| (Long Distance) Ramblings |
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I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out). "The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget." "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
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Monday, October 27, 2003
The long dark nights of winter are here. Darkness falls at 5:30 pm now, so riding after work means riding in the dark. Now, I am not opposed to that, but it brings on it's own set of issues. One is, "I can't see where I'm going!" I have lights, but no handlebar light can replace sunlight. The darkness hides hazards. I find myself making last moment avoidance maneuvers. Not a good thing. A few years ago, I tried riding a trainer. The bicycle is supported at the rear wheel by the trainer, in effect, making a stationary exercise bicycle. You do not need to worry about balance. The trainer holds you upright. So, there you are, on a bicycle that can't fall down. Not exciting. In fact, it is boring. The only thing to do is to ride rollers! A few months ago, my good friend Martin gave me his rollers. Rollers are a set of parallel cylinders that you place the bicycle on. Then, you get on the saddle and start spinning. There is nothing to hold you up except your balance. Fun! I set up the rollers in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room. I placed my Cannondale on them and got on, holding onto the doorway with my left hand. I slowly started peddling, picking up speed. It was a bit sticky letting go. I gently balanced myself and then quickly moved my hand to the handlebar. I was spinning! I was shaky at first, but I managed to stay upright for a full 15 minutes before I crashed. I was just spinning along, when I found myself falling over to the right side. I fell against the doorway and no harm was done. I guess my mind drifted off and I forgot what I was doing. I got right back on and finished the hour long ride with only one more crash. Note to self: when on the rollers, don't daydream!
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