Pelotonof2

To the Beginning….Marlenheim the beginning of the Alsace wine route

October 1, 2017

Every winter I sit down with google maps, Strava, and booking.com to string together what I hope will be the makings of a great road trip. If I have not said it before, I will say it now, I love France! And, what is not to love, great food, great cycling and great wine. Do I need to say more? I particularly like the Alsace region because the cycling is beyond epic. Sure, you don’t have the majestic ice topped mountains in the alps, but what you do have is the Vosges mountains. The mountains offer many mid length climbs with a manageable gradients of 5-6%. It is easy to relax and set your pace up the mountain all the while being surrounded by the tranquility of the trees and nature. To be honest, it is rare to see a car even during the work week. You will have motorcycles going by on the weekends, but it is always enjoyable climb no matter what road you choose to take. The other great option for cyclists in the Alsace region is Alsace wine road cycle route. If you want an easy day or you just simply don’t like climbing, this is the perfect solution. The paths are marked, fairly flat, and mostly paved (although a bit rough in spots) and go through vineyards, farmland, and some of the major cities on the wine route.

For me, exploring by bicycle allows the opportunity to learn and see things that I would normally never discover. Even though I sit down with a map to plan the cycling routes we will be taking, I don’t necessarily make it a point to go past every historic landmark in the area. Maybe it is a personal flaw, but I go for distance and elevation with a few scenic stops worked in if I can. So, this year, as we were approaching the summit on D130, we noticed a giant monument with a cemetery. It turns out this monument, Struthof, is a memorial to the 22,000 people who lost their lives in France’s only concentration camp. For those interesting in visiting, there is also a museum as well. It was a profound moment when I realized that among such beauty and serenity laid a past of horrific torture and death. It also made me realize why we were on this trip, a prequel to our Voie de la Liberté ride in Bastogne, to honor the allied forces that fought to free the area of Hitler’s reign. Of course, there are many hilltops to discover in the area and each one offers its own beauty and challenge.

This year we based out of Marlenheim, having been to Obernai and Strasbourg in the past. I had never heard of Marlenheim, and after researching the area a bit, it seemed like a good spot to cycle, eat and scout out wineries. The town is small and has quite a residential feel. So, as you would expect from a small town, there is not much of a “downtown”. There are several restaurants (more on that later), a few hotels, and many small wineries. We opted to stay at a bed and breakfast, Côté Vignes, which is a 15 minute walk to the main road. The accommodations were magnificent from beginning to end. We were greeted at the door with a friendly smile by the hostess, a cocktail, and a sampling of sweet treats. Based on first impressions, I knew this place was going to be great. The room was spacious, comfortable, and inviting. Not to mention that it was nice and quiet at night for a peaceful sleep. When you wake up there is an ample breakfast waiting for you. A perfect start for a day of cycling!

When your legs are smoked and you need some afternoon relaxing there are plenty of small wineries to sample. While knowing some French will take you a long way, it is not completely necessary.

Arthur Metz – This is one of the biggest store fronts along the main road. They offer a range of white to sample and purchase. While in the store you will find Alsacian whiskies, wine accessories, and local products.
Domaine Fritsch – Another winery located along the D2004. It is open every day for tastings. We enjoyed the 2013 Grand Cru Steinklotz Pinot Gris with our dinner at Le Relais des Saveurs.
Domaine Fend – You will see this wine served at the local restaurants. The Muscat 2014 was particularly delightful.

Once you are off the bike and ready to eat dinner there are a few restaurants worth considering in the immediate area:

La Cerf – This is a Michelin star restaurant and voted #1 on Tripadvisor
K obus Restaurant and Lounge – This was my favorite restaurant in Marlenheim. They really catered to us by speaking English and making sure we understood everything. It was very much appreciated! The service and atmosphere were top notch with creative main courses. P.S The tarte flambée is a perfect starter!
Le Relais des Saveurs – A great restaurant frequented by many locals. Their dishes were very hearty and well made. I had the tuna steak and it was done to perfection!

