Friday, November 14, 2008

A New Crossing

Hooray! The long awaited Broadway Pedestrian Overpass bridge is finally open! I have waited over a year for this to get done and it is now a reality!

East side entrance to overpass

Midspan view looking east

No more taking this route to or from work!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Lousy Ride

Rode home from work today. The weather was nice, the skies clear and the road was dry.

It would have been a great ride if I didn't get 3 flats, get held up by a train for a good 10 minutes and I still had a slow leak in the tire I fixed.

Distance: 43.9 mi
Ride Time: 2:33
Average: 17.1 mph
Max: 26.2 mph
Average HR: 148 bpm
Max HR: 181 bpm
Cadence: 83 rpm

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Tire Change

My rear tire on my Eddy Merckx is finally at the end of life. The tire is square edged and bare threads are showing through. It wouldn't be much longer before it would puncture or I take a turn hard and go down. Its time for a tire change.

Over 2800 miles on this one!

As I stated in a previous post, I was wondering if it was better to buy 3 tires at a time or two. This will be my first application of using a three tire method. The tires, Vredestein Fortezzas, have over 2800 miles on them. I will be replacing the rear tire and leaving the front unchanged. It is my hope that by the time I wear the rear one out I will need a whole new set. My expectation is the get a minimum of 5000 miles on a set of 3 tires. This might be a bit of a stretch, but it is my hope. Time to put it to the test.

The 3rd tire of the set mounted and ready.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

No RBR Ride Today

I was planning to do the RoadBikeReview ride today, but I misread the Siclista blog on where the meeting place was. So I rode alone for a good 15 miles until I remembered that there was another shorter ride which was posted on the blog. I figured I would ride against the route and I should run into them. I was already close to the start point and I hadn't run into anyone. A quick SMS message to the ride leader and I find out that they decided to the the ride clockwise. We were about 6-8 miles apart so we rode toward each other till we hooked up.

L-R Me, JohnM & Manny

We met up and there were just two riders, JohnM and Manny. JohnM was riding a different bike. He usually rides a Softride bike, but today he showed up on a Orbea Orca bike! Nice bike JohnM! He too was planning to ride the RBR ride, but realized he forgot most of his riding gear, he had to go back home to get it. So he decided to do the short ride that was posted. Good thing he did, because he is so used to riding the Softride bike which is setup TT and the Orca is setup as a standard road bike. It was a new riding experience for him.

JohnM with his Orbea Orca

During the ride back to my car, I got a flat and while repairing it, I met Sissie and Glenn from Florida. They were on these 3 wheel trikkes that I have seen on tv.

Glenn & Sissie

Ride Stats: Time: 3:23 Dist: 53.61mi Avg: 15.8mph Cadence: 82rpm Max: 42.3mph AHR: 151bpm MHR: 188bpm

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Dark/Lonely Ride

Did a ride from work (Burlingame, CA) to home (Milpitas, CA). Started late so it got dark fast. But no worries, had my Dinotte 200L to light the way and a 140L in fast strobe mode to fend off any cars thinking of getting too close. Temperatures started to cool but my base layer wind blocker kept the cold air at bay. The ride was uneventful. At least I had my iPod shuffle to entertain me and it kept my cadence steady at 90+ rpm. I passed one other cyclist on the way home.
Ride Info: 44 miles, 2:15:00
Avg pbm: 159

Not a very good shot of my dinotte 200L in action (setting on high)

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I Voted...How About You?

Today is a big day. No matter what side you are on, get out and vote. There are other issues at stake that need to voted on, not just who is going to be sitting in the Oval Office. History will be made either way.


Sunday, November 2, 2008

1st Ride for November

With the daylight savings time change and an extra hour sleep, Sunday turned out to be a good day for a ride. It had been raining pretty good the last few days and I needed to get out stretch my legs.

