Happy Halloween

It's an icy and mostly clear morning here in Colorado, but it makes for a perfect fall day. Wishing you many happy autumn bicycle rides and a very happy and safe Halloween full of sweet treats!

*Image found here

Happy Halloween

Have's and the Have-Not's

A friend of mine has been trying to figure out ways to assist her pre-teen children as they have started to express a certain degree of hopelessness over the last several months. Her eldest child has shared that he feels as though he isn't old enough to make a difference in the world, he has no money that is his to give, and nothing seems to matter anyway. After attempting to find some places the kids could volunteer to show them that helping others doesn't always have to be about money, she came up with an idea through a local youth worker to make TAG (take and give) bags to give to those in need, specifically, the homeless population that is ever-present in our community and surrounding areas (and truly, all over the world).

*Image here

The bags are small and consist of food and/or personal items such as crackers, tuna in a can, fruit cups, granola bars, bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and so on. Not every bag has the same items, but it's a way to give someone a meal and something they need without handing over cash (which many of us rarely have on hand these days anyway). The idea is to take one of the bags and keep it in your car so that it can be given to someone who is asking for money at intersections, off-ramps, and so on.

Immediately, I thought carrying one of these in my bike bag would be the best idea. I pass a number of homeless individuals regularly while riding, and often they are cycling themselves. What a great opportunity to be able to share. Of course, since putting the TAG bag into my saddlebag, I have yet to run into a single person in need of this sort of assistance. I have, however, run into folks when I'm on my road bike and have almost no ability to carry anything with me. It's as though the universe is conspiring to keep me from meeting up with the person who could use the assistance of a small meal.

All of this has had me thinking about my own youth and personal feelings of helplessness - both then and the present time. I keep recalling a very specific incident from my childhood. As a kid, I always wanted to help others, so if I had any sort of opportunity or could convince my family to help someone, I felt I was doing what I could in my own way. When I was about 8 years old, my family was at a gas station filling up when we noticed what appeared to be a homeless man sitting at the edge of the lot. My mom looked at me, handed me $5, and said, "Go on. Go and give this to that man over there." I remember smiling and feeling as though it was going to make his day.

I was a shy kid though, so the idea of talking to a stranger was sometimes more than I could handle. Slowly, I walked up to him. His head was hanging low, scraggly, dark brown hair in his face. I must've cleared my throat or made some sort of noise because he suddenly looked up to stare at me. His eyes were glazed over and even at my relatively young age, I knew he was probably intoxicated. I started to say something, but the words just weren't coming out of my mouth. It seemed like an eternity that he was watching me, but I finally had enough voice to smile and say, "Here. Hopefully, this will help you," as I handed over the five dollar bill. His response to me was, "Hey, thanks kid. Now I can go get some weed."

I returned to our family car, completely crushed. It's almost as though I can pinpoint that moment as the day I lost some of my faith in humanity. This individual... some man who I didn't know, had broken my spirit, a part of my willingness to give. He took away a small piece of my innocence that no child should lose. It's not as though I became completely hardened and never helped anyone again, but I honestly cannot recall ever giving cash to someone on the streets again after that day. My mother asked me what he said when I returned to the car, and I didn't even know how to respond. As we were driving away, I recall trying to process what had just taken place, and eventually, I was able to share what the man had said with my family.

There have been numerous occasions since that day when I've had the opportunity to help someone. If I am completely honest, I never really lost that desire to help when someone is in need; really, it just got buried behind my invisible wall of protection. I think I simply adapted and found other ways to assist like volunteering at a food bank, or offering to buy a meal for someone on the street. Somehow, it seemed safer and I wouldn't have to deal with the reality that a person may not use the cash for something that I viewed as necessary.

In many ways, I think it's easy to separate our world into the "have's" and the "have-not's," when in reality, it isn't that simple. There are many of us located on a long spectrum of possibilities between having everything and having nothing. In fact, most of us fall in between the two extremes. Perhaps we've even landed at different points on the spectrum throughout our lives, and then there's the reality that there is still time to find ourselves at either extreme. Personally, I know what it is to not have a home and to wonder from where I would find the next meal. It isn't necessarily a fun place to be, but I also remember that time of my life as one of my biggest personal growth periods. There are moments when I realize how easy it could have been to remain exactly where I was, but because of a little help from others - sometimes the smallest gesture - I was able to find a way out.

When I think about that moment as a child, that little speck of time that crushed a little bit of helping spirit within me, I try to balance it with the thought of those who helped me when I needed it later in life. I do my best to realize that some people want assistance, and others simply don't. Some are looking for a handout, others are looking for a hand up, as the saying goes.

