Eyes On The Prize

Hi all,

I live!  Although it has been a somewhat quiet existence; at least as far as blogging is concerned. The riding has continued and I have seen some notable markers of success over the past four months. Also, due to my exceptional niceness over the year Santa delivered a Samsung Galaxy Nexus just in time for Christmas. With its GPS and bank of bike computer applications I've been able to collect some interesting visualisations of commuting on the island.

Silver Wing's latest look

You may recall from earlier posts (Sounds Like A Good Idea and Water, Water, Everywhere) that my initial goals were to discard 30 pounds and achieve a commute time of about 40 minutes.  Since then I've upped the ante another 10 pounds to target a total loss of 40 pounds.  Over the last four months I've been reasonably consistent, completing three to four round-trips each week (90 to 120 km per week) in varying weather conditions. 

One might be curious as to the total loss thus far.  Twelve pounds; post holiday festivities.  Not exactly meeting the goal of a pound per week but reasonably close to it considering there was an abundance of meat and sweets whom I refused to refrain from entertaining. If I batten down the hatches for the next few months by reviving conscientious eating habits I may be able to get back on track.  However, the belt pin has moved down two spaces and am comfortably wearing trousers two inches narrower at the waist from four months prior. I'd say that performance is slightly south of satisfactory given the starting requirements.

Commuting time as experienced much better performance.  I endured a commute of 59 minutes and 22 seconds on the maiden voyage just four months ago with an average speed of 16km/h.  These days the 15km is completed around 40 minutes with average speeds ranging from 20km/h up to 22km/h.  I'd like to get the speed higher and am investing in additional kit to assist this aim.

I have some maps and bits obtained with the assistance of the Android Market My Tracks app.  I'll chat about these in another post.  I'm cutting down on post length in the hopes that it will be easier to post more often.  It is quite an undertaking to maintain post of previous lengths on a frequent.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund 

I Christen Thee, Silver Wing

Hi all,

And so it came to past that on the thirtieth day of August in the year two thousand eleven on the tiny mid-Atlantic Bermuda Isles in the even tinier City of Hamilton that Greg of Winner's Edge did complete the build of the mightiest 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc he and his team had ever dared attempt.  The awe and power of the masterpiece being so great that he dare not call another from the forge to this very day.  Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am now one with the Trek.

2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc at Pleasant Point Park, Hamilton, Bermuda

The Pick Up

After a bit of a false start on Monday, seat co-worker received a text about 9:30AM stating that my mechanical stallion was champing at the bit for its rider. Elation. It just so happened that I would be in a series of meetings starting then and following through to 11.  Agony.  Since the leasing of my skills and services for these meetings and their subsequent happenings had empowered me to commission the build I thought it in my best interest to compose myself and soldier on as dutifully and professionally as possible.  After all, I might need additional accessories in the near future and would have slim chance of acquiring them without continued empowerment. 

Meetings concluded, I confirmed  a split lunch hour with our great leader (who happens to have an excellent recipe for liver and fava beans) and made way for Winner's Edge.  It was overcast and drizzling but that did not register.  I tabbed forward, loaded with my daydreamings of swift transits along Middle Road keeping pace with the traffic and casual meanderings along the paved portions of Railway Trail with the boy and his 2009 Trek Jet 12.  Soon I stood in the entrance of Winner's Edge.  It seemed different.  More industrious.  Like great finely tuned machines were made there.  

"Edmund", Greg exclaims with a sagacious grin on his face.

"Greg", I beam back expectantly.

He knows what is about to transpire.  He's seen it many times before and, no doubt, will see it many times to come.  Perhaps not long after I swoon and  depart.  A new love affair is moments from affirmation and he relishes in the presence of its birth.   

"I have something for you", he casually mentions.  All the while attempting to maintain a nonchalant grin.  I'm tingling.  He's feeding off of me.  Siphoning the immense energy of my anticipation.  

He is standing behind the upper counter at the back of the shop in the build area.  I begin the walk.  A row of new builds (evidenced by their build and option receipts wrapped about the handle bar)  line the bike rack.  My gait is urgent yet steady. I don't want to rush as one of these is my Trek and I don't want to pass it by.

Wrong colour.

Too big.

No disc brakes.

End.

"Cruel beast, where is it!", I scream inside.

"Its up here", he responds.  

What manner of magic is this?  He has been watching me study each bike as I walked the line.  Reading my mind.  Waiting for the confused tell-tale to morph my brow.  I ascend and approach. Nothing reminiscent of my Trek lies before me. 

"Its over there", he gestures behind me.

I turn and there, not a few feet away, in all its silver glittery glory, is my Trek.  I take a few steps toward it, extend my hand, and lay it upon the top bar.  The cool alloy releases the expectant anxiety.  I'm giddy.  This will be my commuter, my torturer, and the gateway to a healthier me.

