[Jsnyd]

@mpoethig 315 wrote:

Coming home from work I ride from the Roosevelt Island parking lot to the top of Upton Street off of Old Dominion near intersection with Lorcom Lane. At first this long uphill killed me–not being much of a bicyclist–but now I’m much stronger and it’s not so bad. Does anyone know what the elevation is for that stretch?

Margaret

From min/max altitude its only 386ft but the climb is a total 678ft. A total of 4mile distance. Assuming you take the Custis trail to N Taylor, Lee hwy and across Lorcom. “Route Planner” is a good app if you have a smart phone. You can plan trips or just track your position via GPS. Itll show you the best way for bike (Like google maps) as well as the elevation, distance, average grade % and total climb. You can also save your route and email it to others. Living about 10 miles from all those nice trails made it hard for me at first to just grab and go without getting lost. Route Planner lets me map a route for the best way through the city and around town. Knowing where the climbs are makes them fun because Im ready for them… most of the time.

[Jsnyd]

Thanks again for all the donations! I rode 100 miles!

[Jsnyd]

@DaveK 7451 wrote:

If those are the paired-spoke style, be very careful to check for cracking in the rim around the spoke nipples. Those wheels have a bad reputation.

Yea I think they are the same you are talking about. Bladded spokes? Thanks for the heads up. Ill keep an eye out for that.

[Jsnyd]

I found a bontrager “race” front wheel for $25 on craigslist. The guy threw in the rear for free. Its bent up a little so I might see if it can be fixed but the front is nice and true. Ill take a spoke wrench to it and get it really smooth tomorrow. One small step to a better ride.

[Jsnyd]

You have quite the collection. Good range of colors! Thanks for the info, as always. Smelling good.. or not smelling bad is always a plus.

[Jsnyd]

@creadinger 7402 wrote:

It must be interesting to think back to the split in the route where you made the decision to go for the 100 instead of the 75 you were expecting. Also, you didn’t have the cue sheet for the 100 mile ride right? So you had to stick with the pack you were riding with. No falling off the back or you’d be screwed. Haha.

Haha yea exactly. The split was at 30mi so there was a great sense of the unknown ahead. I felt good though and didn’t want to end the day thinking “I shoulda”. The thought of not finishing never really entered my head and I’m lucky nothing happened to my bike. I just rode in the moment and enjoyed every bit of it. I say that now, but there were some painful bits in there haha. I’m glad I did the whole century. Pushing your limits and surprising yourself is always good.

[Jsnyd]

Well.. we took our time. The first 50 miles we had an average speed of 19mph and then we figured that we had a ways to go and slowed down to 16 or 17. Something like that. Plus there was the paceline and regular rest stops where we enjoyed bananas, oranges, pb&j’s, gatorade and water to name a few.

[Jsnyd]

After doing it, I can see a bit why guys would do it. I’ve only done it once and I’m not nearly as seasoned as most who do shave, but it’s as I have read. It’s a commitment, regardless of the specifics. There are a few more reasons but to me it was mental. Almost like my last step to prepare for my goal and my challenge. Once I decided to shave, I was all in. Before I even knew how I was going to get rid of my leg hair. I would give everything I had to my ride. I was already at that point, but now I have a physical reminder that every time I look down I love cycling and welcome the joy as well as the pain it sometimes brings.

[Jsnyd]

I lived up there just over a year ago. Right down from Aspen Hill. Not sure of any “new” trails but theres a multi-use trail at Georgia and Hewitt Ave. Not sure where itll take you, it’s online somewhere. The trail connects various neighborhoods useing the trail and local streets. I used to run there so I’ve only taken it a few miles out and back. I remember hitting University Ave, I think, and turning back because I didnt find where the trail continued.

[Jsnyd]

She didn’t know what to think at first. I told her, “I think I’m going to shave my legs”. She just looked a little confused and said ok. She didn’t seem to mind much, which is what I expected. Then gave me advice on what to do. (TIP: She said Cortisone 10 works great for irritated skin, using it beforehand if you suspect the worst). I used some just in case, it works. She was exposed to the cycling world a little bit growing up so it isn’t to taboo to her.

[Jsnyd]

The 25 more was more sarcastic then anything. I figured it wasn’t much in the beginning of the ride but after some time it seemed as every mile was dragging by. A huge mental challenge. Good thing I had the pace line to keep me going. I am still thinking about a recovery ride, but my butt is SORE! Maybe some time on the trainer. I rode my Vilano Forza 4.0. Just an entry level, amazon.com road bike. I have gotten it fitted and changed a few things out (Stem, saddle, clipless pedals) for a better ride. It’s my everyday rider. Really the only bike I have. There is the Novara but that just sits in the corner.

[Jsnyd]

Yea, that’s high speed low drag. He has it nice a trimmed for the time trial! I did it, shaved em. Used spray on foam and then cleaned it up with a razor while in the tub. No nicks or cuts. Pretty good for my first time. I don’t think I will be doing it that often though. A few times a season. Of course I say that now with no prickly legs. One thing I did notice about the shave is how efficient my legs can now use sweat to keep cool. It also just felt good! Close to the same sensation after a fresh haircut.

[Jsnyd]

That beard is epic

[Jsnyd]

on that note. Is it dumb to not shave my face? After all, Im not doing it for aerodynamics

[Jsnyd]

@DaveK 7303 wrote:

I’m relatively new at this marriage thing but I would probably ask my wife first… if she doesn’t like it then you’ll have to enjoy the sensations alone for a while.

Oh good idea, Im new too haha. I dont think she’ll mind, but Ill give her a heads up. I have a beard now that shes not a big fan of so Im sure shell be excited to get any hair off of my as long as it isnt from my head.

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