"I'm Singin' In The Rain"

I usually keep an eye on the weather in the run up to a ride. If it's going to rain, I don't go.  I've certainly ridden in rain, all day in fact, but nice weather is what I prefer. Rain is in the forecast all week and when 10:00 rolled around this morning, it was misting almost heavily enough to be called a drizzle. I posted the ride, but only 1 taker was interested and she decided to stay dry. After saying I too would skip, I hopped on the bike anyway and set out.

It was great.  For a sense of how it felt:



Riding solo lets me relax in way riding with others can't. I don't need to stay up with anyone, or wait for anyone. I can stop when I feel like it, and start again when ready. I hear the bike better, the chain, the pedals, the shifters, I feel them and I feel how my muscles are working without distraction. I play music in my head. A good cover band doing Roll With The Changes, an Italian acoustic trio doing a fantastic Sultans of Swing. I think about my Sunday School lesson, bike projects, all sorts of things.

Someone called out my name as I passed the public artesian fountain along Autauga Creek. I didn't know who it was, but they knew me from a past ride and wanted to "get back on the bike." Always a good thing, I agreed.

I thought about all the bikes I've fixed for people. (I don't charge. I did appreciate the smoked pork that someone gave me as a thank you though. Also a can of WD-40 from another.) It's a way to minister to people that blesses me as much as it helps them. It leads to some fruitful conversation as well.

The mist-drizzle-sweat all mixed to make me pretty wet. No issue for a wool kit though. I wiped my glasses with a finger when needed and I could see, enough. In the Summer (and for all intent and purpose, it is Summer here in the steamy south) rain on a ride is a cool refreshment. Ride refreshed my friends.

Nice Day For a Metric

Diana, one of the riders in our little back channel C pace group during the shutdown/slowdown times of Corona, has been wanting to push a bit longer in distance. We rode 50 miles last Saturday and today I posted a metric century (62 miles) which a total of 6 riders went on.  The forecast for overcast all day was 100% wrong. It was gorgeously sunny, but also warmed to a very summer-like 86 F before we were done. It was humid and I was conscious of the need to drink a LOT of fluid today. I left the house with (2) 22 oz bottles and a 50 oz Camelbak. I drank all that today and then some.

The ride itself was good.  No dogs anywhere, mostly decent pavement and mostly decent drivers. It was flats and rollers except for a long hill with 2 steeper sections and 2 shallower at the very end of the ride. Depending on whose GPS you want to believe, we climbed 1330', 1550', 1631', or 1825' (from memory, so +/-)  Still, not hard on the climbing. Our pace was decent throughout.  We slowed in a couple of neighborhoods that we went through, but were cruising on Northern Blvd at about 18, which is spiffy for me.

We had a great food stop at the Eastchase Shopping Center. Curbside only at Panera, but several had the app and ordered while we sat in the shade at their tables.  3 of us went 2 doors down to Zoe's.  I enjoyed the basil pesto hummus with pita.  We were 40 miles in at that point and a mite peckish. Other store stops along the way afforded brief rests and refills as needed of water bottles, or bathroom facilities.  I refilled my Camelbak with water at Zoe's.

Just as we approached our turn off Northern Blvd onto Coliseum Blvd/AL River Pkwy, I saw Theo standing next to his bike.  He had a flat. I stayed with him while he changed it. That involved a tire lever snapping on him, and some work to remove and replace his disk brake wheel. (No quick release with that).  He finished the repair and headed off and pfffffpppptttt, flat again. We had just turned the corner and found our group waiting. 2 had to go on, but 3 of us stayed with Theo.  Diana scanned the tire and found a wire sticking in the tread which she was able to extract. Then 3 people who have CO2 tire fill devices, but haven't used them much tried to re-inflate the tire. That was a hoot. CO2 was sprayed around the tire.  A blast of it exploded a tube. It partially filled the 3rd tube, but then all of it escaped as they tried to get it aired up all the way. By this time, Theo was ready to hand me the wheel, with the tire not on the rim quite right either. I took the opportunity to suggest to Brannon, Diana and Theo, that practicing with CO2 fillers in their own driveway with relaxing beverage of choice at hand was really a good idea. Trying to ken it out roadside while bent over and dripping sweat is tougher.  I pulled out the trusty frame pump and pumped up the tire. I did catch my pinkie in the pump while working it briskly and got a blood blister, which served me right for finding everything so amusing. It held air and we were off again.

