I’ve always written posts based on what I feel folks might want to read and not because I set myself a deadline or need to have a Monday post or a Wednesday post or a… But dang, I probably should do something to post a little more regularly. So here’s some random mind farts of some stuff I’m thinking about or doing.
Did a couple of really nice rides yesterday and today. Two days and a little over 6 hours in the saddle. Today saw the forecast with winds out of the southwest and a 60% chance of rain. A south wind usually means that a ride out to the lighthouse can be a bit of a chore, but the return trip back can be great fun with the tailwind. So, ignoring the rain forecast, I donned my vest and wool knee and arm warmers and headed out to the lighthouse. It was lightly raining as soon as I left the house. I thought about a rain jacket and booties, but decided against in a WTF moment. Turned out to be the right choice. The wool does a great job of keeping your warm when wet and the full fenders on the bike keep your backside and feet dry. Finished the ride with a perfect cappuccino from Toby’s. Here’s a few shots.
Looking out over the Pacific.
Wet roads, but the fenders kept the water off my feet.
Looking down over Drake’s Estero.
Bunch of these short, steep climbs that suck with a head wind, but knowing there will be a tailwind on the way back makes it totally tolerable.
The steed of the day. And I would be derelict in my duty if I didn’t interject here that there are still plenty of Black Mountain Cycles frames available. Road frames in all sizes and colors. Cross frames in brown only except for one each 50cm and 53cm.
The fog horn was bellowing and visibility wasn’t very good at the lighthouse. This is a steep cliff and the Pacific Ocean down there. I knew it was there because I could hear the waves.
Out there riding, I got to thinking about a series of posts I started long ago, but haven’t followed up with more posts. I’m about to rectify that. What I refer to is the “Things I Like,” “Things I Want To Like,” and “Things I Dislike.” I’ve been using KMC DX10SC chain and really like it. It doesn’t cost a bloody fortune. It shifts well and is quiet. I’m running it with a Dura Ace shifter and derailleurs, Ultegra 6700 cassette, and a Ritchey crank with a 50t ring and a 36t Salsa 9-speed inner ring. Shifting is spot on in front and in back. If you need a chain replaced on your older Shimano 10speed (not compatible with the newer asymmetric 10 speed systems) or SRAM 10 speed, this is a good alternative and won’t break the bank.
I now have WTB SST saddles on two of my bikes. I tried one after you wrote about WTB bringing them back a few years ago. You directly influenced my buying when it comes to these saddles. Thanks.
Lovely ride pix. And the AHTBM cap is a nice touch!
Would love to have weather like that in Colorado. Gonna be a dust-bowl this summer.
I now have WTB SST saddles on two of my bikes. I tried one after you wrote about WTB bringing them back a few years ago. You directly influenced my buying when it comes to these saddles. Thanks.
I need to get out there and do that ride and drop my bike at your shop for a little TLC – see you soon!