tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74000442919617032342024-03-05T17:04:54.464-08:00Speed River BicycleGuelph, Ontario, Canada.speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-64507402583415721662014-04-16T12:29:00.001-07:002014-04-16T12:29:43.783-07:00And we're bacckkkkk....Yes, that was a hiatus of exactly a year and two days.<br />
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Why the hiatus? Well ... I'm not quite sure. Perhaps I wasn't sure if it served a purpose. Perhaps I ran out of things to say (ha! say those that know me). Or, I just didn't make it part of my weekly routine. The last reason is probably the right one combined with a lack of time.<br />
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Since that time Speed River Bicycle has gone through a whole cycling season, our first winter season sans cross country skis and we are back to staring the 2014 cycling season in the face. And we are excited because above all ... we love riding season!<br />
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Is there anything new? Well yes ... there is.<br />
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<b>Service Department:</b> 2 separate work areas and 6 qualified mechanics led by the stellar Michael Dennis. Okay, you might not always see Cosmo or myself working the wrenches but when called upon, we can and will with the best.<br />
Our goal this year was to keep our wait time down to a maximum of 5 days. Well, I believe we have exceeded that already due to the delayed season but we have started an early shift and have had some late nights ensuring your bikes are ready to go.<br />
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<b>Fitting Services:</b> This is, to me, one of the most exciting points of this year. Last year we had built a new fit studio and really moved forward in regards to fitting. This season we have invested a good amount of money and time in further education and new tools. What tools you say? Well ... stop by to check it all out or just wait for the next blog post.<br />
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<b>Product:</b> 4 bike brands. Trek is our headliner as always with Raleigh, Linus and Cannondale being ready to serve you if Trek cannot. We are really excited about Raleigh and Linus as we believe they help us offer something that we didn't have before.<br />
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And there is more ... always more. But if I say it all now it will be another year before the next blog post ...<br />
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Timspeedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-79264774166898306312013-04-14T05:01:00.002-07:002013-04-14T05:01:27.238-07:00Observations on fit, Part 1<div>
Or, as my friend May says, an opportunity for me to have a Doogie Howser, M.D. computer journal moment. Thanks May. </div>
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I am going to break this up into a few parts so that instead of just pointing things out and then offering no suggestions ... I will point things out and then later, offer some suggestions. Moving on. </div>
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There are two types of fit that I see, out in the wild, that I would like to discuss. They are the 'pro' fit and the 'aero' fit. The pro and aero fit end up w/ very similar positions ... In fact, they are pretty much the same thing.<div>
<a href="http://slamthatstem.com/">http://slamthatstem.com/</a> </div>
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These fits generally come about from the thought that the lower the front end, the faster the rider goes. This logic comes from noticing that, generally, professional riders have low front ends and they go fast. </div>
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Often the fit choice can occur due to aesthetics. Neither, in my humble opinion (and I am always open to being wrong), are truly excellent ways to make fit decisions. </div>
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These fits can come from different thought processes with both of these fits generally resulting in a bike with:</div>
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a) handlebars that are too low</div>
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b) stems that are too long</div>
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c) saddles that are too high</div>
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What this equals is a drop and reach that often far exceeds the riders mobility & stability. Now ... if it doesn't and if you have the flexibility of my 1 year old kitten/cat and can ride in the drops when your hoods are sitting 14 cms below your saddle level ... kudos to you. Continue along as if I never wrote this.</div>
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But, if you have the flexibility & stability of a geriatric (and are not a geriatric) and insist on riding in a ridiculous position, read on. </div>
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I like to think of a bike fit as a window or if I want to 'up the pretentious' ... a continuum. I like to picture this continuum with <a href="http://www.e-mobility-systems.com/wp-content/gallery/riding_position/upm.jpg">extremely upright</a> as the far left extreme and extremely aggressive (see <a href="http://slamthatstem.com/">http://slamthatstem.com/</a>) as the far right extreme. Somewhere in between is the fit that is right for you. </div>
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While the far left end of the spectrum can present its own host of problems as well (efficiency, muscle recruitment etc..) some individuals, due to mobility restrictions & wear and tear, need to live on that end of things. Good. If it keeps you riding, that is all that matters. </div>
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So why am I implying that the ultra aggressive fit is potentially a problem? </div>
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The ultra aggressive fit can put you in a position where you are at, or near, end-range motion. End-range motion is not where you want to <b>live</b> during sport, it is where you occasionally go to get the job done. Especially in high repetition endurance sports you do not want to sit in that end-range for the entirety of your activity.</div>
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Without going on and on and on as I have the habit let me just say that your end-range position can:</div>
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- challenge your pelvic stability</div>
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- challenge your breathing efficiency</div>
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- challenge your bike handling</div>
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- lead to early/premature exhaustion</div>
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- lead to overuse injuries down the road (which may be a long road, or may be a short road)</div>
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Simply put, riding in that position is leading to compromised performance and comfort and can lead to injuries or at least reduced performance.</div>
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What it comes down to is, a poor position on the bike does not allow you to express your hard earned fitness. It significantly reduces your potential. </div>
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What are some signs that you might be on the far right end of the spectrum?</div>
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- riding with your hand on the bends of the bars, not on the hoods, as your default position</div>
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- excessive toe dipping when pedaling</div>
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- excessive body movement, especially at the pelvis, when seated climbing</div>
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- nagging knee pain, ankle pain, low back pain</div>
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- cramping/prematurely exhausted calves/adductors</div>
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- looking like an angry cat when riding</div>
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These are just a few signs that you might be at the right hand side of the fit continuum. You might not be feeling any pain right now but just know, pain is the last step in the bodies compensatory process. So when you feel pain you might have been doing something your body hasn't really liked for a good, long time. </div>
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To quote my favorite author (Dan John) ... "Reasonable trumps insanity all the time".</div>
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Think on a few of these things next time you are riding. Get a friend, preferably a brutally honest friend, to you film you or let you know if you a like a bowl of jello (you know, wobbly and all over the place) on the bike. </div>
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Next post I am going to talk about some more signs you can look for, some changes you can make and if you insist of riding at your end range (or you already chopped your steerer and there is no going back...) how you can try and 'unwind' the problems you are creating. </div>
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<br />Myself ... I'm going to go eat and then ride. Hooray for sun!</div>
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Tim</div>
speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-17347102701139214972013-03-27T06:33:00.000-07:002013-03-27T06:33:11.845-07:00If the shoe fits ... We provide fitting services and are pretty darn good at it (hey, where's my horn ... there it is. Toot) so it is ironic (or sad) that as the cornerstone of a good fit, is happy feet, I have been suffering with unhappy feet for far too long. <div>
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Shoe size is incredibly important. In my case the shoe had far too much volume for my long, skinny foot and as a result it would float a little bit in the shoe. Not just in the toe box but also around the mid foot ... not good. This made setting the cleat position near impossible ... well, getting a cleat position I liked and that was in my best interests pretty much impossible. </div>
