Got some new studded tires and suddenly everything's alright!

This photo was taken last week before our recent light snowfall.

Too bad I'm off work this week and won't be commuting on them, 

but I hope to get some riding in.  And too bad the forecast calls for

warmer temps next week!

They rode fine on the bare pavement last week, although a bit noisy,

and came in handy on the side streets that were either icy or had a

spinkling of snow still on them.

REI Scratch & Dent Sale

A couple Saturdays ago my wife called to let me know that on her way to her hair appt she saw REI's Scratch & Dent sale was happening. I didn't need anything, but I headed down there after 10am anyway, not expecting to find much of anything. First thing I saw coming in off of Monroe street was that the Bike rack still had some nice bikes waiting to go to good homes. Then I saw the used Marin Muirwoods 29er for $279. Regular is $620?  Looked brand new. I shoulda snapped it up right then and there but hesitated. Ok ok, I already have a Muirwoods (currently loaned out to a friend), and I need a mountain bike, but this one is the 19 inch model that I looked at earlier in the year. I bought the 17-inch model a few years ago, and even though I'm barely 5'8", it felt a little small for me. I usually had the seatpost extended past the recommended limit. So I thought about it, thinking if I didn't need it I could give it to our friend or my brother who is looking for a bike.

I looked around for a bit and came back to the bike. It was now $179! And here it is now at a good home:

There's not much difference between this 2011 model and my other one which I think is a 2010. The downtube is a litttle less beefy, and it doesn't have the large plastic Marin decals (thankfully), but I think most everything else is the same, including the too wide handlebars and 28 x 1.6/42-622 tires. Both are heavy steel bikes, and it reminds me of last years' cyclocross race at Stanger Farm, trying to drag the beast up the muddy hill after the creek crossing.

I have the seatpost right at the limit, and it feels just right. It rides smoooth, smoother than I remember, but that may be because the tire pressure is low. It might even ride smoother than my Redline Conquest Sport which I've been using for commuting this year. Which is funny because the Sport felt so nimble and quick riding to work compared to the older Muirwood. I love the disc brakes - they are a huge improvement over the basic cantilevers on the Sport. (By the way, thanks to Two Wheel Transit, those canti's actually work now!)

Here's my old one for comparison - it's a little hard to see behind all the accessories, though.

I'm thinking I might have to be selfish and keep this one for me. It'll make a good winter commuter bike with some traction tires or studs on it.

Or sure I could be like this Alex guy  who got an REI bike on sale and "replaced a few components". Like the cranks, tires, pedals, handlebars, and grips...and oh yeah the fork and frame, too!

No I don't think so.

In Search of the Dwight Merkel trail to Riverside State Park (revisited)

Somehow I posted this a week or so ago before I was finished with it. Or I got tired before I was done and hit the publish button and forgot I did. Anyway here goes again.

In the wooded area behind Albi Stadium and the Dwight Merkel Sports complex, there's some trails used by us locals for dog walking, jogging and biking.

After my shoulder healed earlier this summer,  I got brave and rode my cross bike down this slippery, twisty, gravelly trail off the north side:

And ended up in the housing area at the bottom of this picture:

:


Ever since the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex was built in North Spokane near Joe Albi Stadium last year, I've wondered about the planned trail from the complex down to Riverside park. Where was the start going to be? Maybe I should volunteer. I looked all over the place but couldn't find anything posted about the trail.

From the bottom, I could see another wider, gradual, straighter trail heading up the hill. Turns out they already built the trail to Riverside!

there's the housing development on the left side

It took me a few times riding up the trail to find what I think is the start of the trail at the top. It's the same spot I started at, but at one of the junctions with other trails you have to stay left and climb up for a little bit:

There are a couple other junctions like this where I think you need to go left to stay on the trail to Riverside.

Here's another picture from the trail looking west. I've been meaning to head down there on a nice sunny day with the good camera instead of my phone, but apparently that's not gonna happen.

The easiest way to find what I think is the start, is to enter the wooded area here behind center and left field:

There's info on the trail here from the Spokane Parks Dept. There is a link there to a Facebook page with pictures of the trail building back in July 2010.

A random picture taken from above, near the cemetery:

Bringing home dinner

We had salsa, bean dip, sour cream and cheese at home and a hunger for nachos. But no chips.

