The Bicycling thread

Over the last month we have added some trainer workouts back into the mix. I know that it seems ridiculous to ride inside during the summer - but the workouts are so efficient at building power and strength. No stops, no coasting, no hills that come up when you should be at a recovery intensity. So I've added 2 workouts per week (Tu & Th) - one is a VO2 max focus (30sec to 4 minute high intensity intervals) and the other is a threshold workout (2x 15 to 30 minutes of 'race pace'). We still get outside for another 4 or 5 rides (8 to 10 hours) per week. Those are at a 'just riding along' intensity.

Here is my view during those workouts. The fans are on full blast and I still end up with a huge puddle of sweat on the floor.

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Thanks Kurt.

Headed to BC to work for 5 weeks, I'm thinking of taking a Mtn bike with me for days off. Pedalling around the foothills could be good. Just need to get a travel case for it.

[QUOTE=skibum69;1214602]Headed to BC to work for 5 weeks, I'm thinking of taking a Mtn bike with me for days off. Pedalling around the foothills could be good. Just need to get a travel case for it.[/QUOTE]

Back in the early 2000's we took our bikes to San Diego for a few years in the early spring. We wanted to take our nice road bikes so we splurged on hard ABS plastic cases from the old Performance Bike. It was their Transit brand. I think they cost about $180 each. They work fantastic - even have built in rollerblade wheels to make it easy to cart them through the airport. I've never tried to fit a MTB in the case but I imagine that the fat tires would present a problem. Maybe taking off the tires would work.

New bike transport boxes seem to be really expensive now. If it is a one-time deal, maybe just make up your own cardboard and duct-tape solution. I have a few cardboard bike boxes that I keep in the attic for exactly that scenario: maybe a one way flight and then ride back. But now that I have the folding bike that doesn't get charged extra, I'm just going to use that.

Good luck - for 5 weeks, I would definitely want to take a bike. I've only ridden motos in BC but I imagine that the MTBing is fantastic.

Been riding early to beat heat ... often with this going on :wave

Today’s stare down and H won this round

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Someone left a gate open again

[QUOTE=henzilla;1214684]

Today’s stare down and H won this round

[/QUOTE]

I'm guessing she wins most stare downs :)

Aaaaahhhh... TX in August

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We needed to go into ATX Sunday , so put the Mtn bikes in the truck and made a day of it on the downtown trails along LadyBird Lake. Majority of trail system is under canopy and alongside the Colorado
River. Several connecting trails fan out in various directions including UT Campus.
H had some businesses and condo here in late 80’s and lots has changed. I helped keep the lights on down here before the added megawatt loads were added...I am glad I’m retired!

Made several stops taking in the scenes and changed area since I retired from the City. Stopped at a food truck lot where a former city fuel depot and road crew office was and now has a huge condo shading it... crazy!
Tall condos and street level retail abounds. Google is finishing construction on their tower... pic later

We jumped into the creek below Barton Springs Pool, which is still surreally closed. 68 degrees felt great! I brought the average age down A LOT! Folks were respectful of personal space the whole day which made an even more fun. There were huge pods of kayaks, SUP boards, floats and canoes in a few spots close to rental centers... too close for current times but there it was.

We finished with 38 miles, but gravel riding miles sure made it feel further :violin

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Pedestrian/ Bike bridge with S. Lamar bridge in background


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Food trucks on Rainey St entertainment district. The stand on scooters in background truly are an eyesore sadly as they are literally scattered everywhere, some upright and parked, most are randomly tossed. Pretty disappointed to see the lack of respect for others using sidewalks and green space. I’ll take a few pics next time as I don’t see behaviors changing soon... oh, several scooters have a loud beep noise either notifying of low battery or it’s out of it’s geo fence zone... annoying when multiplied as well.


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H, Stevie Ray, and Google tower

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Barton Creek between pool and Ladybird Lake...spring fed!

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Boardwalk section, South shore east of IH-35 near Oracles new mega campus. Used to be low priced student apartments and declined for years... now booming as well

[QUOTE=henzilla;1216018]Aaaaahhhh... TX in August... [/QUOTE]

Did you get hit very hard by that tropical storm a few weeks ago?

[QUOTE=Rinty;1216026]Did you get hit very hard by that tropical storm a few weeks ago?[/QUOTE]

We were brushed by an outer band briefly, had strong NE winds, an oddity in summer. A 0.2 on a 10 scale

200 miles south of here past SanAntonio got the rain

That is some serious heat there in Texas. Glad you were able to get out for some exploring despite it. I wouldn’t do well in that - - not even on a motorcycle much less a bicycle.