My local bike club, Siclista California, had a short/easy 33 mile ride scheduled for today, so I decided to add to it by biking to the meeting location from my house 16 miles away. Thinking it was going to be a chilly morning ride, I decided to layer up for the ride. Man was I wrong! First off, I started late so I was forced to ride hard to make sure I got to the meeting place before they took off. I did make it with a good 10 minutes to spare, but I was overheating big time. I could see the steam emanating from my body while waiting for the rest of the riders to show up.

We ended up with a group of 7 riders. Either the late night heavy rain scared off the riders or they just wanted to take advantage of the extra hour of sleep (I don't blame them!). I ended up with a good 45mi ride.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Women's Nike Marathon

I went to watch the Nike Woman's Marathon in San Francisco where two of my family members were registered to do their 1st ever full marathon. The course had the runners start at Union Square downtown San Francisco and finish at the Great Highway near Golden Gate Park. We managed to find parking along a side street running parallel to the Great Highway that was a few miles from the finish.

The whole family was there for moral support. I figured I would bring my xtracycle along to give the kids a ride around while we wait for our two runners to come by. We positioned ourselves near mile 17/24 of the course and setup tables and chairs, brought cow bells and all kinds of snacks and drinks.

It was overcast and cold, but the kids did not seem to really mind. The kids took turns riding on the back of the xtracycle while we waited. When the first of our marathoners, Cici showed up I ended up following her the rest of the run to and promised her a ride back if she completed the marathon.

I ended up shuttling both marathoners, Cici and Bubet back after their run, logging 20 miles of my own. They were glad I was there for the support and of course the ride back!

Congratulations to the both of them for completing their 1st full marathon!

Cici still all smiles after 26 miles!

Bubet making out like a caped crusader!

Coming in for a landing!

Job well done you two!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Death Ride 2008

129 Miles 15,000 Ft 5 Mountain Passes


July 12th, the day of the “Death Ride” was a memorable experience for myself and my invited club riders from Siclista California. This was their 1st time to attempt the famous ride. I done this ride many times so I was the veteran of the group on this ride.

Days before leading up to the ride, everyone was testing, tuning and double checking their bikes and equipment, making sure everything was in working order for the big day. We took short ride into Markleeville from the campsite and then a short climb to Turtle Rock Park to calm the newbies excitement and to give them a taste of what lies ahead on the day of the ride. Smoke from the nearby fires were a concern to most of us but when the big day came, the skies were clear.

The game plan was a simple one, wake up at 3:45AM, get ready and leave by 4:30AM. As we left our campsite, we could see other campsites with lights on as other riders were also preparing to head out for the same adventure.

The 1st pass, Monitor Pass was a long 9 mile climb with a few breaks. We all made it to the top of Monitor Pass getting our 1st pass sticker and proceeded down the back side of Monitor Pass. The descent greeted us with breath taking views and the wide smooth road afforded us to accelerate to speeds exceeding 50 mph! What a rush!

Down at the bottom, we got our 2nd pass sticker and regrouped. Before the charge back up, many of us dumped our heavier gear no longer needed, to the support team for pickup after the ride. A few pics here and there, and we were back in the saddle for the long climb back up. Though it was fun going down, thoughts of going back up it were not as happy.

As we proceeded up the backside Monitor Pass, roughly midway up the climb, we were greeted by some young men stretched out along side the road, offering to refill our bottle(s) with Cytomax or water. Give them your bottle without stopping, and a relay began as the 1st young man would run ahead with your water bottle calling out your bib number and drink request prior to handing it over to the next young man who would do like wise. This concerted effort involved at least 5 to 6 of them. As you grind your way up toward the hydration station, your bottle is handed back to you with more words of encouragement and well wishes. These guys are truly awesome!

Back at the top of Monitor Pass! Two down, three to go. I stopped for water and a Cliff bar and regrouped with the other Siclistas. At this point, it was obvious that we could no longer ride as a group. During the second long climb, the thin air had started affecting some of the riders. With fatigue and the onset of cramps or soreness, doubts of finishing had entered the minds of the riders. We had only completed 35 miles!

