Ellen put on my helmet all by herself.
She even buckled the buckle.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Under the Weather, Under the House
Yippee, another cold for me. The only riding I've been doing is on the trainer in the basement. The past couple days I have done 45 minute sessions of mild spinning and it seems to have helped my head cold. The recommendation I frequently read is if your symptoms are above your neck mild exercise is okay. Below your neck, better not. I have also read mild exercise can help reduce the duration of a cold as it brings in additional oxygen to promote healing. Let's see what happens.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
New Bike Smell in the Dark
Yesterday Ryan received a Christmas surprise with two wheels and a shiny green frame! Santa Claus (his wife) delivered early. Tonight we set out for a night ride to give it a maiden roll.
It seemed a little unfair to be out on your first ride of a brand new bike in the dark as you are not able to look down and actually see the new bike. I guess you could say it adds to the mystery or builds suspense. This scenario does let you focus on the feel of the bike, which Ryan quickly noted was smoother and more dampened on the chunked up roads we traveled.
We dressed for temperatures just above freezing and rode south then east. It felt later than it was in the dark country side. Early in the ride we encountered some unexpected traffic and realized some people were probably still driving home from work. It was only 6:30 but dark as midnight out.
With no specific route in mind we ended up riding into Mt. Eaton before turning north. We stopped for some food and found a grassy bank to ride down on our cross bikes. It looked like this had been done numerous times before by kids in the neighborhood. We shared in the fun.
East out of Mt. Eaton we rode before turning north. The roads were quiet and temperatures seemed to be holding steady beneath a partially cloudy sky. We pedaled through Kidron and back to Ryan's house. We declared it a successful ride and I'd say Ryan enjoyed his new ride. Now we need to find some gravel roads...
Ryan's new Raleigh cross bike!
It seemed a little unfair to be out on your first ride of a brand new bike in the dark as you are not able to look down and actually see the new bike. I guess you could say it adds to the mystery or builds suspense. This scenario does let you focus on the feel of the bike, which Ryan quickly noted was smoother and more dampened on the chunked up roads we traveled.
Stop sign road crossing in the dark.
We dressed for temperatures just above freezing and rode south then east. It felt later than it was in the dark country side. Early in the ride we encountered some unexpected traffic and realized some people were probably still driving home from work. It was only 6:30 but dark as midnight out.
With no specific route in mind we ended up riding into Mt. Eaton before turning north. We stopped for some food and found a grassy bank to ride down on our cross bikes. It looked like this had been done numerous times before by kids in the neighborhood. We shared in the fun.
Snack stop at the feed mill... seems appropriate.
East out of Mt. Eaton we rode before turning north. The roads were quiet and temperatures seemed to be holding steady beneath a partially cloudy sky. We pedaled through Kidron and back to Ryan's house. We declared it a successful ride and I'd say Ryan enjoyed his new ride. Now we need to find some gravel roads...
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Gravel Hunting
After a too slow morning I saddled up at lunchtime for a ride. I was craving some gravel so I pulled the cross bike, which has not seen much action since last winter, and pumped up the tires. Good thing I hung it up ready to ride.
I'm glad the fenders were still mounted too.
I headed across Valley Road and soon left pavement behind. There were big puddles to be found on the gravel section of Valley. I was surprised to find ice puddles alongside the road. It was 40 degrees with a feels like 36 when I left home.
Crunchy.
For the next hour I rode around the gravel roads of the swamps, waving at deer hunters. There were vehicles at every pulloff and blaze orange figures everywhere. I never did see anyone dragging out a deer. I didn't feel too bad about scaring away potential targets as there were trucks and SUVs passing by pretty often anyhow.
Up out of the valley.
As usual, I liked being out on a cool, overcast day. It's easy to stay comfortable by zipping up or down a wind layer. I did get sprinkled by some sparse rain but only for a few minutes. Nice afternoon for a cross bike ride.
A bridge in the swamps.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Test Piloting
Considerations for a new cyclocross bike are underway for Ryan. I tagged along on a trip to Century Cycles to check out a Raleigh cross bike.
The overcast day turned to a drizzle just as we headed out on a test ride. The sales guy at shop asked me if I was going to ride too and I seized the opportunity to spin a Surly Cross Check. It was a smooth ride on the steel frame and the down tube shifters were a fun throw back.
We rode around on the back side of a shopping plaza. The Raleigh was looking sharp and Ryan was liking it. Ryan did not buy the bike today, maybe he is going to ask Santa Claus for it. Forget the sleigh and reindeer... Santa can ride to Ryan's house on a cross bike, dismount, and hop down the chimney.
I couldn't resist a lap around the show room floor on the Moonlander. It's a fat tired freak show but seems like it would be really fun bouncing down a trail. I asked Daniel if he would get more for Christmas and he said, "sure!"
Ryan rides Raleigh.
The overcast day turned to a drizzle just as we headed out on a test ride. The sales guy at shop asked me if I was going to ride too and I seized the opportunity to spin a Surly Cross Check. It was a smooth ride on the steel frame and the down tube shifters were a fun throw back.
Surly and Raleigh.
The Surly Moonlander.
I couldn't resist a lap around the show room floor on the Moonlander. It's a fat tired freak show but seems like it would be really fun bouncing down a trail. I asked Daniel if he would get more for Christmas and he said, "sure!"
The other green bike test ridden.
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