Two Wheel Blogs

As we ride our bikes, one thing is bound to happen to each of us over the years; we crash, wreck, take a dive, go end-over-end, make a face plant or we don’t release from the pedals fast enough wearing those dreaded shoes of death. I read somewhere that on average it takes a rider about 4,000 miles to have one that requires professional medical treatment.

My ride last night was one seriously stressful situation. The ride began and ended with the sound of sirens.

Yesterday I took the opportunity to head over to the 'wood and roll the trails for 90 minutes or so. This ride marked the first time back on the mtb following my shoulder separating crash in January. I decided to take the Niner s/s (which was also the bike I crashed on) so the ride had some significance in my return to the dirt.

Was supposed to roll a couple of hours out in the hills with Mark and wonderboy Schilling but mother nature had other plans. At first, I thought nothing of it, but as the snow continued and the winds picked up I began to get really concerned. Concerned of hitting the deck again to be more specific. The snow started to build ever so slightly along the roadsides and seeing that we were scheduled to hit the hills, my trepidation hit a peak and I bailed. I felt bad to dump Mark, as I really enjoy training with him, but discretion is the better part of valor.

Things are positively insane for me during this time of year. Sometimes it seems I have to block off time on my schedule if I want to take a dump in the morning. Seriously though, between the cold and flu season, shorter days, busy kids, and whatever else I am forgetting, riding time is short.

Last weekend I got out for some great long rides and did battle with the cold winds (the wind was quite fierce). Yesterday, I only had to hop on the rollers for some sweating. I was basically avoiding the high traffic flow, heavy winds, and cold temps.

May be it should be titled "life of carbon". The real question is when do you replace those expensive carbon bits on your bike that cost you a fortune?

There are several schools of thought that I have encountered over the years.

When forks for road bikes first were offered with carbon steerers, I recall a recommendation to replace said forks annually. Others recommend replacement of carbon structural parts (such as forks and handle bars) immediately after a crash. The last group I encountered (I am omitting a few) say replace when cracks are visible upon close inspection, or when a crunchy sound can be heard while flexing the part.