Are there any cyclist in the group?

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Now that the air quality in my part of the world is hopefully going to stay decent, I'm hoping to put a few more miles in. It's been a slow start to the summer cycling season for me. I've snuck in a couple decent (for me) rides, and hopefully I'll be ambitious enough to try another in the morning.

How is everyone else?
 
I'm backing off a bit after preparing for my end of June Oregon trip. Had beautiful weather.
And. PNW.
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I had a steel framed Biachi Volpe touring road bike years ago. The longer frame made it much nicer on my lower back. My wife and I would do a 50 mile round trip ride on the Clear Creek trail from Commerce City to Golden. Up hill on the way out, and you better have good brakes for the way back.
 
I feel like I'm having a good summer, getting out on my local bike trail at least a couple days each week if the weather allows. Mini-me had his eureka moment learning to ride last fall, and I find him much more cooperative throughout the day when we've gone for a bike ride in the morning.

Anyone else feeling good about their cycling lately?
 
Hello everyone, glad to find a cycling thread on HBT. I've been riding for about as long as I've been homebrewing (12ish years). My wife and I had our first kid this year so its been an adjustment hobby wise when both riding and brewing seem to take up so much time. Luckily she rides as well and we've done a pretty good job of maintaining balance.
 
I just built an e-bike for commuting. Feel pretty shameful about riding one, but since I'm not able to drive anymore (vision problems) I feel like I get a pass.

It's a Bafang 750 watt, I built the battery myself as well. I haven't had the power up more than 50% and it's insane, can go 25-30mph on flat ground no problem. My carbon road bike will always be my true love, but for commuting this "hill killa" is pretty nice.

On a negative note, I guess I got in a hurry when I assembled the bike and didn't set the limit screws for the rear derailleur, and it went into the spokes yesterday, so ya.

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Good to see you here, Boleslaus.

I'm a pretty casual rider myself, but since my son learned to ride last year I've been getting more excited about it. How do you tow around your daughter? Mine rides in the trailer my son used before we started him on this
She's only 13 months so right now she fits in a front seat on my commuter bike.
 

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I just built an e-bike for commuting. Feel pretty shameful about riding one, but since I'm not able to drive anymore (vision problems) I feel like I get a pass.

It's a Bafang 750 watt, I built the battery myself as well. I haven't had the power up more than 50% and it's insane, can go 25-30mph on flat ground no problem.

That's a heckuva project.

Don't feel bad for riding one. I think they solve a couple of problems a lot of people have with cycling to work or social events: time/speed and sweat.
 
She's only 13 months so right now she fits in a front seat on my commuter bike.

That's pretty cool.

I pull an instep trailer, which I probably wouldn't buy if I was to do it over, but it worked fine for one kid and it just needs to last through next summer before I probably put her on a balance bike, and put the trailer on the curb with a "Free!" sign.
 
That's pretty cool.

I pull an instep trailer, which I probably wouldn't buy if I was to do it over, but it worked fine for one kid and it just needs to last through next summer before I probably put her on a balance bike, and put the trailer on the curb with a "Free!" sign.
Yea I'd like to keep her on my bike as long as is feasible. I despise trailers. Once she's over the weight limit on the front she'll go on the back rack in a seat. And as soon as she's interested in the balance bike I'll strap that to my front rack and bring it along so she can ride for at least a few minutes while we're out at a park or another stop.
 
I'm looking forward to my daughter getting on a balance bike and hooking her up to my bike like how I started with my son. This contraption let me pull him along for shorter rides at the trail (he was usually good for about 6 miles) so he could get used to the feel of his bike while I could stretch my legs. I think next spring he'll grow out of his current bike and I won't have the option of towing him along any more.

But for now, my daughter is doing alright with the instep.
 
I feel like I'm having a good summer, getting out on my local bike trail at least a couple days each week if the weather allows. Mini-me had his eureka moment learning to ride last fall, and I find him much more cooperative throughout the day when we've gone for a bike ride in the morning.

