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 27, 2013
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.
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.
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.
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