I know of 3 more from the springfield area (including myself). Not sure if any of us were included in Kicks’ count.
kicks9:
Springfield Area has quite a few people that I know of.3 in our group (picking up 5 more from the Chicago area).1 other guy going with PBV and I heard a couple other small groups of 5 from this area.so 15 ish from the springfield area and that is only the ones I know about.
Yup, I agree. Generally I’d pass people and say “ride right” without any attitude, but occasionally I’d give a bit of tone. When you’re going 6 mph up a hill in the middle of the road with no one (except for me – going 15 mph) around you, I’m sorry but you deserve a bit of education about why you’re supposed to ride on the right hand side of the road. It makes it more dangerous for you and everyone else around.
The car is loaded. Just need to get this day of work over with, then off to Marshalltown to catch the IVBC (Iowa Valley Bike Club) charter bright and early tomorrow morning.
I’d recommend stretchy tape instead of masking tape. If you have a sports store near by that has hockey stuff, go to their hockey section and look for clear rolls of tape. I love that tape. It doesn’t break easily, and stretches making it perfect for packing stuff under tension.
Michrider said: Loading bikes & luggage in my driveway Thursday after work (the girls work, not mine!), drinking a few driveway beers. We’ll roll out on Friday at 7 am, get to Davenport about 3 PM!!! Did I say that Papa T can’t wait?!!!!
What, no curbs on the driveway?!?
Kidding aside, this week shouldn’t be too bad for me. I’ve got too much to do! Work is keeping me busy enough, but I’ve gotta get my bike in for a last minute tune up, and although I’ve packed once already, I’ll have to do that again. I leave Friday straight from work, so no working late that day.
I bought a camera last fall for some snorkeling that should work extremely well for ragbrai. It may be slightly on the big side, but ruggedness and quality trumps size for me. I’m planning on putting it right next to my phone and wallet in this stem bag, conveniently located next to my stem.
I finally crested the 1000 mark this morning. Exactly 1 day earlier than last year! What I find crazy is that all but one ride this year has been less than 30 miles! I’d say I’m ready for RAGBRAI right now, but truly I need to get in a few long rides. I leave for vacation in Montana Sunday, so that my inhibit my riding for the next week (we did rent bikes there though). I’m hoping Saturday can be a long ride. Last time I attempted a long solo ride, I had an awful time and ended up calling the support crew. Had a 1″ gash in my shiny new Michelin Pro Race 3. This time I’ll have shiny new Krylions… hope they hold up better.
This is quite an interesting thread. I’ve made my packing list for this year, and have aero-bars listed as a question mark. I’ve done enough RAGBRAI’s to know what to expect, and to know better than to use aero-bars in most situations on RAGBRAI.
That being said, I often get up early and get out ahead of most of the pack. Last year, especially during the century day, there were big sections where I could have safely used areo bars. Another example was day 3 when we had a headwind out of the north as we pulled near Clear Lake. I was way out in front that day, but luckily I had just met a guy and we decided to take turns drafting off each other. If not for that, this would have been a prime example of when I would use aero-bars. For those 5 miles heading north at the end of the day, we very much had the road to ourselves.
As far as those who are saying “if you have them you’ll use them” I agree… but that doesn’t mean you’ll use them improperly. This morning was a great example for me. I was in a group (only of 4, but we ride in a tight group) and I was struggling to keep up. Instead of dropping into the aero position I just took a short pull on the front and dropped back out of the wind… and stayed there. Honestly, it usually doesn’t even cross my mind to use my areo bars when I’m in a group.
I couldn’t disagree more with your statement that RAGBRAI should ban
aero-bars. Now if you’re talking about banning stupidity, then I’m with
you. Just because you have areo-bars on your bike doesn’t mean you have
to use them when you’re in close quarters.
I’ve ridden almost 1000 miles this year, all of which have been on a road bike with clip-on aero-bars. I’ve ridden the majority of my rides in groups of 4-6 people ~20 miles at a time. I’ve ridden on rides with up to 40 people. In group rides, I’ll only use the aero-bars if I’ve been dropped and I’m struggling to catch back up with the group, or if for some other reason I’m out by myself and trying to push the pace/conserve energy. Aero-bars are definitely useful when you’ve got a 30mph headwind to battle for the next 30 miles.
Yup, I completely agree with the above posts. I have the RoadID wrist ID. It hasn’t come in handy yet, but that’s a good thing. I wear it just about every time I ride unless it’s a triathlon.
