With the handling problems sorted out the eBaby is finally in running condition. I took it over to the bike track in Golden Gate Park for its first speed test. It went OK and despite a strong wind I did a 5K averaging 17.9 MPH. That's a full MPH faster than my best on the Lambo, which was done on a day with no wind.
There were a few issues. I'm still about twenty pounds or so away from being able to get in a more aerodynamic position without my knees hitting my gut on every stroke. I'm also several months or more away from having legs strong enough to use the higher gears. I only managed to get through the first 12 of the 18 available gears.
So between my big gut, weak legs and overworked heart it looks like my goal of doing a race or two in 2012 will have to wait till 2013.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Bike Project Updates
The ebaby - The new headset came. I installed it and it did solve the handling problem. I also had to shorten the chain because the rear derailer wasn't being pulled enough to work properly for certain gear combinations. I took it for another test ride and everything worked hunky dory. As I feared though, the bike is much faster than I am. With the front gears in high I'm only able to pedal up to third gear, of nine, in the back. Need to build those legs up.
The Lambo - Noticed that the headset has worked itself a little loose. Now I have to research how to adjust a threaded headset. (The eBaby has an unthreaded headset.)
The next project - I nearly got a funky mountain bike off eBay for $9.99. I was outbid with 10 seconds to go, then that person was outbid with 2 seconds to go. It sold for a whole $26. Too rich for my blood.
Cycling goals for 2011 - A bad bout of gout has me behind my hoped-for mileage for the month. I'm up to 775 miles out of the 1000 so there's no need for panic yet, but daylight savings ends soon so I loose the commuting miles.
The Lambo - Noticed that the headset has worked itself a little loose. Now I have to research how to adjust a threaded headset. (The eBaby has an unthreaded headset.)
The next project - I nearly got a funky mountain bike off eBay for $9.99. I was outbid with 10 seconds to go, then that person was outbid with 2 seconds to go. It sold for a whole $26. Too rich for my blood.
Cycling goals for 2011 - A bad bout of gout has me behind my hoped-for mileage for the month. I'm up to 775 miles out of the 1000 so there's no need for panic yet, but daylight savings ends soon so I loose the commuting miles.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
50 Words
Saturday night in Terminus. The sky is falling and the temperature is rising. Dirt roads beckon but gates deny. Dead ends and angry sheep. Truck washes and owls at dusk. The foot swells and hurts more. The machine is untrusted and out of its element. Tweeks are needed. Promises unfulfilled.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Bikes in the News - 9/28
Bicycle manufacturing facility coming to North Portland
Bike Portland - 9/28/11
By mid-October, a new company called Zen Bicycle Fabrication will be the latest addition to Portland's always-growing bicycle industry.
Fixed-Gear Bicycles are an American Fixture in Paris
New York Times - 9/28/11
Suddenly, fixies — the finicky one-speed bikes that, without freewheels, cannot coast — seem to be everywhere: on the cobblestones of the Marais, the boulevards of the Latin Quarter, the north slope of Montmartre.
Swede bike lane proposed, with parking still allowed most hours
Our Midland - 9/28/11
After months of discussion, the Midland Planning Commission has recommended adding a bicycle lane to Swede Avenue from Wackerly Street to Patrick Road with partial parking restrictions.
(A cool idea for a compromised bike lane.)
Overcrowded Westmount Bike Path Become Safety Hazard Group
Montreal Gazette - 9/28/11
The two-way de Maisonneuve bike path that traverses Westmount should be changed to a one-way bike lane running westward, with eastbound cyclists diverted onto Ste. Catherine St. W., says a citizens advocacy group.
(An overcrowded bike lane? Such a problem.)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Writing Update
Not much to report. After a long black void I am slowly getting back to the desk. Not overly productive yet, but I'm daydreaming alot lately which for me is the first step of the writing process. So things are looking up.
I'm also starting to think about doing the Novel in a Month thing in November. Just a few week ago the thought of it made me cringe but now I think it might be possible again.
I'm also starting to think about doing the Novel in a Month thing in November. Just a few week ago the thought of it made me cringe but now I think it might be possible again.
Bike Project Updates
I've been busy working on the bikes lately so I thought I'd give you all an update.
The Lambo - Most importantly the Schwalbe tires and tubes have done their job and it's been many months since I had a flat. I've also gotten better at getting the Shimano Tourney drivetrain into tune. The front shifts into first almost every time now and the rear now upshifts into fourt just fine, though downshifting requires a trip to third first.
The ebaby - After a long time I finally got around to finishing the big project. The great day of the test ride finally came and it scared me to death. I didn't know that a bike could handle that badly. Well, some research and many adjustments later it is nearly rideable. I managed to damage the headset so I had to order another. When it comes I am 73% sure that all the handling issues will be corrected.
