Metro Boston: Good ride today?
08-27-17, 06:47 PM
#6476
Life Is Good
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Well, I have outdone myself - participated in my first organized event and rode the longest ride ever. Did the Green River Tour route of the D2R2 (Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee). Billed as 40mi but 46mi on the map, I ended up tacking on another 9 miles for a grand total of 55 - because why not! I was a little disappointed - there wasn't as much "dirt" or climbing as I envisioned - but it sounds like I have to go for the longer 100K+ routes to get that. The scenery wasn't all that fantastic either, but I might be 'spoiled' by having lived in the Pioneer Valley for 7 years.
Regardless, I enjoyed it much - did it solo and when I felt like I was getting bored I just dropped the hammer. I guess I underestimated my body's abilities and my newly-discovered fondness of aimlessly riding a bike for hours on end. Will try to do the 100K next year. As a consequence, I've been consuming everything edible in sight. Turns out cider donuts are a great post-ride ailment.
These are just the phone pics, I have some more I haven't pulled from my camera.
Sign-in tent
Attachment 577149
Midway lunch point in VT
Attachment 577150
Bikes resting after a hard ride. Soooo much bike p0rn out here. Carbon is out, all the cool kids are into custom-built titanium or ti-carbon
But there were quite a few oddities as well, like father & son on unicycles. Saw a Rawland and thought of @rholland1951
Attachment 577151
A well-deserved meal
Attachment 577152
Regardless, I enjoyed it much - did it solo and when I felt like I was getting bored I just dropped the hammer. I guess I underestimated my body's abilities and my newly-discovered fondness of aimlessly riding a bike for hours on end. Will try to do the 100K next year. As a consequence, I've been consuming everything edible in sight. Turns out cider donuts are a great post-ride ailment.
These are just the phone pics, I have some more I haven't pulled from my camera.
Sign-in tent
Attachment 577149
Midway lunch point in VT
Attachment 577150
Bikes resting after a hard ride. Soooo much bike p0rn out here. Carbon is out, all the cool kids are into custom-built titanium or ti-carbon
But there were quite a few oddities as well, like father & son on unicycles. Saw a Rawland and thought of @rholland1951Attachment 577151
A well-deserved meal
Attachment 577152
08-27-17, 07:28 PM
#6477
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Thursday I got out for a 30 mile abbreviated version of my planned 50 mile ride. I took out the R3 and after 10 or so miles I began to notice that it needed a few tweaks and adjustments. I brought it back to the shop and picked it up today. I snuck out for a 29.5 mile Sunday afternoon spin. She rides like a dream.
08-29-17, 04:24 PM
#6478
Funky Chicken
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August bike path rides
I dont post as often as I should, but did remember to get some photos while out on the Arlington to Concord bikepath a few times this month and thought I'd share some here.
Swampy area off of the Bike Path near Concord, MA
Liking the new Arlington center lights and lanes, definitely an improvement. When did the graffiti get added with the inspirational(?) phrases on it in Arlington?
Bike Path Graffiti in East Arlington, MA
Near Lexington Center
Swampy area off of the Bike Path near Concord, MA
Liking the new Arlington center lights and lanes, definitely an improvement. When did the graffiti get added with the inspirational(?) phrases on it in Arlington?
Bike Path Graffiti in East Arlington, MA
Near Lexington Center
08-29-17, 08:48 PM
#6479
Junior Member
Spending some time in Lincoln this week. Great to be back to my old stomping grounds!!!
Rode out 34 miles out and back to Great Brook Farm yesterday and today. Having a blast!!!
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Rode out 34 miles out and back to Great Brook Farm yesterday and today. Having a blast!!!
IMG_0329.jpg
IMG_0331.jpg
IMG_0340.jpg
08-31-17, 10:59 AM
#6482
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Being that 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM is really dark I've made the permanent switch to riding the Roubaix in the mornings now. The L & M Seca 1500 is going back to the closet for a few months until it makes a return mounted on a helmet. my Seca 2500 is being mounted with its 6 cell battery. On the Roubaix with its battery friendly top tube. As mentioned on max this thing is as bright as a 747 on approach. No excuse to hit anymore potholes. If anybody finds a Crank Brothers 19 in 1 multi tool on the side of the road near a pothole....it's mine. In fact I remember hearing a metal thud after hitting a pothole and rather than stop and look around I glanced down to ensure the blinkie and pump were still there, didn't think to check for the tool. Now if I could only remember where that was. It must have wiggled loose from the multi tool sleeve on the bottom of my saddle pack.