We left the top of Monitor Pass to continue on to Ebbetts Pass. The weather was warm but not too hot; it was bearable. The long climb to Ebbetts was done and got sticker number 3. I didn’t stop for a break there but continued down the back side of Ebbetts. I’m all alone now and when I got down to the bottom of Ebbetts, I got sticker number 4. A quick fill of my bottles and a snack, I am off back up the back side of Ebbetts Pass. I make it up and over Ebbetts and stop part way down the front side of Ebbetts for lunch.

On the descent down Ebbetts toward Markleeville, there is loud thunder and a few drops of rain. I reach Markleeville and am greeted by crowds cheering. One of the loudest bunch in the crowd are my wife, Mary Ann, and family, all with cow bells ringing loudly as we approach. I had just completed 85 miles! I dumped my warmers and other items no longer needed; it was warm in Markleeville.

Went past Turtle Rock Park and descended down to Woodfords Junction. I am hot; so I ride under the water shower provided by the support crew at Woodfords. It was a cold spray, but felt good. No sooner after the spray, I am greeted by a sudden downpour! A thunder storm caught up with us and doused us completely. Water pooled in my shoes, I was miserable and cold. I ran into the other Siclistas along side the road; they are resting while I continued on. A bit later, white little pebbles started pelting us. It was hailing! I had to get out of my saddle to generate more body heat. The effort is making me hungry and I realized I had no energy bars or gels since I dumped them all at Markleeville. I figured I can get some at the last stop before taking on the last pass. But it’s just pouring now, I reach the last rest stop and see riders crammed in under the awnings and its so thick with people that I had no idea if there was any food or not. I thought I was done for at that point. I started to dig deep into my back pockets and voila! I found a packet of fig bars that did not get tossed while in Markleeville. I ate it and went to get more Cytomax from the table when the rest of the Siclistas rode up and said they were not stopping and continued on. I told them I will catch up with them after I fill up my bottles.

Back on the road past Picketts Junction, 1 hour ahead of the cut off time. All the Siclistas and I are home free! More rain and more rain as we continued towards Carson Pass. Knowing that we beat the cut off time, we take it easy from here. Up to the top of Carson Pass the 5th and final climb we did it! 129 miles and 15,000 vertical feet completed when we reach the finish!

I found out later after the ride that at Woodfords the temperature had dropped from 92 to 50 degrees farenheit in a matter of minutes. The hail started out the size of small ball bearings increasing in size up to a gumball roughly the diameter of a quarter. The local sheriff ended up closing the course at Picketts Junction.

No, this is not the bike I will be using!

Training ride to Markleeville from Grover Hots Springs SP

It's only 4:30 in the morning!

Up the back side of Monitor Pass

5 Pass finishers autograph poster.

5 Pass Finishers (Dennis, BobbyG, JohnV, Bong & Benjie)


Additional Death Ride 2008 Pictures.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Time For New Tires & Wheelsets

It's time for a new set of tires for my Orbea Orca. The current set Michelin ProRace2 700X23 are near end of life or I should say the rear is end of life. The rear tire is starting to show bare threads and has deep cuts to the point that the inner tube wants to expose itself where the cuts are. The tires have 2500 miles on them.

My new set on the bike will be the Michelin ProRace3 700X23s. I had Performance Bike price match them with another online store and used a 20% coupon which ended up costing $30.50 each. They're willingness to pricematch always brings me back to them.


It always crossed my mind that I should by my tires in sets of 3. Since the rear tire wears out faster than the front. I figure the extra tire would replace the rear one as it wears down. Or, I just get a pair then replace both front and rear and save the old front tire as an emergency spare. What do you think?

While I'm at it, a group buy with my cycling buddies netted a great deal on 3 Spinergy Stealth SS Carbon wheelsets from Gotta Ride Bikes. These wheelsets are just as tough as my Ksyrium SSC SLs. One thing I can honestly say about these new wheelsets is with the aero profile there is definately a difference in the ride quality. They ride smooth and take corners like you are on rails. Ride times on my regular routes have shown some improvement in lower ride times. If its all in my head then... its okay, they look cool!

