Postby PapaJohn » Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:12 pm
2251 kays now. I've got the bug. Only started riding again to get some fitness up and had a good ride today. Took 4 minutes off my last best time, over 42 kays, in spite of inhaling some sort of insect and choking for a couple of kays. Time to switch bikes. I promised myself if I got back in the zone again, I'd dust off the old Pug and see what can be done. I'm there now. It'll be worth making the change at this point.
I've been riding my old fav.(I've ridden this bike since 1974!) with 27 x 11/4 inch wheels and tyres running at 80 psi and with 6 gears; the steps are not to be taken lightly. I've gained one, the next (5th) is a long way off as a regular thing, but does get used now and again, maybe in another month or so, but now I'm wanting to see.
The Pug has 12 and they are closer ratios. I must work it out one day. It also has 700c /20 tyres at a much higher pressure, much lighter wheels yatta yatta. It was always good for at least 3kph in average speed, and spins up a treat. (its flat here. We get wind. ) Dust it off, look closely at the rubber. It's not so comfortable, as the old ride but can be ridden quickly.
Once again, I'm interested. I've got the bug. (always happens when I'm feeling good about something.) I always ride the same route. Boring? Doesn't have to be. Change bikes. All sorts of things change. I might even take the Surly LHT and do the shopping in the other town, occasionally. Then it's just a ride, with purpose, albeit somewhat sedate. For easy days, when I just want to do the distance. I'm happy with a couple of harder rides a week. Not getting into any of that anaerobic stuff though.
We've got rain coming. I don't mind rain, but I hate getting into the wet shoes the next day. LHT is the go in the wet - bigger tyres, mudguards. A little drier anyway, if a little slow. Nice bike to travel on.
And the weight? Yeah well I'm not carting around 8kg that I was on Jan 1.