We Rode, We Soaked and We Rode Some More!!

I guess I've always thought of myself as a bit odd; maybe we all think that of ourselves.  So, until Phil convinced me that lots of miles on a bicycle can be, well among many other things, really really good for you, I thought of my oddities in a negative light.  Now when people gasp in disbelief at our latest bicycle ride/race, I feel pretty good about this one eccentricity.

Two weekends ago we, RIU Crew,  did our fourth Salt to Saint Relay - 424 miles starting in Salt Lake and ending in St. George.  You can read about here it in our fantastic friend and teammate's blog.  In a nutshell, we look forward to S to S all year and the days following sleep deprivation and everything else that goes with two days of relay racing with 7 other people in two cars - well, it leaves you a bit wasted.

Well, of course two days later, Phil and I decided we would ride the Alpine loop before we'd missed the fall colors at their prime (we were early).  I'd never done it before and was really feeling the clock ticking for the season as well as life in general.  I can't believe how often I remind myself that if I'm ever going to do a particular thing, I'd better do it sooner than later because mid-life has arrived - psh!!  The Alpine Loop is "only" a 45 mile ride with over 3,000 feet elevation gain starting and ending at our house.  Just thinking about going had me wondering where I'd left my marbles.

Alpine Loop - Summit

The day after we'd done the loop, we got a phone call from another cycling friend/couple.  They were signed up for an amazing ride that circumstances were not going to allow them to go and wondered if we'd like to take their place.  This ride was to take place in two days.  Even as Phil described it to me and asked me if I was up for it; I heard myself answer with an enthusiastic "are you kidding? - of course YES!!'  There was a tiny little voice that wondered about my very last marble - I told it to shut up.

We'd never heard of "Ride to Lava".  This year was only its 2nd.   The ride is 162 miles in two days.  Friday you go from essentially Logan to Lava Hot Springs, 76 miles.  Then on Saturday, you take a different route back to Logan, 86 miles.  The cost of the ride included lunch both days, dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday.  It also included a campground but because rain was definite, we booked a hotel - more about that cool aspect later. I decided early on that this neglected blog was about to get a kickstart with this ride.

First day's lunch from New York Deli out of Preston, ID

We realized very shortly after agreeing to go on the Lava ride that we'd need to be on our way to Logan (with a hotel reserved) the very next day.  Really!?  You sure?  Arrangements made, woke up in Logan on Friday and were ready to start in Smithfield at 8:30 a.m.  The race organizers are great, they've thought of everything.  Because numbers are still small, they get to know you by name and cheer you on every chance they get.  Lunch both days was catered by New York Deli out of Preston, ID - it was so good!! In fact, if you're ever in Preston - do yourself a favor and eat there!

We were greeted in Lava Hot Springs with massages by Vital Transformations.  Yes you read that right, we both got these massages that almost made us feel like we hadn't just ridden 76 miles.  At the Riverside Hot Springs Inn, we discovered that we were staying in the very room that President Theodore Roosevelt stayed in whenever he came to enjoy the fantastic mineral hot springs. This is an historic hotel with so much character that wandering around it, I found myself imagining traveling back to President Roosevelt's time to watch the comings and goings of the rich and famous.  

Bathroom in President Theodore Roosevelt's
old digs at the Riverside Hot Springs Inn

The grand former front of our Hotel - In President Roosevelt's days; this is now the back

Two of the Ride to Lava organizers, Steve and Kristy Gonzales
with Phil and I going into the Hot Springs  

 Dinner (and Breakfast) were all you can eat AND right across the street at Chuckwagon Restaurant.  After dinner was probably my personal favorite part of the whole trip, the hot mineral soak!!!  Isn't a hot tub the real reason we all stay in hotels?  I can't even tell you how happy my sore, tired feet were when they hit the gravel bottom of these warm pools of heaven.  My absolute glee at walking around on foot massaging pebbles covering the entire bottoms of the natural mineral hot pools was almost embarrassing.

Saturday morning preparations involved that difficult task of preparing to ride 86 miles in the rain.  Hmm, do I really want/need that?  How much rain is really coming?  The answer - a LOT!  It's really not part of the planned setup, but I got lucky enough to meet the luggage trailer at one of the midday stops and was able to trade out my soaking wet gloves and jacket for dry ones!  Yippee for me! 

