Wheel Werks Custom Builds

Belt drive, stainless cog



My new favorite company: Seven Cycles



Secret TIV8 machine: Bilenky Tandem. Giggles, Ari, and I will take turns resting on the front during the night shift after the second checkpoint.



New BMC Time Machine. This is my boss.....he is a cool guy....he likes titanium, steel, the Grateful Dead, Audi Wagons, and beer. We get along very well.



Integrated Front Brake

Every day at Wheel Werks Custom Bikes is an experience. I have seen soooo many cool bikes come in and out of the shop. Custom Merlins, Waterfords, Moots, Sevens, BMC's, Cervelos....the list goes on. I love working with high end stuff....

- JB

More Riding, More Training

Cruising to find some snowy roads...new gore-tex booties keeping my feet warm and dry



Cock. Pit.



Snow covered gravel...this was a fun road



Stopped to take an hour long nap on this hammock and reflect on my ride



It was cold, and it was windy, and I loved it.

Training and riding have been happening on the regular. I now have internet at the new apartment so I should be posting more often. Getting 25-35 mile rides in nearly 5-6 days a week. Over 400 miles for the month and on my way to my goal of over 500 for the month to stay on target with my Trans Iowa training. Trying to follow suit with last year....500 in Jan, 800 in Feb, and 1000 in March. All of course being weather dependent. So far the weather hasn't been able to hold me off to much. I have ridden in 10 below windchills, snow storms, rain, ice...its all good, and all thanks to the pugsley. The weird thing is the more I ride the bike, the tires are starting to look normal size. Getting back on the cross bike is going to be challenging when it gets a little warmer. Hope all is good and the riding is continuing for everyone out there!

- JB

Snow Rides

I am so glad they didn't plow the bike path



These tall grasses lined the trail, great sight when the light hit them at the right angle



My commute to work...slednecks have already been on the trails.

So far the rides have been continuous. 35 miles Sunday, 35 miles Monday, 25 miles in a snowstorm on Tuesday...all on the fat bike!

If you don't have one of these you need one!

- JB

Slender Fungus Dark Pugsley

The beast is fully operational and just in time for the first snow of the midwest. The frame was stripped and frame saved. Every part was re-greased and installed. Green accents include: Salsa Seatpost clamp and skewers (which I had to buy two sets), Green ergon grips mounted to H-bars. Green jagwire ripcord cable system (had to buy two kits since the hog runs full housing). Thomson seatpost and stem (25.4 of course), green brooks saddle (worn so it looks black), green chris king headset....BB is to folllow. Time pedals, BB7 brakes, MWOD double crankset....this thing is ready to destroy some snow!!!

Get out and ride.... also, Wheel Werks has one of these bikes left, it is extremely rare as these are sold out, if interested get a hold of me, its an 18".

Chin up...Zipper Down

- JB, Slender FUNgus

Get DEEEEEEP

Deep Custom from Royal Antler on Vimeo.

New Year 2012

Got out for 45 miles on NYE with the new boss and group of riders. The bonk king can be spied in the back row.

Had an excellent year of cycling this year with my most mileage ever. Did just under 10,000 miles with 9400, wish I could have squeezed in that last 600 to get into 5 digits. Maybe this year...

The new year promises to be a great one. I have a new job at Wheel Werks in Crystal Lake and am fine tuning my skills to the high level of service and caliber of this shop. I hope to learn some new skills and hopefully some more about fitting on the bicycle. Bob (the bossman) is going to Retul me in the next coming weeks with help from a physical therapist (Todd) to help me work out some neck and knee issues I've been having from sitting somewhat crooked.

A few target races are on my radar:

1) Trans Iowa - This race is a must finish for me. I look forward to riding with Ari and Giggles and conquering the beast. If the weather is good I will destroy myself for a finish. This is THE target race for the year. Thanks to my boss for sponsoring the event as well, and as usual Guitar Ted for putting this great race on....very excited

2) The Royal 162 - Two weeks after TI, the Royal and Almanzo in Rochester, MN take place. 162 miles of sloppy gravel and rolling hills. Excited to head up to this one. Going to cruise up with the Bonk King who is helping to support the event, and my good friend Joel is going to race the Almanzo so we will get to ride together for a while.

3) DK200 - I think that my redemption for DK will be put on hold as $60 is money I don't have right now from my move up north and I might have a prior engagement. We shall see...

4) Gravel Worlds - Hopefully heading to the Mecca of gravel grinding: Lincoln, Nebraska. Strong STRONG riders are known to inhabit the area and amazing riding is supposed to be in the area. Hoping to join the PCL for some acti0n come August.

5) The Heck of the North - I will return stronger this year and hopefully finish top 20... No more heavy drinking the night before, will give myself ample time to get ready, will drink plenty of fluids before the race and during. How can you not love those DBD guys...looking forward to hanging with them again!

Goals for TI base training include a similar plan to last year. 500 miles in Jan, 800 in Feb, and 1000 in March. My new pugsley (pics to come) will help push the mileage and fitness into the frigid winters in northern Illinois.

Heading for a brief vacation in TX with my mom and brother. Hopefully can clear my mind of some negative thoughts, recharge, and hit the rest of the month with some great miles. Don't let your meat loaf...chin up and zipper down!

Happy New Year and thanks for reading this blog!

- JB