I am getting ready to go to Boise, Idaho. I have to tell you...I'm very excited about this. I've heard so much about the extraordinary single track trails in the area and I am really looking forward to exploring them!! I can't wait to get out there and ride them trails. Besides, who wants to spend the entire winter looking out the window and not riding when there is enough cold weather gear out there to ride in semi-comfort all winter long...for the most part.
Just remember to keep your core and extremities warm...keep the noggin warm and try to protect your airway so you don't breath in super cold air all the time, and you should be good. I at least have to try anyway. :)
Come on...let's just get out there and ride our bikes and not just be a fare weather bunch that only rides when it's nice out side. We can do it!! And I, for one, can't wait!
I wish all a very merry Christmas. Be happy, be safe, and be riding your bike!!
Merry Christmas,
The Mature Cyclist
Robert Muir
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Essential Learning
Hello, all. Well, I know it's been quite a while since I've posted anything. Considering today is my birthday, I thought I would go ahead and blog a bit.
I believe I have something worth mentioning...If you are traveling with your bike and planning on doing some riding I would urge you to consider doing some research on the cycling laws of the state or province in which you plan to ride...as well as the hours during which you plan to ride. I have been in Clearwater, Florida for a couple of months...and have been informed that, while a helmet is not required, lights are. 8} It's not important, evidently, to survive the accident. However, it is vital that you see the accident coming. Why that's pure delight.
I love the way drivers treat the lines and stripes on the road as mere suggestions. They are, apparently, subject to change without notice. It is their road!! And how dare I invade it with my stupid bike!!
I have been riding my Specialized 29er. That thing is heavier than my first wife's meatloaf...and let me tell you, my friends, that's heavy. So, I am going to attempt to lighten it up. Change out the crappy suspension fork for the Richey carbon rigid fork. That will get rid of about 5 unwanted pounds. New cranks will help, I'm certain of that...not sure which ones I'll go with. I'll swap the mechanical brakes with the Hayes hydro set up I've been saving for something special. This qualifies, I think. And, the ridiculous saddle and seatpost. I actually believe they weigh as much as the suspension fork. I think I could find a carbon seat post to help with that.
Well, I hope to get the weight down as much as possible. If you have any equipment suggestions, feel free, as always, to comment and let me know what you're thinking. I appreciate any input I can get! I hope the new year brandishes great and new rewards for each and everyone of you. I wish for more smiles and less frowns. More good decisions and fewer errors. And more laughter!!! And better and safer accomodations to ride our chosen means of transportation!! Happy New Year!!!
Now, get out there and ride your bike!! :D
The Mature Cyclist,
Robert Muir
I believe I have something worth mentioning...If you are traveling with your bike and planning on doing some riding I would urge you to consider doing some research on the cycling laws of the state or province in which you plan to ride...as well as the hours during which you plan to ride. I have been in Clearwater, Florida for a couple of months...and have been informed that, while a helmet is not required, lights are. 8} It's not important, evidently, to survive the accident. However, it is vital that you see the accident coming. Why that's pure delight.
I love the way drivers treat the lines and stripes on the road as mere suggestions. They are, apparently, subject to change without notice. It is their road!! And how dare I invade it with my stupid bike!!
I have been riding my Specialized 29er. That thing is heavier than my first wife's meatloaf...and let me tell you, my friends, that's heavy. So, I am going to attempt to lighten it up. Change out the crappy suspension fork for the Richey carbon rigid fork. That will get rid of about 5 unwanted pounds. New cranks will help, I'm certain of that...not sure which ones I'll go with. I'll swap the mechanical brakes with the Hayes hydro set up I've been saving for something special. This qualifies, I think. And, the ridiculous saddle and seatpost. I actually believe they weigh as much as the suspension fork. I think I could find a carbon seat post to help with that.
Well, I hope to get the weight down as much as possible. If you have any equipment suggestions, feel free, as always, to comment and let me know what you're thinking. I appreciate any input I can get! I hope the new year brandishes great and new rewards for each and everyone of you. I wish for more smiles and less frowns. More good decisions and fewer errors. And more laughter!!! And better and safer accomodations to ride our chosen means of transportation!! Happy New Year!!!
Now, get out there and ride your bike!! :D
The Mature Cyclist,
Robert Muir
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I Can Still Ride!
