February 27, 2013

Needed: Pants

Half-way to work this morning I had just started down Nemesis Hill when a thought ran through my head, "My bag feels a bit lofty today."  At which point I had a heart attack and began swearing.  I try not to make a habit of denying gravity's help, but I had to turn around immediately.  The prospect of wearing tights to work was unbearable.

The bonus of my absent-mindedness was a 50% increase in calories burned!

February 26, 2013

Detection

I've heard the rumblings of cyclists complaining about bicycle detection at traffic signals.  It's something I experienced long ago from the perspective of a motorcycle in another state.  This morning, though, I gained some empathy for the situation in Spokane. 

I rode up to a red traffic signal and waited.  The cross traffic on the more busy arterial was free flowing with a green light and a white walking signal.  After about 30 seconds slowly ticked away, a couple of cars came up to the line on my right and made right-hand turns.  Coincidentally, the walk signal turned to a flashing hand, and I figured I'd be good to go momentarily.  After those cars made their turn, and I was again alone the flashing hand went solid, but the light did not turn yellow.  It remaind green, and after several seconds, the white walking man re-appeared.

At this point I was severely tempted to run me a redlight.  Without the aid of a massive car I was bound to stand and stare at a red light. 

Eventually a couple of cars came up behind me and to my left, and the light was triggered, but the damage has been done.  I will now distrust traffic lights when on my bike.

February 25, 2013

Lycra to Wool Ratio

I'm a bit Yahuda Moon and a bit Joe King.  I wear lycra for the chamois, and wool for the warmth.  Performance jersey, natural fiber gloves.  It works. 

My Lycra:Wool ratio is roughly 5:2 in the winter.  More like 5:0 in the summer.

Saturday I made it out for a long-ish ride in the cool February sunshine, and threw a cotton hoodie in the mix.  Turned out to be a great combination.

February 24, 2013

Smooth Rider

I've just finished painting my basement, so thought it appropriate to use the fresh wall for a photo shoot! 
 
This is my road bike.  A 2009-ish Giant Defy Advanced.  It's loaded up with Ultegra stuff, a couple of roundish Easton things, a Brooks saddle, and only Camelback water bottles.  Not necessarily a racer, but a comfy ride.