Northeast - Where are the MD people's

Really nice weather coming up. Y'all better be doing some riding!

You know I am, Carl!

LOL!!!!!

http://www.bikehacks.com/bikehacks/2010/03/dictionary-of-bike-commuter-slang.html

End-o-month bonus miles:

http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/31427

What a nice day it turned out to be!

GB, you are going to have a heck of a day to do the middle part of the Holtwood ride. It should be perfect. Just make sure you have plenty of fluids before heading to the bridge. There's not much around RT 74 or RT 372 until you hit RT 272.

End-o-month bonus miles:

http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/31427

What a nice day it turned out to be!



I read: "dumped the pack and headed back out..." Nowhere did I read: Pulled out my files and began the laborious tax process. I; however have spent the entire evening cranking out the forms. Feds are done and state is nearing completion. Will have to wait until morning I'm fried. Suffice it to say I did not like the bottom line. My oldest is no longer a dependent(even though he consumes his weight in food weekly which I pay for). Anyway it put a huge hurting on me. I owe, I owe..... I'm in sticker shock. You were wiser riding instead of paying the tax man.

:( I don't know how big your pannier is, but my Topeak Road Morph fits into one of the side pockets of my TransIt Garment Bag Pannier, which I use for commuting. It's about 14 inches long, so it's not a mini, but it is the *only* take-along pump that I've ever tried (frame, mini, or otherwise) with which I could actually pump a completely flat tire up to 100 psi and not risk a coronary, torn arm muscles, or a busted valve stem in the process.

Thanks Max, That one gets good reviews but too long for my pannier. I think I'm getting this one:

LEZYNE Pressure Drive Mini Pump
It can fit in your jersey pocket and comes with an enclosed hose. Can't use it as a floor type but will get ya home. Says it can do 120psi. We'll see. I won't be able to use my tax return since there isn't going to be any:-(

I read: "dumped the pack and headed back out..." Nowhere did I read: Pulled out my files and began the laborious tax process.

That's because when it comes to taxes (and, many other tedious tasks), I am Procrastinator par Excellence!

Anyone have recommendations for a pump that will fit in my pannier.

I am happy with my Quickex Pro, even though the pressure gauge is finicky a bit. I have to be careful not to bend the valve but it is down to me not to bend it. It is a dual action mini pump that fits in my medium Topeak Seat pack. IIRC, I got it fro under $30 from amazon.

Ihsan

I am happy with my Quickex Pro, even though the pressure gauge is finicky a bit. I have to be careful not to bend the valve but it is down to me not to bend it. It is a dual action mini pump that fits in my medium Topeak Seat pack. IIRC, I got it fro under $30 from amazon.

Ihsan

Thanks I'll check it out. hard to find the one I posted local.

H. . . hi. My name is Michael. I live in Baltimore. Right now, I ride a Falcon frame set up fixed-gear. Mainly riding around exploring around the city. I'm starting my first tour tomorrow. Three days to the top of Michaux [sic] State Forest/Pine Grove, down to Cunningham Fallsish, and then back to Baltimore. I have a saddle sore though, so any suggestions on keeping it in check for a 130 mile three-day ride are welcome. okok, thx

H. . . hi. My name is Michael. I live in Baltimore. Right now, I ride a Falcon frame set up fixed-gear. Mainly riding around exploring around the city. I'm starting my first tour tomorrow. Three days to the top of Michaux [sic] State Forest/Pine Grove, down to Cunningham Fallsish, and then back to Baltimore. I have a saddle sore though, so any suggestions on keeping it in check for a 130 mile three-day ride are welcome. okok, thx

Keep it clean and dry as much as possible.

While riding, use a chamois creme. Real chamois cremes have anti-bacterial/anti-fungal ingredients.

H. . . hi. My name is Michael. I live in Baltimore. Right now, I ride a Falcon frame set up fixed-gear. Mainly riding around exploring around the city. I'm starting my first tour tomorrow. Three days to the top of Michaux [sic] State Forest/Pine Grove, down to Cunningham Fallsish, and then back to Baltimore. I have a saddle sore though, so any suggestions on keeping it in check for a 130 mile three-day ride are welcome. okok, thx

Have fun on your tour! There is some real nice riding north of the city. I wish you luck on the hills out of Pine Grove Furnace with a fix gear. :eek:

One thing I do with my family when they go touring with me is alternate between one, two or no padded (running) shorts. The trick is to slightly change the pressure spots. Moving the seat around (forward or backwards) can help as well.

Report back and let us know how it went.

Charlie: my schedule is really flexible, pick a date.