Anyone else feeling good about their cycling lately?
I'm still not riding. Have the MTB hanging in my garage and still haven't ridden more than up & down the street a few times. To be honest, I'd be more likely to ride in the winter months here than summer. Too hot. But a big portion of it is that I don't have anyone to ride with.

My neighbor is in the middle of a major (down to the studs) house reno, though, and the other night we saw that their family bicycles were out in their backyard. So we texted them (they're living in an apt while it's being done) to see if they wanted us to grab them and throw them in our garage so nobody walked away with them. So now we have them in our garage, and I see that he owns a pretty decent mountain bike.

So MAYBE, once it cools off and they are back in their house, I'll have someone to go mountain biking with. There are so many amazing trails around here, and I feel like all that time I put in on the Peloton should go to good use on a real bike.
 
Roads around Clairemont San Diego are too rough...I used to tow my youngest (4) in an Allen sports trailer...she says it's too rough and too loud.
Her two older sisters didn't mind it as much, but the roads have gotten worse as the years have worn on (with no maintenance).
So I upgraded my tires to gatorskins and Michelin tubes that are puncture resistant. Haven't had any issues since then!
Except for my front headlight that literally fell apart due to the size of the pothole I hit.
Just got a new one today tho, so hoping to be back at a ride this weekend (drivers are psycho here, I use lights during the day, as well as camera and radar).
It'll be hot, but will prob put on my neck buff soaked in ice water :))
 
Took a quick ride to my LHBS for a CO2 swap.

I recently got the bike from my father, who probably hasn't ridden in a decade. He originally got it from a buddy who built it frame-up back in '91.

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Just stumbled onto this thread in a timely fashion, as I'm looking for another bike. The backstory is that in 1980 I bought a Fuji Sports 12 with a racing cluster, giving it 14 speeds, all fast. At that time I was using a bicycle to go to work or school. That bike took me everywhere. After I got a car, I still rode for recreation, sometimes not for years, sometimes every week. Two years ago after not riding for a decade at least, I brought the old horse to a shop for new tires etc. After ten yards wobbling, I remembered and rode off, one mile at first, then 5, 7, 10. I loved it. This week I got back on for the first time this year and rode about eleven miles. Muscles good, knees okay, shoulder OUCH. That old rigid steel frame is jarring my damaged joints. The shop showed me some hybrid bikes with suspension, which sounds like it will help. And maybe I'll try some dirt trails nearby. Before I buy new, I'm going to try used to help me decide what works for me. It's relevant that I'm 6'5" and need a tall bike. I'm talking to a couple of friends that ride. Let me know if you have suggestions.
 
Do you have padded bike shorts? Do you stretch before &/or after your rides?

You describe your joints as damaged, so I wouldn't discourage you from getting a more comfortable ride with suspension. I've had a Giant Sedona, which I believe is considered a hybrid bike, for almost 15 years and I've only had one bike-related injury that required a doctor visit (I rode over 30 miles in one of my first rides of the spring, without adequate sleeves/sunscreen and I didn't bring enough water) after I pushed myself too hard and herniated a disc.
 
if your shoulder hurts, you have a wrong position or wrong steering bar.
I prefer dutch style sit up bikes for commuting and longer runs, more comfortable on the body..
 
Not sure how bicycling got onto this Platform, but it is always nice after a ride to reward yourself with beer!
Anyone on Strava app ? Everything seems to be a subscription....... Even here
 
Not sure how bicycling got onto this Platform, but it is always nice after a ride to reward yourself with beer!
Anyone on Strava app ? Everything seems to be a subscription....... Even here
I've been on Strava since 2013. Used to be an endurance junky, now just a cyclist. I have a large group of cycling/running friends that drink my beer....which allows me to brew frequently. And as Kent said, gotta do something to keep the weight down. Cheers!
 
I haven't paid for Strava yet. It's just a way to record days and distances so far. I collect more data than I need. I'm not sure what to do with it all yet.
 
