Re: OK,Who's going?: Bikefanclub.com

I went!

The facility is located behind a gated school property. It's kinda weird in that the school (with dormatories) occupies most of the area, but on the property are small manufacturing buildings that (I guess) are subleased for revenue. I saw boat builders and other small businesses. Also, on the property is active farming. I don't know if those too are subleased or is part of the school curriculum. Anyhow, Calfee is almost at the water's edge and the setting is beautiful. I'm glad I don't work there cuz I'd spend most of the day staring west to the beach or east to the hills wishing I could go for a ride instead :-)

We started the day off with a tour of the facility. Craig showed us some of the different working stations where various stages of building a frame happen. We sorta went from the older technologies of building the Tetras with machined molds to his lastest methods of tacking (with glue) in place and wrapping CF. He showed us a new area in the shop where the bamboo frames are being built. BTW, those are incredibly beautiful and WAY cool! Also saw the humongous paint booth but unfortunately, there wasn't many frames in there on Saturday. Finally we did a quick tour of the machine shop where most of the R+D is done. Secondary machining of drop outs, head tubes and bottom bracket shells are also done here as is inspection of incoming forks. One thing I found amusing is that there is a 5 ton gantry crane built into the building. Hanging from the crane hook is what looks to be an early bike. ...just my weird sense of humor I guess.

The 32 mile ride started about 10:15 but I was immediately in the "laughing group" with the Calfee course sweeper, Nick. Just as we were about to leave, my friends on the tandem with Burley attached needed to change a diaper! That took a few minutes and needless to say, we got dropped and never caught back up. Anyhow the ride was good. We started with overcast and very light fog at the beach (Calfee facility) and as soon as we got inland a few miles, it was sunny and warmer. The course was varied and took us through mostly rolling terrain. The climbs were short and what I'd call slightly steep. ...I think many climbs are steep since I ride 39/23 gearing. Downhills were fast, I hit 41 but was not exactly comfortable since the roads were not smooth, in shadow, around blind curves and completely new to me. The ride did show us some beautiful terrain! Kudos to Nick for being such a wonderful host! Yeah, he paid to sit in the back with us, but we had interesting converstions.

Funny little story: At one section of harsh/rough road, the little tyke in the Burley started to sing (I think). I asked his parents if Ryan was singing Barbara-Ann by the Beach Boys (that's what it sounded like to me). Quick witted Nick said "No, it was Good Vibrations!" But I instantly responded "Oh, I wouldn't know. I'm on a Calfee!" Poor ol' Nick is a new employee of one week at Calfee and lusts for one the bikes (duh). He rode his aluminum framed bike on the ride...

Dinner was served at a picnic area at a beach about 15 minute walk south of the facility. It was AWESOME! Breads, two kinds of salads, small roasted potatoes, brie stuffed mushrooms, tri-tip, rosemary chicken, veggie pasta al pesto, mushroom risotto (the best!), lemon bunt cake, mini chocalate cookies and truffles! Wine, beer, water etc all served on real plates and flatware. Vases with live flowers at each table too! The only thing missing was linen table cloths and napkins (they were paper). Lots of food served buffet style and I proudly admit to having seconds ...as any serious cyclist should. Oh yeah, in the morning, Craig had pastries and coffee before the tour. Cytomax also gave out some shwag (water bottles and some new energy drink).

Craig said ~30 people registered and I guess it was about that many that showed up. Most everyone was on their singles but there were several tandems and at least one bamboo single! Components and paint ran the gamut. I didn't see any other Carbonframes owners but then I rarely ever see one on the road anyhow. I wasn't actively looking for other members of this forum, but I did meet Superunleaded and now have a face to go with the name.

Craig had some loaner/test/prototype bikes available. I had the opportunity to ride Craig's Stiletto recombent and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was set up a bit small for me, but was comfortable and I learned it does require a different pedaling technique. ...I guess it really requires slightly different muscles. Others rode the new bamboo tandem that doesn't have the extra diagonal tube that goes from the middle of the head tube to the rear bottom bracket (looks more like a traditional frame). I believe Craig said all the new tandems will be made without the extra tube since his newer CF tubes are larger and stiff enough.

If you missed out this year, try and attend next year. But realize that it will probably be a bigger event and you'll have less opportunity to talk with Craig or test some of the new rides.

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Skuke
95 Carbonframes Tetra Pro
92 Bridgestone MB-1
90 Moser 51.151

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