North Shore Wheelmen - The Blog

A Wheel Table, Really

2011-12-22T17:29:00.001-05:00

Looking at the design of this it looks like four training wheels for the legs, a seat post quick release to adjust the table height, and a glass over the wheel.

Cold Sundays

2011-12-22T17:16:00.002-05:00

Yes we have had some cold Sundays. Below 35F and I am not riding, usually.
This Sunday, Christmas Day, it may be moderate but I have to admit that I am preparing for the ING Miami Half Marathon on January 29. I may be running mostly till then.

Sunday 12/4

2011-12-04T15:10:00.001-05:00

I arrived at Wheatley and the south service road just a few minutes before 8:30.

Isaac was already there.

Temperature was about 41 degrees and overcast, but no wind.

About 3/4 minutes later Bob his friend Scott and Harold arrived.

I take one look at both Bob and Scott and decide to ride with Harold!

Good thing I did as Isaac emailed that he stayed with them for about 10 miles and then got dropped!

Harold and I went to the switch back, Campus the short way and home.

39 miles, home by 11:15 (no stop at Syosset Bagel) with temperature at 48 degrees.

Of course by noon, the sun was out and it was 52.

Harold has to work the next two Sundays and is not riding, but weather permitting I plan to be riding.

Hope to see everyone next Sunday.

For the High Council,

JeffK

Isaac's Post

Jeff had it right. I should have stayed with Jeff and Harold.

I lost Bob and Scott on Old Country Road by West Hills. I did make contact with them again right before Snake Hill Road only to lose them again in Huntington. I continued to Woodbury Road, Stillwell, the Bumpy, and home by Wheatley.

It was in the upper forties. The forecast had clear skies but clouds kept things chilly. I was wearing a windbreaker though and was very hot. I removed it and after a couple of miles of freezing untill all the sweat evaporated off of my body, I was finally comfortable. But when I was hot and sweaty my toes were toasty. Once I took off my windbreaker my toes froze up. I need toe warmers!

Total miles 41. I only started at Weatley. I overslept.

Sunday 11/27

2011-11-30T22:23:00.001-05:00

Well we were SIX:

JeffB: Welcome back from Israel. Jeff had some inspiring stories to tell - and few jokes as well!

Amos: Grew up and went from one wheel to two wheels and we suspect doubled his fun!

Joe: Finally got a day off and did the ride! Great to have him back.

Alan: Gave up tennis, golf and three other activities and did the entire ride as well - no turning back early!

Harold: Those spinning classes really show on the road - he attacked every hill!

Instead of going to the corset shop, we went to the white church, the S turns to the wall. Right up Cleft to West Shore Road, through Oyster Bay and then up Sandy Hill.

Breakfast at the Bagel Shop in Syosset, (JeffB treated!) long way through the Campus and home.

45 miles!

At the start of the ride, it was in the high 30's low 40's but at the end it was already in the 50's.

However, the forecast for this weekend is for once again in the high 30's low 40's at 7:30 AM, partly cloudy, but warming up only to the mid 40's.

Accordingly, the High Council has decided to change the start time:

We will be starting 30 minutes later:

8 AM at Lakeville and Northern and 8:30 at Wheatley and the Service Road.

See everyone on Sunday.

For the High Council:

JeffK

Alberto Contador slept here

2011-11-30T21:57:00.001-05:00

On day four of the Courage in Motion bike ride we stayed at the Hacienda Hotel in Maalot. A very nice place.
Currently Alberto Contador and Team Saxobank are staying in that very same Hotel. See the link.
http://www.jpost.com/Sports/Article.aspx?id=247667

They are there to do some riding and charity work. Much like we did but different.
If you go to this link you can see a video, part in spanish and in hebrew of Contador in Israel.
http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4155111,00.html

There are some great climbs in the north of Israel. I would love to get a real interview of what Contador thought about the riding. Does Contador have twitter feed?

Another Israel Pic.

2011-11-20T20:14:00.001-05:00

I remembered to smile for the camera. I like the way the road curves down and then up in this picture. The custom jerseys that we were given were from an Israeli company called Funkier. Like everything else they are made in China. These are the best cycling jerseys I have.

Wheelmen where are you?

2011-11-20T19:34:00.001-05:00

Arrived at Wheatley and the service road a few minutes before 8.

Paul arrived at about 8:03.

We rode to the Corset shop, then the switchback to the bumpy.

Weather was good and it warmed up nicely.

Total 41 miles and home by 11 AM.

Where were the rest of you guys???????????

Weather for November doesn't get much better than it was today!

JeffK

Sunday 11/20 - Not with the Wheelmen

2011-11-20T19:28:00.001-05:00

I did not think any Wheelmen were riding out of Great Neck today so I rode with Bob and Ori at 8. We had 4 other riders joining us, Scott, Chris, Gus, and Dave by Wheatley. Some of these are ex-Wheelmen also known as the Renegades. I was looking for a faster ride also. Israel has left me with fit legs.

The plan was to take the service road to Commack Road and then to go north and make our way back. I believe that is what they did. I had to be back by 11:30 so at Commack Road I just took the service road back. It was a very strong wind from the west but even without someone to draft behind I was back by 11:30.

54 miles total. Some very nice rollers along the service road out to Commack. Lonely on the way back. This was a great day for cycling. Most of us were overdressed. I tried to shed cloths but had no where to put it. Finally I was able to stuff my jacket into my jersey which gave me a pregnant look.

Up next - Thanksgiving morning ride.

Sunday 11/13 Part B

2011-11-13T23:33:00.001-05:00

Not knowing if Wheelmen would be riding I joined the ex-Wheelmen, the Renegades, for their ride. I expected a longer and faster ride with few stops and that is what I got.
Riding were BobL, Ori, Scott, Isaac, and Gus. We made our way on a standard West Hills, Lawrence Hill, Snake Hill, Stillwell, the switchback for some of us, the bumpy, campus and home. 60 miles or so total.

My legs benefited from the Israel trip as earlier in the year I might not have been able to keep up. There was a strong wind from the west that I partially avoided behind Bob's wheel.

There is no embarrassment in being the recipient of a good pull.

Sunday 11/13 Part A

2011-11-13T23:32:00.001-05:00

Good Morning to all of you who slept in!

Harold and I waited until 8:10. Temperature was 43 degrees and slight wind from the south.

We did Stillwell to the White Church.

Total miles: 41. Finished at 11 AM at a balmy 52 degrees!

Let me know who is riding next Sunday, weather permitting.

JeffK

The Cliffs of Dragot

2011-11-13T23:12:00.001-05:00

To our right was the Dead Sea. Ahead of us were the cliffs of Dragot. Imagine climbing these on a bike. This was the toughest climb of our ride. The temps were hot and the grade was severe.

This was the view from the top.

The amazing thing about riding in Israel is have deserts to lush wooded roads all in a very small country.

One must remember when holding aloft one's bike, make sure your water bottles are closed.

Cycling in Israel for disabled Israeli veterans

2011-11-08T22:36:00.000-05:00

It was not about the ride. It was what we accomplished by having the ride.

The Courage in Motion bike ride through Israel does something that most charity rides do not do. It puts the recipients of the charity on the road. The funds that are raised by the CIM ride helps support cycling as one of the rehabilitation activities that are offered by Beit Halochem, the rehab organization for disabled vets in Israel. We can see the results of our fundraising. I have spoken to and have heard the stories of the disabled vets that are riding with us. The existence of this ride motivates them to train to be able to participate with us. I have also been told that cycling was helped bring some of these vets out of there post traumatic disorders.

At some point you need to stop and think of what it is about cycling that is so appealing. The camaraderie of the group, the sense of accomplishment, the physical challenge, and the beauty of the surroundings are what do it for me. It is no surprise to me that those things could be used to rehabilitate. That is what we promote with this ride.

How true!

2011-11-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

For all the married male cyclists....this is for you

Sunday 10/23

2011-10-23T21:40:00.000-04:00

Cold weather may have been to blame. Early morning temps were 47F. Only Isaac, Harold, and JeffK set off from Wheatley. Harold and JeffK bailed at Stillwell. I joined a group on route 108. We were doing a steady 26MPH. That was fun. Later I when I returned to 108 and did not have the group to draft behind it was not as much fun or fast.
Total 60 miles.
Next post from Israel?

Sunday 10/16

2011-10-22T20:38:00.000-04:00

Jayne, Joe, Isaac, Amos, Harold, and Alan took left Wheatley on a novel route that was made to avoid the Oyster Bay Festival. The ride included the Horseshoe, Mill Hill and for Isaac and Jayne a trip through Roslyn and Port Washington. Not to be missed was Beacon Hill.

Total mileage 45. Disappointing.

This week will be my last ride before the www.cycleisrael.com bike trip to support Disabled Israeli Veterans.
Please check out the site.

Labor day weekend, Sunday and Monday rides

2011-09-09T02:03:00.003-04:00

A nice group of Wheelmen and Wheel-lady rode this past Labor day Sunday. We had JeffB, Jayne, Isaac, JeffK, Joe, Amos, and Herb at the Wheatley gathering point. JeffB, Jayne, and Isaac went long while the others went short.
I was able to convince the high council that we should embark on a ride to West Hills followed by a climb of Lawrence Hill before we when to Snake Hill. I feel that why go to Snake Hill the easy way.
We continued through Huntington Harbor then up Woodbury Road to the deli. Switchback, Bumpy(new paved - smooth), campus and home for a 58 mile ride.