I have decided that when I give out the TAG bag that's riding around in my saddlebag with me on my adventures around town, I'm also going to give out a bit of cash with it. Why? Because I am reclaiming that little bit of self that was lost so long ago. It no longer matters if the person uses it to buy weed, cigarettes, or alcohol, or if they choose to use it for his/her next meal or an article of clothing. I'm not saying I'll be handing out cash to everyone I see asking for it in the future, but I think it's time to reclaim my whole, true self... and perhaps this will help begin to restore me to... well, me.

Denver's VeloSwap

For years we've talked about checking out the Denver VeloSwap and it just hasn't happened. This year, we decided to finally stop in and see what the excitement is all about. Frankly, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it almost immediately took on the feel of a trip to a large-scale flea market and the Las Vegas strip all at the same time - except that it revolved around bicycles instead of mass amounts of drinking and gambling. We've heard lots of good and bad stories about this event, so it really could have gone either way.

If I were a better blogger (which we know I'm not), when I attend such things I would be smart enough to remember my camera, but that just doesn't seem to happen. Someday, I hope to just have a camera embedded in my forehead and then I won't have to remember anything (unless of course our heads become removable, in which case, what my father used to tell me - that I "would forget my head if it wasn't permanently attached" - will become all too real). I did snap a few camera phone pictures, but they aren't of the quality nor number that can accurately convey what this event is, so I will share a few of those, but also direct you to the album on VeloSwap's Facebook page to get a better sense of what it's all about.

When first entering the swap, the giant, green bike above welcomes everyone to the event. It was rather amusing to watch people stop to take photos with it, and I have to admit, we did the exact same thing. Part of me really wanted to climb up on it and sit on the saddle, but somehow I don't think I would've made it very far before being thrown out of the building. I do try to behave in public, but sometimes things like this just call to me and it's very difficult to restrain myself. However, we moved on quickly before I acted on my childish desires.

The front part of the complex consisted mostly of newer items or products that consumers could try out. There were also a few bicycle-related art booths in this area, as well as bicycles and other parts being sold, but perhaps one of my favorite stops for the day was Green Guru. The company's products are made here in Boulder, Colorado, but to see them working at a live event was truly fascinating.

The sign above informed visitors that they could make their own upcycled wallet, and there were definitely people trying this out. The person would pick out the materials to be used and then hop on a stationary bicycle and start pedaling. The pedaling then powered the battery being used to operate the sewing machine that brought together the wallet for the individual.

I chatted briefly with this young woman who was (as you can see) really excited about this process. The company uses old tubes, wetsuits, banners, and PET recycled plastic bottles to create products that can be used for outdoor activities such as messenger bags, panniers, pant leg/ankle straps and saddlebags. They also make accessories like the wallets being made during the event, drink can cozies, zipper pulls and laptop sleeves.  I love that they even have places throughout the U.S. where people can donate items to be upcycled into their products.

Their table and booth were full of items to check out. While the items aren't necessarily the most colorful because of the materials being used, its such a great way to use something that would otherwise likely end up in a landfill.

Moving through the event, we quickly realized just how many people were present and how difficult it would be to maneuver through the crowd. It's always challenging for me in these types of situations because I find that people are so focused on what they are looking to find that they will trample anyone in his/her way. This became less of an issue as the day wore on and people filtered out, but as I would learn later, it seems that arriving early is really the way to go if one is looking for specific items. By the time we arrived (about an hour and a half into the event), many of the items I would've been interested in purchasing were long gone. I was later informed that there were also boxes of new pedals, as well as strap-on LED lights from Knog and Bookman priced extremely well that had all vanished by the time we were in the building.

The crowd was thinning at this point as we neared mid-afternoon

The day was not a waste, however. There were a plethora of bike parts to be found for those looking to start a project or missing that last item to complete a build. Prices seemed to vary from booth to booth, but the bargains were there to be found. Bicycles and frames were abundant... although finding the "right" one could be more challenging depending on what a person was seeking. It also didn't appear to be a great place to find many parts for those in search of classic bike paraphernalia. There were a few exceptions, but as a whole, the event seemed to cater to those looking for complete bikes, frames and parts from the more modern era, and specifically geared for road and mountain bikes. For example, I was attempting to find a 700c wheelset with an internally geared hub for a build project that's been sitting about for a long time, and it was likely not going to happen at this event. Regardless, there was plenty to be discovered and lots of things to muse about while milling around the complex. Toward the rear of the building we discovered some fun, older bicycles as well (where I may or may not have purchased a 70's Schwinn, and may or may not have drooled on some beautifully restored 40's- and 50's-era cruisers), so there was a bit for every taste and desire, even if the percentages swung to one side of the fence over the other.

