3 shops in one weekend deserving of some love...

Kudos #1

East Coast Bicycles and Tripper.
Rob absolutely helped me transform both an under achieving Trek Road Bike and a Scott CX Team bike into better machines by tuning my equipment after a component swap.  My Scott was ultegra and geared too high for the Devil's Backbone Mountain Cross last fall.  Also, I found the gearing to not be optimal in Robert Maye's backyard for Billycross this year.  Equally disappointing was my Trek 2.1 Apex.  For an incredibly comfortable road bike, it was gear entirely too low and left tons of holes in the gear ratios to enjoy a lengthy road ride. 

Answer:  Swap drive trains.
Better Answer: Swap Drive trains and let Tripper rub his hocus pocus on the machines.

In the end, I have two bikes that perform better and more faith in a mechanic I have trusted for years...  And a sidenote... I saw a chunk racing bike in as well....


Kudos #2

Fat Frogs Chesapeake and Ben Nippert.
I took the Trek out for a shakedown this morning with Steve Forss from Fat Frogs.  We did the normal Fat Frogs 21 mile loop.  At mile 10.2 - I shifted on a loaded drive train and the chain started hopping on the cassette.  Pulled of the road to inspect... the inner plate on a chain ride had popped off.  Called Ben at the shop and asked if he could possibly run me out a master link and chain tool (I know, I was not prepared) and he did.  I repaired the ailing chain on the side of the road and finished my ride.  When I got back to the car (parked in front of Fat Frogs) I walked inside to thank Ben again and pay him for the link and effort.  He was more than generous and told me to not worry about it.  I know he is a coffee drinker, so i snagged a coffee for him, Walter and myself.  A fantastic show of rider support!

Kudos #3

Conte's Bike and Fitness (and Daniel just because he is entertaining)
They are blowing out old winter gear 75% off.  I snagged 4 long sleeve jerseys a rain jacket, a hat for Megan, arm warmers and knee warmers for $125.  An absolute steal!

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On my ride today I did sport Chunk colors.
I intend to do the same on May 5th when I hit up the Devil's Backbone Mountain Cross again.
Lastly, looking to do a Bandito Burritos Century this Spring/Summer.  If interested let me know.  Should be a chill ride on Sunday from Jamestown to Richmond for beer and burritos & back.



Miller