Biking Duluth

It's been such a long time. No more excuses.

2011-09-02T20:51:00.001-05:00

Time to ride.

I see pretty lights

2009-12-09T21:15:00.002-06:00

Thanks to whom ever put up the lights on the lakewalk bridge, a nice sight on the dark rides home!

OH MY GOD WHAT IS THAT NOISE???

2009-11-12T21:20:00.003-06:00

It's driving me crazy! Just ask my wife how much little unknown ticks, clicks, knocks or other odd noises drive me nuts in the car. It's even worse for me on the bike. So far I've had my bottom bracket serviced, I replace my chain and cleaned my rear derailleur and last night I took apart my freehub and noticed it was cracked. Somehow, I don't think that's the whole problem. I think there's more. So, tonight, I'm going to swap out pedals and check my cleats (which I won't need tomorrow anyhow if I change cause I'll be changing to platforms). It used to be such a quiet bike, I don't know what happened to it, was I a bad parent, too much tv?

Here's a cool site to help identify all the weird noises we all have had. http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/keepitquiet.html Hope it might help you someday!

That's the ticket!

2009-11-05T20:33:00.006-06:00

Today I wore my generic merino wool shirt covered by my Helly Hansen polypropylene shirt covered by my Cannondale Morphis shell. That was much nicer then my HH shirt and toko jacket which I've been wearing on days like today. And mind you- today wasn't "cold". I believe it started at about 34 and on the way home was 39 or so. Today's choice felt light and non-constricting then the more form fitting and stretchy toko jacket feels (which isn't a bad thing). I think I may have to attempt some polarfleece under the wind block of the shell. I don't own a decent actual polarfleece shirt so I may have to do some shopping.

I only have the toko and the cannondale for outter layers so when it's 50 below I try to stuff a base, mid, and heavyweight insulation layer all under the morphis- not such an easy feat. I may have to look at something more in the soft-shell area.

My hat seems to be giving me a cold spot on the top of my head like a needle. I don't recall that feeling from last year. The hat I've used for a while now is a Nike something or other and it's worked quite well but perhaps I've worn it so much it's lost some of its performance. I think I'll look for another as I was quite happy and it was pretty cheep and from like shop-ko or something (was a Christmas present- Thanks Sis! )

Gloves- I'm borderline between my half-finger pearl izumi with a 1$ pair of "magic gloves" on top and my Kombi gore-tex gloves. I don't find them too warm at this temp but if it hits anything above 40 it's too much. The weather can vary significantly depending on which way the wind is blowing- off the lake it's a very wet humid cold feeling temp. Off the shore it's dry and warmer feeling.

Take away lesson from today- wool (even though it's merino) slightly itchy- more air space between the layers and the shell with the morphis= added warmth.

P.S. Almost lost it on the lakewalk today- front tire slid out and I had instant flashbacks of Doug's fall. Luckily the tire grabbed and the bike righted itself again. I was going to put the studded tires on tonight but their calling for a warm spell. I'll wait until the next dive and just be extra carefull in the mornings. Keep your wheels on the ground!

The hunt for the perfect winter clothing option

2009-11-04T20:52:00.004-06:00

Finding the perfect winter outfit is like hunting for Bigfoot, UFOs, or little leprechauns. Some think they exist, but good luck finding one. Granted, those of us who have been through a winter or two know a bit about how to stay comfortable in the winter but I would bet if you asked any one of us we'd probably say it could be better. That's partially because of the limits of the human body and the technology of the materials we're covering ourselves with. Point is- you'll sweat if you do any moderate level of pedal pushing in winter. The key is how to stay comfortable, not focus on staying dry.

Doug and Jill have both done a recent "What I wore today" post and they each have very different takes on what gets the job done. I've done them in the past too and still to this day feel I could be more comfortable on my rides.

So, I'm going to start a new line of posts over the next few days. Rather then dressing how I normally do now I'm going to try several different things to see what works and what doesn't. Right now I'm trying to see if I can distinguish between a polypropylene and a polyester base layer. Tomorrow I'm going wool for the base. It's not really cold out yet so it's not all that accurate. After all, here in northeast MN we spend more time in winter like conditions then we do in summer like so I've got plenty of opportunity to be riding in the cold as the temps take their annual nose dive.

Stay tuned to see what conclusions I come to- it will be sort of "MythBuster" like. "Remember, don't try this at home, I'm (we're) what you call professional('s)".

Animals everywhere!

2009-11-03T20:23:00.002-06:00

So far, in the last two weeks I've seen a wild animal almost every day. Said animal is most often a deer but the other day I happened across a fox. I believe I posted about that already (I can only bring up memory from like, hours ago- not days :o)...)
So the other night I had a dream that I ran across a bear on the lakewalk. Not impossible. In reality in the past say, month, there have also been two assults on the lake walk. I've been considering carrying my pepper spray for the bears and the bullies... Anyone carry for dogs, muggers, etc? It's getting dark pretty quick no a days and there are some crazy people out there, more crazy then us who ride our bikes year round. the da' bears- they're down right wild...
:o)

Mountain shoe cover for winter-

2009-10-31T21:05:00.004-05:00

So, I'm thinking along the lines of getting a shoe cover for my mountain shoes. They are Scott (similar to the comp's). I had one pair of covers a while ago but they were too small, even at the xl size. I'm currently looking towards Pearl Izumi AmFIB covers. Any experience? I don't want something I need to spend hours cramming my shoe into- easy in, warm, quality... Thoughts? And no- Lake's are too spendy for me (unless you want to donate).

Happiness by bike

2009-10-29T20:12:00.003-05:00

So, yesterday I rode in and decided I needed to become a bike commuter again, not a bus commuter, or a car commuter, but a bike commuter. I finally am comfortable with everything at work and feel I can start to ride every day now. And honestly, the rides today were GREAT. I felt that great feeling I used to feel so often. It's different, riding in the 40 degree temps with driving rain then it is when it's 65 and sunny. This morning I had the pleasure of meeting a fox on the trail. I stopped and watched him. He didn't seem too concerned as he trotted towards me, on his way to the trial off the path. He came to within 15-20 feet of me. You don't get that every day, and never when you're cruising along at 65 mph. People today are too concerned with packing their day with everything they can, rushing from here to there, not giving ANYone else 2 extra seconds. It has gotten pretty sad honestly. People are so focused on cramming more in their day, chasing happiness, that they don't have time to actually be happy... I can honestly say I was very happy today, absolutely soaked, riding home, going home much slower then everyone else, and I was happy. This morning I had time to notice the stains the leaves make on the ground and this evening I had time to notice the layer of water on the black of the trail that made a mirror reflecting the view of the bare trees.

I forgot what it felt like to be happy. I can't wait for the next ride.

Calling all SMDC Bicycle Commuters!

2009-09-27T21:32:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to get a fix on how many people bike to work and work at SMDC. I'm also wondering how many of those ride in the winter.

If you know someone who commutes to work at SMDC by bike, please have them drop a comment to let me know!
Thanks!!!

Jeff

Northshore Ultra- January 3, 2010

2009-08-19T15:16:00.003-05:00

Be sure to check out http://northshoreultra.com/ for full details!
The quick facts
Duluth to Two Harbors and back
By bike or foot
Most likely quite cold and snowy
Limit 50 entrants in each category
Categories

Mountain Bike
Men’s and Women’s Ultra – 87 mi – or 9 laps on the Alternative Course
Men’s and Women’s 1/2 Ultra – 43.5 mi – or 5 laps on the Alternative Course

Running
Men’s and Women’s Ultra – 87 mi – or 9 laps on the Alternative Course
Men’s and Women’s 1/2 Ultra – 43.5 mi – or 5 laps on the Alternative Course
Men’s 5 Person Team Full Ultra & 1/2
Women’s 5 Person Team Full Ultra & 1/2
Mixed Team Full Ultra & 1/2 (must have 2 females)

Don

2009-08-06T19:50:00.001-05:00

Don’t Say She Lost

Posted using ShareThis

Heck yea!

2009-07-02T19:33:00.001-05:00

This Weekend! The 2009 Duluth Classic Stage Race

2009-05-19T13:26:00.001-05:00

This weekend is the Duluth Classic Stage Race. Tone Coughlin, race promoter, has set up a four stage event starting in Wrenshall Wi on the 22nd, South Range Wi on the 23rd, Duluth, Mn on the 24th, and Cloquet, Mn on the 25th.

For all info visit the Duluth Classic website at http://www.duluth-classic.com/

Check out the race flyer here!

Good Ambitions, Poor Execution: A recap of the Bike to Work Day events in Duluth

2009-05-15T19:18:00.005-05:00

I awoke early to get downtown with the first bunch of commuters. Downtown is where the activities were scheduled to be; at MN Power Plaza and at Fitgers.

On my way in I managed to flat my front tire, but had all the good stuff with me to fix it up and continue on. I was offered help by only one person who passed me. Thanks for the offer!

I managed to make it downtown in one piece and met up with Doug and his neighbor Dave (see previous Sunday ride post for Doug and Dave). They had been there about 10-15 minutes and were two of about 9 people, four of which were there working the event. Radisson was out with scones and orange juice which was nice (note: next year, coffee and hot coco! :o) thanks!). This one pretty much met what was advertised.

Refreshments provided by the Radisson Hotel : PASS
Bike inspections from local bike shops : FAIL (I guess Ski Hut didn't feel like getting out of bed so early)
Demonstration on how to use the bike racks on a DTA bus : PASS
Bicycle commuting tips and information : PASS
Bike storage for bicyclists that day will be available at the YMCA : Don't know, assuming PASS

Who was there?
Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) : PASS
Duluth Area Trails Alliance (DATA) : PASS
Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) : PASS
Fit City Duluth : Unknown
Greater Downtown Council (GDC) : Unknown
Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview: Pass
YMCA : Not that I seen
Citizens : Yup...

Now, on to Fitgers!
"Fitgers, KQDS, 92.1 Lite FM and Continental Ski and Bike & Red Rock Radio have joined together in an effort to encourage Duluthians to ride to work!We're hosting "BIKE TO WORK DAY" all day at Fitgers, Friday, May 15th.We'll have free gift bags for cyclists (full of cool stuff), free safety checks, free Fitger's coffee & food, prizes and local celebs! We encourage cyclists to challenge their co-workers and pledge that they'll ride to work for Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. The cyclist with the most pledges will win a bike from Continental.Pledge forms available at Fitger's front desk, Continental Ski and Bike or Red Rock Radio."

So, there was Continental Ski and Bike ready to fix your bike (thanks for the pump up of my tire), and there were two ladies from somewhere- not too sure, but they had coffee and clif bars and Gatorade G2. Thanks- were good... Did not notice anyone from Fitgers per se, and for sure not KQDS, 92.1, or Red Rock Radio. The gift bags full of "cool stuff" wasn't so much... Sorry, but yea, (Duluth superior magazine, some other miscellaneous papers, a bike map (ok, useful),and some coupon books, and a smdc heart shaped blinky light)... Frankly, I think most of this could have been done without. I think it's costly and kills a bunch of trees. To pawn it off as "cool stuff" was a bit of a stretch (for me at least). Lastly, "prizes and local celebs"? Maybe they meant a ride with MNBicycleCommuter! I must have won then as we put on 25.5 miles today.

Lastly, after a ride around Duluth, Doug and I made it back to Fitgers for the fashion "event".
"Bike to work fashion event. Our models will be walking around inside the building handing out goodie bags and showing off their fashions, and we also plan to have them out on the lake walk to talk to folks there. We'll have people modeling clothes from Continental Ski & Bike, one of the sponsors, and then Fitger's, Beneton, Trail Fitters and maybe Life is Good will have their own models showing their clothes as well."
Well, I did see them, but it surely didn't come off as a fashion event. Besides, most of the people walking around or those on bikes were wearing some of the same stuff anyways. Good thought, but I feel it was a poor execution.

That's kind of my feel on the whole day- good ambitions but poor execution. This was the second year for the bike to work day in Duluth. I hope it can grow and become much larger next year.

Cheers,
Jeff

Bike to Work Day 2009: Duluth - Tomorrow!

2009-05-14T18:31:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone has had a good week so far. Tomorrow is the big day! Bike to work day, 2009. Below is a recap of the events for tomorrow.

From Fitgers, KQDS, 92.1 Lite FM and Continental Ski and Bike & Red Rock Radio

"Fitgers, KQDS, 92.1 Lite FM and Continental Ski and Bike & Red Rock Radio have joined together in an effort to encourage Duluthians to ride to work!

We're hosting "BIKE TO WORK DAY" all day at Fitgers, Friday, May 15th.

We'll have free gift bags for cyclists (full of cool stuff), free safety checks, free Fitger's coffee & food, prizes and local celebs! We encourage cyclists to challenge their co-workers and pledge that they'll ride to work for Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. The cyclist with the most pledges will win a bike from Continental.
Pledge forms available at Fitger's front desk, Continental Ski and Bike or Red Rock Radio.
For more information stop by Continental Ski and Bike - behind Plaza Walgreens - 1305 East First Street - 218 728-4466 http://www.continentalskiandbike.com/"

From the Bike to Work Committee

Date – Friday, May 15, 2009
Time – 7:00am – 9:00am
Place – Minnesota Power Plaza – Lake Ave & Superior Street

Event will include:
Refreshments provided by the Radisson Hotel.
Bike inspections from local bike shops.
Demonstration on how to use the bike racks on a DTA bus.
Bicycle commuting tips and information.
Bike storage for bicyclists that day will be available at the YMCA.
The event is presented by the Bike to Work Committee, comprised of
representatives from the following:
Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC)
Duluth Area Trails Alliance (DATA)
Duluth Transit Authority (DTA)
Fit City Duluth
Greater Downtown Council (GDC)
Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview
YMCA
Citizens

For more info, contact James Gittemeier at ARDC (218) 529-7556 or jgittemeier@ardc.org.

