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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Filed under tires

