Psychotext
Member
I think the battery of knee / hamstring exercises I did earlier helped when on the trainer tonight. Still had pain, but nothing like as bad as yesterday.
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Bicycle age
- Thread starter elrechazado
- Start date
Gray Matter
Member
Got my bike back today, and typical me I went on an impromptu ride that ended up being 16 miles. Gotta love the thrill.
Is the Flybys feature on Strava new? I've been checking it after each ride since noticing the button on the website last week, hoping that I might pass someone I've noticed on the segment leaderboards before. I did give a random kudos to some guy I passed twice today though.
Also, I'm at 5 days in a row of 20 mile or more rides - nice to have a bit of a habit going, although the weather has been phenomenal, so I'd feel bad if I didn't go out.
Also, I'm at 5 days in a row of 20 mile or more rides - nice to have a bit of a habit going, although the weather has been phenomenal, so I'd feel bad if I didn't go out.
Psychotext
Member
I saw that the other day for the first time. Not looked at it in any detail though.
Unrelated: http://labs.strava.com/slide/ - Pretty cool for people who make their own routes.
Unrelated: http://labs.strava.com/slide/ - Pretty cool for people who make their own routes.
So from what I can see here in Athens options aren't exactly endless as far as finding particular models as were recommended a bit ago.
I'll be riding a dirt road up and downhill and a very steep and rough section that goes to the main, fairly smooth dirt road here in the Cyclades. The total ride is probably 2-2.5 hours each way and I'll likely be taking it a time or two a week. I'd wager 45 minutes or so will be the rough section and the remained the fairly smooth section, slight longer/shorter depending on which way I'm riding.
If I go shopping what particulars should any potential bikes have?
Keep in mind I know little about bikes. I ride a Citibike back home in NYC but I'm barely a guppy in this pond called bicycling.
Any and all assistance is deeply appreciated.
Also what is a must for an always on me emergency repair kit?
I'll be riding a dirt road up and downhill and a very steep and rough section that goes to the main, fairly smooth dirt road here in the Cyclades. The total ride is probably 2-2.5 hours each way and I'll likely be taking it a time or two a week. I'd wager 45 minutes or so will be the rough section and the remained the fairly smooth section, slight longer/shorter depending on which way I'm riding.
If I go shopping what particulars should any potential bikes have?
Keep in mind I know little about bikes. I ride a Citibike back home in NYC but I'm barely a guppy in this pond called bicycling.
Any and all assistance is deeply appreciated.
Also what is a must for an always on me emergency repair kit?
First test of the Rflkt+ is positive, tested with a cheap phone in saddlebag, Blue SC cadence/speed sensor and Tickr X connected via BTLE and running the Wahoo Fitness app. The app works surprisingly well and all of the data (including GPS from the phone) was recorded perfectly. The Rflkt is a great compact little unit and seems to be able to be customized in a variety of configurations. The main screen I had on showed speed, cadence and heart rate. I have the Tickr setup so I can double tap it and it pauses/resumes the workout. The app gives nice audio updates (speed, cadence, heart rate, time) which you can set to timed or distance intervals.
I also tested the Tickr on the spinbike as well, which surprisingly outputs the cadence without a cadence sensor, it actually seemed pretty accurate as well. Hope to give it all a much more thorough test when this rain lets up.
I also tested the Tickr on the spinbike as well, which surprisingly outputs the cadence without a cadence sensor, it actually seemed pretty accurate as well. Hope to give it all a much more thorough test when this rain lets up.
Psychotext
Member
Quote from another page.
On the other question. Define rough. It may be that a CX bike is perfect for you, fast, but you'll certainly feel it on the really rough stuff.
I'm not sure if it makes a difference between road or off road, but l don't even bother with the patches when going off road, just throw 2 tubes in your bag, some tyre levers and a pump.
It might just be me, but the patches always result in a slow leak.
But l also carry a multitool, some zip ties, roll of adhesive cloth tape and most importantly, a mobile phone.
It might just be me, but the patches always result in a slow leak.
But l also carry a multitool, some zip ties, roll of adhesive cloth tape and most importantly, a mobile phone.
Awesome thorough list. I've got a multitool that won't be leaving my side during my trip but I'll make sure to put together a proper kit based on this. Also as far as what rough is
That's about the best image I can find. There's some smoothish parts, some inclines that smaller cars have trouble with, and a good amount of large rocks and bumpy sections. Every year they attempt to smooth it out because the winter wrecks them, and every year it changes a bit.