From Transportation for America: Bike to Work Fashion Event

Date – Friday, May 15
Time – 11:45am – 12:15pm
Place – Fitger's
Event will include:
Bike to work fashion event. Our models will be walking around inside the building handing out goodie bags and showing off their fashions, and we also plan to have them out on the lake walk to talk to folks there. We'll have people modeling clothes from Continental Ski & Bike, one of the sponsors, and then Fitger's, Beneton, Trail Fitters and maybe Life is Good will have their own models showing their clothes as well.

From the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota

Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota will put on a traffic skills class May 15-16.
Traffic Skills Flyer
Traffic Skills Registration
http://bikemn.org/

From Doug, MNBicycleCommuter: Ride in from West Duluth

For Bike-to-Work -Day 2009. My neighbor and I will be leading a ride from West Duluth into downtown from the small city park at the corner of Grand Ave and Central. I think it's called Memorial Park. We'll meet there at 7:00 am. We'll ride to the Bike to Work gathering at Minnesota Power Plaza. Join us if you live out this way.

Another event for Bike to Work Day- this Friday

2009-05-12T12:15:00.001-05:00

Transportation for America is co-sponsoring events as well. A bike to work fashion event to be held on Fri. May 15th, 11:45-12:15. We'll have models showing off the latest gear and cool clothes to ride to work. Look for them handing out goodie bags at Fitger's and on the lake walk. For more information about the Transportation for America campaign, please visit www.t4america.org or contact me, Christine Goepfert, MN Field Organizer at (612) 991-9497

I'm not sure where the fashion event will take place, but I'll try to find out.

Stay Safe!

Info on the 2009 Duluth Classic Stage Race May 22-25

2009-05-01T10:32:00.002-05:00

The Duluth Classic will be held again this year. Tone Coughlin, race promoter, has set up a four stage event starting in Wrenshall Wi on the 22nd, South Range Wi on the 23rd, Duluth, Mn on the 24th, and Cloquet, Mn on the 25th.

For all info visit the Duluth Classic website at http://www.duluth-classic.com/

Check out the race flyer here!

MN Biking Events Calendar

2009-04-30T22:55:00.001-05:00

I'm going to try to update the event calendar so if you have any events you know about, and or would like listed, please pass on the info and I'll put it on the calendar.
Thanks!

Rear Blinkies, do you use them? Why or why not?

2009-04-30T22:21:00.000-05:00

I'm curious... This evening, around 7:00 pm I seen many riders out for an evening ride (wish I would have been out there too, but I digress...). of the many I seen, only one was using a rear blinky (not only using, but had... I did not notice any others with rear lights). Now these were not just casual riders, they were into it, at least enough to realize the usefulness of blinkys.

So, I'm curious, why do you or do you not use rear lights?

Bike to Work Day 2009: Duluth

2009-04-29T12:30:00.013-05:00

Bike to Work Week is May 11th thru May 15th. Here's what I know so far about Bike to Work Week and Day, 2009 in Duluth. (I'll add more if more info becomes available)

From Fitgers, KQDS, 92.1 Lite FM and Continental Ski and Bike & Red Rock Radio

"Fitgers, KQDS, 92.1 Lite FM and Continental Ski and Bike & Red Rock Radio have joined together in an effort to encourage Duluthians to ride to work!

We're hosting "BIKE TO WORK DAY" all day at Fitgers, Friday, May 15th.

We'll have free gift bags for cyclists (full of cool stuff), free safety checks, free Fitger's coffee & food, prizes and local celebs! We encourage cyclists to challenge their co-workers and pledge that they'll ride to work for Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. The cyclist with the most pledges will win a bike from Continental.
Pledge forms available at Fitger's front desk, Continental Ski and Bike or Red Rock Radio.
For more information stop by Continental Ski and Bike - behind Plaza Walgreens - 1305 East First Street - 218 728-4466 www.continentalskiandbike.com"

From the Bike to Work Committee

Date – Friday, May 15, 2009
Time – 7:00am – 9:00am
Place – Minnesota Power Plaza – Lake Ave & Superior Street

Event will include:
Refreshments provided by the Radisson Hotel.
Bike inspections from local bike shops.
Demonstration on how to use the bike racks on a DTA bus.
Bicycle commuting tips and information.
Bike storage for bicyclists that day will be available at the YMCA.
The event is presented by the Bike to Work Committee, comprised of
representatives from the following:
Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC)
Duluth Area Trails Alliance (DATA)
Duluth Transit Authority (DTA)
Fit City Duluth
Greater Downtown Council (GDC)
Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview
YMCA
Citizens

For more info, contact James Gittemeier at ARDC (218) 529-7556 or jgittemeier@ardc.org.

From the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota

Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota will put on a traffic skills class May 15-16.
Traffic Skills Flyer
Traffic Skills Registration
http://bikemn.org/

If anyone wants help coming from the Lakeside, I'd be willing to lead a group. Contact me here and I'll work on getting a starting place, etc...

Dear Duluth...

2009-04-24T21:37:00.000-05:00

Dear Duluth,
While I appreciate all the wonderful trails and the numerous bike routes around your town, please do us all a favor. If the sign says "Bike route" with an arrow, and I follow said "route", please have a nice road for me to ride on. I don't appreciate the bike eating monster sized potholes, you know the ones, and they are all over the place. And if you happen to find my rear planet bike super flash, blinking helplessly along side Kenwood Avenue, somewhere between arrowhead and college st., please return it to me. I'd like to keep it, to remember which roads not to ride on. Even though I wouldn't be able to use it because it literally had the clip snapped right off, bouncing along dodging the huge potholes, only to succumb to the smaller ones. It's a mine field out there. Please, at least fix the pot holes so we have a good 2 feet to ride on, rather then dodging them and veering all over the place...

Got Facebook?

2009-04-15T12:40:00.002-05:00

Attention all Duluth cyclists... If you have facebook check out the Duluth Cyclists group I created. It's at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50311114127. I'm working on getting it going, events, discussion, photos and videos and the like, but need people to join and participate. If you don't have facebook yet, you should check it out. It's pretty fun and useful too!

Jeff

What to do...

2009-04-13T10:18:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've posted last; mostly because I've been fairly busy. I watch the kids every day now and haven't had the chance to ride but two times in the last two months. It's horrible, I know :o) but spring is here and I'm all amped up to start riding again every day. My wife is going to help me relieve some stress by getting out on the bike. That's good for everyone!

On the job front: I'm still unemployed but it's ok still, for now at least. We're staying afloat and should have another 7 months in the clear- that will be pushing it, but it's do-able. I really hope I find something in that time, hopefully sooner but I am looking forward to a summer off with the kids and wife!!! Beach here we come!

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do for a job. I have been doing technology stuff for the last 13 years, and while I like it, I'm not looking forward to doing any more software programming. I want something more. What I really want is to figure out what I'm passionate about and want to do for a long time to come. My wife said you don't have to be passionate about your job, you can be passionate about something in your off-time, such as charity work and such. Work can just be the means to fuel your passion.
Well, I think that's partially true, but I would like to find something that makes me wake up each morning excited to get to work. So I've been doing a lot of soul searching, trying to think what could do that for me, what could I do that I would just LOVE... I haven't figured that out yet, and I'm not sure that many people have, or will.

Currently I keep coming back to wanting to find something with an environmental focus, such as solar and wind energy and energy efficiencies in houses and stuff like that. But I don't really "know" anything about that kind of stuff, so here I sit, wanting and you know what they say about wanting, want in one hand and **** in the other and see which fills up first.

So, I'm a bit lost lately, trying to find direction. Maybe a long time in the saddle along the mighty Lake Superior will help clear my head.

Single Speed Conversion

2009-02-03T11:52:00.003-06:00

Long time everyone, thought I'd write to ask for some input. Last night I did a complete freehub dismantle and clean- pawls kept sticking when the temps were around 10 below or colder. So, after doing all this, I decided I want to convert to a single speed- not a fixed- just a single (or double... (or triple?))...
So, here's what I've got- a shimano 7 speed cassette and in the front my chain rings are not removable. I'd like to go with a Surly Singleator, but do I need to remove some of my rear cassette and put in spacers or do I need to buy some other stuff?

Another option is to go with 3 speeds like what Kent has done.

So, what do I need- that is the question. I'm slightly clueless when it comes to number of teeth, chain length, bla bla bla... :) Help me out.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-16T09:56:00.001-06:00

Enjoy, indeed...
Frankie Ford- 12 Drinks of Christmas

What's in it for me? What are you going to do?

2008-12-03T06:46:00.000-06:00

Good questions, I'm glad you asked.
Why should you donat to me and team Fatty for the Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG Challenge? What's in it for me?

Well, you get the satisfaction of
1: helping in the fight against cancer;
2: You also give me a gift of a chance for great prizes from Fatty as a raffle;
3: You get to see me suffer a little bit, since I doubt I'll get to go to Seattle, though, heck, I would try, I'll instead be planning a trip from Duluth to Grand Rapids via my own two legs, and two wheels. I'll plan a 100 mile route from my house in Duluth to my hometown of Grand Rapids sometime around June 21st, 2009, the same day as the Seattle Challenge. Heck, I've got to do something for this right?

http://seattle09.livestrong.org/bikingduluth

Here's something interesting! In one day, Fatty's team has gathered more donations then all the other teams combined! Over 9000$ in one day! Over 200 members already, and counting.
The goal is 1 MILLION! He can do it, you can help!

Tis' always the season...

2008-12-01T19:25:00.000-06:00

Hey all- I've started something new- (hum, imagine that...) I have been following a fellow bicyclists blog for some time now, and it's particularly touching. His wife has been fighting cancer for 5 years now, and lately it's been quite hard and his site is a reflection of what it's been like for him and his family- kids and wife.

Please take a few moments to read www.fatcyclist.com and after, if you wish, help me fight for his family and for everyone who's been affected (or, will be- that's the sad part) by cancer.

Fatty is an amazing person- if you took time out to read his site you'll understand what he's trying to accomplish.
He's set up a team in each of 4 cities which will be hosting events (races). Austin, Seattle, San Jose, and Philadelphia. I'm not planning on going, but I signed up for the Seattle event. But, those who make more then 1000$ get something special if you go. Anyhow, I've signed up as part of his team for the Lance Armstrong Challenge. I'm doing this because, should I ever end up in the situation like "Fatty" is in, I should hope that there are people like us, who are helping him, standing in line to help me (or anyone else I love and care for).

His goal is to raise over 1 million dollars. 1000 team members having 1000$ worth of donations. This would be a world record for the Lance Armstrong Foundation- and you could be part of it!

So, if you so choose, please help me help him and thousands of others, fight the battle against cancer.

You can donate online via my team member page at http://seattle09.livestrong.org/bikingduluth

Thanks!!!

J

Cyclite?

2008-11-24T18:51:00.000-06:00

Have you seen these? Weird, I wonder if it's all it's cracked up to be?
(from )http://www.stridelite.com

Continental Ski and Bike, how I love thee

2008-11-12T09:10:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to again, let everyone know how cool Continental Ski and Bike is! I bought a smart wool balaclava mid last season and by the end of the season it had a nice size hole in the mouth area. I contacted smart wool and they had two options, talk to the store or send it in, provided it was not "normal wear and tear". I wrote back to them to explain that, I my opinion it was not normal to have that problem. They offered again to let me send it in, but by the time I read that email I had stopped at Continental last night and they gladly offered me a new one (and were also shocked at the hole).

So, if you're in the Duluth area and are looking for bike or ski equipment, service, or just knowledge, this is the place to go. They have, hands down, the most friendly, understanding, and knowledgeable staff in town.

It's nice to have such a great store. Stop by and see for yourself!

Continental Ski & Bike
(218) 728-4466
info@continentalski.com

Store Hours

Mon. - Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

great light found for a cheap skate like me

2008-11-12T09:02:00.004-06:00

I wanted to let everyone know what I found. While I did find some really nice nice lights by hope, and other brands, I did find one that has a good amount of lumens (136) but more important, it was in my price range, cheap as can be. 26$ or so, I believe it was, for a nice CREE led light (helmet mountable quite easily) and 136 lumens, that's 3 times as many as my Serfas light and 1/2 the cost. I like that.

Granted, it may not last forever, doesn't have a blink, but that's not what I was looking for. I was all about lumens per $ and at over 5 lumens per dollar, I couldn't go wrong. Most every other bike light you'll find you'll get more like .8 lumens per dollar.

Again, it's at target and is labeled River Rock. There are a lot of discussions on battery and lighting boards out there if you search.

Also, I ordered my Princeton Tec Swerve tail light. I'll review that when it comes in, probably today or tomorrow!

