Chapter 8: We All Were Once All Bike Commuters Once

Laddy and Jake had many summers together before graduating high school.  It was around this time the two boys went their separate ways although cycling remained a part of their lives, in different ways.

While in college, Laddy didn't like walking across campus to class, and he detested asking for rides from other kids in the dorms.  Too many times he reached out for a ride to grab a bite to eat or for a lift to Wal-Mart.  Soon the responses seemed the same, "Dude, find someone else, a taxi, or get a bike.  Just stop asking me, ok?"

"No more asking for rides," Laddy told himself.  It was time he returned to what he loved and enjoyed; it was time he found a bicycle to tool around on.  After all he thought, "There are lots if kids here riding bikes."  He only needed to find some wheels, not a perfect bike, but one that could transport him to and fro to complete simple, daily tasks.  

Following this last rejection from his dorm room mate, who refused to "carry him" to work.  He immediately ran down to the coffee shop and grabbed the school's free newspaper, "what may be for sale or for trade," he thought.

Laddy flipped through the want ads, scrolling up and down the column, "Damn! Nothing."

 

His next move was online.  He pulled up the local craigslist and found what he needed, an inexpensive, older bike that had a rear rack and a handlebar bag.  There was only one problem; this "perfect" bike was a brakeless, single-speed, raspberry horror-show.  The color was cool with Laddy.  Bicycles that are painted unpopular colors didn't grab much attention, but a single speed bike without brakes, "that's a horse of a different color," he muttered to himself.

He called the number listed and haggled a bit on the price before seeing it live.  They agreed on $150.  The seller, an older fella, with a large scar across his forehead, and a dark tan had been a bike messenger in the city for a few years during the 1980's.  The raspberry monstrosity got him through many sticky situations and cost him little to maintain.  The old fella share a few stories about dodging cabs and buses, and the occasional police officer who scrambled at times to ticket the messengers for taking shortcuts on sidewalks or going the wrong way up one way streets.  The old guy smiled when he told Laddy his war stories.

Laddy asked him about the scar across his head.  The old messenger touched the scar on his head, and slowly said, "Oh my,"  and continued to rub his face, while smiling a bit.  "I got distracted while heading uptown."  He continued the story and his face turned red, "Yeah, I saw a beautiful young lady, and I couldn't help but look at her.  I forgot to watch ahead and flipped over the handlebars as the bike rolled into a deep pothole."  The seasoned messenger shook his head, "My bean took all the impact."  He concluded his tale of woe, "Always wear a helmet; keep yourself safe above all things."

 Laddy nodded in agreement, and asked about maintaining a single-speed bicycle.

The retired bike messenger said, "To be a successful messenger in NYC, you had to have a reliable bicycle with no downtime due to mechanical failure."  Pointing to  the raspberry nightmare, he laughed, "She doesn't look like much, but she was always got the job done, and she will do the same for you."

He reached out, pulled her off the hook on the ceiling of his garage; holding onto the headset, he rolled her over to Laddy and said, "Take her." 

She was beautiful.  The raspberry color was strange, even a bit effeminate, but with the slightly dirty white handle bar tape, drop bars, and a well broken in leather Brooks saddle, the raspberry horrow-show was a delight.  Laddy's heart beat with excitement to ride her.

Laddy did take her.    He handed over the $150 dollars and climbed aboard his new, yet well used, raspberry stallion.  He circled around a few times in the messenger's driveway.  Laddy fell in love instantly. He pedaled forward then backward.  The beauty of a single speed bicycle is its ability to move forward and backward, to apply the pedals simultaneously to balance the bike in a single place much like a helicopter hovering above a battlefield.  His heart beat faster still as he joyfully pedaled away.

The old messenger hollered, "Be careful going down hill, Laddy, you gotta back pedal REALLY HARD to slow her down."  Laddy raised his right hand and waved in acknowledgement and rode off into the sunset back to campus.  He thought about his first bike ride with Jake and recalled that summer night on the beach and the beautiful lady in blue.

Til next time,  Laddy and Jake will see you on the road.

My First Ride

Can you remember your first bicycle ride?  I can.  It was the summer of 1973.  My mom and dad bought me a two wheeler with training wheels.  The two wheels were made of hard solid rubber.  The seat was deep green and made of plastic; the frame was lime green.  It was ugly, but to a 4 year old it was beautiful.

My dad took me out to the backyard patio and started the process of holding on and letting go as I wiggled in the seat, tipped back and forth, and then, BAM, I actually pedaled unassisted for a few revolutions.  It was time to hit the street and go for distance w dad's help.  The Big Wheel was a toy of the past now.

I don't remember how long it took that day to go completely solo, but it couldn't have been too long since time flies when you're having fun.  It felt like I had my first three speed the next day.

