I think the biggest thing about "It takes forever to get on the bike and ride" was an issue I had, and then I started working on making it so that I had fewer obstacles to riding my bike, not more. I was running clipless pedals and enjoyed them but then decided to go back to platforms + straps since I didn't have to have specific shoes just to head out. I also have my seat bag stuffed with everything I would need for a ride and an emergency granola/energy bar in the bag - no need to worry about if I have everything for a ride, cause it's all in the bag. The last item is having certain bags for certain lengths/types of rides - my seat bag has everything for rides up to 10-40 miles, my handlebar bag serves to carry whatever else I would need for rides past 40 miles, and the top tube and bento bag go on whenever I'm going further than that. The other aspect is just recognizing that any miles on the bike are better than no miles on the bike - it doesn't really matter in the end if you got the KOM/QOM segments, or if you're going faster, if just matters that you're riding your bike in any form. You don't need all that much if your goal is to just get on the bike and enjoy yourself.
seconded. Let's get away from trying to be "the best" and just enjoy a bike ride. Competitiveness kills the fun in cycling (aside from being one of the worst human traits).
Yeah I just ride in whatever I happen to have on and crocs. like all the time even on group rides. Winter I definitely agree though getting ready sucks in the winter.
Head unit stays on the bike, and it's a big unit so there's enough battery to last the week. It comes off Sunday after the ride for charging and uploading ride data. Same schedule for rear light. Each bike has a saddle bag with a tube specific to that bike and other small accessories (patch kit, CO2 canister, derailleur hanger for that bike). I have multi tool and inflator in a separate essentials case that I can slip into a pocket that works for all my bikes. Various bar and top tube bags are next to my helmet so I can grab everything I need at once. Also. If you like real food, some kind of fancier bread with cream cheese and Nutella is a super easy and delicious ride snack. Wrap it up in precut foil (the kind you find in bagel shops, so they're not too sharp to cut lycra).
getting dressed for cold weather rides is often what gets me out the door, who's going to put on all that crap and then sit back down and watch tv. OK I've occasionally done that.
Hey Hannah. Thanks for this! Yup, experience is the best teacher but it always seems to come at a price. Here up in Ontario Canada, when I decided to take on winter ice and snow commuting it took a while to get a sense what layers/ gear for what conditions. Tips:immediately charge lights/gps after each ride and put them (with gloves) in your helmet (if they aren't ON your helmet) by the door with shoes their too. SPD pedals with flats on one side means you can wear any shoes for short rides. Rain/Wind shell jacket by door too also merino wool base layer there too. In your climate, that will get you most of what you need. Step out door, feel what temp/wind chill is really like, step back in, grab appropriate stuff right there waiting for you, AND GO! Note about muscles from a Registered Massage Therapist, don't need to stretch mucle before activity, just have to warm it up. Essential to stretch AFTER activity. Hot Epsom Salts bath after long rides to prevent next dau muscle soreness. Loved the reflection! Keep on rolling!
The biggest mistake I made when building up a bike* was leaning on reddit advice, or looking at what others are doing similarly through social media. I then became focused mostly on trends and aesthetics more than what I actually needed and wanted from my bike. When building a bike I think it can be important to build it in isolation mentally and only seeking advice when needed, not when you want to know what other's are doing, unless that's part of why you're doing it. I still ended up with an amazing build ...but noticed as soon as I finally said goodbye to reddit and instagram that I became far more willing to make changes on my bike that made sense for me but perhaps wouldn't be as pleasing when seen by broader audience. *I also ride exclusively fixed so it is a particularly harsh bunch on social media and a tough audience to please aesthetically. **re: Thing 4 ... get a fixed gear with straps not clipless. Low maintenance, always ready to go and you can make it as hard and as long as you want... and IMO you can't get more out of a short ride than you can on a fixed gear. Not even sure if you have one, only just found your stuff... worthy investment for any cyclist imo. $ to value is unbeatable.
Two things resonated for me: first, I built up a Surly Cross Check as a gravel bike, and I like all the parts on it, but I don't love the frame. I think I want something a bit lighter, and a bit more relaxed. The other is the ordeal of getting going, which I've (partly) managed with three things: a closet in the garage with shoes and helmet (so I always know where they are); a bag with gloves, glasses, arm- and leg-warmers, and a gazillion other little items (so I can either find 'em quickly when I'm suiting up, or throw the whole business in the car if I'm driving to the start); and a printed list of all the stuff I want to pay attention to or be sure to pack before I either throw the leg over the saddle, or start the car. Oh, and I have dedicated chargers for the GPS unit and the lights, so if they aren't already on the bike, I can find 'em immediately.
My first real adult bike, new bike, was ultimately wrong for the kind of riding I thought I was going to be doing. Now the perfect commuter/utility bike. Barriers to riding, my solutions. Each bike has its own tools, pump, and lighting set up, ready to roll. I have one tub that has the bike swag I need for a day ride according to the season. That isn’t easy as I am in Wyoming and ride all year including Christmas Day, when the wind is supposed to drop this afternoon. Last is having a bag or pannier on the bike to doff/don layers as you need them. Full disclosure, I ride steel 90’s MTBs and Surly’s, so tractor chic is my thing.
Many of us spent money on things that they thought that they would have liked until they tried it. I've done it too. I've been riding for a long time so most of my moneypit life lessons regarding bikes happened decades ago. You're not alone. Test ride bikes from bike shops. Ride your friends bikes. One thing that was really helpful for me was having a pile of bike stems. Try a stem that is 1cm shorter but less rise or longer with less rise. And keeping a notebook of bike fit changes. Whenever I change anything about how one I write it down. You can get stems at yard sales or bike co-ops cheap. Limit changes to 1 per week. After a few years you're probably going to be considerably more comfortable on your bike. Understand that bike fit is a series of compromises. Aerodynamics, bike handling, comfort, power output are all considerations. The most comfortable position for your shoulders might be different than your hands. The ideal position for climbing power is unlikely to be optimal for sprinting. You can get the tradeoffs for the bike and your riding style pretty good though. A good experienced bike fitter is invaluable and worth it but so is years of trial and error. For food I agree that real food is superior. Mashed sweet potatoes in Coghlans squeeze tubes makes excellent riding food. It leaves your hands sticky but highly recommended. Having a bag on each of your bikes with tools, a mounted pump and lights makes getting out the door easier. So does having a ready to go riding bag - which can be a backpack, framebag, handlebar bag... I also recommend having at least one bike with flat pedals so you don't need to change shoes to get on it.
Happy Christmas 🎄 For short rides, maybe have a bike with flat pedals with a tube, pump etc in a saddle bag. Then you can just grab your helmet and go. You can always use your phone for routing/tracking your ride. Best thing (in my opinion) is sell your Mone and put the money into your other bikes or kit or for financing a bike packing trip.
I agree with you that you have to listen to your body. I have been cycling 20 something years and I have suffered numerous overuse injuries Some of it is inevitable as we get older, but some of it is not listening to nagging pain that unchecked will turn into full blown injuries. I stretch religiously after ever ride and ice various parts of my body every night. Biking especially in the winter is a PITA. What I do is put all my gear including helmets, shoes, gloves (winter and summer), toe warmers, arm warmers, leg warmers even my sun glasses in a big bag made specifically for cycling. The bag lives in my car so I have every thing I need whenever I need it. It still is a PITA but at least I have everything I need and do not have to search for it.