Tough time deciding on a light: help wanted

2008-11-06T22:07:00.002-06:00

The dark comes quick now-a-days. The new time change this year caught me off guard. I've given up on my DIY light, the battery pack from my old drill didn't hold much of a charge and the design left me far from satisfied. Thus I've decided to buy a nice light. I'm happy with my Serfas 1 watt blinking light, and the cateye, both mostly for being seen, though, work in a pinch (a slow pinch). What I'm looking for is something to really light my path, probably helmet mounted but not required.
I'm leaning the Princeton Tec way but I want some input from people with nice setups. I'm wanting to stay sub 240$ or so. I know that gives a lot of room, but at that price there's a lot of variety and that's why I'm stuck.

I'll also be adding a Princeton Tec Swerve. Looks to be a great rear blinky.

On a similar side note, this Halloween I noticed a biker riding along a street about a block away from me, he had some CRAZY bright headlights (I believe 3, 2 on top and one directly under) and a really bring tail light. I wanted to ask him what they were but he was too far ahead for me to talk to him. Later, a few blocks away, he's coming at me again, this time on the same street so I call out "Sir- can I ask you about your headlights???" and as he came closer to me, not in any way realizing I was talking to him, I noticed it was not a "sir" rather a young kid on some kind of crazy bike. It had the really bright headlights and the tail light had a blinker (I'm not looking for anything like that). So, I was left confused, standing on the side of the road with my wife thinking I'm a nut case (probably what the kid thought too)...
I looked all over the net trying to find any similar lights or bike equipped with such lights but no such luck so I'm guessing this kid's got a really cool dad or mom and gave him the hook up. This all transpired in lakeside so if you know who this is and what kind of lights they were please pass on that info to me!

FOR SALE: Smith Knowleged Turbo Fan OTG Goggles

2008-10-31T11:32:00.002-05:00

Hello! In an odd sort of way I have a new pair of goggles that I didn't realize I don't need (and by odd I don't mean anything illegal :o) ... ). They are brand new Smith Knowledge Turbo Fan OTG goggles (OTG = Over the glasses).
I'm selling them on ebay retail aroung 150$ starting bid 85$:
ebay link

This is why I bike...

2008-10-18T20:31:00.004-05:00

2008-10-18T20:31:00.001-05:00

Rest in peace my friend

2008-08-19T11:22:00.004-05:00

We'll miss you Cody, your 16 years with us were many, but never enough.

1992 - 8/18/08

National Center for Bicycling and Walking to work with Duluth Aug 18th- you're invited

2008-08-05T10:26:00.002-05:00

Relaying:

"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is paying for a consultant from the National Center for Bicycling and Walking to work with us (Duluth) for a full day on Monday, August 18th to work on making Duluth a more biking and walking friendly community.

This is an incredible opportunity for us to move our community from an automobile dependant culture to an active transportation culture. This would have positive implications for both our resident's health and the environment.

We would like to invite you to attend this important workshop.

The morning segment will focus on Duluth in general and the afternoon segment will focus on a specific area within Duluth that has a strong need in this area. I

t is possible to attend just one segment of the workshop.

Date: Monday, August 18th
Time Segment 1: 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Time segment 2: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Duluth Area Family YMCA, 302 W. 1st Street, conference Room 2nd level

It is crucial that we have a diverse representation taking part in the process. If you think of someone who be interested that I may not have invited, please let me know. I look forward to hearing back from each of you!"

Mimi Stender Fit City Duluth
mimistender@hotmail.com
cell (218) 390-7533

Check out the story of this young lady! Liza Stoner Rides from MSP to Washington DC in support of electric vehicles

2008-07-21T10:32:00.002-05:00

http://www.rideforrenewal.org/ride_for_renewal/Welcome.html

I wish more people were willing to take on efforts they care about personally, rather then just complaining all the time.
CONGRATULATIONS to Liza Stoner!!!

Wanted: 1 1/8 steerer Suspension Fork

2008-07-18T22:26:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm slightly absent minded. I had read serveral places that if you measure the quill stem and it's 1 inch, you have a 1 1/8th steerer. Turns out that's true. Several people said though, that I had a 1 inch steerer. They lied.

So, the Rock Shox Judy XC that I just bought is for sale, yours for 40$ OBO. Seems to be in fine condition, never used (by me :) at least).

If you so happen to know of a nice suspension for for sale with a 1 1/8th steerer let me know. Threadless is ok, if threaded at least 6 1/2 or so steerer tube.

Cheers

Nick Hagadorn

2008-07-17T12:41:00.002-05:00

If you haven't heard in the news, on July 11th, Nick Hagadorn, born in Duluth, from Shakopee, was hit while riding his bike by Randal Joseph Hennes, who had been drinking and driving. There's much to this story but sadly, the worst news is that Nick died do to the injuries of this man's actions.
To honor Nick I'll be attaching a red ribbon to my bike. Honestly, I don't know if red is the right color, but it's the color of MADD, mothers against drunk driving, which seemed appropriate.

I wanted to let the family know that his loss saddens many many people across the US, young and old. I'll be holding my family just a little tighter from now on.

My prayers and thought go out to your family Nick.

Please visit Nick's CaringBridge page.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nickhagadorn

"We Are All One" Bicycle Tour on Minnesota's North Shore

2008-07-15T22:20:00.006-05:00

(From the "We Are All One" bike tour website http://www.weareallonebicycletour.com/)
Saturday, August 16 - Sunday, August 17, 2008 Along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

(Click here for their brochure)

DAY 1

Silver Bay, Beaver Bay & 3 State Parks

The first day of the Tour, we will join the 8th Annual North Shore Ride. There will be two ride options:

1. A 28 mile out and back route using the Gitchi-Gami State Trail through Gooseberry Falls (five waterfalls) and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks.

2. A longer more challenging 55-mile route that includes the Gitchi-Gami State Trail route and an additional 27 miles on scenic county and state highways.

Our overnight stay will be in the City of Silver Bay.

DAY 2

Silver Bay, Two Harbors to Duluth

Day Two will also include two ride options:

1. A longer 70 mile route starting in Silver Bay, following the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway, then south to Two Harbors and west to Duluth.

2. A shorter, 25-mile route starting in Two Harbors and ending in Duluth.

What's wrong with people?

2008-07-15T20:18:00.008-05:00

Ok, I don't post here very often anymore but I thought I'd get this one out there for a few reasons. First of all, to get you up to speed with what I'm talking about, I often read the Bike Portland blog / website and lately there's been a lot of "bike vs. car" articles and discussion. There's been a lot of this type of back and forth in the Duluth community lately too. Just a few weeks ago two boys were hit on Superior St. in two separate instances on the same day. I have not heard further but plan to contact the Duluth PD for more info. Regardless, the bike vs. car mentality is very destructive to the bike / pedestrian community.

Over the last two weeks I have personally seen four separate and very disturbing instances regarding reckless bicyclists. 1st. On my morning commute I often ride the lakewalk. On coming up to two sets of walkers, two oncoming, 1 going my same direction, I was waiting for them to pass each other as to not have to be between them all at the same time, as that was all the room there was at the time. While I was waiting the 5 seconds or so, some yahoo flys by me on the left with no notice at all, and has to squeeze between the two groups, and nearly clipping me at the same time. I decided to follow this person to see if he was indeed extremely reckless or just happened to make poor judgement at that point in time. As I was following him he continued to make passes without calling out left, or even slowing down or anything. I'm not saying everyone HAS to say left, or ring a bell, by no means am I going to say that, but what I do wish is that people would have the decency to pass with respect. A mile or so down the path he is flying along at probably 20 + mph and flys by a woman riding the same direction, with her very young son, say 6 or so, about 20 feet ahead of her. When she heard him coming behind her she quickly turned and yelled with a frantic tone to her voice either to her son to have him move way over or to the guy to tell him to slow down. I couldn't quite tell. That move really pissed me off. I quickly caught up to him and asked him to please be more careful around children. He said "what"- he couldn't hear me as he had headphones in- figures... I said to him again "no offence, but you should be more careful around kids, you can't predict their movements". Kids that young often have a less developed sense of balance and tend to swerve erratically. His response- "maybe I can just read them better then you can". Well buddy, you'll be reading them quite close when you run one down. I feel bad for all the peoples lives affected by others' reckless behavior.

Third, the same day, while riding home on Superior St. I was waiting to get onto superior st from a side road and was waiting for traffic to pass when I noticed a biker. I decided to let him pass too as he was right behind the traffic. After a while I caught up to him and we were both riding down one of the bigger hills which bottoms out at a stop light. As we neared it turned yellow, and I knew we all had time to stop but he decided to keep going and blow through the red, nearly hitting a car which had to slam on the brakes to not hit him. Maybe he didn't care if he gets hit or not, but I'm sure the driver of the car would feel pretty bad for injuring a bike rider- even though it wouldn't have been his or her fault.

Forth- today. I left work early and got onto superior st downtown, just west of lake. I notice a biker about a half block ahead of me and as I stop for the red (which was already red) he decided to keep going, again, causing a car to have to slam on their brakes. I yelled- Hey- that's what happens when you blow through reds. he said something to the effect of , why don't you wear knee pads and elbow pads too and some other comments I don't recall. I said, what ever buddy- and kept going. As I stopped at the red ahead he pulls up to me and said, you're right, I shouldn't have done that and commented Duluth needs bike lanes. I laughed with him and said I wasn't trying to be rude, but I'm sure that person didn't want to hit someone today, and being hit probably wasn't in your plans today either. He honestly seemed to recognize that he almost made a serious mistake. I hope he gets a helmet and stops for reds now.

My point of all of this? Two: first, you can't change an a-holes behavior, a-holes are just that, second, often people don't realize what they are doing really isn't that smart until it's too late. Too late is a serious thought. Cars hit bicyclists every day, some are ok, some die. It's too important to fight over who's got the right to do what and how bikers should ride. But when your actions affect another's well being, it's not just yourself your dealing with.

I can honestly see why people hate bicyclists. I said that I hate them after that other day and I still stand behind the thought that I hate those who have no respect for the lives of others. I really hope people realize we're not all so reckless.

Thanks for letting me rant.

Here's a recent link to Bike Portland http://bikeportland.org/2008/07/15/words-of-wisdom-from-the-guy-on-the-windshield/ and their main site which has about 4 links you should read. http://bikeportland.org/

Correction--- Found: 1 inch threaded suspension fork

2008-06-18T22:03:00.004-05:00

I found the fork of my dreams, just kidding, but I hope it fits, being installed tomorrow to find out! It's a Judy... Should work nicely for all I need it for.

I'm looking to make my 96 Gary Fisher solid frame into a front suspension bike. I can't seem to find a 1 inch threaded suspension fork. If you have one or know of someone who might have one please send them my way!
Thanks for making my single track experience more enjoyable...
Jeff

Upcoming Events: Velo Duluth Split Rock Tour- July 19th

2008-06-11T09:28:00.007-05:00

Duluth bicycling club, Velo Duluth, will be hosting the 2008 Split Rock Tour Saturday, July 19th 2008. This ride will have distances of 15, 40, 60, and 100 miles and all are out and back along the beautiful Lake Superior Shore. 100% of your entry fee will be donated to Courage Duluth and Union Gospel Mission. There is a pdf of the brochure here and for more information visit the Velo Duluth website @ www.veloduluth.com.

Upcoming Event: Duluth Classic, Memorial Weekend Stage Races

2008-05-16T22:15:00.007-05:00

The next events around here:

Memorial Weekend Duluth Classic Stage Race. May 23rd - 26th.

http://www.duluthclassic.com/ Race Flyer here >
http://www.duluthclassic.com/downloads/DULUTHFLYER.pdf

Bike to work day events

2008-05-14T21:24:00.005-05:00

From Data Website:

Morning Event – 7am to 9am - will include refreshments, free bike safety inspections, demonstration on how to use the bike racks on the DTA buses and other various bike-related info.
DTA – free rides on buses for bicyclists that day.
YMCA – free use of Y facilities (showers & bike storage) for bicyclists that day.
Group Bike Ride – bike leaders will lead a wagon train of bicyclists to the morning commuter event. (we still need to identify group leaders, with the idea to have the group leaders begin around 6:30am in various locations in the region and head to the Minnesota Power Plaza, picking up other bicyclists along the way.
Areas to begin:
1. Lakeside/Lester Park
2. Duluth Heights
3. West Duluth
4. Superior
5. Other locations

Bike Swap and FREE KIDS HELMETS AT CONTINENTAL SKI and BIKE

2008-04-15T21:35:00.004-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, get your new (used) bike this weekend and get your kids a free helmet. I've heard they're free for 15 and under, but don't quote me as I'm not a source for their news.
If you do get your kid a new helmet, make sure you have one too. Nothing makes getting a kid to wear his / her helmet harder then when the parent does not wear one!

Lots to see and do this weekend at Continental, check them out!

http://continentalski.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=19&Itemid=26

Blizzard

2008-04-11T12:34:00.001-05:00

From this:

To this:

And my new bike sits waiting...

Check out the new Twin Ports Cyclery website!

2008-04-06T18:57:00.001-05:00

Twin Ports Cyclery has a new website. Please check it out!

http://www.twinportscyclery.com

Critical mass turnout- but a success? I don't think so.

