Comments for The Incidental Cyclist

Comment on I am nearly 3 years old. by Bud

Bud — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:33:30 +0000

Thank you Jack, I guess I still have a few tricks up my sleeve, even if I’m an old guy (at least that’s what Nicole says) now. I am looking forward to trying out a thing or two before this next decade is over. Hope we will ride together again soon.

Comment on I am nearly 3 years old. by Jack

Jack — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:41:20 +0000

Way to go Bud. You’ve got an inspiring story. And you didn’t even tell about doing Mt Mitchell. Now, don’t underrate your 50s. This will be the best decade of your life.

Comment on We miss tandem riding by Bud

Bud — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:25:14 +0000

Not too hard, I am an old man! It is always fun to push yourself on the tandem just to see what you can do. The next time I won’t let you get so far ahead at the start of Crow Road.

Comment on We miss tandem riding by Dwight

Dwight — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:01:01 +0000

That’s the first time Donna has let me go over 20MPH. We’ll push you a little harder next time!

Dwight

Comment on Singlespeed, 29ers, and Trails by Richard

Richard — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:51:25 +0000

I haven’t ridden one, so its a little hard to say.

The main disadvantage with a 29er is handling… its not as quick, or sharp, or whatever adjective you wish to use. So, in theory, you can maintain the ability to roll over objects with the 29er front wheel, while regaining some ability to maneuver well.

My main concern about mixing wheel sizes like that would be balance - particularly on climbs. In mountain biking, you have to pretty much put your stomach over the handle bars on the really steep climbs in order to maintain, first, upright on the bike, and second, traction. Having the smaller back end and larger front end might be a little hard on some technical climbs, or on big dips… I could see falling flat on my back with a setup like that.

But, like I said, I haven’t even seen one in person, let alone been on one. Lynskey (formerly of Litespeed fame) used to have a testimonial about 69ers on his website. Not sure if its still there, but that might have more information than I can provide.

Comment on Singlespeed, 29ers, and Trails by Curt

Curt — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:25:07 +0000

..ok…admitadly I’m def NOT a mountain biker…hardly a roady…but reading your blog I wonder what your thoughts are on a 69er configeration…seems to make sense…or not…your thoughts???

Comment on Singlespeed, 29ers, and Trails by Richard

Richard — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:56:09 +0000

We did the Roller Coaster loop… it was a cool ride, just a little bit more climbing than I’m ready to do. I figure I’ll be ready to try it on the SS come Spring. For the time being, the SS is going to be relegated to riding around town until I’m stronger.

Comment on Singlespeed, 29ers, and Trails by Bud

Bud — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:36:52 +0000

That was probably just a bit much for your conditioning level. If your 29er was geared I would be tempted to try it out. But as you already know I am not a mountain biker.Remember that I told you that this year is a base, when we start training in earnest at the beginning of 2009 you will see a big difference in both your power and speed.Anyone who just starts out riding, especially if they have not done much before really need to get a full year under their belts before they see a significant improvement in their speed, power and handling skills.Just keep going, do not get discouraged and you will see improvement.

Comment on Singlespeed, 29ers, and Trails by Mark

Mark — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:50:15 +0000

So, did you try to ride the Roller Coaster loop with the SS? Or did you stick to the main loop?

I used to ride a SS last summer, and it was always a long, hard ride for me, especially heading from the lake loop back up to the parking lot. It’s every so slightly uphill the entire way, I believe.

In any event, come back to Sherman Branch and ride the rest of the trail. It’s an awesome trail, and a really great place all around.

Comment on Finally back into a routine by Bud

Bud — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:10:28 +0000

Will, glad to hear you are doing well. I hope you are enjoying yourself in Guatemala. I understand the Guatemalan people are very nice. Of course you do realize something … all those hills are just going to make you stronger, especially if they are off-road!

The new tandem should be here sometime in January/February. Maybe sooner if Rue Sports can squeeze us in. I have been trying out a few things with regard to cycling. So I do have a mountain bike. I only use it to take the dog for walks. Too dangerous to be out in the woods riding hard considering the medications I am on. The SS/FG was built to do some cadence work. But now that my nephew is riding with us and he is just starting out, I may ride it more so he can keep up with Nicole and I.

Get back on the bike as quickly as you can, you are certainly more courageous than Nicole or I since neither of us would even consider runing a viable alternative to cycling.