All about bicycles
- Thread starter veinbuster
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dmatthews
Dave's not here
Welcome @gforemanI have three Carbon bikes. Specialized Roubaix, and two Specialized Crux models. I bike about 3500 miles a year. I'm 66 and proud of it
I'd post photos if I could! Do photos have to me hosted somewhere else or can they be uploaded?
Yes, pics need to be hosted elsewhere.
I use https://postimages.org/
Moondog Wily
Howlin' At The Moon!
Wow, that's some clean up duty there! How did you do though? Happy with your performance? Great job taking on the challenge!!Yesterday I had my first good challenge in several months. A bike shop put on an adventure ride called "Hell of the Swamp" about 90 minutes north of me. A 61-mile loop of mostly rough stuff through the Withlacoochie State Forest and Green Swamp. This is a large and very isolated chunk of land west of Orlando and a key part of the state's ecology as it serves as headwaters for a few major rivers. Water also filters through the soil here into the Floridan Aquifer, which is our state's main freshwater source. As such, the state takes care to make sure it stays undeveloped.
You are very much on your own out there with virtually zero resources available, and you can get into great peril if you're not prepared. We don't have elevation, but we have mud, sand, waist-high grass, waist-deep water, thick forest, and bugs. And don't forget the heat; I registered a lovely 64 degrees in the shade of the forest at the start, but I recorded 93 degrees out in the open in the afternoon.
Some roads are innocent enough...
Others devolve into sand. Or they just turn into forest. Somewhat unbelievably there were truck-worn tracks to follow for the vast majority of the route.
Some paths have unavoidable ankle-deep puddles. Some turn into this...
I think this pic of the bike post ride says a lot about the day.
dankilling
Chaos in a bottle
Plenty of rain has created proper conditions at the local cyclocross course. Feels like fall is coming.
dmatthews
Dave's not here
Monday ride... Getting ready for a couple of weeks off from work.
Avoiding the rain today with a short one to Mud Bay and back. 24km
Looking forward to some more adventurous rides/locations over the next couple of weeks...
The tide is NOT high, but I'm movin' on...
Northbound train...
Avoiding the rain today with a short one to Mud Bay and back. 24km
Looking forward to some more adventurous rides/locations over the next couple of weeks...
The tide is NOT high, but I'm movin' on...
Northbound train...
garrett
New Member
I have three Carbon bikes. Specialized Roubaix, and two Specialized Crux models. I bike about 3500 miles a year. I'm 66 and proud of it
I'd post photos if I could! Do photos have to me hosted somewhere else or can they be uploaded?
TWO Cruxes!? I like your style.
garrett
New Member
Plenty of rain has created proper conditions at the local cyclocross course. Feels like fall is coming.
Cyclocross riders are a different breed for sure.
garrett
New Member
As I was suffering in the later portion of the ride I told my ride buddy this wasn't the effort I wanted to put in, but it was the effort I needed to put in.
Gotta get ready for bikepacking and big miles season! I have bikepacking trips scheduled for end of this month and around Veterans Day in November. Planning one or two paved centuries before year-end.At 5 hours, 24 minutes ride time (6 hours, 10 min total), this was my biggest effort by a big margin in nearly four months. I was beginning to suffer by the halfway point. Mile 49 I was pretty much cracked and had to lie down for a couple minutes. I was happy for the homestretch, but the last 5 miles took us nearly an hour due to the terrain. I rolled in fully shattered, but with a memorable day in the books!
Moondog Wily
Howlin' At The Moon!
Sounds like you gave it your all and then some! Congrats on getting over the finish line in one piece!! I am sure this will help for your upcoming centuries!!! Keep on spinnin' ;~))As I was suffering in the later portion of the ride I told my ride buddy this wasn't the effort I wanted to put in, but it was the effort I needed to put in.
At 5 hours, 24 minutes ride time (6 hours, 10 min total), this was my biggest effort by a big margin in nearly four months. I was beginning to suffer by the halfway point. Mile 49 I was pretty much cracked and had to lie down for a couple minutes. I was happy for the homestretch, but the last 5 miles took us nearly an hour due to the terrain. I rolled in fully shattered, but with a memorable day in the books!
dmatthews
Dave's not here
I'm going to have to lose some more weight and work harder to get half of your effort sir!As I was suffering in the later portion of the ride I told my ride buddy this wasn't the effort I wanted to put in, but it was the effort I needed to put in.