I want to start out by commenting on the World Championships coverage at Champrey. It was fantastic. Big props to Freecaster!! The courses, xc and dh, appeared to be extremely challenging for the pros. Especially the dh course, with the rain. I enjoyed Rob Warner's pre-ride by Santa Cruz. I think I laughed harder at that then I do his race commentary. Good job, Rob. If you haven't seen it, check out freecaster.tv. It's great!! Congratulations to Danny Hart. That was truly an inspiring ride.
Speaking of inspiring. I do get inspired to ride when I watch these young men and women competing on their bikes. Giving it everything they've got to be competitive. Then, I watch with awe, the performances of Juroslav Kulhavy, and Danny Hart....could I still do that at the age of 46? I have to admit, I am reluctant, but inspired to try.
In trying, with caution, I find that I can do it. I ride with the mindset that I love this sport. I simply enjoy being out on the trails. Pushing my body to do more than it wants to. I know my limits, but I still push to get just a bit more each time. Work through the burn in my legs and lungs. Intent on managing my breathing so I don't hyperventilate. And it never ceases to amaze me that my body gives me what I ask for, and my breathing slows...my legs relax...and I begin to realize that I can do it.
I can still overcome obstacles, and pound up that hill that seems endless. I can still use that big chain ring to power across the trail, watching the shadows cast by the brilliant sun, pass by as I tick away the kilometers. And before I know it, I've done it!!! Another ride is ridden. I feel the tightness and pulsing throb in my thighs. The endorphins running rich in my bloodstream. It feels good. You are only limited by the limits you place on yourself.
Keep riding. Keep trying. Review your limits. Eliminate that doubt that you can achieve what you set out to do. Just don't give up!!
Be safe, be aware, be seen. Get out there and ride your bike!! Take a friend with you. Make it fun!!
The Mature Cyclist
Speaking of inspiring. I do get inspired to ride when I watch these young men and women competing on their bikes. Giving it everything they've got to be competitive. Then, I watch with awe, the performances of Juroslav Kulhavy, and Danny Hart....could I still do that at the age of 46? I have to admit, I am reluctant, but inspired to try.
In trying, with caution, I find that I can do it. I ride with the mindset that I love this sport. I simply enjoy being out on the trails. Pushing my body to do more than it wants to. I know my limits, but I still push to get just a bit more each time. Work through the burn in my legs and lungs. Intent on managing my breathing so I don't hyperventilate. And it never ceases to amaze me that my body gives me what I ask for, and my breathing slows...my legs relax...and I begin to realize that I can do it.
I can still overcome obstacles, and pound up that hill that seems endless. I can still use that big chain ring to power across the trail, watching the shadows cast by the brilliant sun, pass by as I tick away the kilometers. And before I know it, I've done it!!! Another ride is ridden. I feel the tightness and pulsing throb in my thighs. The endorphins running rich in my bloodstream. It feels good. You are only limited by the limits you place on yourself.
Keep riding. Keep trying. Review your limits. Eliminate that doubt that you can achieve what you set out to do. Just don't give up!!
Be safe, be aware, be seen. Get out there and ride your bike!! Take a friend with you. Make it fun!!
The Mature Cyclist
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Choice Is Great 2
So, last week I discussed the different wheel sizes available for mountain bikes. We could talk about the different choices until we're blue in the face. Each element has it's place and also there is your personal preference.
For example, full suspension. There have been a lot of innovations in this arena. Consider your choice wisely. Keep in mind what type of riding you do the most. There is cross country, down hill, enduro which is a combo of the first two, and of course 4x which is like BMX for big boys. There is also dual slalom which is pretty cool. And we shouldn't forget slope style, which is just ridiculous. I couldn't begin to imagine the magnitude of my injuries if I tried that style.
Many of these styles have mountain bikes that are specifically designed for that style. Particularly down hill and cross country. I believe slope style has several to choose from, too. So, consider the riding you will be doing the most because some of these bikes have some real geometric influences that predispose that bike for a particular genre of riding. I don't think I would, for example, take a down hill bike on the cross country single track. It's just not designed for endurance pedalling and climbing. Not to mention, you just wouldn't need the 8" of suspension travel they offer.
