Here’s a photo from this past Tueday’s ride.

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If you see yourself in one of these photos and want a high-res copy, just email me at jim@biketheburgh.com and I’ll email you the photo.

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The biggest problem was the rear derailleur, which was mangled. So I decided to have some fun and convert it into a single speed. At this point, I’m content with keeping the rear cassette and crankset, shortening the chain and just taking off the derailleurs and cables. I have it on the big ring in front and the middle of 5 cogs in the back. I’m not sure what the tooth count is (haven’y counted), but the ratio is perfect for my commute. I’ve ridden it to work once so far and it felt pretty good, although the frame may be a bit on the small side.

I decided it would be smart to get new tires before I ride it again, given the cracking and separating tread of the old pieces of rubber currently on it (see the picture below!). I should also get new brake pads – again, aged rubber tends to not do too much to stop you when you get to a stop sign at the bottom of a hill going ~25 mph.

Here are some photos I took just after cleaning it up (click on the thumbnails for bigger pictures):

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It took me 10 minutes to clean it enough just so I could read the measurements inscribed on the shell. Lesson learned. Don’t be like me. Replace your bottom bracket before it gets this bad.

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The fact is, I’ve always considered myself a mountain biker, not a roadie. I love single track, zipping between trees and over rocks and roots. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush, or maybe it’s the escape into nature, but I’ve never had the urge to take to the road. I guess I thought compared to mountain biking, it would be kinda boring.

I was wrong.

I won’t go into the reasons why I’ve become so obsessed with road riding – I’ll just leave you with a few shots I grabbed after the ride.

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On-street bicycle corrals have proven to increase parking capacity while encouraging people to bike. Bike corrals increase parking capacity from 1-2 cars to 12-24 bikes – significantly raising the customer capacity in neighborhood business districts.

Pittsburgh has been making great strides in an effort to be more bike friendly, thanks to the efforts of organizations like Bike Pittsburgh. In 2010, Pittsburgh earned the Friendly Community Bronze status from the League of American Bicyclists and was named one of “America’s top 50 bike-friendly cities” by Bicycle Magazine, after being derided as one of the nation’s worst only 20 years ago.

By the end of 2012, Pittsburgh will boast 600 new bike racks, 22 miles of scenic riverfront trails and almost 40 miles of on-street bike lanes. Other efforts include the city’s first ever comprehensive transportation plan – MOVEPGH - which will be comprised of three main components, including a bicycle/pedestrian plan.

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Also related to riding in the rain, learn the secret to drying out your wet shoes.

Looking for some waterproof pants for that soggy ride?

Try these on for size!

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I know, that seems audacious. But it is completely doable, and it all starts with you. Go to the website, sign up, and start biking to work. No more excuses – 49,999 other people are going to be right there with you. There’s even an app for your smartphone (iPhone, Android or Blackberry) to help you keep track of your miles.

Huge thanks to the League of American Bicyclists, Bikes Belong, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Endomodo for putting the dollars and efforts into this program.

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The past couple of weeks have been perfect for biking to work. The mornings have been cool enough to keep from sweating on the way to work, and the afternoons have been almost summer like. With days like this, it’s hard not to stop and take some pictures along the route. Below are just a few from along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, just by Station Square.

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I’ve found two items absolutely essential for my daily commute – baby wipes and deodorant.

Being the father of two beautiful children (ages 1 and 2) I find myself in plentiful supply of baby wipes. And they are perfect for wiping yourself down after you get to work. Just take a stack of baby wipes and put them in a quart-sized zip lock baggie. When you get to work, take out a baby wipe or two, scrub down all the necessary areas (you know which ones), then apply some deodorant and you’ll be fresh as a daisy. Money back guarantee.

Unless you’re lucky enough to have your own dedicated restroom where you work, you’re probably looking for a good (private) place to do this cleansing. I suggest the handicapped stall in a restroom. It’s usually bigger and (if you’re lucky like me) it’ll have its own sink.

How do you stay clean after your commute? Let me know in the comments!

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