All in all, it was an interesting experience and we purchased a couple of odds and ends to have in the spare bike parts drawer. If you happen to live in an area that hosts a VeloSwap, I think it's worth the small entrance fee, if for no other reason than the experience and spectacle of it all. If you attended, I'd love to hear your experience and/or what you thought of the event as a whole.

An Online Marketplace to Buy/Sell Vintage Bicycles

Vintage bicycle lovers... there's a new place to buy and sell vintage bicycles, parts and accessories. The website functions in much the same way as Craigslist or eBay, but caters specifically to those who are looking for, or are wanting to sell vintage bicycles or parts. A Great Vintage is an online marketplace that's just getting started, but if you have interest in or are wanting to sell a vintage ride, you should pop over and check it out. The listings at this point are minimal because word is just getting out about the website, but I think this could potentially be a great place to find items in the future.

*Image source here

Here's what Tom, the owner, has to say:

Hi folks -

I’m very pleased to announce the launch of a “A Great Vintage,” a brand new vintage bicycle online marketplace.

A Great Vintage offers an alternative to eBay and CraigsList and caters specifically to us - the vintage bicycle enthusiast and collector.

For those wishing to sell your vintage bicycles, parts, and clothing, you’ll find this site a refreshing change. There’s only a nominal charge of $0.50 per credit, and these credits are used for your 7-day postings (ads) and renewals. That’s all there is to it! We take no back-end transactional fees, and there’s never any hidden fees or charges.

In the near future, we will implement a “bulk credit” purchase option, wherein you can purchase several credits at once with a discount. Stay tuned for news on this and all other important site information by clicking on the “AGV News” link at the top of any page.

 Buyers can browse freely - think CraigsList, but with all of your favorite vintage bicycle categories already organized for you, so your searches are more efficient and more fun! For instance, instead of one category for “Bikes” we have over a dozen, including Vintage Lightweights, KOF, Track, Touring, and more.

 We leave all the pricing, transactions, and shipping up to you. Interested buyers contact you through an anonymous email, sent by our system (just like CraigsList).

Finally folks, I’m going to ask for your help. If you like what you see on this site, please spread the word. Since I’m the owner of the site, I can’t “spam” forums with links, so I ask that you help people hear about this site in whatever manner you can. Remember, the more people that know about the site, the faster your items will sell and the easier it will be to find the perfect item you’re looking for.

It’s through the kindness and generous spirit of the vintage bicycle community that I’ve found such good friends in the past decade, and I look at this site as a way to thank all of you for the friendships, great rides, and wisdom I’ve found over these years.

This is OUR site, and I’m always listening for ways to improve. Please use the “Contact Us” link along the top each page to let me know your thoughts on how to improve A Great Vintage. I’m looking to make this something we all use and enjoy.

This site is NEW, so you may find the categories eerily empty in the beginning. Don’t let that scare you. You’re joining at the brink of a site that I hope will see thousands of visitors per day.

Okay - It’s time to start having some fun. Head on over to A Great Vintage, register, and start selling and buying.  

Please report all site bugs using the “Contact” page.

One final, important note. After placing an ad, save the ad confirmation email from A Great Vintage because this has the Listing Edit Key (same as the Ad Access Key) that you will need to edit and renew your ad.

 Thanks again!

Tom
VintageRacingBicycles.com
AGreatVintage.com

I appreciate that there is even an opportunity to sell "KOF" (Keepers of the Flame) bicycles, so even if it's a newer bike that has traditional or more classic style, it can be listed here as well. If you have interest in vintage bicycles and parts, stop over and have a look. 

Just Words

As I was browsing through Facebook, I came across a post from a local bicycle shop. They had put up the following picture:

At first, I didn't think anything about it as I just scrolled by without giving it much attention, but as I scrolled back up the page, something kind of nagged at me about this. As I thought about it, I realized just how much I personally saw wrong with this statement. It isn't that I don't have a sense of humor, and I can take it in the spirit it was intended, but I think that ignoring these sorts of "funny" statements isn't necessarily the way to go either.

First, I see this statement as somewhat elitist. It makes it sound (or at least, is inferred) that in order to get into cycling, a person has to spend a great deal of money. If you don't have that money, then you aren't permitted to join this special group of people who can spend lots of extra money on bicycles. Is this really the image that should be projected by a local bike shop? I've been in this specific store several times, and they do carry a wide range of bicycles that range from fairly inexpensive up to the most ridiculously costly bikes, but this statement certainly doesn't reflect that. If I was looking for a bike and knew nothing about this shop, I'm not sure I'd want to go here as an option.