I agree with the other posters. I recently bought a pair for my wife. She usually wears a 7.5 or 8 depending on the brand. She purchased these in size 8 and they fit well.
I know of 3 more from the springfield area (including myself). Not sure if any of us were included in Kicks’ count.
This should do the job.
Anyone ever try the Kurt Kinetic Rock-n-Roll trainer? Anyone have an opinion on this versus a set of rollers?
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/464883/IMAG0250.jpg
Yup, I agree. Generally I’d pass people and say “ride right” without any attitude, but occasionally I’d give a bit of tone. When you’re going 6 mph up a hill in the middle of the road with no one (except for me – going 15 mph) around you, I’m sorry but you deserve a bit of education about why you’re supposed to ride on the right hand side of the road. It makes it more dangerous for you and everyone else around.
The car is loaded. Just need to get this day of work over with, then off to Marshalltown to catch the IVBC (Iowa Valley Bike Club) charter bright and early tomorrow morning.
I’d recommend stretchy tape instead of masking tape. If you have a sports store near by that has hockey stuff, go to their hockey section and look for clear rolls of tape. I love that tape. It doesn’t break easily, and stretches making it perfect for packing stuff under tension.
Get up reeealy early Saturday?
What, no curbs on the driveway?!?
Kidding aside, this week shouldn’t be too bad for me. I’ve got too much to do! Work is keeping me busy enough, but I’ve gotta get my bike in for a last minute tune up, and although I’ve packed once already, I’ll have to do that again. I leave Friday straight from work, so no working late that day.
I bought a camera last fall for some snorkeling that should work extremely well for ragbrai. It may be slightly on the big side, but ruggedness and quality trumps size for me. I’m planning on putting it right next to my phone and wallet in this stem bag, conveniently located next to my stem.
I finally crested the 1000 mark this morning. Exactly 1 day earlier than last year! What I find crazy is that all but one ride this year has been less than 30 miles! I’d say I’m ready for RAGBRAI right now, but truly I need to get in a few long rides. I leave for vacation in Montana Sunday, so that my inhibit my riding for the next week (we did rent bikes there though). I’m hoping Saturday can be a long ride. Last time I attempted a long solo ride, I had an awful time and ended up calling the support crew. Had a 1″ gash in my shiny new Michelin Pro Race 3. This time I’ll have shiny new Krylions… hope they hold up better.
This is quite an interesting thread. I’ve made my packing list for this year, and have aero-bars listed as a question mark. I’ve done enough RAGBRAI’s to know what to expect, and to know better than to use aero-bars in most situations on RAGBRAI.
That being said, I often get up early and get out ahead of most of the pack. Last year, especially during the century day, there were big sections where I could have safely used areo bars. Another example was day 3 when we had a headwind out of the north as we pulled near Clear Lake. I was way out in front that day, but luckily I had just met a guy and we decided to take turns drafting off each other. If not for that, this would have been a prime example of when I would use aero-bars. For those 5 miles heading north at the end of the day, we very much had the road to ourselves.
As far as those who are saying “if you have them you’ll use them” I agree… but that doesn’t mean you’ll use them improperly. This morning was a great example for me. I was in a group (only of 4, but we ride in a tight group) and I was struggling to keep up. Instead of dropping into the aero position I just took a short pull on the front and dropped back out of the wind… and stayed there. Honestly, it usually doesn’t even cross my mind to use my areo bars when I’m in a group.
I couldn’t disagree more with your statement that RAGBRAI should ban
aero-bars. Now if you’re talking about banning stupidity, then I’m with
you. Just because you have areo-bars on your bike doesn’t mean you have
to use them when you’re in close quarters.
I’ve ridden almost 1000 miles this year, all of which have been on a road bike with clip-on aero-bars. I’ve ridden the majority of my rides in groups of 4-6 people ~20 miles at a time. I’ve ridden on rides with up to 40 people. In group rides, I’ll only use the aero-bars if I’ve been dropped and I’m struggling to catch back up with the group, or if for some other reason I’m out by myself and trying to push the pace/conserve energy. Aero-bars are definitely useful when you’ve got a 30mph headwind to battle for the next 30 miles.
Like I said, don’t ban the bars, ban the stupid.
Yup, I completely agree with the above posts. I have the RoadID wrist ID. It hasn’t come in handy yet, but that’s a good thing. I wear it just about every time I ride unless it’s a triathlon.
I agree with the other posters. I recently bought a pair for my wife. She usually wears a 7.5 or 8 depending on the brand. She purchased these in size 8 and they fit well.