That it was, pretty epic experience. It was a hot one though so went through plenty of bottles!
On to the next one in about one month from now, similar distance but slightly more elevation and a different beast to tackle. This was quite undulating terrain which is more my cup of tea. The next one will consist out of 4 big, hard climbs which will be a different experience altogether.
Still looking fresh - early start at 0600 means the temp is nice in the beginning
Up we go
Result of some hard efforts is starting to show - temperature was definitely rising too - I saw 36 degrees at 10 in the morning
Chasing the group in front of me - I usually do well on the downhill sections
Found the connection - time to refuel
Oh shit - descend! Refuel had to wait a bit!
My temporary 30km headwind return buddy and myself across the line. We kept rotating and working together to keep the pace up in the finale. The rest of the group sat in the f*ckin' wheel - claiming they didn't have anything left in the tank. I believe I just landed there after bunny hopping the cable at the finish.
Hey gentlemen. Looks like some thread regulars are making the most of their spring, these photos are awesome to see.
A commuting accident (pedestrian steps into bike lane without looking, prompting evasive maneuvers on my part) recently destroyed my 2022 Checkpoint SL frame and the front rim. Amazing timing, having spent all winter plotting bikepacking trips and buying gear. I haven't checked in a little bit (and I don't want anyone checking now) but when it happened, ETA on a replacement frameset would have it in my hands in mid-November. So for Ontario weather reasons, riding it next spring.
Due to an unrelated injury that happened shortly after, I'll probably be sitting out this summer anyway, so the question becomes: what gravel bike do I want to ride next year.
I really really liked my Checkpoint. - Specifically: All dem accessory mounts, non-proprietary besides the headset, excellent ride quality, reasonable weight. - The ISOspeed actually great worked for me, the downtube storage was very cool, the integrated frame bag was sick, but I could live without all of those. Great fit but I know how to swap a stem so I'm not stressing that. - I didn't like the cables-through-headset thing, but I guess that's only really annoying when building/servicing. Dynamo routing on fork and front-facing bolt hole would be the areas for improvement that I thought of in my one month of use.
Has anything cooler in a similar lane come out since then? I'm pretty inclined to get another Checkpoint, but looking for inspiration. Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey and Salsa Warbird seem to come close.
Hey gentlemen. Looks like some thread regulars are making the most of their spring, these photos are awesome to see.
A commuting accident (pedestrian steps into bike lane without looking, prompting evasive maneuvers on my part) recently destroyed my 2022 Checkpoint SL frame and the front rim. Amazing timing, having spent all winter plotting bikepacking trips and buying gear. I haven't checked in a little bit (and I don't want anyone checking now) but when it happened, ETA on a replacement frameset would have it in my hands in mid-November. So for Ontario weather reasons, riding it next spring.
Due to an unrelated injury that happened shortly after, I'll probably be sitting out this summer anyway, so the question becomes: what gravel bike do I want to ride next year.
I really really liked my Checkpoint. - Specifically: All dem accessory mounts, non-proprietary besides the headset, excellent ride quality, reasonable weight. - The ISOspeed actually great worked for me, the downtube storage was very cool, the integrated frame bag was sick, but I could live without all of those. Great fit but I know how to swap a stem so I'm not stressing that. - I didn't like the cables-through-headset thing, but I guess that's only really annoying when building/servicing. Dynamo routing on fork and front-facing bolt hole would be the areas for improvement that I thought of in my one month of use.
Has anything cooler in a similar lane come out since then? I'm pretty inclined to get another Checkpoint, but looking for inspiration. Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey and Salsa Warbird seem to come close.
The new Diverge has features. And front suspension.
Hey gentlemen. Looks like some thread regulars are making the most of their spring, these photos are awesome to see.
A commuting accident (pedestrian steps into bike lane without looking, prompting evasive maneuvers on my part) recently destroyed my 2022 Checkpoint SL frame and the front rim. Amazing timing, having spent all winter plotting bikepacking trips and buying gear. I haven't checked in a little bit (and I don't want anyone checking now) but when it happened, ETA on a replacement frameset would have it in my hands in mid-November. So for Ontario weather reasons, riding it next spring.
Due to an unrelated injury that happened shortly after, I'll probably be sitting out this summer anyway, so the question becomes: what gravel bike do I want to ride next year.
I really really liked my Checkpoint. - Specifically: All dem accessory mounts, non-proprietary besides the headset, excellent ride quality, reasonable weight. - The ISOspeed actually great worked for me, the downtube storage was very cool, the integrated frame bag was sick, but I could live without all of those. Great fit but I know how to swap a stem so I'm not stressing that. - I didn't like the cables-through-headset thing, but I guess that's only really annoying when building/servicing. Dynamo routing on fork and front-facing bolt hole would be the areas for improvement that I thought of in my one month of use.
Has anything cooler in a similar lane come out since then? I'm pretty inclined to get another Checkpoint, but looking for inspiration. Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey and Salsa Warbird seem to come close.
dang @crs, sorry to hear. i would be of absolute zero value for ideas on a replacement gravel bike.I'm sure you'll figure out something that suits your needs and that you enjoy.
Just wanted to wish you well and am hoping you have a speedy and solid recovery.
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