Comments (0)

By sherrick, December 29, 2011 8:52 pm

Chance and luck of the draw will determine the exact ride we do that day. What I can tell you for sure is that we will start at Heather Farms Park at 9am, do something around 60 miles with probably less than 3,000 feet of climbing, return to Heather Farms Park, and then have a party at the Sports Basement across the street from 2 – 4pm. They will provide food, (party platters,) and drink (soda, juices, wine and beer). June and I will supply bubbly and dessert. Sports Basement will offer a 10% discount on all purchases that day, and will donate 10% of what we spend to a non-profit organization of our choice. Since we’re not a non-profit, I’ve chosen the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Here’s how the ride will work. When we gather at HFP, I’ll have 3-4 mystery envelopes. A club member will choose one of them. Inside, it will tell us where the first regroup is, Danville, Alhambra Valley, Moraga Commons, who knows? There will also be an assortment of 3-4 possible rides radiating out from that regroup spot. When we get there, luck and chance will determine the next regroup, and so on until we run out of time and gas. In other words, we won’t know which way we’re going until we get there.

I’ve got the routes planned so that any combination will ultimately get us back to HFP with somewhere between 55 and 65 miles. The longer routes will have less climbing, and vice versa. It’s quite possible that we’ll end up doing one of our typical Saturday rides, or merely string the usual roads together in a slightly different way. Of course, anyone is free to turn around and head back at any time, and just meet us at Sports Basement around 2pm for the party.

Speaking of which, we need to give Sport Basement some idea of numbers for the party, so if you plan to come over after the ride, please RSVP by email to Stephen at sherrick at athenian dot org by Wednesday, Jan 18.

As always in the winter, weather is a factor. 30% chance of rain for Walnut Creek on www.weather.com cancels the mystery tour and the party. If you still want to ride, it becomes a show and go. Check the web site for cancellation notice if things are looking iffy.

Comments (0)

By sherrick, November 20, 2011 2:22 pm

A Cyclist’s Guide to Dressing in Layers

I know when the 2011 winter season started in Northern California. It was Friday night, November 4. I know because Saturday’s Tourning of the Leaves had been canceled because of rain, and I was trying to get ready for the in-town option and couldn’t find my toe warmers or skull cap, neither of which I had needed for the last 9 months, and had no idea what drawer or closet I had last put them in.

So, in case this happens to you, here’s a handy “Cyclist’s Guide to Dressing in Layers” to help you plan ahead as the seasons change. Of course it’s only a guide. Some people seem to be able to wear shorts and sleeveless jerseys right through January. Maybe they don’t own anything else. On the other hand, I would rather be too warm than too cold. Note, this doesn’t take into account rain or wet. I’ll save that for another time.

So, for riding when it’s:

Helmet and shoes. Hope he remembered the sunscreen

90º F and over:
You really don’t NEED to wear anything except shoes and helmet, (no helmet, no ride,) and a base layer of sunscreen. But since we are a club and do ride in pace lines, let’s assume for the sake of modesty a basic kit of helmet, sweat band, goggles, short fingered gloves, shoes, light weight socks, and please, shorts and sleeveless jersey. I’ll leave the undergarments to you.

80º and over, add or swap:
You can probably get away with the same kit as above. Some folks will want to trade for a short sleeve jersey, but others who are concerned about how their tan lines look in an evening gown will hold out for the sleeveless as long as possible.

Basic Kit

70º and over, add or swap:
Definitely want the short sleeves, and you’ll be asking yourself, do I need a base layer or vest today? I’m putting on the sleeveless, high-tech-wicking, base layer myself.

60º and over, add or swap:
Definitely the base layer, and the vest for insurance. Here’s where I add arm warmers as well. Knee warmers or knickers start to sound appealing.

50º and over, add or swap:
Knee warmers/knickers for sure. Bibs add another layer on top. Arm warmers, or just go with a long-sleeved jersey. Full fingered fall gloves. Do I need toe warmers yet?

Dressed for comfort, not for speed

40º and over, add or swap:
Long tights, short sleeve base layer, long sleeve jersey, winter vest, warm socks, toe and ear warmers.

30º and over, add or swap:
Long sleeve base layer or jacket, winter gloves, heavy socks, full shoe covers, ski mask, and bring your Road ID and Medical Insurance Card just in case you end up on the side of the road after hitting black ice or suffering from hypothermia. Personally, when it’s this cold, I just add another layer of down quilt on my bed and sleep in for a change.

Below 30º
To all the above, add a straight jacket, because you’re certifiably crazy to be riding in these conditions.

Not your average wimpy Californian

Comments (2)

By wingles, March 15, 2010 1:48 pm

7/12/2010 – I’m still trying to get the debris from the preorder taken care of.  It’s taking longer than it should because I’d rather go for a ride than take care of this ****.  I will update this post when I am ready to take more orders.  So if you ask me about getting a jersey, don’t be upset/surprised if I pretend not to hear you.

In Stock (8/22/2010)

all communication regarding clothing should be sent to diablocyclists  2006 at hotmail dot com.

Comments (0)

By tradtke, November 30, 2009 9:06 pm

Well, the leaves have tourned, and the clock has fallen back. What now?
Set up the trainer and ride in the rec-room? Spinning to nowhere.
Pack up the bike and start packing on the pounds? Mmm Pie!
Or, tough it out and ride through the Winter… Mmm, mmm two pieces of pie!

I started bike commuting before the turn of the century, 1998.
Back then I was a fair weather cyclist and only rode from April to October.
Over the years I have accumulated more and more gear and have extended
my riding season to the point where I now ride year round.

What I have found is that weather is not as big an issue as I thought it would be.
Dealing with the cold and wet is fairly easily done with layers of clothing
that every cyclist already has. Fenders will keep your bike pretty clean.
What really brings a halt to riding is Darkness.
Lights have come a long way. There are now plenty of fairly cheap
1 watt led systems available. I have a box in my garage with a pretty strange
assortment of creatures; Cat Eyes, Knog Frogs, MiNewts.
However, to really punch a hole in the dark takes something like a 3w light.
The new led lights have high output, and your battery will last a long time.
To learn more than you ever wanted to know about lights, visit the
CandlePowerForums.

Lights are only part of the solution. You also need to Be Seen.
I never really felt comfortable riding in the dark until I went retro.
Retro-reflective that is. I found that 3M makes some retro-reflective
tapes in many different colors, Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Gold, Green,
White, and Black (yes black reflectors). In sizes from 1/10th to 3 inch widths
on a 37 foot roll. I have so much of this stuff all over my bike and helmet,
that I now feel more visible in the dark than during the day.
I got my pinstripe tapes from these folks, StreetGlo. However, I think you can
find it many places on line with a Google search on “retro reflective tape”.

Below are some photos of my pinstripe projects in both light and dark.

By Day…

>

… and by Night.

So, go out and ride. Stay warm and be seen.