Psychotext
Member
I swap tubes first, but given patches weigh nothing, it's still best to carry them. When you're up a hill 15 miles from salvation and just had your third puncture, you'll be glad you did.
You're getting too old for this shit.
@SnakeXs: That image doesn't embed, but it loads separately. Looks like a fairly standard fire road to me. CX or mountain bike. Mountain bike would be more comfortable, but slower.
Psychotext
Member
We still have to get out for a ride at some point. Seems stupid we haven't given how close you are to me. 
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Honest to God, I actually figured you guys were out and about so much you just didn't talk about it because why talk about it at all.
Though if you had I guess there would have been leanage pics, huh.
Though if you had I guess there would have been leanage pics, huh.
Psychotext
Member
I really must try to get one of those this weekend with all the gear on the bike.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Speaking of the weekend, I'm doing the century of the Ride Around Clark County while my wife and son will be doing the 34-mile ride.
I've done the ride by myself unsupported five times so this will be my first supported one. It's a fair bit of difference from my two previous supported rides in that there's no starting line per se as it's just a location and you leave when you want. Also, the last two rides were both sorta flat (Reach the Beach 2013 and Seattle to Portland 2014 [not my GPS info, btw]) so this one is my first 'hilly' ride. Though it doesn't matter much as it will be the sixth time doing it so it's not like I'm going to be surprised by any of it.
I'm not bothering with a cue sheet because they have the road painted with color-coded Dan Henry arrows so I just need to follow the white ones. The weather says mid 60's, partly cloudy, and 8mph wind so it's going to be almost perfect.
Here's hoping I finish in a quicker time than my past results, though my average of 15.5 mph stands for practically every long ride I do so I'm not exactly holding my breath.
I've done the ride by myself unsupported five times so this will be my first supported one. It's a fair bit of difference from my two previous supported rides in that there's no starting line per se as it's just a location and you leave when you want. Also, the last two rides were both sorta flat (Reach the Beach 2013 and Seattle to Portland 2014 [not my GPS info, btw]) so this one is my first 'hilly' ride. Though it doesn't matter much as it will be the sixth time doing it so it's not like I'm going to be surprised by any of it.
I'm not bothering with a cue sheet because they have the road painted with color-coded Dan Henry arrows so I just need to follow the white ones. The weather says mid 60's, partly cloudy, and 8mph wind so it's going to be almost perfect.
Here's hoping I finish in a quicker time than my past results, though my average of 15.5 mph stands for practically every long ride I do so I'm not exactly holding my breath.
Gray Matter
Member
Just got home from a ride with a group from my local bike shop. Lots of fun, can't wait to do it again next Thursday.
Psychotext
Member
Definitely got the bug.
Gray Matter
Member
Yup, it's your, and the rest of BikeGAF's fault.
i love it though, I just want to ride everyday.
Psychotext
Member
I wish I had the time. =/
Enter the Dragon Punch
Banned
bikes are the bane of my existence
i literally never figured out how to ride one
anyone have tips for learning to ride a bike as an adult?
i literally never figured out how to ride one
anyone have tips for learning to ride a bike as an adult?
i am dead serious
Gray Matter
Member
Whatever you do, keep moving forwards, if not you will fall.
Jump on something like a bmx or mountain bike and a wide open park and just learn. Get used to sitting on it and where your feet and hands go and then get someone to walk beside you while you pedal, not really sure besides that, but good luck you will love it, I kind of envy you, it's a special feeling when you start going for the first time
Psychotext
Member
Don't feel bad about it. I helped teach my adult friend how to do it recently. He's still a bit shaky, but it all comes with time.
x3n05 is right. You need a wide open space with soft things to fall on. Grass is usually pretty good. Make sure you start with the seat fairly low as you'll be grateful of the confidence being able to put your feet down will give you. Eventually you'll be able to get it at the proper height so it doesn't feel quite so hard.
x3n05 is right. You need a wide open space with soft things to fall on. Grass is usually pretty good. Make sure you start with the seat fairly low as you'll be grateful of the confidence being able to put your feet down will give you. Eventually you'll be able to get it at the proper height so it doesn't feel quite so hard.
outunderthestars
Banned
Anyone (in the US) doing the National Bike Challenge? I was thinking that we could make a GAF team!
https://nationalbikechallenge.org
Anyone up for it?
https://nationalbikechallenge.org
Anyone up for it?