2008-03-30T21:44:00.003-05:00

I was going to attend Friday's Critical Mass but wasn't able to because my bike is in the shop. Today, however, I came across a post on PDD with a recap and much back-and-forth commenting from the Duluth public.
Here's my two cents...
I know what a critical mass is supposed to do. Gain awareness for cyclist by shear force in numbers. I was going to go because I think it's a noble cause, bringing attention to Duluth about the fact that cyclists are here and we sometimes do not get the respect we should on the roads. I had envisioned a group of people (70+ showed up, I was thinking less then 10 would this early in the season) riding down superior st. taking up one whole lane, riding legally, just forming a massive line of people. However, reading the post online stated otherwise. From the sounds of it, the intent was to, according to "Zoyx", "piss people off, in order to garner attention, and perhaps change the overall social behavior."
Well, I bet you got your wish Zoyx. I'm sure a lot of people were pissed off and you got their attention, and next time they see a cyclist, I bet you that you are the first thing that will come to their mind. It's no wonder why motorists hate us, sorry, but it's an attitude like yours that pushes back any advance between car and bike co-existence.

On a more positive note, I read that some will be running a critical manners ride. I'm ALL for that and will help if need me, just let me know.

To the cars that had to deal with this- an "I'm sorry" from those of us that don't feel the same as those like Zoyx.

Velo Duluth 2008 Split Rock Tour- July 19th

2008-03-18T22:06:00.001-05:00

From Velo Duluth's blog:

Date for 2008 Split Rock Tour has been set.

Saturday, July 19, 2008
Join us for a bicycle tour along the beautiful shore of Lake Superior, starting and ending in Duluth, MN. This will be a family oriented ride with rest stops and distances for riders of all abilities.Check back for further details or email us at: splitrocktour@yahoo.com

An unlikely century bike?

2008-03-13T19:50:00.010-05:00

Good evening everyone! I'm looking for some insight here as I've run up against a wall of sorts.

The predicament: I am going to do my first century (the Minnesota Ironman, April 27th) and I only have one bike, a 1996 Gary Fisher Marlin. A solid frame mountain bike, heavy and not really "suited" for riding 100 miles on. The other problem, I'm stingy and quite indecisive.

I've spent the better part of two days thinking about what I can do to my bike to make it more "distance friendly". To date, the most miles at one time was Duluth to Two Harbors and back, right around 50 miles. It was no problem but another 50 on top of that could be a different story.

So far I've looked into the following:

Handlebars: a touring bar like Nashbar's Trekking handle bar or ITM Selego Trekking Bars/Aerobars or an H-Bar like the Jones H-Bar
Saddle: Selle San Marco Azoto (just a thought... wouldn't really- too much $)
Aerobars: Profile Designs Century or ITM Selego Trekking Bars/Aerobars
Stem: Profile Designs Threadless Converter
Seat Post: Profile Designs Fast Forward
Grips: Ergon GR2 Ergonomic Grips with Bar Ends
Tires: Will get from LBS (1.25 inch x 26)

If I were to get all this, I may as well buy a new bike. I'm trying to figure what I need (if anything) what will and won't work with my bike (headset, handlebars, grip shifts, etc...) and what makes no sense.

So far I'm thinking of just getting the Areobars and for sure, the tires. Can anyone lend any advice on my situation?

If you're not aware, I've been biking all year so I'm pretty confident I can make it, but I want some more hand positions and a way to deal with a strong headwind.

Please lend me some advice!

Jeff

Calendar of Minnesota Biking Events

2008-03-12T20:11:00.008-05:00

Corrected- I rode 15.6 miles, not 12, wanted 20 but due to the weather I stopped short.
Good evening everyone! I thought I would try to develop a calendar of biking events that will show the dates and have links to the various biking events across Minnesota this year. I'm not quite sure where this will be on the page, or what it will look like, but that's what I'll be working on this evening while sitting here in the hotel room.
I decided to start this because in just a few days, like 40 some, I'll be doing my first century, the Minnesota Ironman in Lakeville Sunday, April 27th, 2008. today I rode about 16 miles, a nice ride but it was 36 and raining. When I got back it dropped a degree and turned into a heavy wet snow. Hopefully it will be nice tomorrow.
Look forward to a nice calendar. Check it out and if you don't see something listed that you know about, please let me know.

UPDATE- Looks like you can put the google calendar into blogger pretty easily. I've added a bunch of events, but let me know if you know of any missing events and I'll put them in!
P.S. You can put the event into your Google calendar by click on the event.
I hope you like the calendar!
Jeff

Cyclists bombs New York City Military Recruting Station

2008-03-07T07:14:00.003-06:00

I'm sure you've all heard by now, but...
From http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i0PhHx1tA8nmOF-W7REHh1VxyU-gD8V88QJO0

"NYC Struck Again by Mystery Bomber

NEW YORK (AP) — For the third time in as many years, someone riding a bike and armed with a small explosive has struck in Manhattan, this time in the highest-profile location by far: a landmark military recruitment station in the heart of Times Square."

And my favorite part of the piece...
"The commissioner cited other possible clues: A new bike discovered at about 7 a.m. in a Dumpster just a few blocks from the blast, and the sighting of a man spotted on a bike near the scene moments before the explosion.

The man caught the attention of a witness because he was riding slowly, wearing a backpack and a hooded jacket, Kelly said. The witness, who was buying a newspaper at the time, said because of the hood, the rider's face "was pretty much covered.""

Ohh man- I'm going to need to find a clear balaclava :) I don't ride slow though so I think I'm ok :o)

HA, looks like me in the red

2008-03-06T16:31:00.011-06:00

From http://www.yehudamoon.com/ Just found it, pretty funny go check it out!

Other notables...
http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-02-09
http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-02-15
http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-02-23
http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-02-28
http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-02-29 HA
http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-03-04

:o)

Classic motorist vs. cyclist conversation (Legalities of issues commuters face daily)

2008-03-05T22:37:00.000-06:00

A recent post on Perfect Duluth Day managed to strike up quite the conversation. If you're a bike commuter I'm willing to bet you've had the conversation, you know, the one about you having equal rights and them saying, yea, but...

I thought about this conversation quite a bit tonight, and paid extra attention to notice the vehicles around me and also the drivers in the vehicles. One thing stood out at me on the ride home tonight. A LOT of people still don't use their headlights during the day, or even at dusk (I left work at 5:30).

Dear people driving cars in Duluth, PLEASE, take the half second to turn your lights on. Most cars will even do it for you automatically if you move the switch just one time. It will help other motorist see you and it will help you see me. Also, it's probably in violation of the law...

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP_SEC&year=2006&section=169.48
169.48 VEHICLE LIGHTING.

Subdivision 1. Lights to be displayed. (a) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state:(1) at any time from sunset to sunrise;(2) at any time when it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing; and(3) at any other time when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions or there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead;shall display lighted headlamps, lighted taillamps, and illuminating devices, as hereinafter, respectively, required for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles and law enforcement vehicles, as hereinafter stated. In addition to the other requirements of this paragraph, every school bus transporting children upon a highway within this state, at any time from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset, shall display lighted headlamps, lighted taillamps, and illuminating devices as required by this paragraph, except that the operator shall use the lowermost distribution of light specified in section 169.60 unless conditions warrant otherwise. (b) When requirement is hereinafter declared as to the distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, these provisions shall apply during the time stated in this section upon a straight level unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different time or condition is expressly stated and unless otherwise specified the location of lamps and devices shall refer to the center of such lamps or devices. Parking lamps shall not be used in lieu of headlamps to satisfy the requirements of this section. Subd. 2. Certain violations; negligence. Notwithstanding section 169.96, a violation of subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), is not negligence per se or prima facie evidence of negligence.

While you're at it, clear off your windows too- goofballs...
https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP_SEC&year=2006&section=169.71

(3) any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, sidewings, or side or rear windows of the vehicle, other than a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law or authorized by the state director of the Division of Emergency Management or the commissioner of public safety.

More pet peeves being a commuter.
I see cars pass on the right on London Road DAILY. If I see a car taking a left ahead of me I look back and make sure no one is going to run me down.

From http://hometownsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3750&Itemid=77

Q: Dear Trooper,My husband and I have a cabin on the west side of Mille Lacs lake in Garrison. One day I had my neices up for some swimming and when we were done we waited on the side of the road, which is Hwy 169, for the cars to pass. The drivers of 4 cars were courteous enough to stop to let us cross. As we began to cross a 5th car decided to pass the 4 stopped cars on the shoulder side of the road. We would have been killed if I hadn't jumped back and knocked the girls back down the hill toward the lake. On a seperate occasion, in the same area, I saw a car in front of me do that same maneuver to a police car in front of him, that was slowing to make a left turn. I thought it was illegal to pass on the shoulder. I pulled up to the patrol car in the gas station to ask the officer about it and he ignored me and kept walking. Is this procedure of passing legal and if not is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening in front of my vacation home. Thank you for your time and input.
Angie,Mora, MN

Angie, I am sorry for your experiences. Yes, passing on the right is NOT legal in Minnesota, unless there is a lane provided for that purpose, or if you are on a multi-lane roadway. Passing by using the shoulder (whether paved or unpaved) or turn lanes is NOT legal. We do write tickets for it, it is a moving vioilation that goes on your record and your insurance may go up if cited for it. I don't know why the officer "ignored" you and walked away, except that it's possible he could not hear you, or was on a mission of sorts, but he should have acknowledged you. Most violations like that have to be observed by police for us to enforce the law on them (there are some exceptions). As far as what you can do about it? Nothing. We don't have control over other drivers or their vehicles. We can only control ourselves and how we respond to others. If you are a pedestrian and it happens and you get a license plate, call the police and ask them to investigate for possible charges if you want, but you will have to testify if they charge and it goes to court. Prosecutors have to agree to charge in those cases too, and they will need a written statement from you as well. Thanks for writing, and good luck.
Sgt. Curt S. MowersPublic Information OfficeMN State Patrol

Bicycle Lights

2008-03-04T21:59:00.009-06:00

If you're a commuter or you like to ride trails (or both) and you find yourself out at night you know you need to have a good, reliable light system for your bike. Lights can be categorized in two lump categories, those that are for you to see, and those that are for you to be seen. There are plenty of lights out there that allow motorists to see you better; most now are led and have flashing modes to make it easier to catch the attention of the wary motorist.

I've got four lights on my bike, a really nice tail light from Planet Bike, the Super Flash, a Serfas 1 watt led headlight with a blinking mode, the HL-1, a Cateye non-blinking headlight, the HL-EL520, and a homemade diy 50 watt halogen headlight.

You may think that 3 headlights are overkill, but I usually only have one or two on at a time. The Serfas is my main light, the Cateye is backup and the 50 watt diy is for when the going gets tough. Well, yesterday my rear light batteries died so I used my Serfas's to replace them and then I found out my diy was not working for some reason. After all that I decided it's time for a real powerful solution for a primary headlight that would work on or off road. The trouble is I can't decide which one I want as they can get quite pricey quite quickly.

Introducing MTBR, the mountain bike product reviews. Every year they do a light review and I looked to the 2008 review for help choosing a new headlight. After looking through the reviews I think I'll get the NiteRider MiNewt.X2. The price fits my range and it's got a great review. Thanks MTBR for helping take the guesswork out of buying a light!

Ride Safe!
Biking Duluth

Site Update

2008-03-03T21:10:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone. You may notice I've changed my blog a little bit tonight. I've added a section called Bicycling Links and changed the tag under the title to "Resources for bicycle commuters and other alternative methods of transportation in Duluth and beyond."
I did this for a few reasons: 1 because it's nearly spring and I think I've conquered the winter commute and would consider myself "seasoned" per se', and 2 because I have found myself becoming more and more involved with my community. I volunteer for a lot of stuff and given more time in a day, would probably volunteer even more. I decided I would like to try to use my blog more as a resource for others who may be where I was a little less then a year ago. If I can do it, I think anyone can and I want to make sure they are able to find the information they need.
I'm going to keep blogging in a general sense but am going to make a new, more personal, blog which will not focus solely on bicycle related topics. I think that I will enjoy that a bit more also as I said earlier, I'm starting to have a viewpoint on other subjects that I would like to develop more also. I haven't created a new blog yet, but when I do, I'll post it in case anyone cares to read it.
I'll be compiling more data, links, and information for the Duluth biking community so when someone searches for biking in Duluth, and find my site, they will have a wealth of information related to biking in Duluth (hence the name).
I hope you will continue to read this site, and my new site and I will continue to enjoy reading everyone else's blogs and sites also!
Thanks!
Jeff

Short update

2008-03-03T07:26:00.000-06:00

Friday:
Had a doctors appointment for a physical, drove the van. Had to stop at the post office, noticed the yellow light was on showing we had a low tire on the back passenger side. I looked back and it was flat as a pancake. Luckily it was snowing and cold so I was able to have a lot of fun changing it in the slop. Drove to the dealer as I thought I had a warranty on the tires (which I did, but expired at 12,000 miles). They said it couldn't be repaired due to the 1 inch long slice of metal sticking in it. I was quoted 110 for a new tire (my thought was- my bike tire doesn't cost that much, and it came with metal in it- a new found love of bikes and hate of cars - repair costs). I called around and decided to go to sears where you can buy road hazzard warranty for 10% cost of tire which I like to buy. When I got there, they too thought it couldn't be repaired but said they would try if I would like- heck ya, try try try... So a few minutes later they said they could repair it. Turns out someone mistook my car tire for the door of their house and tried to open it with a key. Silly person...
18 dollars and one hour later I was rolling! (more ammo on why I should get to spend money on my bike once in a while too- car needs an oil change too $$$)

Saturday:
Thought I'd take the family out for a fun dinner somewhere. In Duluth, there's not many places where you can have a fun dinner so I came up with pizza and bowling. We went to the Incline Station here in Duluth and bowled two games. I let my 16 month old roll my first frame- she got an 8! I was pretty cute. Anyhow, second game, 10th frame, I've only had one open frame, got a 9. I roll an 8 and go for the spare, split second before I pick it up the lane shut off. I was mad. I was having the best game in quite some time and they shut off my lane with 1 ball left. I talked to them and they turned it back on and scored the spare since she actually seen me get it. Next and last ball, strike! Ended up with a 180. I was pretty happy.

