ADollar79's Group--closed and in the base building phase! (Page 23)

OK - I think what you are talking about is what I am doing on the treadmill.  It doesn't force me to propel myself and I think all I do is raise my feet and let the pinning mat go by.  I am not sure what else to do around here in the winter, though.  I ran on a treadmill the other day because we had an ice storm and with two races so close, I don't feel like I can miss any running time.  Cold temps don't bother me, but finding a place to run when all of the sidewalks are covered in ice and snow (we've seen what damage I am able to do to myself on ice) are probably not advisable.  I don't really want to run in the street in the winter and they actully disallowed using any of the hundreds of miles of walking/running/biking trails until the beginning of March this year because so many people were getting hurt (city property).  I know of one indoor track in the area, but it belongs to a private gym and they don't have a pool.  So, I coul join the gym with the track and have to find another place to swim, or I could run at my gym on the treadmill, or I could buy membership to 2 gyms (really, I would rather not do that).  It's Iowa, it snows and it ices, and that is not going to change too soon (unless you believe Al Gore - that was a joke).

One of the things I bought for my bike with my bonus money that I couldn't buy a bike with (it should be all tricked out, save the new wheelset, by Monday night, I'll post some bike porn) was a Garmin 305 Edge w/HR and Cadence. It is totally cool, except I was looking at the user's manual yesterday and it seems like you need a degree in rocket science to run the thing.  I definitely have some reading to do.  I will start small with that and learn as I go.  BTW, I got it for a steal of a price on Ebay, brand new, for less than $250 shipped.  According to my LBS and the Garmin site - it is suposed to be $380.   I don't know how this company sells them for so cheap, and I don't think I wan't to know, but I thought I would pass it on since that savings represents what it would cost me in gas to drive to the groery story (another joke - but  - are you serious?  Gas went up 15 cents overnight on Wednesday).  If you want the name of the ebay store - PM me an I wll get it for you.

I "knew" how, but had never done it until Thursday.  I changed both of the tires on my bike (new tires) and so I did it myself.  The first time was hard, because I was unfamiliar with it.  I watched the video on BT about changing a tire and it was way easier than reading the instructions in my mechnics book.  About the time I was putting the front tire back on, my wife came home.  I guess some of the guys she works with were talking about fixing a flat an they told her that she needed to learn how to do it in the comfort of her home before she had to do it on a trail.  She told them that she would have me show her how (my wife thinks, for some reason, that I magically know how to fix everything, even when I don't).  So I showed her on the rear tire, and it was a ton easier than it was the first time.  She looks at me an says, that didn't look so hard.  I went out an got her bike and deflated the front tire and made her change it like she was changing a flat.  Not so easy now, is it!!!!!!  She picked it up pretty well.  I would suggest taking some spare time, watch the video of tire changing on BT, and take the tire off, take the tube out, re-insert the tube and put the tire on a few times.  You will be a pro at it in a couple of hours, if that.

Here is a link to the video.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1223

I have no idea how to change a tyre. But I am planning on learning all that stuff when I get my new bike. Although I did change a tube on the bike I have just now and it took about 4 hours. That's pretty crap if I'm racing and it happens. LOL

Well I am Scotland bound tomorrow so I just wanted to bid a farewell for the time being. I'll be online when I get there and the good news is that my Dad's gym is going to wave the induction fee they charge for new members so I will be able to get plenty of bike time in, even if it's just stationary. Plus the gym is in the same building as the pool - which is 50 meters and where I learned to swim   I am so looking forward to that. I plan on running around town and there's also a great park with gorgeous trails. I'll probably spend more time taking pictures than anything else.

See you all soon! Keep up the good work.  

Back tire is no different in the changing process, but it is in the "removing it from the bike" process.  All you have to do is get the chain off of the cogs in the cassette (leave it on the derailer) and you just change it with the cassette attached.  Getting it of of the chain quickly is tricky and takes practice.

First step is shifting to small front and small back.  Gives you more slack in the chain and it makes it easier to get back on when you finish.

make sure to post some pictures so we can enjoy it vacariously (is that spelled right? - I've said the word before, but I don't think I have ever written it out).

