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Search: Posts Made By: kbblodorn
Showing results 1 to 50 of 136
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Forum: Commuting
05-18-11, 03:32 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 1,580
Posted By kbblodorn

The profanity and finger waving was me dealing...

The profanity and finger waving was me dealing with it. That, and venting about it here!
Forum: Commuting
05-18-11, 01:43 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 1,580
Posted By kbblodorn

Oblivious. At least, I didn't see her return my...

Oblivious. At least, I didn't see her return my "wave". Perhaps she has a rare blindness to flashy lights and bright yellow vests, but you'd think the school crossing guard would have discovered...
Forum: Touring
05-18-11, 01:23 PM
Replies: 5
Views: 2,666
Posted By kbblodorn

There have been other threads ...

There have been other threads (http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-618911.html) like this. Search on trekking bars or butterfly bars. I just bought a Novara Safari with trekking bars, so...
Forum: Commuting
05-18-11, 01:06 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 1,673
Posted By kbblodorn

After commuting over 2000 miles for a couple...

After commuting over 2000 miles for a couple years, I got out of the habit (schedule, job change, weather, many other excuses....) I subsequently put on 30+ pounds over two years of being lazy. My...
Forum: Commuting
05-18-11, 12:54 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 1,580
Posted By kbblodorn

Almost hit by school bus

On my commute yesterday morning, I was nearly sideswiped by a big yellow school bus. The bus driver was at a stop sign, coming from a residential road, turning right on to the main road I was on. I...
Forum: Commuting
05-03-11, 08:24 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 592
Posted By kbblodorn

Use Google Maps for bike directions. The nice...

Use Google Maps for bike directions. The nice thing with that is you can then "drag" your route to different streets and customize the route to balance distance and safety.

My route is a bit over...
Forum: Touring
04-25-11, 01:15 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 1,716
Posted By kbblodorn

We go camping at Peninsula SP every year. Great...

We go camping at Peninsula SP every year. Great biking in and around the park with little kids. I like the Peninsula-and-back idea, but I think the mileage might be a bit high for me as a first...
Forum: Touring
04-22-11, 12:26 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 1,716
Posted By kbblodorn

I did a bit more searching to find out what's...

I did a bit more searching to find out what's involved with taking a bike on the train from MKE to La Crosse. Looks like it's a matter of buying a box from Amtrak (anywhere from $0 to $15), popping...
Forum: Touring
04-22-11, 11:18 AM
Replies: 28
Views: 1,716
Posted By kbblodorn

I like the idea of taking the train to La Crosse...

I like the idea of taking the train to La Crosse and riding back - that looks like a great route connecting a bunch of the state trails. Just a question of how easy or difficult it is to take a bike...
Forum: Touring
04-22-11, 09:44 AM
Replies: 28
Views: 1,716
Posted By kbblodorn

Wisconsin short touring route ideas

I have an opportunity to make my first bike tour in June (opportunity = wife and kids out of town, no business trips planned). I recently acquired a Novara Safari to use as a commuter, but with the...
Forum: Commuting
04-21-11, 02:02 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 737
Posted By kbblodorn

I really like the butterfly bars, especially for...

I really like the butterfly bars, especially for commuting. I spend most of the time on the flats where the brakes and shifters are, but move to the outer bends to change it up. The bars are nice...
Forum: Commuting
04-21-11, 10:41 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 737
Posted By kbblodorn

198739 There you go!

198739

There you go!
Forum: Commuting
04-21-11, 09:03 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 737
Posted By kbblodorn

First commute on my new Novara Safari

After picking up my new ride a week and a half ago, I finally got a convergence of good weather and amenable schedule and biked in this morning. My ride is about 17 and a half miles on a combination...
Forum: Great Lakes Rides and Events
04-21-11, 08:40 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 880
Posted By kbblodorn

I'm in too. Spammed my office, we have a few...

I'm in too. Spammed my office, we have a few other riders so I'm sure a few of them will sign up. Worthy goal, but I'm afraid the current state leadership isn't looking for new places to spend...
Forum: Commuting
04-19-11, 03:24 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 720
Posted By kbblodorn

I was in Tokyo during the quake, and was really...

I was in Tokyo during the quake, and was really wishing I had my bike during the 6.5 mile walk back to the hotel.
Forum: Touring
04-13-11, 03:11 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 2,668
Posted By kbblodorn

They took off the disc brakes but left the mounts...

They took off the disc brakes but left the mounts and disc hubs, so you retain the option to go to discs if you want. I was really excited about the switch to steel. I had a 90's vintage Trek...
Forum: Touring
04-11-11, 02:54 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 2,668
Posted By kbblodorn

Just picked up my new Safari this weekend! I...

Just picked up my new Safari this weekend! I haven't been out on it yet, other than a quick spin around the block with the kids. I'm really excited though. Also happy to find that it had four H2O...
Forum: Commuting
04-11-11, 02:47 PM
Replies: 42
Views: 6,691
Posted By kbblodorn

Ordered a Novara Safari using the 20% and my...

