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Post by brianbutler on Dec 12, 2020 21:51:42 GMT
Cycling in December is always a challenge here - short days, snow, wet roads, low temperatures, heavy clothing, worn-out bikes. I need a few more miles to reach my goal for the year and unfortunately it has become a compulsion as the calendar runs out. After a flat tire yesterday I am riding close to home in case I need sag wagon support from my wife. I decided to try riding every named street in my town, which is about 19 square miles in area and has 230 streets totaling about 100 miles of roadway. Some backtracking and duplication is necessary so it will probably amount to 150-200 miles of riding. I went out today and bagged 26 streets in a 15 mile course. It looks pretty weird on RideWithGPS:
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 12, 2020 22:35:16 GMT
Cycling in December is always a challenge here - short days, snow, wet roads, low temperatures, heavy clothing, worn-out bikes. I need a few more miles to reach my goal for the year and unfortunately it has become a compulsion as the calendar runs out. After a flat tire yesterday I am riding close to home in case I need sag wagon support from my wife. I decided to try riding every named street in my town, which is about 19 square miles in area and has 230 streets totaling about 100 miles of roadway. Some backtracking and duplication is necessary so it will probably amount to 150-200 miles of riding. I went out today and bagged 26 streets in a 15 mile course. It looks pretty weird on RideWithGPS:
Brian
Good idea, Brian. My season is pretty well “in the bag”., but I keep a bike handy just in case the weather cooperates. Likely it will be one that fits my heavy duty wheels with Tannus airless tires., either the steel-framed Nashbar tourer or the Cannondale. Have to put some mudguards on though for the trail. Best, John “wheelson”
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 12, 2020 23:01:11 GMT
Brian, a worthy goal and a wonderful place to ride. In winter, I can usually ride between storms; maybe 3 or 4 days per week. I avoid ridding in snow, rain, strong winds (25+ MPH) and when temperature approaches freezing.
Ride Safe Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 17, 2020 3:05:28 GMT
Street bagging is turning out to be more amusing than I imagined and also more challenging. It turns out there are over 270 streets, roads, lanes, circles, avenues, etc. in Holliston, Mass. They probably run about 100 miles in total. I live in the north corner of town so some areas are 7 or 8 miles away. A major challenge is figuring out routes that efficiently travel as many roads in as few miles as possible. It inevitably requires a lot of backtracking and duplicating paths. There is also the problem of coming up with a scheme to cover a set of streets and having the scheme fit in my head. The GPS is useless because of the backtracking and recrossing of streets. It gets totally confused. The final problem right now is weather. Today I bagged 44 streets in a 25 mile course that took almost two hours. The temperature was about 22F/-5C but fortunately not much wind. Road salt is doing a number on my Sebring. It is fascinating to watch it decay day by day.
We are in for a nor'easter tonight, bringing 16 inches of snow, so street bagging will be on hold for a day or two. Maybe time for some maintenance.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 17, 2020 5:15:00 GMT
I checked your weather online; so cold! A California boy like me (even one from the mountains) would become a popsicle. Salt on the roads melts ice cars and bicycles. Here salt is more expensive, so we use volcanic cinder.
Brrr Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 17, 2020 14:41:20 GMT
Volcanic cinder would be easier on metal but wouldn't melt ice. Here they use various products on the roads depending on expected weather and actual weather. For example, if they predict a light and/or wet snow that might freeze later, they put on a pre-treatment that keeps everything melted down to about 0F. It also prevents "black ice" and ice from sticking to the road (which makes it impossible to plow off.) After a snow and plowing, streets are generally treated with sand and rock salt as needed for traction and melting, respectively. In the spring they come around and sweep up all the sand and reuse it. The salt goes into the storm drains.