This morning I racked up 34.4 miles putting me up to 5001 miles this year. Feeling pretty stoked. Quintessential AM ride. Still plenty of other riders, gorgeous sunrise views over fields, fog hauntingly lingering in the distance, scents of nature everywhere and even the dill at Baker Bridge Road.
This morning I racked up 34.4 miles putting me up to 5001 miles this year. Feeling pretty stoked. Quintessential AM ride. Still plenty of other riders, gorgeous sunrise views over fields, fog hauntingly lingering in the distance, scents of nature everywhere and even the dill at Baker Bridge Road.
08-31-17, 02:44 PM
#6483
Funky Chicken
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. That's embarrassing that I've not been on my road worthy bike since before the solstice, been too carried away offroading
09-01-17, 02:08 PM
#6484
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Another great afternoon to be out on the bike path in Arlington, that's dinner attached to the handlebars from Blue Ribbon
09-01-17, 03:58 PM
#6485
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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You guys are having too much fun. I'm still two weeks away from the doc letting me ride again. At least I can read BF. @anx, that's an interesting bike with dial readouts for what gear you are in. Some of us are stuck in the stone age with friction(!) shifters.
As for that Opposites thing, @rholland1951 (did I get the name right?) also posted that a few months ago. I see that every day on my commute home. When I first saw it it bothered me, still does a little, because it penetrates my thought process when I'd like to become one with the ride. But what the heck, art makes you think sometimes so I'm not going to reach for a scrub brush.
@ZIPP2001, good to see your name here again!
As for that Opposites thing, @rholland1951 (did I get the name right?) also posted that a few months ago. I see that every day on my commute home. When I first saw it it bothered me, still does a little, because it penetrates my thought process when I'd like to become one with the ride. But what the heck, art makes you think sometimes so I'm not going to reach for a scrub brush.
@ZIPP2001, good to see your name here again!
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-02-17, 08:25 PM
#6486
Chuggin' Along
Thirty miles today. Billerica, Carlisle, Westford, Acton, and Concord. I'm slowly expanding my range.
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Note to self:
If a road has the word "Hill" included in it's name, it might not be a good idea to try it.
Note to self:
If a road has the word "Hill" included in it's name, it might not be a good idea to try it.
09-03-17, 07:39 AM
#6487
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Bike to the beach was an amazing experience. I woke up at 3:00 AM to leave at 4:00 AM for the 9 mile ride to BU for the start at 5:00 AM. comftorably cool that dropped to freezing at 6:00 AM. Several well stocked stops along the way including pizza at around 92 miles. When all was said and done I rolled onto the red carpet finish line after 111 miles with a 16mph average on the Smoothie. The route was scenic and if my mindset wasn't HTFU I could have spent all day going slow and soaking it in.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5...0hxOTVyYzd3cGc
The link is a pic of me pointing to a landmark in Bristol RI that I recognized.
Thanks again to all who made donations to Bike to the Beach for me!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5...0hxOTVyYzd3cGc
The link is a pic of me pointing to a landmark in Bristol RI that I recognized.
Thanks again to all who made donations to Bike to the Beach for me!
09-03-17, 07:09 PM
#6488
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Bike to the beach was an amazing experience. I woke up at 3:00 AM to leave at 4:00 AM for the 9 mile ride to BU for the start at 5:00 AM. comftorably cool that dropped to freezing at 6:00 AM. Several well stocked stops along the way including pizza at around 92 miles. When all was said and done I rolled onto the red carpet finish line after 111 miles with a 16mph average on the Smoothie. The route was scenic and if my mindset wasn't HTFU I could have spent all day going slow and soaking it in.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5...0hxOTVyYzd3cGc
The link is a pic of me pointing to a landmark in Bristol RI that I recognized.
Thanks again to all who made donations to Bike to the Beach for me!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5...0hxOTVyYzd3cGc
The link is a pic of me pointing to a landmark in Bristol RI that I recognized.