My Orbea Orca with new wheelset and tires

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Bike To Work Day

One day in the month of May is "Bike To Work Day". The purpose of the event is to promote cycling as a form of transportation to the workplace, to celebrate those who bicycle commute throughout the year, to demonstrate an environmentally friendly transportation option, and to promote clean air.

Normally I commute home from work, but on this day I chose to ride to work. The bike of choice for the event? My Xtracycle. Used mainly for errands around town I figured it would be a good day to ride it all 45 miles!

My Xtracycle is ready to go!

One of many typical Energizer stations set up during "Bike to Work Day". This one just happens to be along my route.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Dinotte Lights

Product Review: DiNotte 200L LED Headlight & 140L LED Taillight

I have been using the DiNotte 200L headlight & 140L taillight system since November 2007. Its about time I write down my thoughts about these products.

I picked them on a special Friday sale directly from DiNotte. The sale basically was $9 less than the standard package but came with extra items thrown in.




DiNotte 200L LED Headlight Package Contents $160

* 200 Lumen LED light engine
* Battery Holder (2)
* Battery Charger
* AA NiMH batteries 2700mAh (4)
* O-Rings (2)
* Velcro Straps (2)
* Helmet Mount
* Battery Bag (2)



DiNotte 140L LED Taillight Package Contents $160:
* 120 Lumen LED light engine
* Battery Holder (2)
* Battery Charger
* AA NiMH Batteries 2700mAh (4)
* O-Rings Large (2)
* O-Rings Small (2)
* Taillight Mount (2)
* Velcro Straps (2)
* Battery Bag (2)

Mounting

DiNotte's choice of mounting system is one of the most simple to use. All it takes is slipping the o-ring around the handlebar or seatpost and slipping it into the groove on the light engine. No special mounting hardware required, its that simple. The o-ring has enough holding power to keep the light pointed where its aimed.

Operating Modes

Both the headlight and taillight units have 6 modes of use, 3 steady light and 3 flashing mode. It makes them quite versatile.

To operate either unit:

Double press power button to turn on.
Press and hold power button for 2 seconds to turn off
Press power button to change the brightness in steady mode or flashing pattern mode
To switch between steady and flash hold the power button down for 6 seconds then double press power button to turn on. It's that simple to use.

The light system power button also doubles as a mode indicator that blinks (in blue) in various patterns to let you know what brightness level or flashing pattern is being used. When your batteries get low, the power button will switch from blue to red and switch to low brightness mode. This is a nice feature of the light rather than just shutting off you still have some reserve light available.

Run time on the AA system provides me adequate run time for the commute I do. Per the instruction manual the run times are as follows:

Single Light Run Times on 4 Cell AA NI-MH
2 Hours @ 100%
4 Hours @ 50%
8 Hours @ 25%
12 Hours Slow Pulse
6 Hours Rapid Pulse
6 Hours Strobe

Comparisons:

My 1st lighting system I used for commuting was a SuperGo HL-10 10w halogen and a Blackburn Mars 3.0 taillight for the rear. The SuperGo unit had one mode only and that was on. It provided me adequate light for my commute, but lacked decent run time. The DiNotte was noticeably brighter and with the various modes available to me, I can extend the run times by carryong an extra battery clip (125g). The taillight unit by far hands down must be one of the brightest units available on the market. You are seen and that's what counts.

Ever since I started using the DiNotte system back in November 2007, here are some of my observations:

* Cars pulling out of parking lots or side streets see me approaching
* Cars in back of me give a wider berth when passing
* I can see further down the road compared to my 1st unit
* I am noticed well before the cars come up behind me and they actually slow down before passing

Since I got these lights, night riding has been less stressful and actually enjoyable. The units are a bit pricey, but for what they provide, its cheap insurance when your life could depend on it.

Additional DiNotte Specs:

Charge time 4 hours
4 Cell AA Ni-MH 125g
Light Engine 185g
Beam Angle: 18 deg
Headlight Output 200 Lumens
Taillight Output 120 Lumens

Thursday, January 3, 2008

2007 Wrap Up

2007 is over. It's hard to believe the year went by so fast. Here's a recap of my riding miles for the year 2007