Brooks first impressions and Lucy finds a home

I got my new saddle on and tried it out yesterday. It was a series of short rides while we adjusted it. All together they added up to just over 3 miles.

It looks so shiny and new! I'll fix that.

First impression is it's slick. My butt slid around like it was greased and the first ride it was pointed way to far down so I kept actually sliding off. It was a riot, but not very usable. 

The second ride we pointed it too high and it was actually painful due to a boo boo inflicted by the original saddle. I went home fast while learning how to pedal out of the seat.

I love the little strap holders!

On the third ride we almost had it right and I must say it was way more comfortable than I expected. It was still tilted up to much, but it really felt good.

The fourth ride was the best so far. The saddle is firm yet bouncy and I like it way more than the soft and pinchy one that came on Sylvia. I was worried because of all the horror stories I've read about Brooks saddles being uncomfortable for the first several hundred miles. So far I like it a lot. The only problem I have is how slick it is, but that will wear off with use. If it doesn't I've got sandpaper. I like how it feels solid under me and how the springs give on bumps. I love how the sides give way for my thighs, hopefully I can keep the skin there now and my pants will last longer! I'm really looking forward to riding again tomorrow.

While out looking for a piece for my mirror I ran into my brother and his family. They were looking for a bike for my sister-in-law Dana. I invited them to come see if Lucy will fit. Dana is taller than me so I had hopes.

It was love at first ride! The fit together really well and she even liked the paint job. I'm super happy that Lucy has a new home with someone who will actually use her and keep her safe in a garage. I will admit I was a bit jealous seeing how easily they fit, but I can't wait to hear about their adventures together.

Dana and Lucy, perfect for each other!

                               

Lucy Will Be Retiring Soon

Lucy

I've been searching for a new bike this past month. It's been getting harder to swing my leg over Lucy for a while now. It's the full extension at the top of the movement that hurts and if I snap it I feel it. Plus there's the fact that I can only start and stop at a curb or a step or else she gives me a wedgie. Her 17" frame has always been to large for me, but I love her so much.
Since I got my sales job I've only been riding her very sporadically (about once or twice a month) and that laziness definitely adds to the problems when I do mount up. Once we get going though the world is our oyster and I am the pearl. At least until the next stop sign or light. The problems are all me not her. I'm just finally accepting that I need a different kind of bike. It only took me several years.
I'm not sure what to do with her yet. I will be putting her baskets and rack on the new bike when I get it. The fenders will stay on her though.
 I thought about giving her to my sister in law. She loves riding the bike we fixed up for her mom and Lucy would fit her. I just hate the thought of her sitting outside all the time collecting rust and not being cleaned regularly. Lucy loves her bathes. I thought about selling her, but I hate not knowing what happens to her. Yes I have attachment issues, and she's been nothing but loyal to me. I'll probably keep her in the shed wrapped in a sheet until I can figure it out.
She started out as a junk bike that I could park outside while at school and has become a dear and trusted steed. If you know of anyone who would give her the best home let me know.

All Work and No Play

I haven't been writing on here as much as I'd like,  (or anything else) because I'm trying to write two to three more short stories to send to that anthology before the deadline. The hardest part is I'm a slow writer and I constantly change things so it takes forever for me to be happy with something I've done. I'm still riding Lucy around, but we still haven't made it to the store yet. We've gone farther than that, but I haven't had the money to go shopping. On payday we always hit Costco so no fun rides to the store yet.
Today I saw a beautiful pink azalea flowers so I had to take a few shots. Enjoy!

I really should write a few draft posts, but you never know what is going to happen. I actually have one about Lucy typed up so I may post it later in the week if I don't run across something more fun.

