Bicycle Rally in Keene, July 5th. How about we start early-ish, like 10:30 am, so it's not too hot.
What bike trails, backroads do people recommend?
(This is continued from this discussion: http://nhunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=14208.0)
http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6016391
Keene to Hinsdale
http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6016644
Westmoreland to Fitzwilliam
we found some great trails this morning .... the rail trail through the country club is great
Sundays I'm busy usually until about 10:30, but I'm in if I can make it, whatever it is.
cool
We could start at 10:30 if you like.
So what is the main purpose? Just riding some of the roads and trails on bikes?
Just fun. :D
but if we happen to see a pullover I assume we'll stop.... so it can count as copwatch? ;)
Sure :)
Quote from: Kat Kanning on June 11, 2008, 06:48 AM NHFT
Just fun. :D
What is this thing "fun" that you speak of?
;D
we even got a cool map yesterday .... so we can organize our fun
Richmond to Winchester = all downhill
Then shuttle van back to Richmond
Mr. Sawyer, you need to put a question mark in the quote in your signature, not a period.
Quote from: Coconut on June 11, 2008, 08:13 PM NHFT
Mr. Sawyer, you need to put a question mark in the quote in your signature, not a period.
That is correct sir. :)
Thank you Mr. Nut. :D
Quote from: Tom Sawyer on June 11, 2008, 10:20 PM NHFT
Quote from: Coconut on June 11, 2008, 08:13 PM NHFT
Mr. Sawyer, you need to put a question mark in the quote in your signature, not a period.
That is correct sir. :)
Thank you Mr. Nut. :D
:biglaugh:
Nothing too strenous and I may be able to make it. I cannot request any time off, so i have to work around work.
Just a thought that I will throw out there: I used to occasionally ride around town in my car, RIP and listen to music or baseball just cruising. Minus the music or baseball, (I may fix that someday >:D ) a cruise around town may be fun.
Question, is there any adult amature (free to watch) baseball fields and games around here? That would be a cool destination after a cruise.
Quote from: David on June 12, 2008, 11:36 AM NHFT
Question, is there any adult amature (free to watch) baseball fields and games around here? That would be a cool destination after a cruise.
Wheelock Park has a bike path that leads into it, and it has softball fields. Softball is about all you'll find in terms of free adult games. Of course there's the Swamp Bats at Alumni Field. The admission to that is $4, but very often there are free passes given out in the week before, and even at the field, from the sponsor of that specific night.
As it turns out, I too am scheduled for an Alien pick up on this date, but I picked up a brochure about Manadnock railtrails. Ask me for it when you see me.
Thanks, Lloyd :D Say hi to PatK when you see him up there :alien:
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on June 11, 2008, 11:40 AM NHFT
Richmond to Winchester = all downhill
Then shuttle van back to Richmond
Wouldn't that be the Winchester Bike Rally?
That could be cool ... also the rail trail from Keene to Winchester would be pretty easy going
Quote from: Kat Kanning on June 12, 2008, 04:52 PM NHFT
Thanks, Lloyd :D Say hi to PatK when you see him up there :alien:
Lloyd is scheduled to picked up by Canadians... Pat K is going to be probed by Guatemalans... I mean... "picked up" by Guatemalans.
This first rally July 6th ... can be in Keene.
Do you guys in Winchester on the Ashwaylot (my attemp at phonetic spelling) want to plan another one?
This sounds like a lot of fun. Looking forward to it. :)
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on June 12, 2008, 02:16 PM NHFT
As it turns out, I too am scheduled for an Alien pick up on this date, but I picked up a brochure about Manadnock railtrails. Ask me for it when you see me.
Actually a Monadnock area Bicycle map :blush:
Good, I don't think I've seen you on a bike yet. :D
Oooh, it's not like the lawn mowing, is it?
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on June 13, 2008, 08:12 AM NHFT
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on June 12, 2008, 02:16 PM NHFT
As it turns out, I too am scheduled for an Alien pick up on this date, but I picked up a brochure about Manadnock railtrails. Ask me for it when you see me.