20170527_195511 — Tuna steak at Le Relais des Saveurs

Touring Bastogne on Memorial Day – Voie de la Liberté

June 26, 2017

2017 marks the second year we’ve celebrated Memorial Day by attending a cycling event that traverses some of the routes the Allied forces of WWII took to liberate Europe beginning on D-Day; June 1944. While last year’s event was in Normandy, France, this year we found ourselves in Bastogne, Belgium representing America in the “Voie de la Liberté”; a three day cycling event covering well over 200 miles of territory and retraces areas where the Axis and Allies battled. Some of them marked by memorial statues, graves, fox holes, and other reminders of those dark days. For me, the experience was a mix of emotions; first as an excited cyclist getting to ride in such a beautiful and renowned area of the world. Second, as a former soldier with a modest military background including a combat tour of duty in the Light Infantry. I have only the slightest idea of what the warriors of our greatest generation endured. It is a necessary reminder of the sacrifices made to overcome evil, but it’s also an opportunity to come together with great people from multiple countries to celebrate freedom, ride bikes, and enjoy loads of Belgian Beer!

The day before the event started, we arrived at ‘Le Centre Sportif Porte de Trèves Bastogne’ in downtown Bastogne to pick up our registration packets. As luck would have it, there was a bar located in the lobby of this renowned fitness center. There, we rediscovered a wonderful Belgian beer called ‘Lupulus’; an Ardennes blonde ale that we fondly remember from our previous travels. And, like then, we found it on tap!

From there, we settled into our hotel room and headed off to our first dinner location; Wagon Leo. Not only was it one of two notable dining experiences we had during our stay in Bastogne, Wagon Leo was also a major sponsor of the cycling event!

This fine Belgian establishment is well known for its upscale cuisine. I started with a Tuna tartar appetizer that was very flavorful and light

Then I decided to follow that up with a veal based dish that was also very delightful

After a lovely dinner in a great restaurant, it was lights out in anticipation of our journey ahead.

Day 1 of our tour took us from Bastogne to Arlon and back. We covered 142km (88 miles) of territory characterized by rolling hills, lush green forestry, and fairly rough pavement!

I was feeling rather excited about the whole thing as we got started, and it was the first time I brought my new custom Cannondale CAAD12 on a multi-day vacation ride!

The Strava profile below shows our route and the elevation profile (Bastogne-Arlon-Bastogne)

By the end of the first day, I was very worn out, but I didn’t want anyone to notice

Day two of our trip took us from Bastogne to Wiltz and back.

While it was another beautiful day in the saddle, the peloton was scheduled to attend a memorial event once in Wiltz. But the Mayor (and Master of Ceremonies) did not show up, so we stood around for a little while then broke for lunch in a large tent area where beer was served while we waited in line!

Following the conclusion of this 125.8km (78 mile) day, we ate in McAuliffe Square.

It was a simple meal of pizza and Belgian Beer; this time a Leffe Radieuse.

Afterwards, however, we headed to the famous Le Nuts Cafe; also located in McAuliffe Square.

It was here that I discovered a Belgian beer I had only heard of once before yet always wanted to try; Airborne Beer! I loved how the beer is served in little cups shaped like the WWII helmets our GI’s wore!

Day 3 of our tour took us north of Bastogne with no major stops and ending as all our routes ended; back in Bastogne.

Along the way, we took a break at what I thought was a local school. And in the front of the school, parked on the grass, was a double-decker bus that turned out to be some kind of mobile restaurant. I was close, unfortunately, but I took the opportunity to take a snap of my bike against the bus.

At the end of the route, we had a lovely ceremony at a newly installed memorial to all the fallen who liberated Belgium. It was a wonderful tribute that put a lovely cap on an otherwise memorable cycling trip to Bastogne.

Following that great ride (where my front tire ripped in the last 30km of the course) we headed off to our second memorable dining experience at 222. This lovely French restaurant had a lovely interior décor and food to match.

I started off with some kind of lovely seafood ball. Not only was it very tasty, it looked quite artistic.

Following that course, I opted for a nice cod fish plate that I found light and delicious. It went well with the white wine that was recommended to us.

At the end of the day, we retired to the hotel to rest up for the return trip to our home in Germany. A fitting end to a truly memorable trip. Bastogne is an old town, yet very modern and quite active. There is lots to see and do; especially if you want to cycle.

I’m so happy we met so many great people from across Europe and America. HI STOFFEL!!

