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Welcome!
Hi,
If you're a newcomer, thanks for stopping by. If you're new to Eons as well, click on the 'Files (x)' icon (to the right). In the file 'New to Eons?', you'll find answers to some basic questions and learn about a few Eons features. The 'Bicycle group links' file has numerous internet bookmarks to a wide variety of biking information.
We think you'll find this to be one of the most informative bicycling groups on Eons and undoubtedly one of the friendliest.
There's an online calendar that's available for use by anyone in the group. Use it to post anything related to bicycling or put in the month and day of your birthday. For help, click on the calendar's 'Help' button or view the writeup in the 'Files' section. Click here to access the calendar.
If you're a newcomer, thanks for stopping by. If you're new to Eons as well, click on the 'Files (x)' icon (to the right). In the file 'New to Eons?', you'll find answers to some basic questions and learn about a few Eons features. The 'Bicycle group links' file has numerous internet bookmarks to a wide variety of biking information.
We think you'll find this to be one of the most informative bicycling groups on Eons and undoubtedly one of the friendliest.
There's an online calendar that's available for use by anyone in the group. Use it to post anything related to bicycling or put in the month and day of your birthday. For help, click on the calendar's 'Help' button or view the writeup in the 'Files' section. Click here to access the calendar.
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Great Stories!
It sure is nice to see so many great stories coming from so many different cyclists. The pictures are just astounding and the stories so vivid. I feel as if I'm on an "author's" site and not a cycling site! Keep up the great work ladies and gentlemen!
World Problems Solved!
Well, at least on our ride yesterday they were. You know, if only all the world leaders would only come on a group ride they would be able to fix all our issues. I mean for a couple hours out on Napi Tonya and I just came up with all the answers.......till the ride was over and the television got turned on. Oh well. We tried. On with the ride.
Once again the skies were magnificent. I love the sweeping clouds, and they can sure do some serious sweeping over the wide open spaces up on top!
Winter here in the Four Corners has been quite mild with a few cold days thrown in, but with no wet stuff which makes it look pretty dismal out there and colder than it was(40ish). The winter cows probably are okay with the left over cuts of the fields. Dang, they have a nice view of the mesas.
There aren't many trees up there so you get creative and make up your own stuff to perch on. This young Golden Eagle doesn't seem to mind hanging out on an electrical pole. In fact looks pretty comfy if you as me, and certainly dresses up a plain ol' pole quite nicely.
The wind was up a bit and made the ride a bit of a booger. But, we just bundled up, hunkered down, and pedaled anyway.
Today the storms came on in with snow and more wind. So guess I will just hang out in my office/sewing/bike room where it is warm and clean up after Bently's Basset Revenge for going to the store and leaving him home.
Hope your neck of the world is nice and peaceful and warm.
Once again the skies were magnificent. I love the sweeping clouds, and they can sure do some serious sweeping over the wide open spaces up on top!
Winter here in the Four Corners has been quite mild with a few cold days thrown in, but with no wet stuff which makes it look pretty dismal out there and colder than it was(40ish). The winter cows probably are okay with the left over cuts of the fields. Dang, they have a nice view of the mesas.
There aren't many trees up there so you get creative and make up your own stuff to perch on. This young Golden Eagle doesn't seem to mind hanging out on an electrical pole. In fact looks pretty comfy if you as me, and certainly dresses up a plain ol' pole quite nicely.
The wind was up a bit and made the ride a bit of a booger. But, we just bundled up, hunkered down, and pedaled anyway.
Today the storms came on in with snow and more wind. So guess I will just hang out in my office/sewing/bike room where it is warm and clean up after Bently's Basset Revenge for going to the store and leaving him home.
Hope your neck of the world is nice and peaceful and warm.
An Interesting Interview With David Mlllar
view link
I had a difficult time accepting David Millar's return to racing. I think that was at the height of some well publicized doping scandals so I was sour on the entire sport. However, here's a man who doped, was caught, served his suspension, and came back strong. I think his story is one that shows these cyclists can have a successful career riding clean. I admire him for admitting his mistake and returning to face scorn and criticism and just pedaling away the best he could to prove that he did indeed deserve a second chance.
I believe in second chances and atonement. Banning someone for life after a first offense (or at least a first time being caught) seems far too harsh. I think this life is all about those lessons learned and doing it better and the right way on the next go round. To me, it's how you conduct yourself after a fall like his. Do you continue to piss and moan about how unfair life is and make excuses, or do you take your lumps and change your ways? So far is seems that Millar has chosen to move on and ride cleanly.
I had a difficult time accepting David Millar's return to racing. I think that was at the height of some well publicized doping scandals so I was sour on the entire sport. However, here's a man who doped, was caught, served his suspension, and came back strong. I think his story is one that shows these cyclists can have a successful career riding clean. I admire him for admitting his mistake and returning to face scorn and criticism and just pedaling away the best he could to prove that he did indeed deserve a second chance.
