Xtracycle vs. Trailer Cagematch
I'm a huge fan of all things bicycle. When it comes to doing all things that I can on the bike, I'm totally there. That being said, I haven't made the jump to the Xtracycle (yet). I love the concept and always have, but every time I weigh the pros and cons, my Burley Flatbed (aka "The Grocery Getter") wins.
Advantages:
1. I can haul so much more with the Burley Flatbed, especially since the "upgrade" to the 45 gallon Rubbermaid container from the "weenie" 30 gallon one.
2. It disconnects easily allowing me to put it on almost any bike. My son often uses it to pull his tenor sax to school which is way cool by me.
Disadvantages:
1. Two extra tires to worry about about.
2. Only a 100 pound load limit (supposedly).
I want to hear from you Xtracycle people about your great love of your bike as a cargo carrier or if you think that maybe my choice is spot on. I'm not here to say that either choice is better. I'm just here to continue the conversation that the voices in my head have on occasion.
In case you were wondering, if I was to go the Xtracycle route, I do dream in Surly Big Dummy green.
Filed under: Grocery Getter
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Still Not Cold Enough
There was little to no wind this morning, so this seemed somewhat "balmy". I even had a Cactus-Eyed Joe bicycle spotting on my way in today. It's not cold enough for him either.
Filed under: Winter Biking
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Levels of Insanity
I no longer need to prove my insanity as I believe that fact has been established for years. The only thing left to prove is the severity of it. This weekend may have proven it's in the latter stages of the disease.Example one: Went to work on a computer about a mile and a half away yesterday at zero degrees with 20 mph wind. I was layered okay, but I will say that it was brisk.
Example two: Went to work at the basketball game at -1 degrees with a sustained 28 mph wind with gusts of 40. On the way there, I was right into the teeth of the wind, very uncovered towards the end. Quite possibly the coldest mile and a half I've ever ridden because of the wind.
To make matters worse I cut across campus like I always do on my way to the game and the sidewalks were drifting pretty good from the blowing snow. I looked at this with boyish glee and started going as fast as I possibly could so I could do some drift busting. Worst. Idea. Ever. Seems that all the drifting snow was not light and fluffy, it was hard, packed and crunchy. The only saving grace was that I hit the semi hard stuff before the really hard stuff. I went from about 17 mph to 8 mph to 0 mph in about half a second. My Chris King headset was like a catcher's mitt for my cajones, minus the nice soft leather part. I found an alternate route to the dome that was less snow packed and less painful for "the boys".
At the game, I was asked: "What is the temperature that you simply will not ride". I had seriously not pondered that before. After brief thought I said, "I guess I haven't found it yet".
I did however ride with the family to church toady and to the kids pageant tonight. I now take more crap when I do catch a ride than when I don't. I'm okay with that.
Filed under: Winter Biking, commuting
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Happy BIG ONE Cathy Jo
Sorry Cathy Jo, I couldn't let THIS birthday slide by! Everyone get over to CYCLING CATHY and wish her a Happy Birthday!
Filed under: Lane Hogs
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Bike vs. Car Report: Dec 1 - Dec 15
Almost unblemished save for driving to the IT Christmas gathering with Laura.
Filed under: Bike vs. Car
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Mean People Suck
It's too cold to leave for lunch today so I thought that I'd eat at my desk and share a little rant/pet peeve. My rant/pet peeve for the day: People who continuously try to cut you down to build themselves up. Before I continue, I can be a smart ass with the best of them. After all, my wife made sure that I obtained professional status in that area last year. That being said, I try to the utmost of my ability to be obviously funny and not hurtful or crass.This last weekend my pet-peeve-o-meter was set off on a couple of occasions by different people. One by somebody who seems to have a personal cob up their butt for me as of late. Of course, this same person will talk about anybody at any time so it shouldn't be totally shocking to me or anyone. It is kind of funny because now that I have started taking this person to task more, the attacks seem to have become more relentless. I'm trying my best to not communicate except when necessary with that person, which is probably playing into exactly what they want.
