Thursday, June 28, 2012

Can you spot the bicycle?

This popped up in a park I sometimes cut through on the way to work.


The fair is coming to town!  This is the side of the Fun House.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Tire Pressure. Who Knew?

I had been riding on Kenda Small-Block 8's for about a year, maybe more.  They served me really well last winter with their traction, and I used them last in a gravel-grinder spring race where they also performed well.
For the nicer climate and the sake of a mostly paved commute (albeit on some pretty bad roads), I switched back to my beaded Kenda KWest.  They are wider (35 compared to 32 for the 8's) and have a road friendly tread.  Alas, they were awful.
I didn't know what was going on with them until they "naturally" got softer as they lost some of their volume. 
I have almost always inflated my tires via the squeeze test.  Always liked my tires hard for less rolling resistance.  But I have learned a lesson here - my bone jarring ride (aluminum frame and awful roads) has really smoothed out quite noticeably with less tire pressure.
I had always 'heard' this to be true but now I know it is.
Here's to getting the correct tire pressure!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

I love that my family gets it

Fathers Day gift by Greg Voisin pottery.
"Microwave and dishwasher safe."

Looking forward to Open Streets Hamilton tomorrow.  Won't be there for long but I want to at least make an appearance at this fun event. 


Friday, June 22, 2012

Little Victories

Part of my commute brings me through a small village-y part of town.  There are several stops passing through, and I often try to "race" the cars to show that I can get through (about 2 miles total) faster than they are able.
Today there was this HUGE black Ford truck that was soooo impatient with the traffic.  If someone was turning left he would absolutely ROAR out to the right (too near to me) and pass them on the inside. This is usually the kind of person I like to show up the most, if I am able. Today I was able!
I don't know if the fellow in the truck noticed or not but he had to pass me 5 times before he got to the clear!  I love that sort of thing.

Normally I like to include a photo or two with my entries but I didn't have any for this thought.  Too busy racing the guy and making sure he didn't side-swipe me.


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Slow but sure...

I'm slowly building up my resume of capability when it comes to wrenching.  It's an exciting thing. 

The other day I was working on my bike at the local co-op and a "customer" came in to get some tips - and they asked me.  So I answered and I must say I think I passed pretty well as someone who knew what they were talking about!

I'm learning things because of my own building adventures.  For example, I've never, ever installed a threadless headset.  I didn't know how a month ago.  And I'm not saying that because I've done one that I am an expert.  I'm just suggesting that when its learning about something you love this much it does tend to stick.



I purchased a red Mowa headset at pinkbike and some nice no-name black forks from a west-coast dealer.  Not sure if the photo captures it but the black is the secondary colour on the bike and I love the small red touches I'll be adding (starting with this headset).  There will also be red in the grips, the valve caps and perhaps the drivetrain somewhere.  I just think its good looking.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Tour Divide

My friend JD is doing well.  He's square in the middle of the pack.  He called me last night to give me an update but I have been out of town and am sorry I missed it.  Still, I watch his progress from wherever I am and he sounded strong on the phone.
His message to me was that I should do this next year.
Go JD!