Cycling Thread 2

[Northendzone]

^ I was thinking my challenge spots will be the wooden foot bridge by the ball diamonds in douglasdale and perhaps that wood wrap around as the path goes along the train yard.

I cross over the river in river bend and take the easy route with no climbing

But, yeah, those leaves can cause issues for the unsuspecting

[Northendzone]

This afternoon I took my gravel bike out for the first spin with the new wheels and the bike sure seem solid and stable. I was not feeling overly energetic so I did not long any new PB’s on previously enjoyed segments

first impression of new wheels were (not surprisingly) positive.

[Bigtime]

There is something satisfying about being able to drop my car off for winter tires this evening and ride home on the summer bike. I'll take it.

[Fuzz]

I went back to the summer tires. I also had to get new chainrings, which is a PITA for a 25 year old bike. No quality parts left, so ended up getting a cheap Shimano crankset which I assume will wear out in a week of winter riding.

It also sucked to install. I'm not sure if the standard offset changed at some point, but this crankset sits further inboard than my old one. I had to shim it slightly so it wouldn't rub the frame, which worries me with taper fit. Hopefully it stays tight. I actually had to use my dremel to grind the small chainring down a bit, as the ring was touching the bottom bracket part of the frame where there were protrusions.

Also replaced my chain and front derailer, as the one on there didn't go far enough inboard to make the small ring. It really feels like the BB spindle is too short for this crankset, but I don't really want to replace it. New cassette for the winter wheel as well. Anyway, worked fine for my ride today.

[Northendzone]

wow, those e-bikes with the 24 inch fat tires sure have bright headlights

[Fuzz]

Well they are basically motor bikes being operated on the pathways. No shortage of power to feed to the light.

[Bigtime]

There's an unhoused individual rocking a full on ATV pulling a trailer on the pathways, have seen him along Nose Creek a few times.

[Icantwhisper]

This morning was a beautiful ride in even if the last few km were into the wind, hardly any pedestrians, didn't see too many bikers, just me and fish creek.

[Northendzone]

i am hoping that today after work i can get water out of my hose and i will give the fleet a final wash and degrease and wax.

i will keep the gravel rig out as i hope to keep riding to work for a while longer (i don't see myself becoming a winter commuter though)

[FurnaceFace]

Well. An xray on Monday shows a very clear break in my collarbone. Pretty surprised as I had none of the searing pain I always thought that caused. Apparently it's in a good spot and should heal nicely. My winter season is always inside on the spin bike so I have months to recover at least!

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

(i don't see myself becoming a winter commuter though)

There's more than one way to keep at it during the winter. If memory serves, you are also in the deep SE like me. A few things I do:

- Drive with the bike in the car to somewhere 10km away from work. Ride in, and then ride back to the car after. Gets you 20km in a day as opposed to zero.

- More often, I will bring my bike into work with me when I drive. Leave the bike there and take the express bus into work the next day. Ride home. That's give you a 25 km ride- and quite often the afternoon is a lot more bearable for temperature. You are also more likely to see the pathways cleared by 4pm.

I will also mix up the bring the bike to work thing, bring the bike in , ride home. Next day bus into work and then drive home. However I also have access to underground parking overnight- not sure what your options are.

Hope that helps give you some ideas.

[habernac]

Winter commuting is pretty easy. They plow most of the pathways and it's pretty mild most of the time.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by habernac

Winter commuting is pretty easy. They plow most of the pathways and it's pretty mild most of the time.

Yup, but we all seem to only remember the mornings we wake up to 10-15cm of snow on the pathways.

[RichieRich]

Any intel on Nosehill mtb trail conditions? Particularly south sun-facing areas and along Shaginbehappi?

[RichieRich]

Saw a pair of the winter 45Nrth riding boots... from a fellow downtown commuter today in the locker room. Had to check them out. OMG they're beastly heavy. Am guessing doesn't matter the size they're heavy. Of course these were size gargantuan. I'll stick to my many-years old Shimano winters that have been excellent.

[Bigtime]

Damn you north wind! Otherwise not a bad winter ride in, was very happy to see a sweeper crew already out at 5:30, they had cleared from Telus Spark around the zoo to Bridgeland LRT and were working their way west.

[Fuzz]

WFH day for me! Tomorrow morning looks cold at -13, but next week has some -20's! Eeek! Too soon.

[Icantwhisper]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Damn you north wind! Otherwise not a bad winter ride in, was very happy to see a sweeper crew already out at 5:30, they had cleared from Telus Spark around the zoo to Bridgeland LRT and were working their way west.

Snow was great and relaxing to ride in, the wind was awful

[Northendzone]

well, i guess i can now haul out my fat bike with a clear conscience

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Icantwhisper

Snow was great and relaxing to ride in, the wind was awful

I'm dreading what that wind has created in drifts for the ride home.