Winter Commuting at -25F

So a while ago, I dedicated my winter commuting to raising awareness and donations for Livestrong. Now that winter has officially hit Madison, I write to update you on my experiences so far. Most mornings so far in December have been at or below zero, often with significantly negative wind chills. The pictures below are from a -25°F (-32°C) morning.

Frozen air looming over Lake Mendota. 

This part of the lake is walkably frozen now. 

The Salsa rides notably better than the Brompton in the snow, due to the larger-diameter wheels and Schwalbe Marathon Winters (carbide-tipped studded tires). Nevertheless, I attempted a snow ride in the Brompton:

Valiant effort. 

I will continue riding through my winter break, and look forward to making a small contribution to Livestrong fundraising. Any contribution that you're able to make is impactful and meaningful, and I thank you.

DONATE HERE

Brompton and Snow - Madison, WI Commuting Updates

Yesterday it snowed in Madison from about 1:30 through the evening. The streets were a slushy, awful mess, so I knew I'd have to be at the top of my game to stay upright on the Brompton. Although difficult, I was riding faster than most of the automobile traffic. I say most because of an incident with a certain taxi company. Madison Taxi (silver cabs) minivan #114 violated at least three traffic regulations: 1) passing a cyclist too close (closer than the 3 feet minimum), 2) driving too fast for conditions, and 3) illegal lane change (from my right to my left in front of me when the lanes had separated). Appropriate reports are filed. It's not a simple fender bender that I'm worried about with this, it's my life; at the very least a limb. All in all, quite the experience, with some photos and video to share:

Bob's Woods

A bit of snow buildup

P.S.-I installed the studded tires on the Casseroll, and should have my bike locker shortly for a bit safer commute.
P.P.S.-There is quite a difference between the road grime/slush/junk on the streets from automobiles and the peaceful white on the bike paths. Just an observation.

Brompton Spanninga Eclipse XS Safe-Stop Problem

Recently, I noticed that the standlight, or "Safe-Stop" on my Brompton rear light (Spanninga Eclipse XS) had stopped functioning. The light itself worked, but as soon as the Schmidt stops spinning, the light stopped lighting. I spent a few minutes researching if the light included a capacitor, or if it ran off the front light as does my Supernova E3 system. No detail available. So, I uninstalled and disassembled the light to investigate, and this is what I found:

That's the capacitor. It should be connected to the circuit board. It isn't. 

I pulled out the soldering gun and attached it, and the capacitor still had juice left:

Close-up of the soldering fix. Bam. 

Reassembled and reinstalled and it's working great. Safe-Stop, engage.

Tubus Carry Ti w/ Supernova E3 Triple & Rear (and Schmidt SonDelux)

As my cycling tastes evolve, I find myself gravitating toward the more expensive, but high-functionality items. My latest Casseroll project involved an increase in storage carrying capacity, as well as lighting solutions.

Starting at the front of the bike, I laced up a new wheel around a Schmidt Sondelux. Renamed from the Son 20R, this hub is the same, just renamed as it now meets German lighting standards for wheels other than 20", ie 700c wheels  (as long as one is using efficiend LED lighting). Details on the drag and power output here.

This data set claims that the drag is lower with the Sondelux as opposed to the traditional Son28, with the only downside being a little less power output at low speeds. Other benefits include a lighter hub, and its visual appeal (in my opinion, anyway). I laced said hub to a Salsa Delgado Cross, the same as before, using DT 2.0/1.8 spokes. And a little plug for Livestrong. Here are some pics:

If I have a generator hub, I must have lights to connect to it, right? I went with a Supernova duo, specifically the E3 Triple and E3 Rear lights. When considering mounting options for the E3 Triple, I considered handlebar, fork crown, and either fork leg.