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As well ... there was insufficient arch support in the shoe. I had an old (4 year old ... eep) pair of esoles eFit insoles in the shoe (far better than the ones that came with my shoes) but the arch support was pressed down and too low to start. The lack of arch support contributed to the wandering foot and the ever changing 'ball' of my foot due to constant collapse of my arch. Not good. </div>
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Why did I put up with it? Well ... because I bought the shoes and I hate being wasteful. Was that a smart decision? No. I should have just done the right thing immediately.</div>
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While nothing terrible ended up happening as a result of my foolishness I did have some small little problems that could have been avoided such as...</div>
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- the early signs of posterior tibial tendinitis due to constant arch collapse </div>
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- Eddy Merckx syndrome (he was known for constantly fidgeting with his saddle height) but instead of saddle height, it was cleat position. I just wanted to use the name Eddy Merckx, not going to lie. </div>
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- low back discomfort on long rides due to the cleats being in the wrong place, foot having a lack of support and effective leg length changing over the course of a ride. </div>
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All said I got away with it but was far less comfortable than I could have been. </div>
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Which leads me to what I did last night.... NEW SHOES!</div>
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First thing, I got a pair of the new Shimano R-170 shoes and tried them on w/ a new eSoles eFit insole w/ a red arch support (medium height arch). Snug and supportive, but not too snug, and enough room in the toe box for my toes to 'breathe' and relax. </div>
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I then proceeded to sit in my reading chair (yes, I have a reading chair) with all of the necessary tools and marked out my 1st and 5th metatarsal, found the 'ball' of my foot in the shoe and set my cleat in the necessary rearward position.</div>
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In my past shoes I had wedges between the cleat and shoe but this time I opted to go for the Steve Hogg heel wedge. I did this because while I felt better with the cleat wedge, I still noticed the tilt. Correcting the foot at the heel corrects what needs to be ... corrected (that was a terrible sentence) but isn't noticeable. It just does its job. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDtsJbgFL-KCzkdYjVnBDFKZWPMIgo7oMwOlpZ2yFGbJyXUW1ZKd2nenbHSioTs_hcv_F_bpFO6NIwlZKYjjdsVfPbw3s5EBCP5tH07fR8YzPGtQRUjsaLo0NgU5Wz7XE6_OTWmyNu64/s1600/ShimanoR170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDtsJbgFL-KCzkdYjVnBDFKZWPMIgo7oMwOlpZ2yFGbJyXUW1ZKd2nenbHSioTs_hcv_F_bpFO6NIwlZKYjjdsVfPbw3s5EBCP5tH07fR8YzPGtQRUjsaLo0NgU5Wz7XE6_OTWmyNu64/s1600/ShimanoR170.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Kicks.</td></tr>
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I threw on my kit and strolled out to my 'service course' (yes, I call my garage my 'service course'. I also call it the 'squat palace'. All depends on the current activity taking place, don't judge me) and did a 10 minute test run on the trainer. Lo and behold ... happier feet. Happier feet meant everything else felt solid and square which left me excited about hitting the road tomorrow. </div>
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So, the lesson of the day. Don't put up with sub optimal foot comfort. </div>
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Tim</div>
speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-24534397800452671912013-03-20T04:03:00.000-07:002013-03-20T04:06:36.885-07:00Fitting Room is doneThe fitting room is done, save a few pieces of trim and a better light system. But it is open for business and that is exciting. Mike did a phenomenal job and the place looks pretty amazing. A multi talented man that Mike Dennis.<br />
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We moved it off of the sales floor (no one enjoyed being a spectacle) and into a newly built room in our basement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQutOVRDKco1KAuhyphenhyphenaLzlJ7YAYai7tPtNqJsX9jMdb_G3ckVqmYMPzWYT-3CGAibwSLdXY784ICKkpcbQhugeucWNsNlhRclmAdHp750QwDki8gYl7xsUgwCPqWLrIXxwbJlfm8wYehw/s1600/fitroomdomane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQutOVRDKco1KAuhyphenhyphenaLzlJ7YAYai7tPtNqJsX9jMdb_G3ckVqmYMPzWYT-3CGAibwSLdXY784ICKkpcbQhugeucWNsNlhRclmAdHp750QwDki8gYl7xsUgwCPqWLrIXxwbJlfm8wYehw/s320/fitroomdomane.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eSoles eFit, Speedplay fit kit, Salsa size stem, Bontrager & Pro bars and stems </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjVRV3s69FP6ZKd0_W61zZdx2RZjkAI8yrSZlg9ogoiAafXEYHcetf-H1WugESY_nV0YYUVjyzXZjrILQH78tYNppv_olmkMKBoNnsAAnt2Yn3SiwSmKDrH5f5gENEftzzgaFT0kCwCM/s1600/productwallfitroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjVRV3s69FP6ZKd0_W61zZdx2RZjkAI8yrSZlg9ogoiAafXEYHcetf-H1WugESY_nV0YYUVjyzXZjrILQH78tYNppv_olmkMKBoNnsAAnt2Yn3SiwSmKDrH5f5gENEftzzgaFT0kCwCM/s320/productwallfitroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few more tweaks to be made to the fitting platform but, this is very close to what the final iteration will be . </td></tr>
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As I have previously mentioned we have acquired a great selection of eSole eFit insoles, as arch correction/support is the first step in fitting, and are looking to acquire a demo 'fleet' of Selle SMP & ISM saddles to complement the Bontrager saddles we already stock.<br />
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I was able to run a customer through a full fit yesterday and it was a very pleasant experience. Freedom to move, privacy, and a cool looking brick wall with pot lights. I'm thinking of an overstuffed chair, leather bound books and as much rich mahogany as possible.<br />
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For more info on our <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/about/fitting-services-overview-pg215.htm">fitting services head over to the website</a> and get your read on.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
Timspeedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-24768170915307060892013-03-04T06:13:00.000-08:002013-03-04T06:13:26.342-08:00I'm seeing ... Temperatures in the positive digits through the week! How exciting is that?<br />
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Short sleeves, sun on the arms and legs and a warm breeze in my face. Not too concerned if it is a long ride or just a commute about town I am just VERY excited about the coming spring and summer.<br />
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Really, that is all I have.<br />
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Oh, since we only have 5 or so people currently working at the store, the sale product will be really slowly put away. So if you are on the lookout for an amazing deal on a helmet, or shoes etc... stop on by!<br />
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http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/sale-items-pg153/<br />
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Tim<br />
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<br />speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-58539255696364346762013-02-21T08:12:00.000-08:002013-02-21T08:18:17.481-08:00Two exciting new brands ... The nerd in me is excited about two new brands that we will be carrying in the store. They cover two things that get me pretty worked up. The first is a fitting product, the second is a training product.<br />
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At long last we will be carrying eSoles supportive insoles.<br />
I can hear raised eyebrow and 'huh?' in response to my being excited by ... insoles. Allow me to explain, and for once, I will try to be brief.<br />
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We transmit power through our feet and a large %age of people, when pedaling, experience arch collapse/drop when transferring power into the pedal. Upstream of your feet is ... your knee, a hinge joint, which does NOT like when it experiences rotational/lateral loading. Arch drop ='s some degree of less than ideal movement occurring up stream at your knee which, 100'000'000 repetitions later, results in your knee exploding and splattering all over the cyclist beside you.<br />
Okay, that last bit was a lie. What is the truth is that your foot is pretty influential in regards to what occurs at your knee and that is very important.<br />
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The first step in foot correction, is arch support hence ... I am excited about carrying eSoles. As a note ... I glossed over alot of things there but the take away is happy feet = happy cycling.<br />
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Stages Cycling Powermeters is the second brand we are now carrying. As a long time power user I can attest to the power of using ... power ... for training. Powerful statement ... I know.<br />
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Using a powermeter (or wanting to use one) can often lead to a few of the following thoughts ...<br />
- crap, I don't want to use the same wheel allllll the time<br />
- crap, way too difficult to change my crank to bike y when it is on bike x<br />
- crap, that is wayyyyy too expensive, I'm a casual cyclist.<br />
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What is nice about the Stages product is that it is crank based ... on the non drive side crank. Meaning, if you use aluminum cranks, you simply purchase the non drive crank w/ the strain gauge installed ... slap it on and away you go. As it is both ANT + and bluetooth compatible you will be able to use your garmin, joule, iPhone etc... as a head unit. Lastly ... it is significantly less expensive than many other options on the market and is perhaps the most mountain bike friendly option on the market.<br />
