tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187152522024-03-04T20:28:00.414-08:00VelonerdsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-34675686405719730712018-10-25T12:42:00.000-07:002018-11-19T11:35:22.151-08:00Online bike stores that ship to the US but accept GBPThe following stores will ship to the US but allow you to pay with British money.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.wiggle.co.uk/">Wiggle</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.probikekit.com/">Pro bike kit</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ribble Cycles</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.planetx.co.uk/" target="_blank">Planet X</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
If you know of any more let me know please!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-52055138448177834752017-10-02T00:59:00.003-07:002017-10-02T00:59:24.397-07:00EVOC bike bag for less than $350<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9YnKcLOHR_ETjh5CAbxn4szHver0uvtjQ1N_VQNek6h1vGYqOFXvkA5rFzouAliEgZoWIw5FcyDz9ny393raCPhTTrj0glAGnHbgxMLOvAAvieA8BrgIm_Nx2j1kk9Tzy-bh1w/s1600/MULA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9YnKcLOHR_ETjh5CAbxn4szHver0uvtjQ1N_VQNek6h1vGYqOFXvkA5rFzouAliEgZoWIw5FcyDz9ny393raCPhTTrj0glAGnHbgxMLOvAAvieA8BrgIm_Nx2j1kk9Tzy-bh1w/s320/MULA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Since Alaska Airlines is going to only charge </span><a href="https://blog.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/sports-equipment-update/" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">$25 for bike bags</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> and I hope to take a few trips eventually I just bought an EVOC bike bag.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
$354 total shipped to CA and 6% coming back to me too. so cheap! what a deal!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Here's how I did it:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">if you haven't got an active junky account sign up here<br />(I get a referral bonus!)</span><a href="https://www.activejunky.com/invite/160920" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">https://www.activejunky.com/invite/160920</a></li>
<li>then search on active junky for Competitive Cyclist - click the link</li>
<li>then search<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">Competitive Cyclist for EVOC</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">- choose the cheap multi colored one or the blue one and you get 20% off when it goes in your cart.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-65964331518117769452017-10-01T23:47:00.001-07:002017-10-02T01:00:36.385-07:00Sale on Santa Cruz bikes at Competitive Cyclist (plus 6% back with active junky)Sale on Santa Cruz bikes at <a href="https://www.competitivecyclist.com/rc/santa-cruz-bikes-frames-on-sale">https://www.competitivecyclist.com/rc/santa-cruz-bikes-frames-on-sale</a> use this referral <a href="https://www.activejunky.com/invite/160920">https://www.activejunky.com/invite/160920</a> and get another 6% cash back.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-59593261719506952872017-06-28T03:51:00.000-07:002017-06-28T03:56:05.158-07:00Great Bike Team PhotosYou can get great bike ride team photos with everyone in them with two very cheap light items that I bring on every ride.<br />
<br />
1st is <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/UFCIT-Bluetooth-Wireless-Control-Smartphones/dp/B00LUNAA2O" target="_blank">this bluetooth shutter remote</a> (for iOS and Android) it's $1.20 and works great.<br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61SZdx7YZYL._SL1200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61SZdx7YZYL._SL1200_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br />
2nd is this <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00CR74FLO" target="_blank">grabby tripod</a> for less than $2.<br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/316OfSC88%2BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/316OfSC88%2BL.jpg" /></a></div>
Admittedly they'll take WEEKS to arrive but worth the wait.<br />
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The tripod works pretty good around the end of your handlebar while your bike is on the ground but also grips to many things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazKKcoVKWOS5NMMzyCLfivTHWEQhEwZOoecinn9QUyyjcPPkmDAvipyh3fHJstzYYo79WzB8X6LrTd87D5FrRGuQcxngjK_Gw_nR50IuSWhltwj_81VSEZsrd5Tr0QS3taVSvuQ/s1600/IMG_2311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazKKcoVKWOS5NMMzyCLfivTHWEQhEwZOoecinn9QUyyjcPPkmDAvipyh3fHJstzYYo79WzB8X6LrTd87D5FrRGuQcxngjK_Gw_nR50IuSWhltwj_81VSEZsrd5Tr0QS3taVSvuQ/s320/IMG_2311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6AMUTs5-SOaoFUdWk1vi4bwmJ8jyAUCu8KXphp0QFmOb4aqgjOHrknmtOwm6fwMa5ZJ74Yf961jByKFAz17z7vUDvWfnew7gLNjoFFduQC7_NMmI0mag4zf7aPGznmFDB9QyJA/s1600/IMG_2967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6AMUTs5-SOaoFUdWk1vi4bwmJ8jyAUCu8KXphp0QFmOb4aqgjOHrknmtOwm6fwMa5ZJ74Yf961jByKFAz17z7vUDvWfnew7gLNjoFFduQC7_NMmI0mag4zf7aPGznmFDB9QyJA/s320/IMG_2967.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6fFomj0KqJ-BaSdjSswpIIPko9feTstCX9vgznvgPL4YT0MOglkDsUMqGdQ0BlsqBbNqCUaetiLcj34zojNEv9K0Kx1S4lQk-agzZQdsg89s5OfuQ6LTPIRYy49GsRSETl0rKw/s1600/IMG_2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6fFomj0KqJ-BaSdjSswpIIPko9feTstCX9vgznvgPL4YT0MOglkDsUMqGdQ0BlsqBbNqCUaetiLcj34zojNEv9K0Kx1S4lQk-agzZQdsg89s5OfuQ6LTPIRYy49GsRSETl0rKw/s320/IMG_2976.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fhN6fIRiEy2Pmedt5HXpLYDpQOIML1b2iJVKp3j9gAY2F1U2ePXXP4wUZ5_H0HfwbqNK0KkrRpm0CiTpx4oFiZPZSR3mqvEBAOn57rBjioC1zmOAUUxMSFW-gQ7FChB2-NYn3A/s1600/IMG_7517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fhN6fIRiEy2Pmedt5HXpLYDpQOIML1b2iJVKp3j9gAY2F1U2ePXXP4wUZ5_H0HfwbqNK0KkrRpm0CiTpx4oFiZPZSR3mqvEBAOn57rBjioC1zmOAUUxMSFW-gQ7FChB2-NYn3A/s320/IMG_7517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-42557157080470156172016-07-26T02:55:00.003-07:002016-07-27T11:57:45.645-07:00BC Bike Race tips and adviceHere's some tips on surviving the <a href="http://bcbikerace.com/">BC Bike Race</a>. Locations and plans were all for 2016, your race may have different venues/timing.<br />
<h2>
Packing</h2>
<div>
You get a rolling piece of luggage that holds about 80 liters of stuff. and a small cheap day bag to put stuff in immediately after the race. Bring some bright ribbon to tie to the handle of the rolling luggage so you can find it easily. The rolling luggage has two end compartments and a big middle section.</div>
<div>
put everything in 4 black plastic bags, bring spare bags. I put the camping stuff and odds and ends in one section. My sleeping bag, pad and spare shoes and pillow in the other end. In the main section I had two black bags, one with riding clothes and one with regular clothes. Dirty laundry went in the luggage outside of these bin bags. I used a heavy weight fleece as my pillow with a regular small travel pillow on top. I wish I had used some space to bring a real soft pillow to use. bring your spare shoes in sealable a <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Misslo-Portable-Waterproof-Travel-Closure/dp/B00XXDQ6TA">shoe bag</a>, it'll be useful in your day bag and keep your luggage cleaner</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bring lots of shorts, outer shorts, socks and gloves. It's probably going to rain and you're going to get wet. It wasn't that cold for us and a long sleeve jersey was perfect every day for our riding. A light rain shell while waiting at the line if it was raining was really nice.<br />
<br />
shower gel, shampoo provided, bring a scrubbie in a plastic bag to scrub the dirt off.<br />
<br />
flip flops for post shower - dry socks/shoes and the shower trucks don't mix well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/FINA-Microfiber-Absorbent-Activities-Guaranteed/dp/B00YOCF8SY">pack towel</a><br />
<br />
emergency supplies, site says you MUST have them, it's a good idea. I don't know anyone who was actually asked to prove they had a whistle or matches. - DO bring steristrips to seal up cuts on the trail.<br />
<br />
clothes line and clothes pegs<br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/20000mAh-External-Battery-Charging-Portable/dp/B00SH444JE">usb battery pack</a> - <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Poweradd-Family-Sized-Desktop-Charger-Smartphones/dp/B00J5DS8NE">usb power charger</a> 2A output is critical for both of these for quick charging.<br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015W0YJRC">headlamp</a><br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Helinox-Chair-Ultimate-Camp-Black/dp/B007ZGOWZQ">camp chair</a> - optional, but probably really useful - put it in your day bag so you have it after the race.<br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Klymit-Static-Inflatable-Sleeping-x2-5/dp/B00LGAQ7NW">sleeping mat</a>, (summit to sea are noisy)<br />
down sleeping bag (to get it small)<br />
sleeping bag liner or pajamas<br />
Tylenol and Ibuprofen - keep them DRY<br />
Allergy medicine if you need it. Wasp stings were <b>really </b>common! And it can help you sleep.<br />
<br />
Bob adds the following specific items that he liked: <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R5KUNOG">sleeping bag</a>, <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GFDZCKI">bubble chair</a>, <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B014EEFSPY">camp chair</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's Lauren's tips on packing: I put things in waterproof ziplock bags in categories (and labeled, which helped me find things in the cavernous red bag) - one ziplock for each: shorts, jerseys,gloves/warmers, jackets/vests, pre-race food/sunscreen/chamois cream. And a big black garbage bag for the wet clothes.<br />
<br />
Peter packed each day's bike clothes (chamois, jersey, socks, tank top) in a large zip lock bag (7 of them), then would return the dirty clothes back to the same ziplock once each day's race was over. I also had a bag for gloves and head-wraps/sweat bands. I brought three small <a href="http://m.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/art/30235115/">packing pouches</a> from Ikea where I kept other categories of clothing (underwear, socks, t-shirts/shorts). Always knowing where to find stuff made my life a lot easier. Our race was unusually wet (which made for truly amazing conditions!), but it was a huge pain in the ass when it came to dealing with wet clothes and shoes. An extra clothesline is a good idea just in case - as would be a couple extra small microfiber towels that you could use to wick moisture out of your shoes, or other sopping wet items. <br />
