Great commute

Everything lined up perfectly yesterday. The weather, traffic, work schedule...and all the things that go into a perfect commute cooperated. To the experienced commuter, you probably take those things for granted. But as a novice commuter, the quality of the experience is big. It's days like yesterday that make me want to do it more. And what will turn me into an experienced commuter is how I deal with the unusual or uncooperative and will ride even though I know everything won't line up in advance.

When I got to work, I was as productive as I've been in weeks. My energy level and enthusiasm were high all day long. Once again, if commuting makes me more productive, I really should ride everyday.

My ride in was 17.6 miles. It took longer to ride in because I had to wait 7-8 minutes at a major intersection. What struck me was that I rode into the sun for 6 miles. I don't have a problem with it...just hope the cars behind me can see me. I had bike lanes for about 16 miles.

The ride home was about 10 minutes quicker because a co-worker told me of a short cut. In Jacksonville, bike lanes and sidewalks seem to be only on one side of the road. So on my ride home I had a good bit of sidewalk time. No peds.

Definitely a 10 on the scale. :)

steelrider2

The finished product.

Well here it is, the finished product. My 1995 Specialized Hardrock commuter bike. I now know the sense of accomplishment some of my fixed gear friends feel when they complete their projects. I think its down right purdy.

This last round, I put the fenders and rack on. Hopefully riding to work 2 times next week.

Can't wait to take it on errands this weekend.

I recycled an old bike found on Craigslist. Bike was in excellent shape and put a few upgrades on it. Comments are welcomed.

Commute frustrations

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For the first time in 2009, I commuted by bike to work today. The route in was 17.6 miles. Good ride; it is spring break for the schools so the traffic was minimal. Here are the stats:

Miles: 17.6
Avg speed: 12.9
Calories: 923

The ride home had it all. Heavy wind, heavy rain, a flat tire, a few dumb drivers and some other stuff not worth mentioning. Ride home Stats:

Blood pressure: off the charts

Note to self...check the weather better. have the correct tools to fix a flat and not let dumb drivers get to me so bad.

So...Beware....Next Friday I'm at it again.

My Specialized Hardrock Commuter Bike

I really like riding my bike. Riding the 15 miles each way to work is a new adventure. At first, I think I’m going to ride a few times a month. I didn’t really like riding my road bike or my fixed gear to work. So, I decided to buy a used mountain bike and create a commuter. I have enjoyed having a project like this. I decided to buy an older mountain bike with a steel frame and cro-mo fork. I found 1995 Specialized Hardrock in excellent shape on Craigslist for $25. No before hand pics.

I decided to take my time making it the way I want it. The first thing was to replace the knobby tires with Specialized Nimbus tires and buy a lock. (You will notice all the parts I used were Specialized. Open Road Bicycles, my fav shop, is a Specialized dealer so many of the parts I have used are Specialized.) Probably the best addition is a locking front skewer. Comfort, cost, security and functionality will be behind all the changes.

The next step was to replace the seat the seat and grips. I added a Specialized BG2 Sport Saddle and BG Comfort Locking Short Grips. This added the comfort I was looking for.

Pedals were the next part of the project. I thought since my round trip commute is 30 miles, I would need some clipless pedals. I also plan to use this bike on weekends so platforms would be in order. I bought Shimano M-324s for the best of both worlds.

That brings me up to date. I plan on adding a rack on the back, fenders and a headlight. Other small items will also be added, such as a cargo net, rear light and a pannier. These pics are before adding the pedals. So far, it rides really great and is the perfect bike for weekend errands. I like the one less car symbol. More updates will follow as they occur.

Back after 2 years

Since my last post I sold my Masi road bike, Quintana Roo Triathlon bike and Bianchi fixed gear.

I purchased a 2006 Specialized Roubaix Pro, 2007 Specialized Langster and a 1995 Specialized Hardrock. This opens a new chapter in my riding life.

I cannot expalin how great the Roubaix Pro rides. Carbon fiber is a great ride. This was my first Dura-Ace group. It just rides so great.

The Langster fits me better than the Bianchi. I tend to ride it more in the winter to improve my pedalling stroke.

The Hardrock has been a project bike for me. I bought the bike for $25.00 off Craigslist. It had a lot of garage time and is in perfect shape. I decided to turn it into a commuter bike. So far I have added street tires, a more comfortable seat and ergo grips. Within a few weeks I will add fenders and a back rack. Last year I commuted a few times on my Langster, which was great. It got me interested in trying to commute several times a month. So, I think I will spend most of my online time talking about my commute.

My motivation for commuting is simple, I want to commute by bike because I love riding. I am not much interested in doing it for the reasons most people commute. I won't ride in the rain. I often have sales calls and need to drive my car. If it's too hot or too windy or too wet, I will drive. If I happen to save a few bucks on gas or loose a few lbs, so be it.

Jacksonville Cycling Classic

Awesome race...if you weren't here in Jacksonville Cycling Classic you missed a quality event. The pro races were as exciting as any races I've ever seen on tv. Race Management lead by Ron and Steve put on a fine event.

All bikes are gone to live somewhere else

That's right...all my bikes have now been sold and new ones are on the way.

Sold
2004 Masi Speciale Carbon
1999 Quintana Ro Tequilo Tri Bike
2006 Bianchi Pista

All were great bikes and had their time.

New Bikes
Fixed Gear - more of a training bike; not a track bike
Road Bike - probably carbon
Still pondering...looking for feedback. What's your favorite bike and why?

steelrider2...if i don't buy steel will I have to change the blog name?

2004 Masi for sale

Help me sell my Masi.

Go to this link and bid or send to a friend. Thanks
eBay: 2004 Masi Speciale Carbon 51c (item 250087541264 end time Mar-04-07 16:4

All the details and specs are on eBay.

These are the pictures