Made me Laugh

“Cyclists are open-minded. Cyclists are egalitarian. Cyclists share a fellowship of the wheel that can overcome all political, social, racial and economic barriers. Except for recumbents.”
--Ted Constantino

Pretty bad posting this on a blog that often raised the praises of the recumbent. Yay though I no longer own a bent, I still think highly of them and think they are a very viable style of bicycle. I just saw this quote and it made me laugh. Don't take it too seriously.

Run or Ride? Ride

A little less green than the last picture I took here.

The last while I’ve been running during my lunch breaks. Sadly, I’ve put ping pong on the back burner and use my lunch hour to train for a silly race weekend I was signed up for. Against my own wishes I might add.

I log 4 to 6 miles per day, depending on the type of running I’m doing that day (fartlek, steady pace, hills etc…) and my weekend long run is going to really start climbing up in distance. I’ll be doing 10 miles Saturday and soon enough I’ll be doing to wondrous 20 milers.

I like the 20 milers. Generally, once I am at the point in my training where I’m doing them (I’ve trained for and complete 3 marathons) the 20 mile run is actually quite easy. When I’m in my peak distance running condition, up to 23 miles is not hard to do. After 23 miles, it’s the worst pain I’ve ever put myself through. Some call it the wall, but it’s not the wall for me. The wall sounds like it wouldn’t be that bad. Sounds like it would just all of a sudden get difficult to run at that point. I find that after mile 23, it’s difficult to continue existing. Everything hurts. I literally scream at myself in my head to just take one more breath and one more step. It’s a very strange sensation and always take me by surprise. When I’m at mile 22 of a marathon, and everyone says “you’re almost there! Keep going! The worst is behind you!” I tend to believe them. And at mile 22 of all 3 of my races I felt great. Not quite good enough to say I was feeling fresh, but I definitely was feeling good. Grooving to the music, singing, air-drums and lots of smiles for those camera guys who try to sell you pictures of yourself after the race.

Mile 23 devastates me. I haunts me after each race, and I think about it every time I run. It’s probably the reason that I don’t want to run.

The last few days I’ve been feeling some pain in my shins, and having been through a nasty case of shin splints while training for my first marathon, I know to switch it up and bit and even take a day or two off if need be. Today, I did something that I rarely do. I rode my bike with a training mindset. Training for a marathon on a bike. I figured that a good hammerfest for 40 minutes would be about the same as a 5 mile tempo run. I think it probably would be, except that I didn’t have any gears. I would be spinning out of the seat, or standing and forcing my lead-filled legs to get up that hill. I was either gasping for air, or pressing back on the pedals trying not to over spin on the downhill (a brake would help that).

I was reminded of several things today.

1. It’s easier to get into a steady rhythm and hold it while running that it is on a fixed gear bike while riding hills.
2. I like riding bikes much more than I like running.
3. It’s way easier to stay warm running than cycling.
4. I can do stairs much better after cycling than running.

Cheers.

Crazy Kids

Empire from Empire on Vimeo.

A little on the LHT

Obviously the last picture I posted of my LHT was bone stock. Just the way I picked it up from BOW. Later that night, I did indeed install my B-17. This is the most important up grade I could make to this bike. After all, if you don't have a really comfortable saddle on the bike, what good is it to bother upgrading the rest of it.

Finally tonight, I had a chance to hang with the LHT a bit. I've got only a few miles on the bike, and haven't had any time to tweak it at all. Tonight my wife was making some flowers for a wedding cake she's doing, and after the kids were sleeping in bed, I headed out to the garage to get acquainted with the LHT.

I installed the fenders that I ended up getting with the Miyata 1000LT a while ago and I was quite surprised that they were an excellent width for the rather fattish tires on the LHT. Black, with white stripping down the center goes alright for now. The decals on the Surly are white and there are some black components, so it'll work for now. Although I would like to go silver. I'll live with the black stuff for now.

