tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156131962024-03-07T01:54:15.426-08:00[divine.gear]fixed or broken tales and thoughts from a snot rocket...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-21261656766122999992010-08-24T19:07:00.000-07:002010-08-24T19:46:18.282-07:00cycling sucks...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4Q7AZSmAgm81hmYyFysF6VU0eqjJzJKm6xsh9Uwpe7wouCIeGNMVaRSieQGhy0nORVJ_0uoWYrUt-yExVuHUd6fs-ck5U6utd8x9Omcn4uR8rHftHN0i0dDZ61BlxlYszEo/s1600/220px-Ushiku_Daibutsu_2006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4Q7AZSmAgm81hmYyFysF6VU0eqjJzJKm6xsh9Uwpe7wouCIeGNMVaRSieQGhy0nORVJ_0uoWYrUt-yExVuHUd6fs-ck5U6utd8x9Omcn4uR8rHftHN0i0dDZ61BlxlYszEo/s320/220px-Ushiku_Daibutsu_2006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509173288527316386" /></a><br />you read that right. now let me tell you why i make this statement.<br /><br />i pick up another magazine about cycling, and in it i find another article relating cycling (in this case mountain biking) to meditation. i find a problem with this, because (knowing what i know, or do i?) meditation (i believe) is removed from 'magazine mountain' biking. this is why...<br /><br />what do you see when you open the pages of a mountain bike mag.? glorious pictures of biking at places that i will never be...check. doing things on a bike that i will never do...check. riding bikes and components that i will never ride...check (and i work at a shop)<br /><br />meditation being closely related to Buddhism and Hinduism; as a religious aspect. now, taken from there...what do these religions teach us? to, in essence, detach from the material. now, i believe if Siddhārtha (the man who became the Buddha) would walk the earth today he would be riding a bike. a simple bike. maybe even a single speed.<br /><br />the problem...we glorify our single speeds (number one). number two...think of the sweetest bike you own; is it simple to maintain? for me...the answer is no. my bushing are gone on my full-suspension, work, time, money; and not to mention that it is hanging up until i am able to get this done.<br /><br />is this a detachment? is this a letting go of the material?<br /><br />in the spring i built up a monster cross bike. some of you may have seen it; either in person or on my flickr page. in any case...people have asked me about it, and my only reply is 'it's fun.' meaning...there's no fuss. i get out on it and ride. now i have realized that since i am an old man, a rigid fork is hard to take, but in any case...it's a great ride. nothing to really worry about. i don't have to mind the air in any shock, or fluid in any disc brake...just ride. and that's a good thing.<br /><br />in the computer world there is a term (and shitcakes if i forgot it now) that there will be a time when we cannot fit any more info onto a computer chip and the industry will crash. meaning we will not be able to make computers any faster or more compact. then what? well...i'm waiting for that time in the bike industry as well. when will we reach the limits of carbon? when will we reach the limits of weight? of shifting? which remains our biggest problem. metal to metal. when will the hype run out? ten speed (mountain or road), eleven speed, electronic shifting...what's next?<br /><br />don't get me wrong...i'm not above this. i'm not one of those pseudo intellectuals riding a single speed/fixie for political reasons (which is bullshit), making fun of you because of what you ride (unless you're really riding shit, and thinking that you're hardcore), i'm not shitting upon you because you watch tv, read these mags., or buy into it...hell i'm with you (i want to re-do my full suspension)...i'm part of this too, but there becomes a point where we all need to let it go.<br /><br />let the weight of the bike go. let the 'pimp' parts go. remember, unless you're getting paid to ride...it's not the ride that sucks...it's you...<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-79295121306033779532010-02-07T12:28:00.001-08:002010-02-07T12:28:48.327-08:00no time for a test ride...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/4338658386/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4338658386_552d4f4b0e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/4338658386/">no time for a test ride...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>on days like these. this is the second time i took the monster cross out. the first time was to the mtn bike trail, and said to my self; 'self, we need a pure mtn cassette on this thing.' and so be it.<br /><br />what we have here are some parts from other bikes (xtr crankset, xtr rear derl., salsa bars, shim. one zero five sti's, sram cass) voodoo aizan frame, kona project two fork, cane creek one hundred headset, bonti stem, xt hubs, cheap mavic rims (yes, they are rim brake, i said cheap), conti race king tires, avid disc brakes, voodoo saddle, egg beaters...and my monster cross dream is here.<br /><br />the over all ride is very smooth. i was surprised about this, seeing as how the drivetrain is ninety percent 'used'. being a scandium frame it is very forgiving. not the ride i was expecting. the fork takes up the slack on this front too.