<h2>
Getting There</h2>
<div>
Drive - bay area to Portland 11 hours, Portland to North Vancouver another 7 hours. Leave Monday morning, arrive Tuesday afternoon just in time for registration. You might be able to go for a little bike ride after registration and then hand your bike in as late as possible but it's probably not worth it.<br />
<br />
Boxing up your bike to fly is a total pain and some bikes got damaged on the plane. West Jet only charges you for a piece of luggage for a bike so that's good. Peter's take on flying vs driving: "despite my bike getting damaged on the plane (which was totally my fault, but didn't affect my race), flying with bikes was actually relatively quick and easy (assuming you have or can borrow a good bike bag/case), and in my opinion, a much better use of my time vs. driving (e.g., getting out for two rides in North Vancouver before the race, and riding for 2 days after the race in Whistler is not something I'd trade for driving up there). "<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Stay at the Holiday Inn North Vancouver (free parking while you are racing) it's right by registration.</div>
<div>
pick up car when you get back to North Vancouver, drive yourself to Squamish and whistler.<br />
<br />
Book a condo in whistler for the day before the whistler stage, if you have your car you can avoid an extra camping night in Squamish and sleep in luxury in your condo. Paying for the meal plan means you'll either leave after the meal or just have to miss it.<br />
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While you are under the race's powers, they shuttle you around in yellow school busses. Make sure you're not sat with no rom for your legs on a wheel well. The back seats were singles, but pretty bouncy and movey around, but at least had leg-room. Aisle seats are best after that. They cram everyone on the busses so it's unlikely you'll get a double seat to yourself.<br />
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Star all the places linked to below on Google Maps. Then download offline versions of all these places. It will be VERY useful.</div>
<h2>
Eating</h2>
<div>
My friend and I opted NOT to get the meal plan. I'm a picky eater, It was a good decision for us, it worked out a LOT cheaper and I felt like we ate better than I would have on the meail plan. There were two times when it was a pain and we really missed out.<br />
<br />
If you don't want to think and will eat whatever is put in front of you getting the meal plan is probably a good choice. Get the 'A' plan to eat first, you can always show up late. Many of the people who were with our group did get the meal plan and said the food was great and would choose it again. "Tons of vegetables, super tasty, and all the desserts you could fit in!" "the food provided with the meal plan was excellent and plentiful, overall, and definitely a good value for what you get. The variety at every meal was extensive"<br />
<br />
James adds: the meal plan is worth the expense and in some towns where finding food effortlessly a necessity in my opinion. Plan A is highly sought after because it is earliest. I was on Plan C (latest) which I found to be beneficial as I didn't have to force myself to eat breakfast too early. Nore was dinner to close to bedtime. Additionally, only a few times during the event did meal time occur closer than optimal to start time. The most helpful planning strategy around food was to purchase a good amount of snack/bulk food in Vancouver at the Canadian Super Store before leaving for Cumberland. This food came in very handy between provided meals and during down time be it on the ferries, bus or chillin' at camp. You will be hungry like you have never been before and not going hungry is a good feeling.</div>
<h2>
Camping</h2>
Picking a tent: edge is good. Look for what might be lit up all night long, bring a face mask to cover your eyes if you're sensitive to that. They have ear plugs for you to use. the green tents were the newest, there were other tents that had holes in the side to pull a section through the fly, avoid those, they'll leak at the side for sure.<br />
<br />
staking out the tent - do this every night, tie the guy lines to the tents next door and behind you too (free lines to dry clothes on!). keep that fly off the inner tent to increase your chances of staying dry. Ask for towels to wipe out inside the tent if it is wet or keep a travel towel to do this with. check the roof, ask for duct tape to plug up any visible holes (there were lots!), even better bring your own duct tape!<br />
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You won't have access to your bike, you'll pretty much check it in after the days race and get it first thing in the morning ready to race.<br />
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Try to get good sleep, try really hard. Some days, you might be able to nap during the day, do that!<br />
<h2>
Bike</h2>
I rode Maxxis Ardent 27.5 x 2.2 tires on derby wide rims and they worked great for me.<br />
<br />
James adds: If the conditions are anything like they were this year (wet, greasy, moist, damp...) the combination of a Magic Mary 2.35 up front and High roller II, 2.3 out back where perfect. If the conditions trend towards dry as they where 2015 many of the locals told me the Maxxis IKON in a 2.2 is the tire of choice.<br />
<br />
You might want to bring a few spare tires, a few people got slits or cuts in theirs and needed to buy replacements.<br />
<h2>
Racing</h2>
race like hell in the first day to get a good seeding, get to the line 30 minutes before the start to get in your seeding group. opt to start off in 1 group ahead of where you think you might be. I opted for group 3, but ended up in group 2. Had I started in group 2 I might have been seeded in group 1. If you have a bad first day don't worry, you can ask to be moved up a group, or even just peel the sticker off your plate and start in a different group. I suspect they only care for the first, maybe second seeded group. Seeded groups go in colors of the rainbow; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple.<br />
<br />
pinch flats were common, really common, even for some tubeless people. be prepared with CO2 (which you can bring easily if you drove).<br />
<br />
aid stations? I never stopped at an aid station. they have mechanics, parts, medical and some fruit and drinks I guess.<br />
<br />
Make sure your number plate is vertical and you have one on your back (for photos!). The pro-photos are great you will want some, if they can see your number it'll be easy to see you photos.<br />
<br />
Each stage has a sticker showing the profile of the course, you stick this on your top tube and it's super helpful. If you can... bring some fine sharpies and annotate the sticker. I found myself wanting to know how much of each section was road or fire road (you can find this from the online course maps or the racer book). Convert your bike computer to Km so you can follow along with the stickers.<br />
<br />
I also made a google calendar with the race schedule on it, where we were sleeping (with a link to google maps), when bike check opened and closed, luggage check, race start etc. this was super helpful. each day was an all day event with the distance and elevation change for that stage and links to the course etc... BCBR provides a race booklet, it is really essential and covers everything one needs to be at the right place at the right time.<br />
<br />
On the mornings we take a ferry before racing, bring a little extra food with you on the ferry. Breakfast and 'go' time are several hours apart on those days.<br />
<h2>
After a day's Race</h2>
After the race wash your bike as quickly as possible, lube it and get it checked in. There are scout troops sometimes offering to wash the bike for a donation. Do that, but be warned someone might use a power washer on your bike. expect to rebuild your pivots etc after this race.<br />
<br />
Put something distinctive on your seat (yellow ribbon or something) finding your bike will be a lot easier when you're looking at the rows and rows of black seats. This will drastically make your life better, do it.<br />
<br />
Also, have your recovery drink powder in your camelbak (if you use one) so you can mix it up before you go searching for your bag.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Then shower as quickly as possible then you can relax. Have your shower stuff ready in your day bag, even if you are staying two nights.<br />
<br />
Then head to the Bears Den (inflatable tent) and drop off your USB battery pack for charging. Upload your Strava. It's about the only time the shitty wifi is somewhat usable (5 mobile access points with passwords that change daily). Don't expect to do any kind of useful stuff with the provided wifi. Wifi phone calling was pretty much impossible.<br />
<br />
There are a team of mechanics working ALL NIGHT on bikes if you pay them $90/hour + parts. They are tired and only have the little bit of paper written down what you want to happen. Some people had bad experiences with the work they did. I would avoid having anyone work on your bike if at all possible. There is time after you shower, or even before a race for little tweaks.<br />
<h2>
Locations</h2>
Here's what I can remember about each camping location and food advice<br />
<h2>
Cumberland</h2>
<div>
You spend most of the first day (day 0) traveling here so no riding and no access to your bike.</div>
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<div>
Camping at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/AYm5m2fKx6t">Cumberland Village Park</a>.</div>
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<div>
The <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/TAFLB1Fp9pL2">Cumberland Brewing Company</a> was the best meal we had all trip. I drank too much beer and was peeing all night so try not to do that ;) The beer is so nice that might be a problem.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Breakfast was a REAL problem. Only the teeny little <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NkkYCQsHJ6J2">Cumberland Grind</a> was open, the hot chocolate was good, the rice crispy treat and cookie were dry and unsatisfying.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Call ahead and try and persuade "<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YZxBweJTszD2">Mars on main</a>" to open early, they open at 8 and the race starts at 8:30 so that's a no go.</div>
