February 5, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #1
Oregon is all a-buzz with excitement in preparation for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, a benefit for the Community Cycling Center. Riders are coming from as far north as Seattle and as far south as Ashland. This quirky-fun ride is so much a part of our regional climate. To get you ready, I'll be running a series of ride tips and facts throughout the week.
TIP #1
Register! If you're not yet registered but you think you're going to ride, do it now. This ride will sell out at some point. You may be able to register on the day of the ride, but then again, you may not be able to. As soon as the number of riders reaches 1,500, all registration will be closed off - and that includes day-of-event registration. So get yourself registered and be prepared to have some serious fun!
It has never rained on a Worst Day of the Year Ride and, in fact, the weather has always been quite pleasant.
Posted by orbike at 8:44 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 17, 2007
Pictures of a Snowy Day
What do you do on a snow day? Well, if you're as lucky as me, your boss gives you the day off because he understands that we should appreciate such a rare Oregon moment. And we here at Team ORbike love to enjoy life! That's why we live to ride, ride to live, and strive to promote biking in Oregon. So once noon hit and we were encouraged to drop our projects and play in the snow, I headed out into the winter wonderland with my friends Dan and Nikola.
I tried biking but didn't get far. I'm giving it another go today. I did, however, see my regular yellow-clad neighborhood commuter, as well as plenty of other brave souls on bikes. I saw a few guys just riding around the park, and several carrying sleds on their backs. Later in the night I ran into a group of friends. Two were on a tandem (double the stability, or double the slippage?) and one had switched out her commuter bike in favor of the knobby mt. bike.
Too bad this weather couldn't wait until February 11 to arrive.
Posted by orbike at 10:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 16, 2007
A Snowy Commute
It's 8:20 am and there are still no car tracks on my sleepy NE Portland street. The street is a pure sheet of white. It makes me wonder if I'll see the yellow-clad cyclist who make is way past my house every day like clockwork.
Did you commute by bike in the snow? How was your ride?
Posted by orbike at 8:20 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
January 10, 2007
Worst?? Day of the Year Ride
It has become a great Portland joke: The Worst Day of the Year Ride happens on what should be the worst day of the year, but hasn't been since the ride started. Oh sure, one year there was hail, but that was only after all the riders left - but the cleanup crew was still trying to haul boxes into the trucks. So it's cute, the coincidence that this ride is always on a nice day - but will it happen again this year?
The ride's resident meteorologist, the Icy Monkey, is predicting great weather. He also consulted with the Farmer's Almanac, which forecasts drier but colder weather. I think we'll all just have to head out that day and see for ourselves! But if you're not registered yet, do it right away. The limited 1,500 rider slots are filling up quickly. This event will sell out.
Posted by orbike at 10:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 8, 2007
Winter Tips
It was really icy the other morning and reminded me that though we're experiencing a pretty mild winter in most parts of Oregon, the ice and snow could still hit us. And I, for one, don't want to stop riding. So here is a compilation of winter riding tips from us and from around the internet.
Go for it! Way to be riding in the winter! Not everyone is bold enough to do it. It's the getting started part that is hard. Once you're out there, you'll be glad you are. And you can always come home to a nice hot bath, or if you're heading to work you can relax into a chair with a warm drink.
Bring extra socks. Keep a pair of thick, cozy socks in your bag. If you don't have rain booties or you didn't wear them because it was supposed to only be a short trip in light rain, these fresh dry socks and do an amazing job or re-warming you..
Rain and dirt = a clunky, squeaky bike. You're going to need to clean your bike and lube the chain more often to keep it functioning well in the winter. Plan ahead and spend some time doing this. How often? That depends on how often you ride.
Light up.Stay well lit on these long dark days. Small blinking white lights don't do the trick. They're economical, durable and the batteries last a long time, but motorists consistently report that they just can't see them from far away. Keep your batteries fresh. It's a small price to pay for being visible. If you haven't changed your batteries in a long time, you'll be amazed at how much brighter your lights are. Front and rear.
