TdMIL 2021
12-01-21, 02:56 PM
#1
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TdMIL 2021
Slow day at work, and I need to look like I'm busy, so I figured it was time to announce my annual-ish Tour de Mother-In-Law (TdMIL©) Why TdMIL? As explained several times in past years, my MIL typically arrives for Christmas a few days before we open presents, but doesn't understand that fish and visitors stink after 3 days, so my wife hands me a get-out-of-jail-free card. Technically I'm allowed to leave once Christmas is over, but it's hard to find flights that leave just after midnight; there's usually a 6:00 flight to the Bay Area on Boxing Day. I select the Bay Area as my Zero Bike is stored in @BoltBreaker's (Andy) garage in the People's Republic of Berkeley, the weather is typically perfect even in late December, and I can usually talk Andy into coming with. Oh, and of course there's some great riding pretty much every direction you point your bike. A few years weren't technically TdMIL, but had some significant riding in them timed to "allow my wife unencumbered time with her mother."
I like to author a thread for several reasons:
Never stopped us before.
I like to author a thread for several reasons:
- I can often scare up some BF members to meet up with and perhaps ride part of the route with me. It's always good to meet other bloody anoracks wherever I go.
- Those living in parts of the country that talk about "the frozen tundra" in their winter can live vicariously through the travelogue that will be posted here.
- 2013 Ascent of Mt. Diablo with @BoltBreaker
- 2014 TdMIL Marin-Napa-Sonoma
- 2015 no tour - visited a cousin with family in Hawaii, no bike. Yeah, I know, bad choice...
- 2016 Big Island climb - brought a bike to get away from MIL, who decided she was coming with this time
- 2017 Busy finishing projects for other people
- 2018 SF - San Mateo coast. Andy cancelled at the last minute due to ToothBreakage, so it was a solo tour
- 2019 Berkeley - Marin-Napa-Sonoma, similar to 2014, but stayed more on the coast, Santa Rosa to Sonoma rather than Napa vineyard tour.
- 2020 cancelled for some reason
Never stopped us before.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 12-01-21 at 04:39 PM.
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12-01-21, 03:29 PM
#2
Bike Butcher of Portland
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The route
The route is on mostly familiar roads.
These are some ambitious miles and feet for the shortest days of the year.
This incorporates two major bridges that one couldn't ride a bicycle on in the not so distant past: Carquinez (since 2013) and Richmond-San Rafael (since 2019). We planned on stopping at Andy's father in Santa Rosa and at a hotel in Tomales, where we stayed a few years ago. Further north we had a problem figuring out where to stay. If we went all the way to Stewarts Pt. it would mean a 90 mile day. I stared at the map and wished there was a small town right about where the blue route ends and the green one starts. By sheer luck and the Bike God's willing, a solution came into play, and opened up the TdMIL to other riders.
These are some ambitious miles and feet for the shortest days of the year.
This incorporates two major bridges that one couldn't ride a bicycle on in the not so distant past: Carquinez (since 2013) and Richmond-San Rafael (since 2019). We planned on stopping at Andy's father in Santa Rosa and at a hotel in Tomales, where we stayed a few years ago. Further north we had a problem figuring out where to stay. If we went all the way to Stewarts Pt. it would mean a 90 mile day. I stared at the map and wished there was a small town right about where the blue route ends and the green one starts. By sheer luck and the Bike God's willing, a solution came into play, and opened up the TdMIL to other riders.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 12-01-21 at 08:08 PM.
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12-01-21, 03:50 PM
#3
Bike Butcher of Portland
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The riders
The first three are on the ride, the other two might be persuaded to act as harbor pilots.
TdMIL 2019: From left to right, @BoltBreaker, @davester, @gugie, @gaucho777 and @73StellaSX76 More importantly, that's American (Rivendell), English (Ron Cooper), Japanese (Centurion), Italian (De Rosa) and French (Stella) First three are recidivists, the other two potential harbor pilots for this ride.
If @73StellSX76 can get away on boxing day to get us started.. @gaucho777 is prolly in at the start. Maybe this time he'll match the dress code...
