16
General Discussion / Re: hip pain
« on: September 30, 2011, 07:09:54 am »
A co-worker had a hip replacement - the doctor suggested cycling for exercise.
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17
Gear Talk / Re: Cascade Designs customer service
« on: September 13, 2011, 06:31:25 am »
I sense their intention of keeping your loyalty had more to do with telling us, 
This past summer a co-worker was sharing the generosity of a certain auto manufacturer who honored a warranty well past its expiration. I've increasingly noticed that the biggest difference in manufactured goods is customer service. Glad to hear they had your back - I, too, buy their gear.
This past summer a co-worker was sharing the generosity of a certain auto manufacturer who honored a warranty well past its expiration. I've increasingly noticed that the biggest difference in manufactured goods is customer service. Glad to hear they had your back - I, too, buy their gear.
18
General Discussion / Re: Hit by uninsured motorist
« on: June 03, 2011, 07:05:38 am »
tmkepler,
First, thank goodness you are okay. I hope your bruises mend quickly and that there are no long term aches or pains associated with your accident.
Second, my advice is to get counsel (lawyer) sooner rather than later. Insurance companies are in the business of making money - not paying it out. They will pay out only after everyone else can claim some sort of immunity from owing on your misfortune. The beauty of lawyers is that they get their share purely for looking out for you - that is real insurance. In other words - you may get no where with the insurance companies, but your attorney might.
The reality here is that you'll not likely collect from this young driver. The best you'll do is get some sort of judgment from a sympathetic judge and perhaps get something, but not likely enough to replace your equipment. You may want to investigate options the state you live in provides for collection from uninsured drivers as some suggested - very worth the time I suspect.
I wish you the best.
First, thank goodness you are okay. I hope your bruises mend quickly and that there are no long term aches or pains associated with your accident.
Second, my advice is to get counsel (lawyer) sooner rather than later. Insurance companies are in the business of making money - not paying it out. They will pay out only after everyone else can claim some sort of immunity from owing on your misfortune. The beauty of lawyers is that they get their share purely for looking out for you - that is real insurance. In other words - you may get no where with the insurance companies, but your attorney might.
The reality here is that you'll not likely collect from this young driver. The best you'll do is get some sort of judgment from a sympathetic judge and perhaps get something, but not likely enough to replace your equipment. You may want to investigate options the state you live in provides for collection from uninsured drivers as some suggested - very worth the time I suspect.
I wish you the best.
19
Gear Talk / Re: clipless shoes
« on: May 17, 2011, 07:27:36 am »
Clipless shoes have never caused anyone to fall off a bike - strictly user error. You wouldn't think clipless would be that much of a curiosity to people unfamiliar to cycling, but they are. I explain to the curious that you will fall three times.
First, you're new to them it will happen.
Second, you gained familiarity with them yet still forgot them that one time - difference, this time it was in front of people.
Third and last, you are too conscious not to look foolish in front of people, but that vain perpsective causes you to wreck alone - again. It won't happen after that.
I switched to clipless in 1996 - fell three times - and have not since.
You got some great advice already. You mentioned you are interested in a convertable pedal - clipless one side and flat the other. I would suggest the "campus pedal" from Performance. I have those on a bike in my stable and really like them. They are really inexpensive and work great. I've had them for years and they have not only held up, but exceeded what I hoped from them. Just my $.02.
First, you're new to them it will happen.
Second, you gained familiarity with them yet still forgot them that one time - difference, this time it was in front of people.
Third and last, you are too conscious not to look foolish in front of people, but that vain perpsective causes you to wreck alone - again. It won't happen after that.
I switched to clipless in 1996 - fell three times - and have not since.
You got some great advice already. You mentioned you are interested in a convertable pedal - clipless one side and flat the other. I would suggest the "campus pedal" from Performance. I have those on a bike in my stable and really like them. They are really inexpensive and work great. I've had them for years and they have not only held up, but exceeded what I hoped from them. Just my $.02.
20
Gear Talk / Re: Bike selection for use with trailer
« on: May 11, 2011, 06:40:01 am »
Not sure what advantages you are looking for? Fit, feel, strength, weight, cost, something else? Depending upon the criteria you are seeking an advantage the answer may vary. A little more to go on, please. Thank you.
21
General Discussion / Re: Budgetting
« on: April 27, 2011, 07:05:25 am »
Great discussion about this topic: http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=8590.0
22
General Discussion / Re: Red or Yellow (not neon yellow). Which is more visible on the road?
« on: April 26, 2011, 11:04:26 am »
Are red and yellow the only options?
johnsondasw asks a great question: why eliminate shock yellow? As a commuter I find my shocking yellow jacket best for the road conditions, and have a jersey to match for when it is warmer. I'd say there must be a study supporting its visibility since highway crews use that color. The only time I don't wear it is when I have my stoker on the tandem - my wife. All that bright color in her face, she says, drives her whacky. To keep our marriage happy I wear something else.
