A better way to carry my bike locks

I've been looking for a better way to carry my bike locks for a while now. I had been carrying them strapped to the rear rack, but they got in the way and the amount of Velcro I had holding them down was a hassle to take on and off. Plus if I wanted to use my rack I had to either put stuff on the locks and not be able to make any other stops or put the locks in the front basket where they bounce and slide around affecting my steering.
After much web searching and brain wracking I came across this Instructables post. It seemed like the way to go. It's not elegant, but it is efficient and that was what I was looking for.

Inside view.

I was able to mount both my U locks on the inside of my rear rack, one on either side. They no longer get in my way or claim space that I can use to carry things and best of all they don't rattle, clank, or shift at all. So far it's working great!!!
When I get a paycheck coming in I plan to paint the PVC to make it look nicer. (Yep, I'm still waiting.) I added the slant to the cuts to make it easier to engage the lock Now I just have to figure out what to do with my cable, It won't fit with the other locks.
It only took me the weekend and a bit of help from my husband to get it finished, and I only lost a few ounces blood so it's a win. If Sylvia is ever lost we can DNA test her to prove shes mine. Friendly warning, hose clamps are very sharp and will screw the skin off your fingers if your not careful use gloves when holding them steady. Also, if you do this start with the bottom clamps and not the top ones. Then you won't be constantly rubbing against the already placed ones and will have more room to work. I wish I'd thought of that before I'd finished!

The finished look.

On a side note, my husband likes to tease me about how crowded my handlebars are so when I saw this bike while we were out shopping I had to take a picture. I love the little chipmunk! I may have to strap a furry creature to Sylvia now.

So cute!

Sylvia's new skirt guards

Here's some pictures of the new set of skirt guards I made for Sylvia. I just don't think she looks right without a set.  They're made of cotton yarn with an iridescent thread running through it. 

It's a simple triple crochet mesh stitch that I finished with a single crochet at the top and bottom. I just used more of the same yarn to tie them on over her fender. They don't interfere with removing the tire because of where and how I attached them.

I like the shiny!

Ready to have her rack back.

Up close view. 

This pair came out lighter and more airy than the others and I like how it looks. I need to secure the drive side one to the top of the chain guard. (Just noticed that in the pics!) I love making things for my bike, it gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I may make some sleeves for her U locks next. I'm also trying to work out a triple lock holster. It's a pain unvelcroing  them from her rack every time I go somewhere. 

I thought about doing a basket liner but I like the look of the wood base to much to cover it up. I haven't placed anything small in there without a bag yet either. Time will tell what I do to the poor girl next! 

Still waiting for my number

I'm still trapped in limbo waiting for my number from State that says I'm a CNA. Technically I have a number but it's not valid because it expired 17 years ago. Wow that's a long time.
Day before yesterday I got my application back with a different application that I had to fill out because I had a defunct number. It was enclosed with a very nice note explaining the new application. It also meant I had to pay a late fee for my change of address from the one they have on file. The funny thing is we've lived here for about 14 years. I did appreciate the addressed envelope they sent with it though. I informed the school of this annoyance in case they have anyone else who is re-getting their CNA after a lifetime away. Now I'm waiting for them to get this one and give me my number. I wish I could charge them a late fee for sitting on it for almost a month while I waited, but oh well. That's the way it goes.
Lots of spinning wheels here. I made Sylvia a new set of skirt guards. Her old ones were eaten by the washer and I found another skein of the same yarn. I'm thinking of drilling her fender so I can make a more vintage looking set that will hold up better, but that would be a lot of work. I'll probably do it when I decide to repaint her later on. That way I won't be damaging the paint. Her new basket is still perfect, I like the way it carries weight. It really helps to smooth out the steering.
I've picked the places I'd most like to work and have been practicing the ride distances to get there and back. I've only actually gone to two so far but I can easily cover the distances with out dying. It's fun to explore on her, I'm going more places than ever and it feels good. It's my therapy! The only downside is I have to get up super early to go out, it's hitting 95 degrees before 9:30 am now a days. Good thing I like the heat.
I've been working hard on a new Old Agnes short story. It's a race to see what comes first, finish and publish the story or I get a job. It'll be interesting to see what wins. I hope everyone is doing great and keeping cool!
Have Fun!

