tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post8120635477969797003..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: It's Not About the WeatherVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55753067206289933202012-10-29T17:37:45.881-04:002012-10-29T17:37:45.881-04:00Here in Seattle we define perfect riding weather i...Here in Seattle we define perfect riding weather is "not snowing." If we had hurricanes we might have to revise that definition slightly.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10859503054820126497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-90978486514346795462012-10-29T12:15:10.602-04:002012-10-29T12:15:10.602-04:00Learning to prepare and being prepared is "pu...Learning to prepare and being prepared is "pushing through", but in a responsive, long-term way. Getting the right equipment and clothing is just preparation. But when you are 60 miles from home and the weather breaks unexpectedly, or when the store you were counting on for food is closed and the next one is 20 miles up the road, well, I just have to "push through" and realize that this inconvenience should be considered adventure. I consider that this is one of the stories I'll tell, and then instead of fighting all the discomforts and inconveniences, I realize that in the telling, the story will make these even more so. Then I concentrate on collecting them all, for the story, for preparation measures, and for character training for the next time.Phil Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06588332937109449568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68524138485732365232012-10-29T11:06:57.761-04:002012-10-29T11:06:57.761-04:00Best very hot weather riding tops: Hawaiian shirts...Best very hot weather riding tops: Hawaiian shirts made from rayon. Wunnerful. Wool below 70*F.<br /><br />Hot weather water tactics: Yes, drink early and often. I once drank, literally, a gallon for a 15 mile home-bound commute including a 28 oz bottle before leaving and more than a bottle (including beer) upon arriving after draining my two full, 28 oz bottles before the ride was over. Close to 100 degrees with 4% humidity and the usual hard headwind out of the west with fixed gear.Bertin753https://www.blogger.com/profile/02860648732848589740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5194086452416391892012-10-29T06:21:07.152-04:002012-10-29T06:21:07.152-04:00"The secret is to find a way of being comfort..."The secret is to find a way of being comfortable, to just go with it and appreciate the situation for what it is, rather than spending energy on trying to overcome it."<br /><br />That's the core of my rain philosophy (it rains most days here): It is a folly to try to stay dry--dive right in.<br /><br />Just Pedal™Robert Linthicumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04309652843831858990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-66583811238886504112012-10-29T02:40:23.576-04:002012-10-29T02:40:23.576-04:00Congrats on the new bikes. I have finally joined V...Congrats on the new bikes. I have finally joined VS so will check it out.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28044686843938988042012-10-29T02:38:42.561-04:002012-10-29T02:38:42.561-04:00Well put, the light is indeed easy on the eyes.Well put, the light is indeed easy on the eyes.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53523060630087950312012-10-28T21:53:07.266-04:002012-10-28T21:53:07.266-04:00Not done the whole state, but have had some great ...Not done the whole state, but have had some great rides in Northeast Iowa. Driftless area presents some real unique vistas. Hope to take the new bike there again soon.<br /><br />Last time I went, got rained on 2 days straight. Still willing to do more.Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89048057188586246992012-10-28T21:46:32.789-04:002012-10-28T21:46:32.789-04:00New travel bike from Clockwork Bikes. Raws fillet...New travel bike from Clockwork Bikes. Raws filleted stainless. So I can roll it on Amtrak and the local train service without destroying paint. Builder has some great shots on his Flickr and this week's VSalon FNL.Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9470765720864326132012-10-28T21:17:28.162-04:002012-10-28T21:17:28.162-04:00High 40s to low 50s without rain seems like a nice...High 40s to low 50s without rain seems like a nice range as long as you dress for it. I'm happy with anything above 45 and can tolerate upper 80s into the 90s as long as I am not riding in direct sun. I have enjoyed riding in southern New Mexico in August (hydrating as described above is key) but prefer cooler temps. But very cool cycling works for me only with proper clothes. Being cold really drains my energy.New England Bicyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609454624593868118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47848522329040174442012-10-28T18:02:08.308-04:002012-10-28T18:02:08.308-04:00Given the weather, maybe now is the time to dust o...Given the weather, maybe now is the time to dust off the plans for Lovely Boat.Thomas Puleohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02480832735579963301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78548028736814767572012-10-28T15:06:01.146-04:002012-10-28T15:06:01.146-04:00FYI, 20 hours later and looking at the nhc.noaa.go...FYI, 20 hours later and looking at the nhc.noaa.gov maps, we're unlikely to get worse than very blustery winds (tropical storm force, not hurricane) and rain, except for the coast itself. Still might want a pruning saw afterwards.<br /><br />http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at3+shtml/085338.shtml?5-daynl<br /><br />It's much worse south of us; NYC looks like they have a 50-50 chance of a surge that would cause some nasty flooding, plus who knows how heavy rains will pile up inland.dr2chasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16320828055999939449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49446826322268910072012-10-28T14:19:22.729-04:002012-10-28T14:19:22.729-04:00Anything with a tailwind is great! In my opinion, ...Anything with a tailwind is great! In my opinion, Iowa is too subtle to be enjoyable if you are going much faster than 30. (Ram 15,000 bikers on it for Ragbrai, and it's exhilarating) It's lovely country if you give it a chance. <br />The "pushing" that I was referring to is like biking 50 miles for the first time. You'll probably be worn out when finished and ready to be done with the bike, but afterwards, the 30 mile ride comes easier. Same with weather. If I can do a ride comfortably when the temp is in the 40s, maybe 30s are possible. The world for a rider becomes ever larger as your growing experience and changing perspective tell you that what once was unpleasant or even impossible before becomes comfortable or even wonderful.<br /><br />I hope Sandy isn't too harsh on all of you! It may be a good few days to spend on the trainer:)Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18289009784609315495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44537325908014559012012-10-28T13:52:47.367-04:002012-10-28T13:52:47.367-04:00You're right, to be curious and interested is ...You're right, to be curious and interested is the key attitude. Otherwise one is dominated by some preconceived thought which usually kills the experience and creates frustration. I also agree with being prepared with regard to clothing. Those who think they can cycle in their everyday clothing often have a difficult transition from cars to bicycles. Appropriate outdoor/active clothing makes a tremendous difference. Sorta tongue in check, I don't particularly like any weather until I'm a mile or two into my ride/commute when my heart starts beating and my body has adjusted to the conditions....Then it's bliss. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4638397648560293282012-10-28T13:37:27.551-04:002012-10-28T13:37:27.551-04:00I prefer cool, overcast weather at a seashore. I ...I prefer cool, overcast weather at a seashore. I like the brisk feel of the air in such conditions, and I like the light, which is easy on the eyes as well as the body.Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34826578482608387272012-10-28T09:27:38.580-04:002012-10-28T09:27:38.580-04:00Yes, I buy it online; never seen it in a store. Ne...Yes, I buy it online; never seen it in a store. New bike?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33493741786879198612012-10-28T09:25:34.620-04:002012-10-28T09:25:34.620-04:00As it happens, I haven't tried Obaji.
From t...As it happens, I haven't tried Obaji.<br /><br />From the packaging and reviews, it appears it may mostly be sold in stores or parts of store single guys are reluctant to enter. Available on line though, so what the heck.<br /><br />40's and overcast today in Chicago. Will be going to waste as I have to head up to Milwaukee to pick up my new bike.Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63740208713954858072012-10-28T09:15:55.458-04:002012-10-28T09:15:55.458-04:00Oh yes, rub it in why don't you!Oh yes, rub it in why don't you!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91576397647168072612012-10-28T09:15:21.406-04:002012-10-28T09:15:21.406-04:00"Name a brand."
