Well, back at it after a long layoff. Finals. Holidays. Crazy work schedule. I have lots of excuses, but hard to believe I took a whole month off from riding. I feel ashamed.
I did not gain a single pound!
At least I have that.
I did about 7 miles today. My back, butt and hands were a bit sore, but overall it felt good. At one point in the ride I got passed by a chick on a flat bar, but not long after she could not keep up the pace and I passed her, then powered up this hill on the bike path just north of the College Boulevard bridge. I know I must have looked very impressive. Maybe not. In any case, maybe I didn't get too out of shape during the layoff.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Santa Was Good To John
Santa was good to me. He made it a big cycling Christmas.
My lovely wife gave me a nice pair of Specialized thermal bib tights.
With Christmas money from my parents I bought a Pearl Izumi jacket and I also bought a base layer as a gift to myself.
I have no excuses now. I put all this stuff on and was sweating in 65 degree room air. I also got a gift certificate to Bike Source. I wonder if shoe warmers and lobster gloves are worth the investment? The gift certificate is burning a hole in my pocket, but I'll be patient! I promise...I hope.
My lovely wife gave me a nice pair of Specialized thermal bib tights.
With Christmas money from my parents I bought a Pearl Izumi jacket and I also bought a base layer as a gift to myself.
I have no excuses now. I put all this stuff on and was sweating in 65 degree room air. I also got a gift certificate to Bike Source. I wonder if shoe warmers and lobster gloves are worth the investment? The gift certificate is burning a hole in my pocket, but I'll be patient! I promise...I hope.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Winter Gear
I am truly ready for winter. I received a nice pair of Specialized thermal bib tights for Christmas. I also used some Christmas cash to buy a Pearl Izumi jacket. I have no excuses not to hit the road now!
Monday, December 12, 2011
2012 Ride Calendar
Here is my 2012 Ride Calendar!
April - Half-Century.
May 5 - Vino Fondo, Augusta, MO - 26 mile route.
June 10 - Tour de Cure - Kansas City, KS, - 45 mile route.
July - Katy Trail Ride.
Aug. 5 - Sunflower 2 Roses, Olathe, KS - 34 mile route.
Sept. 22-23 - Bike MS Olathe, KS, to Lawrence, KS/Return - 38 mile route each way.
Oct. 6 - Tour de Barbecue - Kansas City, MO - 62 mile route.
November - Prairie Spirit Rail Trail Ride.
April - Half-Century.
May 5 - Vino Fondo, Augusta, MO - 26 mile route.
June 10 - Tour de Cure - Kansas City, KS, - 45 mile route.
July - Katy Trail Ride.
Aug. 5 - Sunflower 2 Roses, Olathe, KS - 34 mile route.
Sept. 22-23 - Bike MS Olathe, KS, to Lawrence, KS/Return - 38 mile route each way.
Oct. 6 - Tour de Barbecue - Kansas City, MO - 62 mile route.
November - Prairie Spirit Rail Trail Ride.
Something to train for
Today I realized that the only way I am going to get out there and ride in this cold is if I have something to train for. Hence, the Vino Fondo May 5. Since this will be my first Gran Fondo with hills, I'll do the mini fondo, only 26 miles, but with more than a half-mile vertical climb. You can also loop the course twice for 52 total miles. Something to consider, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. It includes the Schleusberg climb that was on the Tour of Missouri.
After this ride I plan to graduate to the middle length of most event rides. That's probably at the limit of what I'd want to do on my Allez. I'd want something a bit more comfortable for the 100+ mile days in the saddle. Something like the Secteur or Roubaix - that's what they are made for.
The event is put on by Big Shark, a bike shop in St. Louis. They have a nice picture of Contador climbing the Schleusberg.
Here's the event Web sit.
http://bigshark.com/about/2012-vino-fondo-pg796.htm
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Pedal to Properties | Utility Cycling
Pedal to Properties | Utility Cycling
Oh, if I'd only thought about this before changing careers! Seriously, though, good idea.
Globe: Specialized's Cooler Cousin
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/globe/GlobeHome.jsp
Okay, I'll be honest. Trek and Specialized are just more accessible to the average buyer than most other brands. They are names you can generally trust in terms of quality and most bike shops stock one or the other brands along with higher-end specialty bikes. It's no wonder, then, that both manufacturers have a brand of urban bikes. Trek has Pure and Specialized has Globe. I would imagine these business units are in response to Electra, which I think has been able to capture a niche market.
