tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49310600396980610272024-03-13T06:41:50.816-07:00An Adventure Called BicyclingA blog to promote gleeful bicycle riding and adventuring of all kinds.RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comBlogger557125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-43220400111050150902011-04-02T21:17:00.001-07:002011-04-02T21:34:16.882-07:00OrienteeringYou're orienteer-whaa?<br /><br />Orienteering.<br /><br />It's more fun than running.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KwE-47c_8gQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />A sample race with elite orienteers: <a href="http://www.finnvangelderen.com/O-film/">http://www.finnvangelderen.com/O-film/</a>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-91037442194377161872011-04-01T07:31:00.000-07:002011-04-01T07:42:30.642-07:00HiatusIt's been a while since I last posted. That doesn't mean that I haven't been riding- I'm actually commuting by bike more regularly these days. It's just that my journaling of bike commuting has played itself out. I have new adventures to tackle: orienteering, trail running and off-road triathlon top the list. While that sorta fits in here, I feel like I need a new space for these new pursuits.<div><br /></div><div>So An Adventure will go on hiatus for a while. I may return here to post about any bike tours I do. Meanwhile, I'm getting to work on 2 new blogs. Yes, 2!</div><div><br /></div><div>One will organize trail running-related activities for women.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second will be a seasonally focused photo blog of life outside: trail running, mountain biking, etc. One of my favorite things I've done on this blog is the photo compilation video I did of a <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2009/01/bicycling-walla-walla-in-winter.html">winter in Walla Walla</a>. It's not the quality of the video that I'm crazy about, but just the fact that I was outside so much that winter, that it resulted in a dense collection of photos. My goal on my new blog will be to go on enough adventures that I can create a video compilation for every season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to all that have appreciated and enjoyed this blog. It will remain as a resource for you touring and Xtracycle folk. And when I get my X back (it's on loan), or go on tour- I will return here to share.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers!</div><div><br /></div><div>RJ</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-58566566069910345762011-02-24T09:02:00.001-08:002011-02-24T09:02:21.037-08:00Oh, Snow!This is how it went down. It was cold and it was grocery day, so I put on my Smartwool neck gaiter.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/24/1271.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/24/s_1271.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I went into the grocery store and bought ALMOST too many groceries to carry home.<br /><br />Then, when I came out- my bike looked like this:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/24/1272.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/24/s_1272.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Hey!! Whaddya doin' on my bike, Snow?!<br /> <br />Then I woke up and the yard looked like this:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/24/1274.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/24/s_1274.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Whaaa?<br /><br />Good thing I never got around to taking off my studded tires!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/24/1275.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/24/s_1275.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It only looks like a snowball donut because I walked it down the driveway. The studs did great in the packed snow, slush and ice. It'll do anything except deep powder. Well, and ruts are quite an adventure. That's where handling skills come in. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/24/1276.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/24/s_1276.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then- bus.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/24/1277.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/24/s_1277.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Before you readers of snowier climes roll your eyes- this is Seattle! Salamanders do not like getting snowed on! I prefer the mild and mossy forests.<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br /><br /><br />RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-24911214009389660582011-02-21T21:27:00.001-08:002011-02-21T21:27:43.887-08:00The VerdictI look out onto Bellevue Way and assess the weather. Rain, cold, wind, dark. <br /><br />I assess my energy levels. Pretty good, but I'd like to hit the trails pretty hard tomorrow. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/21/3566.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/21/s_3566.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I assess my calorie intake. Plenty full. Had 3 servings of breakfast, plus lunch, trail mix and that coffee cake I couldn't resist.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/21/3567.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/21/s_3567.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I assess my motivation. On the fence. Ride sounds nice, but a good, tough quality trail run sounds even better.<br /><br />Verdict: bus.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-81944822514955971042011-02-20T19:52:00.001-08:002011-02-20T19:52:16.460-08:00Topeak Bar ExtenderWhen I toured across the country, my Arkel handlebar bag was always with me- on and off the bike. It held valuables, calories and anything else I wanted instantly accessible- like a pad of paper for making ambitious grocery lists or miscalculating mileage.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/20/3401.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/20/s_3401.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There was only one problem- the bag, like most, sat high enough that it would prevent a handlebar-mounted light from being useful. My on-the-road solution was to jam my light in the side mesh pocket and hope that I'd been eating my carrots. It worked okay, but wasn't a great long-term solution.<br /><br />There are a few ways to solve this problem. <br /><br />1. Get a lower mounting bag like randonneurs use. But I like my bag, and I like where it sits. <br /><br />2. Mount a light onto the fork. A great option if I had a MiNewt 250 cordless, but my light utilizes a cord and separate battery pack, which would be a mess. I couldn't mount there when I have front panniers while touring anyway.<br /><br />3. Hack a mount onto a front rack. Perhaps if I had a 'flat top' front rack, but I've got an OMM low rider- which isn't conducive to hacking.<br /><br />So the solution is: Topeak Bar Extender! It raises my lights UP, over my bag.<br /><br />Review pending.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-17373027809509316712011-02-16T20:10:00.000-08:002011-02-16T20:36:29.115-08:00Theorhetical DIY Ironman Bike Route<!