25.84 miles
10.8 avg
17.1 max
498.4 cal
2:23:29
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Bikes Beat Metro in Copenhagen
7 years ago
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
26.1 miles - Commute x2/Baker Rd extensions - 5/23 - 5/24/10
26.1 miles
18.0 avg
32.3 max
1:26:48
Black Trek
18.0 avg
32.3 max
1:26:48
Black Trek
Thursday, May 20, 2010
26.3 miles - Greenway/W River PKWY/Minnehaha Cr Pkwy/Greenway - 5/20/10
26.3 miles
1:26:39
26.6 max
18.2 avg
Black Trek
Felt pretty strong today for working in the garden for 4 hours and not getting much, or good, sleep last night. FYI, riding on popular shared-use trails - like Lake Calhoun, etc... - suck ass because people are basically idiots!!!
1:26:39
26.6 max
18.2 avg
Black Trek
Felt pretty strong today for working in the garden for 4 hours and not getting much, or good, sleep last night. FYI, riding on popular shared-use trails - like Lake Calhoun, etc... - suck ass because people are basically idiots!!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
20.5 miles - Aquila School/Bean Good Cafe/Greenway to River and Back - 5/19/10
20.5 miles
1:10:03
24.9 max
17.5 avg
Black Trek
First longer ride with the Bontrager Race shoes and Shimano 105 road pedals. Like the road, but up in the air about the shoes. They are obviously different the ones I have been riding for the past four years, so I need to give them some time. I had to adjust my left cleat as usual. My knee was in someintense pain and the left part of my left foot was feeling stressed. The cleat adjustment alleviated that. We'll see how the new road setup goes in the next few weeks. Hopefully by then I can get my Madone up and running!!!!
1:10:03
24.9 max
17.5 avg
Black Trek
First longer ride with the Bontrager Race shoes and Shimano 105 road pedals. Like the road, but up in the air about the shoes. They are obviously different the ones I have been riding for the past four years, so I need to give them some time. I had to adjust my left cleat as usual. My knee was in someintense pain and the left part of my left foot was feeling stressed. The cleat adjustment alleviated that. We'll see how the new road setup goes in the next few weeks. Hopefully by then I can get my Madone up and running!!!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
12.8 miles - commute/YMCA - 5/17/10
12.8 miles
0:43:10
30.3 max
17.8 avg
Black Trek
If I get some time I want to install my new pedals, cleats and shoes...wooooeee!
0:43:10
30.3 max
17.8 avg
Black Trek
If I get some time I want to install my new pedals, cleats and shoes...wooooeee!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
24.19 - Burley pullin' to the skatepark x 2 - 5/15/10
24.19 miles
8.8 avg
22.5 max
417.6 cal
2:43:43
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Liam was kickin' ass riding to the skate park twice and a bit of extra riding. We also hit Trader Joe's and the Redbox at McDonoalds on Exelsior. It was a pleasant day of hanging with my two younger boys. Liam did NOT whine, until 9PM and he finally got hungry, but he was cool about it. The weather was great and very few bugs!
8.8 avg
22.5 max
417.6 cal
2:43:43
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Liam was kickin' ass riding to the skate park twice and a bit of extra riding. We also hit Trader Joe's and the Redbox at McDonoalds on Exelsior. It was a pleasant day of hanging with my two younger boys. Liam did NOT whine, until 9PM and he finally got hungry, but he was cool about it. The weather was great and very few bugs!
Friday, May 14, 2010
7.5 miles - Commute - 5/11/10
7.5 miles
15.7 avg
24.1 max
0:28:39
Trek 520
Love this bike but oh so slow!
15.7 avg
24.1 max
0:28:39
Trek 520
Love this bike but oh so slow!
24.2 miles - Greenway/Downtwon/Theo Wirth/Cedar Lake Bike HWY/Louisianna Ave - 5/13/10
24.2 miles
1:28:23
27.6 max
16.4 avg
Black Trek
Good old Trek hit a really muddy patch on the Cedar Lake Bike HWY and is doused in mud...gotta clean her up tomorrow. I felt very sluggish b/c I haven't been on the bike much this spring even though the weather has been awesome. I had a hard time pulling small hils and fighting the wind....hopefully I can get my fitness/cardio level back up to where it needs to be.
1:28:23
27.6 max
16.4 avg
Black Trek
Good old Trek hit a really muddy patch on the Cedar Lake Bike HWY and is doused in mud...gotta clean her up tomorrow. I felt very sluggish b/c I haven't been on the bike much this spring even though the weather has been awesome. I had a hard time pulling small hils and fighting the wind....hopefully I can get my fitness/cardio level back up to where it needs to be.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
39.9 miles - A few commutes - 5/1/10-5/11/10
39.9 miles
17.4 avg
32.8 max
2:17:13
Black Trek
Too windy to want to take the long way home on the 1rst...very rainy the next week. Unfortunately my computer has been down for 6 days so I haven't been able to keep up with the blog posts.
17.4 avg
32.8 max
2:17:13
Black Trek
Too windy to want to take the long way home on the 1rst...very rainy the next week. Unfortunately my computer has been down for 6 days so I haven't been able to keep up with the blog posts.
7.5 miles - commute - 4/31/10
7.5 miles
14.7 avg
30.1 max
0:30:45
Trek 520
Chilly, drizzly and I have a cold...
14.7 avg
30.1 max
0:30:45
Trek 520
Chilly, drizzly and I have a cold...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
11.5 miles - Cedar Lake Trail quick route - 4/27/10
11.5 miles
0:36:27
26.1 max
19.0 avg
Black Trek
Had time for a quickie and I am catching a cold, which will most certainly put a damper on an already slow start to putting on some miles this spring....oh well!! At least my average speed hit 19.0 for the first time this year, although the ride was only 11 miles. That is a little more difficult to accomplish on the old Trek...
