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In consultations with your council about the proposed bike lanes I would suggest that they think carefully about making them contraflow at any junctions. If I want to use the cycle lane that by-passes the one way system into town I have to cross two busy junctions in contraflow to the traffic and even me, as a really confident, road aware cyclist, finds it a tad disconcerting. It's going to take the motor traffic a long time to get used to the contraflow. Apropos chaining bikes up. As we don't have any really safe cycle parking I utilize the centre-of-town-busy-pub ruse. I lock my bike to the railings outside the main windows at one of the Irish pubs in town if I'm to be leaving it for any length of time. It appears to be a pub customers bike and presumably watched over. :winky: |
I discovered today, I do not like hills. Neither my lungs nor my legs. LOL Actually wasn't to bad I say now that I'm on the couch in the a/c. Hadn't ridden much all week 'cause I wasn't sure what the hand would do. But rode 13.5 miles today with Shadows Papa, my ex and her g/f. The weater was really nice this morning and the back country rodes had few cars, we actually passed more cyclist than cars. Hand did fine, thighs a little tired now, but not hurting too bad.
Happy cycling everybody. A |
Hills are your best friend. Trust me on that. I hated them for a long time. As a matter of fact we have an acronym on the Lifecycle. AFH. But hills make you strong, they do wonderful things for your body over time. Hills are your friend.
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Another
F effen Hill ? lol! |
Hah! Yellow_Band, tha's the one!
Sadly when one has lung disease (proper) hills are definitely NOT best friends...they are there to potentially make one stop breathing...literally! However, efforts must be made to keep trying to get up them even if pushing the bike becomes the only option. They will get easier Pajara...particularly if you don't have lung disease and continue in your progress in getting 'bike conditioned'. I can get up the 'inclines' around here much more easily than I did a year ago, although 'real hills' still defeat me for the above stated reason. Go you doing a 13.5! :thumbsup: Brilliant Sky Ride event today with 8km of the towns roads shut off to motorized traffic. It was fantastic to see so many folks riding, from young to old. However, it was quite dismaying to discover how many folks have no idea about riding bikes when there are other people around, let alone thousands of other people. After yesterday's ride again a killer head-wind I only managed a couple of circuits before retiring to one of my favourite cafe bars for beer in the sun with a good friend who's home from Spain for a couple of weeks. I hope to have recovered sufficiently from yesterday's killer to manage a proper ride tomorrow. Happy pedaling bikey-folks |
My mother had emphysema, and so did most of her brothers and sisters. Her father apparently did too. I worried I'd never get that. It didn't help that she smoked like a chimney. She died at age 47. Nothing worse than watching someone literally choke to death. Even way back then...The Dr's told her she had to do things to make her lungs expand.....walk, walk rapidly...leisurely ride a bicycle. Saddly, she did nothing but make [sic] comments about her coffin nails i/e cigarettes.
I, according to my father, was born on a bicycle. I adapted to a two wheeler very young and I rode and rode and rode. I wasn't in a major hurry to drive a car because I took my bicycle every place...Not much has changed. Thats why the hills don't bother me. I hardly ever/almost never use the first five gears on my bike. (not the beater bike, it slips gears on you and you find yourself in fifth gear alot) It's been raining, heavily at times, today and I didn't go to any bicycle pittsbugh events. In fact took a long 3 hour nap. One of the things I enjoy the most about bicyle gatherings, is the post event refreshment (or what ever...even if its water) You meet all kinds of people, people who look like all the others, and you find this was this first ride.....or another who has been riding 30 years. I'm attaching my favorite hill clibing event we celebrate every year. It's a little long. Enjoy. Also, you'll get to see what a beautiful city I live in. |
I'm sorry to hear that about your parents Yellow_band. I was on course for a similar fate to your Mum, or at least have to carry an oxygen tank by the time I'm 50. Thankfully I've averted that fate for a while longer.
I was one of those 'born on a bike' too. In fact I don't even drive. I used my bike for leisure and transport since I was about 7yrs old (although was riding a bike before then) to being 33/34yrs...and now I'm doing it again. I get really disheartened when folks tell me that hills are easy and that they just get easier because whilst the teeny slopes do get easier the other ones really don't. Even more disheartening is being dropped by the club ride the other week because I'm slower on the inclines. |
Thank you Incubus...but you see, I see you as one who gets the point. You are trying to do as much as possible for the sake of your lungs. Every little bit helps. And She was told that (over thirty years ago) too.
