Goals:
- Spread the world about cycling events in South Dakota
- Enforce safe routes in communities
- Be involved in city planning
- Encourage more cycling in South Dakota
- Know the issues for South Dakota bicycling
- Set goals
- Identify key leaders to reach 2012 goals
Get more information here. http://danspoke.com/sdbc
March 1, 2008
Cedar Shores Resort
Chamberlain, SD
10am to 4pm
Oh, and I rode my bike today ;-)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
2 Things
Last night I rode my cycle to get pizza. It was cold but surprisingly the pizza stayed warm until I returned home. Granted it is only 3 blocks to Pizza Hut. Still, I'm pretty sure it was in the negative range last night. I felt good about it.
The other thing is that I ordered some rollers. I won my fantasy football league so I had some spare money. I really debated if I should buy the rollers, or if I should spend my money on new pans for the kitchen, diapers for the boy or any of the other things that would be a smart decision. I went with the rollers. I feel a little bit guilty about it because I spent the money on myself and not on the family.
These are the rollers I ordered. Does anyone have any experience with them? I hope my skills improve!
The other thing is that I ordered some rollers. I won my fantasy football league so I had some spare money. I really debated if I should buy the rollers, or if I should spend my money on new pans for the kitchen, diapers for the boy or any of the other things that would be a smart decision. I went with the rollers. I feel a little bit guilty about it because I spent the money on myself and not on the family.
These are the rollers I ordered. Does anyone have any experience with them? I hope my skills improve!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tips for Happy Riding
These are definately words to live by. From this link.
Learn right away that the front brake is the most effective one, and to never lock the front wheel in dirt. Learn how far you can lean over without scraping a pedal.
Learn to keep the inside pedal UP when you corner, and learn to ride safely in all conditions.
Signal your approach to pedestrians, especially if they're old, and a bell is better than "On your left!" If no bell, try clacking your brake levers. If all you got is "On your left!" that's fine.
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves. Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Carry an extra tube you can donate to somebody with a flat tire and just a repair kit.
If you're a guy, don't try to be a mentor to every female cycler you meet.
Don't ride in shoes you can't walk through an antique shop in.
Don't wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don't think you'll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Put a $20 bill inside your seat post or handlebar and hold it there, somehow.
Don't ride until you're confident you can fix a flat.
If you ride more than one bike, have a set of bring-along tools for each one. Learn how to remove your rear wheel (put the chain onto the small cog, etc.).
If you ride in a group, bring food for you and somebody who forgot to.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it's good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
Never blame your bike or your health or anything else if you're the last one up the hill or in to the rest stop.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you pass another rider going up a hill, say more than "Hi," but if it's a woman and you aren't, don't assume she wants to chit-chat.
If you're a woman and it's a guy, you can chit-chat all you like.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Don't put any cycler up on a pedestal, except Lon and Freddie.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Shoot photos on your rides and give them away.
Feel comfortable mixing high tech and low tech, old and new parts and technologies, and don't apologize to anybody for it.
Compliment other people's bikes, especially if they're new.
Buy the cheapest helmet that fits well.
Try seersucker shirts for hot weather riding, and long-sleeved ones are best.
Don't underestimate fig bars. If you get a new widget and like it, don't "swear by it."
Don't always shop by price and never ask for discounts at your local bike shop. Every time you go into a bike shop, spend at least $2, and if you ask a question and get good advice, spend $5 (get a cable).
If you buy a rack, don't ask for free installation.
Don't assume your bike shop is making money.
Ride only when you feel like it.
If you know a fast new rider, don't say, "You really ought to race"
If you see a stocky woman rider, don't suggest she race track.
Have at least one bike you feel comfortable riding in a downpour.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
If you have a normal loop or ride, count the number of times you shift on it; then the next time you ride it, cut that in half and see if it makes any difference.
Learn to ride no-hands and to hop over obstacles, but not simultaneously.
Never hit a pedestrian. In traffic, be visible and predictable.
If you have several bikes, set them up with different equipment but always ride the saddle you like best.
Don't try to keep up with faster descenders if you're not comfortable descending.
Never apologize for buying something that's not quite pro quality by saying, "I'm not going to race or anything."
