Monthly Archives: March 2010

Randonneuring

The long ride over the weekend and the prospect of longer rides two days in a row in just two-and-a-half weeks has been making me think more about distance lately. We’ll do 100 miles the first day of the MS … Continue reading

11 Comments

Filed under Rides

Four Mental Skills You Need For Cycling

I posted a brief account on my club’s bulletin board about bailing on yesterday’s ride. My friend Judy responded: “Yes, that windy hill was a killer.  I had to really dig into my mental reserves to finish that.” I guess what’s bothering … Continue reading

8 Comments

Filed under Mental

Don’t Rush Your Comeback

As readers know, I’m going to ride the MS 150 from Houston to Austin in April. It will involve 100 miles the first day and 77 miles the second. But my recent knee problems put a crimp in my training … Continue reading

6 Comments

Filed under Rides

Triple vs. Compact Double — Again!

A distant relative has been going through the same biking metamorphosis that I went through a few years ago. He wants to get a new road bike, to replace the hybrid he’s been riding. But he’s agonizing over the purchase. … Continue reading

29 Comments

Filed under Components

Rest Stops on Organized Rides

Saturday, Mrs. Noob and I are entering our first organized ride of the year. We’re going to do the LBJ 100 in Stonewall, Texas, on the ranch of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Pat’s doing the 30-miler, I’m doing the … Continue reading

13 Comments

Filed under Rides

Speedplay Pedals – Are They For You?

One of the welcome side effects of my recent bout with gout had nothing to do with pharmaceuticals. Rather, a cornucopia of information about selecting the right pedals flowed my way, as friends, acquaintances, and downright strangers offered their ideas … Continue reading

24 Comments

Filed under Equipment

Kneesavers

It’s fascinating what you can learn from the cycling community. Last week, I was battling a painful bout of gout in my left knee. I couldn’t bend the knee without it hurting, and I walked with a pronounced limp. That’s … Continue reading

9 Comments

Filed under Accessories, Injury

Bike Lane Cleanup

A Bike Noob reader who prefers to remain anonymous emailed me with a gripe the other day: “As a daily bicycle commuter, I don’t ride on weekends. On Saturday and Sunday morning I decided to do some trail maintenance. I spent about … Continue reading

5 Comments

Filed under Community, Safety

Camelbak Podium Water Bottle – Review

Guest poster Jeff Hemmel says if you’re looking for a good water bottle, this is the one to try. Ray’s recent post on water bottles exposed something interesting. Namely, there are quite a few fans of Camelbak’s Podium water bottle. … Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Accessories, guest post

There’s a Flat In Every Tire

Last year, fed up after what seemed like an endless number of flat tires, I decided to pay real money and get some durable tires. I paid a ridiculous retail price at a local bike shop for a Continental Gatorskin, … Continue reading

18 Comments

Filed under tires