I lack handlebar space, so that option was out, and my rando bag precludes the installation on the fork crown, so I was left with fork leg options. After reading the install manual for the Sondelux (yes, I read it), I decided to mount the light on the "road" side, or left fork leg, since Schmidt clarifies that the hub can be installed with the connections either on the right or the left. I considered using the Nob XL with the handlebar-mount E3, but I instead went with VeloOrange's handlebar bottle cage mount. This allows for a super-secure mount with no worries of twisting or sliding down the tapered fork leg. Details:

To mount the rear light, Supernova does offer a seatpost mount for the E3 Rear, but I have had my eyes on a Ti Tubus rack for a while, specifically the Carry. So, that's what I did. In the past, the Carry included mounts on the horizontal support at the rear of the rack for 50mm spaced lights, such as the E3 Rear. This proved problematic, as the wiring for the light required some sort of spacing out away from the rack to allow room for said wiring. As I looked over the rack, I noticed no such mounts. After suffering my way through the 1-page instruction sheet, I noticed that Tubus now includes two small plastic mounts that eliminate the need for spacers, or holes in the rack, for that matter. The rack also has little "stops" at the front of the pannier rails. Here are the details of the rack and E3 Rear:

See, no holes.

See the little "stops?"

Front view

Back view

Nice touch

Installed

I went with the single strut approach. Had to bend it a little.

Here are the plastic mounts

Super busy dropout, but it works. Tuggnut, Rack, and fenders. Awesome. 

Mounting of fenders is easier without a silly cassette in the way. 

So, I think the Casseroll is basically Rando-ready. I'm using the Tubus to mount my Acorn tri-fold, as it would annoy at times when mounted on the saddle. The VO rando bag is quite nice, and the Garmin Edge 305 keeps me from getting lost. Night ride reviews of the lighting system to follow . . . . 

Sans bags.

Madison Wisconsin Commuting Updates

So far, the Wisconsin Fall commuting has been quite favorable. 

This was my view today as I headed through Bob's Woods.

I'll keep updating as Winter sneaks its way into my commute.

Grainger Hall Bike Lockers

So, I rode up to school today and saw these:

What are these, you ask? I'm glad you did. These, my friends, are bike lockers. I immediately sent a round of emails to find out exactly how I could get my grubby little hands on one of these. After a few clarifications and several forwards, I found out that these were installed primarily for faculty members who have been bringing their bikes into the building. I'm hoping that there are 9 or less such faculty members. For $85/year, one could be mine. Wish me luck.

I'm Committing To Livestrong!

I regularly think about those affected by cancer, both directly and indirectly. Last year, I found out that a friend of mine in Chalma, Veracruz, Mexico had abruptly died of cancer. She was younger than me by a few years, yet the cancer was so advanced once detected that it was not treatable.

Blanca

My heart was saddened for her and her family. How is it that I, surrounded by top-notch health care, live cancer free, while she, alienated from adequate care, is quickly brought to death's doorstep by the disease. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. I want it to be.

The Livestrong Foundation fights to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. I have decided to play a small part in the fundraising efforts to fight this terrible and widespread disease.

My Commitment:
I commit to commute by bike every day through the upcoming Wisconsin winter. From what I'm told, Wisconsin winters prove to be colder than the Utah winters that I have experience riding in. If you think my cause is worthy, demonstrate your support by donating to this foundation, thereby further motivating me in my goal. I will ride regardless of your donation, but let's see if we can make a difference.

Here is the link to my Livestrong Fundrasing page.

My goal is to raise $2,500 this winter. Will you help me make a difference?

I will keep you updated on my progress and will be posting stories as I so enjoy doing.

NYCe Wheels Brompton Video

Notice the highly sought after frame treatment on this model:

Grocery shopping w/ the Peugeot

Have I mentioned that I love Trader Joe's? With some route creativity, our local store is only about 2.5 miles away--a perfect candidate for grocery shopping by bike. I saddled up with my three-year-old in the iBert (a product of Utah), two Basil panniers (I'm secure in my manhood), and a grocery list. Trader Joe's has a nice selection of bike parking as well, thanks, guys.

