Last Minute Changes

I am getting ready for a quick overnight tour this weekend, and got an itch that I might as well try out a new / old headset that has been sitting on my bench for a while now.  Having bounced around the globe, and up and down the west coast, I had the green light from the previous owner that it was mine (thank you).  Combining that with the Paul Comp Funky Monkey sitting around for months now too, it was time…the starting point

6.7 HS wp-1and the inspiration for change..

6.7 HS wp-2Having the proper tools for the job only makes things better.

6.7 HS wp-56.7 HS wp-4You may have noticed the faced head tube surface, and Yes the Ramblers will be like that in the box, it is the right way to do things.  Everything went together smooth as butter

6.7 HS wp-3Why change it all yo might be wondering?  After all it was working just fine, love the silky smooth King headset.  The NOS Stronglight headset has roller bearings that reputedly will have a beneficial effect on any shimmy that could occur with Low Trail bikes.  So far everything has been really good on mine as well as other Ramblers.  Shimmy has net been an issue unless pushing the limits of low tire pressure, loose headsets or floppy loads, all things you should be avoiding anyway.  Since I do get questions on the issue, it was time to try out a roller bearing headset on a Rambler for myself.  I have used them on other bikes, and honestly if things are all in balance, shimmy has not been an issue for me regardless of the headset type.  The second reason was to confirm the clearance of the Funky Monkey cable stop with the biggest headset I could find, not a problem at all, room to spare.  Having tried most cable stops currently available, this one is hands down the nicest.

Now to get all the work for the day done so I can head up into the back country tomorrow afternoon with some friends.  Happy Friday, and get out there and ride this weekend!

 

Fine Art Camper

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It almost sounds like an oxymoron, but today’s post office / hardware store ride had a few distractions wrapped in.  that is aside from being a perfect day for a quick escape

6.6 mail-2This afternoon Jay Nelson is going to be showing off some of his stuff behind the Patagonia store.  I was stoked to get an early look.  I have been watching Jay’s work for a long time, ever since photos of his Honda civic camper made the rounds on the web I have had a dream of chopping up my Golf for a similar project.

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I am looking forward to dropping in later and seeing what else he has for the showing.

Coffee Ride

With growing interest in the Wednesday morning coffee outside I am starting to get more friends going along for the ride.  Having friends there definitely adds to the fun, but cuts down on the number of photos.  We all headed south along the coast to Channel Islands Harbor so Aaron could be closest to his job.  Mike grabbed a good shot of us on the Ramblers.

6.5 coffee mike WP-

Setting up on the north side of the harbor offered plenty of flat spots for the stoves. Scenery was great, sun hitting the islands out beyond the fog, boats heading out, sea lions and great company.  This is a spot that will be added to the routine for sure.

6.5 coffee WP2- 6.5 coffee WP3-Really a great way to start the day, done by 7:30.

What did you do on your way into work?

Breaking the Cycle

It is easy to fall in and out of routines.  Far to often we end up on the path of least resistance even when we know it may not be the best for us.  When I started the Ocean Air Cycles blog, it was about documenting my getting outside by bike every day.  Things have grown and changed a bit since then.  While I still get out pretty often a pattern started to set in back around Daylight Saving time this year.  The schedule took an abrupt nocturnal shift and morning rides went by the wayside.  The coffee outside kept me going at least one day a week, but even that took a vacation with out little girl’s birthday last week.  Shopping for new pair of shorts was the clincher.  Time to get back on the bike, every day, for more than a trip up the street to the PO.  This morning was the first of what will be many out and back trips on the coast.

6.4 Coast WP-1010542June Gloom has set in, and that makes it even harder to motivate.  Once out there though it is all worth it.  Foggy is way better than wet or cold.

Flower Moon Coffee and Memorial day

Saturday morning everything came together for a photo shoot I have had in my mind for a while.  The flower moon would be setting over the ocean just before sunrise.  The tide was a minus 1.2 ft low, and the weather was holding clear with no fog.  I headed out to the remains of our towns WWII gun turrets that have been crumbling into the ocean for over 70 years now to brew up my morning coffee.

5.25 beach WP-The turrets are a relic from a time that there was a real need to maintain the security of our beaches.  The world has changed since then in many ways.  Crumbling monuments like these serve as a reminder of those who have come before and gave their lives to preserve our freedoms.  Take time this weekend to remember why we call it Memorial Day, many have given everything they could give so that we would have the freedom to do things like brew up coffee on the foundations of their old guard posts, enjoy the outdoors and play outside.

Thank You.