-- Start MMF Embed Tool --><div>Hm. So I mentioned that I'm <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-ironman.html">simmering on plans </a>of concocting a Do-it-Yourself Ironman. No $700 registration fee-- just mark a date on the calendar and do it on home turf.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Prerequisites:</b></div><div><ul><li>The route has to be fun. Good scenery, no boring laps.</li><li>The route has to be convenient. Start and finish close to home.</li><li>The route must be efficient, so as to not take too long.</li><li>The route must incorporate awesome food stops.</li><li>Transitions between legs should allow for an unhurried, complete change of clothing. I'm going to wear socks, dammit! And an actual chamois. </li><li>Incorporate 'checkpoints' so that friends may join in for a portion and to keep on schedule.</li><li>I should be fairly self-sufficient, and not overly relying on car support.</li><li>It should be FUN!</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>So here's what I came up with; I think it achieves everything except efficiency. Riding in the city just takes longer- more stops.</div><br /><iframe id="mmf_blog_map" src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=903129711127649041&u=e&t=ride" height="500px" width="400px" frameborder="0"><br /><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/27967816">DIY Ironman Route v 1.0</a><br/><br /><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Issaquah, WA">Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Issaquah, WA</a><br /></iframe><br /><br /><div><b>My Projected Timeline:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>5:00a - Start SWIM @ Lake Sammamish State Park.</div><div>6:30a - Finish swim, TRANSITION into bike kit.</div><div>7:00a - Start BIKE toward Seattle.</div><div>9:30a - EAT BRUNCH @ Portage Bay Cafe in Seattle.</div><div>10:30a - Continue BIKE.</div><div>pm - Late LUNCH stop @ Black Diamond Bakery.</div><div>7:00p - Start TRAIL RUN @ base of Tiger Mountain. </div><div>Midnight - FINISH! With a bonfire. And MORE FOOD.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The kinks that I see in the plan are these:</div><div><ol><li>The bike will take so darn long because of all the city riding.</li><li>Running in the dark in the woods sounds spooky, even with friends, headlamps and a 5 mile loop.</li><li>I'm concerned that I would be too reliant on outside support to pull it off.</li><li>There are some trail running adventures (my most recent love affair) that I could plan instead that would have far fewer logistics!</li></ol><div><br /></div></div><div>Hm. Still stewing..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-5808389209211153362011-02-13T19:15:00.001-08:002011-02-13T19:15:02.057-08:00Rode HomeI've been living in Issaquah for a month and a half now; time enough to tweak and try different commute combos. I've ridden my folding bike, touring bike and mountain bike. I've ridden in jeans, dry-quick travel pants, lycra and fleece. I've ridden just to the bus and all the way into work.<br /><br />But I hadn't ridden my bike all the way back home, in the dark, cold night.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/13/3312.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/13/s_3312.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />You know, it's actually not so cold! I was actually HOT on my ride home, thanks to my dang hot Craft base layer. And it's not so dark either, behind 300 lumens of light. <br /><br />I wasn't even sleepy, riding at 9pm. My gently laboring lungs kept me awake.<br /><br />And it doesn't even take longer than taking the bus. In fact, it's faster. And cheaper. And there was cool spooky stuff to stop and take pictures of.<br /><br /><br />I'm a fan. <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-8182706696095899962011-02-06T19:13:00.001-08:002011-02-06T19:13:35.969-08:00DIY IronmanI've had this idea brewing- and maybe I've posted on it before- but the idea has resurfaced full force: a Do-it-Yourself Ironman. Just wake up one morning, swim 2.4 miles at the local lake, have brunch, bike 112 miles around town, stop for a pastry, and run a marathon on your favorite wooded trails.<br /><br />A 'certified' Ironman costs around $6-700 for registration alone. Given the accommodations, camaraderie, course design, motivation and prestige you get from an official Ironman, it's actually a good deal. <br /><br />But are those things worth $700 to me? <br /><br />Accommodations made possible by hundreds of volunteers are well appreciated, but could it be more personal to rely on a couple friends instead?<br /><br />The camaraderie of completing an Ironman with hundreds of other athletes who have prepared for the same task is inspiring- but how cool would it be if you could invite your friends to complete portions of it with you?<br /><br />Enjoying someone's course design is certainly worth the money and enables support features like transition zones, aid stations and roads closed to traffic. But how rad would it be to use your local lake, roads and trails for the big feat?<br /><br />Plunking down cash for an event might motivate you to actually do the deed, but shouldn't we be able to write a date on the calendar and say that's that?<br /><br />And prestige? I don't need a medal to show off, I've got a blog to brag on. :)<br /><br />Plus- I ain't spending 700 bucks on a race.<br /><br /><br />Logistics to follow.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-27866866432792786882011-02-03T20:41:00.000-08:002011-02-03T21:02:49.379-08:00Commute TimeAs the new year rolled around, I noticed that I've been posting about half as much as I did when I lived in Walla. Maybe part of that is because I am no longer cruising around town on an Xtracycle, attempting to carry any and everything by bike, just because it was fun. The Xtracycle doesn't fit on the bus, here in the city, so it's temporarily retired.<br /><br />But to offset that decline, I've tried so many new things since I've moved to the Seattle area: mountain biking, track, putting my bike on the bus.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/03/3164.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/03/s_3164.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then a friend pointed out that I spend a whole lot more time commuting in Seattle than I ever did in Walla Walla. Dang, I really do. Walla Walla is 5 miles wide! It only took 10 minutes by bike to get.. Well, anywhere! Now it takes an hour and a half to bike or bike/bus a route that takes 20 minutes in a car. Now I really get the commitment it can take to be a "bike commuter."<br /><br />What used to be blog time is now commute time.. Until I got an iPhone that is! I can snap a photo, whiz it up in Adobe Express, do a little thumb tapping and BAM. I've blogged, on location.<br /><br />We'll see how this goes. I feel like I don't write so guud when writing at the pace of my thumbs, but perhaps I'll learn.<br /><br />I'm open to new ideas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-14625824817629874602011-02-03T08:54:00.001-08:002011-02-03T08:54:57.658-08:00Drive BetterI met a man in a coffee shop who was concerned that he was going to hit a cyclist while driving. You know, because people drive and text and all that stuff. <br /><br />I told him that driving and texting is illegal. And besides, did HE drive distracted?, I asked.