At 5 hours, 24 minutes ride time (6 hours, 10 min total), this was my biggest effort by a big margin in nearly four months. I was beginning to suffer by the halfway point. Mile 49 I was pretty much cracked and had to lie down for a couple minutes. I was happy for the homestretch, but the last 5 miles took us nearly an hour due to the terrain. I rolled in fully shattered, but with a memorable day in the books!
Good morning (local time central Europe).
A share a story in two parts. On 2nd and 3rd SEP 23 the German bicycle manufacturer opened the gates for celebrating a summer venue. You could have sneak into all production rooms unescorted or guided by the CEO, Kalle Nicolai or his staff, you could test bikes, you could buy bikes and apparel (both with special day discount), there was a bar, a BBQ, cakes 'n' cookies.
The factory is not far away from my home (15-20 min), therefore I decided to go there on short notice. Additionally I agreed on meeting a friend there, who was up visiting his familiy, who lives in the northern part of Germany.
The CEO guides a tour through the factory building.
The floating transition between electrified bicycle or downgraded motorbike with an electrical engine.
A guy test rided it.
In the factory building there were Nicolai frames, parts and bikes from the past depicted, in order to notice all the technical devolopment.
(Sometimes I shot way to quick. I apologize it.)
End of part I.
A share a story in two parts. On 2nd and 3rd SEP 23 the German bicycle manufacturer opened the gates for celebrating a summer venue. You could have sneak into all production rooms unescorted or guided by the CEO, Kalle Nicolai or his staff, you could test bikes, you could buy bikes and apparel (both with special day discount), there was a bar, a BBQ, cakes 'n' cookies.
The factory is not far away from my home (15-20 min), therefore I decided to go there on short notice. Additionally I agreed on meeting a friend there, who was up visiting his familiy, who lives in the northern part of Germany.
The CEO guides a tour through the factory building.
The floating transition between electrified bicycle or downgraded motorbike with an electrical engine.
A guy test rided it.
In the factory building there were Nicolai frames, parts and bikes from the past depicted, in order to notice all the technical devolopment.
(Sometimes I shot way to quick. I apologize it.)
End of part I.
Last edited:
Part II:
Summer event sales...
The Gates Carbon Drive. Unfortunately you can't easily modify your bike with that. You must order it an than the bike will be welded around.
The Gates is mounted here on a Pinion transmission. The rear structure of the bike must be designed in a special way. Therefore it's not possible, that I change from chain to the Gates Carbon Drive.
But my next Nicolai will have it. I chatted with one of the staff - head of assembly - and he recommended that an electric engine supported bike should be my next with Gates Carbon Drive, Pinion transmission, and Bosch engine.
For that I really to spare money, money, money... The price would be around 15k EUR. Hey, it's a bicycle.
Old stuff.
Colourful stuff.
Outside and inside there have been third party booths (Apparel & helmets, leasing bike opportunity, Gates Carbon Drive).
As a summary: It was a nice afternoon.
End of part II and tour
Summer event sales...
The Gates Carbon Drive. Unfortunately you can't easily modify your bike with that. You must order it an than the bike will be welded around.
The Gates is mounted here on a Pinion transmission. The rear structure of the bike must be designed in a special way. Therefore it's not possible, that I change from chain to the Gates Carbon Drive.
But my next Nicolai will have it. I chatted with one of the staff - head of assembly - and he recommended that an electric engine supported bike should be my next with Gates Carbon Drive, Pinion transmission, and Bosch engine.
For that I really to spare money, money, money... The price would be around 15k EUR. Hey, it's a bicycle.
Old stuff.
Colourful stuff.
Outside and inside there have been third party booths (Apparel & helmets, leasing bike opportunity, Gates Carbon Drive).
As a summary: It was a nice afternoon.
End of part II and tour
Moondog Wily
Howlin' At The Moon!
Cool stuff! Thanks for sharing!!
garrett
New Member
Part II:
Summer event sales...
The Gates Carbon Drive. Unfortunately you can't easily modify your bike with that. You must order it an than the bike will be welded around.
The Gates is mounted here on a Pinion transmission. The rear structure of the bike must be designed in a special way. Therefore it's not possible, that I change from chain to the Gates Carbon Drive.
But my next Nicolai will have it. I chatted with one of the staff - head of assembly - and he recommended that an electric engine supported bike should be my next with Gates Carbon Drive, Pinion transmission, and Bosch engine.