<h2>
Powell river</h2>
<div>
The BEST location. The whole town shows up to welcome you off the ferry! Twice! Try and get on the early ferry otherwise it'll be a really late arrival. Camping at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/p7L7aydAVzr">Willingdon Beach Park</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is a <a href="http://bikepowellriver.ca/trails-maps/bike-park/">bike park</a> up the hill at the rec center and a downhill/flow trail to camp. If you can, go check it out it's AMAZING. It'll have to be right after the days racing there and you'll likely be tired, but it's worth it. Or walk up and just look at how magnificent it is.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
shops/restaurants along the street you walk down from the ferry (pretty bleak).</div>
<div>
strip mall section quite a bit further up the hill inland, but much more selection of stores but too much chain restaurants.<br />
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There is fish and chips right at the campsite which was pretty good and the folks there super nice.<br />
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The second day we had dinner at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/1WMEoRz9xrT2">Snickers</a>, it was good and the view over the bay was epic. Try and call to make a reservation, they like that. They fit us in anyway.<br />
<br />
Breakfast at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/d5gnju6js5o">Base Camp Coffee</a> was great both days. And their wifi was great too.<br />
<br />
If you get the meal plan, they needed to shuttle you to the school to have food.<br />
<br />
Leaving: The Ferry to Earls Cove does <b>NOT</b> leave from the place where the ferry that brought you there is. You need to get back to camp to get a bus to the school to get another bus to the ferry.</div>
<h2>
Sechelt</h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Sechelt (pronounced sea-shell(t)), Camping was at </span><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/j8FkxM6ghaP2" style="font-weight: normal;">Kinnikinnick Park</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> which is quite a ways out of town. You even had to </span>walk<span style="font-weight: normal;"> pretty far for the meal plan food.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>Get the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tv9Mb1ymb132">bus into town</a>. Transit directions don't work on google maps offline, so print out the time table. The <a href="http://bctransit.com/sunshine-coast/schedules-and-maps/route-overview?route=3">#3 bus</a> is your friend. Maybe get a taxi?<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KMGL7HFHjHQ2">Old Boot Eatery</a> was solid food. Recommend. It was about here that I worked out Ginger Ale was a great recovery drink.<br />
<br />
Breakfast was a solid problem because town was so far away, we just brought milk and cereal from the super market and ate that the next morning. There may be food at the golf club early enough, call ahead. Super markets close early here!<br />
<h2>
North Vancouver</h2>
<div>
Finally back to a bigger city! Camping is at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cyQSjpcyTin">Parkgate Park</a> which is quite far away from your car at the Vancouver Holiday Inn! If possible find a support crew that is driving and get a ride with them to the Holiday Inn. You only need ONE person to do this and you won't have any gear, your bike and red luggage will be waiting for you at the park. Otherwise you'll have to get a taxi or the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/o633fFj8d8E2">bus</a>. Do this as SOON as you arrive. Park on <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/mELvbTCPqnM2">Banff Court</a>. Collect up all the laundry you need doing (and that of your friends too). and head straight to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/4TWeBtL82Ar">Rainbow Bright Laundromat</a> they close at 7PM so time is critical! two loads of laundry, they'll want you to do the bike stuff in the front loaders towards the back. REMEMBER to check pockets for bars, gels and blocks! Also remember to bring laundry detergent and drier sheets and have them in your car. While laundry is happening you can eat at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZBLL2AgeGR62">Browns Social House</a> while you check on laundry and move it into the driers. The wifi at the Rec Center is good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now you have access to a car, go to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uyetufmad2r">Tommy's</a> for breakfast they open at 8AM so it's a little tight, but not too bad. Tommy's was my favorite breakfast all trip (no wifi). Buy some art from the walls. They moved the start of the race back an hour for some reason and that was super nice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They do an even more broken out start to the race so make sure you are at the start of your seed block. The tails are the most technical, but not terrifying, you can do this, don't worry about it. I freaked myself out hearing how technical it was, but it wasn't too bad at all. All the lines are rideable if you commit and do them. You will ride stuff you never expected to do, that's cool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Leave as soon as you can to get up to Squamish, check your bike and luggage with the BCBR folks.</div>
<h2>
Squamish</h2>
<div>
Another great camping spot at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/HQfd4zkiXs72">Brennan Park Arena</a>. The wifi is great, but you only get 500Megs for free, so make sure you use it wisely. There is a pool here so you can chill in that or the hot tub.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For Lunch/dinner, if you like crunchy hippy food <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/km1LK9qW2jt">Zephyr Cafe</a> got good reviews. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/QV8x4qk4itL2">Chef Big D's</a> popped up a lot when I was looking, but was closed due to staffing illness when we were there. Just along the road is <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/VHeE649FfWw">The Coppor Coil</a> and I liked that place a lot. I only ate a huge late lunch and then napped the rest of the day. I didn't have dinner.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Breakfast at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/mEp4LwVVk6R2">Timberwolf Lodge</a> was good even though it was just a restaurant hooked up to a hotel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Squamish trails are great, much less rooty than elsewhere and it was dry for us. My favorite stage and the climbing didn't seem so bad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you have a car and a condo booked at Whistler, leave town asap to head up to whistler. Check your bike in, but NOT your red bag. Buy pasta and food at a super market on your way up (food in whistler is a little more spendy).</div>
<h2>
Whistler</h2>
Almost done now!<br />
<br />
Try and get a condo close to the village if at all possible. You can eat your feast here the first night you get there while the suckers are camping in Squamish. Your condo may have laundry, expect the drier to suck. We didn't do a condo and regretted it, we stayed at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/47GYJSncfZP2">Adara hotel</a> which was really conveniently located and nice.<br />
<br />
The start the next day is miles away at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KqPsKHJbvFP2">Bayly Park</a> get there early, parking will be a problem.<br />
<br />
The Whistler riding is great too, this is hella fun stuff.<br />
<br />
After the race enjoy the food hanging out and bask in the glory of what you have done.<br />
<br />
Then it's a pretty flat short ride to the village and then a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/r2xMJ4BVQC62">bus</a> back to get your car. Traffic will SUCK, it's a crazy busy weekend of music in town and the roads are insane, especially going north, suck it up.<br />
<br />
Dinner at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/HnJR5ZYFiKn">Stonesedge Kitchen</a> was great. But most people are going to the banquet. People said the food was good, but I didn't hear anything that made me think it was $70 (plus fees) good. We snuck in after the food was over to hear the speeches and see the video, but even that wasn't <i>all that</i> so just meet people after the banquet for more booze at Stonesedge just across the way.<br />
<br />
Breakfast at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cArnJ3eAumy">Ingrid's</a> is good. Eat at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NBv6W59CUzq">Garibaldi Lift Co</a> to watch the people coming downhill.<br />
<br />
Stay a few extra days, the condos really open up if you book them for 5 nights so do that.<br />
<br />
We did the start of <a href="http://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/planner/view/3964">this ride</a> which was great, some of the same stuff you rode on the course (<a href="http://www.trailforks.com/trails/danimal-middle/">Danimal</a>) but really showed off the fun stuff you've been riding past all week <a href="http://www.trailforks.com/trails/three-birds/">3 birds</a>, <a href="http://www.trailforks.com/trails/99er/">99er</a>, <a href="http://www.trailforks.com/trails/a-rockwork-orange/">A Rockwork Orange</a>, <a href="http://www.trailforks.com/trails/korova-milk-bar/">Korova Milk Bar</a> especially. Get the Trail Forks app for your phone, it's a life saver there.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-47638968412290965002016-03-29T03:55:00.001-07:002016-04-07T12:06:28.716-07:00Wheel Building: spoke insertion toolI'm building my first set of carbon wheels (Chris King ISO SD 100mm front hub, ISO B 148mm boost rear hub, Derby AM 40mm 27.5" Carbon rims, 32 hole 3 cross 14/15 double butted spokes to 14mm brass nipples).<br />
<br />
Dropping a nipple into the rim is a pain, it's difficult and annoying to jiggle it out and it only gets harder as more and more spokes are inserted.<br />
<br />
I made this handy tool from an old spoke.<br />
<br />