<br /><br />Yeah, he sometimes is distracted.<br /><br />By what?<br /><br />Oh, you know- by any little thing.<br /><br />So.. Do I have this right? You are a poor driver and so you want everyone else around you to make accommodations for you to be a poor driver?<br /><br />I think you should drive better.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-5252746078232620632011-01-29T19:43:00.000-08:002011-01-29T20:04:33.552-08:00Sometimes it IS peaches!I recently wrote <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-not-always-peaches.html">a post</a> about a totally botched bike commute. Just nothing went right. It all wanted to go wrong.<div><br /></div><div>Well, sometimes it goes the other way!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was out orienteering (<a href="http://www.cascadeoc.org">WWW.CASCADEOC.ORG</a>) in Shoreline and planned to meet my friends afterward for grub and drinks, then ride/bus home.</div><div><br /></div><div>The directions were easy-- turn right on Greenwood and keep going 'til you get there!</div><div><br /></div><div>The traffic wasn't bad-- 4-lane arterials are usually terrible for cycling, but I took my lane and there didn't seem to0 much traffic going my direction... I didn't feel cramped or rushed. It was rad.</div><div><br /></div><div>I pull up to Naked City (it has nothing to do with being naked! It's just extremely good beer!), but don't have a lock with me, so I park my bike in the window and sit at the table in front of it. Problem solved.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friends show up, I have an awesome scotch ale and great sandwich, we chat, pay the tab and I change into my bike gear. The plan is to ride to Mercer Island, then catch the express bus home.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ride in the cool, damp night-- well lit by my awesome lights. Breath vivid, skylines supreme, sweat light.. and pull up to the Mercer Island Park & Ride. My bus shows up in 10 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Brilliant!</div><div><br /></div><div>What a seamless ride.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-85477787641241749832011-01-19T11:28:00.000-08:002011-01-29T19:43:18.148-08:00Lots of Foldy LatelyI'm still experimenting with my commute. I'm learning exactly how long it takes to get to the transit center. It's slightly downhill.<div><br /></div><div>I'm comfortable putting foldy on the front of the bus now-- he just seemed too small to hang on, but I've seen other people do it lots of times now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TTc7c9KjrpI/AAAAAAAADn8/dLHT0JiV14Y/s1600/photo-19.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TTc7c9KjrpI/AAAAAAAADn8/dLHT0JiV14Y/s400/photo-19.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563981233280757394" /></a><br /></div><div>I keep an ankle band (for keeping my pants out of my chain) in my coat pocket. And earphones, which I've learned need a good push to get plugged in all the way (sorry!).</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TTc7cgXbTJI/AAAAAAAADn0/YnuGNAF4yYQ/s1600/photo-20.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TTc7cgXbTJI/AAAAAAAADn0/YnuGNAF4yYQ/s400/photo-20.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563981225550105746" /></a><br /></div><div>It's only 3 or 4 miles to the bus, but it's far enough to get actually soaked if it's raining. I've worn all sorts of jackets between here and there. My casual rain jacket, my orange bike commuter rain jacket, my Gore water resistant rain jacket, my yellow wind jacket..</div><div><br /></div><div>If I feel gutsy, I wear my jeans. If it looks reliably wet, I wear "travel pants" that dry quick and pack my jeans in my bag.</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TTc7cZFRnBI/AAAAAAAADns/5ZKdGW21PTY/s1600/photo-21.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TTc7cZFRnBI/AAAAAAAADns/5ZKdGW21PTY/s400/photo-21.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563981223594925074" /></a><br /></div><div>And slowly emerges- a routine.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-65079387224824849222011-01-11T07:58:00.000-08:002011-01-11T08:10:01.387-08:00Yes, a basket!Okay, so maybe I should have gone for the bigger basket..<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TSx-Y4WSztI/AAAAAAAADnk/WLOlLbtEQ7A/s1600/photo-18.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TSx-Y4WSztI/AAAAAAAADnk/WLOlLbtEQ7A/s400/photo-18.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560958605803572946" /></a><br /></div><div>..but having a basket is great!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, tell someone that you're getting a front basket and they'll say, "but won't it affect the handling?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Answer: yes. </div><div><br /></div><div>But can I deal with it?: yes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most loads will be much lighter than the one pictured above and adapting to the altered handling is very quick. Just like when I switch from road bike to mountain bike- it feels goofy for a minute, but my brain figures it out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even when I've got a heavier load-- I never ride this bike very far or up anything super steep. The grocery store is about 4 miles away.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could easily install a rack and go the pannier route with this- but there's something nice about just setting your stuff down instead of having to pack it all up into bags. Sorta like when I had my <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/search/label/Xtracycle">Xtracycle</a>. The X easily swallowed up grocery sacks without any packing.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So I like my basket! Besides, it kinda handles like a loaded touring bike when it's loaded down. And that makes me <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2009/10/here-it-is-what-we-saw-transamerica.html">wistful</a>. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-82893926030276159092011-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:002011-01-04T18:50:31.174-08:00It's not always peachesWhilst reading and writing bike blogs, it can be a bit too easy to wax on about riding bikes as all peaches and pie. <div><br /></div><div><blockquote><i>Oh, bike riding is so wonderful! It's so easy! So fast! You can stop and smell the roses! It's so fun! It brightens my day!</i></blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>and blah, blah, blah..</div><div><br /></div><div>but let's be real-- sometimes--</div><div><br /></div><div>sometimes it kinda sucks.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TSPYPuiMQ-I/AAAAAAAADnc/4XSAMxa9v7A/s1600/photo-17.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TSPYPuiMQ-I/AAAAAAAADnc/4XSAMxa9v7A/s400/photo-17.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558524129806402530" /></a><br /></div></div><div>Sometimes, you wake up extra early in the morning so that you have time to put on studded tires so that you can ride the icy roads to get to your bus stop to get to work.