Greg talks.  I hear him but only half listen.  My focus is on my Trek.  I run my hands over it.  Pull on the Shimano hydraulic levers. Examine theShimano M446 hydraulic disc brakes.  Press my palm in the Botrager inForm H2 saddle. Give the Topeak MTX Explorer Disc rack a sturdy shake.  It is wonderfully made and Winner's Edge has done an excellent job in assembling it.  Greg mentions that this is the only 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc on the Island and speaks highly of the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (they use mineral oil for the hydraulic fluid).

After a check of seat height and an exchange of gold he sets me on my way.  I have a bag of manuals, the helmet, and a few accessories to carry so I don't get to ride.  My Bontrager Interchange Waterproof Panniers have not arrived as yet.  I've no place to store these items in order to ride my Trek.  It trots along side me as we roll the few city blocks back to the office.

It is real.  I have the Trek, the cycling gear, and the routes laid out. All that remains are a few hours between now and game time.

The Maiden Voyage

View Larger Map

The hours pass quickly enough.  I'm dressed and the wife and boy have come to Point Pleasant Park in the City to see me off.

On your marks.  Get Set. Go!

Well, almost: Par-La-Ville Road turning onto Front Street

Lights at Hamilton Ferry Terminal, Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda

This is a learning experience.  Eighteen gears to choose from.  I know the theory but the practice, well, it requires practice.  I pick too low a gear on the limited flats; spinning the pedals but going nowhere.  I pick to high a gear going up hill; sapping my strength and stressing my stamina. The gear I think I am in bears no resemblance to the gear I am actually in. I cross stretch the chain, lose contact with pedals, swerve, sweat, and swear.  In spite of the padded pants, my buttocks is sore.  I stop for a minute or so about 5km and 10km for water.  I'm not confident enough to reach down, grab the bottle, slurp, and return the bottle while in motion.

Middle Road, Southampton approaching Church Road

Just past Barnes Corner Park, Southampton

I find the sweet spot of the seat near the end of the journey.  Too late.  The damage as already been done.  It subsides quickly enough.

Hi, Papa. ... Bye, Papa.

Fast as fast can be.  You'll never catch me.

Just past Port Royal Fire Station, Southampton, Bermuda

Welcome to Sandys Parish

Fighting finish

The Bontrager Trip 5W recorded a distance of 15.8km with a time of 59 minutes and 22 seconds for an average speed of 16.0km/h and a max speed of 41.7km/h.  It wasn't easy but I was handsomely rewarded.

The boy: "Papa, you're awesome."

Silver Wing

Immediately post maiden voyage

After a breather and some examining of the Trek's condition its name came to me.

I christen thee, Silver Wing

With all the fanfare the boy wanted in on the action.  He brought out is 2009 Trek Jet 12 to join the party.

Papa's and the boy's stallions

This image represents a defining moment for me.  When this scene lay before me I realised that I'd completely missed the plot.  Sure, it was nice researching Treks and visualising how svelte and toned I'd become with daily commuting and continued weight training.  I imagine getting a few extra winks and nods from the wife would be no small dividend as well.  However, what really matters above all else is this little boy.  How long would I be around for the little terror if I didn't improve my fitness?  What number of years would I be stealing from him?  I needed to get fit to stay in the picture.  At least long enough to witness him receive similar behaviour from his own.  I've been riding and will continue to do so.  I'd like to be available for him for as long as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund

Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Hi all,

I went to Winner's Edge today to purchase a bell for the boy.  After he had a play with the Air Zound that arrived on Friday (more on that in an upcoming post) he decided his 2009 Trek Jet 12 needed a bell.  I walked through the doors just about noon and before my eyes lay a walkway paved in Trek boxes.  My heart leapt with excitement and its palpitations all but chacha’ed me across the showroom floor.  This had to be the shipment of Treks that contained my mine; stevedore industrial action and all. Could one of these boxes contain the object of my impassioned desire?  Was the end to the long gruelling wait finally in sight?  If so, would I have my 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc this afternoon?  I was brimming, no, cresting with anticipation.  I composed myself.  The store owner informed me that he would call me when the bike arrived.  There was no call.  Could it be that this shipment did not contain my sweat fed mechanical stallion? 

Me: “Hi, Greg.  Have a look at this horn I’d like you to put on the bike.”

Greg: “Oh, let me have a look.”

I proceeded to demonstrate with a deafening 110 decibel blast from the Air Zound.

Greg: “That will get some attention.”

I pause a while to allow him space to confirm the presence or absence of my Trek.

Nothing.

Me: “Can you add a bottle cage to the frame.”

Greg: “Sure, what colour would you like? They are all alloy so there are no issues with rust.”

