I'm not exactly sure what I would do with one of the MADSEN Cargo Bikes, but I find something about them very appealing! The thought of riding around on a bicycle with that much cargo capacity intrigues me and makes me want to go buy groceries, pick up some mulch, and then pick up the kids before heading home. I certainly don't need one any more than I need some of the 7 bicycles I already have, but somehow I always find a reason to ride them all!
Check them out, maybe you need one too!
PO
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Kancamagus Highway
There are certainly times on a ride like we did yesterday when everything comes into question. Why am I doing this by choice? Why do my knees hurt, they don't usually? Am I drinking/eating enough? Is this almost over?
Monday night after work we headed for the Mt. Coolidge Motel in Lincoln, NH which is amazing if you need a place to crash in Lincoln. It is right off the highway, and may be the cleanest motel I have ever stayed in - seriously! Dennis, who owns the place, couldn't have been nicer and even let us keep the cars at the motel while we rode, as well as use the showers when we returned. (Thanks Dennis!)
Roger and I got to Lincoln around 9:30, checked in, and headed over to the Woodstock Inn and brewery in Woodstock, about 3 miles down Route 3. We met up with Kent and Matt, two of the guys we were riding with the next day. We all had a beer waiting for the rest of our 8 guys to show up. The beer menu at the Inn is great, and the menu has a little something for everyone. We hung out until about 11 and headed back to the motel.
Our plan was to be on the road by 8, which we were. We got up at 7, packed the cars, ate, and made all the last minute decisions about what we "need" to bring based on the forecast, etc. I tend to be on the safe side and wore a long sleeve base layer under my jersey while stuffing a vest and arm warmers in my pocket. The vest came in very handy on the 45 mph descents!
The 78 mile loop we did is a great way to do the ride. Roger and I had done it last fall and we knew what to expect. There was some discussion as to what direction we should do the loop and we decided on the same way we did it last time. We did the Kancamagus climb to start the day. It is the hardest climb of the day (not the steepest) so we got it out of the way early. We also figured if the weather got worse, we would rather not be on the pass in the rain.
We rode up Kancamagus Highway and over the pass. Turned left onto Bear Notch road, left on 302 which is where the steepest climbs are (although they apparently only 9% grade that was enough for me!). We then turned left onto Route 3 which is a long, gradual climb that eventually leads to the bike path. The ride pretty much ends on the bike path which is the best way to end this ride. It is a few miles of a winding path through the woods which I find to be more like a video game than a bike ride. It is very fast, very twisty, and VERY FUN!
The ride itself went great. There are some times when it's challenging and personally tests my will, but overall it is a great ride and a real test. We were lucky enough to have no (serious) mechanicals, no flats, no crashes, and no health issues!
Our final high-speed descent led up right into the parking lot of the Coolidge Motel where we took showers, changed, and then back to the Woodstock Inn for lunch.
Overall it was 77.62 miles, we had about 4:40 of riding time, 5,500 feet of climbing, averaged about 16 mph, and I hit a max speed of about 45 mph on the last descent coming back into Lincoln.
Details of the ride here (from Matt's Garmin)
All in all a great ride with a great group of guys.
Monday night after work we headed for the Mt. Coolidge Motel in Lincoln, NH which is amazing if you need a place to crash in Lincoln. It is right off the highway, and may be the cleanest motel I have ever stayed in - seriously! Dennis, who owns the place, couldn't have been nicer and even let us keep the cars at the motel while we rode, as well as use the showers when we returned. (Thanks Dennis!)
Roger and I got to Lincoln around 9:30, checked in, and headed over to the Woodstock Inn and brewery in Woodstock, about 3 miles down Route 3. We met up with Kent and Matt, two of the guys we were riding with the next day. We all had a beer waiting for the rest of our 8 guys to show up. The beer menu at the Inn is great, and the menu has a little something for everyone. We hung out until about 11 and headed back to the motel.
Our plan was to be on the road by 8, which we were. We got up at 7, packed the cars, ate, and made all the last minute decisions about what we "need" to bring based on the forecast, etc. I tend to be on the safe side and wore a long sleeve base layer under my jersey while stuffing a vest and arm warmers in my pocket. The vest came in very handy on the 45 mph descents!
The 78 mile loop we did is a great way to do the ride. Roger and I had done it last fall and we knew what to expect. There was some discussion as to what direction we should do the loop and we decided on the same way we did it last time. We did the Kancamagus climb to start the day. It is the hardest climb of the day (not the steepest) so we got it out of the way early. We also figured if the weather got worse, we would rather not be on the pass in the rain.