Sunday:
Took my oldest girl (8) to the movie with my mom. Seen Spiderwick Chronicles- it was pretty good considering it was a kids film. A little scary for some I would guess but she did well. Upon exiting the theater noticed it was raining and the roads and sidewalks were glare ice. Was happy I had studded tires on the bike but that didn't help for the car or the feet.

Today:
Expecting the sidewalks to be quite slick for most of my commute- waiting for spring!!! Need to find a trail bike, looking for something full suspension, used or really crazy good deal on something new- upper limits probably 600$ Got anything to sell?

Are you kidding me?

2008-02-28T17:10:00.003-06:00

To quote adam's post on PerfectDuluthDay-

"Let me get this straight: we can get $40 million from the MN legislature for a F'ing hockey rink, but we can't get $13 million to stop putting poop in the lake?"

I'm glad we've got a bunch of smart people running our state. They decided we can get money for the DECC but not for the overflowing sewage problems... Insane... I hope that it doesn't happen...

Looks nice...

(Sorry, not bike related but very Duluth related)

And that's why Monster sponsors downhill / freeride, not road biking...

2008-02-28T06:47:00.005-06:00

There I was, 2 pm Wednesday afternoon, sitting at my desk trying hard to continue to work debugging a difficult problem when it hit me. I needed some caffeine. My co-worker loves Caribou Coffee's Tea so we walked over to canal park. Typically I'd get my fix there too, a Turtle Mocha- ohh those are good... But today was different- I wanted more, the Turtle Mocha was too small for me today and I didn't feel in the mood for something hot. What did I decide on? My other caffeine fix- Monster L0-Carb Energy drinks. These are the best energy drink I've ever had- hands down. The first attempt at scoring some failed, the ICO connected to the DQ was a no-go luckily there's another store right next door. Bingo- Monster L0-Carb XXL 23.75 ounces of caffeinated goodness (I would have got the BFC if the had them).

Within about 30 minutes of cracking that open I was doing great! The clouds opened and the sun was shining, angels were playing harps overhead- it was great (ok, a little over-exaggerating there).

Easily by 4 pm the drink was consumed. I figured I had 1 and a half hours to drink a lot of water to try to clean out my system in preparation for the ride home. Not that it's far, but being amped up on caffeine and then riding home by bike can cause problems. By the time I reached my door I could hardly stand and my hands were shaking, it was all I could to do to get my boots and jacket off and find some milk and a yogurt and a banana.

Needless to say, you don't see Monster sponsoring many endurance type sports, sorry, riding a bike down a hill does not count. I love Monster and I would love if they made a drink for endurance type sports but for now, I'll keep its use limited to keeping me awake on long Sunday drives :)

This was another funny post about Monster... http://www.theimpulsivebuy.com/wordpress/2005/09/21/monster-energy-xxl/

Image from http://www.bevnet.com/

P.S. they "may" sponsor such events, but not to my knowledge...

My next shoes

2008-02-26T07:10:00.003-06:00

These are sweet! I've gotta get me some...

The company called Simple makes the ecoS shoe (shown above) where the sidewalls are recycled bike tires and the bottoms recycled car tires. Sweet! From their site:

The men's ecoS contains no animal byproducts or even regular animal products. This shoe is vegan friendly and veggie friendly.
Hemp uppers
Yes, the sidewall of the ecoS is made from a recycled bike tire
Organic cotton linings
Recycled PET (that’s recycled plastic bottles) laces
PET pedbeds
Yes, that outsole used to be a car tire
100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms

Ugghhh

2008-02-22T21:58:00.004-06:00

It's been a long, long week, or so it sure seemed. I only rode a few times this week, late nights at the office and meetings up with my wife to run errands let me leave the bike at work overnight. Today I took the car to work, had to bring it to the repair shop for some warranty work. Even if I had wanted to ride today I couldn't have as bike is only mostly together right now. On my Wednesday or Thursday ride in (don't recall what day) the temps were about 9 below zero and I felt like my bike was really working against me that morning, I barely broke 11 mph, even on the slight downhills. I felt like I was pushing sludge in the rear wheel and sure enough, I was.

My bike had been quite overdue for a cleaning for a while, but what put it over the top was when I ran out of tri-flow spray lube and went to the store to not find any and, instead, bought Justice Brothers Chain Lube. This stuff is like tar practically- not suited for cold weather use by any means. My back end was so coated with black oily dirty grungy slime that I had to clean it. I took most of the rear apart and gave it a good cleaning with engine degreaser- worked pretty well. In putting everything back together though, I had an slight problem. my cable for my rear derailleur got all messed up and frayed so I decided I'll get some new cables and see how that works out. I'll have to find time to finish working on it this weekend though (which is going to be quite busy already) otherwise I won't have a way to get to work Monday.

I've got the original '96 grip shifts on the bike, the rear is a 7 speed and it's hard to find 7 speed parts. I would like to upgrade but don't have extra right now and the 7 suited me just fine. Now I have to figure out how to re-wire my grip shift with the new cable.

I also plan to bring my bike to the car wash to give it a good cleaning to get the chemicals off (I know about high pressure water so don't bother :o) ...)
Should be like new come Monday morning!

Have a good weekend everyone!
Jeff

A Sunday Ride

2008-02-17T23:00:00.003-06:00

Had a really good ride today. I went out with my neighbor Tone who bikejors quite regularly with his dog. We went out on the snowmobile trails from Lester Park and ended up somewhere near Lismore Road, about 10 miles + away. On the way back when we got onto 7 Bridges Road again, we headed up skyline to hawks ridge and took a fun little single track down to glenwood. All told it was about 21+ miles and 2 hours 20 minutes of ride time. I felt a little bad for holding him back, he did get some help from his dog but he's generally a much better rider so I don't feel too bad :)

Last time I took the trails it was quite hard packed and icy, perfect conditions for a non-pugsley to be out riding but today, having temps of 40 1/2 above and a lot of snowmobile traffic, the snow was very soft and even letting out a lot of air didn't help much with my 1.9 inch tires. If I want to ride the trails more I'll need wider tires for sure. I'll stick to picking my days on the trails better and staying a road rider for a while yet. (need new bikes, one's just not enough :) ... )

Jeff

Burrrr

2008-02-15T21:05:00.002-06:00

I'm home again for a few days, probably more travel again next week. I'll try to find bike time again but need a more bike friendly vehicle next time. I did ride home from the airport today and dang, it was cold. I wish I would have had my shell pants and another bulkier layer on top because my torso was literally red from being so cold. I decided it was best to forgo the trip down 7 bridges road because Glenwood is much faster :) also my main 50 watt battery was not doing so well due to the cold. Would like to find a li-ion battery for that but for now, it will do as I have two led lights that work well.

So, near 13 miles today in some really cold temps, probably the most uncomfortable ride I've had yet, by far. But it was still nice. Tomorrow they are expecting 32 or so above so I'll try to get out on the trails again.

Stay warm tonight!
Jeff

Stuck

2008-02-14T21:44:00.011-06:00

Reporting in from Pequot Lakes again. Here's what's new...

Wednesday:
I had to pick up a rental car and the timing wasn't too perfect for having a nice ride from my wife up the hill to the airport just about 8 miles away. I looked up the directions on Google and also used the Duluth trail maps to try to find the best route up the hill to Rice Lake road. I had my route planned but, of course (short term memory is non-existent) I forgot them in my office. So, I winged it. Ended up riding pretty much straight up the whole hill up 7th ave east. Not too fun mind you. The whole trip was pretty much up hill 820 feet up to be exact. That took me an hour which was pretty good considering. The people at the airport car rental place thought it was pretty cool but I was just hoping I would be able to get my bike into the car. A ford Taurus doesn't afford much room in the trunk, had to drop the back seats but it fit.

Thursday:
So, that brings me to today. I wanted to go for a ride around the lakes here rather then sit in the hotel room blogging, but here I am. I forgot my boots and my only shoes are my dress shoes so, I'm bummed out, no ride today.

Friday:
Tomorrow I plan to get home at a decent time, say, between 4 and 5 and then swing by the house to get my boots and drop off my laptop, then ride the bike home from the airport. The nice part about that is that what goes up (me) gets to go down. The ride home should be super fast and I'll swing up to 7 Bridges for another downhill run.

I had a lot of computer time tonight, found out there's quite a few more Duluth blogs then I first thought, most are politically based so I don't care for those so plaa whatever. I also wanted to find a new template for my blog but there aren't really and ones I liked so I'll have to design one for myself.

I've been looking for a new bike too. Decided I'm going to keep my current bike for my commuter and look for a nice trail bike. Want full suspension but granted, that will cost a bit, but would be willing to take a hardtail for sure. Looking for a nice deal, perhaps a discounted last year’s model or a used bike.

So, I had my first ride up the hill and around the top, always stayed lakeside (well, woodland isn't really over the top, just on the way up there). I think I would be more inclined to take on the hill from time to time if I need to go up town.

Oh yea, happy Valentines Day to my wife! (Sorry I'm not at home) (She doesn't read my blog anyhow...)

Night!
Jeff

The view from the top

2008-02-11T20:41:00.000-06:00

If you've never been to Duluth you are really missing out. I am reminded of the awe inspiring beauty of this city each time I come home from the south heading north into the city on I35. You crest the hill and are presented with a wide open shot of the whole lake and river side of the city. It really is amazing and makes me love this living here, even though most of the time it's quite nice, unlike today, -20 some odd degrees this morning. Anyhow, this Saturday it was one of the nicer days, 18 above and cloudy which helped keep the warmth around. Saturday I decided today was the day I was going to go ride 7 Bridges Road. I've never been down the road on bike and never been on the road in the winter. I wasn't sure if one could pass the whole length or if any bridges were out completely for repair (they are old stone bridges and some if not all have been repaired, not sure the progress). Anyhow, I figured I would ride up the 3 or so miles, and then back down. If you don't know, 7 bridges road leads from the edge of the lake straight up to what's called Hawks Ridge because of the path migrating hawks take directly over this area every year. I don't know the elevation gain, a few hundred feet probably. Anyhow, I planned on taking an hour, 45 min up and 15 down. I left @ 9:45 and got to the top 45 min later and stayed to have a small snack and take a few pictures. I then headed down.
The trail is on a road that is closed in the winter and used for cross country skiers and snowmobiles and there was one other bike track but mostly people walking about with their dogs. The ride up was pretty calm, average speed probably around 6-8 mph. Once I headed down though, the fun began. I had speeds of over 25, close to 30 on snow pack, sliding around near 90 degree corners, back wheel out 90 degrees, steering with the front and sliding with the inside foot. It was intense. The amount of "out of control" feeling was really scary at times, the front wheel would grab a rut and I would feel like I was going to loose it.
Overall, it was super fun and I intend to ride that more and more as the temps cooperate. I also chatted with quite a few people on the trail wondering what in the world I was doing out there on a bike. Anyhow, here are a few pictures from Hawks Ridge.

Peace!
Jeff

(Click for larger image)

3 Feet

2008-02-01T12:42:00.000-06:00

I just ran across this cool little bike safety campaign from Seattle, "3 Feet". I wish Duluth did more simple stuff like this. (We're working on it though as part of DATA)

We're havin' a heat wave... A tropical heat wave...

2008-01-31T22:29:00.000-06:00

Isn't that how the song goes? Anyhow, with the strange temps as of late I thought my commute home was going to be balmy when I checked the temps and it said 7 above. When I got ready to leave work I said, eh, I'll just use one layer under my jacket today. Well, a few words of wisdom, 7 degrees is not balmy :)

Yesterday I took in my first meeting the Duluth Area Trails Alliance. I group trying to help add and enhance the trail systems in Duluth. They also formed a sub group that is going to help address the issues regarding alternative transportation. It looks like this group (DATA) is going to be doing some great things, keep an eye out here!

Yesterday I had an accident. I turned down 4th ave w from 1st st and my front tire slid out from under me on the super cold and slick paver stones which make up downtown streets. I managed to do quite a graceful 1 legged dismount and run off as my bike continued straight and I went left. I was ok but I broke my two lights. One was just a bulb and the other was the clamp. Serfas kindly is sending me another clamp, thanks! I'll have to find myself a new bulb which will give me a chance to make some improvements to my DIY light.

