I recently served as a SAG driver in support of our local bicycling organization’s Surry Century. I started supporting (rather than riding) the club’s two annual events a few years ago. Later, I took possession of the club’s 14 water coolers. I had a 4×6′ utility trailer, so moving them was a cinch. My event routine had become to deliver the coolers to prescribed locations, uncouple the trailer, mount my bicycle carrier (hitch-mounted) and then drive my SAG routes, restocking water along the way. I’d reverse the process at the end of the event, usually resulting in a really long day. Last year, I towed the trailer while I was SAG’ing. It was less time-consuming, although slightly cumbersome. I recently purchased an even smaller trailer. Transporting the coolers while making my rounds is now very convenient. The car/trailer combination is only a foot longer than an F-250 with crew cab; but it’s lighter, more nimble, and more fuel-efficient. I averaged 34 mpg over the course of 353 miles, including idling with the AC running. Continue reading “An Unexpected Review: Carry-On 3.5X5LSHS Utility Trailer” →

January has been a slow riding month for me. I knocked out a calendared RUSA populaire on New Year’s Day. I had hoped to perhaps complete a permanent as well. However, weather and health issues have compelled me to stay with shorter rides near home. A perm before February is possible, but not likely. Until my next good ride, I’ve decided to write a review (and make a video) of B&M’s new Ixon IQ Premium headlight. I had learned about this light early in December. At first glance, it appears to put out twice the light of the Ixon IQ (80 lux vs. 40 lux) while maintaining the same impressive battery endurance. Research has shown (and reminded) me that the light still casts the same amount of total light (lumens) while making better use of it with a wider and better-focused beam. One of my gripes with most lights is the lack of good side coverage. Being a skeptic, I scoured the Internet for photos or info about the new IQ Premium. I found one good photo which was enough for me to make a purchase. Continue reading “Product Review: B&M Ixon IQ Premium LED Headlight” →

I’m the editor for Chainstay, the newsletter of the Peninsula Bicycling Association.  While looking for a feature tech article for the May edition, I read THIS ARTICLE about the value of bicycle fittings.  A riding buddy, named Jen, got a professional fitting.  She couldn’t praise it enough due to the fact that all of her saddle issues were resolved after local bike shop (LBS) salespeople said she needed to “get used to her new position.”  Knowing my time in the saddle during my first attempt at a Super Randonneuring series would far exceed anything I had ever done before, I decided to see if a session with her fitter would help me as well. Continue reading “Bike Fittings: Are They Worth It?” →

I hadn’t planned to post entries other than rides greater than 100-km as I chip away at various randonneur achievements.  Then I remembered that part of my goal with this blog is to share my journey into randonneuring.  Part of my journey includes the discovery of new ideas, skills and equipment.  My first product review is of B&M’s Ixon IQ headlight.  Continue reading “Product Review: Busch & Müller Ixon IQ LED Headlight” →