As for Monday
The only other rider I could find was Ori. Usually he rides with the Renegades but we were both left without compatriots.
We started at Ori's house and took a great route that stayed on the north of Northern Blvd through Port Washington and the Sands Point. Shortly after Sands Point Ori broke a shifter cable. I commend him on riding back to his house to swap bikes in his small chainring and 12 cog the whole way. He only had to walk up one hill in Great Neck.
After the swap Ori suggested a service road ride to Woodbury road and back. I was game. We met a cyclist who had an Ironman MDot tattoo on her leg. A very strong rider. She was a little down on the fact that she had been impulsive when she got the tattoo and somewhat regretted it. I told her it was cute and she should be proud of it. Imagine me flirting?

Total about 50 miles.

What happened to August?

2011-09-09T01:38:00.000-04:00

The consensus among the Wheelmen was that August was a literal washout. Three Sundays were rainy and one Sunday I was off doing a one mile swim race so I don't even know what went on.
On to September.

Gold Coast ride 7/17

2011-07-20T00:17:00.000-04:00

Jayne, Isaac, CharlieG, Charlie's wife, and Steve (Charlie's Friend) did the Gold Coast ride starting in Huntington. A very nice but warm day for 72 miles through the north shore. Seems like a good ride for the Wheelmen.

I heard that some NSW's did the regular ride from Great Neck. I do not have that info.

I need to publicly thank a wrench from Bicycle Planet who on the Gold Coast ride rest stop tuned up my derailleur. I thought the noise I was getting was from my chain needing some lube. He ended up adjusting my derailleur then removing it and straightening out my derailleur hanger which was somewhat bent. What a difference and all in a few minutes during a rest stop on the ride and he would not take the few dollars I offered him as a tip. It was worth the price of the ride and then some.

Also thanks to Jayne for slowing down to stay with me when my legs cramped up due to dehydration. The time to make sure you are well hydrated is the day before you ride.

At about the 30 mile point my quads started tightening up on me. I started the day feeling a bit dry but figured that would resolve itself as I drank during the ride. That did not happen. It got worse. On a steep climb in Sea Cliff both my quads and my hamstrings seized up. I had to get off the bike for them to relax.

At the next rest stop I extra hydrated and Charlie gave me some mystery pills that were suppose to help. My legs did eventually improve but I was then riding very carefully.

Including some wrong turns we rode 75 miles.

Isaac

Sunday 7/10

2011-07-11T00:16:00.000-04:00

The long group did about 52 miles.

We had a nice crowd at Wheatley. David S was there with a friend and split off to West Hills and Huntington. We did standard Bayville then on to Moore's Hill Rd, Woodbury Deli, Bumpy , and home. Jeff K, Herb and Alan did Sandy Hill and waited for us at the Syosset Bagel then did Wheatley home. Alan was riding his very nice new Specialized Roubaix.

For the first time this season, John D was there and took his own route to meet us at the deli and took an easy route back. I rode with Jeff Blye, Charlie G, and Harold who has been in decent shape. I think Harold went home by Wheatley. Joe and Amos were also there.

I went faster than the group and then waited at the usual places. We caught up with part of a triangle group by Glen Cove Rd and went fast on the way home. Some of the group is thinking about the Gold Coast ride next week.

That's the recap.

We did ride the last two Sundays. Last week we had a very wet ride.

6/19 Father's day ride

2011-06-19T23:02:00.000-04:00

Harold, JeffK, Joe, Paul, Paul's son, Arthur, Alan, Amos, Isaac, and Jayne participated in the NSW Father's day extravaganza. The group split into short riders and long. Long was Snake Hill Rd to the Woodbury Deli. After a peanut butter and scrambled eggs sandwich we headed off to Stillwell, the bumpy, campus and home.

This was a perfect day with clear blue skies and temps that started in the 70's. Today's motto was on Harold's jersey,"Team Martini, A Drinking Team with a Cycling Problem." I just love that.

Same time next week.

Mansion ride pics

2011-06-19T22:39:00.001-04:00

Not 62 miles as the crow flies

NSW Sunday 6/12 part 2

2011-06-13T19:40:00.001-04:00

Mansion Ride Recap

JeffB, Isaac, CharlieG, and Steve(Charlie's friend) did the 100K, Alan, and Alan's friend participated in the 35m. Also participating on a different level was #44. None of our group became #45. You will have to ask one of us to explain this.

The air was a bit chilly for June but it kept things comfortable untill you stopped for a mansion and had to warm up again. This was a nice route with a variety of hills and pretty views. I did not understand the deoderant give away at the first stop. The food along the way though was interesting. I enjoyed the salmon pasta at the finish.
Pictures to follow.
Isaac

NSW Sunday 6/12 part 1

2011-06-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

Arrived at Wheatley and south service road at about 7:28. Waited until about 7:45 - but nobody showed up!
Did Stillwell to the bumpy.
41 miles and home by 10:15.
Next Sunday: Next Sunday is Father's Day, but it is still:
7 AM Northern and Lakeville and 7:30 AM Wheatley and south service road.

Mansion ride: Saw riders out and hope JeffB, Isaac, Charlie and Alan enjoyed the ride.
For the High Council:
JeffK

6/5 Big Group

2011-06-05T21:53:00.001-04:00

Wow!

The last time we had this many riders, it was 23 years ago! (or at Herb's last great party!)

Present and accounted for were: Jeff B, Paul, Amos, Alan, Joe, Charlie, Andy, John, Jane, Harold, Isaac, Jeff K and rising from the ashes like a Phoenix, Steve!

13 NSW in all.

Everyone was present at 7:30 at Wheatley and the south service road. (Thanks for being on time)

After virtually no discussion (John was not there - we really we miss him and hope to see him soon - knee permitting) we decided to go out the service road to Round Swamp, to Old Country Road to Sweet Hollow Road through West Hills County Park.

Harold mentioned that it all seemed all uphill and I think he was correct!

At the top of Sweet Hollow Road we made a left onto Chichester Road. This road was an up and down. We were passed several times - this is when John left us! (He had to get back at Sands Point Golf Club for work by 11 AM!)

At the end of Chichester we made a right onto Hartmann Hill Road to Jericho Turnpike. Across Jericho to Cold Spring Hills Road to Woodbury to the Deli.

Then the switchback to the bumpy to the campus the long way.

Total 48 miles and home by 11 AM!

Perfect temperature, we rode as a group - GREAT RIDE!

Next Sunday:

Jeff B, Charlie and Alan are doing the Mansion Ride for Autism. Those who are going should plan to meet at the Syosset train station by 7 AM. The ride starts at 7:45 AM and if you are planning on doing the metric century you want to start as early as possible.

Here is a link to the ride: http://www.mansionrideforautism.com/ride_details.html

Let the group know if you are doing the mansion ride so that we do not wait for you at Wheatley!

Those of you that are not doing the mansion ride, regular starting: 7 AM at Lakeville and Northern, 7:30 AM at Wheatley and the service road.

Again it is OK to be 5 minutes early.

See everyone next Sunday.

For the High Council:

JeffK

5/29/11 Wheelmen ride again

2011-05-29T21:02:00.001-04:00

We were a Peloton today!

Isaac, Harold, Amos, Jeff, Jane and myself.

We were also joined by Big and Little Paul. But, Big Paul said to continue without them.

As planned the fastest slowed down a bit and the weakest picked up the pace and we rode as a group!

Out to Woodbury Road, then up Stillwell, right on Laurel Lane into Syosset. After a short break at the Syosset Deli the bumpy to the Campus the long way.

43 miles and back home before 11 AM.

What a great ride and we beat the heat!

NEXT SUNDAY: NEW STARTING TIME - 30 minutes earlier: 7 AM Lakeville and Northern; 7:30 Weatley and the service road.

Remember it is OK to be 5 minutes early.

As reported by JeffK

Raining this Sunday

2011-03-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

I will be riding indoors today. Then for the next two Sundays I will be of town.

I have been following the case of Maxim Vickers, a cyclist would was killed on the service road in Old Westbury. He could have been anyone of us. But I will note that he seems not to have been wearing a helmet.

http://www.nycc.org/node/48741

I would read a bunch of the comments and then scroll to the last few comments of you get tired. When we have congressmen like Anthony Weiner cursing about bike lanes in the New York Times it is not hard to understand why cyclist are not given the proper consideration on the road. If drivers knew that bikes have the same rights as car on roads our safety would be improved.

Spring Should Be Here!

2011-02-27T20:56:00.000-05:00

Well, at least I am talking about cycling outdoors.
Today would have been a great first day. I would have ridden with the Triangle guys. Usually the Wheelmen do not start until we hit 50F.
There were no Renegades out there either as far as I know.

My latest indoor cycling videos are the "Sufferfest" videos. These are downloadable from their website. Well worth it.

Prepare for next Sunday.

Sunday 12/5

2010-12-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

Sunday's ride:

Do not call people winter weenies and then not show up to ride. At least Beast did ride Saturday, only half a weenie. Being tired only works if you are pregnant.

Bob and Isaac did the West Hills to Moore's, Sandy, 7/11, campus then base. Temps were a balmy 32F at the start rising up to a steamy 37F. For the farenheit impaired, zero C.
I faded on some of the steeper hills and then after the campus. No fading for the Locomotive. Even with the wind it did not feel as cold as the temperature would make you think.

Totals for today: 52 miles.

You do not need to be too brave to ride in these temps. Email if you will be riding so we do not leave without you.

10/24 update

2010-10-24T19:58:00.002-04:00

I was at Wheatley at 8:25. Waiting for me was Alan and Harold.

Joe arrived at about 8:30.

The four of us waited until about 8:40. We watched the Triangle group go by. When no else showed up we took off.

Joe turned back early; Harold went on the Snake Hill; Alan and I did Stillwell and back.

Personally, my chain was skipping and then jumped off at the top of Stillwell - similar to what happened to Andy Schleck albeit not as steep!

Bike is now with Bob. Rear Derailleur is mangled and the right rear drop out is bent.

Guess that happened when I nearly fell when the chain jumped off.