I haven't paid for Strava yet. It's just a way to record days and distances so far. I collect more data than I need. I'm not sure what to do with it all yet.
Strava seems to have turned biking fun, into competition and getting pissed at yourself if you do not ride as much as others on the platform
Some really great Riders I know, do not get on any bike site, because of the "competition" factor.
The whole point of riding a bicycle, in my opinion, is to get in good physical shape, and not turn this sport into a Job!
I just started riding in 2020 and have been obsessed with going further distances and climbing, but now at the age of 65, I recently realized that I need to not let my home choirs suffer, as I am out riding all the free time, nice days. Trying to sell my house and move South next Summer, so I recently had to put my priorities on getting the outside of the house ready to sell.... Can not paint in the rain, so nice Fall days are consumed by fixing the house up, making wine (easy part inside), and still working as a Plumber HVAC Tech....
Cycling is the best "thing", I ever did for my body. I am way better shape now, lost a lot of weight, then when I was a lot younger!
RIDE ON, WINE ON, and Brew ON!
 
I've been on Strava since 2013. Used to be an endurance junky, now just a cyclist. I have a large group of cycling/running friends that drink my beer....which allows me to brew frequently. And as Kent said, gotta do something to keep the weight down. Cheers!
@RCope , there are a LOT of super great endurance people on Strava. I never knew you could ride a bicycle 300 miles a day for 10 days straight, all the way across the USA.... Race Across America (RAAM), until I met an Ultraindurance Rider on Strava, from Poland. I was lucky enough to be invited on his mechanics team, after I met him, with a first place win in his Mens Solo division after RAAM23. I helped as a chase vehicle, in his, yet another First Place win - Florida 500 last Winter. This race is from Jacksonville to Key West, in as little time as possible. 520 miles in less than 24 hours, is truly insane! I was so tired to drive for 24 hours in my Ford Transit van.... could only imagine, what it would be like on a bicycle!
 
Bloombrews, I've been able to avoid the super competitive side of Strava so far. It really helps that my bike is a bit old and I'm usually riding with kids, often pulling one. I cannot compete with others with fancy bikes and no tagalongs at this stage.

Cycling is different things for different people. I think it's just plain enjoyable. Sometimes, when I have the kids with, it's a good way to get them outside to burn off energy in a fairly controlled environment. When I'm by myself it's great 'me time'. It's good exercise. It's a nice way to get around a small community. And in the future I hope it's something active I can do with my adult children and, God willing, grandkids.

I wish it was a more social thing for me, but I haven't found anyone around here outside my family who is interested in bicycling with me. I have some friends who live elsewhere that I talk cycling with, but that's as close as I get.
 
I have heard of this Strava app, but have yet to look into it. Does it have courses and maps? I'm really not wanting to have something else that requires a subscription. I just got my bike in July and have managed, according to my Garmin watch, 126 miles, all in my neighborhood. Just a little at at time, but it's a start. I hope to find a decent GPS or app that does a good job of tracking my rides. I only plan to do road and maybe some gravel trails. No MTB here so I can only go so far.
 
I have the wahoo app on my phone. In the past I've been a big fan of Garmin for a car GPS. Idk, I've heard good things about both. I think I'd like to switch back to Garmin at some point when it makes sense.
 
I have heard of this Strava app, but have yet to look into it. Does it have courses and maps? I'm really not wanting to have something else that requires a subscription. I just got my bike in July and have managed, according to my Garmin watch, 126 miles, all in my neighborhood. Just a little at at time, but it's a start. I hope to find a decent GPS or app that does a good job of tracking my rides. I only plan to do road and maybe some gravel trails. No MTB here so I can only go so far.
Yes, it has Your courses that you custom-built, or have ridden and saved, or you can copy other riders course that they posted publicly, and keep it, edit it, for your own use. If you are in unfamiliar areas and want to ride safely, you can see what the location your at, Heat Map is, and it shows how heavaly or not at all, the roads and trails have been ridden where you are searching.
It is a subscription, that once you have it..... you can not do without it. I like that it tracks every aspect of your ride, and saves it privately or publicly, your choice.
I do find building a new Route on other platforms (Ride with GPS, Trailforks...) to have nice features that Strava does not. But that goes with any comparison, like google V duckduckgo.... Garmin V Wahoo GPS....
 