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Is that a Strava heat map? You can get in pretty close and see peoples routes from home to work. Kind of creepy.
ಠ_ಠ
Ok, so I'm pumped about this 'team' aspect, especially with the prizes. Who's going to make the GAF team? I would, but I want to make a logo that's a bicycle with the neogaf logo for wheels and I don't have photoshop at work.
Gray Matter
Member
My bike shop posted the link on their Facebook. Don't know exactly what it is, but it sounds like fun.
Darth Pinche
Member
I learned when I was 18, so you can do it! I found that starting on gently sloping decline, like a long driveway helped me get the feel of riding on 2 wheels. Basically ride down slowly, you can even try to keep you feet down, just above the pavement, and let the bike go straight. as you gain confidence, you can add gentle turns, and work your way up to feet on the pedals then, start pedaling. It is the type of things that it is scary at first, but then all of a sudden it just clicks and you will be doing it without thinking.
Gray Matter
Member
It's amazing how it becomes like second nature once you learn how to ride.
I knew I was moving pretty quick on the second half of my ride today, but I was pretty happy to find that I managed 21.8mph according to Strava. I guess that's what a slight tailwind (and possibly a very gentle overall decline) will do, since I couldn't even do 15 on the first half.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Alright, maybe it's my browser but it's having issues putting rides on the right days. I put in a ride I did on the 17th and it moved to the 16th. And I can't figure out how to delete things.
Yeah, I'm chalking it up to browser until I get home. Work sucks for making us stay on IE9. It's like a war crime, right?
Had my first training yesterday as a member of the local cycling club. Four 1-minute max efforts in a row (with 1-minute rests in between) sounded easy enough, but I don't think I've ever had that high of a pulse before. My shoulder seized up for some reason. And almost everybody else just zoomed away into the distance. Oh well, at least I have plenty of room to grow!
By the way, did you see this video, or am I hopelessly late posting it again?
Guy tries to learn to ride a "backwards bicycle", where turning left makes it go right. Spent 8 months on it. When he finally did it, he could no longer ride bikes the normal way. Fascinating how our brains can be completely re-wired. There's also video of the exact moment when his brain is re-re-wired, and he suddenly can ride bikes normally again. Cool stuff! I want to try that bike.
Guy tries to learn to ride a "backwards bicycle", where turning left makes it go right. Spent 8 months on it. When he finally did it, he could no longer ride bikes the normal way. Fascinating how our brains can be completely re-wired. There's also video of the exact moment when his brain is re-re-wired, and he suddenly can ride bikes normally again. Cool stuff! I want to try that bike.
This is fascinating.
Grats, I love chasing my top speed on every ride--though I hope that I don't get much faster than my current best (65 km/h) for the time being.
Speaking of bugs, I didn't wear sunglasses on today's ride and got one in my eye (a gnat, I think). Damn it.
Psychotext
Member
Have finally got my stuff packed. Weather still due to be shit... and oh boy am I carrying a lot. Wish me luck. lol
We still have to get out for a ride at some point. Seems stupid we haven't given how close you are to me.
Yep. Not sure how long this fracture will keep me off the bike though. I can bear the pain (imagine someone hammering nails into the base of your spine) but I don't want to take any chances. Thank fuck the weather's turned shite.
Gray Matter
Member
Going for a ride later today, I'm estimating doing at the very least 14 miles. Weather is good, should be a fun one.
jakonovski
Member
Had a short trail run in pouring rain, was so much fun. Several pedal strikes and other slippages, and I didn't fall down once despite wearing spds. Making a note here, huge success!
I take it you're down south Mascot, the weather in Qld was shit (see my pics in the 2 wheel gaf [motorbike] thread
South West... of Britain..!
I lived in Sydney many moons ago in another life though. Would go back.
South West... of Britain..!
I lived in Sydney many moons ago in another life though. Would go back.
Ah
, thought you were in Australia for some reason.Went for a leisurely test ride with the rflkt today, did about 45 minutes and about 17km. We had our phones in the saddle bag handling the bluetooth to rflkt data and GPS. Recorded every bit of the ride and the phone battery only dropped about 8%, very happy with the outcome.
edit: looking at the data, it seems it was on and recording for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, even more impressed
edit: looking at the data, it seems it was on and recording for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, even more impressed
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