100k

I'm registered for the Hampshire 100. I'm not so much going to race it as I am going to try and finish it. I've been thinking and threatening about it enough, it was time to just go ahead and do it.


So far my racing 'career' has only included 45-60 minute 'cross races. This is going to be a little different. So, I bought a book. About bike race training. I read it, and even made notes in it. But I haven't done a single thing it recommends. In addition to being time crunched, I lack a real competitive spirit. It's true- if you really like winning you should not be on my kickball team. Don't get me wrong- I enjoy a good win, but I'm not going to loose sleep (or put in 10-12 hill climb intervals at 90% max heart rate) over anything less than first place. One of these days I'll remember that fact before I throw down another $19.95 for a book that I will earnestly read and then promptly not follow its advice.

What I am doing, instead of keeping track of heart rates and watts and whatnot, is riding my bike as often as possible. So far I've managed a couple of fun rides a week, plus my commuting miles, so that's something. I just hope I can get out for a couple of long rides in the next two months, because DFL I can live with, but DNF would really bum me out.

New Bike Party

Oh man. The (15th Annual) Redbones Bike Party (and Benefit) was a blast. That portobello mushroom sandwich gets me every time. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi. I know Charlie threatened promised a couple of you "Hub Bicycle Lemonade Stand Fridays", and don't worry- we're going to try and follow through. The party was a good chance to show off the All City Nature Boy I brought along with me. If you didn't already know- I'm happy to announce that Hub is now an All City dealer.


With a couple of complete bikes (currently single speeds) and a handful of frame choices (also single speeds) All City has cranked out some classy offerings. I think they have a great attention to detail- internal cable routing on the 'cross bike, hidden fender mounts for extra sleekness, clever dropouts, a nicer headset than you'll find on just about any other stock bike, and so on. We've got the Big Block (track style) and Nature Boy ('cross style) in stock. Come on by to check them out.

New Shirts

Today our semi-surly UPS guy brought us a new batch of Hub Bicycle t-shirts. Printed on Alternative Apparel Basic Crew (aa1070). I put one on as soon at they came in (just like our tune-ups, I always take t-shirts for a test ride before sending them out the door) and I can assure you they are very comfy.


One thing to note, in addition to feeling good on your bod, these shirts come from a company with social responsibility policies that'll make you feel good on the inside too.

$22, sizes S-XL, in the shop or by mail (call or email [infoathubbicycledotcom] for shirts-by-mail).

Adventure Time

I half-accidentally talked myself into a rando/tour/walkabout bike adventure this coming weekend (I know... poor me... that's why it was only half an accident). I'll tell you all about it when it's over (if I make it).

UPDATE: I didn't quite make it, for two reasons: 1) The plan was to ride 130ish to my better half's family house in VT. I kept getting lost, which kept adding to the mileage. I got bailed out after 85ish. 2) I forgot chamois cream. So... that was uncomfortable.

The shop is going to be CLOSED Sat 5/28, Sun 5/29, and Mon 5/30 to accommodate for this adventure.

In preparation, I've been spending a little time transforming my Surly Troll from monster truck to long haul monster truck. Which means gear options, and lots of 'em.


Soooo, if I don't see you before- have a great Memorial Day Weekend! I'll see you Tues 5/31.

Charity

It's charity ride season. That time of year when folks saddle up and ride for their favorite causes. If you love bikes and hate diabetes, cancer, ALS, MS, or heart disease there's a ride out there for you. It's a great way to raise money and awareness and get to ride your bike. You were going to give money any way, right? Well, this way you get a bike ride out of the deal. Or maybe you just want a challenging ride, with supported rest stops. That's ok too.

Hub Bicycle is going to, once again, support the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure(s). I love bikes and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1986, so it only makes sense to lend a hand to the ADA. First up is the South Hamilton tour on Sunday May 22. (The shop will be closed that day.) And then the most epic New England Classic July 9-10 or, if you're up for it, 9-15 (I'm not sure if/when the shop might be closed. I can't plan that far in advance).

The American Diabetes Association does a whole bunch of good work. Education, research, advocacy, and most importantly summer camp for kids with the 'betes, all get funded through the ADA, which gets funded, in part through folks raising money and riding bikes. As a near grown-up, who attended one such summer camp, I appreciate and have directly benefited from the funds raised during charity ride season.


So, find a cause you believe in, raise some money, and ride your bike.

BIKE MONTH!

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Beautiful weather, tons of events, bike-y camaraderie. For those of you who don't regularly bike commute, Bike Week/Month is a great excuse to give it a try. And for those of you who are die hard bike nerds, it's know as Free Breakfast Week. Check it out:

Bay State Bike Week (Month, really)

MassCommuter Challenge


Have fun!

Ewww

You know you're about to get a great story when someone walks in the shop and says "What's the weirdest thing you've ever found stuck inside a bike frame tube?"

So today my hat's off to John, who found a mouse carcass inside his latest bike project.