86 mile ride in the rain = comfort over fashion

The terrain we rode through was perfection.  Just the right amount of climbing & challenge and unbelievably picturesque countryside, farms and valleys.  In fact, dropping down into the valley on hwy 34 just North of Preston literally took my breath away.  It was partially that the road just dropped and speeds picked up to near 40 mph but also that you could see this Norman Rockwell scene coming into view and then the road appeared to be just as steep coming out the other side.  Of course, as usual, reality was much easier than what it had originally appeared.

I'm a pretty big fan of animals in general and get a serious jolt out of getting them to turn and respond to my calls to them when we pass by; there was lots of that.  I frequently think if everyone had this kind of opportunity to absorb the less crowded parts of the world, we would have significantly less social ills.

Check out the birds drying their wings in the very temporary non-rain moment


A great little side note, the SAGS are never far away and ready to scoop your tired, wet body up and put you in a warm vehicle; no - I did not give in!!  No, I did not consider it.  Those who know me already knew that.  Nevertheless, it was nice knowing the option was there.  

Phil flatted twice in the last 15 miles and so, he and his bike came in to the finish line on a farmer's flat bed truck just as I was arriving.  So, having just ridden 86 miles, I walked my numb brain and completely drenched body to where the car was parked a block or so away, drove it back to the group then just sat, emptied headed while Phil loaded everything back into our car.  After about 10 minutes, I came to and we talked about how we're going to convince every cyclist we know to join in the fun next year!!  Sure hope they do!

1,000 Miles Down, 4000 to Go - Trek Domane 4 - Review

Sand Hollow State Park

Anyone who has spent much time hanging around a bike shop looking for a new bike has heard the phrase, "ride what the pros race".  With just under 1,000 miles on my Trek Domane 4,  I'm one step closer to knowing what that feels like.  The Trek Pro Racing Team rides the Domane Classic.  Let's make it clear that the components on my bike are not the same as what come on the Domane Classic, however, both Domane Classic and Domane 4 share the same ISO speed technology.  This isolates the seat post from the rest of the top tube.  This allows the bike frame (instead of the rider) to absorb the bumps in the road.

I've been asked multiple times by fellow riders what are the biggest differences I've noticed from my old bike to the new Trek Domane 4. The three biggest things are: one - how much lighter weight the all-carbon fiber frame is versus the aluminum.  The second thing is how comfortable and quiet my new bike is versus the old one; hitting rumble strips and Utah's winter-damaged roads are no longer irritating.  The third is the advantages of the Pro Fit I received from Mad Dog Cycles.  I'm surprised at how much less pain I feel in my lower back and neck after a long ride.  I would not have believed that a Pro Fit could make that much difference.  With a goal of 4,000 more miles before year's end, that's a great thought!

2014 Spring Tour de St. George

What I'm most excited about is the Trek Care Plus program.  This protects me against accidents while riding and provides an additional three years inclusive of the already thorough manufacturers warranty.  So I'm basically covered for anything on the bike that isn't made of rubber for the next three years, whether its due to an accident or just plain wear.  I would highly recommend you stop by Mad Dog Cycles and take the Domane 4 for a test ride.

Trek Goes Big with Farley Fatbike Ultra-Versatile Platform Tackles Sandy, Rocky, and Snowy Terrain

The Farley by Trek

Fat Tire bikes are one of the fastest growing segments in the cycling world today.  Because of their versatility in all terrain and all weather, they can be enjoyed year around.  

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Trek bicycle recently revealed a nimble, versatile fatbike dubbed the "Farley" and this big boy brings Trek’s engineering and features to the fat bike movement. The aluminum frame fits a fatbike-standard 170mm-wide rear hub and can run up to a 4.0 width tire front and rear, providing fantastic traction across any terrain, and enough volume to handle everything from Saharan dunes to Wisconsin whiteouts. But this curvy cruiser is no slowpoke; thanks to intelligent engineering and sharp geometry, the Farley has a flair for performance as well as adventure.

