Stuff

Yesterday evening I did some mountain bike riding with a friend at Harmon Park; it was a fun time. I'm going to try to ride there at least once a week, to improve my MT biking skills. It's easy to get to and I know the trails well enough that I'm confident that I wont get lost. Plus it's big enough if I ride both the short trail and long trail twice I'll get in about 10 miles of riding.

Ticks! Yikes! I do NOT like bugs and I seriously do NOT like ticks! I pulled 5 ticks off last night after riding at Harmon Park. So I spent some time today reading about how to repel ticks. Check out this site for more information: How to repel ticks on humans
I'm going with the DEET to spray on my shoes, sox, helmet, gloves, clothes etc. and I'm going to try the mixture of eucalyptus oil and sunscreen on my skin.

I went on a 24 mile casual ride with friends this morning, it was a fantastic day for a ride. I had only planned on a 20 mile ride but when the group split up and I was heading home a fellow cyclist caught up with me and we rode together for a spell. He noticed my MS Veterans jersey and wanted to know if I was riding the MS tram this year. We chatted for a bit and I missed my turn off so I had to go to plan B to get home. It was fun chatting with him and it gave me a few extra miles.

I spent some wonderful time in the lawn chair this evening reading an Adventure cycling magazine, now I'm dreaming about my first tour. I'm planning a short tour to a local State Park. Last Wednesday I went to William O'Brien State Park to visit with some friends who were staying there. As we drove up from Stillwater to the park I kept thinking about what a great ride it would be. I have a few more items I need to get before I can tour but I'm hoping by the end of June I'll have it all together and can try my first overnight camping tour!

That's all for now, happy trails...

Holiday riding.

My pal Kathy was in town from San Diego for the week and we were able to get in some fun riding.

First ride was an in town cruise around Lake Phalen, Round Lake and along the Gateway trail...

Wednesday evening we spent some time around the campfire


stacking stones

Thursday morning we got together with the rest of the Hill clan and did some mountain biking at Battle Creek

I had a fantastic week of friends and riding :)

Oops! our first ride was not around Phalen Lake, Round Lake and along the Gateway trail. Our first ride was on Sunday in Hugo. We had a nice ride from Hugo to Forest Lake on the Hardwood Creek Trail. That's the day we ran into swarms of Dragonflies.

Tomorrow I'm off to explore Salem Hills or Harmon Park whatever you want to call it.

I'm really looking forward to more mountain biking this year. That pulled hamstring really messed up my riding last summer. This morning I felt like I had never ridden in the dirt before.

pedal pedal pedal...

Rush Hour in the Netherlands...

What a great day for a bike ride. I'm thinking because it was the fishing opener this weekend it really helped with low traffic. I left the house about 0825 and cruise to downtown St. Paul. It's been a long time since I've pedaled through downtown, I ride there every morning to go to work but I don't see much at 0530 so it was fun to pedal through the heart of downtown. I caught West 7th street and rode it to Smith St. where I caught the High Bridge over the mighty Mississippi. I followed Smith until It turned onto Dodd Road then it was smooth sailing into Eagan. The ride took me 1:06 hours and was 14.73 miles. My average speed was 13.3 MPH. Not bad considering the climbing on Smith St. The High Bridge wasn't bad and you think once you get to the top it's all over but NO, you still have a couple more miles of climbing.

My route home was the best! I went north on Lexington to Lone Oak then turned West, I stopped at a coffee shop for a panini and some vitamin water. Then I headed North on Pilot Knob until I was able to catch the bike trail just before Interstate 494. Once on the bike trail it was a piece of cake. There were quite a few people on the trail and as I got into Mendota I found myself crossing a finish line and a whole lot of people were walking with numbers on their backs so there was something going on. After Mendota the pedestrian traffic went down but there were still quite a lot of people out on bikes. I followed the trail until I reached Harriet Island in St. Paul then I jumped onto Water street and took that to Robert St. I encountered a lot of road construction on 4th St. I was surprised by this I didn't expect them to be working on a Saturday. Add the Farmers Market to the road construction and my ride through downtown was really slow. Once I got out of that area I caught the Bruce Vento trail and followed that back home. My ride home took 1:19 hours and was 16.49 miles, I averaged 12.3 mph. I think the ride home was slower because of the traffic on the trail and the congestion downtown. Plus I tend to ride slower on a bike trail. It sure was a lot easier and much more scenic than the ride to Eagan.

