July 9, 2012, Mehama to Bill and Karen's

July 9, 2012, Mehama to Bill and Karen's

I slept in until 8:45 this morning. It took me an hour and 2 cups of coffee to get the blood going before I could begin the attaching of bags and the closing up of the Mehama house. I also needed to count out enough calcium tablets, multi-vitamin tabs, and glucosimine tabs for the Great Parks Tour. All these little, final, details needing to get done delayed my departure until after 2 PM. I then had to stop at the Gingerbread House for some food. It has become clear to me only if I am desperate should I eat the food prepared by the Gingerbread House. I ate one-half of a deli sandwich: turkey and cheese on white bread. I did wash it down with a banana milk shake. I will stop for ice cream. I left there at 3:00. I elected to ride a flat, yet direct route to Bill and Karen's. Bike performed well. I used all the gears as their were a couple climbs needing the lowest gear but interesting enough the 26 x 34 or 32 (I haven't counted the teeth on all the cogs on the cassette) is sufficient for most climbs. The weather was warm moderated by a nice NW breeze. Air conditioned all the way. It was a head wind but not a hindrance until I turned onto Oak Grove Road which is the last leg to Farmer's. And even then it felt great. I just was not going very fast. This road goes up and down with one steep little pitch before the crest of the hill. I found myself in a race with a little wiener dog who ran with me and then chased me far beyond his home turf. Once I crested the hill I dropped "Charlie" (the owners yelled the name many times) but he was still chasing when last I looked.

T= 3:13, Max= 35.7, Av= 12.3, El Gain= 888, D= 39.7(came through Salem differently), ODO= 2979, 

The "shakedown" cruise worked well. I noticed a couple times when starting out from a dead stop the rear end seemed to sway a bit. The frame flexing? I don't really know and am not worried about it. 

I am still dealing with butt soreness. I am now wondering if my Wilderness Trails (WTB) Laser Pro seat is the problem. A few years ago we did the Bicycle Tour of Colorado. I suffered through the first 2 days with severe butt soreness when on the bike. Our route took us through Gunnison where I found a bike shop on the route, requiring a left turn across traffic to access. I made the turn very quickly. My friend Herb had recommended the WTB Laser Pro. They only had the WTB Laser in stock for about half the price of the Laser Pro. Anyway I bought the Laser and was instantly rewarded. I never thought about or felt discomfort for the rest of the week. I have since acquired 2 Laser Pros for my primary bikes. Is my quest for the perfect bicycle seat to continue? Stay tuned for further details.

July 8, 2012, Farmer's to Mehama

July 8, 2012, Farmer's to Mehama

Went up Orchard Heights, which summits just below 1000 feet, then down to W. Salem. Route, once I got to Wallace and Front, was a reverse of what I rode last Thursday (more or less). I thought I was going to finish a lot faster than Thursday but in the end it was the same time, 3 hours. T= 3:05, Mx= 42.1, Av= 13.3, El Gain= 1958, ODO= 2940, D= 41.1. No stretch as I stopped to eat at the Gingerbread House. My arrival time there was the same as the other times, 8:30, give or take 10 minutes. Head light and tail light worked well after dinner to the house. Very tired so the rest of the evening was spent relaxing, listening to music.

Sunday began around 7:45 AM so I could wash the pickup, then off to Monmouth for church at St. Hilda's. Arrived shortly after 10. Ann Wynn, my niece, was playing the organ today. 

After church, Ron and Marilyn, treated Jaxom and me to brunch at the Pink House in Independence. Jaxom was supposed to join us at noon but he over slept so didn't arrive until closer to 1. Jaxom ate a burger then he and I visited his grandmother at Heron Pointe in Monmouth.

It was 3 when we arrived at Farmer's. Mike Gies was there to see the new bike and after appropriate oohs and aahs had to leave to make a BBQ at his house in Beaverton. Jaxom stayed until 4:30 then headed home. I left Bill and Karen's around 5:30. Pickup left with them as I will ride back, Monday, to their place fully loaded. A test ride to see how it all works together and a few hours left over to make adjustments if needed. 