Another thing I wanted to talk about before I forget. I do that a lot...is nutrition. I know, just talk about riding and bikes...and would you mind putting a freakin picture or video or something?! I know all that, I would love to. As soon as I figure out how. It's hard reading without the occasional distracting photo or video. I promise I will get to that point, as soon as I get more than one or two reader.
Anyway, nutrition. If you like to ride, as I do, you already know, or soon will, that your body needs fuel to maintain an energy level that will allow you a nice, long, and fun ride. And still be able to make it back home or to the car. If you feed your body properly before, yes, during, and after the ride it will be fun. Experienced riders know what it's like to be out 15 to 20 miles and lose all energy in your legs...or worse, start to cramp. Making sure you intake the proper foods before you ride, and take something to snack on while your riding, is essential to maintaining your energy level. I am also a firm believer in fluid supplements. Water is great but when your exerting so many watts of energy, it just doesn't cut it. Sorry Water Boy!! The burning in the legs is lactic acid burn. It's from consuming dairy products. Don't stop consuming dairy products, please!! It will pass, I promise. Just rub or shake it out. I stopped consuming dairy products years ago in order to avoid this...you know what...you would be surprised what they put dairy products in...and I love ice cream. Soooo, it doesn't last long. And the more you ride, you become accustomed to it. More benefits than not.
Eat your whole grains...lots. Get your proteins and carbohydrates. Pasta!!! Gatorade!!! Invest in a camelbak. They can be a bit pricey but they're worth it. Eat, drink, and ride. As always, get out there and ride your bike! Make sure you're seen by drivers!!!
The Mature Cyclist
For example, full suspension. There have been a lot of innovations in this arena. Consider your choice wisely. Keep in mind what type of riding you do the most. There is cross country, down hill, enduro which is a combo of the first two, and of course 4x which is like BMX for big boys. There is also dual slalom which is pretty cool. And we shouldn't forget slope style, which is just ridiculous. I couldn't begin to imagine the magnitude of my injuries if I tried that style.
Many of these styles have mountain bikes that are specifically designed for that style. Particularly down hill and cross country. I believe slope style has several to choose from, too. So, consider the riding you will be doing the most because some of these bikes have some real geometric influences that predispose that bike for a particular genre of riding. I don't think I would, for example, take a down hill bike on the cross country single track. It's just not designed for endurance pedalling and climbing. Not to mention, you just wouldn't need the 8" of suspension travel they offer.
Another thing I wanted to talk about before I forget. I do that a lot...is nutrition. I know, just talk about riding and bikes...and would you mind putting a freakin picture or video or something?! I know all that, I would love to. As soon as I figure out how. It's hard reading without the occasional distracting photo or video. I promise I will get to that point, as soon as I get more than one or two reader.
Anyway, nutrition. If you like to ride, as I do, you already know, or soon will, that your body needs fuel to maintain an energy level that will allow you a nice, long, and fun ride. And still be able to make it back home or to the car. If you feed your body properly before, yes, during, and after the ride it will be fun. Experienced riders know what it's like to be out 15 to 20 miles and lose all energy in your legs...or worse, start to cramp. Making sure you intake the proper foods before you ride, and take something to snack on while your riding, is essential to maintaining your energy level. I am also a firm believer in fluid supplements. Water is great but when your exerting so many watts of energy, it just doesn't cut it. Sorry Water Boy!! The burning in the legs is lactic acid burn. It's from consuming dairy products. Don't stop consuming dairy products, please!! It will pass, I promise. Just rub or shake it out. I stopped consuming dairy products years ago in order to avoid this...you know what...you would be surprised what they put dairy products in...and I love ice cream. Soooo, it doesn't last long. And the more you ride, you become accustomed to it. More benefits than not.
Eat your whole grains...lots. Get your proteins and carbohydrates. Pasta!!! Gatorade!!! Invest in a camelbak. They can be a bit pricey but they're worth it. Eat, drink, and ride. As always, get out there and ride your bike! Make sure you're seen by drivers!!!
The Mature Cyclist
Monday, August 1, 2011
Choice Is Great!
Well, I hope everyone had a great week!! I wanted to talk about equipment choices...bikes and components. I remember when the only choice you had were two wheels and three, single speed, three speed, and ten speed. Not any more. We have size choices, and not just the frames. We have ten speed alright, times two or three!! And it used to be that the biggest wheel you could get was 26 inches. Now you can get 26, 27.5, and 29 inch wheels. Suspension!!! Are you kidding me? Now we have suspension systems, with "brains"!!! Say what?!
