Cross Training

I wanted to take a moment and recommend Si-boards as a way of getting in much better physical shape for biking. While I found using a balance board was fairly helpful, taking the next big step and learning to ride a Si-board has had some great results. I have much better stamina, much better sense of core strength, and much stronger legs overall. My shins and calfs haven't felt this solid in a very long time. I really like the overall workout of riding the Si-board on the solid urethane ball. It's unlike anything I've tried before and I'm totally sold on it. Our daughter gets the benefit of use by trying to copy what we do by using a Si-board. This is very important, given that she has Down Syndrome and anything that helps her develop better core strength will pay back great dividends later in life. Below is a video of some advanced riding skills. I'm still very much a beginner, but really enjoy the workout, the ride, and the physical benefits!

Winter's Wear

I took some photos of the rubber tips I put on my KickBack for Rick over at Xtracycle. While doing so I got a good look at just what a mess things have become. My chain is full of rust, there's mud and sand all over my bike (despite an attempt at a night-time bath) after a run-in with a mud-bog-field at night. Sheesh! The winter has been very cold, very snowy, and very intense in general. I've hardly biked over the last several weeks due to single digit mornings, weird snow, and fierce wind chills. As I type now, wind speed is 37 mph from the NW. Zoiks! I'm looking forward to more bike friendly weather...

Skating away

So I rode the X to the Co-op this afternoon to pick up some groceries and special orders. I hitched up the trailer to carry the two cheesecakes waiting for our extended family gathering tomorrow. Our street and alley were basically solid ice with holes, ruts, and the occasional patch of paving stone or pavement. It was insane to be out on foot, car, or bike. At least I had some traction from the studded tires. Putting my foot down was only for the purpose of sliding/propping the bike from slipping out from under me entirely. Now, if I could only figure a way to have shoes with ice traction so I could be a bit more assured on foot.

-Phil

If you think commuting in winter is tough...

From the New York Times

Video Library Player: Riders Through the Snow

During the Iditarod Trail Invitational, racers brave hundreds of miles of frozen Alaskan wilderness on foot, ski or bicycle.

This video focuses on two men training for the race by bike. Talk about tough winter riding!

-Phil

Study indicates "Active Transportation" = less obesity

This Associated Press article was published a few days ago. I thought this deserved attention, especially given Adam's post on Cycling and Health (Dec. 16).

Study: Leaner nations bike, walk, use mass transit

I posted this to Bike Michiana and RootsRadicals as well.

-Phil

P.S. Current temp = 0 F with 23 mph winds from the West. That brings windchill to -24 F. Forecast high temp is 5 F.

Sick

As in head cold sick. I've been sick since the weekend. I really haven't ridden since just over a week ago and I can tell my legs are screaming, "Ride! We're atrophying!" Weather doesn't look very nice - very icy and snowy tonight and tomorrow w/just above freezing temps during the day, then dropping into the low teens by Saturday. Yeehah. Slow, cold going. Well, hopefully this head cold will be done soon enough and I'll be able to ride w/out sliming myself or coughing up tons of phlegm.

Time to go charge batteries for lights...

My right pedal broke a couple of weeks ago - at least that's when I became aware of it. The cage around the pedal broke, apparently some time ago, but I hadn't noticed. I only noticed after one of the screws holding the cage in place began working loose. I heard the distinct squeak of metal against metal and traced down the source. I've since replaced the broken set with new Velo-Orange Touring Pedals.

Unlike other pedals I've used in the past, there's no purchase area for a traditional pedal wrench for installation/removal. I was completely clueless about how to securely mount the pedals and sent Chris Kulczycki at Velo-Orange a rather arrogant note informing him of this problem and suggesting he change the design to allow for use of pedal wrenches. His simple, one line response?

Like many modern pedals these are installed with an Allan wrench from the back of the spindle.

Oh..! That solved what was clearly "my problem." Thanks, Chris, for the great pedals. They work wonderfully with Power Grip Straps installed.