I believe in second chances and atonement. Banning someone for life after a first offense (or at least a first time being caught) seems far too harsh. I think this life is all about those lessons learned and doing it better and the right way on the next go round. To me, it's how you conduct yourself after a fall like his. Do you continue to piss and moan about how unfair life is and make excuses, or do you take your lumps and change your ways? So far is seems that Millar has chosen to move on and ride cleanly.
Chain Lube
Since I've aquired a touring bike, and it is heavy and slow, and once in a while carrys a heavy load, I've been wondering if a bicycle chain lube is really adequet. I don't really like the wax type lubes because they are so hard to clean off afterwards, and my favorite, a synthetic, seems to be a bit thin for such heavy duty use. So, I decided to try a motorcyle chain lube that I picked up from my local Homda dealer. Comes in an aerasol can so it goes on like an alcohol base under pressure and gets into even the tightest places (read pins and bushings) and then sets up to a light non-flingable grease type lube that does not attract dirt or dust. It seems to be easy to clean as WD-40 cleans it off fairly easily. Anybody have any ideas as to whether not this is a good idea? My normal chain lube that I've been using for years is a synthetic that claims to be good for 400 miles between cleaning and re-applying. It has always worked pretty good for my road bike, and even the mountain bike in the past....but I'm always looking for something that's maybe just a little bit better.
NW Florida Rail Trail
Spring is starting to peep in Northwest Florida on February 8, 2012.
The Blackwater Trail begins in a backwater area on the southern edge of Milton. Redbud and maples are sneaking out with flower, and the turtles are enjoying the 65 degree sunshine. The trail winds through town passing City Hall, the Library, and the Welcome Center. And, of course, you can grab a Whataburger and enjoy one of the picnicing spots. At the northern edge of town the horses and goats take over the spectator seats.
After crossing Clear Creek (an appropriate name!) the converted rail trail begins a gradual climb though wood, farm, and wetlands (pitcher plants in the right season) all the way to Whiting Naval Air Station. The flight trainers buzz around in the skies like mosquitoes, all dreaming that one day they too will become Blue Angels!
Total distance from south to north was 9.6 miles, a pleaseant 19-20 mile round trip. The trail gets a lot of bike and pedestrian traffic, and even a section for equestrian use. Love those converted rail trails - always an easy grade going up or down!
The Blackwater Trail begins in a backwater area on the southern edge of Milton. Redbud and maples are sneaking out with flower, and the turtles are enjoying the 65 degree sunshine. The trail winds through town passing City Hall, the Library, and the Welcome Center. And, of course, you can grab a Whataburger and enjoy one of the picnicing spots. At the northern edge of town the horses and goats take over the spectator seats.
After crossing Clear Creek (an appropriate name!) the converted rail trail begins a gradual climb though wood, farm, and wetlands (pitcher plants in the right season) all the way to Whiting Naval Air Station. The flight trainers buzz around in the skies like mosquitoes, all dreaming that one day they too will become Blue Angels!
Total distance from south to north was 9.6 miles, a pleaseant 19-20 mile round trip. The trail gets a lot of bike and pedestrian traffic, and even a section for equestrian use. Love those converted rail trails - always an easy grade going up or down!
Amgen Route Announced
Hey there Sports Fans!
The word's out that Amgen's 2012 route has be published online.
view link
Stage 3 will include a nice ride up one of our local mountains. A year or so ago, I took a ride up that mountain and posted a story with photos about it in this group. In case you would like to see what the climb is like, here's the link: view link (diablo)
TL
The word's out that Amgen's 2012 route has be published online.
view link
Stage 3 will include a nice ride up one of our local mountains. A year or so ago, I took a ride up that mountain and posted a story with photos about it in this group. In case you would like to see what the climb is like, here's the link: view link (diablo)
TL
Alberto
Interesting to see that while the Appeals process found Alberto Contador guilty of doping, and suspended him for two years, it was made retroactive back to 2010. That way, he'll be eligible for this years TDF.
Perkiomen Trail in Montgomery Co, PA
Here, take a ride with me on the Perkiomen Trail in Montgomery Co, PA:
It was a cold day, didn’t get over 39° Sat. I was dressed warm, but my fingers were cold.
Had a great time on this trail. Went there last summer and it was all different and oh so green then.
To tell you the truth, I liked it this time of year better; saw so much of its bare exposed look.
I’ll start off with the little video I made.
It was a cold day, didn’t get over 39° Sat. I was dressed warm, but my fingers were cold.
Had a great time on this trail. Went there last summer and it was all different and oh so green then.
