Riding in Milwaukee 1-11-10

Greg — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:05:35 +0000

Had a decent ride today. I did some quick business stops at the Post Office, Bank and Winkie’s and then did a 15-mile ride on my Simplified single speed. There was a pretty brisk North breeze blowing about 15mph.

I’d spend most of Saturday afternoon turning my Simplified frame from SuperFast prototype back into its intended purpose as a single speed. Russell at Sun built up some nice wheels using some Surly hubs I gave him. We decided on Venus rims with the machined rim-brake surface and a normal 3-cross lacing with butted spokes.

I also tried out some new boots today. Keen Winterport boots. They felt great! I had just a single pair of wool socks on and during the 1 hour and 15 minute ride my toes never got cold. They also work well on the bear trap style pedals on the Simplified.

Milwaukee Ride 01-06-10

Greg — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:00:16 +0000

Took about a 45-minute ride today in Milwaukee. 24F and 10mph NW wind. Actually, I should have ridden more since I was feeling good and warm but I had “other” things to do.

This wasn’t technically a transportation ride but the clothing info may be of some interest.

Today I went with the single thick wool sock plan and I think it was better than yesterday when I got cold feet a bit while trying a thin base layer sock and a Polarfleece sock over that. The single sock seems to fit the boots better and doesn’t bunch up in the toe are as much.

The Smitty was great again and I did a bit of snow bashing to see how the Big Apples work and I am impressed. If you get all silly out of shape they will slide but keep ‘em under you ad they work surprisingly well. More testing is needed but I am not totally buying the narrower is better argument 100% any more.

I am also working with both the iPhone App Runkeeper and the Garmin Edge 500 to find out what I like about each.

Runkeeper Route Track – http://bit.ly/7bxmiv

Garmin Track – http://connect.garmin.com/activity/21819009

I do like the auto stop feature of the Garmin. I hope Runkeeper comes out with this soon!

Got out yesterday too. Transportation too because I went somewhere. Post Office and Bank. Pretty much the same type of day. I switched from a longish shell with a solid vapor barrier to a “soft-shell” style jacket and didn’t over heat as much as the last ride. So this ride was Smartwool Midweight Jersey, Sahalie Butterfleece mid layer and an old Columbia soft-shell.

Runkeeper Route Track – http://bit.ly/5E6HkU

Garmin Track – http://connect.garmin.com/activity/21754702

Transportation Cycles » Clothing

Riding in Milwaukee 1-11-10

Milwaukee Ride 01-06-10