|
Post by franco on Jan 27, 2021 20:29:52 GMT
Thought I’d share this video after Jim asking if some of us still ride in the snow. It’s not my video, it’s a chap I follow on YouTube that restores vintage bicycles. His drone footage on his rides is really good and the music compliments it. I like stuff like this, it shows riding a bike means many different things to many people but as long as you get some joy out of it that’s all that matters.
|
|
|
Post by wheelson on Jan 27, 2021 21:08:33 GMT
Nice one, Franco. We've been getting a good bit of snow here in western Pennsylvania USA, about 9 inches being the most in one day. That snow ride would be good on our local trail. I keep promising to try cross-country skiing there but it seems to never happen. Best, John "wheelson"
|
|
|
Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jan 28, 2021 5:25:59 GMT
Very cool! or shall I say cold. I suppose you get very cold and wet. I may have to resurrect my old Rock Hopper and give that a try. Maybe add a bit of fender (mud guard) as well; any suggestions? I never have gotten used to its riding position; flat bars seem unnatural. I suppose that is a result of over half a century on road bikes.
Ride Warm Jim
|
|
|
Post by franco on Jan 28, 2021 7:30:48 GMT
You could convert to drop bars Jim, not sure if road levers will work with v brakes but no doubt RJ will explain in his conversion video
You can get various fenders that clip on for old MTB’s as well.
|
|
|
Post by wheelson on Jan 28, 2021 11:48:15 GMT
Franco, Thanks for posting these videos. They're not only informative, but they also provide a pathway to some really interesting UK videos that I might not have found otherwise.
Jim, I too feel a bit "unnatural" when riding flat bars. When I was recovering from cervical disk surgery, I (re-)converted my Cannondale H600 that was a hybrid from the factory. I had built it with road bars from day one after finding the frameset on eBay. Now, it's going back to road bars but with a higher stem/bar setup as Franco's video suggests. This has been my go-to bike for many years and is probably the best $85 I ever spent.
For a pure winter/snow bike, I have an old Japanese-made Bianchi Grizzly that could fit that bill. Likely, it would be built with "dirt drop" bars as well. My only problem is that the snow and cold makes my 72 year old body feel ancient, and the poor substitute of an indoor trainer becomes my winter refuge. Best, John "wheelson"
|
|
|
Post by brianbutler on Jan 28, 2021 20:41:12 GMT
My only problem is that the snow and cold makes my 72 year old body feel ancient, and the poor substitute of an indoor trainer becomes my winter refuge. John "wheelson" The cold weather really is wearing. I have been going out almost every day but my rides have been shortened. Now it takes about as long to suit up for a ride and change afterwards as it does for the ride itself. Temperatures have been 20 to 30 F (-6 to -1 C) but tonight we are headed down to 6F (-14C), with wind, so I probably will not ride tomorrow unless it warms up. Looking forward to spring.
Brian
|
|
|
Post by franco on Jan 28, 2021 21:29:20 GMT
It’s just relentless rain here at the moment and you can guarantee that one dry day will be when you are at work and can’t go for a ride.
Been using the indoor trainer a bit but it’s more to keep some miles in the legs than actually enjoying it much.
|
|
|
Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jan 28, 2021 23:30:10 GMT
I have a couple of wind trainers and never had much success with them. They work fine, but after 5 minutes or so, I become overly bored. On bad days, I can shovel snow, or walk up the steep mountain that is behind my house. If the weather is so bad that I cannot go outdoors, I exercise my index finger by surfing the net. After all, surfing is exercise (sort of).
Cheers Jim
|
|
|
Post by wheelson on Jan 29, 2021 2:24:20 GMT
I have a couple of wind trainers and never had much success with them. They work fine, but after 5 minutes or so, I become overly bored. On bad days, I can shovel snow, or walk up the steep mountain that is behind my house. If the weather is so bad that I cannot go outdoors, I exercise my index finger by surfing the net. After all, surfing is exercise (sort of). Cheers Jim Good point, Jim. I have my indoor bike set up so I can run some good bike videos on the computer and good music. I can usually hold out for an hour without boredom setting in. Mrs. W is into walking so that’s every other day or so if the weather isn’t too bad. Of course she’s out there almost every day no matter what, avoiding the bike at all cost. Best, John “wheelson”
|
|
|
Post by brianbutler on Jan 31, 2021 15:05:48 GMT
Last night it was 2F/-17C here, which caused the bar-end mirror on a bike stored in the garage to crack spontaneously, probably due to glass mounted on a metal backing. It is supposed to warm up to 24/-4 today and the roads are dry/frozen so I will try to get out for a short ride. After that we are due for 10-15 inches of snow, then above freezing for a few days so it will be a mess.
I am readying the fleet for spring.
Brian
|
|
|
Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jan 31, 2021 16:33:56 GMT
Brian, that sounds so very cold. Our snow has melted and today should be in the upper forties (F). We will have a few nice ride days; no muss, no fuss, no slush. Next Saturday, my friends and I will have a group ride; it is supposed to be sunny and 53 degrees F. Of course, long range weather forecasts are often wrong.
Ride Warm Jim
|
|
|
Post by brianbutler on Mar 8, 2021 19:56:54 GMT
Well, it was above freezing today for the first time in a while, so I took a spin through a nearby state park. The sign was not needed because I did not bring my ice auger today. It also seems I was not the only recent visitor.
|
|
Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,391
|
Post by Jem on Mar 8, 2021 20:02:03 GMT
I'm guessing that paw print isn't from the local labrador out for a walk with it's owner Brian? What is it?
|
|
|
Post by brianbutler on Mar 8, 2021 20:50:17 GMT
I thought it might be a bear because it is about the size of bear prints we frequently see in New Hampshire. One of my daughters is a wildlife biologist and I sent her some pictures for identification. She said it is NOT a bear, based on length vs width of the foot and the number of toes. She thinks it is a really big dog (Newfoundland or something) or a "wolf coyote", which apparently have been seen around.
Brian
|
|
|
Post by franco on Mar 8, 2021 20:55:38 GMT
Not the Yeti then Brian?
Nice one for getting out, nice to see a bit of sunshine and blue sky for a change this time of year.
|
|