Wednesday, December 29, 2010

my winter project

I finally got out for a test ride on my "old" Cannondale I upgraded recently, mainly to refurbish worn componentry, as the frame (circa 1996?) was good, sturdy, and light, it just needed some rehab.



I stripped it down and built it back up with newer (but used) components, including 50/34 Gossamer from FSA, 105 shift/brake levers (2x10), front and rear 105 derailleurs, 105 spec Shimano chain, a new carbon fiber (alloy steerer) Kinesis fork (hard-to-find 1" threaded), a Tektro brakeset - take-offs from a Giant (OCR?), and take-off Felt sealed-bearing wheelset and 105 10-speed cassette. Slightly used Bontrager 700c road tires, new bar tape and silver bottle cages were also affixed.

The bike shop (Jesse at GHY in Renton) weighed the bike for me - it is 20 pounds 9 ounces.

AWESOME smokin' deal for employers (20+ employees) in Kent, Renton, and Tukwila

Check out this limited-term offer from the folks at King County Metro!!!

Employee commute consultation from Cascade Bicycle Club and Feet First? (FREE!)

50% off the price of an employer-issued ORCA card?

Teleworking consultation? (FREE!)

It's the STEP AWAY (from your car) campaign.

Contact Susan Whitmore with KC Metro Commute Trip Reduction Services for details at 206-684-1057.


Note: this program is only offered for a limited time to employers with 20+ employees in the cities of Kent, Renton, and Tukwila, Washington (State), USA.

BIKE JOBS (in the Seattle, WA area)

The economy is tough. I hear it is near impossible for folks to find employment in a lot of sectors. Here are a few more jobs posted locally!!!

Bicycle Alliance of Washington (BAW) has several positions currently being recruited, all limited term, but one that's full-time for 2011-2012. They close pretty darn fast - so if you're interested, APPLY NOW!

A bit stale, but Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC) had been hiring for a few positions this fall. I do not know if the Development Director position has been filled yet. It is still posted on the CBC website.

And, it's a bit out of the Seattle area, I know, but I love the Bike Portland website. They have a bicycling jobs board.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Bike Works is Hiring Exec. Director!

Republished from a post on the Cascade Bicycle Club forum.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION POSTING

OPPORTUNITY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bike Works is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to become its next Executive Director. Ideal candidates will provide the vision and leadership necessary to translate our mission and values into action while maintaining a supportive, growth-oriented work environment for employees and an energizing sanctuary for youth and the community.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:
Bike Works is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle whose mission is to build sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling. Bike Works has been working for youth, bikes, and community in Seattle since 1996. Our programs and services invest in young people and encourage bicycling as a clean and healthy transportation alternative. Our programs include Earn-a-Bike for youth, Street Burner youth bike club activities, Summer Bike Camps, Neighborhood Rides, an Annual Kids Bike Swap, domestic and international bicycle donations to charitable organizations, and more. Our Community Bike Shop serves a diverse customer base with used bike sales and affordable repairs.

Since 1996, we have grown from a startup program into a thriving, established organization that is well-respected in the community. Each year approximately 250 youth, ages 9 to 17, participate in our programs and gain the skills and resources they need to translate lessons about confidence and leadership into their own lives, helping them make healthier decisions about their futures. Each year we redistribute close to 2,000 used bicycles to families in Seattle and internationally. Our current operating budget is approximately $600,000, our staff includes 11 part- and full-time positions, and our Board is made up of 13 skilled and committed volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Executive Director assumes primary responsibility for leading Bike Works in fulfillment of its mission and vision, including management of fundraising and administration, ensuring staff capacity, coordinating activities with the Board of Directors, and overseeing the organization’s finances.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful Executive Director will:

1. Exhibit strong leadership, strategic vision and human resource management skills;

2. Value cultural diversity and reflect a deep and abiding passion for the mission of Bike Works, specifically youth empowerment and bicycle transportation;

3. Possess experience providing strategic and business leadership to a small organization embarking on a phase of potentially significant growth and change.