The proper attire for winter cycling is pretty much the same as for cross country skiiing, except for the boots. You could probably put bike cleats on a CC ski boot but I don't use clipless pedals, especially not when there might be icy patches.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Dec 17, 2020 22:58:06 GMT
Brian, I'm suffering from the same compulsion as you are. Hang in there and get it done! Fortunately, I hit my mileage goal on Nov 29th (first ever 10,000 mile year) on a nice mild day and still able to ride in shorts. I started logging back in 1977 and somehow have kept it going all these years. I'm now more than 2/3rds of the way to the moon! I've got a different game I play with riding outside and not wanting to be far from home, just in case. I've worked out a series of clockwise loops so as to keep my turns all rights through intersections. They vary from 3 miles to 12 miles and they get the job done when I'm short on time or just too cold. I don't tolerate the cold very well anymore. I'm sure you are also buried in snow today as am I. I do count my indoor mileage on my trusty old Blackburn Trackstand wind trainer. With covid, many of my non biking co-workers are going for Peletons and can't believe I don't have one. No need as I prefer to stay on my "real" road bikes. I rotate my Vitus 979 and an Ebay Viscount Aerospace GP which has a slightly dented chain stay along with the aluminum fork. Perfectly safe indoors as I don't feel it's roadworthy in its current shape. I decided today to take a virtual ride in Jim's (oldroadietehachapi)) neighborhood with this youtube video. . Anything that you recognize Jim? I cringed during the segments where the rider was going against traffic! I'm thinking I will search out bike video's from western PA or the GAP trail, central Mass and of course some UK rides for some more virtual visits to your home towns. I've found cab view train rides of Switzerland and Ireland along with some Bruce Springsteen CD's have gotten me through the indoor cycling quite well. On to something new.
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Post by triitout on Dec 17, 2020 23:53:51 GMT
This one's for John Wheelson:
Nice short video of the GAP trail. My first virtual ride on the trail. Very nice on a wintery cold, snow covered night.
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Post by wheelson on Dec 18, 2020 0:07:34 GMT
Brian, I'm suffering from the same compulsion as you are. Hang in there and get it done! Fortunately, I hit my mileage goal on Nov 29th (first ever 10,000 mile year) on a nice mild day and still able to ride in shorts. I started logging back in 1977 and somehow have kept it going all these years. I'm now more than 2/3rds of the way to the moon! I've got a different game I play with riding outside and not wanting to be far from home, just in case. I've worked out a series of clockwise loops so as to keep my turns all rights through intersections. They vary from 3 miles to 12 miles and they get the job done when I'm short on time or just too cold. I don't tolerate the cold very well anymore. I'm sure you are also buried in snow today as am I. I do count my indoor mileage on my trusty old Blackburn Trackstand wind trainer. With covid, many of my non biking co-workers are going for Peletons and can't believe I don't have one. No need as I prefer to stay on my "real" road bikes. I rotate my Vitus 979 and an Ebay Viscount Aerospace GP which has a slightly dented chain stay along with the aluminum fork. Perfectly safe indoors as I don't feel it's roadworthy in its current shape. I decided today to take a virtual ride in Jim's (oldroadietehachapi)) neighborhood with this youtube video. . Anything that you recognize Jim? I cringed during the segments where the rider was going against traffic! I'm thinking I will search out bike video's from western PA or the GAP trail, central Mass and of course some UK rides for some more virtual visits to your home towns. I've found cab view train rides of Switzerland and Ireland along with some Bruce Springsteen CD's have gotten me through the indoor cycling quite well. On to something new. Tough going here