2009 November | Stronger Cyclist

Big Buck at White Tail Trail

posted on November 30th, 2009 in Mt biking Dogs by Stephen

Friday Amy and I headed out to Chicopee woods for some Mt biking. These trails are on the far Northeast from Atlanta & I live on the West side…. plus, a lot of Friday afternoon traffic which by leaving at 2:15 we thought we would be ahead of…? We finally made it too the trails at about 4, got the dogs out for a 3+ mile ride around 1 the Tortoise loop, then headed out to get in what we could before the 5:30 sunset.

We took a spin around the Red Tail loop & I saw about a 6 point buck along the backside of the loop! From there, we headed for the Outer loop. What a FUN ride!!
What is it about occasionally riding different trails that can be so much fun. I know the trail fairly well, but not like the local one’s that we ride so often.
Good Times & video coming soon!!

Here is the Video:

How to have a conversation while cycling

posted on November 25th, 2009 in Cycling by Stephen

1 of the things that I’ve noticed and I believe has been scientifically backed, is that I think better when moving. I think of great posts to blog & I often have great conversations with those I cycle with. 1 of those conversations was Wednesday on the way to my Mom’s house for Thanksgiving I stopped by my old college room mates house and we went for a 35 miler…. I can’t say easy b/c when I asked if it was flat, his response was ‘as flat as it gets around here’. Ask the guys that raced the Tour d’ Georgia – it was really the Mts that get ya, it was the MANY rollers you have to get yourself over to get to the Mts!
When chatting with friends while cycling is different than chatting in person. As most Americans tend to look at each other while having a conversation, this can be dangerous while cycling! Instead, it is best to still watch what is going on around you while talking. It is too easy to get caught in the conversation and miss a obstruction in the road, or another vehicle on the road. Remember your safety and the safety of others around you are at stake!

But I hadn’t seen my old room mate in almost 5 months, so it was great to catch up w/ a buddy that no matter how long it’s been, you catch back up and are picking on each other in 5 minutes.
So many people catch up over a meal…. next time try having a great conversation with a friend on a easy bike ride, you will be amazed how easily the conversation flows like a crank with no chain…. or something like that

A Quiet saddle bag

posted on November 19th, 2009 in Cycling by Stephen

When you are out riding do the things on your bike rattle so bad, that you are never afraid of sneaking up on ANY wildlife?
Something that I have found useful, Especially on the Mt bike, is to wrap everything that is in my saddlebag. I personally use an old inner tube to wrap the extra CO2 cartridges & my pack tool. I have a friend that uses old socks to wrap up things in his saddlebag. This way when you are out on the rough section of trail, you don’t have things clanking around under your saddle!

Another good trick is to wrap some of these things together with duck-tape. Then if you will have duct-tape around if you ever have a side-wall cut or similar.