Salsa's 2014 Beargrease XXI

Once you get past those fat tires, the Farley boasts a Closed Convert dropout in the rear for proper handling. Pair that with an E2 tapered head tube and fork, and you’ve got one-sharp-handling, husky fella. The Farley is forward-thinking, too, with front and rear rack compatibility, fender mounts, internal cable routing, and stealth dropper post routing for when the trail gets really hairy.

"We've been seeing more and more consumers looking to ride different terrain in all seasons and the Farley is going to answer those needs," said Trek Mountain Bike Product Manager, John Riley.

The Farley is now available as a complete bike and a frameset at Mad Dog Cycles locations in Orem at 360 East 800 South
801.222.9577 
Provo at 936 East 450 North
801.356.7025

While you’re in Mad Dog Cycles checking out the Fat Tire bikes, make sure to get your cold weather gear from their extensive line for Utah’s winter riding.

Beargrease 2014 by Salsa

2014 Mukluk TI by Salsa

Big Increases in Comfort and Performance with Mad Dog Cycle's Pro Fit

I just spent over 2 hours with Joanie at Mad Dog Cycles getting my Pro Fit for my new Trek Domane bicycle.  She is their in-house expert when it comes to ensuring a comfortable ride.

I'll bet you're like me, you bought your bike off the rack; your salesperson made a few minor adjustments and you were out the door and on the road (or trail).  There is a better way - it's called a Pro Fit.

Joanie checked how I stand, walk, pedal and my flexibility.  These are all important points that need to be addressed when adjusting a bike for maximum comfort and performance.   She then broke out the tape measure to check shoulder width and inseam length to make sure that my new bike would have the right size handlebars and crank arms.  She even adjusted the position of the cleats on my biking shoes.  She explained to me that if they are not in the right spot, they can cause numbness in your feet on longer rides.


This is a great time of year to get a Pro Fit.  The shop is little quieter, making it easier to get an appointment and after this kind of fit, it's a good idea to reduce the number of miles you ride and work back up as your muscles adjust to the new and improved fit.

If you've experienced lower back pain, numbness in your feet or toes, shoulder/neck pain while riding your bicycle or if you've never had a Pro Fit, now's the time to get one!  Call Joanie at Mad Dog Cycles.

801-222-9577

Five Reasons I Chose Mad Dog Cycles and Trek for My New Bike

Orem Location

When I made the decision that it was time to get a new bike, I was shopping online then it hit me, I should just start with Mad Dog Cycles.  They have always been helpful and friendly with minor upgrades, repairs and accessories that my wife and I have needed on our bikes.  It didn't take long after going into Mad Dog Cycles before I knew I was in the right bike shop.  We talked options, price, warranties and the latest technology.  This was only about ten days before the Fall Tour de St. George.  The employees at Mad Dog Cycles explained their demo bike program to me; for a fee, I could take one of their bicycles for the weekend to ride in the Fall Tour and have a portion of that fee go towards the purchase price if I bought a bike.  So I road the Trek Domane 4 Series in St. George and loved it!  This is the bike I'm going to get.  There are five main points that sold me on Mad Dog Cycles and Trek bikes.

1. Mad Dog Cycles' excellent service and knowledgeable staff.
2. The Trek Care Plus contract (3 years) - extended component warranty, wear and tear coverage on anything that's not rubber, accidental damage coverage and MDC basic tune-up.
3. Mad Dog Cycles offers a Pro-Fit service where a specialist spends approximately 3 hours with you measuring, inseam, shoulder width, torso length (just to name a few) to insure a perfect fit.  If you're like me you have probably given very little, if any, thought to how wide your handle bars should be, what arm length your crank-set should be or the height of your stem; however these are just a few of the very important adjustments that can be made to optimize your overall comfort and performance while cycling.
4. The vibration control technology Trek is building into their bikes is something you need to see and then experience.  On my 80 mile ride in St. George, I was impressed with the smoothness of the ride.  Rough roads and small pot-holes were absorbed by the bike and not by me as the rider.  I could try to explain that technology here, but I won't.  Don't take my word for it, go in and take one for a ride and experience it for yourself.
5. Trek's Project One allows you to build your own bike online.  You choose the frame, its custom paint job, drive train, wheels, tires, stem, headset, handle bars, bar tape, saddle, bottle cages and computer.  With most of your options you are able to select both the quality and color that fit your budget and style.