July 5, 2012, Mehama to Bill & Karen's

July 5, 2012, Mehama to Bill & Karen's

To hwy 22, left on Jennifer, cross 226 to Ferry, left on Hwy 22, right on Old Mehama, right on Hwy 22, right on Fernridge, left on Bodenheimer(?) to Sublimity, right after a few blocks on Cascade Hwy, left toward Aumsville, Aumsville Hwy to a left on Kuebler, Right onto Fairview Industrial Dr., left on Madrona, right on Pringle, right onto 13th to Salem train station. I had a pleasant conversation with the Amtrak employee who attempted to change my departure from Portland to the 11th, but they had no room for bicycles available on the 11th. I elected to stay with the original plan. He graciously wrote down my confirmation number as I had conveniently left all my trains data back in Carmichael. Then through town to the Bike Peddler to purchase tubes, frame pump, and hex wrench set, which was a bit excessive considering all the wrenches available, but it has everything I might need. Then off to Bill and Karen's via Hwy 22 and Oak Grove Rd. Felt the rear end give at bit. Rear tire was low. Pumped it up in the mortuary parking lot, located at Oak Grove and 22. T= 2:59, Mx= 36.9, Av= 13.6, El Gain= 1010, ODO= 2898, D= 40.6.  No stretch. Butt time is the only issue. Meaning the skin over the two sit bones was feeling tender.

This entry began with a route description because it challenges me brain to remember where I have been and provides information for future rides.

July 3, 2012, Mehama, OR: Ride into Salem to South Salem Cycle Works

July 3, 2012, Mehama, OR: Ride into Salem to South Salem Cycle Works

I find myself staying up later and consequently sleeping later into the morning. The day started late and stayed late. I left the house to ride into Salem, ostensibly to meet up with Jaxom, and wanted to stop by S. Salem Cycle Works to see my old friend Michael Wolfe, proprietor, and show off my new Rex. I knew he'd appreciate it. I left the Little N. Fork around 3-3:30. The front handlebar bag carried my iPad, iPhone, knee warmers, arm warmers, vest, glasses, and Canon camera. The rack trunk carried a change of clothes and shoes. My camelback backpack carried only water. Water frozen over night then more water added in the morning. I chose to wear on old Salem Velo Club jersey over bib shorts. It had rained during the night, early morning, and it was still cool in the forest even though it was now afternoon. Welcome to Oregon, Dennis!! I chose to ride on though it felt cool. Just about when I was ready to pull over and add the warmers it seemed the sun was winning the battle with the clouds. Somewhere west of Stayton the clouds started winning again and I was chilled for most of the ride to Cycle Works. Jaxom texted me he was waiting for the afternoon traffic snarl to clear then he would leave for Salem, which meant to me I was not going to see him as I knew I needed 2 hours to get back to the  Little N. Fork. I hung out till Cycle Works closed then talked with Michael. I probably left around 6:30. My  bowl of granola around noon was wearing out. I drank water and decided to stop at the Gingerbread House, if it was open, to get food. The Gingerbread House was open so I ordered a burger basket to go, again. Rearranged things so I could fit the meal in the rack trunk. When it was ready the package went in and the meal stayed warm all the way home. Maximum of 10 minutes ride time. D= 60.8, T= 4:08, Mx= 34.6, Av= 14.6, El Gain= 1265, ODO= 2858. No stretch, ate instead.

For those of you not understanding the last sentence above, I stretch after every ride, but if I eat before stretching it is very uncomfortable to stretch on a full stomach. Sometimes the stomach wins.

July 2, 2012 Mehama, OR

July 2, 2012 Mehama, OR

Did the out and back on 22, Jenny, Ferry and Old Mehama Rd., plus up Fern Ridge a bit then turned around and rode back to Gingerbread House to order some dinner. Burger basket stuffed into rear trunk bag stayed warm back to the house. It was a cool evening and I stopped on Old Mehama to add knee warmers and arm warmers. Quite comfortable after. T= 1:20, Mx= 27.6, Av= 14, El Gain= 344 feet, ODO= 2797, D= 18.6,

Rex performed very well. This was longest ride so far. The only customers in the Gingerbread House were 2 couples sitting together. I overheard one of the ladies say something about someone who "refurbished bikes." I turned and looked at the table and she smiled and said something to the effect "we are bikey's too. You are a bicyclist, right?" I smiled and denied. We all laughed as I was obviously dressed like a cyclist. They told me they had been in Salem for the NW Tandem Rally this past weekend. I invited them to see my new bike. One of them knew the Steve Rex name. Said he had a conversation with Steve at a past Tandem Rally. Then the other couple showed me how they got 2 tandems in the back of a Toyota Sienna. A really long car and he bought it because he could get 2 tandems with wheels on in the back. No seats in the back. I rode home with my headlight on although it was not dark yet, just overcast about 8:45. 