I always ride in regular shorts, t-shirt using platform pedals. And, I keep a few tools, tube, pump in my saddle bag so I don't have to grab all that stuff for every ride. I try to make taking a ride as simple as possible. Thanks for your insight!! Love the channel.
The bits about nutrition and stretching/rolling out really resonate. Though I'm much older than you, that teenager mindset about the body--putting whatever into it an it'll work; I can go and do whatever and my muscles will "be fine"--is soooo strong and I'm still trying to change it today since I still need my body to be able to do other stuff after the ride is done. And regarding the bit about all the cycling kit...I don't think that's petty at all so much as good self-awareness of something to address before it steals your joy. I'm in a different space but sort of fighting that same fight--I'm trying to be on the bike more during the week so that I can do some of the longer rides you're already doing. So I'm doing work (yes, I just called shopping and buying more bikes work lol) to make it easier to get on the bike instead of the car for more day-to-day errands. Step one was adopting Russ from PLP's approach to clothing--live in clothes you can ride in and ride in clothes you can live in. I can honestly say this has helped tremendously to encourage quick rides after work. Easier for us do do as guys, I'm sure. Also helps that I prefer flats and to have my hands gloveless on a bike. Step two was picking up an old 80's ATB and am working to get it comfy and capable. There is something about an old beater of a bike with stickers all over it that tells me forget everything but the helmet and let the little kid out for a bit...
Hope you had a very Merry Christmas.....To help cut down on time to get ready, you should set up a storage area for all your cycling gear. Maybe a wall mounted shelf or find a nice, used, free standing book shelf to keep all your stuff together near your bikes. One other thing that I do is keep clean and filled H2O bottles in my fridge ready to go, so all I do is grab and go.
You hit some of the points spot on! For me, being an over 50 rider, the whole getting dressed/undressed thing for riding especially in winter has become a whole shift in my riding habits. And one of the biggest reasons I haven't gotten into winter fat biking. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Hanna, I have trench coat and heavy hat, neck protection and a hoody. Long winter undi and mittens instead of gloves. Normal shoes. I live in the upper Midwest and that works for me. Notice that the jacket and hoody can be zipped open and closed to self regulate. And it is too cold I try not to use the bike 😅. Merry Christmas 🤶
I made a bike storage area in my apartment next to my fridge! It has all of my bike stuff, my bikes on front tire hooks, and a shelf for random stuff. Now it is quickish and easy to go, no looking for anything. Also I clean my bottles right when I get back so I always have a few ready! Good tip on the real food, I need to experiment more with that
Nutrition was the biggest thing I had to learn. Cliff bars are absolutely garbage in my opinion. I have to eat real food and plan ahead on what I'm going to eat. It makes my rides so much better. Took too much trial and error to find what fuels me the best, but I've got it worked out now. I keep all my kit ready to go. Everything gets charged after every ride so it's always ready. Helmet and gloves are always hung up by the door. Clean jerseys and shorts (weather pending) are always hung up where I can get them. My gravel bike has all my necessary repair gear and needs in a frame bag now. New road bike is still getting that gear kit put together. I struggled with getting out the door until I organized and made the decision to do all that. Really helped me get out the door faster and just be more organized.
That’s a great idea-I need to get myself more organized so that I’m not running around looking in every nook and cranny for my stuff every time I want to ride 🙈😭
Happy holidays. I just stumbled over this video. I can rely to the "eating real food" bit. While I take a bar on longer trips as a backup, I plan my food without it and usually don't touch it. What I may take is fruits like banana, apple slices, dried foods to get some quick sugar in between. And for longer rides with breaks in between it's reel food during the breaks. Pre made or at a cafe or some sandwich. However, the point I wanted to comment on is the riding prep. I'm a German. People over here are actually used to the idea of using bikes for every day trips. Surely not everybody does it. But quite some people do. And that's what I'm doing as well. Commuting by bike. At the moment my commute only takes me 15 min per direction. But I used to do about 25 km per direction. I started with every other day but stocked to it and now it's just what I do every morning. Yes, if it's wet outside it's somewhat annoying to also put on rain gear. But I probably would do that for commuting by public transport as well. And I don't need a lot of fancy stuff for a daily commute. Build in lights or lights that last a week are helping. Also I don't track my progress on every commute. Just when I do dedicated cycling. (I track every run though, as it's dedicated running, so have to set up that.) Actually I find it much harder to go out and run when it's wet or cold. You have to start nearly freezing at the beginning of the run, else it's hard to put other layers anywhere when I get hot after about 1 km. This is much easier by bike. I can store extra layers easily and also can somewhat control how hot I get. Not sure if something from my world relies to yours. Probably not. But maybe you can connect your biking to some regular tasks that you do anyway and by this then you don't have to decide each time to get out riding, but instead just do it as said tasks needs to be done regularly. If not you at least got another comment to push your channel. Thanks for all your effort.
I ride flat pedals. I don't own a pair of bike specific shoes. I don't own lycra. I wear whatever the weather dictates, which is similar to any other go outside to sweat clothes. I have paddded gloves, but seldom use them. I wear winter gloves when necessary. But I leave the house a lot in all seasons, so sunglasses and winter gloves are necessary wether I bike or not, thats leaving the house stuff, not bike stuff. I don't worry about or use electronics on the vast majority of rides. Sometimes I wear a watch, so I don't stay out too late. Mostly, I don't even do that. I eat before riding, not during. I can generally go 4 to 6 hours at a high exertion level without needing to eat. 8 hours is fine if the pace is mellow. I don't carry suitcase apendages on every part of my bike for local rides. I carry little to no tools. No more than what can fit in a compact seat bag. That bag is never emptied, so I don't have to think about what goes in it before a ride. Sometimes the bag isn't on the bike, so I leave without it. I don't forget it, I just don't care to put it on. I maintain my bike between rides, not during rides. I haven't needed a tool on a ride in years. I can't remember the last time I used one out of necessity, instead of preference to fidget (an adjustment that could wait till after and which could have been left alone) on a non multiday ride. My water takes less than a minute to fill. Helmet takes less. People are way to concerned about their stuff, their gear. Its all the self imposed stuff that makes it an ordeal. I just get on the bike. Sometimes in slides, no water, no helmet, and just toot around. Not every ride is to Katmandu.
You are not wrong. One of the reasons I loved running was the fact you pretty much just put on your shoes and go! Outdoor cycling take more setup time. But the smart trainer is ready in minutes!
Hi!! Love your videos and the ordeal of getting ready resonates with me. I set up an area for all my kit/gear. I kind of look at the weather for the next few days and set aside tops, bottoms, gaiters, hat, gloves, etc. so whenever it’s time to ride it’s all separated lying on a bench in the order I’d put it on. I also have a charging station there with my 2 headlights, tail light, battery bank and Bluetooth speaker (for more chill rides). I also fill a couple bottles ahead of time (1 electrolytes and 2 water) so when the motivation hits I can just grab them. Hope some of this helps make it more seamless. I look forward to more videos. Happy Holidays and upcoming New Year!!