We rode up Kancamagus Highway and over the pass. Turned left onto Bear Notch road, left on 302 which is where the steepest climbs are (although they apparently only 9% grade that was enough for me!). We then turned left onto Route 3 which is a long, gradual climb that eventually leads to the bike path. The ride pretty much ends on the bike path which is the best way to end this ride. It is a few miles of a winding path through the woods which I find to be more like a video game than a bike ride. It is very fast, very twisty, and VERY FUN!
The ride itself went great. There are some times when it's challenging and personally tests my will, but overall it is a great ride and a real test. We were lucky enough to have no (serious) mechanicals, no flats, no crashes, and no health issues!
Our final high-speed descent led up right into the parking lot of the Coolidge Motel where we took showers, changed, and then back to the Woodstock Inn for lunch.
Overall it was 77.62 miles, we had about 4:40 of riding time, 5,500 feet of climbing, averaged about 16 mph, and I hit a max speed of about 45 mph on the last descent coming back into Lincoln.
Details of the ride here (from Matt's Garmin)
All in all a great ride with a great group of guys.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tri Town Time Trial
The Tri-Town Cycling Time Trial is gaining a tremendous amount of popularity of late. Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM, we gather to ride the 14.08 mile course. Every rider type from casual riders on hybrids to full-blown TT machines averaging 27 mph show up to work towards beating their personal best. Last night, I did NOT beat my personal best, but always have a great time showing up, hanging out with a great group of riders, and getting in a great workout. I am back on my LOOK as the Specialized Transition I had picked up in hopes of a miracle proved to be a fantasy after all. I never felt entirely comfortable on that bike out on the course and feel that I will be better served by again adding aero bars onto my LOOK for when I ride the TT.
So, if you should be so inclined, head over to Rochester on a Tuesday night and come ride with us. Click here for a map of the course. The start is at the ball fields at the intersection of Mary's Pond road and Route 105 in Rochester. If you have questions you can call Tri Town Cycling in Wareham at (508) 295-1123.
And as always, thanks to the guys at Tri Town for helping out every week with the timing, wrenching, etc!
So, if you should be so inclined, head over to Rochester on a Tuesday night and come ride with us. Click here for a map of the course. The start is at the ball fields at the intersection of Mary's Pond road and Route 105 in Rochester. If you have questions you can call Tri Town Cycling in Wareham at (508) 295-1123.
And as always, thanks to the guys at Tri Town for helping out every week with the timing, wrenching, etc!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
May is Bike Month
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
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
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
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, March 09, 2009
2009 RIdes
This past Saturday the weather once again teased the road bike out of the basement and out on the road for a great 12 mile ride serving only as a tease before the next wave of cold and snow hits later today. It was a great ride, and served as a reminder that it is time to get the bike ready for the season which is creeping up on us, just not quickly enough. I dropped off my single speed project bike at Tri Town on Wareham on Saturday for some TLC, and when my new cranks and bottom bracket arrive for my road bike I will get that dropped off and geared up for this season as well.
When riding on Saturday with my brother I started to casually map out what rides I want to do this year, which depends greatly on what rides I can fit in, and what fits in the schedule of a father with three children!
I am signed up for the Connecticut Challenge which I am riding with my nephew Patrick. He has been coming to see me finish the Pan Mass Challenge for years and the CT Challenge will be a perfect opportunity for him to take part in a very similar ride, as well as get his first experience with fund raising. The ride takes place right around where I grew up in Fairfield County Connecticut which is a beautiful area and I'm pretty psyched about it already.
I am also planning on riding the Naragansett bay Wheelmen's Flattest Century in September which I have done for the past two years. That's another great ride, very well supported and attended. I love that one.
Harpoon Brewery (brewers of my favorite beer) sponsor the Point to Ride rides of varying distances which I would love to take part in, but I will be unable to ride that due to scheduling. That one is high on my To-Do list and hopefully next year I can do it.
In addition to these, Tri Town cycles in Wareham will be doing their Sunday morning rides at 9:00 am which I will ride when possible. We are also planning on riding the Tri Town time trial series at 6:00 pm on Tuesday nights. Last year it was a 14 mile course, the course for this year is TBD but will most likely start around Rochester center and could even have 2 mileage options. We had a lot of fun last year. That series brings in everyone from total beginners, to seasoned experts.
