I like ordering bike parts!
I picked up a few more parts for the Bleriot. I wasn't quite finished yet.
I'm still leaving the bars bare...I like the 'clean', polished look. However, I did pick up a few pieces from VO. I really didn't want to keep leaning the bike against something when I parked so I picked up a Pletscher double-legged stand. I'm also adding a Spanninga fender tail light and picked up a new headlight bracket. This bike's plenty porky, and I keep adding stuff to it. Still a small percentage of total weight when including the fat-assed rider :>)
Yeah, I need to ride more. I'm still getting over this crud I picked up last week and haven't done any riding this week...well, except for a quick trip to the barber shop here in town. The barber was closed, but I did get to run the QBF for a bit. Pulled the Nokians off (about time!) and put the Pasela Tour Guards back on. I went about eight blocks and when I got back I was sweating my butt off. I think it's a combo of the crud, winter chub, and lack of muscle tone which makes me more determined to get on the bike and ride until my legs fall off. Rode the MNUB last weekend (Minden, Neola, Underwood, Bentley) on the QB, the 9 hills between Bentley and Minden on a fixie definitely give you a good workout. I'd like to be doing that one at least twice a week, or a half-century in its place.
Ride plans: Maybe get the heck outta Dodge. I'd like to get back on the Wabash trail and head all the way down to Coin and back. I've signed up for the Omaha MS ride, and RAGBRAI is in 91 days. Go Go Go!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sickness sucks
Man, I hate spring colds.
I caught a whopper this weekend. I did manage to get my Sunday Quickbeam ride in, and it was a very nice day. But that night, I noticed I had a sore throat. Little did I know, it was just the beginning.
Woke up Monday morning with my sinuses stuffed to the rafters, barely able to breathe. I decided it was just a spring cold and I'd shake it off quickly. So I stayed home from work and rested, expecting to be ready to go the next day. Tuesday rolled around and I felt even worse, fever, coughing, vile excretions, the whole bit. I was absolutely certain I'd feel better after a good nights sleep, and be ready for work today.
No dice. This time, I called the doctor and got an appointment. Several hours and two prescriptions later, I seem to be feeling a bit better. Maybe I'll make it into work tomorrow...not that I'm that excited about getting back to work but I still have to support my bicycling and eating habit :>) -D
I caught a whopper this weekend. I did manage to get my Sunday Quickbeam ride in, and it was a very nice day. But that night, I noticed I had a sore throat. Little did I know, it was just the beginning.
Woke up Monday morning with my sinuses stuffed to the rafters, barely able to breathe. I decided it was just a spring cold and I'd shake it off quickly. So I stayed home from work and rested, expecting to be ready to go the next day. Tuesday rolled around and I felt even worse, fever, coughing, vile excretions, the whole bit. I was absolutely certain I'd feel better after a good nights sleep, and be ready for work today.
No dice. This time, I called the doctor and got an appointment. Several hours and two prescriptions later, I seem to be feeling a bit better. Maybe I'll make it into work tomorrow...not that I'm that excited about getting back to work but I still have to support my bicycling and eating habit :>) -D
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A few pics and getting into hot water, thankfully!
Told ya I'd finally get around to it. Not much cycling here, but we did enjoy ourselves in Key West. Check 'em out...
Key West Pics
Had to work today (Saturday). Not all day, but I did take the Double Cross to work. It was cold this morning! I thought I wouldn't need winter gear, but I ended up in full dress this morning (36 degrees!). The afternoon was in the mid sixties and it was a real nice ride home.
We finally got the water heater fixed today so there is hot water in the Dau household! I thought I had it fixed Wednesday because the pilot lit, but the wife worked from home Thursday and said she still had no hot water. I replaced the thermocouple AGAIN, which proceeded to not work at all. Crrrrap, time to call in the experts. So I called the plumber, who suggested I call the manufacturer since the water heater was still under warranty. The manufacturer ended up sending us a new gas control valve FedEx next day air, which arrived today. And yes, this was definitely job for the experts. Our plumber even interrupted a job he was working on today so he could install same day. Sure is nice to take hot showers again :>)
Tomorrow looks like another great cycling day. Think I'll take the Quickbeam out for a spin.
-D
Key West Pics
Had to work today (Saturday). Not all day, but I did take the Double Cross to work. It was cold this morning! I thought I wouldn't need winter gear, but I ended up in full dress this morning (36 degrees!). The afternoon was in the mid sixties and it was a real nice ride home.
We finally got the water heater fixed today so there is hot water in the Dau household! I thought I had it fixed Wednesday because the pilot lit, but the wife worked from home Thursday and said she still had no hot water. I replaced the thermocouple AGAIN, which proceeded to not work at all. Crrrrap, time to call in the experts. So I called the plumber, who suggested I call the manufacturer since the water heater was still under warranty. The manufacturer ended up sending us a new gas control valve FedEx next day air, which arrived today. And yes, this was definitely job for the experts. Our plumber even interrupted a job he was working on today so he could install same day. Sure is nice to take hot showers again :>)
Tomorrow looks like another great cycling day. Think I'll take the Quickbeam out for a spin.
-D
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Catching up...
Just got back Saturday from a week in Key West, and we had a great time! Pics will eventually be posted on Flickr, just haven't gotten to it yet. I did get out for a half-century on Sunday, and planning to do a commute run tomorrow, if I can get my gear together. I was reminded earlier this week RAGBRAI is 102 days away, so get those miles in.