Congrats to Theo on his first metric century! To Diana for a strong ride, and to Brannon for finishing well.  Rick and Mitch were done ahead of us, but they're B riders and we expected that. It still always nice to have them along on a ride.  I had a decent avg going into that last stupid hill, but dropped from 15+ to 14.6 on the climb. What was I thinking when I ended this route that way? Oh yeah, the challenge is good.

The Covidian Spring

Welcome back friends! It's been a delightful Spring so far, after a very rainy late Winter. Well, other than that life has changed significantly for many people due to the Corona Virus Novel 2019 and associated Covid19 disease. Politicians have had a field day with it, with some only paying attention to scientists when the observations seemed to lean their way. So far what we know is, 99.8% of people have NOT gotten ill from it yet (some had it and hardly knew it). That still means many people have been sick and a higher than usual (for colds, flu, the illnesses we mostly think of when a virus is mentioned) number of these have died. Unusually strong counter measures were enforced starting in March, and for many people, unemployment ensued, anxiety attacked and short tempers with disagreers on the best course of action flared.  But the aroma of tea olives and jasmine, wisteria and honeysuckle is still no less sweet. The birds sing and the weather has been great to ride a bicycle. Riding is an excellent way to burn adrenaline and order your thoughts away from the screaming headlines. Exercise is one of the ways you can protect yourself from illness we are told.

Our local club and my national randonneur outfit went on hiatus when the mandatory gathering restrictions came out.  The local club has just this week opened back up since our area saw an easing of restrictions effective 5/11. I've been riding pretty much my regular schedule all along, either solo, or with just a few friends I know are not sick and we keep a good distance apart. No handshakes, etc.  I'm right on my average for mileage and just a hair slower in pace for this point in the year. I'll be 67 this year and if 1 mph is all I have to concede in order to keep going 3,500/yr, I can live with that. It's up and down though.  Yesterday I rode a 50 mile loop I've done several times over the past 10 years. I was quicker by about 1/2 mph than the previous best.  Go figure. Brisk headwind for 10 open country miles coming in too. It was less help behind me in the shaded outbound portion than it was an obstacle coming back in, and that is always how wind works for me. There's been so much wind this year that I hardly care anymore. Just ride. Slow down when I have to, speed up when I can.  Manage the effort level and don't let myself get too winded  (haha, right?).

I've really enjoyed helping people with bike questions and user level repairs. Our garage has seen a steady stream of projects from bent wheels to  stuck shifters to rehabbing donations so they can be re-homed. Our club has been doing a weekly FaceBook live class for bike stuff during the shut down and it seems to be doing well. I certainly enjoy teaching them. They're aimed at mechanical beginners, not cycle gurus.

We've been doing church via Zoom and that has worked out okay for the most part.  I also teach Weds nights and do Sunday school that way.  We'll have our 1st in-person worship next Sunday with alternate pews only and families at least 6' apart. No passing the collection plate (on a table in the back instead) or communion while it's not safe to touch things and pass around. I'm hopeful that it comes together as we plan.

Work is little different for me. I worked from home before, so no change there. I can't just drop in on people, but I do go when requested to meet a customer. Again, distance, no touching.  I am sad for those furloughed or whose jobs have evaporated during the shutdown.

You'll be shocked and amazed that there have been no new paint jobs or bike re-builds. I am still happy with what I have. I continue to be the leading Alabama sales rep for Selle-Anatomica saddles, although they pay not a cent in commission. :)  2 friends ordered 3 saddles between them after trying mine and a 3rd friend borrowed my spare today to test out. Our Sunday Social ride was a rain out, but I met the saddle borrower and a friend needing crank arm puller assistance under a former bank drive through canopy and conducted bike business there instead.