<br /><br />nice and solid on the decent, and very compliant on the up hills.<br /><br />this bike was a total shot in the dark, since you can't go to your local shop and ride a monster cross...good stuff.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-67877869702416504842010-02-05T11:56:00.000-08:002010-02-05T12:03:17.895-08:00when are you considered...vintage? this has been the way i'm feeling as of late; in regards to my bikes. you know that old guy at the shop or riding guy who proclaims 'screw dura-ace; sun-tour rules.' and you ask your self...'self, why isn't sun-tour around anymore? oh, that's right...it sucks.'<br /><br />well...i'm starting to feel like that old guy. all i wanted was a stem. just one stem with a twenty-five four diameter clamp. that's all. i don't ask for much. oh, ninety mm; mountain style. not too expensive. i didn't want to spend thompson money, but i didn't want cheap either.<br /><br />in comes ebay.<br /><br />hell; that was even a task. thankfully i found a bontrager race lite; exactly what i wanted for fifteen bones.<br /><br />i'm turning into that guy...<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-55572462280567932922010-01-28T12:28:00.001-08:002010-01-28T12:28:21.960-08:00during the fall...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/4312328976/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4312328976_58a0f5a2c7_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/4312328976/">baby in tow...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>i picked up a burley trailer for rides with lydia, so i'm able to at least get out for some riding when i'm with her. she's such an easy going girl when it comes to such things (not so much sleeping), that was able to strap her in, and she just goes along. lucky for me, she loved it.<br /><br />during the fall i didn't push it. kept the speed low. found hills to get the heart rate up. and tried to keep it about an hour out.<br /><br />we stayed around the neighborhood most of the time. one time we made it to the tow path. she does fall asleep in the back, but that's o.k. just gives me more time to ride.<br /><br />i'm already looking forward to the spring with her, and the trailer. there's enough room for supplies for her, and i where i think i might be able to push some longer rides. she loves the outdoors, and watching everything, so here's to hoping...<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-15844018596678947002010-01-25T08:25:00.001-08:002010-01-25T08:26:18.631-08:00have some...new bike stuff going on, and thinking about posting again.<br /><br />so i'll see what happens.<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-40542615945071333502009-07-09T16:16:00.001-07:002009-07-09T16:38:02.789-07:00ever think about...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3704908585/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3704908585_5efc2a0056_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3704908585/">ghetto ride...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>what bike you could do without, if it was ever stolen? cold hard fact...it happens all the time, hell, even to lance. he's the lucky one, and gets it back (but if he never did, i'm sure trek would have given him a new one); however we (the common people) are not so lucky.<br /><br />well, i faced this question a few weeks ago. i was sent a letter for jury duty, and i didn't want to drive and park in downtown. so what bike to take that i would feel 'safe' that it would be left outside all day, and not be stolen, and if it was i wouldn't care as much. i thought about the fixie, but that's brand new, and so cool. i thought about the trek vw, but i've got too much money invested in that. then about my flat bar road bike, but that is really my wife's, and then i'd have to get her a new one.<br /><br />so i sat down and built up this little ride. a trek twelve-twenty with downtube shifters. dia-comp all over the place, sram four.zero rear, one zero five front, ritchey/mavic wheelset (old school), ritchey headset, mich. tires, and some saddle. the mix of the front shifter, and rear derl. was fun to play with. the front shifter has a index and friction setting, so having it on the friction setting made it work with the rear derl. not a bad set up.<br /><br />all parts were either given to me or taken off of other bikes. the only things that i paid for were the tires, tubes, and bar tape. not a bad set up for locking it up somewhere for a long time, and not really worrying about it.<br /><br />although it does ride pretty nice (i have to really get use to down tube shifters), the frame really is small for me, toe overlap, and knees hitting the handlebar when i get out of the saddle and stomping on the pedals going up hill.<br /><br />oh...i didn't get call for jury duty.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-61393432318184267202009-06-29T06:31:00.001-07:002009-06-29T06:31:41.057-07:00new parts...