Virtual Bike Ride Across the Country

I am doing a virtual bike ride across the country. Basically, all the miles I log on the bike are plotted on a map at http://www.mapmyride.com/. It's a fun way to keep track of the miles I ride and gives me a goal to reach versus mindlessly droning on and on with no purpose. Once I hit Raliegh, NC, I wll head west on along interstate 40. If you know of any interesting places that i should virtually see or any friends or family along the route you'd like me to virtually check in on, please let me know. I've already been given the name of a steak house in Barstow, CA. I hope to post intersting stories of my virtual trek across the country.

To view my progress on my map, please click the button below my picture.

What are the odds?

After fixing my flat yesterday, I went for a nice ride last night to get some exercise. It was a fun 15 mile route that runs along the canal, railroad track, and power lines nearby.

My bike is geared for climbing and I've been lookinging into either regearing it, or setting up a new set of wheels for the more flat riding that I am doing now. While researching how to build a wheel, I stumble across various articles; one of them was about chain maintenance. Since I can't remember the last time I cleaned my chain, I went out to do so.

WHAT THE F***? My front tire was flat again. Now that the kids are in bed, I went out to see what was going on with my front tire. Did I put the tube in wrong? Did I pinch it? Is it a bad tube? I took the tube out and found that it had been punctured. I decide to check the tire for something that may be there and popping my tube. I laid the tube next to the tire with the stem next to the hole in the rim and investigated. Ahaa! There it was. A decent sized thorn. (see picture)

As I mentioned in my earlier post. There are different hazards out here than in San Diego. I think I just found what they've been telling me. I guess I'm glad the tube hung in there for 15 miles before giving up.

What did I learn? If/when I flat again, check the tube, find the problem and clear any crap that may be stuck in the tire.

My first flat

Last night, I went for a quick "recovery ride" (less than 10 miles) and as I ride back into the community, my front tire starts makeing a wierd sound. Flat tire. Damn! At least I was less that 1/4 mile from home so I was able to limp back without any damage to the rim.



A quick background: I used to ride when we lived in San Diego a LOT! It was not uncommon for me to get on the bike and ride down to the beach (50 miles round trip) on a whim. While in college, I worked in a lumber yard so I rode to work. I rode to school (14 miles). I rode everywhere! I rode a nice "road bike" and the mountain bike I ride now.

The terrain out here is different from what I'm used to. I used to ride in the canyons in San Diego. there are no canyons here. I currently ride along the power lines and canal tow paths.
The canal paths are usually pretty smooth with a few sections of roughness in between. Some paths are now even paved. The power line "trails" are a whole new experience. I probably ran over some glass or a thorn or something last night that punctured my innertube. Oh yeah, I also ride at night for added excitement. I'll post about riding at night later.

Anyhoo, I got my flat last night and went to Performance Bike today to get a new tube (www.performancebike.com). If you are into cycling or new to it, this shop is awesome! the people are friendly and they have a TON of stuff. I can forsee many dollars flowing to them as I add to my accessories.

That's just a little bit of what this blog is about. I will post more when time permits.