I love that you said things I wish I don’t, you do know now. I think that’s how all of us learn even if we look at others to see what they do, it literally comes down to our comfort. I love your videos I love just knowing about you. I calm down a lot on the cycling gear like that previous person posted. I started reading rivendell blogs and I guess I was just ready to hear it. I just after 30+ years started riding flats all around town and I have to say I’m loving them once I let go of my own ideas about cycling. They really aggressive ones I don’t miss my clip-less pedals or my Sidi dominators, even up hills. On loooong rides I will default back to my clip-less but 90 percent I use my flats…like now, I’m going to two different places for Christmas social gatherings and I don’t need to worry about my shoes. I just keep my helmet hanging from the handlebars. I don’t wear gloves anymore, then I just keep them in my helmet. I have only my cycling backpack which I use for cycling and it has my luck, neck gator patagonia h2no coat that folds super flat into my pack… it took me longer to post this than it will be to get on my bike right now. Thank you for putting yourself out there!!! You rule! 😁
I've simplified my setup. I use flats and my shoes I wear everyday (Chrome Industries). I don't use a bike computer. If I am lost I just pull out my phone for GPS. I don't bring food with me either. I eat before I go and stop at a gas station if I am hungry. I've found most bicycle-specific clothing to be optional.
Merry Christmas! I totally feel the same way about food on the bike. I wish I could be like other riders who can conveniently eat Clif bars and Gu’s all day. It’s taken me many rides ending nauseated to finally accept I need a mix of real food like a sandwich and banana or stopping to eat a thermos of hot ramen I’ve packed along. As for making it easier to get out the door, especially in winter, it’s not as “spontaneous” but I lay out everything (and I mean everything down to the socks and neck gaiters and glove liners) the night before so when I want to ride the next day, it’s all set. This works great for my both my commuting and fun riding. May you have happy and fun riding adventures into the new year!
Merry Christmas. So for me i stay organized ahead of time. Charge stuff when you get home, I keep my heart monitor, heart strap , riding wallet and socks and cold weather head gear in a drawer together. My bikes and gear are in a shed , when I open the door my helmet, shoes , gloves and glasses are hanging on the door , pump is right to the side . So I really only need to go to 2 locations. I have to walk through my kitchen to get out to the shed and my 2 water bottles are sitting on the counter. It works for me , oh yea almost forgot, I have a list of riding items hanging on the wall in the shed to just double check I haven’t forgotten something. Sorry it’s so long . Have a great day . ❤
Second this one - I work from home, but even with all my stuff nearby, I do best when, first thing in the morning, I pick all the clothes out and have them near me and ready to go out at lunch. Definitely eases the friction.
I agree prepping can be onerous. That said. Every outdoor activity requires a certain amount of prep. Whether hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, biking (road or gravel) or kayaking (takes the most prep). Finding a system that works for you is key. I prefer to have large plastic bins. One for biking, one for kayaking, day hiking etc. I have a friend that has a check list for each activity. Whatever works. The bike you have is a good bike. However, from your video I can see that it doesn't fit you. There are several things that would help. Number one would be to find someone would knows how to fit a bike to fit women properly. Many bike fitters lack knowledge in the differences between male and female physiology.
Thank you for all the videos! That Mone is a looker. I leaning towards getting a custom frame from Marino in Peru to pair with a Mone fork for an atb setup I have in mind. Could look into a custom bike frame in a size, looks, & geo that you are looking for. I started brining a bag of granola ball from Trader Joes on rides, which has become my favorite. No dairy but does have a little chocolate in it. Happy New Years!
I am a carnivore. For cycling, I don't need to carry food. As for gear; no gps, no computer, and my big clothing item is a hooded windbreaker. I have done Wim Hof hot/cold conditioning. So anything above 34 degrees, a wind breaker, running hat, t-shirt, gloves, and bike shorts is all I need. Oh yes, all the analysis on pedals makes flat pedals the all around best with street shoes ( in my case barefoot trail shoes)
The last point is what I’m going thru now…I’m tired of getting ready with layers due to the cold weather…especially for a ride that’s like 10 miles which is like one hour for me….or just about…plus I’m always worried about dealing with a mechanical during the dark winter months… if I did it again…I would just had bought the turbo trainer and not buy cycling winter clothes. Takes me like 20 minutes just to get ready…and I don’t like cycling in regular clothes. Lol so that’s not really a solution for me. So basically use turbo trainee during winter months or just do a different activity during the winter months… it’s ok to give cycling a break during the winter. I wish I understood that concept too. 😢
The setup time for biking IS somewhat annoying. What I've tried to do is just try and have all my gear always in the same place and ready to go (close to my bike as possible). Charge my devices immediately after I get home so I know they'll be recharged for the next ride, and if possible leave some stuff on the handlebar/seat bags always and not remove them (pump, extra tyre, repair kit, hand sanitizer, tissue, bandaids etc.) and I always tend to carry some fructose tablets in there in case I need a quick carb/sugar situation. And even tho I'm tired after a long ride if it was a dirty one I tend to still take time to wash my bike so it'll be all clean and ready to go for the next one with clean chains and such. It's annoying, but it's even more annoying if I have to do it BEFORE the ride 🤭
Check out Marino bikes. You can speck out a custom hard tail for bike packing for a very reasonable price. I bought the cabala hard tail. They come powder coated.
I am 56 years old and I still do not stretch I just keep riding back and forth to work and my weekend warrior type stuff including my photography and bike packing photography and bike packing in general then there's a hiking after I'm done biking
Nope, just getting out the door is an ongoing issue. My "solutions" everything clothing wise has its own specific hook or cubby hole, that it lives in/on and can be found on demand, that includes buffs, knee warmers and gloves. And for shorter rides where I know the route I just wear a GPS watch, no need to hunt for a Garmin if you're already wearing it... The art of "grab 'n' go” rides is essentially over preparing in between to simplify the task when the impulse to go ride grabs you.
I find that if i make a place for my cycling stuff and prepare the things i need to before riding i can pretty much make it a habit to go out when i want.
Thank you for sharing! For what it’s worth, since you asked, a few things I’ve done that allow me to get riding with no prep include: - Using flat pedals on all my bikes, even my fixie - I have a Carradice saddle bag permanently fixed to my main ride, in which are all my supplies (tube, patch kit, lock, etc) I’m terrible at remembering things! So that’s why I just have them all there. - Having a leather saddle and soft tires mean I am comfortable riding in plain clothes. I don’t even have a chamois and I can ride 100+km comfortably. Much like your return to real food, I am all about natural fabrics and regular clothes for riding - The main ride has a Wald basket, which allows me to throw whatever I need in there whenever I need to. And I’ve got a rando front rack on my road bike so I can put stuff on it too. But some kind of carrying facilitator on all my bikes - I’ve never used a bike computer - Dymano lighting means I never have to worry about whether I’m charged or where my lights are. I’m always ready to go Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Hannah. I share your pain for getting ready . It is sometimes such a chore. Lol. Maybe check weather day before and lay out all relevant gear the night before and make sure bike is ready to go too. Then it's alot easier to on the day you ride to just get out . I struggle with what bike to take aswell . To many decisions to make lol. Self inflicted as have too many bikes. I can totally related to how you feel about your mone . I feel guilty leaving my bikes around and not riding them . Trouble is a can't bring myself to part with any of them as I still ride on occasions. Even if the mtb is only 5 times a year .
hello 🙂 hmm last year i had become a custombuild frame and i just can say it is a huge huge different to a 08/15 bike/frame. it had take some phonecalls and some more e-mails to figure out what i wanna have and for what i will use it. than 16 weeks later i had the frame with the fork and i start to build up something very nice. maybe this can be a option for you. well mostly i wear my work cloths even with safetyshoes because drive every workday with the bicycle to work. and so i had some things what fits good on the bicycle and on work. personal point of view it give some good workcloth what is even good on the bicycle, sure sounds strange but is possible 🙂 ps sorry for my bad english.
