motorman

I hope everyone is enjoying the spring and riding a lot. I for one am on my summer bike far more often than in years past. The weather here in the Minneapolis has been outstanding. I am on track to log in 500 miles for the last three weeks of the month.

The ability to be out has pulled me away from writing, but rest assured I am working on my ode to Bike Month with a three or four part series on why Minneapolis is one of the best cities to commute (no mater what your skill level). I was able to do a 50-mile loop (with one minor gap) without leaving the friendly confines of the bike path or a bike lane.

I hope you’re having a great spring and that the miles are clicking by.

Indeed, spring is upon us here in the midwest. As you know I had to put down the winter bike last week, and the official first sign of spring, not spotting the robin, rather the first puncture of the year occurred. On my side of town it is a peculiar tradition that when one has finished a beverage in a glass container that the appropriate disposal method is to hurl it toward the street at a velocity necessary for the container to shatter. This practice leads to an inordinate amount of glass shards on the roadway and the snowmelt reveals their collection along the gutters. I believe it is a combination of higher tire pressure and my not ready for summer sprints physique that leads to changing as many as three punctures a week.

Unfortunately this year’s passage into the season is not as simple as times past. This year, I must be carrying a few extra potato chips because I cracked the rim. What pains me the most is that this is the very time that 95 percent of the bicycling public (including passive rec riders) has their rides in the shop for repair and tuning. Since I cannot build a wheel myself, I have to wait a full week to be back on the ride.

What did I learn from this flat? –
(1)Do not disassemble the winter ride until you are confident the summer ride is in good condition.
(2)Do not start the season at such girth
(3)Ride toward the center of the lane until the street sweeper comes through.

So, I have to serve out this seven-day sentence as the sun shines and the temperature rises. Fortunately, I will be back on top again for a long season, goal 2500 miles before the end of September. This is the greatest time of the year, happy biking everyone.

The change of season is upon the people of the upper Midwest, and I could not be happier. This happiness is not due to a dislike of the cold darkness of winter or the fact the I change my clothes 1000 times daily when I commute through the snow. Rather it is rooted in what winter has become in Minnesota in recent years. The winters full of snow days and obscene wind chills have yielded to a season that produces 50 degree rainy Wednesdays in mid January followed by below freezing March snow storms. This behavior is simply not acceptable.

Fortunately, the sun is now on our side here at the 45th parallel. The temps are rising and the snow is retreating into the storm sewers and I have replaced the winter beater for the summer chugger. This traditional changing of the guard is a bit sad this year. For after 10 years of commendable service the Rock Hopper A1 has to retire. I wish this was not the case but due to the repair needs and the growing corrosion issue, it is more cost effective to invest in a new ride. Plus, motorwife has declared that she will no longer hold that title if I insist on riding a bicycle that is held together with more electrical tape than aluminum. So, however reluctant, the choice was relativity easy to decide.

As I deconstruct my faithful transporter, I think of all the great miles it has traveled. I remember a trip to see my grandfather weeks before his passing shortly after I purchased it to take advantage of some near by single tracks. He was not impressed with it. He was an auto mechanic from Norway and felt that I need way too many tools to keep it in tune. His bikes from his youth required two, a wrench and a screwdriver, he told me. Thank goodness for the multi-tool.

I remember taking it, knobby tires and all, on 80-plus-mile road trip with a couple of my roadie friends. The ride there was relatively effortless, but on the return trip I realized that’s what a 25 mile-an-hour tailwind will do. It was this trip where I realized the true benefit of the smooth tired road bikes. Later that summer, I was atop one of my own.

I remember one of my first party-story-worthy crashes. At the time I was working downtown and would race the length of a landmark Minneapolis street each evening tiring to beat every light and all the traffic traveling along with me. This is back in my reckless, I have nothing to lose days. During these daily races transit buses seemed to be able to pass me mid-block just in time to pull to the corner right in front of, obstructing my travel (Come to think of it that continues to happen). My response to this move in some areas was to jump onto the sidewalk to avoid the bus. One evening, after successfully completing this move many times, a car appeared from between two buildings onto the sidewalk directly in my path. I hit the brakes with to no avail and went flying across the hood (My first air travel). The glorious moment was when I came to rest on the sidewalk on the other side of the vehicle on my feet, unharmed. The driver jumped out, “How did you do that?” I responded, “I don’t know.” No damage do to either vehicle and no interest from either party to discuss matters further we part ways. Suffice it to say I learned something that day. Also, I noticed a sign installed shortly after the event warning of the crossing. I am not sure if I had anything to do with it, but I tell everyone that my stupidity probably did.

