Dirt
Forum Replies Created
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Hey Josh. Thanks for your post.
What about the Custis trail do you think needs maintenance? There are some tree-root-induced bumps leading into the bridge over Lee Hwy just west of Lyon Village. There are a few puddles here and there that become lovely ice patches in the next month or two. Much of the section between Lyon Village east to Rosslyn were repaved this year. There are a variety of dips at different spots. I guess it could use a little love. I’m not aware of anything really horrible on it. I guess my expectations are pretty low.
As for the Rosslyn Death Zone… I’d love to see something done there. All 4 or 5 of those intersections are very dangerous…. not because of any design issue with the intersections… just because cars often don’t yield or look for bikes. I’ve been hit at 4 of the intersections once in the last 2 years. I survived all with bruises and soreness. Each of the people who hit me were very polite and nice. I always get hit by the nicest people.
The easy solution that would help the intersection @Lynn street most would be a combination of a “No turn on right” sign, a longer dedicated walk signal and a 2-week enforcement campaign for both Cyclists and motorists. Cars are not the only ones doing stupid things at that intersection. Cyclists and pedestrians are the ones with the most to lose there though.
Belated welcome to the area. Welcome to the forum. I look forward to hearing your response.
Pete
I follow Exposure lights on Facebook and Twitter. They did a “Say something nice about us publicly and we’ll give you free stuff” thing on Facebook. I won. They sent me one of their new Flare tail lights. It is the best I’ve ever seen. It is tiny, light weight and has a really good attachment system. It is a little brighter than my Planet Bike, 1/2 the weight and gives better light visibility from the side. Best of all, the attachment system is very robust and does not make the light disposable when a small clip breaks.
@SQ: Look at the Joystick and also the Diablo. Diablo is $50 more expensive but it adds a high power setting that, when combined with a phase conjugate mirror and tracking system, can vaporize a human target from space. (Just kidding about that last part.) Just look at it when you’re making your decision.
Also @SQ: In the meantime, I’ve got a little Light and Motion 120 lumen light that you can borrow for a few weeks if you need. I haven’t used it in a while. It has a dumb-charger. Which means that if you leave it on to charge for more than 8 hours you’ll fry the battery. With that in mind, it worked great for me for quite a while. Let me know if that will help. I’ll stick it on to charge tonight and make sure it is still working for tomorrow’s commute.
@Americancyclo: The Minewt lights are really cool. I know a bunch of people that have had great luck with them. Glad that’s working well for you.Pete
Of all the wicking layers I’ve known before….
The thing you’ll noticed that I’ve never suggested or mentioned is cotton. NEVER EVER EVER use cotton as a layer in the winter. I never use it in the summer either. Cotton absorbs sweat and doesn’t release it. It loses all ability to retain heat when it is wet. Cotton in any layer of any garment will make that part of your body freeze. Did I mention that cotton is bad? Okay. I’ll let that rest.
I mentioned the Verge base layer. I love that stuff. I use it for commuting in all 4 seasons and for long rides when temps are above 55. Its temp range is great. It is cheap. It is disposable. It is 100% synthetic and can be put out with the recycling.
For long, cold rides, my personal favorite is merino wool base layer. Hincapie sportswear makes fabulous wool base layer. It costs $45-55 per depending on your sleeve preference. For me it is worth every penny.
When it is DANG cold…. I’m talking “freeze all exposed skin” cold, I run for Craft’s sub zero stuff. It is stupidly expensive, but you don’t have to own a lot of it since those rides are not as frequent. They make tops and tights. It feels weird when walking around the house because it is designed to fit your body when you’re in a riding position.
I don’t do well with combination wicking/wind breaking layers. I have tried a few from Nalini and Craft and I perspire too much for any of them to wick effectively. I get wet then freeze. If I’m riding casually in very cold weather that works. I tend to ride as fast as possible when it is that cold to keep my core temp high.
Liner gloves are wonderful. I have some from Giordana, Pearl Izumi, Sugoi, Adidas and Nalini. They’re great these days because I wear an outer glove when it is 40 degrees out in the morning and just wear the liners when it is 60 degrees on the way home.
How ’bout y’all???
Hope some of this is helpful. Help me out with your input and what works for you? Thanks!
@Mark Blacknell 1181 wrote:
Might have to try these out. Hmm, I wonder if I know anyone with a set . . .
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Also, for everyone’s information, Ecuador lodged a formal complaint when Dirt competed in the jersey above. As part of the settlement agreement, Dirt was required to note in his original posting that the average Ecuadoran is about half his size.
I don’t have the MTB ones mounted up on a bike. You’re welcome to give them a try, sir. I’ll likely be ordering a couple extra sets (one drop and one MTB) for other bikes. You can certainly take a spare set for week or so to get the feel for them.
The Ecuadorian federation are my peeps! I may be twice their size, but I’ve got 1/2 their heart and 1/3 their intellectual capacity and absolutely none of their tact, grace or good taste. In all they determined that it all balances out. They were happy with my results on that race too.