H. . . hi. My name is Michael. I live in Baltimore. Right now, I ride a Falcon frame set up fixed-gear. Mainly riding around exploring around the city. I'm starting my first tour tomorrow. Three days to the top of Michaux [sic] State Forest/Pine Grove, down to Cunningham Fallsish, and then back to Baltimore. I have a saddle sore though, so any suggestions on keeping it in check for a 130 mile three-day ride are welcome. okok, thx

Riding a fixie in those hills will keep you out of the saddle long enough to heal. Have a good trip and send us a trip report

Spotted on the B-A trail and around Annapolis: NoRacer!

The new rig is nice, chief.

Spotted on the B-A trail and around Annapolis: NoRacer!

The new rig is nice, chief.

Man, not just spotted, but Rizz and I rode together for awhile. There were probably about 18 SPP folks out today for the Saturday Bagel Ride.

Thanks for the shout-out, Rizz! (and the comment on the bike :thumb: )

Man, not just spotted, but Rizz and I rode together for awhile. There were probably about 18 SPP folks out today for the Saturday Bagel Ride.

Thanks for the shout-out, Rizz! (and the comment on the bike :thumb: )

Nice. Now chug some Perpetuum and rest up for tomorrow. :)

Today's end of ride stats according to BiM:

http://twitpic.com/show/full/1d9nfr.jpg (http://twitpic.com/1d9nfr)

Today's end of ride stats according to BiM:

I'm an effin sadist for making that route. Beautiful roads and views of Balt, Harford, Lancaster and Cecil counties.

Those are some serious numbers. It's obviously skewed by your ride to and from the route, but Tom and I would add Providence rd into that mix too. Damn. I'm toasted and also a bit sunburned. I can't disagree with the 10,000ft of climbing, but the ave. speed?! I can't believe we could've done anything over 15mph. Anyway, that was an epic ride for me.

Ride report to come.

I'm an effin sadist for making that route. Beautiful roads and views of Balt, Harford, Lancaster and Cecil counties.

Those are some serious numbers. It's obviously skewed by your ride to and from the route, but Tom and I would add Providence rd into that mix too. Damn. I'm toasted and also a bit sunburned. I can't disagree with the 10,000ft of climbing, but the ave. speed?! I can't believe we could've done anything over 15mph. Anyway, that was an epic ride for me.

Ride report to come.

That average speed is skewed by the second part that I recorded, which started after lunch.

Part 1 - http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/31550 - Avg speed = 15 mph

Part 2 - http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/31551 - Avg speed = 16.9 mph

The mile splits are there for each section.

BTW, I'm fried, too. In fact, I decided to take the day off. Maybe I'll do my taxes, :rolleyes:

Hey Folks: I got the wife onto the bike for the 1st time in '10 on Saturday. Rode the C&O to the cherry blossoms(25 mile rt- that's a lot for her). What a zoo. We loved the ride, hated the mob scene. What was I thinking...cherry blossom festival AND Easter Saturday. Why don't they close the streets to cars??? They weren't moving amongst the sea(Ocean) of people. Probably my last CBF until cars are banned. If the park service can't banned motor vehicles for this event they will never banned MV period.

GB/NR Impressed with the ride speed. 15.3 for 100, no way could I do that for that long especially in those hills.

Bob and I were emailing each other and feel that 4/18 would be a good day for Barrys ride. He is /was working on a Best of Baltimore ride. Here is his idea. Hoping to get a on a few of the bike paths as well as ending at the Dizz(Barry likes this bar). If timing is right and we are near my home we can grab a couple of beers there. We can add or delete what ever folks want.

http://tinyurl.com/yetoqbu

BTW, I'm fried, too. In fact, I decided to take the day off. Maybe I'll do my taxes, :rolleyes:

What's the hurry, you have 10 more days.

Hey Folks: Bob and I were emailing each other and feel that 4/18 would be a good day for Barrys ride. He is /was working on a Best of Baltimore ride. Here is his idea. Hoping to get a on a few of the bike paths as well as ending at the Dizz(Barry likes this bar). If timing is right and we are near my home we can grab a couple of beers there. We can add or delete what ever folks want.
http://tinyurl.com/yetoqbu


Or, http://tinyurl.com/y8be5wg omitting Rolling and adding Old Court (not great either, but probably better) Also adds Frederick rd hill.(not too steep, but long). It does bring us through E. City (return of the "beer ride" @Ellicott Mills?) or Charlie can route us to his house.

I was thinking of starting at Mt. Washington Starbucks- a good meet up place with java and breakfasty snacks and near Barry's place.

@Barry: Why don't you think of a few places we can ride (visit)by in the city as a farewell for you...like Fort McHenry, Montibello lake, Doodle lake, Patterson Park etc....

