tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post3133190770686858608..comments2024-03-29T04:01:31.445-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Once in a Blue MoonVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39998156227324427692013-11-27T14:59:00.084-05:002013-11-27T14:59:00.084-05:00Catching up on your blog and glad to see you'r...Catching up on your blog and glad to see you're liking rando rides. To paraphrase yogi berra: Half of finishing a brevet is 90% mental.<br /><br />As a "rouge lantern" I often ride alone and find that I don't have the sometimes strss of keeping up is a relief, but I do miss the company.Slo Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13727494438183513283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-65000715272172931542013-04-20T19:54:20.495-04:002013-04-20T19:54:20.495-04:00There's not a short answer to this one.
I hav...There's not a short answer to this one.<br /><br />I have a Berthoud touring saddle on my paved roadbike and a Selle Anatomica (with cutout) on my dirt roadbike. The Selle Anatomica fits the shape of my derriere better, but has too much give on pavement, almost like a bouncing sensation. The Berthoud is much stiffer, but on longer rides I feel like something might not be quite right with the way it is shaped in the back (however, the women's version is too wide for me, so it's not that). My ideal saddle would be a sort of marriage of the two. But for now, I ride the SA on dirt (becasue the give is actually helpful there), and the Berthoud on pavement. I am looking forward to trying the Rivet soon, which could be just the thing.<br /><br />I have also tried a number of synthetic saddles (Terry, Fizik, Selle Italia) with limited success. The ones with gel I absolutely cannot stand. But the hard ones are often too narrow. I'll continue to experiment.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58888340984549148862013-04-20T19:29:01.074-04:002013-04-20T19:29:01.074-04:00This is a question that goes with a post you wrote...This is a question that goes with a post you wrote a while ago on saddle comfort for women. I remember you mentioning that finding the perfect saddle has always been an issue for you -- now that you are doing all these really long rides, does that mean you've found the right saddle that you feel comfortable on no matter how long you ride?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60013213645802621922013-04-18T10:50:43.353-04:002013-04-18T10:50:43.353-04:00Thank you J, that is very kind of you.Thank you J, that is very kind of you.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75939283119412155852013-04-16T12:11:33.691-04:002013-04-16T12:11:33.691-04:00One thing that can help find some extra time on ri...One thing that can help find some extra time on ride day is studying for route. For me, that means following the cue sheet the week before and digitizing that into a GPS route. Because I do carry a small mapping GPS (that runs on AA batteries), I never veer off course. While some people assume that must mean I'm staring at a GPS all day, it's rather the opposite. I just glance at it once in a while and can instantly confirm that I'm still on route. I can't count how many times in a group ride people stopped to discuss where a turn was, where I was able to instantly clear up where the route was leading us. More time enjoying the ride and less time trying to find our bearings.<br /><br />Even if a GPS isn't your thing, spending some time looking at the route definitely helps. Using a route building site like RideWithGPS gets me very familiar with the route.GeekGuyAndyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16295251258659270861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56356432564112003532013-04-15T21:02:08.564-04:002013-04-15T21:02:08.564-04:00Boys on the Hoods...I think "car hoods" ...Boys on the Hoods...I think "car hoods" before "brake hoods." Here's another video. Warning: Mucho Carbono (but plenty of dirt, too)<br /><br />http://vimeo.com/63212413<br /><br />Getting out of NYC was never so bad, and now it's even easier. Up the bike path to the George Washington Bridge and badabing you're on River Road, cut into the Palisades as a WPA project, often with no cars. Takes you up to 9W a few miles north, to Piermont, Nyack, Bear Mt. and beyond.Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01285886035638697215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11089757738110048932013-04-15T16:09:07.653-04:002013-04-15T16:09:07.653-04:00You and your husband are welcome to come down any ...You and your husband are welcome to come down any time!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75187362336941038512013-04-15T15:30:31.189-04:002013-04-15T15:30:31.189-04:00'Family' rides. Slow, but killer.
Interv...'Family' rides. Slow, but killer.<br /><br />Intervals, sprints, off road, unrideable rocky coastline - you know normal.GR Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145811568384053426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-83517867629675241402013-04-15T14:34:38.829-04:002013-04-15T14:34:38.829-04:00Thanks I will check it out!Thanks I will check it out!Dannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56833095298660598232013-04-15T13:36:43.232-04:002013-04-15T13:36:43.232-04:00I love the "secret" Mill Street! For the...I love the "secret" Mill Street! For the longest time, I was not able to find it on my own; as if it would only appear magically when a cyclist in the know would take me there.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28966732263639271542013-04-15T13:34:00.194-04:002013-04-15T13:34:00.194-04:00I rode that road/trail yesterday and wasn't su...I rode that road/trail yesterday and wasn't sure if it was in Waltham or Lincoln. What is funny is how we all use the same roads since, as you say elsewhere in the comments, you have to know the less traveled roads to avoid traffic. And since there aren't all that many we end up using the same secret passages. Later in yesterday's ride, the RSC Sunday ride started to overtake me on the 2A bypass (Mill St), which is hardly a secret anymore if a substantial group ride uses it regularly. I had to power up to get to the cafe before the crowd overwhelmed the barrista. I was successful.<br />New England Bicyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609454624593868118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21742398264231315192013-04-15T12:52:41.438-04:002013-04-15T12:52:41.438-04:00Heh. In the Greater Boston area you really have to...Heh. In the Greater Boston area you really have to know where to find these nice traffic-free routes; it isn't obvious. <br /><br />I am not jealous of NYC. Getting out of town takes forever, no matter how nice the riding beyond is. <br /><br />But <a href="http://ridingthecatskills.com" rel="nofollow">this</a> I really wouldn't mind! Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75509241881244973532013-04-15T12:36:58.002-04:002013-04-15T12:36:58.002-04:00The locals are raving about them as well. I might ...The locals are raving about them as well. I might give them a try once I wear a current set out. I have the 700Cx26mm Cerfs on the Seven and the 650Bx42mm Hetres on the Rawland.<br /><br />Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-85138425918999647202013-04-15T12:31:15.633-04:002013-04-15T12:31:15.633-04:00That's great. Club rides or solo?
