[Mario20136]

@chuxtr 156932 wrote:

Buckaroo Banzai!

If it’s not raining, it’s not training …

It does not get easier, but you get faster …

Happy trails…

[Mario20136]

@bobco85 157822 wrote:

This happened yesterday while I was on a walk. Not biking, but I thought I’d mention it.

Me: waiting to cross Van Dorn St at Taney Ave
(Van Dorn St light turns red; walk signal comes on)
Me: walks out into the crosswalk after a second or two
You: southbound Driver of a grey Prius on Van Dorn St, goes into the intersection through the red, luckily missing me because I was already in the next lane
Me: looks incredulously at you while this happens and gesturing “WTF?” (actually a magic spell that casts bad luck on the driver)
You: continue to drive, then 2 blocks down the road stop as your car breaks down (the car behind him was accompanying him, so they pulled over to assist)
Me: (to the world) I want all of you drivers to know that I have this power; I’ll use it if I need to!

This is what I call “Instant Karma Payback”.

[Mario20136]

@hozn 156391 wrote:

I don’t understand people buying Chris King / Phil Woods / etc. hubs, honestly. At least with Tune, you’re saving some weight … but $2/gram is pretty expensive weight. But, yeah, I know you can walk into a store and spend $800 on a set of alloy wheels, but that is crazy use of money to me.

I agree with you. I also think it’s somewhat frivolous to an extent. I ride close to about 6k/year and I know I go through chains, cassettes,
brake pads (lots of pads), couple bottom brackets, washing/cleaning the bike, commuter gear, and dishing/truing wheels like crazy. However, I do spend my money wisely on nutritional meals in lieu buying expensive alloy/carbon wheels. I guess to each his own.

Happy Riding.

[Mario20136]

@Harry Meatmotor 153216 wrote:

If my name was Bob, this is what I’d do.

I recently upgraded my 25 year Lotus Supreme Columbus SL/Frame and had it powder coated with Orange. I love the retro color and it sure does attract a lot of attention when commuting. On top of it, I recently replaced my aging Campagnolo Super Record with Dura 7800 Ten Speed drive train to include the shifters, brakes, crank set with bottom bracket, front and rear derailleurs. I also had my rear stays cold forge to accept 130mm rear hubs. It rides and shifts like a dream!

Overall, it cost me a lot less than purchasing a new bike. However, the current setup is limited to 700x28c tires which are ideal for my daily commute to work.

Of course, my dream bike is to own one of those “OPEN” complete bicycle. It’s too bad the complete bike is over priced for a whopping $6K plus tax. I can’t justify purchasing this toy especially if my bike is worth more than my car but seriously, it’s really a nice, light, and flexible bike capable of taking 700c and 29” tires. The closest bike that I can think of at this time is a Specialized Diverge or Crux. The specs don’t come close to Open specifications, but IMHO these bikes work as well.

Happy Riding!

[Mario20136]

@Jason 150939 wrote:

Last night I was harassed by the Arlington National Cemetery Police in front of the main entryway after the metro entryways. As we all know, its dark over there, its dangerous to cross, and cars are totally not paying attention. I was actually walking home from work, although I bike past this area about 3 times a week for training rides. Also, for 2.5 years I commuted every day through this area. For background, Iwork for a federal law enforcement agency, so I am aware what is kosher for officer behavior. This was not.