Put the head of the nipple on with a couple of turns and you can easily guide the nipple through the rim and connect with the spoke you are inserting on the other side. Then you can grab the nipple, unscrew the tool and insert your nipple driver to screw the nipple onto the spoke. Easy peasy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt50brP6iXuNZISs2u68Wh2a3-v7U3tWTDf-ISaqhSDkDB5kkIIILH6w3htLAdlUtxqIl7CDcH35fKILO6E7PTAGQ45JKkqH2L2SygQdSxfFSo5_-JTFyvFJJTHoSd9iDIicmLA/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt50brP6iXuNZISs2u68Wh2a3-v7U3tWTDf-ISaqhSDkDB5kkIIILH6w3htLAdlUtxqIl7CDcH35fKILO6E7PTAGQ45JKkqH2L2SygQdSxfFSo5_-JTFyvFJJTHoSd9iDIicmLA/s320/IMG_6749.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
For my second wheel I realized I didn't need any torque at all and spinning the tool was the most important thing. I came up with this which is even simpler. The grip is made from gaffer (stage) tape wrapped around the spoke a few times. It worked <b>really</b> well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUt-Sd1cEDKqRKNrpucKxWG1nWxqpgMcz70H996p6zEyHPb6N2ugQ7Yu6hmkL7Zbwxj1XEXMBq4ajI3n4RbxNSAQl_dQGTulx348ORT82wLnwZJbAj_P1EeoH4jxSC-SsUMTwiw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUt-Sd1cEDKqRKNrpucKxWG1nWxqpgMcz70H996p6zEyHPb6N2ugQ7Yu6hmkL7Zbwxj1XEXMBq4ajI3n4RbxNSAQl_dQGTulx348ORT82wLnwZJbAj_P1EeoH4jxSC-SsUMTwiw/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-21911055743381708312015-03-07T02:51:00.003-08:002016-03-29T03:57:30.405-07:00Trail etiquette<br />
<ol>
<li>If you are riding downhill and meet someone riding uphill; the person working harder riding uphill has right of way, you should yield to them. Yield means make sure they have room to ride past you, if that means you have to stop, then stop.</li>
<li>When riding in a group, all you have to do is make sure the person behind you takes the right turn at trail junctions. If someone gets lost it's the fault of the person that was in front of them. Riding like this allows you to go longer periods without needing to regroup and really keeps the flow going. </li>
<li>When stopped, make sure the trail is clear so people can ride through. Be especially careful that you are not blocking or confusing the area around any sweet jumps. </li>
<li>Ride it don't slide it. no skids! </li>
<li>Don't ride when it's muddy. I usually wait 12 hours. If it hasn't rained in a while the trails can soak up 2 inches of rain in almost no time. If the ground is already pretty wet it can take a long time to dry out. </li>
<li>Trail maintenance doesn't have to be a whole Saturday on a crew. you can clean deadfall, dig a drain to clear a puddle during your regular rides. </li>
<li>Pick up trash, especially bike related trash. </li>
<li>Say hello to everyone! </li>
</ol>
any more to add?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-6706552382446736702011-10-18T09:58:00.000-07:002012-10-14T21:30:09.503-07:00Gas mileage and roof racksIn the old days I used to drive over the hill every day with my bike on the roof. My roof rack was a Thule with two side arms, a fairing and an old velo vice in the middle. My little Toyota Corolla Matrix (AWD) used to get around 21-22 mpg. Recently I've been lucky enough to be able to ride from my house and so I was only driving over the hill with an empty rack on and my mileage shot up to 24-25 miles to the gallon. Well since I wasn't really using the rack much and my daughter now fits in one of those easily moveable booster seats so I can put the seats down if I need to get a bike in the car I took the rack off and now I'm getting 28 mpg. Something worth thinking about.<br />
<br />
I always wanted a trailer hitch (Thule T2) for this car, in fact I have one, but it's the 2" version for the truck and you can't get a 2" hitch for the Matrix. I contacted Thule about getting just the smaller hitch connector, or the hitch and bit the trays connect to and not a whole T2 so I can put it in a 1&1/4" hitch but they don't sell them. One day I saw a matrix with a 2" hitch, I followed it until it parked and asked the owner where he got it, he looked at me smugly and said, "I made it!" Sigh, he wasn't willing to make one for me. Yup, I could have got a 1.25" to 2" converter but it would have made the rack stick out even more and I think hitch racks have too much torsional force to introduce any more play into the situation.<br />
<br />
I wonder if I would have broken even if I'd bought the 1.25" hitch and new T2 and what kind of gas mileage I would have got with that? It sure would be easier to take on and off.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-24457017471694912072010-11-25T17:52:00.000-08:002010-11-26T18:00:47.128-08:00Turkey Day Ride!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayGRuOfuEjSPRCzsTBPhR2DotHyor-km9HTLcyanNyNVsJja1NLbCR1kWIyw-Js0lMD4xC7cfYlt8eP_d-bs8O204H4oTP6ji9VdlEL1bSEbjAdcCyF3puigpdo0Q8Q91iTQb-A/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayGRuOfuEjSPRCzsTBPhR2DotHyor-km9HTLcyanNyNVsJja1NLbCR1kWIyw-Js0lMD4xC7cfYlt8eP_d-bs8O204H4oTP6ji9VdlEL1bSEbjAdcCyF3puigpdo0Q8Q91iTQb-A/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We posted the flyer, we might as well post the pictures! We all met at <a href="http://epicentercycling.com/">Epicenter Cycling</a> at 8:00AM sharp and some of us enjoyed the free coffee and I picked up my daughter's Christmas present (ssshhhhh, don't tell her!) and we began the climb up to sand point.<br />
<br />
It was <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/literally">literally</a> freezing cold on the climb up, frozen water on the puddles and condensing breath as we hoofed the 9 miles to the top. We were rewarded with crystal clear views of the Monterey Bay and the beautiful woods below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaJo5TwcoEPZ2omxeqxr-WpHPFf94hnDdDRmvWkdrU69qE4LXs91twCbOwMhyLs92UNURfNK6f2bASYbqPBsy_ljkzpJyYdNEDfd7YkKfrpkFY5s2gPdtOa4Ic-eL1CShexUqEA/s1600/IMG_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaJo5TwcoEPZ2omxeqxr-WpHPFf94hnDdDRmvWkdrU69qE4LXs91twCbOwMhyLs92UNURfNK6f2bASYbqPBsy_ljkzpJyYdNEDfd7YkKfrpkFY5s2gPdtOa4Ic-eL1CShexUqEA/s320/IMG_0090.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>On the way up we saw a few groups of people who had made it up to the top even earlier and were on their way down, some in fancy dress, one with a huge turkey head on her helmet.<br />
<br />
The pot luck part of the ride was well represented. Shawn provided turkey sandwiches and Daryl brought a party platter. Some genius brought chocolate chip cookies which went down great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyFUcOI2VfaeXhmm6JJgh4nOJLacwt4_UqXLOr5ef1Ps96piGqivBs_uMq3G49v-wg2YiLQM6uDiLiextA4pHv4nLIY2-91uM4f8czbGOXhT2GorsLT4jbqkuoR5wkyPkji5rrw/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyFUcOI2VfaeXhmm6JJgh4nOJLacwt4_UqXLOr5ef1Ps96piGqivBs_uMq3G49v-wg2YiLQM6uDiLiextA4pHv4nLIY2-91uM4f8czbGOXhT2GorsLT4jbqkuoR5wkyPkji5rrw/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As you can see there was quite the crowd and we even picked up some more people who just happened to be riding by.<br />
<br />
The ride down was much less cold and lots of fun. A great event, the best annual Epicenter Cycling turkey ride ever!<br />
<br />
Looking forward to next year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-54549766872349979032010-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:002010-11-22T11:31:55.791-08:00Epicenter Cycling Turkey Day Ride 8am!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qsmDZZDLKSqsVG94S_3v3FHY8i5iUm_Cnwh228gW06qKF5_EuHOY0nwDmIvnH_UfnlrytqYLx8JsMgNe6JKO0YM6FmIZJGgJqb91ZQx8IIK0fvQlKse6M0YuCv9Ua-e024p3Gw/s1600/turkeyday+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qsmDZZDLKSqsVG94S_3v3FHY8i5iUm_Cnwh228gW06qKF5_EuHOY0nwDmIvnH_UfnlrytqYLx8JsMgNe6JKO0YM6FmIZJGgJqb91ZQx8IIK0fvQlKse6M0YuCv9Ua-e024p3Gw/s320/turkeyday+ride.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>Since they don't have it on their site, I thought I'd pimp it here a bit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://epicentercycling.com/">Epicenter Cycling</a> are having a Turkey Day Ride!<br />
<br />
Thursday November 25th 2010 at 8AM at the shop<br />
<br />
Free Coffee at the shop and a pot luck at Sand point if you feel like bringing some food!<br />
<br />
See you <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=16686412770643754017">there</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-90646303531164305402010-10-26T12:47:00.000-07:002010-11-24T19:33:07.808-08:00Lifecycles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi083D16hT7xNmhI_X2aSE_ONg6bHps7nJDZXORnxbRwJXYwnOy5UbMJFw-tSr_Njx1CTH2nZ8ZLV80ifIyxO_9dQqSubP5FSmqYg1icEnbfmX2hnBCDITffS99Lr1h2BROrE_G4Q/s1600/LIFECYCLES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi083D16hT7xNmhI_X2aSE_ONg6bHps7nJDZXORnxbRwJXYwnOy5UbMJFw-tSr_Njx1CTH2nZ8ZLV80ifIyxO_9dQqSubP5FSmqYg1icEnbfmX2hnBCDITffS99Lr1h2BROrE_G4Q/s1600/LIFECYCLES.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://epicentercycling.com/">Epicenter Cycling</a> presents<br />
<br />
Life Cycles<br />
<br />
Thursday October 28th 2010<br />
<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=3456853996511318563">Aptos Cinema</a> 7pm<br />
<br />
Tickets are $10 at Epicenter Cycling or $12 at the door.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-50097339640372898032009-11-25T16:02:00.000-08:002009-11-25T16:05:50.051-08:00VDO MC1.0 Wired Bike Computer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raddiscount.de/images/shop/P02924_BILD1GROSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.raddiscount.de/images/shop/P02924_BILD1GROSS.jpg" width="293" /></a><br />
</div>I've had my VDO MC 1.0 for over a year now and I can without reservation heartily recommend it. It has worked flawlessly throughout the year. I'm still on my original battery and it's worked through rain and shine.<br />
<br />
I got the wired 1.0 rather than the wireless 1.0+ because of the horrible experience I had with the sigma wireless. This wired unit turns on right away when the wheel turns and I don't think I've missed a single mile the whole time I've had it.<br />
<br />