Gingerbread House hours are 7 AM to as late as 9:30 PM.

Farm House Store hours are 11 AM to 2 PM. 

Slept until after 10 today. It is currently 12:45. Contemplating riding to Bill and Karen's with a stop at S. Salem Cycle Works for tail lights and water bottle cage cargo containers (2) and a water bottle.

July 10, 2012, Explanation of subsequent posts

July 10, 2012, Explanation of subsequent posts

I am on the train although we are currently stopped as a river barge has just passed under the Columbia River train bridge headed west.  Below is a very fuzzy picture of the barge pushing its cargo.

I am about to post several entries detailing Rex bike ride data, miles, time, etc. and some impressions. Afficianados of bicycling may find the entries interesting. Others may find the entries a bit uninteresting. They are brief descriptions. Check the dates on each entry although they will be posted in chronological order. The titles should indicate the date. 

My new Steve Rex: thoughts and rambles

Thoughts about my Steve Rex bicycle

It fits me! It fits me! It fits me! 

How do I know?

Pure subjective heaven.

I am not aware of the settling in faze. The shifting of the body to find the sweet spot.  The spot where there are no distracting sensations. Then all energy is directed into forward motion.

When I get on the Rex all energy is directed into forward motion. 

When I write "Pure subjective heaven," I mean I am speaking only about my subjective experience. 

Now for a little fantasy drama.

Setting The Scene: June 29, 2012 

A customer strolls into a bike shop. He is looking for help. His attention is aimed at finding some assistance.

Employee (from below the Customer's sight line and behind a counter): 

How can I help you?

Customer: 

Dude, I am here to pick up my bike.    

Employee (his eyes roll to the Customer's left; then he points, and as he points says): 

Right there. 

The Employee has been expecting the customer as the bicycle had been promised to be ready at 3 PM and it was 3:30 now.    

Customer(slowly turning his head and body in the direction the Employee is pointing): 

Dude, my bike is red. Yeah, just like that one. Oh, yeah, and I ordered alluminmm fenders, too. I like the full wrap around fenders and the nice shine the aluminmum has on that bike. Dude, is that a Schmidt hub? Dude, I ordered one too. Velocity rims, yeah, very nice. Wow, what size are those tires ? Oh wow, they're only 32mm, but they look larger. Panaracer Paselas. I've read about them. Seems to me it was a positive review. Where did I read about Paselas? Oh man, what is the bright flashing thing there in the top center. It's the seat post,wow, very nice, and upon the seat post is attached a Brooks saddle. Yeah this can't be my bike. My butt couldn't take the break-in period, especially considering I am anticipating a 7 week tour starting in 2 weeks. 

Steve(has entered during the above): 

Hi Dennis.

Dennis: 

Dude, where is my bike?

Steve:

Right there in front of you.

Dennis:

But this bike is way cool, man. And it's mine? All mine? I have a different saddle in the car.

And so on and on goes the fantasy.

In reality much of the facts above as related by our slightly confused "Customer" are correct. The flashy seat post is a Velo Orange as are the fenders. The seat post is not only very nice to look at it is very practical as far as swapping out seats is concerned. The Schmidt hub (AKA: SON) electrically connects through the fork drop outs. Thus no wire to disconnect every time the front wheel must come off. The wiring runs internally up the right fork leg to connect to a head light and "The Plug." "The Plug" has a USB port so I can charge my iPhone and iPad while riding. The handle bars are by Tom Ritchey and have a wide platform for the hands when riding in a more upright position. The brake levers are TekTro connecting to, made for road bikes, Avid disk brakes. The rear hub is a White Industries product. Steve recommended it for it's  low maintenence, low breakage, issues. He has never seen one come back in. My choice, Phil Wood, seems to have reliability issues. The crank, Sugino, is connected to a Phil Wood bottom bracket, which do not break. The chain rings are 26, 38, 48 connecting to a 36-12 cog set. A 26 x 36 low gear should get me up most mountain roads when touring with a loaded bike.

In the picture above and below. My Ortlieb handlebar bag is attatched and my red rear trunk rack is attached to my Tubus rear rack. The front fender is off due to its full wrap around ability made it too low at the rear of the fender. Eventually I solved the problem by moving the top fender mount forward, under the light instead of behind the fork crown, which caused the fender to rotate forward and up.  

   

And the end with a nice picture of the "Rex."