Hope to have the bike back end of this week to ride next Sunday.

JeffK

Sunday 10/24 What happened to all the summer blogging?

2010-10-24T17:44:00.000-04:00

With no Wheelmen or Wheelwomen in sight at 8AM , I took off to catch the triangle express. I passed Wheatly just before 8:30 but was rushed for time and did not stop. I turned around at Woodbury rd for a quick 28 mile ride. The triangle guys did not catch me untill Woodbury Rd.

8:00am again next week. Isaac

Oh, I was lazy about blogging.

Sunday July 4, Monday July 5.

2010-07-09T02:04:00.000-04:00

With most Wheelmen away I joined the Renegades for their rides on the 4th and 5th. Ori has a great route that runs from his house east staying north rather than riding to the service road. The route eventually end up at Bar Beach by way of Beacon Hill. Then it is off the Sea Cliff, Glen Cove etc.

Riding with the Renegades has them waiting for me to catch up rather than a NSW ride where I wait for others to catch up. I was finaly dropped in Sea Cliff when I made a wrong turn. Then I had a flat. I did rejoin the Renegades on may way home on the service road.

July 5 - a flat before Snake Hill. Then I let them go on without me.

My goal this season is to be at the Renegade level by the time I go to Israel.

Totals for two days - 111 miles, trashed legs, two flats.

Sunday 6/29 Hot and Humid

2010-06-29T00:22:00.001-04:00

JeffB, JohnD, Amos, Joe, JeffK, Paul, Isaac, and someone else that I forgot his name had a hot and humid ride.
Herb started but could not stay as he had a bad headache.

Standard Bayville with Moore's Hill Road preceded a stop at the Woodbury Deli. The Bumpy and home via the campus.

Of note was the quick pace.

Total distance about 55miles.

Yes, We Are Still Riding.

2010-06-23T00:32:00.000-04:00

Just because there have not been recent post does not mean that there has been no riding.
The Renegades have been out there even with BobL and Barry away in Colorado climbing the big passes.

Congrats to DavidS on winning a trophy coming in 2nd in his age group in the Gold Coast Duathlon. Isaac was there to support David by doing the triathlon. I believe I was 19th in my age group. I am currently looking for a race that gives awards 20 places deep.

Sunday 7AM for the Wheelmen. Renegades start time will be decided on Saturday.

5/16 - The ones who stayed home.

2010-05-18T01:07:00.000-04:00

Some of us were not able to do the Hamptons Ride.

Amos, CharlieG, Joe, Isaac, and Jon with a cameo appearance by Alan and one other person who i keep forgetting his name, enjoyed a very nice day of riding.

Joe picked the route in the absence of any high council members. We went to Roslyn, Sea Cliff, Glen Cove Bayville, Oyster Bay, Sandy Hill, Syosset, the bumpy, Campus and home.
We lost a few along the way.
Of note was the lack of extended stops. I was back in GN by about 11.

Word from the Renegades was that they had a good Hamptons ride with Bob leading the pace. No surprise.

Sunday 5/2

2010-05-04T00:39:00.000-04:00

JeffB, MattB, Amos, Joe, Scott, Steve, John, Isaac and I think two more riders left Great Neck. We met up with Alan and another guy at Wheatly. I need to take notes next time there are so many Wheelmen.
Scott and Steve are friends of Jeff from the Alyn ride. They were a welcome addition.

The route was Snake Hill to Woodbury Deli to the swithback, Bumpy, white church, and home. Harold met up with us after white church.

This week Food Channel will have a special on peanut butter and bacon on a bagel.

Total distance 47 miles.

The Renegades did a 76 mile ride and started at 8am.

High Council Alert - New Start Time

2010-05-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

With warm weather here for now the start time has moved to 7AM.
The Renegade start time is available via email. Consult with Ori. Be sure to provide the secret password and details of your recent tour victories.

I am back to cycling again after a long hiatus due to the 5Towns 5K.
To see pics from the 5Towns 5k:

http://picasaweb.google.com/103681758779839630975/FIDV5Towns5KRunWalk?feat=directlink

Today's Ride - 3/9/10

2010-03-09T17:22:00.002-05:00

This week on "What Not To Wear"... Look! It's Barry. He's back.

Seriously, though, we had a wonderful ride. We started from my house, Barry, Arthur and myself. We did 45 not-so-slow miles.

And no motorist gave us any real hard time... OK, I'll get over it... some day...

.

Sunday 3/7

2010-03-09T00:34:00.000-05:00

This was a great day. DavidW, DavidS, Larry Ori, BobL, and Isaac. I went short and slow. The rest went longer and faster.

I found a link that sort of describes today's ride.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owq1adHHXoQ

Black Magic

2010-03-03T21:23:00.001-05:00

Very informative article in this month's issue of Mountain Bike. It really helps understand carbon composites and how they apply to bike frames.

http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/article/0,6802,s1-6-12-21967-1,00.html

Also, follow the slide show on the making of a Giant frame and the "Related" links in the following page.

http://www.bicycling.com/mb/slide/home/1,8155,s1-2-261-0,00.html

.

Three is a Crowd

2010-02-21T22:08:00.000-05:00

I was a nice day. It started in the high thirties, climbing into the forties. I felt overdressed for most of the ride.
Isaac and Ori met up at Ori's house. An atypical start location and time. Always check your emails.

We met up with DavidS at Wheatley. Definitely a crowd for January.

I went short after the Sunnyside extension. Stillwell, Bumpy, White Church.
Ori and David did Snake Hill after Sunnyside.

About 55 miles for Ori and David. Isaac did about 45.

Some of us need this more than others

2010-02-14T01:34:00.001-05:00

I should be doing more training indoors this winter. Maybe it is lack of motivation or too much effort being spent on the 5 Towns 5K.

But when you spend time in a basement on your bike your mind tends to wander and in those monotonous moments pure inspiration flows.

This is only a prototype

The carbon fiber boys are currently hard at work. Did you know Shimano makes flush valves?

2/9/10 - Much Better Conditions

2010-02-11T03:32:00.000-05:00

Lucked out with the weather today, with warmer temps, low winds and plenty of sun. Rode 69 miles at a decent pace. I'm getting a head start on my training because I can, and because I know I'm going to get my butt kicked by some of you later on in the season anyway. At least I might still have a slight advantage early on.

I'm glad to report that the cheapo Forté shifters I installed on the Schwinn perform their basic function well enough, even though they're not the greatest by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, at $140 vs. $400 they seem to be a good value, as long as they last. Under normal circumstances I would have invested in Ultegras, but things are different right now.

Conditions permitting, I'm planning to ride this weekend. I'll still be in town until Monday morning. Let me know if you want to join.

2/7/10 - Still Riding Alone

2010-02-11T03:31:00.001-05:00

You guys missed a fine day for a ride. The temp actually got as high as 35 in the PM and the sun felt good. Rode 57 miles. Hills: only Snake and Moore's. It was getting late and I wanted to finish before dark. I even skipped the 7-11 break. Perhaps that's why I was feeling pooped during the last 10 miles. It was tough at times due to the headwinds. I could have used some paceline cover.

.

Bike and Cruise

2010-02-02T20:59:00.000-05:00

I did not ride at all during my vacation to the sunny and warm British Virgin Islands. I had hoped to rent some bikes with my family in a little known island named Anegada, but instead we rented a cute little car from China and motored around for a day to a couple of beaches, a bakery, and an iguana reserve.

But if you should want to make a trip to the Caribbean or even Alaska and want to combine it with riding, check out http://www.bikeandcruise.com/ .

I met someone involved with this in Roadtown, Tortola. He was on a cruise ship that partners with Bike and Cruise and included cycling at many of their ports of call. They provide the bikes, sag wagon, etc. The cruise line tries to keep your wife occupied while you cycle.

I liked the Alaska itinerary.

1/31 Colder Than Freezing

2010-01-31T17:49:00.003-05:00

Bob had to bail because he wasn't feeling good. So I had no choice but to brave the freezing headwinds myself, without the benefit of my favorite riding aid: Locomotive Bob. I waited until after 1:30 to leave, just to get the benefit of that additional half degree of rise in temperature. I can't say I could tell the difference. I believe it was about 27° when I started (it takes my computer a while to adjust between the temperature inside my garage to that outside). It "peaked" at 30° about halfway through the ride.

I didn't want to spend that much time on the LIE, so I turned onto Wheatley, did my usual run through Locust Valley, Horseshoe Road, Oyster Bay, onto Moores Hill Road. At Beefalo I took a shortcut straight back to Syosset's 7-11 for my usual break treat. At that point I'd done 31 miles. After my fingers were fully recovered I finished the usual way via white church (no campus), to Wheatley and back home before sun down. Total distance: 47 miles. Average: a poky 16.3 mph.

It was tough heading out. Had to stop once to let my fingers thaw, just 10 miles in, when it got to be too painful to bear. After the 7-11 break, for some reason, I didn't experience the frozen fingers issue any more, even though the temperature was holding steady at 29°, perhaps thanks to the ultra-caffeinated hot chocolate. My toes were frozen for most of the ride, but it was bearable.

With age, apparently, comes decreased blood circulation in my extremities. Gotta get better gloves and socks.

.

1/17 Warmer Than Freezing

2010-01-17T21:24:00.001-05:00

Another excellent, not freezing day in January. Morning temps were about 34F. They rose to about 39F by the time we got home.

This morning Ori, BobL, and Isaac dressed warmly. We started at 8am but we came to an early stop to watch Ori expertly change a punctured rear tire.

Yes Barry, you could have met us. Even if you woke up late. You know there is always Wheatley. At least you benefited from extra beauty sleep. You will have to send us a picture.

