Winter Bike Commuting - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I openly dispute the common assertion that Hell is hot. Let me explain. 

Scenario 1 - Hell is Hot

Let's suppose that scorching heat is, in fact, an accurate description of the netherworld. You are pedaling along, parched, searching for water, until at last your body dies and the heat consumes your flesh, leaving behind a heap of sun-bleached bones. Sounds reasonable. 

Scenario 2 - Hell is Freezing

Now let's suppose that the opposite is true -- that Hell is cold. Again, imagine yourself riding along, muscles so numb that all you can feel are dry bones grinding against each other at the joints. A true die-hard, you press on. You approach an intersection...Red light...Thud. That's right, you fell over because your footwear has been ice-welded to your pedals. You could not release. There you lie, horizontal, in the unplowed bike lane as beautiful people in Range Rovers and Mercedes pass you by, thinking to themselves, "what is that underpaid, uneducated adolescent doing taking a nap on the side of the road? Get on the sidewalk!" Fair observation. However, instead of your flesh being quickly consumed by heat, carnivorous birds, and bacteria, your body is deep frozen. Everything is preserved, especially the pained and tortured look on your face, much like Otzi here.

Your misery is perfectly preserved for generations as your descendants attempt to understand the reasons for which one of their ancestors would attempt to conquer such a hellacious clime. All of this is negated, however, if your corpse is somehow suctioned into the upper atmosphere by an ominous Polar Vortex. Then you're like Moses. 

44 & 17

44 is the number of days below zero so far this winter (through Feb 11, 2014). 17 is the number of consecutive days below zero through the same date. For the majority of the world, this arbitrary threshold of 0 degrees Fahrenheit is roughly equal to negative 18 centigrade. This means that going from negative 17 centigrade to negative 18 centigrade is somehow noteworthy. Simply put, Minneapolis has been ridiculously cold this winter; I'd argue Hell.

Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder

You may have heard the old Scandinavian saying, "there's no bad weather, just bad clothing." Following I will share my successes for avoiding a Mosaic translation via an ice-welded-pedal-induced intersection tip over. All of the items below are used in my lowest temperature bracket, which is anything 10 degrees F or below (negative 12C). 

Head/Face

• Craft winter hat with Windstopper
• Ibex Wool neck gaiter
• Talus Cold Avenger Pro respiratory mask
• Dragon Optics goggles
• Bern Unlimited Brentwood w/ Hunter Kit

Core/Arms/Hands

• Base layer - long-sleeve Craft Active WS crew with Windstopper
• Mid layer - Ibex full-zip sweater
• Outer layer - Craft PXC jacket
• Glove Liner - Craft liner
• Glove - Either Ibex or Gordini

Lower Body

• Craft Performance Storm Bib with windblock panels
• Craft PXC pant
• **Sometimes I'll wear an additional simple full-leg base layer**

Feet

• Sock Liner - thin Keen merino wool liner
• Sock - Keen/Smartwool/Wigwam merino wool higher-pile sock
• Shoe - 45Nrth Wolvhammer SPD

That's a lot of gear. The objective is to block the wind as far away from the body as possible (outer layers), warm with mid layers, and wick moisture with base layers. I find that I'm plenty comfortable in temps down to 25 F below zero (with wind chills of 40-50 below). Now at least stop and help that poor, half-frozen, underpaid adolescent out of the bike lane and on to the sidewalk. 

The Right Hook - 90's Suburbans and Hakeem Olajuwon

For the Houston Rockets in the '90's, Hakeem Olajuwon's right hook was championship material.



In the world of bicycling among motor vehicles, the right hook is dangerous, if not deadly. Unless, of course, you are pedaling in the UK or Japan, for example, then the danger is in the left hook.



Here is a video snippet from a recent commute:



Along this particular section of road, I am ascending a road that bridges I-494 northbound in Eden Prairie, and the right lane of the two-lane road splits into an on-ramp lane. I check over my shoulder, signal that I am continuing straight over the bridge, but this guy clearly can't wait for the red light or yield sign. Folks with the right-of-way are entering the on-ramp, and he stuffs his 90's pinstriped Suburban into their flow. At least the guy behind him, wearing a Livestrong bracelet, said, "that's unfortunate, sorry, man." Well said.

