Originally Posted by MikeRides (Post 16560188)

5 flats in 15 miles? Yikes, that does sound like a problem. Before inflating the tube, make sure it's not pinched by the rim all around. I had that problem on my mountain bike, I was blowing out tubes left and right before realizing the problem was with improper installation. Fixed that and up until I moved onto my hybrid I didn't have another flat.

Originally Posted by WonderMonkey (Post 16560005)

Even though I only did a 15 minute ride yesterday with intervals I can really feel it in my core. I know when I did the intervals I really pounded it in a big gear which means I was pulling with my upper body (to get up to speed) and pushing with everything I had. I TRIED to maintain good spin but I think that's something I'll have to learn to keep focus on. My lungs also feel it today. I know lungs don't get SORE but you know the feeling when you have really pushed it? That's today. Feels good.

Today I'm going to a bike shop to get my tires/rims situation fixed. Five flats in 15 (14.x) miles is a wee bit much. My wife is going to the shop with me to look at some things so I'll ride the 11 miles home to test everything out. I'll do a relaxing ride to enjoy the day and not worry about pushing it until I get a few miles form home then I'll probably increase a bit.

Originally Posted by Null66 (Post 16560804)

Did you check the tire for the bit that popped the tube?

I try and keep track of the tire orientation then when I get the tube out the leak will point to the offender...

Or perhaps there something poking through the rim tape, or elsewhere in the channel. I've seen 1/8 long burs on the rim where they drilled the spokes. In the old days I used to double tape the rim, can make it a tighter install...

Originally Posted by Null66 (Post 16562888)

Glad it only popped, as frustrating as that was, sounds like the tire could have come off during cornering causing a unplanned dismount!

Originally Posted by WonderMonkey (Post 16569855)

I'm laying out my 200 mile weekend (three days, two nights) and I'm wondering if it is possible for me to ride enough to do a three day, 300 mile weekend? My entire summer's weekends are consumed with being on a ballfield a travel fastpitch (14U) team so the normal long weekend rides are going to be very limited. Commutes and "ride an hour here and there" are all I will get.

I keep hearing from others that if I get enough consistent miles in then doing 300 miles in three days is just mental. There is a point to that though as the body has to be capable of what the mind is telling it to do. What is that point?

Originally Posted by Black wallnut (Post 16570990)

I believe that riding centuries is as much about time in the saddle as it is about fitness. Although I've not tried to do a tour without time limits. My century rides have mostly been supported rides with time limits. The other one I have done was unsupported and I was using it a s a pre STP test to see if I was ready for a one day double century, I was.

Only you know if you can do a 300 mile weekend or is it a 200 mile weekend? Which 300 miles also matters. If it is rolling hills the the challenge is even greater. Good luck!

Originally Posted by MikeRides (Post 16571132)

C'mon now, anyone can jump on a bike and ride 300 miles as long as they have the time. Are you trying to complete it in a set time? As long as you don't mind taking 12-14 hours to ride 100 miles each day, you could turn it into a self-tour and stop to sight see along the way to relieve your legs (even if there's nothing special to see, take 20 minute breaks to stretch every 30 miles would help).

You may have mentioned it before, but I don't recall, what was your average riding speed on your 100 mile ride last fall? Use this to indicate how long it would take you to ride and train this spring to increase your endurance before your big over nighter.

Originally Posted by jsigone (Post 16572407)

Most CX bikes have rack mounts and relax geo for "endurance" Plus can run some pretty wide slick rubber.

Kona Jake the snake with 105's $1500
Kona Jake with Tiagra $1100
Kona Rove w/ APEX $1500

Any of those framesets can be had from Bike man starting at $450 and do a slow custom build up
Bikeman Kona 2014 Jake the Snake Frameset with Carbon CX Fork, 56cm, Matt Lime with Black and White Bikeman Kona Rove, Cyclocross Frameset with Kona P2 Steel Disc Fork, 56 cm, 2014

Cannondale CAADX disc w/ 105's $1500 Cannondale CAADX Disc 105 - Trek Bicycle Superstore

Ridley Xride Disc w/ 105's $1400 shipped Ridley X-Ride/Shimano 105 Disc Complete Bike | Competitive Cyclist

Civilian Bicycle Co. Vive Le Roi De Lux $1435 shipped Civilian Bicycle Co. Vive Le Roi De Lux | Competitive Cyclist

Felt FX65 w/ Rival $1500 New Review: 2013 Felt F65x Disc Cyclocross Bike - Iron Cycles

Originally Posted by jsigone (Post 16573054)

you'd have to go after market for that gizmo

Originally Posted by WonderMonkey (Post 16572708)

As I look at various bike I noticed that most don't come with a kickstand. I know there are several threads on "kickstand or not" and it gets quite violent in there. I know I can always put a kickstand on most any bike (not all) but if the bike I get doesn't come with one I'm going to try and get used to not having it. I will probably do some sort of stand at home or work but not for when I'm on the trail.

It's getting odd up in here!

Originally Posted by jsigone (Post 16573220)

this one is cool for you do have a load or leave it at home when you are just riding around Click-Stand The Only Portable Folding Bicycle Kickstand!

Originally Posted by Null66 (Post 16573509)

Kickstand, I'm running a Pletscher Twin-Legger Kickstand on my disc trucker. My SO has a Greenfield rear mount on her Dolche. Click-stand is another well thought of...

Check out touring sites, there are lots of options...

Originally Posted by MikeRides (Post 16574084)

You don't need a kickstand! Just stop in a location where there's a tree, fence post, or building to lean it up against. If there's nothing around to lean it up against, don't stop. Bikes are meant to be rode not parked :)

Originally Posted by WonderMonkey (Post 16574432)

Oh Mike.... mike mike mike...... when you have to pee, you have to pee.

Originally Posted by Black wallnut (Post 16574459)

If you have to pee you are not riding hard enough! Pedal on curb works unless it is windy.