Deepening my passion for cycling/bikes
09-23-18, 08:04 PM
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Deepening my passion for cycling/bikes
I’m looking to create a list of ‘activities’ (for lack of a better term) that involve cycling culture that I can get into, when not riding my bikes. Maybe I would get very involved in one of them, or dabble at several of them to see if anything sticks.
I love cycling and want to spend some of my spare time delving deeper into it. I have a full time job, a 12 year old kid, so I have limited free time...but would rather spend 3-5 hours a week on something related to cycling, then watching more tv.
Instead of listing things I can think of, I would rather keep it open to what your ideas...but as some examples to be sure you understand, some obvious activities would include blogs/vlogs, getting into the mechanical aspects more, photography.
Thanks!
I love cycling and want to spend some of my spare time delving deeper into it. I have a full time job, a 12 year old kid, so I have limited free time...but would rather spend 3-5 hours a week on something related to cycling, then watching more tv.
Instead of listing things I can think of, I would rather keep it open to what your ideas...but as some examples to be sure you understand, some obvious activities would include blogs/vlogs, getting into the mechanical aspects more, photography.
Thanks!
09-23-18, 08:11 PM
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Teach bike repair wherever it is that your 12 year old is in school.
09-23-18, 08:16 PM
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Photography sounds like a plan - get involved in the local racing scene - show up to events, shoot lots of pics and perfect your technique, offer riders pics of them in action. Free to start, maybe you can make some money later, maybe not - doesn't really matter
09-23-18, 09:02 PM
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If you don't do it already, I highly recommend learning to do some of your own wrenching. I find it very rewarding, although it can be frustrating at times.
09-23-18, 09:44 PM
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Reading. Wrenching. Problem solving.
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09-24-18, 04:57 AM
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If you don't do it already, I highly recommend learning to do some of your own wrenching. I find it very rewarding, although it can be frustrating at times.
This is certainly on my list. I took a weekend Park tool course years ago, but because I haven’t had to use much of what I learned it is forgotten. I only have two bikes and they don’t need much work. The idea of working on bikes for the kids is good...between that, similar wrenching for my neighbourhood (all for free), or getting old bikes and fixing them up...all in the list ;-)
Keep the ideas coming!
This is certainly on my list. I took a weekend Park tool course years ago, but because I haven’t had to use much of what I learned it is forgotten. I only have two bikes and they don’t need much work. The idea of working on bikes for the kids is good...between that, similar wrenching for my neighbourhood (all for free), or getting old bikes and fixing them up...all in the list ;-)
Keep the ideas coming!
09-24-18, 05:13 AM
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Depending on where you live and the cycling culture in your area. I think planning and promoting a charity ride for something like juvenile diabetes or children's cancer would be a great way to get more involved and meet more cyclists. Offer a couple of different ride options, like a 10 mile ride and a 30 mile ride.
09-24-18, 05:23 AM
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Spend some time on advocacy. Go to town meetings where infrastructure projects are to be discussed and petition for more bike infrastructure.
09-24-18, 05:28 AM
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Depending on where you live and the cycling culture in your area. I think planning and promoting a charity ride for something like juvenile diabetes or children's cancer would be a great way to get more involved and meet more cyclists. Offer a couple of different ride options, like a 10 mile ride and a 30 mile ride.
i like exploring the gravel roads in my area and patching together mixed surface rides...though I’ve always done these solo. Organizing group rides is something I’ve thought of...but with a family at home I usually ride very early so I’m home early... and this isn’t really something other than riding. Would love to promote this type of riding though
09-24-18, 09:10 AM
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Volunteer to help with local advocacy efforts and/or ride events. Help fix bikes at a co-op/non-profit that gets bikes to kids or folks in need. Find your local advocacy organizations and cycling clubs and see what they need help with.
09-24-18, 09:46 AM
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As others have mentioned, volunteering at charity rides may be worth the time and effort. You'll meet other like-minded folks because many of the volunteers also ride. You may get other ideas from interacting with them and the riders.
09-24-18, 09:59 AM
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Great suggestions
Personally, if you have the space, go with wrenching. It helps you and saves you time and money. I get an extra 20+ hours riding in as I no longer have to leave my bike over night at the LBS for repairs.
Great idea. But keep an upbeat attitude. I've tried this and it can be a bit negative.
09-24-18, 11:06 AM
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FYI, Park Tools has their own YouTube channel, with many, many useful how-to vids to get you wrenching.
09-24-18, 03:53 PM
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Not many know how or can build wheels that will be tough against rigorous use.
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09-24-18, 04:58 PM
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and talking to several builders. I looked into a course (Park Tool) and it was over $700 (Canadian) for 2-3 days. Might be worth it if Inwas really serious about it, but for right now I’m not sure.
09-24-18, 05:18 PM
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a course is not needed, unless of course you feel it is needed. Reading the interwebz can yield a lot of how to's for doing yourself.
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09-24-18, 10:15 PM
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09-25-18, 02:04 AM
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A nosey neighbor might be the overall win for absorbing discretionary unoccupied time...
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09-25-18, 04:50 AM
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Funny, I’ve been researching some new wheels I want to get for my gravel bike and I have enjoyed learning about the many aspects of selecting the parts,
and talking to several builders. I looked into a course (Park Tool) and it was over $700 (Canadian) for 2-3 days. Might be worth it if Inwas really serious about it, but for right now I’m not sure.
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Written by this guy, who trust his own wheels enough to lean very deeply into corners while riding on them without a helmet:
09-25-18, 09:21 AM
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12 years is not too young to be taught basic bike repairs. Or rides. Or the friggin boy scouts. Or head to the local gym together. Something with him.
You've got 3-5 extra hours a week. I'd use that as a chance to deepen your relationship with your son. Work your bikes in if he wants to.
You've got 3-5 extra hours a week. I'd use that as a chance to deepen your relationship with your son. Work your bikes in if he wants to.
09-25-18, 01:53 PM
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12 years is not too young to be taught basic bike repairs. Or rides. Or the friggin boy scouts. Or head to the local gym together. Something with him.
You've got 3-5 extra hours a week. I'd use that as a chance to deepen your relationship with your son. Work your bikes in if he wants to.
You've got 3-5 extra hours a week. I'd use that as a chance to deepen your relationship with your son. Work your bikes in if he wants to.
But seriously, I’m talking about using the time I have at night, after my kid is in bed, or when busy with friends. I have other interests, but didn’t feel it important to list all that here.
trust me, I’m parent of the year!!!