Thanks again to all who made donations to Bike to the Beach for me!
rod
09-03-17, 07:40 PM
#6489
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Spent the last few days at the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, in Brunswick, Maine. Got up there late Thursday afternoon, left early Sunday afternoon, sooner than planned due to incoming Harvey leftovers. I took the Ebisu along, there's some good riding to be had, but it stayed locked to a tree for longer than I had planned: Friday due to cold, cold winds, Sunday due to the need to strike our tent and say goodbyes ahead of the deluge. Did get a ride in on Saturday, 17 hilly miles around Thomas Bay and related waters, through Brunswick, Harding, and West Bath. This was mostly familiar ground, due to rides at previous festivals, a delightful late Summer ride in the charming state of Maine.
Heard the Bluegrass musicians from TPB across the bay, in West Bath.
rod
Heard the Bluegrass musicians from TPB across the bay, in West Bath.
rod
Last edited by rholland1951; 09-03-17 at 07:53 PM.
09-05-17, 07:56 AM
#6490
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Just a few quick errands over the weekend.
Of note, it's getting hard to keep up with the Cambridge/Somerville/Boston bike changes.
And that's a GOOD thing.
Cambridge Street now has parking protected bikelanes/buffered bike lanes.
Here are some views from CRLS to Inman Square:
-mr. bill
Of note, it's getting hard to keep up with the Cambridge/Somerville/Boston bike changes.
And that's a GOOD thing.
Cambridge Street now has parking protected bikelanes/buffered bike lanes.
Here are some views from CRLS to Inman Square:
-mr. bill
09-05-17, 08:06 AM
#6491
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NOTE TO SELF - don't ride the Minuteman on Labor Day, or maybe any really nice (& busy) weekend in July & August. took a spin w/ Wifey from Concord to Arlington (12:30-2pmish) & came upon what looked like an accident (but in all honesty I don't know what happened). an elderly woman was on the ground & couldn't get up. she was surrounded by ppl who witnessed the incident, including 4-5 kitted cyclists. it appeared that she was knocked over
hazards that had to be avoided
little kids w training wheels
other little kids pedaling like crazy looking up at the trees, not where they are going
old ppl using walkers
large groups walking 3 abreast
fast cyclists going 20+ mph
ppl who, instead of slowing down to pass, quickly go over the divider line into oncoming traffic fast before diverting back to their side
after I passed the incident, which by all intents closed the bikeway to traffic in both directions I saw many cyclists riding 20+ mph toward the crowd. if this was a auto highway, the road would be closed in both directions.
if you're riding that fast, on a busy summer day, maybe you should be in the road?
I considered not riding the path due to the time of day & holiday but rode it anyway, cuz we like riding this route together & it's hard for us to agree on where to ride. the worst part was between Arlington & Lexington
hazards that had to be avoided
little kids w training wheels
other little kids pedaling like crazy looking up at the trees, not where they are going
old ppl using walkers
large groups walking 3 abreast
fast cyclists going 20+ mph
ppl who, instead of slowing down to pass, quickly go over the divider line into oncoming traffic fast before diverting back to their side
after I passed the incident, which by all intents closed the bikeway to traffic in both directions I saw many cyclists riding 20+ mph toward the crowd. if this was a auto highway, the road would be closed in both directions.
if you're riding that fast, on a busy summer day, maybe you should be in the road?
I considered not riding the path due to the time of day & holiday but rode it anyway, cuz we like riding this route together & it's hard for us to agree on where to ride. the worst part was between Arlington & Lexington
09-05-17, 08:13 AM
#6492
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I like what they have done with this intersection. the wait doesn't seem bad either
but when heading East, to get to The Kisckstand, I decided to cross in the crosswalk or was it a bike crossing further down the street (in the middle of the block). don't remember if there was a light or anything. do you know what I'm talking about? anyway that seemed safe too, but maybe cuz there was no car traffic
but when heading East, to get to The Kisckstand, I decided to cross in the crosswalk or was it a bike crossing further down the street (in the middle of the block). don't remember if there was a light or anything. do you know what I'm talking about? anyway that seemed safe too, but maybe cuz there was no car traffic
Last edited by rumrunn6; 09-26-17 at 02:50 PM.
