mondonico
Posts:158
 |
| 01/16/2019 10:30 PM |
|
Purchased my first real bike since 2001. Due to health issues have not been on my Mondonico or Litespeed in over two years. I did ride to work all of last year, but seven days, on a fitness bike. Only two mile one way but meaningful to me. Had my third procedure for afib six months ago and seems like this time it is working. There were times early last year when just one mile into to work and I wanted to do a Artie Johnson and lay on the side of the road.
Anyway, have been looking at urban-fitness bikes for a year because of back and balance issues and finally pulled the trigger on a connondale quick carbon 2. Got a fair price on eBay and have spent the past few weeks tweaking. Even got a few rides in.
So just wanted to post and also give a thanks to zoot. If you read this you may not remember but you one invited me to dinner when you were looking for your colnago. I was a widower at the time and looking for my Mondonico around 2001. Anyway you have always been an inspiration to me for your mileage as an old fart of 76 now. Since I'm just at kid at 68. |
|
|
|
|
longslowdistance
Posts:2881
|
| 01/16/2019 10:58 PM |
|
Here's wishing you great joy, longer rides, and renewed fitness on your new bicycle.
|
|
|
|
|
Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
|
| 01/17/2019 08:47 AM |
|
Great news...always glad to hear stories of any of us getting back on the bike!
Tailwinds always. |
|
| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
|
|
|
zootracer
Posts:833
|
| 01/17/2019 09:25 AM |
|
Thanks for the nice comments about me.
I seldom ride my Master X-Light anymore. Not that it's not a sweet ride. My carbon bike is closer to the door and I have back my Ford Pick Up out of the garage to get to it. Steel is real, but carbon is nice.You just get used to riding one bike and I prefer my newer Trek Madone.
You might consider contacting Bill at the Emporium and see what he can do for you. I got a NOS 2014 Trek Madone in 2016 with Ultegra and Hed wheels/DT Swiss hubs for $2900. I substitued my own saddle (actually Bill gave me a used test saddle), stem, pedals. The bike was a store special for $3900 and he worked with me on the price.
Keep on riding. I am definitely older and slower, get a passed a lot, but I still love doing it.
The offer for dinner is still open. I could show you my collection of a zillion used stems, saddles and seatposts. Maybe one of those saddles might work for you.
Zoot
|
|
|
|
|
Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
|
| 01/17/2019 10:42 AM |
|
Posted By ed custer on 01/17/2019 09:25 AM
I got a NOS 2014 Trek Madone in 2016 with Ultegra and Hed wheels/DT Swiss hubs for $2900.
*Long, slow whistle* Screaming deal! |
|
| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
|
|
|
79pmooney
Posts:3180
|
| 01/17/2019 03:36 PM |
|
Good to hear you are riding. I'm a youngster 2-3 years behind you and in good riding health, but the potential for ride ending issues isn't all that far off. I've come to accept that I shouldn't ride in weather conditions, traffic conditions, etc, where crashes are more likely because I've used up my quota. (Every crash, even the most minor, now mean landing on old injuries because I have run out of undamaged corners.)
I am trying to get used to the idea that I will have to CK out a trainer existence. ("CK" - an alternative spelling to "seek" and pronounced the same way.) Do any of you guys have a pile of old race CDs that need attention? They used to be commonly available in bike shops but now it's like going to a pet shop to get a dinosaur.
I am trying to grapple with forking over a big bill to meet OC in the cascades this solstice. It's a lot of money, it will take very serious conditioning and be very hard, even at the mid-level. (Three levels - stage race; I don't think finishes are recorded but if you don't finish, you are out of the race and drop a level, middle level - you can do whatever, even not finish but you don't get the glory or the extra climbs, and pack where you lug your own gear. The pack rats get the easiest course, but all power to them!)
A week after the spring equinox is the RondePDX, a crazy morning of climbs into Portland's west hills. 50 miles, 7000+ feet and a few very steep pitches. Early on - Brynwood. Not long but at the 90% point, the pitch goes to crazy. I've been seeing the little Flanders lions painted on the roads for years. Time to go chase them. (My middle name is lion only spelled with an "y". Those creatures have been in my awareness a long, long time!)
So the big question: for how long does chasing epic rides stay fun? They keep getting harder. I didn't do one last year. The Trask River Trail two summers ago was one. I fully intended to make Cycle Oregon to Crater Lake on the gravel worthy fix gear another but that got canceled.
Ben |
|
|
|
|
Orange Crush
Posts:4499
|
| 01/17/2019 03:42 PM |
|
Something about geezers and ultra-fancy bikes.
I hope to get there in another 10-20 years but more likely I'll be riding e-assist bikes with the missus. |
|
|
|
|
Orange Crush
Posts:4499
|
| 01/17/2019 07:01 PM |
|
| BTW Ben - I am committed. I signed up for the Explorer or whatever the toughest category is. Not that I'll be racing but the tougher courses look nicer. I'm mostly going for the views and the beer and whiskey tasting. My racing buddy signed up as well. |
|
|
|
|
longslowdistance
Posts:2881
|
| 01/17/2019 07:33 PM |
|
The stories of E bikes allowing older riders to do mtb rides that that had to give up years ago are interesting. Don't want to start any arguments, I see the points on both sides. Another avenue to compensate for what one loses with age and injury.
|
|
|
|
|
Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
|
| 01/17/2019 08:18 PM |
|
Ben...no need to watch old race DVD’s...the internet is stuffed full of coverage these days. Just hit YouTube and have at it.
As for e-bikes, I fully support the idea....do whatever you need to do to keep riding and enjoying. If that means a little motor-assist for hills or whatever, fine...have at it. |
|
| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
|
|
|
Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
|
| 01/17/2019 08:21 PM |
|
Example re: videos...here is the 1990 Paris-Roubaix, the full Famous Cycling Videos cut. Take that, WCP, you fookers!! 
https://youtu.be/oGGS-ETkjcI |
|
| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
|
|
|
79pmooney
Posts:3180
|
| 01/18/2019 12:26 AM |
|
Thanks CK! That was back when bikes looked really good. Steel at its best. Elegant stems, clean brake hoods and no high cables loops.
I have the WCP DVD of the 2005 P-R with Phil talking up Hincapie who is doing absolutely the minimum to stay in the front group. (The big Swede pushes Hincapie into the paceline at one point.) Your link reminds me that I like Phil's commentary much better before LA and when he was a decade younger.
Ben |
|
|
|
|