I am not familiar with the book or the training plans so I can't offer much advice without reviewing it.  If you think you are up for it and can make the dedicated change...then by all means go for it.  

Keep posting your weekly workouts here and I can monitor it a bit.   

Tire changing--

I seriously believe that everyone needs to try this a few times.  I neglected it my first year and had a tube burst on my way to my last race of the season.  I kinda knew what to do but it took forever.  

Many local bike shops (LBS) offer free classes on basic maintenance.  Also, this is why having a GREAT relationship with your LBS is important.  There are three stores here in town that know me by name and/or face.  I can almost walk into them at any point and get work done on my bikes.

I would suggest that EVERYONE take off their front wheel and take out the tube then replace it.  There are tons of videos (you tube, bt, all3sports) available to walk you through the process.  If I could, I would gladly show everyone...but that is a bit more difficult.

Also, learn to take off your rear wheel properly.  Like John said, shift into your smallest cog on your cassette.  Unlock your brake calipers (flip the switch).  Unlock the skewers.  Watch how and where the cassette sits in the rear deraileur.  Pull the chain, giving you some slack and voila! the wheel comes free.  The tire and the tube are exactly the same as the front wheel.  Now putting it back on is tricky.  This is why you pay attention to its position in the rear deraileur.  Also when you mount the wheel you want to make sure it is straight and equ-distance between your brake pads before you lock the skewers.  Otherwise it will rub and slow you down.  Flip down the brakes and you should be ready to go. 

And whee, it's so easy! Ha.    I did it once, but was trying to work out some issues with my co2 cartridge when the guy was showing me.  So I'm not really sure how to use the CO2 thing now.  Need to just take it apart several times in my living room.

Hmm, maybe before my race this weekend? HA! I'm fine with the front (though I need to figure the CO2 thing out).  The back is a little sketchy.

GRRRRR!  Shame on you, lol.

Free Flite in Buckhead offers maintenance classes.  I am sure the Tri club has a clinic or session on it.  Or I can show you.   

Thanks for asking the question.  This is where I was going with all this. 

Here are things I ALWAYS carry on me.  This is a survival kit that should be stored in the bag under your seat. 

1.  Spare tube
2.  Small bike pump or CO2 cartridge
3.  Patch kit (after the tire flat the other day)
4.  2-3 Tire levers
5.  $5 cash
6.  Photo copy of License, Insurance and emergency contact info (I put 5&6 in a sealed sandwich bag). 

It is your call on the bike pump vs. CO2.  I only learned how to use CO2 last year.  Ironically, there was a thread on BT about it.  I spent about 10 minutes one night fumbling through how to use it.  I failed miserable.  Fortunately I realized what I was doing wrong.  Two days later I flatted and had to put the lesson into action. Luckily it worked. 

Here is what I recommend: 
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18828&subcategory_ID=4362

I like this CO2 inflator.  You screw in the cartridge.  Place the inflator over the tube and then slowly unscrew the cartridge.  It inflates instantly.  That easy! 

I have used the inflator pumps before and found them a bit more troubling....plus they take up room in the bag. 

In an effort to practice what I preach, I did the following since my last post (40 minutes ago)

1.  Put my road bike up on the stand.
2.  Changed my brake pads
3.  Put my tri bike up on the stand.
4.  Wiped down chain and derailuers
5.  Replaced the tire AND tube of both wheels (10 minutes max)
6.  Adjusted my aero bottle to a new position. 
7.  Restocked both of my saddle bags.

And I was watching the Braves and Pirates. 

40 minutes.  That's it.  And those are crucial things.  You all need to learn how to do these things.  Don't keep putting it off. 

Hopefully none of you will have to replace a tire....it can be a real pain.  I use Michelin Pro 2 racers and they are notorious for being difficult to mount. 

Ok - I will do this tomorrow.  I have all of that stuff and actually that same exact CO2.  I carry a teeny tiny hand pump as well on training rides.  (Since I carry 2 cartridges and am always worried I'll screw them both up and be SOL. 

Dollar, I swear I've taken 2 seminars where I saw a tire being changed, and in one, I took my back tire off. But I had helpers, so I've never done it all by my lonesome. I need to!!

Post your March totals:

Wow!  The most running I've done in a month for training!

27 days and counting until the marathon!