Annual 50+ ride this year?
06-15-15, 08:51 PM
#26
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So while I'm determined to visit the family in Michigan that week, the OHR is not a deal breaker.
06-15-15, 09:46 PM
#27
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I hope that deep sigh was one of disappointment, not exasperation at my (slightly) long post. Usually these Fifty-Plus Rides have been at least two-day affairs, since some attendees travel a considerable distance to attend. Plans are usually pretty flexible, as suggested by the “host” (instigator) of the Ride.
Wow, RF, sorry to hear about this. It sounds like a “major” crash, especially with such damage. I won’t ask “what happened?,” but posting details for me at least gives me renewed attention to such situations on the road.
I’m not too conversant with bike models, but yours sound exotic. In 2010 I was riding a Bridgestone RB-1 which I was told is a classic, touted even by Sheldon Brown. I was hit from behind by a “distracted” driver in 2012 – no lesson there – and the RB-1 was totaled (see attached). I now ride a superb Specialized S-Works.
So you are a no go for Friday. Seems there is no interest in a Friday ride, so unlikely I would drive up until Saturday. Is Mrs fr1 attending? If we’d like to ride together we’ll have to agree on a distance. Maybe we could do lunch after the ride.
No way we (I) can keep up with BP, as I recall.
Wow, RF, sorry to hear about this. It sounds like a “major” crash, especially with such damage. I won’t ask “what happened?,” but posting details for me at least gives me renewed attention to such situations on the road.
I’m not too conversant with bike models, but yours sound exotic. In 2010 I was riding a Bridgestone RB-1 which I was told is a classic, touted even by Sheldon Brown. I was hit from behind by a “distracted” driver in 2012 – no lesson there – and the RB-1 was totaled (see attached). I now ride a superb Specialized S-Works.
So you are a no go for Friday. Seems there is no interest in a Friday ride, so unlikely I would drive up until Saturday. Is Mrs fr1 attending? If we’d like to ride together we’ll have to agree on a distance. Maybe we could do lunch after the ride.
No way we (I) can keep up with BP, as I recall.
The bike was exotic - Mondonicos are all hand made, sometimes custom. Mine was not custom, at least not for me. There were many fine Italian builders, but Mondonico was one of the behind the scenes experts. He build for several big outfits and managed the large build facility of Guerciotti for a number of years, because of the quality of his building - pinned joints. This bike was one of the earlier ones that came to the USA after he quit his "day jobs" and started his own custom racing shop using the tools his grandfather had taught his other ancestors on.
there are two builders with 200 miles that I could talk to about replacing those frame tubes. It is a repair that is done.
It was a great ride, and the bike was my best fitting one. The crash was mainly due to me not keeping my attention on-task. I do that at work all the time, but I don't get broken frames and destructed helmets - my employer actually likes it when I go off into the weeds exploring what's behind a problem. None of the components seem damaged, so I can re-use the great wheels and Campy 3x10 setup on another frame. My other Monodonico has a better frame, but I have yet to finish the fitting stuff with it.
RB-1s are great bikes. Grant Petersen (when at Bridgestone) designed it as a low cost racer to challenge the Colnagos, Masis, and Mondonicos. A lot of guys did darn well on RB-1s.
As I said, I seem well. Neck is stiff and shoulder is bruised, a few little scrapes on the arm and forehead.
06-16-15, 04:49 AM
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So in the interest of group learning and team elevation, here's my crash story. Mrs RF and I were just cruising along on a Metropark MUP that was otherwise unoccupied, about 16 mph...
RB-1s are great bikes. Grant Petersen (when at Bridgestone) designed it as a low cost racer to challenge the Colnagos, Masis, and Mondonicos. A lot of guys did darn well on RB-1s.
As I said, I seem well. Neck is stiff and shoulder is bruised, a few little scrapes on the arm and forehead.
RB-1s are great bikes. Grant Petersen (when at Bridgestone) designed it as a low cost racer to challenge the Colnagos, Masis, and Mondonicos. A lot of guys did darn well on RB-1s.
As I said, I seem well. Neck is stiff and shoulder is bruised, a few little scrapes on the arm and forehead.