Oh my, my first three speed.  My first "real" bicycle.  It was blue; it had a white banana seat.  The seat bar was tall, if it was two feet high it was five.  The handlebars were tall too, chopper like. The shifter sat in the center of the cross bar (the ball buster).  Wanting to be like Eval Kneval, I shifted all the time hoping to get just a little more speed.  The speed existed in my mind which raced up and down Hyman Ave always believing to be the fastest cyclist in the neighborhood.

What a feeling!  Doing things for the first time.  Riding all over the neighborhood.  Riding to grandma and grandpa's house or jumping on your bike, heading for the  5 & 10 for a pack of baseball cards was independence. Traveling by bicycle was the best experience a child could ever enjoy.

Any baseball cards I didn't want (usually Yankees cards), I placed onto the spokes with a clothes pin.  The card clicking against each spoke, faster and faster, click, click, click, made my three speed a motorcycle.  Zoom, I could go as fast as I wanted, as loud as I wanted.  The louder the rattle, the faster the bicycle spun.  Oh what fun.

Once dad let go of my Lightening Lime bicycle, he not only taught me the virtue of patience, but he taught me to trust my ability to accomplish the impossible.  Riding a two wheeler for the first time gave me a taste for adventure.  I could go anywhere, anytime.

Enjoy the adventure.  Til our next adventure, I will see you on the road.

The Hope of Spring

Ahh... Has spring finally sprung?  Not yet.  Although we have had some wonderful weather just prior to the official date of the season of winter thawing into the seasom of spring, we were blasted by serious snow and brutally cold weather.  Running outside, well for me anyway, was not gonna happen.

These past few days of warmer weather has been nice, yet the rain keeps me indoors.  I am not a fan of running in the cold or the wet.  Today, I am sure those runners who stepped outside to run had a pleasant experience.  The temp was moderate, around 40.  The rain still hung above them in the clouds.  However, here I am still inside hoping the temp climbs to 45 or I will ride the cycle trainer again.

The Clash sung a song entitled,. Should I Stay or Should I Go in the 80's... I run this refrain in my mind whenever the weather sits in limbo between nice and not-so-nice.  What will I do?  That is the question of the season.

Should i stay IN or should I go out?  I remain uncommitted to this point.  If I had a running partner to motivate me to run outside, it would not matter the conditions outside because we are in it together.  We can chat and have a coffe at the runs end and put our mind right for the days ahead after such a catharsis.  Yet, running solo, to me, is a quagmire.  It's lonely, quiet, and long (regardless of the distance).  My mind only drifts to the end, but its still the beginning.

I miss those friend runs.  I wonder if someone may ever run w me again asking, "Hey, lets get out there today although the weather is frightful, we can do it and persevere Mother Nature's wrath.

If you have a running buddy, gey outside and run.  If you run solo and see another solo runner, gain some courage and run alongside him or her.  Who knows, maybe he or she wanted a running buddy just like you.

Til then, I will see you on the road.

Since My Last Post: Too Much has Happened

Well, here we are in 2017.  Several months have passed since my last post in September of 2016.  The primaries ended, the election of Donald Trump has been completed, and I started shaving with a straight razor; I also moved my running and cycling indoors.

I will start with the weather.  Although the snow has not been my obstacle to running or cycling outside, its been cold.  I cannot run outside when the temperature dips below 40 degrees, and I cannot cycle outside yet in the winter because I am still collecting the necessary gear to accommodate the cold breeze of winter cycling.  I made one attempt to cycle in the cold, the temperature was 28 degrees and snow was lightly falling. I wore my running gloves that did not possess the capacity to keep my hands warm while riding.  My fingers froze.  I  turned around and rode briskly home after four miles.  I hope to acquire a nice pair of cycling gloves once I meet my other priorities like paying taxes and such then I will attempt another cold ride.

I must say, that overall, 2016 was a splendid year.  My family moved from one side of Syracuse to the opposite side, and we transitioned the children to another school district and established ourselves as connoisseurs of local ice cream parlors; I learned that Lune Chocolate makes the best chocolate and ice cream sandwiches in Central New York, possibly the state.  As a cyclist, I started to enjoy hill riding since hills seem to dominate the roads around here.  I discovered the beauty of Cazenovia Lake and how beautiful it could be to live on a lake.  I love taking a spin around the lake.  The homes are gorgeous.  This summer, I will make a couple of cycling goals:  1.  to ride round Skaneateles Lake, 2. to do one bicycle over night at a local campground, maybe two.

Regarding politics, I sure hope Donald Trump can do what he says, "Make America great again."  It will be an arduous task to overcome the obstacles of the left who seek to push their agenda of street rebellion and anarchy.  The streets will become more and more violent as The Donald commences the implementation of taking America back from the Democratic thugs who plunged our nation into a socialist abyss of handouts and relative responsibilities.