Apologies for taking a slight detour from app discussion-

Which gps/computers are people using? I’m in the market for one and it seems like there are a few good ones out.

I’m looking for max battery life. My dream is doing a few multi day bike packing trips. I’m leaning toward the garmin edge solar but I’m open to others. I currently use a garmin Oregon for hiking and other outdoor stuff but it’s too heavy and has a small screen for biking. I’ve always liked Garmin but their interface and unnecessary features.

The primary use will be tracking my commuting rides. The battery life thing can be overcome if there’s another good, basic unit out there.
 
Which gps/computers are people using? I’m in the market for one and it seems like there are a few good ones out.

I don't know the answer to your question but this guy does. I usually consult DC Rainmaker prior to making bike electronic device purchases...
 
We have a variety of hobbies. Gotta work off the beer gut somehow.

There's a reason my Peloton leaderboard name is "buhbyebeergut"... Which is funny as I've never had a traditional "beer gut". I've been overweight but I tend to be the type that just gets bigger everywhere, rather than just in the gut area.

I originally got Strava for hiking, and never actually used it for outdoor cycling (because I haven't done it). So I don't get too competitive about it.

I will say I'm a huge fan of Garmin multisport watches. I love that they're durable as hell, and that I can have 1-2 weeks battery life (depending how much I push things) rather than traditional "smart" watches like Apple/Samsung that you have to charge nightly.
 
Apologies for taking a slight detour from app discussion-

Which gps/computers are people using? I’m in the market for one and it seems like there are a few good ones out.

I’m looking for max battery life. My dream is doing a few multi day bike packing trips. I’m leaning toward the garmin edge solar but I’m open to others. I currently use a garmin Oregon for hiking and other outdoor stuff but it’s too heavy and has a small screen for biking. I’ve always liked Garmin but their interface and unnecessary features.

The primary use will be tracking my commuting rides. The battery life thing can be overcome if there’s another good, basic unit out there.
With the Garmin Solar, you can ride a very long time without charging. Keep in mind, most bike riders usually ride when it is nice out and sunny... perfect for a solar recharger. My friend who rode across the United States in RAAM23, in 10 days, never had to recharge the battery, even as half of the race was at night. A little pricey, but the screen does give you more data fields and is more friendly.
I have a Wahoo Element Roam, which is OK for the past 4 years, but I am looking for something smarter and better. Im getting sick of occasionally getting lost, and most bicycle GPS's suck at rerouting in a bike-safe manner. Hats off to google Maps, when needed, does a great job, but then you need a damn phone with you! UGH
So, WHAT BEER STYLE DO YOU LIKE TO DRINK, AFTER A HARD DAY ON YOUR BICYCLE? LOL
I prefer an easy drinking Lager Beer. Nothing tastier then slamming down several easy drinking 5% or less Lagers after smoking your legs and ass.
 
@RCope
2013 Strava was only about 3 years old, and very few knew about it. You must be a "junky"
Do you Run, Ride, Swim.... I like to hear stories from Our Founding Users! How was it back then?
Been brewing beer since 1994, and there was Jack ****, sources to go to, even the young Internet sucked for good information...
Now, in 2024, I am using Fermetrack, BrewPi, Tilt, ( All here on HBT), and have quick access to a LOT of smart Brewers and Wine Makers, out there.
The amount of "free" information You can get online, is staggering Today. I remember having to go to the Library and read Encyclopedias back in the 1960-70"s for some Ancient written knowledge, written on parchment paper. ;)
 

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