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It’s tough to say this; but not only have I been a bit too busy to post on the blog a lot, I’ve also not been getting in much riding. But, like any good blogger/bicyclist I’m justt gonna barrel headlong back into both the best way I know how; with short and easy rides and with these bits of information:

I just got back from a business event in Keystone Colorado. Their mountain bike park didn’t even open ’till this past Friday but I can tell you, regardless of the lack of my own rubber-to-ground experience, that this place is a mecca for all serious cyclists. Check it out if you can!

Speaking of mountains, Le Tour begins Saturday! I am not a gambler nor even a good judge of sporting event outcomes, but I still think Contador will give the peloton hell. But I’ve got to pull a little for my all time favorite; Ivan Basso.

Finally, on the home-front, Ive been tuning up the blog and my bike. Changes are in the works, but check my Twitter for more frequent updates and be-friend me on Facebook. I just might be the life of the party — I know they can hook one up to a trainer, but this is dedication!

Ride safe over the holiday!

While there are an extensive variety of bicycle commuters out there, I tend to feel a bit atypical. What is practical for most is not always what I’m looking for. As much as it costs me time in maintenance and, to a certain extent comfort, I continue to find it most practical for me to commute on bikes I also race. This is not to say I will never own a “commuter bike,” just not right now. However, I can not help but be intrigued by the following product.

The Fallbrook NuVinci “transmission” can be applied to several different transport applications, as well as wind turbines. When I first heard about it today, I found that it is readily available in bicycle hubs. You can go to your local shop and, as long as they have a QBP account, order one up.

I am continually interested in internal gearing and hubs with enclosed shifting mechanisms. The NuVinci takes this to a whole new level. Here in Chicago we may not fully benefit from it (due to our lack of hills, etc.) but a fully loaded bike on it’s way home from the grocery store would surely benefit from one of these when you need to get up that expressway overpass.

Personally, I’d love to try one out just to feel the way it “shifts.” My current plan for a commuter – if I can get one together practically – is single-speed. But, I’d defiently consider one of these if possible. Only drawback I can see is weight. Available only in 36 hole means that you’ll get a strong, but heavy wheel. Either way, I just found it cool.

Come out to the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in Northbrook tonight. My team is sponsoring the evening’s event. Track racing is arguably the “purest” form or bicycle racing. Even for experienced racers of other disciplines, it’s a great way to watch tactics unfold (the entire “race course” is visible) and I can guarantee you’ll learn something.