2011/10/09

Bike security

My only rule: the bike is locked up unless I'm riding it. This includes in my garage as well as in the car.

In the garage, I lock my bike to my daughter's bike. It's one of those Barbie bikes, but it weighs more than mine does!

In the minivan, I loop a cable through both wheels & frame and then through a loop that is also used for securing the rear seat. Immediately after a ride I put the bike in the car and also lock it up.

At home I'm using an old U-lock with the circular key. This isn't the most secure lock, but the goal is to keep the bike from walking away. The lock in the car is a Kryptonite New York.

None of these precautions will stop a determined thief. The goal is to dissuade a casual smash-N-grab.

2011/10/02

Tygh Valley century

This is the second time I did this route, both times with Kevin. Besides being out of shape, I was feeling it from yesterday and Kevin was feeling frisky. It was good to have to struggle with keeping up; I firmly believe that as painful as it may be, you always improve when riding with stronger riders.

White Creek

I think this is White Creek.

pretty falls

Some falls taken from close to the same vantage point as the photo above.

expansive view

Expansive view.

expansive view phase II

Expansive view phase II.

wagon wheel tracks?

Wagon-wheel tracks?

2011/10/01

Hills, Headwinds, and Wild Turkey

Not quite a century, just a very scenic ride. We saw a wild turkey cross the road! It was the first time I had ever been up to Rowena Crest, the road was great. Not a drop of rain. I didn't push it too hard since I knew I had a century ahead of me the next day.

We started off from Hood River, out through Mosier to The Dalles. We stocked up on water and then headed East, then back into The Dalles. From there we took the MUP to the Rowena curves. The curves were a real good climb, never too steep but plenty long.
There was some pretty scenery along the way too.

The Columbia River from Rowena Crest

The Columbia River, looking East from Rowena Crest.

iconic shot from Rowena Crest

An iconic shot of the Rowena curves.

fixer-upper

A fixer-upper

spooky tree

A spooky tree.

'kenlanda'

I shall call this island 'kenlandia!'