While this example is pretty benign, often times, when I'm not recording, I have to figure out how to reduce my velocity from 20 to 0 mph over a short distance to avoid being a hood ornament. I wouldn't mind being a hood ornament for a Bentley or Maserati, however. Those guys have insurance...

Wheelsuckers, How to Eliminate?

You know the type. Maybe you are the type. If so, I dislike you. I digress...pedaling my way home lately, at times a chump will do something lame like snake through the vehicles awaiting a green light, whilst I wait patiently in queue. After a block or two, I catch back up to the traffic-snaking chump and continue at my regular pace the rest of the way home. Right at the end of my commute is a short, but stiff climb, where the wheel suckers pop up their Meerkat heads, having sucked my wheel for the past 5 miles, and boldly exclaim, "thanks for the pull!" or "strong riding there."

 

Yeah, thanks. And that headwind? Pushed through it for you, you bet. Anything else I can get for you? Leg massage? Need my water bottle? Clif Bar? Can I make your car payment for you? Joke's on him, though, because I was extra gassy and I KNOW he was sucking wind to keep up, even in my draft.

Any tips out there for dealing with wheelsuckers? Four consecutive right-hand turns? Start talking Tea Party politics? Make blatantly racist comments? Brandish my firearm? I need ideas, because, clearly, my ideas are not healthy, and could get me into some trouble. 

We Cannot Get Out, They Are Coming!

Months have passed since my last entry. I fear that I have been left solitary in the desolation of the battlefield, absent human contact for as long as I can remember. The enemy continues closing in, relentlessly searching for its next victim; its icy, bony fingers constricting the trachea of this world. No one is safe. Nothing is safe. If you want to save our world, you must hurry. We don't know how much longer we can withstand the nothing.

I have developed methods to escape its frozen clutches and engage in stealthy combat, burying my skin beneath multiple layers of raiment. I believe that I am able to travel undetected for short periods of time. I must not remain exposed to this danger for long, as the all-searching eye will eventually detect my presence and reduce me to a hypothermic resemblance of the human form. My only hope is that my persistence will wear down my foe.

For five unbroken months, I have traveled along the East/West axis between my village and the commerce center. 11 miles I travel in each direction, at times with the wind as my ally, other times as my nemesis. Often, the clouds release their moisture in an attempt to reduce my ability to escape the Captain of Evil. I will not give in, however, I am afraid that I am losing the battle.

Bodies of water have developed a unique defense to the adversarial buffetings. Under constant attack, brave drops of the water tribes rush to the surface, sacrificing their ability to enjoy free motion. They attach with perfect rigidity to their fellow soldiers, creating an impermeable, thick skin of protection at the surface in order to protect their kinsfolk who lay quietly beneath. I am humbled by their selfless sacrifices.Their defenses seem to be holding.

But what is this? Who is this grand warrior, this luminescent orb shining from the heavens? Minions of the enemy's force flee before it. The blanched blanket of accumulated cloud droppings reduces form and flees into the underground rivers. The trees respond, attempting to bring forth blossoms, leaves, and life-giving sustenance. Humans, both young and old, exit their dwellings to witness the supposed victory. Smiles emerge upon their faces. But the enemy is strong. He whom I thought was our conqueror has, for unknown reasons, retreated. I fear he will not return. I fear I am slipping into madness. As I am huddled deep within the darkness of my protective abode, I can hear the sinister laugh of my enemy, relishing in his supposed victory. All hope seems to be lost.

It is as I feared. They have taken the bridge, and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out. The shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out, they are coming.

In spite of the loneliness that is inherent in my form of battle, I must continue. 

I share with you images from the wintry battlefield in hopes that you may be able to tell the story:

It's Cold in Minnesota - Super Cold

Today's morning wind chills were around -35F (-37C). Good garbage. Turns out I was overlayered on top, as evidenced by lots of sweat, and my feet were quite cold after the 11-mile, 50-minute commute. Here's what my face looked like at the bike rack at work:

And my cable lock, as I uncoiled it, snapped (well, the cable coating snapped).