One thing I suggest and have been doing is to track what the forecast is for temps and what layers/jackets I wore (and how it worked for you). I now am better at guessing and avoid the last minute changes. Good advice on stretching but I am guilty there as well. Any suggestions on where to start learning?
I started watching a lot of physical therapy channels, particularly videos about glute and hamstring stretches. Those aren’t the only muscles you should be stretching, of course, but it’s where I have the most issues so I started there. I’ve watched a ton of old videos from Bob and Brad, and the algorithm suggested other channels from there!
If you're still thinking of selling parts off the Mone, I'm just down the street in Savannah, and would be interested in the frame (and possibly more).
I found your page because I literally typed “queer bicycle” because I was sick of seeing only straight white men on the search pop ups for videos lol. With that being said, thank you for existing as a queer human in this bicycle space. Merry Christmas! 🎄
That Mone isn’t currently a hardtail because it’s missing a suspension fork. What you have now is a rigid fork mountain bike. Swap out the fork first to suspension and it might give you the right cush you’re looking for.
For the bike packing that I do which is single track and long distance and I do mean long distance down to two days weekend warrior just around 240 miles or so I have a full suspension diamondback Atras 2 It may be a quick release 9 mil front and rear but she works so well 27.5 tires medium frame although I could have used a maybe a large or possibly an extra long not large only because my arms and my legs long legs long arms short torso
@@queercyclist Thanks! Also: How wide/what kinda bars are you using on your Crust? I’m around the same height as you, and have been on 40cm Cowchippers - wondering if I should go wider with all the rougher terrain I’ve been hitting.
Great commentary, as usual. One thing that will serve you for cycling and life in general is to be organized (how'd you get a PhD w/o this?). You won't have to look for your helmet and shoes if you always put them in the same place. And it will keep you from losing your mind, too!
Maybe just get your stuff together first? The Mone is a brilliant bike obviously not for everyone in every situation. I'm happy you are on a mission to find a great ride for YOU! Don't dog bikes and products because they don't work for you? Glad you are on two wheels! Kep it up:)
As far as blocks go and take food That has helped me stickers candy bars and Cliff blocks grape or mixed berry And for the hydration sometimes it's just plain water until I get home then I do a recovery mix which is your water two nuuns orange flavor and tangerine water mix the kind that you squeeze that's one of the drinks that I make up the other one is the tangerine flavor mix water and emergency C In Orange MX and drink that those are the only two recovery drinks I need Now some people like to take and drink that new drink I think it's called liquid IV I could be wrong which is a very good source of electrolytes and other stuff but if you can find a product called Everlast in grape or mixed berry get that that was actually meant with electrolytes in mind for the type of riding we do I kid you not I went from Sheffield lake to Michigan border and back on two bottles of Everlast when was grape and one was mixed berry and I was not dehydrated and I do not have a problem with foods
Comments about your Mone resonate with me. I went from a rigid / geared hardtail that I thought could "do it all", to chucking a suspension fork on and going singlespeed and having a blast on trails. I think it'd be a great bikepacking setup for shorter/rougher rides, or anything where you're not pushing the pace or distance.
Hello there! My experience is different from yours. Regarding stretching, this is not a general practice. I suggest you check out Dylan Johnson's channel, where he does a survey of the scientific literature on the subject. You are correct that preparing to ride outside in Winter is time consuming. My solution is to have my indoor trainer permanently set up. Bye!
Some trials like in Spain and Nevada could wreck this bike god back packing you could still convert it to back packing with clamps but check stresses with a bike mechanic 👨🏻🔧 I built a bike around Uber eats a Lynskey sportive titanium 😮
One tip that will help you before you ride your bike, say a prayer to GOD in YAHSHUAH'S HOLY NAME, then open your HOLY BIBLE KJV and read a portion so you can meditate on it while riding, you won't believe how you'll feel after words, you will develope such a hunger for more WORD OF GOD and HIS WISDOM!! IT IS VERY NUTRITIOUS!!👊😊📖🚴
I think its almost impossible for your first adult bike to be the right bike. Part is starting out there's a mismatch for most of us on what we think we want to ride vs how we actually end up using a bike. The other is a lot of the media is just misleading. I think none of them want to give a bad product review, and they're incentivized not to as that would likely dry up the supply of demo bikes they'd get access to review. And that gets more perilous for such an eccentric bike like the La Roca. With you on the food. People think I'm strange, esp coworkers during the field season out on hikes, but my power food is onigiri. Or, just that idea. I was having a really difficult time hitting a summit (having at the time to have never lived more than 2.5 inches above sea level) and altitude sickness was hitting me and the Swede in charge of making the food run bought nutella instead of peanut butter (being dehydrated and nauseous on the side of a volcano is not the time for one's first experience with nutella). Luckily a guide had an extra rice ball with some tuna and that was like an instant battery change. And its completely non-offensive to the stomach. But everyone is different I suppose. Its funny how much attention gets put on things like cycling gels. Yet, in an interview, Nigel Mitchell (the nutritionist who wrote that GCN cookbook) even stated that all their pro tour racers are eating mostly whole food, and what he cooks depends on where that rider is from and grew up eating.
I think the biggest thing about "It takes forever to get on the bike and ride" was an issue I had, and then I started working on making it so that I had fewer obstacles to riding my bike, not more.
I was running clipless pedals and enjoyed them but then decided to go back to platforms + straps since I didn't have to have specific shoes just to head out. I also have my seat bag stuffed with everything I would need for a ride and an emergency granola/energy bar in the bag - no need to worry about if I have everything for a ride, cause it's all in the bag. The last item is having certain bags for certain lengths/types of rides - my seat bag has everything for rides up to 10-40 miles, my handlebar bag serves to carry whatever else I would need for rides past 40 miles, and the top tube and bento bag go on whenever I'm going further than that.
The other aspect is just recognizing that any miles on the bike are better than no miles on the bike - it doesn't really matter in the end if you got the KOM/QOM segments, or if you're going faster, if just matters that you're riding your bike in any form. You don't need all that much if your goal is to just get on the bike and enjoy yourself.
seconded. Let's get away from trying to be "the best" and just enjoy a bike ride. Competitiveness kills the fun in cycling (aside from being one of the worst human traits).
