So I’ve been riding my new bike for a while now and I have to say I’m really enjoying being back on a track bike. Not only do I feel my self getting stronger but I’m focusing on enjoying my rides.
Even when I go out for lap in the park in full kit it’s nice not having a computer in front of me to distract me. The focus is purely on the flow of me and the bike.
I even did my first race. Lost, but hey I had a blast.
Take the time to ride your bike and enjoy the time you spend on it. But remember, if you’re anything like myself and you ride all the time, take a break once in a while… even a day will rekindle your love.
peace,
J.
(thanks to eric jonsson for the last photo)
Water bottles have a hard life around me. This poor thing has been fallen off my bike 3+ times and run over once in the month I’ve had it so far (I ride hard).
Long story short, I broke two more spokes since our ride to Bear Mountain. I was riding home and paused at a light and notice my rear wheel was rubbing. It wasn’t until I looked closer at the next light that I realized I had broken yet another spoke. I was lucky enough to be able to flip my rear break lock and be able to ride home. Upon further inspection I noticed the next spoke down was cracking at the hub and about to go. I’ve been unable to ride my bike for four days as I only have one wheel set. For someone who is riding everyday I’ve been going bonkers. Lucky Jason and his crew at Affinity Cycles hooked me up and got me rolling again!
I’ll be back on the road again tomorrow!! I’m also looking forward to working with Jason at Affinity on a track build for me!
Frustration
THE most frustrating thing for any cyclist is the psychological strain that occurs when your bike emits consistent “that’s not normal” noises that you cannot track down. I have struggled for months to pinpoint what is making an intermittent clicking/creaking noise only when I pedal no matter what gear I’m in. I thought I had it nailed when I broke a spoke on my last long ride. But alas a mile later and it was back. I’ve taken my bottom bracket apart so many times. Cleaned damn near everything. The other day I took both chain rings off, cleaned them and reattached them and the problem got worse. I think I know where to look now. However, my frustration peaked during this morning’s commute to work and I’m just PO’d at my bike right now. No I don’t have a logical reason to be, she doesn’t talk to me. We just have built a particular relationship and she’s not holding up her side of things.
GWB into NJ
Top of Bear mountain. Holy hell do I hurt. Over 1200 feet of elevation gain in just 4.5 miles.
I have to say this Rapha jersey is sick! The pocket design and layout is perfect (spot specifically for my pump, and a water proof zippered pocket). The fabric is baller, and I’m no longer fighting with my zipper!
Laps in Central Park. (38.4mi, 18.4mph avg)
Laps in Prospect Park.
Picked up this $3.27 beauty at a LBS yesterday. Happy to say I am no longer ‘the guy with a pump but no tube or patch kit’. I firmly believe in patch kits as well because they usually contain around 6 tubes worth of repairs. If you do the math that means you are finally buying your tubes at cost :) Happy riding.