0:36:27
26.1 max
19.0 avg
Black Trek
Had time for a quickie and I am catching a cold, which will most certainly put a damper on an already slow start to putting on some miles this spring....oh well!! At least my average speed hit 19.0 for the first time this year, although the ride was only 11 miles. That is a little more difficult to accomplish on the old Trek...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
20 miles - Grenway to River and back/Walgreens for Redbox movie - 4/26/10
20.0 miles
18.3 avg
27.5 max
1:05:18
Black Trek
It was chilly.....
18.3 avg
27.5 max
1:05:18
Black Trek
It was chilly.....
15.64 miles - Coffee Run/Ben and Jerry's - 4/26/10
15.64 miles
10.0 avg
max 19.0
1:32:54
Trek 790 w/ Burley
I took Kian for a bag of coffee at Dunn Bros in Uptown the other day and on the 26th I took the kids down to Ben and Jerry's to get some ice cream...
10.0 avg
max 19.0
1:32:54
Trek 790 w/ Burley
I took Kian for a bag of coffee at Dunn Bros in Uptown the other day and on the 26th I took the kids down to Ben and Jerry's to get some ice cream...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
19.83 miles - Errands (picture person/shop/Trader Joe's) - 4/21/10
19.83 miles
13.1 avg
22.2 max
459.1 Cal
1:30:43
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Used the Burley the other day to get some groceries. Today I used it to get Kian and me to Picture Person art presentations at the Aquila School and to go to the shop and check my schedule.
13.1 avg
22.2 max
459.1 Cal
1:30:43
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Used the Burley the other day to get some groceries. Today I used it to get Kian and me to Picture Person art presentations at the Aquila School and to go to the shop and check my schedule.
18 miles - MTB ride to Theo Wirth (x1) - 4/20/10
18 miles
24.3 max
1:22:50
Greenpeace
The first time I have been on the mountain bike for about a year and a half. I installed the new-in-box XT 8 speed shifters, cassette, Race Lite grips, Bontrager Crowbar handlebar, Bontrager Jones tires, new Deore front wheel, LX/Mavic SUP rear wheel, Avid brake levers and a new chain sometime last year. The next thing to do is install a new fork. For the amount of off-road riding I do there is no need for me to buy a new bike.
It was a great ride. I rode around Brownie lake on my way home. It was really enjoyable.
I am going to create a very small MTB trail around South Oak Lake in my 'hood for Liam to ride around.
24.3 max
1:22:50
Greenpeace
The first time I have been on the mountain bike for about a year and a half. I installed the new-in-box XT 8 speed shifters, cassette, Race Lite grips, Bontrager Crowbar handlebar, Bontrager Jones tires, new Deore front wheel, LX/Mavic SUP rear wheel, Avid brake levers and a new chain sometime last year. The next thing to do is install a new fork. For the amount of off-road riding I do there is no need for me to buy a new bike.
It was a great ride. I rode around Brownie lake on my way home. It was really enjoyable.
I am going to create a very small MTB trail around South Oak Lake in my 'hood for Liam to ride around.
Monday, April 19, 2010
13.3 miles - Commute/Ridgedale library - 4/16/10
13.3 miles
18.0 avg
34.2 max
0:44:06
Black Trek
Went ot the library before work. Overpumped my front tire and almost had it come off the bead and blow. I stopped and let out some air. By the time I got out of the library it had reseated itself. What a friggin' beautiful day outside!!!!!
18.0 avg
34.2 max
0:44:06
Black Trek
Went ot the library before work. Overpumped my front tire and almost had it come off the bead and blow. I stopped and let out some air. By the time I got out of the library it had reseated itself. What a friggin' beautiful day outside!!!!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
7.8 miles - Commute - 4/16/10
7.8 miles
16.9 avg
29.3 max
0:27:44
Black Trek
Crazy strong headwing going to work today....easier going home but chilly...
16.9 avg
29.3 max
0:27:44
Black Trek
Crazy strong headwing going to work today....easier going home but chilly...
11.4 miles - commute/Sprint store -
11.4 miles
15.4 avg
29.3 max
0:44:25
Trek 520
Chose to work the morning instead of taking a ride...now I have a sore back and can't run at the gym.
15.4 avg
29.3 max
0:44:25
Trek 520
Chose to work the morning instead of taking a ride...now I have a sore back and can't run at the gym.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
22.2 miles - Commute/ Williston Extension both ways - 4/11/10
22.2 miles
17.8 avg
37.6 max
1:14:20
Black Trek
The "Hilliston" hills don't seem to hit me that hard this year. Maybe it is from running two miles every other day. I think that running improves cardio for biking. At least I feel that my running routine seems to help my biking. Anyway, those hills were easy and not so strenuous.
I am NOT digging my Louis Garneau gloves that I just purchased. The mesh on the palms is very slippery on the inside and my hands feel like they are slipping off of the hood constantly. I'll keep an eye on it and do a full review later in the season.
17.8 avg
37.6 max
1:14:20
Black Trek
The "Hilliston" hills don't seem to hit me that hard this year. Maybe it is from running two miles every other day. I think that running improves cardio for biking. At least I feel that my running routine seems to help my biking. Anyway, those hills were easy and not so strenuous.
I am NOT digging my Louis Garneau gloves that I just purchased. The mesh on the palms is very slippery on the inside and my hands feel like they are slipping off of the hood constantly. I'll keep an eye on it and do a full review later in the season.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
13.0 miles - Commute/Noodles & Co - 4/10/10
13 miles
17.9 avg
28.6 max
0:43:26
Black Trek
It was nice being able to ride something under 32 lbs. The 520 is a tank - but I still love it. The new chain and cassette (11-23) is now functioning fine. Guse and Doug diagnosed my shifting dilemma as not adjusting the tension for the switch from 27 to 23 big gear on the cog. Now it shifts gggggreat!!