Yeah I just ride in whatever I happen to have on and crocs. like all the time even on group rides.
Winter I definitely agree though getting ready sucks in the winter.
To cut down on the time to get ready for rides I usually don't bother with bike specific clothing on shorter (
To cut down on the time to get ready for rides I usually don’t bother with…a bike! 😂
@@themoodyteam you do you 👍
Head unit stays on the bike, and it's a big unit so there's enough battery to last the week. It comes off Sunday after the ride for charging and uploading ride data. Same schedule for rear light.
Each bike has a saddle bag with a tube specific to that bike and other small accessories (patch kit, CO2 canister, derailleur hanger for that bike). I have multi tool and inflator in a separate essentials case that I can slip into a pocket that works for all my bikes.
Various bar and top tube bags are next to my helmet so I can grab everything I need at once.
Also. If you like real food, some kind of fancier bread with cream cheese and Nutella is a super easy and delicious ride snack. Wrap it up in precut foil (the kind you find in bagel shops, so they're not too sharp to cut lycra).
getting dressed for cold weather rides is often what gets me out the door, who's going to put on all that crap and then sit back down and watch tv. OK I've occasionally done that.
Hey Hannah. Thanks for this! Yup, experience is the best teacher but it always seems to come at a price. Here up in Ontario Canada, when I decided to take on winter ice and snow commuting it took a while to get a sense what layers/ gear for what conditions. Tips:immediately charge lights/gps after each ride and put them (with gloves) in your helmet (if they aren't ON your helmet) by the door with shoes their too. SPD pedals with flats on one side means you can wear any shoes for short rides. Rain/Wind shell jacket by door too also merino wool base layer there too. In your climate, that will get you most of what you need. Step out door, feel what temp/wind chill is really like, step back in, grab appropriate stuff right there waiting for you, AND GO! Note about muscles from a Registered Massage Therapist, don't need to stretch mucle before activity, just have to warm it up. Essential to stretch AFTER activity. Hot Epsom Salts bath after long rides to prevent next dau muscle soreness. Loved the reflection! Keep on rolling!
We’ll I’m not registered, but yes, I’ve read that you shouldn’t stretch before exercise, only after during the cool-down 👍
I just discovered your channel and, as a beginner cyclist, really appreciate your honest reflections. I hope you post again!
The biggest mistake I made when building up a bike* was leaning on reddit advice, or looking at what others are doing similarly through social media. I then became focused mostly on trends and aesthetics more than what I actually needed and wanted from my bike. When building a bike I think it can be important to build it in isolation mentally and only seeking advice when needed, not when you want to know what other's are doing, unless that's part of why you're doing it. I still ended up with an amazing build ...but noticed as soon as I finally said goodbye to reddit and instagram that I became far more willing to make changes on my bike that made sense for me but perhaps wouldn't be as pleasing when seen by broader audience.
*I also ride exclusively fixed so it is a particularly harsh bunch on social media and a tough audience to please aesthetically.
**re: Thing 4 ... get a fixed gear with straps not clipless. Low maintenance, always ready to go and you can make it as hard and as long as you want... and IMO you can't get more out of a short ride than you can on a fixed gear. Not even sure if you have one, only just found your stuff... worthy investment for any cyclist imo. $ to value is unbeatable.
Two things resonated for me: first, I built up a Surly Cross Check as a gravel bike, and I like all the parts on it, but I don't love the frame. I think I want something a bit lighter, and a bit more relaxed. The other is the ordeal of getting going, which I've (partly) managed with three things: a closet in the garage with shoes and helmet (so I always know where they are); a bag with gloves, glasses, arm- and leg-warmers, and a gazillion other little items (so I can either find 'em quickly when I'm suiting up, or throw the whole business in the car if I'm driving to the start); and a printed list of all the stuff I want to pay attention to or be sure to pack before I either throw the leg over the saddle, or start the car. Oh, and I have dedicated chargers for the GPS unit and the lights, so if they aren't already on the bike, I can find 'em immediately.
My first real adult bike, new bike, was ultimately wrong for the kind of riding I thought I was going to be doing. Now the perfect commuter/utility bike. Barriers to riding, my solutions. Each bike has its own tools, pump, and lighting set up, ready to roll. I have one tub that has the bike swag I need for a day ride according to the season. That isn’t easy as I am in Wyoming and ride all year including Christmas Day, when the wind is supposed to drop this afternoon. Last is having a bag or pannier on the bike to doff/don layers as you need them. Full disclosure, I ride steel 90’s MTBs and Surly’s, so tractor chic is my thing.
Many of us spent money on things that they thought that they would have liked until they tried it. I've done it too. I've been riding for a long time so most of my moneypit life lessons regarding bikes happened decades ago. You're not alone. Test ride bikes from bike shops. Ride your friends bikes. One thing that was really helpful for me was having a pile of bike stems. Try a stem that is 1cm shorter but less rise or longer with less rise. And keeping a notebook of bike fit changes. Whenever I change anything about how one I write it down. You can get stems at yard sales or bike co-ops cheap. Limit changes to 1 per week. After a few years you're probably going to be considerably more comfortable on your bike. Understand that bike fit is a series of compromises. Aerodynamics, bike handling, comfort, power output are all considerations. The most comfortable position for your shoulders might be different than your hands. The ideal position for climbing power is unlikely to be optimal for sprinting. You can get the tradeoffs for the bike and your riding style pretty good though. A good experienced bike fitter is invaluable and worth it but so is years of trial and error. For food I agree that real food is superior. Mashed sweet potatoes in Coghlans squeeze tubes makes excellent riding food. It leaves your hands sticky but highly recommended. Having a bag on each of your bikes with tools, a mounted pump and lights makes getting out the door easier. So does having a ready to go riding bag - which can be a backpack, framebag, handlebar bag... I also recommend having at least one bike with flat pedals so you don't need to change shoes to get on it.
Happy Christmas 🎄 For short rides, maybe have a bike with flat pedals with a tube, pump etc in a saddle bag. Then you can just grab your helmet and go. You can always use your phone for routing/tracking your ride. Best thing (in my opinion) is sell your Mone and put the money into your other bikes or kit or for financing a bike packing trip.
I agree with you that you have to listen to your body. I have been cycling 20 something years and I have suffered numerous overuse injuries Some of it is inevitable as we get older, but some of it is not listening to nagging pain that unchecked will turn into full blown injuries. I stretch religiously after ever ride and ice various parts of my body every night. Biking especially in the winter is a PITA. What I do is put all my gear including helmets, shoes, gloves (winter and summer), toe warmers, arm warmers, leg warmers even my sun glasses in a big bag made specifically for cycling. The bag lives in my car so I have every thing I need whenever I need it. It still is a PITA but at least I have everything I need and do not have to search for it.
I always ride in regular shorts, t-shirt using platform pedals. And, I keep a few tools, tube, pump in my saddle bag so I don't have to grab all that stuff for every ride. I try to make taking a ride as simple as possible. Thanks for your insight!! Love the channel.
