skb-mpls
- Active 1 day, 4 hours ago
skb-mpls replied to the topic How's the training? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 day, 4 hours ago
As a early retiree and heart attack survivor I try to adhere to the “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. In Swedish its meaning is far clearer. It means “Go outside.”
In Mpls… it was a rough winter no doubt about it. I did not go cycling when it was colder than -10 F and do no not bike until roads and trails are plowed.…[Read more]
skb-mpls replied to the topic BRR Ride and BRRRRR it's cold ! in the forum Miscellaneous 3 months, 3 weeks ago
I used to enjoy cross country skiing… Now my hips and back complain when I trot up the hills, so I bike all winter in Minneapolis.
Winter biking is simply a matter of dressing in layers and not leaving much skin exposed. Wicking layers next to your body and wool on top of that. I don’t have the budget for ventented biking shell… so I…[Read more]
skb-mpls replied to the topic Vegetarian/Vegan Food Options in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 6 months ago
I know the carbo hut is a veggie option, but I wish they would not serve overcooked vegetables.. Most of them are cooked to mush!
skb-mpls replied to the topic Electric assist bikes? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months ago
Like others – the speed is the issue. In Minneapolis I am seeing more and more of these. The congested bike paths around the city lakes have a speed limit of 10 mph. It is rarely enforced – but in my opinion if a rider wants to ride 15-20+ miles per hour it is time to ride on the road in the bike lanes or with cars… I would like to see a…[Read more]
skb-mpls started the topic No License Plates this Year? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 10 months, 2 weeks ago
I received my packet from my group and the license plates – with emergency contact info are not in the packet. Was this an oversight or have they discontinued the license plates?
Personally – this was a great conversation starter knowing someones name and place of residence. Also of critical importance is the emergency contact info on the back…[Read more]
skb-mpls started the topic Hot water source for tea or oatmeal? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I have switched from coffee to tea and am wondering where I may be able to find a reliable source for hot water on RAGBRAI. I am also considering bringing my own blend of oatmeal and dried fruit for breakfast – creating a need for hot water. Many of the breakfast options are not very heart healthy and am considering additional options.
Thanks…[Read more]
skb-mpls started the topic Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad Upgrade? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I’m looking to improve my quality of sleep by upgrading to an air mattress on RAGBRAI.
I have not used a blow up mattress since boy scouts in the 70’s that always went flat and did not improve my comfort at all.
Thoughts?
skb-mpls replied to the topic Lost Black Mesh Bag – 2 Jerseys, 2 shorts in Washington in the forum Lost and Found 2 years, 9 months ago
Jane:
Thanks so much for finding my bag – and drying them out! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!
Please mail the package via cheapest method (I am not in a big hurry for the jerseys) to:
Sheldon K. Bolstad
3212 East 52nd Street
Mpls, MN 55417
Please be sure to put your return mailing address on the package.
Sheldon
skb-mpls started the topic Lost Black Mesh Bag – 2 Jerseys, 2 shorts in Washington in the forum Lost and Found 2 years, 9 months ago
I believe I left a black mesh wet clothes bag hanging in
a tree near the baggage truck site (next to a steel siding building) in Washington, Ia.
This included several RAGBRAI Jerseys and riding shorts.
These jerseys have special meaning to me & would be forever grateful
if they are found and returned to me.
I contacted the Washington city…[Read more]
skb-mpls started the topic How to avoid being killed by cars in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 2 years, 10 months ago
All:
All riders should look at http://bicyclesafe.com/ to see the most common ways to get hit on your bike- and avoid them. I ride 5000 miles per year (year round)- mostly in the Minneapolis area and have encountered nearly all scenarios listed. I review this several times a year. The only bike accidents have been in the winter (did not involve…[Read more]
skb-mpls started the topic How to avoid being killed by cars in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 2 years, 10 months ago
All:
All riders should look at http://bicyclesafe.com/ to see the most common ways to get hit on your bike- and avoid them. I ride 5000 miles per year (year round)- mostly in the Minneapolis area and have encountered nearly all scenarios listed. I review this several times a year. The only bike accidents have been in the winter after a light…[Read more]
skb-mpls replied to the topic Sunburn Prevention in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 2 years, 11 months ago
All:
Big thanks for the responses! I hope other readers have benefited from your responses as much as I have!
I purchased several quick dry long sleeve tops ($10 on Amazon) and rode on a 94 degree day with dewpoint of 65). Quite comfortable when moving- but warm when stopped in the sun (as nearly all jerseys of tops would be). No sunburn…[Read more]
skb-mpls replied to the topic Any one ever do ragbrai alone? in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 2 years, 11 months ago
I’m going solo this year. 10,000 – 25,00 friendly folks. No problem. Like Kens wife… mine wanted to nix the idea but I was unable to find a group to join.
As far as safety goes – last year a gent (riding solo) in his mid 70’s got lightheaded due to dehydration & tipped over into the ditch & rolled quite a ways. 10 people stopped – we…[Read more]
skb-mpls started the topic Sunburn Prevention in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 2 years, 11 months ago
Despite my best efforts I have finished the last 3 RAGBRAI tours with severe sunburn on my face & lips.
As I have found out the hard way – I am – in my Dr’s description a “salty sweater”. I need to drink 2 ozs of pickle juice, take noon tablets and consume 2 or more bananas every day to ward off cramps at night.
The salty perspiration stings…[Read more]
skb-mpls replied to the topic Music while you cycle in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 3 years, 3 months ago
I concur with Kens statements regarding music at bottlenecks & towns…
I have to say that I tire of the uptempo dance music though…. May motivate train members but it gets tiring after a while to myself. How about some variety? Vivaldi – 4 seasons , Willy Nelson, BB King, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raait would be fantastic on the open road!…[Read more]
skb-mpls replied to the topic Cold Weather Training In Mpls in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 3 years, 3 months ago
Ken:
You don’t need a $2000 fat tire bike for winter riding on urban area bike paths. The salt & sand WILL trash your drive train after 2 seasons. Studded tires are nearly mandatory & are $500 for a pair for fat tire .
If you are wanting to ride on mt bike tails or deep snow – yes by all means get a fat tire bike. Most northern cities…[Read more]