The Road… How many have talked, written, photographed, or plain lived on the road? I’m entranced by what happens when we’re out on the road; especially when traveling without the confines of an agenda. I’m composing these thoughts after three exceptional days of solo bike riding, and wish to share all the in betweens that made my trip an adventure.
I regard no exception for my actions, bike tours remain a normal pastime this side of the Mississippi, and contrary to popular belief the roads belong to us bikers too. I hitched my wagon to my mountain bike and let the wind carry me north; weaving seventy miles along the Front Range I arrived in Fort Collins Saturday night. The ride didn’t feed my spirit, except for the goat on a snowmobile and the cracked seat collar, everything felt fairly normal. My camping plans dissolved after two CSU students kindly offered me a place to stay. I woke up early, bought a few tubes at Lee’s Cycles, and checked a flag.
The winds calmly blew westerly, suggesting I visit the mountains. I mapped out a course and climbed 60 miles through Roosevelt National Forest, arriving in Estes Park around five o’clock. The ride proved challenging, although the canyon, the forests, and the winding road kept me focused. I jabbered with a few locals as I ascended the canyon, one even offered me a place to stay at the local fire station, but I convinced myself camping in the mountains was more suiting. I dabbled around the park until overhearing the evening forecast for snow!
Again, my intentions drifted from actuality and I found myself creating a shelter off Hell’s Canyon Road; luckily the property owners let me be. Using my bike, the trailer, and a funky tree, I constructed a wind/water proof shelter (Les Stroud would have approved.) I drifted to sleep as the sun’s final rays hit the horizon. I awoke several hours later to high winds and snowfall. My shelter weathered the storm and preserved a cozy den until sunrise.
The morning brought an enchanted forest of ponderosa pines and nearby elk. I packed my things, briefly explored the woods, and saddled up for my return to Boulder. The canyon, still frozen, opened up a marvelous downhill experience. There is no better way to end 130 miles of sustained pedaling than with a 35 mile stretch of downhill. One night in the mountains was truly worth a month in the town, and to do it all on my own accord makes it matter. I encourage everyone to take a bike adventure, get lost, and allow the wind to direct your path. The roads a magical place, if you pay attention you may glean some wisdom.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Time to De-Winterize!
Well, it's that time of year again. We're almost past the last big snow (1 foot next Monday, but who really knows if that'll happen), so it's time to tune.
First of all, your chain is probably bordering on radioactively rusty.
Not only is this disgusting, but it's also slowing you down. So take a chain-cleaning tool or even a stiff-bristled old toothbrush and pretty much any kind of all-purpose cleaner and scrub off that rust. Chances are that your derailleurs and chain-rings and such also need a little TLC, so give those a once-over too. Next, take a little bit of chain lube (I personally like to use Triflow, available for about $3 at McGuckins) and grease up that chain. That should take care of the dry post-cleaned chain.
Next is your cables and housing. Replace them.
Housing-which is the tubing that protects your shifting and break cables- should be replaced around two or three times a year. This is because rust and grime actually build up inside the housing which causes the cables and the inside of the housing to rust. It is not uncommon to have brake or shifting cables snap inside the housing because of friction caused by the grime buildup. Also, replacing your cables every once in a while will give you a smoother shifting experience because the tiny cables that make up the interior of the housing get dry after a while. So when you replace the cables and housing, drizzle a little bit of lube inside and it'll give your housing a little bit longer life.
Replacing the cables and housing and cleaning and lubing your chain is the surest way to get rid of some of the most weathering effects of winter. So wait until the last snow, and take care of business.
First of all, your chain is probably bordering on radioactively rusty.
Not only is this disgusting, but it's also slowing you down. So take a chain-cleaning tool or even a stiff-bristled old toothbrush and pretty much any kind of all-purpose cleaner and scrub off that rust. Chances are that your derailleurs and chain-rings and such also need a little TLC, so give those a once-over too. Next, take a little bit of chain lube (I personally like to use Triflow, available for about $3 at McGuckins) and grease up that chain. That should take care of the dry post-cleaned chain.
Next is your cables and housing. Replace them.
Housing-which is the tubing that protects your shifting and break cables- should be replaced around two or three times a year. This is because rust and grime actually build up inside the housing which causes the cables and the inside of the housing to rust. It is not uncommon to have brake or shifting cables snap inside the housing because of friction caused by the grime buildup. Also, replacing your cables every once in a while will give you a smoother shifting experience because the tiny cables that make up the interior of the housing get dry after a while. So when you replace the cables and housing, drizzle a little bit of lube inside and it'll give your housing a little bit longer life.
Replacing the cables and housing and cleaning and lubing your chain is the surest way to get rid of some of the most weathering effects of winter. So wait until the last snow, and take care of business.
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