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3671019019/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3671019019_7be1d676f4_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3671019019/">new race face deus crank set...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>begin to accumulate in the workshop. no time to put them on, because of the little one, but no worries there.<br /><br />one such part is this little number. the race face deus. this will be put on the smoothie. i've been looking for a good reason to take off the xtr, and this seemed like a good enough reason to me. <br /><br />light and stiff. can't wait to try these out...if i ever put them on and ride, but i've got more important things to spend my time with...<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-62354014370032025532009-06-14T07:12:00.001-07:002009-06-14T07:12:53.838-07:00been meaning...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3624433687/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3624433687_abd00e926a_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3624433687/">new steamroller...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>to post this for a while, but due to our new family member; i've had more important things on my mind...<br /><br />anyway; this is my new steam roller in the new cream roller color. all of the parts are from all my other fixies:<br /><br />ritchey bullhorns, cane creek tt brake lever, salsa stem, surly hubs to salsa rims and matrix rims, dura-ace crankset circa seventy-four, time pedals.<br /><br />the new stuff is the headset, the hope headset i had on the gristle, tektro front brake (required the long arms), easton seat post, and a serfas saddle.<br /><br />after many attempts at other fixed geared frames, i woke up and said the steam roller is the way to go (again). sold ride quality. it is set up as a forty-two/sixteen.<br /><br />took it out last night on the shops first ever single-speed/fixed gear shop ride around chagrin falls. it was almost thirteen miles. hellwig and i were the only fixed geared guys. (missed you ben). everyone else was on freewheels (we allowed two to be on geared, they just couldn't shift; cheaters)<br /><br />the ride started out great out of the shop down three zero six, and onto savage. we lost two right out of the gates (due to wrong gearing, and first timer single speeder). i leaped out to the front right away onto savage. there then came a right turn off of savage, and i started to mix it up with the group b.s.ing with everyone. i can't tell you the rest of the route simply because i don't know my way around chagrin falls like i ought.<br /><br />however; jacob took us through some alleys, and some trails that i didn't think that my tires would hold up.<br /><br />i'm not sure what it was; but going up all but one hill, i was up front putting the hurt on. i think part of it was that i wanted to put the hurt on jg (see what talking smack gets you); until he made a wrong turn. but more importantly, the surly handled great.<br /><br />after the ride it was drinks and food at trifles. good stuff...<br /><br />it was great to get out for a ride with the guys. the rides are few and far between...quality over quantity.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-27447655553551919182009-05-25T12:14:00.001-07:002009-05-25T12:14:39.125-07:00yesterday...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3564082124/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3564082124_66941f5ac6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3564082124/">parade bike...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>was the annual blossom day parade in chagrin falls. the shop takes part in it every year.<br /><br />a lot of drink was had by me. and it then became very difficult to steer a front loaded bike down and up the parade route, on a hill no less. needless to say...this is the last time this bike will be in a parade. not a good drinking bike; plus it is heavy as hell to carry on and off the car.<br /><br />set it up with the pizza basket with a pizza box, and a whiskey container (both empty). mashed a cage into shape for a flask (filled of course; but not for long), man sized beers in the rear basket, and all personal fx's in the bag.<br /><br />children cramming the route, all wanting 'hi-fives'. candy thrown out on the street. keep the bell ringing just to make sure that they heard you, and i circled around the truck. stayed up front with the rest of the drunks in our line. <br /><br />good times were had by all.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-49499521891628252652009-05-13T06:28:00.000-07:002009-05-13T06:32:28.984-07:00on tuesday...may fifth my wife and i welcomed our new edition to our family...<br /><br />lydia poppy hamad<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_lnGu_WEbCVzAaPGRGo7If91sTXvZaRbXw_Iz5YQJwX46_I98nxUp09STDZZxvEROdniBY83BRcaWMjclJky_MXxzW2jIXUbC_jfQfdWvSwRQJD4AB2FSgBphaPmJxHcDh4/s1600-h/IMG_2546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_lnGu_WEbCVzAaPGRGo7If91sTXvZaRbXw_Iz5YQJwX46_I98nxUp09STDZZxvEROdniBY83BRcaWMjclJky_MXxzW2jIXUbC_jfQfdWvSwRQJD4AB2FSgBphaPmJxHcDh4/s320/IMG_2546.