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So, just like the eSoles rant, I glossed alot. I didn't mention a ton of amazing features ... so head over to <a href="http://www.stagescycling.com/">their website</a> and do some learning.<br />
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And that ... is that. I hope you appreciated my amazing microsoft paint skills. Have a great day!</div>
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Tim</div>
<br />speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-64518034924793412102013-02-14T08:04:00.001-08:002013-02-14T08:04:30.321-08:00Indoor group training ... <span style="font-family: Courier New;">Free indoor training session<br /><br />With the cycling season just around the
corner, the Speed River<br />Cycling Club is offering a free indoor training
session to kick-start your training.<br /><br />Date: February 24th<br />Time:
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.<br />Location: Crossfit Guelph, 45 Dawson Rd. Unit #4<br />What
you need: bike and an indoor trainer.<br /><br />Set up starts at 11:30 a.m. with
the 90 minute ride beginning at noon.<br />There will be door prizes and
coffee provided.<br /><br />Space is limited so please RSVP to </span><a _to="tim@speedrivercyclingclub.org" href="javascript:void(0);"><span style="font-family: Courier New;">tim@speedrivercyclingclub.org</span></a>speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-77549245132804986462013-02-05T12:37:00.005-08:002013-02-05T13:03:51.649-08:00Roll your woes away ... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around 'cross season I would usually start to get some low back discomfort when riding. Cross meant more accelerations (for me ... my handling is terrible so I use the breaks WAY too much) on rough terrain. This would lead to tight IT bands, quads, hip flexors ... you name it. Well, that's what I thought. Turns out my body was just in terrible balance AND incredibly tight ... but that's not the point!</div>
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The point is, you can do alot about your tight muscles and take a pre-habilitative/re-habilitative approach to injury/discomfort prevention. Foam rolling is one of the simplest ways to do this. </div>
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I'm not going to go over the techniques involved in foam rolling but rather I am going to talk about the different rollers. I've used many a foam roller and I've got definite opinions. As per usual ... so here goes ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C0r56F-TSaZGjNZ1huxAa6pzahnUB6W1fmZqNr3Z-dSXsGaSNi_XnGH2aqPUCcBJ-RQV9wzRnKkHg_fzSG28zSPD18VbqPC0e0bJ74hc1wkRKRySsDegXQhdibEi-gutrcy7Tcos2tTu/s1600/full+foam+roller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C0r56F-TSaZGjNZ1huxAa6pzahnUB6W1fmZqNr3Z-dSXsGaSNi_XnGH2aqPUCcBJ-RQV9wzRnKkHg_fzSG28zSPD18VbqPC0e0bJ74hc1wkRKRySsDegXQhdibEi-gutrcy7Tcos2tTu/s1600/full+foam+roller.jpg" /></a></div>
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The above is the standard foam roller you can pick up at sporting supply stores. They can range from dense, to soft, and are a great introductory roller. They are mild (relatively speaking) on the legs and most likely won't bruise you up the first couple of times.<br />
Another 'pro' for this type of foam roller is that it is great for the thoracic spine/upper back work that doesn't necessarily require being ultra firm/aggresive. <br />
A down side to these rollers is that you will ultimately deform/destroy the roller if you aggressively roll your IT bands/quads. As well, their relative lack of density makes the dedicated roller search for something that is more 'firm' in short order. <br />
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Everyone should have one as it is a good tool to have in the foam roller toolbox.<br />
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<a href="http://product-images.wantist.com/photos/2024/The_Grid_Foam_Roller_by_Trigger_Point_8-sixhundred.jpg?1317252658" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://product-images.wantist.com/photos/2024/The_Grid_Foam_Roller_by_Trigger_Point_8-sixhundred.jpg?1317252658" width="320" /></a></div>
The Grid by Tigger Point Therapies. It is expensive for a foam roller, that needs to be said straight off. That said it is resilient, much more so than a standard foam roller, likely thanks to the pvc core. This means Mr. Tight Quads can really go to town on his legs and a) not deform the roller b) get better results than the standard foam roller due to the plastic core. <br />
The knobs and edges are supposed to simulate either the thumb, or fingers but ... I'll be honest. I just don't notice the difference when I roll over the little bumps. Either they aren't firm enough or I'm just insensitive. Regardless it is effective for myself everywhere except glutes & hamstrings.<br />
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Durable, portable and GREAT for the thoracic spine I quite like The Grid but don't think it is a necessity for your kit. <br />
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<a href="http://www.rumbleroller.com/images/rumbleroller-models.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rumbleroller.com/images/rumbleroller-models.jpg" /></a></div>
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The rumble roller. Aggressive is its middle name. Blue is softer, black is harder. Much harder.<br />
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The knobs on this little instrument of torture don't feel like fingers ... they feel like terrible little knobs that were put on earth with the sole purpose of delivering pain. Pain that eventually makes you a better functioning person, but pain nonetheless. <br />
This is the only roller I have that actually creates change in regards to my hamstrings and my glutes/piriformis. It works wonders everywhere else as well. Everywhere, seriously.<br />
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The only downside so far is that the softer blue version is starting to break down after a years use. Not a huge amount but enough that it only gets use for tender areas that can't handle the demon roller (the firm version). <br />
Definitely a great product for someone interested in visiting their pain cave and making their body work better. I recommend getting the long version and a short one. Seriously. Can't have enough rollers. <br />
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<a href="http://www.koiaqua.co.uk/img/p/242-363-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.koiaqua.co.uk/img/p/242-363-large.jpg" /></a></div>
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PVC pipe. If you are cheap and think you can handle it ... PVC pipe will do the trick. But it is unforgiving and might be too much too soon for many people. But it is cheap. And easy to get in a variety of diameters. <br />
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Want to simulate a rumbleroller? Wrap it in rope, preferably something NOT forgiving. That'll learn you to be cheap.<br />
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<a href="http://manlycurls.com/blog_new/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/olympic-barbell-power-cleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://manlycurls.com/blog_new/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/olympic-barbell-power-cleans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lastly ... if you have access to a barbell, nothing gets your adductors/quads/calves better than a barbell. Triceps? Delts? Pfffft ... they can't withstand the capabilities of the mighty barbell. But, it is expensive, heavy and can be too much for many. And if you aren't planning on lifting it ... it might be overkill in regards to acquiring one specifically for mobility work. But it works ... so well. <br />
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<a href="http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mHm8yODDID2bGKJHxEt-qgw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mHm8yODDID2bGKJHxEt-qgw.jpg" /></a></div>
WAIT ... this is the last one. I know it isn't a roller (either is a barbell) and that it is a completely different shape but it gets in those hard to reach places (piriformis, pecs, hamstrings). Grab two or three, tape two together ... the skys the limit. Oh, and they are cheap!<br />
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So that's that. I've used all of the above and regardless of what you get, what you do, make it a daily habit. Learn your tight spots and go to town (within reason) on them. You will have a much better season of riding as a result. <br />
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Timspeedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-81876629373187254252013-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:002013-01-27T07:42:06.197-08:00Make good choices ... <div>
Movement, is movement. High quality movement is the goal on the bike and off the bike. The better you move off the bike, the better the chance that you will move well ON the bike.<br />
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Low quality movement is just that, low quality. The worse you move off the bike, the better the chances are that you will move poorly ON the bike. As you spend the majority of time off the bike, the way you move off the bike greatly affects your on bike performance. The compensations you develop off the bike will follow you onto the bike.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's going to hurt down the road ... </td></tr>
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Cyclists often get a one track mind and think that the only thing that can make them a better cyclist is to, almost literally, ride their faces off. There is some truth in that in that specificity will make you much more efficient at your given task.<br />
But, if you are repeating a deleterious movement over and over are you really creating the efficiency that you want to create or are you simply gaining short term fitness at the expense of long term health? Is your body finding novel compensations that might bite you in the behind down the road and have you off the bike for an extended period of time?<br />
