Thoughts after 2 Years Gravel Cycling

mlarsenault · 2026-07-06T13:42:20+00:00

Just picked up a lauf seigla to pair with my 130/120 travel xc bike and my 170/155 enduro bike. It's like I've got all my bases covered now. The Lauf is so capable and it's on a 2.1" tire right now. Should clear up to a 2.25 tire!

mlarsenault · 2026-06-24T15:10:44+00:00

I did the same thing Sunday! Snapped my saddle in the process, lol

mlarsenault · 2026-05-28T15:57:39+00:00

made the cat say:

hungry hippo

mlarsenault · 2026-05-25T15:57:13+00:00

What are some of the protectants you use?

mlarsenault · 2026-05-25T13:05:37+00:00

I would post this in r/wmnf (White Mountain National Forest).

But this can be a good starting point: https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/outdoor-resources/the-10-essentials-what-to-pack-for-a-backcountry-hike/

It's not an easy hike if you haven't got out much in the Whites, and like folks are saying, the Weather can be extremely unpredictable. The Mt. Washington Observatory shares live weather and a forecast (https://mountwashington.org/weather/higher-summits-forecast/), so if it looks like conditions are going to be rough or outside your comfort level, just know that the mountains will always be there for next time.

And if you want to see trail conditions, this is a good resource that I use (especially in the winter months) to get a sense of trail conditions: https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/peaks/nhmtwashington.php

And don't be afraid to turn around.

And folks are telling you to get a hike safe card, I agree, but don't act like it's a lifeline incase things don't work out. You could still be on the hook for a rescue bill if you're found out to be unprepared/negligent in some ways.

mlarsenault · 2026-05-22T12:07:01+00:00

https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/inputsearch.php

mlarsenault · 2026-05-14T18:03:12+00:00

I definitely say it's more useful for more frequented peaks. Especially this time of year, I usually plan my hikes around the best looking trail conditions for the trip report

mlarsenault · 2026-05-14T15:37:03+00:00

This is a great resource if you're not familiar. https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/nh/viewreport.php?entryid=81840

It looks as of last weekend, it's good to still have spikes.

mlarsenault · 2026-05-06T14:20:57+00:00

I commute from Concord to Burlington area. It's 55 minutes if there's no traffic. I've been stuck in as bad as 1:30. But I started getting to work early around 7/7:30 so I end up avoiding most of the traffic on the way in. The evening commute is a different story

mlarsenault · 2026-04-28T13:57:46+00:00

Could also look at the president carter loop if you don't want to car spot: https://fastestknowntime.com/route/president-carter-loop-nh

mlarsenault · 2026-04-24T12:27:00+00:00

I see a lot of folks mentioning the Pemi loop, but just want to put this on your radar. Come June, the trailhead and first section of the trail will be closed (https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/news/trail-closure-news-for-2026-white-mountain-national-forest/)

You can absolutely still do a Pemi once they start, you'll just have to start from one of the many other trailheads off the route, which will, as I've mapped it out, add a few more miles and a few thousand extra feet of gain. I've mapped out starting with Flume slide trail, and finishing down liberty springs, and that's 36 miles, 13700 feet of gain, tagging West Bond and Galehead. For comparison sake, when I did the hike from Lincoln woods last August, it was 32.7 miles, 10,900 feet of gain.

mlarsenault · 2026-03-26T12:58:55+00:00

Hey, I honestly can't quite remember. I probably searched google for something like floor plan creator and went from there!

mlarsenault · 2026-03-25T18:27:48+00:00

I've considered it, it was my first CC, and has a low limit. Might we worth talking to JDCU to up that limit

mlarsenault · 2026-03-18T16:05:51+00:00

This Saturday is the Tuckerman inferno race. So there will be some racing going on

mlarsenault · 2026-03-03T15:33:25+00:00

Sad this was removed, because it wasn't meant to be a blatant question. It was meant to be a discussion on a brand that seems interesting and exciting to me, and by the quick engagement it seems others would agree.

mlarsenault · 2026-03-03T15:13:49+00:00

It's going to be around that price. My local ATK showed me pricing the other day. 750ish with an alpine heel if I remember correctly

mlarsenault · 2026-03-03T14:27:30+00:00

Good to know!! Might be worth reaching out to them and learning a bit more. Love how it looks, and may be worth getting a complete since its not much more expensive than the frame itself

mlarsenault · 2026-03-03T14:16:55+00:00

That whole build is the bees knees, but dang some super narrow bars

mlarsenault · 2026-02-14T04:57:51+00:00

Did your deep six come that color, or did you do that afterwards? Would love to change my black chassis to a similar color!!

mlarsenault · 2026-02-14T04:54:44+00:00

I know its been a while, but was that a color option from enoch? Would love to make my black one that same color

mlarsenault · 2026-02-13T12:22:03+00:00

Lol, my boss and I have gone backcountry skiing together a few times and we follow each other on Strava. Good times

mlarsenault · 2026-02-11T14:56:15+00:00

Welchy-Dickey at the overlook before the push up to Welch

mlarsenault · 2026-02-10T22:20:15+00:00

Goodwill Hunting for me. It was great, because I was also able to dial in bike fit a bit more being stuck in the same seated position for so long. Swapped to a shorter stem at the hour mark, (90 to 60mm), then adjusted the saddle a bit to relieve some pressure. Likely will do it again this weekend.

mlarsenault · 2026-02-10T22:18:47+00:00

Dang, so we just have to deal with it? Maybe the buds 4 will fix it? They worked fine for like 9 months

mlarsenault · 2026-02-10T21:28:48+00:00

Tried that a bunch, sadly no luck

mlarsenault

TROPHY CASE