Two Wheel Blogs

As you have probably read, Mark and I did some hill climbing yesterday. While I was not in shape to take my share of the pulling, I did feel really good and time permitting, I would have liked to ride a lot longer. Apparently we scored some TSS points, and the way I slept last night it was evident (I slept later this morning than I have in years).

I finally woke up this morning hoping to hear from G-wiz who talked of riding a century today, but the call never came. Probably for the better, because today it is hot and humid outside. Hot and humid should not bother me, but I guess I need some recovery because I just could not get the enthusiasm needed to go outside.

I enjoyed a great ride today. The weather/wind made for a really fun time. At one point I led a short pace line over about a mile stretch where we were tempeted to pass a few cars. I was spinning a 53x11 at what felt to be a very high cadence during a nice tail wind.

One thing about today’s ride that was really neat to me was the way my bike felt. That had a lot to do with my wheels (I was using a different set than usual). More about that later.

We have all probably heard most of these, but they seem fitting for this time of year. We all are champing to get out and ride, but short days, cold weather, poor trail conditions, or whatever is preventing us from riding like we want.

In years past, I began delving into modifications and buying gadgets to bolt on my bikes. If I can not ride them, I will wrench on them. At least that is what I probably thought. For some reason, I am not doing that this year, perhaps it is because I finally gained understanding for these quotes (mostly the last one)?

"There are so many fads in this sport. One good way to figure out if something is a fad is if it costs alot."

From: George Mount

Photo: 

This is not about me being sick...although it could be. I have felt like a cave man lately (living in my cave-like dark bedroom while being sick). This is more about a state of mind.
Since I have been sick lately, and off the bike, I have engaged in oral bicycling a lot lately....that is talking to others about cycling in attempt to supplant my lust to ride for real. Unfortunately, many online discussions so rapidly downward spiral into animosity, or name-calling.

Recently a good friend requested I build something (I fabricate goofy stuff once in a while) and I could not resist the request.


Here are some pictures...All I ask is, Can you figure out why a guy would want such a thing? Let's make this a little game, you guess, and hopefully he will chime in at some point and explain why.

I recently got the deal of a lifetime on some new CO2 cartridges for my tire inflators. The downside was the neck of the bottles (cartridges) was too big to use in any inflator I know of, and they were not threaded...so they were useless...or were they?

I did some measuring and determined that it would be feasible to thread the bottles for use in most common inflators such as the Genuine Innovations model that I use (the one in the photo below).

With a fair amount of caution and safety equipment, I proceeded.

Here are the results...