Sunday, May 30, 2010

The Monster Ride

No one wants to do anything painful. We avoid hard times at all cost.
Did you ever see a video of the Tour de France? There not having fun. Fun is no part of their riding and if it were, they would quit and try it, maybe, again next year.

I have often thought that if there wasn't at least a moment of regret during the "Monster" ride, it would not be right.
Theres the:

Light Ride,
The Medium Ride,
The Heavy Ride.

And then theres the "Death March"

There needs to be a story. How hard did it get and exactly how much did it suck.
I love the Monster ride. I would never call it a "Killer" We know what that kind of ride is, but Monster fits, when its right.
Having to carry the bike. Six Flats, Bent wheels and a trail fix without having to walk, works.

Too Much Blood!

Big miles in high heat, or cold and wet. Never the normal or comfortable works as well. Chest Deep Bramble. Throw your bike out and then craw out after it.

"How the heck did you get that scratch?" "Don't Ask!"

Monster rides are usually "guys" play. I remember an article about, "Do the girls really want to be like the guys",It was written by a Gal and told about something that always seems to happen when someone complains. Things get harder.
Like the night someone said their knee hurts and we should take it easy. We all agreed and headed straight for the largest hill in town, fast and without lights.

You wake the next morning after a great nights sleep and wonder how you ever survived.

I love the moment when it gets tough. I know there will be a story and I know when we finish, the arrival will be all the better and maybe, the best.

Lets plan a "Monster Ride" today!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Sunday Morning Coffee Ride

Spectacular ride. Super Smooth and a special surprise.
The ride started a little late. No one was in Waltham center, but I met Geoff Adams in Newton at the Blue Heron Foot Bridge.
We traveled downstream on the Newton side of the Charles. When we got to the Larz Anderson Bridge, it was blocked off by a State Police Cruiser. Today was the "Run to Remember". An annual event that is a half marathon to bennifit Police Officers families that the officer was killed in the line of duty.
Fortunately for us, The road was totally closed to Automobile traffic. With a super tail wind, we road car free all the way to the Prison Point Bridge. Very Nice!
Our stop was at "Mikes" in the North End. Lobster Tail. Geoff had never seen one and almost needed help carrying it back to the bike.
Black Coffee, and then Back on the road.
Beautiful day for a ride. Nice and cool. One can only hope that there will be more like this one to come.

Geoffs New Ride in the North End Sunday morning. How good is that?

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Old Computer is now The New Computer

I have spent hours trying to revive my new computer and reinstall AOL. Its not working.
The Old computer will just have to do for now.
Its a little slower, but who isn't?
Welcome back to BOSRUG.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

AOL Problems Still Exist

Things have not gotten better since the last post. Im working on getting up and running soon, Thank You for checking back.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Technical Difficulty's

Im having problems getting on line with my home computer, so untill I can fix tha probmem/problems. The Bosrug blogspot will be closed.
Check back in about a week.
Sorry.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The New Recumbent Rider

I Love my job.

Introducing riders, young and old to the sport of Recumbent Cycling.

I have made an effort to promote the sport and it has paid off.
My support from Bacchetta has helped. Without their efforts and keeping me supplied with a great selection of bicycles and accessories, it would have been simply, imposable. Their bicycle designs cover all my customers needs and life styles. From the around town errand bike to the new sports car/race bike, Bacchetta wins hands down as to whats available on the recumbent market today.

If it wasn't for my Boss, Clint, allowing me to take on the Baccheta line and order without question, It never would have happened.

It wouldn't be possible without the open minded customers that I am fortunate to have. Most of the test rides pay off. Taking the time to teach the rider how to ballance and then pedal has them feeling comfortable with me, their sales person and not pressured into buying. They see that I'm more concerned with them getting what they need and not what I need to sell.
The bikes sell them self. It only takes a few minutes for most riders to get it. The Smile tells all.

Here is the best letter I have have ever received regarding my recommendation of a Bacchetta model I needed to Special order.