I see you!

Sylvia the Linus Dutchi and her changes; part 2

The wheel set my dear husband got me for Christmas made all the difference in my riding. The roller brakes let me stop with out having to put my feet down and my pedals no longer take a bite out of my calves every time I stop. The 8 gears instead of 3 means I'm now able to go as fast as I want without spinning like a lunatic and I can easily get up all the hills in my area without needing to get off and walk. With the exception of the stupid overpass, but I will conquer that one eventually! I'm saving up for a dynamo light set to go with the generator, then I'll have light anytime I want it. The rims are way beefier than her originals and the spokes are a bit thicker so I don't worry when I hit a pothole or take her off a curb. Supposedly these rims are lauded by mountain bikers and BMXers for their strength and durability.

As she is now. Ready for anything.

Her grips are now natural cork because the bike shop that spread her for the new gears cut my nice foam ones and I wanted to try something different. As soon as I get a job I'm going back to the foam though. I don't like how hard the cork is. I'm a squeezer and these just don't have the give I like.

Her new basket helps balance her out and can hold a lot of stuff. It's the perfect size for my bag and has made her even more stable feeling than she was before. I definitely like the added weight in the front. It's not the first basket she's had, but I think this one is the winner!

Cyclops bike.

There are still a few small changes I want to make. I want dynamo lights,  better tires and maybe a beefier kickstand. I really want another water bottle holder and I've been playing around with where to place it. I think the basket may be where it goes. 

She goes well both on pavement or dirt in the alleys. She is cheerfully oblivious to most bumps and can carry a very nice load. We can toodle along at a stately 8.5 mph or if necessary fly along at a zippy 15 mph. (Fastest we've gone was 22 mph, but I couldn't sustain it for more than 2 blocks.) She's comfortable for long rides/distances and makes our usual short jaunts fun too.

I'm so glad we found her! She's practically perfect in every way! At least for me!;)

Princess approved.

Sylvia the Linus Dutchi and her changes Part 1

We got Sylvia on February 24, 2014 after searching for the right bicycle for me for a long time.When we were looking I had a few requirements. It had to be strong enough to carry stuff; it needed a low step through for my knee; it had to be small enough to fit me (I'm a very spritely 5'1"-3" tall. It depends on who measures me and my shoes at the time.) It had to feel right. I didn't want black; most of the bikes around here are black and I wanted a blue bike. Good thing I was flexible on the color!

I rode so many different bikes I almost gave up. I rode Treks, Giants, Birias, Raleighs, Specialized, Schwinns, a Montgomery Ward bike, and other assorted Craigslist contraptions. I rode old ones and new ones. I was beginning to think I would never find the right one for me. Then we heard about this little tiny shop that had just opened up, Transit Cycles. The owner let me take a spin on a black Linus Dutchi and it felt good and I could get on easily and just go, but I hated the grips and the brakes sucked. . Of course, me being me, I had to keep looking.

A few days later we went back and I tried out Sylvia. I didn't like seat or her grips, but the fit felt even better than the black one had. Plus she wasn't black. Duncan was willing to trade the rear rack for a front one and trade out the grips for some black foam ones so we put the deposit down and left her to be adjusted. Two days later the small size is available in blue. Oh well, she was already mine.

A week later we went to get her. On the final test ride to make sure she fit and was adjusted properly I found an old drum set. Her front rack carried home the little drum with no problem and that sealed the deal. She could carry stuff and she liked it!

The oldest picture I could find.

After a few months of riding I really hated the saddle (it pinched and not in a good way!) and my dear husband got me my Brooks. It's a B67s and has been the most comfortable saddle I've ever sat on. Now that it has some miles on it, it just keeps getting better and better. 

