This year was not one of my best years for riding. I've struggled with some injuries and been a little depressed about it. I did so much riding last year and I felt really good coming into winter. Here it is October and I'm feel sadly out of condition. I realize that I commute to work most days which I fail to count as riding. I always think it's only 6 miles and most of that is flat but seriously most people can't even ride 6 miles so I really need to start giving myself credit for it. But that's not what I'm here about tonight. I'm writing tonight because I've decided I'm going to work hard at commuting to work through the winter.
One of my long time dreams is to do a super long distance ride, something like the Underground Railroad or the Ride across America. In order for me to do that I need to spend time in the saddle and outfit myself with the proper gear. I also need to learn what to bring, how to survive out on the road and how to fix a broken bike. Well, I'm pretty handy, when I took the entrance exam to join the military they said I was "mechanically inclined" and tried hard to recruit me. If they had let me fly airplanes and blow things up I probably would have joined, but that's another story. Anyway, I've been reading a lot lately about commuting, touring and bikes.
I believe the bikes I have now will work fine for my immediate needs however I think I need a few more accessories for my bike. The first thing being a new headlight. My favorite headlight was on my mountain bike that was stolen this summer. I've been looking at a lot of lights and I think I would really like one of those lights with the generator, I mean it's gotta be more environmentally friendly than batteries, right?!? I remember when I was a kid, my big brother had one of those lights on his bike and I thought it was soooo cool. I need to get to the bike store and actually take a look at one before I decide. Checking products out on the Internet only goes so far, I'm a hands on kinda person. I need to open the box and look at what I'm buying.
The second thing I need is different pedals which is no big deal, I've taken the pedals off my Terry and will put them on my Specialized. However when I removed the pedals from the Terry I noticed that the rubber washer thingy needs to be replaced so I need to get to the bike store and buy one before I put those pedals on my Specialized. With these pedals I can either clip in or use regular street shoes and I'm thinking on a cold blustery Minnesota morning I'm not going to want to be wearing bike shoes. A big 'ole pair of mukluks will be nice.
As for clothing I think I'm going to have to learn as I go along. I know dressing in layers is going to be my best bet. I have a locker at work and I'm thinking it would be a good idea to keep a change of clothes in there, at least dry pants, a shirt and socks. Maybe I'll toss in a raincoat as well, you never know in Minnesota.
I'm also going to invest in new racks for my Specialized, I wasn't going to do it but I'm tired of carrying a bag on my back and I think having a rack in the back I can just strap my lunch bag to it and not have to worry about anything. I have fenders from my old Bianci hybrid and I'm going to see if they will fit on the Specialized as well; that should help limit the splash back and save me some discomfort.
Tires are another issue, I've started reading about what everyone else is doing but it seems it all depends on your personal preference and where you are riding. For now I'm going to see how well my Armadillo Nimbus 700c x 28's work. I'm sure I'm going to needs something a little knobbier but they should be OK for now. I will for sure get to the bike store and have something in the basement ready to go so that when the snow starts flying I'll be ready.
I'm also going to spend lots of time reading about touring bikes! And taking them for test rides. I already have several on my list to check out. Hmmm, sounds like a need a trip to the bike shop; what a perfect thing to do on a Monday night. Now I know what I'm doing tomorrow and with that I shall sign off.
