I haven't been able to post in a while between being busy and lack of internet at my house. And to be honest, I haven't been riding my bike much, so I wouldn't have had anything to write about anyhow-this being a bike blog and all.
My cousin Amy came for a visit from Texas last week, and we did take a pretty sweet bike tour around the farmland that runs along the Connecticut. We found a waterfall and a secluded spot on the river ideal for swimming. Later she told me that this had been her favorite day of the trip. It was mine too, and not just because is was my birthday!
Speaking of my birthday, I wanted to mention that between Vanessa and my parents I got some great stuff for the trip. Vanessa managed to find me bicycle gloves (in an extra small! not easy to do!) that match my bike perfectly. It's kind of weird how perfectly they match-weird in a great way. I've worn them three times now on the ride to work and it makes a difference. I feel like I have a better grip, and they help absorb vibrations so going over bumps isn't as jarring.
My parents sent a box of bike goodies including lights, an obnoxious bike horn and a cycling guidebook to the west coast-which will be so helpful when we're planning our route.
This week I've ridden to and from work three days in a row. Lyon has been on tour since May 19th (yes, he left the day before my birthday!). But he's happily playing honky-tonk tunes with this band called JP Harris and the Tough Choices (www.myspace.com/thetoughchoices). They went as far south as West Virginia, and are working their way back up to Mass now. They should be home by June 1st.
So that is the update for now. Our next step will be to buy a tent and take ourselves for an overnight cycling trip to see how it feels. Any suggestions for where to get a supper lightweight tent that will fit two?
Thanks to everyone for following and for being so supportive and encouraging as you all have.
Alice
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Bookmill
May 2nd, 2010
Ride to and from the Bookmill: 40 miles
In my mind, the bike trip started today. This was our first long ride together, and I could really imagine how it will be on the road.
This morning, we took our time packing up our ice water, snacks, books and journals, and were able to hit the pavement just after noon. We started out on the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, which I know like the back of my hand from my commutes to work. But soon we veered to the left onto a road flanked by farmland. "Freedom!" I yelled, as we coasted down, having broken away from that mind-numbing trail. It was hot and muggy especially for New England, but the breeze on our faces was invigorating, and I think we both just felt so glad to be outside.
We road along rt. 47, which follows the Connecticut River, past green pastures and freshly plowed farms, past historic homes, old barns and tobacco houses. We hugged the side of the road, and when cars did have to pass us, they always gave us plenty of room.
We were on 47 for about 20 minutes. Then we took a route that Google Maps had suggested for bicycles; right on "Shattuck." This turn led us onto a dirt path that then branched out into dirt roads. Lyon seemed to remember which one it was from looking at the map earlier, so we took that one. After rolling over gravel through someone's farm, we came to another paved street that was clearly marked, "Shattuck," and we took off down the smooth road, happy to be headed in the right direction.
The next set of roads took us through more residential areas nestled in the middle of nowhere. As we got further along, the scenery turned more woodsy and we could smell the pines towering over us, cooling us off. We could have been in New Hampshire. "How do all these people make their living?" I asked out loud. "You always ask that, every time you see nice houses that are out of the way," Lyon said. "Do I?" I guess I do. I just don't get it. Are they farmers? Do they commute to regular office jobs?
Google Maps took us over the fairly busy road, 116, at a pretty convenient place, and then took us through more neighborhoods before we had to abandon the back roads and hook back up with 47. The rest of the ride was a little more rough with some steep hills that Lyon had to wait at the top of while I crawled upwards at my highest gear. It was beautiful though. And we were happy the whole time.
When we finally rolled into Montague Center, a smile broke across my face. The Bookmill, perched atop a sloping waterfall, was a beautiful sight! And before ordering a root beer, a ginger brew and a sandwich to split, we locked up our bikes and took a foot path down to the river. As we dipped our feet and splashed our faces with ice cold water, we made plans to dunk our heads before riding back to Northampton. Standing barefooted on a rock with water rushing around us, I could picture what it would be like to live like nomads, planning our next move around the weather, finding a place to sleep at night, washing our feet in the Pacific Ocean.
Ride to and from the Bookmill: 40 miles
In my mind, the bike trip started today. This was our first long ride together, and I could really imagine how it will be on the road.
This morning, we took our time packing up our ice water, snacks, books and journals, and were able to hit the pavement just after noon. We started out on the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, which I know like the back of my hand from my commutes to work. But soon we veered to the left onto a road flanked by farmland. "Freedom!" I yelled, as we coasted down, having broken away from that mind-numbing trail. It was hot and muggy especially for New England, but the breeze on our faces was invigorating, and I think we both just felt so glad to be outside.
We road along rt. 47, which follows the Connecticut River, past green pastures and freshly plowed farms, past historic homes, old barns and tobacco houses. We hugged the side of the road, and when cars did have to pass us, they always gave us plenty of room.
We were on 47 for about 20 minutes. Then we took a route that Google Maps had suggested for bicycles; right on "Shattuck." This turn led us onto a dirt path that then branched out into dirt roads. Lyon seemed to remember which one it was from looking at the map earlier, so we took that one. After rolling over gravel through someone's farm, we came to another paved street that was clearly marked, "Shattuck," and we took off down the smooth road, happy to be headed in the right direction.
