Author: Biking Viking

Independence Day rides

It is understood that there are viewers of this blog from around the globe, but thought I’d take time to ask what your plans are for the long weekend here in the States?

Going to be in the 90’s (F) here, hoping to do some grilling, definitely some riding, digging up a yard for xeriscaping and brewing a couple gallons of sun tea. I don’t know about you guys, but I prefer heat to cold when riding as it was a brutal winter – just five months ago the temperature was over 100º F colder.

Anyone watching the Tour de France?

Lights, camera, action

The new spy cam and camcorder mount arrived yesterday, and maximum failure has already been achieved. Didn’t charge the big camera (bar mounted) and didn’t properly turn on the spy cam (helmet). Hopefully it won’t rain today and I can get footage of the same ride from two different cams.

Group Participation time now: What is your favorite video editing software (O/S and version, if you could)? How often do you record your rides? Has having a camcorder on your person while cycling provided a benefit for your ride? If you feel it, post a link to your favorite ride videos (your rides, not others’ or TdF footage)!

DUI and riding at night

Colorado Springs ranks consistently high in the Men’s Health survey (the only national survey I am aware of, and Colorado Springs is 16th for 2010) of drunkest cities in the U.S., so it follows that DUI is a big problem here.

This past weekend, a cyclist was struck and killed by a hit and run driver at 1:00 a.m. while coming home from work. Having commuted at night for a couple of years, it goes without saying that vigilance is paramount in this arena. As cyclists, one of the first things we think when we read these reports are: Was drinking a factor, and was the cyclist reflective and well-lit? All that is clear in this case is that drinking may have been involved. (more…)

Pleasantville


mayberry
Half of my commuting trips involve a MUP of some sort, and I have been noticing a theme of sorts with the people I encounter on the path. It is a wide, paved network of trails that run along Interstate 25 (North-South) and to Garden of the Gods to the West, but not so close you see or hear traffic. There are runners, dog walkers, baby strollers and a large warren of rabbits, who have caused me much grief over the years.

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TGIM

Friday’s ride home featured a goathead thorn puncture, through a Mr. Tuffy, and the discovery that the porta-pump was inop. Thanks to the dude out for a leisure ride and loaning me some air. Got home and drove right down to Performance for a new Hurricane pack pump (I’ve had one of these before, and they work well).

Hope you all had a flat-free weekend.