After about 4 months I had destroyed the rubber in the pedals she came with. Linus was really nice and offered to replace them, but I said no thanks. I tried some other rubber block pedals, but in less than 2 months they had cracked and were falling apart. I think the weather here just destroys the rubber and I hate plastic pedals. I did some research and ended up getting these bear trap pedals in green. They are nice and wide for my feet and they grip my shoes nicely. The only downside is that they really hurt if they hit you. Someday I hope to have rubber pedals that don't fall apart so fast, but until then these ones rock.

In this configuration she took me to work and on many adventures. Then I outgrew her 3 speeds and we got new wheels with bigger gears from my husband for Christmas. That's when the party really started.

To be continued.......

All done! In more ways than one!

I went to school today to finish up the last of the paperwork that needed to be sent in to State Board. As long as everything is in order I'll have my number in 2-4 weeks. Then I can get a job! I can't wait, but I'll use this time to finish some of the things I've been neglecting while at school.

It's so pretty!

Sylvia's basket is finished and on her. I think it looks great and it doesn't seem to affect the handling at all. If anything it makes it a bit easier to turn her when going slow.  The wood came out really nice, I'm glad we went with a clear coat to bring out the grain without changing the color. My husband has really good taste in wood! There's about 7 coats on it so it should hold up for a while.

I'm making myself crazy

This is how I feel!

I took my state test and the waiting for the results is making me crazy. The testers were very nice people and my actor was a very sweet lady, but they couldn't tell me how I did. I just have to wait for my pass/fail to be posted online. It's been a couple of days, and I was told that it would probably be posted on Wednesday, but I'm going nuts. I've been trying to keep busy varnishing a board for the basket we got for Sylvia and writing and riding and other stuff, but it's not working.
Basically distracting myself is a waste of time, but there's nothing else to do.
I had been using a cute little basket we got at Fry's on clearance, but the welds kept breaking. I can't wait for the new on to be done and on her. She looks snazzy with a basket.

$2 basket that is soon to be replaced.

This morning on my little jaunt I was chased by this tiny dog and I swear it's yap was saying pass, pass, pass, fail. I had to make an emergency stop because the dog was a fast little thing and ran around the front of me. I almost squished it! Thank you husband for the brakes that actually work! As soon as I stopped the monster hopped back through the fence it had come out of. I'm glad I didn't kill it and took a different route home.
My mind is just going a million miles a minute and jump around is now it's theme song. (It's stuck in my head now too!) So this is just a brief update on what's going on in my world.
Have fun!

I registered for school today!

I went down to Tucson College today to finish my registration and make the first payment! I was so excited I managed to get lost on the way, but I made it with 5 minutes to spare before my appointment. I still can't believe how Sylvia flies with her new gears!
I got to fill out even more paper work and answer a bunch of questions about why I want to go there and what my goals are. It really helped clarify things in my head to write it out for them. I want to get an education that will improve my life and the lives of others. This is a quick stop on my end goal of becoming a nurse. It's a bit sad that it took me until age 37 to realize I want to be a nurse. I'm still a writer in my soul, but that will be my secret identity. Now I just have to wait for the acceptance letter to be a real student. Have I mentioned that patience isn't my virtue? I hope it gets here fast!

This will be where she waits while I'm in class! Door to door with covered parking!

On the way home from the school the job I wanted at the hospital called. He re-posted the position and wants me to apply then call him immediately. I need to see if they will work around my school schedule before I decide to try for it again. I really wanted that job; I could have ridden to work every day and worn nice clothes. It was in the hospital which is where I want to be and the other phone operators seem great. There's the chance to get benefits and a cafeteria that has the best fried chicken in the universe! A month ago it was my dream job. Then I wasn't selected and it crushed me. I cried and everything. I had wanted so badly to go back to the hospital. However, not being picked really helped my to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

I decided I needed more than just a job, so I hatched my crazy plan to finally get back to hands on healthcare and make a difference in peoples lives. I love my plan, but the siren call of that other job is ringing loudly. It whispers that I would still be helping people and if I get chosen this time I would be making a bit more cash to boot. Plus, I'd never have to drive my car again because parking at the hospital is a nightmare and they have bike lockers.