As I am crossing the various crosswalks, I have noticed that the only way to get across safely is to use a handheld blinky light. I walk home regularly and in this darkness I have noticed that cars literally try and run you over in this area. The guards stand around in their guard area doing nothing except helping cars move out. Nothing to help pedestrians. I have also noticed that the safest place to walk across is actually right in front of the guard area where the cones are as this is the only area where cars slow or stop. Its dark out, about 5:40PM. As I am walking across the main road, a light flashes at me. I point up my flashlight (a 60 lumen light, not that bright) on constant mode to see if its a car, bike, whatever. At this point a man dressed in black tactical gear, who did not announce his status as a police officer runs up to me yelling at me that I shone my light in his face. He then yelled at me to stop and got in my way so I could walk no further. He continued to yell at me and act aggressively. Trying to get a word in, I asked if he was a police officer. He said yes, he was police. This is after about 1min, 30 seconds of him continuously yelling at me that I had jaywalked (not sure if I had, since there is a corner where the trail is right there. I maintained a quiet demeanor (not wanting to get tased or OC sprayed). I asked for his badge number, and he yelled it out in such a way as I couldnt tell what the number was. I asked him to repeat his badge number, and he said something like seven of eleven (not kidding!). He had dilated pupils, breathing heavy, and flared nose. Definitely he had gone into fight/flight mode. When it appeared he would no longer impede my progress, I walked away.

Just wanted to let everyone know. Right now I am trying to figure out how to file a formal complaint. So watch your A$$ over in front of the guards at the cemetery. Now I have to try and figure out the safest rout in this super dark area that keeps me away from the guard idiots.

Sorry to hear about run-in with the Arlington Cemetery Police. My hunch is either the police officer is a private contractor or works for the U.S. Capitol police. If he works for the U.S. Capitol police then you can file a non-emergency complaint.

The URL is:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/uspp/file-a-complaint.htm

You did the right thing. It sounds like you had things under control. I would have done the same thing except I would have insisted his full badge number and name. When you file the report indicate the time, location, and description of the incident. The U.S. Capitol Police should be able to determine who was on shift last night.

Finally, the other thing I suggest is never walk in front of the guard booth; some security guards are very territorial and sometimes perceive threat when you approach the controlled area.

[Mario20136]

@bobco85 148930 wrote:

I SWEAR, I DON’T KNOW HOW I DO THESE THINGS SOMETIMES

I had to pull the chain out and put the bike into a higher speed just to get the rear derailleur pulley out of the spokes so I could then walk the bike home. I was only 1.8 miles from home, and I like walking anyways, so I went on foot to get home. Tomorrow I will take a trip to the bike shop, as I had only ridden ~400 miles on this after having replaced the crankset, chain, and rear cassette.

Sorry to hear about your mishap, but this is a classic case of Mean Time to Failure (MTTF). MTTF is used for non-repairable products. When MTTF is used as a measure, repair is not an option.

Your predicament reminds me when I had to replace my ceramic bottom bracket twice last year. I replaced the bottom bracket early in the spring and gave out by mid-summer. I think the bottom bracket only lasted for couple thousand miles.

[Mario20136]

To the gentleman who was kind enough to tow me from Vienna to Arlington this morning at a very brisk pace. Thank you!

I like your riding style; nonetheless your high steady cadence pace. I will keep an eye on your classy Spectrum bike next time I see you.

Salute!

[Mario20136]

@chris_s 146590 wrote:

Confirmed: Warm rain is some of my favorite weather for biking.

I concur. I find riding in the rain quite exhilarating and refreshing. Of course other than soggy socks and wet shoes, the commute is serene.

[Mario20136]

Hi –

What was your gearing like and the ratio when you climbed the 31% ascent.

-M

@sethpo 143661 wrote:

There’s a road out of Fredrick that I rode once that hit 31%. It may not be as long as you are looking for but it sure felt like it at the time

Jackson Mt Rd.

https://www.strava.com/activities/193966837/segments/4560989305

[Mario20136]

Thank you for all for responding. I’m actually preparing for an upcoming race later this year and anticipate some of the climbs will have gradients ranging from 8, 17, 21, and possibly 30%. I have ridden the Catoctin Mountain, the foot hills of Western PA, and the Shenandoah Valley region; but from my personal experience the climbs were gradual and steady. I will make a special trip to Pittsburg to get a feel of the 30% climb. In the meantime, I will check out the Appalachian range West edge of Loudoun County.

@jabberwocky 143606 wrote:

30% grade for any length more than a few dozen yards would be among the steepest roads in the country (possibly the world). The steepest road in the US (Canton Ave in Pittsburg) hits 35% or so but only for a few yards.

