Metro Boston: Good ride today?
10-08-18, 04:39 AM
#7776
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Speaking of civilized traffic management, the Ideas Section of yesterday Boston Globe was nearly entirely devoted to the urban Boston commute, "Unstuck," with nice coverage of cycle commuting.
I couldn't download (not today, maybe tomorrow), but there was this interesting quote:
I couldn't download (not today, maybe tomorrow), but there was this interesting quote:
Originally Posted by Boston Globe
In the late 1800’s, American cities were deluged by a new form of transportation: the bicycle. Suddenly young people on two wheels were zipping up and down urban thourougfares where pedestrians horse-drawn carriages and trolleys had once negotiated a working coexistence.
Not everyone was thrilled with this development. Many blamed speeding cyclists — known as “scorchers — for frightening animals and imperiling people on foot, and police cdpartments organized special squads to chase them down...
Not everyone was thrilled with this development. Many blamed speeding cyclists — known as “scorchers — for frightening animals and imperiling people on foot, and police cdpartments organized special squads to chase them down...
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 10-08-18 at 07:00 AM. Reason: expanded Boston Globe quote
10-08-18, 05:06 AM
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Hi Rod. It felt very refined. It was light and rather nice looking. As far as I understand they can build your preferred ride characteristics into either frame with the tube size and geometry. The carbon ti model I rode a few weeks back felt more aggressive, race oriented while the full ti felt more comfortable. Since I don't race and I'm thinking long term I think striking a harmonious balance between aggressive performance feel and all day comfort is the best way to future proof this build.
10-08-18, 06:45 AM
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10-08-18, 07:36 AM
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Hi Rod. It felt very refined. It was light and rather nice looking. As far as I understand they can build your preferred ride characteristics into either frame with the tube size and geometry. The carbon ti model I rode a few weeks back felt more aggressive, race oriented while the full ti felt more comfortable. Since I don't race and I'm thinking long term I think striking a harmonious balance between aggressive performance feel and all day comfort is the best way to future proof this build.
rod
10-09-18, 04:12 AM
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got out last nite for a little ride on the GT Concord to Bedford via the Reformatory then to Billerica on the Narrow Guage, then back again. was a little drizzly & just cool enough to see my breath. a little spooky but no critters, no coyotes not even a bunny. 1st ride in long pants. the trails were surprisingly dry! meaning, no puddles or mud
is it Halloween yet?
is it Halloween yet?
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-10-18 at 10:17 AM.
10-09-18, 09:55 AM
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got out last nite for a little ride on the GT Concord to Bedford via the Reformatory then to Billerica on the Narrow Guage, then back again. was a little drizzly & just cool enough to see my breath. a little spooky but no critters, no coyotes not even a bunny. 1st ride in long pants. the trails were surprisingly dry! meaning, no puddles or mud
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkYQ8wiUv48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkYQ8wiUv48
rod
10-09-18, 10:15 AM
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an old Magicshine w/ wide angle diffuser & a homebrew hood. I had a back up light mounted next to it just in case but didn't need it. current battery holds a charge for several rides & it's been a while since I charged it!
10-09-18, 10:15 PM
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Took the orange bike (Riv Rambouillet, new to me but not new to the world) for a spin up the Minuteman before dinner, in balmy weather with appreciative crowds to go with it. Fiddled with saddle height, made a note to try raising the handlebars, and contemplated a chain reaction of parts swapping that may be precipitated by putting 32mm Compass Stampede Pass Extralights in place of the existing 32mm Schwalbe Somethingorothers (the two tires' cross-sectional profiles are different); this could include new fenders, new brakes to accomodate those, and then (if enough clearance becomes available due to those changes), 35mm Compass Bon Jon Pass Extralights... In the meantime, I'm having fun riding the bike.
The MWRA was out fiddling with the regional sewer line that runs along a section of the old railroad right-of-way.
Things are starting to look Autumnal.
The root heaves near the Park Ave. overpass have been reported to the Town, but haven't been fixed yet. They have been causing accidents. Please be careful of them, especially the particularly tall one in the outbound lane.
rod
The MWRA was out fiddling with the regional sewer line that runs along a section of the old railroad right-of-way.
Things are starting to look Autumnal.
The root heaves near the Park Ave. overpass have been reported to the Town, but haven't been fixed yet. They have been causing accidents. Please be careful of them, especially the particularly tall one in the outbound lane.
rod
Last edited by rholland1951; 10-10-18 at 09:14 PM.
10-10-18, 10:16 AM
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10-10-18, 08:40 PM
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Took the Rambouillet out to Lexington and back before dinner, out at sunset, back in the dark. Lots of company on the Minuteman on a Summer's evening in October.
rod
rod
Last edited by rholland1951; 10-10-18 at 10:27 PM.
10-11-18, 01:06 PM
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After a 3 day occupation induced cycling hiatus I gleefully hit the road at 0445 for 34 miles on my cross bike. It was very dark indeed but felt unseasonably warm. I recently had my LBS change the chain, shift cable, and swap out the 11-28 for an 11-32 cassette. The few extra teeth made sitting and spinning up hills a bit nicer.
10-13-18, 12:36 PM
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After a bit of wrenching on the rainy Thursday, gave the orange bike the day off Friday and took the Snoq-shod LHT for a cool and windy ride East.
Major gas pipeline work proceeds apace on the Northern Strand. Nothing's exploded, and the folks doing the work are courteous and friendly to cyclists passing through. Cheerful pragmatism.
These rides have impressed on me just how well the larger Compass Extralights (44mm Snoqualmie Pass, 55mm Rat Trap Pass) can sail over broken and uneven pavement in urban conditions, making for faster times and more overall confidence in traffic.
rod
Major gas pipeline work proceeds apace on the Northern Strand. Nothing's exploded, and the folks doing the work are courteous and friendly to cyclists passing through. Cheerful pragmatism.