Along with the elitist sort of thoughts, I can't help but wonder why on earth one would be concerned about his bicycles after he's passed on. Not only is he concerned, but it's apparently his biggest fear. Again, I fully understand that this is intended as a joke, however, is this individual so caught up in monetary concerns that even after he's no longer in an earthly body he's worried about how much he'll (or his wife) get out of the bikes?

Then there's my bigger issue here. I find it interesting that the individual who created this chose to use the pronoun "wife" instead of "partner" or "spouse." I know plenty of women who have spent their fair share on bicycles, and in fact, using our household as only one example, I have far more monetarily into my bikes than Sam has into his. There are reasons for this outside of money, but I can't say I care for the inference that the "little lady" can't possibly know the costs of a bicycle nor a reasonable price to sell it. Doesn't this just perpetuate ideas that should have long ago died out?

As stated, I could easily have passed by this meme and not thought twice, and I see the humor in the general idea, but I don't know if I believe this is an appropriate statement or idea to be spreading... particularly by a bike shop. On one hand, I'm not so serious about life that I think everything someone says is an attempt to keep segments of society at a lower level, but on the other, I think there should be more awareness in regard to the wording of statements as well. Although I'm certainly no angel and have undoubtedly said things that may have offended someone, that is never my intention to do so. Is intent the most important piece of the puzzle, or are there statements that should never be made? What do you think? They are just words, but words create ideas and lead to the formation of opinions - whether good or bad, positive or negative. Should memes like the one above be taken with humor and the spirit they were intended, or are there instances when ideas like these simply shouldn't be spread?

The Post I Never Wanted to Write {AKA: One Year's Proof I Don't Lose Weight}

*Apologies in advance for the many fuzzy photos in the post, but they are what I have to share at this time. Thanks for understanding. 

Officially, it has been one year since I've lost any weight. There have been a couple of e-mails recently from readers who have been following my journey, wondering when I would update my weight loss page. The harsh reality is that it is updated, despite the fact that there hasn't been a log in many, many months. At the beginning of October 2012, I had lost 60 pounds and it remains at that point today. I know what many are likely thinking... What does any of this have to do with bikes? Frankly, nothing... and yet, everything. On a personal note it obviously affects me, but the reality is that there are others going through similar situations too. The fact remains that if I were carrying less weight, it would simply be easier to pedal a bike making me more efficient, and some would argue (though I could debate this) faster. Because I started this journey with a blog post, it only makes sense that I would update regarding how things have been going, even if that update isn't what I'd hoped it would be at this point.

This is roughly where I started...Sam and I had rode with a group to Boulder before this lifestyle shift. I remember how mad I was that someone was taking a photo while I was eating, which just perpetuated (in my mind) the myth that fat people never stop eating. In truth, I hardly ate on this afternoon, but the image of the plate full of food in front of me, fork headed to mouth, still haunts me.

As I was saying, one year ago I was making plans to lose another 10 pounds by the end of 2012. Little did I know at the time that my body had other plans (If you aren't aware of my personal struggle, you can read back through posts during summer of last year - starting with the first check in - and see that I had set goals to lose weight). Things were moving along so I had no reason to think my weight loss would stop. It hadn't been particularly speedy, and I was proceeding in a manner that I saw as maintainable for life (as I will continue to do), but over the course of not only those next couple of months, but the last year, it has been proven that my body seems to be some oddity of nature.

Some face shots of the pre-lifestyle change.

To all those who choose to bash, shame, joke about, make a mockery of, and so on, let me be an example of those who try so hard and yet still see little to no results. I can illustrate that in fact it is possible to spend a good chunk of time working out, eating properly, and still not see the results in the form of pounds lost on the scale. I stated above that I am an "oddity of nature," but let me say this, I know I am not alone in my current reality. I know others, of all shapes and sizes, who work out and yet don't see any losses on the scale.

Some face shots after losing 60 lbs.

A typical workout week for me includes between 12 (on a bad week) to 20+ (on a better week) hours of hard work (and this doesn't include any errand or other joy rides on the bike). The weeks' workouts consist of several hours of cycling and kickboxing, running, and some strength training to wrap things up. Occasionally, something else is thrown in. For example, last week I attended a couple of CrossFit sessions (my GOD, those people are insane, but awesome!), or I'll throw in some circuit workouts to keep things interesting. For anyone who's ever worked out with me, you know I put my all into it. I'm not one to just show up because I said I'd be there. If I'm there, you're getting everything I have. If I'm not sweating profusely, I'm disappointed and think that it just wasn't challenging enough. Seriously, I have issues. So many issues in fact that working out for me at one point started to become my job. I kept thinking that if I just added another hour (or 2, or 4) a day that I'd see the changes. Unfortunately, it just became obsessive and no weight loss actually occurred. I had to get myself in check and remind myself that I wanted to do only things that I could maintain for life.

