Countdown to Cross Season

I don't know if it was the mucky, rain-filled stage of the Giro the other day, but all of a sudden, I'm thinking about CX season.  Realizing that my running shoes are a bit crackly and threadbare.  Thinking that if I run smooth tires on the trails this summer, I can probably get another season out of my Mud2 tires. Looking forward to hanging out with the hooligans from Team Paul at cross races here and about.

In other words, "Hi, I'm Jim, and I'm powerless over cyclocross..."

(It's considered polite to say, "Hi Jim!" at this point.)

Now, a good addiction always has enablers, and - while some may argue that the Cyclofiend Galleries are exactly that (or possibly a Gateway Drug) - the lust-worthy submissions from other mudders serve just that purpose.

Jim Mather's Rivendell Legolas

Cyclocross Gallery #63

Certainly, the sharp-eyed among you may be crying "Foul!" as Jim is running smooth tires on this bicycle. But, to that criticism, I would suggest a closer look - there's a decent rim of mud at the sidewall.  And, as I've stated a few times recently, tire placement and weight distribution handles about 87 - 93% of the issues you face on unpaved surfaces. I expect this bicycle will continue to see a fair amount of dirt.

The Legolas is a rare bird, indeed. I'd be surprised if there are 50 of them. They were delivered by Rivendell back in fall of 2006, and have been made by Mark Nobilette and possibly Waterford.  A couple have cropped up on Rivendell's "Frame Specials" page, but luckily for my finances, those have been 62's.   This may have been one of those, as I do recall the stunning copper finish - a memorable color choice for such a fine bike.  (A deep red seems to be the most common, but I've also seen images of blue versions.)

Jim has set it up nicely - a good combination of new and used parts - and the bike looks ready  to rumble. Hopefully, I'll even get a chance to see this bike in person someday.


Additions to the Cyclocross Gallery - 
#61 - J.D. Kimple's Mongoose Croix Comp
#62 - Rick's Motobecane Cross
#63 - Jim Mather's Rivendell Legolas