17.9 avg
28.6 max
0:43:26
Black Trek
It was nice being able to ride something under 32 lbs. The 520 is a tank - but I still love it. The new chain and cassette (11-23) is now functioning fine. Guse and Doug diagnosed my shifting dilemma as not adjusting the tension for the switch from 27 to 23 big gear on the cog. Now it shifts gggggreat!!
Friday, April 9, 2010
19.71 miles - Burley pullin'/Errands - misc days
19.71 miles
9.7 avg
22.0 max
381.7 cal
2:01:03
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Mostly ridfing with the kiids around the 'hood and a trip on the 9th to pick up my paycheck at work.
9.7 avg
22.0 max
381.7 cal
2:01:03
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Mostly ridfing with the kiids around the 'hood and a trip on the 9th to pick up my paycheck at work.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
7.6 miles - Commute - 4/7/10
7.6 miles
15.3 avg
29.0 max
0:29:58
Trek 520
The 520 weighs in at 32 pounds unloaded...its a virtual tank. Brought home my Black Trek and the wheels and handlebars from the Madone...gotta get that sweet beast roling sooner rather than later! I also baought a sram 10 speed chain and a Rival 11/23 cassette for the Black Trek today. We'll see how that changes the sloppiness in the shifting. I still have to work on getting the fit right on the Black Trek.
15.3 avg
29.0 max
0:29:58
Trek 520
The 520 weighs in at 32 pounds unloaded...its a virtual tank. Brought home my Black Trek and the wheels and handlebars from the Madone...gotta get that sweet beast roling sooner rather than later! I also baought a sram 10 speed chain and a Rival 11/23 cassette for the Black Trek today. We'll see how that changes the sloppiness in the shifting. I still have to work on getting the fit right on the Black Trek.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
14.3 miles - YMCA - 4/5/10
14.3 miles
16.0 avg
31.2 max
0:53:46
Trek 520
Chilly ride to Ridgedale Y and home....went close to 4 days without using my car!!!!!
16.0 avg
31.2 max
0:53:46
Trek 520
Chilly ride to Ridgedale Y and home....went close to 4 days without using my car!!!!!
Monday, April 5, 2010
22.6 miles - Greenway/River/MPLS/Cedar Lake/Hutch-Spur - 4/4/10
22.6 miles
16.7 avg
26.6 max
1:21:27
Trek 520
Love riding the 520. I had a 19.1 avg speed with the wind at my back when I hit the river. I am hoping that I can keep my avg speed up to nearly 20+MPH for these short rides when I get my Madone put together. Beautiful day. Maybe its my age, but I seem to see the scenery and the people differently lately. I don't know why and I can't quite put my finger on it.
16.7 avg
26.6 max
1:21:27
Trek 520
Love riding the 520. I had a 19.1 avg speed with the wind at my back when I hit the river. I am hoping that I can keep my avg speed up to nearly 20+MPH for these short rides when I get my Madone put together. Beautiful day. Maybe its my age, but I seem to see the scenery and the people differently lately. I don't know why and I can't quite put my finger on it.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
17.6 miles - commuite x 2 - 3/29/10 and 4/2/10
17.6 miles
14.4 avg
28.9 max
1:13:18
Trek 520
Low avg speed because I had - not a flat - but a blowout on Louisianna Ave on my way home friday, and I had to walk the bike for about 1.5 miles.
14.4 avg
28.9 max
1:13:18
Trek 520
Low avg speed because I had - not a flat - but a blowout on Louisianna Ave on my way home friday, and I had to walk the bike for about 1.5 miles.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
23.5 miles - Greenway/River pakwy/Minnehaha Prkwy/Lake Hariet/Wooddale - 3/23/10
23.5 miles
27.1 max
17.5 avg
1:20.11
Black Trek
Adjusted cleat during ride...need to readjust b/c the left shoe is pulling my foot in - very painful to my knee and uncomfortable to the ankle. Nice day and a good, albeit short, ride.
27.1 max
17.5 avg
1:20.11
Black Trek
Adjusted cleat during ride...need to readjust b/c the left shoe is pulling my foot in - very painful to my knee and uncomfortable to the ankle. Nice day and a good, albeit short, ride.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
11.1 miles - Commute/Minnetonka Mills - 3/21/10
11.1 miles
17.4 avg
0:38:01
Black Trek
Having some issues with the fit on the black Trek. I think I simply need a shorter stem. I have been waiting for the Salsa CroMoto quill stem to come off of recall. I may just have to go another route....
17.4 avg
0:38:01
Black Trek
Having some issues with the fit on the black Trek. I think I simply need a shorter stem. I have been waiting for the Salsa CroMoto quill stem to come off of recall. I may just have to go another route....
34 miles - commute x 2/Greenway to River - 3/19 - 3/2- - 3/21/10
34 miles total
29.9 miles
17.0 avg
27.7 max
1:45:05
Trek 400 SS = 30 miles
Black Trek = 4 miles
I have some issues with the single speed that I need to address such as narrow handlebars, short 170mm cranks and saddle.
I have been experiencing some left knee pain, which I believe is due to my femur break when I was 13. I am going to try and reposition my cleat slight on the left pedal and see what results I get.
29.9 miles
17.0 avg
27.7 max
1:45:05
Trek 400 SS = 30 miles
Black Trek = 4 miles
I have some issues with the single speed that I need to address such as narrow handlebars, short 170mm cranks and saddle.
I have been experiencing some left knee pain, which I believe is due to my femur break when I was 13. I am going to try and reposition my cleat slight on the left pedal and see what results I get.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Trek 400 single speed
Surly hub laced into the original Rigida rim with 27 x 1 1/4 Conty Ultra Sport tires.