Its titled, "Thanks"

Hi Scott,

Danni here. You helped me purchase the Bacchetta last week.

So, I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful weekend for riding my new bike. I got out a lot and really had a lot of fun, but I now have another recumbent related question that I was hoping you could help answer. Now that I have a bike that causes absolutely no pain or fatigue where I am looking up and seeing the beautiful scenery and enjoying the world around me, I have absolutely no desire to get off my bike. So, how the hell do you find the will power to get off the bike in order to take care of the responsibilities in life? ;-)

Thanks again for all of your help last week. I am LOVING my recumbent!!!!!

Danni


I wrote back letting my new customer know that I did not know and if I ever figured it out, I'm going for a long ride to plan on how I can get out of them.

Moments like these make my job Great. Thank You Bacchetta, Thank You Clint and,

Thank You Danni!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Boston Bike & Brew Tour

The Perfect night for a ride.
Four riders, four pubs, four beers each.
The ride started around 6:45 and headed South to the Charles River Walk trail, West and upstream to Waltham.
Our first Pub a was a cute,quite and clean place called the Gaff. Irish slang for "Home". The little pub has a fantastic selection of craft ale. You walk through the door and see stuffed chairs that you can sit back and enjoy your complementary Pop Corn and your favorite Brew.
We headed back to the trail still in daylight down stream looking for "New Dave's" lost car keys. David is new to recumbent cycling and learned last night about the auto-dump issue of things in your pockets. It has happened to all of us at one time. Not a problem, Doug M. saved the evening by offering David a ride home after the ride.
We never found the Key, but did find our next pub.
Our second stop was another cute, quit pub in the Silver Lake section of Newton called the "West Street Tavern and Grill. Great little spot, Not a huge selection of beer, but they have my favorite, Harpoon IPA, A great pour, and a smiling bartender, What more could you ask for?
We took off after rigging our lights, back to the Watertown side of the Charles and the bike trail.
By this time it was dark enough to need the lights. Dave C had a little sound system with a great list of music that when we stayed together could be heard and kept our pace. More of a Parade of sorts, we made our way to our next spot.
Theres a new Pub in Allston called Deep Ellum. Small, clean and hip. Deep Ellum has everything you might expect for a Nice Spot. Food served on cutting boards. Great smells. Large screen TVs with Classic Black and White Film. Fantastic selection of beer, but the worst pour I have seen in a while. The bartender I think was more concerned about how he looked then how his beer pour appeared.
I would go back. Great little spot. Besides our Bar Tender, every one else was really nice.
We headed out, down the sidewalk against traffic to the foot bridge crossing the Mass Pike and onto Cambridge using back roads. Working our way back to the river, we passed Harvard Stadium where we encountered the only heavy traffic all night.
Back on the trail, the views of Harvard and the lights reflecting off the water was dream like. Dave's music and the smell of the flowering trees made the ride.
We rode the trail downstream to Boston Garden and rounded the building to the street. Our last stop was outdoor seating at the Boston Beerworks. Maybe not the best beer, but certainly the best "scenery"! This part of Boston is not quiet at this time of the week and at this time of night.
The group split up after Beerworks. Three of us headed off through Cambridge and on to the "Minute Man Trail and made another split where I headed back to Dover and arrived home at 1:00am.
This was another spectacular ride. Small was good. We never had a problem except for the lost key lesson. Traffic was surprising light and the bicycle trail had very little action. Our speed was slow and pleasurable. There was never a problem getting a seat at any of the spots we stopped at. More riders could have been a issue, so, thanks for staying at home, (Just kidding!)
Its so nice to enjoy the company of good friends on a great evening ride. Almost like Summer, This ride will not be soon forgotten!


