Peter White has posted some comparison photos showing the beams of the various lights that he sells. Since I’ve crowed rather loudly about how much I love my Busch and Muller Ixon IQ, I’d thought I’d show a rather accurate picture of how the beam lights up the road. Again, the pic by him and linked to his site:
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Last night’s ride was a therapeutic/stress relief/fitness excursion with some exploration to boot. I wasn’t planning a longish ride, but I eventually took off before dusk to clear my head of a bunch of goings-on. I took the regular “modified Pinchot loop”, but instead of turning directly onto Pinetown Road, I stayed on Rt.177 until Mt. Airy Road, and then pedalled over to Pinetown. Mt. Airy is a nice winding backroad with not too many hills. It was fun to check it out.
I also continue to break in the new Brooks, although sometimes it seems it’s not happening fast enough. From what I’ve read, it could take anywhere from 200 to 600 miles given my 180 pounds. I did find a site that provides some advice for speeding up the process without damaging the leather, so I might give that a try. In the meantime, I can go about 10 miles, and then I have to periodically stand out of the saddle to relieve my sit bones. It does not yet have that “hammocky” look that a properly worn Brooks should have. But another testimony for the springs - the other night I was zoning out somewhere and rode over one of those road cut speed bumps. I could note a marked difference in the intensity of the vibration coming up through the bars, compared to the seat, where the springs ate the cuts up. Amazing.
With all of these night rides, there really isn’t anything to photograph - sorry. But as for night rides, I’m learning more about the Ixon and its peculiarities. First, its surprising how much ambient light there is out in the country, even well after dusk. At 40 lux, I have no qualms about moving along at good speed, even down some hills. I notice the ambient light mainly when it disappears. That occurs when I get under a canopy of trees. At that point, I have a pretty well defined beam in front of me, but I can see very little else. I have to slow considerably for fear of needing to turn out of the beam without warning.
I’m also figuring out the batteries and the warning lights. On full beam, when the batteries start getting low, the indicator alternates between red and green. According to the instructions, you should switch to low, which then gives you 15 lux for “quite a bit longer.” After three nights of riding, my red indicator came on, but rather than switching to low right away, I kept on going, thinking that it would switch automatically at some point.
Nope. After a bit it shut off completely. Fortunately, I was able to power it up and finish the ride on low. 15 lux is equivalent to the Lumotecs, so it wasn’t too bad, but not nearly bright enough for country riding.
As for the Superflash, I constantly hear cars slowing down as they come up behind me, so I know that’s doing it’s job. Also, it’s cool when you can see the reflective strips on guiderails and signs light up in the mirror. That little sucker is putting out some serious rays.
Finally, there are two German Shepherds at the corner of Imanuel and Silver Lake Roads that are a grand endorsement for pepper spray. Twice now they have come out after me.
This morning my legs are rather sore, so I must have been pushing the hills. As for the therapy, the issues have not gone away, but at least now I don’t mind them as much. Ride on.
Distance: 25.9 miles 2009: 1032.1 (I’m now 4 miles short of my totals miles for 2007!)
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I remember in middle school we used to circulate notebooks for everyone to fill out. Here we go:
What were you doing five years ago? Working in the worst job of my career. It was so bad that I even considered going back to school to get a teaching certificate and applying to various school districts. It was mainly because of my boss and his boss - just really mean people. I eventually was able to find the job I have now, which is much, much better.
What are five things on your to-do list today? 1. Go for a ride tonight 2. Work on the family room ceiling 3. Do something with the family (which could involve a ride) 4. I have to call two people about church business 5. Oh, and fix the flat on the Cannondale.
What are five snacks you enjoy? 1. Creamsicle ice cream, 2. chips and salsa, 3. Red’s banana chocolate chip cake, 4. oatmeal chocolate chip cookes and milk, 5. Extra sharp cheddar cheese
What are five things you would do if you were a billionaire? I strongly believe that I could adapt to a life of leisure. 1. Give a lot of it away. 2. Get my kids through school. 3. Travel 4. Get a house on a warm island and get as low tech as possible. 5. Get someone else to install our family room ceiling.
What are five of your bad habits? 1. I like to snack/graze in the evenings 2. I tend to avoid conflict 3. I still swear underneath my breath too much 4. I buy things on impulse 5. I get impatient with others too easily
What(where) are five places you have lived? Lebanon, Harrisburg, Reading, Hazleton, Carlisle (all PA)
What are five jobs you’ve had? 1. Deputy Fire Chief 2. Undercover Investigator 3. Fork Lift Operator 4. Research Assistant 5. Leasing Negotiator
All of my blog mates have already been tagged, so you can tag yourself if you haven’t done this one already.
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Took another night-time fitness ride. I find I’m getting more comfortable riding in the dark, but I still have to focus on the light beam ahead and look out for any obstacles coming into the path of the bike.
Misc. miles: 9.5
Distance: 12 miles 2008: 1006.2
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bummed. I switched the Titanico over to the Cannondale and spent a little time on Saturday getting it dialed in. For upright riding it feels really good with the nose slightly up, and I raised the post just a smidge. Then I made some minor adjustments here and there, and topped off the tires to 60 psi.
Since it is now my “bad weather gofer bike” and the forecast was questionable, I figured I’d ride it to church on Sunday. Plus, I’ve been putting Proofide on the Flyer/LHT and I didn’t want to risk staining a new pair of khakis that I planned on wearing.
Well I get down to the garage and load my jacket and other goodies in a pannier, squeeze the bike out from the other bikes and the two cars, get out to the driveway and notice the front tire has no air. That will teach me to use a 20 year old tube.
I’m not looking forward to changing this tube as the tire was a bear to put on in the first place, but such is life. At least it didn’t blow when I was out in the boonies somewhere.
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Took a loop around Pinchot and peeled off to Pinetown, then across to Moore’s Mountain and home. Basically a fitness ride. I’ve been doing some home improvements this week, mainly replacing a ceiling. Being on my feet all day and working overhead has me stiff, and I felt it in my legs.
While at the lake, I saw my good friend Kevin. Neither Kevin or I really made a splash as singles rowers, but when we teamed up in the double, something happened and the boat just flew down the course. We spent the better part of two seasons finishing in the medals, many times with a gold. Those were good times.
Distance: 23 miles 2008: 984.7
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