Thanks for recounting that story...on a supposedly guaranteed safe MUP yet!
I mentioned that I am not particularly conversant with bike models other than the well known one, so thanks for those details. FYA, when back in Ann Arbor in the 1970's, my-then-girlfriend-now-wife and I bought Merciers, looking for "good bikes"...Reynolds 531 double-butted tubes, sew-up tires, etc. Just yesterday, I posted:
…After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience…My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off…
Said trusted mechanic is also a racing coach and a well-respected bike fitter (also with a degree in biophysics from MIT, I think). After I had bought the bike and enjoyed the apparently perfect fit as best as I can tell, after just saddle height adjustment, it occured to me he made no measurements, and just ordered the bike. I asked him about it later, and his vague reply was something like he knew it would fit fine, and the frame height would be compatible with my arm reach on this “off the rack” model...
I had been a long-time customer there…another vote to buy not only the bike, but also the bike shop.
Said trusted mechanic is also a racing coach and a well-respected bike fitter (also with a degree in biophysics from MIT, I think). After I had bought the bike and enjoyed the apparently perfect fit as best as I can tell, after just saddle height adjustment, it occured to me he made no measurements, and just ordered the bike. I asked him about it later, and his vague reply was something like he knew it would fit fine, and the frame height would be compatible with my arm reach on this “off the rack” model...
I had been a long-time customer there…another vote to buy not only the bike, but also the bike shop.
PS: I once heard this definition of a "nice" bike: "Lighter than a f@rt, and more expensive than a divorce."
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 06-16-15 at 08:03 AM. Reason: Added PS
06-17-15, 06:05 AM
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That Mondonico was about 21 lb with a light modern saddle, and about 22 to 23 with a Selle Anatomica (like a Brooks) - and not particularly weight-weenied, just good, strong parts. I got it for about $650 used in 1985 or so, and I found the company that has a Mondonico scion leading it now sells a similar frame/fork for about $2500. So I guess it was a nice bike (though I've never priced out a divorce!)! It was my go-to.
The other one is about 17 to 18 with modern saddle.
It increases my pie budget.
The other one is about 17 to 18 with modern saddle.
It increases my pie budget.
06-23-15, 05:25 AM
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Now I'm toast! Mrs Road Fan's new bike just came from the bike shop and she says she's gonna be a lot faster on it!
06-23-15, 07:23 AM
#31
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Uh-oh! The bicycle 'arms race' has started in the Road Fan family!
06-23-15, 10:14 AM
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06-24-15, 07:00 PM
#33
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RF, your only hope is to get the lowracer now, before she can.
06-24-15, 08:06 PM
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Well, I do still have the other Mondonico ... heh heh heh!
06-24-15, 08:07 PM
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06-25-15, 04:06 AM
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Plan? Hmmmmm. Not much time between assignments today. Meeting a buyer for my Centurion, maybe get back in time for intervals. Or that Strava course hillclimb that mysteriously kicks my butt.
This is the planning I do on weekdays. Longer rides on Saturday a bit more elaborate.
This is the planning I do on weekdays. Longer rides on Saturday a bit more elaborate.
06-25-15, 05:54 AM
#37
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No, the NoCom is out of production. This one is made in Colorado.
Tandemania: Thundervolt M1 Review
Tandemania: Thundervolt M1 Review
07-01-15, 11:04 PM
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Roll call: who's coming to Ann Arbor next weekend?
07-02-15, 09:38 AM
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Oops, NOT me in AA. I'll be there for the main event, though.
07-02-15, 05:56 PM
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Sorry, gents, I meant who will come to Chelsea for the OHR?
We briefly discussed possible extracurricular activities, but nothing settled.
We briefly discussed possible extracurricular activities, but nothing settled.
07-02-15, 08:26 PM
#42
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Chelsea, yeah I'll be there. With the 'black snake;' or, as I call it, the Bat Bike.
07-03-15, 03:28 AM
#43
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Won't make it, I will pedaling to my 45 year class reunion in downstate Illinois. Have fun, I will.