Saturday, May 15, 2010

Gender Bikes

Long before there were "Women Specific Design" frames and maybe even girls bicycles, there were machines referred to as one or the other gender. Mostly Women.
Not just naming it like "The Queen Mary" but actually referring to an inanimate object as "She"

I remember the first time I heard a bicycle called "She". I wasn't exactly sure who the customer was talking about. I thought there must have been another person involved with the bike that wasn't there at the moment. I thought that this Women customer couldn't possibly referring to this bicycle as, "She".

I know that the Crankset is sometimes referred to as the "Heart" of the bike and I guess the cyclometer could be referred to as the brain, But where does this Idea come from calling your bike a women and dealing with a mechanic, calling it "She"?
Does this extend to the customer having long conversations with the bicycle while riding? Is there discussion about buying new things for "Her" before "Their" money is spent and does the owner, or better yet, partner, surprise "Her" with a little gift every once in a while, like streamers or a bell? What do you suppose it must be like when the conversation of a new bike coming into the family come up? Is there guilt when the old bike sits alone? Are there feelings? And what about their Lawn Mower, Washing Machine and Juicer?

My older brother had a grey Navy surplus CJ-2A Willys Jeep he called "Nellybelle." Named after Roy Roger's car,drove on the show by his side kick, Pat Brady. I remember my brother use to talk to it, mostly begging it to start.

I know lots of Musicians call their Guitars Women's names, but I think it because the hours of ignoring there real women friends and hours spent playing. Jimi use to sleep with his. Guitar that is.

Like George Harrison's song, "My Guitar Gently Weeps". I would have called it, "Listen how I can make this thing sound like its human crying, its cool"
Another reason why I never made it in music.

Answers to such questions I'm sure just are like Bobby Zimmerman sings, "Blowin in the Wind" But I would love someday for someone to explain.

Different strokes for different folks. Its what makes the world go round. Right!

Maybe its just for "Good Luck" or the mystery of how the bike works. Maybe the fear of what may go wrong at any moment or the hope that nothing will.

Please speak kindly and softly around my Bacchetta and for Heavens Sake, please don't swear or mention my love of other bicycles, or Maybe "She" just might not want you to ride with Us again!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Tunnel Of Green

What a great time of year to ride.
Most of the trees leaves are out and in close to full size. The roads are shaded from the suns harmful rays as you ride heads up. Long stretches of road can be covered at times without the view of the sky. At times of a surprise down pour, it take sometimes as much as 5 minutes for the rain to make its way through to the ground as the trees get their shower.
Riding a Recumbent has you noticing things like tree cover and clouds as if you are laying on your back. Like when you had the time to find a spot and just lay back look up. Noticing shapes in the clouds and enjoying the day.
Now a days when time is short, its nice to "multi-task" and do two of the things I enjoy. The Tunnel of Green make riding here in Southern New England different. Different from just 4 months ago when all we had was "The Big Sky."

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Saturday Evening Bike and Brew

Join us for a moderately paced evening tour of some of Boston's favorite watering holes.
We will be riding back roads and bicycle trails alike for a round town pub crawl of 4 different purveyors of craft brew.

The ride will start at 6:00 in Waverly Square in Belmont,Ma and return around 10:30 Helmets, lights and locks required. Warm clothing may be needed for outdoor seating when available.

This is something we have done at least once a year for the last five and have always had a great and memorable time. Recumbents only. Bring all your reflective gear and cash for food and beer.
Hope to see you there.

Questions? Email me at the address above to the right /////

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Mr Murphy was a Cyclist

"If anything can go wrong, in time ,, it will."
This includes Cycling and anything related to the sport.
Over time I have had everything I might expect and then some. Parts break and miles walked pushing a large range of bicycle design. Carrying the bike at times, when the wheel no longer rolls.
I have had Crank Spindles, the axle to the crank break and when it does, you walk around looking for a place to sit down to pull the crank and pedal off your shoe.
You can Try to be prepared for anything that might happen but to do so you would need a follow van.

Mix things together like Picnics, Photography and Cycling and watch out!