We're Moving!

My job is moving to Eagan this Fall and I've been trying to find a route to the new building. This is going to suck, as it is now I pedal about 5 miles to get to work and my ride home can be up to 10 miles when I feel like taking the scenic route. Anyway, the new building is going to be anywhere from 14.5 to 16 miles one way!

The weather is supposed to be gorgeous today so I've decided this is the day to do a test ride to the new building. Here's the route I'm taking to get there and I'm going to try a different route home in order to compare the two. I haven't decided on the home route, I'll do that when I ride.

Home to Eagan:

Things To Do Before Each Ride

Can you tell it's been raining in Minnesota, when it rains I write about riding instead of riding. Not that I can't ride in the rain I'll do it when I have to but....OK, I'll admit it; I don't like to ride in the rain. There I said it! So with no further ado... things to do before each ride:

• Pump air into your tires before each ride, well that's if your tires need air. I always let a little air out of my tires after each ride so I always need to add air before each ride. I don't know why I started letting air out of my tires after riding but I do it every time so I guess it's just my thing. Anyway, find the manufacturer's recommended pressure by reading the PSI on the side of your tires. Don't inflate a tire beyond it's recommended tire pressure. And do NOT use the air thing at the gas station! Seriously, you take a chance of blowing your tire if you do. A hand pump works great. Invest in one.
  

• Inspect your tires for any deep cuts or cracks and wear. When tires are worn and thin they are more susceptible to flats. Always carry a new spare tube, patch kit, tire changing tools and pump. I carry the CO2 cartridges, remember if you have Presta valves you need to also carry an adapter.

• Check that your riding position is comfortable and that your leg is almost fully extended when pedaling. Check that your saddle is level and aligned with frame and that your saddle adjustment clamp and seat post clamp are tight. A small tilt up or down on your saddle can make a big difference on how comfortable you are. On long rides I will sometimes change my saddle position a little about halfway through the ride.
  

• Lubricate your chain and derailleurs after every 40 miles of riding. Make sure all components are clean and free of lube buildup before lubricating. Lubricate your cables at cable stops. Don't forget to lubricate the pulleys on your back derailleur, they are the little sprockety things. I can tell you from experience if they dry out you will be listening to a nasty squeaking throughout your ride.
  

• Check wheel alignment by picking up one end of the bike and spinning the wheel. Make sure the wheel spins true without any wobble or brake drag. This is especially important if you have just put your wheel back on after transporting it using your car. Also check spoke tension making sure they are tight. Check the quick release levers to make sure they are tight.

• Always test your brakes by squeezing the brake levers to see if they engage properly. This is easily overlooked if you have just put your front tire on after transporting your bike via your car. Inspect the pads for wear and check the brake release levers to make sure they are engaged.
  

• Always wear a properly fitted bike helmet. Bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated during a ride. Dehydration can cause leg cramps and fatigue.

That's all I got for you tonight. The weather forecast looks good so hopefully my next post will actually be about me riding my bike :)

Namaste

Passing a Bicycle

I was reading an article on the laws governing a vehicle passing a bicyclist and this lead me to think about the laws in Minnesota. I haven't read a Minnesota Driver's Manual for quite some time; I can tell you it makes for some interesting reading... Anyway here's the section on bicycles:

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
Bicycles are legal vehicles on Minnesota roads and they share the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles. Bicycle lanes are designed to separate bicycle traffic from normal vehicle traffic. It is illegal to drive in these lanes except to enter or leave the road or to prepare for a turn. Before crossing a bicycle lane, make sure it is safe to do so. Yield the right-of-way to approaching bicyclists. When the bicycle lane is clear, signal your intention to turn and then move into the bicycle lane before making the turn. Use caution when passing a bicyclist. When passing, the law requires at least three feet between the side of your car and the bicyclist. Watch for bicycle traffic at night. It is legal for bicyclists to ride at night but they are required by law to be equipped with legal lights
and reflectors.

Bicycle Laws
Bicycle riders are required to obey all traffic laws.

• Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic not against it.

• Bicyclists must signal all turns and obey all traffic control signs signals and devices.

• Bicyclists use the same hand and arm signals as other drivers use but they may also    hold their right arm straight out to indicate a right turn.