Some have mentioned vegetation and forest conditions, etc... Depending upon the time of year you are riding blaze orange is the best color to wear. It is a non-natural color, which is why it is used by hunters. When I'm in the stand and I see blaze orange I do not to even look in that direction any longer. While I've never seen a cyclist or hiker while hunting (too far into the woods), others I know have. Keep in mind some states only require hunters not to hunt across a road, near one is another variable. I see plenty of stands not too distant from my commuting route. Sorry - I know this exceeds the initial inquiry, but felt it worth mentioning.
johnsondasw asks a great question: why eliminate shock yellow? As a commuter I find my shocking yellow jacket best for the road conditions, and have a jersey to match for when it is warmer. I'd say there must be a study supporting its visibility since highway crews use that color. The only time I don't wear it is when I have my stoker on the tandem - my wife. All that bright color in her face, she says, drives her whacky. To keep our marriage happy I wear something else.
Some have mentioned vegetation and forest conditions, etc... Depending upon the time of year you are riding blaze orange is the best color to wear. It is a non-natural color, which is why it is used by hunters. When I'm in the stand and I see blaze orange I do not to even look in that direction any longer. While I've never seen a cyclist or hiker while hunting (too far into the woods), others I know have. Keep in mind some states only require hunters not to hunt across a road, near one is another variable. I see plenty of stands not too distant from my commuting route. Sorry - I know this exceeds the initial inquiry, but felt it worth mentioning.
23
General Discussion / Re: Possible cause of crashes?
« on: April 14, 2011, 07:06:29 am »
If this misunderstood phenomena cited in the article has been observed and studied - the quick answer to your question is: Yes, it is possible. In fact anything is possible.
The brevity of that article leaves me with more questions than answers, though. How long does the intensity have to endure? At what point does the fainting occur - immediately or some seconds or minutes later? Does it always happen? What other health factors about the athlete/participant played a part? What is the health history of the athlete/participant? Are the results typical for all activities or only some? What were the body fat percentages/BMI? Sadly, there is not much here to discuss in depth without further research.
Personally I have never experienced the phenomena, therefore I can bring nothing to the discussion in that realm (thus, my personal interest in investing time to seek this deeper is rather limited). I tend to pedal downhill as well as up. I've climbed mountains, ridden long distances, and hiked significant ascents, etc... I RARELY ever do these things alone - the people I'm with have also never complained about these symptoms.
The comment at the bottom of the article suggests this phenomena occurs when activity is halted "cold turkey." Cycling is rarely done like that. Perhaps researching if this problem occurs in mountian top fininshes in bicycle racing will shed some new light on the topic. When I get home I'll post the question on a racing forum I belong to, I'll get back to you.
The brevity of that article leaves me with more questions than answers, though. How long does the intensity have to endure? At what point does the fainting occur - immediately or some seconds or minutes later? Does it always happen? What other health factors about the athlete/participant played a part? What is the health history of the athlete/participant? Are the results typical for all activities or only some? What were the body fat percentages/BMI? Sadly, there is not much here to discuss in depth without further research.
Personally I have never experienced the phenomena, therefore I can bring nothing to the discussion in that realm (thus, my personal interest in investing time to seek this deeper is rather limited). I tend to pedal downhill as well as up. I've climbed mountains, ridden long distances, and hiked significant ascents, etc... I RARELY ever do these things alone - the people I'm with have also never complained about these symptoms.
The comment at the bottom of the article suggests this phenomena occurs when activity is halted "cold turkey." Cycling is rarely done like that. Perhaps researching if this problem occurs in mountian top fininshes in bicycle racing will shed some new light on the topic. When I get home I'll post the question on a racing forum I belong to, I'll get back to you.
24
General Discussion / Re: Mistakes and Attitude while on the road.
« on: April 04, 2011, 07:31:05 am »
Bee,
I share your sense of adventure in a sense. I also have considerable experience in the outdoors. I fear your lament for others, though, doesn't take into account other perspectives.
First, some people see the preparation as part of the adventure. Did I cover everything? What did I leave unforseen? Was the balancing of others' experiences applied to my situation done well? Etc... While you and I may see the unknown around the next bend as an opportunity to expand the experience; others may simply get dejected, defeated, and so on.
Second, some people just don't like troubles (in my opinion a euphemism for pain). When I first started backpacking many summers ago I went on the trail without an inkling of an idea of what to do. My mistake at every turn was a great professor. Some of the fellows with me took home a different lesson: the outdoors are not for enjoyment. That to me is sad. I wish forums like this could have been a part of my experiences back then - perhaps it would have saved the skin (literally) on my back on my first trip (hiking). And perhaps the others would see eco-friendly travel as an option, not something to be avoided.
Lastly, there are many considerations people have in respect to their touring. Many people may desire the shortest amount of time because they are self-employed, and every day on a tour is money lost for another one down the road. Others may be heading out with someone else who has more experience and may not want to be a drain on that other person. For example, I'm a teacher and by virtue of my occupation I am asked questions no less than 300 times per day. Honestly, when I'm not at work - don't ask me anything!
You raise some good questions, but in the end just enjoy the ride.
I share your sense of adventure in a sense. I also have considerable experience in the outdoors. I fear your lament for others, though, doesn't take into account other perspectives.