For that I really to spare money, money, money... The price would be around 15k EUR. Hey, it's a bicycle.
Old stuff.
Colourful stuff.
Outside and inside there have been third party booths (Apparel & helmets, leasing bike opportunity, Gates Carbon Drive).
As a summary: It was a nice afternoon.
End of part II and tour
That looks like an amazing day! I love seeing behind the scenes at production facilities. There is some serious engineering happening with these bikes.
I was tempted to get a gravel bike with belt drive and a Shimano internal gear hub, but in the end I went for conventional components for the higher availability of service parts and experts. Sometimes when I hear my chain grinding on a very dirty ride, I wish I had gone for the belt drive!
veinbuster
Zombie Three, DFZ
I keep trying to get a Gates/Pinion drive on a recumbent, but can’t find a builder willing to do it.Part II:
Summer event sales...
The Gates Carbon Drive. Unfortunately you can't easily modify your bike with that. You must order it an than the bike will be welded around.
The Gates is mounted here on a Pinion transmission. The rear structure of the bike must be designed in a special way. Therefore it's not possible, that I change from chain to the Gates Carbon Drive.
But my next Nicolai will have it. I chatted with one of the staff - head of assembly - and he recommended that an electric engine supported bike should be my next with Gates Carbon Drive, Pinion transmission, and Bosch engine.
For that I really to spare money, money, money... The price would be around 15k EUR. Hey, it's a bicycle.
Old stuff.
Colourful stuff.
Outside and inside there have been third party booths (Apparel & helmets, leasing bike opportunity, Gates Carbon Drive).
As a summary: It was a nice afternoon.
End of part II and tour
dmatthews
Dave's not here
I decided to go for a different jaunt today. Part 1.
The idea was to go from North Vancouver to West Vancouver on the North Shore, culminating in a nostalgic visit to my old stomping grounds where there was a distinct failure in me "growing up".
I decided to drive to Cates Park in N Van close to Deep Cove, and beach the car there...
I've launched boats here as well, and one was with my band to play on a boat access only location for the evening...
The road from Cates heading West is less than bike friendly, busy but overall OK...
I had taken the time to grab some cash and drop by our band practice studio to pay the rent for September...
Doctor Dave has some bad news for you... it's Terminal... it's a grain tumor...
Here's a boat. The owner probably calls it a "yacht". Pffft... I bet it's MAYBE 120'... what a pretender...
Paddle wheeler, and the "Sea Bus" which goes between N Van and Vancouver all day...
View of N Van from the Lonsdale Quay area looking North...
This is one of the areas of the Squamish Nation...
Approaching the Lions Gate Bridge which separates N Van and W Van...
How dare you sir!
The idea was to go from North Vancouver to West Vancouver on the North Shore, culminating in a nostalgic visit to my old stomping grounds where there was a distinct failure in me "growing up".
I decided to drive to Cates Park in N Van close to Deep Cove, and beach the car there...
I've launched boats here as well, and one was with my band to play on a boat access only location for the evening...
The road from Cates heading West is less than bike friendly, busy but overall OK...
I had taken the time to grab some cash and drop by our band practice studio to pay the rent for September...
Doctor Dave has some bad news for you... it's Terminal... it's a grain tumor...
Here's a boat. The owner probably calls it a "yacht". Pffft... I bet it's MAYBE 120'... what a pretender...
Paddle wheeler, and the "Sea Bus" which goes between N Van and Vancouver all day...
View of N Van from the Lonsdale Quay area looking North...
This is one of the areas of the Squamish Nation...
Approaching the Lions Gate Bridge which separates N Van and W Van...
How dare you sir!
dmatthews
Dave's not here
Part 2...
Now entering West Vancouver...
Ambleside Park is a lovely spot where much of my youth was spent. Beautiful sandy beach with all of the "visuals"...
Stanley Park in the distance. On the right is Siwash Rock, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siwash_Rock
Dude is serious...
This is the location where the failure of my growing up was realized. 2379 Marine Drive. Back in the day (1960) it was a different house. It was purchased for $16,500. In 1983 it was sold for $285,000. Then torn down and turned into the duplex you see here...
Two blocks away stands the elementary school I attended (Irwin Park). I recall hearing over the PA "Dave Matthews to the office please, Dave Matthews to the office!".
Horrified, I was excused and traversed to the office with much trepidation and wondering what I had done!
