Dickie
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Dickie
ParticipantUgh, that sounds like a terrible way to start the year, hope you are feeling better by now. I actually fractured two ribs playing hockey years ago, the pain was so overwhelming at times that I finally went to the ER and they gave me some pain killers….. lucky me, turns out I was allergic to the meds and vomited for two days straight, and I thought coughing and breathing hurt!
ParticipantI’m totally OCD about my bike maintenance so take everything I am about to say with a grain of salt. I generally give all my bikes a pretty thorough cleaning and lubing once a week, it has become a ritual I actually love. In regards to drivetrain, I prefer a clean/dry lubed chain. I usually clean my chain by hand simply by backpedaling through a dry soft rag, and then re-apply a dry lube. I have occasionally gone the boiled paraffin wax route, but not for a few years. I also take out the pulleys and remove all the crap that collects in there. Many will say that is time I could be riding, but riding a well tuned bike for me is far more enjoyable then worrying about every creak and rattle I could be hearing and all the damage occurring. I believe my bikes will love me if I show them some love back, and hopefully they will stay healthy for many years to come.
My OCD has also forced me to start designing a handlebar mounted chain-lube cannon so I can spray those squeaky, mind-grinding rusty chains belonging to riders I occasionally follow on the trail.
ParticipantThanks for the pics…..I’m not exactly sure how else to respond without sounding jealous… have fun riding in Germany…. at least we’re having a heat wave this weekend!
Participant@DismalScientist 40077 wrote:
Hey Dickie– Did you pass me eastbound on the W&OD around Sycamore last night about 5:30? I would have said hi, but I was bonking pretty badly, waiting to get home to rehydrate with a large container of malt liquor.:rolleyes:
OMG, I feel so awful, that was me! I was bummed that I got no response to my greeting, but then realized you probably couldn’t hear very well with the balaclava on….. I so would have pulled for you. Apologies…… I actually hit the wall about 3 miles later!
Participant@ShawnoftheDread 40075 wrote:
I was wondering where you’ve been. I guess the answer is “nowhere!”
Actually, I did ride a bunch over the holidays and even treated myself to a winter cross bike, but my work schedule got really stupid so I had to take a break from the forum to make my deadlines…. really missed the gang though, happy new year!
Participant[ATTACH=CONFIG]2238[/ATTACH]
Maybe this is why I gained some lbs. this holiday season…. sigh!
January 9, 2013 at 3:19 pm in reply to: It’s not what I do. It’s who I am… and who I’d like to be for a long, long time. #959458ParticipantWonderful story, and so well written as always. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, we all need inspiration and you sir continue to provide it to the rest of us, cheers!
ParticipantPretty sure I spotted Dirt at the Quincy and Fairfax dr. intersection yesterday around 5:45pm… either that or someone is riding your Van around!
ParticipantHoly crap, that’s a white knuckle experience for sure…. being a spectator to your own fate has to be longest few seconds ever! So glad you are OK.
November 8, 2012 at 7:48 pm in reply to: BikeArlington Lights For Bikes Event – Call For Volunteers! #955213ParticipantJust got back from the Dr… yep, Vertigo caused by an inner ear infection…. even typing this is making me ill! ! don’t think my dizzy-ass will be making it tonight, sorry Tim, was really looking forward to it!
ParticipantGreat looking bike, and I agree with acc… awesome seeing you use existing parts and also knowing that Bicycle Space will work with you. As for fittings, I had Jeff Palmer at Spokes in Vienna fit me to my road bike a few years ago. He did a great job and was really easy to work with. Before parts the fitting was $125.00 I think. Their website has all the details and background info on each employee/fitter. Good luck and keep us posted!
Participantyeah, the ride starts at 1:00 but folks tend to start gathering around noon to flaunt their outfits and mingle. The starting location and route is kept secret. It is then emailed to all registered riders the day before. I believe this is for liability reasons as the organizers need to prepare for the amount of riders attending and prepare the authorities accordingly. I can tell you that in previous years we have started from Meridian Hill Park, but who knows this year. We are certainly ending at The Brixton and the party begins at 4:00.
November 2, 2012 at 2:15 pm in reply to: Biking etiquette – passing stopped cars? Going through stop signs? #954704ParticipantI commute every morning and evening but I drive a large vehicle during the day for my work. I try to ride thinking about both sides of the coin. In terms of legal vs. illegal, I think that has been answered pretty adequately already. What you need to think about is what drivers expect of other vehicles on the road and how predictable your movements and decisions are. As a driver I find it really difficult to adjust to cyclists who ride in/with traffic but break the laws for convenience. When a cyclist splits traffic while I am driving I become very nervous about their intentions and if they understand the limitations of my vehicle. When riding I stop for ALL lights and wait for the green, even with no traffic present, it just isn’t worth the risk and I believe as cyclists we must lead by example. It just takes one person to see the infraction and make an assumption about cyclists. I have said this before on the forum and it is my biggest complaint about other cyclists. I will stop at a light with traffic behind me, to have a fellow cyclist approach from behind, weave through traffic and “blow” through the light. I can tell you from experience seeing all the drivers shaking their heads and fists that this gets our cause NOWHERE and it makes my life less safe.
Stop signs are my achilles heel, I slow considerably with the intention of stopping, and if ANY traffic is present I stop. If I am completely alone and it is the zombie apocalypse I will perform the Idaho roll.
Be safe and lead by example, your convenience is not a excuse to break the law or be unpredictable…. I leave that for the runners in the bike lane!
November 1, 2012 at 3:19 pm in reply to: BikeArlington Lights For Bikes Event – Call For Volunteers! #954627ParticipantI can do the full 2hrs on Thursday the 8th. I can speak to the British folks, but my American is pretty weak.
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