Cycling Miscellany

[Bo Diddley]

after watching the neutral mechanic help out in the stage today and do an amazing job of getting that chain back on super quickly, I found this interesting video. Never really thought about it before, but their preparation is really cool.

Interesting stuff. Love the forethought they put into it.

[BigPiney]

after watching the neutral mechanic help out in the stage today and do an amazing job of getting that chain back on super quickly, I found this interesting video. Never really thought about it before, but their preparation is really cool.

[BigPiney]

My two oldest daughters are in Paris for a study abroad. We realized today that they will be there for the final stage in this year's Tour. I am jealous. The route does a little cat 4 up to Sacre Coeur 3 times. I think that or along the Champs would be great places to watch and get free stuff from the caravan.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Sounds cool. I have thought about doing something like that, but staying in hotels every night, which says something about me (that and the fact that I haven't actually done it).

Preach. One of the best trips we've done was a Civil War Battlefields cycling tour that began outside of D.C. and ended up at Gettysburg, visiting several Civil War sites along the way (Harper's Ferry, Antietam, and others). We rode between 30 and 75 miles a day. Each night we stayed at very upscale B&B's with fine dining each evening. Daytime SAG support included excellent lunches (I ate my weight in prosciutto). Our final stop was a very nice B&B that served at General Meade's HQ for Gettysburg. My wife's photobook of that trip remains a treasure.

[bluegoose]

Sounds cool. I have thought about doing something like that, but staying in hotels every night, which says something about me (that and the fact that I haven't actually done it).

A few of the people that I'm riding with are doing that. They are leaving today to add a couple of extra days, but they are staying in hotels. I'm meeting them on Friday for days 3-5.

[Clark Addison]

Sounds cool. I have thought about doing something like that, but staying in hotels every night, which says something about me (that and the fact that I haven't actually done it).

[bluegoose]

The fun part for me in prepping for this trip is the logistics of getting all of my gear and planning a safe(ish) route to take and places to stay.

Bike inventory, for those interested:

Saddle bag - down sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad, inflatable pillow, clothes that I won't need until I set up camp that night. Attached on the outside - Tevas for around camp and at the beach, Crazy Creek camp chair for either laying down on at the beach or sitting upright in camp and at meal stops.

Top tube bag - everything I need to be handy for riding - food, extra water bottle, rechargeable pump, tire slime, sunscreen and chap stick. ID and money, charging block.

Water bottle holder - since I don't have room for a full water bottle in the vertical cage, I have a supply bottle there with an extra tube (just in case, as I have tubeless tires), multi-tool, levers, zip ties, and patch kit.

Down tube - water bottle, pump, bike lock underneath

Handlebars - tent (sea to summit Telos TR2), blinky light, and peak design phone mount

Front fork bags - toiletries, light weight towel, riding clothes (jacket, full finger, gloves, vest), a pair of shorts (for restaurant stops so I don't scare the other patrons while in my biking shorts), more food, day pack, and a small first aid kit. Can fit a ton of stuff in those bags. Love them!

[Bo Diddley]

[Joe Public]

Speaking of old and fat, I've advanced to the bikepacking phase of my progression. This weekend I'm headed to the coast to do a bike camping trip on my gravel bike. 3 days along the coast north of San Francisco. The riding isn't too intense, as we're only doing between 37-54 miles per day. I haven't been riding a ton this year, but I'm sure my legs will be fine. It's my butt I'm most worried about. Haven't weighed my bike, but it feels like its probably 20 pounds more than usual. I'll hop on the scale once I get all of the water on there. IMG_9458 (1).jpg

That sounds really fun.

[bluegoose]

Speaking of old and fat, I've advanced to the bikepacking phase of my progression. This weekend I'm headed to the coast to do a bike camping trip on my gravel bike. 3 days along the coast north of San Francisco. The riding isn't too intense, as we're only doing between 37-54 miles per day. I haven't been riding a ton this year, but I'm sure my legs will be fine. It's my butt I'm most worried about. Haven't weighed my bike, but it feels like its probably 20 pounds more than usual. I'll hop on the scale once I get all of the water on there. IMG_9458 (1).jpg

[bluegoose]

I knew you were getting old, sorry to hear you are getting fat as well.

Bring it on, pommel horse boy! Any court, any time.

[BigPiney]

Oh, no. Sorry to hear this, PAC. I know how much she has enjoyed riding over the years. And an excellent she cyclist, she was. Best wishes to her in her recovery. Proximal humerus fractures are no fun. And i look forward to hearing of her future pickleball exploits, as that seems to be the natural progression for athletes shifting sports. (i love pickleball, btw)

I knew you were getting old, sorry to hear you are getting fat as well.

[bluegoose]

Oh, no. Sorry to hear this, PAC. I know how much she has enjoyed riding over the years. And an excellent she cyclist, she was. Best wishes to her in her recovery. Proximal humerus fractures are no fun. And i look forward to hearing of her future pickleball exploits, as that seems to be the natural progression for athletes shifting sports. (i love pickleball, btw)

[Moliere]

Dang PAC, she is tough.

I also miss creekster's stage summaries. He'd have been great to read this tour.

[Bo Diddley]

Oh wow. Sorry to hear it! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.