Cycling Lanzarote

May 27, 2017

Traveling to a new country is often an exercise in sensory overload. From culture, to food, to the surrounding cityscapes and landscapes; exploring a new area can be the adventure of a lifetime. As passionate cyclists, we like to use the bike as a way to connect to and get to know new places. And our trip to Lanzarote, Spain was no different. A popular cycling destination, we managed to cover just under 200km over two days on the windy roads of this volcanic island.

Our first day on the bike consisted of 100 kilometers.

When I initially planned the route, I thought it would be a “light” day. Only 100 km I said. Only 1200 meters of climbing I said. No one mentioned the intensity of the WIND, which is constant across the island. I have no words for the 20+kmh winds that hit you when heading north. (Did I mention the steepest climb heads north?) Well, I take that back; the lead up to the climb, after the Papagayo roundabout, is about 4 kilometers at a steady 5-6% gradient. On paper this would seem relatively unimpressive. But, when you add a 20+ km/h headwind to the mix, now you’ve got yourself a lung buster. But, the best is yet to come, the final kilometer is absolutely brutal. Thank God it is only a kilometer!

The initial route took us through Timanfaya; a volcanic National Park traveling along the western coast towards Playa Blanca.

Entrance to Timanfaya National Park

Riding through this veritable wasteland of volcanic rock, it felt serene, peaceful, and other-worldly.

National Park Landscape

From there, we headed to west to El Golfo and south along route LZ-703 to take in the vivid blue water against the black volcanic rock. Now that the easy part of the ride was complete, we headed north to the steepest climb on the island, Femés. Finally, we stopped for lunch in the vineyards at the lovely Bodegas Rubicón; a small winery and restaurant.

The volcanic vineyards of the wine country

I recommend the octopus, mushroom and shrimp casserole. It had excellent flavor and was filling without being heavy. They also have some excellent wine which you can sample in the attached shop. From there, we headed back to Club La Santa; the resort we stayed at.

Our second day on the bike was only about 85km

Heading south from La Santa, we passed towards the village of Soo, through Munique, around Tiagua and on through Tao and Mozaga. Then we headed north through Teguise and then up the longest and most popular climb, Tabayesco. At 10.5 km and an average of 5.5% the climb is nice and steady. You will find yourself able to get into a rhythm and just go. You will eventually end up on Mirador de Haria; the highest point on the island!

20170423_165312 (3) — *Panoramic view from Mirador de Haria*

Our stay on Lanzarote, while brief, offered some great benefits to further our spring training. I think the most memorable was, by far, the wind. Resistance training at its best! For us, the warm weather and dry climate offered a reprieve from Germany’s cold and wet winter. Plus, the volcanic mountains offered decent climbs and spectacular views! All in all I we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Club La Santa and the island of Lanzarote!

Being a Cycling tourist in Lanzerote

May 18, 2017

It has been a long cold winter this year in Germany. I was ready for the flowers to be blooming and the birds to be singing, but instead I got snow! And, then more snow and cold. Brrrrrr! I am so glad I had the foresight to plan a spring cycling trip in Lanzerote, Canary Islands. The warm weather and low chance of rain was a real plus when considering locations. Add in a few mountains, fresh fish and some wine and all of a sudden we have the makings of a cycling trip!

We opted to stay at the fitness resort, Club La Santa, since we could easily do a bike rental on the premises. We were also traveling with some non-cycling friends and this resort gave them plenty of options as well. There are seriously tons of things to do. Everything from open water swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and of course regular fitness classes. When booking, be aware that there are two sections of the resort. One is the original building, and the other is newer and more modern. The modern apartments are more expensive, but the layout and view can not be beat. The apartments also have a nice assortment of kitchen supplies to make meals, if desired, and there is a small grocery store on the complex that has a variety of food. One piece of advice that I can offer is to book your bike rentals and or activities well in advance of your stay. The classes and activities fill up very quickly and if you wait until your arrival you could find yourself out of luck.

Aside from the numerous sporting activities that can occupy your day, there are many attractions on the islands as well. Of course, my favorite, wine tasting! The bodegas are found in the “La Geria” area. Here are a few worth sampling. Cheers!