All this, as well as commuting to keep the legs in shape during the week. If you guys (gals) are doing any rides in the area, or know of any great group rides that we should be taking part in, leave a comment and let us know.
Thanks, and let's pray for some good weather!
Patrick
When riding on Saturday with my brother I started to casually map out what rides I want to do this year, which depends greatly on what rides I can fit in, and what fits in the schedule of a father with three children!
I am signed up for the Connecticut Challenge which I am riding with my nephew Patrick. He has been coming to see me finish the Pan Mass Challenge for years and the CT Challenge will be a perfect opportunity for him to take part in a very similar ride, as well as get his first experience with fund raising. The ride takes place right around where I grew up in Fairfield County Connecticut which is a beautiful area and I'm pretty psyched about it already.
I am also planning on riding the Naragansett bay Wheelmen's Flattest Century in September which I have done for the past two years. That's another great ride, very well supported and attended. I love that one.
Harpoon Brewery (brewers of my favorite beer) sponsor the Point to Ride rides of varying distances which I would love to take part in, but I will be unable to ride that due to scheduling. That one is high on my To-Do list and hopefully next year I can do it.
In addition to these, Tri Town cycles in Wareham will be doing their Sunday morning rides at 9:00 am which I will ride when possible. We are also planning on riding the Tri Town time trial series at 6:00 pm on Tuesday nights. Last year it was a 14 mile course, the course for this year is TBD but will most likely start around Rochester center and could even have 2 mileage options. We had a lot of fun last year. That series brings in everyone from total beginners, to seasoned experts.
All this, as well as commuting to keep the legs in shape during the week. If you guys (gals) are doing any rides in the area, or know of any great group rides that we should be taking part in, leave a comment and let us know.
Thanks, and let's pray for some good weather!
Patrick
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Connecticut Challenge
After riding the Pan Mass Challenge for 6 years (2002 2007), I opted out in 2008 due to the extraordinary fund raising minimums. It was a huge void for me in 2008, and I felt that I was missing out on my opportunity to do something good for the world!
This year I have registered for the Connecticut Challenge. The CT Challenge gives anyone interested in raising money for a good cause the opportunity to do so without having to worry about being on the hook for $4000 in fund raising minimums.
I will be riding with my 16 year old nephew, and I am already totally psyched to ride, and to see how much money we can raise for those fighting cancer, as well as all those brave survivors out there.
Anyone interested in riding with us, let me know here on the blog. All the info on the ride is available here
Or, if you would like to contribute to my ride, you can click here
Thanks everyone, ride safe!
This year I have registered for the Connecticut Challenge. The CT Challenge gives anyone interested in raising money for a good cause the opportunity to do so without having to worry about being on the hook for $4000 in fund raising minimums.
I will be riding with my 16 year old nephew, and I am already totally psyched to ride, and to see how much money we can raise for those fighting cancer, as well as all those brave survivors out there.
Anyone interested in riding with us, let me know here on the blog. All the info on the ride is available here
Or, if you would like to contribute to my ride, you can click here
Thanks everyone, ride safe!
Stuck in a rut
Liz DiFebo - a writer for Bicycling magazine - recently posted a story which I found not only entertaining, but as I sympathized with her, I also took some level of comfort in knowing that I'l not the only one that often finds it hard to get back in the saddle.
Click here to give it a read, no doubt we've all been there.
Click here to give it a read, no doubt we've all been there.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Back on the bike
Well, our original goal was to commute on the bikes at least once every month in 2008, which we did. Unfortunately, January just didn't work out for us and for one reason or another we never rode the bikes to work last month (January '09).
Tomorrow it's back on the bike. I have clean clothes in the locker downstairs at my office, the bike is ready to go, I drove the route last night on my way home and aside form a bit of water, some new pot holes, and ocassional ice - I think we'll be fine!
While I have not been on the bike, I have been running to train for the Willow Tree half marathon in Providence which is coming up on May 3rd. I was never much of a runner but I have been slowly building up mileage over the past couple years and I think I'm actually starting to enjoy it. I still prefer the bike but the running is a nice change of pace. So, tomorrow I shouldn't be too sore, although the bike seat may take some getting used to after a month off the bike. We'll see soon enough.
Ride safe and keep warm!
Tomorrow it's back on the bike. I have clean clothes in the locker downstairs at my office, the bike is ready to go, I drove the route last night on my way home and aside form a bit of water, some new pot holes, and ocassional ice - I think we'll be fine!
