Frontage Roads

Patches!

Errin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:45:19 +0000

I’ve always had a thing for patches. Collecting them from places that I’ve been. Now I’ve got some of my own!

The patches are 2″ across. Want one? $3 shipped.

300k Incomplete

Errin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:52 +0000

This weekend was the Orange County 300k. I thought I would be able to complete it, but it wasn’t to be. This route had a lot of climbing in it and I was hesitant about it from start. I should’ve trusted my gut and stayed home. The start felt pretty good and I got to the first control within an hour. After that I hooked up with the strong tandem riders Jack and Kathy and a rider on his second brevet, Bill, I think. Riding with them was great for the next 30 miles or so. I hadn’t been eating though, so focused on holding the tandems wheel, and when I pulled out of the draft to grab a snack I couldn’t get back on. The winds had started and there was no way for me to make up the lost ground. The next 15 miles against the headwind sucked, really sucked. At one point my speedo read 5mph on the bike path.

I made it to the control and got some more calories in, but then the rollers started. The little I had left was gone and there was 100 miles to go. Serbrina was at her parents house just off route so I headed there. I knew there was more climbing to come so I just pulled the plug and spent the rest of the day with her. It was the right choice.

It would’ve been nice to finish, but when you aren’t having fun what’s the point. These rides should be fun. Unfortunately that fun is getting less and less for me. Might be time to mix things up. Maybe start walking instead.

Kona Dual Compartment Frame Bag

Errin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:45:07 +0000

I just completed my first dual-compartment frame bag. This is a great option for frames that are large enough to take advantage of this. The two zippers allow you to get access to items at the bottom of the bag without having to empty all of the contents out. Just above the lower zipper is velcro that can be attached to create a shelf if needed or wanted. Also, there’s a small mesh pocket located on the downtube portion.

Looking down into the bag. Tons of space!

Shelf deployed.

Olympus EP-3 Wireless Remote

Errin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:48:28 +0000

Scored for cheap on eBay this Wireless Remote for the EP-3. It was advertised as only working up to the EP-2 but for $16 I took the gamble and it worked! Looking forward to playing with this!

Brevet Frame Bag

Errin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:27:59 +0000

This weekend I made a small bag for my Kogswell to be used in Brevets. It’s basically a half frame bag, but really it’s even smaller than that. It will be the spot where I carry my snacks, phone, gloves, brevet card etc. I added some reflective tape to both sides, and of course Jim’s patch.

I used cam-locks and D-rings for both the front and back mounting points. My frame is so small that I couldn’t have the bag go all the way to the seat tube without blocking the water bottle. The cam-locks allow me to get some tension on the straps easier than velcro would.

DIY Reflective Vest Upgrade

Errin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:03:08 +0000

For brevet riding you must wear reflective gear in the dark. I’ve had this vest for a couple years now but it’s always bugged me. The thing I don’t like about it is that to wear it you must pull it on over your head. That usually means taking off your helmet. A time waster.

So I had the idea that I’d install a zipper in the front. It seems pretty simple. Sewing in the mesh was trickier than I thought and the fabric stretched a little. In hindsight I should’ve sewn in some fabric to mount the zipper to, instead of just the mesh. Live and learn though.

The vest with the zipper installed.

I used the vest on this past weekend’s 200k brevet. In all honesty it isn’t much better. The zipper teeth are very small, so they are not the easiest to line up in the dark. I think a bigger zipper would make things easier. However, I no longer have to pull the vest over my head which was the point.

Bikepacking/Packrafting In Scotland.

Errin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:34:07 +0000

Full story here.

Kogswell Kommute

Errin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:07:21 +0000

Today I rode the Kogswell in for the first time in a long time. I can’t remember the last time I rode it to be honest. It may have been June! Damn.

I was reminded that 650b wheels are just right for me. Good stuff.

Commuting Again

Errin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:47:35 +0000

I’ve been off the bike since about the middle of December. I don’t know how it got away from me, but it did. I’m back to commuting though. This is my second day in a row, and only my second day back to work so I’m 2 for 2.

Today also marked my return to training. I did my first set of intervals since May of last year. That seems so long ago. That was back when I was training for the Tour Divide. Now I’m looking to get back into shape and ride some brevets. The first one is this weekend.

I’m looking forward to this year and what it may bring. For now I’m happy with a solid commute and logging some good miles.

Fargo Framebag Started

Errin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:36:42 +0000

I started cutting the fabric for a framebag for a Salsa Fargo tonight. I’ll spread the fabric cutting over two nights in order to get enough sleep to pedal in the morning. I had to force myself to call it a night, but I think it’s the right thing to do.