First, some people see the preparation as part of the adventure. Did I cover everything? What did I leave unforseen? Was the balancing of others' experiences applied to my situation done well? Etc... While you and I may see the unknown around the next bend as an opportunity to expand the experience; others may simply get dejected, defeated, and so on.
Second, some people just don't like troubles (in my opinion a euphemism for pain). When I first started backpacking many summers ago I went on the trail without an inkling of an idea of what to do. My mistake at every turn was a great professor. Some of the fellows with me took home a different lesson: the outdoors are not for enjoyment. That to me is sad. I wish forums like this could have been a part of my experiences back then - perhaps it would have saved the skin (literally) on my back on my first trip (hiking). And perhaps the others would see eco-friendly travel as an option, not something to be avoided.
Lastly, there are many considerations people have in respect to their touring. Many people may desire the shortest amount of time because they are self-employed, and every day on a tour is money lost for another one down the road. Others may be heading out with someone else who has more experience and may not want to be a drain on that other person. For example, I'm a teacher and by virtue of my occupation I am asked questions no less than 300 times per day. Honestly, when I'm not at work - don't ask me anything!
You raise some good questions, but in the end just enjoy the ride.
25
General Discussion / Re: Working on a bike tour.
« on: April 01, 2011, 12:49:44 pm »
http://www.outdoorindustryjobs.com/bicycleindustry-resources.asp
No personal experience in this realm. This is where I would start.
No personal experience in this realm. This is where I would start.
26
Gear Talk / Re: Bike Shorts
« on: March 29, 2011, 07:02:09 am »
I outfit myself with Performance house brand clothing. Great comfort, equally matched quality and durability, and an incredible price for all that. Had an acquaintance who wore Assos once... discovered the biggest difference between his $145 set of shorts and a set for $45, was $100. The best advice I could offer, though, is make sure what you decide upon is comfortable and fits well within your expectations and desires. Enjoy the ride.
27
Gear Talk / Re: Wind noise in ears
« on: March 23, 2011, 07:45:07 am »
Actually DaveB, you have developed those skills. If you are riding along and desire to make a left turn, but but you hear an approaching car - you wait. It would be foolhardy to make that left, though, only relying on your ears to let you know it is clear. You would look - thus your eyes would compensate for info your ears are receiving. Those of us who are hard of hearing or deaf just rely on vision to provide all that data. I can promise you, the senses of taste, smell and feeling don't enter that equation, well, I hope not! 
28
General Discussion / Re: Complete Newbie Considering Touring
« on: March 22, 2011, 06:54:08 am »
Excellent source already provided. I would only add: http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Complete-Bicycle-Maintenance-Repair/dp/1579548830
You may not feel comfortable turning your own wrenches at first, but there is also a wealth of knowledge about how to take care of your ride, ways to diagnose a problem and many other features. Also, there are fairly well detailed diagrams showing you what the parts of a bike are called. I've found this very useful and hope you do, too. Welcome to cycling and touring. Enjoy it.
You may not feel comfortable turning your own wrenches at first, but there is also a wealth of knowledge about how to take care of your ride, ways to diagnose a problem and many other features. Also, there are fairly well detailed diagrams showing you what the parts of a bike are called. I've found this very useful and hope you do, too. Welcome to cycling and touring. Enjoy it.
29
General Discussion / Re: Hypothetical question...
« on: March 17, 2011, 01:29:34 pm »
Ronnie421,
Good to hear you commute - so do I. I suggest riding a bit more in the mornings if the evening is a problem. I work so early I have to ride in the dark or I don't ride at all - half of all my miles are in the dark. Mornings do have advantages - less traffic, cooler, and a great way to start the day. I don't know where you are, but here where I live I'm on the road by about 5 AM and most of the cars are moving in the opposite direction than me. (My only real gripe is that people don't lower their high beams!) I'd suggest lights to use, but there are plenty of options and that topic has been covered on the gear page.
Glad to hear about your weight loss - great job!
Good to hear you commute - so do I. I suggest riding a bit more in the mornings if the evening is a problem. I work so early I have to ride in the dark or I don't ride at all - half of all my miles are in the dark. Mornings do have advantages - less traffic, cooler, and a great way to start the day. I don't know where you are, but here where I live I'm on the road by about 5 AM and most of the cars are moving in the opposite direction than me. (My only real gripe is that people don't lower their high beams!) I'd suggest lights to use, but there are plenty of options and that topic has been covered on the gear page.
Glad to hear about your weight loss - great job!
30
General Discussion / Re: 12th Cyclist Killed In Tampa
« on: March 17, 2011, 06:41:44 am »
Sad news to hear of yet another cyclist killed on the road. If I can offer any sense of balance to a seemingly unbalanced situation - on my ride to work this morning had an SUV not only slow down, but WAIT for me to move over to the shoulder while they were merging into the travel lane which I was moving. It does happen from time to time, iti s rare, but it really sticks out when it happens. I'm in Harford County, Maryland, by the way. Typically motorists just ignore cyclists enough to leave us alone, but not to the point that I feel unsafe. I wish the best to others out there. Be safe.