After a mild/cool spring, beginning in late-June we switched over to a very hot (for us) summer. Daily highs in the low-mid-90s for weeks on end, and with tons of humidity. Any outdoor activity - - running, cycling, yardwork, even motorcycling - - yields copious perspiration.

Normally we head north to cooler climates (New England, Canadian Maritimes) for two weeks during peak heat. But with coronavirus we’ve stayed put (we’re not exactly welcome up there at the moment!) So no escape this year.

My fall marathon has been cancelled/deferred due to covid. I’m not too sorry about that - - autumn is nice marathon weather but it means you have to train intensely during peak summer heat. I was having serious doubts I could pull it off. At least now I can spend more time cycling, which is more comfortable in the summer heat....

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I think my tires melted this morning! That indoor reading is in back room we do not cool until
evening.

Brutal week and Saturday is supposed to be the worst with air temps of 107 w/index of 111. Afternoon Siesta is only sane move!

We are riding early and shortened route on mountain bikes on paved and gravel county backroads just on our side of highway. We both are pretty sure that mountain bike miles are a different distance than road distances:bow
Nice to mix the two variants as they provide different workouts. I practiced my endo skills yesterday with nothing more than a laughing H. She admitted later she almost did same thing in same spot the day before.


The highway we use to escape our ‘hood and transition to calmer roads was re-chipsealed last week. I rode
once before striped and decided to NOT do that again! They restriped adding a center turn lane in both directions which took the wide safety shoulder a bit narrower. It won’t keep us from using it, just a mental adjustment. We travel five miles in one direction or two the other before our two lane routes
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They have surveyed and staked what looks like a long needed widening to match most of the four lane layout, so this looks like a band-aid.

I saw 44 F yesterday morning. August often cools down here.

Spotted in the “ ready rack” outside a local bike shop this morning.
A Seven Airheart. Titanium frame with S&S couplers for travel use, carbon fork and wheel set, and a nice mix of components . They have a hard travel case airline ready
The detail of the frame is really nice. A bare frame is listed at 4 lbs and priced around $1200... Found pricing from 9K and up for ready to ride models... seriously up! Well, at least it was pretty to look at!


[url]https://sevencycles.com/bikes/bike-detail-travel.php?model=airheart-sl[/url]


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Seven makes some beautiful bikes. I have test-ridden a few and even visited their design/manufacturing shop just outside Boston. Nice ride and nice folks. That one in your photos is sharp.

But based on what I know about their frame prices, I think the $1200 bare frame price is incorrect. Admittedly it’s been a while since I studied their price list, but I seem to recall that adding the SS coupler option to one of their frames is a $1000+ option, bringing a bare custom frame into the $4-5K range.

But maybe they are now creating some non-custom frames at a lower price-point? Still hard to see how they’d get the price down to $1200, though.

I had to go to Providence RI the other day. In the “city” rack I saw a frame. The owner used the “city” rack ([SIZE=1]parking meter[/SIZE]) they missed putting the lock cable through the wheels. :doh
OM

[QUOTE=Omega Man;1216830]I had to go to Providence RI the other day. In the “city” rack I saw a frame. The owner used the “city” rack ([SIZE=1]parking meter[/SIZE]) they missed putting the lock cable through the wheels. :doh
OM[/QUOTE]

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Have seen examples like this around UT Campus. I have pulled front wheel and laid alongside rear to lock both to frame and anchored objects. Typically don’t leave long enough for that kind of strip.

[QUOTE=vark;1216824]Seven makes some beautiful bikes. I have test-ridden a few and even visited their design/manufacturing shop just outside Boston. Nice ride and nice folks. That one in your photos is sharp.

But based on what I know about their frame prices, I think the $1200 bare frame price is incorrect. Admittedly it’s been a while since I studied their price list, but I seem to recall that adding the SS coupler option to one of their frames is a $1000+ option, bringing a bare custom frame into the $4-5K range.

But maybe they are now creating some non-custom frames at a lower price-point? Still hard to see how they’d get the price down to $1200, though.[/QUOTE]

It was a basic frame I found and thought low for a Ti frame. One high end built up coupler bike was 11K.

[QUOTE=henzilla;1216836]It was a basic frame I found and thought low for a Ti frame. One high end built up coupler bike was 11K.[/QUOTE]

Huh?! Maybe some kind of left-over or liquidation deal? I really don't think you can get any custom Seven bare frame for less than $3K. Maybe not for less than $4K even.