@djkashuba and @SwimmerMike is in as well for some of this action.
Who knew so many BFer's are antsy to get one more big ride in this year?
TdMIL 2019: From left to right, @BoltBreaker, @davester, @gugie, @gaucho777 and @73StellaSX76 More importantly, that's American (Rivendell), English (Ron Cooper), Japanese (Centurion), Italian (De Rosa) and French (Stella) First three are recidivists, the other two potential harbor pilots for this ride.
If @73StellSX76 can get away on boxing day to get us started.. @gaucho777 is prolly in at the start. Maybe this time he'll match the dress code...
@djkashuba and @SwimmerMike is in as well for some of this action.
Who knew so many BFer's are antsy to get one more big ride in this year?
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 12-16-21 at 04:42 PM.
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12-01-21, 04:11 PM
#4
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Too bad there is only a like button and not a mildly jealous one as well, 
. That sounds like fun.
. That sounds like fun.
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12-01-21, 04:37 PM
#5
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Gugie's bike
Easy choice, the Zero Bike is hanging out at the starting line in Andy's PRB garage. I noticed a couple of rusty cable clamps on Touroica. I'm arriving a full day before we start, so I should have plenty of time to effect repairs. I'm also switching from my GB28 front handlebar bag to my custom Waxwing BAB, which has a more storage capacity, but more importantly has many organization features I spec'ed. I typically pair my black GB28 with a black Zimbale on this bike, but I prefer my Waxwing BAB handlebar bag along with a matching Waxwing saddlebag. The decaleur design for the BAB was done in collaboration with Dave Cain at Waxwing, which is incompatible with the GB28. One of my other bikes has this decaleur design (Big Red, a hyper-modified Peter Weigle 650b conversion), used on the 2019 Magical Mystery Tour of the PNW.
1979 Centurion Pro Tour
Drivetrain is original (SR Apex triple, 1st gen Suntour Cyclone), 700c wheels (Velocity Dyad, 8-speed cassette, SP front generator hub), MAFAC RAID brakes are long enough to reach the difference between the OEM 27" wheels and the 700c that it currently has. Maybe most importantly, an @rhm saddle, super comfortable for the long days ahead. A Technomics tall stem and randonneur style bars make for comfortable hand positioning.Compass Rene Herse 700c x 35 tires make for a cushy ride. No fenders on this one, not enough clearance for this tire size and besides, it's in California!
@rhm releathered saddle with custom brand
Now we can wait for @BoltBreaker to post, correct my spelling and grammar, and point out factual errors to be replaced by his own alternate facts. @davester will probably chime in wondering how and why he got roped into this mess - Thor is a friend of Dave's from way back. We'll have to wait until the paper edition of this forum gets to Thor and he writes a letter to the editor. It may get posted here before next January.
If you, like me were bored at work and looking for something interesting to read, well, you killed some time here at least, and it's closer to quitting time.
1979 Centurion Pro Tour
Drivetrain is original (SR Apex triple, 1st gen Suntour Cyclone), 700c wheels (Velocity Dyad, 8-speed cassette, SP front generator hub), MAFAC RAID brakes are long enough to reach the difference between the OEM 27" wheels and the 700c that it currently has. Maybe most importantly, an @rhm saddle, super comfortable for the long days ahead. A Technomics tall stem and randonneur style bars make for comfortable hand positioning.
@rhm releathered saddle with custom brand
Now we can wait for @BoltBreaker to post, correct my spelling and grammar, and point out factual errors to be replaced by his own alternate facts. @davester will probably chime in wondering how and why he got roped into this mess - Thor is a friend of Dave's from way back. We'll have to wait until the paper edition of this forum gets to Thor and he writes a letter to the editor. It may get posted here before next January.
If you, like me were bored at work and looking for something interesting to read, well, you killed some time here at least, and it's closer to quitting time.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 06-10-22 at 09:34 AM.
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12-01-21, 04:52 PM
#6
This wrench fits...
Tomales, you say? Last time we were there, it was a bit nippy...