Foldy - At a yard sale I bought this folding mountain bike in need of some TLC. I paid too much, $75, but it was perfect for taking in the RV so I bought it. Turns out all it needed was some new tubes and a tuneup. Unfortunately I managed to ride it less than a mile before the RV, and within it the folding bike, got stolen. Ah well.
Cycling goals for 2011 - Slow progress has pushed most of my earlier goals to next year, but one is still on track. I'm trying to ride 1000 miles in 2011. So far I've gone 740 miles. That means I need less than 100 miles a month.
The next project - I'm looking for something I can work on and funkify. Got a crappy bike sitting in your garage or cellar that you're not using? Drop me a note and I'll haul it away free of charge. (Aren't I nice?)
The Lambo - Most importantly the Schwalbe tires and tubes have done their job and it's been many months since I had a flat. I've also gotten better at getting the Shimano Tourney drivetrain into tune. The front shifts into first almost every time now and the rear now upshifts into fourt just fine, though downshifting requires a trip to third first.
The ebaby - After a long time I finally got around to finishing the big project. The great day of the test ride finally came and it scared me to death. I didn't know that a bike could handle that badly. Well, some research and many adjustments later it is nearly rideable. I managed to damage the headset so I had to order another. When it comes I am 73% sure that all the handling issues will be corrected.
Foldy - At a yard sale I bought this folding mountain bike in need of some TLC. I paid too much, $75, but it was perfect for taking in the RV so I bought it. Turns out all it needed was some new tubes and a tuneup. Unfortunately I managed to ride it less than a mile before the RV, and within it the folding bike, got stolen. Ah well.
Cycling goals for 2011 - Slow progress has pushed most of my earlier goals to next year, but one is still on track. I'm trying to ride 1000 miles in 2011. So far I've gone 740 miles. That means I need less than 100 miles a month.
The next project - I'm looking for something I can work on and funkify. Got a crappy bike sitting in your garage or cellar that you're not using? Drop me a note and I'll haul it away free of charge. (Aren't I nice?)
Bikes in the News
A new semi-daily roundup of news from the cycling world. Mostly it's a way to practice my editorial skills.
Volunteers gather to grow local bike train movement
Bike Portland - 9/27/11
Portland's grassroots movement to get kids and families to hop aboard school "bike trains" continues to grow. Last night 15 schools were represented at the second annual Bike Train Meet Up. That's quite a jump from the four schools that were a part of a similar gathering last year.
(A great idea. I always feel safer on Market Street when surrounded by other cyclists.)
Bike Lane Opponents File Appeal in Prospect Park West Lawsuit
Streets Blog - 9/27/11
Opponents of the Prospect Park West bike lane filed an appeal in their unsuccessful lawsuit against the city yesterday, hoping for a second chance to rip out the safety-enhancing redesign or, perhaps more likely, attract a few more months of headlines.
(This is part of the ongoing fight over bike lanes in NYC.)
The era of e-bikes is upon us
MSNBC - 9/27/11
E-bikes look and operate similar to their traditional pedal-powered equivalents, but contain a battery-powered motor that kicks on when, for example, pedaling up a menacing hill.
Arizona Cycling Wind Tunnel Unveiled Oct. 1
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News - 9/26/11
Faster, a combination retail and training facility whose features include a cycling-specific wind tunnel, will have its grand opening Oct. 1.
(A bike wind tunnel! Cool!)
Volunteers gather to grow local bike train movement
Bike Portland - 9/27/11
Portland's grassroots movement to get kids and families to hop aboard school "bike trains" continues to grow. Last night 15 schools were represented at the second annual Bike Train Meet Up. That's quite a jump from the four schools that were a part of a similar gathering last year.
(A great idea. I always feel safer on Market Street when surrounded by other cyclists.)
Bike Lane Opponents File Appeal in Prospect Park West Lawsuit
Streets Blog - 9/27/11
Opponents of the Prospect Park West bike lane filed an appeal in their unsuccessful lawsuit against the city yesterday, hoping for a second chance to rip out the safety-enhancing redesign or, perhaps more likely, attract a few more months of headlines.
(This is part of the ongoing fight over bike lanes in NYC.)
The era of e-bikes is upon us
MSNBC - 9/27/11
E-bikes look and operate similar to their traditional pedal-powered equivalents, but contain a battery-powered motor that kicks on when, for example, pedaling up a menacing hill.
Arizona Cycling Wind Tunnel Unveiled Oct. 1
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News - 9/26/11
Faster, a combination retail and training facility whose features include a cycling-specific wind tunnel, will have its grand opening Oct. 1.
(A bike wind tunnel! Cool!)
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