Am I burnt out? It seems to take me about two thirds of my commute before my legs begin to feel lively. Come on, 40 minutes to warm up . . . and in 70 degree temperatures no less . . .?
I don't think it is anything actually physically going on with my body as I feel absolutely fine in every other aspect, aside from the usual minor mid-life aches and pains. My energy level seems high, I'm sleeping well, rising early so I don't think it is burn out. Shit maybe I'm just fading away . . . my my, hey hey.
My weight is up a little. I had it down to around 170-172 a month or so ago but it has been creeping back up over 175 lately. I think it may be related to alcohol consumption as I can think of no other reason. I'm riding as much or more than ever, I'm not eating any differently. I mean its not that I'm a booze hound or anything. I don't drink everyday. Some days, on the weekend, I may have three or four beers. But when I had my weight down to 170, I wasn't drinking at all thus this unscientific and purely speculative theory.
I suppose I should curtail all my alcohol consumption and see if my weight drops again and then I will have a more definitive explanation. But in the face of a four day weekend perhaps I'll postpone the temperance movement until next week.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho, Its Off to Work . . .
I certainly have a mundane life and for this I should be and mostly am thankful however a little drama might provide some blog fodder. As it stands I've not much to really report upon which in the world of bicycle commuting is a good thing I suppose, "no news is good news".
My commute has been great lately. I've had no skirmishes, minor or otherwise, with the hulking beasts belching acrid fumes with which I share the road or more specifically the occupant/operators of said beasts since, after all, "cars don't kill people. . . ".
Perhaps the abbreviated work weeks I've been enjoying the last couple of weeks have contributed to the phenomena. It could also be that school (the university) is out, the snow birds have all flown north and Tucson's population has returned to a more reasonable number for the summer. Whatever it is I should be happy yet I complain about the banality of my life.
My commute has been great lately. I've had no skirmishes, minor or otherwise, with the hulking beasts belching acrid fumes with which I share the road or more specifically the occupant/operators of said beasts since, after all, "cars don't kill people. . . ".
Perhaps the abbreviated work weeks I've been enjoying the last couple of weeks have contributed to the phenomena. It could also be that school (the university) is out, the snow birds have all flown north and Tucson's population has returned to a more reasonable number for the summer. Whatever it is I should be happy yet I complain about the banality of my life.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
One Down - Two Left
So one month is under my belt in the Car Free for Three saga. I've used up three of my four credits (I gave myself four credit days for the week of riding leading up to the "official" start of my car free campaign).
I burned one credit day for a quick run to the bike shop while I was building up the 1x9 version of my bike a few weeks ago. Then I used two credits in one day yesterday. The first was a trip to Ace Hardware to procure some hardware necessary to mount my new Axiom rack (more on that in a few). Then I drove to my eye doctor appointment yesterday afternoon. I know I should have combined the two trips but I forgot about the doctor appointment until after I made the Ace run plus I needed to get the hardware to mount the rack as I didn't want to wait until the evening to be working on the rack in case things, as they tend to do, went awry.
Fedex dropped off my Axiom Streamliner Road Rack yesterday so with all the joy of a child on Christmas morning, I ripped into the package and began the installation process. I'd been shopping around for racks and was pretty much facing the fact that I'd be paying upwards of one-hundred large for a rack that would work on my frame when lo and behold I stumbled upon the Axiom which seemed to be exactly what I was looking for with a 22.95 price tag at ebikestop.
I must say that, while ebikestop does take their time shipping, their prices are extraordinary so if you can wait a few extra days (I've always received my stuff within a week Fedex ground from Colorado to Tucson) I highly recommend them.
While the rack was designed to mount to the brake caliper mounting hole in the seat stay arch it was fairly evident from the start that this was a flawed design and was not going to happen. The mounting bar included with the rack was only about 12 inches too short to span the distance from the rack to the frame. Thus I was forced to improvise. Taking my cue from some of the other rack systems I'd been perusing, I purchased a length of steel from which to fabricate the mounting supports, a few band clamps, screws and nuts. First, I positioned the clamps where I needed them on the frame and on the rack. Measuring between the clamps I cut two pieces of steel to fit. A quick "dry fit" gave me the drill marks for the screw holes. After drilling and another quick dry fit, I filed the rough edges and, for purely cosmetic reasons, rounded off the square ends of the steel supports. Then I painted the newly fabricated supports a matching flat black. Total time (excluding paint drying time) 2 hours, total cost (rack and hardware) 34.95, savings approximately $100.00 over the competition.
The final product seems to be a quality, sturdy rack (much sturdier with my improvised mount if I do say so myself . . . as if someone else were going to say it . . . ) which should serve me well on my PCH Adventure. I like that the rack sits lower and farther to the rear than some other rack systems affording plenty of heel room when pedaling. It has a rather narrow profile as well, keeping the weight close to the bike for a seemingly more stable ride. Although rated at 110 lbs capacity, I rather doubt that to be the case but I should need a only a third of that anyway.