I'd like...That's great. Club rides or solo?<br />I'd like to try 2 days in a row soon.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54129347003296320862013-04-15T11:17:13.163-04:002013-04-15T11:17:13.163-04:00Sorry for multiple posts.
Meant to add I have b...Sorry for multiple posts. <br /><br />Meant to add I have been usind the Grand Bois Extra Leger 30s this year. The tires are amazingly smooth and roll so easy I have to force myself to end my rides.<br /><br />In the previous thread you said you are using 23a. Suggest you give the narrow Grand Bois Extra Legers a try. I suspect you will be pleased.Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3188347943106611022013-04-15T11:14:23.303-04:002013-04-15T11:14:23.303-04:00I continue to be jealous of the lovely country and...I continue to be jealous of the lovely country and relatively open roads so near to your homes in the Boston area.<br /><br />Since the weather has (sort of) turned to spring like here in Chicago I've done two 60 mile rides, two 75 and one 50. The latter was along Chicago's lovely but all two crowded Lake Front path from north to south and back then over to a local streets. The first four were along roughly the same streets, roads and paths going north of Chicago.<br /><br />There are several nice (if also increasingly crowded) limestone paths west of Chicago, but realistically Chicago residents have to either drive or take the train to these. Most Chicago suburban streets are either cul de sacs or multi-lane highways cutting through seemingly endless lines of strip malls.<br /><br />Adding insult to injury, a thread in the V-Salon recently linked to a series of maps for some wonderful riding just outside New York City. Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-59679899514296606362013-04-15T11:06:21.577-04:002013-04-15T11:06:21.577-04:00Indeed.
During my mad antique parts collection da...Indeed.<br /><br />During my mad antique parts collection days, a British source I bought a number of parts from would send me a copy of a nice cycling magazine that was circulated in England between the wars.<br /><br />Along with maintenance tips and advice on dealing with cars, lorries, pedestrians, etc. there were always well written ride reports.Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11478811426947116372013-04-14T22:16:27.553-04:002013-04-14T22:16:27.553-04:00I know, what a waste.I know, what a waste.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2737710599596901442013-04-14T22:09:34.288-04:002013-04-14T22:09:34.288-04:00You mean the picture in the end? That is Old Conan...You mean the picture in the end? That is Old Conant Rd in Waltham. The brick ends and there is a short stretch of narrow trail that connects one section of the street to another. The first picture is Noon Hill Reservation.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-29381888406769290282013-04-14T22:08:21.058-04:002013-04-14T22:08:21.058-04:00I may not write about every 60 miles ride I do, bu...I may not write about every 60 miles ride I do, but it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy each and every one, nor do I discount any as not worthy. It's really that if I wrote about them ALL, I wouldn't have the time to ride them! While it may get easier to do them, I have no fear that the rides will become mundane and routine for you. You will always see what others don't see and I know that YOU will continue to savor the journey, far more than the destination. Your goal is to get faster so you can stop and take more pictures, not to get faster, so you can post a record time. I am not worried that you will lose the romance of cycling!Fixie Pixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12932022188247682078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32947788251910899672013-04-14T22:04:42.259-04:002013-04-14T22:04:42.259-04:00What I'd like to know is where is that fire ro...What I'd like to know is where is that fire road?Dannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39460476180222271022013-04-14T22:00:28.819-04:002013-04-14T22:00:28.819-04:007 hrs. today, 7 yesterday, per usual. Chugging a ...7 hrs. today, 7 yesterday, per usual. Chugging a beer. I need a blog.<br /><br />GR Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145811568384053426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21405268817031466192013-04-14T21:49:31.378-04:002013-04-14T21:49:31.378-04:00too bad this ride won't count toward your P-12...too bad this ride won't count toward your P-12, you did it all for nothing!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-46314055656658776172013-04-14T20:59:33.562-04:002013-04-14T20:59:33.562-04:00I was the first 5:55 anon.
You wrote: "Well,...I was the first 5:55 anon.<br /><br />You wrote: "Well, this is a blog about bicycles. Therefore, I take pictures of bicycles, review bicycles, write about bicycles. I don't document my personal life or daily experience."<br /><br />I'm not sure I entirely agree with you here. It's a blog about bicycles, including how bicycles have affected your life and daily experiences. I enjoy the many sides of the blog, the technical and consumer-oriented, as well as the more personal bits about how your love of bikes has affected your life. Please don't feel defensive about this or extricate your personality from the blog; it would make for less interesting reading.<br /><br />Cheers from Asheville, NC.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91936999523588283082013-04-14T20:57:43.713-04:002013-04-14T20:57:43.713-04:00Ten to twelve miles per hour is just how fast bike...Ten to twelve miles per hour is just how fast bikes go when the parameters are an all day solo ride, carrying a small load, navigating unfamiliar terrain, eating like a civilized person and finding ones own food and water. Many who are plenty strong and fit enough to race find this to be the case. Averaging 15mph is just trivial in terms of power output and athletic performance but turning the performance numbers into practical results is not so easy.<br /><br />One easy way to go faster is just to be monomaniacal about speed. I'm pretty much only willing to play that game if I have a destination and no lights and dark is coming.<br /><br />The other way to go fast is to stay with the group. Just stay with the group. Think in the group. If nothing else you won't have to pay much attention to navigation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com