Ordered a Novara Safari using the 20% and my dividend. I was reluctant to buy a bike without test riding for fit, but since so few LBS' around me carry touring bikes of any kind, I figured REI is...
Forum: Touring
02-12-11, 11:54 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 1,169
Posted By kbblodorn

Thanks for the input! Glad to hear the positive...

Thanks for the input! Glad to hear the positive feedback on the Safari. I'm not crazy about grip shifters, but I figure at some point it would be easy enough to switch to trigger if I want.
Forum: Touring
02-11-11, 03:54 PM
Replies: 5
Views: 1,169
Posted By kbblodorn

2011 Novara Safari?

Has anyone ridden the 2011 Novara Safari? I am considering one when the 20% sale happens. I am looking for a bike for weekend camping / touring trips and daily commuting. I think the change to...
Forum: Commuting
04-09-09, 07:06 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 545
Posted By kbblodorn

Thanks for the info. Sad thing is I have a chain...

Thanks for the info. Sad thing is I have a chain cleaning tool - just been lazy! (Paid for that laziness by driving that gunky chain for a while, of course!)
Forum: Commuting
04-09-09, 08:01 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 545
Posted By kbblodorn

Some new parts - initial thoughts

I put some new toys on the bike this weekend, and thought I would post my initial thoughts. First, since I decided to switch back to flat bars, I took the opportunity to replace the grips with some...
Forum: Commuting
03-26-09, 02:34 PM
Replies: 73
Views: 3,895
Posted By kbblodorn

What makes the dual big wheel big more difficult?...

What makes the dual big wheel big more difficult? I rode the Strada, with dual 650c, and thought it handled well (actually found it easier than the LWB bikes, because it didn't feel like it was...
Forum: Commuting
03-26-09, 09:08 AM
Replies: 73
Views: 3,895
Posted By kbblodorn

The V-Rex and the Giro (20 or 26) are definitely...

The V-Rex and the Giro (20 or 26) are definitely the top of the list! I test rode the Stratus and Bella, as well as the Bacchetta Strada (?) I didn't get a great feel for them, since I had never...
Forum: Commuting
03-26-09, 08:33 AM
Replies: 73
Views: 3,895
Posted By kbblodorn

Anyone switch to recumbent?

Has anyone here tried or switched to a recumbent for commuting? I test rode a few this weekend, first time ever on one. I am attracted to the comfort aspect, especially the reduced pounding on the...
Forum: Commuting
03-26-09, 08:13 AM
Replies: 0
Views: 283
Posted By kbblodorn

First commute of the season

I made my first commute of the season today. I had hoped to commute at least occassionally during the winter, but decided to hang it up in November for a few reasons. First was safety - it had...
Forum: Commuting
11-03-08, 04:48 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 2,094
Posted By kbblodorn

2029 miles commuting since April. 54 total...

2029 miles commuting since April. 54 total trips, about 50% of the days that I'm at work. If I could eliminate the days I don't ride because of lazy, then that should get up to 75-80%. Hopefully...
Forum: Commuting
11-03-08, 11:03 AM
Replies: 1
Views: 304
Posted By kbblodorn

Milestone today

I hit a milestone today - crossed the 2,000 mile mark since I started biking to work in April. Now I just need to keep the motivation up as it gets cold and dark!
Forum: Commuting
10-28-08, 08:46 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 715
Posted By kbblodorn

Froze Toez, Cold Weather Gear Recommendations?

Temps got down to 30F for my ride in this morning. Head, face, upper body were all nice and cozy. Two problem areas I had were feet (I didn't use the booties, I guess still in denial about winter...
Forum: Commuting
10-28-08, 08:31 AM
Replies: 63
Views: 4,317
Posted By kbblodorn

My commute is 19 miles each way. It's doable,...

My commute is 19 miles each way. It's doable, especially if the goal is 2-3 times per week (which is about what I do). As far as the time goes, I think it's basically free time. When I drive, I...
Forum: Commuting
10-15-08, 08:12 AM
Replies: 59
Views: 5,574
Posted By kbblodorn

I wear regular long-finger bike gloves down to...

I wear regular long-finger bike gloves down to 40degF, then switch to plain old winter gloves below that. Those worked well down to 20F, which is as cold as I've ridden so far. I don't see the...
Forum: Commuting
10-14-08, 02:46 PM
Replies: 57
Views: 7,696
Posted By kbblodorn

I put drop bars on my '93 Rockhopper to make for...

I put drop bars on my '93 Rockhopper to make for better commuting. The road stem is a bit too low, I need to get one that brings the bars a tad higher. My commute is 19 miles each way, so I shade...
Forum: Commuting
10-10-08, 12:36 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 4,060
Posted By kbblodorn

Shorter steeper hills - stand up and shift to...

Shorter steeper hills - stand up and shift to harder gear. You use more energy standing (because you're using your upper body more), but you can hold more speed for a short burst. Longer, less...
Forum: Commuting
09-25-08, 02:05 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 956
Posted By kbblodorn

Great letter. I can't understand the negativity...

Great letter. I can't understand the negativity some folks have to bike commuting. Maybe we need to focus on the benefits to them. Like Christopher notes, less wear and tear on infrastructure. ...
Forum: Commuting
09-25-08, 01:49 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 584
Posted By kbblodorn

For me, the bike commute always takes longer,...