There were other riders out today. I do not recall ever seeing so many riders riding the wrong way on the service road. I do not know what that was all about.
The route.
Sunnyside extension, Stillwell, 7/11, hot chocolate, the Bumpy, Campus and home.
Isaac was a Renegade for most of the ride.

We did not find any hail storms after the campus loop. I should know better than to get weather reports from female runners that just happen to be running by. I think she was blond.

Total miles about 45. It just started to rain when I got back to North Woodmere.

Winter Riding: Why The Heck Not?

2010-01-07T17:28:00.003-05:00

I've been wondering why most people, riders and non-riders alike, seem so shocked to learn that some of us still ride through the winter months. Questions like "isn't it too cold?" or "do you first warm up?" usually come up. Apparently, the main (or only) factor that keeps most riders off the roads or trails during the winter months is the outdoor temperature. But, when you stop to think about it, it's really not that big a deal.

I'll admit, riding in the cold is not as pleasant as in the warm weather, and you have to dress just right or risk being too cold and hating it, or too warm and hating it, perhaps a little less. And if you're so terrified of feeling cold that you end up dressing way too warm and find yourself sweating profusely, you better not stop for too long because as soon as you pick up some speed all that moisture, with the cold air blowing through it, will feel really cold real quick.

But think about that very popular winter activity: skiing. Alpine skiing, as opposed to the less popular cross-country skiing, if you want to get technical. Snow boarding, thanks to the X-gen crowd, is quickly reaching the same level of popularity as classic Alpine. As far as I can tell, without actually studying any statistics, skiing is hugely popular, even here in the US. Much more so than cycling. Just look at the ski lift lines at any ski park or resort.

My main point here is that skiing/snowboarding typically take place in cold temperatures, with the ground covered in snow and ice. Many people will even go out and hit the slopes while the snow is still falling. After all, if you're on vacation at some ski resort, you've plunked a lot of cash just to be there for a weekend or longer. Perhaps you've rented equipment for your stay. A little nip in the air is not going to keep you tucked indoors.

So what do you do? You dress appropriately and you get out there (duh). And have fun. Cold weather be damned!

Guess what: there are excellent winter riding clothes and accessories made specifically for cycling as well. Sure, you'll be carrying a little more weight (ask Barry, he knows exactly how much more weight), and your freedom of movement won't be quite as extensive as when you're only wearing a single layer of lightweight lycra. But isn't being out there doing what you love so much better than the alternative?

And you don't have to pay a dime for a lift pass, either.

So, what's your excuse?

.

The Five Towns 5K Run

2009-12-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

This does not have to do with cycling. By the way the renegades rode today, Ori, Arthur, Isaac and one other guy. Hmm, oh yeah, it was BobL. It was not as cold as some NSW might have thought. 50 miles.

But I am race director for The Five Towns 5K Run/Walk to be run on April 18, 2010. This is in support of Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans.

Info at www.5towns5k.org

X-Mas Eve Road Conditions

2009-12-24T13:17:00.003-05:00

Temps were conducive enough to riding today. Left home before 9:30, in the high 20s/low 30s. By the time I got back my thermometer read 41°.

Although the roads are mostly clear, there are still many patches along the LIE where some snow got pushed onto the driving lane, either by traffic merging from the right, or other less obvious reasons. Be very careful and always look ahead. Many times it's hard to tell what's up ahead. Sometimes it's snow or slush, but other times it's patches of salt on dry road.

I didn't want to run into this stuff on twisty single lane roads, so I just rode the LIE's service road until I hit 25 miles (by exit 53) and turned around. It wasn't scenic, or all that exciting, but it was relatively safe.

Strong breezes from the north/northeast made it tough going out but a little easier coming back (one more reason not to turn north from the LIE). In any case, due primarily to my rib issue, I couldn't really push myself all that much. My average at the end of 50 miles was a pathetic 15.4.

Only saw two other riders on the way out.

Hitler Wants To Ride His Mountain Bike

2009-12-16T11:31:00.000-05:00

Who knew?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TGH7vBC2nw

.

Renegade's Email Peloton

2009-12-15T23:06:00.001-05:00

Anyone interested?

http://www.deathride.com/index.html

thks,

Barry

I won't be flying anywhere for a ride, as long as I'm out of work. But for those who will, and are planning to bring your bikes along on the same plane, here's a primer on flying with your gear.

http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/article/0,6802,s-3-12-21401-1,00.html

Ori

When I travel with my bike, I would always ship it ahead. Door to door, no airport hassles. Cost to ship to FL was about $40 each way & took 3 days.

David

Same here.
Barry

My experience is not so great. $150 each way to Colorado fedex ground and it took at least a week
Bob.

The key is the size. The travel case or bike box being + or - 1 inch makes all the difference. The boxes from eg. Performance and Thule are 1 inch over the Fedex/UPS limit and make it an 'oversized' shipment - thus the $150 charge each way. The 'Iron Case' for example is 1 inch under the limit and ships for less than half that amount.

Barry

Wow. Size matters.
Greg

I clearly did not think through the many uses of the word 'size'. Please don't hold it against me - the word usage, that is.
Barry

I am OK with paying more because mine is too big.

Isaac

The size of your equipment isn't as important as how well you use it.

OK. So now you all know.
Ori

No wonder no one else wants to be on our mailing list.
Bob

I was always socially inept.
Ori

What's up with Lance?

2009-12-10T22:24:00.000-05:00

Read about Lance in Arizona.

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/320706

Pre winter musing

2009-12-09T00:05:00.000-05:00

As the weather gets cold and nasty, I think of when it was hot out. If you think hard, you will remember a time this summer when the temps were hot and the riding was good.

Bring on the cold.

BobL's Sunday 12/6 recap

2009-12-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

Posted w/o Bob's permission

Most excellent ride today, albeit first winter ride. 65 miles in sunny
brisk dry weather. Greg, Arthur, Ori and I started at Lakeville and
Northern, Dave joined us at Wheatley. To avoid wet roads and possible ice,
we stayed with the regular Huntington Harbor ride plus Oyster Bay up Sandy
Hill stopping at the Syosset 7 11. Hope we get a good winter group going;
it's worth fighting the inertia and initial chill, really.

Bob

Are You Ready For The Sub 8.5 Lbs. Bike?

2009-12-08T17:46:00.002-05:00

Check out this 3,784 grams prototype not-for-market study bike from Canyon.

http://www.canyon.com/_en/technology/project37.html

I wonder, though, just how well it can handle actual road conditions... or heavier riders, before falling apart.

It's The Amazing Magic Chain!

2009-11-30T18:56:00.003-05:00

With Bob's permission I'm pasting his email to the Renegades following yesterday's ride.

"We had a fabulous ride on Sunday! We started out with three of us, Ori, Greg and I, at Lakeville and Northern. We picked up Billy early on the service road and did the usual Sunnyside Extension into West Hills via Sweet Hollow Road. Greg had teenage girls to transport back to the city by 11am, so he headed home at Stillwell after that. The three of us continued into Huntington Harbor, but then added Oyster Bay up Berry Hill to the 7 11 in Syosset. On the way home through the campus Billy and Ori stopped to fix Billy's front derailleur and I doubled back to meet up with them. Then back to Great Neck. I finished with 68 miles."

"A bit chilly at 8am, but really nice sunny clear day with very little wind. A great way to end the long weekend."

"Hope everybody else had a great holiday."

In terms of Billy's front derailleur issues, the strangest thing happened. Riding through the campus, as Bob mentioned, Billy dropped his chain while shifting to the small ring. Nothing out of the ordinary there. I kept riding but kept looking back to make sure he stayed with us. I kept slowing down and a minuted or two into it he still failed to show up. I decided to go back to see what the issue was. Turns out that his chain had inexplicably come out of the front derailleur cage. It sounds impossible, but there it was. The derailleur cage was completely intact and operational, yet the chain was outside of it. It must be a Houdini chain. We simply couldn't figure out how it came out and how to get it back in, except by opening the rear of the cage. It was a simple matter of removing the bolt and pulling out the end bracket. But once the chain was back on we just couldn't manage to put the bolt back in place with the tools we have, so we put away all the loose parts and Billy finished the ride in his small ring without any problem.

Thanksgiving with the NSW

2009-11-28T18:31:00.001-05:00

Even without turkey flavored energy gel Thanksgiving brought out BobL, Ori, DavidS, and Isaac for an NSW renegade event.

I believe it was left at the fourway? We headed towards Bayville but did a duckpond thing that put us on Feeks. Moore's Hill, Snake Hill, and back to Stillwell.
Before Snake Hill we met Scott and Steve. Triangle guys who rode along with us untill Syosset.

I once read somewhere that you should expect to take some kind of fall off your bike every 2000 miles or so. On Thanksgiving I guess I clocked in my 2000 miles on Stillwell. No broken bones, no broken bike. I do have a cool black and blue on my chest in the shape of my drops, including the brakes. I rode back to GN at slower than renegade pace. Ori, David, and yes even BobL waited at various points for me to catch up. I have a 5k cross country run in Stillwell woods on Sunday near the scene of the crash. I should ride again next week.

Bumpy, campus and home for turkey.

Windy: No Wheelmen In Sight

2009-11-28T14:17:00.006-05:00

Nothing like a brisk fall breeze to scare everyone into cowering at home. (Buck, buck, BUUUUUCK!)

Rather than riding alone I decided to try my legs at hanging with the 8:30 triangle group. I waited for them at the corner of Wheatley. A small group – only half a dozen – rode by just before 9:00 and I joined in. By the time we reached Woodbury Road the group had grown to about 20 or so. It included two women and a scrawny teenager. I wouldn't be surprised if the latter were to go pro in the future. They can all kick our sorry butts without breaking a sweat.