And, I will never forget the countless rides through 8 to 10 inches of fresh snow. Working 8 to 10 times harder and slower to arrive at my destination. The look of befuddlement from my colleagues on why anyone would want to do that made it worth the effort. This is one of the most rewarding part of the winter ride, in addition to beating cabin fever, relieving stress, not putting on 100 pounds, the environment and so on. But, being the craziest in your office, school, or your peer groups is really why we do it. Right?

Well, it was a great ride for a good number of years. I will keep the frame and if I come into some money and there is a cure for corrosion, I will rebuild. It is great however to ride a bike with reliable brakes and a derailleur.

Long live spring!

It is at this time of the year that I go to the garage to dust off the winter ride. This is the old rock hopper that only rolls in the worst of weather. At the beginning of spring each year, I commit that when I have a free weekend I will service the bike so that I will not have to deal with on a dark cold winter day. Well, as habits are hard to break, I will trek out to the garage today to see if I can put the bike back together, in the dark, in the cold.

For those who ride year round you can understand the thrill of the winter ride. The temperature has dropped out, the sun (if it is out) barely makes it above the horizon, and most if not all of those you pass by look in bewilderment about how crazy you are in such weather. But, it is the greatest cure for cabin fever. You are out. You are exercising. And when you arrive home, you have no interest in venturing back into the winter.

For those who are just crazy enough to try it for the first time here are some pointers:

(1) Feet, hands and head, part 1. These are the most important parts of the body to properly cloth since there is little movement from these parts while you ride. If any one of these becomes cold, you will be toast. I suggest trading in the clipless for some lightweight winter boots. I have a pair of gore-tex lined vasque boots that have served this purpose great in the last few years. Layers are also key on the feet, nothing fancy, wool socks over a cotton athletic sock with maybe a wind sock over it. Same goes for the hand, do not worry about how fancy they are as long as it keeps you hands warm and dry. I wear a fleece glove under a pair of leather choppers. On the head I cover all part of skin on the coldest days. On most I will wear a mask that has a full face opening so that it can be tucked into a turtleneck.

(2) Feet, hands and head, part 2. Approach winter riding different than you would summer riding. The roads are usually in good condition a few days after a snow, but there is always the possibility of ice. The first time you hit ice with clipless shoes on will be you last. Find a good old fashion flat peddle that does not attach to you foot. If you slide in ice you will have a better chance of bracing your fall with you feet. This goes for hands, also. Wear a glove or mitten that in case of a fall it has enough material so you do not cut up your hand does not take the brunt. And if you plant the hand into a snow mound half way to you destination you hand will not freeze as a result. Finally, wear a helmet. Even if it means buying a new one that can accommodate a hat between your head and the helmet.

(3) Wear a Helmet. I cannot stress how important this is at any period of the year, but especially the winter. Ice can do a wicked number on you and you can go in the most unexpected direction. Plus isn’t $80 every other year much easier to afford than the cost of a traumatic brain injury.

(4) Ride straight-up. In the winter your footing is different due the potential of ice and snow. Center your weight on the bike and try to avoid leaning into turns. I have found that slower turns are the most successful.

(5) Be ready to change clothes 8 to 10 times per day. I can always tell when spring is around the corner, because I become frustrated that I have to freaking change my clothes again. Typical day for me – get up, get dressed for the ride to work (#1). Ride to work, arrive change clothes for work (#2). Work, finish work change for ride home (#3). Sometimes attend off site meeting on way home with need to look professional change clothes (#4). Finish meeting change for the ride (#5). Arrive home; remove biking gear (#6). Go to sleep change again (#7). This is the most frustrating part of the winter ride. Way more frustrating than the temperature.

(6) Have a system to transport your clothes. Whether the plan is a Sunday drive out to the office with a week’s worth of duds or large panniers, a plan can mean the difference between looking like a professional or like a dope.

(7) Become the weatherman. I do mean start blowing stuff up, but know the conditions before hand will save you time and maybe you well being. The forecast will guide you on the appropriate clothes to wear. If it is real cold and you are not used to riding in it – overdress in layers. It is easier to pull something off then to find something to put on in the middle of your ride. Be smart about the cold. If you think it is too cold, don’t ride and live to do it another day. My rule is under -20F, it’s no dice. Remember I have a 20 to 30 minute commute. Distance plays a key role when the temperature is involved.

(8) Know your route. Knowing where the closest coffee or bike shop come is in handy if you catch a flat when it is 15F and sleeting.

(9) Carry a spare. Like all times of the year, have spare tubes, tools and patch kits with you on the ride.

(10) Have fun. The best part of the winter ride is being out. It is so invigorating to be on the bike in sub-zero weather or in a six-inch snow storm. It will keep you fit and your spirits up through those dark days of winter. Aside from the street cred, the main reason to be on your bike in the winter is because it is so much fun.