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335300662165509314" /></a><br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-29421851659457341162009-04-27T06:16:00.001-07:002009-04-27T06:16:49.863-07:00the tequila...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3479149265/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3479149265_4f1b26a9c0_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3479149265/">new parts on the tequila...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>is coming along quite nicely. i've upgraded some parts recently to get a couple steps closer to my vision for this ride.<br /><br />first up the headset. there was aheadset on there, but i switched to a <a href="http://www.crankbrothers.com/">crank brothers</a> directset cobalt sl headset. smoooooth. as far as functionality goes, i think the headset is one piece you should not skimp on.<br /><br />next the crankset. i forgot when i upgraded the shifters to x.nine the chainrings were still indexed. oops. so i went with a <a href="http://www.raceface.com/">race face</a> evolve xc crankset and bottom bracket. good stuff. shifts much better (obviously), light weight, and good looking.<br /><br />along with worrying about the front shifting, i upgraded to the x.nine front derailleur. much better here.<br /><br />for the rear brake i went with the <a href="http://www.sram.com/en/avid/">avid</a> ultimate brake. light weight, and stiff.<br /><br />and since a long tow path ride on this, i put on a pair of <a href="http://www.canecreek.com/">cane creek</a> bar ends.<br /><br />more to come on this ride throughout the summer. including a new wheelset and fork.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-75779885312807823362009-04-02T04:58:00.000-07:002009-04-02T04:59:55.784-07:00here is...a <a href="http://www.sikkimexpress.com/archives19.htm#31">hit</a> for the race that took place in sikkim just recently. who's going back? this race might be dead in the water...<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-12731822514837172692009-03-10T05:30:00.000-07:002009-03-10T05:37:52.145-07:00last month...i sent along some <a href="http://divinegear.blogspot.com/2009/02/as-you-know.html">emails</a> to camba; and i did receive a response shortly after, and i quote:<br /><br />As far as your other question about urban mountain bike parks, we've been approached a few times about things like this. A few years back the city of Cleveland had a project to build a mountain bike park in Midtown. We talked with them a few times to provide some expertise around the situation but it would not have been a CAMBA built trail. A similar thing is going on in the Old Brooklyn area right now.<br /><br />For the time being we're not giving up on making our 100 mile trail vision a reality. We've been working long and hard on the three park systems to show them that Mountain Biking is a legitimate and desired recreational activity in North East Ohio. They know we're not going anywhere and changing our focus now would jeopardize all the hard work. Personally I think the urban parks are very cool; I've been to colonnade in Seattle and it's really impressive to see what they've done there. For CAMBA though, we owe it to our members and to the region to make sure we make the best out of the situation. That means taking advantage of the massive potential that exists in our park systems. Don't worry, we're making progress, and this will all be worth it when we've got 100 miles of single track.<br /><br />Please let me know if you have any other questions. If you can do me a favor too, I'd appreciate it. Our membership numbers always drop a bit over the winter months. Make sure all of your riding buddies are CAMBA members. We need to be sure that our voice is as large as possible. Strength is in numbers.<br /><br />:end quote.<br /><br />this came from brett. i guess i understand their position/view. two points i take away from this; (one), it is true that all cleveland/northeast ohioians need to join. as i have stated before this is political. even though you don't want to admit it; it is. re-read his last sentence. (two), urban 'sport' parks are important, and are a really good idea. this is the place were kids are able to hang out and play in their neighborhood. they can't drive miles to go play, so why not use some area in the neighborhood to do so? so, i'm going to see what i'm able to do in my neighborhood, and go from there. esp. since there is something being planned in my area. more on that once i get it...<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-69174885614309881022009-03-08T11:40:00.001-07:002009-03-08T11:42:29.638-07:00the farfignugen experience...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3337770883/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3337770883_7d5c95728f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3337770883/">new look for vw...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>expands. i've put a lot of money into this bike; in fact, more than i'd like. however the pay off is...it handles beautifully now. and i'm really happy with it. the fork was a bit of a worry for me. i was noticing some rust, and such...and come how; how old is this thing? so, it was time for an upgrade. new fork meant new headset, and stem too.