Would you steal it?!?

I was walking up to a hospital today to make a sales call and ran across this Huffy leaning against a bike rack. I had to laugh because the bike lock is still on the seatpost and not locking the bike to anything. I guess the owner of this bike realizes what he has and thet it is probably safe not being locked up. I, of course, am an honest person and wouldn't think of stealing a bike. I remember an event called the "huffy toss" where a bike of this type would be thrown for distance. Read more here.

I'm in Arkansas!

Well, virtually anyway. On my virtual trip across the country, I left Memphis this morning and entered Arkansas.

I am still breaking in my new saddle and needless to say, my butt is a little sore. The old seat was a heavy gel seat (but quite comfy). This one is a little lass comfy, but not too bad. I guess I need to just build up the callouses on my butt...

A wierd thing I saw riding today was dead birds. I first came across a dead mallard duck near the canal and a sparrow later in the ride. It was strange to see these birds lifelessly laying there. I saw many more live animals on my ride including llamas, geese, peacocks, and fish. I'll try to get some oictures of the various animals on my journeys at a later date.

One year to go!

With the passing of this last weekend, my ride to Gila Bend is only a little over a year away. That gives me 1 year to:

• Get in shape enough to ride 100 miles in 1 shot
• Get my bike ready for such a ride
• Plan my route-Done!
• Get in shape enough to ride 100 miles in 1 shot

The get in shape part is listed twice because it's twice as important as the rest. I got a new saddle (seat) for my birthday and I'll need to get my but accustomed to it (literally).

Now that fall is here, officially at 8:44 this morning, the weather is cooling down enough to do lot's of riding! I will also nee dto make sure I ride enough next summer to maintain everything that I do this fall/winter. I can't wait to start!

Back in the Saddle!

I finally was able to get back on the bike yesterday! If you've read earlier posts (not that anyone does), I've been itching to try out my new pedals/shoes. It has started to cool off here so yesterday was my big day. I rode a little over 14 miles and felt great...until this morning. I wasn't sore from the ride per se, but the placement of the clips on my shoes.



My pedals require an SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) clip on the bottom of the shoe to "clip" into the pedal. There are several reasons for clipless pedals:

• Without something holding your foot securely to the pedal, it would be easy to slip off the pedal and send your foot into the wheel. Not so likely to happen on a trip around the block, but on a longer ride, when you're tired...
  


• There is a correct placement for the position of your foot over the pedal axle
  


• A good pedal/shoe system has to be able to transfer all of the power from your leg to the pedals without trying to bend your foot over the top of the pedal, which causes both fatigue and pain
  


• You shouldn't have to think about how your feet connect to the bicycle while you're riding. You should be concentrating on having fun, not technique!

Placement of the cleat on the shoe for optimal power transfer is key. I had my cleats all the way up towards the front. Imagine riding wth only using your toes. Needless to say, my left calf is a little sore today. Ok, a lot sore. It was difficult walking down the staris first thing this morning. I've been stretching and hopefully tomorrow it will feel better. Below is a picture of one of my pedals to give you an idea of what they look like.

Flagstaff

I was in Flagstaff yesterday on business and there were bikes everywhere! Of course, I was near the college, but through the downtown district you couldn't look 100 yards without seeing someone riding. The weather up there is perfect right now for cycling...mid 70's-ish.

Damn, I'm itching to get on my bike again. My birthday is coming up and I've been putting a wishlist of components together (even a road bike-not that that'll happen). I'm really excited for cooler weather to coe so I can get back on it.

I did some stationary riding again tonight, but it's just not the same.

Game On!

While driving to the chiroprator this morning, I saw TONS of cyclist on the road. Suddenly it struck me: "Hey it's not 1000 degrees this morning, riding season is upon us"!

I only drove this morning because we are doing Matthew's birthday party today and time was short (and it's been 1000 degrees).

I plan to do some REAL riding next weekend. Enough of this stationary bike I want the real deal.