in western Pennsylvania, 9 inches of snow here and the side roads are a mess. I’m pretty well done for the year although I always keep bikes at the ready invade a decent day pops up. At 72 I try to avoid anything that will put me out of action for next year. As far as keeping track of mileage, I’ve pretty well given up on that too. With my medical issues, it’s too depressing! Seriously, I go through bike computers at the rate of one per year, and where I usually ride on trails with leaf cover, GPS seems not to be accurate. As far as videos, there are some good ones out there. If you’re looking at the Great Allegheny Passage, C&O Towpath, Skyline Drive, or Blue Ridge Parkway, try to find one in early Spring or Fall, otherwise too much pure green. Best, John “wheelson”
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Post by wheelson on Dec 18, 2020 0:53:59 GMT
This one's for John Wheelson: Nice short video of the GAP trail. My first virtual ride on the trail. Very nice on a wintery cold, snow covered night. Michael, thanks for that video. It’s very well done and gives a really good taste of the GAP. I’ve only ridden it complete (with the C&O) once, but parts of both many, many times. As a side note, yes the trains DO pass through Rockwood, about every hour ALL night. If you stay at the Trailhouse B&B as we did, crank up the window AC unit or take earplugs! Excellent place to stay, though. I’m looking forward to another “epic” trip next year. This video certainly whetted my appetite! Best, John “wheelson”
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 18, 2020 1:26:33 GMT
Michael, 10000 miles? You are a fiend. If I get another 74 miles this month (which I will), I will end the year at 7000 miles, also my best, all on roads and on vintage steel. I kept a log from about 1981 to 1986, then didn't for years, then started again a few years ago. I would estimate my lifetime mileage at somewhere around 100,000 miles, so you will probably beat me to the moon.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 18, 2020 1:32:41 GMT
This year I have made an important discovery - in order to ride 7000 miles and maintain 15 pounds overweight, you have to eat like an absolute horse.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Dec 18, 2020 4:00:58 GMT
Michael, 10000 miles? You are a fiend. If I get another 74 miles this month (which I will), I will end the year at 7000 miles, also my best, all on roads and on vintage steel. I kept a log from about 1981 to 1986, then didn't for years, then started again a few years ago. I would estimate my lifetime mileage at somewhere around 100,000 miles, so you will probably beat me to the moon. Brian Brian, I promise this will probably never happen again as my previous best was 7500 with a chunk of that indoors. This was a confluence of things aligning perfectly which most probably will not happen again. #1: No triathlons due to covid. Pools were closed, running is something I do but don't love=more biking time. Just started indoor running and predictably the bike miles are dropping back to normal. #2: Fear of an expanding waist line. I was triggered by pants not fitting without a deep breath and hitting weights I'd never seen before after an inactive winter. Pants are now fitting again! #3: Need for a challenge and a slave to my previous year's mileage. My worst start in years with very little mileage Jan-March recovering from pneumonia which really kicked my ass. #4: No work from mid March to mid June and a return as a part timer due to the pandemic gave me more time. #5: Started a streak on April 30th that went until Nov 30th. I became a slave to the streak. 215 days and 8600 miles got me to 10,000. #6: I had a yearning to ride my old less ridden Viscounts and not just be a collector. I think I did about 6500 miles on the Viscounts. #7: Mental health to distress from covid. #8: The older I get, the more motivated I am to use my time for what I love. Onward to the moon Brian!
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 18, 2020 5:56:34 GMT
I recognize every inch of the Tehachapi ride. Watching this guy ride it is no wonder that some folks hate cyclists.