<br /><br />i settled on the race face ride stem. it is on their low end, but that wasn't a concern for me, plus the cool 'three-d' face plate sold me.<br /><br />for the headset i went with the cane creek one-hundred. same functionality at their one-ten, but not a much money. little heavier. same concept, and functionality. smooth in its use. and it feels really snug to the fork, because of its compression ring. really like this headset.<br /><br />fork. this took some time. i really didn't want cro-mo, and no disc...right from there my options were limited. a carbon fork with canti's...is there such a thing? only one, with a reasonable price point. so i picked up the origin eight black-ops carbon. not the best carbon fork out there, but it will do the job for me. the thing about their forks...depending on the length, they are able to be set up for a twenty-six or a twenty-nine inch wheel. it comes out of the 'box' set up for twenty-nine; however some simple turns of the screws, move the bosses down, and i'm set up for twenty-six. nice. lightweight. solid.<br /><br />together...it all feels really nice, and smooth. the front end is lightened up. more responsive. just an all around smooth feeling, rigid, stable feel to the front end.<br /><br />took it out for a long ride yesterday, and handled beautifully. like i said before...i have put too much money into this bike than i would like. other than what was mentioned...tires, wheels (not a set, mixed and matched), bb, chainrings, rear derailleur, freewheel, brakes, i put on a different saddle for more comfort (and i just wanted to save, as much as possible, the original), this i had lying around. <br /><br />so, yeah, quite a bit of coin that i was ever intending to for this bike...but i have to say that the end justifies the means. this is a really nice ride. responsive. who knew that it would cost so much to not be extravagant? <br /><br />just a really fun, all around, mountain bike; for 'kicking it'.<br /><br />oh...this is goes out to kenny...when are you going to post, man? stay away from facebook...that will rot your brain...<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-18948746161998673612009-02-21T10:45:00.001-08:002009-02-21T10:53:56.362-08:00um;...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3297321739/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3297321739_438cde0e0a_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3297321739/">mill run city path, also...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>where am i?<br /><br />i took off for a ride today. i went down to the metroparks mtn bike trail; i figured that it was going to be closed, and it was. so i was thinking of how to get home other than just turning around. my mind wondered to taking the path that lead me to harvard, and go from there.<br /><br />i got up to harvard, and noticed that the trail continued to what is called washington reservation. now...i don't get that north/eastish way, so i never knew that it was there. so i took that. next thing i knew i was heading north on east forty-ninth street. then that to what was called mill run. the next thing i knew...i was at harvard and union; going east. i finally turned around at east eighty-eighth.<br /><br />for those of you not familiar, this is not the best part of cleveland to be in. esp. for a guy riding a bike all decked out in winter gear. i might have taken it all the way, if i had a bike with gears. the headwind was getting to me, and i was on fixed today. but there is always another time. gears, and a nine.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" /><br /><br />p.s.; after i posted this, i did some research from one of my other photos, and found this from the <a href="http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bike/morgana.html">cleveland planning commission</a>; which gives me more of an idea of where i was. <br /><br />thanks.hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-90502579001835366362009-02-14T11:22:00.001-08:002009-02-14T11:28:02.290-08:00as you know...over the last couple of months i felt compelled, and ethical bound to join camba. well a few ideas hit me in these last two days that i wanted to send along to them, and if there are any answers/thoughts/comments for anyone else i'd love to hear. below are the re-prints of the emails i sent:<br /><br />and i quote myself:<br /><br />Sent 2.13.09<br />Dear CAMBA:<br />I just got done reading an article in the newest issue of Dirt Rag about (i guess the best way to put it is...) outside urban mountain bike parks in the city; through the League of American Bicyclists. Is this something that we are able to do, get involved in, build; whatever the case is? since we are always getting screwed by the park systems in this area? just a thought.<br /><br />oh, and while I'm thinking about it...is there anything illegal with riding along electrical lines? I just keep seeing the 'trails' along the lines in Independence, and was just wondering what the legality of it was. and if so; why?