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<a href="http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/">Steve Hogg</a>, fitter extraordinaire (that's putting it lightly), has recommended you prioritize in the following way:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Sleep & Rest</li>
<li>Stretching & Functional self improvement</li>
<li>Riding your bike</li>
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I'll make a note here for those that don't read his work; stretching & functional self improvement means creating stability where there isn't stability, creating symmetries where there is asymmetry and creating mobility where there is a lack of mobility. He is also recommending a high quality bike fit ... as that is his job!</div>
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As well, you could read the advice of the best strength coaches and #1 & #2 would be the same, just replace #3 w/ pick things up and put them down (or something like that). </div>
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It isn't a coincidence that people from opposite ends of the fitness spectrum would have similar recommendations because quality movement is the foundation upon which you build 'fitness'. </div>
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So, if last season you burnt the candle at both ends, hammered ceaselessly on the bike and then hobbled around looking for a place to lay down when you were off the bike perhaps it is time to re-evaluate your strategies. </div>
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If you are just getting into cycling, now is the time to pattern good habits. Prep your body before riding and take 10-20 minutes after the ride to unwind everything you wound up. </div>
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Most importantly be conscious of how you walk (do you walk like a duck? are you a duck?), how you sit (do you ring the bells of the Notre Dame cathedral?), how you stand (I've got nothing that I consider witty for this one) and generally how you move. All. The. Time. It's fun, trust me. </div>
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Anyways, here are a couple of links ... take the time to do some reading and start thinking about how you move and how you are going to improve your movement. Your body will thank you 20 years from now. </div>
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<a href="http://www.functionalmovement.com/">http://www.functionalmovement.com/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/">http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mobilitywod.com/">http://www.mobilitywod.com</a></div>
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Have a great sunny Sunday!</div>
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Tim</div>
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speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-30447468335062760642013-01-19T11:20:00.001-08:002013-01-19T11:20:54.995-08:00Practice makes perfect ...<div><p>Just a quick thought as I take in some weekend educayshun. </p>
<p>Practice makes perfect ... If the practice itself is perfect. Okay, get that. But as cyclists, how many times do you go out to "practice" on the bike vs. how many times do you go out to log miles?</p>
<p>It all depends on your goals of course, but a bit of diligent purposeful practice can go a long long way to helping you get where you are going. <br></p>
<p>Tim</p>
</div>speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-34808166683055790422012-12-25T12:06:00.002-08:002012-12-25T12:06:16.785-08:00It's a new year coming ... <br />
Welp, it is a new year on the horizon and to celebrate I went for a 1.5 hr mountain bike spin. I've been chastising myself as of late because I've badly WANTED to ride the mountain bike but I just haven't made time for it. It is just easier to hop on the cross bike or the road bike and roll away down the road. <div>
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Anyways, I'm not a resolution person but I have been dreaming of mountain biking as of late so ... more time on the mtb. Done. </div>
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As a note ... I swear I got passed by a snail. You might imagine that snails don't exist outside in the winter, but, they do and one passed me. I was that slow. But it will come back in time ... </div>
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<div>
New things are occurring in the shop and I'll be providing some photo-graphical evidence and word-o-graphical evidence in the coming weeks. In order of absolutely no order at all </div>
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<ol>
<li>New change room ... almost done. Bigger, spacious-er and just less scary. In fact, it is completely NOT scary. Success.</li>
<li>New fitting area ... not even close to done, but it will be. Downstairs, not in the middle of the floor. So much awesome I'm having a hard time shaking a stick at it. </li>
<li>New fitting supplies. Steve Hogg heel wedges and EVENTUALLY we will have e-sole insoles. Working on acquiring Selle SMP saddles and ISM saddles. Very exciting stuff. </li>
</ol>
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There is more. And it will all be revealed in due time. </div>
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More to come ... and soon. </div>
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Tim</div>
speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-86430935716760631172012-12-15T09:34:00.003-08:002012-12-15T09:34:25.469-08:00An illuminating discourse on commuter lights...Yeah, I'm so witty. Let's get that out of the way first. <br />
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I've been thinking about commuter lights quite a bit lately for a few reasons. Reason #1 is my close brushes w/ motorists. Reason #2 is that most of my cycling about town is done in the dark at this time of year. Reason #3 is that I was going through my bin of lights at home realizing that I have used a TONNE of lights (yep, I've used more than a ton) and as a result, I sort of know what I'm talking about. I am going to break it down into categories for ease of digestion. <br />
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<u><strong>Don't ride in the dark much, but should have lights because I might ... very infrequently</strong></u></div>
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This is a legitimate category that constitutes a large percentage of light customers. Most of the riding is done w/ sufficient light but, like a boy scout, they enjoy a certain level of preparedness. My experience is that the less expensive easy on/easy off style light holds a certain attractiveness and is generally an excellent choice. </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-click-headlight-156081-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-click-headlight-156081-1.htm</a></div>
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The Blackburn click lights fit into this category really well. 15 lumens, 2 LEDS, simple operation and great run time (140 hrs on flash) make it a great light for those who want to be prepared. There is a matching rear light for this little guy that works equally well. </div>
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Do I recommend this for people who spend the majority of their commuting time in dusk/dark ... and commute quite alot? Yes, as a backup/extra light. No, as a primary light. Moving on to the next category.</div>
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<strong><u>Ride in the dark, alot, and I have access to USB ports/cell phone USB adaptors</u></strong></div>
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Students, office workers, anyone who uses a computer during the day these are the lights you want. Having the ability to charge you light at work/home daily ensures you won't get stuck half way home. If you are commuting/riding in dark/dusk regularly you need bright, annoying lights. Motorists are moving fast and weigh alot, you are moving slow and weigh very little ... make yourself seen. </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/bontrager-ember-usb-taillight-179427-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/bontrager-ember-usb-taillight-179427-1.htm</a></div>
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Quick, easy, convenient. I've had this one 4 months so far. Haven't had to charge it, leave it outside all night and so far, so great. I use this one in conjunction w/ a Blackburn click because I don't believe it has quite enough 'oomph' to be a solo light </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-flea-2.0-usb-headlight-75263-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-flea-2.0-usb-headlight-75263-1.htm</a></div>
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The Flea 2.0 is the original (for us) USB charged front/tail light and it is bright, compact and easy to used. Excellent little light that Cosmo & Rachel have used extensively. </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-super-flea-usb-headlight-156076-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-super-flea-usb-headlight-156076-1.htm</a></div>
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Brand new this fall it is the Flea, souped up. 120 lumens and still quite small. I haven't had a chance to try it but I did look directly at it and it hurt. A good sign. 120 lumens is, in my books, sufficient for a stand alone commuter light. </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-scorch-1.0-headlight-156074-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-scorch-1.0-headlight-156074-1.htm</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
140 lumens and doubles as a flashlight. Super durable, USB charged and easy on/off this is a great light to see/be seen. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u>Ride in the dark, alot, but don't have the ability to charge my lights via USB</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Can't charge the light conveniently? No worries ... there are still very good lights with conventional batteries. </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-mars-4.0-taillight-50528-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-mars-4.0-taillight-50528-1.htm</a></div>