Picked up some Tostitos at Rite Aid after work. Thanks to the wonderful modern science of packaging, they made it home unharmed over the bumpy streets of Spokane and we were able to indulge.

Friday day after Thanksgiving ride

Over in Seattle for the weekend, and took a ride around town. Found the bike route in Lower Queen Anne to Interurban, to Discovery Park and the Magnolia Scenic Loop, where this picture was taken. A few good hills. Thankful that Two Wheel Transit replaced the 13-26 8-speed cassette with an 11-28.

Ok it was a little chilly Wednesday

I get a lot of mostly friendly comments from people about riding my bike to work when temps are in the 40's and 30's. But really, that's not cold on a bike, and you don't really need much clothing to stay warm when temps are in the low 30's. At least I don't and I'm not that tough!

Last Wednesday I have to admit it was getting a little cold at 7:30am:

 It actually didn't feel cold after I'd gone a couple blocks, even though I just had on a light windbreaker over a long sleeved cotton t-shirt and regular t-shirt with Dockers. Should've worn woolie bullies on my feet and a wool shirt, but I left home in a hurry and didn't even put on long johns.

A couple fellow bikers have mentioned to me that they don't ride after it gets below 45....what's up with that? I like to ride too much to let some mild temperatures stop me. I blame it on cyclocross. After carrying your bike across an icy cold stream at Stanger Farm, or racing in the snow and mud at Walters Orchard, the commute to work in less than ideal conditions doesn't seem so bad. 

Mullan, Idaho to Lookout Pass

Lookout Pass Ski Area on the Idaho/Montana boder has plenty of snow and is planning on opening this Friday Nov. 18. So it's about time I reported on my little trip from the end of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes in Mullan, Idaho to Lookout Pass over an old railroad bed. I had found part of the trail on a little reconnaissance trip done with my brother-in-law Shawn at the end of a family outing on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, but I was stumped on just how to get to Lookout Pass.

I found some slightly confusing directions on the Friends of the Coeur d'Alenes' website and one day last July I set out with my trusty Redline Conquest Sport. It's my beginner cyclococross bike with 32mm street tires. No cushy fat tire suspension bike for me. (maybe next time as the trial was a little rough in spots)

It's a few miles from Mullan to Shoshone Park where the ride begins:

The directions say to turn left here to Shoshone Park, but you can go right here and take a shortcut to the Junction with Mullan Pass Rd. You'll miss the fish hatchery though. 



                  

At the park. I cheated on this trip and drove all the way here instead of cycling in from Mullan

At the fish hatchery. Took me a while to figure out but you go left here. It's also the only way out.

To the left is FR 133. I think. Forest Roads are not big on signage, I guess. It's part of the adventure.

              



This sign is in a snowmobile parking lot, which I fugured out later was also the Junction with Mullan Pass Rd, and is actually just above Shoshone Park. If you go right in the first picture instead of to Shoshone Park, you would end up here also. From here, you go right to Lookout Pass...which surprisingly took me a while to figure out! I thought it meant thataway to the freeway.

A mile or two or more after crossing under the freeway and climbing

This is at the Stevens Lake Trailhead - this is a switchback you take at the end of the parking lot 

I

I wasn't sure if I was still on the right trail at this point. It looked worse in person.



Near the top, looking towards Idaho.



Made it! Wasn't too hard of a climb, being an old railroad grade. Just a bit of a rough ride in spots.

Looking towards Montana from Lookout Pass parking area. I went down the same way I rode up, but next time I'm going to make a loop, crossing the freeway here and taking Mullan Pass down. Or maybe take Mullan Pass up. Or maybe continue on from Lookout to the Hiawatha trail. Who knows...

In Search of the Dwight Merkel trail to Riverside State Park

In the wooded area behind Albi Stadium and the Dwight Merkel Sports complex, there's some trails used by us locals for dog walking, jogging and biking.

After my shoulder healed earlier this summer,  I got brave and rode my cross bike down this slippery, twisty, gravelly trail off the north side:

And ended up in the housing area at the bottom of this picture:

:


Ever since the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex was built in North Spokane near Joe Albi Stadium last year, I've wondered about the planned trail from the complex down to Riverside park. Where was the start going to be? Maybe I should volunteer. I looked all over the but couldn't find anything posted about the trail.