At least we always eat good on these rides.
And meet interesting peoples.
What could possibly go wrong?
At least we always eat good on these rides.
And meet interesting peoples.
What could possibly go wrong?
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12-01-21, 07:53 PM
#7
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Reason #128 to move back out West but alas I will again enjoy this one from afar.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
12-01-21, 08:03 PM
#8
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I'll be in Portland, ME, with the family, thinking about the spring riding season!
12-01-21, 08:46 PM
#9
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__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 12-01-21 at 08:55 PM.
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12-01-21, 09:35 PM
#10
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I have just two words of wisdom to share, since I am still dealing with Shoulder Recovery:
Bring.
Pedals.
Bring.
Pedals.
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Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
12-01-21, 10:05 PM
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12-02-21, 12:26 AM
#12
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Bring
Vito's
Number
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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12-02-21, 01:56 AM
#13
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Mark, et al, Glad to hear the TdMIL is getting the reboot! I expect to be in town and would love to join you. My holiday plans are still in flux, so can't commit to anything specific just yet. My injured shoulder and family obligations are likely to keep me from doing more than the opening and/or closing leg, but I'll definitely make every effort to fill the harbor pilot duty. Looking forward to catching up.
12-02-21, 10:20 AM
#14
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Mark, et al, Glad to hear the TdMIL is getting the reboot! I expect to be in town and would love to join you. My holiday plans are still in flux, so can't commit to anything specific just yet. My injured shoulder and family obligations are likely to keep me from doing more than the opening and/or closing leg, but I'll definitely make every effort to fill the harbor pilot duty. Looking forward to catching up.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
12-02-21, 10:32 AM
#15
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Hey @gugie - I doubt I could get away for the complete ride, but I'd like to join up for a day or two.
Mike
Mike
12-02-21, 11:11 AM
#16
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Hey @gugie - I doubt I could get away for the complete ride, but I'd like to join up for a day or two.
Mike
Mike
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 12-02-21 at 12:24 PM.
12-02-21, 07:20 PM
#17
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12-02-21, 07:24 PM
#18
Bike Butcher of Portland
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edit: You'll note we go through Monte Rio not just once, but twice!
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 12-02-21 at 09:16 PM.
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12-02-21, 07:38 PM
#19
This wrench fits...
Visions of Critical Mass… “we’re not blocking traffic, we ARE traffic!”
12-02-21, 10:54 PM
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I've been wondering...is the MIL aware that there is a ride named in her honor, and does she know the actual reason that it is named after her? Inquiring minds want to know.
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12-02-21, 11:17 PM
#21
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To be honest, there's a bit of truth in it, but as @northbend will remind you, "gugie always says don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." It works out for everyone, she gets to do stuff with my wife, I get to go on a bike trip, win-win.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 12-02-21 at 11:43 PM.
12-03-21, 10:57 AM
#22
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Whaddaya think?
To be honest, there's a bit of truth in it, but as @northbend will remind you, "gugie always says don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." It works out for everyone, she gets to do stuff with my wife, I get to go on a bike trip, win-win.
To be honest, there's a bit of truth in it, but as @northbend will remind you, "gugie always says don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." It works out for everyone, she gets to do stuff with my wife, I get to go on a bike trip, win-win.
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
12-03-21, 11:38 AM
#23
Bike Butcher of Portland
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If I thought there was a remote chance she would ride it...
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
12-03-21, 11:46 AM
#24
Full Member
Whaddaya think?
To be honest, there's a bit of truth in it, but as @northbend will remind you, "gugie always says don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." It works out for everyone, she gets to do stuff with my wife, I get to go on a bike trip, win-win.
To be honest, there's a bit of truth in it, but as @northbend will remind you, "gugie always says don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." It works out for everyone, she gets to do stuff with my wife, I get to go on a bike trip, win-win.
12-03-21, 12:15 PM
#25
Bike Butcher of Portland
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Italians as a whole should never be taken literally.
Just read the route descriptions (translated from Italian) on the Eroica site.
Just read the route descriptions (translated from Italian) on the Eroica site.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