So...what should you get? Well, I always say, "Ride what you like." However, you should consider what type of riding you like to do the most. For example, I like to do cross country and enduro riding. I generally don't use any suspension but if I do opt for suspension I will go with a suspension fork. Why? Because I feel like a suspension frame drains away all my energy input when I pedal. And I pedal a lot!! They say frame suspension helps reduce fatigue...I agree, if you do downhill, but when you have to crank hard to climb, I feel that whatever fatigue it eliminated on shock reduction, it will eat away when you have to pedal up a hill, into the wind, or when you accelerate. Not to mention the added weight. Those are just my opinions for personal choice! Choice is great!! AAHHH...there it is, the title!!
Now, I'm not recommending no suspension for anyone. Rather, I would recommend that you try the different options out for yourself. That's where your wonderful, and reputable local bike shop comes in. Don't go to just one. Sorry guys, but one bike shop doesn't carry all brands. And if you do, you are special. Try out a variety of makes and models. Make sure you get what you want for the riding you want to do. Keep in mind that you may want to do a variety of riding styles, which may call for different styles of bikes.
So, let's break this down and separate it into segments so I'll have something to talk about for next week. This week I really want to focus for a bit on wheel size for mountain bikes. I love to watch cross country racing on freecaster.tv. I love this site. You would never even know mountain bike racing ever existed unless you were directly involved, were it not for sites like freecaster.tv, and pinkbike.com as well as cyclingdirt.org. I'm sure there are others but I'm not familiar with them at the moment. But, back to my point, wheel size. You now have available, 26", 27.5", and 29" wheel sizes. They each have pros and cons.
The 26" commonly used wheel is still great. It is an all around wheel size and is still popular among the elite racers as well as the masses. It's has great control on tight switchbacks and technical areas. And if you have the legs and gears, you can speed right along. No problems at all, until you are racing a rider with comparable physical conditioning and riding abilities, only he is riding a 29er.
Now we'll jump to the 29" wheelset. I honestly don't have a great deal of experience here so I'll have to rely on my test rides and what I've read...as well as my experience trying to chase someone down while they were riding a 29er. What you will gain is speed. I don't know the physics of it enough to put it into words here, but, you will cover more ground in the same gear as a 26er with one revolution of your cranks. Now that's logical, right? And with the larger circumference of the wheel, with that logic, you should be able to roll over obstacles easier than a 26er, right? However, you do lose tight trail maneuverability, and you will find that a lot of gears will be rendered useless. I've read that they are not very good on trails that have a lot of switchbacks, especially tight switchbacks. However, if you have great bike control and technical ability, this may not matter to you. All I know is that I thought I'd be able to catch that guy on his 29er...never did. In fact, never saw him again. What the hell!! Nothing will deflate an ego faster than a cloud of dust and you. All alone! That speaks for itself. And they are gaining popularity on the UCI racing circuit as well.
Now, we'll discuss the 27.5" wheel. It's considered a "happy" medium. Giving back a bit of control lost to the 29er, and giving a bit more rollover ability gained by a larger wheel. A bit of speed as well, I'm sure. However, is it enough to make the jump to a different wheel size? In my opinion, no. Short and sweet. I just don't think the benefit is enough to justify the changes in equipment, and the expense. I would say it's 26er or 29er.
Now, with all that said, it still boils down to you actually riding the models that appeal to you. See which works best for you, and your abilities. Take your time. Don't get a 29er and think you'll just go out and toss it around like when you were a kid. You'll get hurt, like when you were a kid. As we all know, we don't heal as fast as when we were younger. I should mention, the added speed is real so don't get carried away. Respect the bike and the trail. The differences are tangible. If you want added speed, and the ability to ride over obstacles that were a bit more difficult and maybe impossible on a 26er, maybe you should check out a 29er. I know I'm entertaining the idea of switching. But I will always have my old 26er. It will never go away. If you have an opinion on the topic of 26er vs. 29er, please comment and we can address it. I promise, it won't take months before we address it here. That goes for any of the components and things that make riding more fun for all of us. If you try to comment and it's not working, please let me know by emailing me at: robert.emuir@gmail.com
So, all that's left is for you to get out there! Ride your bike!! And as always be careful and responsible and be seen!!
