The Cycling Chronicles: Upgrade Phase 1

Just to share a few photos of what happened to my old bike before transforming it to look like something newer.

You should never attempt to disassemble your bike if you have no idea about how to reassemble it. Lest you suffer the fate of having spare parts for your ride rather than the whole deal.

spare parts

Nothing left but the wheel

Done by twilight!

 

Phase 1 almost complete!

Again, thanks to kuya ROCKY for making this possible!

The Cycling Chronicles: Thoughts on Upgrading

I have been meaning to upgrade my bicycle since I started using it during my night cycling and going to work.  Not because it wasn’t functioning well.  It’s still in good condition and has been serving it’s purpose since day one.

Mountain Bike Parts (Photo taken from here)

So why upgrade?

If you’ve had your fair share in riding bicycles for a certain period of time, I think this word would make sense: SHOCKS.  Suspension or for other bike terminologies - Telescopic.  Ok.  I don’t do any off-road cycling (yet).  But riding your bike over small bumps and rocky patches on the road are very bothersome, to say the least!  The aftershocks that course through your body is quite manageable… but the body pains afterwards are a different story.

Moral of the story?  Always stretch before mounting your bike.  LOL.

Anyway, back to upgrading.  One common problem I’ve encountered so far is the limited bike shops in my hometown.  Okay, scratch that.  There are a number of bike shops around, but all places that I seem to go to after work and during Sundays are closed.  Ugh…  I’ve contemplated in buying for parts online but I have a few hesitations… especially since I’m not familiar with bike parts and stuff.  What would happen if I buy the wrong piece?  In addition, I don’t have easy access in discussing with anyone on bicycle upgrade.

TOUGH LUCK!

Speaking of luck…  As luck would have it, there was one Saturday that I saw a bike shop still open after 5pm.  Since I was in a rush to go home, I thought I’d just return after a few minutes.  But when I got back, the store was closed.  So last week, I decided to go there and thankfully the store was just starting to close up.  So I asked the attendant if I could take a look around.  He gave his thumbs up then after a couple of minutes of looking around, it was time to close.  He offered that their main branch was open (half-day) on Sundays.  And that they had more choices there.

Yey!

So last Sunday, I was able to get to the store and have a look around.  There was one attendant who was kind enough to approach me (probably saw the confused look in my face) and chatted me up.  He understood where I was coming from and willingly offered his help in slowly upgrading my bike.  I showed him a couple of photos of spare parts I was considering buying through an online seller, then he gave me advise in the parts I needed to look out for.  He showed me a couple of choices for my bike frame (BLUE!) and options for shocks.  Since it was nearing closing time, kuya Rocky wanted to see my bike up close and personal to give a full recap on what I needed to purchase first.

(Online Spare Parts from Bikestuff Unltd)

Seatpost

Handle bars and stems (pretty colors!)

And his verdict?

Since I’m still a new biker, I should just take it slow in upgrading.  I think this is to safekeep my wallet as well since I might not make this  much of a habit.  He agreed however that my target in upgrading my fork to shocks and change my frame was a good start.  So we agreed he’d help me in looking for a good set of frames made of alloy, and shocks to cushion me during those bumpy rides.

I still have a lot to learn but this new venture seems promising.  In addition, I was given an invitation to join their cycling group.  I’d like that!  But I think I need more practice first.  I don’t think I can have an average speed of 40kph anytime soon.  So I need to practice first!

Wish me luck!

The Cycling Chronicles: Service Vehicle

I bought my bike for the primary purpose in having my own service vehicle in going to the office, returning home, and running errands. The added exercise I get is a BIG BONUS in keeping fit. Due to some hesitations (and having my half-brother dropping me off to work), I never made it a daily habit. Saturdays and holidays were my ride-my-bike-to-work day.

On a whim, I decided to ride my bike for work yesterday. Good thing my slacks were stretchy enough to accommodate movement. It was the perfect time to try my cycling app on my iTouch in heading off to work – The Runtastic Roadbike. It’s an app that an individual can use for cycling, running, and race cycling.

Here’s a screenshot of my session in heading off to work (a bit longer than my usual period of 13 to 15 minutes):

Going home was another story though. With the weather inconsistencies, I ended up braving the rain in getting home. Half-expecting that the rain wouldn’t pour too much, I sped up going home.

Unfortunately, the rain had other plans. In reaching my 5th minute (the in-ear coach of Runtastic Roadbike informs the user of the elapsed time and number of kilometers) the rain poured… HARD and FAST. Rather than take shelter, I continued on to my destination. No point waiting out for the rain to stop. I was too rain-drenched anyway! Better to be home than waiting in the rain, too soaked up to dry with the wind blowing around.