4. Have proven ability to secure significant funding from individuals, foundations and government agencies;

5. Understand the internal and external workings of a 501(c)(3) organization;

6. Be a resourceful problem solver and have a sense of humor.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director’s role and responsibilities include the following:

1. Lead staff, Board, volunteers, and other key stakeholders in fulfilling mission and adhering to strategic plan. Includes supervision of three department heads who manage programs, the community bike shop, and fundraising. Critical focus in the coming years will be on translating our mission, vision, and values into annual action plans, defining and measuring success targets, and prioritizing and solving key organizational challenges.

2. Work with the Development Manager to develop annual fundraising goals and oversee implementation of strategies to achieve them. Play an active, leading role in engaging with current and prospective institutional and individual donors. Oversee revenue generation through bike shop. Manage cash flow and expenses and prepare monthly reports.

3. Manage operations, including HR policies & procedures, payroll and benefits, insurance, taxes, and oversight of bookkeeper’s work with payables, receivables, and financial records.

4. Supervise, mentor, and inspire staff; ensure a healthy work environment that attracts, maintains, and motivates quality staff. Develop annual staff review process that is aligned with our mission and values, schedule and conduct meetings and retreats as appropriate, and ensure staff member effectiveness.

5. Support and inspire the Board. Develop materials and reports for monthly Board meetings.

6. Ensure that Bike Works maintains a visible and vibrant presence in the community by fostering collaboration with partner organizations and speaking passionately in public forums. Maintain strong organizational image.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will have developed the following skills through a combination of significant professional experience, community engagement, and/or formal education:

• Commitment to our Mission: Passion for building sustainable communities, educating youth and promoting bicycling.
• Fundraising: Demonstrated success in cultivating, stewarding, soliciting and securing major gifts. Experience seeking and incorporating best practices from across the nonprofit sector for development purposes.
• Leadership and Management: Ability to inspire, mentor, and build the skills of a small, committed, hard-working staff. Experience with or interest in working as a part of a team in a small nonprofit organization and being a part of a creative, fun, healthy, flexible and collaborative work environment.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively and persuasively communicate our mission verbally through one-on-one interactions and public speaking opportunities, including ability to connect with youth, staff, donors, the board, and our community. Excellent writing skills a must.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and operational skills, including finance, HR, and development. Ability to formulate and execute plans efficiently and effectively. Solid computer skills to work with a tech-savvy staff.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Demonstrated experience solving complex problems and responding to adaptive challenges.

COMPENSATION:
$45,000-50,000 (starting salary depends on experience). Bike Works offers a medical benefits program, a generous vacation and holiday package and a flexible work environment.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please visit our website at www.bikeworks.org for more information about Bike Works. Send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to edsearch@bikeworks.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Position open until filled; however, applications received by January 7, 2011 will receive priority consideration.

Bike Works is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity of race, color, national origin, gender, and sexual orientation.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

PRO shop comes to Renton

Team Garmin pro rider Tom Peterson opened a shop recently in Renton.

They're offering a winter mechanic special - it's 12% off labor.




Peterson Bicycle is located at: 1755 NE 48th Street, Renton, WA.

From I405 North or South, take exit #7 and turn east. Look for the Dennys sign. Peterson Bicycle is located directly behind the Dennys with a bright yellow awning.

Call them at 425.271.0396 if you have any questions!

More can be found about this shop on their website. Tell Wyatt, the shop mechanic, you heard about them from Nate.

last "nyte ryderz" ride for 2010

A few weeks ago, I took an evening ride with the notorious "Nyte Ryderz" of Renton. (See page 10).

Photo I snapped of myself...


I rode my "new" project bike that night... my Raleigh Super Course Mark II "rain bike". First time riding it outdoors was that night.


Cold, but not wet that evening. Looking forward to more rides in 2011. Due to snowy weather in December, a busy holiday schedule, and a recent minor medical issue, I might not make it out again until January.