</div><div><br /></div><div>While installing a tire, you pinch the tube, causing a flat. You patch it, get on with it, and ride out the door only to discover that your rushed job didn't hold.</div><div><br /></div><div>In desperation, you grab a can of instant-flat-fix, only to let half the can foam everywhere. A third of the can finally goes in the tire. The tire pressure is low, but rideable.</div><div><br /></div><div>About a mile down the road-- you realize that a third of a can of foam isn't going to cut it. You're flatting again and not even halfway to the bus.</div><div><br /></div><div>You ride the flat, until finally jumping off to scamper onward-- pushing, shuffling, running. You're overdressed and sweating, worrying- <i>will I catch my bus?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>And you finally get there-- only to discover that the bus arrives 15 minutes later than anticipated. Huh.</div><div><br /></div><div>..</div><div><br /></div><div>And somehow, even on a crap ride such as that-- </div><div><br /></div><div>it still makes me happy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-44394168445388665172010-12-28T19:05:00.000-08:002010-12-31T21:06:57.083-08:00What happened this year?I'm in a funny place. I'm nearly 26 years old. I graduated from college 3, almost 4 years ago. I've done this and that-- did trail maintenance on Mount Rainier for a summer, worked in a fancy restaurant, chaperoned my old college cycling team, coached a junior cycling team, went on a bicycle tour across the country with a close friend, moved back to 'Seattle' to work in a bike shop.. and I'm sorta done with dinking around. I wouldn't mind another adventure. :) The Sierra Cascades and Great Divide are on my list. But I'm done with dinking around. I've been waiting for that clear path to emerge-- for the brambles to pull away and reveal the journey I was meant for.. but I feel like I just keep whacking at bushes that keep growing back.<div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, I keep riding my bike.</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6XCX9alJI/AAAAAAAADmU/YGmUM8ts_DI/s1600/mtb_wallace1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6XCX9alJI/AAAAAAAADmU/YGmUM8ts_DI/s400/mtb_wallace1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557045057268913298" /></a><br /></div><div><b>JANUARY</b></div><div>My first mountain bike! I was spoiled-- full suspension off the bat. I took it to every local mountain bike destination I could get to.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6ZA0XfrJI/AAAAAAAADmc/deQhPLlwS7U/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6ZA0XfrJI/AAAAAAAADmc/deQhPLlwS7U/s400/IMG_2764.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557047229558008978" /></a><br /></div><div><b>FEBRUARY</b></div><div>I went to a Bike Swap for the first time! I unloaded an embarrassing amount of bike stuff-- then put my profits into a new complete set of <a href="http://www.arkel-od.com/">Arkel panniers</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6adUtUIQI/AAAAAAAADmk/fGMn0U9QYz4/s1600/bham_roots2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6adUtUIQI/AAAAAAAADmk/fGMn0U9QYz4/s400/bham_roots2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557048818787426562" /></a><br /></div><div><b>MARCH</b></div><div>Still learning how to mountain bike! Also discovered Whidbey Island <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/03/ride-islands.html">as a great weekend ride</a>. MMM-- <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/03/it-all-began-with-small-detour.html">Cappuccino</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6c5ScGe9I/AAAAAAAADms/wEPk0t4y9No/s1600/bellevuetransit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6c5ScGe9I/AAAAAAAADms/wEPk0t4y9No/s400/bellevuetransit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557051498237950930" /></a><br /></div><div><b>APRIL</b></div><div>I really immersed myself in Seattle bike commuting-- and often used coffee as a carrot. I think I <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/04/commuting-intermission.html">filled up a couple</a> Stumptown punch cards. And I discovered the strange thrill of <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/04/morning-and-night.html">riding across I-90</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6ecMlFZDI/AAAAAAAADm0/-FLoesQdUas/s1600/puddle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6ecMlFZDI/AAAAAAAADm0/-FLoesQdUas/s400/puddle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557053197472064562" /></a><br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/11554865?portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><br /></div><div><b>MAY</b></div><div>I got to <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/05/scenic-loop-walla-walla-wa.html">visit my college town</a>, Walla Walla, for some good, ole' fashioned wheat-field riding that made me fall in love with cycling in the first place. It was wonderfully juxtaposed by later <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/05/city-scape-part-2.html">house sitting in West Seattle</a>, which meant riding through the industrial part of Seattle every day. Then top it off with track racing on the velodrome and some multi-modal foldy rides! </div><div><br /></div><div>The variety of bikes I ride begins to make my head spin!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6pTwW1B_I/AAAAAAAADm8/0qlwACIeaeg/s1600/paraglideme2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6pTwW1B_I/AAAAAAAADm8/0qlwACIeaeg/s400/paraglideme2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557065147085031410" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>JUNE</b></div><div>I went for a mountain bike ride.. and ended up PARAGLIDING? Also- more track racing; steadily climbing the ranks from beginner's night to Friday Night.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6rTyMLNVI/AAAAAAAADnE/IUtxspY7pXw/s1600/4782478803_5b902ce8a4_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6rTyMLNVI/AAAAAAAADnE/IUtxspY7pXw/s400/4782478803_5b902ce8a4_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557067346600473938" /></a><br /></div><div><b>JULY</b></div><div>First adventure race. More track. More foldy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6rURAu4vI/AAAAAAAADnM/CDXCQBc75Vs/s1600/xterra_lyingdown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6rURAu4vI/AAAAAAAADnM/CDXCQBc75Vs/s400/xterra_lyingdown.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557067354873979634" /></a><br /></div><div><b>AUGUST</b></div><div>Xterra: off-road triathlon. Street Scramble: urban orienteering by bike.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6tQ_7xPfI/AAAAAAAADnU/cDufLkVzE6E/s1600/enchantments_rjlav.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TR6tQ_7xPfI/AAAAAAAADnU/cDufLkVzE6E/s400/enchantments_rjlav.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557069497773407730" /></a><br /></div><div><b>SEPTEMBER</b></div><div><a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-xterra-us-nationals-went.html">Xterra US Nationals</a> in Utah. <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/09/enchantments.html">The Enchantments</a> with Laura.