Riding Just To Ride

Training Hours: Ride: 02:29 Run: 00:00 Other: 00:00

Insulin Delivery Summary:
Daily Total: 47.05 units
Bolus (42%) 19.60u
Basal: (58%) 27.45u

On very short money, I have been slowly working on rebuilding a bike that I have had hanging on the wall.  It was a gift from a very good friend of mine, about 5 years back now.  It served it's purpose at the time, and was much more beneficial to me hanging on the wall then being ridden.

As time continued to press forward, the opportunity arose to put it back together.  After stripping and selling some frames, and moving parts around, I had all the pieces - crankset, fork, wheels, brakes, etc. -available, so I figured it was time to see if I could press it back into service.

To do the magnificent frame, and my friend, justice by riding it.  As it was meant to be.

After a professional going over to make sure I everything was tightened to specs, I picked the bike up this morning from my friends Rob and Jason at Back Alley Bikes.  The weather was going to be in the mid 60s and sunny today, and it was a holiday and all....

Around 12:30 I set my basal rate on my OmniPod to the normal preset ride rate of a 65% reduction.  I was hoping to be out and riding by 13:15, and was not going to be at a reduced rate for an hour or so preride, so I did take in a few simple carbs (about 20g) worth at 12:45.

It was really like "old times" riding that Fisher.  It was exactly as I remembered it.  Fantastic.  Just fantastic.

About half way through the planned ride, I tested and was at 64.  I made no adjustments to my basal rate (which I suppose I should have), and took in 25g of carbs via a Gu.

About 45 minutes later I was still hovering low at a 50.  At this point, as I was one the return trip, I took in some simple Cs (35g) via a soft drink I was carrying.

When I arrived home about 2.5hrs, at 15:43, after the start, I was rocking a 98.  I cancelled my temp basal rate and bolused 1.5u for the normal post ride BG spike.

My BGs crept up a little bit during the remainder of the after noon and into the evening.  This was mostly by not bolusing enough for that normal little hitch, and for the amount of carbs I consumed relatively close to the ride end.

No worries.

Before bed at 23:03 I was a 102.  I set a standard post ride overnight temp basal of a 35% reduction.

I had an unbelievably great time riding today.  Just tearing around in the sun... riding with old friend.  It great having that bike available again.  For it's truly intended purpose. :)

Keep choppin'!!

He Did What?

Whether or not your ride or dig bikes, you just can't help but be amazed by Danny's riding.

It's art.  It's defies all logic.  It completely memorizes me, and, although I certainly can't even dream about doing this on a bike, it makes me want to go and ride.

Enjoy:


 

Human Powered Helicopter

The $250,000 "Sikorsky Prize", established in 1980, was FINALLY claimed on June 13 of this year.  Watch the video and check out the full article on NBC News to learn more.


What I found most inspiring about this feat was that in the 33 years since the 1/4 million dollar prize was offered,  groups didn't give up on it.   Some teams came very close with their attempts, but, even with the failures, they all kept trying. Just Keep Choppin'!  

I saw these bikes outside a fast food place during my travels last week. The kids riding these bikes where between the ages of 10-12, with dirty shoes, and mud splatters on their jeans and backpacks. They where pooling together some cash in order to get some snacks & drinks.




Seeing them brought me way back to when I was a kid riding the "Municipal Lot" on Lacey Road. Me on my red, white, & blue Redline Proline 1 & Jon Lomer (who would ride over from the other side of the lake) on his black and gold Mongoose with those sick MotoMag rims.




We would ride "all the way" up the Harrison Ave. hill to the "Lot", and ride back and forth all dang across the dusty, dug out site working on our jumping skills while working out life's "problems".

Riding was what we did all day. Everyday.

Our bikes were just plain fun. Our transportation. Our statement. Our freedom. Our expression.

Riding was simply about joy.

We were just like these kids I saw this day.

Sometimes, I really miss those days.

I really do.

I saw this cool bike basket while I was strolling down the street today. Not sure if its stock, custom, or home made.

Pretty awesome.






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It been a LONG while since I have had bike lust.... however, this has the potential to the the greatest bike ever build.

Ever.

Trek's new Carbon Fuel EX 9.8 29er.

Yes.

I said Fuel EX 29er.

They have also released a Remedy 29er. 