The bits about nutrition and stretching/rolling out really resonate. Though I'm much older than you, that teenager mindset about the body--putting whatever into it an it'll work; I can go and do whatever and my muscles will "be fine"--is soooo strong and I'm still trying to change it today since I still need my body to be able to do other stuff after the ride is done.
And regarding the bit about all the cycling kit...I don't think that's petty at all so much as good self-awareness of something to address before it steals your joy. I'm in a different space but sort of fighting that same fight--I'm trying to be on the bike more during the week so that I can do some of the longer rides you're already doing. So I'm doing work (yes, I just called shopping and buying more bikes work lol) to make it easier to get on the bike instead of the car for more day-to-day errands. Step one was adopting Russ from PLP's approach to clothing--live in clothes you can ride in and ride in clothes you can live in. I can honestly say this has helped tremendously to encourage quick rides after work. Easier for us do do as guys, I'm sure. Also helps that I prefer flats and to have my hands gloveless on a bike. Step two was picking up an old 80's ATB and am working to get it comfy and capable. There is something about an old beater of a bike with stickers all over it that tells me forget everything but the helmet and let the little kid out for a bit...
Hope you had a very Merry Christmas.....To help cut down on time to get ready, you should set up a storage area for all your cycling gear. Maybe a wall mounted shelf or find a nice, used, free standing book shelf to keep all your stuff together near your bikes. One other thing that I do is keep clean and filled H2O bottles in my fridge ready to go, so all I do is grab and go.
I keep all my MTB gear in a big shopping 🛍 bag. Makes it easy to find stuff. And can be chucked in the car if needed.
You hit some of the points spot on! For me, being an over 50 rider, the whole getting dressed/undressed thing for riding especially in winter has become a whole shift in my riding habits. And one of the biggest reasons I haven't gotten into winter fat biking.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Hanna, I have trench coat and heavy hat, neck protection and a hoody. Long winter undi and mittens instead of gloves. Normal shoes.
I live in the upper Midwest and that works for me.
Notice that the jacket and hoody can be zipped open and closed to self regulate.
And it is too cold I try not to use the bike 😅.
Merry Christmas 🤶
I made a bike storage area in my apartment next to my fridge! It has all of my bike stuff, my bikes on front tire hooks, and a shelf for random stuff. Now it is quickish and easy to go, no looking for anything. Also I clean my bottles right when I get back so I always have a few ready! Good tip on the real food, I need to experiment more with that
A designated area for bike stuff is a great idea!
Nutrition was the biggest thing I had to learn. Cliff bars are absolutely garbage in my opinion. I have to eat real food and plan ahead on what I'm going to eat. It makes my rides so much better. Took too much trial and error to find what fuels me the best, but I've got it worked out now.
I keep all my kit ready to go. Everything gets charged after every ride so it's always ready. Helmet and gloves are always hung up by the door. Clean jerseys and shorts (weather pending) are always hung up where I can get them. My gravel bike has all my necessary repair gear and needs in a frame bag now. New road bike is still getting that gear kit put together. I struggled with getting out the door until I organized and made the decision to do all that. Really helped me get out the door faster and just be more organized.
I have absolutely the same problems 😅
That’s a great idea-I need to get myself more organized so that I’m not running around looking in every nook and cranny for my stuff every time I want to ride 🙈😭
Happy holidays. I just stumbled over this video. I can rely to the "eating real food" bit. While I take a bar on longer trips as a backup, I plan my food without it and usually don't touch it. What I may take is fruits like banana, apple slices, dried foods to get some quick sugar in between. And for longer rides with breaks in between it's reel food during the breaks. Pre made or at a cafe or some sandwich.
However, the point I wanted to comment on is the riding prep. I'm a German. People over here are actually used to the idea of using bikes for every day trips. Surely not everybody does it. But quite some people do. And that's what I'm doing as well. Commuting by bike. At the moment my commute only takes me 15 min per direction. But I used to do about 25 km per direction. I started with every other day but stocked to it and now it's just what I do every morning. Yes, if it's wet outside it's somewhat annoying to also put on rain gear. But I probably would do that for commuting by public transport as well. And I don't need a lot of fancy stuff for a daily commute. Build in lights or lights that last a week are helping. Also I don't track my progress on every commute. Just when I do dedicated cycling. (I track every run though, as it's dedicated running, so have to set up that.)
Actually I find it much harder to go out and run when it's wet or cold. You have to start nearly freezing at the beginning of the run, else it's hard to put other layers anywhere when I get hot after about 1 km. This is much easier by bike. I can store extra layers easily and also can somewhat control how hot I get.
Not sure if something from my world relies to yours. Probably not. But maybe you can connect your biking to some regular tasks that you do anyway and by this then you don't have to decide each time to get out riding, but instead just do it as said tasks needs to be done regularly.
If not you at least got another comment to push your channel. Thanks for all your effort.
Thanks and Merry Christmas!!! Life is all trial and error! Have fun and be safe out there!
I ride flat pedals. I don't own a pair of bike specific shoes. I don't own lycra. I wear whatever the weather dictates, which is similar to any other go outside to sweat clothes. I have paddded gloves, but seldom use them. I wear winter gloves when necessary. But I leave the house a lot in all seasons, so sunglasses and winter gloves are necessary wether I bike or not, thats leaving the house stuff, not bike stuff. I don't worry about or use electronics on the vast majority of rides. Sometimes I wear a watch, so I don't stay out too late. Mostly, I don't even do that. I eat before riding, not during. I can generally go 4 to 6 hours at a high exertion level without needing to eat. 8 hours is fine if the pace is mellow. I don't carry suitcase apendages on every part of my bike for local rides. I carry little to no tools. No more than what can fit in a compact seat bag. That bag is never emptied, so I don't have to think about what goes in it before a ride. Sometimes the bag isn't on the bike, so I leave without it. I don't forget it, I just don't care to put it on. I maintain my bike between rides, not during rides. I haven't needed a tool on a ride in years. I can't remember the last time I used one out of necessity, instead of preference to fidget (an adjustment that could wait till after and which could have been left alone) on a non multiday ride. My water takes less than a minute to fill. Helmet takes less.
People are way to concerned about their stuff, their gear. Its all the self imposed stuff that makes it an ordeal. I just get on the bike. Sometimes in slides, no water, no helmet, and just toot around. Not every ride is to Katmandu.
Nice video, great points! Nice glasses too!
You are not wrong. One of the reasons I loved running was the fact you pretty much just put on your shoes and go!
Outdoor cycling take more setup time.
But the smart trainer is ready in minutes!
Hi!! Love your videos and the ordeal of getting ready resonates with me. I set up an area for all my kit/gear. I kind of look at the weather for the next few days and set aside tops, bottoms, gaiters, hat, gloves, etc. so whenever it’s time to ride it’s all separated lying on a bench in the order I’d put it on. I also have a charging station there with my 2 headlights, tail light, battery bank and Bluetooth speaker (for more chill rides). I also fill a couple bottles ahead of time (1 electrolytes and 2 water) so when the motivation hits I can just grab them. Hope some of this helps make it more seamless. I look forward to more videos. Happy Holidays and upcoming New Year!!
I do exactly the same thing. It’s a great way to ensure its easy to get ready and I don’t forget shit.
