Univega Commuter Conversion, Part 1

Here’s my future vehicle so far:

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I’m waiting on my new Kenda tires (Kwick Roller Sport), and I’m going to replace the old (too short, rusted) chain, add a water bottle holder, seat pack, and order a Delta supersherpa rack with a Detour Toocan pannier. Hopefully I’ll be ready to go about the time all the tree pollen clears up.

April 5th Ride photos

Some fun stuff from yesterday’s 78 mile ride-

While at the Shelby Forest General Store, we heard that the river was covering the boat ramp road in Shelby Forest State Park close by, so Ryan and I went to take a look:
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I couldn’t resist riding my bike through the river:

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Then, on the way back in to Germantown, we stopped by a gas station that had been boarded up. I had seen a really cool stencil there earlier, and wanted to get a couple of photos. If I find out who the artist is, I’ll be sure to give him/her credit:

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Volume Monster

I rode 71.4 miles yesterday and 77.8 today, and, other than being dehydrated today, I was feeling good at the end of both rides. I’m going to take it easy the remainder of the week in preparation for the Georgia Cup race in Chattanooga next weekend. After the past two days, I feel like my endurance is finally getting to where I need it to be. I’ll need it next Sunday for the 67 mile road race. After feeling so good on these rides, I plan to try and lay down some hurt late in the race when everyone’s getting tired. Or earlier. You guys never know :)

Fed Up

I’m tired of watching the price of gas skyrocket while politicians & oil companies line their pockets. I’ve started hunting down parts to turn my old Univega MTB into a commuting bike! So far, I’ve ordered “Butterfly” trekking bars from Harris Cyclery and a stem with a 40 deg. rise. Tomorrow the order goes in for a set of Kenda Kwick Roller Sports (puncture-resistant slicks that will fit my MTB wheels). I plan to start by just using a backpack to carry necessary stuff around, but, if all goes well, will eventually get a rack & “luggage” for my bike. The goal is to only use my car under extenuating circumstances.

It is going to be tough in a city where it seems as if the size of your carbon footprint is an effing status symbol, but I’m sick of contributing.

Right now, it looks a little like this:

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I’ll post more pictures as I keep working on it!

Eat at Green Bamboo

If you’re anywhere in the Memphis area, you have to try Green Bamboo Vietnamese Restaurant (on Hacks Cross just south of Hwy 385). I’ve had their house special soup as well as curry tofu w/mixed vegetables, and both were representative of the best Asian-style food I’ve ever had. Everything tastes home made! If you’ve tried curry before & thought that it tastes a lot like spicy dirt, then do yourself a favor and give it another chance here. Just writing this, my mouth is watering. Being cold and rainy out, I think I may go there instead of riding my bike this afternoon…