If we go to my house we could ride back on the Gwynn Falls Trail to Cherry Hill ParK for a view of the Inner Harbor then back up into town. Just a thought.

April 18th looks to be a good day for me, woo hoo! It's Barry's party :thumb: so he gets the last word, but I think Charlie's latest idea of a "Farewell to the Sights of Baltimore City" ride is pretty cool.

Another topic: I have an adult friend (late 20's) who never learned to ride a bike, and she wants me to teach her. She's about my height, shorter in the legs and arms than me, but I think close enough that I think I can fiddle with my bike (probably the Trek) enough to get her on it. I've never taught an adult to ride (and it's been a loooong time since I've helped a kid do it), and she's not exactly super-skilled in the coordination/balance department, so I'm a bit wary.

I was thinking of starting very slowly -- take the pedals off, and have her foot-push her way down a gentle, grassy hill, not too steep, but at least long enough so that she could build up enough speed to feel how to balance.

Are there any good places in or near the city for this? (She lives near the stadiums.) Are there any hills in Patterson Park that would work? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Here's an old one I never shared. Just found it on my camera.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4493965373_250983b03a.jpg

Here's an old one I never shared. Just found it on my camera.

Ah, I spy my Pink Floyd "cow" jersey -- this was when you guys intercepted me on the "24 Hours of Booty" course, and I snuck away (temporarily!) from the ride for beers! :lol:

I was thinking of starting very slowly -- take the pedals off, and have her foot-push her way down a gentle, grassy hill, not too steep, but at least long enough so that she could build up enough speed to feel how to balance.

That's really the best way to do it. Don't really need to take the pedals off, though. And make sure she uses the brakes a bunch before going on a solo flight.

So when is the next Bike Forums Baltimore get together? I only ever ride with NoRacer and it'd be fun to meet some new folks.

What's the hurry, you have 10 more days.

Taxes = done

Mortgage overage check = deposited

Military style haircut (closer than Bob's :) ) = done

So when is the next Bike Forums Baltimore get together? I only ever ride with NoRacer and it'd be fun to meet some new folks.

The Human Car (Barry) is moving, so we're trying plan a get together before he leaves. Carl, I'm sure you'd be welcome if you wanted to come out for it. You could meet us at the ride start or intercept somewhere along the route.

It looks like 4/18 is shaping up to be the date.

Taxes = done

Mine = not done.


Mortgage overage check = deposited

Don't really know what that means, but I'm thinking that it means you're buying the next round.


Military style haircut (closer than Bob's :) ) = done

Damn. I was liking the hippy dude style.

@ NR I don't even know what your hair looks like. You always have a bike helmet or dew-rag(sp?)
@GB: Gotta pay the man, don't mess w/ U Sam. I remember that picture, right before you drank that strong Imperial stout.
@ Rizz: join us, the more the merrier.
@ Max: I taught a lot of kids to bike but never an adult. I just ran next to them until they got the balance thing going and off they went. They all learned w/in a day. In fact w/in an hour.

@ Max: I taught a lot of kids to bike but never an adult. I just ran next to them until they got the balance thing going and off they went. They all learned w/in a day. In fact w/in an hour.

@Max - Don't forget that the BBC's Instructional Ride Series is coming up very soon--early May, I believe.

BBC Instructional Ride Series start May 2nd http://baltobikeclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=58&Itemid=83

I'm good for the 18th

I'm planning on riding to Annapolis today.

@Max - Don't forget that the BBC's Instructional Ride Series is coming up very soon--early May, I believe.

Yes, I was thinking about that. I don't think they teach people how to ride who have never ridden at all, but if my friend could get "up to speed" enough, the series would probably be pretty helpful for her. She lives in DC, though, and I have a feeling that even if I'm successful in keeping her upright :), she probably won't buy a bike and stick with it. But I'll mention it to her.

I'm good for the 18th



Hurray, it looks like this is going to happen!

Last Sunday's ride report (sort of) and pics: http://randoramble.posterous.com

I'm good for the 18th



Excellent, the ride is on!!


Last Sunday's ride report (sort of) and pics: http://randoramble.posterous.com
Man, this report scares me.

Bobs route is fine. If we want to add a few of Balto highlights along the way it would be cool too. Anyway, I'm outta here for my trip to Fla. Talk to you folks next week. Ride safe.

Yes, I was thinking about that. I don't think they teach people how to ride who have never ridden at all, but if my friend could get "up to speed" enough, the series would probably be pretty helpful for her. She lives in DC, though, and I have a feeling that even if I'm successful in keeping her upright :), she probably won't buy a bike and stick with it. But I'll mention it to her.