I wanted to keep it looking like a classic-looking road bike, so I stripped all drivetrain, except for the cranks (170mm) and the brakes and replaced the hub and front chainring. I added the Bontrager Select lightweight fenders for spring riding.She's a wee bit dirty right now, but really shines up nice!!!
29 miles - Errands by bike - 52 degrees - 3/15/10
29.0 mjiles
17.0 avg
1:42:26
Trek 400 SS
Breakfast at The Original Pancake House in Watzata. Then shoe shopping for Liam at Ridgedale. Next to WellsFargo in SLP. Then a quick trip down to the Lakes and back.
Great weather!!!
17.0 avg
1:42:26
Trek 400 SS
Breakfast at The Original Pancake House in Watzata. Then shoe shopping for Liam at Ridgedale. Next to WellsFargo in SLP. Then a quick trip down to the Lakes and back.
Great weather!!!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
8 miles - Commute - 40 degrees/rainy - 3/12/10
8 miles
Trek 520 to work
Maiden voyage of the 1983 Trek 400 Single Speed on the way home.
The 400 was nice, but much bumpier than the 520 and the narrow handlebars are difficult to get used to. The ratio I have on the drivetrain is pretty good - details and pics later....
Trek 520 to work
Maiden voyage of the 1983 Trek 400 Single Speed on the way home.
The 400 was nice, but much bumpier than the 520 and the narrow handlebars are difficult to get used to. The ratio I have on the drivetrain is pretty good - details and pics later....
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
17.2 miles - Exelsior/101/Minnetonka Blvd - 45 degrees - 3/5/10
17.2 miles
16.4 avg
26.4 max
1:03:13
Trek 520
First "ride" of the season....very short and very slow. I need to work the winter out of my bones. Plus I haven't really spent much time on the trainer - most of the exercise has been running and strength training.
Needless to say, the 520 is finished and in commuting mode...LOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT YEAR!!!!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
13 miles - Commute/YMCA - 3/2/10
13 miles
Rode to the Y and back to work....a lot of clothes to carry along...changed 4 times in about an hour.
I need to get the new bars, brake levers and tires on the 520. It is going to be my spring bike this year. I may have to get some full fenders for extra protection. The Bontrager Satellites just won't cut it in the large puddles and horrible amounts of leftover sand and salt from the winter...
Rode to the Y and back to work....a lot of clothes to carry along...changed 4 times in about an hour.
I need to get the new bars, brake levers and tires on the 520. It is going to be my spring bike this year. I may have to get some full fenders for extra protection. The Bontrager Satellites just won't cut it in the large puddles and horrible amounts of leftover sand and salt from the winter...
Monday, March 1, 2010
31 miles - Commute x3/Gorshe Auto - 30 degrees - 2/27 - 2/28/10, 3/1/10
31 miles
Gary Fisher Winter Bike
Dropped the car off in Dinkytown today and then rode to work...ice on the roads and trails was not too bad....the "new" bike lanes in MPLS really f&#kin' suck ass!!! That is another blog post....
Gary Fisher Winter Bike
Dropped the car off in Dinkytown today and then rode to work...ice on the roads and trails was not too bad....the "new" bike lanes in MPLS really f&#kin' suck ass!!! That is another blog post....
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Rare gesture on the road!!!
Even though it was snowing I decided to ride the long way home from work this afternoon. I am glad I did because as I pulled up to the stoplight at Baker and Exelsior and a car pulled next to me and rolled their window down. I was expecting the same "F&%K YOU A$$HOLE get off the road." However, the gentlemen said, "I a...ppreciate you on the road." And the lady in passenger seat yelled "it's your right!!!"
I was waiting for the yang of someone trying to run me off the road, but it never happened and it was a great ride home!! Cyclists don't hate cars (necessarily), and we do deserve some respect. I don't know if they heard my thank you, but I hope they did!!!
I was waiting for the yang of someone trying to run me off the road, but it never happened and it was a great ride home!! Cyclists don't hate cars (necessarily), and we do deserve some respect. I don't know if they heard my thank you, but I hope they did!!!
20 miles - Commute x 2 - 25 degrees and snow - 2/6 and 2/7/10
20 miles
GF winter bike
It was great getting out in the "warm" weather!!
GF winter bike
It was great getting out in the "warm" weather!!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
105 miles in January 2010
105 miles for January 2010...very surprized I even hit 100 considering I hurt my back, the temps were crazily frigid and the roads/trails have been covered with un-uniform ice. We'll see what February holds with vacation and weather.
16 miles - Commute x 2 - 7-12 degrees - 1/29-1/30/10
16 miles
GF Winter Bike
Got my Madone 6.5 Pro yesterday....stripped it down today....morer later!!
GF Winter Bike
Got my Madone 6.5 Pro yesterday....stripped it down today....morer later!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
15 miles - commute/Dinkytown - 7 degrees - 1/29/10
15 miles
Gary Fisher winter bike
Had to ride to Gorshe Auto in Dinkytown after work to pick up my wife LeeAnn's Passat. The longest ride under 10 degrees in awhile. I had to stuff a t-shirt down my pants on Cedar Lake trail because my manhod was going numb. The Stone Arch Bridge was a sheet of ice and Cedar Lake Trail was sketchy in spots, but overall it wasn't a bad ride. Oh yeah....I wore my ski hemet and my ski goggles tended to fog up a lot.
Gary Fisher winter bike
Had to ride to Gorshe Auto in Dinkytown after work to pick up my wife LeeAnn's Passat. The longest ride under 10 degrees in awhile. I had to stuff a t-shirt down my pants on Cedar Lake trail because my manhod was going numb. The Stone Arch Bridge was a sheet of ice and Cedar Lake Trail was sketchy in spots, but overall it wasn't a bad ride. Oh yeah....I wore my ski hemet and my ski goggles tended to fog up a lot.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
47 miles - commute x 4 - 1/16 - 1/19/10
47 miles
GF Tassahara winter bike
Within those 47 commuter miles I took a trip to Trader Joe's and ventured onto the Minnetonka Mills trail following the Minnehaha Creek from Minnetonka Blvd to Cedar Lake Rd. The trail is all snow covered with no ice. Lots of footprints so it was bumpy. The weather has been warmer so it has been easier to venture a few extra miles before the toes get too cold. The pics are on the SW Corridoor just west of Wooddle Ave around 6PM on saturday the 16th.