I like that it always shows the temperature, I wished it always showed the clock too, but it's not hard to get to the clock anyway. The altimeter seems to work great, agreeing with the total ascent on several of the large rides I've been on and also being consistent from day to day. The buttons to get to and set functions are very intuitive and I find it really easy to use. I like that the mount has the ability to mount on the stem or the bars and spare mounts are cheap (I have three). Be careful when ordering a mount, if you want a stem mounted one you have to make sure to get that spare mount. They also sell a spare mount that only mounts on the bars. Sadly the only place online I found that sold them was pretty lax about shipping all the parts when I ordered a mount.<br />
<br />
Even though I love it, there are of course a few things I would change. First of all, I'd add a backlight, it's a glaring omission in a computer of this price and I miss it on my night rides (I ride with bar mounted lights). I would also change the odometer menu so that it went clock, odo1, odo2, navigator, because I never use the navigator, but if you want, make the navigator come after clock, not before it. The numbers are pretty small, like I said I'd like to show the time all the time, but once you get used to the font and the display reading the numbers isn't that hard, even on a bumpy mountain bike trail. I'm also a bit bummed that I can set the odometer readings but I can't set the total altitude settings for each bike (It has settings for 2 bikes). I've run this over the altimeter counter's max twice now, when it goes over 200,000ft it ends up showing 10's of feet so it will display 250.34 when it means 250,340ft. hitting the all reset button on the back and programming in your wheel sizes, time, home altitude and odometer settings gets you back up and running. It's bit of an inconvenience but you only have to do it once or twice a year if you care.<br />
<br />
The sensor wasn't quite large enough to mount on the disk side of my mtb fork, and the magnet that came with it was kind of lame, luckily I had an old sigma one left around to use :)<br />
<br />
Cambria is currently selling the <a href="http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?ID=17502">VDO MC 1.0</a> for $100, if it was a bit cheaper I'd buy another one just so I have a spare. Or you could get it <a href="http://estore.websitepros.com/1939518/-strse-VDO-cln-VDO-MC1.0-fdsh--HC-12.6-Computers/Categories.bok">direct from the manufacturer</a> for the same price.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-28203971033878844622009-11-22T19:30:00.000-08:002009-11-22T19:30:16.722-08:00Trail Maintenance ToolsWinter storms leave lots of detritus on the trails. Here's something you could easily carry along in your camelbak to quikly open up any trails that have small to medium trees blocking them. I like to only clear out trees that stop cyclists riding through the trail. If the log is low just pile more logs next to it to make a nice trail feature. If it's high enough to duck under and keep riding then why not leave it there for extra trail riding fun.<br />
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Obviously I would never advise cutting down tress or doing any trail maintenance where that is not allowed.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31k5PynI96L._SL500_AA280_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31k5PynI96L._SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; height: 280px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Corona-Clipper-10-inch-RS-7265/dp/B001RD7LRO">Corona 10 inch folding saw</a>. I've been carrying a Corona saw around on the trails for years now. This latest one is the best by far. The 10" length lets me cut through some sizable trees and the curved blade really cuts through the wood efficiently.</div><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/315j-KtKtLL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/315j-KtKtLL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; height: 280px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a>When the log is too big for that saw above, or too many cuts would be required to affect the ride too much, I usually just end up leaving it, usually within a week, someone with more fortitude has come along and fixed things. Occasionally a log remains on a favorite lesser used trail for longer and then it's up to you to fix it. That's where a sawzall comes in handy. I've found this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/FactoryReconditionedRyobi-ZRP510-OneReciprocating/dp/B0015IXMBU">battery powered ryobi</a> unit fits perfectly in a camelbak hawg with two batteries and an obscenely long blade. I put in some cardboard too so that there weren't any lumps sticking into my back, it works surprisingly well. Here's a picture gallery of <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/thisnthatntother/20091020sawzall?authkey=Gv1sRgCIbSkYCFpfiT6wE#">how it al fits in</a>.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31DATZS5J8L._SL500_AA280_PIbundle-5,TopRight,0,0_AA280_SH20_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31DATZS5J8L._SL500_AA280_PIbundle-5,TopRight,0,0_AA280_SH20_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; height: 280px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a>These are the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RP125-12-Inch-Cutting-reciprocating-Blades/dp/B000FAPPAA">blades I want</a> to have, super long and come in a 5 pack for a pretty reasonable sum.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31H8QX77VNL._SL500_AA280_PIbundle-5,TopRight,0,0_AA280_SH20_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31H8QX77VNL._SL500_AA280_PIbundle-5,TopRight,0,0_AA280_SH20_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; height: 280px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a>These are the blades I have. They work well and they also have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skil-94100-05-Pruning-Reciprocating-Blades/dp/B000BMBPGU">The Ugly</a> written on them.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-3678217867252682142009-10-05T06:48:00.000-07:002009-10-05T06:50:23.310-07:00Social Ineptitude?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/nerd-venn-diagram-9420-1252236207-2-748956.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 375px;" src="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/nerd-venn-diagram-9420-1252236207-2-748954.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ruh Roh, perhaps we should have been the Velo Geeks instead?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-29325100458474096522009-08-27T18:15:00.000-07:002009-08-27T18:21:05.747-07:003" PVC pipe makes a great bottle holder<div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji91CVWmEAx32m-TyVnr6U3Gq7dsdnx4aWJ1cVlTRZeBw8WR2Rxqxn3SBpAISG7pbEZ4PS_fmMYalVsxf0d8yzvwXE65JoQCJD4CbI7Ai9M7OQ4J9GfBXwCqeg1G3Kfu4ZaX7B3Q/s288/IMG_9394.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji91CVWmEAx32m-TyVnr6U3Gq7dsdnx4aWJ1cVlTRZeBw8WR2Rxqxn3SBpAISG7pbEZ4PS_fmMYalVsxf0d8yzvwXE65JoQCJD4CbI7Ai9M7OQ4J9GfBXwCqeg1G3Kfu4ZaX7B3Q/s288/IMG_9394.JPG" />I drink a lot of water after a ride and my car doesn't have enough cup holders for them all. I've been keeping my bottles in the pocket behind the drivers seat but they fall over and end up dripping back there and it's a mess. I got 1ft of 3" PVC pipe and cut it into three 4" sections and hot glued them together, this stuck into the seat pocket holds water bottles perfectly. There's more pictures of this in the <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/thisnthatntother/20090824bottleholder?authkey=Gv1sRgCIypuqC0iZnLjwE#">gallery</a>. Also check out my <a href="http://velonerds.com/2009/05/camelbak-opening-tool.php">Camelbak opener</a>.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-33516128107076156332009-07-11T21:17:00.001-07:002009-07-13T16:34:48.485-07:00Second Ever: Santa Cruz Off-Road Metric Century<div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUkFZ369wjn6POd8vKDC7Q2j0pIQ1RzJopbfC3SsDb6AeMefZfHjkL8gMkP8eKLm37XdfyTkY5aU5H6NabJFnE6zhpgbP0oUiG5s7XJfXAZClWDXMvwgc_G1HiYwA1YN_Ctygmw/s288/starters.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUkFZ369wjn6POd8vKDC7Q2j0pIQ1RzJopbfC3SsDb6AeMefZfHjkL8gMkP8eKLm37XdfyTkY5aU5H6NabJFnE6zhpgbP0oUiG5s7XJfXAZClWDXMvwgc_G1HiYwA1YN_Ctygmw/s288/starters.jpg" />The second ever Santa Cruz Off-Road Metric Century was a huge success! Nicole, Alex, Bob and Dave started off around 8:10AM and 10 miles later we had already spit Nicole out of the back. She broke her 7 year old frame with a clean break on the seat tube. Luckily it had a lifetime warranty, sadly the new front triangle they're putting on will need a new shock :(<br />The rest of the ride was frickin' sweet.<br /><br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMLclEtTRqe055afxNz8kAh_UNgM96cvVLDIUU8FRMUJlIz7PKFfyHx9ewgcWz9mX2F3GCMj_f0QDMvFE6MGUjZnEBNzdwg_gaiBy3nnTT-5xTcB8FWJm0xJAvh7KpuRDTMs0NA/s288/post-crash2.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMLclEtTRqe055afxNz8kAh_UNgM96cvVLDIUU8FRMUJlIz7PKFfyHx9ewgcWz9mX2F3GCMj_f0QDMvFE6MGUjZnEBNzdwg_gaiBy3nnTT-5xTcB8FWJm0xJAvh7KpuRDTMs0NA/s288/post-crash2.jpg" />Bob crashed on the trail that everyone seems to crash on. Bob's been on some night rides with us in the past and ridden <a href="http://www.cascadecreampuff.com/">Cream Puff</a> and <a href="http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/">Leadville 100</a> and all sorts of stuff so this ride was cake for him. He was patient waiting for me on some of the climbs and as I walked up the fire road towards twin oaks. It's worth noting that after the crash he kept on riding and didn't cry or anything! Great to have you with us Bob! Jun had just crashed on the same trail 2 days before and so was unable to do the ride with us. Quite a few others were also unable to come because they were off being awesome at the Downieville Classic.<br /><br />We lost David in Wilder but found him again when we headed out for loop 3 and in a heroic effort he turned around and came with us to ride over to Bear Mountain.<br /><br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHwMqRc5TqhtdK4yGl1W4tJFjk8fJy2L_pA_HSnaZSfCDeiXqFy-YJYgA2GXGpDN-3lYVQz19h6sRIuEvmjLDaZMk6TXLmteRzUk29crBbuTZ5JdvOZxowkiP2DYdKzKVpvfl6A/s288/finishers.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHwMqRc5TqhtdK4yGl1W4tJFjk8fJy2L_pA_HSnaZSfCDeiXqFy-YJYgA2GXGpDN-3lYVQz19h6sRIuEvmjLDaZMk6TXLmteRzUk29crBbuTZ5JdvOZxowkiP2DYdKzKVpvfl6A/s288/finishers.jpg" />In the end by 9PM we did 72 miles and almost 10,000ft climbing. That's over 115Km for those keeping count which means, again, we got 15% extra free on our Metric Century! Having Jun and Char's as a base was as awesome as last year and they were great hosts with a nice spread of food and beer and sausages afterwords! Erin met us after an awesome hike and showed off her impressive blister (should'a ridden bikes!).