<br /><br />thanks.<br /><br /><br />Sent 2.14.09<br />another question:<br />I had:<br />what about the little parks in the cleveland area? i know some parks where kids build their dirt jumps, and such. and there are trails there; why not take some time, clean them up and then there could be a up-kept trail? also by my house is the treadway trail which (i don't know if you've heard of it) links old brooklyn to jennings; which is right by the entrance to the tow path. well, right by this little paved trail (maybe a half-mile) on the other side is nothing but trees and such. a quick little trail could go there. i see kids play there all the time during the summer. i could take just a weekend to do something little. some bridges over the 'crap', clear away the fallen trees and there you go. i'm not talking or looking for any huge project. just some little things to get going, and then maybe the city could see what a job CAMBA does, and push then for something more. some good publicity; since all i see in the paper is us getting slammed. <br /><br />i believe these to be some great ideas that could take root. also, by doing this type of stuff, i think kids would be more inclined to get out and ride. they don't have to be technical paths. just something. we're not moba, north shore.<br /><br />just a few suggestions...<br /><br />:end quote.<br /><br />i'll post replies from them if i hear anything. my point becomes, small steps. is the trail in the metroparks great? sure. it's really nice to have something in the city limits so close. so my theory becomes this: have a bunch of little trails set up throughout the community which would make for a wonderful urban mountain ride. i'm not talking something epic, we can't do that without the national park; however, i am talking something fun. become creative. work with what we have. build a portfolio, if you will. these are just my thoughts...<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-69182716083364076032009-02-13T12:12:00.000-08:002009-02-13T12:41:44.145-08:00for some time...time now i've been meaning to get these up for a little review. these are just some products that i've picked up that i have really enjoyed so far.<br /><br />first up is castelli's rosso corsa bibs:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnYNzrtxEwTlzn_YEyICRn254L_vN7El8CtgSOZ2IOate9uRsB4QqTshGxa8OuvXRBnVlQgc9SEVV9uk6xn6wwBZCyGB-6r2opFVuhk12pQvxqFgYNw2AJ1RCKG41n5QgXYg/s1600-h/IMG_2481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnYNzrtxEwTlzn_YEyICRn254L_vN7El8CtgSOZ2IOate9uRsB4QqTshGxa8OuvXRBnVlQgc9SEVV9uk6xn6wwBZCyGB-6r2opFVuhk12pQvxqFgYNw2AJ1RCKG41n5QgXYg/s320/IMG_2481.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302377723195866418" /></a><br />i picked these up at the end of the last season, and never really got a chance to wear them until this season. they have wider straps the 'hug' around the chest, instead of coming straight up over the chest. what i've noticed is that they feel less constrictive in the chest area. the inner padding feels great. multi-layer, and all that other fun stuff. the cuffs at the bottom of the legs are snug, without being overbearing. it just feels great. and rides great. the only 'issue' is the logos are coming off, just after a season; but no worries there. oh, they are also surprisingly warm too. they feel great in the mid-thirties weather. <br /><br />next up is pearl izumi zephrr shell glove:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45GV3gfr6Jp_7mQnBbm3O3F9HxEBiQ80A-9pBikAttHWY27t3fw8fEhVH59RidHuq7i5z-3DE4ne7o8lDs43VzbgiuiSWFqxx27fwVyXqjZVK3gwgSk8mZQn-Aq2rZXwAK4o/s1600-h/IMG_2478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45GV3gfr6Jp_7mQnBbm3O3F9HxEBiQ80A-9pBikAttHWY27t3fw8fEhVH59RidHuq7i5z-3DE4ne7o8lDs43VzbgiuiSWFqxx27fwVyXqjZVK3gwgSk8mZQn-Aq2rZXwAK4o/s320/IMG_2478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302377712293450242" /></a><br />these go on great right over almost any existing glove. they are wind and waterproof, and they work great. keeps your hands warm and dry during the ride. however; i've found them to be a bitch to get on, but once they are on, they work great. another thing too is, i wear a medium glove...so i picked up a medium here, and they are a little too big; but i suspect that they would work great with a heavier winter glove. even with this issue; once i'm riding i don't even notice it. hardly any pading on the palm of the glove; another good thing about them.<br /><br />speaking of wind and water resistance; we have the endura stealth softshell jacket:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpBeBzokJs2Ht9RfpowG8WFw2BGYqHwsgLxVUcG98j3NtWnypvWvXoAJU7198Z1k7Zj_6XWGv9ZAqHW291Z6dmvhi-tDREx71_PnIFzwptQSo2fdztt-KDywmHGyawCaW_gM/s1600-h/IMG_2479.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpBeBzokJs2Ht9RfpowG8WFw2BGYqHwsgLxVUcG98j3NtWnypvWvXoAJU7198Z1k7Zj_6XWGv9ZAqHW291Z6dmvhi-tDREx71_PnIFzwptQSo2fdztt-KDywmHGyawCaW_gM/s320/IMG_2479.