Before There Was Lucy, There Was Zipper

Before there was Lucy there was Zipper. Way back in 1998 I got a job at the hospital. It was great, but I didn't drive and my roller blades were wearing out fast on the 6 mile commute.
My brother and Husband who was then my boyfriend and I went to a bike store to look around. I didn't have the money to get a bike and was just shopping and dreaming. I found the perfect looking one, but it was too tall and the men steered me away from it's blue faded glory toward the shorter bikes.
In the corner I saw a nice green one that I could barely climb on. The slight slope to her top tube was the only reason it worked. They looked skeptical and the shop guy looked a bit worried, but it was the smallest they had and he must have needed a sale. My brother bought me the bike on the grounds that I actually use it. It is a Trek 800 Sport and her name is Zipper.
I rode that bike nearly every day to and from work and at work she had a locker to wait for me in. Most days I loved her and the only trouble I ran into was getting on or off and stopping. I adapted to her large size and I covered her in stickers that I collect; life was good.

I kind of miss the stickers.

One day Husband was painting a motorcycle and I decided I wanted to paint Zipper. We took her apart and carefully taped up where we didn't want paint to go. There was sanding involved and I shed a few tears over the loss of the stickers, but it was worth it. She came out perfect in black with rainbow sparkle over the top. She is so beautiful. I even got her a black front basket to match.

She was the best looking bike at the hospital and I felt safe storing her in her locker so I didn't worry about it. I never rode anywhere but to work and home so I never had to lock her up outside.

A sparkly ninja bike.

Then I went to work for Sears part time. It was brief and early morning, but I had to park her in a room with other bikes. It was fine for a couple of months then one day my seat was gone. It had a quick release and even though I knew to lock both tires and the frame I had never thought to lock my seat. I was shocked that someone had messed with my bike.

I screamed and yelled and cried. I went and got security and made a huge fuss. I was like a toddler who's favorite toy was taken. There was even foot stomping and I carried on for a while. Few things are more terrifying than a 200 lb, 5'1" Betty screaming bloody murder at the world. I think they were afraid I'd hurt myself. I was so small then. I'm bigger and scarier now. Still 5'1" though.

Luckily one of the guards found my seat wedged behind a pillar, scuffed but intact. I was lucky and it was a warning shot I heeded.

I installed a bolt instead of the QR and shortly after I quit Sears and went back to the hospital full time. All was good again for a few years.

Close up of the sparkle on Zipper.

Then I decided to go to cosmetology school and quit my job. There was no way I was parking Zipper outside. She had become too precious and I was paranoid of loosing her, so I mostly caught rides to and fro. Tried the bus and that sucked and even walked it once. It was about 5 miles and that sucked.

Husband and I went to Play it Again Sports to see about getting a beater to ride. It was a lucky day because they actually had one that fit me. Still a bit tall, but not like Zipper and I could dismount easier and safer. It was a Specialized Hard Rock WSD from 1993. Blue with neon pink decals it was perfect for my needs. The man at the store even threw in a rear rack to get us out of there so he could close.

Now Zipper is in storage and rarely comes out except to have a quick wash and lube to keep her in running form. I feel a little guilty about it, and will use her inside on a trainer someday.

Lucy's New Swag

The other day on my ride I came across another cyclist who was walking his bike. He was all tricked out in full Lycra and clicky shoes but couldn't ride because he had a flat tire and no way to fix it.
I felt bad for him, but I didn't have any way to fix his tire. Fortunately he had a ride coming to get him at the park so he didn't have far to walk.
That got me thinking I needed a patch kit of my own. When I go for my rides there's no one who can save me if I get into trouble and I do sometimes get into trouble. As I venture further out I really don't want to walk back. I'm up to over 3 miles now and still going strong.
The tires I have on Lucy are reinforced knobbies with a goo strip and extra thick tubes so it's unlikely I'll get a flat unless I roll over something extreme like a huge nail, but it could happen. I was also worried about possible mechanical failure. It sucks when it happens.
Husband reminded me that I already had a small box patch kit, but it wasn't comfortable in my pocket and I always left my mini-pump at home. I also had a mini-tool so all I needed was a bag.
We found the perfect saddle bag and we also got new patches. Mine were very old. Did you know they shouldn't crack when you bend them? I now carry a bike and people patch kit.