I did notice on their website that they are quoting delivery of new orders in 7 weeks, which is much less than I remember in the past.

Coincidentally, just yesterday I took deliver of this, but I had to wait two years for it!

Which firm built that frame, Vark?

Those Sevens are cool.

[QUOTE=Rinty;1216880]Which firm built that frame, Vark?

Those Sevens are cool.[/QUOTE]

Rinty,

Frame was built by Firefly. They are a much smaller shop than Seven, also in Boston. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone considering a custom titanium frame.

I will show more details at some point down the road. For now this is staying in bubble wrap and going on the shelf. It will be a while before I save enough nickels to buy components....

[QUOTE=vark;1216910]Rinty,

Frame was built by Firefly.

I will show more details at some point down the road. For now this is staying in bubble wrap and going on the shelf. It will be a while before I save enough nickels to buy components....[/QUOTE]

I get that, either drive me crazy stacking enough nickels or better chance of not
remembering where I put it away” safely” :doh

[QUOTE=henzilla;1216929]I get that, either drive me crazy stacking enough nickels or better chance of not
remembering where I put it away” safely” :doh[/QUOTE]

:D :thumb

Ha! I’ve been known to “lose track” of more than a few things, too.

But this is going to a “secure location” - - not my blackhole of a garage!

Love the Ti talk! Seven and FireFly make beautiful frames, for sure. Vark, hurry up with the saving so we can see that frame without the bubble wrap.

I've built up a number of bikes over the last 4 years - all with Shimano Ultegra mechanical. For me it is the best value/performance groupset. I do have 105 shifters on my gravel bike and I'm annoyed by the 'rattle' every time I ride gravel. Ultegra doesn't rattle. In my 9 speed days I used Dura Ace. It was really nice, and lasted a long time (still on the bike).

For full groupsets, I have purchased 3 sets from Merlin cycles in the UK. Each set was about $620 and included everything except for hubs and cable housing, free shipping & no tax. When I was sourcing parts, I wasn't able to find anything in the US that even came close to those prices. But COVID has raised the prices on parts: the same groupset is now about $740. Maybe check them out: they carry SRAM, the new GRX, and Campy. The MTB groupsets tend to be continually out of stock, though. Winter prices are definitely cheaper. February is a great time to make bike related purchases.

For the last 8 days I've been at my dad's place on the shore of Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks. He is getting up there in age and isn't as mobile as he used to be. He is struggling to maintain his house and COVID isolation got him pretty depressed so I went up to be company and clean/repair his place. I did a lot of work but I also found time to go riding every day. Usually early in the morning. The riding is spectacular. When riding near the shore, you get a view of the lake and the Green Mountains of Vermont. When riding in the 'valley', you get a great view of the eastern Adirondack mountains (Vermont gets the best view of the Adirondacks). The only downside is that there is very little flat. My dad lives at lake level - so every ride starts with a few miles of climbing. Not the best way to warm up!

I have been riding these roads for over 20 years on both bicycles and motorcycles so they aren't really new to me. I did find some new gravel, though. I only rode road bikes in previous years. 13 years ago Michelle and I rode around the lake staying at bed and breakfasts. I think it was about 300 miles to get around the lake, we took our time and did 50 miles or so a day. It was a really great trip.

Anyway, here are a few pictures from my time up there:

The first day I got up at sunrise and got on the road. These photos are from the village of Essex, a quaint little village with a little tourist activity because it is the NY terminus of one of the 5? ferries operating on the lake. Port Kent and Ticonderoga ferries are closed.

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There are lots of lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks. Most aren't visible from the road but at Lincoln Ponds they built the road right between the two ponds. Here is the northern pond. The southern pond has a state campsite on it's shore.

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A view of the Adirondacks from the farmland in the valley. I'm actually on a hill where I stopped to take the photo. Like I said, not much flat.

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Wadhams, NY, is an old mill town on the Boquet (or Bouquet) River. Either way, you pronounce it 'bo-ket'. They have funny pronunciation up there. The Boreas river is pronounced 'boris'.

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I thought this was a nice image at the Westport marina.

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I did other stuff beside ride bikes.

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Ended up putting about 200 miles with 15000 feet of climbing in my 6 riding days. My most adventurous ride was one where I had my dad drop me off at the top of a mountain and I was going to explore a gravel road that lead back into town. Now before you think I'm a wimp, I had ridden to the drop off point the previous day and it ended up being my biggest single climb on strava: 1440ft. This was also my second ride of the day and I was planning on finishing at the local brewery in town. It was just for 'fun'.