I love that you said things I wish I don’t, you do know now. I think that’s how all of us learn even if we look at others to see what they do, it literally comes down to our comfort. I love your videos I love just knowing about you. I calm down a lot on the cycling gear like that previous person posted. I started reading rivendell blogs and I guess I was just ready to hear it. I just after 30+ years started riding flats all around town and I have to say I’m loving them once I let go of my own ideas about cycling. They really aggressive ones I don’t miss my clip-less pedals or my Sidi dominators, even up hills. On loooong rides I will default back to my clip-less but 90 percent I use my flats…like now, I’m going to two different places for Christmas social gatherings and I don’t need to worry about my shoes. I just keep my helmet hanging from the handlebars. I don’t wear gloves anymore, then I just keep them in my helmet. I have only my cycling backpack which I use for cycling and it has my luck, neck gator patagonia h2no coat that folds super flat into my pack… it took me longer to post this than it will be to get on my bike right now. Thank you for putting yourself out there!!! You rule! 😁
I've simplified my setup. I use flats and my shoes I wear everyday (Chrome Industries). I don't use a bike computer. If I am lost I just pull out my phone for GPS. I don't bring food with me either. I eat before I go and stop at a gas station if I am hungry. I've found most bicycle-specific clothing to be optional.
Merry Christmas! I totally feel the same way about food on the bike. I wish I could be like other riders who can conveniently eat Clif bars and Gu’s all day. It’s taken me many rides ending nauseated to finally accept I need a mix of real food like a sandwich and banana or stopping to eat a thermos of hot ramen I’ve packed along. As for making it easier to get out the door, especially in winter, it’s not as “spontaneous” but I lay out everything (and I mean everything down to the socks and neck gaiters and glove liners) the night before so when I want to ride the next day, it’s all set. This works great for my both my commuting and fun riding. May you have happy and fun riding adventures into the new year!
Happy new year to you as well!
Merry Christmas. So for me i stay organized ahead of time. Charge stuff when you get home, I keep my heart monitor, heart strap , riding wallet and socks and cold weather head gear in a drawer together. My bikes and gear are in a shed , when I open the door my helmet, shoes , gloves and glasses are hanging on the door , pump is right to the side . So I really only need to go to 2 locations. I have to walk through my kitchen to get out to the shed and my 2 water bottles are sitting on the counter. It works for me , oh yea almost forgot, I have a list of riding items hanging on the wall in the shed to just double check I haven’t forgotten something. Sorry it’s so long . Have a great day . ❤
Second this one - I work from home, but even with all my stuff nearby, I do best when, first thing in the morning, I pick all the clothes out and have them near me and ready to go out at lunch. Definitely eases the friction.
I agree prepping can be onerous. That said. Every outdoor activity requires a certain amount of prep.
Whether hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, biking (road or gravel) or kayaking (takes the most prep).
Finding a system that works for you is key. I prefer to have large plastic bins. One for biking, one for kayaking, day hiking etc.
I have a friend that has a check list for each activity. Whatever works.
The bike you have is a good bike. However, from your video I can see that it doesn't fit you. There are several things that would help. Number one would be to find someone would knows how to fit a bike to fit women properly. Many bike fitters lack knowledge in the differences between male and female physiology.
Thank you for all the videos! That Mone is a looker. I leaning towards getting a custom frame from Marino in Peru to pair with a Mone fork for an atb setup I have in mind. Could look into a custom bike frame in a size, looks, & geo that you are looking for. I started brining a bag of granola ball from Trader Joes on rides, which has become my favorite. No dairy but does have a little chocolate in it. Happy New Years!
I am a carnivore. For cycling, I don't need to carry food. As for gear; no gps, no computer, and my big clothing item is a hooded windbreaker. I have done Wim Hof hot/cold conditioning. So anything above 34 degrees, a wind breaker, running hat, t-shirt, gloves, and bike shorts is all I need. Oh yes, all the analysis on pedals makes flat pedals the all around best with street shoes ( in my case barefoot trail shoes)
The last point is what I’m going thru now…I’m tired of getting ready with layers due to the cold weather…especially for a ride that’s like 10 miles which is like one hour for me….or just about…plus I’m always worried about dealing with a mechanical during the dark winter months… if I did it again…I would just had bought the turbo trainer and not buy cycling winter clothes. Takes me like 20 minutes just to get ready…and I don’t like cycling in regular clothes. Lol so that’s not really a solution for me. So basically use turbo trainee during winter months or just do a different activity during the winter months… it’s ok to give cycling a break during the winter. I wish I understood that concept too. 😢
The setup time for biking IS somewhat annoying. What I've tried to do is just try and have all my gear always in the same place and ready to go (close to my bike as possible). Charge my devices immediately after I get home so I know they'll be recharged for the next ride, and if possible leave some stuff on the handlebar/seat bags always and not remove them (pump, extra tyre, repair kit, hand sanitizer, tissue, bandaids etc.) and I always tend to carry some fructose tablets in there in case I need a quick carb/sugar situation. And even tho I'm tired after a long ride if it was a dirty one I tend to still take time to wash my bike so it'll be all clean and ready to go for the next one with clean chains and such. It's annoying, but it's even more annoying if I have to do it BEFORE the ride 🤭
Check out Marino bikes. You can speck out a custom hard tail for bike packing for a very reasonable price. I bought the cabala hard tail. They come powder coated.
If you're not racing, no need for helmet. Regular pedals makes it easy to simply ride and walk without fussing.
I am 56 years old and I still do not stretch I just keep riding back and forth to work and my weekend warrior type stuff including my photography and bike packing photography and bike packing in general then there's a hiking after I'm done biking
Nope, just getting out the door is an ongoing issue. My "solutions" everything clothing wise has its own specific hook or cubby hole, that it lives in/on and can be found on demand, that includes buffs, knee warmers and gloves. And for shorter rides where I know the route I just wear a GPS watch, no need to hunt for a Garmin if you're already wearing it...
The art of "grab 'n' go” rides is essentially over preparing in between to simplify the task when the impulse to go ride grabs you.
I find that if i make a place for my cycling stuff and prepare the things i need to before riding i can pretty much make it a habit to go out when i want.
Great list!
Thank you for sharing! For what it’s worth, since you asked, a few things I’ve done that allow me to get riding with no prep include:
- Using flat pedals on all my bikes, even my fixie
- I have a Carradice saddle bag permanently fixed to my main ride, in which are all my supplies (tube, patch kit, lock, etc) I’m terrible at remembering things! So that’s why I just have them all there.
- Having a leather saddle and soft tires mean I am comfortable riding in plain clothes. I don’t even have a chamois and I can ride 100+km comfortably. Much like your return to real food, I am all about natural fabrics and regular clothes for riding
- The main ride has a Wald basket, which allows me to throw whatever I need in there whenever I need to. And I’ve got a rando front rack on my road bike so I can put stuff on it too. But some kind of carrying facilitator on all my bikes
- I’ve never used a bike computer
- Dymano lighting means I never have to worry about whether I’m charged or where my lights are. I’m always ready to go
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I always whine about how long it takes to get ready for a ride, and always seem to forget something!