If you buy a stock bike, do something to it that makes it the only one exactly like it in the world.
Don't think it's important to match front and rear hubs or rims.
If you borrow somebody else's bike, for a short test or a long ride, say something nice about it.
Always bring a pump.
Build at least one wheel.
Wear out something.
Don't ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as "a piece of crap."
If you get a fancy bike assembled by somebody else, allow them a scrape or two, especially if the bike is really expensive.
Tips to live by for sure!
On another note, the Gut Check 212 in August. I see there has been an added ride. Hell and Back. 824 miles in 96 hours. Doable...probably, for me, no way. Maybe next year. ha
Learn right away that the front brake is the most effective one, and to never lock the front wheel in dirt. Learn how far you can lean over without scraping a pedal.
Learn to keep the inside pedal UP when you corner, and learn to ride safely in all conditions.
Signal your approach to pedestrians, especially if they're old, and a bell is better than "On your left!" If no bell, try clacking your brake levers. If all you got is "On your left!" that's fine.
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves. Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Carry an extra tube you can donate to somebody with a flat tire and just a repair kit.
If you're a guy, don't try to be a mentor to every female cycler you meet.
Don't ride in shoes you can't walk through an antique shop in.
Don't wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don't think you'll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Put a $20 bill inside your seat post or handlebar and hold it there, somehow.
Don't ride until you're confident you can fix a flat.
If you ride more than one bike, have a set of bring-along tools for each one. Learn how to remove your rear wheel (put the chain onto the small cog, etc.).
If you ride in a group, bring food for you and somebody who forgot to.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it's good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
Never blame your bike or your health or anything else if you're the last one up the hill or in to the rest stop.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you pass another rider going up a hill, say more than "Hi," but if it's a woman and you aren't, don't assume she wants to chit-chat.
If you're a woman and it's a guy, you can chit-chat all you like.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Don't put any cycler up on a pedestal, except Lon and Freddie.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Shoot photos on your rides and give them away.
Feel comfortable mixing high tech and low tech, old and new parts and technologies, and don't apologize to anybody for it.
Compliment other people's bikes, especially if they're new.
Buy the cheapest helmet that fits well.
Try seersucker shirts for hot weather riding, and long-sleeved ones are best.
Don't underestimate fig bars. If you get a new widget and like it, don't "swear by it."
Don't always shop by price and never ask for discounts at your local bike shop. Every time you go into a bike shop, spend at least $2, and if you ask a question and get good advice, spend $5 (get a cable).
If you buy a rack, don't ask for free installation.
Don't assume your bike shop is making money.
Ride only when you feel like it.
If you know a fast new rider, don't say, "You really ought to race"
If you see a stocky woman rider, don't suggest she race track.
Have at least one bike you feel comfortable riding in a downpour.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
If you have a normal loop or ride, count the number of times you shift on it; then the next time you ride it, cut that in half and see if it makes any difference.
Learn to ride no-hands and to hop over obstacles, but not simultaneously.
Never hit a pedestrian. In traffic, be visible and predictable.
If you have several bikes, set them up with different equipment but always ride the saddle you like best.
Don't try to keep up with faster descenders if you're not comfortable descending.
Never apologize for buying something that's not quite pro quality by saying, "I'm not going to race or anything."
If you buy a stock bike, do something to it that makes it the only one exactly like it in the world.
Don't think it's important to match front and rear hubs or rims.
If you borrow somebody else's bike, for a short test or a long ride, say something nice about it.
Always bring a pump.
Build at least one wheel.
Wear out something.
Don't ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as "a piece of crap."
If you get a fancy bike assembled by somebody else, allow them a scrape or two, especially if the bike is really expensive.
Tips to live by for sure!
On another note, the Gut Check 212 in August. I see there has been an added ride. Hell and Back. 824 miles in 96 hours. Doable...probably, for me, no way. Maybe next year. ha
Monday, January 21, 2008
Car Seats
Why don't they make car seats more comfortable for little ones. I guess maybe it's not the comfort that makes my newborn scream bloody murder, maybe it is the fact that he is pinned down and can't move. I don't know. Whatever it is, it makes for a horribly long trip if we are even going for no more than 10 minutes. I tried turning up the radio and that is just more annoying. However, I still love my little guy even though he makes car trips horrible. It's good though because that means there are less of them.