While I have not been on the bike, I have been running to train for the Willow Tree half marathon in Providence which is coming up on May 3rd. I was never much of a runner but I have been slowly building up mileage over the past couple years and I think I'm actually starting to enjoy it. I still prefer the bike but the running is a nice change of pace. So, tomorrow I shouldn't be too sore, although the bike seat may take some getting used to after a month off the bike. We'll see soon enough.
Ride safe and keep warm!
Friday, January 23, 2009
My New Topeak Goodies!
I think it must say something about my life when I look at the things I now get excited about. This past weekend, my brother presented me with a new Topeak Beam Rack, Trunk Bag, and Seat Bag. He is pals with one of the guys over there and hooked me up with some deals. The Topeak stuff is really high quality and well designed product. Not exactly inexpensive, but from what I can tell, seems to be worth the price. At any rate, I was very excited!
The Beam Rack has a built in rubber bungee that seems pretty durable and keeps you from having to worry about how you're going to hold anything onto the rack, as well as all sorts of attachment points for additional bungees, lights, and panniers. It attaches securely to the seat post with a solid, well-engineered quick-release, and they include some rubber pads to ensure a tight fit between the rack and seat post preventing any swaying. It also works with their Quick Track attachment system which allows Topeak bags to slide right on and lock in quickly and easily. The Beam Rack I got is the V-type which angles down and away from the seat post putting the rack closer to the rear wheel and giving you more space for the rack. Another very cool and functional idea.
The Trunk Bag is also rather cool and full of features, as well as being well made. It fits nicely on the rack, attaching on the QuickTrack of the Beam Rack. They offer several sizes but this one seemed to suit my needs fitting a change of clothes and the basics when I commute. It is a semi-rigid shell with a zippered top and sides, and a bungee attached to the top allowing you to quickly stow a jacket, vest, etc. If I was to carry my laptop, I would still have to wear a backpack, but I try to avoid that!
Again, I don't think these are a bargain necessarily, but certainly seem to be worth the money. The under-seat bag uses their quick release system which I love. I now have the quick release portion on the seats of 5 of my bikes, so when I ride a different bike, I just unclip the bag and move it from bike to bike. I keep one bag outfitted with Mtn. Bike tubes, tools, and another one outfitted with road bike tools, tubes. The bags also have an expansion zipper giving you some extra room should you want to jam something in mid-ride.
I can't wait for the roads to clear somewhat so I can get back on the bike and start using this stuff regularly. The trunk bag also has a shoulder strap so once I get to the office I can throw it over my shoulder and head up to my office!
Happy Riding everyone
The Beam Rack has a built in rubber bungee that seems pretty durable and keeps you from having to worry about how you're going to hold anything onto the rack, as well as all sorts of attachment points for additional bungees, lights, and panniers. It attaches securely to the seat post with a solid, well-engineered quick-release, and they include some rubber pads to ensure a tight fit between the rack and seat post preventing any swaying. It also works with their Quick Track attachment system which allows Topeak bags to slide right on and lock in quickly and easily. The Beam Rack I got is the V-type which angles down and away from the seat post putting the rack closer to the rear wheel and giving you more space for the rack. Another very cool and functional idea.
The Trunk Bag is also rather cool and full of features, as well as being well made. It fits nicely on the rack, attaching on the QuickTrack of the Beam Rack. They offer several sizes but this one seemed to suit my needs fitting a change of clothes and the basics when I commute. It is a semi-rigid shell with a zippered top and sides, and a bungee attached to the top allowing you to quickly stow a jacket, vest, etc. If I was to carry my laptop, I would still have to wear a backpack, but I try to avoid that!
Again, I don't think these are a bargain necessarily, but certainly seem to be worth the money. The under-seat bag uses their quick release system which I love. I now have the quick release portion on the seats of 5 of my bikes, so when I ride a different bike, I just unclip the bag and move it from bike to bike. I keep one bag outfitted with Mtn. Bike tubes, tools, and another one outfitted with road bike tools, tubes. The bags also have an expansion zipper giving you some extra room should you want to jam something in mid-ride.
I can't wait for the roads to clear somewhat so I can get back on the bike and start using this stuff regularly. The trunk bag also has a shoulder strap so once I get to the office I can throw it over my shoulder and head up to my office!