Tomorrow should be "warmer," about -20F windchills on the way in...

The Hands-Free Cyclist

Is a tool. Let me explain. I hearken back to the early 80's, when I first learned to ride a bike. We lived in a cul-de-sac, so I rode in circles for endless hours once I was training wheel free. Almost immediately after learning to balance on a bike, the instinct is to try new and crazy things, such as riding with one's feet on the handlebars, or the extremely cutting-edge technique of riding hands-free. Mind blowing stuff. Just to summarize, within hours of learning to ride a bike, the hands-free technique is mastered.

Fast forward 20+years, and I see guys like this:

Look closely. His hands are in his hoodie pockets.

As he approached his left-hand turn, I could almost hear his thoughts: "Aw, sweet! A 90-degree turn is quickly approaching. This is my opportunity to display my prowess of riding hands-free. Few people can master this technique, and I am about to display the unattainable turn whilst my hands are in my Affliction hoodie pockets." Something like that, anyway.

I need your suggestions for how to deal with these people. My instincts are to do one or all of the following:

1. Leverage my bike ninja stealth moves to sneak up behind and startle said hands-free rider. This may result in some sort of faceplant on the asphalt. I grin as I ride away, using my hands.
2. Hide in the shadows alongside road or path with large obstacles. As hands-free cyclists approach, quickly place obstacle in their path. Brakes? They're on the handlebars, where your hands should be.
3. Make small trophies or certificates of accomplishment to distribute. They would be able to easily accept and inspect said award since their hands are available to do so. 
4. Slow clap.
5. Lasso. Perhaps a duct tape sabotage like this:





6. General verbal attacks, etc. 

I'm open to ideas. 

Gorgeous Sunrises in Madison

As the Vernal Equinox approached, the sun started rising in harmony with my bicycle-based activities. As I  headed on my route, the sky was glowing a pinkish-amber as the sun was sneaking over the horizon. I was only a minute or two from one of my favorite photo-op locations, so I spun extra quick in an attempt to maximize photo-op-ness. This is what I found: 

The Wisconsin State Capitol is just to the right of the sunrise 

I love this morning ride, and will have to try very hard to find a replacement once I move to Minneapolis this summer. All of my senses are engaged when I choose to go by bike. 

Streetfilms: Minneapolis' Midtown Greenway

I had the opportunity to enjoy the Greenway several times this summer in Minneapolis. I hope to frequent it beginning in the near future. Enjoy.

Minneapolis' Midtown Greenway: Good for Biz, Good for Bikes. from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Typical commute through UW-Madison

This is my most common school-to-home route on UW-Madison campus (sped up 4x). Notice the lady running a stop sign around 3:05. Notice me talking to her about it around 3:20.

UW Commute from Spencer Morse on Vimeo.

Arkel Cam-Lock Kit for the Black Rose Panniers

So, I'm riding through a large, busy intersection, and maneuver over (bunny hop) a rather large crevice in the concrete road surface. This type of road hazard is fairly typical, I'm finding, in the upper Midwest. Shortly after landing, one of my panniers jostled its way off the rack and jammed into the rear wheel, sending me into a sideways skid (I was still in the process of making the turn).

View Larger Map

Alas, the basic clip attachment of my Black Rose panniers will not suffice. For quite some time, I have been a fan of Arkel's Cam-Lock attachment system. It's quite genius. I'll let you read Arkel's description for details. Regrettably, I would have to remove some of the beautiful copper rivets securing the original retention system on the pannier, but it's a sacrifice I had to make. 

First, I searched Arkel's dealer list here in Minnesota, and I realized that one of my favorite transportation-oriented bike shops is directly across Lake Calhoun from me: Calhoun Cycle. Of course, they had a pair of the 8" cam-locks in stock. I almost cruised right past the shop, for its subtle appearance. Inside, it's a Brooks, Carradice, Arkel, Brompton, Larry vs. Harry, etc. etc. etc. wonderland. So RAD. I wiped the drool off my chin and got to work. 