On Monday I go for orientation with a home health care company. If I survive it they will hire me and I will have a job! It's a great part time job and the shifts are short so it won't interfere with school. They like the fact that I'm getting my CNA and seem almost as excited about it as I am. My fingers are crossed that I survive!

I'm considering doing all three if the hospital will work me around school and I survive the home health care orientation on Monday. I could conceivably make it work, but it would be an insane few months and would take a lot of juggling. Once I start actually nursing school, which I plan to do in a year, something will have to give though. 

On the flip side there's a chance that I won't survive Monday and the hospital won't chose me again. That would suck! I hope at least one of the jobs chooses me, but if not I still have hope for my fundraiser!
In the meantime here's a quick photo update on Rory. He is doing great and is in love with Ginger.

Ginger and Rory

He wants to play ball with her.

Sylvia is home!

Sylvia had no problems getting her rear spread for her new hub and her upgrade went of with very little issue. I'm really glad we decided to take her to the professionals. I would have probably broken something.
We picked her up from Ajo Bikes yesterday evening and I'm so glad she's home! I took her for a test ride around their parking lot to make sure everything was in working order and Max was kind enough to make any adjustments that were needed. I love them there and the customer service is top notch. It's definitely my favorite bike shop, now if only they carried more commuting stuff...
The new gears are great! It's good to have options and she felt much zippier. The heavier wheels made her stick to the ground better and I took a few slooow turns to see how she cornered. Before she would almost topple if I was going less than 5 mph but now she sticks to it and goes around smoothly. There's also less wobble when I start from a stop and once we get going it feels like we could go forever. I love the gyroscope effect of her heavier new wheels and hubs!
What's funny is that she's now a 10 lbs heavier than she was before. Once I put her baskets and rack back on she will weigh a whopping 57 lbs. Without them she's still a hefty 44 lbs.
We moved her seat forward a bit like Dan from DBC City Bikes had suggested and I really like the new position. He was super helpful when I called to inquire about his bikes and gave me lots of information.

Happy to be home.

The roller brakes have huge cooling disks on them and I think they look very nice. Her new spokes are thicker and the deeper rims really make the Linus tires feel so much more plush. She rides much more smoothly over bumps now too.

Front wheel.

Back wheel.

It's a very nice set up so far, but I'll have to get new grips. They cut my old one to fit and the gap pinches a bit. I don't mind though, it'll be fun to pick them out.

We can really go now!

Her old 3 speed hub had this gearing:

0.733, 1.000, 1.364

Her new 8 speed hub has this gearing:

0.527, 0.644, 0.748, 0.851, 1.000, 1.223, 1.419, 1.615

We can now go faster, which was the goal, and slower than ever before! I love it!

Big cooling disk!

This morning it was drizzling so I took her out to splash in the puddles. It's one of our favorite things to do. Plus it was a great way to give her a proper test ride. We went for a 6 mile jaunt down our favorite bike path.

We're back!

I love this path because it has everything. Hills, flats, potholes, and dirt. It's a short little 3 miles to the road closed sign that has been up forever, but it really gives a taste of it all. It was so much fun! I rode along to my Irish pub rock (I only were one earbud and they're the nice ones that let ambient sound in) and smiled at everyone I saw. A nice construction worker even smiled back! On the way to the sign I pushed it and played with the gears. 

I got going super fast on the downhill through an underpass and we hit a large puddle. With her old rim brakes that would have been game over and I would have had no braking power. (Not that they were good when dry or anything.)  I panicked a little and squished the brake levers. I didn't expect much, but the roller brakes slowed me down just fine. They aren't as forceful as I'd heard, but they actually work. That is a very nice change from the way I had to stop before. No more putting my feet down to stop! No more bloody calves! This is great! I pedaled away with a huge smile and a ton more confidence.

I made it to the sign in less than 20 minutes, which made me very happy! I don't think I'd ever gotten there that fast before. The old gears meant anything over 12-13 mph would have me spinning like a mad person to get more speed. I was actually shocked at how easy it had been to get there.

This is a good place to rest.

It's not just closed, it doesn't exist!

