learning to be human, since 1984
cycling
What You Should Keep in Your Bike Tire Repair Kit
0Howdy folks. I was just working on my bike and decided to write a quick post about what to keep on you at all times while biking. Here goes.
I keep the small stuff in an old, rectangular Altoids tin:
- patches – & contact cement if necessary
- emery/sand paper – to roughen up the tire rubber
- presta-schrader adapter – for gas station compressor, if you have presta valves.
- razor blades – to get out tough bits of glass/metal/rock/etc.
- money – for gas station air compressor, phone call, spare tube, food, etc. I have at least $3 in quarters, several singles (for change), and a $5 or $10 bill.
I keep the rest in my bag (either shoulder bag or seat bag):
- tire levers – 2 minimum. I usually have 3 on me.
- compact air pump – get one that has a small hose, especially if you stick with Presta valves. You’ll pay a little more, but the kind without the hose will break Presta valves somewhat easily. I personally avoid the CO2 pumps (the cost/benefit just doesn’t seem even close to worth it) – but if you have one, take spare CO2 tanks till you get it down.
- if you ride a bike with bolted skewers, make sure to have the appropriate wrench/es
- if your wheels won’t come off because your brakes are in the way – check to see if you have a quick release brake. If not, bring a tool to allow for easier removal of the wheel.
That’s all folks! Feel free to add/comment on what you take along on your rides.
Milwaukee Bike Collective
0I had a ridiculously tiring Wednesday, but knowing that I’d be going to the Bike Collective afterwards kept me going through the day. I also had lunch with a coworker at Thai Palace on Old World Third Street. The place is really hit or miss for anything but the entrées and drinks (the lunch service has been especially lackadaisical). That being said, my veggie curry was delicious but I wish I could say the same for my companion’s food. Moving on.
Immediately after work I biked to 29th and Clybourn, two streets south of Wisconsin Avenue.
View Larger Map
Upon rolling up to the building, I saw Pops sitting outside. After recognizing who I was, he welcomed me in, registered me, and showed me around the place. There are frames everywhere. Frames upon frames upon frames. They seemed to multiply as the night came on. Wheels hung from the racks, organized parts filled boxes, and tools twitched in their resting places, anticipating the work ahead.
A few more people arrived – another familiar face, besides Pops. And it turns out we know a bunch of the same people. Afterall, isn’t Milwaukee the biggest small town in the United States? We futzed around the shop a bit, I lingered through lugged frames and Huffys alike, and started stripping down a bike to fix up for Center Street Daze. Eventually we had a very informal but comfortable meeting – during which I ate the remainder of my lunch (so good). Anyhow, there’s lots to do, and I don’t know how much time I’ll have to contribute. It always seems I take on more work than I can handle – but I like a challenge and it keeps me sharp, so we’ll see how things go.
If you’re interested in getting involved, whether it be to fix bikes, donate parts, work on the website, flyers, etc. – let me know. Alternatively, just contact the collective. Their info can be found here. I’ll get some of my own photos soon – forgot to bring a camera! So photo credits to whoever took them!
Learning How to Cycle
1I’ve been biking a lot lately, for transportation and pleasure alike – and I must say, all this pedaling has gotten to me…
When I’m on my bike, I am in a dream. Wheels whirring, air rushing past my ears, I stream past automobiles like water around rapids. Fast, smooth, elegant – at least, that’s how it happens in my mind. Nothing can slow me down; I dodge potholes and eagerly climb hills whose hearts crumble as I ascend them with an effortlessness they’ve never seen in a human being. Again, my dream and reality meld into an inseparable mass reminiscent of The Science of Sleep as I hammer through the city on my metal stallion.
So where’s this all going? I’d really like to get competitive and start racing. I’ve been reading articles online, watching youtube training videos, reading books about how to train for various events – but I need someone to help if I get stuck on my own. Luckily my friend Jon is an avid cyclist (and ex cat2 racer). We’re hopefully going mountain biking soon – just for fun at first, and I’ll potentially do a beginner level race. I’d love to road race though, and eventually give track racing a shot. I think it would be good – to keep me in shape and for healthy competition. I’ll post more as things unfold. And thanks, Jon, for inspiring me to ride.