Bodegas

Bodegas El Grifo – Enjoy a sampling of El Grifo wines on their outdoor terrace. A full range of whites, rosé, cava and red wines

Bodegas Rubicón – This establishment also has an outdoor terrace to relax with your wine. The grand trees provide a respite from the intense Canary Island sun. If you happen upon this winery during mid-day I suggest you stop for lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed the octopus, mushroom and shrimp casserole with a glass of white wine. Although, a light red would compliment this dish as well.

Bodega La Geria – This seems to be a very popular tourist stop. You will sees buses frequently pull up to the bodega. There are plenty of wines to choose from including a couple organic / bio wines.

Sights

Mirador de Rio – If you want to take in a spectacular view with some wine or coffee; this is your place. A small entrance fee is required.

Orzola – a small seaside town with a few restaurants and great beaches

Cueva de los Verdes – Explore an underground volcanic cave with a guided tour. There is also a schedule for concert events.

20170424_120108 — Cueva de los Verdes entrance

Teguise- a cute town with bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and a bustling Sunday market.

El Golfo – A nice town to stop and have lunch and enjoy the awesome views

Restaurants

Restaurant Améndoa (La Santa)- Has to be hands down my favorite restaurant on the island. Creative dishes with tons of flavor. Not only was the food delicious, but the little extras that are provided put this place over the top for me. The service was also excellent. The restaurant also has an outside terrace off the back that is shielded from the wind and sun.

20170423_205504 — Appetizers at Restaurant Améndoa

Verde Mar Restaurant (La Santa)- A wide range of entrees along with daily fresh fish dishes. This is one of the few places that offers vegetarian options. Friendly staff and prompt service.

La Tegala (Mácher)- This is the place to go when you want to splurge on some fine dining. We went all out and got the “Estela Mayor” tasting menu with the wine pairing. The menu consisted mainly of fish courses with a couple meat courses thrown in. The wines paired fabulously with the courses and the whole meal flowed from one course to the next without being rushed. A night to be remembered and enjoyed!

Lanzarote has the makings of a highly desirable destination. Even though the island appears small, it has a vast amount to see and do. Not only is it rich with activities, you won’t spend a fortune enjoying yourself. The meals are incredibly affordable compared to the majority of Europe without sacrificing taste or atmosphere. If you haven’t been to Lanzarote, add it to your travel list!

The start of a new RTF season

March 23, 2016

Sunday marked the first RTF of 2016! And, while it has felt more like winter than spring, the calendar doesn’t lie. I already feel like I am behind on my miles, so the pedals must turn regardless of the cold that still prevails. If you are not from Germany, you may be wondering, “What is an RTF”? RTF stands for Radtourenfahren and, basically, amounts to an organized ride hosted by various bike clubs throughout the region. For a small fee (usually 5 – 10 Euro) you can select a course of varying distances and ride. The courses are generally very well marked and rest stops with food and water are provided every 30 km or so. This is a great way to see the country side in a way that most people never experience. And, you get to ride your bike! You will experience some courses that are fast with rolling hills and others that have you climbing the entire 120+ km. Each week is different and challenging in its own right.

This Sunday we drove to Rheinstetten-Forchheim to participate in the “Badische Eröffnungsfahrt” with RSV Concordia Forchheim. The cost was 5 Euro for a choice between a 52km or a 72km route for this spring ride (in summer there will be two longer courses added). We, of course, chose the 72km to keep increasing our distance each week. Overall, the ride was fairly flat in the beginning and at the end with 3 small climbs past the mid way point. The rest stop came at 30km where water, coffee, bananas and sweet bread were provided. I’m glad I brought a couple of extra bars with me to give me a bit more nourishment. But, it turned out to be a really nice day, except the wind, and my legs held up! YAY! In the coming weeks and months I will check the schedule below to see what’s happening next. Bis dann! Go ride your bike!

