Monthly Archives: December 2011

Highlights of 2011

Well, here we are again — at the end of another year. I suppose it’s as good a time as any to take stock of my biking, where it is, and where I want it to go from here. It … Continue reading

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Filed under Odds 'n ends, Records & stats

The New Old Crank Set

As we neared the end of the year, some issues with my bike started cropping up. Because I am me, I immediately diagnosed them as problems with the front derailleur. Because I am me, my diagnosis was 100 percent wrong. … Continue reading

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Filed under Accessories, Equipment, Maintenance

The “Woo-woo” Ride

“Woo-woo!” exclaimed my wife, about a half mile into our morning ride. “I feel better already.” We were both on our bikes for the first time in several days. In her case, a couple of broken spokes had knocked her … Continue reading

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Filed under Uncategorized

Doc’s All-Natural Chamois Cream–A Review

What do you use down there? Guest poster Jeff Hemmel has some stuff you might not have heard of. I used to ride sans anything slippery in my shorts, then followed my local bike shop owner’s suggestion to try chamois … Continue reading

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Filed under Accessories, Review

Challenging Yourself

The emails started flying back and forth Saturday night: “Anyone up for a B ride Sunday?” “Something like 35 miles?” Several of us were up for it. The forecast called for cool, but not cold, weather, with little wind. By … Continue reading

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Filed under Rides

Glasses in the Rain

I was really looking forward to the end-of-semester break. My riding has fallen off in recent weeks, and the coming down time would give me the opportunity to rack up some miles on the bike. My wife and I rode … Continue reading

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Filed under Accessories, Tips

Time to Ride

I graded my last final projects, turned in the grades to the Registrar,and am now officially done with school this semester. With time on my hands, what do you suppose I’m going to do? I’m going to ride. That is, … Continue reading

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Filed under Odds 'n ends

My Saturday Ride

Although our club ride is on Sunday morning, a group of members called a Saturday ride this week. They planned to meet at 9 a.m. and take a moderately paced ride (14-16 mph) to a town south of here, then … Continue reading

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Filed under Rides

Winter Weight Gain

Throughout the summer, my biking weight stayed close to constant. Oh, I gained and lost a few pounds here and there, but it was within a narrow range a little above 200. I was satisfied with that. That was summer. … Continue reading

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Filed under food

What’s Black and White and Blocks Wind All Over?

After that no-ride weekend, I was looking forward to getting back on the bike. But being an adopted Texan, I have also become a weather wuss. My friends in Minnesota would be mortified that we tend to avoid riding in … Continue reading

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Filed under Accessories, Cold weather