The League of American Bicyclists is promoting May as National Bike Month with May 11 - 15th as National Bike to Work week. Not really sure who designates these months to begin with, but I'll play along. Click here for more info on Bike Month
Another great initiative for bike commuting is Team Wonderbike which is a great initiative from New Belgium Brewing (brewers of Fat Tire). SmartWool is another supporter of the Team Wonderbike initiative. Click here for more info in Team Wonderbike. Make sure to watch the cool video on that page!
Enjoy!
PO
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Great Article by Bill Strickland
Whether you shave your legs or not, Bill Strickland from Bicycling magazine has some great insight into the subject. Click here to read on...
Monday, April 27, 2009
Oakley Stroller
As the father of three young kids, I have done my fair share of shopping for baby "stuff" over the past ten years. Once in a while, something comes along the truly breaks the mold and strikes me just plain cool. While looking for some new Oakley glasses, a Google search brought up this bad boy.
My youngest being five, it's not really something that I would invest in at the moment, but I figured you guys would all appreciate seeing it. Whether or not you like it, you have to admit, it's different!
I did look on the Oakley website and apparently is is just a prototype. Not sure whether or not Oakley even had a hand in it, but I thought it cool none the less.
Click here for some more photos.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Bring on the riding weather
Let me start this by stating that I spent 4 days last week in Scottsdale, AZ where I was spoiled by hot sunny days followed by warm nights spent on the patio enjoying family and good beer. Upon my arrival back in Providence, RI on Monday night, we were welcomed by high winds and rain that made our entry into Providence airport a similar experience to the tilt-a-whirl at the county fair. I went from warm happy and relaxed, to cold damp and pissed off in the same time it took me to get the car out of the parking garage. It has been cold, damp, rainy and windy for far too long!
While in AZ, I went for a hike with the wife and kids, swam 3 out of 4 days, and went for 2 great runs. I would have loved to bring the bike but it wasn't in the cards this trip. While running, I did see about 50 people out for their Sunday ride and found myself rather jealous of every one of them.
Fast forward to this morning where I had plans to ride in to the office with two friends of mine. I woke up on time, had my clothes all laid out to save time, and the forecast was desirable. I was actually pretty excited! That was until I went downstairs and looked at the thermometer - 38 degrees. Damn it!! Back upstairs, break out the leg warmers, the long gloves, to warmers, hat, jacket, etc. It is supposedly improving outside at the moment, and I am anticipating a warmer ride home than I had this morning.
Where am I going with all this? I'm not sure really. I guess seeing that it has been 220 days since it was 80 degrees was an eye opener for me. I like to be outside! I like to ride my bike, run, hike, sit outside, etc. I grew up here and I most definitely have New England in my blood, but at the same time I find it hard to be inside 6 months out of the year.
Anyone else share my frustration to the extent that I do? I mean, I really don't see myself staying here if my outlook doesn't improve. The crappy weather takes a larger toll on my mood each year and it's only getting worse.
Is riding my bike in shorts and a short sleeve jersey really a privilege reserved for 3 months out of the year? I like to think not?
Either way, I'm looking forward to my ride home on the single speed!
While in AZ, I went for a hike with the wife and kids, swam 3 out of 4 days, and went for 2 great runs. I would have loved to bring the bike but it wasn't in the cards this trip. While running, I did see about 50 people out for their Sunday ride and found myself rather jealous of every one of them.
Fast forward to this morning where I had plans to ride in to the office with two friends of mine. I woke up on time, had my clothes all laid out to save time, and the forecast was desirable. I was actually pretty excited! That was until I went downstairs and looked at the thermometer - 38 degrees. Damn it!! Back upstairs, break out the leg warmers, the long gloves, to warmers, hat, jacket, etc. It is supposedly improving outside at the moment, and I am anticipating a warmer ride home than I had this morning.
Where am I going with all this? I'm not sure really. I guess seeing that it has been 220 days since it was 80 degrees was an eye opener for me. I like to be outside! I like to ride my bike, run, hike, sit outside, etc. I grew up here and I most definitely have New England in my blood, but at the same time I find it hard to be inside 6 months out of the year.
Anyone else share my frustration to the extent that I do? I mean, I really don't see myself staying here if my outlook doesn't improve. The crappy weather takes a larger toll on my mood each year and it's only getting worse.
Is riding my bike in shorts and a short sleeve jersey really a privilege reserved for 3 months out of the year? I like to think not?
Either way, I'm looking forward to my ride home on the single speed!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Single Speed Debut
This morning at 7:00 am, was the maiden voyage (of any significance) on my Single Speed Project. Last night I gave it a quick once over, attached the Topeak rack and trunk bag, and picked out some clothes that would make the 30 degree commute somewhat comfortable.
After spending a good deal of time stripping down this bike, painting and rebuilding it, I constantly questioned what I would be left with when all was said and done. Well, I couldn't be happier! The bike itself is an early to mid 80's Schwinn LeTour with nice steel tubing. It rides like a dream! A few miles into the ride I let Roger take it for a bit and he agreed. Something about the steel frame, the absence of any gears, and not having a computer to answer to made the ride a very enjoyable experience.
I'm hooked. Roger mentioned converting his steel Bianchi into a single speed, which I thought was a great idea! I imagine I will spend quite a bit of time on this bike, and commuting seems to be the perfect fit for it. Not once did I long for a gear change, although our commute is pretty flat. FYI, the gear ratio is 39/16 which seems perfect to me, I have no plans or reason to experiment.
So, all in all a great first ride and a new love in my stable of bicycles. If you have the means, I highly suggest picking one up!
Ride safe,
Patrick
After spending a good deal of time stripping down this bike, painting and rebuilding it, I constantly questioned what I would be left with when all was said and done. Well, I couldn't be happier! The bike itself is an early to mid 80's Schwinn LeTour with nice steel tubing. It rides like a dream! A few miles into the ride I let Roger take it for a bit and he agreed. Something about the steel frame, the absence of any gears, and not having a computer to answer to made the ride a very enjoyable experience.
I'm hooked. Roger mentioned converting his steel Bianchi into a single speed, which I thought was a great idea! I imagine I will spend quite a bit of time on this bike, and commuting seems to be the perfect fit for it. Not once did I long for a gear change, although our commute is pretty flat. FYI, the gear ratio is 39/16 which seems perfect to me, I have no plans or reason to experiment.
So, all in all a great first ride and a new love in my stable of bicycles. If you have the means, I highly suggest picking one up!
Ride safe,
Patrick
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