Abortion, health care, and the environment are the abodes for leftist ideologues who manipulate an uneducated public that no longer pays attention to the meaning of words nor the long term affects of "government"actions.  People forget that  government programs do not work.  They have never worked.  They have never saved anyone any money, ever.  It was the government that gave us HMOs, Health care did not get any better nor did it get any less expensive.  As a matter of fact, since Medicare, medicaid, and HMOs were established, health care has gotten more expensive and less effective because, now, there is a guaranteed payor-- the government and an insurance company.  The costs have become divided, not less expensive.  So, now there is a move to increase the cost to the insured (patient) to alleviate the cost to the government payor and the insurance payor unless the insured (patient) is part of an inclusive government system like medicaid-- aka Obama Care's state exchanges.

Trump, will fail to restore our nation to the fee-for-service health system of the past because our citizens fell for the lie that fee-for-service is not affordable and is exclusive when, in reality, its the fee-for-service system that breeds lower prices and restores the "practice of medicine"to the physician.  Think about it?

Health care is my largest issue with Mr. Trump because, unlike most Americans, I know what he will do.  He will create a large interdependent, interstate insurance program that will be 100% regulated by the government and ensure "universal" health care comes to fruition.  The only winners will be the wealthy and the politically connected.

With that said, Trump will have a positive impact on smashing the highbrow attitudes of the mainstream media and lifting up the conversation among Americans to speak plainly again.  In short the pc language of the left will fade.

Last, shaving with a straight razor is just awesome.  I can now shave without an expensive replaceable cartridge system.  One razor and months of shaves before another honing that will last months again.  Beyond cost of blades, the entire process of wet shaving (that is the phrase used for "old time" shaving) is relaxing.  The lathering of shaving cream in a mug, the slow process of shaving the face with care, and the use of balm and after shave has raised my level of hygiene to a higher level.  This past year was a throwback year of sorts.  I wear bow ties (only the tying kind) once a week. I shave with either a DE razor or a straight razor.  The past is the new future.  I believe its important for Americans to know that the past holds the keys to our success as a nation.  Sometimes we cannot return to old methods, but where we can restore the past, we should.  Old customs like self-responsibility, self-discipline, and self-restraint are always virtuous and will always improve who we are as people and therefore who we desire to be as a nation.

Keep riding your bicycle.  Keep running.  Stay fit. Til next time, I will see you on the road.

Helmets and Mirrors

Bontrager Specter is my light and airy helmet.

After reading my last post about the dangers of cycling on the road and in the park, crash safety may have entered your mind.  How do I or any rider for that matter, keep safe beyond being cautious of all the obstacles and possible scenarios that could arise while pedaling along for the morning or evening ride.  I wonder about safety too.  A helmet and a mirror are nice additions that may make a ride safer.

The first thing a cyclist must do when riding on the street is to wear a helmet.  All helmets are good and will protect your head to some degree.  The differences are not in safety per se, but in comfort.  For instance some helmets are light and airy while others my be heavy and hot (do not allow for max airflow).  Wearing a helmet is a must when riding on roads although not a law for adults or children above twelve years old.  The speed of going down hills require a helmet as far as I'm concerned.  A small stone, twig, or pot hole could throw you off the bike.  Wearing an helmet may prevent a serious head injury, but you will still be hurt. Road rash is not prize. While I ride in the park, I do not always wear a helmet since I ride at slower speeds and feel comfortable with the odds of staying on the saddle rather than sliding across the gravel.  Moreover, if I am passing through the park as a brief respite from the road on a long ride, I will remove my helmet to cool off from the breeze as I ride from one side of the park to the other.  Not wearing an helmet in the words of Kramer, "Is quite refreshing."

Similar version on my Cannondale CAAD 8

The other item that enhances the safety of cycling is a mirror.  I recently purchased a bar end mirror so I could see cars and trucks approaching my bicycle from behind.  I used one for the first time today.  It was simple to install and gave me a broad view of the road behind me for quite some distance.  I still peaked over my shoulder or under my arm occasionally when I moved to the right, but now I had an increased certainty that the way was clear before I moved or turned.  The bar end mirror integrates cleanly with the drop bars on my bicycle and does not interfere with the bare tape.

So, buy a good helmet that provides high airflow to keep your head cool and is light.  Lighter is always more comfy.  Pick up a small mirror that integrates into your style of bike.  Safety first.  Be cool later.  The mirror provided surety that nothing crazy is approaching or that something crazy is approaching you and gives you time to consider a safe move to ride another day.

Til then, I will see you on the road.