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302377714910734258" /></a><br />fully waterproof, and breathable. i just can't put into words how great this jacket really is. two rear pockets, one is ipod compatible. zippered cuff. underarm vents. just a great jacket. i've been wearing it in thirtyish degree weather with a base layer, and a light wool jersey; and it has been great. nice and warm. highly recommended.<br /><br />another product that i highly recommend are the pearl izumi barrier gtx winter shoes:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvB3a-TryG1oENzqVqNLUcD4rap5Mbci8NaXScDPDHeJwIjxW5oYJS8BAFsRBr5Py48lYYStBVJ-dLsuVCf7H5fo-HG24COFP55xcytxBEFFdwHrZHqdTKFu5tiZ-fNlNWME/s1600-h/IMG_2477.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvB3a-TryG1oENzqVqNLUcD4rap5Mbci8NaXScDPDHeJwIjxW5oYJS8BAFsRBr5Py48lYYStBVJ-dLsuVCf7H5fo-HG24COFP55xcytxBEFFdwHrZHqdTKFu5tiZ-fNlNWME/s320/IMG_2477.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302377707317534802" /></a><br />these are nice. gore tex lining for waterproof protection. nylon sole. thinsulated for warmth. internal lacing for a snug fit, and zippered exterior with a velcro ankle top. they came with toe spikes; which i always welcome. these shoes fit and feel great.<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-15324358136628020522009-02-10T07:34:00.000-08:002009-02-10T07:38:03.159-08:00please read...and take part...<br /><br /><a href="http://mudandcowbells.blogspot.com/2009/02/mtb-take-action-before-february-18th.html">national park action</a><br /><br />we need this, we deserve this...<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-76362162747371508912009-02-03T06:29:00.000-08:002009-02-03T06:34:36.411-08:00i did these...over at <a href="http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/">obanicon</a>; where you just upload an image, and pow...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNHV_wX_GkCuaXxcLV0HX7lHxutNmN-j83vChMe68zxrVQRlGrGZPPArouJTd5N6mbGns209-29pt1nzI7niFU_gFP0PrAGinjMCGYdFtdQPdWsQTPQEIiqeHJlAwaRoGxMI/s1600-h/ride.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNHV_wX_GkCuaXxcLV0HX7lHxutNmN-j83vChMe68zxrVQRlGrGZPPArouJTd5N6mbGns209-29pt1nzI7niFU_gFP0PrAGinjMCGYdFtdQPdWsQTPQEIiqeHJlAwaRoGxMI/s320/ride.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298578384403698306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceQzQHj5DzIs8cpDENWC8HaiGCfbLvASg9CgEa2AbGh2Xd2yX7xIIJ7nu9O7V3JvkjYctlnG3pSkGLB3SU_wIHe1G1A_8RQ7MMSGuaZjaALDNkPY7C3TMIi8Jf1axaKs5TMg/s1600-h/moots.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceQzQHj5DzIs8cpDENWC8HaiGCfbLvASg9CgEa2AbGh2Xd2yX7xIIJ7nu9O7V3JvkjYctlnG3pSkGLB3SU_wIHe1G1A_8RQ7MMSGuaZjaALDNkPY7C3TMIi8Jf1axaKs5TMg/s320/moots.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298578382153396882" /></a><br /><br />i stumbled upon it through <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/docpopular/">doc pop's</a> flickr.<br /><br />then you are able to print it as a shirt or something.<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-57224569996235402972009-01-27T07:33:00.000-08:002009-01-27T07:38:41.463-08:00keep track of...what obama does with his promise of <a href="http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/486/will-seek-more-accommodations-of-bicycles-and-pede/">accommodations for cyclist</a>. this is from the <a href="http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/">obameter</a>, that was set up by the st. petersburg times.<br /><br />amitabha...hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-45174421031064576702009-01-10T10:42:00.001-08:002009-01-10T10:42:17.874-08:00as the snow begins...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3184714095/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3184714095_6b376afb37_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3184714095/">snow ride to the video store...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>to fall this weekend, michelle and i thought that the best idea was to rent some movies and munch on some pop corn. so instead of digging out the car; i took the bike to the video store.<br /><br />staying on the main roads wasn't too bad. i just had to find a groove made by a car and i was set. as i started bouncing between streets; that's when it got tricky. i was sliding all over the place. as i came to a main road, i was lucky enough to draft behind a post office vehicle to the drive just before my turn. i hung on him like stink on shit. drafting behind the cars today was good. they weren't going that fast, so i was able to anticipate where and when they would turn. as long as i followed their tire path; as it kicked up snow and left a small 'path' of road.<br /><br />took a longer way home...which sucked. back to a main road that i knew would be plowed somewhat. then i hit a part of the road where the plows just came from; so that was good.<br /><br />took a spill just as i needed to turn into my drive, but snow is soft. although if i keep this up...a <a href="http://www.viciouscycles.com/frames-thunderwing.php3">thunderwing</a> would be a good idea.<br /><br />now...time for some drink and a movie.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-5337425315092145272009-01-07T12:38:00.001-08:002009-01-07T12:38:58.585-08:00i was able...