Merry Christmas Hannah. I share your pain for getting ready . It is sometimes such a chore. Lol. Maybe check weather day before and lay out all relevant gear the night before and make sure bike is ready to go too. Then it's alot easier to on the day you ride to just get out . I struggle with what bike to take aswell . To many decisions to make lol. Self inflicted as have too many bikes. I can totally related to how you feel about your mone . I feel guilty leaving my bikes around and not riding them . Trouble is a can't bring myself to part with any of them as I still ride on occasions. Even if the mtb is only 5 times a year .
The ordeal of getting ready really resonates with me. I feel seen lol
hello 🙂
hmm last year i had become a custombuild frame and i just can say it is a huge huge different to a 08/15 bike/frame. it had take some phonecalls and some more e-mails to figure out what i wanna have and for what i will use it. than 16 weeks later i had the frame with the fork and i start to build up something very nice. maybe this can be a option for you.
well mostly i wear my work cloths even with safetyshoes because drive every workday with the bicycle to work. and so i had some things what fits good on the bicycle and on work.
personal point of view it give some good workcloth what is even good on the bicycle, sure sounds strange but is possible 🙂
ps sorry for my bad english.
One thing I suggest and have been doing is to track what the forecast is for temps and what layers/jackets I wore (and how it worked for you). I now am better at guessing and avoid the last minute changes.
Good advice on stretching but I am guilty there as well. Any suggestions on where to start learning?
I started watching a lot of physical therapy channels, particularly videos about glute and hamstring stretches. Those aren’t the only muscles you should be stretching, of course, but it’s where I have the most issues so I started there. I’ve watched a ton of old videos from Bob and Brad, and the algorithm suggested other channels from there!
@@queercyclist Thank you. Will dig in.
If you're still thinking of selling parts off the Mone, I'm just down the street in Savannah, and would be interested in the frame (and possibly more).
Yep! Shoot me an email or DM me on instagram!
I found your page because I literally typed “queer bicycle” because I was sick of seeing only straight white men on the search pop ups for videos lol. With that being said, thank you for existing as a queer human in this bicycle space. Merry Christmas! 🎄
So happy you found the channel, welcome! Happy holidays to you 🌈🎄🦄
That Mone isn’t currently a hardtail because it’s missing a suspension fork. What you have now is a rigid fork mountain bike. Swap out the fork first to suspension and it might give you the right cush you’re looking for.
Happy holidays!
For the bike packing that I do which is single track and long distance and I do mean long distance down to two days weekend warrior just around 240 miles or so I have a full suspension diamondback Atras 2
It may be a quick release 9 mil front and rear but she works so well 27.5 tires medium frame although I could have used a maybe a large or possibly an extra long not large only because my arms and my legs long legs long arms short torso
Nicee!! Omg what are your little velcro cycling shoes??
They are the DZR Jet lag Nero!
@@queercyclist Thanks! Also: How wide/what kinda bars are you using on your Crust? I’m around the same height as you, and have been on 40cm Cowchippers - wondering if I should go wider with all the rougher terrain I’ve been hitting.
Great video and information, your right I find foam rollering and yoga helps me immensely, also i eat my normal food, gels, bars etc far too expensive
Seriously though-bars have gotten even more expensive in the last year!
Pre ride faff; it's not a petty gripe, it's annoying for everyone.
Great commentary, as usual. One thing that will serve you for cycling and life in general is to be organized (how'd you get a PhD w/o this?). You won't have to look for your helmet and shoes if you always put them in the same place. And it will keep you from losing your mind, too!
The intro sounds so much like breaking up with a bike it’s scary.
Maybe just get your stuff together first? The Mone is a brilliant bike obviously not for everyone in every situation. I'm happy you are on a mission to find a great ride for YOU! Don't dog bikes and products because they don't work for you? Glad you are on two wheels! Kep it up:)
As far as blocks go and take food
That has helped me stickers candy bars and Cliff blocks grape or mixed berry
And for the hydration sometimes it's just plain water until I get home then I do a recovery mix which is your water two nuuns orange flavor and tangerine water mix the kind that you squeeze that's one of the drinks that I make up the other one is the tangerine flavor mix water and emergency C In Orange MX and drink that those are the only two recovery drinks I need
Now some people like to take and drink that new drink I think it's called liquid IV I could be wrong which is a very good source of electrolytes and other stuff but if you can find a product called Everlast in grape or mixed berry get that that was actually meant with electrolytes in mind for the type of riding we do I kid you not I went from Sheffield lake to Michigan border and back on two bottles of Everlast when was grape and one was mixed berry and I was not dehydrated and I do not have a problem with foods
Ive never stretched before cycling... Never lol
Comments about your Mone resonate with me. I went from a rigid / geared hardtail that I thought could "do it all", to chucking a suspension fork on and going singlespeed and having a blast on trails. I think it'd be a great bikepacking setup for shorter/rougher rides, or anything where you're not pushing the pace or distance.
Hello there! My experience is different from yours. Regarding stretching, this is not a general practice. I suggest you check out Dylan Johnson's channel, where he does a survey of the scientific literature on the subject. You are correct that preparing to ride outside in Winter is time consuming. My solution is to have my indoor trainer permanently set up. Bye!
Some trials like in Spain and Nevada could wreck this bike god back packing you could still convert it to back packing with clamps but check stresses with a bike mechanic 👨🏻🔧 I built a bike around Uber eats a Lynskey sportive titanium 😮
Don't forget sunscreen, just did a 40k ride and my arms got fried by the sun 🌞
Grains and sugar are poison
You know what an engineer calls the bikes they build? Custom. Just buy a bike for the job.
Sell it.
One tip that will help you before you ride your bike, say a prayer to GOD in YAHSHUAH'S HOLY NAME, then open your HOLY BIBLE KJV and read a portion so you can meditate on it while riding, you won't believe how you'll feel after words, you will develope such a hunger for more WORD OF GOD and HIS WISDOM!! IT IS VERY NUTRITIOUS!!👊😊📖🚴
I think its almost impossible for your first adult bike to be the right bike. Part is starting out there's a mismatch for most of us on what we think we want to ride vs how we actually end up using a bike. The other is a lot of the media is just misleading. I think none of them want to give a bad product review, and they're incentivized not to as that would likely dry up the supply of demo bikes they'd get access to review. And that gets more perilous for such an eccentric bike like the La Roca.
With you on the food. People think I'm strange, esp coworkers during the field season out on hikes, but my power food is onigiri. Or, just that idea. I was having a really difficult time hitting a summit (having at the time to have never lived more than 2.5 inches above sea level) and altitude sickness was hitting me and the Swede in charge of making the food run bought nutella instead of peanut butter (being dehydrated and nauseous on the side of a volcano is not the time for one's first experience with nutella). Luckily a guide had an extra rice ball with some tuna and that was like an instant battery change. And its completely non-offensive to the stomach. But everyone is different I suppose. Its funny how much attention gets put on things like cycling gels. Yet, in an interview, Nigel Mitchell (the nutritionist who wrote that GCN cookbook) even stated that all their pro tour racers are eating mostly whole food, and what he cooks depends on where that rider is from and grew up eating.
Ewww