Funny how I had to push myself out the door this morning. Yeah, it was 34 degrees, with drizzle, and 15+mph wind, and that doesn’t usually sound like fun for me. But it can be managed. As it turns out, the colors in the trees and grasses made it a lovely outing, even if the mud made it a bit of a challenge. Photos of some of the mud are included as a reminder to all of us Fifth Annual Fall Finale Country Path Ramble participants. North Texas gravel roads can have a bit of an attitude at times.
Pondero 
Seeing your mud photos reminds me of the spring of 1965 when I had just bought a new 350cc Ducati road motorcycle. I passed an oval dirt flattrack used for local motorcycle races and decided to drop down onto the track and give it a go-’round. Big mistake. I was only half way around when the mud on my tires built up thick enough to pack under the fenders and cause a complete halt to all foreward progress. Ducati had provided just enough basic tools in a little kit that I was able to remove both fenders and get back to the paved road. I loved seeing all your beautiful photos. You’ve changed handlebars, yet you have not commented on the change? You’ve also not said much about the seldom ridden Rivendell singlespeed? ~Keith
I googled the 1965 Ducati, and that was a handsome motorcycle.
Yeah, I came to a complete halt today also. Even with more clearance than modern “road” bikes, it was no match for today’s conditions. Cyclocross races must not get their mud from around here.
Perhaps I should elaborate a little on the bars and the Quickbeam. I’ll search my brain to see if I can find something to say.
Cleanse mud with a water bottle. The squeeze type, none of that metal stuff.
Haha…yeah, that probably would have helped, but I don’t think I could carry enough bottles for what I got into today. It took removing wheels, a stick, and 30 minutes with a high pressure hose to get the mud off. It builds up enough to stop your wheels in seconds.
For such photos, the term “mud clearance” was invented…
Haven’t seen this bike before and can’t quite make out the model? Also what are those handlebars? I’m looking for new one for my Sam. You need my Pugsley for that mud! (-:
A Pugsley would have been big fun on that ride and would have opened other opportunities for me. The bike is my A. Homer Hilsen. I just recently switch from drop bars to albatross bars. Fun has become even more so.
Yep, I think I’m gonna go from moustache to the albatross bar.
It’s really neat how the colors of the trees and prairie grasses are so vibrant on that overcast day. It looks like a barn swallow was trying to build a nest around your headset! We can get pretty gooey mud around here, too; but I think you may have use beat! By the way, how did the albatross bars work for you in the wind compared to your drops?
There is no question that the albatross bar promotes a more upright seating position, and more resistance to pedaling in strong headwinds or attempts at high speed cycling. But you asked how it worked for ME, and the answer is fantastic. I do not attempt high speed cycling so air resistance is minor. In a brisk headwind, I deal with it like I do hills. I go slower. I’m trying to collect my thoughts (positive) for an albatross bar post, but its all a little muddled in my brain at the moment.
Wow! Chris, that is a lot of mud. Been there done that. Although, I was lucky enough to find a puddle of water, which I used to clean the brakes with. Looks like the fall colors are prettier in TX this year. Very cool!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Paz 🙂
I use Albatross bars, upside down, on my Funk all-rounder bike. I like the width and the grip angle, a lot, but I prefer the look of the bar in the inverted position.
I remember mud like that, on Mid-Ohio mountain bike rides, back in the 80s. I can’t say that I miss it.
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