I could not resist a play by play. The first 12 minutes is a descent from Tehachapi Mountain Park to the Tehachapi Valley. A 1600+ foot descent over about 5 miles (notice he did not pedal). Going the other way is a serious climb. 12:22 Riding against traffic on fast and busy Highline Road is moronic. Both sides of the road are dedicated bike lanes. 17:16 Then rides into the dirt; ahh it is a Mountain Biker. 18:55 Then onto a nice part of our bike path system. 21:35 Crossing Cherry Lane. Up to this point he has had a downhill ride (descending about 2000 feet) and is entering a flat part of the valley floor. 22:37 Passes the Valley Boulevard underpass and the sees that the path ahead is closed for paving. He then turns to the east on Valley Boulevard. More dirt and against traffic. Ironically, what appears to be a sidewalk on the right is a two-way bike path. This guy rides like a kid. 24:19 He finds the bike path. This path is not as nice to ride on as one would think. 27:59 Entering a part of the bike path I really dislike. Cars pull onto the bike path from hidden driveways. 28:53 A car nearly got me at this spot. 29:02 Notice the stupid sign in the bike path. 29:40 Turned north on Curry St. He is now riding on the sidewalk. The bike lane along here is a shared lane on the street. 32:37 After missing the elderly lady he finds the bike lane. 32:55 Turns to the east on F Street (good choice to avoid traffic, at least what we call traffic). 34:23 Turns north on Robinson Street. 35:14 He turns east on Tehachapi Boulevard. Against traffic again!! 36:33 Red House BBQ on right, excellent! 37:07 West on Hayes Street then west on H Street. 37:43 Turns north on Mojave Street and back on the sidewalk. 38:35 Turns West on J Street. I like how he looks right and turns left. 40:02 Turns north on Green Street and finds a bike lane. 40:45 He finds the airport and takes to the dirt and eventually joins Industrial Parkway. 42:52 He found one of my favorite places, the Tractor Supply Store. Could this guy be lost? 43:30 Turns south on Mill Street. The mountain in the background is where he started. 44:59 Turns east on H Street. 46:32 Darlene’s Swell Toys on left. A wonderful old time toy store. Turns south on Green Street. 46:50 Train station on right (trains no longer stop there). 48:07 Yes, he was there earlier. 49:00 Turns west on E Street and back against traffic. 49:45 Turns south on Curry Street and goes back up the sidewalk he earlier came down. Road to right has a bike lane on each side. 50:44 Near the police station. Perhaps he should turn himself in for traffic violations. 52:45 Back to the corner of Curry street and Valley Boulevard.
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Post by franco on Dec 18, 2020 11:26:20 GMT
Respect to you guys putting in that kind of mileage. It’s inspiring:)
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 23, 2020 15:10:21 GMT
Michael, 10000 miles? You are a fiend. If I get another 74 miles this month (which I will), I will end the year at 7000 miles, also my best, all on roads and on vintage steel. I kept a log from about 1981 to 1986, then didn't for years, then started again a few years ago. I would estimate my lifetime mileage at somewhere around 100,000 miles, so you will probably beat me to the moon. Brian Onward to the moon Brian! Michael, I was wondering about your indoor setup. I think I will do something similar this winter because I can't reasonably go to the gym and the winter roads are often too much of a salty, sandy mess. I will post some pictures of my encrusted Sebring later. A guy in town has an unused Travel Trac Fluid Trainer for $100, about half the new price. It is a basic resistance trainer, no instrumentation that I am aware of.
How do you keep track of miles, effort, whatever? At the gym I usually use[d] the elliptical trainers and they would tell me time, calories and other items to keep me honest.
OK, I am off for what may be my final ride of the year and achieve my 7000 mile goal.
Brian
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 23, 2020 16:27:54 GMT
Onward to the moon Brian! Michael, I was wondering about your indoor setup. I think I will do something similar this winter because I can't reasonably go to the gym and the winter roads are often too much of a salty, sandy mess. I will post some pictures of my encrusted Sebring later. A guy in town has an unused Travel Trac Fluid Trainer for $100, about half the new price. It is a basic resistance trainer, no instrumentation that I am aware of.
How do you keep track of miles, effort, whatever? At the gym I usually use[d] the elliptical trainers and they would tell me time, calories and other items to keep me honest.
OK, I am off for what may be my final ride of the year and achieve my 7000 mile goal.
Brian
Brian
Brian, might I suggest a bike computer? We install them at the shop expressly for this purpose, usually customer provided, sometimes even for stationery bikes whose electronic displays have lost their minds. Easy if you can find one with a rear wheel pickup, perhaps even wireless if you can do a line of sight, computer head to sending unit. Some even have a cadence and/or calorie function. Best, John “wheelson”
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 23, 2020 17:08:59 GMT
Michael, I was wondering about your indoor setup. I think I will do something similar this winter because I can't reasonably go to the gym and the winter roads are often too much of a salty, sandy mess. I will post some pictures of my encrusted Sebring later. A guy in town has an unused Travel Trac Fluid Trainer for $100, about half the new price. It is a basic resistance trainer, no instrumentation that I am aware of.