When I got there I saw another boy there. I asked him what his name was and he said Dave Matthews!
Thankfully it was him they wished to speak to.
Dundarave Beach and pier where I spent most of my youth fishing, boating, paddleboarding, hanging around fires and getting into mischief (maybe). It was 2 blocks from my house...
Dundarave is a little hamlet with a single block of interesting shops with almost everything you need...
I hightailed it back to Cates after my nostalgic visit. I was hoping to get off of the North Shore before rush hour which can be brutal.
Great day. Fun ride.
Now entering West Vancouver...
Ambleside Park is a lovely spot where much of my youth was spent. Beautiful sandy beach with all of the "visuals"...
Stanley Park in the distance. On the right is Siwash Rock, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siwash_Rock
Dude is serious...
This is the location where the failure of my growing up was realized. 2379 Marine Drive. Back in the day (1960) it was a different house. It was purchased for $16,500. In 1983 it was sold for $285,000. Then torn down and turned into the duplex you see here...
Two blocks away stands the elementary school I attended (Irwin Park). I recall hearing over the PA "Dave Matthews to the office please, Dave Matthews to the office!".
Horrified, I was excused and traversed to the office with much trepidation and wondering what I had done!
When I got there I saw another boy there. I asked him what his name was and he said Dave Matthews!
Thankfully it was him they wished to speak to.
Dundarave Beach and pier where I spent most of my youth fishing, boating, paddleboarding, hanging around fires and getting into mischief (maybe). It was 2 blocks from my house...
Dundarave is a little hamlet with a single block of interesting shops with almost everything you need...
I hightailed it back to Cates after my nostalgic visit. I was hoping to get off of the North Shore before rush hour which can be brutal.
Great day. Fun ride.
dmatthews
Dave's not here
Did a quick 30km today.
Moving time 1:32:56
Avg Max
Speed 19.5 km/h 57.1 km/h
Cadence 43 92
Power 26 W 193 W
Calories 293
Temperature 27 ℃
Elapsed Time 1:40:24
No stopping, no pics, no water. Well, no stopping except for the end where I picked up...
So far behind last year. I'm at 1126km so far. Oh well...
Moving time 1:32:56
Avg Max
Speed 19.5 km/h 57.1 km/h
Cadence 43 92
Power 26 W 193 W
Calories 293
Temperature 27 ℃
Elapsed Time 1:40:24
No stopping, no pics, no water. Well, no stopping except for the end where I picked up...
So far behind last year. I'm at 1126km so far. Oh well...
dmatthews
Dave's not here
Another random ride today of 27km.
Somehow I gravitated towards Watershed Park, and entered the uppermost trail.
Parts of the trail were a bit "hairy" with roots and rocks. A pedal strike almost put me into the bushes, but thankfully a quick dab allowed recovery...
I hadn't seen this structure before, or at least I don't remember it...
Then I dropped onto the greenway heading North...
Pretty rare to see a city truck on this path...
One of these things is not like the other...
Somehow I gravitated towards Watershed Park, and entered the uppermost trail.
Parts of the trail were a bit "hairy" with roots and rocks. A pedal strike almost put me into the bushes, but thankfully a quick dab allowed recovery...
I hadn't seen this structure before, or at least I don't remember it...
Then I dropped onto the greenway heading North...
Pretty rare to see a city truck on this path...
One of these things is not like the other...
dmatthews
Dave's not here
Today I had a plan to do a circumnavigation of Delta. That would include a stop at the office to say HI and antagonize those working. HA!
But... it was windy as heck. The wind was coming from the West, and heading West was miserable at Mud Bay. So...
As I headed South I decided to head East. Ahhh... the wind was with me... I had to get to 30km/h to even feel wind in my face!
Then headed South again to South Surrey...
Serpentine River that feeds Pacific Ocean...
Nico Wynd Golf course...
Nicomeckl River feeding the Pacific Ocean...
Now THAT'S a bike lane!
Too soon!!!
Done like dinner...
But... it was windy as heck. The wind was coming from the West, and heading West was miserable at Mud Bay. So...
As I headed South I decided to head East. Ahhh... the wind was with me... I had to get to 30km/h to even feel wind in my face!
Then headed South again to South Surrey...
Serpentine River that feeds Pacific Ocean...
Nico Wynd Golf course...
Nicomeckl River feeding the Pacific Ocean...
Now THAT'S a bike lane!
Too soon!!!
Done like dinner...