RTF/CTF-Termine in Baden-Württemberg 2016

Datum	Kategorie	Veranstaltungstitel	Verein
20.03	RTF	Badische Eröffnungsfahrt	RSV Concordia 1920 Forchheim e.V
10.04	RTF	Helmut Herb Gedächtnisfahrt	RV Alemannia 1905 Nußloch e.V
17.04	RTF	Tübinger Kirschblütentour	RV Pfeil Tübingen 1905 e.V. WTB
17.04	RTF	“Rhein – Kraichgau – Rhein”	RV Badenia Linkenheim
24.04	RTF	Schwäbische Hügeltour	Skiclub Plüderhausen e.V. W
24.04	RTF	Sandhäuser RTF “Durch den Kraichgau“	RC 1902 Badenia Sandhausen e.V
01.05	RTF	Drei-Wälder-Radtouren	RSV Schwaikheim e.V
05.05	RTF	Stauferland-Rundfahrt	FTSV Kuchen e.V. Abt. Radsport
05.05	RTF	“Rund um die Goldstadt Pforzheim”	RSV “Schwalbe” Ellmendingen e.V
08.05	RTF	Stammheimer Gäurundfahrt	TV Stammheim 1895 e.V
16.05	RTF	34. Ortenauer Radtourenfahrt	RMSV Sturmvogel Niederschopfheim
16.05	RTF	20. Ried-Odenwald-Rundfahrt	RG Laudenbach e.V
22.05	RTF	Rund um Stuttgart	RTC Stuttgart 1980 e.V
22.05	RTF	Von der Rheinebene in den Enzkreis	RSV “Ideal” Kronau e.V
26.05	RTF	Würm-Enztal Tourenfahrt	RV “Wanderer” 1923 e.V. Merklingen
26.05	Marathon	“Vom Rhein zum Schwarzwald”	RV Badenia Linkenheim
26.05	RTF	“Vom Rhein zum Schwarzwald”	RV Badenia Linkenheim
26-29.05	Etappenfahrt	Tübinger Etappenfahrt	RV Pfeil Tübingen 1905 e.V
26-29.05	Etappenfahrt	19. Brettener-Hundle-Tour	RSC Bretten e.V
29.05	Marathon	Altheimer Radmarathon	RSC Altheim/Alb 1988 e.V
29.05	RTF	“Rund um Altheim/Alb”	RSC Altheim/Alb 1988 e.V
29.05	RTF	RTF Heidelberg/Odenwald	Radsportverein Heidelberg
29.05	CTF	7. CTF Königstuhl-Tour	MSC St. Ilgen e.V
05.06	RTF	40. Barockstadt-Rundfahrt	RSC Komet Ludwigsburg e.V
05.06	RTF	WE-Bike Radtourensonntag	Sportfreunde Würth Elektronik e.V
05.06	CTF	Über die Schwäbische Alb	MTB-Club Pfullingen e.V
12.06	Marathon	Sachsenheimer Lichtenstern-Tour	TV Großsachsenheim e.V
12.06	RTF	Sachsenheimer Lichtenstern-Tour	TV Großsachsenheim e.V
12.06	RTF	33. Rhein-Alb-Murg RTF	FV Malsch 1910 e.V
12.06	RTF	Rund um das Bruchsaler Schloss	Radsport-Team Kraichgau e.V
12.06	RTF	Hegau-Bodensee-Panorama-Tour	RMSV Orsingen e.V
12.06	RTF	Hegau-Bodensee-Panorama-Tour	RMSV Orsingen e.V
12.06	RTF	Rheintal-Rundfahrt	VFB Unzhurst e. V. Abt. Radsport
19.06	RTF	Tour de Barock	RMSV Bad Schussenried e.V
19.06	RTF	Birenbacher Bergeles Tour	TV Birenbach – Radsport
26.06	Marathon	ALB-EXTREM-Radmarathon	MRSC Ottenbach e.V
26.06	Marathon	Zu den Löwensteiner Bergen	RSV Victoria Rot 1912 e.V
26.06	RTF	36. Kraichgau-Stromberg-Rundfahrt	RSV Victoria Rot 1912 e.V
26.06	CTF	Albstädter Country-Touren-Fahrt	Freestyle-Club Zollernalb e.V
