In cycling there are several truisms we’d rather not hear about. The same answer fits each of these scenarios: Learning to ride clips Running into another rider Dropping a water bottle Falling off the pace Falling off the bike at speed. The answer in all cases: “Not ‘if,’ but ‘when.’” We’ve all done the “clips […]
Not “If,” But “When” Read More »
This is a recurring theme in my life. Trying to decide if it is a good thing or a not-so-good thing. People come into and go out of each other’s lives with regularity. For the most part to fill a gap. To fill a need or solve an immediate issue. I seem to be a
It was a day of orientation. I blew into Sierra Vista and was the first tent to set up on the baseball field (right near first base). Matilda made herself right at home as any good mascot would. The commemorative jersey is color and not ASU colors. Met a (fast) tandem pair from Las Cruces,
El Tour de Zona 2023, Day 0: Getting My Feet on the Ground (or Pedals) Read More »
It started out as a whim. My friend and bike builder/tuner, Nikolaus, suggested the idea to me on a car ride to and from a rally. “Have you considered a single speed?” “Not really. Why should I?” And from there sprang my Witerok Crossbyrd. Rebuilt from an E-Bay cast off, it features a single chain
My Single Speed, My Single Life Read More »
My friend, Dennis, has been a guitarist and musician for as long as I’ve known him. We won’t mention years but I went to his wife’s sweet 16 birthday party. If you are a regular reader of this space then you have a pretty good idea just how long ago that is. Every time I
Passions Compared: Wheels versus Strings Read More »
With a ride to Tombstone, Arizona, coming up, it only seems fitting for me to quote Doc Holiday (portrayed by Val Kilmer): “I’m your huckleberry.” The huckleberry in question is, in this case, is the Chuck Huckleberry Loop, the cycling ribbon trail that encircles Tucson, Arizona. While I’m here in advance of the Tour de
I’m Your Huckleberry Read More »
Tour de Zona is a series of rides through a county I spent my early years. Iconic names: Bisbee, Tombstone, Fort Huachuca. I missed this ride last year because of illness so I wasn’t about to be absent again. While I am a solo act and not representing any club, I am really looking forward
Taking on Tour de Zona 2023 Read More »
It started as a whim. “That Seattle-to-Portland (STP) ride was always there…” I told myself. Then a friend said she’d ride it with me. OK, now I have no excuse. After RAGBRAI last summer, I wanted a similar experience without sullying the Iowa trip memories. Hmmm..what about tacking on a trip to the San Juan
Heading North in July 2023 — A PNW Adventure Read More »
Until yesterday afternoon I could get on my bike at any time and just go. Until yesterday afternoon I loved riding with a group. Until yesterday afternoon I could find ways to process things on my bike. But not after yesterday afternoon. I got stuck in the past. Literally stuck in one place. Unable to
This is my bicycle. It is a simple conveyance. It takes me from here to there, sometimes with lots of speed. It has special components, a lightweight frame and special handlebars and a computer. It is a fast machine. I learned to ride fast with fast people on my bicycle. From pacelines to drafting to
This is My Bicycle Read More »