I'm no longer teaching teaching beginning adults but I just got an email Mt Airy bicycles might be doing something during the week. There is a lot of interest in this.

I road 88.6 miles today. How hot did it get today? I didn't look but man did the heat hit me hard.

I road 88.6 miles today. How hot did it get today? I didn't look but man did the heat hit me hard.

About 1 degree (F) per mile.

Surprised no one has talked about the 42 year old killed last night at Falls Rd and Butler Road. Driver also hit his friend who is at Sinai. Online at the Baltimore Sun with your requisite a-holes provding much comment about bikers on the road...

Surprised no one has talked about the 42 year old killed last night at Falls Rd and Butler Road. Driver also hit his friend who is at Sinai. Online at the Baltimore Sun with your requisite a-holes provding much comment about bikers on the road...

Participated in this thread about the callous replies by some in response to the bMore Sun article:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?634859-A-sad-story-in-my-local-paper.

...and the BBC Forum thread:

http://www.baltobikeclub.org/index.php?option=com_agora&task=topic&id=225&Itemid=64

Riding a fixie in those hills will keep you out of the saddle long enough to heal. Have a good trip and send us a trip report


Have fun on your tour! There is some real nice riding north of the city. I wish you luck on the hills out of Pine Grove Furnace with a fix gear. :eek:

One thing I do with my family when they go touring with me is alternate between one, two or no padded (running) shorts. The trick is to slightly change the pressure spots. Moving the seat around (forward or backwards) can help as well.

Report back and let us know how it went.



This went really well. I kept the sores in check with just some generic wound protectant creme from CVS. Baltimore Bike Works amazingly had no chamois creme. By the second night, things were healing.

So, yeah, the ride itself. The first day was a bear--about 75 miles in the end after getting a little bit lost around Gardners and Idaville (where I ran out of water and wound up frantically running around the houses on the main drag looking for a working outside spigot and/or someone that wound let me use their sink; no stores in town). The hills were fine until I hit the ridge at about 70 miles in, which is prolly about 900 feet in two miles. There was a bit of walking. The ride down into the park followed by cracking a beer by the creek/river makes for one of the best half hours in recent memory.

The second night, I changed course and stayed in Gettysburg rather than Thrumont. In retrospect, I don't know why. I think I just wanted to get some fudge, a pickle from a barrel, and maybe a tacky something-or-other souvenir for the girlfriend. I also figured I could find some camping there pretty easy. But. I asked at the shop and the dudes working just looked at me like I was an alien and sent me out to some RV campground five or so miles back toward the mountains that wanted $35 for me to throw down a tarp. I didn't know where to stealth it--and I'm a little wary of stealthing it my first time alone anyhow--so I dropped $50 I didn't have on a motel.

That second day ride from Pine Grove to Gettysburg was pretty nice. I rode down the middle of the Michaux State Forest valley to Caledonia and climbed up to South Mountain and explored around there a little bit. And from South Mountain rode down east a kinda meandering route up and down that beast of a ridge again. About 45 miles that day. Got into Gburg around three I guess. Back to Baltimore the next morning via Hanover and Hwy 30/Hanover Pike.

I think next weekend I'm going to do a short jaunt up to Cunningham Falls/Catactin for an overnighter. Hopefully I'll have my normal-ass road bike built up by then.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Great story, EE! Thanks!

also, here's some pics: http://bit.ly/bBg1DS

also, here's some pics: http://bit.ly/bBg1DS

Yeah Elk, great ride report. And, I was loving the pics.

BTW: what's your rig there? Surly?

Thanks!

It's a Falcon frame--kinda floppy '70s steel--with a pretty nice Vuelta wheelset and a mutt of a fixed-gear setup.

Yeah Elk, great ride report. And, I was loving the pics.



+1 - we love pictures!

As I'm sure you already know from B Spokes-Jon Cardin will be on Steiner tonight to talk about the death on Butler. Send an e-mail-tune in.

steinershow@gmail.com

As I'm sure you already know from B Spokes-Jon Cardin will be on Steiner tonight to talk about the death on Butler. Send an e-mail-tune in.

steinershow@gmail.com

Is it being re-run?



From Del. Cardin's office: "Del. Cardin will be speaking on the Marc Steiner Show, WEAA 88.9FM, at 6:45 tonight [Thursday]. Please spread the word if anyone is interested in listening to him comment on the recent bike accident and his efforts on HB 461 [aka, the 3-foot bill]."

First time in this sub-forum, just wanted to say Hi. I live in Ho. County and if I manage to get out I usually ride the Columbia Triathlon loop from Centennial.