2014-02-21 - Baseline Loop on Single Speed

Morning
Miles: 12.3
Start Time 11:12
Moving Time: 1:04:37
Elevation(Ft): 312
Avg Spd(M): 12.4
Max Spd(M): 25.9
Temp Out: 65
Temp In: 69

Evening
Miles: 5.55
Start Time 5:15
Moving Time: 0:32:32
Elevation(Ft): 0
Avg Spd(M): 10.2
Max Spd(M): 16.3
Temp Out: 67
Temp In: 65

Beautiful cool sunny morning. I tried a potential touring outfit: Pearl Izumi liner, Walmart light cotton shorts, Champion thin wicking "T" and Columbia nylon travel shirt. It was OK once I un-tucked the "T" so I could pull up the liner. It is hard to know how this stuff will work in warmer temps but it does offer good sun protection and perhaps a more conventional appearance when visiting the store and so on (if that matters). The experimentation is fine but does not necessarily mean much without a tryout on the tour bike:

Grinding up the hill to Baseline was a job with the relatively big gears (46/16) on the bike. I worry some about hurting my knees. I will avoid much more climbing than I did today on this rig. The bike worked well other than some brake squeal. I did give in and order a new "Track" frame this morning. I think I have most of the parts to build it up. It will be better as using 700c wheels on this bike is sketchy. I will return this bike to something resembling stock although still single speed. I checked a Youtube video this AM and I definitely put the bearings in backwards when I rebuilt the one piece crank bottom bracket (I did read the instructions several times but obviously misinterpreted the description of the two sides of the bearings). The kit was only $10 so I will get another and do it right later, after the dust settles.

Update: 6:00 PM

Did a pleasant 5 laps in park to dump a few more calories and to enjoy the evening.