EDIT: And we can say for certain that there is no place within 25 miles of Fairfax with that sort of hill, just because half a mile (2,640 feet) at 30% is about an 800 foot gain. There isn’t anywhere near DC with that kind of elevation gain. I don’t think there’s even any land over 800 ft above sea level until you get the first mountains of the Appalachian range at the west edge of Loudoun.

[Mario20136]

I’m happy for you! The key things to remember:

1. Logistics – Identify which route you planned on taking.
2. Time – How long is your commute e.g., morning commute vs. afternoon commute
3. Dress appropriately based on the time of the year
4. Other cycling stuff – Headlight/tail light, bike bell instead of calling the passes (you don’t have to have it now)
5. Hygiene – Do you have shower facilities/locker where you can store your biking stuff safely
6. Secure place to lock your bicycle

I started commuting last year and haven’t looked back. I truly enjoy commuting regardless how hot, wet, or cold the day may be. However, I don’t ride in the snow or ice; regardless how fast or slow I’m happy when I ride my bike! Btw, I commute 5 days per week and sometimes ride on the weekend as well.
I take a week break after 8 weeks of continuous riding just to break the monotony.

Additionally, riding a bike to work gives me positive outlook in life and relieves a lot of stress working and commuting.

It doesn’t get any easier but I must say you’ll get faster. There are days when I can pace myself to 3.15 minutes/per mile or simply ride at a leisurely pace.
I have a 12 year old bike and I must say it’s not the bike, but it’s the engine driving it. In other words, it helps you condition or acclimate your body to different type of riding fitness level. I’ve lost about 12 pounds since I started riding.

Happy riding.

😎

@Crystalcity_one 143268 wrote:

I usually ride my bike just for fun on weekends. Thought that would share my experience with anyone else who may be going through the same thing. If all goes well, I will be traveling from the Potomac Yards area all the way to Foggy Bottom.

Hoping I’m not the only girl too. I’m excited and nervous!

[Mario20136]

Kinda eerie considering I did not see a single soul on the W&OD this morning at 0815 (Vienna) except coming down near the Ballston exit. Wore Shark Grip booties which are great for cold/wet cycling. I made sure my back pack was snugged and tight to prevent water seepage. I only saw 2 joggers. It was nice for a change weather-wise. It should be delightful this afternoon.

@Dewey 141991 wrote:

Same here with my Garneau waterproof shoe covers, rain down my legs went down the top and soaked my sneakers underneath, glad I packed dry socks.

[Mario20136]

@lordofthemark 141397 wrote:

Up till last weekend, I pretty much did not think about nutrition on rides – I made sure to have a full water bottle and to replenish it at stops, and basically ate when I was hungry – nothing real heavy, but no particular attention to whether it was carbs, or protein or whatever. I generally do not drink sugared drinks (my blood sugar tests at the bottom of the pre-diabetic range, so while I am not religious about the restrictions, there are some things I avoid or minimize) but on a long ride on the W&OD will get a smoothie at Green Lizard. When I get a beer, I limit myself to a pint at most, or just a sample size, to avoid dehydration (and other effects of alcohol ). And that is it.

But riding over 90 miles (and while still near the bottom of the strava rankings, relatively fast for me), I think I need to pay more attention. I was okay for the first 75 miles or so, but by that point (past Reston on the return down the W&OD) I was feeling a little shaky – like I needed something, maybe electrolytes? Maybe carbs? Definitely not a “meal”. I basically have never eaten “sports food” and haven’t had a gatorade or sports drink in years, but when I got to the Vienna Whole Foods, I decided to look around, and settled on a Cliff bar, which hit the spot – I felt better on the ride home. (note, prior to that the last solid nutrition I had had was an egg and cheese sandwich on the way out in Leesburg at round noon – and then a half pint of beer at Old Ox around 3:30, and I hit WF at around 5:30, so it probably was time for a meal, but somehow I did not want one)

Should I worry more electrolytes? Drink a sports drink? Get some kind of gel? Just keep some Cliff bars with me? What is the physiology here, and how should I use it to my advantage?

