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Saturday, January 30, 2010

More Snow

 

I got the camera out and tried to be a photographer.
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COLD AND SNOW!!!


Other than the extreme cold and the 8 inches of snow, it looks like a perfect day for riding. The sun is super bright and makes me want to go outside and ride. That is till I actually get outside into the cold. I guess maybe I have become a wimp as far as the weather. When I was much heavier, I did not have a problem with the cold. Now I get cold really easily and since my neck surgery last spring, I am incredibly sensitive the low temps.
I have heard them all. "Cyclist make their own heat." Yep we do but the first 20 minutes of cold kicks my ass. The problem is I over dress for the first 20 and then I am too warm and sweat like crazy followed by being very cold.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Winter Motivation

Sitting here about to get my butt off the couch. Motivation to go out into a very cool 42 degrees with a north wind about 15 mph....ideas? Report back when I am finished...

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

National Winter Bike to Work(school) Day

Newton HS bike club is meeting tomorrow during seminar and hopefully we will have a good day for the ride to school. I am trying to think of some alternative club activities other than a ride if it is raining during club time. I am not sure how many people read this but those who do not understand NHS's club system. We are not a normal bike club that mainly rides and does some other fundraising or events. I teach HS and will have 50 minutes or so with the kids inside. If we ride then great and we can get back late as it is at the end of the day. We just continue our ride after school is out.

I need to plan an indoor bike activity. Here are some possible options.

How to adjust your brakes
How to adjust your rear derailer:
How to change a flat tire
How to patch a tube
How to repack hub bearings
The how to change a flat is probably the best bet but they might already know to do that.
What to pack in your seat bag and why you should have a seat bag.

The seat bag discussion is pretty important especially if on a longer ride. Extra tube is a really important part along with a pump and tire levers. A patch kit is also important. Sometimes we get more than one flat. Patching a tire successfully might be the difference between a long ride and long walk.