Cycling Is Dangerous

The day always starts out the same, I wake up at 6:30 jump in the shower, throw on a suit, I slide up the knot of my tie, put on my contacts, and I hit the road.  Unfortunately my ride at 7:30 am is a a four wheeler, Chevy Malibu.   My Caad 8  and Surly LHT hang on the wall of the garage.  I can see their glistening clean chains sag as I leave the driveway.  I think a drop of oil falls to the ground like a tear drop from the large chain ring.

What can I say?  I love those bicycles.  I hate waiting to ride, but a man has got to do what a man has got to do, work.

Driving a car is dangerous.  As a matter of fact, my company mandates live driving courses and online courses to reduce the risk of a crash just as the drugs we peddle, hopefully, reduce a patient's risk to die of an MI or a stroke.  Yet, patients still die, and drivers still haves crashes.  It's impossible to eliminate risk while driving or while attempting to fool your body into believing it's in good health. Sooner or later, something will go awry.

I know I am an excellent driver.  I have not been guilty of an accident; however, I have been struck by other careless drivers.  I can recall a time when driving from Binghamton Hospital a woman was ancy and pulled out of a turning lane and crashed into my rear door and quarter panel.  The funny thing is, I knew it was about to happen.  Thank goodness my VW Passat protected me from injury.  A bicycle, unlike a car, offers no such protection.

I recall a moment when such an accident occurred while riding my bike as a twelve year old kid.  We had been playing touch football in the street (risking smashed teeth and broken bones), and my buddy's team was getting crushed.  He rode off like a sore loser.   I jumped on my bicycle in chase. He turned right at the end of the block and I followed close behind.  Tony eluded the jeep which drove on the wrong side of the rode, but I was not so lucky.

Turning to the right was the last thing I remember doing.  The jeep must have pulled to the left because I hit the back driver's side window.  I woke up in shock and in an ambulance.  I spent four days in the hospital recovering from countless stitches in my face and head accompanied by a broken collar bone.  Crashing is not fun.  However, like all 12 year old boys, I recovered from my injuries and learned to always pay attention.

So, today my ride through Onondaga Lake Park was an adventure.  My life passed before my eyes several times and a few dogs and kids were lucky to survive.

You may think that a ride in the park is peaceful.  You may even think that nothing can go wrong.  You may even believe that its safer to ride in the park than on the road.  That would be true if I had been Adam in paradise naming the animals one by one and quietly awaiting for the creation of Eve, but no, the park is a dangerous place.

First off, walkers like to walk in packs, and while they walk, they talk with no regard that they spread out across the whole path.  I think these middle aged women are reminiscing about how poorly they played Red Rover, Red Rover.  They do not realize or don't care that a bicycle will be flying around a bend in the path and may need to navigate around them while breaking and hoping to avoid a tree and other cyclists or dogs.  Damn, don't get me started on dogs.

Those walkers also have dogs with them.  Many of these walkers, like the herds that walk together, make the mistake of attaching their dogs on long leashes.  We are talking 20 to 30 foot leashes.  With leashes that long, you may as well ditch the leash because its too dangerous.  A cyclist may do one of three things:  lose his head being cloths lined, have the wheels get wrapped up in the leash and do a header over the handle bars, or crash into a dog not realizing a two wheeled projectile is about to cream it.  So, my advice to the dog walkers is to walk your dog on a short leash so the puppy may live and I may stay out of the hospital.

Leashes.  I remember in the early 90's when overprotective parents used child leashes to keep their little monster and ADD kids from going rogue in the mall as not to lose them or have them be abducted.  I laughed then.  I always found it quite ridiculous to collar a child and treat him or her as a dog.  But now, after riding so often in the park, please tie these kids up.  If these free ranged kids are going to play in a high traffic area in the park, be prepared to have an injured kid because they will be run over, and it will leave a mark.   As an extra warning, don't let your small children ride scooters, trikes, or training wheeled bikes in these high traffic areas on the park path either because they become even more unpredictable.  An adult cyclist has no clue when one of these lil ones mat move into the bicycle's path.

Let me bottom line this for you; the park bicycle ride is dangerous. Its no "stroll in the park". Everyone in the park, everyone on the path must keep their eyes open and to expect the unexpected.  I know I do this.  If I didn't, the path would be littered with dead dogs, wounded pedestrians, and hurt kids.  I keep my eyes up; my hands on the brakes; and my speed moderate.  I dodge the obstacles while sharing choice words as my only outlet to release my frustration.

I like riding at the OLP.  I like riding the miles on the road, but to be honest, the park may be just as dangerous because others may be hurt who just dont't realize that Man was tossed from the Garden and no longer lives in peace.

Til then, I will see you on the road.

Riding with a Clean Chain

Today was the ride after my chain received a thorough cleaning and fresh lube.  Wow! What a difference.