The Mature Cyclist
So...what should you get? Well, I always say, "Ride what you like." However, you should consider what type of riding you like to do the most. For example, I like to do cross country and enduro riding. I generally don't use any suspension but if I do opt for suspension I will go with a suspension fork. Why? Because I feel like a suspension frame drains away all my energy input when I pedal. And I pedal a lot!! They say frame suspension helps reduce fatigue...I agree, if you do downhill, but when you have to crank hard to climb, I feel that whatever fatigue it eliminated on shock reduction, it will eat away when you have to pedal up a hill, into the wind, or when you accelerate. Not to mention the added weight. Those are just my opinions for personal choice! Choice is great!! AAHHH...there it is, the title!!
Now, I'm not recommending no suspension for anyone. Rather, I would recommend that you try the different options out for yourself. That's where your wonderful, and reputable local bike shop comes in. Don't go to just one. Sorry guys, but one bike shop doesn't carry all brands. And if you do, you are special. Try out a variety of makes and models. Make sure you get what you want for the riding you want to do. Keep in mind that you may want to do a variety of riding styles, which may call for different styles of bikes.
So, let's break this down and separate it into segments so I'll have something to talk about for next week. This week I really want to focus for a bit on wheel size for mountain bikes. I love to watch cross country racing on freecaster.tv. I love this site. You would never even know mountain bike racing ever existed unless you were directly involved, were it not for sites like freecaster.tv, and pinkbike.com as well as cyclingdirt.org. I'm sure there are others but I'm not familiar with them at the moment. But, back to my point, wheel size. You now have available, 26", 27.5", and 29" wheel sizes. They each have pros and cons.
The 26" commonly used wheel is still great. It is an all around wheel size and is still popular among the elite racers as well as the masses. It's has great control on tight switchbacks and technical areas. And if you have the legs and gears, you can speed right along. No problems at all, until you are racing a rider with comparable physical conditioning and riding abilities, only he is riding a 29er.
Now we'll jump to the 29" wheelset. I honestly don't have a great deal of experience here so I'll have to rely on my test rides and what I've read...as well as my experience trying to chase someone down while they were riding a 29er. What you will gain is speed. I don't know the physics of it enough to put it into words here, but, you will cover more ground in the same gear as a 26er with one revolution of your cranks. Now that's logical, right? And with the larger circumference of the wheel, with that logic, you should be able to roll over obstacles easier than a 26er, right? However, you do lose tight trail maneuverability, and you will find that a lot of gears will be rendered useless. I've read that they are not very good on trails that have a lot of switchbacks, especially tight switchbacks. However, if you have great bike control and technical ability, this may not matter to you. All I know is that I thought I'd be able to catch that guy on his 29er...never did. In fact, never saw him again. What the hell!! Nothing will deflate an ego faster than a cloud of dust and you. All alone! That speaks for itself. And they are gaining popularity on the UCI racing circuit as well.
Now, we'll discuss the 27.5" wheel. It's considered a "happy" medium. Giving back a bit of control lost to the 29er, and giving a bit more rollover ability gained by a larger wheel. A bit of speed as well, I'm sure. However, is it enough to make the jump to a different wheel size? In my opinion, no. Short and sweet. I just don't think the benefit is enough to justify the changes in equipment, and the expense. I would say it's 26er or 29er.
Now, with all that said, it still boils down to you actually riding the models that appeal to you. See which works best for you, and your abilities. Take your time. Don't get a 29er and think you'll just go out and toss it around like when you were a kid. You'll get hurt, like when you were a kid. As we all know, we don't heal as fast as when we were younger. I should mention, the added speed is real so don't get carried away. Respect the bike and the trail. The differences are tangible. If you want added speed, and the ability to ride over obstacles that were a bit more difficult and maybe impossible on a 26er, maybe you should check out a 29er. I know I'm entertaining the idea of switching. But I will always have my old 26er. It will never go away. If you have an opinion on the topic of 26er vs. 29er, please comment and we can address it. I promise, it won't take months before we address it here. That goes for any of the components and things that make riding more fun for all of us. If you try to comment and it's not working, please let me know by emailing me at: robert.emuir@gmail.com
So, all that's left is for you to get out there! Ride your bike!! And as always be careful and responsible and be seen!!