As always, I had to repack everything in the panniers, as the typical grocery bagger is unfamiliar with the dynamics of hauling groceries by bike. I ended up filling up the two panniers and another "green" reusable Trader Joe's grocery bag. Here are the results:

• 5 lb bag of red potatoes
• Container of cherry tomatoes
• Container of strawberries
• 1lb whole mushrooms
• Trader Joe's pork dinner
• 5 lb chicken thighs
• 1lb sliced ham
• Frozen vegetables
• 1 pint half & half
• 1lb butter
• 1qt chicken broth
• Lemon
• Pizza dough x 2
• Pepperoni
• Shredded cheese
• 2 boxes of cereal
• 1 gallon milk
• 1 head of lettuce
• 4 cans of corn
• 4-pack of Virgil's root beer
• Fruit leather ends & pieces
• 1/2 gallon apple juice
• 1/2 gallon grape juice
• Salad dressing
• Pizza sauce
• Box of cheese sticks
• 3 boxes mac 'n cheese
• Potato chips
• Flour tortillas
• 1 loaf of bread

Not too bad, eh? Needless to say, I have a project underway that will increase cargo capacity of the Peugeot. Looking forward to it. 

Why I Ride - Part 2 In Series

Most of my blog postings are about the fun I have while transporting myself and family on a bicycle. A few months ago, I wrote about one of the foundations for my choice to go by bike, and I have several more of these reasons to share as I balance writing about my enjoyment of riding with my foundations for riding. Today, I will explain as best I can another reason of Why I Ride.

February 8, 1979. December 22, 1981. The former is the day Inez Ingles McBride, my grandmother, passed away. The latter is my birthdate. She was 52. Cause of death: heart failure. The exact causes or conditions related to her passing are unknown, as her heart simply gave up. From what I am told and have read, she was full of life, and would appear from the outside to be healthy and fit. I'm sure you did the math a minute ago and realized that I was born after her passing; I never met her. Not mathematically possible. I did know her husband, grandpa Cliff, and he is the subject of my post referenced above.

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Ingles, PicasaWeb

52 years old. I remember my mother stopping and contemplating her own life on the day she turned older than her mom ever was. I can't imagine losing a parent at the age of 22, and going through marriage and parenthood without that same-gender parental influence on which I have so casually relied in my own life. I am indeed not grateful enough for my parents, nor for what I and my children (their grandchildren) are blessed with.

Thinking forward, as I have grown accustomed to doing as of late, I think of my desires to be a welcomed influence in the lives of my children and grandchildren. I think the best way to be a part of someone's life is to be alive, hence this connection of my grandmother to Why I Ride. So far, I have described two of my four grandparents--details on the other two are forthcoming--whose lives were stopped short due to opposite problems: one's lifestyle led to premature death, while the other's seemed to be good enough. I think I read in Trader Joe's today that "Good Enough Is Not Good Enough." Well put, Joe. I cannot believe that "good enough" will be good enough.

Since my genes are in part my grandmother's, I choose to ride. When it's cold, rainy, snowy, or even sweltering, my legs automatically coax me onto the saddle and into a smooth pedal stroke, gyroscopically propelling me about my way. Is cycling the best solution to improve my health and ensure a healthy heart? Who knows? What I do know is that I find peace on the bike (always sans iPod), I feel stronger, and I am one less car congesting the streets. Love you, grandma.

The Bad Color

I see all sorts of earth's wonders (people included) as I ride my bike about. One particular day, a windy storm from the night before rid a tree of its red-colored berries. The ground was covered. Honestly, it looked fake, but alas, real it was. Here is what I saw (featured on Bike Rumor's site):

If ever you've watched The Village, you would be scared of Those We Don't Speak Of. Be careful out there. 

What Bike Folds Smaller Than a Brompton?

Why, nothing but a miniature Brompton, silly!

Brad sent me this surprise in the mail, which came all the way from Japan. After I was shocked and awed, I opened up the box and started assembly.