The chain was silent while I pedaled along the shoreline of Onondaga Lake.  Changing gears, up and down the rear cogs, was smooth.  The only noise came when downshifting at the incorrect moments at faster speeds.  I really need to work on finessing the rear derailleur.  Otherwise the hum of the tires spinning upon the paved path was the mantra of the Cannondale Caad 8.

Besides being quiet, a clean chain offers significant less resistance; its easier to pedal which makes you just a bit faster and less fatigued.  I felt wonderful on today's ride.  I saw families of geese paddling along the shoreline of the lake; I sped by folks strolling along; I rode around the Wegman's playground anticipating for the kids to activate the mister and to offer a cool mist as a slight refresher as I slowly passed by.

What was the hero of this grand ride around the lake? It was my Park Tools chain cleaner with an assist from Finish Line dry lube (purchased yesterday morning from The Bike Loft East).  Just fill the cleaning chamber with degreaser and crank the chain on through.  Follow that up by rinsing out the PT chain cleaner, fill with water and crank the chain through again.  The chain sparkled.  A clean chain and a clean frame and wheels make a road bike look new.  A nice clean bike and a silent chain give me all the confidence I need to go for a ride while wearing all that tight gear; otherwise, I would be just some wanna be hack trying too hard to look like I know what I am doing.  LOL.  It is true.  A well maintained bicycle begins and ends with a well lubed chain/drive-train.  Viva the Shimano 105 group set.  

I couldn't wait to ride my bicycle this afternoon.  Its was a great ride. It was a great day.  Looking forward to installing the Shimano 105 carbon pedals on Wednesday.  The Shimano 105 SPD SL 5800 pedals and cleats are wider than the SPD pedals and cleats I have now.  My hope is too eliminate a pressure point on my left foot where the current smaller spd cleat created.  I will keep you all posted.

Til then, I will see you on the road.

New Road. Clean Slate. Episode 2...

Why Dutch Bikers Don't Wear Helmets

Sue Abbott fights bike helmets

From Cycling to Cars and Back to Cycling

https://youtu.be/XuBdf9jYj7o

CAAD 12.

https://youtu.be/XTCs_-OQlBU

Cold Weather and Bow Ties

This winter has been the best of times for running and cycling outdoors and the worst of times.  Running and cycling are my choices for solid cardio and routine fitness since I usually fail to follow a healthy diet. What is a fella to do when the weather goes from the 50s and drops to the 20s?

The answer is quite simple, he runs and cycles inside.  At home its the cycle trainer and spin bike while at the gym its simple weight lifting and running the track at the Y. 

As I get older, the cold psychs me out.  I'd rather wear shorts and sneakers and run among the walkers who resolved to get in shape than to freeze and to find breathing challenging due to the cold air.

I choose to run and cycle indoors. Its important to me to maintain my weight and stay fit enough to keep my current suits and add to my wardrobe.  I discovered some new items to enhance and change my style this winter, and I loom forward to my new additions:  bow ties, pocket squares, and waistcoats.

My first bow tie.  I had to youtube how to tie one.  It was a small challenge.  I got it right on the 5th or 6th try.  Pulling the end through the correct side of the hole was the key.  I love the look. 

It takes confidence to wear one.  Some people like them others hate them. The comments are usually left unsaid, but reading the minds of those folks looking at you communicates a variety of ideas.  I will have to comment on what those varied ideas are another time.

The bow tie is cool.  It really needs a companion item. Either a sweater vest or waistcoat to add to a new look, to sharpen the look, and to add color and variety in style options (coat on or coat off, waist coat w bow tie or no bow tie, sleeves pulled up and bow tie free hanging... So many options).

My newest edition is the pocket square.  I am starting with a solid white silk pocket square w the Presidential Fold.  Its a simple and clean fold that can bring out some small color in your tie or add a color to draw some attention to fashion detail.

The waistcoat will be my next addition.  I hope for a slimming effect, additional looks to wearing suit, and creating a more complete and versatile appearance to detail among professionals.

As a matter of fact, the sport of cycling honors these traditions in England.  The casual cyclist wears tweed three piece suits to
honor the past and to make the future a touch classier.  I like it.

Till then, I will see you on the road.

Repainted and Restored Bicycles

https://youtu.be/xzMDzEABtug

Miracle on 34th Street

I am sitting here watching one of my favorite Christmas shows-- Miracle on 34th Street

The case has been decided, Santa Claus does exist. Some of us call him Kris Kringle.  Others call him St. Nick.  Is he a jolly old elf? Is he a legend of splendid acts of charity and giving?

The story began in Bethlehem. Jesus was born in a manger.  God became man and took a human nature.  He was greeted by three kings while resting in the arms of His mother, the blessed Virgin Mary.  They brought him gifts and this gift giving continued, like it does now, through the ages.  Saint Nicholas maintained this tradition throughout his life.  But Christ always was his focus as it should always be.