The other person doesn't necessarily say as much to me as my wife, and my wife used to just deal with it and be hurt by the comments. Now she's getting stronger and letting the person know that it was uncalled for. When she did that this weekend, the person backed off saying "geez, don't you know humor. You take me too serious!". Unfortunately, this person is unlikely to change either.
In both cases, it seems to be the best way they know how to make themselves feel better. In both cases, it's really sad. There is much about each person to be liked. It's too bad that too often gets overshadowed by their nasty, hurtful sides. In other words, mean people suck.
Filed under: Pet Peeves, Rants
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The Brady Christmas Rhyme ‘08
It should shock no one that knows us that our wishes our late,
but we have been extremely busy in two thousand and eight.
Our calendar seems to have never a clear date to pick,
even if we do, we always fill it right quick.
Laura expanded her massage clinic hours to include Monday night,
keeping up with the demand of her customers and treat them just right.
This year she became quite the bicyclist usually on tandem with me,
although late in the year she secured a nice used celeste-colored Bianchi.
Next year the rides may be more solo than pair,
as long as she’s riding I have not a care!
Her accomplishments this year on the bike continue to bring me great smiles,
from riding the MS Bike Tour to covering one thousand plus miles!
Austin is now twelve and enjoys playing the sax like his Dad,
We’ve even performed in church together and it makes others glad.
In the past year his maturity and stature has really grown up,
he’s nearly as tall as his mother, no longer a pup.
Marissa is now ten and is a real busy bee,
playing softball and soccer bring her great glee.
She’s showing quite an interest in cycling too,
When it comes to being active, there isn’t much she won’t do.
Carson is now five and Mom thinks it’s way cool,
that all three of our children now are in school.
To have a quarter of his energy we’d all be set for life,
To turn it off at bedtime is the dream of my wife.
Most days of the year the kids follow a bike to school plan,
As we do our best to be an anti-car clan.
We see it as a way of life and it keeps us healthy and fit,
we try to encourage others, but most don’t get it.
In March of this year we went from two to one car,
and traded our van from a Wind to Free-Star.
Most people laugh and say we’ll buy another when kids are of teen age,
We say they can buy their own when they make their own wage.
In closing our Christmas letter we want you to know we are all fine,
Here’s hoping for you and yours, a GREAT two-thousand-nine!
Filed under: Christmas
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Chip Off The Old Block(Head)
I haven't given much thought to hooking up the Trail-a-Bike and taking Carson to school since the snow has started flying. However Laura (aka Mrs. Biking Brady) told me that he was VERY upset when I left Wednesday morning that he didn't get to ride with me. Thursday he was just too pokey and it was sloppy from new wet snow so I told him I'd take him Friday (today). He was very motivated (for him) in getting ready this morning so he could ride with me. He chatted my ear off all the way to school. He made sure to tell me that he wanted me to pick him up after school too.For better or worse--I'm going with better--my bicycle-over-car attitude is rubbing off on my children to one degree or another. So, to those of you who like to question HOW I can ride ALL the time, my kids already get it. Guess that makes you feel kind of dumb now doesn't it?!?!?
The Biking Brady's -- reducing their carbon footprint one bike ride at a time.
Below is the updated route I have usually take when taking Carson to school and then back to my office.
Filed under: Bike vs. Car, Family
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Studs vs. Chains
As I wandered over to Slagle Hall for a meeting today, I noticed a co-worker had chains on his back tire. Upon further questioning he said he got the idea HERE. Have any of you ever tried chains? It sure looks a lot cheaper than studs. What are some of the plus/minus of chains vs studs?Regardless of the results, I'd like to give props to Randy for riding this winter. He's been pretty steady on the commuting to work front as of late!
Filed under: Bicycle Parts, Winter Biking
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