Pugspedition #1

(original post 1/28/08)

I recently moved back to my hometown of Washburn Wisconsin, it's way up nort. On da lake (Superior).

The picture is of me eating a cookie that my mom made.

Now that I have some time on my hands, I can take part in all the things I've been wanting to do for the last 12 months.
Some obvious things would be playing music, snowshoeing, and hanging with my family. One of the unforeseen activities I have adopted is that new trendy sport called "Pugspedeering".

I get on my bike and ride it into the frozen boondocks with a few necessities. I carry a light weight stove (courtesy of B-Rose), a pot, a spoon, matches, an extra jacket, snowshoes, a tripod, and some cookies and water.

The bike I am riding is Surly Pugsley. I've got some nice lights on it, a frame pump, and a bag with an extra tube and tools. Most of the trails I ride on are either a foot print from a snowmobile, a snowshoe track, or deer paths. Riding these types of terrain would be nearly impossible on any other bike, especially with any kind of cargo.

I have found that The Pug excels under these conditions, only if you use a good tire pressure. I run the front tire at about 15 psi and the rear tire between 5 and 10 psi.

Where the trails ends, I put on my snowshoes and push. The best of both worlds. When the snow becomes to deep and you have to push the Pug, it's easier than you would think pushing a 60lb bike would be. For the most part The Pug floats right on top the snow, because of the extra wide footprint.

Out of all the bikes I have ever owned, The Pugsley gives me the most satisfaction. The main thing is the Fun. The plumber at Penn Cycle told me it would be way easier to get in shape if riding a bike was always this fun. He then decided to buy one, simply because it was fun and would probably add another 5-13 years to his adult life.

The picture below is the path I rode upon for Pugspedition #1. Many, many years ago this was a main road. These days it is a trail used mainly by members of my family and a few other locals.

Until next time...