Friday, January 15, 2010
16 miles - Commute x 2 - 1/11 and 1/15/10
16 miles
GF Tassahara winterbike.
The ice has been really bad the past couple of weeks, so I didn't feel dsafe on the roads. Since we are having a warm spell some of that ice is melting away. It was nice to ride a bike that moves again. I finally got a nice pair of JonesXC tires from Josh at work, thus I finally found the right tire for the weather. Less rolling resistance and better traction....yahooo!!!
Maybe I will enjoy the commute again...
GF Tassahara winterbike.
The ice has been really bad the past couple of weeks, so I didn't feel dsafe on the roads. Since we are having a warm spell some of that ice is melting away. It was nice to ride a bike that moves again. I finally got a nice pair of JonesXC tires from Josh at work, thus I finally found the right tire for the weather. Less rolling resistance and better traction....yahooo!!!
Maybe I will enjoy the commute again...
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
8 miles - Commute - 17 degrees/13 degrees - 12/29/09
8 miles
Pugsley Jr. (i.e., GF winterbike)
I renamed it Pugsley Jr. because of the extremely fat tires I am running...pics soon...
Pugsley Jr. (i.e., GF winterbike)
I renamed it Pugsley Jr. because of the extremely fat tires I am running...pics soon...
Monday, December 28, 2009
9 miles - Commute - 19 degrees - 12/26/09
9 miles
GF Tassahara winter bike
Sketchy ride the day after the X-max storm....took the trails witrh a lot of icey stuff just under the light covering of snow.
GF Tassahara winter bike
Sketchy ride the day after the X-max storm....took the trails witrh a lot of icey stuff just under the light covering of snow.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
8 miles - Commute - 23 degrees - 12/23/09
8 miles
GF Tassahara winterbike
Delivered a exercise owners ,maual on the way home...enjoyed the bike trail, but I had to get home. I would have loved to take an extended ride otherwise.
GF Tassahara winterbike
Delivered a exercise owners ,maual on the way home...enjoyed the bike trail, but I had to get home. I would have loved to take an extended ride otherwise.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
16 miles - Commute x 2 - 12/19 - 12/20/09
16 miles
Gary Fisher Tassahara winter bike
The "new" tires really suck. I have come to the conclusion that wider tires are not very good in the snowy conditions. My cyclocross tires performed much better on last years' bike. I am thinking about building up a road bike for the winter and selling the Tasshara - even though it performed well with the Bontrager H2 hybrid tires I had on it previously. They just did not do well in the wintery weather.
Gary Fisher Tassahara winter bike
The "new" tires really suck. I have come to the conclusion that wider tires are not very good in the snowy conditions. My cyclocross tires performed much better on last years' bike. I am thinking about building up a road bike for the winter and selling the Tasshara - even though it performed well with the Bontrager H2 hybrid tires I had on it previously. They just did not do well in the wintery weather.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
8 miles - Commute - +1/-1 degrees - 12/15/09
8 miles
Gary fisher Tassahara winterbike
Chilly, but interesting....put new fatty tires on...felt like riding a Pugsley...performed much better them the hybrid tires I had on earlier!!!
Gary fisher Tassahara winterbike
Chilly, but interesting....put new fatty tires on...felt like riding a Pugsley...performed much better them the hybrid tires I had on earlier!!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
8 miles - Commute - 3 degrees - 11/8/09
8 miles
Gary Fisher winterbike
This called for the ski helmet and goggles. I did better than my bike, which totally slowed down. It was like pulling a fully loaded Burley the last two miles to and fro...
Gary Fisher winterbike
This called for the ski helmet and goggles. I did better than my bike, which totally slowed down. It was like pulling a fully loaded Burley the last two miles to and fro...
Monday, December 7, 2009
20 miles - Commute x 2 - 16/18 degrees - 12/5-12/06/09
20 miles
Gary Fisher winterbike
Yes...its here....the eyeball aching cold and cracked hands of a winter commuting season.
Gary Fisher winterbike
Yes...its here....the eyeball aching cold and cracked hands of a winter commuting season.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
11.67 miles - Burley pulling - last 7 days
11.67 miles
10.1 avg
23.9 max
227.9 cal
1:09:15
Trek 790 w/ Burley
10.1 avg
23.9 max
227.9 cal
1:09:15
Trek 790 w/ Burley
Monday, November 30, 2009
13 miles - commute - 35 degrees - 11/29/09
13 miles
Trek 520
Was going to do Williston Rd hills before work but a still link due to a dented link cut that short. Some guy who used to own a local bike shop named "Service Bikes"(?) stopped to help. He said he never saw a chain with a defect like mine. I decided to ride the flats on the way to work instead. So I went back through Hopkins and took Minnetonka Blvd to Plymouth Rd and then hit Cedar Lake Rd and then work. I replaced the chain with a SRAM 830 chain with a quick-link. It shifted perfect on the way home - and was quiet. A crappier morning got crappier with my bike issue.
