Pedals again

So, I put the Shimano cleats on the shoes and tried out the clip ins.    Frustrating at first, and didn't like 'em at first, especially the difficulty getting clipped in as well as getting out of them, and remembered why I switched to the Speedplays originally.  20 + miles out to Locks and back, at leisurely pace, stopping to take a few photos and actually enjoy the ride, rather than booking the miles and watching the time.

Going back to what we used to do.

How to Build a Universe: Philip K. Dick on Reality, Media Manipulation, and Human Heroism | Brain Pickings

How to Build a Universe: Philip K. Dick on Reality, Media Manipulation, and Human Heroism | Brain Pickings:

This isn't bike-related, but expands on a theme we discussed last night, after attending a book-reading by Jonathan Raban.   The author of Driving Home discussed how he wrote, whether he used notes, and described how his observations, when combined with adjectives, adverbs, metaphors and similes, became a work of fiction.   In essense, he called into question the differences between fiction, non-fiction, journalism, and how we all create our realities.   To me, that is paralleled by Dick's observation, “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away."  And, 'The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the words.'

Velominati › The Rules

Velominati › The Rules:

Of course, the first rule is, Break All The Rules!

Then, Grant offers his own perspective....

Of course, for advice on how to stay young, follow these rules...

Pedals

So far this year, 1900 + miles, and not as much as I'd like, but that's what the total is.   We went on our annual trip to Ashland for the OSF, and like last year, brought the bike for a ride.   43 miles out and back through the orchards and vineyards of the Rogue Valley, after a bit of drama.  Yes, I remembered to pack the bike, helmet, gloves, shorts, etc., but this time, I forgot the bike shoes.  Since the Bleriot has Speedplay Frogs installed as pedals, this situation required attention.   Drove to Siskiyou Cyclery where the good folks installed a pair of Shimano Reversable Road Pedals so I could ride in my Merrells, or sandals, or whatever, and then get a new pair of bike shoes when clipping in makes more sense.

The ride was fine with the new pedals, and not being clipped in was not a big deal, so we'll try them out for the time being while riding around the city.   And, in fact, the 23 + miles out to Sunset Hill and Golden Gardens via the BGT was just fine without the Frogs.

Cyclists Take Nighttime Ride Through Moscow's History : NPR

Cyclists Take Nighttime Ride Through Moscow's History : NPR:

Home - Ride Oregon Ride

Home - Ride Oregon Ride:

Check out the video about the Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway.

I want to do this.  I want to be able to do this.....

No RSVP 2013

Worked the RSVP starting line this morning, and missed going on the ride.  The route north to Canada is one I've done several times in the past, and have always enjoyed.  It's more of a challenge than STP, has less of the yahoo-racing factor, fewer crowds and pace lines, plus you end up in Vancouver!   The ride just wasn't going to work with all that is going on this summer and fall, but will be on calendar for 2014.

Instead, I ran into Jenny from Cascade who reminded me of the commitment to become a Ride Leader, and so I signed up to ride this Sunday around Lake Sammamish with a club mentor and a group.

Annual visit to the Frontier Doctor yesterday showed many good numbers, but recommendation is to drop a few lbs and ride the bike more.   So, let's recommit to the commute that I sluffed off this week.

1,666 miles YTD.   More to come.