On a long road ride pre-2012 (sadly, not at my largest)...I ride, regardless of size or weight because I love it and it makes me happy.

Recently, I read an article in which the author claimed that anyone who works out 20 hours a week couldn't be fat or overweight. Hmm... I beg to differ. I'm not linking to the article because he doesn't deserve the attention, nor are any of his claims based on scientific (or any kind of) fact, but I think this is at the core of the American (and perhaps other nations as well) belief system about the overweight. "If you're working THAT hard, there's no way you wouldn't lose," or "Maybe you just need to eat less" are extremely common phrases that sometimes well-meaning, but often-counter-productive people say. The reality is, it's not as simple as calories-in vs calories-out, as so many would like to believe. Again, I am living proof of this reality.

May 2012 vs August 2012

As far as eating goes, I have good and bad days like any other human being, but the reality is that I eat pretty well most of the time and I always know how many calories I've consumed. I eat a balanced and varied diet, full of greens, fruits, beans, grains and so on. I have tried playing with calories for long stretches of time (both eating less and eating more) and my weight remains the same. There's a well-respected calculator here that tells me I'm not eating enough. Basically, it wants me to eat between 4-6,000 calories a day (and that's to lose weight!), but how much should a person eat if s/he isn't actually hungry? Still, there are many who think restrictive eating isn't the way to go, and while I agree that restrictions only lead to over-indulgences in the long run, I have not given up anything that I didn't want to. In fact, I've never said that I "can't" have anything. I do choose more often than not to forego certain foods because they simply don't make me feel good. I have a strange love of spinach and kale now that I never thought possible, but it doesn't mean that I don't indulge on occasion.

I ride, regardless of size or weight - because I enjoy it

I've read so much that it's overwhelming. It's almost as though there is a conspiracy to keep people overweight (and why wouldn't there be... diet sales - books, products, pills - is a multi-billion dollar industry because people are looking for quick fixes). There are the hardcore enthusiasts of eliminating certain food groups entirely, and there are others who encourage people to eat whatever they want in extremely small portions, but at the core of all of these ideas seems to be that in order to lose weight, one must restrict calories down to almost nothing. I can speak from personal experience and state that eliminating all but a small amount of food each day will not create long term, successful weight loss. I've gone this route far too many times in life and it always ends with gaining weight (usually more than what was lost to begin with).

The great news is that I haven't gained weight over the last year, but because I still have a lot to lose, naturally most people in my life expect that all of the working out, bike riding, running, and so on will result in more pounds lost. I couldn't agree more. It only makes sense that consistency and hard work will have positive results. But, perhaps that is the exact problem... that I'm expecting the results I want to see and not what my body actually wants or perhaps needs at this moment in life. My body has transformed, certainly, and I have so much muscle that my darling Sam has joked that I'm becoming The Hulk or Juggernaut.  I like being strong, don't get my wrong, but it would be nice to see the muscle instead of the overlying fat on the surface.

First belt testing in kickboxing, early 2012 vs several tests later

I've been told in the past by medical professionals that I have a body that would survive famine, and while I'm grateful that when the apocalypse comes, I will be one of the hardy folks who can live through it with little sustenance, we aren't there right now and it would be nice to not have to carry around so much excess. I recently read a blog post in which the author states that slow and steady is the way to go. I think he's right on, but is it really steady if losses have stopped completely, and for so long?

May 2012 (a couple of months in to the new lifestyle) vs January 2013

Let's think about this for a moment and really ponder it. One year... Three hundred and sixty-five days of doing everything "right" and yet staying exactly the same. Burning (through exercise alone) 2-6,000 calories a day, 4-6 days a week (and truthfully, sometimes 7 days a week), and seeing nothing lost on the scale. How demotivating! And yet, I can't imagine giving up my workout time. Something has changed for me over the last year and a half, and even if it isn't my physical weight, I know I am a better person - mentally and physically.

A couple of months after I started this new life (in blue) and October 2013 (in orange). It may not seem as though much changed, but life has warped dramatically, regardless of what shows on the outside.

