New Shoes

Did I mention that when I bought my new bike I got new shoes also? These shoes can actually be walked in. My road bike shoes have a very stiff carbon fiber sole that makes energy transfer to the pedals very efficient, but they're not good at all for walking around in. The new ones also have a stiff sole, but it is made of a rubber that gives a little. Also the cleats are recessed in the sole so it is a more natural look. I doubt that anyone will mistake them for hiking shoes, but they're more practical for touring.

On todays ride I dug out the Pearl Izumi AmFib booties and wore them - no frozen toes. It was a little warmer than yesterday with temps in the mid 30's, sunny with light winds - 5 mph maybe. Miles today - 31, total for January - 84 miles.

Fenders?

Went for a ride today, only 16 miles. With temps in the 20's I froze my toes, but the sun warmed my heart all the way through. This was the first ride since adding fenders. You know what about fenders? They rattle. I think with racks and panniers I'll be protected from road spray so I'm not sure that I'll keep the fenders. I'll leave them on for now, but stay tuned.

Rock Chalk Jayhawks!
BetterBill

New Fenders

This week I added Planet Bike fenders to my Surly. Fenders are optional, but after riding in the yuk last week I decided to add them. I did not get out for a ride this weekend and am feeling guilty. Saturday was a perfectly good day for a ride with temps around 50, but grand daughter was in town for a dance performance, and I used the afternoon to take down the Christmas lights still on the house. Oh yes, basketball - KU wins again! Sunday was cold and windy. I must get on a regular training schedule soon!

BetterBill

Bike Basics

The attached photo is of me on my new bike just after a 22 mile ride. I used the 10 second timer and I was moving a little as the camera snapped, but it's OK and I was cold. It was about 36 degrees on the ride and my toes got a little cold, but that's all. The other pictures are of new things I have added: my comfy Brooks B17 saddle, a bag for patch kit and such stuff, a cute little Jayhawk sticker and two bottle cages. Hope your day was as good as mine.

BetterBill

The Bike

This is my new bike. The one I will be peddling cross country this summer: a Surly Long Haul Trucker.  I purchased it 1/16/2010 from Cycle Works in Lawrence Kansas, an authorized Surly dealer. The pictures here are not the best. I brought the bike home and just snapped a few pictures while watching the KU game. I then went for a short 15 mile ride. Over the next few weeks I will be adding things like racks and panniers to carry gear and other accessories.I'll keep taking pictures as things change.

The Dream Begins

It's getting late. I'll go to bed, dream some, and finish this post tomorrow.

Betterbill