Globe makes some really nice bikes. I particularly like the Daily. I think bikes like this make good second bikes which, let's face it, be you a roady or moutain biker, your main ride is probably not suited for grocery store runs.
Here's a pretty good review that, while a bit old, looks at the Daily. The current model year has similar versions of these bikes.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Trek Store
I treated myself to a visit to the Trek store today. I thought I would check out Specialized's competition. It seems like in America we have two choices for quality manufacturers that have a wide range. These are do-anything manufacturers like Ford and Chevy.
First, let me say, excellent service. I was treated well, the salespeople took time with me and when I asked questions that indicated that I know a thing or two about bikes, they rewarded my knowledge and curiosity with respect and conversation. That's more than I can say for another well-known dealer here in Johnson County that also sells Trek. Of course, my favorite shop is a Specialized dealer.
Okay, now the bad. I realize that these dealers are in business to sell bikes and it doesn't make sense to stock units that will just collect dust, but why can't they have an example of the entire range on hand. I really wanted to look at a Belleville, but they don't stock it. I also wanted to look at a PDX, but again they don't stock it.
They did give me a catalog, which I was appreciated of, and I found out some other disheartening news. I liked the PDX because on the Web site it says it's a steel bike, and I know from bike forums that I visit that this was a steel frame and similar (at least in appeal) the low end of the FX range, which is aluminum. The catalog says the PDX is now aluminum. WTF?
Another disturbing trend. Built in China. I have no issues with bikes that are built in Taiwan and Thailand, but I still am hesitant about bikes built in China. Trek does have a lifetime warranty, so that's some comfort, but again, WTF? It looks like in the FX range, you have to go up to a 7.6 to get something built in Taiwan.
Which suddenly made me panic. Was my Allez built in China? I seem to remember that it was made in Taiwan, but now I'm concerned.
Anyway, wasn't impressed with the overall build quality of the lower end of the range. I realize this might be because Specialized tends to invest in colorful and well executed paint jobs, but I don't know. I looked at a Trek Portland, which is a $1,700 bike and it looked cheap.
It wasn't my mood either, I thought about that too.
So, nice store. I did see a t-shirt I liked and undoubtedly the upper end of the range Madones are good bikes. A bit disappointed in the rest, though.
First, let me say, excellent service. I was treated well, the salespeople took time with me and when I asked questions that indicated that I know a thing or two about bikes, they rewarded my knowledge and curiosity with respect and conversation. That's more than I can say for another well-known dealer here in Johnson County that also sells Trek. Of course, my favorite shop is a Specialized dealer.
Okay, now the bad. I realize that these dealers are in business to sell bikes and it doesn't make sense to stock units that will just collect dust, but why can't they have an example of the entire range on hand. I really wanted to look at a Belleville, but they don't stock it. I also wanted to look at a PDX, but again they don't stock it.
They did give me a catalog, which I was appreciated of, and I found out some other disheartening news. I liked the PDX because on the Web site it says it's a steel bike, and I know from bike forums that I visit that this was a steel frame and similar (at least in appeal) the low end of the FX range, which is aluminum. The catalog says the PDX is now aluminum. WTF?
Another disturbing trend. Built in China. I have no issues with bikes that are built in Taiwan and Thailand, but I still am hesitant about bikes built in China. Trek does have a lifetime warranty, so that's some comfort, but again, WTF? It looks like in the FX range, you have to go up to a 7.6 to get something built in Taiwan.
Which suddenly made me panic. Was my Allez built in China? I seem to remember that it was made in Taiwan, but now I'm concerned.
Anyway, wasn't impressed with the overall build quality of the lower end of the range. I realize this might be because Specialized tends to invest in colorful and well executed paint jobs, but I don't know. I looked at a Trek Portland, which is a $1,700 bike and it looked cheap.
It wasn't my mood either, I thought about that too.
So, nice store. I did see a t-shirt I liked and undoubtedly the upper end of the range Madones are good bikes. A bit disappointed in the rest, though.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail
Wow, you can ride a bike all the way across Canada, mostly off road. Looks like you have to portage your bike in a few places. It is Canada, after all.