From the bottom, I could see another wider, gradual, straighter trail heading up the hill. Turns out they already built the trail to Riverside!

there's the housing development on the left side

It took me a few times riding up the trail to find what I think is the start of the trail at the top. It's the same spot I started at, but at one of the junctions with other trails you have to stay left and climb up for a little bit:

There are a couple other junctions like this where I think you need to go left to stay on the trail to Riverside.

Here's another picture from the trail looking west. I've been meaning to head down there on a nice sunny day with the good camera instead of my phone, but apparently that's not gonna happen.

The easiest way to find what I think is the start, is to enter the wooded area here behind center and left field:

There's info on the trail here from the Spokane Parks Dept. There is a link there to a Facebook page with pictures of the trail building back in July 2010.

A random picture taken from above, near the cemetery:

Bicycling Magazine vs Bicycle Times

A few months ago I was at the bookstore picking up a copy of Bicycling magazine - you know, the one that usually has some fit, athletic types on fast road bikes on the cover:

I noticed another magazine with an illustrated cover of a sorta dorky looking cyclist. No glossy photo? What kinda mag is that? Bicycle Times. The title reminded me of High Times.

I almost put it aside, but then I looked at the cover closer. Then I looked back at the Bicycling mag. Then it hit me - the Bicycle Times mag guy looked a lot more like me than the athletes on the Bicycling cover. And Bicycle Times had a good article on clothing for commuting in all seasons. I ended up buying and enjoying both, but I think there were more articles in Bicycle Times that related to me and my cycling life. I'm a commuter/recreational//semi-serious cyclocross racer/light trail type of biker, and the Times always seems to have articles geared towards riders like me.

Presta valves. Hate 'em

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with these valves. I was just starting to like their little twisty knob tops but then I got a flat on my way to work wednesday. No problem. I was on a bus route so my bike and I caught a bus and made it to work. Patched the flat on my lunch hour. Had a little trouble, like usual, wiggling the air pump tube off the valve stem and heard that sickening sound - a big swoosh of air as it escaped the tire. I immediately knew what I did. I tore a hole in the tube where it's attached to the valve stem. Again! It's at least the 5th time I've done this. Someday I'll get these darn Presta valves figured out.

Look out for that....

...DIP in the road!

This about 2/3rds of the way down Pettet Drive aka Doomsday Hill. See where the white line is  deflected a liitle bit just past the sign? That's the small dip in the road mentioned in the previous post. Luckily I was holding on tightly to the handle bars the first time I road home this way at around 30 mph, unaware that I was almost going to be tossed off my bike.

Crossing NW Boulevard, part 2

Since mid summer my favorite ride home from work has been this:

Go north up Post, left on Broadway. Take Broadway past the Courthouse, through West Central all the way to Summit Blvd. Stay on Summit as it becomes Mission, take a left on to West Point. This section on Broadway and Summit is a nice mile or two uninterrupted by stop signs or lights until Pettet Dr.

Left on Pettet down Doomsday hill. Watch out for the dip in the bike lane about 2/3rds of the way down! It's a little jarring at 30 mph - hold on tight.

Continue down Pettet under the TJ Meenach bridge to Downriver Dr. Take Downriver Dr to the right turn up to the golf course, left on Columbia Ct, then left on to "H" Street and voila! NW Blvd. This is a little more friendly section of the Boulevard, where it's narrowed down to two easier to cross lanes. Sometimes there's still a long line of traffic coming from the east, but the wait isn't too long.

From here I've been turning left onto NW Blvd and extending my ride home by making a loop around Joe Albi Stadium/Dwight Merkel Sports complex back to NW Blvd, south to Garland then north on G street, over to Driscoll and then home.

There are a few tricky parts to this ride, particularly at the bottom of Doomsday. You have to keep an eye out for the traffic coming down the hill that may be turning right; then also there might be traffic at the stop sign on the right pulling out in front of you. I try to slow it down here and be ready for anything. The next section on Downriver Dr is a narrow road with no shoulder to speak of, but I haven't had any problems on it.

I like this route. It's a good work out as I can kep a steady fast speed through most of it, and it includes a good hill climb.

