Meet a 2011 Mega Sweeps winner – Ron and his Stan’s NoTubes wheels

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to fill out our survey and enter the raffle. The feedback we get from you goes directly into making our magazine and website better. A couple of the lucky winners were kind enough to send us a note, so we thought we share their stories with you. First up: Ron from Corvallis, Oregon.

Dear Dirt Rag,

Thanks so much to you and all the folks who put the Dirt Rag Sweepstakes together. Dirt Rag readers are a devoted enough bunch that we’d probably help you out with your marketing research anyway, so it’s really above and beyond that you organize such an extravagant swag giveaway.

Bob Nunnink from Stan’s contacted me right after I heard from you, and he was even happy to bump me up from the Crest to the Arch to support my Clydesdale needs. He asked if I minded a slight delay while they waited for their ArchEX rims to arrive, the latest iteration of the line. I didn’t mind a bit.

My wheels arrived yesterday, safe and round. The UPS guy seemed pretty impressed by boxes so large which weighed so little. The wheels are beautiful and light; I’m even going to deny my usual anti-logo tendencies and fly the Stan’s flag with pride. So long as they’re still rolling, Stan’s has a new ambassador (I’ve already been a long-time Dirt Rag booster, but I’ll pump that up as well).

I’m extra-excited because they’re taking me out of my comfort zone in so many ways. Not only do I usually build my wheels a bit stouter, I’ve never owned a 29er or a tubeless system. I did try a couple of 29ers at Interbike, and I’ve been intrigued since. I have a feeling I’m going to love the big hoops on a couple of my regular loops.

I’m also looking forward to trying tubeless. During my years as a bike mechanic, I always saw the problem tires, so I’ve been a little wary. But I have to admit, I’ve been riding with so many happy tubeless friends, who don’t have the problem tires, that I can see the possibilities.

So, right after I heard from you, I put my surfboard on Craig’slist so I can get a new frame. It’s not that big a sacrifice; I got it because surfing seems like such a good idea, in theory. But then, I’m not much of a swimmer, and sharks scare the piss out of me. I’ll take my chances in the woods with the bears, mountain lions, and sasquatch.

I’ve got my eye on a Surly Karate Monkey, for the third Surly in my stable, my fourth overall. I’ve always liked that bike, and now I’ve got a perfect excuse to get one. Want to buy a surfboard?

Thanks again, though I really can’t thank you enough,

Happy Trails,

Ron

Corvallis, OR