I have a dilemma, I need a geared bike to ride to work. I have been talking to Kristen about getting a Surly Cross-Check the way I want it built or a complete from Surly. The problem is that I would have to wait at least 1 month to afford a Complete Cross-Check and the first thing I would want to do is change stuff. So more $$$. A Custom Cross-Check is probably 2 months out of saving. So, either way I am losing 1 - 2 months of Riding to work. That blows.
Now, the other option in go pick up a much cheaper commuter bike on Wednesday and start riding to Work next week. It already has fenders and All I would need to add is a rack. So my though process this.... I may buy the cheap one soon. Then Buy the cross-check frame soon after. I pay off my car in July and start using that money to Buy all the parts for the Frame and build it up. That way I end up with the bike I want in the long run, I can start riding very soon, and have an extra bike if a Friend wants to go for a ride. I could also just have flat pedals on the cheaper bike so if I just wanna go get coffee or run to the store, I would still use it.
Those are my thought, any advice?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
TORN!!!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Maps!
Ive slowly been working on project for school, mapping bike trails with google maps. Its taken me forever to figure out the code, but ive got most of it figured out and finally have something to show. I only have data for swanson and tranquility, and i still have to add in things like trail head markers, and a text area on the right side of the map to display trail info. But its enough to show around and get some feedback from the people who ride these trails.
MTB Trail Mapping with Google Maps
http://myweb.unomaha.edu/~cclowers/mtbtrails.html
-sorry no linky goodness, UNO uses a character (~) in our public html folders that isnt web safe. copy and paste gentleman.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Swanson report
So, what we added sunday makes Swanson seem faster and a lot more fun. It is not like the old Downhill fast, but a lot faster than it was. I got out there for a lap before band practice and afterwork while Ms. Broken Rib walked the back half. She is a good trail walker, always looking out for bikers and gets off the trail when the are coming. :)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
the long weekend...
So I woke up saturday morning and headed for Platte River State Park. I didn't even know how to get there, so I thought walking the trail and fixing it up would be the best way to learn it. I got to meet some new people and learn that it may become my favorite trail around here, beating out Jewell.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
my big day....
so i just woke up with cramps in my thighs and my calfs. sucks.
so today i did two things i have never done before.
1. 3 laps at swanson. I know it is not a big feat but it was for me. the best thing was that my legs gave out to cramps while my heart and lungs were a-okay.
2. i got to the road at Swanson and did not stop, just went right up the hill to tetanus ridge. I did this on lap 2 and 3. on lap to a 2 I forced it and stopped for about 10 seconds at the turn to the new part to get my heart back in my shirt and the 3rd lap I just crossed and tried to make it all the way but failed and pushed about 15 feet and hopped right back on. I may have made it up the 3rd lap with a 32 X 20 but was running 32 X 18 and it just didn't work
laps times were 39, 34 and 37 minutes. that is really good for me. total was just under 2 hours with breaks in the parking lot between laps.
well, the legs are chilin' out so it is back to bed.
more gps fun. (sometimes i enjoy school)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring has renewed my will to live.
First taco ride of the year this thursday? Lemme know if your down.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Tranquility today..
I am going to Tranquility to help with trail maintenance. It is from 1 to 3 today. If the rain holds off we can ride a lap or two afterwards :)