[Dickie]

Lorry = Truck (for the UK impaired)

[Dickie]

If I had cash flow right now I’d be all over that! Sadly the transmission just went out on my truck so my rainy day money is going to a sucky cause!

[Dickie]

I’m trying to jet work earlier on Monday to make the later shift as well. Hopefully I’ll be there by 6:00.

[Dickie]

I could do either I think. I’ll wait to see which day is light (Ha ha) on volunteers.

[Dickie]

Finally got around to reading this thread and a few things stuck out:

1) This has been the best thread in weeks…. no mention of blinkies, ass-hats, school busses, or intersections of doom…. THANK YOU!
2) I am always at the shop these days, basically tethered to the CNC machine for the next two months, so feel free to bring stuff over if you need help…. also bring coffee!
3) I am so ready to start my build…. once I can reach the hacksaw and break free of my horribly boss.

[Dickie]

Best of luck Steve, I’m sure you’ll make the most of the new situation. I’m sorry to see you go, but your reasoning hits close to home and makes complete sense to me. Please check in and let us know how things are working out. Cheers!

[Dickie]

I guess we’ve become “Riders of the storm”.. Thank Thank, I’ll be here all week…. tip your waiters!

[Dickie]

– As many have already suggested; dress appropriately…. this should also include an emergency plan in case you have to stop for a mechanical or any other issue. Even for a few minutes, stopping in sweaty clothes can be very dangerous.
– If you get trapped in ruts or bad surfaces, try not to fight the bike and tense up. Although counter-intuitive, loosen your grip a little (not enough obviously to lose contact) and ease the bike rather than force it.
– Try to keep your body and bike as close to 90º (perpendicular to ground) as possible when crossing over suspicious areas, debris, ice, etc. This is even possible through a corner if you take a straight line through the corner’s apex.
– Don’t be embarrassed to clip out and coast through very bad sections. Last year I did this on the 495 and 66 WOD crossings…. having a foot ready for balance is never a bad idea (just remember you’re putting your foot down on a slick surface)
– Watch out for painted surfaces in rain and ice conditions, especially cornering. Rain beads up and pools on these surfaces and can catch you off guard.
– Same as driving, the roads are at their worst during the first few minutes of rain when all the oils and debris are raised to the surface before being washed away.
– It’s tempting to use the trail’s shoulders during snow storms as the powder seems more forgiving and easier to ride on, just don’t forget what is hidden beneath that snow…gravel, branches, debris, and possibly steeper drop-offs than you realize.
– It’s better to brake early and then coast through a hazard. This only works if you have time to react…. so slow down…. a lot!
– Remember, Brakes ONLY stop your wheels from rotating, Its your tyre’s friction and contact with the road that slows down the whole bike. If your tires do not have good contact with the ground your brakes are essentially useless.

[Dickie]

…was deliciously quite, drizzly, moody… ahhh, Fall I love you!

“… it’s surprising how quick a little rain will clear the streets” – Billy Bragg.

[Dickie]

Such dreadful news, especially as it could have been any of us. I cross there pretty frequently especially after Third Thursday HH’s… It’s a frightening intersection. I have tried the cross bridge and find it really poor, especially on the north side where there is a wicked 90º bend and bad transitions from bridge to trail surface…. that said it still beats getting t-boned. When crossing 50 I always wait some time for enough cars to stop and act as a barricade for me but this isn’t always possible. On those occasions I hold my breath and pray someone doesn’t do exactly what happened to this poor victim. I will think more than twice now at that intersection.

[Dickie]

Certainly check all the sites here as well. I’ve heard of DC bikes ending up in Philly, so I’m sure the reverse is true also. I hope she’s re-united soon. Good Luck!

[Dickie]

@lordofthemark 96594 wrote:

I just managed to call out “hey fred!” but I don’t think he heard, and I’m not sure it even made sense. Grrrr!

You just made my day and earned your first stripe…love it!

[Dickie]

On my ride home last night I slowly collected and thus became part of a make-shift peloton of … GASP… elite riders. We had six riders at one point which is pretty uncommon heading east on the WOD after 5:00pm. What was so cool is that every cyclist called their passes, signaled to the riders behind, slowed for oncoming traffic and generally were very friendly and nice to everyone on the trail. A good commute home indeed.

[Dickie]

Found – Inspiration

Every Labor day my wife and I drive to Windsor, Ontario to see my family and watch Ontario’s oldest professional bike race the Tour di Via Italia. My old coach Aldo Sfalcin organizes the event these days and this was the first time in nearly 30 years since I had seen him. He remembered me and complained about how I didn’t spin enough rpm’s in the day… mind like a tack that guy! Anyway, the pro race is a 50 lap criterium which attracts some good talent. As usual there were many break attempts, but for the first time in years the final attempt held…. and not only did it hold but the solo rider was pulling away lap after lap. With ten laps to go he was now catching the peloton…. in 30 years of watching this race, and competing myself in the junior categories I had never seen this. We inquired about the rider and found out he was from Maryland, and an ex-olympian. My entire family cheered and watched as the laps passed and the breakaway artist came within 100 yards of lapping the entire pack… it was mesmerizing. After the podium celebration I went over and met the rider. We shook hands and talked about MD and DC, he spoke of his parents and was so humble and genuine. Yep, turns out it was Bobby Lea, a two time Olympian and inspiration for this Bicycling Mag story.

here’s a link to my bother’s photo’s from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pjmixer/sets/72157646888327177/

What a great race and even more inspiring cyclist.

Here’s me and Bobby Lea.

[IMG]http://bikearlingtonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6729&stc=1[/IMG]

[Dickie]

I had FedEx direct it to my house, figured since I didn’t bid against you, I should at least ride it first. In all seriousness, congrats John… you’ve been talking about that exact bike for some time now.

[Author]

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