TT Bike Club

“I hear you on the salt thing, Birch. I have been riding a fixed gear single speed for my commute. It doesn't get much more simple than that. Must be the ultralight hiker mentality transfering to cycling. It keeps maintenance very straight forward and simple though. I think I will stick with something like that for snow conditions. Albeit something that can accommodate decently wide tires.

Thanks for the link, Pathman. I have also been checking out icebike.org.

Hey Sarge - check out those links. Those people are freaks. Cold, shmold

Rich, I don't have any issues riding a beater. The commute is 36 miles roundtrip though, and I do need to get there and back in a reasonable amount of time. I would love a nice light cyclocross bike, but I don't want to muck it up too bad in the winter. I'll probably try to find a cheap mountain bike in ok condition that I can strip down and convert to a single speed.”

“for clothing, I wear similar to what I wear for fitness speed, endurance cross country skiing. Breathable, pit zips for waterproof layer. Dress so you start out feeling cool and you will warm up nice. Wind resistant fleece gloves are great. Wind proof balaclava. Shoe covers or plastic bags around feet inside boots/shoes

Fairbanks winter riding was a hoot. Very cold packed snow is like very clean dirt. The multiuse trails worked great. Packed by snowmachines, dog teams and skiers.

Winter in ABQ is pretty easy. A few snow storms, very little salt use, usually dries up fast. 20's or 30's in the AM, 40-50 in PM. Sometimes a little colder, sometimes a little warmer.

Darkness is the most dangerous. Good lights, flashing strobe on back very impt.”

“

http://www.sanfrangrandprix.com/

Hincapie, Basso, Leipheimer, Zabriske...”

“took my mtn bike and my Road bike on vacation in NH


Got a 40.25 mile loop in on the road bike. avg 16.5 mph. 2:29 of ride time. Included one long long ascent up the shulder of Ragged Mountain. It was never steep. Wide shoulder, easy grade, but went on for 4 miles or more.


two mtn bike trail rides along the pemigewasset river of about 15 miles each.


And one 5 mile run.”

“nice vacation lee.

The ride to school went well albeit quite wet and dirty on the way home.”

“discovered the D and R canal bike paths this past weekend...did about 30 miles...including some hairy parts through ghettos (to get to and from the trail system)...nothing like the ghetto to get you pumping faster!”

“Birch --

we were on a lake in NH . . so I also went out for several kayak paddles with the loons, and a short mtn climb with the kids.


It was a good vacation.




Road this morning in the rain and wind.

Really gusty and wet. the usual morning loop of 21 miles.


We agreed to ride if it wasn't raining when we got up.

And it wasn't. The first drops were hitting just as the guys reached the end of my driveway . .then it just opened up.”

“I'm going to go to spinning class tonight and on Saturday I'll do a 50 mile ride from along the Santa Ana River bike path From Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach and back.”

“I need a new road bike. Probably want to buy something used. Any ideas on where to look besides eBay? Anyone got something to sell?

I think I need a 56cm frame, could probably be ok with a 58.

I need to review my budget but I am pretty sure I have to stay under 1000.

As far as brand and components, I am not picky, the main things are:
- has to be a distinct improvement over the mountain bike
- I have to feel that I could sell it in the spring and get most of my money back out of it
(I probably won't do that but I need to have that option)

Thanks!”

“If you want to sell it in the spring and get most of your money back, you should definitely look for something used. Make inquiries at local bike shops. They often have club members looking to sell bikes. Does craigslist have coverage near you? If so, that can be a good source for finding used bikes.”

“Lee, I have only been to NH once and it was beautiful. I hope to return. We planned on heading to the NE next summer but the race I was planning on has been either cancelled or moved so it may be out.

Paddling with the loons sounds fun.

I must have gotten sick during my ride last night. I coughed and blew my nose all night long. When I got up I had the chills and body ache. I called in sick and slept till 1020am. Feeling better but still having major sinus stuff and am very very tired.

Fritz, we have local bike shops that sell lots of stuff on consignment. That may be an option. Our REI has a for sale board in the store too. Good luck.”

“Rode in today. Gorgeous day. Not a cloud in the sky.l


got under way at 5;30 . .in the dark.

Crossing a bridge over he CT river the sun was coming up through the fog.

Ferry back across the river.


distance 31.5 in about 1:53


Going home a longer way (taking a bridge ove the river that is about 8 miles south of me . ..so it should add about 16 miles to this mornings trip).”

“Sounds nice, Lee. My saddle time has taken a nose dive since starting school but I'm getting out some. The main difference is the ride time - I was doing 3-5 rides per week at 1.5-4 hrs per ride. I just don't have that kind of free time now. I went out Tues for 30 mins, scheese! Nice to have some hills to climb, though. Only 30 mins but the VT hills gave me a workout. I'll try to keep it up. Gonna be a long, cold winter, though. I guess that means alot of trainer time. Yuck!”

“we're shutting down at 2 today, so I'll be able to ride after work today.”

“Office is closing shortly for the holiday.

Time to fill my water bottles and get on the road.


I think my way home will work out to be about 45 miles . .giving me a total for the day of 76 . .


that would be sweet.