The movie, Miracle on 34th Street is a wonderful movie, yet it misses the point.  Its not important to believe in Santa Claus.  Its not important to receive gifts to the point of excess.  The true point of Christmas is to realize that God humbled Himself and became man.  He is our Christmas gift.  He gave us His life.   Christ desires us all to believe Him: his word, his teachings, and His Church more than a generic and meaningless belief "in" His existence as we believe in the existence of atoms.

Mere belief is never enough.  Belief in God must be demonstrated.  Saint Nicholas, a priest and bishop, truly and entirely believed in Christ; therefore, he humbled himself to imitate Christ by giving of himself.  He gave up possessions and wealth to serve the poor (needy and lost) with a goal of leading them all to Christ and eternal life in heaven.

 Saint Nicholas is known to have saved three daughters from prostitution by secretly placing dowry money in a bag and dropping down the chimney of their home so the father of these beautiful woman could be married and preserved from debauchery.  Saint Nicholas is thought well of by mariners who prayed for his intercession to be saved from ship wreck amidst of a raging sea.

Saint Nicholas, as a bishop of the Catholic Church in the East fought the heresy of Arianism.  His desire to stay true to the faith taught through the ages caused him great pain and suffering at the hands of the Arians who had him tossed in jail and tortured to deny the true faith.  He remained true to Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother, setting an example to all of us to always stand true for the faith even if it hurts.

So, there is a miracle on 34th street.  Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with a jolly old elf, but with the giving up of ourselves for the salvation and welfare of others.  It is for all of us to remember, including me who just posted a list of things I would like to receive.  That is wrong thinking, and a poor example of the true spirit of Christmas.  The true spirit of Christmas was exemplified by the three wise men (who risked their lives to deliver their gifts to God), and Saint Nicholas.  Each of them took an opportunity to give to whoever needed their help regardless of cost.  Let us remember Christmas that way; to give rather than to receive and to give of ourselves rather than things.

I did receive that Brooks Saddle given to me from my wonderful bride.  I do appreciate it very much and hope I can be a better man as we finish this Christmas season and a new year commences.  Til then, i shall see you on the road.

Christmas Wish List

Its December 10, 2015 and there is no, I mean zero, snow on the ground.  I do not ever remember a time while living in the Syracuse area of a time when there was no snow on the ground.  We have always had a white Christmas.  To top it all off, the temperatures are quite warm for the season too.  Today, for instance, it reached 50 degrees. It was a great day for a bike ride and the entire month has been a wonderful time to get out and ride.

So, since I have been cycle dreaming all Fall and Winter, I have cycled indoors on my trainer, on my spin bike, and I have ridden outside.  Last weekend I rode 40 miles along the Erie Canal between DeWitt and Canastota.  Because I am still riding my bicycles, I have been searching all over the internet for new ideas for gifts to buy my bicycles.  I will share some of my thoughts:

A Brooks Saddle.  This is tops for my Surly Long Haul Trucker.  It is the class of most touring bicycles.  Its an all leather saddle which breaks in over time and molds to your tush to become the most comfortable saddle ever.  The Brooks B-17 Saddle is made in England, and it seems that all wonderful and classic cycling gear for touring and bike commuting originates across the pond.  Take a look and watch a few videos on the Brooks tradition.  You will be hooked too.

I also would like the Cambium saddle for my road bike.  The Cambium saddle is made of natural rubber and denim.  It flexes beautifully and requires no break in period and little maintenance.  Those are the Brooks saddles I would love to get for the Surly LHT and the CAAD 8. 

Next, I would love to give a dynamo hub to my touring bike. Biologic Joule 3.  I have watched so many videos on winter riding and long distance touring and lighting is essential.

These dynamo hubs allow the rider to have a powerful set of head lights and tail lights mounted on the bike for good visibility; to see and to be seen.  Not to mention the ability to connect from cell phones and alt. charging devices to the hub to stay connected while to friends and family on cycling trips and overnights.

I love this idea because I want to ride more, into the evening and into the winter.  Both require lights to be seen and to see.  The Joule 3, or other quality hub will allow me that capability.  I need to reduce the running and increase the cycling to save my joints.

Following the dynamo hub, a good set of lights make a wonderful gift:  dynamo powered lights for the Surly and rechargeable lights for the CAAD 8. The Nite Rider Lumina 750 would be much appreciated and make my late year and evening riding safe.

I don't ask for much, but if I could ask for something for myself, I would kindly request some cycling casual clothes.  A nice pair of cycling jeans and a button down style shirt with wicking technology and well placed reflective material that can only be seen at night.  There are many manufacturers out there designing some good looking stuff, but Club Ride looks the best and is the most functional on and off the bicycle.

