Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: I was asked a question today...

« on: March 10, 2011, 01:13:38 pm »

"Watch where you step." 

That made me smile.  In a related sense when I've taken people into the backcountry backpacking for the first time I warn them to be careful when they find the "perfect" spot - odds are they are not the first to notice it.

32

General Discussion / Re: How can I find....

« on: February 28, 2011, 06:53:53 am »

I'm no expert in getting the word out, as it were, but I know people who are.  My local community has several outlets of this variety.  Do you have a local website like this? http://www.harfordneighbors.net/index.php?section=6&viewresults

As you can see they offer something for about everyone.  This group gets a booth at the local county fair and does other things to publicize itself as well.  If you don't have one - perhaps that might be an opportunity for you.

The local bike club also hosts rides of varying ability.  Here is their site: http://www.harfordvelo.org/

I know you are talking about forming your own niche group, but could you piggy-back on an existing one?  Everyone knows someone trying to lose a few pounds - if they are not trying to do so themselves.

A good example of a smaller group being part of a larger group: http://baltobikeclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=49&Itemid=79

these folks are just an outcropping of: http://baltobikeclub.org/

The success of these organizations speak clearly to their ability to gain an audience.  I've done rides with both, and they are WELL attended, and organized even better.

I wish you the best.

33

General Discussion / Re: Creating a Journal: Ideas and hints for a good one?

« on: February 15, 2011, 07:05:31 am »

In addition to everything else already said - be yourself.  If your personality is appealing to at least one other person on this planet it is not because - I hope - you are pretending to be someone you are not.  My guess is you have your circle of friends and they like you because of who you are.  Your journal should be the same way.  Don't try to win my attention trying to be someone you are not.  The people I gravitate to (authors are the same) pull my attention because of something unique or particular about their personality that comes out in their words.

34

General Discussion / Re: New to downhill grades

« on: February 11, 2011, 06:52:58 am »

Whoa, hold it right there!  Some of us read this forum like the morning paper, and to see all that math before the sun rises...  have some compassion, please!  On behalf of the others here that were history majors and now history teachers - type all those calculations a little slower so we can keep up, thank you. 

35

Gear Talk / Re: Gear

« on: February 08, 2011, 07:00:07 am »

Eschlers, you mentioned a 20 degree bag.  I hope you find this helpful, if not sorry for pointing you to something you already knew: http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-hiking-hunting-sidwcmdev_053425.html

In addition to cycling I've really enjoyed many nights atop mountains or along their slopes.  Thankfully most cycle camping occurs at altitudes low enough to avoid significant weather changes in short bursts of time.  However, a good and comfortable night of sleep is about as important - IMHO - as any other piece of gear you carry or ride.

I don't want to give any unfair plugs to anyone, but a few years back REI would loan you gear for a small fee to try it out, etc...  Not sure if that extends to sleeping bags or if they still do it.  You may want to inquire from other outfitters as well.  If you can do this, I would offer that might be the best test of anything you buy.

Best wishes in your efforts.

36

General Discussion / Re: Think SPRING!

« on: February 02, 2011, 01:12:05 pm »

Sorry to hear that ezdoesit, we got clipped by that yesterday.  Well, had the rain all morning.  While we had barely a 1/4 inch of ice, it was enough to send the masses into hysteria.  Forecast looks a little better for the short haul.

On the subject of weather...  any other commuters tired of hearing co-workers asking why you're not riding in the ice and snow narrowed roads?  Have to say, it wasn't really clever to ask the first time and now after the 43rd time it is really boring.  Sorry for complaining, but it's numbing my mind hearing it.

Someone said it - spring is not far off!

37

General Discussion / Re: Indoor Training...

« on: January 31, 2011, 01:07:22 pm »

What DaveB said...  I would add, though, that sweat impact can be minimized by simply placing a towel over the top tube.  Won't catch everything, but enough to make it easy to clean up when you're done.  I have the magnetic trainer - it's true it doesn't feel as real as fluid or riding, but beats nothing.  I also do a full range of weight lifting - don't get the impression I'm talking about power lifting, etc..., simple stuff to build and maintain strength.  Building cardio endurance for long climbs is important to me.  About two years ago I discovered the best cardio work is easily at hand for anyone and does not require much space or expense - jump rope.  It's also a good impact workout to help keep bones strong.

38

Gear Talk / Re: Bicycle Speeds Question

« on: January 21, 2011, 07:16:27 am »

Some years ago a young high school kid was curious about riding, etc...  We talked, and eventually he got a bike and rode with me.  In those early days that poor lad, despite my coaching, went through some of his most painful miles ever in the saddle and I had to keep slowing down for him.  Now, years later I can't keep up with him and he is teaching a me a few things.  I'm an educator by profession, and I am well pleased when my students become the professors.

You seem like a remarkably dedicated and enthusiastic cyclist.  Young - yes indeed, but not nearly as naive as you may think.  Seems your head is clear and your attitude is focused.  I, personally, look forward to hearing about what you learned and experienced on your ride.  Be safe, enjoy it, and pass it on.  Inspire another young person to follow in your path - best wishes!

39

Gear Talk / Re: Bicycle Speeds Question

« on: January 19, 2011, 03:16:44 pm »

Another vote for expectations.

In similar vein, and please do not interpret the monotone and non-voice-inflective message board to suggest I'm preaching at you or telling you one way or the other...  but one comment you made really stuck me.  You said, "I do enjoy going fast and covering alot of ground."  Been there and done that.

