surreal

Just got back from a ride; technically, I was just commuting, but I competed in a barista jam at my 2nd job tonight... Rode on ice-encrusted suburban streets on my old steel full-rigid to the shop; there was frost in my beard and my mess bag was filled with a coffee grinder, secret ingredients, spiced rum, coffee bagels, espresso/cream cheese spread, and some glassware. Had to take two seatposts (a 26.6 and a 26.8), a quill stem (an old SR), and a drive-side sugino xd crankarm out of the bag to make room for the goodies-- I'd wondered where some of that bike stuff had gone to..

And, yeah, I won..

-rob

auchencrow

Snarky - You need to give folks the URL:

https://rideblog.wordpress.com/

snarkypup

You are wise. It's in my signature, but I also need to put it in the post. I went out again today, against my better judgment, on the newly upgraded Panasonic. Somehow I managed 20 miles, despite being pissy as all get out. I did enjoy a long conversation with a gentleman who kindly took a picture of me on the bike. My favorite line of his, about his obviously-too-small bike: "Well, I find if you put enough seatpost on, you can ride anything." True enough.

And: "It's an Autobike. Do you remember the commercials saying: 'It's an Autobike?' (I didn't, but he was undetured). Well, this is an Autobike! It should be in a museum." This was perhaps overestimating the relative value of his steed, but I liked his attitude.

Of course, it's on the blog now. Ehem: https://rideblog.wordpress.com/.

There's mega-hilarity. Or at least mini-hilarity. Medium? Medium.

Drillium Dude 

^ Autobikes - I saw commercials for them while stationed in the UK, so I guess the word was out everywhere. Loved how they made them sound like they were outfitted with the highest-grade components.

Checking out your blog, SP, I noted your question "how can a riverside trail be so ugly?" You have to try the Burke-Gilman/Sammamish River trail - seriously. You will love that route, promise!

DD

gomango

My MIL was a 35 year head chemist for 3M!

Let me know when you are in town, as we have a great group lined up for rides this summer. Perhaps you'd join us.

I am registered to do the Lake Pepin ride, but lack a bike.

Fortunately, I have several friends with rather large Raleigh collections, so I'm not terribly concerned.

Robofunc

Rode about 35 mi round-trip from downtown St. Pete to my folks place just past Walsingham park on my newly-acquired Bottecchia. There was a constant, strong head wind with gusts in the 25-30 mph range. I was about a half-mile from their place when the NDS crank arm started coming loose, so I had to walk it from there. It felt fine for the return ride, so I guess it's fine now. The return ride also had the wind at my back, which was very nice.

auchencrow

The mercury was hovering at 2 this morning, but yesterday actually seemed colder with the wind.
Lots of hard-packed snow and ice. (= Good riding with studded tires).





Clear-clear, blue-blue skies!
(The water in the bottle starts out hot, then freezes by the time I get to it. )





I often pass by this place coming -and going: I don't believe in ghosts, but sometimes I feel as if they hitch rides with me. (Good to be on this side of the fence today though! )

Roger M

The weather looks great there, Auchen.... On the other hand, find the motivation to get out and ride at 2 degrees would be tough.

I would really like to have studded tires, but cant justify the expense with only 3-4 icy rides in a season(for me)

I rode about 5 miles in a fresh 3 inches of snow(at about 30 degrees). It was a short ride, but at 11pm it was peaceful.

jan nikolajsen 

Rode the Woodrup in earnest for the first time today, while the rest of the fam was on their Colin Laings. We did a lonely stretch of road leading out to the Needles Overlook. All in all about 44 miles, 2400' gain and a grand total of 4 cars passing us. It was cold, but beautiful.


The bike rode comfortably, efficiently and left me with a desire to keep going. Which is good because that darn C&V 2011 century/month is still looming...

seedsbelize 

I found a new loop that is exactly 100 miles from my doorstep, and back again. The weather was magnificent (low 70s starting out, mid 80s at the end, and sunny), except for the wind. Rode into it going both north, on the way out, and south on the way back. I get cold just reading you folks' posts.

tugrul

Wow, those photos are unbelievable Jan.

I dunno if it is just because I grew up in the east, but the west seems so much more awesome. I've spent time near Carson City, Phoenix and the Mojave Desert, and it was all so awesome.

Robofunc

Utah is beautiful! Elevation changes are something we just don't get around here.

Headwinds, though, are pretty much constant. Today I rode my '84 LeTour conversion (no drewing) to Weedon Island, which is about 7.5 miles from home, so about a 15 mile ride.

There's a little wooden bridge over a canal, which gives a semi-picturesque setting:


Also, there are lots of water birds on marshy Weedon Island preserve:

raverson

Yesterday's weather was so nice, we headed to the beach to soak in the sun and get in some no hurries/no worries cruiser riding.

Today I managed to get in about 20 before the afternoon showers. Bonus: the sweeper has been out and all the shoulders were completely clean and grit free. ahhh...

jan nikolajsen 

Beautiful picture, raverson!

RobE30

Rode about 10 miles @ 2300 this evening, in 8-9 inches of fresh snow with underlying hardpacked car tracks. I think this was the most difficult (but fun!) ride I've done to date. I fell twice, but due to the snow, no injuries, just laughter! I did not ride anything C&V though, 2009 Specialized Rock Hopper Comp.

junkfoodjunkie

Went for a ride on Friday when the temps were in the high 60's. We are expecting 15" of snow tonight.
Riding by a small airport on one of my normal routes, and a few other random pics.









Jake

snarkypup

High 60's then 15 inches of snow? Wild!

We've had decent weather for a few days. I rode twice in the last three days. Very exciting, really. Except that neither ride was all that exciting. Once around the neighborhood and once (and never again) on the trail that runs alongside one of our local freeways. The new stem makes the Panasonic much comfier.

Of course, you can read all about these rides on my wee blog, where I endeavor to use humor to mask the dullness of my existence. https://rideblog.wordpress.com/

Photos from Sunday and yesterday:

01302011ride17 by snarkypup, on Flickr


01312011ride10 by snarkypup, on Flickr

Roger M

That last shot looks like the 520 trail going towards Microsoft. Been down that many times.

snarkypup

Tis!

3speedslow

Just to the local library to return a book then around the neighborhood. Really want this sinus infection gone so trying to keep the commuting lite for now. Still, saved some more gas....

Thankful the "weather" is missing us, unlike many of you all out there.

matt0ne

Lovely bike! And I'm a sucker for White Turbos! I live in Tacoma and been trying to find nice rides here - not found many.

matt0ne

I rode 3 miles to work. It's a chilly day, but nothing compared to commuting in Wisconsin weather.

My Wife and I just bought a house a bit closer to my work. I did have more of a 5-mile commute with basically the longest hill in the universe and relatively steady traffic. I never liked the ride that much and months of apathy atrophied my leg muscles. I bought a scooter (i know, i know!) and would take the bus. Since moving I've only ridden and already 5 days in, my legs are getting stronger and I'm not getting as tired and 3 miles is starting to get really short. Time to get the fixie out methinks.

scozim 

27 degrees F at the beginning of the ride today with a 5 mph or so wind. Had time for 23 miles. At least I was toasty at the end. Coldest temps that I've ridden in - trying to get more courage now that I have some warmer riding clothes.

raverson

My last two rides have resulted in tool finds along the road. Last Thursday I found an expensive MAC Tools 16mm combo wrench in perfect shape and today a pair of Vise-Grips. Aside from the tools, ride highlights included these not to be missed local attractions.

bryle

I really need a winter bicycle. The east coast is a killer.