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>OCTOBER</b></div><div>More musing than riding. Lots of <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/10/maps-are-hope.html">wistful map reading</a>, but less riding. Tried cyclocross again, but ended up selling my cross bike. Losing bike steam, looking forward to <a href="http://cascadeoc.org/">orienteering season</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NOVEMBER</b></div><div>Tried luring myself out the door with <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/11/mid-ride-cinnamon-roll.html">cinnamon rolls</a>. Sold my Long Haul Trucker, the front end of my Xtracycle. Sold full suspension frame/fork, built up steel <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/11/adventure-errand.html">Salsa Ala Carte</a>! <i>Orienteering season begins!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>DECEMBER</b></div><div>Of course, I've acquired <a href="http://anadventurecalledbicycling.blogspot.com/2010/12/hide-bike-makes-appearance.html">another bike.</a> I just can't help it. From Craigslist, I bought an old but pristine Specialized Hardrock (Chro Mo!). After new tires, fenders, shifters, locking skewers and a basket-- it'll be ready for puttering around town and pedaling to the trail head for a mountain run!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>TOMORROW</b></div><div>I'm moving to Issaquah!</div><div><br /></div><div>MOUNTAIN BIKING, TRAIL RUNNING and better BIKE COMMUTING! eee! </div><div>It's even closer to the track!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-1519216542013303682010-12-21T17:04:00.000-08:002010-12-21T18:41:16.038-08:00So, What's in that Bag Thing of yours anyway?I've got a trunk bag. More specifically, an <a href="http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/seat-bags-trunk-bags/tailrider.html">Arkel TailRider</a>. I love it. And it's always on my bike.<div><br /></div><div>Some people like those <a href="http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/images/product_images/medium/08BagMiniWedgie.jpg">itty bitty bags</a> that carry the most minimal flat kit and nothing else. That's great for a bike that you want to behave like a sports car. You wouldn't want to burden a race horse with a mule's load!</div><div><br /></div><div>But my bike is a mule. A workhorse. And he carries my comforts and securities.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFS5ityeYI/AAAAAAAADmA/nRKrP3Sq930/s1600/photo-3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFS5ityeYI/AAAAAAAADmA/nRKrP3Sq930/s400/photo-3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553310964049410434" /></a><br /></div><div>So what's in there anyway?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, here is a "surprise search" of the current contents of my TailRider.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFS5R2fBOI/AAAAAAAADl4/z8H9bzlrxiA/s1600/photo-4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFS5R2fBOI/AAAAAAAADl4/z8H9bzlrxiA/s400/photo-4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553310959522481378" /></a>First of all-- I've got a bright triangle hanging off the back of it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFSI2iGa9I/AAAAAAAADlw/O7pOnHzaDvY/s1600/photo-6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFSI2iGa9I/AAAAAAAADlw/O7pOnHzaDvY/s400/photo-6.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553310127555505106" /></a>The east side pocket houses my 'tool kit': </div><div><ul><li>spare tube</li><li>tire levers</li><li>ginormous multi tool</li><li>temporary spoke fixer-doodle</li><li>a box filled with other doo-dads:</li></ul></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFSIcMgTrI/AAAAAAAADlg/afebBmlFO0c/s1600/photo-8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFSIcMgTrI/AAAAAAAADlg/afebBmlFO0c/s400/photo-8.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553310120485605042" /></a><ul><li>tire boot (temporary patch for a cut in the TIRE, not tube)</li><li>spare chain link</li><li>spare bolts</li><li>little roll of velcro</li><li>AAA batteries for my red lights</li></ul></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFSIFdE9nI/AAAAAAAADlQ/tOX7NfqlXtc/s1600/photo-10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFSIFdE9nI/AAAAAAAADlQ/tOX7NfqlXtc/s400/photo-10.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553310114381100658" /></a>The west pocket houses the battery pack for my <a href="http://rockthebike.com/lights/downlowglow">Down Low Glow</a> and another spare velcro strap. Sometimes there are snacks in here, too. :)</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRwhk1_lI/AAAAAAAADlA/PUM0f5l4hns/s1600/photo-11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRwhk1_lI/AAAAAAAADlA/PUM0f5l4hns/s400/photo-11.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553309709613006418" /></a>Open it up, and the first thing you'll see are the spare clothes I decided to bring with me that day. Almost always that includes <a href="http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/closeout/mens-club-jacket">my Showers Pass rain jacket</a> in case of a downpour. I also like a second set of gloves in case I over/underestimated the weather or if my first pair get soaked. Sometimes I might even have a spare hat, booties, or some other layer of clothing. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRwLznPMI/AAAAAAAADk4/S0SsO9mxsH8/s1600/photo-12.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRwLznPMI/AAAAAAAADk4/S0SsO9mxsH8/s400/photo-12.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553309703769373890" /></a>Under that, I keep a bus schedule and maps. Even though I have an iPhone, it's nice to have a hard copy so I don't rely on cell towers and battery life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh! And my pump is in there, too-- to complete my tool kit.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRvwUP6dI/AAAAAAAADkw/Qv9_Jq3VnGI/s1600/photo-13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRvwUP6dI/AAAAAAAADkw/Qv9_Jq3VnGI/s400/photo-13.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553309696390064594" /></a>In the lil' side mesh pockets are other treasures-- like snacks and a copy of my health insurance card.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRvkTfibI/AAAAAAAADko/NVqwpAirRtA/s1600/photo-14.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRvkTfibI/AAAAAAAADko/NVqwpAirRtA/s400/photo-14.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553309693165668786" /></a>I don't have a chain guard, so I have these metal bands to keep my jeans out of the way of the chain. They're quick and a bit more casual looking than the yellow velcro sort.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRvZl5fDI/AAAAAAAADkg/GQxFrLUqz1c/s1600/photo-15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFRvZl5fDI/AAAAAAAADkg/GQxFrLUqz1c/s400/photo-15.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553309690290076722" /></a>Chamois butter! Or anti-chafe lotion for your butt. Sometimes reapplication is necessary, so these lil' packets are handy.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFR1EPtk5I/AAAAAAAADlI/Yt4CgoxZUe4/s1600/photo-16.