Low Tide

Yesterday was starting off pretty normal, the task list was more than a day could hold, but the plan as always was to bite off as much as possible.  One thing I was not giving up was my regularly scheduled errands ride around own.  With all the short stops I can usually get it all done in the same amount of time as the car, and the bike is just a hell of a lot more fun.

DCIM100GOPROThe skies went gray for the first time in few days and the fog was rolling in on the coast.  With temps in the 50’s it was crisp, but still pretty perfect to ride and barely break a sweat.  Everything was going pretty close to routine, and I decided to swing by the beach  on my way home.

DCIM100GOPROThe tide was super low and dropping fast.  I knew this was going to happen, but not so early in the day.  This was a perfect chance to seize the moment, do something not on the schedule and grab back 30 minutes of pure fun, and yes you can almost see the idea forming in my mind above.

DCIM100GOPROAnd so the diversion started, I figured it would just be a quick toodle on the sand.  It turned out I had over a mile of beach for an out and back.  Even with 20lbs in the panniers the 38mm tires did just fine on the hard packed sand.  I found a few small pieces of green beach glass, crossed paths with dogs and their owners reveling in the extra playground space, and had a fantastic time

DCIM100GOPROAs always, getting there by bike is highly recommended, and always make a little time for the detours, you will never regret it!

XtraHills

Yesterday I had a couple of quick stops to make, with Grant Park in the middle.  If there is time I try to make it a point to go over the hill instead of around.  I was on the xtracycle, dropped it into low and set to spinning along at a comfortable pace.

DCIM100GOPROEven the pitches steeper than 10% should not be that big of a deal with the low gearing on  my heavy hauler

DCIM100GOPROAbout half way up and at the top of the steepest stretch I could still crack a smile.

DCIM100GOPROThe next couple hundred yards had me wondering if this was such a good idea in jeans and a fleece.  Not terrible, but thinking I should probably stop, but that would break any sort of rhythm I had managed to get going.  Then cresting the top, the fun begins.

DCIM100GOPROIt is just a matter of picking a route down.

Eureka Moment

On yesterday’s ride I was looking down at the rear brake when I had a giant light bulb go on over my head.

M6 coupler brake light mountA simple M6 coupler replacing the nut on the brake shoe stud.  Then I drilled out the PB Superflash mounting bracket to 6mm and bolted it on.  Yes, that simple.

Why not just use the rack mount just out of view at the top of the picture? On many bikes as with this Rambler, the light interferes with the chain stay and can not be properly aligned without a spacer.  Often in my experience the spacer will end up letting the bolt come loose.  This coupler solution solves both the mounting of the brake pad and the light with a single commonly available piece of hardware.  I have had the Superflash down at the rear drop out for a few months now, but find that I am more likely to turn it on if it is up higher.

Hooray for the corner hardware store that stocks plenty of bike friendly Metric nuts and bolts!

 

Unstable Weather

DCIM100GOPROYesterday was one of those days where it was sort of hard to get out, but you are so glad you did afterwards.  the morning weather has been in the 40’s, and while I should not complain, it is still chilly.  The plan was to ride out to farmer’s market as usual, but I was stalling, the weather was unpredictable to say the least, heavy winds and fast cold rain showers.  I only ended up catching the edge of one squall on the way home.

DCIM100GOPROThe ride was well worth the effort.  Even though I stalled, I still completed what may be one of my top winter projects.  After two years of deliberation, my favorite knickers just got better

1.6 weekenddiaper-1110066with the diaper now in the scrap bin they are infinitely more comfortable, knees and legs are warmer and I will thus be getting back out on more cold mornings.  Now to start looking for a good set of knickers that do not have the pad from the start.  Any reccomendations?

 

Clean Slate

DCIM102GOPROYesterday I made it out for a quick surf check and rode through a quick errand or two.  The weather was chilly, but beautiful.  The last few weeks were on the quiet side here at the blog.  We were working through the loss of my wife’s grandmother as well as a good solid round of the flu, never a dull moment.  With those issues, the associated travel and the holiday madness moving into the rear view mirror I am looking forward to charging into the next year.

Our first round of Ramblers should finally be making it out of paint in the next couple of weeks.  I can not wait to get this batch of five out under their patiently waiting riders.  The next round will be much larger, and the volume will help with the scheduling issues this round had during fabrication, as our team learns how to grow out of being a small fish in a big pond.

Speaking of this next round, the pre-sale is on, there is a significant deal for newsletter subscribers.  Shipping is free for those who can make local pickup here in Ventura.  I am also working on a pick up solution for out Portland customers, either through a scheduled delivery date or with a partnered LBS.  If you fall into either category you can choose the “Free Local Pickup” option at the checkout.

I will be improving the look and feel of the site and storefront incrementally over the next couple of months.  Feedback at each step of the way is welcome, as it helps to know if I am heading in the right direction.

2012 was a good year, 2013 is going to be a big year.  One certain trend last was that milestones consistently came through on the 13th, so I am thinking 2013 is going to be one big milestone in its own right, and I plan working my butt off, but still can not make it happen without your help.  Lets make this year a big one at OAC.