Paying close attention to nutrition is paramount to my daily commute as well as taking long rides i.e. half-century, century rides, or grand fondo on the weekends.

For starters, riding a 90 miles plus is not an easy feat. It requires detailed planning and preparation. For instance, I personally like to log at least 500-700 miles before I commit myself to day long riding activity. By base mileage, I am referring to the total accumulated consistent miles over a period of time i.e., weeks or months. This type of riding allows my body to adjust to different levels of riding whether spinning at high cadence or pushing large gears on various terrains. Also weather and wind direction plays a significant factor when going this distance. Riding 90 miles on a crisp fall day is invigorating; whereas, a 50 mile ride in the summer is brutal.

FYI, this is what I pack during a 5-6 hour ride:

• 1 Banana, 2 boiled eggs, 2 rice cakes
• 4 Water bottles during the ride (You can’t have enough)
• Bandana to protect your neck
• Application of sunscreen
• Of course, cool sunglasses!

I drink every 10-15 minutes and eat while I’m riding. If you drink after an hour long riding, chances are you are dehydrated and you might as well call it quits for the day. There are great online articles for recovery.

Post ride:

• Drink at least 1 cold water bottle or 1 bottle of cold chocolate milk or bottle of coconut water, and/or 1 small soda (optional) stored in my cooler. The water bottles are partly mixed with whey and fruit juices that are acceptable to my tummy. Again, I don’t like drinking sports drink because it causes acid reflux.

• Then replenish myself by eating dry cereals, fruits, and drinking more liquids. The more hydrated I am the less time to recover after a long fast ride.

The day after:

Easy spin in low gears for 1 -2 hours; if you are still tired and feel the lactic acid burning you need to flush it out – I suggest stretching and use a foam roller to flush out the lactic acid build out.

Finally, there are great books and online resources out there. It boils down to your personal goal.

Tim Kelley has provided excellent dietary links.

Happy riding!

[Mario20136]

It may not be coming from the rear wheel. It sounds like a sticky bottom bracket to me. Before inspecting the bottom bracket I would also check the chain wheel bolts are tight and the bottom bracket bolts have the proper torqued applied. If the noise persist then check the bottom bracket for dirt or you may need an overhaul the bottom bracket to include degreasing and cleaning the bearings and repacking the bearings with lithium grease.

Fyi, I recently replaced my ISIS bottom bracket but did not apply the correct torque the bottom bracket bolts. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out where the ticking noise was coming from. Eventually, I found out through the hard way – the bottom bracket bolts came loose halfway through my commute home. Luckily, another commuter with a 8mm/M25 Allen wrench loaned me the tool and I managed to tighten the bolts just enough to get me home safely.

@huskerdont 140799 wrote:

Yes, once per revolution.

Speedometer magnet was one of the first things I checked since that happens often enough. Also, I’m 90% sure the noise is coming from the back wheel, although sounds are notoriously hard to pinpoint while moving.

Derailleur cable is borderline too short since I was able to reuse the old one, so it can’t hit anything.

I hadn’t thought of the valve stem and will check that.

[Mario20136]

I had a closed call this morning. The rider in front of me (2 bikes) length ahead did not make appropriate call to pass the lady with her cute bichon poodle rolling down and approaching the hill near Bon Air Park. He decided to come to a complete stop without warning. Luckily, my reflexes told me to get off the pedal and squeezed my rear brakes hard. I felt my rear wheel slipping under heavy load. I almost ran into him. He mentioned that he did not know I was behind him although I gave the guy and the lady a couple “ding ding” on my bicycle bell before he decided to make this call. I was wondering if this was intentional. Anyway, go figure!

I think I said “!@#$%” but I can’t remember. I did notice there are more riders today than the usual commute to DC.”

:confused::mad::cool:

@rcannon100 140609 wrote:

Yeah the noobs were so cute this morning. There were a lot of them.

I think we should make up a game: Guess Which Party of the Noobs Bike is going to Fall Off First.

[Author]

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