It was warm today, relatively: 40 F and sunny, not much wind to speak of. It has been a bad winter, too cold to ride much and not enough snow to ski. I've been putting in time on the trainer.

I built up a singlespeed over the winter. It was mostly a project to keep me off the streets and out of the pool halls.

My bottle cages and new tires (Bontrager Revolt SS, $20.00/pair from Price Point) arrived this morning. I had the afternoon free, so I slapped the skins on my single speed, and of course, I just had to ride.

I've never actually ridden a singlespeed before. Well, not since my last coaster brake bike in the early 70s. I chose a fairly short, fairly flat route. It was surprising how fast I could spin out on the flats. I should build up some leg speed if I ride this thing much. I found myself coasting more than I expected. The short climbs I hit were not as great a challenge as I'd thought they would be. I look forward to trying out some steeper stuff.

Those tires are FAST.

I put in 15 miles. For the first three or four, I kept trying to twist the handlebar grip. I had to remind myself that I could not shift. After a bit the desire to shift lessened, but it may take a while for it to go away altogether.

I think I understand the singlespeed/punk rock connection now. Like a Ramone's song riding this thing is cheerfully stupid. Gabba Gabba Hey!

The coolest part, so far, is that I built myself a bike and it actually works!