It’s been 2 weeks since I started riding my bike to work (and home again). I’m feeling much better, cooling off faster after each rode, and gradually getting faster.
I’ve missed 3 rides (took one day off to hit the mountains, and had a family shindig one evening), but other than that, I’ve been riding full time. I don’t see anything that would make me stop now, except for wet (or white) stuff.
To keep myself motivated, I’ve been keeping a “ride log” here using Drupal’s custom content types, and some custom PHP/MySQL to generate an overview. That’s worked out pretty well from a technical perspective, and helps me to see at a glance how I’m doing.
Now, to put some cash into my bike. Hand grips are cracked and falling off. Gears need adjustment. Some mystery squeek/creak from the frame when I pedal. I’ll need a headlight/taillight soon, as it starts getting darker in the mornings. I really should put a bell on it, especially now that there’s at least a microscopic chance that I might actually pass someone…
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Great to hear that you're still riding. Have to confess that I didn't ride all week–also wanted to say that I too got tied up in a cocomment loop about a week ago–and I look forward to getting "back in the saddle" next week.
The biggest biking holdback for me (other than being lazy ) is the lack of shower/change facilities at work and meetings outside the office.
Your comment about quicker cooldown times gives me hope that I might be able to get to a point where I don't arrive at destinations as bedraggled as I do now.
Re bike gear: I've had really good experience as a member of Mountain Equipment Co-op.
I’m lucky enough that the morning ride is almost all downhill (or at least level) so a simple cooldown and change of clothes is sufficient. After riding uphill on the way home, it’s a whole different story. About 95m of vertical difference squished over a couple clicks…
Dude! What kind of bike are you riding? The dedication you're showing, you oughta treat youself and get some real hot machine.
it’s just a decade-old crappy Head from Sport Mart. It’s got front suspension, which is nice, and 21 speed, which is essential for these damned hills. But a new bike would definitely help
check your cranks, that's probably where the squeak is coming from (and if you leave them too long, they might get worse and fall off). You usually need a crank tightening tool, but they're pretty standard across all bikes.
Alan - that makes sense. I’ll try to pick up a crank bolt wrench asap. that would suck, having the cranks fall off in mid stride… almost as bad as having the rear wheel fall off as you start up a hill. oh, wait… that’s already happened…