After 14 minutes of cycling in the rain, I finally got home to dry myself off.

So I braved my first rainy bike cycling. But I had to take a half-day leave to fully rest my body.

Lesson learned: Always bring jacket!

The Cycling Chronicles: Conquering the Highways

It’s been quite a while since my last night cycling. With the threat for ones safety hanging around every corner regardless the time of day/night, I could only ride my back on Saturdays and holidays in going to and from work. Just imagine the excess fats I’ve accumulated so far. Depressing.

After a tiring and stressful day, cycling sounded like a good idea.

I’ve been meaning to try cycling along one of the highways in town (JP Laurel-Lanang). Half expecting my nerves to get the best of me, I was surprised that I had enough presence of mind in keeping safe while cycling alongside private and public vehicles AND TRUCKS!

It was only a leisurely ride but having the moments in free-cycling (?) was FUN and VERY EXHILIRATING!

Though I doubt losing weight by cycling might take a LONG time (do you guys have any cycling exercise tips I could use?), at least I’m conquering a few of my fears along the way and gain confidence in the choices I make.

Cycling is definitely a start!

The Cycling Chronicles: Sick Day

I missed out in my cycling today.  I think I caught something yesterday when I went biking with my mom (who went on a walk).  It was drizzling by the time we were done buying fruits in the marketplace.  I hurriedly cycling home but I guess being sweaty while biking under the rain can do havoc in your immune system.

Darn!  But then again, I guess I needed to ease up for a while.

Hopefully I’ll feel better tomorrow… no more colds, sore throat, and chills.

Meanwhile, my workmate finally did her tutorial here at home on my new project: small-scale business of … ICE SCRAMBLE!  We had our product “launching” and taste test earlier.  No reviews yet! But this looks promising!  And I plan on earning back my capital.  Anyway, that’s for another post.

How was your day guys?

The Cycling Chronicles: The Morning After Rush

I rode my bike to work today.  I’m still rehashing it in my head if it was a good idea or a crazy one.  It was a good idea because I’d be able to adjust to a new schedule of cycling (late night bike runs are a bit… hazardous to one’s safety and health.  Not that I would avoid night cycling totally though!).  Crazy because I haven’t plotted out my proper route, and the weather seems to be erratic at its best.  LOL.

Nevertheless, I’ll live.

Once again I forgot to do some stretching exercises and my legs started to complain when I got to the highway.  The strain last night must have resurfaced adding to the pressure on my aching muscles.  But then again, I bask in the feeling of muscle pains after fitness activities.  It gives me proof that I’m really putting effort in keeping fit.  But I think I need to rest up a bit in the evenings to have more “firepower” in cycling during mornings.

My front wheels must have hit something sharp a few nights ago making it flat while heading off to work.  Good thing there was a vulcanizing shop nearby to cater to it.  Well… so far so good.  I’m not keen in buying a new set of wheels yet so I think a complete check-up is in order for my bike.  Plus!  I need to have a crash course in dismantling, assembling, and fixing a bicycle.  Time to get dirty!

Wish me luck!

Cycling Lesson #5: Always conduct a complete review and check-up (applicable in life too).

 

The Cycling Chronicles: Night Spin 2

Took my bike for another spin around the block around 10PM to 11PM.  Quite an experience.  I think I need to change my schedule though.  The cold night air seems to bite my skin and if mashed up with my sweat would lead to health issues.

SIGH…

So anyway, I’m thinking of changing my biking schedule on mornings.  Probably next week, or the week after that.

I just realized that I still have a few traumatic “humps” that I need to get over to be truly comfortable in my cycling.  Particularly… turning left.  I mean, OMG!  I’m left-handed and it’s supposed to be my strong side!  But the thought of turning on my left side (regardless if I turn slowly or not), gives me palpitations.

I hope I can get over it soon.  But for now, slowly practicing my turns would prove helpful during my bicycle rides.  Wish me luck!

Cycling Lesson #3: Plot out cycling schedules

Cycling Lesson #4: Practice turning

The Cycling Chronicles: My Night Spin

I finished my bike ride 2 hours ago just to sweat off the excess fats I seemed to have gained from lunch (Bev’s birthday) and dinner (Bhing’s Wedding reception).  I’m resting up a bit before I hit the sack in a few minutes.  My left knee seems a bit overworked from pedaling but nothing that I can’t handle.  The small of my back is cranking up too but I’ll live.  Weird… I should be sleepy from the mixture of work and workout, but I’m still feeling up and about.  I don’t know if that’s a good sign or not though…

It’s relaxing to go biking at night.  However, I’m not downplaying possible threats in safety and security for myself.  So my next order of business would be to trick out the lighting and early warning accessories for my bike.