Cyclocross Racing
Cyclocross racing season just finished up. I don't know much about this sport, but it looks like a lot of fun. Here's a video that shows a pretty good example of what goes on at one of these races. The guys look gassed at the end, but they also look like they are having a lot of fun.
Behind THE Barriers Season II Episode 9 from Behind The Barriers on Vimeo.
There's a series here in Kansas City that's about four weeks long called Boss Cross. I really want to make it out to one of these races next year. It's kind of an underground sport around here, so it's easy to forget it's coming up. Localcycling.com has training rides on their calendar. I think there is one this Wednesday, but I doubt it will come off if the snow is still on the ground.
Behind THE Barriers Season II Episode 9 from Behind The Barriers on Vimeo.
There's a series here in Kansas City that's about four weeks long called Boss Cross. I really want to make it out to one of these races next year. It's kind of an underground sport around here, so it's easy to forget it's coming up. Localcycling.com has training rides on their calendar. I think there is one this Wednesday, but I doubt it will come off if the snow is still on the ground.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Electra Ticino 16D
I talked my wife into a trip to the bike shop after we had lunch. I want her to get a bike when we get our tax refund early next year. The two main brands this shop sells are Specialized and Electra. When we got done looking at bikes for her, we walked around the rest of the shop.
One of the bikes I really like the looks of is the Electra Ticino.
Here's a link to the manufacturer's site.
I am intrigued by this bike for two reasons. First, I like the retro looks. The steel fenders are hammered and while I would strongly consider replacing them with wood fenders, they look pretty awesome. That color is called putty, by the way. Looks fantastic. The bike is begging for a Brooks saddle. The only thing cooler than the bar-end brake pulls would be shifters on the downtube.
Then there is the handlebar issue. There are two things I'm not particularly fond of. The first is front suspension. The second are flat bars on a road bike. This bike has neither.
The bike was handy in the rack so I pulled it off and sat on it. Very comfy. It was cold as a bugger outside or I would have taken it for a spin. Maybe in the future.
The one thing I don't like about this bike is that it is aluminum. Why? The other bike I would compare it to is the Trek Belleville, which is steel. It's a looker too. The only thing it is lacking is a few more gears (it has three), but it has an internal hub, so it can easily be upgraded to a seven. It also sports a front rack. This bike, though I did not look closely, I would assume has 16 gears. Very practical for a neighborhood bike. I wonder if it might suffer as a commuter, though. Something about it makes me think it would be uncomfortable on long journeys, but then again it's a Hell of a lot more bike than they used to race in the 1920s. Except for the aluminum thing.
One of the bikes I really like the looks of is the Electra Ticino.
Here's a link to the manufacturer's site.
I am intrigued by this bike for two reasons. First, I like the retro looks. The steel fenders are hammered and while I would strongly consider replacing them with wood fenders, they look pretty awesome. That color is called putty, by the way. Looks fantastic. The bike is begging for a Brooks saddle. The only thing cooler than the bar-end brake pulls would be shifters on the downtube.
Then there is the handlebar issue. There are two things I'm not particularly fond of. The first is front suspension. The second are flat bars on a road bike. This bike has neither.
The bike was handy in the rack so I pulled it off and sat on it. Very comfy. It was cold as a bugger outside or I would have taken it for a spin. Maybe in the future.
The one thing I don't like about this bike is that it is aluminum. Why? The other bike I would compare it to is the Trek Belleville, which is steel. It's a looker too. The only thing it is lacking is a few more gears (it has three), but it has an internal hub, so it can easily be upgraded to a seven. It also sports a front rack. This bike, though I did not look closely, I would assume has 16 gears. Very practical for a neighborhood bike. I wonder if it might suffer as a commuter, though. Something about it makes me think it would be uncomfortable on long journeys, but then again it's a Hell of a lot more bike than they used to race in the 1920s. Except for the aluminum thing.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
My Map My Ride Page
I use Map My Ride. Love it. Click on this link to go to my page.
http://www.mapmyride.com/profile/6576712/
http://www.mapmyride.com/profile/6576712/
Brooks Tweed Run
I have to go to this some day. I can't think of anything more awesome. Riding around London in a pair of tweed knickers smoking a meersheimer pipe wearing a deerstalker. Hell yes! Sign me up.
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