All the details can be found at Mellow Johnny's.

I need to save my pennies.  :)

I have about 5 or 6 moments in my life that occurred with bicycles that clearly stick out in my mind.  They are specific increments in time involving that are permanently etched in my being - at my core.  Everything about the event, every single finite detail - the sounds, the smells, the air temp, the breeze, the sky color, the feelings, what I was wearing, what bike I was on, the pitch of people's voices - I can recall with absolute clarity.

Some of these moments include important accomplishments, to me, while racing.  For example, finishing my first 24 hour solo mountain bike race in 2005, riding towards the finish line seated and drooping, and, with the encouragement of friends & fans on the side of the course, and the sun on my mud and sweat stained face, standing up and cranking out the last 30 pedal strokes with determination and purpose.

Another would be in 2009 sitting, no, actually hiding, seeking solitude, still with my helmet and gloves on, in the very tall grass behind the Trek Demo truck at the last race in the series in which I won the overall 12 Hour Solo Expert Championship by 2 points after a tremendously hard season, and crying with pride and joy and happiness and relief.

The 2011 Tour Divide when I found myself, alive, severely injured, laying on the banks of the very frigid Spray River, still in water, looking at the cloud covered sky.  Followed by the 2012 Tour Divide, crossing into the US in only 2 days, and speaking with the border guard in the gate structure with the Type 1 child family member who said as he reached out with his hand to shake mine "Aren't you the guy with Type 1 who tried this last year? We have been waiting to meet you".

Others, of equal or greater impact, aren't even racing related.

Like earlier this year going with Diane to go fetch a cheap old tandem with pitted chrome and aged handlebar grips, bringing it back on the subway, and riding it together, for the first time, in the crowded parking lot once we disembarked.  Laughing during the whole experience.

Emotional, powerful, soul changing moments.

All of them.

Each one.

Today, was also one of the those days.

Riding with my sons, aged 7 & 5, down a paved and dirt bike path that was converted from an old railroad bed.  Neither of them with training wheels, and both of them pedaling as fast as their legs could move, looking for the remaining small puddles to ride through, and both putting their feet up on the top tubes of their bikes, pretending they where flying.  Taking small "shortcuts" into some dirt and rocky single track trails that run parallel to the main line.

We road about 7 miles in 2 hours, and we just all laughed, played, talked, and "raced" during the whole ride.

It was a very magical, life altering day.

For all three of us.

I love bicycles.

I believe in cycling.

I love the power of change they bring, their uncanny ability to alter the course of one's personal history, and their way of brining the masses together for a cause.

Bikes are, after all, primarily, toys.

And they are perfect.

I will remember today's ride with my kids, although it certainly will not be the last, for the rest of my life.

I just love this bike. Love it.

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Morgan display at Paris Auto Show.




Love it!!!


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Training Hours: Ride: 01:23 Run: 00:00 Other: 00:00

Insulin Delivery Summary:
Daily Total: 31.65 units
Bolus (37%) 11.60u
Basal: (63%) 20.05u

After putting in a busy, productive, long, stressful week at work and traveling... I was able to find some time afterwork to get out on Kona for a little while.

I didn't have time to set a temp basal before I headed out, and I carried almost nothing with me.

I had a super fun time, and it felt great to cover some pavement, snow, mud, rocky miles.

I dig this bike!!

When I got back my BG was 53, but it was a quick fix.  No post ride bolus given due to the lower BG, although I was on the fence.

I am digging the daylight time change... and am hoping to get out a few more times this week, travel and work schedule allowing.  :)

Spring & summer are right around the corner.

Keep choppin'!!

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So on my travels today, I stopped in a shop to check out the local flavor. I met the owner, and we talked about the local trails, group rides, 29er Crew, Tour Divide, and our advocacy organizations. It was a great conversation & a good time!!

While walking around I came across a few piles of these out on the floor:




29" IRC studded MTB tires.

It was just a great reminder how things can differ so much from place to place.

Just like with Diabetes. Yours may (read will) vary.

Studded tires.... LOL!! North Carolina this place ain't.

:)

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For the past few months I have been searching high and low for a steel rigid 29er single speed.  I was forced to sell my Superfly SS in the middle of summer last year, and I have been missing it ever since.