Happy Riding everyone
Monday, December 08, 2008
Color Choices
Over the weekend I put the final coat of clear on the frame for my single speed project bike. As much as I tried to keep the fumes out of the house with a huge fan placed in front of the bulkhead doors, when I got upstairs my children looked to be a bit glossier than usual. Perhaps my efforts to blow the fumes outside were not as successful as I had hoped. At any rate, now the assembly begins and I need some input. My friend Gary has suggested a white seat, and white handlebar tape, and that is what I had in mind all along. I already have the white seat and handlebar tape so that theme fits in nicely with my budget as well!
Now, I have been planning on using a set of 700c wheels that I have at home for this bike, but closer inspection of the original 1980 something wheels on this bike show that they are 27's. Apparently, I may have some issues with the brakes if I try to use the newer 700c wheels? Who knew? So... this all leaves me with tires choices. Assuming that I can use the newer 700c wheels on this bike (and get the brakes to work), do I go with Orange and black tires which would match the paint? Or, do I go with solid white tires that would match the seat, bar tape and chain? I think that white tires look pretty rad on a bike of this type anyway!
Let me know what you think. Orange or White?
Click "Post a comment" below and let me know your opinion.
I'll be dropping the bike off at the shop pretty soon for final assembly. Cant wait to see how it rides!
Thanks.
PO
Now, I have been planning on using a set of 700c wheels that I have at home for this bike, but closer inspection of the original 1980 something wheels on this bike show that they are 27's. Apparently, I may have some issues with the brakes if I try to use the newer 700c wheels? Who knew? So... this all leaves me with tires choices. Assuming that I can use the newer 700c wheels on this bike (and get the brakes to work), do I go with Orange and black tires which would match the paint? Or, do I go with solid white tires that would match the seat, bar tape and chain? I think that white tires look pretty rad on a bike of this type anyway!
Let me know what you think. Orange or White?
Click "Post a comment" below and let me know your opinion.
I'll be dropping the bike off at the shop pretty soon for final assembly. Cant wait to see how it rides!
Thanks.
PO
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Photos of my Single Speed project
Einstein was a cyclist!
Not sure what it is I liked about this anatomy drawing. Just thought it was kind of cool I guess.
One of childhood heroes Stu Thomsen! As drawn by Bob Haro (another childhood hero)
"MAN SIZE"
Cycling quotes were the idea early on, which later evolved into adding weird clipart.
Muddy Commute
I'm really not a miserable person! I like to think of myself of quite positive. I kept repeating that as Roger and I slogged through the mud on our slick tire equipped commuter bikes getting colder, dirtier, and more exhausted and frustrated. The commute started out quite nicely. We left the office a little after 5, the weather was in the high 30's, and it was a nice clear evening. We thought that to change things up we would seek an alternate route home which I love to do. We set out down the Fairhaven bike path - a route we know well - and followed that down to Mattapoisett Neck road where the bike path ends until they continue the project. We crossed Route 6 and worked our way over to North St. and then into the Industrial Park in Mattapoisett. We knew that the bike path has been cut, but not paved, and can be a bit messy, but we took our chances. Less than halfway down the 2.5 mile stretch things turned bad. Deep puddles, mud, leaves, mud, mud, and more mud. DEEP mud! The tires on my commuter are 1.25 inch slicks with 80 pounds of air pressure. Not exactly the recommended setup for mud. It became similar to surfing on a popsicle stick. Nearly impossible to even keep the bike moving forward. I found myself working harder and harder as we went slower and slower. Most of my energy seemed to be eaten up just trying to keep myself from falling over into a dark wet smelly demise. I even started to bitch and moan at one point, but somehow found my center (my inner Brad if you will). By the end of the path, we were covered in mud, the bikes were trashed, and I was ready for a hot meal and a cold beer. The boys got a kick out seeing me all muddy and thought it was pretty cool. That was until I took my booties and shoes off. The booties smell somewhat like walking past a dumpster behind a Denny's Restaurant on a hot summer day. Not sure how I'm going to handle those, not to mention what it is in that mud that could smell that bad? Not sure I want to know really. I do know that I'm keeping my distance from that part of the bike path until it is paved, plumbed and dry! Now how to clean my bike? (click here to see the complete route)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Commuting
For about 5 or 6 years now, I have been commuting to work with 3 or 4 other guys from my company here in Massachusetts. It has always been a fair weather affair, but this year we have taken it to another level. Two of us anyway!