If you love riding your bike, but do not want to be "serious" and wear all the racing gear, than Club Ride is for you.  It allows you to wear clothes that are "everyday" looking in appearance yet designed for the casual and commuter cyclist.   The tops and bottoms are designed to move freely while paddling, not to allow a public view of a plumber's butt as you slightly bend to reach out for the handlebars of the bicycle.

When I go geo-caching or to the ice cream stand on my bike alone or with the kids, Club Ride clothes do not draw attention and scream, "Freak!"  All people notice is a guy and his kids riding up for a cool treat to end a summer's day. 

Get out there and ride.  Be safe on the streets and sit in comfort and style with an awesome saddle from Brooks while dressed to the nines in Club Ride designs that can be seen because your lights are being powered by a Joule 3 Dynamo Hub.  See you on the road.

Learn to Cycle No-Handed

Pretty cool video.  I was very good at the "no hands" thing when I was a teenager.  As a matter of fact, I can recall several rides where I was oblivious to approaching bumps and small objects in the road.  I was that comfy without hands.  Not so much anymore.  Take a look.

Cold Weather Ride... Brrrr!

Its Thanksgiving weekend, and i have been exposed to the temptation of eating way to often, and I have repeatedly failed in maintaining any sense of self-discipline; I see food and I eat it.  It can be anything.  Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, potatoes of all kinds, and dessert.  I find it all good.   What makes matters worse is the traveling.

We drove to Long Island and ate road food:  burgers, fries, and snacks from gas stations.  then we drove home a few days later and ate from the same crappy menu all the way home, but we substituted an everything bagel with cream cheese from the Bagel Oasis in Fresh Meadows, Queens on place of the burger.  Damn it was good with a Yoo-hoo and a cup of light and sweet coffee.

So, what happened to make me ride the trainer for an hour last night and a couple hours in the cold weather and wind today?  Well, it is the scale.  It pushed up from my usual 165 to 169.8.  Ugh!  I cant accept that I will be sucking in my belly when I zip my suit pants tomorrow morning for work.  I hate that feeling.  This morning was the dawn of a new day.

I rolled out of bed later than usual, 10ish?  I showered and looked out the window as my neighbors all around were decorating their homes in Christmas lights and wreaths.  Everyone seemed so happy, smiling, laughing, admiring the straight string of lights dawning the front gutter.  Not me.  I am not a fan of the fanfare of Christmas since it diminishes the real reason for the season.  It makes me think how many children actually know what Christmas is other than the biggest gift grab of the year; as if today's kids aren't spoiled enough throughout the year.  But I digress...

I said to my beautiful bride, "I think we should buy new lights and decorations this year."  I continued my enthusiastic delay of game, "Starting fresh would be so nice. No tangled lights, fresh looking garland, beautiful and well shaped wreaths dawning the windows, maybe even some candles smartly placed could add some flare."  While I spoke, I knew I was gonna jump on my bike and ride long and far as I hope for the storm of the century that would make it impossible to join the throngs of Christmas lovers who toil about the outside of their homes only toil some more 4 months later to take it all down after the snow melts.

Ok, I rode from my house in Baldwinsville down route 370 into Onondaga Lake Park and through the park to the skate park and back through to Longbranch Rd up to route 57 and stopped at Starbucks for a much needed Soy Chai Latte.  Damn that was good.  It felt good to feel warm for a few moments.  I drank the warm chai and rode back up 370.  This time the wind was in my face.  The temp surely dropped.  Riding up hill and with a cold wind blowing in my face was torture.  But I knew I would be happy burning the calories and earning my evening dinner.

I love riding my bicycle. Since the weather is turning, my road bike is on the trainer and its time to ride the Surly LHT in the rougher environments.  The steel frame can handle anything and the wide, aggressive tires make it good for the road, grass, and snowy rad conditions I will ride her in.  Today was a first day.  I need better gloves and warmer toe covers to keep my tootsies warm.

One more small note before I sign off.  Every ride or every run, I am inspired by someone.  Today was no different.  There was an elderly gentleman at the park stopped midway along the paved path chatting with the park ranger.  I noticed the old man had a walker, but thought nothing of his "walk".  I rode on toward the skate park and made my way around the play ground and the bocci courts to start my "back track" through the park.  The elderly gentleman was walking with his walker.  As I approached him, you could hear the walker being slid across the pavement, one step at a time.  He was over a mile out from the main parking lot.  He just kept taking a step.  He kept on sliding the walking forward then taking another step.  H looked in good shape.  I remember how engaged he had been with the ranger; now all the energy he demonstrated to make it through Onondaga Lake Park. He was my inspiration to finish the "cold" ride.  Thank you sir for pushing me forward.  I hope to see you again.