This is the 8" Arkel kit. Should line up nicely.

This is to test how it mounts, and to tighten up the bungee. I had to slide one of the main hooks inboard  to not contact the rack unduly. 

With the bungee properly tensioned. 

Unfortunately, these will have to go. 

Gone. =(...

Replaced. =)

Large washer on the inside. 

I was able to use existing holes left from the rivets. Now to secure the hook.

My method of removing the rivets. Tedious and time consuming, but it worked. 

I busted out the sewing machine (it was already out with a quilting wife) and attached the webbing so there was just  a little tension on the hook.

I love how secure this system is. Now I can bunny hop cavernous road hazards as needed. I have several other projects I've been working on.....posts to come. 

Today's reason Why I Ride a bike: A bicycle provides me with a transportation option, capable of carrying what I need safely and efficiently.

What do you think?

Minneapolis for the summer

For the next three months, I'll be blogging about my adventures in Minneapolis. I'm interning with Best Buy in International Finance. I live about 7 miles away from the BBY campus, so the commute should prove lovely.

Of course, I had to bring along the fleet, including the Xtracycle. Here's what the roof of my poor 1999 Forester looked like today:

With a couple ratchet straps, I fit the Xtracycle, the Casseroll, the girls' bikes, and the Brompton. Oh, and two storage bins for good measure.

Today's reason for WHY I RIDE a bike: I can easily explore and navigate my way through bike-friendly new cities (the ability to do so affects where I live and who I want to work for).

2011 Salsa Casseroll -- Build Project Complete

So, I bought the 2011 Casseroll Frame. Had to do it. Yes, had to. I had thoughts of chronicling the build, but it was uneventful (lucky me), as I was transferring parts from one Casseroll to another. Here are a couple pics of the frame before building it up:

Frameset and rack.

Dropouts

These dropouts rock. The Surly Tuggnut keeps my wheel from sliding forward.

A little more clearance than the 2009 chainstays.

Ride & Smile

Chainstay personality

Adventure by bike on downtube

Ride & Smile :)

These were a surprise. More heavy duty rack mounts (just below the brake mounts)

With the Crank Brothers Cobalt headset (directset).

Velo Orange brake stop

New head tube setup

Here is the shot of the bike build in its complete stage. Well, almost complete. I haven't wired up the lights since Supernova upgraded the E3 triple from 533 to 800 lumens, so I have an upgrade on the way! Other than that, it's on the road like this:

All built up. 3 bottles, front rack, Velo Orange hbar bag, etc.

 I love the ease of adjustability with the VO Grand Cru seatpost. My last seatpost had one bolt, so adjusting the saddle angle was a chore. Now, with two bolts for tilt adjustment, I can dial it right in. It is also designed  to work with more fore/aft adjustment on Brooks saddles than the typical seatpost. Lovely.

The rack is designed with a gap at the fork crown. Had to use some spacers.

Velo Orange brakes mounted up quite nicely.

 So I have a beef with light mounts. I enjoy mounting my light on the left, or road, side of the bike. I don't really enjoy lighting up the curb so much. Why don't more people make light mounts for people like me? This Casseroll rack has a nice mount on the curb side, so I had to get creative with an extra fender daruma and other hardware to mount the light on the road side of the bike:

Daruma. Velo Orange light bracket. 

Bell and mount

Rear brake setup

Brake stop installed.

Klean Kanteen Bottles. Velo Orange fenders and bottle cages.

 The fork is taller, accommodating a wider tire/fender setup than with the original Casseroll. As the fork crown is higher, the down tube slopes up a little steeper, as can be noted by the smaller vertical space in between the top of the downtube and the bottom of the toptube. The headtube height was held close to the same height, so the overall height difference at the top of the headtube is about +12mm. I removed a spacer from my original setup and it is really close. I may remove another spacer as I fine tune the fit.

So far, the frame is noticeably smoother. I'm not sure what any differences may be, but after riding the 2009 Casseroll for almost two years, I could tell right away that this rides smoother. Did I mention it's smooth? Looking forward to many, many miles of Adventure. Join me, if you like.