Velcro ties are great for making improvised u-lock mounts as well.

Also note that some BB mount cable guides work better without the ferrules installed. This is not really a good way to run them, but it does get rid of many friction problems. To clean, just give it a good go with a squirtgun.

That's the other secret....find a cheap, but moderately strong squirtgun...not supersoakers or other high powered ones...just a simple 99c-$4.00 one that can put out some distance. This makes a great tool for blasting grit out of hard to reach places without causing the problems a high pressure sprayer can.