Cross Training??

OK, I have to admit I have been a little remiss about my riding.  Only little bits here and there so far.  Last night I did a little cross training, if you can call it that.  My wife and I started dance lessons.  Wow, dancing uses muscles I didn't know I had.  Have to get to the gym to be more ready for both cycling and dancing!

Chris

Tour de Cure Update

Thank you to my brother for making a nice donation!!  Now I have $136 towards my $400+ goal.

Thanks!  Chris

Biking

I did get in a little cycling yesterday.  The new shorts helped with the pain in the bum.  Though I think I need to ride some place less hilly than my neighborhood.  I realize one of the problems with the comfort bike is that you can't really stand in the saddle when climbing a hill to get that extra power.  That almost seems harder than a regular road or mountain bike, hmmm.  But definitely better gearing.

Chris

Mercian Vincitore Touring Bike

Here are some pics of my Mercian Vincitore Touring bike.  Will ride my comfort bike for now, but plan to ride this bike again after losing a chunk of the weight I need to lose.  Take a look at the intricate hand cut lugs that are a hallmark of the Vincitore.  This bike was built in 1980.

Check out their current website, they still make the Vincitore among other models, but it is still the most artistic.  Mercian Bicycles website

Green Bicycle Lubricants

I have been trying to be more sustainable or "green" in my life.  We have have replacing light bulbs with LED, eating organic and buying more natural products.  I even use a natural deodorant, which I believe really does work better than the Speed Stick I was using.  I clean and lube my guns with a food based, non-toxic and biodegradable lube as well.  So, I was thinking, there must be "green" bicycle lubes, right?

Well that was easy!  Just took a look at REI.com in their cycling section.  I found a number of "green" bio-degradable lubricants, grease, and cleaners.  I used to use Pedros when I was cycling in the past and see they have a full lineup of lubes, bio grease, and degreasers.

If anyone has a recommendation for a line of green bicycle lubes, I would be interested in hearing about them.

Thanks - Chris

Biking Shorts

Since the seat on my bike is a pain in the ass despite being pretty cushy, I went to Performance Bike today and purchased a pair of bike shorts on sale.  They even had a pair big enough to fit my big ass.  There was a time when I said I would never buy shorts with gel in them, however that is what I got for maximum comfort.  I have been told if you use gel, you never get used to riding and always have to use the gel to be comfortable.  We'll see, though since I am losing weight, I can always go for the regular chamois/foam like I used to use.  And fear not those who will be riding behind me, for I purchased some cargo shorts on sale at Fred Meyer to go over the Lycra bike shorts.  Trust me, no body wants to see my ass in Lycra!!  And the best part, the shorts were a size smaller than I normally where.  I am going to assume its because I am smaller and not because they run smaller. ;)   

Also, we a have been trying to get my eight year old daughter to ride her bike.  She is afraid she is going to fall and get hurt.  Decided to get some training wheels to get her on the bike and hopefully lose her fear, so we can take them off again.  I would like to ride with her as well as Jennifer (my wife).

Chris

Tour de Cure: Support the American Diabetes Association

I have signed up for Tour de Cure which supports the American Diabetes Association.  Both my dad and brother have type 2 Diabetes.  Please support the American Diabetes Association to help find a cure.

The ride takes place on May 11th and has multiple lengths.  I have only committed to the the shorter 15 mile route, but if my fitness level builds enough by then, I may go for the 25 mile route.  Regardless of the length, it is a good cause.

My goal is low at $400, but would love to exceed the goal.  If you would like to make a donation, please follow this link to credit the donation to my fundraising efforts:

http://main.diabetes.org/goto/ChrisAndress

Thanks!!