Obagi NuDerm physical U...<i>"Name a brand."</i><br /><br />Obagi NuDerm physical UV block. A reader who is a dermatologist recommended it 2 summers ago and it's what I've used since. Seems expensive but lasts a long, long time. And it works.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75377169744346320592012-10-28T09:07:36.390-04:002012-10-28T09:07:36.390-04:00PS: That said, I have nothing against Berthoud; th...PS: That said, I have nothing against Berthoud; they are well made and come in a variety of sizes. For myself I would not buy one, because for the price I'd prefer a lighter bag (not so much leather & metal buckles) with customisable options from a company like Swift Industries, Dill Pickle, or Ruth Works. <br /><br />I also really, really liked the Ostrich bag I had on my former Rivendell. Unfortunately it is way too big for the new bike, sticks out like 2" past the handlebars.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9150302233664298302012-10-28T09:04:17.121-04:002012-10-28T09:04:17.121-04:00When the hurricane hits you can try doing the Wiza...When the hurricane hits you can try doing the Wizard of Oz thing and pedal your bicycle whilst being sucked.<br /><br />Just a thought<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44609653827693872022012-10-28T07:08:30.054-04:002012-10-28T07:08:30.054-04:00Best riding in Vermont is during nature's kale...Best riding in Vermont is during nature's kaleiscope of color in October. Dirt roads or paved; doesn't make a difference.anniebikeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02737989268380822651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28325946881779959872012-10-28T06:31:09.422-04:002012-10-28T06:31:09.422-04:00Cool and overcast is great. I do not like sunscre...Cool and overcast is great. I do not like sunscreen. Name a brand. I've tried and despised it.<br /><br />No problem with rain per se. But I am near sighted and cannot wear contacts. Water covered spectacles make seeing difficult.<br /><br />Thought you would be in Philadelphia for some reason.Matthew Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408057524387021992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33061194746923400392012-10-28T05:29:04.350-04:002012-10-28T05:29:04.350-04:00Out here in Arizona the common wisdom is to start ...Out here in Arizona the common wisdom is to start hydrating a day or two before a big ride. It takes time for water to seep into your tissues.Thomas Puleohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02480832735579963301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70721162487843006272012-10-28T00:16:00.837-04:002012-10-28T00:16:00.837-04:00"But equally important is the attitude. We ha..."But equally important is the attitude. We have to be curious, interested. We have to want the experience."<br />"But in the end, it's not about the weather, but about finding comfort in whatever is thrown at me, about feeling coddled by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. "<br /><br />You and your readers may recall that one of the elements of stress hardiness noted by psychologists and others is described as "a commitment to the vividness of daily life experience" or similar wording (I don't recall the original author of this phrase I found in a book some years back but it's a rather popular wording now as google will show.)<br /><br />This blog is a celebration of your commitment, Velouria, and that of many of your readers to the vividness of life and is what makes a daily stop here so addictive. Robust curiosity, imagination, resilience, a love of beauty and setting one's cap for the challenge, yeah, a fun game, that's the healthy, wholesome model you have fashioned here and you show every day what fun it can be. Thanks. Jim Duncan <br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23492101490893578812012-10-27T23:38:35.096-04:002012-10-27T23:38:35.096-04:00By the time I got it dialed in summer was over, so...By the time I got it dialed in summer was over, so I never wrote about it. But here are some of the things that worked for me:<br /><br />. Drinking large quantities of water well in advance of the ride. Like start a couple of hours beforehand and just continuously sip until it's time to go. If ride is first thing in the morning, drink a bunch of water before going to sleep, then again in the morning. Made a big difference. <br /><br />. Pouring water over chest/upper torso during a ride. As soon as my jersey would dry, I'd pour a bit more. Did wonders to cool me down and make humidity more tolerable. Females might not want to wear a white jersey if they plan to do this.<br /><br />. White cycling cap with visor + white road helmet combo really hits the spot for me. The combination of the light, well-vented helmet and the cap underneath it did a great job keeping my head from heating up in direct sunlight and high temps. Wearing a cap sans helmet or helmet sans cap did not keep me as cool as the combination of the two. The cap also soaks up sweat from my forehead, so that less of it leaks down my face. The visor protects my forehead from sun (can't put sunscreen there, it will leak into eyes).<br /><br />. Super-light, breathable, wicking fabrics. Got a couple of tissue weight wool jerseys that really work for me.<br /><br />. Bananas as snacks, pretty much chewed on them continuously before and during rides. Salt in waterbottles (see: <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2012/07/salty-lemonade-for-cycling.html" rel="nofollow">salty lemonade for cycling</a>). <br /><br />Basically, I found an optimal way to keep myself hydrated, my body temperature comfortable, and my head protected from the sun. Considering that I do very poorly in humidity and get heat stroke very easily, I was amazed that this summer I was able to ride on 95-100+ degree days with high humidity.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com