The Mature Cyclist
Monday, July 25, 2011
People I Appreciate
Today I wanted to talk about some companies I really appreciate. First, YOUR local bike shop. People that want to serve you. They want to help you enjoy cycling in every way! Support them as they wish to support you. A bike shop is very difficult to maintain without a stable following of customers that become something akin to family.
Second, I want to mention a company that has introduced me to new products. They also can provide technical support that has been very helpful to me. PricePoint.com. They are a wonderful source for products to cyclists that have the ability to work on their own bikes. They have everything from parts, accessories, tools, and complete bikes. They have a relationship with the bicycle manufacturer called Sette.
Third, Sette. This bicycle manufacturer provides well equipped, professional grade bikes at ridiculous prices. Road, mountain bikes, whatever your level of riding, they have a bike for you. The prices are insanely low for what you get. I highly recommend you check them out if you are in the market for a new bike!!
Now I want to talk about an experience I had on a recent ride I went on. I ride a mountain bike. Why? Because I love it!! I had gone on a ride to a nearby park and rode the trails. They aren't particularly challenging. Just for some leg time and endurance.
From there I went to another park that doesn't have much at all for trails but it gives me some road time. On my way back home I'm always looking for little trails that I haven't seen before. You never know where they'll pop up...or where they'll lead. The latter is the one that we should all be aware of. Everyone that rides trails knows that while riding a trail you watch where you want to go, not where you are. If you don't, you will find yourself where you don't want to be. Face planted against a tree!! Not good for a beautiful smile. Or, in my case, on this particular trail I discovered, doing an endo with my front wheel embedded deeply in an unexpected mud bog. In slow motion, I watched the end of my handle bar approaching my ribs. My hands were wrenched from my grips and down I went. I use spd clip pedals. As my bike began to lay down, my feet being attached to the pedals, I felt myself being pulled down toward the handle bar end. And there it was!!! I felt my full weight coming down onto the bar end and OUCH!!! In retrospect, it is a hard lesson learned and a stern reminder that bad things can happen while riding.
Result? Horrible bruising on my sternum and ribs. Nothing broken...this time. However, I was reminded that this was a trail that I had no knowledge of, and I lost sight of the rule. Watch where you want to go, not where you are!!! Never again...until next time.
I want to jump to a topic that has been brought to my attention recently. And I would like to bring it to yours. Government funding cuts for parks and trails. I think we all know the reality of the economic situation in the nation today. So I won't go into all that. However, I do believe it's time for our society to wake up. We need to decide, once and for all, what we really want! Do we really want to break free of big oil or not?! Do we really want to do something to battle obesity across the age groups or not?!
I ride everywhere I go. I know what it's like to try to find a safe route via roadways to a specific destination. Too often, there simply isn't one. That is a shame. In most areas of our country, sidewalks are intended for pedestrian traffic only. Cyclists are meant to share the roadways with the two ton vehicles. Safe? Absolutely not!!! Not all motorists are evil. Quite the contrary. They mean well. But we can't assume they see us. Many cities provide cycling lanes. They are protected and motorists are not to intrude into them. That's a brilliant idea!! What if that was the trend? Seattle, Washington is one such city. In fact the Mayor of that city rides his bike to work every day. Nice. :)
I believe that if cycling was afforded the same consideration as motorists in regard to roadways and access, things would be very different. If cycling became a safe means of transportation I believe we would see a lot of positive changes in our society.
I would be interested in hearing some of your ideas for solutions to this topic. I feel the community of cyclists are not afraid to help in the development of our own solutions. We are not afraid to sacrifice for the greater good of that basic skill we learned so many years ago. Please provide comments with your ideas. Maybe they'll make a difference!
Thanks for your time and attention. Be careful out there. Get out and ride your bike!!!
The Mature Cyclist,
REMuir1217
Second, I want to mention a company that has introduced me to new products. They also can provide technical support that has been very helpful to me. PricePoint.com. They are a wonderful source for products to cyclists that have the ability to work on their own bikes. They have everything from parts, accessories, tools, and complete bikes. They have a relationship with the bicycle manufacturer called Sette.
Third, Sette. This bicycle manufacturer provides well equipped, professional grade bikes at ridiculous prices. Road, mountain bikes, whatever your level of riding, they have a bike for you. The prices are insanely low for what you get. I highly recommend you check them out if you are in the market for a new bike!!