So far, so good.  If I gain enough confidence, highways will be my next target.  But for now, the leisurely pace I’m taking suits me just fine.  I hope though that in one month’s time I’ll be able to set a healthy and comfortable pace, and plot out my route in heading towards the office.

Cycling Lesson #2: Prioritize safety.

The Cycling Chronicles: Afternoon Around the Block

I thought I’d add something new to my lifestyle this year.  So after many years of planning on having my own bicycle – planning on assembling one (well… asking someone to assemble me one) – I finally bought a bicycle last night courtesy of the referral of my workmate Joy.  The shift gears (if that’s what they’re called) are a bit daunting for me since the only other time I had a bike was when I was 9 or 10 years old and it was just a plain old bike with two wheels, brakes, a bell, and a basket.  SO LAME! LOL.  (But then again, I was only a kid!)  I’m keeping things positive though.  Besides, I’ll get the knack of it with constant use and practice.

I want to stay fit through exercise and/or through different sports activities.  Basketball season has not yet kicked off and though I’ve already set up plans for exhibition games, I’m pressuring myself to lose weight.  The effects of the Christmas season has really taken it’s toll on my so-called diet.  And it’s such a CHALLENGE to shed off the extra pounds to feel comfortable with my clothes.  I enjoy joining fun runs too but not having my own running buddies to be at pace with from the start is a bit depressing.  I don’t think it’s fare for me to run and not enjoy it.  It wouldn’t be a FUN run anymore if I seem to push myself and just finish the run rather than appreciate the pace I’m taking.  Don’t get me wrong!  I’d still join fun runs!  But I want to do something that can keep me fit, can get me somewhere, and something that I can whip out when I need a good sweat.  FUNctional in short.

So I’m going to attempt chronicling my cycling moments.  No I will NOT monitor the buckets of sweat I would probably gather, nor the calories I may have burned (good thing I don’t have the apparatus to keep records of such).  Instead, I’ll share the interesting tidbits of my ride.

Technically, I should have started last night but since I didn’t have any protective gears yet (and cycling wasn’t generally part of my plans too), I’ll just say I had a great biking experience last night.  There was not much traffic anymore so it was a relaxing ride back home.  One of our office drivers “escorted” me with his motorbike home – a great confidence booster – just to make sure I got home safe.  I’m pretty sure Joy and I will be having our cycling road trips soon. Excited!

Okay, after buying the most essential of cycling protective equipment – Helmet, tail reflector, lock, and padded shorts – I was ready for a mini run around the neighborhood.  Honestly?  It felt weird riding alongside big cars.  But it was exhilarating too!  I kept thinking to myself I could go almost anywhere if I wanted too.  But before that though, I need a few more reflectors (for my pedal), lights, and gloves.  And I think I need to register my bike just to be sure.

There I was earlier this afternoon circling around the neighborhood just around the limits and not going beyond the highway until after my first hour when I decided going to Gaisano Mall.  I was a bit hesitant in leaving my bike parked in the obscurity of the parking lot but then again, why not?  As I was heading up to the first level of the parking lot I got flagged down by the security guard saying that bicycle parking is not allowed inside the mall’s parking area.  My mind was like: “WHAT?!”  When I asked where should I park my bike then?  He said he didn’t know.  Outside perhaps.  And again.. “WHAT?”  And risk losing my bike?  I was quite disappointed.  So is there a discrimination then against bicycles?  Isn’t it the more environmental-friendly vehicle?  UGH!  The disappointment!  I just hope other malls are not as discriminatory though.  I’d be bummed out if malls wouldn’t be able to provide a safe parking space for bicycle users.

Anyway, after that roadblock, I was planning on going to Abreeza instead (’cause I needed to purchase something) but it started to drizzle and with me sweating a lot, I didn’t want to risk getting sick.  So I headed off for home.

My butt has been feeling bruised last night and I’m still looking for a remedy for that.  My leg muscles are a bite sore too but it’s not something I can’t handle.  I’m pretty excited to make this a daily exercise habit.  Wish me luck!

Cycling Lesson #1: Remember to stretch your muscles.

My Bike Helmet! Let's keep safe!