Moronacity Cycling Journal » Entries tagged with "Equipment"
Falling for Andrew
I went for my final pre-Ore to Shore ride, last night. I joined the Cross Country Sports Wednesday night group ride. King Richard (CCS owner) of Camelot (Calumet) brought his grill to the Michigan Tech trailhead to provide the riders with burgers and hot dogs. All I can say is this: yum. Thanks, Rick! Since there was a group of people standing around the parking lot, I had to do something of an entertaining nature. I rode between two people and came to a temporary trackstand as I tried to unclip my left foot to step down. For some reason, it never came unclipped, and I fell over to the left and onto Andrew and his bike. Andrew is a CCS mechanic, and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
My Old Standby
My Jamis is in need of love. I dropped it off at The Bike Shop the other day for a tune-up and some brake attention. Fortunately for me, I kept my old bike—you know, that really old bike. My 2005 Trek Fuel EX7 WSD. Earlier this year, Bike Shop Caleb tuned-up my Trek Fuel EX7 and replaced a sticky piston in the rear brake. Tuesday was the first day I rode the bike since … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Inspired By Cyclocross
I set out for my very first fall commute with my cross tires. I wasn’t quite sure how long it would take me to get to class and it didn’t help that I was running late, anyway. It’s funny how a chronically late person can continue to run late even though he or she prepares in advance to make it all run smoothly. There is a learning curve, indeed. Yesterday, I swapped my road tires for my Maxxis Locust CX tires. First, let me state that these tires came with my Kona Jake the Snake and they are the only cross tire I’ve had the pleasure of using. Therefore, I am absolutely no authority on cross tires. My commute to school was a bit slower, which is … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Crack Habit Strikes Again
Today marked the beginning of a new era . . . and the end of a new one. Many people figured I bought a new bike. The reason? My 2005 Trek Fuel EX7 went out on the Trekker’s email list and the Red Jacket Forum’s Classified section for sale. It is currently for sale for $600. Why? Well, ok. The truth comes out: Yes. I bought a new bike. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equipment
Decapitations, Scalpings, and Flat Tires
My rides and races are usually quite uneventful. Aside from a few loose skewers, I haven’t had any issues for a while. I haven’t even had a flat since last summer. I decided to ride my bike to the Michigan Tech Trails, today. I planned to be gone for four hours and decided it was best to prepare for the worst. I had my usual little bag packed with: * Multi-tool * Spare tube * … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Bikes, Berries, and Bugs
As mountain bikers, it is imperative that we eat. Well, it’s imperative that anyone eat, but we need more energy than some, or many. Pat arranged a Copper Harbor Fat Tire pre-ride for this morning. I started the day off right by making some buckwheat pancakes topped with raspberries picked in my yard and Upper Peninsula maple syrup. Yum. Let me tell you – yum. I drank some iced tea as … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Bike Doctor Appointment
I took my bike into The Bike Shop for repair, yesterday. I dropped it off, drove home to get the old bike, and returned for a brake swap. They currently have both bikes and a list of things to do. The Hayes brakes from my Trek Fuel EX7 are going on my Trek Fuel EX8 and I’m getting new front pads. The loose skewer situation is getting checked out on both bikes. The front derailleur situation on the EX8 is also getting checked out. You see, the derailleur was never really adjusted properly. Every time I would come to an abrupt stop, either by braking hard or hitting a rock or root, the chain would come off. This hasn’t been too common, recently, but … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Warm Fuzzies and Cold Ice Cream
These last two days have been . . . consumed. I worked a twelve-hour shift, yesterday, so that was pretty much wasted time in relation to my personal agenda. I worked eight hours, today, and rushed to the bike shop for a quick repair of my rear shock on my Trek Fuel EX8 – WSD. Last time I was in Copper Harbor – I think it was two weeks ago – my rear shock got a little soft. I pumped more air into it and all the air leaked out when I took the pump off. Chris, at Keweenaw Adventure Company, managed to get it in working order for me to enjoy some serious riding this week. The shock went soft during Wednesday night’s ride. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equipment
The Bike Wash, Baby!
It’s only May 9 and I’ve already washed all of my bikes. I washed my Trek Fuel EX 8 once this year, but it’s time for another washing after our latest and greatest road trip to the WORS race in Iola. My Trek Fuel EX 7 has been washed probably three times. It’s my mud and snow bike. I’ve ridden it several times in February, March, and April. I rode it at the Pontiac Lake race last month. I washed it before the race, after the pre-ride, and after the race. The cross bike was washed once this year. I washed it last week with the garden hose and some brushes. The drivetrain still needs a little TLC. Everyone has … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Serious Bike Love
Springtime is here. Yes, I totally know you needed me to state the obvious. If your bike is like mine, it is sloppily shifting and sluggishly braking. The cables are grimy and loose from cyclocross season and spring road riding. It needs some serious love, much like my body after riding to Copper Harbor (43.5 miles of hilly ouch). I rode to Copper Harbor yesterday and met my parents there for … Read entire article »
Filed under: Road Riding