Keep the rubber side down, folks! Happy riding!

Xmas tree cycling style

A 40-speed tree. Shimano-equipped, no doubt. Carbon and aluminum tree.



Happy holidays to you and yours. Keep the rubber side down in 2011.

Save $25 on an Electra bike at GHY in Renton



Cool cruiser your style? See GHY in Renton for $25 off an Electra bicycle.

Phone
425-227-HUCK (4825)

Address
G.H.Y. Bikes
909 S. 3rd St.
Renton Wa. 98055

Hours
Weekdays 11-7
Sat 10-6
Sun 12-5

Ask for Jesse or AJ and tell 'em Nate sent you.

Monday, December 13, 2010

IKEA gives bikes to employees for Christmas 2010



IKEA gives bikes to employees is what I read about today in an e-mail forwarded from a work friend. A lot of my friends at work now send me information like this, since they know me as a de facto "bike guy" around here.

The news release states: "It's been a good year for IKEA, so what better way to celebrate our success than to thank our IKEA co-workers who made this happen. Our big reveal today will be a fun day as we unload 12,400 new bikes at IKEA US locations. This is our way of saying 'thanks IKEA co-workers for being strongly committed to working together.' We hope this bike will be taken in the spirit of the season while supporting a healthy lifestyle and everyday sustainable transport," commented Mike Ward, IKEA US President.

This is encouraging, as the press release then says:
Why a bike? Because when it comes to sustainable transport, a bicycle is a great option. And when it comes to healthy living, riding a bike is one of the best cardio forms of exercise. Here are some facts.

•Bicycling is an excellent cardio-vascular exercise, which promotes heart health. Just like in any other aerobic workout, bicycling makes your heart pump harder. Also blood circulation increases and eventually, your resting heart rate will decrease. (Helium.com; Benefits of Bicycling by Erich Rosenberger M.D.)

•On average, commuting 10 miles a day by bike in 30 minutes, instead of driving a car burns 110,250 calories (keeping off 30 pounds of fat each year). (Sources: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, RailstoTrails.org, Fitsugar.com, Adultbicycling.com

•Cycling just 20 miles a week can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%. (Sources: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, RailstoTrails.org, Fitsugar.com, Adultbicycling.com

•Countries with the highest levels of cycling and walking generally have the lowest obesity rates. (Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia)


This is all good stuff. I just hope the bicycles and potential bicyclists get the support they need to make those changes.

Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, the bikes do appear a little less-than-thrilling componentry-wise and they are probably the least expensive option to build and still call it a "bike". They appear to be heavy steel frames with low end components like shifters, derailleurs, and brakes. Which means they may not be the proper equipment to inspire a new rider into riding. A bike that is hard to pedal, impossible to shift, and problematic to stop, is not confidence-inspiring to those long off the saddle. But I suppose IKEA, who has thrived by making cheap furnishings available to the masses may be able to make cycling available to their employees.

I'm not a "hater" for stuff like this - let's just hope it takes off with other employers.

I wonder too if the employees will still get their typical (fiscal) year-end bonuses..?

Monday, November 22, 2010

another DIY project - reflective buddy (mud) flaps

This is something I'm still working on using reflective material and some repurposed flexible plastic material (was from a cover of a performated notebook).



Reflective bicycle mudflaps to keep rain and debris off your shoes and socks - and friend riding behind you. Hence the name, buddy flaps.

These are about 3-4 times wider and twice as long as what the fenders come with (if they have them at all) like on the Allez pictured below.

God, I love zip ties.

I love bikes... but I really have a thing for zip ties.

I picked up this chro-mo steel framed MOTIV brand (a Costco special) mountain bike really cheaply recently. It was a clean "garage queen" but lacked a saddle, seat post, and the shifters (shift+brake combo) were haywire like the ratcheting mechanism went afoul (common for a low end thumb shifter I've experienced). It has virtually brand new Tioga city tires too (though on the outset I was hoping to have a slightly more offroadable bike) and I intended to build it up for an in-town rider that I can leave chained up anywhere without too much worry about it being stolen or stripped.