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRFR1EPtk5I/AAAAAAAADlI/Yt4CgoxZUe4/s400/photo-16.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553309787639092114" /></a>And of course, PLAYING CARDS. For when you meet up with a friend at a coffee shop and you feel like a few rounds of Gin Rummy.</div><div><br /></div><div>OTHER THINGS I'VE CARRIED:</div><div><ul><li>Spare front flashing light. *I rely on my rechargeable light most of the time, but I've had an AA-battery-operated light in my bag for back-up.</li><li>More snacks. Clif Bloks or Fun Size Snickers bars. </li><li>CO2 cartridge & applicator-- I have a sizable pump for infinite air, but sometimes in the rain, dark, or sketchy neighborhood-- it's nice to fix a flat faster.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Is this a gross over use of the Hipstamatic iPhone app? Yes, but I lost my Photoshop in my hard drive crash-- so bear with me!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-90378123825244295632010-12-20T22:33:00.000-08:002010-12-20T22:36:30.060-08:00The Hide-a-Bike Makes an AppearanceAlright, what is this "cheap bike whose purpose is to lock in the woods while out on a trail run" you speak of?<div><br /></div><div>And why don't you just spray paint it so it looks less attractive and steal-able?</div><div><br /></div><div>Because it's SO PRETTY! :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRBKR0sVg7I/AAAAAAAADkY/ZWs4kTby-_Q/s1600/photo-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TRBKR0sVg7I/AAAAAAAADkY/ZWs4kTby-_Q/s400/photo-2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553020010610656178" /></a><br /></div><div>This bike rocks. I can tell already.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it doesn't even have its front rack/basket yet.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-7750445098335173702010-12-18T08:37:00.000-08:002010-12-18T08:46:36.568-08:00The Point is to be CheapSo I got this new used cheap bike.<div><br /></div><div>It's a Craiglist bike. Steel rigid. Purple. I paid $80 for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I put on new tires, new pedals, new brake pads and soon- new brake/shifter levers. And a Wald front basket/rack with struts.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I'm picking around the store (I work in a bike shop), I ask, "these tires or these ones?" I hear, "well, isn't the point of your bike to be cheap?" "Yeah, well, but," "then I'd choose the cheap ones."</div><div><br /></div><div>"These pedals or these ones?" "Well, isn't the point of your bike to be cheap? You don't want anything desirable looking on there." "Yeah, well, but" "then I'd choose the cheap ones."</div><div><br /></div><div>ARG! </div><div><br /></div><div>Choosing cheap is not my natural impulse.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-43232161211436503722010-12-17T22:14:00.000-08:002010-12-17T23:19:15.868-08:00Bikes-- it's like they grow on trees!So, it's kinda funny.<div><br /></div><div>I just weaned my bike corral from 6 down to 4.. and now I have another one. Sigh. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's just inevitable.</div><div><br /></div><div>(...here comes the justification...)</div><div><br /></div><div>But THIS bike is the "cheap bike." The bike that's cheap enough to get stolen without causing a heart attack. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned in my last post, I'm moving to Issaquah!-- which means I am just miles if not meters away from all sorts of awesome trailheads. (eeeeee!!) Of course, I want to ride my bike to the trailhead! But that means stashing my bike in the woods.</div><div><br /></div><div>So this is the Wood Stashing Bike. Could also do double-duty as Lock Up At Bike Stop Bike and after I put a big front rack/basket, it could even be the Town Bike. Who knows!</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is oh, so charming. Like a mutt at the pound. Photos coming..</div><div><br /></div><div>And for the record, I own:</div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>Trek 520 ........................(road touring, my all around bike)</li><li>Salsa Ala Carte .............(rigid mountain, for off-road adventures)</li><li>Dahon Speed D7 ..........(folding, for multi-modal commutes)</li><li>Masi Coltello ................(track, for racing at the velodrome!)</li></ol></div><div>and now..</div><div><br /></div><div> 5. the Wood Stasher :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-83090651821323307772010-12-15T08:53:00.000-08:002010-12-15T10:24:27.962-08:00ISSAQUAHMany of the excuses that people come up with for not riding a bike are easy to defeat:<div><br /></div><div>It's rainy. (Wear a jacket.)</div><div>It's too far. (Take a bus partway.)</div><div>I don't want to wear lycra. (You don't have to.)</div><div><br /></div><div>And so on.</div><div><br /></div><div>But one excuse is hard to deal with: the place in which I live is not friendly to bicycles.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wouldn't tell someone to ride down a four lane arterial and enjoy it. Bicycling is supposed to be FUN.</div><div><br /></div><div>The town I currently live in isn't the best for bicycles. But I was a cyclist before I came here, I have good traffic skills and I am determined to escape the suburban mess and find peace on a far-away squiggly road. But it's a fight to get out. I feel like there are parts I have to "endure" in order to reach the "good stuff."</div><div><br /></div><div>And while I live where I live for financial (and other) reasons-- I found that saving some money does less for my happiness than really great bike ride starting from the front door.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm moving to Issaquah!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=issaquah,+wa&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=54.269804,109.248047&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Issaquah,+King,+Washington&t=h&ll=47.538065,-122.010727&spn=0.160853,0.291824&z=11&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=issaquah,+wa&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=54.269804,109.248047&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Issaquah,+King,+Washington&t=h&ll=47.538065,-122.010727&spn=0.160853,0.291824&z=11" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><br />Lookatthat! Cougar MOUNTAIN, Squak MOUNTAIN, Tiger MOUNTAIN, Oh MY!<div><br /></div><div>Oh, and there's also Grand Ridge, Duthie Hill and Soaring Eagle-- all of which I can bike TO, no car required!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and the Lake Sammamish trail and the Iron Horse that'll take you all the way to Eastern Washington.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the local brewery serves locally brewed Rogue beer.</div><div><br /></div><div>WHAT?!<br /><div><br /></div></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-53719055389943048752010-12-01T20:55:00.000-08:002010-12-01T21:17:03.727-08:00Petite Sweet, Arlington<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'M EYEING YOU!!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcoFzBiVtI/AAAAAAAADkA/V-AJijw7-80/s1600/IMG_5949.