Now I want to talk about an experience I had on a recent ride I went on. I ride a mountain bike. Why? Because I love it!! I had gone on a ride to a nearby park and rode the trails. They aren't particularly challenging. Just for some leg time and endurance.
From there I went to another park that doesn't have much at all for trails but it gives me some road time. On my way back home I'm always looking for little trails that I haven't seen before. You never know where they'll pop up...or where they'll lead. The latter is the one that we should all be aware of. Everyone that rides trails knows that while riding a trail you watch where you want to go, not where you are. If you don't, you will find yourself where you don't want to be. Face planted against a tree!! Not good for a beautiful smile. Or, in my case, on this particular trail I discovered, doing an endo with my front wheel embedded deeply in an unexpected mud bog. In slow motion, I watched the end of my handle bar approaching my ribs. My hands were wrenched from my grips and down I went. I use spd clip pedals. As my bike began to lay down, my feet being attached to the pedals, I felt myself being pulled down toward the handle bar end. And there it was!!! I felt my full weight coming down onto the bar end and OUCH!!! In retrospect, it is a hard lesson learned and a stern reminder that bad things can happen while riding.
Result? Horrible bruising on my sternum and ribs. Nothing broken...this time. However, I was reminded that this was a trail that I had no knowledge of, and I lost sight of the rule. Watch where you want to go, not where you are!!! Never again...until next time.
I want to jump to a topic that has been brought to my attention recently. And I would like to bring it to yours. Government funding cuts for parks and trails. I think we all know the reality of the economic situation in the nation today. So I won't go into all that. However, I do believe it's time for our society to wake up. We need to decide, once and for all, what we really want! Do we really want to break free of big oil or not?! Do we really want to do something to battle obesity across the age groups or not?!
I ride everywhere I go. I know what it's like to try to find a safe route via roadways to a specific destination. Too often, there simply isn't one. That is a shame. In most areas of our country, sidewalks are intended for pedestrian traffic only. Cyclists are meant to share the roadways with the two ton vehicles. Safe? Absolutely not!!! Not all motorists are evil. Quite the contrary. They mean well. But we can't assume they see us. Many cities provide cycling lanes. They are protected and motorists are not to intrude into them. That's a brilliant idea!! What if that was the trend? Seattle, Washington is one such city. In fact the Mayor of that city rides his bike to work every day. Nice. :)
I believe that if cycling was afforded the same consideration as motorists in regard to roadways and access, things would be very different. If cycling became a safe means of transportation I believe we would see a lot of positive changes in our society.
I would be interested in hearing some of your ideas for solutions to this topic. I feel the community of cyclists are not afraid to help in the development of our own solutions. We are not afraid to sacrifice for the greater good of that basic skill we learned so many years ago. Please provide comments with your ideas. Maybe they'll make a difference!
Thanks for your time and attention. Be careful out there. Get out and ride your bike!!!
The Mature Cyclist,
REMuir1217
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Mature Cyclist
Hello, everyone. This is my first blog...surprise!! I am a mature cyclist. I love cycling of all kinds. I look at our nation, today, and wonder what will become of it. We have so many issues affecting so much of our population. From employment to financial matters...health to education. I'm not even going to begin to mention politics. That's a topic all its own.
Rather, I just want to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart. Cycling. I love it!! I love watching it. And I think it's such a wonderful way for people to bond, exercise, and socialize. It can be a family event...mom, dad, and the kids getting together to simply ride through their neighborhood or a nearby park. Heartwarming sight to behold, to be honest. Or it could be the elderly couple. Married for 45 years, taking the time to be together and go for a leisurely ride around the block several times. Perhaps looking back and remembering a time early on in their life together. Perhaps when they first went on a spontaneous bike ride together. Not to mention the proud expression on the faces of the young parents of a child who has just acquired command of the two-wheeled, human powered machine. Chocking up another step toward independence!!
These are all scenes that I have experienced while riding my bike. Not racing or anything like that...simply riding my bike and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells...not all good. However, it's the variety that makes the good ones so special.