To tell you the truth, I liked it this time of year better; saw so much of its bare exposed look.
I’ll start off with the little video I made.
The Conquest of Mt. Scott
While Mt. Scott isn't the highest mountain in Oklahoma, it does have the distinction of having the highest auto road in the State. The top of the mountain is 2464 feet above sea level. Which doesn't sound like much comparing it to the Rockies, but remember, our average height here above sea level is only about 500-600 feet at ground level. This is a pretty good climb.
It's a rugged, rocky old mountain, a rock climbers delight, but is also very popular with bicyclists. It's a steep unrelenting climb of about an 8% average all the way up with a few steeper sections. Once you get started up, it doesn't let up until the top.
Looking up........
And looking back the way I came....
I'm afraid this one had to be taken in a couple of "Kodak Moments"
Ya gotta wonder about this.....
Finally, up to the top we went, the views were breathtaking......
The ride up was about 3 1/2 miles of steady climbing, and at the gradient involved, about 5 miles per hour most of the time with occasionally less. The ride DOWN however....... a different story altogether. No Kodak moments necessary going down! I would let it get up to 35 before I started reining it in. Almost held steady brake all the way down because when I turned it loose, it got up there really fast. There was a gusty wind that really played havoc with the bike's handling up near the summit, so I let the young brave riders go down ahead of me. Frank said he went down at 40mph..... not me, thanks. The speed limit is 25. Not that I was afraid of getting a ticket, but I really have grown rather attached to my skin and teeth and I believe I'll hang onto them for a while. Even though the climb up took a bit of time, and was physically tiring, 7 miles round trip really wasn't much of a ride, so I decided to go on through the preserve. I've never gotten a chance to stop to see the visitors center, so I did that as well. There are never ending photo-ops. Bison are allowed to roam free as a wild herd here. There are no fences in the preserve, open range. Even so, this was a long shot, they didn't want to come too close to the road today.
An old ruins of a gas station and general store from better times.....
And this pretty little creek.......
And reflective pond....
An interesting ride to be sure. The ride up was a little tougher than I thought it would be .......remember, I rode the Rockies....... but this one packed a punch in it's short distance. I've been wanting to ride this one for a while and when a few of our club members decided to brave the 20+mph winds and the temperatures in the lower 30's to go do this today...... I jumped at the chance to go along. It wasn't easy, but then being easy doesn't make for memorable rides. This is one I'll be glad I did for a long time to come. Now I can always say..."I've climbed Mt Scott with my bike". I think the crowning moment came though when the young man who I conned into taking our photo all together made the statement, "you guys rode those bikes up this road....AWESOME" !......I thought so too.....
It's a rugged, rocky old mountain, a rock climbers delight, but is also very popular with bicyclists. It's a steep unrelenting climb of about an 8% average all the way up with a few steeper sections. Once you get started up, it doesn't let up until the top.
Looking up........
And looking back the way I came....
I'm afraid this one had to be taken in a couple of "Kodak Moments"
Ya gotta wonder about this.....
Finally, up to the top we went, the views were breathtaking......
The ride up was about 3 1/2 miles of steady climbing, and at the gradient involved, about 5 miles per hour most of the time with occasionally less. The ride DOWN however....... a different story altogether. No Kodak moments necessary going down! I would let it get up to 35 before I started reining it in. Almost held steady brake all the way down because when I turned it loose, it got up there really fast. There was a gusty wind that really played havoc with the bike's handling up near the summit, so I let the young brave riders go down ahead of me. Frank said he went down at 40mph..... not me, thanks. The speed limit is 25. Not that I was afraid of getting a ticket, but I really have grown rather attached to my skin and teeth and I believe I'll hang onto them for a while. Even though the climb up took a bit of time, and was physically tiring, 7 miles round trip really wasn't much of a ride, so I decided to go on through the preserve. I've never gotten a chance to stop to see the visitors center, so I did that as well. There are never ending photo-ops. Bison are allowed to roam free as a wild herd here. There are no fences in the preserve, open range. Even so, this was a long shot, they didn't want to come too close to the road today.
An old ruins of a gas station and general store from better times.....
And this pretty little creek.......
And reflective pond....
An interesting ride to be sure. The ride up was a little tougher than I thought it would be .......remember, I rode the Rockies....... but this one packed a punch in it's short distance. I've been wanting to ride this one for a while and when a few of our club members decided to brave the 20+mph winds and the temperatures in the lower 30's to go do this today...... I jumped at the chance to go along. It wasn't easy, but then being easy doesn't make for memorable rides. This is one I'll be glad I did for a long time to come. Now I can always say..."I've climbed Mt Scott with my bike". I think the crowning moment came though when the young man who I conned into taking our photo all together made the statement, "you guys rode those bikes up this road....AWESOME" !......I thought so too.....
