Petaluma, CA

If it ain't moto it's worthless.

Thoughts In Anticipation (slight return)

Behold.

This is the spirited steed that I'll be astride for the Rapha Ride tomorrow — the Salsa Podio.

While it’s no custom ti beauty or some jealousy inducing classic steel rig, don’t be mistaken, it's a very fine road bike judged by any standard, and in the two months that I've had the Podio, it’s stood up respectably on all the stages I’ve pushed in out onto — rainy afternoon journeys, a few Wednesday worlds, and the ultimate platform (at least for the immediate future), gravel road rides.

The shape you see it in here is exactly as it will be piloted all day on Tuesday — 100psi 25s, a fresh computer, a spare tube, and a pump. Simple. The forecast is for rain and more rain, so it’ll also be covered in a wet grit, but it’s no more and no less than any of us will be needing on our century and a half north to Ponca.

We hope.

The rest of our companions are on their way here right now from MLPS and should arrive just in time for The Oven and a beer, and then all the anticipation will be done.

Long live long rides.

tight...

new salsa ti pro moto stem (too new for a link) and pro moto 17 degree handlebar on the red el mariachi. them's good handles... big mama's got a matching stem and an even neater carbon 17 degree pro moto bar. x-tra fresh...

i found the figgity fox...

flat bar fargo friday...

Photo: Gnat. Go to "My flat bar off road adventuring fargo..."

letting one of my babies go... 55cm Salsa La Cruz for sale

I can hardly believe it myself, but I've got to raise some funds for parts for the Big Mama, so I'm going to release my beloved La Cruz frameset to a good home. This is a Salsa 55cm, which is a sloping TT frame, so it fits a rider that would ride a traditional 58cm (level top tube) frame. I'm 6' 1" tall, with a 33-inch inseam and it fits me like a glove.

Please note, I'm selling frame with fork only. No stem, seatpost or any other parts. Please get a hold of me through the blog or on the phone (402.314.2150) if interested.

Thanks, and have a great weekend.

Cheers,
MG

friday fargo...

Pretty good... headed out for another right now. Have a great weekend!

Salsa CroMoto SUL stem riders — czech it

Your stem may have been recalled: salsacromotostem.com

Fargo. go far.

yup, purdy good... get knowledge

the salsa rainbow...

Mrs. G. pointed this out to me last night -- If there was a yellow bike in the stable, I'd have all the colors of a batch of salsa represented in my batch 'o Salsas... Does this mean I need another bike? Hmmm???

Video review of the Big Mama...

Ready for Colorado -- the Minute-29 returns...

New rebound damper installed, the Manitou Minute 29 makes its triumphant return for the first time since April, just in time for our long weekend trip to the Colorado front range. Sweet...

The Crosso's Back

Nope, this is not -KW's bike... I got my own Chili Con Crosso built, just in time for the Good Life Gravel Adventure this weekend. It's the same one I raced last season, but it's been torn down and sitting as a frameset since the end of 'cross season last year. To say it's good to have it back is an understatement too. I can't believe how light and responsive the CCC is! Amazing.

After ripping the derailleur hanger clean off his own bike on the Tuesday night ride (courtesy of a big stick in his rear derailleur), Fob's gonna' race my Salsa La Cruz in the GLGA, so both of my 'cross bikes will be out on the road Saturday. Pretty cool...

Hope to see lots of you out on two wheels this weekend -- it's going to be a beautiful one!

Vegetable of the Day: Butternut Squash

Black Bean and Butternut Squash Tacos with Sweet Port Wine Salsa

1 can black beans (rinsed/drained)
1 butternut squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 soft corn tortillas
Port Wine Salsa (see recipe below)
Cilantro sprigs for serving
3 Serrano chiles, seeds removed if desired, diced
Crema, creme fraiche or sour cream for serving

Warm the black beans separately over low heat. Cut the butternut squash in half crosswise at the narrowest point. Cut each half in half again lengthwise. Peel each section with a vegetable peeler or a flexible sharp knife. Use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds and strings. Cut into 1/2- inch dice. Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add olive oil. When it smokes, add squash cubes and toss well. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, cumin and black pepper. Saute over high heat, tossing frequently, until browned outside and tender but not mushy inside, about 10 minutes.
To serve, heat tortillas quickly one by one in a very hot dry skillet, about 10 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by spooning in black beans, topping with sauteed squash, salsa, cilantro sprigs, diced Serranos, and cream. Roll up and serve 2 per person.

Port Wine Salsa
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup port wine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoons mustard seeds
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 medium white/red onion diced or 10 medium shallots, peeled and diced

Combine the vinegar, wine, brown sugar, black pepper, mustard, chile flakes, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add the shallots/onion and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 10 minutes or until thickened.

'09 Salsa of the Week: The Pistola...

The Salsa Pistola -- True Temper OX Platinum pipes throughout, a carbon Alpha Q CS10 fork with (get this) an OX Platinum chromoly steerer, and that sweet ride of steel. For riders who know the difference between ultra-light and ultra-sweet, may I introduce the Salsa Pistola. Available as a frameset or complete bicycle (ETA Feb. '09). Find a Salsa dealer near you.

Adventure Touring Lust...

Fargo... Go far. Learn more at the Salsa Cycles Website. Photo: Salsa Cycles

Looking Forward...

Here's what I'm doin' this weekend... Noon-to-noon, solo style. We'll see how it goes.