Perfect sized bag, patch kit, duck tape on a pencil, mini-tool, mini-pump with Co2 cartridges. Band aids, neosporin, and alcohol wipes in a plastic baggie.

It fits nice and tightly between her rear rack and fenders. It also took care of the rattle I was hearing from there. Bonus!

It's almost invisible so I won't have to worry about leaving it on when I go places.

Lucy also has a new cable on her seat. I was reading up on how to securely lock her because I'm super excited to go to the store in about 2 weeks and use her for shopping. I will definitely be going on Saturday the 4th and I want her secure. I found this great web page and the videos were very informative. Plus Hal made me laugh. I had already been doing everything except the seat lock. I don't have quick release, but that's not enough. Now she has a beautiful homemade seat cable. As an added bonus if my chain breaks I can take pieces off it and fix it with the mini-tool.

I love the tie-dyed duck tape. The hardest part was finding a pattern I liked. 

Add a bottle of water and we're ready for anything now!

Ginger cat approves.

A Good Morning

Once again I got up before the sun, I seem to do that when Husband is out of town. I decided to soak Jane before I left. I wanted to ride my bike so I had to be patient. She was a bit cranky at being woken up so early, but a plate of pumpkin and vegis cheered her up.

Jane getting her daily bath. She's a sulcatta tortoise.

Breakfast is served.

I still can't find my lights, I'm afraid they may be in my junk drawer of doom.

We all have one and mine is actually a desk with 3 drawers of random things I have no idea what to do with. That's the next couple of Thursdays project.

I just went for three miles in my neighborhood because I'm trying to figure out where to put padding on my fenders so they don't rattle as much. I went over every bump and pothole I could find and I think I have it figured out.

It was a great ride though and I'm really starting to crave going out on Lucy. It's my time to go where ever I can and its like I'm flying free.

I'm getting to go places I can't reach on foot and I'm seeing thing in a whole new way.

Today I smelled people's breakfasts cooking and the flowers that were blooming. Someone was making cinnamon rolls and I was tempted to meet my neighbor. I was good though and just rode by twice sniffing the air like crazy. It was a great ride

I wonder what these are.

Lucy Has Fenders!

For some reason I've always wanted a bike with fenders. I just love the way they look, but in Tucson they aren't really a priority. They were actually the last thing on my list of changes I was going to make.
All that changed today at the GABA Bike Swap Meet. That place was packed, but I found these great Wald fenders for less than I've ever seen them.
It was too good to pass up, especially when the seller threw in a silver Specialized bottle cage to go with them.
Lucy is a Specialized Hard Rock so it was fate!
Husband did most of the install for me. They needed small wedges cut out for the fork and seat stays and a little bending in for the brake cables, but that was all the modifying they needed. It took about an hour to install and they look perfect! Now she is ready for just about anything!

Don't they look nice! 

I think they make her look both larger and friendlier. They don't add much weight even though they are steel, which is nice.

I like how the chrome brings out her flowers and helps them shine.

They really break up all the black in the back. 

I've already tried them and they don't affect handling at all. The rear one rattles on hard bumps so I'll try to tighten them down more tomorrow. 

My only complaint is that they have to mount to the wheel skewers. It's going to make it a bit harder to change a tire, but that's OK. We may get different brackets for them later, or shorten these ones.

Now if it would only rain! I can't wait for the monsoons this year!

GABA Bike Swap Meet

Today Husband and I went to the GABA Bike Swap Meet and it was fun! There were a ton of people there so it was hard for me to take pics, but Husband got some nice ones and you can see more on his blog.

The whole place was crowded like this!

I don't usually like crowds, but the people here were very friendly. This Raleigh was in really good condition and of course way to big for me. Also too pricey. It's still beautiful though. It's my favorite bike I saw there.

I wonder what the silver thing is? I think it's the pump.