Yesterday was no different. I headed off to work a little early with a kite strapped to my bike so I could take some more Kite Cam Photos for this Blog. Windy enough, but too windy. I certainly don't want to loose a camera or have to pull it from a tree. There is a spot I found that will give a great view of The Village of Newton Upper Falls and the Aqueduct at Echo Bridge.

I fought the wind all the way over to one of the fields near the falls.
I quickly set up the kite and then, much to my surprise, Calm. No wind at all! First time in 3 days, at that moment it all stopped.
I packed up and went up to a higher field about 90 feet higher about a half mile away. The wind picked up for the climb and when I reached the upper field was moving at a good clip. The kite went straight up.
Reaching about 30 feet the kite string wrapped it self around the mechanical buckle on my cycling shoe and jammed.
I took the kite down and sat on the ground to untangle the mess attached to my right foot.
It took all my time I had allowed to do the shoot.
Times like these make the days when things go right, better. The shots will come, but just not today.

Murphy was a cyclist. Somehow I think he must have been watching. I'm sure he got a chuckle out of the mess I found myself in yesterday morning, and added one more to his list.

Monday, May 10, 2010

New Places and New Faces

There is nothing like a Recumbent Bicycle for bicycle touring and seeing new places.
The total heads up style of riding has you seeing the whole picture as you pedal through the countryside. Different styles of Recumbents and different seat angles all have you sitting with your back at a laid back angle and chin up. You see everything from the road to the sky.
Even the most up right style bicycle wont give you an angle and the view that is needed to see it all. The harder you ride the more you look down. Opening your windpipe and breathing is easier while your head is at that angle to your neck and exactly why riding in the recumbent position has you looking up.
I love to meet new people. I wish it could be once a day. always a different view on things and a different story.
My recumbent attracts people. Whenever I'm parked and sitting by it, people come over and ask questions. (Wow buddy,,Long Chain!)
Returning home with the memory of seeing new things and meeting new people always makes a ride seem more complete. Its nice to have the memories of people from a new explored area and the views from the place they call their home.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Chain Chain, Chain!

The most common thing said when people look at my Recumbent is, "That's a long chain! Do you ever have any problem with a chain that long?"
They all seem to think that the longer the chain, the larger the problem. Looking at something and not understanding it can be a scary thing, especially when its covered with black greasy stuff.
Three times the length of a normal bicycle's drive train, a Recumbents chain lasts 3 times as long. Its all a mater of the little rollers coming in contact with the teeth of the cogs and how clean and oiled it is. Three times as long, three times the life.
Most riders never really take into consideration how exactly a chain works. If it gets oiled at all, it is usually covered and then ridden. Extra oil on the outside of the chain will pick up road dust and grime and work like a abrasive to wear things out. One needs to understand the design of the chain to see that in fact the only place the oil is needed is "Inside" the little pill shaped roller.


In the illustrations to the right, you can see how a chain is put together. Each link has a roller link,(B), and a pair of face plates connecting them (A). The pin that holds the links together goes through a bushing,(T) with a roller,(L) on its outside. The oil needs to be inside the roller so the roller can spin freely. If it does not, It will actually work like a grinding wheel when it comes in contact with your gear and wear them out in short order.
When the little pill shaped roller meets the notch between the teeth, it stays put while the chain rotates around. The pressure between the pin, bushing and the roller requires an oil that will not be too thin and break down. Oils like WD-40 may not be the best thing for the job because they do not have the viscosity to withstand the weight of the rider and the job. Without oil, it will not move freely and as the chain moves, grind away the part. Oil is not needed on the Cassette, Chainrings or the outside of the Derailleur pulleys. If its there, it will only collect dirt and cause things to wear out prematurely.
Oiling the chain and removing any grit is important for the both the bicycle and you. Greasy chains make for a greasy cyclist in the case of a roadside repair. Cleaning and oiling once a week is best and after every encounter with wet roads.
Putting more oil on top of older dirty oil is not a good idea. You can clean your chain with the new oil, but it is an expensive to do it.
Your bike shop will be happy to recommend the proper lube for the job. Different times of year require different oils to work best. Ask what they like and how to apply it. Most shops will be happy to help at no extra charge.