I don't like putting pictures of myself up on the blog... well, I don't like seeing them anywhere, truth be told. I don't like to be reminded of the body I deal with on a daily basis in picture form. But the reality is that my body has changed - a lot. The changes may not be as visible as I'd prefer, and maybe they never will be, but I am thankful for what I've been given - scratch that, earned [and look forward to being a leader when zombies take over, or when pests wipe out crops :O)]. I may not look like the American ideal of a fit person, but I am capable of more than many others. Speed may not be my forte, but endurance certainly is.

I hope to God that one day I wake up and this never-ending plateau reaches its end, but for now, all I can do is accept the body I'm working with, love it for what it is, and know that I am giving it the ability to perform to the best of its ability. I may not be what the public perceives as an image of health, but I know the truth. I work hard, I am strong, and I am healthy. In fact, I'm testing for my black belt in kickboxing this weekend, so if anyone wants to argue that fact, we'll have a little chat about just how strong I am - or better yet, you can meet me on the studio floor and we'll hash it out. Ultimately, health is what is most important for anyone... scale be damned.

Single Cycling Female or Riding Alone

Recently I was asked, "On your rides, do you ever get nervous being alone as a female?" The question caught me just a bit off guard, as I hadn't given it much thought. Fortunately, it was asked in written form, so the blank stare that came across my face wasn't visible. There have been numerous posts through which I've mentioned I almost exclusively ride alone, so the inquiry really shouldn't have been as difficult as it was to answer in the moment. I struggled for an answer at the time, but I feel better prepared (at least somewhat) to answer the question now.  I believe part of what threw me off was my own lack of clarity as to whether the question revolved around concerns about breakdowns on the side of the road and my inability to resolve whatever issues might arise (I've also written thoroughly about my mechanical ineptitude), or if it was in regard to my personal well-being as a solitary cyclist, who happens to also be female. Since it was a brief question and I didn't ask for follow-up or additional information, I think it's easier to address both concerns, as I believe they are both valid possibilities.

The reality is I had to take a step back to question myself as to whether or not there'd been a point in my cycling life that I had concerns about riding alone. The answer quickly discovered was, "Yes!" and in that moment I felt ridiculous for ever having thought otherwise. Of course there are times when I have felt unsafe or nervous about riding alone. I think most people have had some sort of experience that has shaken them a bit, or perhaps completely rocked their confidence while cycling, but hopefully it doesn't keep the individual from getting back on the road.

I decided to break my thoughts down into two sub-topics: possible breakdowns and riding alone. If you have ideas/suggestions on the matter or your own experiences to share, I would encourage you to leave comments as I certainly won't be able to discuss every possible scenario in one post. Instead, I thought I would give more of my personal, overall view of cycling by myself.

Possible Breakdowns
Try as I might, there is something that doesn't quite work in my noggin' when it comes to fixing mechanical issues. I use the term "mechanical" here in a loose fashion because I am really referring to anything other than the most basic use of a screwdriver or hammer. It's not that I don't fully understand how to do something; the problem comes, however, when I have to actually engage in fixing the problem. One of my first recollections when Sam and I were dating was telling him how proud I was of myself for putting my newly-purchased bookshelf together (it was one of those ply-board type of objects with only three shelves). When he saw the shelf for the first time, I'm sure he thought I was playing the helpless-girl card as he didn't seem impressed, but he soon discovered my skill with putting things together or fixing things is almost non-existent.

When I began cycling and knew I'd be doing so alone, I thought it was important that I be able to fix minor issues (such as a flat tire, or putting a slipped chain back on), especially following my first flat after which I had to call for a ride. I would watch Sam take items on the bike apart and then watch as he put them back together. I viewed online videos and read tutorials. I felt ridiculous having to go through all of this just to be able to patch a flat tire. It really isn't that difficult, or at least it shouldn't be. It's truly not the patching itself that's the problem, but all that surrounds it. I even had Sam let me fix a tube at home while he watched. All went just fine, so I suddenly felt empowered to do this on my own.

The reality is that it is different changing or patching a tube on the side of the road. There's potentially a lot of traffic and there may not be a safe place to pull over. Not to mention (at least if you are me) the panic suddenly felt when I realize I'm going to have to do this alone. Honestly, sometimes it just makes more sense to carry a spare tube and worry about patching a flat later at home if I want to reuse the tube. Do I follow this advice? Rarely... but if you don't want to make your life difficult, it could be a good rule to follow. I do try to have tires on my bike that are 1) not worn past their life expectancy, which can create a higher probability of getting a flat, and 2) offer a higher level of puncture resistance from the get go so as to avoid problems at all.