• Bicyclists should travel just to the right of faster moving traffic. However, certain    hazards such as rough surfaces, debris, drainage grates or a narrow traffic lane may    require bicyclists to move toward the center of the lane. Bicyclists may also move out in the lane when passing another vehicle or when making a left turn.

• Bicyclists are allowed to ride two abreast. On a laned road, they must ride within a single lane.

• Bicyclists are not allowed to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.

• Bicyclists are encouraged to wear helmets.

When riding a bicycle on a sidewalk, or across a roadway on a crosswalk, yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. You may not ride a bicycle on a sidewalk within a business district, unless permitted by local authorities. Local authorities may also prohibit bicyclists from riding on any sidewalk or crosswalk. Bicyclists operating a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk have all the rights and duties of pedestrians. Bicyclists can be difficult to spot in traffic. Watch for them in intersections, on sidewalks, and when you enter or leave alleys and driveways.

Motorized Bicycles
A “motorized bicycle” is defined by its speed capacity; it is capable of traveling at speeds of 30 mph or less. Rules that apply to bicycle riding generally apply to motorized bicycles. Motorized bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks, freeways, or lanes and trails designated for pedestrians and bicycles.

Know the Lingo

Group cycling has its own form of communication. The presence of road hazards, directions, and need-to-know information is relayed through the pack of riders by gestures and words. Remember to pass all communication on to the next cyclist behind you in a group. Speak loudly and clearly. The following are some common terms you may hear in group-sponsored rides:

• On your left: This means a rider is approaching your left side. Allow room to pass.
• Car back: This means a car is approaching from the rear. All riders make an effort to move to the right of the road in a single file until the car passes. In most states, the law requires cyclists to ride no more than two abreast. This ensures that traffic will not be impeded, and will make passing easier and safer for the cyclists.
  
• Gravel - Pothole - Sand - Rail Road Tracks: Each of these messages is to alert the riders behind you of hazardous road conditions. The words are combined with the gesture of pointing to the hazard well in advance.
  
• Flat: This indicates that a rider has suffered a flat tire. Allow enough room for the rider to slow down and move to the right side of the road or trail for repair. Offer assistance if needed.
  
• Slowing: The cyclist in front of you is slowing down. Use caution and prepare to stop. Many cyclists use the palm of their hand toward riders behind them to indicate slowing or stopping.
  
• Stopping: This indicates that a rider ahead is stopping. Do not forget to unclip from your pedals.
  

Allianz Twin Cities ride 2010

Last night I received a text message from two people who were supposed to ride with me this morning, they were wimping out because it was going to be cold! Seriously! We are riding to raise money for people who at times cannot even walk and you want to quit because it's going to be cold? I couldn't believe it. Anyway, OK. Fine. Wimp out. I'm still riding. 

At about 0630 this morning I received a text message from another person who was supposed to ride with me, she didn't get a good night sleep! Come on people! Whatever. I'm still riding.

People can be so disappointing at times, I think I'll stick with my dogs, they always want to play. They don't care if it's cold, rainy, windy, hot, dry, they still want to go to the park and play.

I was up around 0600, got a load of laundry in the washer, fed the dogs, grabbed a bite to eat and made decisions on what to wear.

I checked the temperature at 0730; a balmy 33 degrees with 85% chance of precipitation. I went back and forth trying to decide on which bike to ride, I finally decided at the last minute to take my road bike instead of the mountain bike. The saddle on my road bike is much more comfortable than the mountain bike and with 30 miles of riding ahead of me I opted for comfort.

I tossed on a pair of biking shorts, tights and my Endura cargo pants just in case it started to rain. A couple shirts, water resistant jacket and my Sugoi vest. I was out the door around 0745, it was a little chilly to start out but by the time I got to Aldrich Arena to check in I was warm. I received my riders packet, grabbed a chocolate donut and a cup of coffee. Once I was finish with my snack I hit the road, by the time I got to the snowman in North St. Paul I was toasty warm. 

I was going to blow through the first rest stop but my bike developed a squeak and it was driving me crazy, I was also having some shifting issues. I could only use a couple gears and if I went out of the middle ring the chain kept jumping. I pulled into the first rest area and went to see the bike mechanic. He added some lube to the pulleys on the back derailleur and that stopped the squeak. He then made some adjustments to my front derailleur to fix the shifting issue. 

I left the first rest area and discovered that the adjustment made my shifting worse. Now I'm limited to the big ring and only one gear. Bummer! Oh well, the next thing I knew I was at the halfway mark. The sun was out and I had a tailwind when I hit the hills on Norell Ave. That was a great help, the hills would have been a lot worse without the tailwind. 