Marc
Marc
07-07-15, 04:37 AM
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I'm getting ready to drive to Fraser, MI this afternoon (7/7). I'll bring my road bike, and will have to see if I can also fit my beater (read "rain bike") into the rental car; I don't ride the pristine carbon fiber bike on wet roads. Barring heavy rain, or other unforeseen circumstances, I'd like to ride the OHR.
During the week, I hope to drive out to the Stony Creek and maybe Kensington Metroparks to do some laps of about 30 miles on those peaceful roads, and otherwise visit the family. There are no such "secluded" riding venues around here.
…My still-tentative plans for the OHR is to incorporate it into a visit with family in the Northeastern Detroit suburbs, as I did in 2010. Like we did in 2010, I was thinking about a Friday afternoon ride and/or later dinner. A possibility might be another favorite Ann Arbor ride when I was in school there, riding out Whitmore Lake Road, for a round trip of maybe 20 miles at most. It parallels I-23, so traffic might not be too heavy.
Now from Fraser MI to Ann Arbor (and Chelsea, MI) is a bit of a schlepp for me, especially on a summer Friday afternoon on a whirlwind visit to see my large family, so if anybody has any plans for the OHR ride, could you keep me posted? If there is enough interest in Friday activities, I might get a motel near AA or Chelsea. For me, socialization with other 50+ members is the draw, more than the Ride.
I would like to start the OHR early, as soon as possible after the 6:45 AM check-in, and if we decide to ride together, by mutual decision, on the 39, 64, or 75 mile routes [preferably 64]. I ride solo at about a 13-14 mph pace, maybe slightly faster in a group…I have ridden in pacelines. I would want to get back to Detroit late Saturday afternoon at least, since I'll leave for Boston on Sunday.
So, that’s my story, but I’m flexible, and not sticking to it.
Now from Fraser MI to Ann Arbor (and Chelsea, MI) is a bit of a schlepp for me, especially on a summer Friday afternoon on a whirlwind visit to see my large family, so if anybody has any plans for the OHR ride, could you keep me posted? If there is enough interest in Friday activities, I might get a motel near AA or Chelsea. For me, socialization with other 50+ members is the draw, more than the Ride.
I would like to start the OHR early, as soon as possible after the 6:45 AM check-in, and if we decide to ride together, by mutual decision, on the 39, 64, or 75 mile routes [preferably 64]. I ride solo at about a 13-14 mph pace, maybe slightly faster in a group…I have ridden in pacelines. I would want to get back to Detroit late Saturday afternoon at least, since I'll leave for Boston on Sunday.
So, that’s my story, but I’m flexible, and not sticking to it.
07-07-15, 04:53 AM
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07-07-15, 04:54 AM
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I'm getting ready to drive to Fraser, MI this afternoon (7/7). I'll bring my road bike, and will have to see if I can also fit my beater (read "rain bike") into the rental car; I don't ride the pristine carbon fiber bike on wet roads. Barring heavy rain, or other unforeseen circumstances, I'd like to ride the OHR.
During the week, I hope to drive out to the Stony Creek and maybe Kensington Metroparks to do some laps of about 30 miles on those peaceful roads, and otherwise visit the family. There are no such "secluded" riding venues around here.
During the week, I hope to drive out to the Stony Creek and maybe Kensington Metroparks to do some laps of about 30 miles on those peaceful roads, and otherwise visit the family. There are no such "secluded" riding venues around here.
07-07-15, 05:00 AM
#48
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Update on Mrs. Road Fan: The new Terry bike has elevated her a level, but so has the newer Mondonico, for me. I just need a shorter stem with more up-angle, and the fit should be better. Presently I'm too stretched out. Mondo2 now wears a compact and a 13-29, so it's much more useable on the hills. I still don't have enough practice to be taking on the 60 mile loop, however.
Did we talk about start times or a meeting time? If you folks can meet for lunch in Chelsea afterwards, that would be fantastic.
Did we talk about start times or a meeting time? If you folks can meet for lunch in Chelsea afterwards, that would be fantastic.
07-07-15, 05:03 AM
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Tentative (early) Ann Arbor weather forecast is for rain Saturday morning, ending before 8 am. I'll keep watching.
Chelsea will be similar, but probably not quite the same.
Chelsea will be similar, but probably not quite the same.
07-07-15, 05:54 AM
#50
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