For me, the bike commute always takes longer, even when traffic is bad. But, the upshot is that it's infinitely more relaxing riding the bike on quite roads than it is fighting for a spot in the...
Forum: Commuting
09-24-08, 02:05 PM
Replies: 69
Views: 3,356
Posted By kbblodorn

[QUOTE=bdcheung;7535822]If I slow down, and he...

[QUOTE=bdcheung;7535822]If I slow down, and he passes me, I'm inevitably going to pass him again as I ride faster. Which gives him another opportunity to draft.[QUOTE]

If you're faster, just drop...
Forum: Commuting
09-24-08, 01:58 PM
Replies: 70
Views: 3,164
Posted By kbblodorn

I've been forcing myself to slow down on my...

I've been forcing myself to slow down on my commutes. I was starting to really burn out, and it makes so little difference in my overall time with all the traffic lights and stuff. Now I just have...
Forum: Commuting
09-24-08, 01:55 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 1,829
Posted By kbblodorn

I get up at 5, on the road at 5:30, arrive at...

I get up at 5, on the road at 5:30, arrive at 6:45, showered, dressed, at my desk by 7:15. When I drive, I sleep til 6, leave at 7:15, just get to my desk at 8. I guess I could sleep in a bit later...
Forum: Commuting
09-24-08, 08:25 AM
Replies: 53
Views: 19,389
Posted By kbblodorn

My 3 year old still throws things when he's mad,...

My 3 year old still throws things when he's mad, but my 5 year old is just about mature enough to have stopped that behavior. So by my estimation, that puts your friend and the moron you met on the...
Forum: Commuting
09-22-08, 12:48 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 2,206
Posted By kbblodorn

The Portland I rode was an '08. Not sure what...

The Portland I rode was an '08. Not sure what model the brakes were. Like I said, it wasn't what I was initially looking for, but it was the closest the LBS had to a decent commuter so I gave it a...
Forum: Commuting
09-22-08, 08:10 AM
Replies: 28
Views: 2,206
Posted By kbblodorn

Trek Portland Test Ride

I test rode the Trek Portland this weekend, and figured I'd share my observations. I am just beginning to look for a new commuter, and the Portland was the only thing even close to what I'm looking...
Forum: Commuting
09-19-08, 11:23 AM
Replies: 179
Views: 6,002
Posted By kbblodorn

36, male, started in April, hoping to ride...

36, male, started in April, hoping to ride through the winter when possible.
Forum: Commuting
08-26-08, 02:20 PM
Replies: 13
Views: 609
Posted By kbblodorn

Try zig-zagging over the right-hand 1/3 of the...

Try zig-zagging over the right-hand 1/3 of the left turn lane. You're probably not going to hit the wire in a dead straight line. (Assuming the town doesn't send someone right over to mark it out!)
Forum: Commuting
08-26-08, 02:15 PM
Replies: 61
Views: 4,460
Posted By kbblodorn

Sounds like low quality components (chain,...

Sounds like low quality components (chain, stand). I learned the hard way about low quality components this year. Decided to save some $ and put Nashbar chain and cassette on my bike. Broke a cog...
Forum: Commuting
08-26-08, 02:05 PM
Replies: 13
Views: 609
Posted By kbblodorn

Sounds odd to me. Look up your state's laws, but...

Sounds odd to me. Look up your state's laws, but here in Wisconsin bikes are to behave like vehicles, including riding on the right hand side of the road. PEDESTRIANS should walk / jog against...
Forum: Commuting
08-26-08, 02:00 PM
Replies: 250
Views: 16,508
Posted By kbblodorn

I'm putting drop bars on my old Specialized...

I'm putting drop bars on my old Specialized Rockhopper this week, after riding it all summer. The roads here suck and I don't want to subject my road bike to the daily beatings on my 38 mile RT...
Forum: Commuting
08-26-08, 10:46 AM
Replies: 29
Views: 1,644
Posted By kbblodorn

I've been dealing with the MKE roads on a '93...

I've been dealing with the MKE roads on a '93 Specialized Rockhopper rigid steel frame mountain bike. It's way better than my road bike (Specialized Roubaix). These roads have been plain nasty. I...
Forum: Commuting
08-25-08, 07:32 AM
Replies: 42
Views: 2,267
Posted By kbblodorn

This is a contest I am definitely happy not to be...

This is a contest I am definitely happy not to be in contention for. "Puked on" is the winner (?) in my book.
Forum: Commuting
08-22-08, 07:18 AM
Replies: 31
Views: 1,607
Posted By kbblodorn

I'm hoping to get pulled over for speeding. It's...

I'm hoping to get pulled over for speeding. It's a maximum $20 fine for speeding on a bike in WI. I think I'd frame the ticket.
Forum: Commuting
08-19-08, 11:24 AM
Replies: 26
Views: 1,716
Posted By kbblodorn

I also run the blinky LED's anytime I'm riding. ...

I also run the blinky LED's anytime I'm riding. It's the headlight for me to see where I'm going that had to come back out from it's summer break today.
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