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3171084413/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3171084413_166ed51511_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3171084413/">rear brake view...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>to take the new shorty six's out for a little ride. some minimal off road testing as it were.<br /><br />the conditions were pretty crappy. hard mud, mixed with softer mud. the temps have been around thirty to thirty-four. so you are able to guess what i was dealing with. rode over some ice which would have gone up past my rims if it broke. snow-like conditions. slushy.<br /><br />the bike felt great, and i'm very happy to have it back; but also...the brakes operated like a charm. responsive, yet not too grabby. and no front end vibration. sweet.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-60039116760196741542009-01-06T16:00:00.001-08:002009-01-06T16:00:00.562-08:00got back the...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3171914386/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3171914386_e25171eef1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3171914386/">reincarnation of the planet cross...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>planet cross over the weekend. had rear brake bosses put on for single speed freewheel action.<br /><br />took it out the other day on a forty-four/twenty. good spin. however seems like a high gear for the road; which is o.k. by me. i am looking forward to taking it out for a cross ride (pictured wasn't really a good cross ride) and seeing how it handles. the bike felt great; as usual. <br /><br />put the new avid shorty sixes on there. work great. set up nice. no vibration. good stuff.<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-55522703481755428122009-01-05T13:22:00.001-08:002009-01-05T13:22:46.022-08:00from a different...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3171914668/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/3171914668_d7a309aa1c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3171914668/">flat bar fixed...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>perspective; and that is riding a fixed road bike with a flat bar (o.k. really it is a riser, but we won't squabble over that).<br /><br />the frame set was a 'gift' (i still owe beer) from diamond dave. a trek twelve-twenty. it came with seatpost, saddle, headset, and stem (crankset and pedals too, but not in use right now). i put on my seventy-four dura-ace crankset, time pedals, brake lever, front brake, and wheelset. real cheap handlebars, and money into grips. it is set up forty-two sixteen. it was a little tricky getting the gearing set up simple because of the dropouts, but with a chain that i'm able to shorten with half-links; i was good.<br /><br />this is so i am able to look cool when i roll down into tremont with the hipsters. otherwise, i have ritchey bullhorns on it with a different stem; so i'm just able to do a quick switch and go. i'm not completely sold on the saddle yet, but i'll see how it goes.<br /><br />but set up in hipster mode, is fun. it's something different. so soon i'll be able to do the tricks i see in the videos. i think the blue to purple fade with the green and yellow grips just make it stand out. don't you?<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15613196.post-2593532004598944532009-01-04T06:20:00.001-08:002009-01-04T06:20:25.471-08:00on january second...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3166039741/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/3166039741_3383ac735a_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinegear/3166039741/">first ride of thousand nine...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/divinegear/">divine_gear</a></span></div>we hit west branch for the first ride of thousand nine. we were at first unsure of such an adventure, simply because of the 'mixed' signals of the sign postings. the main sign stated that the trails were closed; however the other signs (and site visits) stated that the trails would be open again after december thirty. <br /><br />so we took a long drive to the park office, and wouldn't you know it...no one was there. mine and your tax dollars at work. so we hit the trail anyway.<br /><br />the ground was hard, except in some very few spots; namely where all the hunters were walking from the previous days. the trail itself was slow. we really felt like out-of-shape slobs; which we might be. it was not as cold as i thought that it would be. in fact i had to shed a layer.<br /><br />i stayed in the granny gear the whole time, and just played with the rear. we only rode half of the trail, simply because of all the gun shots we heard...the semi-automatic rifle shots were not comforting at all. got to love hunters. don't get me wrong...i have no problem with them, but really?<br /><br />anyway...here's to another year...cheers...<br /><br />amitabha...<br clear="all" />hamadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323603350215691774noreply@blogger.com3