He suggested a grey one that would match the frame of the Trek.  I also added a Clean Bottle.  I've read that the 15 inch frame only has room for one water bottle cage.  I'll definitely need water so I relegated the pressure bottle of the Air Zound to a triangle frame bag.  I paused again.

Nothing.

Now I'm thinking; “Why won’t he tell me if my bike is here?  What is this dude’s deal? Why is he doing this to me?”  Just last week a co-worker of mine called him up and asked him tons of questions about the bike and its delivery on my behalf.  She was a little upset that when I had my derrière measured for a bike seat it turned out that in spite of my generous ... marbling ... that I required a narrower seat than her.  This was surprising considering she is, what most consider, healthily on the lean side. Ok, perhaps I should mention that a minute part of it could be attributed to that when I discovered this she was with me in the shop and I may have exclaimed with a smidgeon of glee, “So that means your butt is bigger than mine!”  There were some visibly strained restrained bouts of laughter from the 5 or so attendants and customers in the store.  Also, there could have been some recounting of the story to the team back at the office; perhaps the floor; or maybe one or two floors in addition.  However, I still feel her response was disproportionately extreme.  I'm certain you'll agree.  Therefore, as not to seem too needy after that ordeal I've been giving Winner's Edge space to do its job of securing and building my Trek.  Although, I have been finding reasons to visit at a pace of about twice a week.  A pair of cycling shoes here, a pair of mountain bike shorts there, and so on.  All the while keeping a keen eye out for bike boxes on the shop floor.  Once, I did see a few Cannondales with a mountain Trek included.

Me: “After my son heard this he decided he wanted a bell on his bike.”

Greg: “We have some nice ones for him.”

He leads me to a rack and offers a bell.  I take it.  The pausing repeats without satisfaction.  Eventually I leave with the bell and some electrolyte tablets for the water bottle.  I'm upset with myself.  Partly because I didn't get the information I wanted and partly because I've used up too many visit tokens. I was so excited at the prospect of hearing about my Trek that I used up three visits in one; the bottle and cage, the boy's bell, and the electrolyte tablets.  How could I possibly concentrate today?

Back at the office I explain my ordeal to Big Bottom my co-worker who helped me with the seat measuring.  She is actually good friends with the crew at Winner's Edge as she rides on their cycling team.  I plead with her to go on a covert mission to collect some intelligence.  She refuses but does offer to make another call.  I decline the offer.  What to do?

She eventually returns from lunch and quietly mentions that my Trek is on the build rack at that very moment in the store not a couple of Bermuda city blocks to the East.  Words cannot convey the absolute piercing joy that consumed me.  Nevertheless, I shall say that it was equivalent to a child's first realisation that Santa had indeed visited their home in the still of the night and deposited a mountain of golden wrapped, red ribboned wishes under their tree.   

But I've no camera! The wife and boy are coming into town to see Spy Kids: 4 All The Time In The World.  Its about 2PM, it starts at 2:30, she'll be in driving into the City at any moment.  I call. Some minutes later I'm on the curbside collecting the camera and then off to Winner's Edge.

And here she is:

I fumbled about the build area making a slight nuisance of myself by snapping photos and <cringe> offering advice on the attachment of the Air Zound.  In hindsight perhaps this was not the best thing to do but I just could not help myself.  Perhaps Greg, with his years experience dealing with enthusiastic customers, could tell that I would be the helpful sort.  Could this be the reason he refrained from calling me the instant the Trek box landed on the showroom floor?  In any rate, it was here and I could touch it.  It was amazing to look at.  An exceptionally beautiful fitness commuter.  My first.  I knew then that no matter how many Treks come my way over the years that this ... this will be the one that started it all.

Me: "So Greg, when should I come back to pick it up."

Greg: "I'll call you."

Once back at the office I show my haul to anyone who asks; and a couple that don't.  It was a modern day equivalent of the carousel slide projector assault.  Except that there was no dinner on offer to mitigate the marathon narration  that accompanied each slide.  I proclaimed to all that I would receive my Trek that afternoon.  I even told my trainer that we should aim to finish early so that I have time to collect my Trek before the shop closed at 6PM.   I was ecstatic.  How could I possibly concentrate today? 

Training is complete.  I call up to another co-worker.  Surely they have called by now.  Its not good. Apparently, Greg has messaged the seat co-worker to say that the bike will not be ready today.  Something or the other about the bike computer was mentioned as the cause of the delay.  Tomorrow for certain.  Not today.  I'm thinking that this is a joke.  This is pay-back for being blessed with the physiology that dictates I require a narrower seat in spite of cursory evidence to the contrary.  I politely express that if she is in cahoots with seat co-worker that there will be some unpleasantness.  She doesn't budge.  This cannot be!  I asked him when I'd be getting it and he clearly said that I'd have it tod- ... no ... wait.  