Lets face it, hills expand your capacity!....I haven't heard anything on the world news since Friday about the rioting...has it stopped? |
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There is no way on this earth that I could ride those hills in your video. I used to be able to many moons ago but such steep feats are a thing of the past. Great video though. I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to attend the cycling events this weekend. Yes the rioting stopped after 3 days. The newspapers are still full of stories and articles dissecting the whys and wherefores though. |
Contador's hearing set for November
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cycling/14694430.stm
Alberto Contador's doping hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport has been set for 21-24 November. The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) and world cycling's governing body UCI are appealing against the Spanish Cycling Federation's decision to acquit him. The 28-year-old's case was due to be heard before CAS in June but was initially delayed until August. The hearing will consider Contador's positive test for clenbuterol after the 2010 Tour de France. The Spanish rider won that race by 39 seconds, ahead of Andy Schleck. Contador faces a possible two-year ban and losing his Tour de France victory if the Lausanne-based court finds against him. He was found to have minute traces of clenbuterol in his urine samples days before the Tour began last July. Clenbuterol is a banned fat-burning, muscle-building drug, but the Spanish cycling federation accepted Contador's explanation that he had inadvertently consumed the drug in contaminated beef. Wada regards clenbuterol as a zero-tolerance drug, although its rules allow athletes to escape a sanction if they prove "no fault or negligence" on their part. |
Early yesterday, we took the * beater bike* to a bicycle shop and donated it. The shop owner told me it wouldn't require much. Then, I had my sweetheart fit for a bike. (geeze, wisdom tooth extraction-minus novacaine would have been easier) after a series of *looks* from me, she chilled out and went with the process. She picked a specialized frame, and to be honest.....I stayed out of this, as this is her bicycle, so I was trying on clothes and keeping busy. They gave her a ton of attention and explained everything....I know she made a few modifications in the handlebars. She is 5 inches taller than me, but not all legs. SO...I really didn't know what she ended getting until we picked the bike up.
They told us they'd have the bike ready around 2p. When we went to pick it up, It was gorgeous. It was a flat black frame, that gradually went to gloss black and right into silver. It had half fenders. And some kind of Led light mounted on the front fender/frame...blended in nicely, and wired to the handlebars with a thumb on/off switch. Colorful tires, black and silver and they seemed to be all season, all terrain, and the utility rack on the back had built on framing for panniers. The best thing that could have happened, did happen. She got on it and rode it! She smiled the entire time. So we loaded it into her suv and brought it home. And we went for a ride. She actually kept up with me, I wasn't riding at my *alone pace* but we were not going so slowly that I had to keep circling back. WE ACTUALLY RODE. As I was making dinner and her a snack tray to munch on for the steeler game, she said to me *How long until we eat? I'd like to go ride my bike....if you don't mind?* WHY WOULD I MIND???? This morning we sifted through my box full of used and unused bicyle stuff. We have a flashing rear light, a handle bar mirror (the kind that goes into the grip) a really nice waterbottle cage and lots of bottles. One nice hydro aluminum can).....today I think, we'll get her a top bag. Theres two sets of panniers I use one set often. I think she likes her bike. We are heading out to the farmers market shortley. |
Dapper...I can't believe they're dragging his case out so long.
How fabulous Yellow band. Have you both been out riding loads this week? Only two of us turned up for the Clarion ride tonight. We decided that we'd just have an hour roll around the green bits beyond Blackpool. There were plenty of inclines but I only needed to drop to my granny ring towards the end when there were some rather more challenging inclines/hills. :bicycle: :cheesy: |
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My S/O, I'll just call her A. is not on these boards, she's not into the whole B/F thing. But thats the way it is around here. But that is for another thread. Both A. and I had to make career changes in the past two years. Her new career, takes her across the state line. It's about 70 miles. That's a pretty far commute every day, so we set her up in a studio very close to her work. She insists that is all she needs. She leaves Monday morning from this home and returns friday evening. That was a bigger adjustment for me, than my entirely different career path. We do what we have to do. So, Guess what she did. She took her bicycle with her to the studio. She has never done that before. She rode every night. She's grasping the shifting. She's figuring out the toe baskets have another purpose than to hold your foot on the pedal. She's catching the bug. She's due in here shortly. I ordered her a rack to pull her kayak, like I have It came today. We are very close to the river, and the bicycles are much easier than a car. WINNING! She sent me an email and a couple links of a pumpkin leisure/race day in central Pa.(in Oct) She wants to do the 5k leisure on bicycles and the kayak run on the susquehena river. I think we should race kayak tandeum. She is an engine in a kayak, she's much stronger on her strokes than I am. We(in the thread) talk about it all the time, get fitted for a bicycle. Yet, she was riding my bikes and really not having any fun. She is five inches taller. OK, so we raise the seat...It's not the same. And it was so evident when she took HER bike for a test spin at the bike shop. So I'll be riding my rock hopper (the one that is currently living in the dining room) speaking of that....she said to me last night.....Please think about selling your old car so we can use the garage for the smart car and all of these toys. Funny, I wasn't thinking about that when I ordered that rack for the kayak..... Sorry, it wasn't my intention to go on and on about this, but my dream has come true....she reiterated to me, *Don't even think about it, I am not running with you*:weedsmoke: |
That's awesome Yellow Band. Can certainly understand the studio idea. I'm stoked for you that your partner is 'catching' the passion.