Within the first quarter mile I had missed the turn for the road I was trying to ride and ended up on a rough Jeep trail that went straight down for 3 miles. I was on road tires and rode the brakes the whole way! Here are a couple of pics of the easier sections. On the harder sections I had my hands full just trying to make it down. The beer at the end was worth it.

This should have been a warning to turn around. I had already descended a lot and didn't want to climb back up. Mistake.

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When is this going to end? The longest downhill 3 miles of my life.

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kurt,

Thanks for the tip on groupsets from Merlin in the UK. I will definitely compare prices with some of the on-line shops here in the US. I too like both the Ultegra and 105 components for their value.

But this is going to be a SRAM ETAP Hydro Disc groupset. This could be be my last bike ever - - certainly the only custom frame I will ever order - - so I am treating myself. Hence why it is going to be a while before I save up the jingle for the next big splurge after the frame.

That was some very nice riding up around Champlain area. And some seriously bumpy downhill terrain for a roadbike - - glad you made it without incident. Nice of you to lend a hand to dear old dad, too. Those are memories you won't regret in coming years. :thumb

Merlin does have Force ETAP hydro. Prices are meh.

I recently helped my nephew set up Ultegra hydro. PITA. I had an easier time bleeding the brakes after replacing my R1100S lines with Spiegler SS. Even after a couple of flushes, the lever feel wasn't as hard as I was expecting. Shimano uses mineral oil, I think SRAM uses DOT brake fluid. Good thing titanium isn't painted: I got that mineral oil all over everything. I wonder if anyone has had trouble with DOT fluid and painted carbon frames?

Thanks Kurt for the Lake Champlain area pics.

I have been over 180 mph ... on an airplane. I would never, never consider doing this on a motorcycle. This lady did it on a bicycle!

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoUmgMhn2iY[/url]

Awesome feat! Girl Power X 2

John Howard was a childhood hero I had the pleasure of riding with a few times around 1971-72 before his record attempts at speed record. I recall a huge chainring on his bike compared to drive system she used
That is crazy fast

Wow! That was a great story. Kudos to her for pulling that off!

Can you imagine the fast slowdown once she exits the slipstream? Was it still around 70MPH.

Watched again and still got excited for her.

John’s 1985 run

[url]https://www.wsj.com/video/bicyclist-john-howard-1985-land-speed-record/799FEE22-E673-4C38-B679-F98B72C454A2.html[/url]

Warm weather the last two days, 59 yesterday and 61 today, so I got a couple rides in. 22 miles yesterday and 20 today.
I think I only got out one or two times in November. When I got a nice day in November I did yard work instead of riding.
Highs in the low 30s for the next week so I may be done for 2020.
A little over 1,900 miles. I wanted a even 2,000 miles.

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[QUOTE=Lee;1230183]When I got a nice day in November I did yard work instead of riding.
[/QUOTE]

What? :scratch

[QUOTE=PGlaves;1230204]What? :scratch[/QUOTE]

I'm one of the few on the planet that likes yard work :)

I got the chainsaw out last emend to drop a few trees where the new shed will once be built. Off to the mill for new fence boards. But I went for a couple of little spins too.

[QUOTE=Lee;1230211]I'm one of the few on the planet that likes yard work :)[/QUOTE]

I am another. I thought of this thread when I read the news of the tragic accident in Nevada yesterday. Be careful out there.

[url]https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/12/10/nevada-highway-bike-crash-bicyclists-killed-injured/3885268001/[/url]

[QUOTE=mikegalbicka;1230245]I am another. I thought of this thread when I read the news of the tragic accident in Nevada yesterday. Be careful out there.

[url]https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/12/10/nevada-highway-bike-crash-bicyclists-killed-injured/3885268001/[/url][/QUOTE]

That’s tragic, a chase vehicle with flashers on and still got hit. That can be any of us who try to share the road.

We have been riding, however, our usual exit from home has been changed with lane realignment, a continuous turn lane and way narrower shoulders ( three feet narrower) that just don’t feel safe at moment. We have to take bikes into town to start now which derails ... no pun... the ability to just get on and ride

[QUOTE=henzilla;1230265]. We have to take bikes into town to start now which derails ... no pun... the ability to just get on and ride[/QUOTE]

I would do the same. I would not enjoy riding next to 75 to 80 mph traffic that first 5 miles.