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End of Summer Update

Summer will be officially over in a few days so thought I should bring things up to date.

After returning from vacation time just flew by.  We brought mom out the day after we returned and had a nice visit.  That night we slept really well and missed church on Sunday.  Then it was back to work.

On Saturday, August 27 we hosted a group ride from the house.  The plan was for a 25 mile ride on the back roads and then a BBQ feast after.  That morning I woke up and everything was wet.  A quick check of the weather showed rain most of the day.  The group started arriving shortly after 1:00pm.  I was starting to do some grilling so things would be ready on our return.  By 2:30pm the rain was very light and we decided to head out at 3:00pm.  The ride ended up being 17 miles and a little sloppy.  The food was excellent and everyone had a good time.  It was great to reconnect with everyone.  Some we had not seen in a few years or longer.

L-R: Steve Karlsen, Kyle Stange, Don Mller, Don Stange, Me, Raymond Leach, Craig Morris, Mark Abbe

Next was Labor Day weekend and then Brendan was back to school.  He started 5th grade which is the first year of Middle School here in Birch Run.

I did an upgrade on the Sarma Vortex fat bike.  I put a set of Avid DB5 hydraulic brakes on it and rotors.  I weighed it while I had it down and it is at 30.15lbs.  That includes bottle cages, pedals and Garmin mount.

I pulled the Farley down this past Saturday and finally cut the steer tube down on the Bluto fork and gave it a quick once over.  I also weighed it while I had it down.  31.15lbs with the Bluto, cages, pedals and Garmin mount.  I took the Farley to the Taymouth Twp park yesterday and did a little riding to test it out.  I will be racing the Bear Claw Epic in Cadillac on Saturday.  Going to make the trip up with Raymond.  I am not in good shape so will only do the Beginner Fat Bike class.  After my race I will head back out and take some photos with the new camera and lens.

That pretty much brings us up to date.  Look for a race report this weekend.

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