I have not written in a while. I am back at the MBA program after taking the winter quarter off and its been a little hectic for me. I have been riding some, but mostly shorter rides in the neighbor hood and and around town. So I really have not had any rides that I felt were too interesting to write about. Next weekend I will ride the Tour de Cure for Diabetes, so I will definitely do a write up after that. I will be doing the shortest route, which is 15 miles, but I hope to build up to 50 miles by this fall. My plan is to ride every day don't have class, even if it is for just a little ride from my house. Something to keep my legs moving, burn some fat hopefully, and give me some time to reflect on my day. I'll throw in some longer rides on the weekend.
So far, I have enjoyed the experience and have learned a few things. One, I really don't like the comfort bike I purchased. It's main advantage is its upright position and the fact that it is getting me riding, but I have realized a few things. I like to get up out of the saddle to climb hills. The way the comfort bike is design, you really cannot do that. Grinding up a hill while seated is a pleasant experience. I have ridden my son's mountain bike and like that better. I may rid it more or get my old Bridgestone up and running. The second thing I found I don't like is are shocks. Really, I don't think you need shocks for road riding ever, but I just don't like them. Now, I realize it may be partly due to my weight. If I was at my goal weight, which is about 75 pounds lighter than I am now, then maybe I would enjoy shocks better. Or maybe better quality shocks?? I don't like the ones on my comfort bike or my son's mountain bike. Again, I will have to get my Bridgestone up and running, since it has no shocks and always worked well for me. Unfortunately the rear rim is beyond worn out, so I need to replace it. I can do a lot of my own work on bikes, but building wheels is not one of them.
After I lose another 25 pounds, I may try my trusty old Mercian touring bike. I just don't want it to break underneath me. I also need to add a stem that raises up higher. It has the opposite issue from my comfort bike, as it is set up like a racing bike. The handle bars are several inches below the seat. I think one to two inches above the seat will get me into a better riding position. The other issue is it has skinny tires, and since I have narrow Campagnolo rims, it is not just a matter of getting larger diameter tires. I do have another set of 27 inch wheels without a bike. I may take it apart and have a local shop build up my vintage Campy hubs with some nice rims that can take a 35-38mm tire. That will add a little bit of extra comfort. Maybe a triple crank as well...
Well I am just babbling now. Until next time, keep pedaling!!
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