A number of them were sporting matching "Triangle Cyclists" kits. Turns out they have a web site with a fancy video intro that looks way better than the rest of their home page.

http://trianglecyclists.com/

I can hang with this group on the flats and the downs without burying myself, but I tend to drop off the back every time they hit a climb and, competitive as they are, start hammering. This happened a few times over the next hour, on the LIE, Stillwell and bumpy. Every time I pushed as hard as I could just to keep them in sight and managed to catch up whenever they slowed down for a light or at an intersection. After bumpy we hung a right at the white church. By the time they started charging up Chicken Valley Road I had nothing left and lost them completely.

Found myself by the moving and storage, spent, and decided to finish my ride by covering some of my favorite routes: duck pond, Horseshoe, Sandy Hill, back through bumpy and white church, then Wheatley and LIE back home. Whenever I didn't have the benefit of a tailwind I had to drop to my small ring just to keep moving along at an easy pace. Eventually I made it home.

Somewhere during my struggle to hang with the group I lost my computer (must have knocked it off its shoe with my bottle), so I don't know my overall average, but I was able to figure out my mileage to 55 for the day by using Google Maps.

Sunday 11/22 The Buddy System

2009-11-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

Again the weather cooperated and the NSW and North Shore Uniwheelman were on the road.

BobL, Ori, Isaac, and JeffK set out to the Sunnyside extension. BobL and Ori rode with the renegade banner and Isaac and JeffK pulled up the rear. The renegades added Snake Hill and both groups continued on Stillwell. Refer to previous posts to see who the uniwheelman was.

There is talk about four days of Thanksgiving riding. Start times and locations are the same.

Where was your bike made?

2009-11-16T23:03:00.000-05:00

Kudos to DavidS for finding this.

Interesting article; “Where Was My Bike Made?”

http://allanti.com/page.cfm?PageID=328

Sunday 11/15 - Wetter than expected.

2009-11-15T23:13:00.002-05:00

Does a North Shore Wheelman on a Unicycle count towards the days total riders? I say if he is wearing a NSW jersey then he counts.

Amos, that is one big wheel!

Also riding today were JeffK, Alan, BobL, Ori, Billy, Joe, Larry, and Isaac. JeffK, Alan and Joe went short.

Renegades went long with Larry leaving early. This became a theme for the rest of the ride. After sunnyside,Snake Hill, and Moore's, we lost Billy. He did a Barry and missed Sandy Hill. I actually do take a bit of blame for this as I was lagging behind. Billy stayed with me for a while. When we lost contact or should I say when I lagged even farther behind is when he likely missed the turn. I did not see him and he at that point could see Bob and Ori. A newbie mistake.

A possible reason for my slow going might have been the flat in my front tire that I was riding on from possibly Moore's till Syosset 7/11. Oddly it only felt wrong when I got out of the saddle. Another possible reason could be my lack of indoor work this week coupled with 2 hours of full court basketball. Yeah I did some running too this week. Maybe too much cross training. (I am pleased that I do have a forum to present my excuses,even though Ori, who already knows them, and I might be the only people reading this.)

A recent post by Ori showed the fastest flat fix/tube change on youtube. It was sad that we had no video camera as this might have been the slowest flat repair. After BobL left Syosset ahead of us, I began to change my tube. Lesson learned, never forget to check the inside of your tire for what may have blown the tube in the first place. I did not. Thus the new tube was punctured.

I had a patch kit! That smelly stuff that comes in a tube for the patch was all dry. Ori gave me a slime instant patch, which would have worked but the fiberglass spike that had punctured the tube had made two holes. The patched tube went on then came out.

I thanked Ori for the tube he gave me and we were finally on our way.

JeffB did not ride but showed up at 8:00 to offer us his wet weather benediction. Something he learned on his Israel ride. The sun did eventually come out as we left Syosset.

Bumpy, White Church, and Wheatly. Ori thinks It was about 60 Miles.

Justice Served?

2009-11-13T13:02:00.006-05:00

Here's the latest on the trial of an aggressive motorist in California. It's worth reading. It's not that extreme a case. I can certainly see it happen anywhere.

http://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/2009/11/05/justice-served/?cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-2009_11_13-_-blog-_-roadrights

If you can't click on this URL, copy it and paste it in your browser's link window.
.

JeffB in Israel

2009-11-10T22:41:00.003-05:00

For those interested in how the ALYN Wheels of Love ride went - here's a brief recap:

- We had three days of absolutely miserable weather to start. It never rains here. Water is a precious commodity. But last week we had torrential downpours, together with thunder and lightning, strong winds, and on the first day, we even had hail. Yes, you read that right. I'll spare you the rest of the whining (for now.)

I ended up getting sick with a fever and other assorted ills, which put a serious crimp in my riding for days 3 and 4. The weather cleared for days 4 and 5, and eventually, so did I.

The ride - as always - was difficult and challenging, but also breath-taking, inspirational and emotional. To those who have supported me in this cause, I thank you so very much.

Hope the weather in New York holds up for at least another week. Hope to see you all soon.

Best regards,

Jeff B

Sunday 11/8

2009-11-10T22:34:00.001-05:00

Cool weather = cool ride

The 8:00 am start brought out seven wheelmen, five of them renegades.
Herb, JeffK, BobL, Greg, Ori, Barry,and Isaac enjoyed a cool start and a warm finish. Herb and JeffK went short.

Renegades went long, as if that was a surprise. Joining the renegades was BillyE, a triangle refugee who's company we enjoyed.

Of note was the seven pounds of cold weather gear Barry was wearing. Yes he did weigh his gear when he got home. The total weight of his gear related directly to the length of his excuse for his slow pace. Barry also missed the Sandy Hill turn. Again due to his balaclava.

The route for the renegades was sunnyside, Snake Hill, Moore's Hill, Sandy Hill, the Bumpy, Campus and home.

This was how we looked before the caffeine kicked in.

I do not see what was wrong with this picture but then again I was not in it. I am somehow reminded of the people that used to sit in front of the hotels in South Miami Beach before it became South Beach.

Total miles 62.

Sunday 11/1 The Rain Delay and the Wheelman

2009-11-07T18:50:00.000-05:00

If you did not go out last week you missed a rare sighting of Amos on his unicycle. I did not know his wheel was so big!

The wet roads pushed off start times for the Renegades to 9:30. BobL, Ori, Arthur, Isaac, and Greg did a Sunnyside, Snake Hill, Campus ride. Isaac dropped out early at Stillwell, I had curfew issues.

To see the ride info go to:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/17754724

New Start Times

2009-11-06T15:54:00.003-05:00

This just in.

After careful and protracted deliberation, the NSW High Council unofficially let it be known that the new start times, effective Sunday, November 8, 2009 are 8:00 AM in Great Neck and 8:30 AM at Wheatley/LIE.

As far as I can tell, renegades are still tolerated.

Tweeteleh

2009-10-30T16:30:00.001-04:00

Twitter for Jewish Mothers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhilbbeUc0g

North Shore Wheelmen in Israel

2009-10-29T22:16:00.004-04:00

Isaac (me) has just returned from Israel from a charity ride, JeffB has just left to Israel for a charity ride.

I returned this week from a 5 day bike ride in support of disabled Israeli veterans. Total mileage about 350. The ride's goal was to promote cycling as one of the rehabilitation activities for the disabled vets. As part of the ride we rode with disabled vets some of whom were blind riders on tandems. Some were riders on hand cycles. The picture above is me riding along side the Dead Sea.

What is it like to ride in Israel?
First it is a pleasure that EL AL the Israel airline does not charge you extra to take your bike on the plane.
Our first day took us from a place near Jerusalem to the Mediterranean coast city of Ashkelon. Some hills but mostly a rolling terrain.
Day two was a tough 55 miles followed by a 6 mile climb that had parts with 14% grade.

Day three took us from the coast to the Dead Sea by way of a town called Arad. It was 70 miles to Arad over rolling roads. From Arad to the Dead Sea it is a 20 mile downhill to the lowest point on earth. My speed topped out at about 43mph. The most fun came when the road leveled out or had a slight rise before the next drop. At these points you hammer as hard as you can to maintain speed for the next downhill. At the end of this ride we had the a dip in the Dead Sea. As the Dead Sea is extremely salty one tends to float without any effort. But the extreme mineral content also causes extreme burning on any irritated or cut areas of your body. After 90 miles of riding no chamois cream in existence can protect you from the Dead Sea. At least they claim that its waters are good for you.

Day four was a long slog back to sea level and above. My odometer read 54 miles when we passed the sign that declared sea level. We continued on untill we were not far from Eilat, the southern resort town on the Gulf of Aqaba. Total miles about 85. The highlight of the day was our encounter with Kate from Russia. Kate comes to the Dead Sea twice a year as the sunlight at the lowest point on Earth is good for her skin condition. Since she needs to be in the sun for nine hours a day, she brought her road bike and road bikini to pass time away. Why can't we get women like this to ride with us in New York!?

Day five was the final climb then descent to Eilat. A tough climb at the start and a fast downhill at the end. My max speed - 49.35 mph! About 60 miles ending with a nice dip in the Gulf.

This ride was the south of Israel. JeffB will be doing the north with hopefully cooler weather. A heat wave had kept temps near 100F for most of my five days.

Totals: About 350 miles on the road. About $5000 raised by me for a good cause. Kudos to Eli, the blind and one armed rider from Israel that road a tandem with us for four of the five days. It was special to to connect with one of the people we were riding for. He also had a cute tatoo.

Total raised by the whole ride - $150,000!

Columbus Day renegade ride.

2009-10-13T22:52:00.000-04:00

When I woke up Monday morning my outdoor thermometer read 39 degrees. By the time I got to Ori's house the temps had risen to 46 degrees. Just the right temperature for a NSW renegade ride.

Three hours and 54 miles later a great ride was had. Wheatley, Bayville, Sandy Hill, Syosset, The Bumpy, Campus and home.