Happy Mother's Day, Class Dismissed.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

It Takes All Types

Recumbents come in all types and sizes as do people. What type is best for you may have a lot to do with the person you are.
From the outside, things always look different. The type of person associated with a type of pass time may be easy to stereotype, but for the most part is pure speculation and second guessing the reason the individual chooses to do what they have chosen to do. Book reader, Book Worm?
I deal with a lot of different people daily. From all walks of life, most of them are "Cyclists." They all have a different point of view as to what cycling is and because of it, we have many different styles of bicycles. Among those different styles, there are different models and brands, all designed with a different price point and component selection in mind to suit the needs of the rider.
Yes its true, we could sell only one style of bike and one model. Different sizes for different sized riders, but customers don't want the same bike as the guy next door. They want one that's a little nicer and pay a little less.
Dahon folding bikes can be adjusted to fit any rider, almost, and they have 40 different bikes to choose from. Forty!
As there are different people and bikes, there different styles of Recumbents.
People that are of "normal height and weight" have many different bicycles to choose from. People on ether end of the height spectrum are limited to what they can fit.
Its like my brother when he use to buy cycling tights by looking under the rack. The ones that the cuffs were touching the floor were the ones he tried on. Like the guy that called on the phone to find out if we sold size 15 cycling shoes. He didn't want to know what color or what brand, he just wanted to know if we had them and if so he was going to do the hour drive. He wasn't picky, he just wanted shoes.
Too many items on the menu. When there are so many to choose from, its hard to make a decision. That's the sales person's job. If you fall within the size requirements, then it comes down to the type of riding your planning to do and the people you will be planning to do it with. Again let the experienced salesperson help you with your choice. In a shop where there's a lot of business, sales people don't want any extra work and will cut to the chase to get you what you need.
Trying a few bikes will have you seeing how bikes handle and what will fit your style of riding best. Consider that you will adapt to what ever you buy, but understand that your friends bikes and there style of riding when it comes to riding together, will be best to copy.
It takes all types of bikes to fit all types of rides and riders. We are lucky here in this day and age to have such an incredible choice.

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Beauty of the Bike

One would hope that every child has had the chance to at least learn to ride a bicycle. Although for most of the world, we know its not true, here in the US, with a little time and patients, a bicycle can be had for next to nothing.
Its not important that it be anything special. In time it will become part of you and as special as the most expensive and desired bicycle on todays most elite bicycle shop's sales floor.
Found bikes and refurbished bikes can become the best to own, simply because the value to the thief is far less. Bicycle Freedom can be experienced easier with a bike that does not need to be locked or watched all the time.
It really doesn't have to be a recumbent to enjoy cycling. It only has to be a bike. Fast rides are nice, but slower rides allow you to see more and arrive every inch of the journey.
As time goes on and more and more bicycles a produced, older bicycles will become more available. Save one from the trash and pass it on to someone that would enjoy riding. Your knowledge of fixing flats and oiling chains may be all it needs. A new wheel in most cases is the reason most bicycles get thrown away. Piecing together old parts may be all it takes for the perfect Mother's Day Gift.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Wednesday's Ride.