Actually a Monadnock area Bicycle map :blush:
Cool :) Will you have it with you Saturday?
Quote from: Kat Kanning on June 13, 2008, 08:13 AM NHFT
Good, I don't think I've seen you on a bike yet. :D
Oooh, it's not like the lawn mowing, is it?
No. I don't think nude and bicycle seat go very well together. ;D
Quote from: Becky Thatcher on June 13, 2008, 08:19 AM NHFT
No. I don't think nude and bicycle seat go very well together. ;D
Don't knock it till you've tried it.
the college kids or recent graduates always get to show off their sweet rides. We also have one extra bike at the moment .... for those that have one that needs work
Quote from: Kat Kanning on June 13, 2008, 08:13 AM NHFT
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on June 13, 2008, 08:12 AM NHFT
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on June 12, 2008, 02:16 PM NHFT
As it turns out, I too am scheduled for an Alien pick up on this date, but I picked up a brochure about Manadnock railtrails. Ask me for it when you see me.
Actually a Monadnock area Bicycle map :blush:
Cool :) Will you have it with you Saturday?
I will try to keep them with me. I might give one to James for insurance.
Quote from: Coconut on June 13, 2008, 08:30 AM NHFT
Quote from: Becky Thatcher on June 13, 2008, 08:19 AM NHFT
No. I don't think nude and bicycle seat go very well together. ;D
Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Sounds like there's a story here :)
Quote from: Kat Kanning on June 13, 2008, 09:14 AM NHFT
Quote from: Coconut on June 13, 2008, 08:30 AM NHFT
Quote from: Becky Thatcher on June 13, 2008, 08:19 AM NHFT
No. I don't think nude and bicycle seat go very well together. ;D
Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Sounds like there's a story here :)
I unfortunately can't say i 've tried it. But i've more than once been with only a bathrobe...
I am thinking about cycling to Keene that weekend, but I think I would want to be on my way back on Sunday. It's over a hundred miles from my house to Keene, so I want to split up the trip over a few days. I think I could ride over 50 miles per day, but I won't know until I try.
Wow. :o You are one serious bike rider. Keep in mind the hills when you ride. 50 miles is more than 50 miles when you have to go up and down hills.
Kira's dad used to do ~100 miles a day when he was bike touring. We have couch space to crash on.
Would it bother people to change this to the 5th, or are people's plans already set? It doesn't matter to me.
When I was a teenager, I sometimes rode over 100 miles in a day. This year, I haven't ridden more than about 34 miles in one day (including lots of hills), but I would like to push myself and try to go farther. While my physical condition has improved fairly significantly this year, I would like to return to the kind of shape I was in back in the late '90s. I lost over 15 lbs so far this year, but would like to lose another 20 or 25 so that I will look lean and muscular again. My leg muscles are almost back to the way they looked when I was younger, and I've lost most of my gut, so that now when I stand up straight my shirt hangs straight down below my chest instead of draping over my gut, but I'd like to get rid of that last bit of fat that covers up my abdominal muscles and that is more obvious when I'm sitting. I would also like to get into the kind of shape where I can ride 100+ miles per day for two or more days in a row.
Riding to Keene would give you a nice destination :D
so our 1st rally could be the last 3 miles of DofL's trip :)
I think the 5th works for us.
Wow, D of L sure sounds like he is doing well with the riding. 8)
Quote from: Russell Kanning on June 17, 2008, 03:31 PM NHFT
so our 1st rally could be the last 3 miles of DofL's trip :)
He'll prolly still outpace us. ;)
Unfortunately neither day is good for me. I work the weekends. :-\
I didn't hear any objections, so switched it to July 5th, 10:30 am. :)
Did I mention we have couch crash space if you need it, DoL?
Quote from: Kat Kanning on June 19, 2008, 08:13 AM NHFT
I didn't hear any objections, so switched it to July 5th, 10:30 am. :)
Did I mention we have couch crash space if you need it, DoL?
Thank you Kat!