Kudos to Ori for providing a strong pull when I needed it.
My next post will be from Israel. Stay tuned.

10/4/09: NSW Are Busy With The MS Ride

2009-10-07T16:35:00.003-04:00

Note: This is an edit of my post.

Sunday, October 4, 7:00 AM. Light fog. Colonial building parking log. Where the heck is everybody??? You know early morning fog lifts as soon as the sun comes out. (I was later reminded they they went to do the MS ride. Kudos to them.)

Oh, well. Rather than riding alone once again, I decided to wait for the 8:00 AM triangle group. Around 50 riders rolled by and I joined in. I like large groups, even though it can be sketchy. As a matter of fact, I had a near mishap on the way out. I was right on the wheel of the leader. As we approached a traffic light, it turned red and he suddenly hit his breaks without warning anyone, fishtailed and I came within a fraction of an inch from touching his wheel and going down. Only my reflexes and handling skills saved me. Whatever... I wagged my finger at him. He was the strongest rider in the group.

We rode the LIE's service road all the way to Commack (exit 53) and Smithtown before turning back eastward. In Smithtown we had a very short deli break. By then I had ridden 35 miles at 19.1 average and wasn't even tired.

The return leg was somewhat slower (18.6 overall average by the time I was back home). I stayed close to the front, taking turns with the pulls. Somewhere between Stillwell Lane and Muttontown Road most the group had split off in a different direction. I found myself with a half-dozen South Americans riding back by way of Jericho Turnpike. I didn't like that route, so I left the group and went back on my own. On the last stretch of Wheatly I was joined by 3 riders that I recognized from earlier and I pulled them the rest of my way.

All in all not a bad ride. Perhaps next time I find myself alone on a Saturday or Sunday morning I'll try hanging with the 8:30 group. Those guys are real hammerheads.

World's Fastest Rear Wheel Flat Fixer

2009-10-07T00:37:00.002-04:00

World's fastest rear wheel flat fixer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbC3Zkgq4dc

Yet Another Beautiful Day For Riding In Huntington Harbor

2009-10-06T01:00:00.003-04:00

Unemployment has its benefits.

9/26/09 Tour Of The Hamptons

2009-10-06T00:54:00.002-04:00

108.46 miles, 18.1 MPH average, thanks to Locomotive Bob pulling the entire way. Nuf said.

P.S. Barry and Arthur had a great ride too.

Sunday 9/27 - Rainout

2009-09-27T14:22:00.003-04:00

I do not believe that anyone rode today. I can not recall the last time we had a rainout. It has been a really good stretch of Sundays.
Yesterday was a glorious day and I here through the grapevine that some of us did a Hamptons ride. Look for a post from Ori.
As for me, Israel training continues. I am off to do some indoor work on the trainer.

Paracycling Worlds

2009-09-20T21:11:00.006-04:00

These para cyclists rode with me last year in Israel. They participated in this event. I hope to ride again with them this year when I do the "Courage in Motion " Ride, www.cycleisrael.com.

Sunday 9/13

2009-09-18T00:17:00.002-04:00

The weather cooperated. The "A" group was BobL, Ori, Barry, Isaac and JeffB! Yes JeffB made the jump into the "A's". Well actually Isaac and JeffB were like the "B+" group. The route was the sunnyside extension, snake hill, the switchback, and campus. BobL, Ori, and Barry added a loop before the Woodbury Deli.

JeffK, Harold, Amos, Joe and others made up the "B's".

Next week - the beginning of cooler weather.

NSW Blog vs Bicycling Magazine!

2009-09-11T01:04:00.001-04:00

As most of you know on August 23 the NSW had an incident with the Old Westbury Police. As is my obsession, I made a lengthy post about it with links to state sites that had laws and info on cycling.

http://northshorewheelmen.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunday-823-nsw-vs-old-westbury-police.html

In Bicycling Magazine there is a column called "Road Rights" that is authored by Bob Moinske having to do with bicycle law etc. I felt I had made a useful post and thought it would be of interest to him and cyclists in general. I emailed a link to this post to Bicycling.com (on 8/25) and wrote in my email that it might be of interest to Bob Moinske. I heard no reply.

Today I opened my new issue of Bicycling and turned to the Road Rights column. Does this have any similarity to my post?

http://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/2009/08/31/where-you-belong/

Maybe it is just a coincidence. Do I smell paraphrasing? Can it just be my ego? I am going to make a couple of calls in the morning and maybe send off a letter to the editor.
Isaac

NSW Extra

2009-09-07T19:49:00.004-04:00

A special Labor Day ride left Great Neck with BobL, Greg, Barry, Larry, Isaac, and newbie MitchL.

To see the ride info go to this ride link. Kudos to Larry and Garmin for the ride tech.

Isaac stayed with the group through Snake Hill then I got lost. When I did rejoin the group in Huntington my legs were just not there. I must have left them in Long Beach. My ride took me to Syosset Bagel via the switchback and then home by way of the campus.

Word has it Ori had a flat and missed the start of the ride. He crossed paths with the group near Bayville.

Total mileage:
The "A" Group 57.75 miles
The Isaac Group 54 miles (slower)

North Shore Swim-men?

2009-09-07T19:14:00.004-04:00

JeffK and Isaac missed the Sunday ride.
JeffK and Isaac did not miss the the Long Beach one mile open ocean swim. Cool morning temps and warm morning water made for a pleasant swim.
For reasons I still do not really understand I was in the top three in my age group. I was given a small glass mug. I do not know how they came to the conclusion that I was in the top three of my age group but the mug was cute. I hope they do not want it back. JeffK said I should not ask too many questions.

Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu

2009-08-31T00:52:00.002-04:00

While vacationing in So. Cal., my family visited my wife's cousins in Malibu. A beautiful, warm sunny day, like every other day I hear, my cousin Russell & Brett, avid riders themselves convinced me to ride the above mentioned ride. Local legend, (Brett) has it that about 4-5 years ago while riding in the Malibu canyons he came across a rider dressed in black on an umarked Trek. After trying to chase down the rider, it turned out it was Lance A on a casual training ride. Turns out, these climbs are used by many of the U.S. based pro teams due to their length & steepness.

So, I figured I'd give it a climb. This climb in particular was 7.5 miles with many switchbacks & an elevation gain of about 2,000' Although it may not have been the steepest climb, it was certainly an accomplishment.

Tobay Sprint Triathlon in Oyster Bay

2009-08-30T20:42:00.003-04:00

I did not ride with the NSW today as I did the Tobay Triathlon.
The result was as usual slower than I would have liked. Total Time 1:28:46.

Now the excuses.
I felt very strong in the swim but started in a bad place. As a result I had to fight through a bunch of slow swimmers in my wave until I could bring myself up to speed. I must have lost over a minute due to my poor pre race positioning. By the end of the swim I had the same problem. I had to push my way past swimmers who were fading. I literally had to swim over them in accelerating to the finish.
I felt very good on the bike. Thank you North Shore Wheelmen. I began to lose focus by the last mile or so and that cost me some time.
I currently suck at running. I kills me that I have not been training consistently and I can not run at a speed that I can be happy with. My next race will be at the end of November. I will see if my hamstrings behave.

However, I did feel that I had a good time. I believe I did go faster than last year. When I got home I went to the pool and swam an additional 40 minutes.

Next week I plan to do the one mile open ocean swin in Long Beach with JeffK.

BauBike (That's Bauhaus Bike)

2009-08-26T18:14:00.004-04:00

This is what happens when you let a Bauhaus inspired architect design a bicycle. Note, the entire frame is made of square section pipe, even the handlebar.

Sunday 8/23 NSW vs Old Westbury Police

2009-08-24T22:39:00.010-04:00

"Stop and pull over to the curb"
This was what I heard from the police SUV with its lights flashing as I rode on the eastbound service road of the LIE.

We started out at our normal meeting place in Great Neck. JeffB, Joe, JonD, and Isaac (me). It was a typical ride to Wheatley. We met up with DaveS, Dave, JeffK, and Harold. The plan was to go to the goats with Isaac suggesting that we add a Sagamore Hill loop. Shortly after we left Wheatley our ride was interrupted.

From my recollection it began with a demand from the officer in an Old Westbury Police SUV that we ride single file on the LIE service road. We did. We were at that time in the right lane. He then passed us. As I was leading I noticed that in a driveway further along that same Police SUV had positioned himself in an attempt to be out of our view.

JeffB said that the Police SUV then came up along side him and demanded that he ride to the "right". Then the officer said: "Not that right, the other right!" JeffB said that the officer rolled down his right window and Jeff explained to him that he/we could not ride to the extreme right as this area had sand and road debris. The area in question was to the right of the white line that had diagonal white lines. (see picture). What JeffK later called a breakdown lane. The officer in question called it the shoulder.

Next I heard the Police SUV behind me and Dave S. He demanded we ride to the right. I rode to the right just to the left of the white line. As JeffB had already informed him, we could not ride where he wanted us to ride due to road hazards. I did not know at the time that JeffB had told him that. Regardless I did not ride to the right of the white line. My belief was it was not safe. At this point the lights came on and we were directed to pull over.

As the Old Westbury Police officer exited his big SUV he declared that we were going to get tickets for not riding to the right and impeding traffic. He also stated that he had received complaints about all of the cyclists impeding traffic on the service roads of the LIE. He told JeffK that he would be getting a ticket too. JeffK said that he was behind him. The officer said that he had seen JeffK in his rear view mirror.

What fun we North Shore Wheelmen get ourselves into!

Not to be outdone JonD took out his wallet and flashed his badge. Harold complained that the officer should be going after the people speeding on the local roads and not us. The officer said that in five years of being in the police department he had never given a ticket to a bicycle. JeffB suggested to him that he should not ruin his perfect record. A long discussion ensued. Eventually after consulting his traffic law book and expert legal nudging, actually I believe it was noodging, we were set free sans tickets.