26.06-02.07	Etappenfahrt	Pyrenäentour 2016	RSG Mannheim e.V
02-03.07	Etappenfahrt	Städtepartnerschaft-Etappenfahrt Nancy-Karlsruhe	Stadt + RSG Karlsruhe 1898 e.V
03.07	RTF	RTF Karlsruhe-Baerenthal-Karlsruhe	Stadt + RSG Karlsruhe 1898 e.V
03.07	RTF	Bodelshäuser Schnecken-Tour	RV Wanderlust 1922 Bodelshausen e.
03.07	Marathon	Schwetzinger Höllgrund-Radmarathon	RSV Kurpfalz Schwetzingen e.V
03.07	RTF	Schwetzinger Höllgrund-Tour	RSV Kurpfalz Schwetzingen e.V
09.07	Marathon	Gertfred Sprotte Gedächtnisfahrt in den Odenwald	RSC Wiesloch e.V
10.07	RTF	Gertfred Sprotte Gedächtnisfahrt in den Odenwald	RV “Vorwärts” Oberjesingen
10.07	Marathon	Nordschwarzwald-Bosch-Radmarathon (RMCD)	RSV Falkenfels Bühlertal 1913 e.V
10.07	RTF	Nordschwarzwald-Bosch-Rundfahrt	RSV Falkenfels Bühlertal 1913 e.V
17.07	Marathon	18. SVG Radmarathon	SVG Großeicholzheim
17.07	RTF	RTF im Radmarathon	SVG Großeicholzheim
17.07	RTF	Rund um die Ravensburg	RSV Germania Sulzfeld 1906 e.V
17.07	CTF	CTF – Rund um die Ravensburg	RSV Germania Sulzfeld 1906 e.V
24.07	RTF	25. RTF Durch’s Badnerland	RSV Concordia 1920 Forchheim e.V.
31.07	RTF	Neckar-Alb-Rundfahrt	RSC Nürtingen 1949 e.
31.07	RTF	34. RTF “Junge Stadt mit Tradition”	MSC St. Ilgen e.V
06.08	Marathon	Pace-makers	RSC Bretten e.V
14.08	CTF	Rund um die Melanchthonstadt Bretten	RSC Bretten e.V
14.08	RTF	Rund um die Melanchthonstadt Bretten	RSC Bretten e.V
21.08	Marathon	Nordschwarzwald Rad-Marathon	RV Pfeil Magstadt 1905 e.V
21.08	RTF	Magstadter Radtourenfahrt	RV Pfeil Magstadt 1905 e.V
28.08	Marathon	Leinenwebertour	MSC Laichingen e.V
28.08	RTF	Leinenwebertour	MSC Laichingen e.V
04.09	RTF	Weinland-Tour “Spätlese”	1. RV Stuttgardia Stuttgart 1886 e.V
04.09	RTF	38. Kaiserstuhl-Tuniberg-Tour	RV “Concordia” Reute e.V
04.09	RTF	Oberschwäbische Barockstraße	Rad-Union 1913 Wangen e.V
04.09	CTF	Oberschwäbische Barockstraße	Rad-Union 1913 Wangen e.V
04.09	RTF	6-facher Freiolzheimer	RSV Concordia 1920 Forchheim e.V
10-11.09	Etappenfahrt	Stuttgart-Straßburg-Stuttgart	RTC Stuttgart 1980 e.V.
11.09	RTF	Rund um den Kaiserstuhl	RV Concordia Holzhausen e.V. 1912
11.09	RTF	30. Altdorfer Radwandertag	TG Altdorf e.V
11.09	CTF	27. MTB-Ortenau-Trophy	TG Altdorf e.V
11.09	Marathon	17. symBadischer Radmarathon (RMCD)	TG Altdorf e.V
18.09	Marathon	Schwarzwald Ultra Radmarathon	RSV Alpirsbach-Rötenbach e.V
18.09	RTF	Schwarzwald Ultra Radmarathon	RSV Alpirsbach-Rötenbach e.V
18.09	CTF	Biken a.d. Höhen d. Naturparks Schwarzwald	RSV Falkenfels Buhlertal 1913 e.V
18.09	RTF	Weinstadt-Radtourenfahr	RV Kirrlach 1898 e.V
09.10	CTF	Kapellen-Tour	RV Kirrlach 1898 e.V