I can't wait for the next ride outside. Maybe I can get a reprieve from stringing lights and decorations around the house.  Time will tell.

See you on the road.

We Were Once All Commuters: Chapter 7

The boys woke up early the next morning after falling asleep, exhausted on the the beach.  Their parents sat home wondering where they could be.  Laddy's mom sat up all night looking out the bay window in the front of the house while Jake's mom and dad exchanged epithets about who was at fault for teaching Jake how to disrespect the rules.

As the hours passed by, the boys' parents agreed to call the police and ask for help in locating the two boys.  The police didn't seem too worried.  "Boys will be boys," the officer said, "sometimes teenagers feel free and just go rogue."

Laddy's mom didn't like what the officer said.  She yelled at the officer, "How can you be so flippant!  Laddy and Jake are our boys.  We want them home safe, where they belong."

"Ma'am," the officer stammered, "you're right.  I apologize, but you need to know that these boys do not fit the runaway profile and its highly unlikely that they were abducted.  They prob...."

Laddy's mom emotionally interrupted the officer, "Unlikely!  Unlikely, you say?  Don't be so dismissive.  You have no idea what could be wrong..  Please do not treat my child as any less important than other children who may have grown up in lesser neighborhood or were left unattended while in a crowded area.  Just go!  Please go and find them," she said in exasperation.

"Yes, ma'am.  We will get right on it."  The officer turned and left the residence for his cruiser.

The two boys had never been in any serious trouble and had always minded themselves when out and about playing or riding their bikes around town.  The officer who arrived at the home of Laddy took the report and requested an APB, all points bulletin, for all officers on the street to keep an eye out for Laddy and Jake.  A description of the boys and their bicycles were sent out over the wire.
A buzz of despair hit the neighborhood.

Missing children sends chills down every one's spine. Its an eerie feeling to grab a carton of milk in the morning and to be spied upon from its side by a child who may be suffering although, more often than not, the child is fine; possibly with a separated or estranged parent or at a friends home due to poor communication.

Looking for children can be like looking for a lost set of keys before church on Sunday morning.  Time is flying.  Mass begins in 20 minutes and it may take 10 minutes to get to the church.  Panic sets in as you start yelling at the kids and your spouse to look harder or to be quiet.  All the while you know being calm is the only solution to solving the problem.  Finally, you throw in the towel and grab the spare set and just make it to Mass only to uncomfortably stand in the back of the church. A few hours later, BOOM, the keys are discovered under the recliner.  Its then that you realize that the keys had fallen out of your pocket when you sat down to watch your favorite television show.

 But this was Laddy and Jake.  These boys are always linked at the hip, never to be apart.  Where you find one, you discover the other.

That's kind of what happened with Laddy and Jake.  The two boys woke up on the beach, sand in their hair, in their damp shirts and shorts.  Like their parents who panicked late last night by calling the police, the boys panicked too.

Jake was the first to jump up from his slumber and realize the sun was bright; it must have been about 7am.  He shouted, "Laddy! We gotta get home." Jake kicked Laddy's shoulder.  Laddy stirred and realized at that moment, "Shit, we need to get outta here."

Laddy and Jake scrambled to their bikes and headed for the bridges then their homes on the other side of the bay.  The boys pedaled as if they raced the Tour De France.  Unlike the ride over the bridges to the lighthouse and the beach, this ride was quick and uneventful.  There were no cars or trucks speeding passed them and the air was still which meant no head wind.

Jake turned onto his street and Laddy continued on to his house.  Neither boy said a word.  They knew their parents would be angry.  Even Jake, who's parents seem to take a l'aissez fair approach to parenting, seemed a bit on edge as he rolled into his driveway.  He hoped his absence had gone unnoticed, and he may be able to slip back into his room, wake up, and stumble into the kitchen for a slice of toast like any other morning.  But today was unlike most mornings.  The driveway bustled with parents, siblings, and a few police officers.  All had that Mona Lisa look as Jake rolled up.

The first person to speak was Jake's mom.  She said in a gleeful yet stern voice, "Thank God you are home."  Jake looked at his mother and and a tear dropped from the corner of his eye.  He saw his mother, and he thought of the beautiful woman in blue on the beach who brought him back from the brink.  He loved her, and now realized how much he loved his mother.  He jumped off his bike, which crashed to the ground, and threw his arms around his mom.  He just held her tight; hoping never to be away from her again.

She pulled Jake close and kissed the top of his head, assuring Jake, "Everything will be ok."

All was well for Jake, not perfect, but better.  His mom and dad were home more often and started to ride bikes too.  The three of them would ride around the neighborhood; sometimes Laddy would bike along with them.  The two boys grew closer together after the beach incident; however, Jake and Laddy never shared the story about the beautiful lady and the wave that threatened Jake's life that summer's night.

See you on the road.

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