We'll se if I can see it through instead of bailing.”

“Well, didn't bring my bike to SF, but I can see the start line of the race from my room.

San Francisco Grand Prix”

“Lee, how'd the ride go?

My bike is in the shop, front shock being rebuilt. I hope it'll be done tomorrow. The shop organized a 75m ride for monday, mixed roads and trails. Wish I could make it...”

“Basso signing autographs, free water bottles galore, entered to win 4 different bikes. Tomorrow the race and the rest of the booths open up. :D”

“I went for a 35 mile ride today and I didn't see any of the regular roadies along the route. Now I know where they all were.

Hey Pathman, where are you hanging out in SF. I might take BART in there tomorrow to see what all the fuss is about... and throws some tacks on the course. :)”

“I am at the Hyatt Embarcadero for a meeting. I can see the start from my room. I hear Filmore is a good spot to watch.”

“I think I'll head for Broadway and Filmore after the start.”

“50 flat miles this morning - Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach and back
last edited: 9/03/05 11:32:38 PM”

“my bike shop rules, I just got my bike back this morn (they have early sunday hours) the shope rebuild was $20 labor. Gonna do a family ride tomorrow.”

“I have to say that I appreciate the motivation from the members of the TT bike club!

I have also been reading some bike racing books, watched the race and feel good riding. Bob Roll's book is hilarous. The "Ball Four" of cycling it seems. Oct 23 will be here soon. Austin, Ride for the Roses, and a celebration of Survivors with their loved ones and all of their supporters. I got rid of the last of about 600 flyers I printed and passed out. Probably 50 at the race. They hardly ever result in a contribution but people seem interested in the Ride and the Peloton Project or the LAF. Rumors of LAF and LIVESTRONG diverging floating around.
The fundraising deadlines are up 9/16, so then I can just ride.

30.4 mile in 2:00 hrs today, solo as always. Thunderstorms in the distance, a few sprinkles to cool things off. Love my training route. Listened to the Lobos post game show and cruised.

Pathman's Peloton Project

”

“Pathman - How's the fundraising going? Do you have to raise a certain amount in donations to take part in the Ride for the Roses? Can people just pay the registration fee to ride?

My ride this morning - 25 miles with 1,200 feet of gain and one crash. At least it was a different elbow I landed on this time when I forgot to unclip from my pedals.

Ever since I had the bike tuned up at the bike shop the shifting has been all messed up. I keep adjusting it, but it never seems to be right.”

“Firday ride home went okay.

41 miles for a total for the day of 72.


There 6 or 7 hills between mile 20 and 35. Long steep ones. Along the CT river north of East haddam are seven hills called the seven sisters. I suffered over each one.


I filled my 2 water bottles and gugged a gatorade before heading down this stretch of road.


It was a mistake. the gatorade was a good call. But the 2 full water bottles just added an extra 3 pounds to my weight, plus the battery for my headlamp . . .at that point in the day every pound hurt.

B/C I had front loaded the beverage intake, I didn't even touch the second bottle until I was back on the flats head for home.


Of course . . .before I got home I still had to climb the 3 mile hill to my house.


So . . ..It was a beautful day for riding . .but I was BEAT by the end.



I rode this morning with the gang, usual 20 mile loop. Felt fine.”

“wingding,
fundraising a little slow, but registration + $50 gets you in the ride. I've passed out something like 700 flyers. Training going ok. Ahead of last year, not quite as consistent as I would like.”

“Lee, that is one benefit I have during "the ride", I do all of my commuting and training with a camelback, up to 100oz of water, snack or lunch, rain stuff it there is chance of rain, minitool kit and pump, headlamp battery. Toss in a laptop if I am commuting. I trim 5-10lbs in an organized ride with food/water and other support.”

“spinning class tonight

i wish i could ride my bike to work, but the 28 miles would take forever and they probably wouldn't like it if I left the company truck at home (they might start thinking I don't need it).”

“I worked late and didn't make spinning class last night, so I left work early today and did a 19 mile bike ride with about 1000 feet of gain. It just keeps getting dark earlier, but it hasn't cooled down yet.”

“Sat. is the last organized training ride for the Multiple Sclerosis Jack & Back in Oct. It is suppose to be 91° Sat =(”

“too much work, missed a 2 hour workout yesterday. :( My legs don't feel right if I don't ride.

Hope to do a 2 mile evening makeup ride tonight, scheduled for 2 hours tomorrow and 5 hours on Sun. On a 30 minute tether, I will see a lot of urban and suburban ABQ!”

“Camp Pendleton was just recently re-opened to cyclists, so I decided to head north along the coastline, taking advantage of being able to leave from my apartment and being able to ride through the base. Normally I'd have to either drive past the base or ride on the freeway for five miles (which I never did).

As I rode through the base there were several hundred cyclists riding in the other direction. It was obviously some sort of organized ride, and I did have to squeeze by an aid station full of riders. Still not sure what the ride was.