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Bright. Painfully so. So it fits my #1 criteria. This little guy does have a tendency to suck back batteries because it is so bright so my recommendation is to use a good quality rechargeable li-ion battery to save you money in the long run if you have longer commutes/rides and can't use the USB lights. </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-mars-3.0-taillight-61517-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/blackburn-mars-3.0-taillight-61517-1.htm</a></div>
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A little less bright and a little less expensive. It works a charm and is VERY bright.</div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/bontrager-ion-1.5-headlight-173590-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/bontrager-ion-1.5-headlight-173590-1.htm</a></div>
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Have used this light and have been quite pleased with it. Easy on/off, good battery life and has a nice annoying strobe setting. Throws a small amount of light to the side Is it a stand alone light for the serious commuter? Not quite. I would recommend it with something like a click to add that extra layer of flash. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Take away message: There are lights that are good to have as a 'just in case' that don't necessarily work well enough for the individual with the long, dark commute. The rechargeable are best, in my opinion, but you need a way to recharge them. If you can't go rechargeable (USB) then treat yourself to some good rechargeable AAA batteries to save some money and have them on constant rotation. </div>
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Be safe, use lights and make yourself visible. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Tim</div>
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speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-20394820335928815952012-12-01T09:07:00.001-08:002012-12-01T09:07:05.460-08:00When you start tearing things apart ... We are in the midst of our annual 'change for the better' program. Meaning ... we are making a mess and tearing things apart. While it is fun, it does cause disruptions so, our sincere apologies. It will be for the better!<br />
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We know our change room is terrible. There. I said it. It is terrible. Recognizing that we are in the process of building a new change room. Better lighting, proper mirrors and it will be 2 feet wider and 1 foot deeper than before ... plenty of room to bend and stretch yourself into spandex! As well we will be tearing out the old change room and creating a much better flow in the store. All clothing in one area and so forth.<br />
<br />
As the change room will be taking over the fitting area ... we needed to find a new fitting area. I'll be the first to admit that the situation we had set up wasn't the best, but it was all we could do at the time. Well ... we've been rooting around the basement and have come up with a whack of space to create a fitting studio. To say I'm excited is an understatement. To say we have our work cut out for us is also an understatement.<br />
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That brings me to my last point. When you tear things apart you find our quickly that you have too much of stuff in stock. We realized that we had way too many chariot units in stock and thus decided to do what we have never done before. We put them ... on sale. 20% off. Wow.<br />
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http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/chariot-sale-pg231/<br />
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Probably won't happen ever again either so, get em while they last!<br />
<br />
Timspeedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-28103934607570384892012-11-21T05:45:00.002-08:002012-11-21T12:08:33.492-08:00Le sigh ... Anyone who knows me, knows I like to be a bit ranty ... sometimes. Maybe often. I can't argue that.<br />
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What I don't like, is having cause to be ranty when it deals with road safety and mutual respect. So here we go again ...<br />
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Last night as I was on my way home from the <a href="http://www.speedrivercyclingclub.org/">terrific club social</a>, on my bicycle, I was hit by an object thrown from the window of a car. Was it intentional? The adolescent laughter and the "All right!" upon contact with my leg makes me believe that, yes, it was intentional.<br />
Okay, throwing things out of car windows at people who aren't in cars ... allow me to explain the many levels of stupid here ... in a broad context and in a specific event context.<br />
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<b>#1</b> You threw something out of a window, of a moving vehicle, at a cyclist. You found hilarity in attempting to harm others. Perhaps that isn't a level of stupid, perhaps I need to move that to the 'sad' category.<br />
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<b>#2</b> You did the aforementioned deed in a small, pretty well lit neighborhood with pedestrians as witnesses. I'm not trying to teach you how to be a super criminal here ... but if you are going out of your way to try and harm someone, you might NOT want to do it when there are people watching. Watching you drive away in your dad or moms car. Which leads to ...<br />
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<b>#3</b> The car was a Buick Rendevous type of car (heck, it might have been exactly a Buick Rendevous) with what appeared to be fire fighter plates. Judging from the teenage boy type laughter emanating from the car, and the style of the car (and the plates), my Matlock type sleuthiness tells me ... this is probably your parents car. Do you really think it is a smart idea to be throwing things, at people, out of the window of your parents car? I'm not saying it is a great idea to throw things out of the window of YOUR car ... but way to throw the people who raised you under the bus.<br />
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<b>#4</b> The lack of foresight is astounding. I get hit. I fall. I injure myself and/or die. You go to jail. Although I don't ever get the urge to throw things out of the window of cars, at people, if I did ... that is the thought process I would go through. My actions have consequences thus, even if I don't have respect for other people, I don't like jail. Leading to ...<br />
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<b>#5</b> Again, this is in the 'sad' category. The lack of respect for other people. This is very similar to point #1 but perhaps it needs re-iterating ... harming others for your amusement isn't a desirable trait. At least, last time I checked it isn't.<br />
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Anyways, I was a bit shocked when I got hit and again failed to catch the license plate. My attention to broad details (see #3) is pretty decent but my ability to get plates is lacking. Again, I did give chase but I was foiled by the fact I am not superhuman and they were in a car running through stop signs. I at least believe I gave them a moments pause and perhaps a bead or two of sweat judging by the erratic driving. Not sure though.<br />
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Again, I'm not really mad. I'm just sad (honestly) about the whole thing. Risking someones life, and your future, for a cheap laugh just ... doesn't make sense to me.<br />
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Lastly ... the Earl (my commuter bike) was commendable in the stability department. The 80 tonnes of steel that it is had nary a wobble as a result of my encounter. Every day I love my bike more.<br />
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Tim<br />
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<br />speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-88921961303599759772012-11-16T14:58:00.003-08:002012-11-21T12:09:12.369-08:00Focus ... It's November ... and my mind seems to drift during this month. For some reason it is busy (trying to work out where we went wrong and improve upon it for next year) but at the same time, I have more time on my hands than usual. As a result I am finding focus difficult. Could be the reduction in aerobic exercise ... could be.<br />
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New in shop, <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/ice-breaker-pg230/">Ice Breaker.</a> Okay, it isn't new but we had a PK and I am just super excited about it again. First up ... thicker socks. We had been hearing for the last two years that the IceBreaker socks, while good, weren't as thick as the Defeet wooly boolies. Well, we have the<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/icebreaker-hike-trek-crew-3546.htm"> Hike Trek Crew</a> ... a thicker, warmer awesomer sock. We also have their ski socks for those who like the high sock.<br />
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Continuing w/ IceBreaker ... their new <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/icebreaker-rf-320-arctic-hood-3545.htm">NANO RealFleece</a>. Yes, it has the word NANO so it has to be good. Seriously. It's science. And science doesn't lie.<br />
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We've got underoos (that's under garments), base layers, casual wear, cycling wear and jackets. And it is all really, really nice.<br />
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Bikes: District and Earl. I have an Earl and it is entirely the best commuter bike I have ever had. Single gear, fixed or free (I choose free because I like coasting), can fit 'cross tires and full wrap fenders. Steel, durable and ... awesome. This is heading into its second winter and no problems on the horizon.<br />