Also yesterday because I was going to be riding my bike to the Chester Creek Cafe, I wanted to buy a lock (yes, not much bike thievery when it's -12 below, but still, rather safe then sorry). So I went to Continental Ski and Bike to buy one but they didn't have anything strong enough for what I was looking for so, they nice guys that they are, they offered me a loner... but they were gone so Brett from the shop lent me his personal lock. That's how great this place is. Thanks man! I returned it today, hope you find it safe!

On my way home after the meeting I headed out at about 8:15. After fiddling with the lock and putting on cold wet gloves my hands got the coldest ever. I stopped mid ride to put on a backup pair but had problems with the thumb of the liner going where it was supposed to so I ended up with thumbs in the mitt part, not recommended but it kept my thumb from freezing. I would not have wanted to have to have been out much longer in that situation. The cold up here is no laughing matter, when something goes wrong it can get much much worse simply because of the cold.

So, wish you the best Doug, I'm sure you'll do great in the Arrowhead 135!
Later!
Jeff

Will Power

2008-01-30T08:17:00.000-06:00

I'm writing right now, sitting here in all my riding gear. Luckily my computer is in my basement which is quite cold so I'm doing ok. I'm waiting for my balaclava to dry. I went to put it on and it was still soaked from yesterday. As I was sitting here I realized it really takes a lot of will power to wake up, watch tv and see pretty much every school in Northern Minnesota closed, for the second day in a row, and think, well, I'm still going to ride in today. My wife is staying home so that even means I could drive if I wanted to.
I must say this; if you're riding to work in any condition below freezing, give yourself a pat on the back. If you're riding in freezing rain and glare ice roadways, another pat. If you're riding in below 0 another pat, below -20 (today) another and if you're riding in the Arrowhead 135, 5 more!!!

I haven't written lately but I have been wanting to. I wanted to let you all know about the crazy weather we've had here. Monday we had temps 20+ in the morning and freezing rain and 34 deg. on the way home. I must say how well my Kombi gloves worked in the rain, 100% dry, thanks gore-tex. Also, as I was about 1 mile from home I looked down and realized I didn't have any rain pants on, just my toko pants. I was amazed that my legs were totally dry, sure, the pants were wet but none came to the inside! Awesome!

So, with the fun temps, highs and lows, the rain, ice and bone chilling cold, I must say it's been an interesting week already.

Stay warm!
Jeff

GOOD LUCK Monday Doug!

Update on Pequot Lakes...

2008-01-24T21:00:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!
Greetings from Pequot Lakes, MN again. Another 3 day trip here for work. I like working here, but not so much living in the hotel room.

I wanted to let you all know some facts and figures about Pequot Lakes. So here it is.

Pequot Lakes, MN
2000 Population: 947 (no, no digits missing there, that's nine hundred forty seven people)
2005
Located in Crow Wing County right in the lakes country of Minnesota's heartland. Some of the most expensive real estate in the state is only a few miles away.

According to the city website there's a fire board meeting on the 30'th and you can visit the historical society museum for 1 dollar- open saturday only.

I can't find much interesting in for city type stuff it's just toooo small. But that's not why people come here. This is...

"There is something for every age and interest throughout the entire year. Cast a fishing line afloat from one of our 465 lakes. Rent recreational equipment so you can enjoy the water or trails. Join in a local neighborhood festival or event. Play more than 520 holes of golf on dozens of wonderful courses. Enjoy a colorful hike along the Paul Bunyan Trail—a 100-mile paved trail winding through lakes, rivers and forests. Glide through the winter’s powdery snow on a snowmobile or cross-country skis. Attend a theatrical or musical event. Enjoy food and drink atop a patio, overlooking the lake. Even rainy days bring plenty of options."

I'll be much happier here this spring and summer!
Hope you are happy where ever you are!
Jeff

What's wrong with me?

2008-01-17T21:42:00.001-06:00

I get that question a lot lately, riding in the cold we've had the last few days gets a person a lot of attention. As I enter the building at work I get all kinds of funny comments, all good. As I'm riding up the elevator with helmet and bag and other stuff in hand I get the "you ride bike in this?" and today a DTA bus driver opened his window at the stop light to have a chat with me. It's kind of fun to get that attention. I'm sure tomorrow will be no different. Ahh, tomorrow, when the "cold" is supposed to come. I just looked at the temps and they're about what they were today so no biggie (actually, about -2 or so), however, if I were going for a ride Saturday morning I'm sure I'd be adding another layer as the low is going to be around -15 without windchill. Burrr :)

Here's another meaning to my blog title today...
As I got home this evening I felt very weak, even to the point of being shaky. I've been trying to eat better but I think the fruit and veggies and low-fat lunches I eat haven't been giving me enough gas for my ride home. I don't know if that's all it is or if it could be something else. I'm not tired by any means, not breathing hard or anything like that, just weak feeling like I've got no more energy. Maybe a snickers before I head out the door? :) I have been loosing weight though, which is something I've been wanting to do, I'm @ 182 now, about 13 less then when I started riding and I haven't done anything drastic (unless you count rinding 12 miles a day in sub-freezing temps drastic). I hope to get to 175 or so and I'd be quite pleased with that.

Sorry for not having more posts and pics lately. My wife started classes again this week so I've been quite busy with work and house stuff and haven't had much time on the computer. I am also missing my other camera I take sometimes so I don't have to haul our more expensive one around with me so when I find that I'll probably take more (plus it's freakin cold out and I don't want to be standin around snapin pictures).

Well, it's almost 10 pm, time for the news then bed... Night all.
Jeff

Hello again!

2008-01-14T20:52:00.001-06:00

Welcome back! I trust everyone had a good weekend? I did! I was back on the bike today for a quite chilly ride in today. I took a few days off to let my knees get back to normal- today they felt fine. In other news, my wife started another semister of classes today so it's going to be hectic like crazy around here for who knows how long. I'm glad I get a solid hour a day to myself to mellow out or I think I'd blow up!

I recieved a late x-mas present saturday, a new cateye headlight from nashbar. I appreciate the gift but I just bought one on my own and can't return that one now that so I'll be looking for something to snatch up from nashbar- we'll see what tempts me over the next few days. Too bad it wasn't a 1000$ head light or I'd have a new bike... Ha.. I'm dreamin there hu!
Anyhow, have a good week!

Response to Jerome's "Imagery" post :)

2008-01-10T07:54:00.000-06:00

Jerome from "Jerome's bikes and other stuff" blog had a nice post Saturday with Timbaland's "Apologize" video. I had to post this video in response :)
Enjoy

Peace!
Jeff

A great tip!

2008-01-09T22:31:00.000-06:00

Replace them BEFORE they get to this point...

Sorry my poor back rim :o(

Sore knees

2008-01-08T21:27:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure what's going on, but last week my right knee was pretty sore and now, today and yesterday, my left knee is hurting. I felt this way a ways back when I first went to clipless, but I don't have anything keeping my feel locked on anymore. I think I just need to take some Advil or something and maybe take it easy this weekend.

I've been feeling quite well other than that though. I've ridden every day so far but Saturday and have put on extra miles each day- running around taking pictures. I'm going to try to venture to the top of Skyline tomorrow if it's not snowing, then head down 7 Bridges road for more pics. Not sure what it's like up there but I would guess I'll be fine without the extra fat tires some people have :D

The other day I mentioned maybe making a day of riding, but I don't have a clue where I would like to ride. It has to be roads because two of us (maybe 3 or 4) don't have pugsleys so it would need to be a mostly road ride. If anyone has any ideas let me know please.

Well, that's about all for now!
P.S. I've been posting more pics on the 12 hour page but will put some here again soon.
Peace!

I see the light light light light light light light

2008-01-07T18:59:00.000-06:00

I got a new headlight today and it has blinky blinky blinky mode. It's a Serfas HL1. It worked nicely but I must say, the mounting clip leaved a lot to be desired. It was quite a pain to get the light onto and off from it's "quick release" slider. After about an hour of fiddling with the light with Bryn from Continental Ski and Bike and a second light from the rack, we were finally able to get reasonable performance from the mount.

(Image from Serfas website)

www.serfas.com: HL1 Headlight

Photography

2008-01-06T18:58:00.000-06:00

OK, I know this isn't really bike related but too bad- it's my blog so plbttttt :oP

If you didn't already know, I like art, more specifically photography. I try to take good pictures and admit, I don't always succeed but trying is half the fun. As I sit here tonight I'm thinking about things and while looking at my "site of the day" site (Conscientious) I happened across an interesting quote, "Someone once told me that if I wanted to be a photographer I should always have a camera with me. I decided to follow that advice. " (from Ben Roberts Photography.com)

I think I am going to really try to focus a bit more on taking pictures. A few years ago I gave out calendars I had made for Christmas presents to friends and family- they were fantastic. However, when I went to make them this year I found very few new pictures. I have a few ideas in mind and hope to be able to get them online here in the next few weeks. So expect bike and photography posts in the future (I, as well as many others, have also been updating the 12 hours in Photography page, so check there often).

Peace!
Jeff

Ride mapping

2008-01-05T22:38:00.000-06:00

I think this would be super cool to do. I will need to get a gps for my bike now :)
Anyhow, I think I'll check out some of these mapped rides in the Duluth area. Check your town for mapped rides too.

http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/mn/duluth

Turns out you don't need gps for this site. Some I've seen let you upload from a gps device. This one lets you add points to a map and uses google maps as a built-in interface.
Jeff

The icy shores of Lake Superior

2008-01-04T21:23:00.000-06:00

The weather here right next to the big lake is quite odd. You travel a few miles in any direction and you'll have vastly different temps and conditions. Today was supposed to be a warm day- which it was comparatively speaking but that really doesn't mean much.
On my way in I noticed how the lake was starting to ice over. I figured on my way home I would not see any ice because of the warm temps but on the contrary, the ice had been pushed to shore by the westward winds. A very thin- hardly noticeable layer had formed all the way to the shore. It's funny, the things you miss in everyday life because we're too busy doing this and that and going here and there. I stopped on the lakewalk on the way home and just relaxed for 10 seconds and I could hear the waves, ever so small, coming to shore crackling the ice above. I was peaceful in a way... Then I tore out of there and pushed hard for home because we had to go out to eat and drop off the kid and the in-laws and go to the store and..... That's enough peace for one day :o)

Jeff

Jill can't have all the fun...

2008-01-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

If you read the Blog "Up in Alaska" http://articglass.blogspot.com you'll know that Jill seems to be having a grand ol' time trompin' around the amazing landscapes of Alaska for hours on end...

http://images.gadmin.ch/10807/images/SonneBiker.JPG

Well, I don't think she should be the only one having that kind of fun. I vote we (and by we I mean me and who ever else is crazy enough to come along) spend the day riding around Minnesota somewhere (Do we have glaciers anywhere? No? I didn't think so...) I say we pick a day some upcoming weekend and spend a whole bunch of hours on our bikes. Who's with me??? (HELLO? Anyone there???...)
(Would have to be non-pugsley accessible)

Jeff

The Duluth Triangle..... (beware... ohhhh)

2008-01-03T06:49:00.000-06:00

New years day bike ride on the Duluth Triangle (people get lost in there...)

Finally, some pictures! (and other info)

2008-01-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

Hello again! I'm just here to post some pictures. First, from the Velo Duluth New Years Day Ride. There were about 15 I believe I counted, I think 2 had mechanical problems because I didn't seem them after we left. It was a fun ride, about 10 miles according to Google earth. I plotted our course and then my course after with Doug to park point and back, made a nice "Duluth Triangle" I'll post a shot of that tomorrow- kind of funny. The first 10 seemed a lot faster- perhaps because we were with a larger group? Either way- here we are!

(I'm behind the camera :(, Doug and Boz and both there, can you find them?)

A note about my gear- Boz's post reminded me to check on some things.
Mainly, my new gloves. I was given two pair of gloves for x-mas, nothing too "special" other then they were gifts. I returned them because- well, they wouldn't have cut it for biking. I went to Dunham's sports (not top rated stuff, but hey- if it works, more power to you!). I found a pair by Kombi, they are gore-tex and seemed quite comfortable. Well, performance wise- AWESOME! I used to always get cold hands and fingers but not in these. I highly recommend (29$ and full fingers). The -20 windchill had no effect. It's these here- (Image from Kombi Website-1/2/08)
Also, I got some new boots. I searched high and low in Duluth for some insulated hiking style boots (200 gram thinsulate, waterproof). Most what I found was either over 125$ or didn't have my size. I also needed to find boots for my 1 year old, which don't exists in Duluth either. I checked wal-mart and found some really cheap (price) boots for myself. I don't have the brand off-hand, but they are 200gram thinsulate and waterproof. I've tried other boots and options but my feet were toasty as can be in these things- lightweight, comfortable, CHEAP! Just my style.
(Cheap- read last post- new baby on way- cheap = perfect)

A few shots of Christmas lights in Duluth

Here I am as I got home this evening- I wonder if I scare people dressed up like this...

Anyhow- enjoy the new year!

2008 Starts off with a BANG

2008-01-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

Happy 2008 everyone! Here's a short post to tell what's happened so far in 2008.