I decided to turn around point just past Dana Point in Laguna Niguel at the Ritz Carlton. Unfortunately, as I came back through Dana Point, a spoke broke and fell off of my back wheel. I have the kind of rims with very few spokes, so right away my wheel was way out of true. I was screwed.

Without any options, I undid my back brake and rode the remaining 45 miles home with a whobbly wheel that rubbed a little every revolution. With my wheel all jacked up, I didn't enjoy the ride home very much.

The ride ended up being about 95 miles. Half of it was enjoyable anyway! Thanks for reading.

Hey Ewker! I met you the first day on the Onion Valley hike.”

“I feel for you calhiker. I've been dropping spokes too much on my too old wheels.

I'm out for a 5 hour training ride, Vuelta a Albuquerque. If I keep my 15mph average up, I should hit 75miles.

Doing a similar ride a couple of weeks ago, I ran over a small cottontail. The stupid things bolt out in front of you. He timed it perfectly. My tire ran right over his neck. I didn't know for sure till I passed the spot on my way home, people jogging past this dead rabbit on the path.

Fundraising is almost over, deadline for 2005 is Friday. After that, I can focus on riding.

Pathman's Peloton Project”

“calhiker, yes you did. Sorry to hear about your misfortune with the spoke. At least you were able to get back.

If the group of people you saw were part of an organized ride with rest stops it seems there should have been a SAG car riding the roads. You would have thought one would stopped and see if you needed help.


I decided not to go on my ride Sat. I had lawn mower problems and the grass was a foot tall. Luckily the only Ford tractor store was open Sat and I was able to get parts and fix it. The grass is cut and trimmed but not raked. Anyone need any hay...lol”

“good weekend for me, got both my rides in. 75 mile 5 hours today, solo urban/suburban riding. Saw a whole bunch of ABQ today.”

“calhiker, bummer about the spokes breaking that had to make the ride a pain in the arse for sure.”

“I had to hike today, so the bicycle stayed in the garage.

Calhiker - that ride home doesn't sound like it was any fun at all, but you're so lucky to be able to ride along the coast without having to drive far like I do.”

“Ewker - Good idea, only problem was their ride was going in the opposite direction, and by the time I had my break-down, they were easil 50 miles to the south of me. Turns out the ride was the Amtrak Century. Ride 100 miles from Irvine to downtown San Diego, and receive an optional ride back on the train. 1000 riders, and it sells out quick every year. I'll keep it in mind for next year.

WD - This would be a great ride for your first century. It's relatively flat, and since you're riding south there's a tail wind. A cyclist's dream! It's great riding along the coast. The forecast called for cloudy conditions, but it ended up being mostly sunny. Now I've got a burn line on my arms that would make Lance envious!! I was paranoid more than anything on my ride home. :-(

Might see if I can get some co-workers to ride up that way again next weekend. There's little to no traffic for a lot of the ride.”

“Got a ride in Saturday 65.5 3:48.

First ten miles was hills. And last 4 miles was uphill. Other than that, fairly flat.


The century on the 24 is supposed to be wicked flat. total elevation gain 1500 feet.”

“I did my first bike commute today. 14 miles each way. I feel good and I was only 5 minutes late but now I know my route so it should be no problemo. I did take 25 minutes longer than the car though.”

“Cyclist charged with manslaughter

An Oregon man has been charged with manslaughter after he allegedly rode through a stop sign and hit and killed a 71-tear-old woman, according to a report from the Associated Press. Christopher A. Lightning, 51, was charged with manslaughter and reckless driving after the death of Jean Calder in Good Samaritan Hospital. Calder was hit on Friday night as she crossed a street at an unmarked crosswalk, Corvallis police Capt. Ron Noble said.

"A car and a bicycle are both vehicles and if they are operated in a way that could be criminal, then charges are filed equally in both situations," Noble said. "He was going right through a stop sign."”

“I have felt like committing manslaughter after a car pulls in front of me, suddenly trying to beat me, turning or out of a side street. :D

I am supposed to rest today and I don't really want to drive to work. :(”

“Anybody else want to do the Ride for the Roses?”

“rode 70.5 on Sunday.


my 100 miles is on Saturday.”

“I will be riding 100 miles on Saturday to raise money for the National Mulltiple Sclerosis Society. My longest ride of the year so far has been 60 miles, second longest ride was 32 miles....so this will be interesting.

Please check out my family photo and consider sponsoring me. :-)”

“Pathman, Lee, and Fritz - good luck on your rides. I've never done more than 50 miles and flat ones at that.

I did spinning tonight. Saturday I'm going to go for a ride from North Palm Springs to Desert Hot Springs and back in the morning before it gets hot. I hope to do at least 30 miles, but I'll see.”

“good luck and no flats to all the century riders!!!!!!”

“I had to work down in the Escondido area (northern San Diego County), so I stopped by the Performance Bike store down there and picked up one of the trainers they had on sale. Right now my bike is set up in it in the living room in front of the TV, but I think I'll move it out to the garage once I get that cleaned out and set it up in front of an old TV that's stored out there (first I have to get rid of the old couch and loveseat that are taking up much of the space in my one-car garage.

I used the trainer last night and again today - works pretty good. Hopefully, I'll keep using it.”