These are the coolest looking accessories I've seen yet. The flowers have an led light in the center to help you be seen. They're from http://www.pedalbrite.com/ . They are handmade in Scottsdale, Az and this is one on the creator's personal bike. It looks great and made me smile. So fun and cheerful! They are tempting and very reasonably priced. 

I love how friendly the flowers and the creator are!

This tiki head comes from an old miniature golf place that closed down. It now stand guard at a nightclub. It's a childhood memory re-purposed. It was good to see it again as we were leaving.

I love this tiki head!

I stayed strong in the face of much temptation today and came out the winner! I got a present for Lucy! I found Wald 962 fenders in shiny chrome for cheap. I've looked all over town for them, but no one carries them here, and I was leery of online ordering due to high shipping for over sized packages. 

A nice man from out of Phoenix had them and he threw in a silver bottle cage to seal the deal. Sadly, he didn't have a card so I can't shop with him again.

I almost talked myself out of getting them because they look huge in person and I was worried they wouldn't fit. Husband convinced me and I'm so happy I got them. They'll be more for dust protection than rain, but I don't have to worry about them getting sun rot like the plastic ones. 

Yay! We have fenders!

New Fenders!!!!!!

Yesterday Was Disapointing

We had to meet with our insurance agent yesterday morning. Nothing is wrong, he just wanted to discuss our policies and make sure we had all the coverage we needed. It was a waste of time.
It started off badly with the agent being 20 minutes late because he had to pick up his car. He came in right before we were about to leave and apologized.
Then he proceeded to try and get us to buy more insurance for our renters policy. We're happy with what we have and he kept trying to make us get more.
Husband was interested in insuring his photo stuff, but not sure about the price. I asked about insuring my bike and the agent dissuaded me by saying it was very expensive. He really didn't want to insure her and the cost came up several times. It's $7 for every $100 insured per year. I don't think that's a lot considering we pay about $100 a month for the cars so we're thinking about it. It was just odd how he tried to steer us away from the only add ons we were interested in.
After that we went to look at a bike I've heard a lot about. The surly LHT. I was excited because I've heard a lot of good things about them on other blogs and by the time I've saved up for one I might be ready to do a tour. Also this bike is supposedly made in a size that will fit me properly.
They had the 46cm in stock and it looked very small to me. However when I straddled it to check if it would fit it was to tall. The top bar was pressing against my soft bits and it was definitely too tall for me.
From on the seat it felt cramped with my hands on the handlebars. It just didn't have enough room for my torso.
Funny thing is that it's technically shorter than Lucy, and it looks smaller too.
I must have very short legs.
The nice man said that the smaller size wouldn't work either because it would have even less room for my torso. That was disappointing.
He said I should keep an eye out for older more relaxed bikes, after seeing a picture of Lucy. He was nice about it though.
They just don't make them to fit me anymore. It was frustrating, but oh well. I'm just really fortunate to have her. I really liked all the braze ons the LHT had and wonder if I could add some to Lucy without damaging her. First we need fenders though.

Locking Skewers, A Review

After my experience with the Forte locking skewers I was leery of even trying these. They looked sturdy and solid, but so did the other ones. I really wanted locking skewers instead of quick releases because I often see bikes missing a tire. That would suck to come out to. I tested the entire thing with a magnet and believe it's steel like it says.
 Finally I installed them.

Install was very easy, just loosened my old skewers until the end came off and gently slid it out. The wheel stayed in place. I put a bit of grease on the new skewer then threaded it through. Tightening it all the way was a bit tricky because I didn't have a good grip on the end, but a wrench fixed that. 

After they were install I bounced Lucy on the floor vigorously to make sure they weren't going to move. They didn't budge at all, although I did end up having to tighten down my rack again. I need to get some lock tight for those bolts.  

They use a 5mm hex key and a small wrench to undo. It's simple if you have them with you. I bought a set of hex key's from the local Harbor Freight and took that one off. It fits in my pocket along with the small wrench.

If you have strong fingers you could probably use just the hex key.

