Friday, May 30, 2008

Frakin Awesome.

Only took me three weeks, but I found a way around the filters at UP that have kept me from blogging at work, success! Now if i could only get the mobile blogging thing to work out so i could post pics from my phone, id be one happy blogger. Wednesdays Boyer Chute ride was the longest solo ride ive done, 38 miles. Ive never really bothered riding long distances, ive always been content with sticking to the single track around here. But you can only do so many laps at swanson and tranquility before it gets boring. Heres the route i rode to Boyer, think were gonna do a similar route through the hills this weekend.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Time for some mileage

Well, were not going to be hitting the dirt anytime soon, so non-dirt riding it is. Wednesday after work, roads and trails up to Boyer Chute, or the Wabash to Silver City.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Life in the slow lane.


Since I started working at UP two weeks ago, my car use has plummeted, I am thoroughly enjoying this new, near carfree lifestyle. New fenders on the commuter, it looks pretty sweet. Cant believe I almost got rid of this bike not too long ago, i love riding it.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

tacos....


since bob is busy wearin out tranqulity, ill be headin out on the taco ride thursday around 6-6:30 ish.

tranquil...

I think Tranquility will be my first try at the whole 'race' thing. I rode it saturday with Jim and Lynden. Then sunday did 4 more laps. One with Chris, One with Lynden and 2 alone. The two i did alone I pushed pretty hard and had some decent times.
Today I went out and Did a lap alone and then did another slow lap with Brad before band practice but I attacked the last hill that they are going to cut out of the Beginners race. I was shocked because I went to a 36 X 20 (from a 32 X 20 I had on from Platte) and I just sprinted right up it. I could almost say it was easy. That felt really good.

Maybe I am getting in to OK shape, plus losing 12 pounds in the last few weeks and gaining 3 pounds of muscle probably helps with the hills.

I will probably be there tomorrow with jim and then again thursday with Lynden (if there is no rain) if anyone wants to ride.

I am loving this weather but it looks like the rain is coming which may push camping out a week.

maybe i will try 36 X 18 next week and see what kind of times I can get.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

New beginning!

I am proud to make the announcement that I've gotten my lazy bum back on my bike! Yesterday Bob, Jim and I went to Tranquility and they were patient enough to let me keep up with them. My lungs tried their best to keep up, but there were several times where I wanted to reach for an oxygen tank. My leg muscles also had a hard time, I have a lot of building up to do. I really love being on my bike and am glad that my rib is cooperating.
Bob and I went back to Tranquility today and he went at his speedy pace, while I tried my best with a reallllly sore gluteus maximus and pissed off adductor magnus and gracilis.
I'm hoping for a nice transformation in my body at the end of the summer.

Pic of me now








Pic of me hopefully by end of the summer

Saturday, May 17, 2008

For Sale

Well, its time for the Pilot to go. Just was never the right bike for me.

Heres the listing on Craigslist.

Friday, May 16, 2008

friday ride...

after work i am either going to Swanson, Tranquility or Jewell. If anyone is down let me know.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Great Rack

So, a few weekends ago I bought a Yakima Load Warrior off Craigslist.

I also wanted a roof top bike rack but didn't like how the typical roof top racks cover up so much of the basket. That would mean being able to carry less camping gear.

Sunday I came across the Yakima Boa. It came in today and works like a Charm! I just ordered a second one. No Rails!



Monday, May 12, 2008

New Commute

New job at UP, new commute to 18th and Nicholas. Super boring but super short and easy. I miss the aesthetics of my old commute to UNO, but I do not miss having to ride up and out of the Saddle Creek valley everyday. That is 130 feet of climbing I do not miss.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

more cartography

heres the newest version of my trail mapping site im slowly working on. the site is finished for the most part, but ive got a ton of maps to still put up, and more improvements to the google maps to be done as i figure out the code.

Gmaps

http://myweb.unomaha.edu/~cclowers/trailsite/main.html

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

I took the leap

So it is all set up. Kristen is ordering me a crosscheck. They only have the Grey ones available, but i could care less about the color. Just slap some fenders and rack on that baby, Ride it to work 20 weeks Straight and it paid for itself. :) just 3400 - 3500 miles. hahahhaha

but being able to buy it and not having to spend 45-50 dollars a week on gas will feel like the right decision either way. If I fill up once a paycheck the would even rule. Of course i will need more bike shorts, I like the new Pearl Izumi boxer/brief thingys... and summer rain gear. and a water proof computerator sleave.

Monday, May 5, 2008

bout the coolest thing ive seen in a while

A bicycle lift in Norway, I need one of these on California Street.

Bicycle Lift

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Cancel the Fat Tire Festival Idea...

Lets all go to Ponca. Camp, ride, eat, ride, eat, eat, eat, ride, sleep... head up the morning of Sat. the 24th of may.

I did not know that the FTF was so expensive. well not really expensive, but we could eat steaks every 3 hours at Ponca for the price of going to the FTF. I was told to ask Mike the park ranger where the good trails are although I like the last one we found last year. I can use my tent!

Who is in?

Opps I like this idea but i think there is a wedding Saturday. We could go Sunday and come back monday. But will get the details.