Jan 1 2008- Velo Duluth Annual bike ride, 10 miles temps, 7 f -8 w/ wind chill, then another 10 miles after that.
Jan 2 2008- 4 below on ride to work, -15 w/ wind chill
Jan 2 2008- call from my wife- she's pregnant!!! We're having another baby! (thoughts of "how can I be even more of a cheapskate" run through my head). I guess I'll have to bike everywhere now :) Heck- bikes for the whole family!

OK, more later! PEACE!
Jeff

Trial and Error

2007-12-20T22:15:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking the last few days about what I've learned since I started commuting back in March. I started with cotton long underwear tops and bottoms, a t-shirt, my old Columbia shell and various pairs of windbreaker pants. When it was cold I would freeze and sweat super bad. My jacket would be soaked and if it rained I either was soaked or put on my full pvc rain gear which did not breath at all. I wore tennis shoes and carried my gear in a backpack.

I believe I've come a long way since then. I got to where I am today through trial and error. I would know I was too hot but didn't know what to do about it. I would buy this and that and try and see what worked better then others. I've found that some stuff you can buy on the cheap, like Champion C9 shirts from Target- they are super cheap and work very well. I've also found that some items you really do get what you paid for like my Cannondale Morphis Shell jacket with zip off sleeves. I love that thing!

This brings me to today. I tend to be impatient. I don't like to waste time so when I found it takes me about 20 minutes to get packed and changed to come home from work I decided it was time to look for something to speed up my routine.

Here's why it took a while: I would have to change from my work cloths- put on my wool base layer, then my boot liner, then my Columbia omni-tech snow pants shell, then put the gaiter of the shell pants over the boot, then put on the boot, then bla-bla-bla... Anyhow, it annoyed me each time I got dressed. I figured I'd look for some nice nordic ski pants that would work well for biking so I would theoretically only have one layer.

After reading on some different types, I set off to buy some Craft Storm Tights. I stopped by Continental Ski and Bike and they showed them to me along with the Toko Nordic Pants. They felt heavier and thicker and seemed would work better (and had a good recommendation from the staff). So I bought them.

I'll be trying them tomorrow. I'm a little apprehensive about them though. I'm used to my gore-tex like shell from Columbia, it keeps me very toasty and warm. I can always add my wools back under these pants (maybe, maybe not) but I'm always hot and sweaty in my shell so hopefully these pants will work to keep me just right on my ride.

So, like I said, it's all about trial and error. Some things work for one person and not another but in the end, if you don't try it, you'll never know. I'll let you know tomorrow how well they worked for me.
Jeff

Busy busy busy

2007-12-17T22:28:00.000-06:00

Aren't we all this time of year? I'm still not 100% done with the remod of two bedrooms in my house, adding insulation and tearing out plaster, replacing w/ sheetrock. Have had 2 holiday / Christmas parties, travel for family, travel for work, and a big injury to my foot have all kept me off of my bike for the last few days. I'll be working in Pequot Lakes again for two days; I'm trying to contain my excitement here... My foot, well, I stepped on a very pointy piece of metal and slashed the bottom of my foot. It's healing really fast and I could actually put weight on it today. I figure by Thursday (the next day I'll be able to ride) I'll be in good shape.
Another update- found my other Pro-Tec helmet liner... I knew buying a new one would help flush out the old one :o)
One last update. I bought a new SD card reader today (and it worked) so I can now download my latest photos- but a new problem arose, ran out of hard disk space. Time to buy an external drive with some raid so I can sleep at night with all the gigs and gigs of photos we have safely backed up and protected.

Anyhow, hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Jeff

Why, why why LBS, why? or Have you seen my pro-tec helmet liner?

2007-12-12T21:49:00.000-06:00

Ok, sorry for the dumb title but I'm pretty tired.
A few days ago I went to put on my gear and was missing my pro-tec helmet liner. I think I may have dropped it by the sculptures on the lakewalk or perhaps my one year old girl hid it on me like she hid the remote yesterday- I was not happy with her. :o) (JK)
So if you found a pro-tec helmet liner, it's probably mine...
On my way in this morning I stopped at the LBS and they were closed when their sign clearly stated they should have been open. I was not happy with them either. Not that I really needed it today, as the temps were pretty decent but still- I wanted to buy a new one so my old one would show up quicker.
On my way home tonight I kept having the skipping on the back in the high gears problem. I decided to get off my lazy butt and stop and look at the thing, as I thought, a link in the chain was not moving- must have gotten bent or something. In the lower gears in front and higher in back (smaller rings on both) the radius of the chain ring is such that the links have to bend more then on the larger rings and it causes it to skip (also when it runs through the derailleur). I need a new chain or something and on that note, I hate my chain tool- it's just a simple tool; takes the chain apart very nicely but it's a P.I.T.A. to get the pin back in while holding both ends, the tool, the pin, the beer, the cig, the... o wait- I don't drink or smoke, but still, it's a pain. I'm now on the hunt for a nice chain tool, one that will hold multiple links on each side so you don't have to hold them and one that will make it easy to put the pin it there... The chain on there now is some sort of put it together and push on your pedals and it snaps together- I guess that works but I still want a new tool. Maybe if my LBS is open tomorrow when I get there I'll see if they have something like that.

Maybe a new pro-tec helmet liner too.........

(Enough silly business for one night)

Jeff

Under Pressure

2007-12-07T22:33:00.000-06:00

On my way home Thursday I decided to try to ride the lakewalk which was a pretty bad idea. Earlier in the week I found out that some sections hadn't been plowed at all and I found out again that was still the case, but with the addition of about 6 more inches of snow. My typical commute in the summer was about 23 minutes, Thursday it took me 1 hour and I was working hard that whole time. From the lakewalk I took the sidewalk on London road until the stop light then road the shoulder. That worked out well because by that time I was pretty tired. I did manage to snap a few pictures but it was past 4 which means it was pretty much black outside :o) (turns out nothing in my house can read my new 2gb sd card- that really sucks)

Today I was thinking about how low I could go with the pressure of my Nokian Mount and Grounds. I checked their website and it says 58-65 (recommended / max) while Peter White's site says 45 is a good number- which makes sense for the typical surface the tire is intended for around here. But I was still wondering if I can go even lower when needed, say 20's or if that just wouldn't work. I think if I'm going to stick to the roads I might try to increase it towards the 60 mark, that way I should be able to get back up to a pretty good speed. I'll have to play around and, of course, keep safety as my main concern.

Anyhow, I've totally lost track trying to get my card readers to work :D
Have a good weekend.

Cycling Practical - bahhh

2007-12-06T19:07:00.003-06:00

See- even the DTA thinks we're nuts aparently :o)

"DTA ends Bike and Bus program

The most successful season of the Duluth Transit Authority’s Bike and Bus program is coming to a close as the DTA removes the bike racks from the front of its buses this week in preparation for winter.

During its eight-month run this year, 16,050 bicycles were transported by the Bike and Bus service. A news release from the DTA says that’s 23 percent above last year’s record Bike and Bus participation.

The bike racks should reappear at the beginning of daylight savings time or as soon as it gets warm enough to make cycling practical."

(http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=55215§ion=News)

Are we safe? Please read and pass along.

2007-12-05T21:55:00.000-06:00

Good evening everyone. I am writing to get some input from everyone out there who is still riding their bike.

I pose a simple question, do you feel safe riding in the winter? Personally, I feel like even in the perfect weather of summer that there is certain risk involved with riding in bike lanes or on roads without. Now that winter is here I feel I'm taking even more risk. Granted, I don't feel that it is so much risk that it's overly dangerous, but I do feel that I would like to try to do something to help all winter riders.

My plan:
I plan to contact local media to ask them to do a story on winter bicyclists. I want to point out the fact that even though it's winter and there is snow on the roads people still commute (and recreate) on bike- crazy as it seems. I've already contacted one tv station, WDIO, here in Duluth but have not heard back yet. I let them know I would post asking for some comments from those of us who are still out there.

The help I need:
I would like each of you who are still riding to do three things.

1) Answer these 4 questions
Where do you live (City / State)
Why do you ride (environmental, exercises, etc...)
Do you feel less safe in winter and if so, how much (percentage will do)
What do you feel is the biggest danger riding in the winter (bad drivers, worse conditions, etc)

2) Pass this post to everyone you know who is still biking and ask them to comment answering the above three questions.

The result:
I hope to take the results of the comments and come up with some info to pass along to the news agencies and hopefully make people open their eyes a bit more to see us out there.

Also:
If you have any comments you would like to add regarding personal stories of close calls or accidents involving you or someone you know, please add that into your comment.

Thanks!
Thanks everyone for helping with this. I would love to see hundreds of comments from people all over the U.S. so I can get some really good data on the number of people still riding their bikes!

(Image above from BikeWinter.org)

Ride Safe!
Jeff

Did someone order more snow?

2007-12-04T20:27:00.000-06:00

What a crazy few days of weather here in Duluth. First major snow December 1st, something like 14-16 inches and another 16 today in West Duluth. Funny thing is in Lakeside where I live we only had about 3 (only about 10 miles from West Duluth). I rode in this morning and the roads were ok. Word to the wise, watch the brown slop, it sucks you where ever it wants, be it into a snow bank or into the road- dangerous riding in that stuff. My morning commute went well. The Lakewalk was decently plowed except for a few places. On the boardwalk ramps behind the buildings on Superior St. I had to push some because it wasn't cleared there at all.
I didn't get to ride home; decided to buy a friends snowblower (attachment and riding mower for a price that couldn't be beat). We left work a bit early because of the snow. Neither one of us thought it would be bad but it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to go about 3 miles. I've never seen a slower traffic jam in my life. The bridges were closed due to accidents, downtown was total deadlock. I wish I had just rode home, I would have enjoyed going faster then all the traffic. :o)
I don't get to ride in tomorrow either- left the bike at work. Tomorrow's ride home promises to be fun though.

Hope you stayed safe today!
Jeff

How much?

2007-12-03T14:47:00.000-06:00

I was contacted and asked to review some music by a band that travels by bike (extracycles) and so far, I like. But, one song (poem rather) really struck home and I thought I'd share while I'm still writing more on the band. It's called "How much" (Best when you listen and read- go to http://www.gingerninjas.com/howmuch.php.

How much

How much Do I care
About Peace?

Do I care
Enough about Peace
To ride
My bike to work
To not say, "It's too far"
And instead,
Just move closer?
And quit when I get there
Say Enough is Enough is
Enough
I will not work for the Man
Anymore

Do I care
Enough About Peace
To ride and ride and ride
Cleaning my mind
Until I find
A real job
Working for everywhere, everyone, everything
Else in the world?

Not real like 9 to 5
Real like keeps me alive
Not real like Peter Jennings
Real like Amy Goodman
Not real like "Somebody's gotta do it"
Real like Earth Island Institute
Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty
International, Global Exchange
South Yuba River Citizens League
Real like if I don't do it
Who the hell will?
Do I care
Enough about Peace
To admit
That all inactions are actions
And all actions are votes
Not voting is
Voting

To vote
With my mouth
With my conscience and wallet
And my ballot while I'm at it?

To Buy
All organic
All the time, always
From sheets to roses to
Underwear to sprouts?

To cause
A commotion at Safeway, say
Let me know when you make the transition
And I might reconsider my decision
To never shop here again

To digup
My chemically dependent
Heavy drinking lawn and
Replace it for good
With a permaculture garden
To share
With my neighborhood

To ship
Forty pounds of corn
And 5000 gallons of water
To my refugee pen pal in Rwanda
Every day for a year
Before eating one more mouthful of
Cow?

To build my house out of straw
Make it small
Fill it with compact florescents
Superinsulate the water heater
Make certain
Every splinter of wood is
J. Butterfly Certified?

And once I've built it
To stay home
To not fly
To forsake air travel
And its suicidal tendency
To warm
Up the world, its
Insatiable greed
For being there and
Here, on the very same day
And Fuck those little plastic cups
Anyway

To let
My fingers
Do the walking
Right out the door of
The businessasusual yellowpages
And into the National Green Pages
Every time the American in me
Can no longer resist
The urge
To consume Do I care
Enough about Peace
To de-cumulate?
To sell half,
Of my shit,
Then give half of what's left away
Today? Except for the television
Much like a landmine
Must be destroyed
Before maiming the mind
Of one more little boy

To have
Just one child

To adopt
Between one and eighty eight
And to meditate
On the origins of
Impatience, anger and hate
So that I may never yell
At any of them
Or anyone else I love
Or don't yet love

To spend
As much time with them
As I do sending
Interoffice email
At my job
Real, or not

To remember
That the truth has been found
I can't buy from Exxon
Without Prince William Sound
I can't buy from Chevron
Without hired helicopters
Gunning N'goni to the ground
Not from Shell and that little thing
With Ken Saro Wiwa
Not from the Unocals
And their Ivy League Pals
Shilling on Niteline
Promoting the new
Uzbeki, Afghani,
Osama bin Pipeline

And therefore,
To commit
To a reduction
In internal combustion?

To drink
And drink and drink
Burning gasoline
Until I feel fiery compassion
For the eternal sufferers of my
Infernal dedication
To internal combustion?
Infernal internal eternal
Combustion

To admit
I'm addicted
To my automobile
My own two little
Axles of Evil?

