Transitions November 02 2011, 0 Comments
Making the rounds today was a bit of a shock coming from 15 days of 85% relative humidity and tropical warmth to the single digit RH, 40 mph winds and dust storm we are having today.
Still though, keeping things in perspective, it is better than ice and snow.
Another beautiful morning to get out early and go for a spin before getting on with the day.
You may have noticed the state fixed my favorite bridge to kep us safe this summer, kind of a bummer.
After taking the Roadeo out in the morning yesterday, I headed out in the afternoon on the Trek to get some groceries. I opted that way as I knew that the load was going to be a bit bulky, diapers. By the time all stops were made I had about 40 lbs of juice, milk, food and god knows what loaded on the front. Even with a bit of sloppiness in the panniers the handling was fine. Actually better than fine with stop and go traffic, slogging up hills into a 15 mp headwind and bombing down the other side.
Most bikes I have owned would handle like crap with that much up front, or anywhere for that matter. My xtracycle setup does ok with loads like that, but just ok, and is a bit more like a clunky old station wagon. The Trek with the 650b conversion is cushy, but sporty. The handling is a bit light with nothing at all up front, but a 5lb u-lock in a bag fixes that. With loads weighing in between the lock and, well yesterday's 40 lbs, the handling is still smooth through fast turns, holds a line grinding up hills and no wobble or drift at slow speeds.
For those not familiar with the geometric trail of the front end, the subject can be daunting. For those interested in the physics of the whole thing, Wikipedia has a decent
article. The subject has spurred religion/politic like arguments on the web forum over the recent years. I remained fairly neutral until this. Previously I had only ridden the low trail bikes I had built up for my wife, both handled great with a basket, but were way too small for me. This project bike has really opened up my eyes. I still love my Roadeo, just differently, and keep the load in the back. I prefer having the stuff up front, as long as the bike is designed to handle the load, it makes it much easier to keep an eye on the load.
Two days in a row of sunshine!!! The fog has lifted and it is really nice out. Perfect day to haul home a load of veggies.
Surf Check October 02 2011, 0 Comments
I made it out for a quick ride around the neighborhood in time to catch the sunrise. Yes the surf is almost flat today, but the light show was amazing.
Time for pancakes and then to get on with a day of riding, chores, and a bit of fun stuff.
Today was not a god day to sleep in. I rolled out of bed at 6:30 to the best morning light in two months. By the time I was out and about the light show was over, but the day is still the most clear we have had. I ended up taking the scenic route to run some errands.
It is going to be an incredible day, lots to do, and I hope it is this nice by you!
One of my mid-week luxuries is the swap meet. The predisposition to wander through other people's junk for sale probably comes from my dad dragging me through garage sales and the Thunderbird swap shop as a little kid. Today the fog is back in force after one day of sun.
I even find useful things in the piles once in a while. Today, things came up empty, and it is time to get back to something productive.
I rode the Trek on the longest trip yet today. 22 Miles round trip to the farmers market. The wind was hitting pretty good off of all four corners as I worked through the ride. While not quite as fast as I am on the Roadeo, I made quite respectable speed, still averaging between 12 and 15 mph on the open road. The front loading, low trail geometry, sitting upright of this bike build really has me smitten. I am really looking forward to installing the basket I have on order.
I have not had the Roadeo out in the last couple of weeks, and am feeling like I should put it to use this week, but the Trek is jus so much fun to ride.
Finally made it to the end of the week, one of those weeks where days feel like weeks and the week felt like a month. This morning it was trying to rain with a false start, not fog and not quite thunder storms. Just gloomy out. Then it gave way to an incredible day. I loaded up the team on the family truckster and headed down to the beach to get some sun, air and check the surf.
Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend and play outside!
Usual run around town this morning. First longish ride on the Trek. As the initial impression is taking shape all I can say is that this bike gives a really nice ride with the 650b conversion. The handling is shockingly precise and smooth for an old beat up bike like this, with heavy frame tubes too. Big thoughts are forming...
Still though, keeping things in perspective, it is better than ice and snow.
Most bikes I have owned would handle like crap with that much up front, or anywhere for that matter. My xtracycle setup does ok with loads like that, but just ok, and is a bit more like a clunky old station wagon. The Trek with the 650b conversion is cushy, but sporty. The handling is a bit light with nothing at all up front, but a 5lb u-lock in a bag fixes that. With loads weighing in between the lock and, well yesterday's 40 lbs, the handling is still smooth through fast turns, holds a line grinding up hills and no wobble or drift at slow speeds.
For those not familiar with the geometric trail of the front end, the subject can be daunting. For those interested in the physics of the whole thing, Wikipedia has a decent 
Two days in a row of sunshine!!! The fog has lifted and it is really nice out. Perfect day to haul home a load of veggies.
Time for pancakes and then to get on with a day of riding, chores, and a bit of fun stuff.
It is going to be an incredible day, lots to do, and I hope it is this nice by you!
Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend and play outside!