I burned one credit day for a quick run to the bike shop while I was building up the 1x9 version of my bike a few weeks ago. Then I used two credits in one day yesterday. The first was a trip to Ace Hardware to procure some hardware necessary to mount my new Axiom rack (more on that in a few). Then I drove to my eye doctor appointment yesterday afternoon. I know I should have combined the two trips but I forgot about the doctor appointment until after I made the Ace run plus I needed to get the hardware to mount the rack as I didn't want to wait until the evening to be working on the rack in case things, as they tend to do, went awry.
Fedex dropped off my Axiom Streamliner Road Rack yesterday so with all the joy of a child on Christmas morning, I ripped into the package and began the installation process. I'd been shopping around for racks and was pretty much facing the fact that I'd be paying upwards of one-hundred large for a rack that would work on my frame when lo and behold I stumbled upon the Axiom which seemed to be exactly what I was looking for with a 22.95 price tag at ebikestop.
I must say that, while ebikestop does take their time shipping, their prices are extraordinary so if you can wait a few extra days (I've always received my stuff within a week Fedex ground from Colorado to Tucson) I highly recommend them.
While the rack was designed to mount to the brake caliper mounting hole in the seat stay arch it was fairly evident from the start that this was a flawed design and was not going to happen. The mounting bar included with the rack was only about 12 inches too short to span the distance from the rack to the frame. Thus I was forced to improvise. Taking my cue from some of the other rack systems I'd been perusing, I purchased a length of steel from which to fabricate the mounting supports, a few band clamps, screws and nuts. First, I positioned the clamps where I needed them on the frame and on the rack. Measuring between the clamps I cut two pieces of steel to fit. A quick "dry fit" gave me the drill marks for the screw holes. After drilling and another quick dry fit, I filed the rough edges and, for purely cosmetic reasons, rounded off the square ends of the steel supports. Then I painted the newly fabricated supports a matching flat black. Total time (excluding paint drying time) 2 hours, total cost (rack and hardware) 34.95, savings approximately $100.00 over the competition.
The final product seems to be a quality, sturdy rack (much sturdier with my improvised mount if I do say so myself . . . as if someone else were going to say it . . . ) which should serve me well on my PCH Adventure. I like that the rack sits lower and farther to the rear than some other rack systems affording plenty of heel room when pedaling. It has a rather narrow profile as well, keeping the weight close to the bike for a seemingly more stable ride. Although rated at 110 lbs capacity, I rather doubt that to be the case but I should need a only a third of that anyway.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Evolution of a Singlespeed
My 1x9 converted singlespeed is now officially a fully geared touring bike. I finished installing the cable stop for the front derailleur with my trusty JBWeld last weekend. And after a quick rattle-can touch up on the paint, I robbed Peter to pay Paul by confiscating the front derailleur and crankset from my Specialized Rockhopper to install on the Raleigh XXIX.
I know all of you die-hard singlespeeders are looking down your upturned noses in disgust at my sacrilegious despoiling of a perfectly good 29'er SS but neither my checkbook nor my wife were receptive to yet another bike purchase. So for well under $200.00 (150.00 for a new rear wheel), I've built the perfect bike to do the Tour of the PCH and I can always go back to SS mode should the urge strike. That is truly the beauty and functionality of the Raleigh, I basically have 3 bikes in one. The SS, the 1x9 and now the touring bike.
Next up, the new rear rack has been ordered and goes on as soon as it arrives. With no rackmounts, I will have to again use a combination of ingenuity and ready-made problem solvers to get everything installed and functional. But first, my mini-vacation starts today with a four day weekend.
I know all of you die-hard singlespeeders are looking down your upturned noses in disgust at my sacrilegious despoiling of a perfectly good 29'er SS but neither my checkbook nor my wife were receptive to yet another bike purchase. So for well under $200.00 (150.00 for a new rear wheel), I've built the perfect bike to do the Tour of the PCH and I can always go back to SS mode should the urge strike. That is truly the beauty and functionality of the Raleigh, I basically have 3 bikes in one. The SS, the 1x9 and now the touring bike.
Next up, the new rear rack has been ordered and goes on as soon as it arrives. With no rackmounts, I will have to again use a combination of ingenuity and ready-made problem solvers to get everything installed and functional. But first, my mini-vacation starts today with a four day weekend.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Work Week Revolution
I'm still waiting for my second wind, that mid-week jolt of energy that takes me through the rest of the week but it is Friday and it has yet to make an appearance making it unlikely it will drop-in this week lest my ride home is somehow enlivened this afternoon. As a result, this week's commute has been, for the last couple of days, somewhat of a struggle. On my ride in today, I was forced to take it painfully (or should I say painlessly) slow just to survive the trip. I came to within a hair of calling in sick, sick and tired of working that is, but somehow staved off every part of my being that was pushing me into a sick day.