The last flat I experienced wasn't too long ago after I ran through a patch of glass on some cheap tires, but fortunately, I wasn't riding by myself. While I should've used this as a time to practice in a real-life situation, I was grateful not to deal with it alone.

Since tires (in my experience) seem to be the most likely cause of a roadside breakdown, being able to repair or change these is important, so I like to remind myself to practice once in awhile so I don't have that panicked feeling when it does happen. The more I ride, I also consider getting CO2 cartridges so I don't have to deal with the often difficult to use (or, perhaps more accurately, the more exhausting to use) mini-pump carried in my saddle bag.

I have experienced other roadside issues, too. On one ride, my chain broke. It wasn't as simple as just getting it back on the crank because one of the links was physically broken (and sadly, not the master link). Even though I was on a group ride, I was at the rear of the pack when this happened and I was left stranded until someone realized I was missing. I've had a wheel hub seize while I was riding alone, which prevented the rear wheel from moving at all, and I've experienced shifting issues to the point that I was riding single speed for a good distance. The bottom line is that the more I ride, the more things seem to happen, so keeping the bike well tuned is always a good idea. My motto has been to be prepared, but not to fixate on all of the possible roadside hiccups.

As far as breakdowns go, I have had my moments of nervousness or fear about what could happen, but I have made it my mission to attempt to learn as much as I can, have the tools on hand that I need for more common malfunctions, and carry a phone on me at all times in case of need for a last resort call for assistance.

Riding Alone
Addressing the question of riding alone as a female is more difficult for me, in some respects. On one hand, I think nothing of jumping on my bike and heading out for a long ride alone, but on the other, there have been moments in the past when I'd have preferred to have someone along for the ride. I am not one to live a life full of paranoia and fear of possible mishaps, but at the same time, I think it's important not to put myself in bad situations either.

If I'm completely truthful, my first line of defense is often my intuition. It's not a strength for everyone I am aware, and I have my own moments of not paying attention to it, but if that little voice inside is whispering (or yelling) about something I'm doing or a place I'm headed, I have tried my best to actually heed its warning (and frankly, it's saved me on more than one occasion). I have been extremely fortunate when riding alone and have not encountered too many odd situations with other people.

In fact, one of the great joys of riding for me is getting to share that love with others who are doing the same. They have an appreciation and/or can often relate to what the other is saying.
"Did you see that driver back there?!"
"Yes! She nearly ran me into the ditch because she was looking on the floor of her car for something."
"At least it's a beautiful day to be outside."
"It sure is. Glad to be on a bike."
"Enjoy your day!"
"You too!"
Although the conversation above is fairly innocuous, I've had some interesting, fun and sometimes bizarre conversations with strangers while riding. They tend to be short because usually the other person is passing me, but every once in awhile it's nice to hear another cyclists' ideas or perspective on life, riding a bike, the local scene, and so on.

*Image found here

Another aspect to point out is that I don't live in a city. Well, I live in a city, but I don't live in a city. Meaning, the population in this area is low compared to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or even the Denver metro area. The entire county population is estimated at just under 300,000, and the surrounding counties are not high in number either. It doesn't mean that crazy things don't take place or that we don't have our share of crime, but the reality is that with fewer people, the instances that arise tend to also be lower when compared to large cities.

For some people, urban versus suburban or even rural could make a difference with perception of personal safety. Having lived in the Los Angeles area for several years and frequently walked the streets by myself, I can say that even there I didn't feel in danger or unsafe. I was often more aware of what was taking place around me, but I didn't let it keep me from the activities I wanted to do. For some, living in this area would have been an absolute nightmare, but I think knowing and being comfortable with our own strengths and weaknesses can help avoid sticky situations as well.

There are also some women who carry pepper spray (or some facsimile thereof) with them when they ride alone. I haven't felt the need to do so, but I think if it makes a person feel better able to handle a situation, there is nothing wrong with being prepared for a potential incident that we hope never actually happens (I would recommend that if opting for this choice, be sure to know how to use the spray). I have lived in areas that I chose to carry pepper spray with me after dark, so I really do believe it is a personal decision. Keeping local police/emergency numbers programmed into a cell phone can't be a bad idea either.

In reality, every individual has to decide what is right for her (or him). For me, I have spent a great portion of my life engaged in solitary activities, so to take that alone time away would create a void and probably destroy a big piece of me. While I do like to ride with other people, I appreciate the ability to tackle a ride on my own, to get lost in my thoughts, or to work through problems. Do I get nervous on occasion being out alone? Sure, but the benefits far outweigh any possible down side.