My buddy Roger and I both converted old mountain bikes into commuters. I took my 1993 Cannondale Delta V 2000, added some WTB Slickasaurus tires, an old NiteHawk headlight, a ToPeak Seat and Bag, and finished it off with a Princeton Tec Swerve Tail Light. The tail light was the most important part of the bike from my perspective as that is how people see you at night. I had a couple of tail lights kicking around the basement but once you see a really good tail light on a bicycle, you realize what a difference there is. The Swerve is BRIGHT! I did a lot of research on the web, read a lot of posts from bike commuters around the country, and it came down to either the Swerve or the Planet Bike Superflash. For me it came down to the fact that the swerve was easier for me to turn on and off with gloves on, but I found them both to be equally as bright.
So far, I have seriously enjoyed commuting in the cold and dark. Last week it was about 18 degrees when we left the house, and that was pretty darn cold! I had a wrap around my head but nothing on top of head besides my helmet and about 5 miles in I developed a nasty headache. I have since picked up a great Sport Hill running hat that fits great under the helmet and pulls down nicely over my ears. I wore it this morning and love it. Of course, it was only 30 degrees when we left this morning.
I am going to keep up commuting for as long as I can this season. I just hit 1200 miles on the bike this season and provided the roads are clear, I'll keep riding the bike to work once or twice a week. Dressed properly it's quite comfortable, and it's like a bonus workout!
My buddy Roger and I both converted old mountain bikes into commuters. I took my 1993 Cannondale Delta V 2000, added some WTB Slickasaurus tires, an old NiteHawk headlight, a ToPeak Seat and Bag, and finished it off with a Princeton Tec Swerve Tail Light. The tail light was the most important part of the bike from my perspective as that is how people see you at night. I had a couple of tail lights kicking around the basement but once you see a really good tail light on a bicycle, you realize what a difference there is. The Swerve is BRIGHT! I did a lot of research on the web, read a lot of posts from bike commuters around the country, and it came down to either the Swerve or the Planet Bike Superflash. For me it came down to the fact that the swerve was easier for me to turn on and off with gloves on, but I found them both to be equally as bright.
So far, I have seriously enjoyed commuting in the cold and dark. Last week it was about 18 degrees when we left the house, and that was pretty darn cold! I had a wrap around my head but nothing on top of head besides my helmet and about 5 miles in I developed a nasty headache. I have since picked up a great Sport Hill running hat that fits great under the helmet and pulls down nicely over my ears. I wore it this morning and love it. Of course, it was only 30 degrees when we left this morning.
I am going to keep up commuting for as long as I can this season. I just hit 1200 miles on the bike this season and provided the roads are clear, I'll keep riding the bike to work once or twice a week. Dressed properly it's quite comfortable, and it's like a bonus workout!
Single Speed Project
This past summer when the cycling season was in full swing I got the idea in my head that I wanted to build a single speed. Not quite sure what possesed me, I just thought it would be a fun project. I first set down some ground rules such as - I had to find a donor bike for free, and I would spend as little money as possible, which I looked at as part of the challenge.
As luck would have it, I found a pristine late 80's Schwinn Le Tour in my mothers basement which I quickly brought home, stripped and repainted. (photos to come I promise)
Well, I have since gone completely off the deep end on the paint job which originally was inspired by the old Ford GT 40 race cars of the late 60's - that cool light blue, orange ad black combination. All of which I found in spray cans at Lowe's i might add!
I then ordered up some decal paper and went to town. That's where I am at the moment. I need to clear the frame and fork and then of course, put the thing back together. I have the best of intentions, and consider myself a decent mechanic, but I wont hesitate to drop off the complete project to my local bike shop should the whole thing venture outside my comfort zone. I know my limits!
I'll take some photos tonight and get those posted.
As luck would have it, I found a pristine late 80's Schwinn Le Tour in my mothers basement which I quickly brought home, stripped and repainted. (photos to come I promise)
Well, I have since gone completely off the deep end on the paint job which originally was inspired by the old Ford GT 40 race cars of the late 60's - that cool light blue, orange ad black combination. All of which I found in spray cans at Lowe's i might add!
I then ordered up some decal paper and went to town. That's where I am at the moment. I need to clear the frame and fork and then of course, put the thing back together. I have the best of intentions, and consider myself a decent mechanic, but I wont hesitate to drop off the complete project to my local bike shop should the whole thing venture outside my comfort zone. I know my limits!
I'll take some photos tonight and get those posted.
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