The rest of the ride was almost uneventful. We went to the goats, a Sagamore Hill loop, a stop in Bayville and home by way of Factory Pond and Wheatley. At the Bayville stop some cyclist disobeyed a red light and lightly bumped into a older man crossing the street. Later It seemed the man that he was with who claimed to be a policeman? got into a pickup truck and peeled out in the direction of those cyclists. We do not know what happened. It must have been something in the air that day.

We encountered a cloud burst and Isaac encountered a flat tire on Wheatley. When I noticed that my front tire was flat I began to slow down. Just then I heard the shouts of the 8:30 Triangle group. They had been coming up behind me and were chiding me for hitting my brakes. I did not know that they were there.

Back in Great Neck by Noon. About 53 miles.

Next week Isaac will be at the Tobay Triathlon in Oyster Bay. Watch out for 1000 cyclist. It is a shame we wont be riding through Old Westbury.

For more info about New York State bicycle laws see this very informative pamphlet produced by the state, http://www.safeny.com/media/share-road.htm. The third paragraph of the first question states that bicyclists "must obey all traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings. Look at our picture. Is this an area that a motor vehicle could drive in legally? Can you call this area a shoulder? The NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws section 1234, http://www.safeny.com/bike-vt.htm#sec1230 , has most of the information that we need to know. It does not specifically note pavement markings as the pamphlet does. It does say bicyclists can ride in the shoulder.

Also in the pamphlet in the Tips For Motorists, the sixth line of tips notes that experienced bicyclists will ride in the center of the traffic lane three of four feet from the curb to allow them room and time to avoid road hazards and be better noticed.

If this is a state publication then this is what the state wants us and allows us to do. I will try to get my hands on copies of this pamphlet from the state as it has more info than the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws and distribute them.

Adventures in Chains

2009-08-23T21:45:00.002-04:00

I had the dirtiest chain. Luckily I had a powerlink on my chain which allowed me to remove it very easily without tools.
The following is a web site that I found useful.
http://www.nordicgroup.us/chain/

I used paint thinner and then a spray lube. I am going to get some chainsaw oil.

Sunday 8/16 Hot and Humid

2009-08-19T00:08:00.002-04:00

A fine group of wheelmen rolled out of Great Neck: BobL, Ori, Isaac, Barry, JeffB, MattB, JonD, Amos, and Joe. At Wheatley we met up with JeffK, Dave, Paul, Harold and eventually Andy.

The group split with the long riders taking the sunnyside extension to Snake Hill and then to the Woodbury Deli. The short group skipped the extension. Amos and Joe went even shorter.
At Woodbury Arthur met up with us. How important it is not to miss the take off from Wheatley.

The long group went home by way of the campus. The short group went to white church home.

Did I say hot and humid. I went through 5 water bottles of fluids. Also we had a close call as BobL took a minor spill. Just some road rash as far as I know.

Total miles around 57.

A Cute Video

2009-08-13T23:52:00.002-04:00

Sunday 8/9 - A milestone, a 5000 milestone

2009-08-11T21:34:00.004-04:00

The forecast was for a wet morning but the weather stayed dry for Joe, Amos, JeffK, JeffB, JonD, and Isaac. The route was Sea Cliff for the first time this year. Joe and Amos turned back at Bayville. What transpired later was a milestone.

After Bayville it was suggested that we go to Sagamore Hill. Jon was concerned about the rain. Isaac had never been there and wanted to meet Teddy Roosevelt. Isaac prevailed. Sagamore Hill was followed by Sandy Hill, Syosset Bagel, and due to the threat of rain we took the service road home. CharlieG plus one joined us for the ride home.

Who says we stop too much?
We actually passed two riders, Diane and her friend, (I did not get her friend's name). We would stop and they would pass us. We would catch up and pass them, then stop to regroup and they would pass us. This happened four times.

Finally, the day's celebration occurred just past Oyster Bay. JeffK 's odometer on his bike reached 5000 miles! Kudos to JeffB for the pics.

Total miles about 55.

Wet Sunday 8/2

2009-08-03T22:59:00.003-04:00

What started as a dry morning turned into a wet ride. Again the NSW was in double digits in attendance.

The ride was standard Bayville. Isaac, Andy, Neil, Barry, and Bob went ahead. We did Moore's Hill Road then on to Snake Hill Road, Woodbury Deli, the Switchback, Bumpy, Campus and home.
We began to feel a drizzle on the way to Bayville then it was just rain. The pull from drafting behind Bob made up for the discomfort of the spray coming off Bob's back wheel. My sunglasses became my wind(spray)shield. By the time we reached the Bumpy the rain had mostly let up.

I do not know what happened to the second group, which include Herb, JeffB, Harold, Joe, Amos, and JonD. When I returned to Lakeville and Northern all of the other cars were gone.

There is a real sense of satisfaction that comes from the grime and road dirt that you are covered with after a wet ride. Like a badge of honor.

Total distance 60 miles.

Me and the 8:00am Triangle Riders

2009-07-26T16:48:00.004-04:00

As most of the Wheelmen were in Vermont, BobL, Ori, and JeffB suggested that I try riding with the 8am Triangle guys.
I met Billy E. who will be doing the Israel ride with me this fall who rode with them.

The ground was a little wet from an early morning shower so the group went on the service road till exit 52 or so. This was about twenty six miles. I was OK till about 25 miles. What I noticed about this group is when I sprint or pull hard after a red light when I am with the NSW I am usually on my own or with Ori or Bob. Today when I slowed down after a hard pull fifteen guys and one woman went right by me. I then had to sprint again to keep with the rear of their peloton.

What was helpful was their sag van (we need one of those). Jaime the driver of the van is very adept at pulling riders who fall behind by letting them draft behind him. Riding in the draft of the van was like spinning indoors and without the wind I was able to catch up.
By mile 24 or so I was getting to know Jaime really well.

We stopped for barely a rest by NSW standards to refuel at a gas station. I held on for another six miles until I was officially dropped.

As getting lost is easy for me, on the way back for some reason I ended up on the LIE rather than on the service road. The next exit was Route 135. On the exit ramp I was able to climb over the guard rail with my bike and make my way through the bushes back to the service road. A Triangle rider who was also dropped and was on the service road commended me on my sweet short cut! The hot and humid weather and effort was cramping my legs by the end of the ride.

Total for the day was 52 miles and a bruised ego.

Wounded Warriors

2009-07-24T17:32:00.003-04:00

I took Friday off to ride with the Wounded Warrior ride that was in Babylon. 22 miles with my wife. Average speed - 9 mph. Ouch. It hurts more when you ride slow. Great cause.
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Isaac

Sunday 7/19 - 16 Wheelmen

2009-07-24T17:27:00.002-04:00

Record numbers rode to Bayville and up Moore's Hill road. Yes we lost some along the way but the guys at Woodbury Deli did not know what hit them.
Next week: Vermont!
I will try to ride with some Triangle group.

Death By Hills

2009-07-18T20:02:00.000-04:00

That's the name of the NYCC ride I did today, and it was an apt one.

We met on the NJ side of the GW Bridge at 8:30. We had a really nice turnout, about 20 or so. Most NYCC riders are expert paceliners and, thanks to the sheer size of the club, you can always get a nice homogenius group that can work together smoothly. Besides, I knew a lot of people on this ride.

We were really crusing on the flats and the downs. Even on the climbs we were holding together for the most part.

Last week's century was definitely brutal. Today's ride, at 85 miles, was a ballbuster of a different kind. The primary purpose of this ride was, essentially, to hit all the steepest climbs between the GWB and the Bear Mt. Bridge. Some stretches of road were just sick. We're talking well above 20%. On one particular stretch one rider was trying to zig-zag across the road and took a fall while attempting the virtual switchback. Others had to put down a foot due to the extra slow speed. I was able to climb straight up only by litterally pedaling as hard as I could, out of the saddle with my head down. Thankfully these beasts weren't that long and I was feeling stronger than last week.

By comparison, climbing Perkins Drive to the summit of Bear Mt. Was a walk in the park.

I finally ran out of steam after crossing the bridge and crawled my way to Cold Spring. Once there we all enjoyed burgers and beer at The Depot. The plan was to take the train back. Helen had decided to spend the day antique shopping in Cold Spring and I was able to get a ride back. If only the Hutch weren't so backed up, we'd be already home.

Friday MTB

2009-07-17T13:17:00.000-04:00

It felt wonderful to ride trail again, after so many miles of road. That is, on a trail bike. Arthur and I met the "daytime crew," the local group we usually ride with.

Glacier Ridge is one of my favorite MTB parks in LI. It's all beautifully designed and maintained fast and twisty singletrack. 15 miles of intense riding will give you quite a workout, and the amount of concentration required to handle the constantly changing terrain is one of my favorite aspects of this type of riding.

Greylock Mountain Century - 7/11/09

2009-07-14T22:05:00.002-04:00

I've done many different century over the years, without too much trouble. This one was definitely the hardest one, primarily due to the combined steepness, length and sheer number of climbs. It was harder to get through this one century than through any of the rides I had just done in Colorado, including my 65 mile slog through the desert, into a 25 mph headwind and 95° weather (this after the first 55 miles of that day's ride), or my highest climbs over the continental divide, both above 12,000' of altitude.

It was 5 of us, starting as a group. Our friend Larry, who told us of this event and graciously invited us to stay at his beautiful vacation home in Hillsdale, NY (with his lovely wife, Lois), Larry's "protegé" Chelsea, her Boston College cycling teammate Chris, Bob and myself.