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcoFzBiVtI/AAAAAAAADkA/V-AJijw7-80/s400/IMG_5949.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545945546191165138" /></a>..next time. When I go for a longer ride.. that whole wheat cinnamon roll is MINE.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But this time,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcoGJrsjpI/AAAAAAAADkI/z2lJEBI0-BU/s1600/IMG_5950.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcoGJrsjpI/AAAAAAAADkI/z2lJEBI0-BU/s400/IMG_5950.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545945552273575570" /></a><br /></div><div>Oatmeal raisin cookies!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcoGfbQZ6I/AAAAAAAADkQ/AyVqeQdizcU/s1600/IMG_5951.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcoGfbQZ6I/AAAAAAAADkQ/AyVqeQdizcU/s400/IMG_5951.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545945558110201762" /></a></div>And hot coffee to swig it down.<div><br /></div><div>The best winter ride motivator: halfway cookies!</div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-47660758997091207472010-12-01T19:46:00.000-08:002010-12-01T20:47:20.112-08:00Mural TourMy dad and I were riding along the streets of Arlington, when-- whah? Hey! --gotta pull over!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcdqL1suTI/AAAAAAAADjo/lDANGUjZ7WY/s1600/IMG_5946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcdqL1suTI/AAAAAAAADjo/lDANGUjZ7WY/s400/IMG_5946.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545934076699785522" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">MURAL! Both sides of the street.</div><div><br /></div><div>One side featured the local river- each scene melting in the next.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZy34OyaI/AAAAAAAADjg/FQohhF3JjCc/s1600/IMG_5932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZy34OyaI/AAAAAAAADjg/FQohhF3JjCc/s400/IMG_5932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545929827914008994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZyMO7WjI/AAAAAAAADjQ/NYENDtseFaE/s1600/IMG_5933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZyMO7WjI/AAAAAAAADjQ/NYENDtseFaE/s400/IMG_5933.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545929816198044210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZxsOV5rI/AAAAAAAADjI/oepshM1epaQ/s1600/IMG_5934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZxsOV5rI/AAAAAAAADjI/oepshM1epaQ/s400/IMG_5934.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545929807605655218" /></a><br /></div><div>Even the park benches melted a bit, too.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZyT2wuYI/AAAAAAAADjY/uHPuEH1WBrI/s1600/IMG_5937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZyT2wuYI/AAAAAAAADjY/uHPuEH1WBrI/s400/IMG_5937.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545929818244168066" /></a><br /></div><div>On the other side-- Washington's diverse landscapes from mountains, to forests, to ocean!</div><div><br /></div><div>Including the little stuff- like these little purple fungi thingies I love finding in the forest!:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZxUJi-GI/AAAAAAAADjA/mEH-nS1UA8U/s1600/IMG_5944.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcZxUJi-GI/AAAAAAAADjA/mEH-nS1UA8U/s400/IMG_5944.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545929801143089250" /></a><br /></div><div>Washington- we've got it all. Trees green year 'round, ferns bigger'n you-- mountains, rivers, volcanoes, rain forests-- dry on the other side, rolling with wheat-- go the other way and: OCEAN!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcfO6v2p7I/AAAAAAAADj4/KrAhWNaY1Xc/s1600/IMG_5941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcfO6v2p7I/AAAAAAAADj4/KrAhWNaY1Xc/s400/IMG_5941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545935807278655410" /></a><br /></div><div>There were more murals in town, too!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcYJfRiKQI/AAAAAAAADio/dpp2uBuTlRE/s1600/IMG_5953.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcYJfRiKQI/AAAAAAAADio/dpp2uBuTlRE/s400/IMG_5953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545928017422985474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcXqpfbohI/AAAAAAAADiY/IbLWemi7CyE/s1600/IMG_5963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcXqpfbohI/AAAAAAAADiY/IbLWemi7CyE/s400/IMG_5963.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545927487589687826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcXqSs7--I/AAAAAAAADiQ/Far8O8k-CGw/s1600/IMG_5962.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcXqSs7--I/AAAAAAAADiQ/Far8O8k-CGw/s400/IMG_5962.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545927481472318434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcYJPZDIrI/AAAAAAAADig/VbNShiuOwEY/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcYJPZDIrI/AAAAAAAADig/VbNShiuOwEY/s400/IMG_5958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545928013159539378" /></a>BEAT THAT TRAIN!<br /><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-20975613011391899522010-12-01T19:28:00.000-08:002010-12-01T19:46:25.571-08:00Smartwool Neck Gaiter: FAVORITE WINTER ITEM!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcTAnwxfUI/AAAAAAAADh4/TzVs-5AbHeQ/s1600/IMG_5927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TPcTAnwxfUI/AAAAAAAADh4/TzVs-5AbHeQ/s400/IMG_5927.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545922367524535618" /></a><br /><div>This <a href="https://www.smartwool.com/#/Womens/Accessories/-/Scarves/391/">Smartwool Neck Gaiter</a> is my current favorite cycling accessory. I don't know what I did before this little tube of brilliance! Necks are SENSITIVE and catch a lot of cold breeze stickin' out there like that! </div><div><br /></div><div>This simple accessory makes a BIG difference in my comfort level.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not tight, so it doesn't feel constricting. (And I HATE constricting. Ask my mom. I always took my jackets off as a child.) But it's snug enough that you can pull it up over your chin or nose if you need to. If you pull it up and combine it with a headband or beanie-- you can create a 'balaclava' effect, without being totally committed to wearing a balaclava. And I don't like being committed to the clothing I'm wearing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be wearing this thing fall to spring!<br /><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-72167295056282476612010-11-24T10:20:00.000-08:002010-11-24T10:42:53.451-08:00Whitman Cycling: Most Improved WomanAs a freshman on the <a href="http://whitmancollegecycling.terapad.com/">Whitman College Cycling Team</a>, I was chubby, fresh off of knee surgery, and bore relentless enthusiasm. That summer, I entered a stage race so over my head that the race organizers let me start an hour early. (Then it became more of a stage RIDE than RACE, I guess). But that didn't budge my enthusiasm one bit. I was a happy clam! I was riding my<i> BIKE!</i><div><br /></div><div>By the time my sophomore season rolled around, I was 4 pant sizes smaller (14 to a 6). My goal was never to lose weight. It would take me an HOUR to eat enough breakfast to make it to mid-morning snack. I just really, REALLY loved riding my bike.