Riding a rigid single speed is one of the most amazing cycling experiences you can possibly have, in my opinion.  Before I joined the Trek 29er Crew back in 2009, I had been riding a Kona Unit 29er SS.  The bright orange one. :)

All Stock.  Straight out of the box.

And I loved it.

Since I was looking for a non-custom steel frame, my manufacture choices when narrowed down for me.

So after much back and forth I contacted Jason at Back Alley Bikes in Chapel Hill.  I have known Jason for years, and not only is he a good guy, he was kind enough to let us use his shop while building my bike for Tour Divide & the documentary.  Jason's shop is a Kona and Niner dealer, and that, coincidentally, was exactly what I decided I wanted to put together.  A 2013 Unit with a Niner tapered carbon fork.

Only squeezed in a little ride this evening, and I am looking forward to putting some real miles on it tomorrow (weather permitting).

The first little bit was exactly how I remember... plain joyful.

Thanks man!

Keep Choppin' everyone!!

Welcome home my friend.  Special thanks to Glacier Cyclery of Whitefish, MT and Trek Bicycles of Raleigh for getting my Superfly back to me save and sound.

 I reassembled it, and road it around for a little while this evening.

It felt perfect, and brought a smile to my face.

And tears to my eyes.

And with that, the adventure that is, or was, Tour Divide 2012 has come to a close.

Man.

It was fantastic.  So far beyond what I expected it would be.  I learned so much about myself.

Truly the best cycling event of my life.

Keep Choppin' everyone.

Just.  Keep.  Choppin'.

Finally, finally, finally got the Superfly completely mechanically ready to go to Canada! It was in need of a little last minute love, so I took it to my good friend Rob Noti's new shop True Blue Wrenchworks.

In a couple of hours he bled the front brake and shortened the housing, adjusted the rear brake (so the constant rub stopped - who new? Extra training right? LOL)  trued the wheels, and located a busted rear derailer cable and housing that would have caused some issues on Tour Divide next week for sure.

I have known Rob for 14 years or so, and he is a great guy.  Super talented, and dedicated to cyclists everywhere. If you are in the Carrboro area and need some bike knowledge bestowed or your bike repaired, drop in and say 'Hey'!

I am feeling like a ton of weight is off of my shoulders as the last of my equipment is ready to go. Thanks for the help Mr. Noti!


Now I need to get the bike to a photo shoot in the next couple of days and then boxed up this weekend to bring it to Canada.

The clock is really ticking now.... ;)

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pick up an extremely inexpensive replacement for my fixie I lost a while back.

I had some carbon parts and new tires laying around so I mounted them up tonight.




Best of luck on the west coast James. Thanks!!

Still needs a single simple brake lever and a pedal change, otherwise it's good to go.

A great commuter and travel bike for sure. Will be bringing this with me to DC next week for some rolling around the city.

Can't wait!

Love my "new" bike.

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It's been a busy day. Baseball, playground, the removal of a certain 4 year old's training wheels from his 16" bike, and dusting the Canadian dirt off of some old friends for a little "packing".

;)




I would call it a very good day so far. Just one geographic change would make it spectacularly perfect.

Now to go for some ice cream sandwiches with the kids. :)

Keep Choppin'!

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Got a new office mate today....

As the weather is taking a major turn towards, perfect,  the miles and hours are beginning to pickup a bunch.  Left the CX at home today an road in on the Superfly to test out some tire combos, and the placement of the bar-ends and control positioning.

Hopefully, I will be close to 4 hours of saddle time today before I get home before dark tonight.

I am trying to find a good balance between useable on the street and still very successful on the fire roads and dry single track we have in the area now.  It seems that the Bontrager Team Issue 29-3 in 2.0 size on the back and the Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25 on the front make for a good mix.  It rolled pretty well on the 12 miles of blacktop on the way in today. I am running them tubeless, btw.

We have some wind moving through the area tomorrow, so it will be a great day to test the positioning of the bar ends.... we shall see.

I have just set a temp basal of a 65% reduction for 5hrs in preparation for the ride home tonight.  I am going to loop through the Chapel Hill North Forest, so I will get a good mix of road and single track.  CAN'T WAIT!!  :)

I hope everyone is having a GREAT day...  I can't wait to get outta here in about an hour to go for a ride!

Keep Choppin'!!