I tootled home really slowly to play with the steering some more, plus there's a nasty hill I have trouble with coming back out of the under pass on the way home. Most of the time I would get off and push her up it, but I was determined not to today. 

I built up as much momentum as I could on the gentle downhill and thanks to the higher gears I kept most of it as I started the uphill. I made it to the top and only had to downshift to 2nd! At the end I was only going about 3 mph, but it was a win for us! 

I love these wheels! Zac 2000!

Right after cresting the hill the sun came out and lit the way back home. I'm taking it as a sign of great rides to come. I'm so grateful my husband got these wheels for me for Christmas!!!

A glorious ride.

I hate waiting!

Patience has never been my virtue and I'm currently waiting on two very important things so it's really driving me nuts.
I've had two interviews for the job I really want and now I have to wait until next week to see if I can move forward in the hiring process or if I failed and wasn't chosen. That's crazy making. At least there was a lot of laughter at the peer review, that's a good thing right?
I want Sylvia to be done and home, I hate the waiting to get her back. I have faith that they can get the hub to fit, but I'm still worried. I'm starting to wonder why I thought this was a good idea.
I decided to alleviate my worry by researching other bikes and that's been fun. If I do have to replace her I will probably save my pennies and go the custom route. I don't want to have to look forever again. I wish Linus made 8 speeds in my size.
I just got off the phone with a very nice man who gave me several tips on how to make her better. His website is DBC City Bike Design  and it would take a while, but I do like that he's worked with short people like me before. His Facebook has lots of great pics of bikes they've built as well as some of the neatest dishes. There's also a really great looking coffee table.
I just really hope I don't have to get a new bike and they don't break her by accident. It's taken me a year to get her this way and the thought of starting over sucks.  Well that's enough moping, I have bedding to hand sew for Rory because I killed the electric sewing machine and my treadle has decided that needles are more fun to break and shoot than sew with.
Have fun!

Rory likes his new ball.

Sylvia is in the shop

Sylvia is in the shop getting her new wheels installed. For Christmas my wonderful husband ordered me wheels that have everything. Hub dynamo, roller brakes, and an 8 speed hub. They arrived yesterday and I was super excited.
I've been spinning out in the third gear for a while now and the higher gears will make me faster and more comfortable. The roller brakes will mean I can stop in less than 15 feet so they're important too. But I want more gears. Please?
After the fun day of destruction I'd had I was ready for something good. I had broken 2 needles on my sewing machine, a 1950 Singer 66 treadle. I then broke the new electric Heavy Duty Singer (it now won't stitch and makes a lovely ratcheting sound) we have trying to sew more bedding for Rory. Now I have to hand sew it and I want a better thimble!
Opening the giant box that came all the way from Germany it was Christmas again! The solid feel of the wheels as I took them out, the shine of the new hubs, it was a truly beautiful moment. I flipped Sylvia upside down and gently flattened and removed her back wheel. I was so excited!

One of my favorite days.

When we tried to put the back wheel on it wouldn't fit; it was about 1/2" to wide for her drop outs. I almost cried, I even stomped my feet a bit. This was just the type of day I'd been having. It was tempting to just grab a 2x4 and spread her myself, but cooler heads prevailed and we took her to Ajo Bikes. After all, this was a job for the professionals!
Once there they warned me that it could damage her to be widened so much and maybe I should just  get a new bike. I don't want a new bike, I want to keep messing with poor Sylvia until she's perfect. Besides, after all the changes we've already made she's really close to being the most perfect and practical bike for me. After getting these better wheels installed the only thing left is better tires, and I already know which ones I want.
They were impressed with the wheels we brought in and the fact that we had all the pieces ready to go. I told them to do it they could and they gave me the number of an excellent welder in case something goes wrong. That made me sweat, but we left her there anyway.
I really hope she comes through ok, it's only 7mm on each side so everything I can find says it will be fine as long as the welds are solid and they reinforce them before they start. My husband keeps telling me that they know what they are doing, so I'm trying not to worry. They will call me when she's done, probably on Monday.
Meanwhile I'm essentially vehicle less until I get her back. I didn't drive my car while working at PetSmart and the battery is dead. At least I still have my feet!