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District ... single speed or 9 speed (single ring in the front). Cosmo has been riding it as his winter commuter. He has the luxury of gears, so heading up hills is a bit easier. The district will also fit cross tyres, fenders and the such. My issue with gears in the winter is that I'll have more maintenance come spring but ... as far as I know Cosmo hasn't even changed his cables yet, so, perhaps I could be persuaded.<br />
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<a href="http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/town/urban_utility/district/9th_district/#">http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/town/urban_utility/district/9th_district/#</a><br />
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Skis: We've got em. I'm not going to go into detail on these because we are in Southern Ontario and still thinking riding ... but winter IS coming, so if you want to be prepared for some nordic skiing, we can help.<br />
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/trainers-pg183/">Trainers & Rollers:</a> Tacx & Cycleops. Tyres, Mats, Videos, Sweatnets and more. We've got it. Although the days are beautiful, they are short ... so be prepared.<br />
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Errr... that's about all I've got. Enjoy the good weather!<br />
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Tim<br />
<br />speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-33091219666820239112012-11-04T05:21:00.002-08:002012-11-21T12:09:42.011-08:00Road safety rant (after this, I promise I am done) ... I commute by bike all year long and have for at least 10 years. I'll admit my current commute isn't a long one by any means, under 2 kms, but it is satisfying and much quicker than driving, walking or taking the bus. I love commuting and I love the bicycle as a means of transportation. I love cycling in and around Guelph and feel especially lucky to live in a city that I find to be cycling friendly. <br />
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In my entire cycling 'career' I had never been struck by a car (ironically, I have been struck by a cyclist of all things) until Friday. </div>
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Coming down Eramosa hill I was riding safely 2 feet out from the curb (anyone who rides on Eramosa can tell you, the curb area is full of cracks, holes and grates) when my arm and handlebar were hit by a passing car. Luckily my bike weighs a metric ton and I have moderately quick reflexes which prevented me taking a spill on a busy road while going downhill at a fair clip. </div>
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I was struck because the motorist was faced with what I see as a common conundrum. They are driving side by side with a large(r) vehicle and they come upon a cyclist. At this point the motorist is faced with two main options: safely pass the cyclist by slowing their vehicle down and moving into the passing lane (a preferred course of action) or trying their best to squeeze three vehicles into the space of two lanes in order to maintain their current pace. My motorist decided that 3 vehicles would quite nicely fit into the space allotted for 2 vehicles and thus, struck me with his/her mirror. </div>
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Okay motorist, you made a mistake that could have had far greater (but didn't, thankfully) repercussions. But, the world being what it is, you were again faced with two options and a chance for karmic redemption seeing as you had already made a choice that put your place on the road ahead of the safety of a living, breathing human. </div>
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The first option, an option to be taken by a human being with an iota of compassion and respect for others, would have you stop, apologize and ensure that the individual who was struck was indeed okay. The second option, an option taken by human beings of a markedly lower quality, would have you simply accelerate away to avoid dealing with the consequences of your actions. My motorist was of the low quality human being mold and upon looking into their rear view mirror they promptly increased speed and subsequently ran red lights to stay far, far away from me. </div>
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I've thought about this 2 second interaction quite a bit over the past two days and I have come to this final thought concerning my friend, the motorist.</div>
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I'm not angry at you anymore (I was, trust me), now I just feel sorry for you and I feel sorry for those who interact with you on a daily basis. Even though I never met you face to face (rear view mirror 'eye lock' doesn't count), those few short seconds of interaction showed me all I needed to know about your character and how you deal with the consequences of your actions. Let me just say, I didn't much like what I saw. I'm going to use the saying that all children fear ... "I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed". </div>
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Anyways, that's all I've got about that. Really, what is the purpose of this whole rant? I don't know. Maybe it is cathartic. </div>
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Maybe it is to urge you to head down to City Hall and check out the new cycling master plan from November 6th to 8th. On the 7th, from 630-830 their will be a presentation and discussion concerning this plan. Be there. If you can't be there, send a friend or family member. </div>
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<a href="http://guelph.ca/cityhall.cfm?itemid=81633&smocid=1594">http://guelph.ca/cityhall.cfm?itemid=81633&smocid=1594</a></div>
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<a href="http://guelph.ca/living.cfm?smocid=2562">http://guelph.ca/living.cfm?smocid=2562</a></div>
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Cycling in Guelph is awesome, and it is only going to get awesomer (yep, it is a word). So let's work towards making it awesomer?!</div>
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Tim</div>
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speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-45382141983518659992012-10-21T13:35:00.002-07:002012-11-21T12:10:24.507-08:00Oh the fun that October brings ... October is awesome. It is awesome because one day it can be bone chillingly cold and you are thinking 'Hey there indoor trainer, I might just have to get back on you ...' and the next day it is 20 degrees, sunny and the trainer is the furthest thing from your mind.<br />
And yes, I'm obsessed with weather. But aren't all cyclists? They should be ... anyways, on to important things.<br />
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Gabhan, club President & friend, secured a solid 2nd place finish at Albion hills on Saturday. I don't have the run down but Mark Keating was good enough to provide us with a nice photo. Congrats Gabhan and thanks Mark!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I stole this picture from Mark Keating ... well, he posted it to our facebook, so is that theft?</td></tr>
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In the shop we have been doing inventory. Yes, inventory. This is the time of year where we find things that perhaps should not really be in the store anymore. Last year we finally disposed of the Pearl Izumi (I believe) velcro glove & handlebar tape combo along with the really OLD Bell helmet ...<br />
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... that looked somewhat like that. I don't believe it was as old as that one. But you get the picture. </div>
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On Friday we refound a classic piece of hardware, the anti chain suck plate. Cosmo nor Mike could ID the exact year of the plate and a quick facebook poll came up with some narrowing of the date. Regardless we didn't just have one, no no, we have THREE of these beauties in stock. So, if you are looking to end the chain suck that is plaguing your mid to late nineties hardtail I have the part for you (oh, and are you at all interested in acquiring a bassworm and a brake booster??).</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545298_10151057002572581_1612464289_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545298_10151057002572581_1612464289_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Obscure items aside ... inventory typically brings to light that we could put a few things on sale. So we have put<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/sale-items-pg153/"> a lot of saddles, helmets, bikes and more on sale</a> so if you are in the market, stop on by, we probably have the anti chain suck device you are looking for!</div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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Tim</div>
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P.s. Heel wedges and arch supports are on the way! To say I'm excited is an understatement. More on that to come ... </div>
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<br />speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-15720611347205631852012-10-13T11:57:00.002-07:002012-11-21T12:10:56.463-08:00Tubeless on the 'cross bike success & moreI'm not racing 'cross this year, just doing 'adventure' style rides, bombing around town and spending time riding the course (and prepping ... pre race) so it isn't true 'race' success of the tubeless system. BUT. I've been pleased. <br />
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The setup is an Ultegra Tubeless wheel w/ Shimanos valves, Bontrager CXO Team tyres and Stans sealant. <br />
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Setup took all of ... 2-3 minutes per wheel. Snapped on the tyre, popped in the valve, poured some stans in and then used the compressor to snap it all into place. Flawless from the get go. <br />
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The verdict so far ... awesome. <br />
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I've had two distinct victories. The first I was foolishly running sub 25 p.s.i. and remounted less than smooth on an offcamber. While I did burp the tyre and lose half the air I had, the tyre sealed up quite nicely and I would have been able to limp the rest of the lap (if I was racing) to the pit. <br />