One crazy issue I had was that that lower fender/rack mount on the right hand side had not been tapped. Not a big deal, I just grabbed my tap and die set and corrected the situation to the proper 5M tap size, but I was very shocked to find that my brand new bicycle was flawed. Although when I was tapping it out, I kept thinking how glad I am that it even has provisions for fenders and a rack, as well as so many other practicalities that the LHT is known for.

No threads in there!

Also black and also from the 1000LT, is the rear rack that I installed. It's a decent rack that doesn't use those thin little metal "extensions" to mount to the top of the seat stay. No, it has the full aluminum tubes throughout. It also has a tab at the back for mounting a light, so I'll be modifying that a bit to hold a super flash.


After twisting wrenches for a while and listening to the hockey game on the radio, I decided to head out in the dark and test a LED light I've never really used. Again, not much distance was logged, but it was a very quite ride, thinking in detail about every aspect of bike fit. It was almost like I was riding with my eyes closed and just thinking about my hands. Okay, they fit well here, now my shoulders, they seem pretty good. Once I get the saddle height up a bit more they should feel better, obviously that would correct the leg extension shortage.

It was a great ride in the dark on a gravel road, just getting to know my new bike. From the little time I've spent with this bicycle, I can tell it's a great bike. The 60cm frame feels like the right one and I just can't wait to log some miles on this bike.

After handing the LHT up in it's parking spot, I noticed that I had my two favorite bicycles in one place. My ever faithful fixed gear, and my new yet to be proven LHT.

What is this?

On the right chain stay of the Miyata LT1000 touring frame (which has been sent off to Connecticut) there is this little doo-hicky braze on. What is this for? I’m assuming it has something to do with side of the road maintenance that might be more commonly done while on an extended tour, but what? If you know, please share it with me.

Just above it is this little braze on which I’m assuming is for holding your chain up while doing maintenance. Am I wrong in thinking that’s what this little ditty is for? I’ve got one of these on my LHT, so I guess it would be a good idea to know exactly what it’s for.

Cheers.

Gas Signs

Gas Signs Truth in Advertising. from Donny Miller on Vimeo.

At Last

My LHT.

Stock Karate Monkey Complete Bike

A tip from CSB, Surly is now offering the Karate Monkey as a factory 29" SS! Sweet. I think it's so great Surly is offering their bikes built up as well as just the frame. Like so many of Surly's frames, this one is a bit of a Swiss army knife. Many different options and very customizable. Single speed, geared, disc, rim you name it. Nicely done Surly.

Peter White

is building up a front dyno-hub wheel for me! I'm stoked.

Oregon Manifest

Some serious eye candy can be found here.

24hrs of FGG

There is another 24hrs of Fixed Gear Gallery coming up. Actually it's almost here. Today (October 17th) Click the title for a link to the contest.

This BTW is where I stole the idea from for the 12 hours in photos. On that, I think we should fix to have another 12hrs coming up soon. Anyone else? Might have to did through some email and see what the interest is.

Cheers.

Kind of warms the Cockles...

...of my heart.

Yesterday I received an email from Bryan, the guy who bought my Sequioa. He mentioned that he was going to take it on a trip right away. I thought, yeah, that's a nice idea, but wasn't really expecitng him to actually do it. Well, below is the email he sent me with a few pictures of my (uh, his) Sequioa. I'm so glad it went to a good home and that someone is appreciating that bike.

"Hey dude, this is Bryan, the lad who purchased your old Specialized Sequoia. Two days after I purchased it, I departed from Creston on route to the Sunshine Coast. I made it trip in 6 days and a total of 783km. The bike was amazing and the trip went a smooth as can be, a little too smooth. Definitely a trip of a lifetime....really. Ill have to send you the whole story, but I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of that bike. The day after I returned to Radium, I completely tore it down and rebuilt it, packed the bearings, headset etc. That bike is part of my family from here on in i think, just something about it. "

Thanks for the update Bryan and I'm so glad you're happy with that fine bicycle.