The first major climb came right at the beginning. It was Mount Greylock itself. Station #1 was set up on its summit at mile 22. The road that traverses the mountain made for some absolutely delicious riding. The pavement was smooth, most of it was in the shade, with nothing but beautiful New England forest on either side. Near the summit we were treated with expansive vistas of the land below. Mount Greylock rises quite dramatically from the surrounding northwestern Massachusetts. The haze cut down on visibility somewhat. It is the northeast after all. The maximum grade was 15%, but that was a relatively short section. Most of it was still on the steep side (I'm guessing about 10% or so), but there were gentler stretches. We were still fresh and we didn't have too much trouble getting through it. The descent was an absolute pleasure.

There were many other climbs following that. You can't find any level roads in that part of the country. The next serious climb camejust before station #2 (summit set up at mile 50). That one proved much harder to tackle. Maximum grade was 16% and I believe those steep grades ran for most of the climb. At some point I had to stop and rest mid climb. If you know me, you know that I NEVER rest mid climb. By the time I reached the station I was quite tired. Bob had reached it much earlier than me so he had that much more time to rest (not that he needed any real rest, really), in addition to being much stronger than me to begin with.

After we resumed our ride it didn't take long for me to get dropped. That last climb had taken away almost everything I had left in my legs and we were only halfway through. By then, every little rise in the road I saw coming my way filled me with dread, and they kept coming and coming. I had to drop to my first gear most of the time. It was nothing but steep rollers. I tried to distract myself from the pain by reminding myself to try and enjoy the beautiful views every now and then, but it wouldn't take long before the next climb would yank me back to reality.

On almost every climb I'd be facing what looked like an endless ramp, crawl my way up to the top, only to find out that what looked like the end of the climb was really just a minor reduction in the pitch and there was still another ramp, just as long, till the next false crest. There seemed to be a definite pattern to these climbs. Each one some 3 or 4 such segments, teasing me mercilessly into believing that a descent was at hand.

This ride had a very small turnout, maybe 100 riders altogether, so after the first half I found myself riding alone for a good part of the ride, hardly seeing any other rider along the road. I had decided not to bother with the cue sheet, since most of us was carrying one, not expecting to get dropped or riding such a sparse field. For the most part, I had no problem finding the turn signs painted on the road. But at some point I obviously missed a turn. During yet another painful climb I ran out of blacktop and found myself facing a dirt road. The thought of turning around and adding miles to this death march was too much to bear and I instead convinced myself that this must have been the way. I had looked for turn signs very carefully at every junction in the road and I was sure I was going the right way.

I continued on the dirt road, all the while looking for bicycle tire tracks as a way to confirm my hope. Even though I couldn't see any I was still convinced that I hadn't missed any turn. As the dirt road got progressively worse and kept going up and on, I eventually understood that I was, indeed, off the route. But at that point I still didn't want to turn around. Somehow I could tell I was still traveling in the correct general direction and was eventually going to find my back to the route. I rode a couple of miles on loose dirt, including a quite scary descent. I'm sure glad to have my trail riding experience. I couldn't have done that descent and come out in one piece otherwise.

Eventually I reached hard pavement again. I stopped to try to get my bearings. Before I could finish pulling out my BlackBerry and turning on the GPS I saw a rider coming down the road that I recognized from the last food stop. I flagged him down and he confirmed I was back on the designated route. I guess I had taken a shortcut.

After that there was still some painful climbing (not steep, just painful) until I finally reached Station #3, at mile 80. After a short rest and refuel, I started the last bit. I typically get a second wind at mile 80 on every century and, even though this had been my hardest one to date, this day was no exception. The next few climbs didn't feel quite as hard. It probably helped that Larry had forewarned me that the last 10 miles or so were mostly downhill, which they were. I could finally cruise again, after all those miles of pain and a frustrating snail's pace.

As I caught up to a rider that I had been chasing for a few miles on that descent, I only recognized him to be Larry when I was right behind him and we rode the last few miles together. By the end I logged 99 miles. That "shortcut" hadn't cut all that much off my ride after all.

Bob was of course comfortably waiting by his car, next to two other riders who were having beers from a cooler they brought along (a must on every century). They graciously offered us some too and we finally relaxed while waiting for Chelsea and Chris. In the end they weren't that far back.

After driving back home we finished off the day with hot tub, martinis, shower, more martinis and a delicious dinner at a nearby gourmet restaurant. We knew there was a severe storm bearing down on us. In the end it blew by just while we were inside the restaurant enjoying dinner. What perfect timing!

I'd do it again next year. Thanks for the invite, Larry!

Sunday 7/12

2009-07-13T23:10:00.002-04:00

Sunday was G DAY II: Double Goats in preparation for Vermont.

Present and accounted for were Jon, Dave, Amos, Isaac, Alan, Harold, Dave G, Herb and myself.

Dave Goldkrand and Herb had to return early and went up Wheatley.

Before regrouping at the Corset Shop, we met Glen from Syosset, who asked if he could tag along with us. Why Not – the more the merrier!

After regrouping at the Corset Shop, we headed down 108 to the Fish Hatchery. We waited several minutes for Alan, only to be told (can not remember who it was) that Alan had left us at the wishing well. We surmised that Alan must have had an early tee off time!

Up the first goat (Harold asked where the hill was) then on to the second goat. At the top we regrouped and I was absolutely wasted. Dave who has a Garmin GPS, advised that the maximum grade was between 11 and 12 per cent.

I thought Nassau County restricted all roads to 10% or less – but who knows???

Steve is this a potential lawsuit?????

Amos and Glen went up Sandy Hill, while Jon, Dave, Isaac and I continued into Bayville. Dave gave us a strong pull along shore road, where we averaged between 21 and 22 mph.

It was a very quick ride – averaged 15.5 mph including double goat and was at home by 11:15. Total was 53 miles.

Bob and Ori: How was Massachusetts?

JeffK

PS: Sacked out and watched the Le Tour and noticed that the gradient on the Col du Tourmalet was only 9.5% - less than the second Goat!

Socks - Cheap

2009-07-06T20:15:00.004-04:00

I needed socks and discovered that on the Defeet socks website you can order 12 pairs of cycling socks for $25 plus shipping. The socks are overruns and seconds.

Today I received my socks and they seem great. I am now part of Moose Racing, Harder Cycling, and Peloton Cellars, you know "Good Ride, Good Wine, and Good Times". I also received a Tour De France wool cycling pair.

Go to http://www.defeet.com/
Go to the socks drop down menu, go all the way down to the bottom of the drop down menu. Enjoy

Happy July 5

2009-07-06T00:08:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all for showing up on time! We were on the road by 7:40.

The “A” group was Bob, Isaac and Dave. At the corset shop they did the Sunny Side spur into Huntington. The “B” group, JeffB, Alan, Harold, Joe, Amos, Rich Levine and myself, did Snake Hill into Huntington Harbor.

We all met within 1 minute at the Woodbury Deli. How’s that for timing!

It was a good ride, 56 miles, without incident until just before the Campus where Bob flatted. His first attempt at changing the tire was not successful. However, High Council leader JeffB, he with the golden fingers, was able to rectify the situation.

On the way back we “visited” Harold’s new home. It is very, very nice, with plenty of room for a pool in the back yard! Best of luck to Harold!

Next week Ori and Bob will be doing a grueling century in Massachusetts. JeffB will be in Mexico. In preparation for Vermont, I suggest THE GOATS!

Weather is getting warmer, so let all of us do our best to be at Wheatley by 7:30 AM. This way we are home by 11:30 ahead of the mid day heat.

JeffK

7/3 The Independence Day ride?

2009-07-03T16:47:00.002-04:00

Were were 5 this morning: Jon, Bob, Isaac, Eddie and myself. Group "A" (Bob and Isaac) went to the Corset shop, Sunny side extension, etc. Group "B" Jon and myself did Woodbury road, past Wishing Well up the Big Hill and left at the old Beefalo into Syosset, then the bumpy to the campus and home. Eddie had commitments at home and had to turn back early.

Group "B" did 44 miles.

SUNDAY: This will be group "B's" first extended ride: Snake Hill into Huntington. So please try to be on time: 7 AM at Lakeville and Northern and 7:30 AM latest at Wheatley. As we know the ride, this should save at least 20 to 30 minutes at Wheatley!

Everyone have a great 4th and see you on Sunday.

JeffK

Group "A" update:
BobL and Isaac did the sunnyside extention, snake hill, wishing well, bumpy, and campus. Total 57 miles. Back to Great Neck by 11:45.

Extra (day of nsw riding) on 7/3

2009-06-30T00:25:00.001-04:00

The High Council has met and decided:

30 to 40 mile ride on Friday. Extra 30 minutes of sleep. Instead of 7:00 AM meeting at Lakeville and Northern, it will be 7:30 AM, 8 AM at Wheatley.

Sunday: Normal time: 7 AM at Lakeville and Northern, 7:30 at Wheatley.

JeffF

Sunday 6/28-Riding on the Sunny Side

2009-06-28T22:58:00.000-04:00

We were the magnificent 7 today: Jon, Joe, Paul, Isaac, Eddie, Amos and myself.

After a brief discussion, we agreed with Paul's request to take the service road to the Sunny Side extension to north on Round Swamp Road. (We did this route several weeks ago at Bob's urging)

At the top of the Hill past the horse farms we regrouped. There was an organized ride that went left - we went straight which was better that the last time when we went right.

Down to Jericho Turnpike to 108 north, up the hill and a short break in Bayville.

Ride totaled between 54 and 57 miles depending on where you started.

As most of us have not ridden for the past two weeks (rain) today's ride was a real workout.

I guess Ori and Bob are still recuperating from Colorado.

Next Sunday same time and we will do Snake Hill into Huntington.

Some are riding on Friday - I am not. Traffic is just too tough coming out of Port on a weekday.

JeffK