Winter Solstice Commute

Riding to work on this darkest day of the year felt particularly bright.

Little Dick Power

The builder of this tiny bike is Dick Power, no joke. Dick build a number of track bikes in the 50's.

First Snowy Commute of The Winter

Ok, it's officially autumn for a couple of weeks, but it's cold, dark and snowing. I ended up doing a fair amount of sidewalk riding to get off the crud snow on the streets. Despite being called "crazy," commuting on days like this are more fun than a challenge.

Grimm Dec. Ride with Jared

Jared and I went for an exploratory ride today at the Carver County Park Reserve. In addition to the trails and nature, we walked through the ruins of an old trappers camp and a late 1800's farm stead.

The historic Grimm Farm is where Wendelin Grimm, who immigrated to Minnesota from Germany in 1857., developed a winter hardy strain of alfalfa. The Grimm Farm has been restored. (from the park website)

A view of the snow dusted trails. It was quite rough in places.

My bike next to a wall of the trappers cabin. Plaster still clung to the rock surface in some spots.

Jared on his Pugsly. I'm amazed at how well his bike works in a range of riding conditions. He'll have some great rides here once the trail is too covered with snow for my bike.

Anyone up for winter bike camping?

A simple joy/Good socks.

I found something that make me happy today. Wigwam Distance Running Socks - 2 Pair $12.00 XL sizes 12-15. How can $6 dollars a pair make my feet feel so good? I'm going to sleep in them. Thank you Jared for your longitudinal research data.

My Bikes

I've included pictures of my three main bikes. The first one is a Trek 950 that I purchase new in Moorhead in the mid 90's for around $700. It has been solid. I wore out two geared drive trains, ran it as a single speed for a year to now have it as a 1x8. Perfect gearing for its use as a winter commuter. I lubed it up and tightened the rear hub; an adjustment after putting the freehub body in.

The next bike is a 2000 Diamondback XR4. I purchased this a NOS in 2002 for $1000, about $800 below list price since it was a held over two years. This has been a good bike with few problems. I'm, however, leaking some oil out of the front shock. I emailed Shockspital for a price quote and possible diagnosis. I also need the rear wheel trued and tensioned. I will not likely ride this bike again until next spring.

The final bike is my LHT that I purchased in Sept of this year. I cleaned up the drive train and relubed it. I'm very please with this bike thus far. I was fortunate enough to get this bike for cost, $690. It retails for $1,100.

All three of these bikes are mid-level bikes that have served me quite well. The 950 and XR4 have proven overtime to be quite dependable; I expect the LHT to do the same with good maintenance.