How do you keep track of miles, effort, whatever? At the gym I usually use[d] the elliptical trainers and they would tell me time, calories and other items to keep me honest.
OK, I am off for what may be my final ride of the year and achieve my 7000 mile goal.
Brian
Brian, might I suggest a bike computer? We install them at the shop expressly for this purpose, usually customer provided, sometimes even for stationery bikes whose electronic displays have lost their minds. Easy if you can find one with a rear wheel pickup, perhaps even wireless if you can do a line of sight, computer head to sending unit. Some even have a cadence and/or calorie function. Best, John “wheelson” Good idea. How soon GPS made me forget the "old" technology. I actually have a bushel, or maybe just a peck, of salvaged bike computers. Maybe I can get one of them working. Thanks for the suggestion.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Dec 24, 2020 4:33:40 GMT
Brian, I assume you banged out the last miles today to get to 7000, so Hearty congratulations are in order! Just in time. I've set up 2 of my road bikes with a wired rear wheel sensor computer Cateye Strada Cadence. It's old school but it works. I had no luck finding one this winter when I set up my wife's bike for indoor cycling as she's missing her spin classes at the gym thanks to covid. I found a nice alternative made by Planet Bike. You need to buy the longer rear wheel wire sensor separately and there's no cadence. It works very well and was easy to set up. Nice beefy wire as well. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CK2M8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R9EIES/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1I'm using an ancient Blackburn Trackstand wind trainer. My wife has a magnetic Saris trainer which I don't think is as realistic resistance wise. I did own a Cycylops Fluid2 trainer but like many others, I found once the fluid unit heated up, the resistance was off the charts ridiculously hard as in a never ending 18% grade hill feel. I use a separate a backup rear wheel with an indoor specific trainer tire. Regular road tires get shredded rather quickly. I don't see any real difference between my Cyclops (Saris) or Elite Coperton tire. Tracx makes one as well. I haven't figure out the world of wireless sensors, ant+, dongles, blue tooth etc running through your laptop or smart phone but that may be a more modern alternative. Everyone I know who seriously trains seems to have Zwift or Trainer Road and a "smart" trainer, but I'm happy to just put on a movie or youtube video and just ride by feel. For a months duration, it's a nice reprieve from cold, wind, salt and snow. Cheers, Michael
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 24, 2020 13:11:07 GMT
Michael, thank your for the detailed information. I think I can put something together. I used to have an ancient wind trainer but I must have ditched it decades ago. I liked the idea of fluid units for low noise and progressive resistance, but I'll have to read up on the problem you mentioned.
Yes, I did bang out those last 14 miles yesterday for a total of 7001.7. That may well be it for the year. My "winter bike" is now completely shot and on the stand, disassembled for an overhaul. Even the wheels are apart and new spokes ordered to replace the hopelessly rusted old ones.
Thanks again, Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 26, 2020 20:30:58 GMT
1978 Raleigh Super Grand Prix, refurbished a couple of years ago. I don't really care for this bike - too heavy, weird geometry, dinged front wheel - but it is OK for winter use. I'll keep it for parts on the hoof. Took it out today to to continue the street bagging project.
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Post by franco on Dec 27, 2020 11:55:04 GMT
I’ve started to join in on this, more through a knee problem than a mileage target. Even getting out around the quieter streets of town is better than no riding at all and still close to home if I strain the aggravated knee.
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 27, 2020 14:26:06 GMT
I’ve started to join in on this, more through a knee problem than a mileage target. Even getting out around the quieter streets of town is better than no riding at all and still close to home if I strain the aggravated knee. Mileage goals met so now I'm just doing this for fun and easy retrieval in case of mechanical problems. It is quite interesting. I've lived in this town for 55 years and thought I knew every nook and cranny, but I have seen dozens of new streets and places in the past couple of weeks, and scores of houses I have been inside. My typical daily tour is about 25 miles and encompasses maybe 30 to 40 streets. It is incredibly slow with all the dead ends, backtracking, intersections, turns, and stoplights so I average about 13-14 miles per hour. On the other hand, I don't feel cold despite subfreezing temperatures and I'm not worn out when I get home. I probably have 3 or 4 more rides to complete this town (Holliston.) I live just a few hundred feet from an adjoining town (Ashland), so maybe I will do that one as well. Not as interesting to me but just as close to home.