The In between

There is a special time. The time between finding out of something yet to come, and the time of it's arrival.

On a large scale, it might be the time between finding out you are expecting a child, and the birth of that child. On a smaller scale it might be the time between when you place an order for pizza and the time when your door bell rings and the culinary goodness arrives.

I like the in between. I'm there now.

It is sort of a point when the decision has been made, but the consequence of that decision has not yet manifested itself.

I've ordered a bike. It's not here yet, but it's coming. While I want the bike and don't yet have it, I like the time in-between knowing that other than a dire circumstance, my bike will come to fruition. I will get that bike in a week or two.

It's nice knowing that.

How to use SPD pedal

I knew there was a reason I like this style of clipless. I think after watching, you'll switch to SPDs if you aren't using them already.


Bikerumor.com's Guide to Using SPD Pedals from Bike Rumor on Vimeo.

Hockey Draft

We had out hockey pool draft this afternoon over a pizza lunch. Ended up taking a little longer than planned and was a bit different than last year with out any beer. But I guess we were in the board room at work, so no sense pushing our luck.

Have a great weekend all. Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians.

Peace.

Cool Site

BikeHacks. Worth a look.

I'm Diggin

Minnesota Public Radio's The Current. Killer radio. Streaming in my office all day long. Check it.

Crazy good

Danny Macaskill : Next level street trials from brainchild-films on Vimeo.

Cool Video

Thanks Tim

Snow Bike for Sale

UPDATE: The Bike was sold to a great local bike guy, Mike!


Yes, it’s true, I’m going to sell my newly acquired snow beast. Why? Read below.

When I bought this bike, I had visions of crisp winter afternoons, bright sun, exploring irrigation canals while the sweet sound of fresh snow mumbles beneath my wheels. I even had the odd thought of a few day trips sprinkled throughout the cold season. Just get on the bike, with a little stove, some water and time. Ride the gravel or canals or even an old abandoned railroad track to somewhere. No place in particular. Just go for the sake of being somewhere and seeing something that I’ve never see experienced before. Sometimes seeing something 10 miles from your house that you’ve never seen before can be refreshing. It is.

Now, I am a realist and a dreamer. The dreamer in me has been oogling this large tired contraptions for several years. Asking questions to those who have them, reading their posts, and searching out all I could on these bikes. It was during one of those dreamy eyed-searches that I came across my bike. It was for sale, and I bought it. I’ve ridden it a bit, mostly on camping trips, the odd beer run and while towing my boys in the trailer. They do like the bike. In fact it’s their favorite bike. It’s one of mine.

But….

Oh, I hate that part. I started running the numbers and got back in touch with the realist side of me. Truth be told, I don’t have too many Sunday afternoons in the winter that I have nothing going on. Those that do come up, or taken right now with my Marathon training. In reality, I might get out once this winter for a ride longer than ½ hour on my snow bike. In the summer, I’m outside more, but it’s either doing house work, or walking or hiking with my family. I’d love the idea of doing an epic trip like the lost coast boys did, and their bikes are similar to mine. Single speed, large tire, go anywhere machines.

Since a trip like that isn’t on my radar screen, and winter cycling will be second to winter running and playing hockey, I figured that I might get 10 hours on this bike in the next year. Is it worth keeping a bike that you really like, and is one of your favorites for 10 hours of riding a year? I don’t think so.

If it doesn’t sell, that’ll be my answer. I’m not pricing it like I don’t want it to sell, but if there is someone out there who has been looking to build up a snow bike, this is a cheap way to get there. That’s why I bought it in the first place.

I’m selling the bike for $600
Phil hubs front and rear (rear is a double fixed, but I’m running a freewheel on it)
Large Marge Rims of course
Pugsley front fork
Kona modified frame
Everything else standard decent bike stuff

More pictures can be found here.

If you are interested, leave a comment or email me.