The next set of roads took us through more residential areas nestled in the middle of nowhere. As we got further along, the scenery turned more woodsy and we could smell the pines towering over us, cooling us off. We could have been in New Hampshire. "How do all these people make their living?" I asked out loud. "You always ask that, every time you see nice houses that are out of the way," Lyon said. "Do I?" I guess I do. I just don't get it. Are they farmers? Do they commute to regular office jobs?
Google Maps took us over the fairly busy road, 116, at a pretty convenient place, and then took us through more neighborhoods before we had to abandon the back roads and hook back up with 47. The rest of the ride was a little more rough with some steep hills that Lyon had to wait at the top of while I crawled upwards at my highest gear. It was beautiful though. And we were happy the whole time.
When we finally rolled into Montague Center, a smile broke across my face. The Bookmill, perched atop a sloping waterfall, was a beautiful sight! And before ordering a root beer, a ginger brew and a sandwich to split, we locked up our bikes and took a foot path down to the river. As we dipped our feet and splashed our faces with ice cold water, we made plans to dunk our heads before riding back to Northampton. Standing barefooted on a rock with water rushing around us, I could picture what it would be like to live like nomads, planning our next move around the weather, finding a place to sleep at night, washing our feet in the Pacific Ocean.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
National Bike Month
May is National Bike Month. This, according to the League of American Bicyclists (http://www.bikeleague.org/).
There will be different events happening in cities and towns all over the country this month, and you can search what's going on in your area, or add an event here: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/
National Bike month includes both Bike-To-Work Week (May 17th-21st) and Bike-To Work Day (Friday May 21st).
If I remember correctly, my parents' business (plug: www.clayworks.net), was awarded a plaque by the city of Austin one year for Bike-To Work Day because every employee road their bike to work.
Yay May!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sprockets and Such
April 25, 2010
It was a cold, dreary Sunday today, and the forecast said rain. So instead of riding our bikes to the Montague Bookmill (http://www.montaguebookmill.com/), we decided to have a little bike clinic in our living room. Though we're not brave enough to completely dismantle our bikes and put them back together again, we did have instruction books open and at our sides, and we took turns spinning wheels, tightening wires, and testing brakes and adjusting derailleurs.
The only thing that had been bothering me about my bike was that the unit holding the brake pads kept shifting to the right every time I hit a bump. And then, the right brake pad would slightly graze the wheel as I road, making a tshhhhhhhhhhh sound. So I found the right sized allen wrench, and tightened the until holding the brake pads in place. Call me Ms. Fix-it! So after that, I took my front wheel off, and put it back on (with Lyon's help), and turned my bike upside down and turned the pedals and shifted the gears just to get a better sense of what happened when I did that.
And while I did that I browsed our miniature 'Roadside Bicycle Repairs' book that I plan on taking with us.
Lyon's bike ailments were a little more complicated. His chain had actually come off his bike the last time he road it to Amherst, and shifting gears had become a noisy affair. Se he spent a lot of time with the bike propped upside-down, spinning the pedals with his hands, shifting gears, and watching the positioning of the derailleur, as it moved the bike chain from one "sprocket" (gear) to another. He eventually fixed his gear problem just by fiddling with the set-stop screws that limit how far a derailleur can move (if the limits not restricted enough, it can shift the chain right off the last sprocket), and by tightening the tension on the cable.
Our 4 year anniversary is In a couple of days. I think it's the perfect time to change things up and go for a nice, long bike ride.
It was a cold, dreary Sunday today, and the forecast said rain. So instead of riding our bikes to the Montague Bookmill (http://www.montaguebookmill.com/), we decided to have a little bike clinic in our living room. Though we're not brave enough to completely dismantle our bikes and put them back together again, we did have instruction books open and at our sides, and we took turns spinning wheels, tightening wires, and testing brakes and adjusting derailleurs.
The only thing that had been bothering me about my bike was that the unit holding the brake pads kept shifting to the right every time I hit a bump. And then, the right brake pad would slightly graze the wheel as I road, making a tshhhhhhhhhhh sound. So I found the right sized allen wrench, and tightened the until holding the brake pads in place. Call me Ms. Fix-it! So after that, I took my front wheel off, and put it back on (with Lyon's help), and turned my bike upside down and turned the pedals and shifted the gears just to get a better sense of what happened when I did that.
And while I did that I browsed our miniature 'Roadside Bicycle Repairs' book that I plan on taking with us.
Lyon's bike ailments were a little more complicated. His chain had actually come off his bike the last time he road it to Amherst, and shifting gears had become a noisy affair. Se he spent a lot of time with the bike propped upside-down, spinning the pedals with his hands, shifting gears, and watching the positioning of the derailleur, as it moved the bike chain from one "sprocket" (gear) to another. He eventually fixed his gear problem just by fiddling with the set-stop screws that limit how far a derailleur can move (if the limits not restricted enough, it can shift the chain right off the last sprocket), and by tightening the tension on the cable.Our 4 year anniversary is In a couple of days. I think it's the perfect time to change things up and go for a nice, long bike ride.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