Riding with the Surly Cross-Check

Several weeks ago, I stumbled upon a write up from a bicycle shop in the northwest that was expecting delivery of their first Surly Straggler's any day. At that moment, I wasn't even aware that Surly was preparing to launch a couple of new bikes/frames into their lineup, but I very quickly fell for the metallic violet/purple color of the Straggler. I'm no stranger to Surly, as I've had two rounds with the Pacer, test rode the Long Haul Trucker at length (and Sam owned one for quite awhile), and the LHT was a close second choice when I ultimately purchased the Rivendell Hillborne a few years ago. Did I need another bike? Probably not, but I was finding the desire to do more dirt/trail/gravel riding, and didn't want to beat the crap out of my Riv (well, anymore than I already do), nor did I want to change the set up to be used appropriately for these sorts of rides.

One evening as we were chatting I said, "You know, I'm really thinking about that new Surly. I think I could make good use of it." Sam didn't even begin put up a fight, and so I resumed obsessing over obtaining a Straggler. Not too long afterward, we were wandering around a bike shop when we came across a Surly Cross-Check. It happened to be the right size and Sam suggested I take it out for a spin if I had my sights set on the Straggler, which is supposed to be very similar to the Cross-Check with a few modifications. Not being one to turn down a test ride, I was very quickly off to find some bumpy paths to see how it would handle.

*Image found here - Stock Cross-Check set up

The Cross-Check did amazingly well - really, better than I'd anticipated. I very intentionally set out to ride steep hills, rough roads, and hopefully some dirt. It wasn't hard to find what I was seeking, and the gearing on the stock ride was more than adequate to get me through all of it. I had concerns about the tires, but I'd gone over a goat head that stuck in the tire, and the tires/tube seemed to hold up just fine. At the end of my test ride, we discussed what it is I liked or would want in the Straggler over this Cross-Check, and it seemed like the Cross-Check was a good fit for my needs. We also chatted about picking up a frame and building it up ourselves, but in the end, the whole bike was a decent deal and, impatient child that I am, I could ride it now. Ah, instant gratification.

After riding the bike a bit when I got home, I wasn't loving the handlebars (I will note here that Sam actually really liked the handlebars and ended up taking them for a bike he rides regularly, so perhaps this is more a matter of preference, as I am used to a much smaller handlebar), nor the bar end shifters. The bar ends work extremely well on my Rivendell because of the set up, but with drop bars I was finding them more frustrating than anything. Because the handlebars felt gigantic to me, we did a quick switch out to some smaller drops we had in the pack of random bike parts and switched out the bar ends for STI shifters while we were at it. I was immediately more comfortable and at ease with the set up and enjoyed the bike that much more.

At the time of purchase, I didn't realize just how handy this bike would be in the coming weeks. The storm that flooded our area took out a lot of roads/bridges, and those that were still usable were littered with random garbage, mud and rocks, lost belongings, and so on, so riding any sort of skinny-tired bike seemed like an unnecessary and easily avoidable risk. Sure, I could've stayed indoors, but that's not how I deal with life and the lemons it sometimes chooses to provide. Instead, I got to ride every day through the storm and (unfortunately) see the damage that was taking place as well.

On one of the rides toward the end of the storm, I ran over a piece of glass that punctured the rear tire. Perhaps it was an over reaction, but I decided to pick up a set of tires with more puncture resistance and since then, I've had no trouble (knock on wood) with flats. I opted for Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires, and while they are heavier than others, on this sort of bike I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of weight for ease of mind on rougher terrain. Honestly, I haven't noticed a difference in speed, and I think it was well worth the effort for peace of mind when riding.

Despite being a heavier ride (it's no lightweight, but it's not the heaviest bike I own either), it moves easily and smoothly. It doesn't pedal as sprightly as a lighter road bike, but that isn't its purpose, and it performs well on many surfaces. It feels solid and is comfortable for many hours of riding and I could see this bike easily transforming into a commuter, single-speed city rider, or a trail bike. After several days of riding a lighter road bike (which I do love, but it has its place), I was able to get back on the Cross-Check and was quickly reminded why it's such a joy. It really is smooth, and rolls nicely even over the dreaded chip-seal.

In many ways, I'm surprised by how long it's taken me to purchase the Cross-Check because it's just so functional and easy to use. It doesn't get the long stares from strangers like some other bikes receive, but it's definitely special in its own right. Once in awhile, I even get a "Hey, Surly... Cool!" out of a random passer-by. I think if a person were going to have only one bike, I could see this as an ideal option because of its ease of use on so many different types of roads and in a variety of situations. While I'm not ready to give up other options in the mix, I am grateful to have such a solid bike along for the sometimes hairy, but always fun ride.