Saturday I rode about 30 miles while pulling the trailer with some stuff in it (about 70 - 100 lbs), and I was pretty much tuckered out and my knees were sore after about 30 miles of hilly riding. I don't think I'll be able to handle 50+ miles per day by next weekend, so it doesn't look like I'll be making it to Keene within the next month. Perhaps some other day after I've improved more. By the way, I am down to 210 lbs, so I've lost 20 lbs in the last 6 months.
Congrats on the weight loss :D Sorry we won't be seeing you.
We have a few options.
One idea was to start from the side of Target (where the trails begin) and run up the railtrail, swing by Stonewall Farm and head back. We could have lunch at Price Chopper.
Another is to head from the Target parking lot to a restaurant somewhere by way of Wheelock and Ashuelot Parks after the other loop. This would take longer, but give us a destination to hit.
We could also start the whole thing from the park, but it doesn't have restrooms or supply places.
I'm still trying to get a bike; it's proving more challenging than I expected. Also, guys who work in bike shops are really rude. >:(
Quote from: Russell Kanning on June 30, 2008, 11:44 AM NHFT
We have a few options.
One idea was to start from the side of Target (where the trails begin) and run up the railtrail, swing by Stonewall Farm and head back. We could have lunch at Price Chopper.
Another is to head from the Target parking lot to a restaurant somewhere by way of Wheelock and Ashuelot Parks after the other loop. This would take longer, but give us a destination to hit.
We could also start the whole thing from the park, but it doesn't have restrooms or supply places.
William and I have talked about being dropped off at the top of the mountain between Chesterfield and Keene and riding into Keene. Almost all down hill... weeeeeee.. :D
The Target parking lot is a nice starting point for a ride, we have ridden from there before. 8)
Quote from: Friday on June 30, 2008, 07:07 PM NHFT
I'm still trying to get a bike; it's proving more challenging than I expected. Also, guys who work in bike shops are really rude. >:(
We must find Friday a bike to ride. :)
Lauren and Jim gave a bike to Elizabeth that they got from Whip and Sue. 8)
I think we have a bike you can borrow. It will work and you don't have to get one across the state.
From the top of the hill will be fun.
The next rally could be the one Lauren talked about ... mostly down hill. :)
Quote from: Friday on June 30, 2008, 07:07 PM NHFT
Also, guys who work in bike shops are really rude. >:(
Are you talking about Mr. Andy. He's not rude... well.... I dunno. He's blunt.
I don't believe Friday lives in keene, (yet >:D ) so I doubt she was talking about Andys Bikes. But yeah, you are right, he is blunt. Good bike service though. :) Not so good customer service. Norms Bike and ski has better cust. service.
Quote from: David on June 30, 2008, 09:30 PM NHFT
I don't believe Friday lives in keene, (yet >:D ) so I doubt she was talking about Andys Bikes. But yeah, you are right, he is blunt. Good bike service though. :) Not so good customer service. Norms Bike and ski has better cust. service.
What problems have you had with customer service?
Quote from: Coconut on June 30, 2008, 09:42 PM NHFT
Quote from: David on June 30, 2008, 09:30 PM NHFT
I don't believe Friday lives in keene, (yet >:D ) so I doubt she was talking about Andys Bikes. But yeah, you are right, he is blunt. Good bike service though. :) Not so good customer service. Norms Bike and ski has better cust. service.
What problems have you had with customer service?
First I went to Nault's in Manchester. They didn't appear to have the model I was interested in... but I couldn't confirm that, because I couldn't so much as get a salesperson to make eye contact with me, despite 10-15 minutes in the store. I figure if I'm going to spend several hundred dollars at a business, they can try a *little* harder than that. >:( Then I went to Goodale's in Nashua, after checking the inventory on their website... only to be told that just because they list something as in stock on their website doesn't necessarily mean it's ASSEMBLED. :P They weren't that friendly at Goodale's either, and made no effort to sell me a different model than the specific one I asked about. They said they'd call me when the one I expressed interest in was assembled. They didn't call today. I dunno...