A right turn on Dellwood and I was heading back to the Gateway trail. In no time I was at the last rest stop and on my way to the finish line. The sun was shinning and I was actually breaking a sweat. Riding in the big ring with only one gear makes for a great workout. When you can work up a sweat at 35 degrees you know you're burning fat!!! YAY, I have plenty of fat to burn. 

I crossed the finish line, stopped to pick up my t-shirt, a slice of pizza and another cup of coffee. It was a great morning for a ride. Yes, it was cold outside and yes, the wind was blowing a little bit but I was dressed for it and had a great ride. I did not get cold at all, the tailwind saved me on the hills so when it became a crosswind for a couple miles I did not mind. The Gateway trail is pretty well protected so while riding on the trail I didn't have any wind issues. The only thing I would have changed is that I would have taken my mountain bike instead of the road bike, I would have had more than one gear :)

I have another ride planned for tomorrow evening; a couple friends are meeting me at my place and we'll ride from here. I need to plan a route; so for now, Happy Trails!

The Basics of Riding in a Group

Tomorrow I will be riding in the Allianz Twin Cities Ride 2010 to raise money for the MS Society of Minnesota. I received a packet in the mail yesterday with ride information; one of the brochures has information on riding in a group and I thought I'd pass it along.

Group riding takes practice. Riding with other cyclist all around you may cause you to feel trapped. Relax. It is most important to create your own safety zone. This may vary depending on the speed and ability level of the people you are with, so be flexible. Let others know of your anxiety - they may also be new at this.

Your responsibility in a pack includes:

• Be aware of others around you.
• Communicate well in advace. Use gestures in combination with verbal commands.
• Ride with your head up. Look down the road; not at the person in front of you.
• Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill.
• Know your limits. Crashes can occur when inexperienced riders do not have bike-handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack.
• Safety starts with you. Group mentality is not always safe. Stop at all red lights and stop signs - it is the law! * Each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the intersection is clear.
• Adjust your safety zone to fit the conditions of the road, weather and traffic. Always plan an escape route.
• Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist
• do not use aerobars in a pack.
• Be aware of how weather will affect your bike. Riding in wet conditions requires slower speeds and greater braking distances.
  
• Be respectful of other riders. Help others when needed.
  

* Effective April 16, 2010 Minnesota amended the law so that cyclist along with motorcyclists can now go through a red light. ONLY AFTER they have stopped, made sure the coast is clear and waited a reasonable amount of time. This amendment was put into place because cyclists cannot trip the lights. Be careful when doing this. It does not give us the right to blow through intersections.

ABC Quick Check

All cyclists are responsible for keeping their riding equipment in good working order, so get into the habit of checking your equipment before every ride. Small adjustments can make a significant difference in your experience. The "ABC Quick Check" is an overall, yet brief bicycle safety check. 

A is for air

• Check your wheels for worn tires, loose spokes, warped rims and tires for proper inflation
• Check your handlebars for looseness at the headset and stem

B is for brakes

• Check brakes for function, cable tightness, worn pads, frayed cables, and alignment of the pads with the rims. 

C is for cranks, chain and cassette

• Check your pedals and cranks for tightness
• Check for chain looseness and bad links; clean regularly. Lubricate with bicycle chain lube.
• Check the derailleur for worn cogs and adjustment. Check that your gears change smoothly.

Quick is for quick releases

• Check to ensure that the wheels are clamped securely in the drop-ours before each ride.

Check

• Check your helmet for cracks and make sure it fits properly. 
• Check your shoes for tight cleats and straps and buckles in good repair.
• Make sure your bicycle saddle is the right height and the bolt is tight.
• Mirror (helmet or bar-end type)

Urban MTB

Took the mountain bike for a spin through the city on Saturday. A friend of mine wanted to go for a ride and so I met her at her house in Brooklyn Park and she led the way. We cruised to Minneapolis and biked around St. Anthony Falls and did some sightseeing.We had to go to battle with the wind for most of the ride. Part of the reason we decided to ride to Minneapolis was so we would have a tailwind for the ride home. Well, that tailwind never showed up! We had headwind, side wind, gusts of wind but NO tailwind.

But even with the wind it was a super fun day! The sun was out and it felt great to be pedaling again!