These rides have impressed on me just how well the larger Compass Extralights (44mm Snoqualmie Pass, 55mm Rat Trap Pass) can sail over broken and uneven pavement in urban conditions, making for faster times and more overall confidence in traffic.
rod
Last edited by rholland1951; 10-13-18 at 10:22 PM.
10-14-18, 12:19 PM
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Yesterday morning at 0530 I headed out on my cross bike in the cold dark for my Saturday morning ride. After it was no longer dark it began to rain thus going from a cold and dark ride to a cold and wet ride. Thankfully I had the gear to stay comfortable while being uncomfortable. Sunday morning began with my 520 dragging my Nomad trailer to the LGS. Then I hung my panniers and did more shopping. After that I rolled out on my cross bike for 50 miles of autumn bliss. By far the best Sunday ride in a while.
10-14-18, 04:39 PM
#7789
Chuggin' Along
This morning my wife said she was going Auburn, so my bike and I hitched a ride and rode home to Billerica from there. The ride started on Pakachoag St. where they have a slotted storm drain/bicycle trap installed. Gotta be careful of that one! After that; some hills that certainly got my attention. For this ride, I had my brand new Garmin 520 plus to help with navigation. I first created my route with Strava, then I picked it up with the Garmin. Trouble is, somewhere along the ride, I must have pocket pushed, or dumb thumbed my phone, so I lost a lot of ride data from Strava. (My legs know the score.) The Garmin worked like a champ though. Anyway, the ride was going good until I got a flat, but fortunately there was a handy dandy bike stand by the side of the road.
__________________
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.
Last edited by E53; 10-14-18 at 05:26 PM.
10-15-18, 07:25 PM
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Took the Rambouillet out to Depot Square on a gray, damp, windy afternoon ride. Had a chat with mr_bill along the way. Heard the Star Spangled Banner playing on the Hanscom AFB PA system and modulated by the wind as I climbed the hill from the Route 128 overpass on the return.
The cross-country team was on maneuvers.
Progress: the Arlington DPW has put out some cones to warn people off the bad root heaves. Hopefully this will help cyclists avoid trouble until root grinding and repaving can fix things.
Folk art is tireless, but this piece has two tires.
The Mile 4.0 Cairn Builders are at it again.
Having fun with this new old bike.
rod
The cross-country team was on maneuvers.
Progress: the Arlington DPW has put out some cones to warn people off the bad root heaves. Hopefully this will help cyclists avoid trouble until root grinding and repaving can fix things.
Folk art is tireless, but this piece has two tires.
The Mile 4.0 Cairn Builders are at it again.
Having fun with this new old bike.
rod
Last edited by rholland1951; 10-15-18 at 10:38 PM.
10-16-18, 05:27 AM
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went out to dinner Saturday nite at the "North End" at BenCotto's, then coffee & desert at Caffe Vittoria where we always seem to get a seat (both on Hanover St). parked at Lewis Wharf & walked up Fleet St. was impressed with the new (protected) bike lane on Atlantic Ave!
but dunno who eats a cannoli w a fork ... big thumbs up for everything about everything
but dunno who eats a cannoli w a fork ... big thumbs up for everything about everything
10-16-18, 06:14 PM
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This morning was a bit windy. The roads through Weston, Lincoln, and Concord were covered with leaves, pine needles, branches, twigs, sticks, and tree trunks. On Weston st in Lincoln a felled branch spanned the while width of the road. Perhaps I was the first sole to pass it. 25 slow and twisty miles added to the tally.
10-16-18, 06:27 PM
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Root heaves repair
Oct. 17 Partial Bikeway Closure
Post Date:10/15/2018 3:37 PMArlington Public Works will be performing asphalt repairs on a small portion of the Minuteman Bikeway between Park Ave Extension and Lowell Street. To complete this work a portion of the bike way will need to be closed and travelers detoured along Lowell Street to Mill Lane. The work is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, at 9:00 a.m. and expected to take one day. View the detour below.
10-17-18, 03:00 PM
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impressive!
10-17-18, 04:20 PM
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Took the Rambouillet out in the early afternoon, cognizant of the coming change in the weather; as it was, the weather was sunny, breezy, and cool, delightful if you were dressed for it.
May I photograph your bicycle? (this really happened...)
The Arlington DPW has fixed the monster root heaves!
Beautiful day! Subject to change, though...
As a practical matter, this larger saddle bag means I have a way to carry a U-lock, which means I can lock the bike up to take a pee in Lexington. Makes me happy.
Whistling in Bedford.
Enjoying it while it lasts.
rod
May I photograph your bicycle? (this really happened...)
The Arlington DPW has fixed the monster root heaves!
Beautiful day! Subject to change, though...
As a practical matter, this larger saddle bag means I have a way to carry a U-lock, which means I can lock the bike up to take a pee in Lexington. Makes me happy.
Whistling in Bedford.
Enjoying it while it lasts.
rod
10-18-18, 12:24 PM
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This morning was oh so cold but nothing that carefully chosen gear couldn't tame. I kept it to 25 miles on my cross bike and even crossed headlight beams with a few other equally bundled cyclists. I stripped my R3 and have begun selling it off piece by piece as I look to the next phase of my cycling life.
10-19-18, 01:09 PM
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(Editors around the world are going apoplectic reading the above.)
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 10-19-18 at 02:16 PM.
10-19-18, 07:03 PM
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This morning was even colder than yesterday. Another 25 miles before the sunrise. Today I wore my new Bontrager Old Man Winter boots as my old Specialized Defroster shoes aren't warm enough below 35*. The new boots were plenty warm but the soles are flexy.