Brian
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Post by franco on Dec 27, 2020 14:58:08 GMT
I’ve started to join in on this, more through a knee problem than a mileage target. Even getting out around the quieter streets of town is better than no riding at all and still close to home if I strain the aggravated knee. Mileage goals met so now I'm just doing this for fun and easy retrieval in case of mechanical problems. It is quite interesting. I've lived in this town for 55 years and thought I knew every nook and cranny, but I have seen dozens of new streets and places in the past couple of weeks, and scores of houses I have been inside. My typical daily tour is about 25 miles and encompasses maybe 30 to 40 streets. It is incredibly slow with all the dead ends, backtracking, intersections, turns, and stoplights so I average about 13-14 miles per hour. On the other hand, I don't feel cold despite subfreezing temperatures and I'm not worn out when I get home. I probably have 3 or 4 more rides to complete this town (Holliston.) I live just a few hundred feet from an adjoining town (Ashland), so maybe I will do that one as well. Not as interesting to me but just as close to home.
Brian
Interesting you say that, I’ve lived here nearly 50 years and every urban ride jogs my memory of a long gone factory, coal mine, pub, shop and I also worked in a fair few houses in the area over the years. It’s a bit of a Memory Lane ride sometimes. There is one street that always smells like someone has a chip pan on and every time I wonder to myself do people still cook chips that way? Likewise, because it’s a built up area the cold isn’t as harsh as when I go out into countryside with exposed roads next to fields and farmland. Definitely a useful option during the winter months and I’ve started including more streets and roads after reading this thread. Edit: This is what I would usually do for a local 10 mile ride, plenty of streets and roads to infill!
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 27, 2020 21:55:29 GMT
After you fill in the streets, it will probably look like this, which is a composite of street bagging rides I have taken as part of this project.
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Post by franco on Dec 28, 2020 22:50:00 GMT
I see what you mean about it being slow Brian, with the dead ends, restricted pathways and the rest of it. I did a few estates today, only 8 miles but it took 40 minutes. Enjoyed it though, a cold dry day, just great to breath some fresh air in and be out riding.
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 31, 2020 19:38:24 GMT
Mission accomplished. The weather cooperated and I was able to finish the Holliston street project. I think there are about 100 miles of streets and roads in town, maybe a little more. It required 233 miles of cycling to cover all of them in entirety, 10 separate trips from my house. Today was a mop-up operation to get the 7 streets I missed, plus the rail trail that runs through town. Here is one of the stragglers, Mellen "Street", finally clear of snow:
This was a very enjoyable, if somewhat quirky, undertaking, and 7131 miles for the year. Happy New Year to all. Brian
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Post by franco on Dec 31, 2020 20:23:12 GMT
Did you use the Raleigh again Brian?
Wondering how it handled on that trail as it looks like it’s got something like 700 x 28c tyres on it?
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Post by wheelson on Dec 31, 2020 22:39:43 GMT
Did you use the Raleigh again Brian? Wondering how it handled on that trail as it looks like it’s got something like 700 x 28c tyres on it? You guys are fantastic. I like what you’re doing and when I’m able I may call it “street BRAGGING”! Seriously, great job and I’m looking forward to next season. Best, John “wheelson”
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Post by franco on Dec 31, 2020 22:55:15 GMT
Did you use the Raleigh again Brian? Wondering how it handled on that trail as it looks like it’s got something like 700 x 28c tyres on it? You guys are fantastic. I like what you’re doing and when I’m able I may call it “street BRAGGING”! Seriously, great job and I’m looking forward to next season. Best, John “wheelson” I feel your frustration John, how far away are you from riding again do you think? It would be great if you could do the next DFR even if it’s a virtual one. Happy new year.
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