Trek 520
Was going to do Williston Rd hills before work but a still link due to a dented link cut that short. Some guy who used to own a local bike shop named "Service Bikes"(?) stopped to help. He said he never saw a chain with a defect like mine. I decided to ride the flats on the way to work instead. So I went back through Hopkins and took Minnetonka Blvd to Plymouth Rd and then hit Cedar Lake Rd and then work. I replaced the chain with a SRAM 830 chain with a quick-link. It shifted perfect on the way home - and was quiet. A crappier morning got crappier with my bike issue.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
23.5 miles - Commute x 2/Williston Extension - 11/28 - 30-47 degrees - 11/29/09
23.5 miles
1:21:08
34.9 max
17.3 avg
Vintage Trek (black)
It is MUCH more fun to ride Willston north to south than south to north. I need some tights - both long and short. The material is transparent where my manhood sits and the thighs are worn into various holes on my long tights. The shit is so expensive though.
On my ride home tonight I had 2 or 3 mother&*%kers honk their horns at me. What a bunch of jackasses! I truly despize motorists these days. Chill out and share the road....
1:21:08
34.9 max
17.3 avg
Vintage Trek (black)
It is MUCH more fun to ride Willston north to south than south to north. I need some tights - both long and short. The material is transparent where my manhood sits and the thighs are worn into various holes on my long tights. The shit is so expensive though.
On my ride home tonight I had 2 or 3 mother&*%kers honk their horns at me. What a bunch of jackasses! I truly despize motorists these days. Chill out and share the road....
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
8 miles - Commute - 11/26/09
8 miles
Tassahara Winterbike
It felt fuckin' great to be on a bike....any bike, even for just a short short ride to work. I rode the winterbike today because it was dripping rain and windy when I left. Also, I had to stop and get some brew and hoiday wine on the way home and needed the panniers.
About a half-hour after I git home I realized I had somehow gained a flat on my winterbike...interested in what caused it. The tires only have 50 or so mile on them....
Happy T-Day!! I hope to get in a ride tomorrow before the turkey....
Tassahara Winterbike
It felt fuckin' great to be on a bike....any bike, even for just a short short ride to work. I rode the winterbike today because it was dripping rain and windy when I left. Also, I had to stop and get some brew and hoiday wine on the way home and needed the panniers.
About a half-hour after I git home I realized I had somehow gained a flat on my winterbike...interested in what caused it. The tires only have 50 or so mile on them....
Happy T-Day!! I hope to get in a ride tomorrow before the turkey....
Friday, November 20, 2009
15 miles - Commute/Williston Extension - 11/20/09
15 miles
Trek 520
This great November weather is really nice. Around 50 degrees today with the sun shining. The 520 needed a bit of a lube and rear derailleur adjustment. If I wouldn't have worked, I could've gotten a nice ride in. Comsidering that next week will be cold and rainy, I should've gone all-out today!! Oh well...
Trek 520
This great November weather is really nice. Around 50 degrees today with the sun shining. The 520 needed a bit of a lube and rear derailleur adjustment. If I wouldn't have worked, I could've gotten a nice ride in. Comsidering that next week will be cold and rainy, I should've gone all-out today!! Oh well...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
18.0 miles - Birchwood Cafe via Greenway - 11/19/09
18.0 miles
1:01:03
25.4 max
17.7 avg
Vintage Trek
Had lunch with my wife at Birchwood cafe on 25 st. in S. Minneapolis. If you haven't been, you must go! I had a delicious black bean burger that kept my tummy occupied until late in the evening.
www.birchwoodcafe.com
1:01:03
25.4 max
17.7 avg
Vintage Trek
Had lunch with my wife at Birchwood cafe on 25 st. in S. Minneapolis. If you haven't been, you must go! I had a delicious black bean burger that kept my tummy occupied until late in the evening.
www.birchwoodcafe.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
26.7 miles - Commute - Greenway/Miss. River/Back - 11/17/09
26.7 miles
1:30:40
26.1 max
17.6 avg
Vintage Trek
Had a nice, but chilly ride down to the river and back this morning. Decent ride to and from work...nothing exciting, however, it was quite nice to get out this morning and get a few unfettered miles in.
I am not a fan of the Pearl Izumi AmFib toe covers. They do NOT stay in place and want to slide front, thus covering up the cleat with the rubber sole. I am trying to find a solution, but to no avail.
1:30:40
26.1 max
17.6 avg
Vintage Trek
Had a nice, but chilly ride down to the river and back this morning. Decent ride to and from work...nothing exciting, however, it was quite nice to get out this morning and get a few unfettered miles in.
I am not a fan of the Pearl Izumi AmFib toe covers. They do NOT stay in place and want to slide front, thus covering up the cleat with the rubber sole. I am trying to find a solution, but to no avail.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
16 miles - Commute/Baker Rd Extension/Menards - 11/1509
16 miles
Trek 520
Its gettin' chilly out there. I got a closer look at the tracks I wiped out on last week. I was right. They are at the same level as the road surface and the angle and speed I was taking them was ripe for the rear wheel to slide out from under me. I look at them differently now!!!
Trek 520
Its gettin' chilly out there. I got a closer look at the tracks I wiped out on last week. I was right. They are at the same level as the road surface and the angle and speed I was taking them was ripe for the rear wheel to slide out from under me. I look at them differently now!!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
28.15 miles - errands/Burley pulling - 11/09
28.15 miles
11.9 avg
25.8 max
638.0 cal
Trek 790 hybrid w/ Burley
The little guy is getting used to it....
11.9 avg
25.8 max
638.0 cal
Trek 790 hybrid w/ Burley
The little guy is getting used to it....
Sunday, November 8, 2009
15 miles - Commute/Williston Extension - 11/9/09
15 miles
Trek 520
Crashed!!!! Otherwise a nice ride, but painful, before work.
Trek 520
Crashed!!!! Otherwise a nice ride, but painful, before work.
Road rash!
I got bitten by the railroad tracks at the Exelsior Blvd and The Depot Coffeehouse intersection in Hopkins this morning on my way to work.I didn't get caught in the rut, but I slid on the smooth steel rail.
The bike was nearly OK. Fortunately, it only scratched what I was planning on replacing anyway. NOT ONE SCRATCH ON THE FRAME!!!