-Susan

A New Season A New Bike

March 12, 2016

March is always a time of anticipation for me as the start of a new cycling gets into full swing. Just today, my lovely wife and I completed our first base-mile ride of the season; a short 50k ride that left us feeling drained yet hungry for more. A whole season of club rides and cycling vacations await us; some venturing into previously undiscovered territory and others taking us back over well familiar ground. With the cooler months in southern Germany waning, our long hiatus from the bikes, and months spent doing HIIT training, the winter has been a productive one. But we’re more than ready to take to the road once more.

As I write this article, streaming both the Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice on Eurosport, I love watching the Pro’s do battle. One of the things I always enjoy is admiring the bikes each team is riding; a Specialized Venge here, a Focus Izalco Max there, and my personal favorite of the pro peloton, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO. As a budding bike mechanic, I can only imagine how much fun it might be to turn a wrench for Slipstream Sports. For now, however, I build my own bikes.

Three seasons ago, I wrecked my carbon Cannondale Synapse after inadvertently connecting with a street pole at high speed. After discussing the issue with a friend of mine, he suggested switching to a platform that might withstand a bit more punishment. Thus began my love affair with Titanium. While I love and support my LBS and my favorite bike companies, I never liked the fact that can’t walk into a bike shop and walk out with the bike configuration of my choice. Since I was replacing my bike entirely, I took this as an opportunity to teach myself how to source components and build my own custom bicycle.

For those of you who appreciate the more technical aspects of bicycles I’d like to share my initial foray into world of mechanics:

Component	Brand	Specification
Frame	Habanero	Stock 64cm Team Nuevo
Group Set	SRAM Red	50/34, 177.5mm crankset; short cage rear derailleur, 11-28 cassette
Cockpit	ENVE	2.0 fork (43mm rake), 110mm stem, standard road bar (44cm)
Wheelset	Neugent Cycling	HED Belgian C2 clinchers, DT Swiss 240 hubs, Sapim C-Xray spokes (24×28)
Assorted Items	Cane Creek, Continental, Habanero, Swiss Stop, SRAM	110 headset EC, Grand Prix 4000s II tires, Ti seat post, brake pads (Original Black), cork handlebar tape

For me, this has been a great setup and it has served me well for going on three seasons. The bike is nice and light, for a non-carbon platform, and demonstrates all the characteristics one might expect from titanium; stiff, responsive, and agile. I like the longer 177.5 crank arms; they’re a nice fit and offer a comfortable amount of leverage on climbs. Having ridden carbon and aluminum, I can honestly say nothing rides quite like titanium!

Having ridden for several seasons on just one bike, I have run into mechanical issues that have kept me off the road while repairs take place. Now I’m in the process of building yet another bike. This time, using a custom Habanero frame. Not only will this enable me to have a ‘spare’ at the ready, it also gives me the opportunity to try tailoring a configuration that is better suited to what I love most about road cycling; climbing. With that in mind, here is what I am building at the moment:

Component	Brand	Specification
Frame	Habanero	Custom 64cm Team Nuevo
Group Set	Shimano Ultegra 6800	52/36, 175mm crankset; medium cage rear derailleur, 11-32 cassette
Cockpit	Ritchey	Pro Carbon Road fork (43mm rake), WCS C220 100mm stem, WCS Curve road bar (46cm), WCS Logic EC headset, , WCS Link seat post
Wheelset	Neugent Cycling	A310CWC (24×28)
Assorted Items	Ritchey, Continental, Swiss Stop	Ritchey cork handlebar tape, Grand Prix 4000s II tires, brake pads

With this build, I’m trying a semi-compact crank set combined with a much lower range of gears. Additionally, I’ve switched from SRAM to Shimano in an effort to become familiar with the full range of group sets out there. (I’ll venture into Campagnolo as time and budget allow.) As a 6’4” rider who floats between 180-190 lbs., I opted for wheel sets a bit more stout than the average 20/24 spoke configuration. The 24/28 has served me well and I’ve carried that forward with this build. I may sacrifice a bit of weight, but now that I’m in my 40’s, I’m in no danger of being a competitive racer. Lastly, I’ve opted for a handlebar that’s 46cm wide. I’m hoping this will open up my posture on the bike while climbing and provide a bit more leverage than my current 44cm bars.

With two titanium rigs built to my own personal preferences, I like the idea of choosing the option best suited to that day’s elevation profile. It’s also a great learning experience as I attempt to broaden my horizons both in cycling and bike mechanics. In time, I hope to do other builds that I can share and I welcome any feedback or comments.

Thanks for reading!

	davidecook on A New Season A New Bike
	Lawrence Romeo on A New Season A New Bike

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