More Commuting

So I've commuted another three days this past week. I'm still having problems getting used to riding at 14 miles an hour, but I'm getting better. I am seeing the same folks out walking their dogs, and doing their morning walks almost every day. The bike is working well, except the internal 11 speed rear hub seems to miss shifts sometimes, especially if I am putting pressure on it when I am shifting. The 32 cm tires handle the transitions between concrete and asphalt pretty well and smooth out the ride, enabling me to ride hands free and drink my coffee without too much fuss. So, another 45 miles in 3:15 for the week in total. Total ride time for each trip is about 35 minutes, depending on how many stop lights I have to wait at. It's a nice distraction on the way home, and is helping to reduce my stress.

Cycling this week - 03-25-2012

After a week of commuting, and no road riding the past weekend, I finally got out on Saturday.  I rode down the Rio Hondo river trail to the Long Beach river trail.  Stopped in Long beach for a break, and then took the beach trail over to Seal Beach.  Then up the San Gabriel river trail back home.  62.5 miles in 3:46.  I set a blistering pace on the way down to Long Beach, with an average of 18.5 miles per hour.  The way back was not as quick.  At about the 45 mile mark, I was cruising along at about 20 MPH thinking I was the king of the world, when all of a sudden some guy on a S-works Tarmac blows past me like I was standing still. Damn, I started thinking I shouldn't have had that second glass of wine the night before.

The Queen Mary as viewed from the light house

Scenes from the Long Beach harbor area

Sailing ship coming in

The city is preparing for the Long Beach Grand Prix - setting up barricades

Interesting building in Long Beach

The view from the river trail

Commuter Shake Down

Well, I've had the opportunity to commute to work three days this past week.  I've put 45 miles on the new bike.  My first impression is that it's slow and heavy.  For a guy used to riding a Cervelo R3 that weighs about 15 pounds, this new bike is like a tank.  That's about the only negative I can come up with though.  The belt drive and 11 speed internal rear hub are eerily quiet.  It's like a stealth machine.  The only noise it makes is the 32 cm tires rolling on the pavement.  The disc brakes stop great with very little effort and the fenders keep my work clothes dry.  The water bottle holders fit my coffee mug and a water bottle perfectly.  I guess I should just get used to going a little slower, it will give me a chance to check out the scenery a little more.  It takes me about 35 minutes to ride to work, only about 7-8 minutes longer than it takes to drive, which isn't saying much about the drive.  I've got a flat black skater helmet, I'm trying to develop a more urban, hip, bad ass persona, but I don't think its working, my GF said it was adorable.  Maybe I should put some skull and cross-bones stickers on it.

No Cycling this week, but a new commuter - 03-19-2012

The wonderful Southern California weather played tricks on us this weekend and pretended it was Seattle, so, no riding for me. On the positive side, I finished building my commuter bike and will begin riding it to work tomorrow. Belt drive, disc brakes, an 11 speed internal rear hub, fenders and lights, it's the perfect commuter machine. Stainless steel water bottle holders even fit my commuter coffee container. - And for Jen's benefit, No Kickstand.

Check out the Glow-in-the-dark tires

Cycling this week - 03/10/2012

This Saturday Rich and I rode out past Claremont and back.  We didn't get started until about 1:30 in the afternoon, so we got back just as it was getting dark, if only daylight savings time had started a day earlier.  We did 57 miles in 3:37.  Below are some pics from our ride.

As you can see by this sign, Claremont is a bike firendly town.  This is the first time I've ever seen a sign like this.

Ahh the Buffalo Inn - renown for its buffalo burgers.  Some dy I'll actually have to try one if I can get past the dirt parking lot.

On the way up towards the mountains - as you can see, it was a beautiful day.

This is the top of Thompson Creek Trail in Claremont.  For you Facebookers, you will recognize this picture.

As the sun sets, we still had about 8 more miles to go to get home.  Finished up the ride with my red blinking light on the back.

Cycling this week - 03/04/2012

After a leisurely morning, I took a leisurely roll through Pasadena to try out my new shoes and make some final adjustments to the cleats.  22 miles in 1:40. I cruised around the Rose Bowl and some historic neighborhoods.

As you can see the weather was perfect.

This picture is from the railing on the Colorado Street bridge, AKA Suicide bridge.

Another bridge picture - the lamppost.

Cycling Stuff

Presents were awaiting me when I arrived home from my ride up to GMR.  New pedals to go with my new shoes.  I am so done with Look pedals and standard road shoes.  Say hello to new comfy touring shoes with soles that have a smooth rubber sole so I wont be slipping and sliding on smooth floors and changing cleats twice a year because the plastic is worn down.  They might be 50 grams heavier, but I guess I'll just have to drink 2 oz. more water to make up for the difference.  These shoes allow me to walk around without the cleat touching the ground.  Sorry France, I'm going with Japan on this one.

Here is a pic of the pedal before installation.

With the pedal attached to the shoe, you can see the smooth bottom of the shoe.

 A side view of the shoe with the pedal attached.  The shoes are like regular road shoes on top.

Cycling this week - 03/03/2012

I rode up to the top of Glendora Mountain Road and back from my house - 52.75 miles in 3:40.  I saw Mr. Beanz on my way up, he was already on his way down.  His blog is listed over on the right, he seems to be everywhere and usually takes some decent video of his rides.  It was a great day for a bike ride, and as you can see from some of the pictures, spring has sprung here in So Cal.

Roadside flowers - about 3/4 of the way up the mountain

The view down to Glendora from about 1/2 way up the road to the top

The Glendora suburbs - getting closer to the mountains

The basic work-a-day world and the typical view on my way down Arrow Hwy. to Glendora