Category: Geographic

Good Enough Just Got Better

Biking VikingAugust 4, 2011Leave a Comment

For over a year now I have been eying a wheelset upgrade for the roadie commuter, but could never justify the expense while the existing wheelset was rolling just fine (stock Alex R500’s). Performance has always had a great price on their well-reviewed and popular Forte Titan wheels, but I always miss a sale or have another expense to attend to. Last weekend Performance was letting these babies go for $140 a pair, with $25 off for orders over $150, and I needed a chain tool. Perfect. The shop trued them for me and I went home and mounted them immediately. (more…)

Posted In colorado | commuting | review

Thanks Troops Foundation

Biking VikingAugust 2, 20112 Comments on Thanks Troops Foundation

Colorado Springs is a military-heavy town, so stories like this are more obvious than in other places around the nation. This video seems to work only in Internet Explorer 🙁 I tried Chrome and Firefox and do not have Safari.

The story involves the Thanks Troops Foundation, a Springs-based organization that helps disabled veterans get back into life after the military. The Foundation provides Mountain Bikes (in this case) for vets to keep them away from the bottle and those ‘dark places’ when they return.

Video

Posted In colorado | mtb | video

Weathering the Storm

Biking VikingJuly 26, 20112 Comments on Weathering the Storm

About twenty years ago, here in Colorado Springs one could count on summer showers around 4:00 p.m. for half an hour, which gave way to sunny skies which dried it all up. Until this year that weather pattern had disappeared, and one could count on a dry ride home from work.

Yesterday’s monsoon rains were wicked wet, thunder was loud, and lightning was uncomfortably close. I rode on, reminding myself that this is better than driving because the roads are icy or it is -30° F.

The most accurate weather I have seen comes not from my local TV stations or their websites, but from a little site known as USAir Net. It is geared toward Aviators, but is remarkably accurate and allows me to gauge with some accuracy wind direction. I loathe the wind.

If you’re a commuter, check out this site. It is well worth your time.

Posted In colorado | commuting | winter cycling

Flatter than flat

Biking VikingJuly 19, 20116 Comments on Flatter than flat

It’s been a rough week for rubber. Saturday’s ride on bike #1 (the road bike) resulted in two flats (both rear, 700cx23 Michelin Dynamics with Mr. Tuffy liners), so I was hoping that was my spate for the month (or so). Sunday is my minor tune-up day for all three bikes: Clean drivetrains, adjust cables if needed, and the general once-over. Bike #2 (the cowhorn roadie) runs 700c x 23 Zaffiro’s (140 psi, using about 120 psi for the rides, no liner) was hanging in the garage, looking forward to the ride this morning when I discovered the rear was flat – I didn’t even ride this one, but did pump it up a little on Sunday. (more…)

Posted In colorado | commuting | repair