Seen while out with my husband. 

Sylvia's New Look

For the Solstice I decided to give Sylvia a bit of bling. My darling husband and I went around and found the best stickers for her. They are all Sticko stickers and most of them are really shiny. Doesn't she look great!

In the break room at work.

The pedals are also fairly new. I love the rubber ones, but after going through 2 pairs I've switched to green bear traps. They really grip, but hurt if they hit me.

The one that started it and my favorite monkey.

Back of the front fender.

Shiny blue dragon.

Rear fender tail.

Yellow dragon to the front.

Monkey balancing bananas!

Fish and butterflies on the seat tube.

My favorite butterfly!

I'm hoping to add more later, but for now she is rocking! Thanks to her I can avoid all the holiday crazyness that is mall parking and I'm am super grateful for that. 

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and stay safe out there!

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

Have Fun!

I'm so excited!

So far 48 people have gotten the free kindle of my short story! It makes me feel really good that that many people are reading my work. I hope that you like it! Just remember to get it by Christmas Eve, that's when the free promotion ends and it goes back to costing. Also, please let me know what you think!
I really appreciate your support!
In other news, Sylvia is getting stickered up and will be sporting beautiful and shiny stickers! You can never have too much reflectivity. I'll get some shots posted soon. Riding her to work is fantastic, but I sometime wish it was longer. I'm allowed to park her in the break room so she is totally safe.
I am so grateful that I got this job and I really hope to keep it after the holidays. The hours are just what I need to get by and the people are Amazing! Keep your fingers crossed for me please!
Thanks and have fun!

Cyclovia was fun!

This morning my husband and I went to the GABA bike swap meet and Cyclovia. It was a lot of fun and we had a blast. It felt really good to toodle around on Sylvia. We got there early and a lot of it wasn't open yet on the way out, but on the way back it had really picked up steam.

The route.

It's always nice to not have cars around and it's really special when the sun is kind of shining. (It was a cloudy day. Yay!)

Her first sticker.

My husband got me this cool sticker for Sylvia, now when I look down she's grinning back at me. I think it matches perfectly.

Bike swap meet was crowded.

It was hard to get through the bike swap meet, there were a ton of people. Our bikes made it tricky to navigate, but I'm glad we rode in. You can't impulse buy if you can't carry it home; although I might have been able to strap another bike on my rack and my husbands long tail could have carried one easily.

Sylvia and the party bike.

I'm not sure how it works, but this looked cool.

Fruit smile

One of the volunteers was making fruit smiles and I had to get a pic. It looks like me! I was really grateful they were passing out fruit and granola bars at the end of the route. I forgot breakfast. (Ok, I was just to impatient to leave.) It hit the spot! I also got 2 free bush seedlings and a new bike route map, plus, lots more stickers.

It's cardboard!

There were these neat sculptures made of cardboard. This one reminded me of Davy Jones from Pirates. Then my husband told me what it was. Let's see if you can guess.

It's a walrus!

Not the same statue as the one above. I liked this one too.

A bike plane thing!

The snake bridge

To get to and from downtown you have go through a snake. I love this bridge!

It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to do it again. Now it's back to figuring out my cover so I can publish. Wish me luck!

I made Skirt Guards

I was looking for skirt guards that would work on Sylvia but all I could find were solid type ones so I decided to make my own. It took me a week to figure out the pattern, but in the end I did it! They are a beautiful sparkling black mesh.

Before installation.

I didn't want to drill holes in her fenders to keep them on so I made it so they tie on over the fender. I forgot to make the chain guard side smaller so there is a bit of bunching, but I think it looks good.

A nice mesh to keep your clothes safe.

Since the yarn is cotton I'm not sure how long this set will last. It will give me time to work out a better pattern for the next set. I really love the way the shiny ribbon sparkles in the sun, it's an added bit of bling to my super practical bicycle.
I also made myself a snood that I am loving from the left over yarn and it's super comfortable, but that'a a post for another day.

They go great under my Wald baskets.