I was on my 1993 Trek 520 touring bike.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
12 miles - Commute/Trader Joe's - 11/7/09
12 miles
Trek 520
Coffee run before work to Trader Joe's....60 degrees today!!
Trek 520
Coffee run before work to Trader Joe's....60 degrees today!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
16 miles - SW Corridor/Exelsior Blvd/HW101/Minnetonka Blvd/Louisianna - 10/30/09
16 miles
1993 Trek 520
Great quick ride....very windy going west...love the fall riding!!
1993 Trek 520
Great quick ride....very windy going west...love the fall riding!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Fu@%ing ticket for blowing through a stop sign on the SW Corridor Trail
Three Rivers Park District cops are now sitting in an SUV by the intersection at Wooddale and SW Corridor Trail and chasing violators of blowing through the trail stop sign.
How this came about:
Some dude and his buddy were riding their bikes drunk late at night a few weeks ago. They were going home to St. Paul from drinking in Hopkins and blew through the stop sign in the dark and one of the guys ran into the side of a lady's car and died.
Now because this ignorant biker got killed through stupidity, we all have to pay for his ignorance and of course the ignorance of the St. Louis Park PD because they probably pushed Three Rivers into ticketing, and for Three Rivers because they are assanine enough to follow through.
Why am I upset. Not because I recieved a ticket, but because I am a commuter who was riding in misty rain running an errand to Uptown, dressed properly with safety gear, a blinky light in the front and a blinky light in the rear fully fulfilling my personal standards of safety.
In this process I was keeping a car off the busy streets at a busy time of the day. There were no cars coming in either direction in my line of full sight in both directions when i blew through the stop sign.
This is a problem, because of:
1. MOMENTUM - There is a reason bikes don't fully stop at stop signs. Momentum is the key. Lazy auto drivers can simply push their foot down slightly on an accelerator and off they go. We have to utulize our full energy potential to speedily get ourselves and our bikes back up to cruising speed. Every time I stop I have to utilize vital energy to get myself going again. It is time consuming and frustrating.
2. FREEDOM - I ride my bike to feel the freedom of the road at full potential. I ride so that I do not have to deal with bullshit speeding tickets, road rage, stoplight/signs, etc... Biking is a very free way to get around, in more ways than one. After the ticket, I felt Big Brother breathing down my neck - I was looking around at every intersection, looking behind me incessantly, and I felt the rage I have experienced many many times at the wheel of a car.
Ticketing bikes interferes with the good kharma of riding a bike. If I have to worry about tickets
and rage, I might as well park my lazy stupid ignorant American ass behind the wheel of my Saturn wagon permenantly!
How this came about:
Some dude and his buddy were riding their bikes drunk late at night a few weeks ago. They were going home to St. Paul from drinking in Hopkins and blew through the stop sign in the dark and one of the guys ran into the side of a lady's car and died.
Now because this ignorant biker got killed through stupidity, we all have to pay for his ignorance and of course the ignorance of the St. Louis Park PD because they probably pushed Three Rivers into ticketing, and for Three Rivers because they are assanine enough to follow through.
Why am I upset. Not because I recieved a ticket, but because I am a commuter who was riding in misty rain running an errand to Uptown, dressed properly with safety gear, a blinky light in the front and a blinky light in the rear fully fulfilling my personal standards of safety.
In this process I was keeping a car off the busy streets at a busy time of the day. There were no cars coming in either direction in my line of full sight in both directions when i blew through the stop sign.
This is a problem, because of:
1. MOMENTUM - There is a reason bikes don't fully stop at stop signs. Momentum is the key. Lazy auto drivers can simply push their foot down slightly on an accelerator and off they go. We have to utulize our full energy potential to speedily get ourselves and our bikes back up to cruising speed. Every time I stop I have to utilize vital energy to get myself going again. It is time consuming and frustrating.
2. FREEDOM - I ride my bike to feel the freedom of the road at full potential. I ride so that I do not have to deal with bullshit speeding tickets, road rage, stoplight/signs, etc... Biking is a very free way to get around, in more ways than one. After the ticket, I felt Big Brother breathing down my neck - I was looking around at every intersection, looking behind me incessantly, and I felt the rage I have experienced many many times at the wheel of a car.
Ticketing bikes interferes with the good kharma of riding a bike. If I have to worry about tickets
and rage, I might as well park my lazy stupid ignorant American ass behind the wheel of my Saturn wagon permenantly!
12 miles - Fu%#ing stop sign ticket!!!! Errand/Rainbow Foods Uptown - 10/28/09
12 miles
Gary Fisher winterbike
Gary Fisher winterbike
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8 miles - Commute - 10/22/09
8 miles
1997 Trek 520
First ride on the "new" 520. I like the ride and the STI shifters - I wish my 1993 520 had them, but this one is unfortunately on the chopping block. I don't need two nearly identical bikes.
1997 Trek 520
First ride on the "new" 520. I like the ride and the STI shifters - I wish my 1993 520 had them, but this one is unfortunately on the chopping block. I don't need two nearly identical bikes.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
35.7 miles - Ridgedale Mall/Taste of India/Dunn Bros in Loring Park/U of MN/Greenway/Trader Joe's - 10/19/09
35.7 miles
17.1 avg
30.6 max
2:05:06
Vintage Trek road bike
I took the old Trek out of winter storage and installed the pedals from the Burley puller to go for this ride today. The Poprad needs a new chain and cassette, so I didn't ride it. It was a good ride in spite of the older bike. It may be geometry that slows me down in the old Trek vs. the Poprad. It could've been the windy conditions, knee pain and tiredness also....good ride though.
PS: Although I thoroughly enjoyed the Indian buffet, I don't recommend it before a 2 hour ride.