Getting back into the swing of work, slowly. Had to replace a thermocouple gone bad in the water heater so no hot water this morning. Along with other honeydew chores, not much time to post.
I'm ready to get back on the bike, and the weekend sounds good for some long rides. Must burn off winter fatness :>) -D
Getting back into the swing of work, slowly. Had to replace a thermocouple gone bad in the water heater so no hot water this morning. Along with other honeydew chores, not much time to post.
I'm ready to get back on the bike, and the weekend sounds good for some long rides. Must burn off winter fatness :>) -D
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Little Peanut
The kids were up from KC for Easter, and of course I got to see my grandson!
He's my little peanut, and I love him! I'm starting to realize that grandkids are fun! Check out some pics:
Ayden Scott McDowell
He's my little peanut, and I love him! I'm starting to realize that grandkids are fun! Check out some pics:
Ayden Scott McDowell
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Spotted! Broken Crabon in the Wild!
Since the weather has made a turn for the better, I've managed to start a semi-regular bike commuting schedule. Two days this week!
As I was pedaling home today, I notice a lime-green clad rider ahead walking his bike. Initially, I thought maybe he had a flat. No problem...I carry patches and a mini pump, along with CO2 cartridges if necessary. If the tube was fixable, we could have him up and running no problem.
However, as I drew closer I saw something else was amiss. The seat was bent over backwards at a weird angle. That's not right...an expensive-looking carbon road bike with the seat flopped over like that. As I pulled beside him, I soon saw why. The seat post was neatly snapped off between the seat mount and the tube, the seat twisting in the wind. I looked over at the poor guy and about the only thing I could say was "Ouch!". He looked totally dejected, walking with head down and didn't acknowledge my presence. Physically, he looked fine. After several seconds of silence, I pressed on. I would have tried to help him somehow but it seemed he didn't want any assistance. Unfortunately, I usually don't carry spare seat posts. :>)
After seeing gobs of busted seat posts, handlebars, etc., on Busted Carbon.com (and an example at Acme Cycle in KC), I actually saw one on the road. Remember, kids...steel is real and crabon is crap! - D
As I was pedaling home today, I notice a lime-green clad rider ahead walking his bike. Initially, I thought maybe he had a flat. No problem...I carry patches and a mini pump, along with CO2 cartridges if necessary. If the tube was fixable, we could have him up and running no problem.
However, as I drew closer I saw something else was amiss. The seat was bent over backwards at a weird angle. That's not right...an expensive-looking carbon road bike with the seat flopped over like that. As I pulled beside him, I soon saw why. The seat post was neatly snapped off between the seat mount and the tube, the seat twisting in the wind. I looked over at the poor guy and about the only thing I could say was "Ouch!". He looked totally dejected, walking with head down and didn't acknowledge my presence. Physically, he looked fine. After several seconds of silence, I pressed on. I would have tried to help him somehow but it seemed he didn't want any assistance. Unfortunately, I usually don't carry spare seat posts. :>)
After seeing gobs of busted seat posts, handlebars, etc., on Busted Carbon.com (and an example at Acme Cycle in KC), I actually saw one on the road. Remember, kids...steel is real and crabon is crap! - D
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Finally, the first commute of this year!
Not much riding this weekend...we took a little trip to KC to see Ayden!
I did finally get one day of commuting in last week, on Tuesday. I believe it's the first day of commuting this year!
Yeah, it was cold in the morning. I really expected snow on the trail, but it was nearly all melted and no ice, either. It was windy, but that's no surprise this time of year. I geared up and layered up, 'cause that ol' wind just cuts right through you if you aren't prepared.
Of course, the Double Cross got the nod for the trip. Same setup, full fenders, Tubus rear rack with Carradice Nelson Longflap. I strap my my lunch bag on the back with a bungee cord, attach my reflecto-triangle, turn on my tailight and hit the road. It was pretty dark, so I was happy to have my Nite Flux headlight as well. This bike just racks up the miles, when I have the opportunity. And it seems like it's been forever since I've rolled into work geared up from biking.
Checked the weather and it seems like we'll be in the lower 50's for the rest of the week. I anticipate two or three days of commutes this week! Gotta get that mileage up in preparation for an entire week of RAGBRAI - D
I did finally get one day of commuting in last week, on Tuesday. I believe it's the first day of commuting this year!
Yeah, it was cold in the morning. I really expected snow on the trail, but it was nearly all melted and no ice, either. It was windy, but that's no surprise this time of year. I geared up and layered up, 'cause that ol' wind just cuts right through you if you aren't prepared.
Of course, the Double Cross got the nod for the trip. Same setup, full fenders, Tubus rear rack with Carradice Nelson Longflap. I strap my my lunch bag on the back with a bungee cord, attach my reflecto-triangle, turn on my tailight and hit the road. It was pretty dark, so I was happy to have my Nite Flux headlight as well. This bike just racks up the miles, when I have the opportunity. And it seems like it's been forever since I've rolled into work geared up from biking.
Checked the weather and it seems like we'll be in the lower 50's for the rest of the week. I anticipate two or three days of commutes this week! Gotta get that mileage up in preparation for an entire week of RAGBRAI - D
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