of the lastest offender which looks like some kind of tool blade or something familiar I just cant put my finger on it.

I am working on getting us a resident tattoo artist for the Spartacus 100: Blood and Gravel Ride let's see where that takes us. If I cant get this done this year it will be something for a future event. Get well soon Len.

I see lots of dogs while riding on the country gravel roads. Some decide to chase me and some must think that its to much work and return to there porches. I have never had a cat chase me, it rhymes with flats and tats and I really just wanted to say pussy cat :)

Duke