I wish it was a little warmer out so I could strap him in the kid carrier and take him on his first bike ride. Soon enough I guess. Maybe he should be able to hold his little head up by himself first.
Not much happened this past weekend. Things were slow. No bike riding as the winds were blowing, the snow was falling and it was cold. And I didn't have anywhere to go.
Diet Mt. Dew is king.
I started reading a book two nights ago. "Ten Points" by Bill Strickland. It is a great book. I haven't been able to put it down. I highly recommend it for any cyclist (racer or not) or even any person who is moved by motivational people and overcoming odds. Bill had a not so good childhood and he found relief and comfort in bicycling.
Me too. Well done Bill. Great read, I can't wait to finish it.
I wish it was a little warmer out so I could strap him in the kid carrier and take him on his first bike ride. Soon enough I guess. Maybe he should be able to hold his little head up by himself first.
Not much happened this past weekend. Things were slow. No bike riding as the winds were blowing, the snow was falling and it was cold. And I didn't have anywhere to go.
Diet Mt. Dew is king.
I started reading a book two nights ago. "Ten Points" by Bill Strickland. It is a great book. I haven't been able to put it down. I highly recommend it for any cyclist (racer or not) or even any person who is moved by motivational people and overcoming odds. Bill had a not so good childhood and he found relief and comfort in bicycling.
Me too. Well done Bill. Great read, I can't wait to finish it.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Oweee
Alright, cloudy and windy 30 degrees but feels like 16F. It really isn't that cold when comparing it to what others commute in. I rode. You know what though? I have the worst ear ache and head ache ever. I'm not sure if it is from breathing hard and the cold, so I got a variation of a brain freeze, or if it's just that I am not acclimated to the cold weather. I really wish I didn't have that big 2 mile hill to climb to get to work. It would sure make things alot nicer. Granted I'm going to get stronger from it, but it really makes it tougher to ride to work. Especially if I am in a hurry. However, it's my 8th day of riding.
Good for me.
Anyone else out there ever experience bad head aches when riding in the cold? Just curious.
Oh, I also realized I have to do a little tune up on my breaks on the road bike. My front brake was rubbing so I let it off. I must remember to tighten it back down before I ride down hill.
Good for me.
Anyone else out there ever experience bad head aches when riding in the cold? Just curious.
Oh, I also realized I have to do a little tune up on my breaks on the road bike. My front brake was rubbing so I let it off. I must remember to tighten it back down before I ride down hill.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
No Ride
Alright, I didn't ride today. I had a lunch meeting with a couple friends and it is cold and the winds are blowing about 10,000 miles per hour. So, today is the first day in 8 days that I haven't rode.
I'm trying to diet. It's really hard to do. I am better at the eat what you want but exercise your butt off routine. But since it's cold, and I have no exercise equipment at my house, it makes it difficult. So, I'm trying to really be wary of portion control and eating healthy. I think I usually eat healthy, just too much. Hence the portion control.
I would really like a trainer or rollers but they are so expensive. What the heck, why is everything always so expensive. I was even looking at the cheap wind Cycleops trainer but it is still around 160.
Where do people come up with money to buy things? I just don't get it. How do people get disposable income. I don't spend frivolously. I take care of my money. Is it that people have bad credit card debt? Or does everyone else get paid more than me.
Whatever!
I'm trying to diet. It's really hard to do. I am better at the eat what you want but exercise your butt off routine. But since it's cold, and I have no exercise equipment at my house, it makes it difficult. So, I'm trying to really be wary of portion control and eating healthy. I think I usually eat healthy, just too much. Hence the portion control.
I would really like a trainer or rollers but they are so expensive. What the heck, why is everything always so expensive. I was even looking at the cheap wind Cycleops trainer but it is still around 160.
Where do people come up with money to buy things? I just don't get it. How do people get disposable income. I don't spend frivolously. I take care of my money. Is it that people have bad credit card debt? Or does everyone else get paid more than me.
Whatever!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday Bike Feel Good
Here is a video I just saw on Bike Hugger.com. I thought there would be no better way to spread the news other than share it myself.
It's a great biking feel good video.