I keep finding myself
Back at the pump
With every finger
On the trigger

And I know in that moment that
They is me
I am them
Pushed and sucked and pumped
Through a dirty oil
Filter

Do I care
Enough about Peace
To sell
My car?

To hitchhike
But refuse to ride
In any SUV-8 commuter?
Range Rover, Range Rover
Send our black soldiers
Right over
Jesus Chrysler, Honda Krishna

I keep finding myself
Back at the outlet
Ready to plug something else in
Or check something else out

Do I care
Enough about Peace
To clothes
The Gap or at least
Stand in front of The Gap
With a picket?

To never
Set foot in
Wal-mart K-mart Ware-mart
Bi-mart Petsmart Star-mart or
Star-bucks again?
How 'bout Home Depot?

To stop
Buying clothes made of oil
Sewn by 8-year-olds in dark factories on
The other side of the planet
Sold in stores built on wetlands
Farmlands, once quiet lands
So-far-from-where-you-live lands
So hemmed in by asphalt big
Trucks broken glass and
Mufflers so underserved
By public transportation that
Driving there seems like the
Only reasonable way
To get there
But which are too cheap
To pass up?

Do I care enough
About Peace
To stop
Buying those clothes
To shop instead at thrift stores
To buy organic cotton hemp recycled
Clothes made by people I know who
Live on my street?

To acknowledge
That peace is, redwood trees standing
Peace is, worldwide family planning
Peace is, organic peach canning
Peace is, Maya Angelou in the Oval Office
Sitting at the big desk
Peace is, live music in my kitchen
Peace is, your grandma riding her bike to
The bus to the farmers market
Peace is, a living wage for the
Columbian peasant who grew
My cup
Of Coffee
Peace is, the collective self-esteem of all
The world's kids

But I've got to wondering
If you gathered all the ten-year-olds in
China, America, Afganistan, Nigeria
And Mexico City
Into one giant circle
And gathered all their self-esteem
And put it in a laser beam
Of light
And shot it into the Night
Would it make it to the Lincoln Bedroom
Would it make it
To the Moon?

Do I care
Enough about Peace
To cutup
My Discover Card and
Send it back to the bankers
Who are using my money
To erect the 3 gorges dam
To displace a million people
Brown, voiceless people
To drown the great Yangtze
And 5,000 years of cultural history
Beneath the largest chunk of cement
Ever conceived by Stanford University
Engineers

To distrust
Scientists with technological cures for
Organizational problems?
DNA cures for tomatoes that ripen
DDT cures for mosquitoes that bite
Nuclear cures for energy problems
Nuclear cures for war problems
Nuclear cures for nuclear waste problems
"This just in! Top scientists announced today
that they've found a cure for
ignorance,"
All the newsmen blared.
If Einstein was so smart
Why didn't he see we weren't ready
For MC
To be squared?

To revolt
Every time some corporation
Commits inappropriation?
Steals
A word, a plant, an idea, a gene
A famous face, mental space, sacred place, or
Sixth grade class?
Get the hell out of my watershed
Before I copyright our whole language and
Trademark your ass

To boycott
Their labels
Never worship their stars?
Carry scissors and markers and
Stand in the street
Offering on-the-spot removal of
Swooshes® from feet?

Do I care
Enough about Peace
To educate
Myself
In the Arts
Of resistance
By seeking out the real news
In Boycott Action News,
In Adbusters, WorldWatch, Mother Jones,
And Yes! Magazine?

To climb
Up the ranks
Of the Ruckus Society?

To recycle
But only as a last resort?
After reusing, retreading, reducing
Rejecting, rejoicing, and replacing our
Throwaway culture?

To wear
A plate and cup
In a cloth bag on my shoulder?
Ready to catch
Spontaneous nourishment without
Needing virgin
Old growth disposable tableware
And when the cashier say, "Paper, or Plastic?"
I'll say no
Thank you

To ask
questions about everything
I demonize, criticize
Generalize, jeopardize, ostracize, canonize
Fantasize, memorize,
Advertise or supersize?
About everything I say
I can't live without?
About everything I stand for
Sit for, work for, play for
Pray for, pay for
Live for?
About everything I eat, buy, do, make, facilitate,
Drive, consume, produce, wear, think,
Believe, value, throwaway and
Leave Behind?

Do I care
Enough about Peace
To set
Myself on fire on
Las Vegas Boulevard?

To walk
The talk?
To walk and walk and walk
To walk to the White House
To walk to Iraq
To walk to nowhere in particular
Holding a sign above my head
That says
One Walker for Peace
Ignoring mind closures and no trespassing signs
Testosterone fueled egos and
The intentionally blind
Planting tiny peace seeds in
Every fertile, bare patch of
Human mind
That I find?

Do I care enough
About Peace
To ride my bike

To work?

By Kipchoge Spencer, 2003

Duluth's Snow

2007-12-03T12:25:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd share this funny picture from the Duluth News Tribune's online site. I didn't get to ride today, but will tomorrow and more snow is expected. This is not my bike :)

From http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/photography/includes/gallery.cfm?id=405##

It worked! I love my LBS

2007-11-29T22:22:00.000-06:00

Yes, cold temps and all, my newly re-lubed rear wheel worked like a charm, better then it has in a long time. I have to give props to Continental Ski and Bike's staff- they are wonderfully knowledgeable and very helpful and extremely friendly- my LBS of choice!

I had a good ride in and home today. On the way in I received a friendly honk and wave, not sure who you were, but good morning to you! It was 4 above when I took off, nothing like the morning commute on the cold days. After work I ran into a guy on the elevator who I've chatted with in the past. Today I parked my bike in the basement of our building so I didn't have it in the elevator so he asked me- so you didn't ride your bike today? I said, oh, no, it's just in the basement, I rode! His response; "You're crazy!". Another person I see regularly said "still riding, isn't it cold?" My response, no, the temp really doesn't seem to have much impact. On the way home I felt super pumped up to get riding- I was having a blast!

I cut back a layer today too and was much more comfortable.
I wore starting at the top:
Helmet with holes taped closed
smartwool balaclava
pro-tec helmet liner
smith goggles (no problems with fogging up)
cannondale shell
generic poly layer
helly hansen base layer
generic thinsulate gloves
generic "magic gloves"
Columbia titanium omni-tech shell pants
generic merino wool pants
bike shorts
smartwool socks
generic winter boots

I also bought some 20$ pedals, they worked quite well too, plenty of grip on my boots and a lot cheaper then getting lakes (Maybe next year)

Well, it's better so far...

2007-11-28T22:41:00.000-06:00

It's quite comfy upstairs now that I'm about 90% done with the insulation project, just need a hand on the over the head stuff. Should have the whole thing done Saturday. It sure makes for a long, stressful week when you are living with three rooms packed into one.

The bike is back from the shop and looks clean- hopefully it will work well. They put in some better lube for the colder temps. I also bought a cheap pair of metal platform pedals, they've got some nice "teeth" to them and should work fine for the winter with my boots on (I've decided to go that route- no need to buy Lake's, though I would like to, and I have the added benefit of not being clipped in for my first winter on bike).

I heard we're supposed to get more snow tonight, 1-2 inches. I hope so because I really wanted to ride this morning in the fresh powder.

Peace!
Jeff

I hope it gets better...

2007-11-27T08:20:00.000-06:00

Ok, rode in this morning. Second ride in snow and cold to speak of really and second day of problems with my rear wheel / derailleur. Today I'm looking for some help- while riding my rear cassette would suddenly spin freely, as if I were pedalling backwards. This would also happen if I stopped at a light and tried to go again. I would have to push up to a speed and hope it would engage. Anyone have any ideas what that is? I think it's really time for the internal hub. (I called Continental Ski and Bike, my LBS and they said it's probably stuck pawls, I'll have to remove and clean and lightly oil / lube the freewheel- much better for me the cheapskate).

In other news, I had a 48 hour flu over the holidays. I woke up sick Wednesday so took the day off and Thursday still felt sick but dragged myself to my Mother's for Turkey. Friday, I woke up feeling quite normal, a little sore throat, but good otherwise. So Friday we began destruction in two bedrooms on our second floor. I had a suspicion there was no insulation in the walls and I was right. Nothing, only about 1/4 R worth of Balsa wood insulation in the ceiling. I spent about 440$ on insulation and Sheetrock for the two rooms, one is nearly done and the other I'm just about 1/2 way on the insulation and hope to get that finished tonight. The house is a disaster right now due to everything being piled into the one remaining bedroom up there (mine and my wife's) so I really want to get this finished.

P.S. If you want a vitamin c kick, try this stuff.
4800% in one bottle. I think that helped me get better quickly, 1 a day. http://www.bolthouse.com/html/cs_cboost_n.html

It's good to be back.

2007-11-20T21:01:00.000-06:00

Hello again. Yes, it's been a while since I last rode. Between out of town work trips, kids first birthdays and wife birthdays I've been a bit busy. If felt really good to ride again. Decent temps, no wind (really nice) and no snow yet (for better or worse depending on who you ask). I will ride again tomorrow but then probably not again until Monday. I'm planning a major house project for this long weekend.

We live in a house built in 1911. Sturcturally it's quite sound, but the walls on the second floor are all plaster and have little insulation. We're going to gut as much as we can and add insulation and Sheetrock the whole place. It will be nice to get rid of the plaster. I don't like painting it, hanging anything on it, or fixing it when it cracks. I'm much more the drywall kind of guy.

Speaking of fixing stuff; last I rode my rear derailleur would not give me any of my lowest gears. It may have had something to do with the layers of compacted grease, the twigs stuck all in there, and all the sand in the bearings, but that's just a guess. Last night I completely took apart my rear wheel, cleaned it up and re-greased the bearings- worked much better today.

I like the thought of an internal hub and was pretty discouraged when we had the slush and snow and I was already experiencing mechanical problems, but knowing just how gunked up my wheel was, it's no wonder why it didn't work.
See this picture shows some of the ick...

In my 12 hours of photography picture taking, I shot this image

and a few days later was contacted by a Montreal shipping company who, I think, owns that boat. They asked if they could use the picture in their monthly newsletter. I just thought that was pretty cool!

Anyhow, have a great turkey day!

Biking Pequot Lakes... Just Kidding

2007-11-13T20:52:00.000-06:00

I'm in Pequot Lakes, MN for work until Thursday afternoon. Let me just say, there is almost nothing out here. And what's worse, I didn't bring my bike. Had I driven myself, I probably would have taken it, but rode with my boss here. I'm going to be so out of shape- no exercises for a whole week almost.

To paint a picture of how "in the sticks" Pequot Lakes is- look at their water tower...

'Nuff said...

Stay tuned for more from the fabulous world of Pequot Lakes Minnesota!
Jeff

(Image from http://www.suecoulter.com/ )

The start of 1.5 inches of fresh wet snow in Duluth

2007-11-09T18:58:00.001-06:00

The morning started with very little flakes coming down, a half hour later it looked like this...

I was super excited to finally get to ride in the snow. As quick as I could I got my new Nokian Mount & Ground tires mounted and headed out. They seemed a little skinnier then my kenda's but the worked very well as an initial impression. I would have had a major hard time with the slicks today.

On the way, my rear derailleur wouldn't go into 5th, 6th, or 7th without major skipping. I'll get it all cleaned out and see how that helps, may look at a fixed conversion or other options as I think winter will be a bear to deal with on the shifting components.

12 Hours in Photos

2007-11-08T21:36:00.000-06:00

Check out the latest pictures on 12 Hours in Photos! Had fun today, amazing how it made time fly super fast.

Got my Nokian's in today- says to ride 30 miles to set them right, I'll have to put them on soon. Going to bring the bike downstairs tomorrow for a thorough cleaning and maintenance to get ready for the winter months, hopefully I can put it all back together :D

Jeff

Who turned out the lights?

2007-11-07T18:38:00.001-06:00

It sure does get dark out early now that we've set our clocks back an hour. I knew this time would come but it's never before been as big of a deal as it is now that I'm commuting by bike. My morning commute is nice and bright now but the ride home is well past sunset and requires good lighting. I only have a cheapo 2 led headlight (not even that great of led's, there are some good led lights, this is not one) that I use to be seen and my DIY light to see (which works great but has very short battery life with my 50 w. bulb). I also have my planet bike superflash which I am very happy with and may buy a second. I'm also looking at some new led helmet mounted lights and may get one soon.

Unfortunately, due to the short days and the fact that I haven't been able to find my next subject for my Picture Tag, my next subject is going to have to wait until Saturday when I can go out during the daylight hours.

I found this site (Winter riding tips by Pamela Blalock) today which I haven't seen before. It's a nice accumulation of info (some personal, some found on other sites as well) and links regarding biking in the winter.

I am still trying to get the right layers figured out for the right around freezing mark, I've been too warm lately. I need to get some nicer pants, that should work well. Oh, also, I don't trust Google's temperature if you type your zip and weather in Google, it's been about 8 degrees off, but that's just Duluth I'm sure. I think I need to invest in a remote thermometer and stick it outside on the roof of our building. :o)

Don't forget, tomorrow @ 8 A.M. is the start of 12 hours in photos. Should be fun. Oh- that reminds me, I need new batteries.

Have fun tomorrow and ride safe!