So here I am, swilling coffee, paying homage to demon caffeine trying to get through the last day of the work week. I'm telling you we Americans have our priorities all screwed up. We should be working four days and taking three day weekends. I think it is time for a culture shift. It wasn't that long ago when the work week was six days. The time has come for a new revolution, time to cut another notch into the sword of worker's rights, time to push for more parity between work and home life. Who doesn't relish the thought of one more day to recreate or, for those unfortunate souls unable or otherwise averse to riding to work, another day to ride?
So here I am, swilling coffee, paying homage to demon caffeine trying to get through the last day of the work week. I'm telling you we Americans have our priorities all screwed up. We should be working four days and taking three day weekends. I think it is time for a culture shift. It wasn't that long ago when the work week was six days. The time has come for a new revolution, time to cut another notch into the sword of worker's rights, time to push for more parity between work and home life. Who doesn't relish the thought of one more day to recreate or, for those unfortunate souls unable or otherwise averse to riding to work, another day to ride?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
And the Heat Goes On . . . La de da de de . . .
Perhaps the Sonny and Cher reference is too obscure for the American Idol generation. . . but you've got to love some well placed la de da de de, la de da de da's . . .
Even with the lower, 97 degree, temperatures yesterday, I didn't seem to keep as cool on my ride home as I pushed it a little harder at the front end than I should have fending off an imaginary (the attack not the guy) attack from some guy on a cross bike. My pannier laden, 700x47mm tired, steel, 29'er, 1x9 and I put up a good fight until, inevitably, cross-bike-guy flew by and I came to my senses backing off the intensity but I think the damage was already done at that point.
Then I slept like crap last night after rehydrating a little too heavily throughout the evening and waking up every three hours or so to urinate. No matter, I was back on the bike for a more relaxed ride in to work after a fairly sluggish, caffeine assisted, start to the morning.
Perhaps I'll have a less aggressive approach to my ride home tonight. I've been fairly successful of late, especially since putting the steel-steed into service, keeping the competitive beast in check. But every so often the reins need to come off and the beast needs to roam lest it atrophy into some eunuchized, pathetic, imitation of itself.
Even with the lower, 97 degree, temperatures yesterday, I didn't seem to keep as cool on my ride home as I pushed it a little harder at the front end than I should have fending off an imaginary (the attack not the guy) attack from some guy on a cross bike. My pannier laden, 700x47mm tired, steel, 29'er, 1x9 and I put up a good fight until, inevitably, cross-bike-guy flew by and I came to my senses backing off the intensity but I think the damage was already done at that point.
Then I slept like crap last night after rehydrating a little too heavily throughout the evening and waking up every three hours or so to urinate. No matter, I was back on the bike for a more relaxed ride in to work after a fairly sluggish, caffeine assisted, start to the morning.
Perhaps I'll have a less aggressive approach to my ride home tonight. I've been fairly successful of late, especially since putting the steel-steed into service, keeping the competitive beast in check. But every so often the reins need to come off and the beast needs to roam lest it atrophy into some eunuchized, pathetic, imitation of itself.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
But Its a Dry Heat
Summer has come on us a little earlier and a lot stronger than usual and with impeccable timing as I've just begun my car free campaign. And so my vow to refrain from any discussion of the weather is, not surprisingly, consigned to the land of discarded and broken vows along with all so many of those failed vows of marriage.
But my discourse on weather is actually relevant in that I believe I've found the key to surviving the triple digit temperature commute. Now granted, this is my sixth year of commuting in Tucson so I'm not unaccustomed to the fiery blast furnace that masquerades as summer around here. Normally, I've tapered my summer commute to two or three days a week giving myself every other day off to rehydrate and recuperate. The key to maintaining my daily commute and thus staying car-free, I think, is going to be naturally hydration but also moderation of pace.
Yesterday, one hundred and one degrees, I consciously kept my pace slow, drank every ten minutes and even though I was riding into a pretty significant head wind I only really broke a sweat on the climb up Thornydale. I also wore a loose fitting, seer-sucker shirt that seemd to keep me much cooler than my normal "wicking" bicycle jerseys. The seer-sucker, seemed to allow much more air-flow and kept my core cooler than I've ever felt in the same heat wearing a regular, even club-fitted jersey. Thanks for the tip Rivendell.
But my discourse on weather is actually relevant in that I believe I've found the key to surviving the triple digit temperature commute. Now granted, this is my sixth year of commuting in Tucson so I'm not unaccustomed to the fiery blast furnace that masquerades as summer around here. Normally, I've tapered my summer commute to two or three days a week giving myself every other day off to rehydrate and recuperate. The key to maintaining my daily commute and thus staying car-free, I think, is going to be naturally hydration but also moderation of pace.
Yesterday, one hundred and one degrees, I consciously kept my pace slow, drank every ten minutes and even though I was riding into a pretty significant head wind I only really broke a sweat on the climb up Thornydale. I also wore a loose fitting, seer-sucker shirt that seemd to keep me much cooler than my normal "wicking" bicycle jerseys. The seer-sucker, seemed to allow much more air-flow and kept my core cooler than I've ever felt in the same heat wearing a regular, even club-fitted jersey. Thanks for the tip Rivendell.
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