17.1 avg
30.6 max
2:05:06
Vintage Trek road bike
I took the old Trek out of winter storage and installed the pedals from the Burley puller to go for this ride today. The Poprad needs a new chain and cassette, so I didn't ride it. It was a good ride in spite of the older bike. It may be geometry that slows me down in the old Trek vs. the Poprad. It could've been the windy conditions, knee pain and tiredness also....good ride though.
PS: Although I thoroughly enjoyed the Indian buffet, I don't recommend it before a 2 hour ride.
Monday, October 19, 2009
23.2 miles - Commute/HW101/Minnetonka Blvd Extension - 45/60 degrees - 10/18/09
23.2 miles
1:19:33
27.9 max
17.5 avg
Poprad
Sluggish and winnndy - knees hurt, especially the left one. But overall a pleasant ride. I have close to 3000 miles on thee Poprad and finally the gears are starting to get skippy. I am going to swap the sweet 10 speed ones on the old Trek. I may just swap wheelsets. Then the Popard would have Race Lite's instead of Race.
1:19:33
27.9 max
17.5 avg
Poprad
Sluggish and winnndy - knees hurt, especially the left one. But overall a pleasant ride. I have close to 3000 miles on thee Poprad and finally the gears are starting to get skippy. I am going to swap the sweet 10 speed ones on the old Trek. I may just swap wheelsets. Then the Popard would have Race Lite's instead of Race.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
24 miles - Commute/DowntownMPLS/UofMN/Greenway/Trader Joe's - 47 degrees - 10/17/09
24 miles
1993 Trek 520
Felt good to get something in over 20 miles and get on the bike for an hour or so...its been very bad weather lately and the kids have been need. At least I rounded 2700 miles so far this year. Underr 300 more to hit my yearly goal. Last year I nearly hit 3400, but I didn't have a baby either. Still lovin' the 520. I decied I am going to invest in a Salsa Cromoto stem that is a bit shorter. Down the road the 520 is going to have to get a bar with less reach to the drops. I can really only ride this one on tthe hoods or top. If I raise the stem I will be too high on top, but with reachable drops. One step at a time.
1993 Trek 520
Felt good to get something in over 20 miles and get on the bike for an hour or so...its been very bad weather lately and the kids have been need. At least I rounded 2700 miles so far this year. Underr 300 more to hit my yearly goal. Last year I nearly hit 3400, but I didn't have a baby either. Still lovin' the 520. I decied I am going to invest in a Salsa Cromoto stem that is a bit shorter. Down the road the 520 is going to have to get a bar with less reach to the drops. I can really only ride this one on tthe hoods or top. If I raise the stem I will be too high on top, but with reachable drops. One step at a time.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
13 miles - Commute/Errand - 10/13/09
5 miles
Gary Fisher Winterbike
Took a wintery ride to Trader Joe's....
8 miles
Trek 520
Commute to work.
Gary Fisher Winterbike
Took a wintery ride to Trader Joe's....
8 miles
Trek 520
Commute to work.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Miles to the new twins Stadium
6.5 miles exactly from my doorstep to the Twins Stadium doorstep taking only paved bike trails.
27.7 miles - Greenway/Kenwood Tr/Downtown/UofMN/Ford Bridge/W River Pkway/Greenway - 45 degrees/sunny/variable winds - 10/07/09
27.7 miles
27.1 max
18.4 avg
1:30:07
Poprad
It was nice to get back on the Poprad for a decent, albeit quick, ride....felt good, but every late fall ride keeps you thinking it may be the last decent ride until spring....
Toes were chilly and had my usual layers and was prretty comfy and snug...
27.1 max
18.4 avg
1:30:07
Poprad
It was nice to get back on the Poprad for a decent, albeit quick, ride....felt good, but every late fall ride keeps you thinking it may be the last decent ride until spring....
Toes were chilly and had my usual layers and was prretty comfy and snug...
8 mmiles - Commute - 40 degrees/rainy - 10/06/09
8 miles
Gary Fisher Winterbike
Chilly and rainy, but fun...
Gary Fisher Winterbike
Chilly and rainy, but fun...
Monday, October 5, 2009
8 miles - Commute - 45 degrees/rain - 5/10/09
8 Miles
Gary Fisher Winterbike
Cyclops Niterider light worked fantastic. It was a rainy ride in both directions...so far so good on the winterbike...
Gary Fisher Winterbike
Cyclops Niterider light worked fantastic. It was a rainy ride in both directions...so far so good on the winterbike...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
19 miles - Commute/Ridgedale YMCA/Groceries - 10/4/09
19 miles
Gary Fisher Tassahara Winterbike
Changed the rear cog over to an 18t last night and viola, we have a bike that can climb hills - with some effort - and can descend at a reasonable speed. Most of all I can actually get a workout....weee!
Gary Fisher Tassahara Winterbike
Changed the rear cog over to an 18t last night and viola, we have a bike that can climb hills - with some effort - and can descend at a reasonable speed. Most of all I can actually get a workout....weee!
12 miles - Commute/Baker Rd Extension - 10/03/09
12 miles
Fisher Tassahara Winter Bike
First ride on the winterbike....
This bike was a combination of new parts, parts laying around, garage sale finds and Craigslist finds. It turned out great in my opinion. The single speed is set at 50/20 for this ride. I am trying out 50/18 for the next ride. The 50/20 really spun out and I had a hard time descending hills without much top end. The bike originally cost $50 at a yard sale. I installed new chain tensioner, tires, tubes, and it needed a bottom bracket. I also went the extra mile and stuck a new seat and seat post on the bike.
The great finds were the yard sale fenders (brand new) for $3 and the Craigslist lighting system, which is a NiteRider Cyclops for $20....
...very excited for a fun winter bike that rides well, is a single speed and has a low center of gravity...I reinstalled the rack today with better hardware, changed the rear cog to a 18t, installed the new seat post and dropped the handlebars about 1.5"...
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