If your a fat ass like me or don't find
much comfort in regular bike seats
this may help.
http://www.globalbikesonline.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/57_103?gclid=CLTPoInanZQCFQJtFQodfzBztg (http://www.globalbikesonline.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/57_103?gclid=CLTPoInanZQCFQJtFQodfzBztg)
Russell got a nice bike at Walmart. Good customer service.
We also liked Norm's in Keene. Nice owners ... nice counter help ... actually had what I needed.
The guy at Andy's didn't seem to want us there .... so I left.
If you are going to pay bike shop prices, they should be happy to see you and help you. The guy at Walmart had more time for me ... and they wonder why they are taking over the world.
Quote from: Russell Kanning on July 01, 2008, 08:12 AM NHFT
The guy at Andy's didn't seem to want us there .... so I left.
Well when you're trying to run a business, customers can be very distracting.
Quote from: Kat Kanning on July 01, 2008, 04:10 AM NHFT
Russell got a nice bike at Walmart. Good customer service.
Checking out their website, they do have some decent (and cheap) bikes. And bike shop #2 hasn't even bothered to call me as they said they would. :P Maybe I will go to Wallyworld.
OK, this is getting out of control. I'm developing analysis paralysis. :-[
Quote from: Russell Kanning on June 30, 2008, 07:52 PM NHFT
I think we have a bike you can borrow. It will work and you don't have to get one across the state.
Please let me know for sure if this loaner is available. Thanks!
Yes it's available. Kira refuses to go on the bike rally.
Quote from: Kat Kanning on July 01, 2008, 07:16 PM NHFT
Yes it's available. Kira refuses to go on the bike rally.
All right Kira is fighting the power
and being a refusenick. ;D 8)
no problem ... you can use kira's bike ... it worked for me at porcfest last year and some running around town ... it is just too small for me. Then you can have time to choose your next bike.
I just happened to see something like I wanted at walmart ... so I bought it. I have been seeing more relaxed bikes around lately. :)
Quote from: Kat Kanning on July 01, 2008, 07:16 PM NHFT
Yes it's available. Kira refuses to go on the bike rally.
Thank you. I *think* I'll be able to pick up my own bike tomorrow, in which case someone else can borrow Kira's bike (or maybe she'll change her mind?).
OK, will keep twisting the kid's arm :D
we might also be able to deliver some of the new papers
depending on weather and conditions ... we could do some river floating after lunch. We just did some today ... the water was up after all the rain yesterday. So if you want to bring something to float on ... we will see.
Have we determined where we're meeting?
On the East side of Target
Saturday forecast:
2 AM
Isolated Light Rain Showers
5 AM
Scattered Light Rain Showers , Patchy Fog
8 AM
Scattered Light Rain Showers
11 AM
Chance of Light Rain Showers
2 PM
Chance of Light Rain Showers , Slight Chance Thunderstorms
should be not too hot
8)
Friday's gettin' a bike. :)
Weather will probably work out well.
I think William and I are going to do the daring downhill into Keene before the rally.
Wish us luck... ;D
(http://politicalgraffiti.com/nhfree/Banzai_Bike_Run.jpg)
I enjoyed going down hurricane road yesterday ... going up was not as much fun
Yay, I got a bike! :bdance2: And it's been raining non-stop since I got home with it. :( I'll have to at least give it a test run this afternoon so I don't do anything stupid like realize the brakes aren't wired properly and crash into the President. :o
we won't be far from target or the bike shop when we ride ... so we could fix it. :)
SS alert .... there has been a credible threat made against the leader of the free world
Friday... don't make us have to take you out. ;D
Quote from: Kat Kanning on July 04, 2008, 08:30 AM NHFT
Saturday forecast:
2 AM
Isolated Light Rain Showers
5 AM
Scattered Light Rain Showers , Patchy Fog
8 AM
Scattered Light Rain Showers
11 AM
Chance of Light Rain Showers
2 PM
Chance of Light Rain Showers , Slight Chance Thunderstorms
Rain biking :)
I predict decent weather. :)
so I'll be at Target at around 10:30 tomorrow.
cool
I'm gonna try to make it out, at least to say hello to everyone. Have to be at work later.