The human mind is a strange and wondrous organ.  It collects tons of data, converts it into information, and stores it for retrieval.  Colours, algorithms, names, places, smells; on and on.  But is also has this curious feature called perception.  Instantly I recalled that he said, "I'll call you", but my mind had perceived this as, "You're gonna get it today."  The sense was so strong that I fear had there been more time between these events that I may have completely forgotten what Greg actually said and only retained the perception.

Needless to say, I don't have my Trek. I'm disappointed but what is a man to do?  I took the time to reorganise my cycling outfit in a desk drawer and discard some packaging.  The wait is on again.  I'm not a religious man but I do recall that it is written "... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"(Psalm 30:5, KJV).  Not to worry, we will be together soon.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund

Turn On The Lights

Hi all,

There is good news from Greg at the Winner's Edge bike shop.  He has said that he is expecting a shipment of bikes and equipment this week and that there is a 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc within it with my name on it.  There is a chance that I may be riding out of Winner's Edge on those Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case tyres this week.  Of course this is subject to the effects of the industrial action by the stevedores (Overtime Ban On Hamilton Docks).

However, something did find its way to me by air from Bicygnals.  I am currently in possession of a set of Indicators.  They came without the pannier mounting bracket accessory that was ordered. However, once Bicygnals was contacted, they quickly identified the omission and have informed me that the bracket is on its way. I do have the standard front and rear mounting brackets so I'll still be able to use the Indicators as soon as the bike arrives. 

Bicygnals coupled for storage

Bicygnals decoupled for attaching to bicycle

When I first stumbled upon this little marvel of technology I knew I had to have them. Until then I had a slight dread concerning communications with drivers of my intent to alter my direction of travel. This was brought on after I discovered a few bike commuters' YouTube channels and the near miss collisions recorded by their helmet attached video cameras.  With the discovery of the Indicators I knew I could communicate with drivers in their own language of flashing lights instead of the bike commuter's language of forearm contortions.    

They operate in three modes: centre light off, on, or flashing.  The front and rear units can be in different modes without affecting the operation.  The indicators are operated by the front unit which tells the back unit when to operate its indicators ... via a wireless signal.  Have a look below.

I'm really impressed with this.  The wireless operation means you don't have to zip-tie cables along the length of the bike.  The units also quick release from the mounting brackets allowing them to be easily taken with you when you park (and lock) your bike.  However, there are a few things I'd change.  The mounting brackets appear to be a bit on the large side but I've not attached it to a bike yet so this may not be an issue.  I'd also like to have an active brake light incorporated into the design; for both mechanical and hydraulic brakes (like my incoming Trek 7.5 FX Disc).  An optional piercing beep in sync with the indicator flashing would be a nice to have as well.  Perhaps they'll make a deluxe version someday and include these features.  I'll post some shots of them attached, hopefully, later this week.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund  

Sounds Like A Good Idea

Hi all,

I've recently decided to start commuting after years (since a child) of not cycling and not owning a bike. We purchased our son a bike from Winners Edge a couple of years ago that happened to be a Trek. I figured that Trek would be as good a company as any to start researching bikes. As it turned out I liked what a saw and reviews supported the brand so I ordered a Trek from the same shop a couple of days ago with a few commuter accessories.

2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc Bike (was fitted to the 15 inch frame)
Bontrager Commuter Road Fenders
Bontrager Back Rack Classic
Bontrager Interchange Waterproof Pannier Large
Bontrager Trip 5W Computer
Bontrager Trek Flare Bseen taillight
Bontrager Ion 2 Headlight
Bontrager Convert helmet
Bontrager Sport Commuter Rainshell

The commute is 15.1km, according to Google Maps. There are actually 3 routes, 2 of 15.1km (Harbour Road and Middle Road) and 1 of 16.1km (along South Shore). I've been weight training for about a year so I think I can handle the hills and distance. I plan on riding in on Mondays and Wednesdays, and riding back on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Once I adjust I'll move to round-trips on Mondays and Thursdays. The plan is to work up to doing round-trips 4 days a week. My weight trainer, Kenton, is happy since he has been telling to do cardio since we started.

A side goal is to drop 30 pounds of excess fat; ok, maybe its a little more than a side goal. I'm 190pds with 60pds of fat according to this fancy bathroom scale. Less 30pds will put me about 18% fat with is not to bad considering elite athletes are about 13% fat or so. I tried out the row machine in the gym earlier this week: 5000m in 27 minutes burned just over 250 calories. I think the commute will take me just over an hour at a similar steady but deliberate effort. Roughly 500 calories one way. That should be about 1 pound every 8 one way trips; all things being equal.

I'll post a picture when the bike arrives. I ordered a few other goodies on the internet that I'll save for mention then.

Edmund