I spent less than an hour swapping out the shifter+brake combo for an old school thumb shift and canti brake levers (somewhere I got these and had them lingering in a box of parts for just this type of project) and I found a bargain bin used seat at Bike Works ($5). The longest part of this work was getting off the handle grips without tearing the rubber. I also found a seatpost on e-Bay for $10 shipped. It should be here in a week or so, but I was eager to test ride the bike today, now that I'd fixed the gear issues.

I developed a 4 zip tie temporary fix for the lack of a seat post.

Here is the bike.


How the seat sits.


(Note to tinkerers: see the small yellow part on the seat? It's a small tear and I am wondering what - other than electrical tape - can I use to repair it?)

Underside of seat.


I wouldn't ride this for months like this - and I didn't even really sit on the seat while riding it through town as the height was way too low for me. I just wanted something there in the event I did need to sit for a moment.

I think Matt at Bike Hacks would love my hack.

Monday, November 15, 2010

what's new in the e-bikes world

Tucked into the corner of the Seattle Auto Show from this past long weekend (for some) was a display of electric vehicles, including these bicycles.



Most were around $1,000+ each, including this mountain bicycle by e-moto.



Most were step-through style frames, like the one I saw in Seattle a while back.

Friday, November 12, 2010

winter projects x 2 (Nate's tinkering du jour)

Since it has gotten colder and darker, and I have not been riding as much as I was, say in July, I have decided to embark on an upgrade of my so-called "rain bike" my older purple mid-1990s Cannondale pictured below.



I've used it for training rides, commuting, recreational rides and such. I've gone back and forth between having road pedals (which require the speacial shoes with cleats) and plain ol' platform pedals (which you could pedal in flip flops if you dared). It has a 21-speed Shimano RSX drivetrain, Mavic rims laced to Shimano hubs, RSX brakeset, Specialized Mondo tires, and improvised fenders and a rear rack. I added also a cycling computer, lights, and a bell. It is about as close to a multi-purpose vehicle as you can find and still be on 700x23c smooth tires.

Since I recently needed to replace bar tape, I decided it would be a good time to consider other upgrades. It started with buying a carbon fork to replace the stock aluminum Cannondale fork - all aluminum is very, very "buzzy" on even the smoothest of pavements and leads to fatigue fairly quickly. The whole project spiraled from there. See a midway strip-down photo below and a bare frameset shot below that.





My kitchen/workshop where I cleaned parts taken off of the Cannondale. Note the coffee pot - I was doing this after 10 o'clock at night, probably closer to midnight.



Once I stripped and cleaned the parts off of the Cannondale (I have a whole newer Shimano compact double 105 drivetrain, brakeset, etc. to put onto the Cannondale) I checked them over and they all look good still. I decided that it'd be a shame to toss them in a box and forget about them. Also, once the Cannondale is re-assembled, would I really want to continue to subject it to rain and grime?

I traveled to a local bicycle recyclers and found a suitable frame to put the Cannondale donor's parts on. The frame is a 1970s Raleigh Super Course II (made in their Carlton shop) with Reynolds 531 steel. It features pretty chromed dropouts, a paneled paint job, and just the right amount of patina without being too abused in its former owner's hands.

Here it is as I received it.



Here it is after I added a few parts to it.



I still need to find a couple of odd bits, mainly related to fitment of the newer style brakeset (need longer bolts) and the rear derailleur hanger (need an adapter of sorts to slide into the horizontal drop out). I think a place like Harris Cyclery or a local shop can help me out.

Hopefully, I keep in mind this is supposed to be the new "rain bike" when I am done!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

for sale: misc. road bike items (prices reduced)

Cleaning house... anyone interested? Prices are without shipping included. US sales only. I'd consider taking online payment via PayPal only.