09-05-17, 11:18 AM
#6493
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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I like that intersection too for heading west. I don't mind it going east either. What I used to do when going east was turn right from the MM onto Water St then cross Mass Ave. There is a pedestrian crosswalk (perhaps that's the one you meant). The real trick threre is to wait for there to be no traffic from either direction, of course. Even if you walked it it isn't clear whether every driver would stop.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-06-17, 08:51 AM
#6495
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The roads I've been on in the Brunswick-Bath-Harpswell region have been well paved and reasonably maintained (there's a fire road in West Bath I haven't explored yet that I expect is in a different class altogether). Maine has a 3-foot minimum passing distance law, and drivers for the most part obey it. I've also noticed that Maine drivers seem unusually conscious of sight lines, and most won't pass on a curve unless they can SEE the way is clear (unlike our Massachusetts kamikazes, who charge on by on a roll of the dice). Roads in other regions are no doubt in different shape (I remember driving on an abandoned section of US 2 in northern Maine that had grass growing through the centerline, 40 years ago), maintenance must vary by season (late Summer is probably the best time) and there are probably some drivers I wouldn't want to meet, but so far, so good.
Choice of road matters, of course. Some are simply busier than others...
rod
09-07-17, 05:55 AM
#6496
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Thanks!
The roads I've been on in the Brunswick-Bath-Harpswell region have been well paved and reasonably maintained (there's a fire road in West Bath I haven't explored yet that I expect is in a different class altogether). Maine has a 3-foot minimum passing distance law, and drivers for the most part obey it. I've also noticed that Maine drivers seem unusually conscious of sight lines, and most won't pass on a curve unless they can SEE the way is clear (unlike our Massachusetts kamikazes, who charge on by on a roll of the dice). Roads in other regions are no doubt in different shape (I remember driving on an abandoned section of US 2 in northern Maine that had grass growing through the centerline, 40 years ago), maintenance must vary by season (late Summer is probably the best time) and there are probably some drivers I wouldn't want to meet, but so far, so good.
Choice of road matters, of course. Some are simply busier than others...
rod
The roads I've been on in the Brunswick-Bath-Harpswell region have been well paved and reasonably maintained (there's a fire road in West Bath I haven't explored yet that I expect is in a different class altogether). Maine has a 3-foot minimum passing distance law, and drivers for the most part obey it. I've also noticed that Maine drivers seem unusually conscious of sight lines, and most won't pass on a curve unless they can SEE the way is clear (unlike our Massachusetts kamikazes, who charge on by on a roll of the dice). Roads in other regions are no doubt in different shape (I remember driving on an abandoned section of US 2 in northern Maine that had grass growing through the centerline, 40 years ago), maintenance must vary by season (late Summer is probably the best time) and there are probably some drivers I wouldn't want to meet, but so far, so good.
Choice of road matters, of course. Some are simply busier than others...
rod
rod
09-07-17, 07:48 AM
#6497
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Been riding every morning this week including today. Monday thru Wednesday were quintessentially good rides. Today was raining and miserable. I think the last time I rode in the rain and dark was May. I stepped onto the porch and decided that it's a bit warm for rain gear but a bit too cool to get caught without it. Sadly I wore the rain gear. Being so waterlogged and grime covered I was glad it was over when I rolled up the driveway.
09-07-17, 09:32 AM
#6498
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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I rode to work today, first time on a bike in a bit over three weeks. Doc said I was free to do anything I wanted. I took the be-fendered Raleigh and wore my rain jacket with the full-body reflector dots. Didn't need the jacket but the fenders kept me and the bike cleaner.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-07-17, 01:19 PM
#6499
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Glad to hear your back on a bike Jim,
09-09-17, 08:20 PM
#6500
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Spent the morning tinkering with oldest son's old Shogun, getting it out of his basement and on the road. Spent the afternoon in Ball Square swapping stories with Tyler Oulton at Paramount Bicycle Repair, and ended up with some parts for the next build. Tyler's winding down the business, it's a good time for anyone looking for vintage parts to stop by. Took the Rawland out for a ride at sunset, refreshing, but noted that night is falling earlier now, needed my lights by the end of the ride.
Scutra's deck overlooking the Minuteman is in operation.
rod
Scutra's deck overlooking the Minuteman is in operation.
rod