It's only the 3-speed version

I'll see if I can order a Brooks.

See, it folds smaller. 

I'll probably change some colors w/ markers/paint. 

Side note--I took the Brompton to the Mansion Hill Inn tonight for a Ride the Drive volunteer party. John Burke, Trek's president, and Madison's Mayor Dave were there, making for a great evening. I valet parked the Brompton over by the bar. When riding is fun, is a shared passion, and is convenient, more riding happens. Great leaders such as those mentioned above make riding more safe, more accessible, and a more feasible mode of transportation. Keep up the good work.

Brompton Roller Wheel Replacement

I've been meaning for quite some time to get this done, but somehow other things got in the way. The problem: I didn't like either the stock roller wheels or the EZ wheels for my Brompton. The roller wheels hardly work at all, and the EZ wheels are much better--but I'm after the BEST!. So, my experiment begins . .

Removal of the stock roller wheels was a bit more challenging than expected, with the apparent use generous amounts of high-strength thread lock during installation. Here are the parts of the stock setup:

Pretty simple

Tons of thread lock

The wheels I went with for replacements are indoor hockey wheels, 72mm in diameter, with bearings included.

Should roll nicer

Not much difference in thickness

The inside diameter (I.D.) of the bearing is 5/16", so I was on the hunt for a shouldered cap screw. The stock cap screw is too short, and is a M6x1.0 thread, so there is excessive play between it and the I.D. of the bearing. My hardware store only had SAE-threaded shouldered bolts, so I went with a sleeve over a standard M6x1.0 bolt, 1.25 in in length (I think?). Like so:

I had to go with a brass sleeve, as the aluminum, steel, and nylon were too thick to both fit the I.D. of the bearing and the M6 cap screw.

I'm trying the setup for a while with the inside bearing removed, so the wheel bearing surface is shouldered against the frame, and if that doesn't work so well, I'll install the inside bearing and give that a shot. I used the stock sleeve as a spacer (see below). The idea here is that with the inside bearing removed, the wheel sits closer inward, away from heel strike.

I'll remove the silly graphics

Installed

Fun project! I took it on a test run and it does roll noticeably better.

Petition Against AAA Advocating to Cut Bicycle Trail funding

Recently, AAA advocated to congress that funding for bicycle and pedestrian trails be diverted to funding highways. They will be misguided unless we gather together and voice our concerns. Rails-to-Trails is facilitating a petition to organize our efforts.

Here's the link. 

Pass this along freely.

Community Car, Brompton, and a Couch

About a month ago, we ordered a couch. We got a call that the couch came in, and was ready to pick up. The couch delivery oligopolists charge $50+ to deliver said piece of furniture, so my instinct shouted "DON'T BUY!" (the delivery charge, that is).

I don't own, or know anyone who does own, a pickup truck. The couch won't fit on my bike, and I don't yet have one of these, so I thought of a plan. This plan would be a bicycle/car partnership, consisting of a bike ride on my Brompton folding bike to the location of a Community Car minivan, capable of transporting my new secondary sleeping location back to my house. Community Car is Madison's car sharing program, not an altogether unique program, but nonetheless creative and potentially effective.

Time came to reserve the minivan. I logged on and found that the one en route to the furniture store is already booked by other users, so I opt for the other minivan in the Madison area, which is 10 miles away. 10 miles on the Brompton is no small feat, but I managed. Once I found the van, I folded down all the seats, let the Brompton ride shotgun, and we were off to the furniture store.

Excellent benefit of the chain being inside the fold: No chain on upholstery!

I arrived at the furniture store, slid the couch in (it fit), closed the hatch, and brought it home. Mission complete.

Total cost:               $7/hr for Community Car use (includes everything) x 2 hrs
                             =$14

Delivery folks:       $50+

Savings of :             $36+ for 2 hours.

Don't forget that I also got in some bicycling miles that I would have pedaled elsewhile. Simply a transfer.