While riding, I do my level best to be courteous to pedestrians first. Because I feel they are the most vulnerable. Second, to other cyclists, as they are also vulnerable, and they are making a difference in the world, know it or not. Third, the motorists, which is actually in a constant battle for first because they can, and would kill me! Then I would never get to follow up on this, my first, Blog. It isn't always easy to do, and frequently is difficult to say the least. But I feel it is a responsibility of cycling.
It is my intention to blog my visions of cycling. I will share whatever experiences cycling provides me, unless it's boring. Then I'll keep it to myself. However, if I run across something note worthy, as is often the case because human beings are funnier than a chimpanzee throwing his own poop at a crowd, I will include it in my blog. If, on occasion, you have something you would like to share concerning cycling, feel free. Whether it's a cycling event or perhaps a cycling destination, or perhaps a nutrition or medical tidbit. It would be welcomed.
I am a Mature Cyclist. I ride my bike for exercise, enjoyment, and transportation. I ride alone, and with those that share my passion. It is my hope that with this blog I may inspire some to take up that ability they learned so many years ago, and once again ride their bikes and remember the freedom they acquired as a child. Also, move the child to step away from the computer, put down the video game controller, and turn off the TV. Get your bike, go outside, ride your bike!! Make friends that do the same. You are not leaking! That's called sweat. It's your bodies way of cleaning out toxins and cool your body. You will not die so long as you drink. Water!!! Not soda!!! Maybe even convince a couple that has, perhaps, lost touch with each other. Maybe focused on the day to day things of life, the struggles of making ends meet. Instead of focusing on living. Together. Share the love that brought them together. To ride their bikes together and remember... Love is not just a noun, it's a verb as well.
I hope you enjoyed this little blog o' mine. I will return again. And I look forward to hearing from you.
Get out and ride your bike!!!
REMuir1217
Rather, I just want to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart. Cycling. I love it!! I love watching it. And I think it's such a wonderful way for people to bond, exercise, and socialize. It can be a family event...mom, dad, and the kids getting together to simply ride through their neighborhood or a nearby park. Heartwarming sight to behold, to be honest. Or it could be the elderly couple. Married for 45 years, taking the time to be together and go for a leisurely ride around the block several times. Perhaps looking back and remembering a time early on in their life together. Perhaps when they first went on a spontaneous bike ride together. Not to mention the proud expression on the faces of the young parents of a child who has just acquired command of the two-wheeled, human powered machine. Chocking up another step toward independence!!
These are all scenes that I have experienced while riding my bike. Not racing or anything like that...simply riding my bike and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells...not all good. However, it's the variety that makes the good ones so special.
While riding, I do my level best to be courteous to pedestrians first. Because I feel they are the most vulnerable. Second, to other cyclists, as they are also vulnerable, and they are making a difference in the world, know it or not. Third, the motorists, which is actually in a constant battle for first because they can, and would kill me! Then I would never get to follow up on this, my first, Blog. It isn't always easy to do, and frequently is difficult to say the least. But I feel it is a responsibility of cycling.
It is my intention to blog my visions of cycling. I will share whatever experiences cycling provides me, unless it's boring. Then I'll keep it to myself. However, if I run across something note worthy, as is often the case because human beings are funnier than a chimpanzee throwing his own poop at a crowd, I will include it in my blog. If, on occasion, you have something you would like to share concerning cycling, feel free. Whether it's a cycling event or perhaps a cycling destination, or perhaps a nutrition or medical tidbit. It would be welcomed.
I am a Mature Cyclist. I ride my bike for exercise, enjoyment, and transportation. I ride alone, and with those that share my passion. It is my hope that with this blog I may inspire some to take up that ability they learned so many years ago, and once again ride their bikes and remember the freedom they acquired as a child. Also, move the child to step away from the computer, put down the video game controller, and turn off the TV. Get your bike, go outside, ride your bike!! Make friends that do the same. You are not leaking! That's called sweat. It's your bodies way of cleaning out toxins and cool your body. You will not die so long as you drink. Water!!! Not soda!!! Maybe even convince a couple that has, perhaps, lost touch with each other. Maybe focused on the day to day things of life, the struggles of making ends meet. Instead of focusing on living. Together. Share the love that brought them together. To ride their bikes together and remember... Love is not just a noun, it's a verb as well.
I hope you enjoyed this little blog o' mine. I will return again. And I look forward to hearing from you.
Get out and ride your bike!!!
REMuir1217
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