You know, if the bike uptick continues after the covid all-clear sounds, I may be able to switch from selling pre-engineered metal buildings to doing bike fitting and repairs for cash money instead of just for fun. I'm not betting on it. There would be more likelihood if cycling infrastructure (bike lanes, bike racks, bike traffic signals) were in place.

I'll leave you with this funny story.  Yesterday on the ride, one of the other cyclists turned and asked me, "surely someone has suggested you check your saddle height, because your hips really rock a lot."  It made me laugh because I'm pretty well versed on bike fit :).  I actually know people who like to ride behind me because they get a laugh at how funny I look. (Dana A, I am thinking of you here).  What's really a treat is when my friend Frank and I ride together. We BOTH rock and often in opposite directions. Side by side we are highly entertaining I'm sure!  No, my legs are properly extended at the bottom of my pedal stroke and the saddle height is comfortable. I push hard on the pedals and the bike rocks side to side at times and my hips do too.  It's just an idiosyncrasy.  I'm such a goof on an old lugged steel bike, often in baggy MTB or touring shorts (unpadded as a rule), Keen sandals and wool, on a leather saddle. No electronic shifting (or brifters for that matter), carbon or Ti anywhere. yet somehow, I still love to ride and can't remember a ride I didn't feel glad to do (even if I was ready to be done somewhere before the end of it).  Some pictures from a Sunday Social ride.  My Rivendell Rambouillet behind Barbara's Rivdendell Clem L. I suggested that bike to her and was amazed she got it. She loves it as I do mine.  Then there's me at my most comfortable, in non spandex and just cruisin'.  With that, I'll cruise on out and wish you all tailwinds until next time.

Springtime Renewal

I don't know about you, but the melodies of songbirds in the morning does my heart good. Whether it's taking the dogs for a walk or pedaling a quiet road, I am thankful that we share this space with such pleasing creatures.

I've been a busy guy since the last post. Busy eating for one thing, so climbing hills is more of a chore. Busy teaching on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at church and attending session and committee meetings I either chair or contribute to. Busy with a weekly bike club ride/news email. Busy planning and running 9 - 12 RUSA events in this region each year. Oh, I and still work full time too.  My cycling frequency and distance seemed to drop a little last year, but reviewing the stats, it turns out to have been pretty average.  This year, I'm an organizer for a supported ride that will actually be in Feb 2020 to mark 55 yrs since the famous Selma - Montgomery Voting Rights March. I'm also helping to put on a gravel ride event this October. And this despite the fact that I do not do gravel! Each week, like herding cats, I try to round up our club ride leaders and determine what we have on offer. It all takes time.

Somehow, in and around and through all that, I've managed to re-build 2 bikes recently. To say they turned out well is a severe understatement. Added to the bike built last July and the other one re-configured 2 years ago, there are now 4 great options to pedal hanging in our garage. You get more of a feel for what works for you when you set them up yourself,.  One is now an upright Sunday Social cruiser and local townie bike (although I did a supported ride on it recently and it was fine.) One is my hill trainer and night rider with lights on it. One is a wide range brevet bike and this latest one is a light responsive go-fast (as fast as I go anyway) bike. Gearing ranges from 26/36 (useful for climbing Cheaha or Lookout Mtns, both of which I have done) to 52/11 (useful only when going down a steep hill.) Most of the time, I like to spin at 82 - 84 rpm on flats with about 60 gear inches.  Tires are all 38 mm.

Re-building these 2 last bikes after both were repainted has stoked the desire to spend more time on my bikes. Yesterday, I rode to the start of a ride for the first time in a while, because I wanted more miles.  I've ridden every day this month so far. Some days, just laps in the neighborhood or a pedal to Burger King or Panda Express and the vet to get dog meds. But something. Another rider I've known for years and who I've ridden with on occasion is also feeling the bug and we've buddied up to be the caboose on the serious hill training rides held twice a week nearby.

Another rider & I presented cycling safety and basics to some American Heritage Girls on Saturday. We then led different groups on rides for their merit badges.  Along the way, we would stop frequently to re-group as abilities were widely spaced. while chatting with a mom who was in our group (I tried to recruit them ALL for our club rides) I lamented waiting to around age 50 to start cycling (about 16 yrs ago). She replied, "50? can I ask how old you are now?" So I told her and she was very surprised.  "It's because I ride," I answered.  So that was pretty encouraging too.