Also, I will If I remember, bring a compact bike specific tool kit, and let someone from the area borrow it for a while just in case. :)
Cool :D
Fun with a capital F! We had a pretty big group today. Wild strawberries and raspberries were quite flavorful. My favorite part was yelling "We're Critical Mass, deal with it!" at the cars.
Glad every one had fun. ;D 8)
You and Kira really missed out, PatK :P
loads of fun ... almost perfect weather
Quote from: Kat Kanning on July 05, 2008, 03:17 PM NHFT
You and Kira really missed out, PatK :P
Ha! Good Kira was not bent to your
weird bicycle ways.
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on July 05, 2008, 02:14 PM NHFT
Fun with a capital F! We had a pretty big group today. Wild strawberries and raspberries were quite flavorful. My favorite part was yelling "We're Critical Mass, deal with it!" at the cars.
Although, if you need mass I do have a lot of it.
We had a wonderful ride. Nice route through some nice parts of Keene. Good mix of road and trail. Lunch at Panera was good. Met some Ron Paul supporters from Virginia.
Glad the rain held off...what great luck we had. Looking forward to the next bike rally. :)
Maybe we need a VT backroads version sometime! :D
We could ride up our road. :o I've seen people do it. I think they're nuts.
my leg hurts.
Where was Ian? Apparently he loves riding bikes.
Good times, Russell picked a good trail.
Quote from: JJ on July 05, 2008, 06:05 PM NHFT
Good times, Russell picked a good trail.
Ditto we had a good time. Just long enough ride... :)
That was hella phun. ;D
Mein Gott in Heimel, but my ass hurts. :blush:
With all my recent biking, I was surprised that I got a bit saddle sore also. Good ride, and yeah the weather was perfect.
I may have to look into one of those bikes where you're reclined. I'm not a fan of the upright ones really. In the meantime, I'm going to look into a method of securing my roller blades so I can use them and not have to carry them around once I arrive at my destination.
I prefer recumbent bikes ... but I couldn't afford one right now.
Quote from: Russell Kanning on July 06, 2008, 07:57 AM NHFT
I prefer recumbent bikes ... but I couldn't afford one right now.
You could take your time and build one.
http://www.rqriley.com/bike.html
(http://www.rqriley.com/images/bike-3.gif)
Or a newer carbon-fiber version.
http://www.rqriley.com/xr2.htm
(http://www.rqriley.com/imagespln/xr2-1.jpg)
Video Posted. It could be better but I wanted to get it out. Note: How to I do the high quality upload to youtube? I just did a standard upload. (I looked it up. It looks like it does it automatically if your video is of the right type/quality. I guess we'll see.
Really cool video :D
I was impressed by the attractive camera moves and transitions. Like the zoom-tilt from the stonewall farm sign to the next scene. How did you make it look like you were going 50MPH on the tree-lined bike path at 1:24? What? You were going 50MPH?
very cool video ... showed off the biker gang .... beware the free staters are coming ... on bikes
Quote from: Coconut on July 06, 2008, 10:37 AM NHFT
Video Posted.
Good job! And way to film while biking! 8)
Good Job Coconut! ;D
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on July 06, 2008, 08:12 PM NHFT
How did you make it look like you were going 50MPH on the tree-lined bike path at 1:24? What? You were going 50MPH?
I didn't speed anything up :) so i guess I was.
wicked cool idea I had yesterday .... they have a bunch of new beautifully smooth pavement from Dublin lake down to Marlborough .... did I mention "down"?
maybe after a winchester area run, we could go from dublin down into keene
Did you call it the Ryder Report? ;D Nice job.
Quote from: Russell Kanning on July 06, 2008, 07:57 AM NHFT
I prefer recumbent bikes ... but I couldn't afford one right now.
Check this freekeene forum post: http://forum.freekeene.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=60fetg58nskuqbkq1pnjm0isp5&topic=49.msg228#new
He says he has a recumbent bike for just 4 oz of silver...
sold! just kidding I sent him a message