</div><div><br /></div><div>That spring, I made it onto our Nationals squad-- and we won the women's team time trial, the team omnium, podium'd our girls in the criterium and <a href="http://www.marakatherine.com/">Mara</a> won the road race.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the year-end team party, I was awarded a skin suit to recognize my vast improvement.</div><div><br /></div><div>So to the next Most Improved Woman on the Whitman College Cycling Team:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">SMITH PIVLOCKS!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TO1YXTIgPtI/AAAAAAAADhw/vDLtj-dNHkw/s1600/IMG_5911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TO1YXTIgPtI/AAAAAAAADhw/vDLtj-dNHkw/s400/IMG_5911.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543183873659125458" /></a><br /></div></div><div>Just keep riding!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931060039698061027.post-9322805725930041262010-11-23T13:44:00.000-08:002010-12-01T19:28:02.912-08:00Surly Long Haul Trucker $650FOR SALE!: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>EDIT: <i>SOLD!! Glad to know that this bike will be touring the Pacific Coast!</i></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><b></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b><i>Happy tours, my ol' friend!<br /></i></b></span><div><br /></div><div>I rode this Surly Long Haul Trucker with an Xtracycle kit for about a year (March 2008-May 2009) when I was living in Walla Walla. It was AWESOME.</div><div><br /></div><div>But-</div><div>Ever since I left to go on a cross-country tour on my Trek 520 (June 2009) then moved to Seattle-- it has been parked, unused.. shivering.. wanting happy legs to pump it over hill and dale. My 520 has been getting all the action because it's what fits on the bus.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I've detached the Xtracycle (which will go to my pregnant sister! Yay!) and offer you this rad touring-commuting-adventure steed for a good deal and to a good home.</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>Size 50cm frame, fits about 5'3" to 5'6". I'm 5'4". My 5"6" friend got the same size. Really it depends on your proportions. The top tube is longer compared to other touring bikes, which is how my taller friend ended up on the same frame size as me. I've put a stumpy stem on it, because I assume this bike will go to a shorter person.</blockquote><blockquote>Custom build. All parts were picked out piece by piece.</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3wdbIhlI/AAAAAAAADho/Fu282LFUQ7I/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3wdbIhlI/AAAAAAAADho/Fu282LFUQ7I/s400/IMG_5886.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542866547057919570" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">HAND-BUILT WHEELS!</div><div style="text-align: center;">26" wheels, too! Stronger for their size, little or no toe-overlap, and a lot more tire choices!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go street or knobby! (OR STUDDED! ;)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3v5V4mRI/AAAAAAAADhg/qC8oBaZIhLE/s1600/IMG_5887.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3v5V4mRI/AAAAAAAADhg/qC8oBaZIhLE/s400/IMG_5887.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542866537372227858" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">CLEAN AND READY TO GO!</div><div style="text-align: center;">FRESH BAR TAPE!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3HbVco7I/AAAAAAAADhY/vlI7ZN-1yJ8/s1600/IMG_5888.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3HbVco7I/AAAAAAAADhY/vlI7ZN-1yJ8/s400/IMG_5888.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542865842122564530" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SHIMANO 105 DERAILLEUR</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3GlHIE9I/AAAAAAAADhQ/0keaoFJjcQQ/s1600/IMG_5889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3GlHIE9I/AAAAAAAADhQ/0keaoFJjcQQ/s400/IMG_5889.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542865827566982098" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AVID CANTI'S WERE STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP ME ON MY LOADED XTRACYCLE!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3Gc5g90I/AAAAAAAADhI/_yXKNWu32pQ/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3Gc5g90I/AAAAAAAADhI/_yXKNWu32pQ/s400/IMG_5890.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542865825362409282" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">DEORE XT HUBS (HAND BUILT WHEELS!)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3GEwlbFI/AAAAAAAADhA/XJiEV2_pZlY/s1600/IMG_5891.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw3GEwlbFI/AAAAAAAADhA/XJiEV2_pZlY/s400/IMG_5891.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542865818882501714" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">CANE CREEK HEAD SET</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2DRsFDlI/AAAAAAAADg4/R7M1Ok-YjhI/s1600/IMG_5892.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2DRsFDlI/AAAAAAAADg4/R7M1Ok-YjhI/s400/IMG_5892.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542864671302028882" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I SPENT SOME TIME SCRATCHING OFF THE TOP TUBE LOGO</div><div style="text-align: center;">(It's on TOP of the clear coat)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sticker over it or keep scratchin'!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2Chui72I/AAAAAAAADgw/8RyQBK0n_TQ/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2Chui72I/AAAAAAAADgw/8RyQBK0n_TQ/s400/IMG_5893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542864658427473762" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SPOKE HOLDER!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2B6hXdSI/AAAAAAAADgo/4AGXa9miytU/s1600/IMG_5894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2B6hXdSI/AAAAAAAADgo/4AGXa9miytU/s400/IMG_5894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542864647903212834" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">DOUBLE BUTTED 4130 CHRO-MO!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2BWvaq4I/AAAAAAAADgg/v6BVWJMnDSs/s1600/IMG_5895.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G40bsOaeIzs/TOw2BWvaq4I/AAAAAAAADgg/v6BVWJMnDSs/s400/IMG_5895.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542864638298467202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The only real dings on this bike are where the Xtracycle attached to the frame on the kickstand/fender bridge. You'll end up clamping the same spot if you use a kickstand anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dab a little nailpolish- and TA DA: not a big deal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So get a Surly LHT that spec'd a bit nicer than Surly's full build, with stronger hand-built wheels and only been ridden for a year-- for $650.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Available to see in Bellevue, WA. NO SHIPPING. Cash only.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And do pass along to potentially interested friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301320765977360689noreply@blogger.com