So the dusty trail is not continuous between the towns of Collins and Rhodes, and I had to ride about 2 miles of blacktop to get to the continuation of the trail that would eventually get me to Hoy. The day was perfect for riding a fat bike on a crushed rock trail. Plumes of dust followed me in the windless air. Silty, glorious dust peeled off of the tires and coated my legs, and the frame, and the wheels, etc with a fine coating. (Actually provides some sun block I believe..) Non-stop to the trail's continuation and I could feel that I was on the verge of discovery. Exploration, such as it is in today's society, is still alive if you go out and throw a little something at it! Cruising through this more rustic part of the trail was fun. There is more grass than gravel. It got real quiet as a result, and I could hear one of the most elusive sounds of all. Nothing. Not the same as not hearing anything, mind you. Later!
Iowa: It's a magical land where vintage Volvos spit out fatbikes!
Iowa: It's a magical land where vintage Volvos spit out fatbikes!
One large arch and some vertical supports would have done, but this is a study in concrete form and function. A real cool old gem in the midst of the Iowa wilds. The bridge that is, not me!!!!
2 comments:
Fat Ralph! I want one! What an amazing bike – and what a great post too. Hope all is well out there. I was in Cleveland and Pittsburgh a few weeks back, but I'm guessing that's miles from Iowa. One day, perhaps, we'll do a ride together. I love that Fat Ralph! Cheers, Greg.
Yes, Matt, the Fat Ralph is quite an interesting bike. People seem to be in absolute shock when they see me riding it. The brake is a kick brake, like a child's bike. Pedal backward in enough time to slow down before you smash into something. It is actually a Mongoose Beast that I repainted and badged as a Ralph. Too much fun for one person to have, that's for sure. There is a thread on www.ratrodbikes.com under the forum heading Fat Rats, where someone is trying to get a Beast in England. You might check it out. Only $200 US dollars. Cleveland again? or from earlier in the summer? You're quite the traveler. Hope you're well over there. Keep up the rides my friend.
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