“Autumning” in the Midwest
The Axiom Fatliner Rack fits on the first generation Trek Farley Fat Bike
I was looking up racks that would fit on my first generation Trek Farley Fat Bike. It took some research, but I found the Axiom Fatliner rack, which does fit on this first generation Farley. There wasn’t a ton of information out there, so I wanted to post this so that anyone in a similar position could use this as a reference, and you may also find this Bikepacking.com article of use, as I did. The Axiom Fatliner came with multiple mounting options. I imagine most bikes would use the dual mounting option for two braze-ons on either side of the seat post, but (as seen below) the first gen Trek Farley only has one single in-frame bolt hole. I have a dropper seat post, so I didn’t want to install a different clamp with mounting points, and it probably wouldn’t change much anyway.
I found the rack for a pretty good price locally at Milwaukee’s Bikesmiths shop (I think it was $45…?). They have a bustling internet sales business, and if you’re local you can also pick up in-store and save on shipping costs. This is a nice option and you can generally acquire your parts quicker than if they were shipped. Make sure to look up their shop hours if you’re in a hurry.
As you can see, it’s far from an elegant application. The rack is about 6 inches above the tire, meaning the weight of my saddlebags will be carried higher than preferable. But such is life when you’re making due with what you already own and are spending $45 on a rack instead of a more elaborately equipped $2,000 bike. I’m happy the Axiom Fatliner option exists for the Trek Farley.
Axiom Fatliner on the
first generation Trek Farley.
Strangely tall, oh well. It’ll do.
I’m using this bike on a trip to False Cape State Park on the Virginia coast. One hikes or backpacks in about 8 miles to camp on the beach. I don’t know what the trails are like, so I figured I’d bring the fat bike in case I’d be riding on sand for some distance, instead of my regular touring ride. I’m pretty sure 3.8 inch tires will work better than 700×38. This way I can put the weight of our food in saddlebags instead of on my back…it will also be a lot quicker to get to the water station a few miles away for refills.
Anyhow, if you’re looking to rack equip your first generation Trek Farley, the Axiom Fatliner is an easily workable option.
Turned 40, Continuing to Get Rad on the Regular
Delighting in the Fleet of Prairie Grasshoppers
Recent Cityscape Photography
Lately I’ve been taking walks and bike rides around my fair city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Taking a walk is quite useful for noticing interesting compositions for photographs. Biking can be a little fast for observation, but works sometimes too. I think it was Thoreau who extolled the virtues of sauntering around with a half-focused demeanor of observation in search of wonder.
Here’s a window into what I’ve seen lately, taken generally with my phone and not a more earnest camera. I consider them sketches. These are all on Instagram for simplicity, feel free to follow me there.
New Poetry in Junk Drawer Magazine
I sent out a few poems to the folks at Junk Drawer Magazine and two were accepted. One is relatively recent, and the other I wrote when I worked at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (a factual poem about House Wrens making nests). Click the cover image below (Junk Drawer’s artwork, not mine) to see the latest edition.
Rear View Mirror – a Poem
I came home from work and sat down and wrote this poem immediately, just now.
Spring Trail Photography at Riveredge Nature Center
I’ve been out practicing photography more at Riveredge Nature Center this spring. Comparing my recent pictures with pictures from last year, it’s exciting to see how my work has grown. Lots of practice.
Spring, fall, and winter are great because of all of the shadows. Until the leaves drop again, summertime is for flowers on days without too much direct sunlight. Have a look at what I’ve been up to below.
Pictures from the Black Lives Matter Kids Walk Protest in Milwaukee
Pictures taken at the What About Us #BlackLivesMatter Kids Walk #protest Saturday, June 6 in #Milwaukee. Click the arrow to see more pictures.
