My 2011 List

I've been thinking about some of the things that I would like to accomplish in the New Year.  I've tried to put them in a list (as I've gotten older I find that if I write things down they actually get done).

I'm going to ride my bike.....to work, to the store, for fun.....I'm going to ride.

No bike I own will have smaller than 28mm wide tires.  It's all about comfort from now on.

I will take more pictures while I'm out on the bike.  Check that, I need to take more pictures.  Period.  My grandfather traveled all over the world, and never took a single photograph.  Tragic.

I need to get back into the gym.

At least one of my bikes will have flat pedals.  So much easier to just get on and ride.

We will have a shop ride.......of sorts.  Some Saturday mornings we will ride, and others can, and will ride with us.  That will be nice.

I re found the fun of working in a bike shop again.  Don't know exactly how it happened, and I'm not going to question it.  This is the best "job" I've ever had.

The 520 is a bike that's been in the Trek line.....well, forever.  We got a few in a couple of weeks ago.  Other than being a little "chunky", it's such a nice bike.  I would like to think that some folks that are looking for a road bike (and have no aspirations......or delusions of racing) will give it a chance.

March is typically when we mark the start of the new season.  That's.........7 weeks away?  That's nothing.  A chip shot.  Soon the sun will be shining, and tires will be humming down the road again.

I can't wait.

Ride on!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why are bikes so expensive?

It's a question that we get all the time.  My annual eye exam was today, and was making small talk with the .....what would you call her.... Occular assistant?  Anyway, when the topic of my chosen line of work comes up she says "why are bikes so expensive?" My response to her was "They're not". I've gone to this eye doc for years, and I'm sure that there are many in town that are less expensive.  I go to this one because of the service, and quality of care. Your money buys more bike now than it ever has.   So why do people think bikes are expensive?  The price of everything around them goes up in price, yet bike prices should stay the same?  Not logical. I think the real issue is the way people view bikes.  They're considered toys.  Go and try to find one in one of the big box stores.  Know where they are?  Right next to the Barbies. A well made bicycle is a joy to ride, will work as (or better than) you expect it to and last a very lon
Read more

Daily Drivers

Being a bike shop, Bicycling magazine sends of copy of their mag to the store each month.  I usually flip through the pages, grumble and then pass it on.  They have their moments, but as a whole I don't think they do a great service to "average" bike riders. The feature on race bikes in the current issue is a great example.  "This year's most victorious machines" was the headline.  The bikes ranged in price from $6700 to $16 (that's SIXTEEN) thousand dollars.  What is the victory exactly? I can appreciate a McLaren Mercedes but it's not something I'm ever going to own.  If I did, I don't think I would drive it daily.  It's just not practical. It would just be nice to see the industry spend a little more time focusing on bikes that work for people in the real world.  Maybe I just don't get it.  Maybe I'm just getting old.  Hmmph. Have a great holiday weekend. Ride on!
Read more

All hail the simple basket

Image
Over the last 2, or 3 years I've gotten quite used to having some sort of carrying apparatus on the front of my bike.  I find it useful to be able to see, and access things without actually dismounting. I've found the most useful configuration to also be the least expensive.  The tried, and true Wald wire basket.  Essentially unchanged since the early 1900's, all Wald baskets are still made in their factory in Kentucky. With the supplied mounting hardware these baskets mount in no time.  You can also remove the hardware, and mount the basket to a front rack (as I've done here).  I prefer this option as it keeps the basket low, and the top of the handlebar clean. It's amazing to me that in this age of $10,000.00 bikes, you can have something so useful for less than 40 bucks. What's your preference?  Bag, basket or naked? Ride on!
Read more