ROAD BICYCLE TIRES (used but plenty of wear left)
700x28 Specialized gumwall - $5
700x23 Michelin carbon black with yellow accents - $10


700c WHEELS
FRONT – USED but true, Shimano hub with sealed bearings, quick-release, Weinmann silver rim - $25
REAR – NEW with TAGS – Shimano hub 8/9/10 speed, quick-release, Alex rim - $60
PRICED AS A MISMATCHED SET FOR $75


BRAKE - Cervelo road brake caliper - $20


E-mail if interested.

illuminating event

IN SEATTLE TONIGHT!!!

"Reflect-a-Thon"
November 9, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Meet @ Cascade Bicycle Club Office-- 7400 Sand Point Way NE Seattle Wa 98115

Participants meet at the Cascade Bicycle Club offices, at 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, from 7pm to 8:30pm for another Reflect-a-Thon. Come and test your visibility gear, compare it to the lights and reflectors that other cyclists are using, and get ideas and feedback on how you can be safer at night.

At the Reflect-a-thon, volunteers will wear your outerwear and helmet, and ride your bike to show you what you look like from the perspective of a car. Reflective tape pieces will be provided for participants who need additional visibility.

Contact Robin Randels
Classes Coordinator
206 446 7457
206 390 3945
cascadebicycleclub.org

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

HELP CATCH A CROOK!

My friend got his Green Bike bicycle (which he earned by switching from a drive-alone commute to taking train trips) swiped from the Sumner Sounder Train Station on 10/26/2010. Let's help get it back!

It looked like my old Green Bike below. His was also a medium size frame, he thinks. It was pretty much stock condition.



Notices posted to BIKEWISE, craigslist, and the Cascade Bicycle Club message boards.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

more pics - and a note about my job, bike commuting, e-bikes, and assorted fluff...

[Thank goodness for autosave - I thought I'd just lost this posting a few minutes ago!]

I have a few more bike-related pics to share with you from my new-to-me phone.

I took these first two during my trip to Seattle one day (DRIVING!) for a Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting.

I saw this e-bike parked out front. I suspected a member of the committee might have ridden it over to the meeting, perhaps.



I have wondered whether e-bikes (I am not familiar with the model in the photo) actually benefits the commuter as much as a lighter bike (but built strong for hauling commuters' needs) with good gearing would *or* on the other hand, would a commuter be better-equipped with a bike designed with low-maintenance simplicity for multi-modal flexibility, like bike-to-bus, bike-to-train, ferry-to-bike, etc.

Regarding that last notion, this interesting bicycle was toted into the building by Every Day of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington. It is a Strida folding bicycle.



I think it is a Strida LT model - single speed, belt-drive, with disc brakes. Cool color too. I think the MSRP is $600, which might seem a little steep, but if it stimulates fewer car trips and more exercise - plus, stows away easily in an apartment or office, then it might be very well worth the price for some. There is a nice review on tree hugger's website. A video of it folding is below.



I don't have an answer other than to say I think both can co-exist, and they have, and every other option in-between. Despite what YLBS (your local bike shop) might tell you, there are a lot of people on the wrong bikes, wearing the wrong clothes, equipped with the wrong lights and bags, etc. but it is right for them. I have enjoyed David Madajian's take on setting-up a commuter bike.

Interesting to note... the Strida is an UK-invented bike. This week, I'd sent a US-designed innovation, a 1980s Stump Jumper, to the UK! Here's the last pic I took on my last ride on this 1980s "Stumpy".

Monday, October 4, 2010

pics from my old cell

Dumping files off my memory card from an end-of-summer trip to Bellingham, WA...

A Park Tools TP holder in the Fairhaven bike shop... gotta love the chrome and QR skewer!


The Specialized Hotwalk... perfect for a little girl's first "bike"...


Pedal-powered juicers at the B'ham farmers' market... called the "Juice Peddler" or something similar...

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

rave for a great MO (mail-order? naw! actually, online and brick and mortar) bike parts company

Note: I spent money with these folks, I didn't get paid by them to write this.