Cheers.

Smoothing out the rough stuff

When I bought my fixie wheel set, they came with a cheapo set of 23s. After skidding and skidding and skidding (especially riding in Fresno with no brakes) the rear became very flat. Not flat like no air, but flat like not round. I figured I was getting close to the end of their use, and after 2 years of faithful, puncture free service, they were ready to re-tire. (oh, bad joke)

I figured since the roads were so nasty in Fresno, I'd try some 28s instead of the 23s. Why did I not do that sooner? Just some cheap Continental Ultra Sports, but man do they ever make a difference on bad urban roads. On all roads for that matter.

I've know this in theory, but this is the first bike I've ever actually change the tire width significantly on. I can't say I noticed any difference in my speed, but the road buzz, and harshness of cracks was definitely reduced. They still skid well too.

Research at it's finest

I (heart) poop

One would almost think so by the amount of it I deal with every day.

First, and nastiest, is my 3 month old puppy, Molly. She's a crap machine. If I sleep in, there's a fresh dump of something to remind me I should have been up earlier.

After that, my beautiful 3 month old daughter. I don't mind changing her diapers. She's cute and precious. We are using cloth diapers BTW. They're better for the baby and better for the environment. Contrary to popular belief, they are not all that much work. Add an uber-high efficiency front load washing machine, and we've become green parents.

Lastly, is my 2nd son. He's just turned 2 years old, and has been potty trained for 7 months now. My oldest was completely potty trained when he was 13 months old. My second son, for some reason, will regress every other week or so, and have an accident while napping.

Today was a day when all 3 of my poop sources were at high capacity. My wife just had her wisdom teeth (all 4 of them) pulled, so I am playing Mr. Mom. The dog, my girl, and my son all gave me work today. After changing the second diaper today, and after my son's nap, and after cleaning the yard because of the dog, I thought to myself,"Man, I love poop" "At least that's what most would think when they see how much of this poop I have to deal with".

I don't heart poop. I really don't like it. However, I am simply in a season of my life where I must deal with copious amounts of it. Good thing it won't last forever.

If it did, that would really be the shits.

(for obvious reasons, this was a photoless post)

Long Haul Trucker

That's the life I've been living for the past few weeks. The life of a long haul trucker. Driving 18hrs a day, pulling over only for fuel and a few hours of sleep at rest stops.

It's sure good to be sleeping in my bed, and sleeping in again. I like getting up in the morning, and not going anywhere.

Putz around on the house, or a bike, or whatever. Decide over a cup of good coffee. I love weekends at home.

Peter's Raleigh

Check out my friend Peters new bike! A sweet old bike. Love those old Raleigh 3-speeds. I met Peter while he was browsing around for a touring bike. I mentioned my Sequoia might be for sale (this was several months ago) and when I made me mind up, he was the first person I let know it was available. He ended up not taking the bike, but in the mean time he acquired this totally killer Raleigh. He was kind enough to grant me permission to share these pics with you all. Thanks Peter.

Enjoy your new ride. I think you and the bike should take part in the Lake Pepin 3-speed tour or something like that. Just too bad Lake Pepin isn’t close to us huh?

Cheers.

Finally Home

2600kms in 35 hours. Kind of takes it out of you. Now, unpack the RV and get back to life. Yesterday I put 25% down to order my new bike! So stoked.

Need to dis-assemble the Miyata and ship the frame.

Going to pick up my youngest boys run-bike that finally came into Cal's cycle. I need to post on that bike shop. It's incredible. Linden is a small, not famous place, but they've got a killer bike shop. Also going to scrounge their 3 storage buildings for a large frame that I can re-do my Xtra on. Hopefully find one with down-tube shifter braze-ons so I can use bar-ends.

Not much blogging as of the last while. Working like crazy and traveling. Very good to be home though. I've had time to think about various bike projects, and now it's time to take action. Posts should be coming a little more often now.

Cheers.