<br /><br />A highlight for me was bumping into Karen on one of the back trails at 5:30PM around mile 55, she yelled at us, "I thought you only rode at 7:40AM", I yelled back, "I've been riding SINCE 7:40AM!"<br /><br />After the ride we all hung out, ate BBQ and since Jun and Char were moving, they had a lot of junk to get rid of, so that instantly became our traditional post ride raffle!<br /><br />More pictures in the <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/thisnthatntother/20090710scormc?authkey=Gv1sRgCLTRy8nWkqSQ1AE#">Photo Gallery</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-5371475275753053362009-05-30T20:42:00.000-07:002009-05-30T21:04:15.944-07:00Camelbak opening toolI've had a tough time opening my camelbak ever since I got a new one with a supposedly easier to open bladder. I tried putting mineral oil on the threads and that helped for about a week. Today I finally solved the problem. I present to you the camelbak opening doohicky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/IMG_8574-762123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/IMG_8574-761722.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/IMG_8576-702534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/IMG_8576-702121.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/IMG_8575-730927.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://velonerds.com/uploaded_images/IMG_8575-730387.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's just two screws in a piece of 2x1. Works awesome!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-19856112212193814622009-04-08T16:01:00.001-07:002009-04-08T16:07:16.536-07:00Boggs IVThe Velonerds were at Boggs IV this year and had a blast.<br /><br />Bob, Nicole and I all drove up and had a great day's racing. Nicole came in 1st in women's Sport and says this is the last time she's racing sport, she's moving up to expert for the next race! Bob came in 5th in EXPERT (only 5 mins from the podium)! kicking ass and breaking 3 bones in his back in the process. I still had flu but didn't come in dfl. Jessica, Dan and Birdsong were also there ripping it up and lots of our friends from Sac. and around.<br /><br />Bob's back? I hear you ask!? Here's how he describes it:<br />I hit a tree or two after overcooking a downhill turn just after cresting the last climb. I only had about 2 miles of downhill & rolling trails to finish my last lap. I was so jacked up on adrenaline, endorphins and my final bottle full of flat Pepsi that I had no idea what was going on. I'll go see a doc around here this week to see how soon I can get back on the bike. I would really like to hold onto my fitness. <br /><br />Here's the list of injuries<br /><ul><li>3 fractured spinal transverse processes (bones that come of of the vertebrae) When my muscles contracted hard to protect other parts they ended up fracturing the bone.</li><li>Sprained and bruised shoulder - rotator cuff</li><li>Rib contusion</li><li>Chest contusion with pulmonary contusion</li><li>Bruised ego</li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-9173079368896185322009-02-12T14:59:00.001-08:002009-02-12T15:01:03.533-08:00Why we wear propellers on our helmets...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.explosm.net/comics/1553/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 700px; height: 430px;" src="http://www.flashasylum.com/db/files/sdvj.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-64832809950484467132009-01-27T13:15:00.000-08:002009-02-03T13:10:38.501-08:002009 Races/RidesHere's some of the races we're planning on attending this year. Make sure to look out for us in our shirts and ties with propellers on our helmets!<br /><br />Sat March 28th 2009<br /><a href="http://www.bikemonkey.net/?page_id=57">Boggs 8 hr</a> (registration is full)<br />Sat May 2nd 2009<br /><a href="http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7261" target="_blank">Coolest 8/24</a><br />Sat May 16th 2009<br /><a href="http://www.bikemonkey.net/?page_id=1401" target="_blank">100 miles around lake Sonoma</a><br />Sat June 6th 2009<br />24 hours of adrenaline (we're not racing this one)<br />Sat June 20th 2009<br /><a href="http://www.globalbiorhythmevents.com/2009-leave-no-trace-series/2009-coolest-24-boggs-mountain/">Coolest II Boggs 8/24</a><br />Sat July 25th<br /><a href="http://www.santacruzcycling.org/scmc/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge</a> (WARNING: ROAD RIDE)<br />Sat Oct 3rd 2009<br /><a href="http://www.teambigfoot.net/">Whiskeytown 9 to 5, Whiskeytown Lake</a><br /><br />Other races that aren't scheduled yet:<br /><a href="http://velonerds.com/">The Santa Cruz Off-Road Metric Century</a> (April,July?)<br /><br />Other races we might do (mostly <a href="http://www.teambigfoot.net/">TeamBigFoot</a>):<br />12 Hours of Weaverville, Weaverville<br />12 Hours of Humboldt, Arcata<br />Clikapudi Six to Midnight, Shasta Lake<br />24 Hours of Whiskeytown , Whiskeytown LakeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-592959217269723832008-11-28T18:43:00.000-08:002008-11-28T18:54:18.252-08:00old parts suckIt all started off so easily. The old bike wouldn't shift. Turns out the shifter pod was busted, likely a teeny little spring on the pawl died. Luckily I had a spare set of shifter/brake lever combos but they were 8 speed, the bike is/was 7 speed. So I put on the levers, I changed the wheel to a new/old wheel that can take an 8 speed cassette. Then I put on a new chain too and re-threaded all the cables. Then I found out the new levers were for v-brakes and the old bike had canti's, had, now it has some left over v-brakes. In summary: a broken shifter == new shifter/levers, wheel, cassette, chain, v-brakes, brake cable. When I was all done and adjusting the chain length, I found the front shifter was also broken! but screw it, I'll fix that another day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-44165523401290305922008-11-06T14:03:00.001-08:002008-11-23T14:22:48.576-08:00Dinotte Lighting Kicks AssThere's a reason why <a href="http://www.dinottelighting.com/">Dinotte Lighting Systems</a> are quickly becoming the standard bike lights for our monthly waxing full moon night rides. Three of us have a 600L system and it's really nice to be on a ride and know that we have several spare batteries snuck into our camelbaks in case we decide to ride longer or forgot to charge our batteries. When I ordered my lights an extra battery was only another $30, a total deal. Also Dinotte sells the light units (they call them engines) separately which means you can buy one set and then have another light just by buying an engine and using your other spare batteries! A Single <a href="http://store.dinottelighting.com/Product19">600L</a> provides more than enough illumination to light the way in the deep redwood forests. The controls are really nice to quickly get to full beam and burn times are excellent. The charger is light and small and turns off when the battery is charged. The batteries are also light and small and connected with a very robust connector that is very unlikely to come loose. I like to use the helmet mount on the visor of a baseball cap when I'm working around the yard at night.<br /><br />Another reason why I really like Dinotte is that small local company service. Even though they're in New Hampshire, they ship the lights in a box that fits in a priority mail flat rate envelope. That means that you'll likely get your lights within one or two days of your order and mailing things back for service is usually less than a week to get them back! Dinotte are very quick at replying to emails and quick to try and fix any issues that come up.<br /><br />On the Halloween montebello ride I got more wet than anyone should ever have to endure. my <span class="nfakPe">dinotte</span> 600L worked great the whole ride. However after that the battery wouldn't charge and would blink red/green on the charger. I emailed <span class="nfakPe">Dinotte</span> and waited for a reply. I then tried another morning ride with a different dry battery and found my head unit was damaged such that it blinked really fast (and was NOT in blinky mode) and the lights on the back cycled left to right, including red. I got home to find a nice email from <span class="nfakPe">Dinotte</span> that they recommend I send back my battery (they didn't know about the head unit yet) and suggesting while I was at it, to just send back everything and they'd give it the once over.<br /><br />Since they ship in a box that fits in a flat rate priority envelope it was trivial to mail everything back. In 5 days I had a package from them with a whole new light head, charger and 3 brand new batteries!<br /><br />This has taught me two things:<br /><ol><li>My <span class="nfakPe">dinotte</span> batteries aren't quite as bomb proof as I thought and if it's raining I might tape over that little clip hole in the battery. I had ridden with them during rain many times but now I'll be a little extra careful.<span class="nfakPe"></span></li><li><span class="nfakPe">Dinotte</span> will look after you (above and beyond) if you ever have any problem with their system.</li></ol>I highly recommend Dinotte lights!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-48420284438768419122008-11-06T13:48:00.000-08:002008-11-06T13:53:32.299-08:00Bike Nashbar rulesI figure I should offset some of the negativity coming up in the following posts with some positive news. So I'm going to highlight a company which I think has really stepped up and helped me out and give them praise and encourage you to give them your business. <a href="http://www.nashbar.com/">Bike Nashbar</a> recently accepted a return of a 2 month old heavily used Sigma BC 2006 MHR bike computer. I bought it from them, found it sucked, worked with the manufacturer but couldn't get an acceptable resolution so sent it back to Nashbar who gave me my money back. I had already ordered a replacement 'puter from them so that all worked out well. I got a VDO MC1.0 (wired) which is working very nicely, I'll post full reviews sometime soon. Thanks Bike Nashbar, you've earned my business for a very long time to come!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-65204913867681520682008-10-28T18:37:00.000-07:002008-11-09T13:33:20.014-08:00Sigma 2006 MHR - do not buy<div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX_dk4SD2Kv_OndiGeX2EdeUGWrE7it8Nm-UL5fzqWsxQG6dJdQ17Q8w2wiIPMuO5aB1a9D43aQ063BeR2yMYT8PoNVTK9NlRJ8Es2lYkulkpyoTm0S0IlDW8NptGbPn8PsfHRQ/s288/IMG_5527.