The only thing I don't like is this little bit that sticks out, I think it looks unfinished and may cover it with rubber.

I have messed with them extensively, locking and unlocking them. Taking them on the bike path a few times (sorry I haven't posted about it, I haven't gone any further on it yet and it looks the same.). Riding over bumps and holes to see if they would come loose and they haven't yet. I even tried stopping in the places where the first ones failed and they held up just fine.

I would definitely suggest them if your worried about tire theft, or are just paranoid like me. If your local bike shop doesn't have them you can get them here or on Amazon.

To The Bike Path

I tried out the bike path today and it was interesting. The path runs along the highway and only 10-15 feet of curb/shoulder and a chain link fence separate you from them. After you pass the park, on the other side of you is a giant wall that bounces the car noise back at you. The effect sounds like your right in the middle of the traffic. Slightly unnerving and not pleasant.
I'll definitely go on the bike path again so I can go fast, plus it was a great place to practice mounting and dismounting without having to worry about falling in the road. The route home really worked my legs so that's a good thing. My knee has barely been bothering me at all since I started riding, especially since I raised my seat to the proper height. I don't know if I posted this link before, but here's where I found the right height for me:http://www.ebicycles.com/index.php

  All in all it was a great ride and I feel good.

The path itself is paved nicely and has markings down it so you know which side to be on. From my entrance point I went right. Having the fence on one side and the wall on the other took some getting used to but it was down hill and I picked up speed fast. That was fun and it felt safe because there was no cars that I could hit.  

I was tempted to go off the path when I came to an outlet and go exploring, but I didn't want to get lost so I stayed on it. Plus I wanted to see how far I could go. One day I'll tackle the whole thing.

I managed to get up to 20 mph on the way down under the under pass. My bell rang itself at every bump we hit and I just hung on and turned. It was great fun and after the underpass the path veered away from the highway and it got quieter. 

The next opening I came to was an exit to a more industrial area and there were a lot of warehouses. I was starting to get bored with the scenery of the path itself and decided to head home. 

When I turned around This building impressed me with it's odd looks.It looks like its built completely of scrap steel, but it's so big. I kind of like it and it gives me an idea for an outside office I could build myself.

It was much harder getting home because it turns out it was a slight downhill all the way I had come. Plus there was a nice wind blowing in my face all the way back. Found out when I got home that the wind was going 20-30 mph with gusts of 40 mph. I actually did better than I thought. In the end I went further than 3 miles for my longest trip yet. 

 I only saw a few cyclists out today, but one had the same Wald baskets I do and they were packed with stuff. I can't wait to take mine shopping and see how much they hold. All of them were friendly and said hi or waved when I said hi.

Nothing Went Wrong!

After my other locking skewers failed Husband got me these. I was a little leery of trying them because of the other ones. These are much more solid though and today I gave them a shot. No failures and they seem to work great. A few more rides and I'll know for sure.
He also got my mirror to go on the handlebars. I wear glasses so when I look behind me all is fuzzy. When I did it all I saw was my backside. He turned it upside down and it works great. I was going to take it apart, but I'm glad he figured it out first. It's good to see behind me again.
Today's ride went smoothly and nothing went wrong! Yay! Tomorrow I'm going to try the bike path again. It felt good to be able to go without having to stop for something or another. I was hyper vigilant  to how Lucy was reacting and felt. I also stopped frequently because that's when the other skewers failed. Everything seems to be in working order though!

They work so far!

I did stretch out a bit more today and saw some interesting things. I like odd shapes that plants can grow into.

This cactus reminds me of a dancing lady.

And the way people decorate even the most basic things around here.

This gate made me smile.

This is a good way to close up a hole in your wall. It looks like an accident was the incentive to pretty up with tile. It's and outer wall and not in their house. 

A nice way to fill a hole in your wall.