I can hardly wait until my new Trek Domane arrives!

Memorial Weekend at Bear Lake

If you're planning a trip to Bear Lake, the first phone call ought to be to Bear Lake Lodging.  Whether you're a party of two or a group of 30+; they have the perfect accommodations.  They put us up in the Burgon Cabin with 6 bedrooms, 2 family rooms and 3 bathrooms on 3 levels with breathtaking view in all directions.  Our 6-year old grandson put it best when he excitedly said to his buddies out on a hike "guys, you gotta get used to this view - it's spe-tacular!"

Another great resource is Melinda at Bear Lake Valley CVB.  She is a great resource for pretty much everything Bear Lake has to offer, from special events, to lodging, to activities to places to eat, etc. etc.

The Yazzie Family-Burgon Cabin-upper balcony

Alyssa basking in the amazing view and sunshine!
It's easy to see why Bear Lake is commonly called "The Caribbean of the Rockies".

View from the front door.  This was a wonderful place to spend time discussing the latest adventures with a kitchen, dining area and family room big enough for all 29 of us.

 After spending time in an RZR last weekend in Moab, I was really looking forward to the contrast of the sand and slickrock to the forest of the mountains surrounding Bear Lake.

RZR 800 we rented from Bear Lake Fun.  They are a great place to rent all kinds of water toys as well as  all types of 4-wheelers - right in Garden City.  Bear Lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide with 48 miles of shoreline so they have 3 other locations around the lake.  Two other families in our group also rented from them and were impressed with their customer service.

Four very dusty, dirty but pleased friends after several hours of jeeping and 4 wheeling.
(There's that gorgeous lake again!)

In all of our trips to Bear Lake, we had never made time to visit the famous Minnetonka Cave. In fact, it was thanks to the suggestion of Melinda with Bear Lake Travel Council, that we visited there. The above picture is the walkway to the entrance of the cave; very cool, especially for the kids and much less work to get to than Timpanogos Cave.

The majority of us had never seen Minnetonka Cave before so we really had a great time.

Monday morning before we left, several of us biked the perimeter of the Bear Lake - 50 miles.  This gave us some different perspectives of the lake.  Can I just say WOW!!

Thanks to some of our wonderful friends for sharing a fun, exciting, memorable weekend with us at Bear Lake!!

Skinny Tire Events, High Point Hummer and Aarchway Inn combine for an adventure-filled Moab weekend.

Moonshadows Ride - Skinny Tire Events

Moonshadows bike ride - Open Air Cafe at Dead Horse Point State Park - May 18, 2013
We've become big fans of The Skinny Tire Events.  The two we have attended were very well orchestrated with incredibly friendly staff and indescribable views.

Anna & Roy at one of the overlooks from Dead Horse Point.  (Moonshadows Bike Ride) 

Sunset over Dead Horse Point State Park with Canyonlands National Park on the distant horizon.
(Moonshadows Bike Ride)

High Point Hummer

High Point Hummer proved to be the perfect place to rent our RZR 900 from.  They provided us with a detailed map allowing us to find all of these stunning vistas as well as many more - too many to post.  May 19, 2013

Roy and Anna at the far end of Tusher Tunnel - short hike just off the trail.  May 19, 2013

Delicate Arch - Arches National Park

Phil overlooking the famous Delicate Arch at sunset. - May 19, 2013

Turret Arch, Windows Section, Arches National Park.   Just after sundown May 19, 2013

Aarchway Inn.  Late night BBQ in the courtyard.  They were so friendly and accommodating; providing us with everything (except the food!) we needed to finally get a good meal after a very busy, exciting day.  They are a great place to stay, especially when you participate in a Skinny Tire Event.  Aarchway Inn is the hub of the ride's activities and events.

Back to High Point Hummer for Canyoneering

165 foot rappel - Kane Springs.  Check out Anna starting to descend from the top!

Above:  The position we amateurs take.
Below:  The position our High Point Hummer professional guides take.

Our canyoneering group - Phil, Ronelle, Anna, Nick (guide), Roy and Andy (guide).  Thanks to Skinny Tire Events, High Point Hummer and Aarchway Inn for an awe-inspiring weekend that pushed us to new limits -physically and mentally.