As my bike is second hand and made for someone other than me I think a fitting would be somewhat redundant. For me, I love riding no matter what I'm riding. I was having a ball riding a battered old, far too large for me, fused front sus forked hybrid before Lady H came to me. I loved riding that old hybrid ....why? because I was out in the fresh air getting fitter, healthier and feeling like a kid again. Riding makes me smile regardless. :cheesy: Although after saying that, if I am ever in the position to have a bike built for me I would do it without hesitation. Happy pedaling fellow riders. |
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I just got my fat butt on a road bike for the first time ever today (I don't count the yellow Sears ten-speed I had when I was a kid). Man, is it ever different from my 45 pound steel Dutch bike that I ride everywhere.
As I get older, I'm looking for ways to get fit that are kinder to the joints, and I think road cycling and weight training will be what I use to get me more fit as I get older. I never ever thought I'd be on a road bike, and I'm a little stiff right now to tell you the truth, but I'm going to have the bike professionally fitted at a sports medicine clinic, and start with shorter rides to build up my endurance. I'm excited. |
Have you considered a GPS for your bicycle
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Wooohoooo! lettertodaddy that's ace...I wish you many happy miles pedaling.
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My boss sent me this link. I asked her [the same question] you asked me. Her response, as she was pouring coffee was this. When you find yourself on some ladies hood, and your head is going thru her windshield. Just because you said, if you can still talk, she was eating an egg mcmuffin, talking on her phone and ran the red right,that won't be enough.long sentence You will have to prove it, or you'll wind up paying for your own medical bills. This is what the insurance industry has become. [note all the reference to bad woman drivers] Initially I was going to retort, Oh not the scum bag ambulance chasing, leisure suit wearing-used car sales mbehaving attorneys? This is an ongoing we banter her and I have. But she is a litigator, makes a living convincing people the blue sky is purple. I've learned to pick and choose my arguments with her....at least once a week she goes on a tirade about some sleaze ball attorney who needs an ethic investigation, so I'll slide it in then.....:eyebat: she likes toy bitching......it gets her away from the drama of the theatre that automatically comes with the job. I did note these GPS's are $700......(heck, a pretty decent bicycle is $700) |
I just got the bike of my dreams as an early birthday present! 2009 Electra Rat Fink.
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...ombie/Fink.jpg |
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Fabballus new steed there atomiczombie :thumbsup:
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The Weekend's Here!
The weekends here, I'm heading out to the valley to do some flat riding. I need some heat and sun!
I'm also looking for a new saddle for the Merckx. I'm thinking of a brown leather Brooks. Whatever you're doing, have a great time, stay safe and hit the hills for me! SF_Boi :detective::police: |
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http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/s...rooks-b17.html I've had problems with cut-outs. Errrm bits of me fall through them in a most disturbing and numbing way when doing proper mileage. :| |
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I have always viewed the Brooks saddles to be gorgeous, though. And they say when they are broken in, there is nothing more comfortable. In terms of the cut outs...bear in mind that I mountain bike, so I am sitting up straighter. I can see how I may have a different opinion if I was road biking. Interesting. Good to connect with you, Incubus. Hope you are well, my friend! |
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Yanno there's a big mythology about Brooks saddles but when it really comes down to it, they're not for everyone. Some folks never get along with them no matter how 'superior' they're cracked up to be. I'd still like to try one though but can't decide which model to go for. I've been offered a womens B17 at less than half price which is tempting but worried the nose would just be too short. I'm probably in a similar riding position on my tourer to you Dapper. I don't use drops and keep relatively upright so as not to stress my neck...it may be the cut-out saddle I rode for quite a while just didn't suit me and my physiology. |
Wotcha fellow pedalers.