Two riders, 74 miles and 75 degrees. Shorts, shirts and jackets to start.
We started our ride at 9:20 and headed South west through Sherborn and back roads to Hopkinton. The hills seemed to be in our favor. Slight head wind but not enough to be any sort of a problem.
Our first rest stop was a front flat, After a quick change we headed off to our next flat. The flats gave us a chance to enjoy the day not moving.
We continued on route 135 through Westborough Center and on to Northborough. After a short stop at the CVS, we headed up Church Street and its 300 foot climb through a tunnel of green. The leaves seem to all be out now and the cover from the sun is wonderful.
We topped the hill by the Golf Course and made our way to Route 70. We headed West reaching speeds of 37 mph on traffic free roads with deep woods to our right. The day's plan was to round the Wachusett Reservoir.
On to Route 140 our first look at the surface look at the shore and the massive body of water.
We took a short rest at the water crossing on the corner of 110 and 140 for a phone call and then off to Clinton Center to the Old Timers Restaurant for lunch.
On the back side of the reservoir on Route 110 in Sterling we reached speeds of 34 mph again with a great view of the water to our right. A totally fantastic ride and a beautiful day to do it on. Clear sky most of the day and light traffic.

The finish into Clinton Center is a super fast downhill that requires riding the brakes because of traffic. Sit back and relax and watch for the slot to pass. Threading the needle at times, if done right you can almost roll the last mile and a half to the door for lunch.
We were greeted by the bartender with menus and a big smile. He said that when we pulled up that his friend told him he should see our bikes. He thought he had missed them.
After a Great lunch we headed back to finish rounding the Wauchesset and back home. Now with a tail wind we finished the ride without incident.
Its days like these and rides like this that make living in Southern New England Wonderful. There is nothing like a great ride with Great company. The people at our lunch stop were the best hosts. Happy to have us and good food and drink.
High speed finish of 32 mph and back by 3:15. Always a good time to get off the road and a fantastic time to enjoy a cold drink.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Old Dogs and New Tricks

Most people try new things on the recommendation of friends. It all comes down to trust.
"Well,,If Joey jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?" I think I was asked that at a very early age. The name wasn't Joey and of course the answer was yes, but because by the was the question was presented by Mom, I said, No.

We are also talked out of trying new things because someone might seem knowledgeable enough to trust. Sometimes their knowledge is just speculation and not based on fact at all.

Just the other day I was told of a bicycle shop telling a customer that Recumbents are "Death Traps" Cool! He lost a sale and I just got a new customer. I'm sure the salesman has never once pedaled a recumbent or one true recumbent fact. Poor Thing!

For those of us who have had the pleasure of owning and riding a Recumbent, we know how passer by's love the bikes. I always get great comments from strangers like,"Love That Bike!" Comments like, "That's Cool!" and "I want one of those!" are heard as you ride by.
For the longest while I would have folks pull over and stop me asking where they could buy one. I actually let a fellow take mine for a ride on day. He came back with that smile!
People who don't understand things and want to look like they do, sometimes say silly things. Instead of saying something smart.
I once heard a salesman at our store tell a customer that he didn't want a recumbent, because Men that start riding in that position have to "Sit Down to go Pee" after they become recumbent cyclists. He thought he was funny.
Sometimes when "Experts" realize that they are not as much of an "Expert" as they thought they were, Silly things get said.
New comers catch on. Not having anything to compare there ride to, Recumbents are an easy way to go. Its the older rider and the Old Dog that have a hard time learning "New Tricks"

Monday, May 3, 2010

Sunday's Ride

Great ride. Four riders. Twenty Five miles of Summer like riding. We we rode along with the "Walk for Hunger" for some of the ride. The rode's were closed to traffic for part of the way. Nice to see so many people out.
There was talk about doing another ride next Sunday, but earlier. More on that one later.



Nonantum Street, all to ourselves!




Contending with the next generation of Recumbent riders

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Ride Announcement, Sunday May,2nd Belmont,Ma. 8:30-12:00

Join us for a moderate paced Recumbent's only tour of downtown Boston, Sunday morning, May 2nd. Starting at Belmont Wheelworks, we will ride the Charles River to Downtown Boston, stop in the North End for a cup and round The Bunker Hill Monument. We will come back by Memorial drive in Cambridge that is closed to automobiles on Sunday's only. The ride will be around 20 miles and keep together as a group.
Hope to see you there!

Ride Starts at Belmont Wheelworks, 480 Trapelo Rd, Belmont Ma,
 
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