The second was a largish puncture while riding. I was smarter this time and had started w/ 45 p.s.i. (trail riding) and by the time I got home I was running about 25. So, it punctured & sealed and left me with plenty to get home. <br />
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So far, couldn't be happier. The ride quality is noticeably better than a tube setup and while it isn't quite as ridiculously supple as the tubular option, I won't be visiting the podium (in any capacity) any time soon so the tubular route just doesn't make sense. <br />
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If you are on the fence, go for it. You will enjoy it. <br />
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Tim<br />
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p.s. Oh yeah, the more section. We are blowing out a large quantity of helmets and shoes so stop in and check em out!<br />
<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/sale-items-pg153/?rb_ct=1208">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/sale-items-pg153/?rb_ct=1208</a><br />
<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/shoes-1212/">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/shoes-1212/</a>speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-15724895115846998982012-10-06T14:10:00.001-07:002012-11-21T12:11:33.670-08:00Hey, where did my warmth go?Well, the cool weather is closing in. It makes for great mtb and sheltered cross rides but the open road can get a bit cool ... if you are soft like me. The early morning/late night commutes can be a bit chilly as well.<br />
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With the weather turning it is time to start thinking about a few things...<br />
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a) Being smart in the dark weather. Use <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/accessories-1109/lighting-1130/">lights</a>, please. We have a great selection of lights from small flashers that take watch batteries to usb rechargeable super lights. If the budget is tight and you have to strap your maglite to your bike with duct tape ... so be it. But please, use some <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/accessories-1109/lighting-1130/">lights</a> and be safe.<br />
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b) Staying dry, and staying warm. Damp road spray (and eventual salty road spray) make for some uncomfortable undergarments. <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/accessories-1109/?rb_ct=1125">Fenders</a> are your friend and, believe it or not, functional and practical is cool ... they don't make your bike look bad. A big strip of nasty road water up your back looks bad. <br />
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A good pair of <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/clothing-1194/?rb_ct=1200">waterproof shell pants and a jacket</a> are always helpful in keeping the underoos from being a clammy nightmare for the remainder of your day as well. And underneath that shell? Perhaps some IceBreaker to keep you warm ... <br />
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For the non-commuter you might need <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/clothing-1194/accessories-1195/?startRow=16">warmers</a> and head coverings to fit under your helmet. We've got that. <br />
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c) Planning out your bike for the winter. Yes, you will be riding all winter. It is fun, relatively safe, provides exercise and gives you the satisfaction of staying warmer than those huddling in their cold cars or waiting for the bus. For the past many winters I have been riding single speed bikes Cosmo has been using the awesome <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/12trek-9th-district-130999-1.htm">9th District.</a> In the window of the store we are currently featuring the ever practical District S.<br />
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d) Training. If you are a competitive cyclist or just love to train, even though you never compete (yeah, that's me), you will want to be thinking of how to get around the weather. </div>
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The first option is to meet the weather head on. <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/bikes-1000/cyclocross-1014/cyclocross-bikes-1015/">A cyclocross bike</a> makes a great winter training bike as the dirt roads around the city are the perfect training surface when freshly plowed. As well, you could simply do some cross training. We will have the skis out soon enough and when we do, stop in, grab a pair and slide your way to fitness. </div>
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Lastly, huddle in your basement sweating to old videos of the Tour with an <a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product-list/accessories-1109/trainers-rollers-1191/">indoor trainer or rollers</a>. If old tour videos don't get your engine going, we have training DVDs to help guide you through your workouts. </div>
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Okay, that is all I have. Winter is coming. Get on it, be prepared. Don't be that guy who is freezing cold and gets sick because you don't have the proper equipment. </div>
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Tim</div>
speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-42094499895192032012-10-01T05:10:00.000-07:002012-11-21T12:12:03.442-08:00Race DayThe Speed River Cycling Clubs annual Guelph Cross event took place yesterday and, in typical fashion, we got extremely lucky with the weather and had a beautiful sunny day for racing. I know that cyclocross is often about mud & cold but, when you are up at 4 am setting up a course with the volunteers ... you end up appreciating the sun and warmth later in the day.<br />
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What to say? Well, first, it was a long but successful day. Thanks to the hordes of club members who came out to assemble a race course in record time (approximately 2.5 hours for assembly ... definitely lose time due to 6am darkness but once the light hits, things speed up) and then stay around to marshall and then disassemble. The <a href="http://speedrivercyclingclub.org/pages/xrace.html">Speed River Cycling Club</a> has a long history of putting on local cross races and without the club members volunteering, there is no way it could happen. Without the members, there is no race, so thanks a ton to everyone who volunteered!<br />
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The racing for the day was absolutely top notch. We had some great battles starting with the 10 am race, which was chock full of club members. Jon Prosser, Eric Oh, Gabhan Chalmers, Gord Drewitt to name the ones that I actually managed to take pictures of ...<br />
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The 1130 race featured an epic battle in the junior & M2 category. Aggressive close fought racing and an amazing heckling squad from the lapdogs cycling club made the 1130 race a great one. </div>
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The last race of the day did not disappoint. Andrew Watson and Nathan Chown set out at a crushing pace but by lap two Watson was off the front by himself and was never seen again riding with fluidity and consistency. Speed River Cycling Clubs Bayden Pritchard showed his huge motor and continues to improve with every race ... cross podiums in the future? I think so. </div>
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In the M1 race, winner Mark Brusso set a vicious pace to take the win but the highlight, for me, was our own Mike Dennis' heckling squad. Perched atop the hill & composed of his loving co-workers, with every pass they would spout nonsense and gibberish in an attempt to bring his level of intensity up a notch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqgb7qSqugBOnjyN0fdvQAsZA-ZAXW_TNP_Ym4Yu2yNgoyKTbGDoK4p5HH2wWp5u3EwJRcLcSH8gNo6DX_2doAawENKmaJeU9T5oDky30Vk6regTGxVTXV2RiClmXDTFGLvskEhBnZsw/s1600/20120930_133749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqgb7qSqugBOnjyN0fdvQAsZA-ZAXW_TNP_Ym4Yu2yNgoyKTbGDoK4p5HH2wWp5u3EwJRcLcSH8gNo6DX_2doAawENKmaJeU9T5oDky30Vk6regTGxVTXV2RiClmXDTFGLvskEhBnZsw/s200/20120930_133749.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Last but not least ... a huge Thank You to all of the sponsors who made the event happen. <a href="http://www.wellingtonbrewery.ca/">Wellington Brewery</a> for their always generous donation of prizing. Cannondale Canada, Sugoi & OGC for the amazing draw prizes. Their generosity is what helps make our event what it is!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqWFwQFVgNThwNad5RoE2CN4q4x6uR31HH_YEaorjFio-_Vl8jsnB1Ad6u_fjaD4Zwt38W8eCarLhVPiXAl4bpvWsqIORepM1u4OXFhUiF2b8ouDpgm7H0Lp95HTmRaHOEtaLLDta8Ww/s1600/20120930_102739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqWFwQFVgNThwNad5RoE2CN4q4x6uR31HH_YEaorjFio-_Vl8jsnB1Ad6u_fjaD4Zwt38W8eCarLhVPiXAl4bpvWsqIORepM1u4OXFhUiF2b8ouDpgm7H0Lp95HTmRaHOEtaLLDta8Ww/s320/20120930_102739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We would also like to thank equipment sponsors Palmer Audio, United Rentals & Battlefield Equipment rental. The generous donations help the event be a reality, thanks so much folks!<br />
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speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-83242768170078758042012-09-29T09:23:00.001-07:002012-09-29T09:24:29.137-07:00Race in a Truck...<div><p>So as the title suggests, I now have a race in a truck. A big yellow rental truck that absolutely enthralls my young neighbor. He loves trucks, he loves yellow. Win. </p>
<p>Today is the big prep day to make sure all of the pieces of the big race puzzle are together prior to the frantic assembling of the course tomorrow morning. <br>
I've learned from years past and have decided to not do ANY loading of the truck at 3am. I dont love the offers of help from downtowns less than sober 3 amers.</p>
<p>What makes a race in a truck?<br>
- prizes and tents, people win and they need stuff ... It might rain tomorrow, shelter never hurts.<br>
- thousands of wooden stakes, barriers, tape and a podium<br>
- cones, flags, saw horses<br>
- BEER (prizes)<br>
- tables, chairs and eventually a sound system</p>
