Donald’s Daily Draft

Despite the pumpkin pie, ice cream, rum cake and cookies… I can still walk.  Typing, though, is a different story.  I got rather lazy on vacation and as you probably noticed didn’t post a thing to my blog. 
I had a bunch of pretty good thoughts but that’s about it.
It was so nice to just veg with my family.  I hope all of you had a great Christmas and are now preparing for the New Year’s celebration.  Some of you will be celebrating earlier considering the time difference.  I’ll be sleeping away the celebration since my alarm goes off at 2 am for work on New Year’s Day.  But whatever you might have planned… have a great time and a safe one.  Happy New Year!  I look forward to new and exciting posts in 2008.    Cheers,  Donald    

Well, I’m feeling much better and my voice is almost 100%.  What I  thought was just an annoying cold turned out to be a nice case of Bronchitis.  Even though I was hacking up a lung, that shouldn’t have kept me from writing another post on my blog… but you know how you feel sometimes.  I read your new posts and that was about it.  Which means… I’m mostly grumpy because the bike didn’t move.  Anyway, while I read your blogs, I ate my soup.  Yes, good for my soul, soothing on the throat… all that good stuff.  But what I was left wondering is what part of the chicken does the “chicken” in (condensed) Chicken Noodle Soup come from?  It doesn’t look quite right for some reason.  It might be because it sat in the can between all those noodles for some amount of time.  I just don’t know.  Maybe… I should just keep it that way.  Maybe… I don’t really want to know.  Any thoughts?
At least I’m on the mend and hopefully I’ll be back on the bike again soon!     

So after my last post from Frank (shop owner & mechanic) on being “Winter Wise” with your machine… Will, of Cycling Challenge, asked me, “What’s the best winter lube?”  Then Ron, of Cozy Beehive, followed up with the three types of lubes out there:  Dry (lithium or PTFE based), Synthetic and Wax-based.  
He also said Purple Extreme and Pro Link Gold has been recommended by many for cold weather.  
Well, I would love to ask Frank his opinion but he’s busy at the US Cyclo-cross Nationals right now… I’m hoping I’ll have a post with him on that sooon.  Anyway… over the years, I’ve used brands all three types but I don’t have a specific favorite.  I fact, I’m still trying to figure that out.  I am now in dry conditions using Pedro’s Extra Dry.  The chain remains clean and so far… so good.  But I know we’re all riding in different conditions right now.  Some warm and dry, some wet and cold or just plain freezing!  What lubes do you love or loathe?  Please take part in this little survey so we can compare notes.  Thanks!  

Who’s Frank?  He’s Frank of Frank’s Cyclery in Raleigh, NC.  I met Frank because a friend suggested I go to him to tweak my bike fit.  So, after a lot of measuring, some minor adjustments (which you know can make a world of difference) and repositioning my pedal cleats, my ride has improved.  This guy is meticulous as all mechanics should be.  So, I’m happy to pass along tips from Frank or he’ll answer any questions you might have.  I’ll have him on the blog often, so stay tuned to the “Mechanics” category for more.   
Before I get to Frank’s “Winter Wise” tips… here’s a little background.  He  has a degree in Physics from Hampden-Sydney College and has done graduate work in Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University.
 
Frank’s Credentials:   USA Cycling Race Mechanic (Category 2/Elite), DT Swiss Certified Wheel Builder, USCF Race Official, Category B, SRAM Technical University.
 Numerous other manufacturer accreditations/clinics: Fox Racing Shox, Magura, Shimano, Campagnolo, Mavic, Rock Shox, SRAM, plus many more. 
In addition, Frank works closely with several companies such as DT Swiss to provide prototype and current product feedback to help improve each company’s products.

As far as winter maintenance for your bike… make sure your shifter and/or brake cables and housing are in good condition.  Colder temperatures can wreak havoc on your shifting sometimes.  Also, pay attention to the type of lube you use on your chain and that it can handle the colder temperatures and winter weather conditions.  Take a look at your tires, tubes and brake pads to make sure they are in good condition as well.  If you ride and/or commute when the roads are wet from snow, make sure you wash your bike after the ride to remove any salt and/or sand that has been picked up.  The sand and/or salt can pose many problems with your components and increase the wear and tear on your bike during the winter. Other than those items, your general maintenance schedule should provide you safe and enjoyable winter riding!

I got a great email the other day from a cycling friend, Brian.  He’s a freshman at NC State and looking forward to riding on their team.  He has a lot of potential and there’s no doubt he’ll do well.  I wish I had the dedication he does when I was cycling in my early college days.  He’s looking ahead to the real world and can’t keep his mind off the bike.  Seriously, think how much we all love cycling.  Now think about this young guy.  At this stage in his life, it’s hard not to think of cycling in a form that could be your livelihood.  Here’s what Brian wrote in his email: 

Hey Donald,
I just commented on your latest blog…  I realized I should of prof read.  It’s still readable but I’m really worried considering I’m writing an eight page paper and I can’t even write one sentence on a blog correctly. I guess I should cross writer off my career options list.

Possible Careers

SUNNY and 71 degrees…  and the the 70’s continue for 3 more days.  I’m reading blogs this morning and I know many of you are dealing with frigid cold, snow and ice.        So, I wish I could share some of our weather for your next ride.  I promise, if by some wild chance we get any significant snow this year, I’ll be sure to post that ride as well.  Again, all of you dealing with it now are inspiring.

We’re cyclist… it’s what we know.  It’s what we do.  It’s our hobby.  It’s what we study and read about.  We blog about it.  We know all the details of our bikes… our favorite brands of components… glasses… gloves… jerseys… shorts… socks… shoes.  And as a cyclist, you know, the list goes on.  So, here’s where I’m going with this.  Do we really try to convey what we want for Christmas when our loved ones ask?  Should we painstakingly detail what kind of cycling gear we’re interested in?  Or, should we just avoid the possibility of confusion and need to return or exchange by asking for a gift certificate?  My wife has said she doesn’t even know where to begin when considering a surprise cycling related gift.  Just as many husbands believe that ”get-up” they saw in the window at Victoria’s  Secret is awesome… our wives know, it’s just not practical!      
How about you?  Let me know how your loved ones are handling the gift giving for the cyclist in the family.