I Need A Shim

I woke up before the sun and was eager to get out and ride. I was feeling strong and ready to roll. I really need to find where I put my lights and charge them up for times like this. It took the sun forever to rise today.
 I've been going around the same few blocks in my area forever making sure Lucy and I wasn't going to have a malfunction. It was time for something new.

I'm running out of neat thing to take pics of, but this is pretty neat!

After swooping around the neighborhood for a bit I decided to try the bike path. Its entrance is right by the park I like to stop at and has some nice tile murals. I hadn't been there in years, literally, and I remembered it was a little hilly and had a fun underpass. This would be great!

I snapped a pic and off we go.

One of the murals.

I was feeling fast so I put my weight on the bars to really try to pick up speed and wham!

The handlebars slipped and my soft bits slammed into the nose of my seat. My feet flew off the pedals as I choked back a yelp, swerving like a lunatic. I'm glad I wasn't on the road! I hit the brakes and danced around for a bit trying to calm things down. I'm glad no one was around to see it! That really hurt!

The bars had only moved an inch down but it was scary. So much for the bike path today.

 I remounted and rode home careful not to put weight on the bars. I tried to wrench them back into position  but they wouldn't move. Apparently they only do that when I don't want them to.

Saw this on the slooow ride home.

Once home they were still not budging again and I had to loosen the bolt to move them back into position. The bolt won't tighten any further, but I'm worried about a repeat performance so I need a shim. I have a ton of rubber ones, but will consult Husband to see if a metal one would be better.

Just when I think it's safe to leave the neighborhood! 

It Barely Hurts Anymore!

I went over 2 miles again today and my butt barely hurts! It's a miracle! Next week I'll try for 3 and see how it goes.
Today there were some neighbors out and I stopped to talk to then. They were building a fence in the front yard because their dog keeps trying to escape. They used to ride bikes together but the wife got a new job a while ago and now they don't even ride separately. She really liked the flowers I've painted on Lucy and my rear baskets. I let her open them and she thought they were cool. It was nice to meet them and hopefully they start riding again soon.
I like the fact that I'm not just seeing new things I'm also meeting new people and my neighborhood in just the few short weeks I've been riding around it is starting to feel more like a community.
When I rode before it was just to work and home. It was strictly for the transportation aspect and I usually left super early and never saw anyone. I never rode to explore and google maps was my guide.
Now all I can do is explore. I work from home and any riding I do is for pleasure. I'm lucky I'm rediscovering the pleasure.

This lizard startled me when I saw it. I had stopped for a drink and there it was right next to me.

I like the filigree of this gate. and the little coyote at the bottom.

A tiny flower growing right by the curb out of the street. I'm glad I missed it when I pulled over.

Lucy's New Look

Today was the test of Lucy's new handlebars and index shifters. I think it went great. The handlebars are Wald 8095 and are northroad style. They were really comfortable and my hands didn't go numb at all. The backward sweep put my hands in a very natural position that didn't strain my wrists and their being slightly lower helped to take a lot off my poor abused butt. I also love the look of them on her and they add a touch of elegance to my ride. They still keep me in a fairly upright position so I can look around and see everything.The curves will let me stretch out more and go a tiny bit lower if I want and are comfortable to hold. The only downside is I need to get a new mirror. Mine now only gives me a lovely view of my backside now.
The shifters are shimano tourney and will take some getting used to, but they worked great and shifted smoothly. All I'd ever used before were grip shifters so clicking the levers was a lot of fun. I kept shifting and they didn't skip of jerk. The left one for the front derailer will take the most getting used to because it takes a few clicks to make it shift. It's made that way so you can make micro-adjustments to stop chain rub. That doesn't seem like it will be an issue and I rarely shift that one anyway.
This was the most comfortable ride yet and the new bars made all the difference. Perhaps tomorrow I'll try them without the hated padded gloves.
Happy Easter!

Looking ready to roll.

Begging to be ridden

Her new bell looks elegant and has a great tone.

New baskets make here ready to carry anything.

A nice and smooth sweep back

The neighborhood cats approve of her new look.