<p>There will be sledges and scissors and knives and twine and other handy things as well (duct tape).</p>
<p>All in all, alot of stuff, take a peek.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XFMflHRulb5EPQwMzXIgrtXJ-KewRwGi8vwMfGe9EoR2kAnwOZlsUFVrx5wwYbin2ZAEbMVznjMZp8VG-JgEjl1BV6Vd7JgpSSWwFLsGA7rwPihoNCGi8OyqhWelvG45OlZ-hqO2hoM/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9w5G1erQyVHddDxfXF64WeOV9zcRvRosRDIqYyMFqvDp4XkD78cRpNawEQqUtRlD0IFVB-PxWBRn74eFsru5P70BYVxjsDjv9DBLHCDxkXklMOKJAPGllPSnvhqRYRv6X-m2P2RzVWk/' /></div>speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-12796942840467938892012-09-17T03:08:00.001-07:002012-11-21T12:12:36.561-08:00A product you might not know + CX shameless plug ..First off, a shameless plug for the cross race. Again.<br />
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If you have never experienced CX, participation or spectation (new word, trademark), then you should get your butt down to Joe Kaine park on September 30th to experience what can only be described as ... awesome.<br />
If you want to volunteer ... we would love to have you. Just fire me an email or show up at 6am w/ water proof shoes (wet socks for the remainder of the day is terrible) and perhaps some gloves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMYgMaGveRTMA8egc7P_G65Fx7rc9-iO0G_gbMoiZXTlWaXnFVJJNH5IjD3uw7uKT4NCz7On3EsW-E8oE4p6ZVZAxpXXvN1PJtOZM3um3eCgVuTQm8NKLFmAIIa2GyKN5TIgB8Msku_c/s1600/jaybarrier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMYgMaGveRTMA8egc7P_G65Fx7rc9-iO0G_gbMoiZXTlWaXnFVJJNH5IjD3uw7uKT4NCz7On3EsW-E8oE4p6ZVZAxpXXvN1PJtOZM3um3eCgVuTQm8NKLFmAIIa2GyKN5TIgB8Msku_c/s320/jaybarrier.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay going over the barrier ... </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark R. leading the race</td></tr>
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And in terms of product ... you might not be aware we sell shoes. Not cycling shoes, but running shoes (well, I wear them to run, jog, walk, work ... whatever) that go by the name of Inov-8.<br />
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<a href="http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Research.html?L=26">Inov-8 Shoes</a><br />
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Inov-8 focus on minimalist footwear ... which as we know is sort of the 'in thing' right now. Why do we carry them? I was looking for a quality shoe that I could wear all day for work, do some running in (while transitioning from a heel strike that make my knees feel like I was 95 yrs old) and just goof around in. I did some research and then tried to find these shoes locally. Nothing. No one. 2 years ago there was an absence of retailers in the area that carried the shoe.<br />
I purchased a pair online and after trying them for a few months I was sold. I decided I liked them so much I would seek out the distributor and attempt to get them in the store. So, we started carrying shoes. Now pretty much every employee has a pair and I have immediate access to my favorite shoe. Ha!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVWmWm8EHDLNNJ9iT_rJk5lOoAzj-IbXrfXbEis79ZXKlmQbBlS6_VjIq76Mt0ePv5GD2VFjKkSeRGy3SvLfRgmUXgg5LLKu-lbjHeicNqoYHlUxEnGbrLM_brNnlF7GAqiv5bKWT8P0/s1600/Inov-8-F-Lite-195-black-white__51647_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVWmWm8EHDLNNJ9iT_rJk5lOoAzj-IbXrfXbEis79ZXKlmQbBlS6_VjIq76Mt0ePv5GD2VFjKkSeRGy3SvLfRgmUXgg5LLKu-lbjHeicNqoYHlUxEnGbrLM_brNnlF7GAqiv5bKWT8P0/s320/Inov-8-F-Lite-195-black-white__51647_zoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F-lite 195</td></tr>
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As a note, we only carry the F-lite and Bare XF models ... if you check out their <a href="http://www.inov-8.com/">website</a> you'll see that I could take an entire wall with their whole line up. </div>
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And, for today, that is all. Enjoy the beautiful weather folks!</div>
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Tim<br />
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speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-41077820585891444022012-09-13T07:54:00.000-07:002012-11-21T12:13:05.284-08:00Ode to Guelph ... <div>
I love Guelph. I got to start my day by riding around the city for appointments and picking up odds and ends and you really would be hard pressed to have a better start. The city is beautiful, the bike lanes are ever increasing, the tree cover is awesome, the rail trails are great and more. At heart I don't think I'm a city person but, I do love Guelph.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great way to start the day...</td></tr>
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Coming into the shop very soon (ie. next week) are some new high powered commuter lights from Lezyne. The Super Drive XL, Power Drive XL and mini drive will all be coming into the store. CNC machined bodies, exceptional power and great prices mean this will be a great light for getting around town at night. </div>
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<a href="http://www.lezyne.com/power-drive-xl">http://www.lezyne.com/power-drive-xl</a>
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Hitting the wall(s) as I type is our fall 2012 Sugoi clothing. Jackets and pants for the commuter who wants to be seen, and stay dry plus all the accessories a cyclist could want (arm warmers, knee warmers etc...) as the weather starts to get a bit cooler. </div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/sugoi-rpm-pants-131342-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/sugoi-rpm-pants-131342-1.htm</a>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/sugoi-rpm-jacket-131337-1.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/product/sugoi-rpm-jacket-131337-1.htm</a>
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New to the website is the opportunity to sign up for our new e-letter. The newsletter will let you know when the newest products arrive, what demos we will have and how to try them, first crack at sale items, information on clinics and more. Sign up at the following address:</div>
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<a href="http://speedriverbicycle.com/about/sign-up-for-our-e-letter-pg226.htm">http://speedriverbicycle.com/about/sign-up-for-our-e-letter-pg226.htm</a>
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And that is about all. Have a great day and enjoy the weather!</div>
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Tim</div>
speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-39906391554094285292012-09-08T10:08:00.001-07:002012-09-08T10:09:33.510-07:00Ride for Farley <div><p>Every year for the past ... 4 or 5, I have driven the support vehicle (neutral support I like to say) for the Ride for Farley, a charitable organization run by the OVMA. </p>
<p>http://www.farleyfoundation.org</p>
<p>There have been years where the weather is perfect and sunny ... and there have been years like this one. While it is slightly less than perfect the weather hasn't dampened everyones enthusiasm and the ride goes on.</p>
<p>I have a few takeaways from this years event, for myself and people taking part in any type of ride.</p>
<p>- don't wean yourself off of coffee and then have 3 in 5 hours. You might get a touch jittery.<br>
- check your tyres before riding ... for cuts, slices and for inflation level. You'll be happier for it.<br>
- have appropriate clothing. I'm damp where it is unpleasant to be so. Avoid that.<br>
- bib shorts are better. Period.</p>
<p>And that's about that. The OVMA and the Farley Foundation are full of fantastic people and I feel privileged to be able to help out in my small way each year. </p>
<p>Lunch is done so, back on the road!</p>
<p>Tim</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXSmIvXIM8prYuZH_041vgBuvBgGBwqdlYx3xWC3TpAhxqUFc_DXxdAHoQESv1aKWJ26Tlnh5k1nN9Xw2acIPTyLzdhrJlbrjc-7cg9CEIuFDo3b1ZmuY89jNwTDmcExu1nsAicD3nfM/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcJ5RkijJD68XL-ol1gD2KuQJeExH_pC_ifj1dBxay65CBvHFGKn8_x83jmto94kryRIVyN9c_rcGl_tuJBpeXjI8qP92KKgYYEs3njaHDke8f-Xd1Rpu8atkuXh0M_m7XkL71WqDQyI/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0hBRlRxb98TCtvdTIZO-YkxVGEU5fM-0iY54ROMwk5IINOstNBfnxbI7M2aveUqlTVNhbswSgyKkz9d74oyw6uBkeHklV9bD3zW650Crctfs1PKvGCN7MPV6d3gKNXFPJVg7dbyfUzg/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pcDscHSo8RZgL_-IPwaLxfgoUnOw-CHVMwCraq8LX6l4nm71v6s6e-zKKm2moXeReOfaDCKVG8lFbi6On3wwhN_xyQMD9EPhFseBvFEOROzXzeFihIfpdKoqOqxE9rAzwFlOemLCyWI/' /></div>speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400044291961703234.post-18548268921140233342012-09-03T07:46:00.001-07:002012-09-03T07:46:07.386-07:00The Cross race cometh... The 5th annual SRCC (Speed River Cycling Club) Guelph 'cross race is coming up. The <a href="http://speedrivercyclingclub.org/pages/xrace.html">last Sunday of the month</a> it is the 2nd O-Cup on the circuit. It lives (the race that is) at the Joe Kaine sports fields just off of Municipal street and, in terms of notable terrain, there is a fairly large bump that we use extensively. The park also features a 'bowl' that surrounds the main baseball diamond and great chip gravel path. All in all, this is a great venue for a cross race.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old school kit, ripping it on the downhill off camber turns ...</td></tr>
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If you have never raced a 'cross race, try it. If you have never spectated at a 'cross race, try it. If you've never volunteered to help build a cross race, you should REALLY try it. All in all the Guelph Cross Race is one of my favourite days of the year. <div>
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<a href="http://speedrivercyclingclub.org/pages/xrace.html">Club website information</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/107484526068109/">Club event facebook page</a><br /><div>
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It is a fantastic day so be sure to mark it down and come out!</div>
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Tim<br /><br /></div>
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speedriverbicyclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03512500902816137810noreply@blogger.com0