I've barely done any mileage apart from essential transport trips for almost a month :blink: I really need to get my ass in gear and put some miles in before the weather turns wintery. In between appointments on Tuesday I noted that my tyres needed some air. The rear tyre wouldn't inflate and finally deflated totally upon disconnecting the track pump. I couldn't work out why it wouldn't pump up. There was only one thing for it, I had to attempt a rear wheel removal to investigate the issue further. Plenty of curses later, the wheel was finally disengaged from the drop-outs and derailleur. Whilst unscrewing the locking nut (or whatever it is) that screws over the valve, the valve pulled out of the tube. What a good job I'd bought a spare recently. I struggled a little getting the tyre to seat properly around the new tubes valve but took my time and made sure I did the job properly so as to avoid potential pinch punctures. It was then time to tackle replacing the wheel and faff with getting the chain back on. I ended up oily and rather chuffed with myself at having finished the job successfully. It's not very long ago that I would have paid someone to do the job. Go Me! :fastdraq: |
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Woot! Finally, after a month of being a seriously hacked-off hermit and hiding under the duvet, I've managed to get off my arse and on my bike to do a couple of rides of 10 or above miles.
We're having a lovely Indian Summer here this week, it's sunny, warm and folks are smiling. I had decided that yesterday would be my first ride back after my errrrm 'sabbatical' and arranged to meet one of last years classmates, Marc, at the top of his road (a 3mile ride for me to get there) and we'd tootle off along the seafront (NCR 62) until we wanted to turn back. We had a tail wind. We turned back at Fleetwood golf course into a vaguely evil headwind. T'was quite a tough journey back and by the time I hit town for coffee with The Fag Father I was a breathless, sweaty mess. T'was a good ride! :D I aim to get another 10+ in tomorrow too as I go for surgery on Saturday. Nothing too big, only an overnighter, but will have me off my bike for a fortnight; for transport trips as well as leisure. I wanted to share this with you. I wish I'd made it longer as the evening light was lovely. Turn the volume off if you wanna watch it - all you can here is wind. Coming back the sunset was wonderful, sadly my pictures don't reflect how fab it was. http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...3/IMG_0390.jpg http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...3/IMG_0396.jpg |
Back from the Mountains
I just got back from Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake area, what a fantastic time! The weather was great, the trails were out of this world, good food and good beer! My legs feel like lead, my back is killing me, I have a crazy tan lines, but I have a big smile on my face. Hope everyone is doing well.
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Brooks Saddle
Well, I picked up the S17B saddle....OMG! What a beauty! On my first day, I went out on a 27 mile ride, I was sliding a bit but it was doable. The next day I went on a 42 mile ride, I could feel the saddle softening and loosening up and the sliding stopped. I'm very happy with this little investment. I can't wait for the coming weekend.
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I bought a Brooks B67 S Aged saddle for my Batavus Fryslan (dutch bike) and while I love it, it is squeaky as all get out! It starts to squeak for no apparent reason, and just like that the squeaking will go away for awhile.
The Aged saddles have been pre-treated, so there's next to no break-in period. My saddle was comfortable from the first day. I don't know if I'll get one for my road bike. I need to spend a little more time with it to see if that's what I need. |
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Saddles and "Throw Down" Bikes
Yes, I transposed the letters again, sorry. I just got back from a ride about an hour ago. What a wonderful saddle.
I was also looking for a "throw down" bike for the more inclement weather times. I saw a MASI with Shimano parts, Mavic wheels, not top of the line parts, but that's not what I'm looking for. I'm looking for another bike so that I don't trash the Merckx. It's been beautiful in the Bay Area, I'm trying to do as many miles as I can before the weather changes. Take care everyone and happy trails. |
Saddles
I haven't bought a saddle in a long time, but every time I got a new bike, I would put a Terry saddle on it.
http://www.terrybicycles.com/Saddles I used to wear their shorts exclusively, as well. (the t-short, specifically. With real chamois. ahhhhh....memories). |
I saw several Brooks saddles on the AIDS/Lifecycle last year. I've been thinking about it, good to see you've had good results.
I lost my mind and signed up for the ride again. I kind of lagged through September but it's time to take my training up a notch or two. Around here the best place to train is Mt. Diablo. Ride that once a week and the ride is going to be fine. I've just got to juggle my schedule a little with the shortening days. And be careful on the downhills when it's raining. |
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