Don't tense up on ice and snow.Try to pedal smoothly and relax your upper body, especially on ice and soft snow. When the bike starts going sideways, make small corrections rather than oversteering and weaving down the trail. Practice riding in a straight line when the trail is good so it's easier under bad conditions. On some soft trails, higher speeds take less effort than lower speeds because your tires sink into the snow less at higher speed. When riding in a group on soft trails, have the weaker, less skilled or badly equipped riders lead so they can use the trail before the better riders cut it up.
Don't risk the leaves. Wet leaves are amazingly slick. Don't risk it. Take corners slowly. Sewer covers can be slick as well.
Layer up. You may start out cold, but chance are that won't last long. Assemble an outfit that makes it easy to strip layers over the course of your ride. Wool and synthetics are great.
Suck it up, get the good gear. There is no better way to learn to embrace the Oregon rain then to be dry on the inside and wet on the outside. Get the gear - it's worth the cost. Booties to cover your shoes, pants, a good jacket and good gloves. I personally skip the helmet cover because my helmet doesn't let a lot of rain in and I often have some sort of a head cover.
How to stuff a helmet. Thin cycling hats work okay, but if you've got cold-prone ears like many of us, a headband is perfect. You can buy them everywhere, but you can easily make them out of fleece. A four-inch band works well. While you're at it, make 3. They're easy to lose. Don't be fooled by the store-bought thin ones, they're not the windstoppers the purport to be.
It's easy to get dehydrated in the winter. Cold makes us forget we're thirsty since heat makes it so obvious. Remind yourself to drink plenty of fluids on long rides.
Snap. Steel gets more brittle at winter temperatures but I haven't seen any steel frames or components break from the cold. Aluminum and titanium don't get significantly more brittle at winter temperatures. Aluminum shrinks more than steel as it cools and on a bike with a steel fork and aluminum frame the headset will get loose when it's very cold. Plastics do get brittle and we see waterbottle cages, toeclips, pedals and the sheathing on cable housing break all winter. If the plastic cracks on indexed shifter housing, the housing will buckle and the shifting won't work. You can reinforce the shifter housing with heat-shrink tubing (available at electrical supply stores) to prevent this problem. The size that fits best is 3/16".
Posted by orbike at 10:04 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 1, 2006
Tips for Winter Biking
But fortunately most of us in Oregon aren't cycling under these conditions.
[ read the Treehugger Blog article ]
Posted by orbike at 6:28 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 27, 2006
Best Bike Lights?
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but lately my light situation has been abysmal. I lost the front light then the rear light died. Replaced them. Front light got water damaged. Rear light broke off. Old front light found, replaced, rear light is, er, still not replaced. It's pathetic, it's unsafe and I know better.
As I was leaving my neighborhood yesterday, I was blinded by two headlights coming at me, but instead be being side-by-side they were up and down. It was a rider with a headlight and a handle bar light that were as bright and broad as car headlights. I certainly saw him. It made me reconsider my light situation.
Only, this time, I'm done with weak lights that don't light up my path. What lights do you rock? What lasts? What's bright? What is convenient? What's worth the cost?
Posted by orbike at 9:20 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
January 21, 2006
The Handlebar - Chicago
Hey! Where's Portland's bike bar? Vancouver, WA has Bortolami Pizzaria steeped in bike racing culture. And I'm in Chicago right now and they've got The Handlebar, a fun bike-themed bar. When's Portland going to catch on? I guess we're lucky because bikers are pretty much found everywhere, but it would be great to have a bar that honors our bike culture.
Have you seen those new bike signs that indicate how far it is to different sections of the city? I head it took nearly 10 years to get those in place and I don't even think they are all that readable. Chicago has had those for years and they work really well. I lived in the Chicago area about 7 years ago and it certainly wasn't the bikey place it is today. Mayor Daley commutes by bike to work and is trying to make this the greenest city, so he has put a lot of effort into making Chicago a bike friendly town. [ ... read more ]
It snowed a lot here last night. People were totally still on bikes. Some areas got up to 15 inches of snow. Most of downtown only got 4 inches. That didn't stop the bikers, and the Handlebar was filled to capacity. In the restroom I saw the tag of Portland-based bike crew C.H.U.N.K. 666, a sign that other Portlanders had come before me. It was a good night at the bar.