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX_dk4SD2Kv_OndiGeX2EdeUGWrE7it8Nm-UL5fzqWsxQG6dJdQ17Q8w2wiIPMuO5aB1a9D43aQ063BeR2yMYT8PoNVTK9NlRJ8Es2lYkulkpyoTm0S0IlDW8NptGbPn8PsfHRQ/s288/IMG_5527.JPG" />I try pretty hard to stay positive and only post negative posts about epic fails like <a href="http://velonerds.com/2006/11/race-face-isis-turbine-lp-cranks.php">Race Face's sucky product failures</a> and sucky customer service. But I'm afraid I have to post a negative post about the Sigma BC 2006 MHR bike computer. I got one because Erin had one and she loved it and it had all the features I wanted and then some. I'd had trouble with wired bike computers in the past, seems the connectors on the mount just end up getting dirty. Using a pencil eraser on them, or contact cleaner would sometimes help but eventually the problem came back. My trusty Specialized Team Wireless bike computer was pretty awesome, as long as I remembered to push a button to make it start looking at the start of a ride. It also showed the time all the time which I really liked. But I was missing altitude and also temperature which is some data I really wanted to start collecting. The Sigma bc2006mhr had it all and I installed it right away.<br /><br />Before I get into some of the details of this bike computer I'll outline the one flaw that makes me want to yell and scream and insist that you not buy it. The computer will easily get itself into a state where it looks normal but will not register the wheel rotating. You might not notice this and lose a lot of riding data. What's worse is that the only way to get it to look foryour wheel again is to take it out of the mount for 10 seconds and put it back in (or press and hold a bunch of buttons for a 30 second process). This is inexcusable, dangerous and incredibly frustrating. If you're looking for similar functionality I've had great luck with a VDO MC1.0 wired bike computer. A review of that is coming up soon.<br /><br />How does the sigma lock up? It has a bump sensor which is slick, if the bike is moved it starts looking for a wheel and counting distance. This is a really awesome idea with an awful implementaion. If it doesn't find a wheel in 2 minutes it gives up (to save on battery life). However the unit needs 5 minutes of no bumping to go to sleep properly. during the 3 minutes between when it stops looking and the 5 minutes to sleep, if you bump it, it stays in this state of retardedness where it's not looking for anything. The only way to make it look again is to take it out of the mount or go into settings menu and then out of settings menu. This is dangerous when you're riding down the trail.<br /><br />You might think that's not a big deal, you might imagine that you rarely enter this limbo time period during normal riding, but I hit it so often that it drove me crazy. My bike on the roof of the car would put it into this stuck state. Stopping on a trail and chatting with my friends would cause it to lock up.<br /><br />I worked with Sigma support on this for 6 weeks, they sent me a new (refurbished) unit which had the same problems (and a nearly flat battery when the one I sent them was with a brand new battery!). In the end they said this is how it's designed to be and that I should just try and sell it. They were in a tough spot since I hadn't bought it from them, so they couldn't offer me my money back. They did offer me a generous credit towards other sigma products but I was pretty soured on them by this and just wanted my money back. In the end I mailed the used unit (with no box) back to Bike Nashbar and they were awesome and gave me my money back. I'd already ordered a replacement unit, the VDO MC1.0 which has been working great.<br /><br />Here's some other complaints I have about the unit:<br /><ul><li>The mount has contacts on it even though the unit is wireless. This has me worried that if the contacts on the bottom of the mount start getting flaky will the computer just stop working. All the drawbacks of wireless and a wired computer.</li><li>Resetting trip takes a long time. You have to hold the button until it resets just the distance (or whatever's showing) and then wait until it resets all and then stops flashing. Takes quite a while, especially if you're riding along the trail at the time.</li><li>It has 4 buttons, but only 2 really move between the data you want to see, which means to get to trip altitude or the temperature it's 4 or so presses of the button.</li><li>The heart rate monitor display is always there, even if you have it turned off. If the hear rate monitor is of, why not use those digits to show the current time or something useful. or just blank, rather than a distracting OFF.</li></ul>There were a few things I liked about it, until it let me down so badly.<br /><ul><li>Really nice settings. It was really easy to setup. Sometimes the use of buttons wasn't quite uniform, sometimes the bottom right button would toggle an option, other times it would move between digits, but generally it was easy to do.</li><li>Nice clear display. The display was big and very easy to read. The backlight was good with a full battery but often using the backlight would cause the display to show zero</li><li>With a second wheel kit you can seamlessly move between bikes, just move the head unit and you're done. The second wheel kits transmits that it's the 2nd bike and everything just works. No need to remember to switch between wheel sizes.</li></ul>None of thse benefits outweigh the fact it might just lock up on you and stop recording your trip info.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715252.post-83624531615943371452008-10-20T01:19:00.000-07:002008-10-22T10:57:04.683-07:00Circumnavigating Mt. Hood by Mountain BikeA report from Jun:<br /><br />As we bulleted through a rainstorm on our 12 hour drive to Oregon, the bikes were washed clean of the dust, parasites, and spores from our familiar NorCal rides. No non-native species introduced by us! We may have had some concern about whether or not we’d have weather or not, but for the next 4 days, my mind would be likewise swept clean of most preconceptions about what this trip would be like. Too many roads? Too little singletrack? Way too much climbing with big packs on our backs? Backcountry haunts in hillbilly mountain glens, and us in goofy spandex? Would we get lost like others before us, lamenting their missed turns and botched directions in articles? Pure chance encounter reintroduced us to young Blaise Hamel, young MTB phenom, formerly of Santa Cruz, with his new girlfriend in a brewhouse near the Oregon border. Nothing to make me feel older than that young face looking at me sadly as he took his measure of our intent. Rolling into Portland at 1:30 AM, we drowned the last of our doubts in good local draft beers and a fine selection from Matt’s (San Luis Obispo expat and friend of Dylan’s) extremely impressive computerized wine vault, falling asleep to the last frames of a freeride video from SLO.<br /><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVo3m86ldI/AAAAAAAAJ3I/bZd-L3ilUjU/s288/IMG_4088.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVo3m86ldI/AAAAAAAAJ3I/bZd-L3ilUjU/s288/IMG_4088.JPG" />Late rising and the requisite coffee-mongering at one of a bazillion cafes in Portland got us to the tiny town of Hood River past noon. Hasty map purchasing and burrito purchases got us rolling within the hour, almost 27 miles and 6000 feet ahead of us before the sunset. 2.5 miles in, I thought we’d lost Dylan. As we buzzed along a paved historic trail closed to vehicular traffic, he invented an alternate route behind a white fence --there probably to prevent people from accidentally falling down the cliff behind it – caught his handlebar and went over the bars, almost disappearing down the slope. He was up and riding again in no time and we were all appropriately cowed by the experience.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVo5Bv006I/AAAAAAAAJ3k/0skKoufHu6w/s288/P1030229.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVo5Bv006I/AAAAAAAAJ3k/0skKoufHu6w/s288/P1030229.JPG" />The views all along the historic bike path and into the next town were gorgeous – literally, the Columbia River Gorge is where kitesurfing was born – and we were grateful to shift into granny gears for the first, brutal, endless climb into the foothills towards Mt. Hood. Brief burrito breaks later, we were at the option to take singletrack in to the hut, rather than continue on roads and we took it. Or rather, it took us. Descents were short, when faced with extremely technical climbing sections over and over again.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpJ7Z1K9I/AAAAAAAAJ6o/DD1hXTOi4yU/s288/P1030260.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpJ7Z1K9I/AAAAAAAAJ6o/DD1hXTOi4yU/s288/P1030260.JPG" /> At the end of our day, this roller coaster of tight singletrack, rock gardens, and nose-of-the-saddle climbs was punishing, to say the least. Dave needed more burrito power, so stopped just short of the Surveyor’s Ridge Hut to feast and recoup energy. Our first views of Mt. Hood were rewarding and reminded us, as we looked out over the grand view, that we had a lot of terrain to cover in the next 4 days to get all the way around that beast!<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpd9iQ6qI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/KlXx_hFrWD4/s288/P1030279.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpd9iQ6qI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/KlXx_hFrWD4/s288/P1030279.JPG" />Our first night in the huts, we were rewarded with a cooler full of beer, wine, and food by the armload in the cabinets. We figured out the routine we’d use all three nights in the identical huts, cooked, drank, belched, and collapsed into deep sleep.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpedCWxZI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/zr1d6508DGo/s288/P1030281.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpedCWxZI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/zr1d6508DGo/s288/P1030281.JPG" />Nights got really cold, with all of us layering up multiple sleeping bags from the empty bunks (eight per cabin, with only us three inside). Come morning, none of us wanted to get up and make the pancakes, but strong coffee (“it IS the pacific northwest” the literature said) and Dylan’s secret oatmeal hotcakes recipe got us on the move again.