I ordered a few parts from Universal Cycles this week just try them out. I needed bar tape replaced, and I figured if I was going to do that, I should consider replacing the fork at the same time, and if I do that, I should replace the headset too. I know, not logical at first, but I did get a really good deal on a 1" threaded (yep, threaded) carbon fork.

Anyways, I am impressed by UC's quick and easy price-matching system and their prices and even the shipping costs are reasonable.

I ordered this a day ago and this arrived this afternoon via UPS.



Well packed and quick delivery!

So here's the reasons why I am happy:
* good prices and ability to price-match
* good selection and easy-to-use web site
* quick shipping

Torker shots

Here are the pics from the Torker 2011 catalog that I'm in...

The electric-assisted T-450e.


The stylish T-530.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

my latest crush...

LARA BARS



    Why might I love them..?


* Perfect size for stuffing in a jersey pocket.

* Seemingly "just enough" to refuel without leaving you feel like you just ate a brick (like some other similar bars).

* A variety of flavors to choose from, including PB&J, lime pie, and coffee and chocolate-flavored offerings... nuts and fruit flavors too.

Only thing is they can be spendy... I think the best price I have seen (without buying a box of them) is 4 for $5.

I'm toying with finally making up my own bars, it's like baking a cookie (so I hear). Got any good recipes???

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

commuting in the fall

Jeez... I think I was spoiled from the summer's mild (well, summer sucked for us in the Seattle area generally) weather.

Riding to work this morning (and even last night on the way home) was cold! And DARK! Forget my little Spoks, it's time to bust out the helmet with the DiNotte lights on it!

Other things I'd like to note: I hate equally getting cable rub and worm guts on my frame.

WSDOT seeks volunteers for the annual bike count

WSDOT is seeking volunteers across the state to help count the number of people who walk or bike to their destinations. Information gathered will be used to track progress toward the state’s goal of increasing bicycling and walking in Washington and reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Cascade Bicycle Club are enlisting volunteers and organizations like FeetFirst and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to count the numbers of people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, and other facilities on Oct. 5, 6 and 7.

More details are here.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

bike parking



Do you find it hard to find bike parking where you live?

If it is available, is it optimal?

How much of a part does bike parking availability and style of bike parking play in your decision to bike for a trip? Is parking or lack thereof a big barrier to making bike trips or are there other larger factors? If so, what are they?

Leave your comments on this subject if you wish.

I'd also be interested to know if anyone rides their bike to transit (train or bus) and then uses on-board or at-station bike rack facilities.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

MUDDY BUDDY COMES TO OREGON

This might be my next challenge come October...

MUDDY BUDDY!!!

Described by organizers as:
"Muddy Buddy is all about having fun with a friend, family member, partner or co-worker! Teams of two traverse a 6-7 mile off-road course and 5 obstacles.

At the start of the race, one team member will run and one will ride the bike. At the 1st obstacle, the rider will drop the bike, complete the obstacle, and begin running. The runner will arrive, complete the obstacle, find their bike and begin riding. Teams will continue leapfrogging each other through the entire course.

At the end of the race, racers crawl through the infamous Mud Pit crossing the finish line together as official “Muddy Buddies”!"




I just wonder what havoc it'll unleash on anywhere that'd potentially chafe...

Also, there's a costume contest for the teams too. Winners get event sponsor's swag. I'll keep you posted if I/we do it. There's a kids' event too... Mini Muddy Buddy.

paying it forward

Cycling has provided me with a lot of benefits, as I'd mentioned before. A lot of people have helped me out with free stuff along the way.

Today, I'm paying it forward by passing along my good condition used clothes that no longer fit me.

Monday, August 16, 2010

family time and fitting in cycling

An anonymous commenter recently asked if I ever spent time with my family. I didn't post the comment, as I suspected initially it was a barb directed at me given recent changes in my personal life this past year. However, after thinking about it more, I realized it could be that the person genuinely was interested in whether I saw my family, given their knowledge of my life is limited to what is reflected here online.

