Category Archives: Odds ‘n ends

The Lost Weekend

It started raining Thursday night, then continued on and off on Friday. By the time I headed home late Friday afternoon, the rain was heavier. I wouldn’t get a chance to take my Friday after-work ride this time around. On … Continue reading

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Bicycle Touring

After reading an article by a New York Times reporter who had just finished a bike tour across the United States, I started daydreaming. Traveling cross-country on a bike has an undeniable appeal. While I had read the occasional article about … Continue reading

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A Favorite Biking Area Up In Smoke

Readers outside Texas may be aware of the fires that have plagued our state for the last few days. One of the biggest fires, on the east side of Bastrop, has severely damaged one of my favorite biking areas, Bastrop … Continue reading

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Stinky Bike Clothes? Here’s a Solution

With the heat wave wracking much of our country now, my bike rides end with my bike clothes dripping. I’m a sweaty guy anyway, but lately it’s been ridonkulous. Not only is the sweat a problem, but the stink from … Continue reading

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Is Cycling the New Golf?

I’ll bet you’ve heard that line before. It’s become almost a cliche. But at its heart, the expression tells us something about the changing tastes of adults in recreation. Industry figures sum up the story: The National Bicycle Dealers Association … Continue reading

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The World’s Worst Bike Lanes

I consider myself pretty lucky. My town, Austin, Texas, has a lot of cyclists and therefore has paid some attention to cycling routes. Many streets (not enough) have bike lanes. For the most part, I like bike lanes. Yes, you’re … Continue reading

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Filed under Odds 'n ends, Safety

The Flatulent Cyclist

Last year during the MS 150, my riding partner Bob pulled even with me after we had been separated for a few miles. “I must have really pissed off some rider,” he said. “The guy passed me, then got right … Continue reading

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Storing Your Bike Stuff

Okay, noobies. It’s time once again to chime in on an important noob topic. This time: Where and how do you organize your bike stuff? When I was truly a noob biker, I attended a bike skills class where the … Continue reading

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Catching Some Z’s

I’ve never considered myself a napper. I’ve always gotten up fairly early, and stayed up until midnight. But as I get older, I’ve been noticing a change. When I go for a ride, I usually follow it up with a … Continue reading

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Riding With a Saddle Sore

Sometime after last Tuesday’s ride I felt it. Another saddle sore. It could have been caused by the thin pad on the shorts I wore, but it was one of those pimple-like things that’s probably caused by a hair follicle. … Continue reading

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