Here are the bikes.  The rain is moving through so I plan to get some lunchtime laps in today.

On top of the Mountain!

That's how I felt Friday when I came home from my week on the road. There were several items of mail on my desk including a box from  Richard who used to live a few blocks from me and who pedaled some with us while he was stationed in town. This package came from Germany. First, I was thrilled that he thought of me, as our time together was brief and I have learned that part of the psychological survival technique of military people is to be friendly with those currently around them, but be ready to move on when the next assignment comes. Then, I opened the box and this is inside:

It's the real deal. A Tour de France jersey in the polka dot pattern worn by the champion hill climber. Richard got it when he went to watch a stage of the race in person at Dusseldorf. A TdF jersey from the real TdF! Of course, it's a perfect juxtaposition. I am a snail going up hills and he knows this having ridden with me. I may have the lowest gear ratio known that can be used and still remain upright on a bicycle. But I have the jersey for the fastest climber! I LOVE IT. Richard asked (and I can see him doing this with a straight face, although I was reading the letter he enclosed) if I could possibly work around the fact that this item is wicking synthetic and not wool.  Oh, the delightful irony! Well, I wore it on Saturday! With wool shorts and socks. (That's me on the 1984 Trek 660 made from Reynolds 531c tubes)

And here's the scary part.  I rode 2 mph over my typical pace. People were saying, "you're riding faster these days!"  No, just that one ride. But I'm keeping this jersey for when I need some extra speed. :)  Richard, you so made my day!  Thanks a ton. Look for a letter mailed today. 

In other news, this Saturday will be my 1st experiment in renting out bikes. A club member noted a website started up to connect ride needers with ride owners, called Spinlister. 2 riders from Iowa are coming to town to do our club century and they are renting Ferrous Bueller and Louise (2 steel framed lugged bikes). We'll see how that goes. I've also been on a wheel building craze. I've replaced some worn out hubs and put road hubs in place of MTB so the wheels will fit my bikes. When you build several in series, the lacing and tightening kind of becomes a groove and it's quite enjoyable. I think (pretty sure) that I have a good feel for the tension. I check of course for roundness and dish, but I get it pretty close just by the feel when I do it.  Maybe my next career will be a wheel builder?

I wrote back in August about helping a relative build a bike.  It came out well, but she had some initial flats caused I think by the too thin Origin8 brand rim tape. Switching to Velox seems to have cured that. I'm looking forward to bringing a bike of mine out that way in a few weeks and pedaling together with cousin Becky. Here's a picture of her new bike that I took while on a test ride before I delivered it to her.

It rides well and looks pretty. It should last her a long time too.

Next year's RUSA schedule is approved with 11 events. Including 3 at once. (a 100, 200 and 300 all on the same course). Hopefully, my new friend Andy in the GA RUSA group will get on the stick and organize the joint ride we have been talking about. With some good eats along the way. There are some nice folks over there. A Tennessee rider who can slow down to keep me company has agreed to ride our Mountain Music 200K next Spring (assuming she can get the time off from work to drive down) I'll have to wear the dots!

I mentioned that there were a few mail items waiting for me.  One was a pen made by 11 year old Ramsay Short. I read about him in a newspaper article. Great young entrepreneur who bought a wood lathe and makes pens to sell. He donates a portion from his proceeds to 2 local charities. It's a ballpoint, but I was happy to support him.  Finally, a more professional pen, made by Bexley, came as well. It is a special edition fountain pen to mark the 10K member of a pen group, and it  writes great. Talk about hitting for the cycle, that's 4 great things to talk about tonight. And I'm talking about the cycle because the team from where I was born (NYY) is back in the playoffs. At least for the moment. Their opponent (Cleveland) is very tough. And I like to cycle. SO I can cycle the bases or cycle the bikes. It's all good.

See you on a hill somewhere.  Look for the polka dots.

Tailwinds.