I do see my children often - and I spend time with them more than a lot of fathers, even those who are still living with their kids under the same roof. The parenting arrangement is between their mother and I, not anyone else. Their mother has not given me any indication that scheduling has been unsatisfactory as far as she or the children are concerned, in fact, I have agreed with the plan proposed by her, not the other way around. Additionally, she has requested that I refrain from posting personal details about my life and the current situation.

My kids
Rachel - posed for the pic as she wears a helmet when riding at all times


Lauren


I started cycling because I did not want to end up on a slab at the morgue at 38 years-old, a very real possibility according to my physician at the time. I was overweight (230+ pounds) and had extremely high cholesterol and developed high blood pressure. Medicated and unhappy, and seeing my life ending before seemingly it had ever begun, I happened upon cycling in 2007 as a means of improving my health. This blog, amongst other things, has chronicled this journey. I started with the goal of saving money on prescription drugs, co-pays, and add years to my life. I didn't want to die before seeing my kids through high school and college, and enjoying grandkids.

I am telling you today sitting here at about 165 pounds that my life and health have changed and changed for the better - I eat salads now and enjoy it. There have been some personal struggles and failures I have been dealing with in the past year which are independent of my bicycling activities. I am attacking the future head-on with positivity and zeal. I no longer will tolerate negativity and pointless criticism. I will allow time and expect God to judge me.

A book of inspiration for me was "Heft on Wheels" by Mike Magnuson. I would suggest anyone wanting to make a paradigm shift in their life read this book, especially if cycling could be the answer.

I do not want to see my friends and colleagues, a generation of great men, become victims to their diets, careers, and lifestyles. Refuse to succumb to what society thinks is "good enough" and stretch the paradigm. A medicated, overfed, and undernourished lifetime is not enough for me... nor should it be for you or anyone.



Others who have slimmed down through cycling...
Fatty
Frank Kinlan

...I'll add more as I find them...

Thursday, August 5, 2010

the photo shoot

A cell phone pic from this morning's photo shoot...



The company's catalog is released in about 6 weeks for Interbike in Vegas.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

opportunity strikes!

I cannot report on the full details yet, but I am going to be slated to be included in a major US bicycle distributor's 2011 catalog. The photo shoot is this week.

I'm excited!

Details to come, as long as there aren't any disclosures that prevent it.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

the next big challenge

I was considering the High Pass Challenge (HPC) but after having (unrelated to cycling) a knee issue in one leg and a lower leg muscle issue in the other, I am passing on it for this year - I don't even know if they are sold out of registrations for the 600 cyclists this year or not.

I'm still going to try and ride these events with a friend this summer:
Cascade Spawning Cycle (CSC) - Sept 19th
Kitsap Color Classic - Sept. 26th

Then, I think it's back again to cold weather riding and commute-type trips, though with my work and home so close now, I may have to extend my riding quite a bit to get in the miles I'd like to. Of course, I'll throw in plenty of hills along the way too.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Cascade Crit

After STP weekend, I went the following weekend to see the Cascade Crit (almost by accident) in Bend, OR.

The start of the (masters? 35+ and 45+ race?)


More pics and video (I hope) forthcoming.

more STP pics

Taking a break at about mile 30 on day #1 about 1'30" into it.

Here's the REI food stop in Kent.


Nate looking pretty energetic and happy (multiple caffeinated gel packs, no doubt).




What a ham!


Away we go!

Pics from 2010 STP



I'll post more text later, but here's the pics from this year's STP and my "team" of Dan, Bill, Rob, and myself. We averaged 16 mph in the two day, 204 mile trek from Seattle to Portland.

These were from the end of the ride in the park in Portland at the finish line festival.

Me (Nate)


Rob


Dan


Bill


[Thanks to my Dad, and his wife, Sally, for taking these pics and giving us the ride back north!]