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Arizona Team Time Trial Championship – 2010

2010-08-31T16:14:43Z

This past weekend was the Arizona state team time trail championship. At the last minute the course had to be shortened from 40k to 30k due to rains the night before that damaged part of the course.

Congratulations to Paul Thomas, Jacob Rubelt, Dave Swanson, and David Glick of Ride Clean for winning the overall with a time of 37:30. For the results click here.

Pictured below Justin Orkney and Paul Thomas.

For more pictures visit Flickr.

Levi Leipheimer wins Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race in 2010

2010-08-30T22:48:21Z

This past weekend I had the opportunity to race in the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race. Unfortunately Lance Armstrong was not there but Levi Leipheimer was there and crushed the course recorded that Lance set last year.

It is an epic event!

Below is a picture of Levi getting his feed before heading up to Columbine.

Picture of Levi and I at the awards ceremony.

Dave Wiens and Travis Brown. Got to spend some time with Dave and Travis. Great guys!

Can I put a bike rack on my Toyota Prius? Rear hitch and bike rack is the way to go for Toyota Prius owners!

2010-06-22T15:16:01Z

Prius installation of rear hitch and rear bike rack: prius-bike-rack-instructions

Have you been thinking about getting a Toyota Prius but have wondered how you will be able to carry my bike around?

There is an answer! Why not have the best of both worlds; great gas mileage and the ease of carrying two bikes around. A rear hitch-mounted bike rack is one of the best option for Toyota Prius owners or shoppers looking into buying a Prius.

Although the Toyota dealerships will install the trailer hitch for you, installation is easy and something you can do on your own. You can install the hitch in about 30 minutes or less.Things You Will Need That Are Necessary:

Trailer hitch Curt Model 11468
Socket wrench with a 14m and 17m socket
Hand socket wrench with a 10m socket
Flat head screw driver for releasing the plastic rivets holding the underbody fascia in place
Heavy scissors or tin snips to trim the plastic under-body fascia
Extra set of hands to help you lift the trailer hitch into place

Things That Are NOT Necessary But Helpful:

Mechanic’s Creeper
Drive-on Ramps

STEPS

Step One

First, back Toyota Prius on drive-on ramps if possible to make getting getting under the car easier (this step is not necessary for the install of the hitch). Then remove the two tow hooks under the rear of you Prius using a socket wrench, unbolt and remove the tow hooks from the under-body frame rails at the rear of the Prius on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides.

Step Two

Remove plastic under body fascia saving the plastic rivet hardware for the reinstall later.

Step Three

Lift the hitch into position under the Prius and secure with bolts and washers provided with the hitch. Tighten the bolts. This may require some help from someone. Holding the hitch in place and securing the bolts may be difficult to do alone but possible. A second set of hands is helpful for this step.

Step Four

Place the fascia up under the car so you can see where you will need to cut a slot in the facia so you can reinstall the fascia. Using heavy scissors or tin snips cut a slot in the fascia on the driver’s side. Extend the slot all the easy to the back edge of the facia and remove the small segment of fascia. Now the fascia will fit around the driver’s side of the newly installed hitch. There is no facia on the passenger side to worry about

Step Five

Reinstall the under body fascia with the existing hardware you set aside in Step 2. You are now ready to install your hitch-style bike rack.

Recommended Bike Rack

Hollywood Racks – Pro-Rider Hitch Rack 1 ¼ – this is a cool rack and the one I recommend. Although you will have to take your front tire off when placing your bike on the rack the profile of your bike stays behind the car making your car more arrow dynamic and prevents bugs from hitting your bike.

Yakima Rack – Hookup 1 ¼ – This hitch mount is tough and versatile. Kind of like Coach. It carries any bike, from monster freeride bikes with funky frame designs to little pink bikes with training wheels. Plus, it’s extremely easy to use. All you do is flip a lever and it grabs onto the wheel. Bikes on and bikes off in 10 seconds or less.

Recommended Place For Curt Model 11468 Trailer Hitch

Click here for: prius-bike-rack-instructions

Ride-Strong.com™ FREE Write Up!

2010-06-22T15:01:02Z

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Clincher Vs. Tubular Tires

2010-06-22T14:57:09Z

Clincher VS Tubular Tires and what is the difference?

CLINCHER

The tire that most of us are familiar with is the clincher tire. The clincher tire consists an inner tube and a tire. The tire has a “bead” on each outer edge of the tire. On most tires, the beads consist of hoops of steel wire. The beads are what hold the tire in place on the rim.
TUBULAR

The tubular , or sew up, tire is a one piece system where a tire is sewn together around the inner tube. Tubulars are used on special rims and are held to the rim by glue or two sided tape.

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Clincher Pros

Easy to change when flatting
Easy to repair tube when flatting
Less expensive to replace than tubulars
Easy to carry spare tube and tools for changing a flat

Clincher Cons

Heavier than tubulars
Cannot inflate with as much tire pressure increasing roll resistance – some would debate if higher tire pressure makes a difference.
Not as comfortable of a ride
Pinch flat when putting a new tire and tube on wheel or pinch flat while riding

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Tubular Pros

Lighter
Better rolling resistance due to higher inflation limit
Fewer flats because you don’t pinch flat
Some say they are easy to change but that is the big debate
More comfortable ride
Can put a light weight silicon liquid in tire so if you do flat the silicon liquid seals the hole allowing you to ride on

Tubular Cons

More expensive than clinchers
Hard to change while on the road
Hard to repair if punctured. Most people throw them away
Need to carry a complete spare tubular which adds weight and is bulky
If you replace a tubular on the road, you need to be careful cornering until you are able to re-glue
Improperly glued tubulars can roll off the rim causing a crash