I have found as I have aged considerably with parenthood that I learn more from my kids (two boys, 4 and 3) than I suspect they learn from me.  On a routine training ride my older son alerted me from the trailer to stop.  Sensing nothing wrong with the bike or trailer I feared something wrong with him.  Nope, he saw a bird I missed along the way that had some pretty colors we do not routinely see.  We watched until it flew off.

When we exceed the age where our biggest decisions are what color crayons to use, or we're too busy to count the leaves falling from the trees, etc...  I think we forget the important things in life.  I thank my kids for reminding me to stop now and again and take in those details that make this truly an enjoyable life afterall.  A tour is the same way.  If we go just a little too fast we might miss something really important along the way.  Regardless, enjoy the ride the way that is best for you.

40

General Discussion / Re: BEST ADVICE EVER

« on: January 11, 2011, 07:00:59 am »

Advice?  Hmmm...  I feel the parallels to being a high school teacher uncanny.

1) Keep a good sense of humor about you.
2) Take nothing personally - annoying kids or flat tires at inopportune moments.
3) The worst days do end.
4) There is always hope that tomorrow will be better.
5) The worst 8 hours on a bike has always been better than my best hour at work.  (As related to teaching, the worst day of teaching has always been better than my best days in the previous career).
6) Enjoy it all - the good, bad, frustrating, and otherwise - life is too short to get your knickers all wadded up over details.

41

General Discussion / Re: Do you carry one?

« on: January 10, 2011, 07:09:37 am »

No good luck pieces for me - don't believe in it, but that is a different topic I won't get into.  Momentos, not really - the only thing I'd take is pictures of the family, but they travel with me (me and wife on tandem and two little boys in a trailer, thus tandem4rider).

Have I seen anything?  You bet.  To each their own, though.  I don't see the need to ride with a boa wrapped around my neck, but if another chap does - that's his business and doesn't affect me in the slightest.  Goes for everything else I've seen or heard of as well.

Carrying something of your own is one thing, being asked, as David from Boise has suggested - that is a bit weird (for me), but again that is your business not mine.

Whatever you carry, enjoy the ride.

42

General Discussion / Re: Wear eye glasses/sun glasses while riding

« on: January 05, 2011, 09:47:13 am »

Good points given so far.  Not knowing your prescription I don't know how heavy your lenses are or other preferences.  However, I picked up some prescription sunglasses that are very light and manufactured specifically for cycling.  They have rubberized arms that are arced/angled in a manner to hold onto your head, though, you don't feel them at all around your ears as you might suspect.  Well, perhaps they do, but I don't notice them (I wear hearing aides - though, not while riding - that reach over my ears, so feeling something around my ears doesn't get noticed much by me.)

Here is a link to what I wear: http://www.libertysport.com/products_detail_sun.asp?codeprod=1112

Hope it helps.

43

General Discussion / Re: Why the low thread numbers?

« on: January 03, 2011, 10:28:55 am »

I'm relatively new around here, but I would say the lower volume is what attracted me.  The comments about noise are spot-on.  I have also found the posts here to be informed, worded very well, intellectual, deliberate and quite helpful.  There appears to be a fair measure for tolerance for different opinions based upon experience, etc...  That also suggests to me that the average person around here is also mature and dedicated to cycling.

I've been on other forums that bogged down in "my way or the highway" mentality or rabbit trailed to things political.  I find neither here, and really like that.  I suppose it would be appropriate to give a nod to the moderators, as well, for keeping this place civil, courteous, and a pleasant place to visit.

44

General Discussion / Re: re-entering cycling

« on: January 03, 2011, 07:02:47 am »

Cheesehawk,

It is summed up on that page, but it is more complex than that.  You'd need to purchase his material - I was hesitant to include that caveat because I felt it would be a plug - I merely offered it as something I tried.  It's not a "diet" but rather a way of life.  You really need to read about it in detail to full understand the philosophy and science, etc...  I will say, I've been successful using his principles while not buying his products, though.

45

General Discussion / Re: re-entering cycling

« on: December 23, 2010, 07:03:05 am »

There are many health and nutrition sources available in print and on the web.  Frequently the plans are designed for specific activities, though, oddly if you look closely enough you'll find they vary very little.  Personally, I have found Bill Phillip's plan ( http://www.ediets.com/diet/bill/ ) to be very effective for me.  When I started with it I was overweight and constantly feeling like I was dragging.  I've been on his plan for about 4-5 years now and it has only cost me 40 pounds and a feeling of having enough energy to make it through the day and then some.

I have also found that while riding the portions and frequency of eating meals does not have to change.  You may have to supplement more frequent snacking, but if you focus on healthy choices for this you can easily meet your body's needs.

The biggest stumbling block for me was all mental.  When I started I looked at the portions and said to my wife, "Honey, I have to live, this is not enough..."  It took about 2-3 weeks to adjust fully.  Of course, once you are totally in the plan and reaping its rewards you save enormous chunks of change.  I don't really eat out in many places since they bring a day's worth of food on one plate and expect me to eat it all in one go!

Lastly, welcome back!  It's always encouraging to hear a story of someone either deciding to take up riding or getting back into it.  Enjoy the ride!

P.S.

Where in Wisconsin?  I grew up outside Milwaukee and miss it terribly.  I keep an "Escape to Wisconsin" bumper sticker on my desk...