Proper Geometry
Posted on October 2, 2008
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What a difference it makes when a bike fits! I don’t doubt that thousands of bikes are abandoned every year after the owner realizes he or she simply isn’t comfortable on the bike, and finally assumes that no bike is comfortable. We cyclists must take it upon ourselves to make observations about how people are riding, and to adjust their seats and handlebars accordingly!
I raised my stem by an inch today, and my bike is SO much more comfortable. I only wish I had done that before I biked to Lawrence and back this last weekend. The 60 miles were worth it, but I probably could have done another 20 without complaint had I adjusted the stem first!
I am freaking out in anticipation of having my new fixed-gear wheel. I ordered a Velocity Blunt 29er MTB with disc brake mounts… and then I ordered a 16-tooth Tomi cog. It’s gonna be sweeeeet!
Also, someone local, please by this bike from Manhattan. 300 bucks for a Redline SS/Fixie is really cheap!
Happy about Critical Mass news
Posted on September 29, 2008
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It has been almost a year, and we’re starting to get some press about Critical Mass Topeka. I’m really happy about that - it has been a long time coming. I’ve spent lots of time promoting the rides and becoming more and more obsessed about bikes - and it finally feels like we’re getting some real recognition. Thank you, Washburn Review!
It’s so easy to cut someone down
Posted on September 25, 2008
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And it’s so important not to sink to that level, if you’re the one who’s the brunt of the jabs.
I’ve recently begun working in politics. I work for a freshman member of Congress.
The opponent’s campaign is negative, biting, and almost vicious at times. Representing the incumbent, my campaign has the burden of proof. And believe me, there’s tons of it. But the competing politician has been completely scarce on the issues. We have thousands and thousands of words on policy and votes. The opponent pretty much ignores that, and criticizes my candidate’s votes in Congress without any proper refutation.
It is very disappointing to be forced to respond to this kind of move. But we must not stray from the high road!
I am NOT a vegetarian
Posted on September 24, 2008
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But sometimes, I just don’t think to eat meat in a meal. When I’m cooking for myself, I usually plan a meal around a grain or assortment of vegetables - rice, spaghetti, or potatoes. Then, if I have some, I’ll add meat. Usually chicken or seafood.
I just got to thinking about that when I got an e-mail about a family reunion - for meal planning, the exact phrase used was “making
sure that a meat dish, side dish, dessert, etc., shows up.” And that’s fine, but it’s really not how I think about meals.
That’s also an issue with how we eat in this country - a “meal” is rarely reflected with proper proportions in the food guide pyramid.
I don’t eat meat all the time, but I am NOT a vegetarian.
I’m addicted to bikes
Posted on September 22, 2008
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Is there a twelve-pedal process for getting out? Because I don’t think I want to know about it.
Bike Stuff Updates:
I found a bike last night on my way home. If it’s yours, let me know.
I ordered a Velocity Blunt 29er wheel with a disc hub for my next fixed gear project. Brakeless! This will probably be for my Raleigh Team USA frame. Not sure what I’ll do for handlebars. This bike is going to be a beast, though. And don’t worry about all those nice components on the Raleigh - they’ll be going on a Raleigh mixte frame my dad recently purchased from Acme. For some reason, he really loves mixte frames… dork.
I rode BMX (street) yesterday for about 15 minutes, for the first time in a few months, and I am waaay sore. It kind of hurts to stand up… or walk… or sit down. But that’s good. I need to do it again!
Eat, sleep, dream bicycles
Posted on September 18, 2008
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Andrew Dunlap (with the Washburn Review) interviewed me yesterday about Topeka’s Critical Mass. I’ve been trying pretty hard to get it going in Topeka, and little by little, it has caught on. We started with 5 riders last year in November and grew to an all-time high of 18 in May or June or something. We’ve had an average of about 10 riders each time since then, and we even had seven riders on one of the rainiest days of the year, last Friday.
But during the interview, I got to thinking how significant a role bikes play in my life. I am trying to promote bicycle registration on this Friday’s ride. I try to help people get bikes if they’re looking for one. I try to help people track down stolen bikes. And I love putting bikes together and taking them apart again, and reconfiguring them to be more fun. And I love riding bikes!
I got to thinking about bicycle advocacy. And how I’d kind of like to own a bike shop and build a culture of cyclists around it. I’d like to move into a young, but growing neighborhood of a big city and fill the place with bikes and bike people. It has really become a passion of mine. I’m still a designer and a problem solver at heart…. but I could see myself going this way, too.
Where’s Karl?
Posted on September 17, 2008
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This dude is apparently running 2174 miles in 47 days. And he has the same name as me, so he must be awesome.
keep looking »