Turkeys in the Straw

There's been a few rival gangs of turkeys along Summit Blvd on the bike ride home and I finally stopped and took some pictures this week. They look harmless but I'm sure you don't want to mess with them.

 And on Pettit Dr. This one was a little skinny so I let it go. Besides, I didn't have my turkey wrangling gear with me.



I'm a dork!

I found the Bicycling section at Auntie's Bookstore at Riverpark Square - it's in the back with the Outdoor books and not in the Sports section near the front where I first looked and wondered "what no bicycle books??".
Anyway, I flipped through the "Big Gigantic Real Big Book of Cycling" by Bicycling Magazine and read this: "Only dorks wear Lycra or khakis on cross town trips. You gotta get some knickers." I hardly ever wear Lycra around town, but I do ride to work in khakis with a rubber band around the right leg cuff (much to my wife's dismay - she calls me Urkel 'cause of the high pants). I like riding to work in my work pants because it saves some time changing at work.
I usually change into baggy bike shorts for the ride home, but with the weather turning cooler I've been riding home in my pants, too. But that has been a mistake this week as we're having some beautiful warm afternoon weather here in Spokaloo and I've been sorry I haven't packed my shorts.
I do have some knickers so I guess I better start wearing them. Maybe I'll look like one of the cool kids for once. At least for the ride home.

Get yourself some cheap plastic fenders...oh yeah!

SKS Beavertail fenders. $16. OK they may not provide complete coverage but I think they'll do. Looks like I'll find out for sure this week, rain in the forecast.

The first pair of fenders I bought, Planet Bike universal fit ones that you sort of zip tie to your fork and frame, didn't fit my Marin 29'er urban/commuter style bike. Or any other of our bikes.

Then I picked up another pair at a certain late night sale at a local bike shop. The bike guy assured me they would fit one of my 'cross bikes that has 32mm wide tires. Well they did, after a fashion, and after some fiddling with them. They turned out to be a little narrow, though, and the bolts holding the stays rubbed against the tires until I got them adjusted out far enough. Only problem was if I turned sharp, my foot would hit the bottom of the front fender. It was probably only a matter of time, but one day I turned too quick and sharp and bent the fender with my foot and had to limp home, not having the right wrench with me to get the bolt out and get the fender completely off.

Maybe I should've learned my lesson by now and invested in some quality fenders. But these Beaver Tails are light and easy to get on and off. I think they'll keep me mostly free of road splatter, if I keep the speed low. And I can always break out the rain gear. 

Scout inspecting the bike.

INWCX #1/LESSON #1

.

OK, that's me on the right during the 2nd lap or so of last week's cyclocross race at Riverside State Park.  I had been following the racer ahead of me thinking I would wait and pass him on the next lap. I was resting up as the 2nd lap is a tough one for me.

  

You might notice the course turns right up ahead.

 

well I was too busy following the guy ahead of me, and didn't notice the turn. I followed him as he went straight and rode into the course tape. I barely braked in time before running in to him. This is the aftermath. No harm no foul?



 I think he might have been a little ticked off with me - he said something about "that was a right turn there". Yeah I noticed - it takes me about 3 laps before I can remember how most of the course goes. Can't remember every turn, but this one was pretty obvious - if I hadn't been staring at his back wheel.

So there's my first lesson of the year. I was a little gun shy about passing and also thought I'd conserve some energy. But in doing so, I fell behind the 4 or 5 racers ahead of us, and had a little fender bender. Glad it wasn't worse!

Starcrossed Cyclocross.

Ok I did the Starcrossed cyclocross race (http://www.starcrossedcx.com/) at Lake Sammamish State Park near Seattle last week and it's official: I'm the slowest 'cross racer in the Pacific NW!! I did pass a few guys - they had crashed. But it was fun and there's been some improvement over last year. And I didn't do a "Joey"!

Some pictures from the Midsummer Cross race in Roslyn, WA

This happened last July...a little late report!

My competition!

I may have been the only rider to walk down this hill - broken collarbone still fresh in my memory from last race at Riverstone. The guy on the ground had crashed a few minutes before, didn't get up for awhile.

The view from the top. Doesn't look too bad now.

Just another crash on the hill. There were about 8 crashes while I watched here for about 15 minutes.

Once again, I manage not to come in last place if only cause the racers that placed after me didn't finish!