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpqD32W2I/AAAAAAAAJ_k/wBhbFcsevSk/s288/P1030303.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpqD32W2I/AAAAAAAAJ_k/wBhbFcsevSk/s288/P1030303.JPG" />This time, the ride began with long stretches of singletrack along the previous day’s Surveyor’s Ridge, then connected with Gunsight Ridge. At times, it was flowy, at times rough and rocky, and always challenging and fun. It was almost like getting two singletrack rides in during the morning (10-13 miles each) having a lunch break, then finishing up with a gentler double track ride along the historic Oregon Trail.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpron3VVI/AAAAAAAAKAI/thg3E4lJp5U/s288/P1030314.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpron3VVI/AAAAAAAAKAI/thg3E4lJp5U/s288/P1030314.JPG" />Each time we got out of the trees along the ridgeline, we were rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Hood, always with the implicit challenge of a vista that included our entire route around it. By day’s end, we’d done about 4500 feet of climbing, 5300 feet of descent, and 36 miles of distance before beating the sun just barely to the Barlow Hut.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpMt49YiI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/gxcRo2uNfDc/s288/P1030266.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpMt49YiI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/gxcRo2uNfDc/s288/P1030266.JPG" />Dylan’s crank brothers pedal (candy) self-destructed just before we got to the Barlow Hut (his third pair, what crap!), so we skipped a singletrack option in the morning to ride to the small mountain town of Government Camp and track down a replacement pedal. After doing laps back and forth around the small town, looking for an open bike shop, we rolled out without a pedal – despite looking through a glass window at exactly what Dylan needed with no one to unlock and sell. We certainly did not come away empty-handed, as we had lots of good will from the townsfolk, warmth from their fireplace, and hot pastrami and lattes in our stomachs.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpsV7cb5I/AAAAAAAAKAU/g-P1q-hide4/s288/P1030316.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpsV7cb5I/AAAAAAAAKAU/g-P1q-hide4/s288/P1030316.JPG" />Along our way, we were flying down some tight singletrack when I saw the beams of a wooden trestle-like construction ahead. “Sweet! Feature coming up!” I shouted as I accelerated a little towards it, only to find that it was actually a collapsed trail bridge. Too late, rode down it – said many quiet thanks to whomever put a little boulder in the middle of the break – and kept barely enough momentum to ride up the other side. Dave followed closely and we exchanged VERY nervous/relieved laughs on the other side. That could have gone very differently.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqSiTk6LI/AAAAAAAAKH0/BgrmpPblQ6U/s288/P1030395.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqSiTk6LI/AAAAAAAAKH0/BgrmpPblQ6U/s288/P1030395.JPG" />We still had 5000 feet of climbing to do (after our 4700 feet of descent) and 26 of our day’s 43 miles to ride. People we’d talked to in Government Camp were very polite to not laugh when we told them where we were headed that night (Lolo Pass), and kind enough to relate stories of the many dead on Mt. Hood each season from the radically changing weather conditions.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpvCxF2bI/AAAAAAAAKBI/Tv7ryltXMM8/s288/P1030333.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpvCxF2bI/AAAAAAAAKBI/Tv7ryltXMM8/s288/P1030333.JPG" />That aspect was soon forgotten as we hooked up another historic trail section (Pioneer Bridle Path) to the old Oregon Trail again, via smooth, flowy singletrack snaking along contour through green moss-covered forest hillside. Flavors of El Chupacabra, mixed with 420 lingered on the palate as we carved along.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpt-U4EoI/AAAAAAAAKAw/T_YGRuvEmQw/s288/P1030319.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpt-U4EoI/AAAAAAAAKAw/T_YGRuvEmQw/s288/P1030319.JPG" />I broke the flow to look down an historic mine shaft and instant karma got me as I managed to step off my bike funny and turn my ankle. No biggie, barely even felt it. Wouldn’t have meant anything at all had I not 7 million more pedal revolutions before we stopped riding. And 7 million more the next day. Whoops. Well, isn’t that why we were carrying whiskey and ibuprofen all that way? The riding continued to be really good, lots of well-maintained singletrack, with logging crews clearing falls across the trails for us, even stopping their sawyering for a moment as we rode by.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqUTZU7MI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/oCjvNDj3NfE/s288/P1030398.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqUTZU7MI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/oCjvNDj3NfE/s288/P1030398.JPG" />Dave and Dylan, on their big travel bikes with 2.5 inch tires, badgered me for my constant flicking of my old Blur on high-speed descents. I argued that I was merely trying to avoid pinch flats in my tiny tires from my 210 lb rider weight + pack by dodging big or sharp rocks that were in otherwise clean lines. Yeah, it probably looked pretty dodgy alright, I’ll admit, but on whose tire was I patching up a pinch flat after a particularly nasty rock garden a few miles later? Not mine! (errr, that’s a good thing too, as I forgot the majority of my flat fix kit in the car when I had to remove it to fit Dave’s rack…. eheh.)<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqVioyyEI/AAAAAAAAKIc/T6U27lJPrSA/s288/P1030401.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqVioyyEI/AAAAAAAAKIc/T6U27lJPrSA/s288/P1030401.JPG" />As we finished out our contour singletrack romp along the valley, we began needing to more frequently confront the damage we were doing. Dave’s knee was going bad, my ankle was catching up to me, and Dylan still had hand pain from his first day’s adventure. All three bikes were having consistent pressure loss in the rear shocks, not to mention crying out for lube on drivetrains. Good thing we brought a shock pump and lube, but Dave’s Enduro was left with only a quarter inch of travel for the rest of the trip. The ride was definitely taking a toll on bikes and bodies, quite unlike that taken by the historic toll gate we crossed through at the end of the singletrack for the day.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpzweZbgI/AAAAAAAAKCE/3jlDi2BlxLk/s288/P1030342.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVpzweZbgI/AAAAAAAAKCE/3jlDi2BlxLk/s288/P1030342.JPG" />Our final climb to Lolo Pass lead us higher and higher towards the snow line. Layers went on over layers as we climbed up some unmerciful ascents towards our last hut. Snow was patchy at first, then everywhere and it was fun to leave knobbie prints in it as we rolled on, ever upwards.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVp79rDDWI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/UkFKQugt-Nc/s288/P1030349.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVp79rDDWI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/UkFKQugt-Nc/s288/P1030349.JPG" />Rock gardens and ridgeline singletrack became less of a treat as we neared exhaustion – our perspective about roads had definitely been changing as a result – but we still enjoyed the luscious views of our constant companion, Mt. Hood.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqBXcMjyI/AAAAAAAAKEA/84Sr88Uc97E/s288/P1030354.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqBXcMjyI/AAAAAAAAKEA/84Sr88Uc97E/s288/P1030354.JPG" /><br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqcfPvesI/AAAAAAAAKKI/2-EMdhJknxE/s288/P1030415.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqcfPvesI/AAAAAAAAKKI/2-EMdhJknxE/s288/P1030415.JPG" />We rolled up to the final hut and took in the amazing 360 degree view around it with mouthfuls of cold beer and, later that night, (surprisingly nice quality) tequila found in the supply cupboard.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqgFzyqoI/AAAAAAAAKLU/AWV2eDE2V4s/s288/P1030426.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqgFzyqoI/AAAAAAAAKLU/AWV2eDE2V4s/s288/P1030426.JPG" />Our last day, we decided to forgo the extra 20+ miles of singletrack option to get a head start on our drive back to the Bay Area. We enjoyed our 5300 foot descent over 34 miles, taking in the sights and tucking into our high speed descents. But the scant 1900 foot climb used up the last of my ankle and Dave’s knee. As we got farther out of the mountains and closer to the Columbia River, we entered a valley full of orchards, ripe fruits spilling from their branches and into the road ditches.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqjxZBwyI/AAAAAAAAKMc/FBkJsvuy28M/s288/P1030437.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqjxZBwyI/AAAAAAAAKMc/FBkJsvuy28M/s288/P1030437.JPG" />We stopped to sample at a roadside stand and were treated to such delicious apples, we brought some home for loved ones. The gal who sold them to us was an endurance mountain bike racer who regaled Dave and Dylan with her own experiences at 24 Hours of Moab, which they also raced. We rolled into Hood River at last, eating the best damn burgers and beer on the deck of a local establishment, looking out over the river. Perfect end to a great trip.<br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" alt="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqefrXxyI/AAAAAAAAKKw/T1dhQCr6lGY/s288/P1030419.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/dave.cohen/SPVqefrXxyI/AAAAAAAAKKw/T1dhQCr6lGY/s288/P1030419.JPG" />So much goes unrelated here, the fall colors exploding out of the lush green overexposure of deep forest like fireworks, the waterfalls everywhere, the late night strategy sessions with headlamps pouring over map details, the velvet happiness of brandy in our hot chocolate every night, the little jumps and features found like candy on the trail, and so much more. Would I do it again? You bet -- maybe some modifications to add singletrack here, less snow there -- but without hesitation. If you’re reading this, you should go!<br /><br />There's a few more pictures in <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/dave.cohen/CascadeHuts#">Dave's Album</a>.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com