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It's a great biking feel good video.
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Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Day 3
Well, here is to my 3rd day of commuting by bike for the year. I took a little different route today. I rode up part of the skyline wilderness trail. It was a little snowy and icy. I almost died a couple of times. But, oh well, it was still a fun ride.
I have myself a complaint. I bought a headlight and a taillight for my bike along time ago. 5 years or so to be exact. I just tried to mount them on my current mt bike and surprisingly, they don't fit. The tubes are too big. So, I am taping the headlight on and attaching the taillight to my backpack. I guess they are making bikes a bit beefier than they used to. I'm fine with that, just a little disappointed that I have to spend more money to get lights that fit. I'd rather buy something more fun, like new wheels or a new derailleur.
I have myself a complaint. I bought a headlight and a taillight for my bike along time ago. 5 years or so to be exact. I just tried to mount them on my current mt bike and surprisingly, they don't fit. The tubes are too big. So, I am taping the headlight on and attaching the taillight to my backpack. I guess they are making bikes a bit beefier than they used to. I'm fine with that, just a little disappointed that I have to spend more money to get lights that fit. I'd rather buy something more fun, like new wheels or a new derailleur.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Dakota 50
Alright, as I was sitting at work gracefully dusting off my Kona Dawg that I rode to work today, I realized that I haven't been on an actual mtn bike ride since the Dakota 5-0. That means it's been since September. That blows the big you know what. I have ridden, and ridden alot. Just not the Dawg.
I was looking at it in my office looking all dusty and happy like. I decided what a better time to give it the ole wipe down, then that's when it hit me.
Well, since it is winter, it will be getting almost all my commuting miles now.
On another note, I have one of these
does anyone out there know if they work with quick release axles. I could find out for myself, but that would have to wait until I get home. For now, I'm going to ask this question and assume there will be a response in the next 1h 50m. The next time I have to go to the store, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be pulling this cart full of groceries.
Livin life in the fast lane.
I was looking at it in my office looking all dusty and happy like. I decided what a better time to give it the ole wipe down, then that's when it hit me.
Well, since it is winter, it will be getting almost all my commuting miles now.
On another note, I have one of these
does anyone out there know if they work with quick release axles. I could find out for myself, but that would have to wait until I get home. For now, I'm going to ask this question and assume there will be a response in the next 1h 50m. The next time I have to go to the store, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be pulling this cart full of groceries.
Livin life in the fast lane.
#2
Well, for one of my New Year's resolutions I vowed to ride my bike to work at least 150 times. Today, I made #2. So 148 to go and I have reached my goal. On my ride, I realized that I am going to have to ride my bike at least twice a week to work to even come close to reaching my goal. Ok, in all actuality, it's not that hard. I'm positive I can do it and I have realized the older I get, the more time I want to spend on my bike.
Now on to better things... bike advocacy!
Ride your bike and make the world a better place.
Now on to better things... bike advocacy!
Ride your bike and make the world a better place.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Bicycle Generator
I was looking around online today and I found a site where you can build your own bicycle powered generator. We could run our computers at work and not get a fat ass. We could sit around and watch tv... and still not get a fat ass. Excellent idea.
http://www.scienceshareware.com/pedal-power-build-your-own.htm
http://www.scienceshareware.com/pedal-power-build-your-own.htm
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
New Year's Resolution
Well, like most people, I too am going to have a new year's resolution. To some people, it is going to seem rather modest and not really a big goal. I decided that I want to commute at least 150 days this year. That means alot more riding for me. On top of that, I want to keep track of my mileage better and see exactly how many miles I ride. I am hoping for around the 2,000 mile mark. However, I really have no idea how many miles I ride. It probably tallies closer to 500 per year, I really have no idea.
So, here is to resolutions. It's public, written down so I have to succeed. I'll try and keep things posted here so you can keep track.
Good luck to myself and may we all have great cycling adventures in 2008.
So, here is to resolutions. It's public, written down so I have to succeed. I'll try and keep things posted here so you can keep track.
Good luck to myself and may we all have great cycling adventures in 2008.
Baby
We had our baby. Now, he needs to get just a little bigger and he will be my new weight program for on and off the bike. Born December 20th at 2:39am.
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