[ ...More on winter biking in Chicago ]
Posted by orbike at 10:30 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 6, 2006
Not the Worst Day of the Year Ride
I used to work at the Community Cycling Center so I've been involved with the Worst Day of the Year Ride for years, and I've seen it grow from 250 riders to this year's anticipated 1,000. It's a super fun ride. Though the date is touted as the worst day of the year, it has actually never been rainy. It's an easy ride - just 18 miles with 4 rest stops - but there is also a 40-mile Challenge Loop to Hillsboro REI . So much fun. February 12th. Register at REIs, Bike Galleries, Lucky Labs, CCCs or River City and get a discount.
Posted by orbike at 6:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 4, 2006
Gloves For Winter Riding - My Hands Were Hot Today
I would just like to report that this morning, while it was chilly out, my hands got hot. I'm from the Chicago area, and all my life I've had cold hands. I couldn't believe it today when my hands were hot. Huge thanks goes to the ORbike.com blog readers for commenting on the gloves they wear. I used these suggestion to choose my gloves and I've been really happy with them. Cold? No problem. Rain? My hands stay dry. Pearl Izumi AmFIBs. Totally worth the price.
Posted by orbike at 4:21 PM | Comments (1)
December 15, 2005
Winter Riding Isn't so Bad
I've been really cold while riding lately so I keep cruising the net for info on places where it's colder. Reading about extreme winter riding keeps me in check: compared to them we've got it pretty good here. My latest favorites:
Winter Riding in Alaska
Chicago's Bike Winter Movement
Clothing Tips from Ohio
Ice Bike: Home of the Winter Cyclist
Posted by orbike at 11:22 AM | Comments (0)
December 6, 2005
"Official Winter Riding Gear" : a Recipe from Illinois
I'm from Illinois so info about bike riding in Illinois tends to catch my eye. A guy who goes by the handle Double_d posted his prescription for what clothing combo to wear in different riding temperatures and called it the "Official Winter Riding Gear". He's got it all figured out, all the way down to zero. What do you think?
Here's a guide to what to wear at what temp. All Temps are Farenheit
70's
ss jersey
shorts
60's
ss synthetic undershirt
ss jersey
shorts or knickers
Optional
Arm Warmers
Knee Warmers
Wind Vest
50's
ls synthetic undershirt
ss jersey
knickers or lycra tights
wind vest
headband or cycling cap inside your helmet
Optional
Arm Warmers
Leg Warmers
Wind Jacket
Glove Liners
wool socks
40's
ls jersey
synthetic undershirt
polypro tights over shorts
wool socks
Windstopper fleece vest
head band under helmet
Optional
GoreTex Jacket
Glove Liners
Goretex Socks
Winter shoes
30's
ls jersey
synthetic T-zip Capilene ls
polypro tights over shorts
wool socks
Wind vest
GoreTex Jacket
head band under helmet
Winter shoes
Optional
Winter Windstopper tights
Balaclava
Winter Gloves
20's
ls jersey
synthetic T-zip Capilene ls
Winter Windstopper tights over shorts
wool socks
Windstopper vest
GoreTex Jacket
head band or balaclava under helmet
Winter shoes
Winter Gloves
Optional
Chemical Toe warmers
Zero to 10
ls jersey
synthetic T-zip Capilene ls
BMX Style Pants or full Windstopper Fleece Pants over shorts
wool socks with Chemical Toe warmers
Fleece Jacket
GoreTex Jacket
Downhill Ski Helmet
Winter shoes
Winter Gloves
Optional
Chemical hand warmers
Ski Goggles
Psychological Evaluation
Hope this helps.............You should start the ride feeling a little cold, because you're gonna heat up once you enter the woods and get your swerve on. I like to vent my arms and keep my core warm.
Posted by orbike at 7:52 AM | Comments (3)
November 8, 2005
Time for Gloves
It's always a struggle as winter approaches. Warmth is a must, mobility is also a plus and full rain protection is essential. So what's the glove you wear to give you the coverage you crave for a comfy ride?
Real comments from real riders: Check out the comments for great advice from riders. This is some of the best information out there coming from die-hard Portland/Vancouver riders.
Posted by orbike at 6:28 AM | Comments (30)