The clock is now audibly ticking for 2009. The last of the cardboard boxes are being recycled from the holidays, and the remaining birthdays from now until the New Year are unfortunately still overwhelmed by the dawn of another year. Stiggity and I celebrated our birthdays with our families in Michigan, braving the ice storm to get there, and then the blizzard on the way back. I sincerely enjoy the winter. I’m not much of a snow sports kind of guy, I’ve barely ridden a snowboard, and have skied a handful of times with more success finding my way down the bottom of a beer bottle than I did the actual slope I was supposed to be riding. I don’t have anything particular against winter sports, I’ve just never found myself that interested in investing time or effort. However, ever since I saw a Surly Pugsley in person, and rode one on sand, I knew that someday I’d have excuse to actually build one up. Now how the hell do I convince everyone to go sell their road bikes for this beauty?

Photo: vikapproved

Imagine the rides to be had on this baby. I’m all for riding in the snow with whatever, but to truly slay the snow with such confident might, is the glory awaiting us all.

New Years Day
Speaking of snow riding? Did you mark your calendars for New Years Day ride? So far its looking pretty fair for a Palos ride – 23 degrees, snowing. Too bad I can’t build a pugsley before then, so a fat 29er will have to do. If you’re interested, and not to bleary eyed from first hammering your legs out at a Goldsprint, and then celebrating like a rock star, then come join some dirtbags that will christen the new year with a sweet joyful ride through the wintry forest. Its a no-drop, all-fun, slay the trails adventure – and the bonus is, if you crash, it doesn’t hurt! So long as you don’t crash into a tree that is. If you want more detailed information, visit us on Facebook. The basic is 9AM meetup at Palos (weather permitting) at this point – the 1st Grove on the right off of Archer/Wolf.

Need a lift?
iGo holiday special is ending on the 1st – join before then and haul yourself and your friends to the forest, practically for free. Remember to reference ‘The Bonebell’ and a lucky registrant may get bonus hours on us.

Got Juicy?
Word to the wise – the Avid Juicy 5, 7, Carbon, and Ultimate brakes are the bomb. They are a very practical, great feeling, and powerful set of brakes with lots of great features. They are also discontinued for 2010 for the advent of the Elixir line. The Elixir, I’m sure to be getting, are a well tuned upgrade to the Juicy line, however, this also means that if you scrounge around at your local bike shop, online, and eBay – expect to see some incredible deals on the Juicy’s. They will be supported for a good while yet as there are so many sets out there, so you’ll still get plenty of SRAM love if you ever need it, but if you wanted to test the waters of hydraulic brakes – here’s a cheap and wise opportunity.

New Year = New Riders
So you are so jazzed about discovering cyclocross that you can’t help but want to ride dirt all the time now huh? Seeing roadies flutter with joy over how fun it is to ride on all terrain and evangelize it to their friends and loved ones that they must ride in the snow – truly brings a joyful tear to my eye. All of a sudden the existence of off-road activity has creeped up on unsuspecting riders forcing them to buy new bikes, tires, fenders, oh my. I just want to tell all of you wonderful off-road newbies – we’re here for ya! Look here and at the information we provide to give you up to date information on happenings in the off-road cycling community as well as things that you should know about off-road cycling in Chicago. We don’t want you to ride the trails when you’re not supposed to, and we most definitely want you to get to know all the existing fun there is to ride off-road.

The Bonebell is expanding a bit – to get you good information as well as picking up sponsors to help further the cause of off-road cycling. We need everyone’s help. I’ve seen some great things happen in Chicago, by virtue of hard working souls, group activism, and common vision, that has cemented the foundations of excellent clubs, organizations, and sometimes even legislation. 2010 is posing to be a very big year for dirtbags. Racing opportunities, trail building opportunities, riding opportunities, are all highlights of new things coming next year. The Bonebell is poising itself to bring you accurate and reliable information you can use to get involved, get your team involved, and become part of an off-road cycling revolution. We are very happy to have had you following us this year. There is some truly great stuff coming for 2010.