who'd of thought?...

image from Trek

I'm a bit in shock.

I remember 5 years ago when I dreamed of this day.
In fact, the other day I was still bemoaning the fact
that no one had made a Dutch-style bicycle
in aluminum.

introducing Lexa S...

I waited 3 months for this day.
No Rain.
Sunshine.
The opportunity to ride Lexa over to the photo op
I had envisioned in my mind.
Finally,
the day came
and here she is...

Introducing
Lexa S

Yup,
a few months ago
I got my 'in-between' bicycle.

Those of you with a keen eye
may have been noticing her recently
in some of my posts.


dual computer bicycle search on a cold March day

H and I did a pointed and purposefully fast search earlier this year
to find a bicycle I can ride all over town
for my bikish meetings,
and my bikish ways,
and feel okay leaving outside at a bike rack,
getting 'city-ized' with scrapes and dings,
mostly non-descript, but good looking,
and fast, light, and agile.

What other bicycles did I consider?
A Soma Buena Vista, and other mixte options - but all of the reaches were too far for me with my short torso and my bad back.
A Salsa Casseroll, but not a one was to be found in stock and I didn't want to wait.
I had briefly considered another Trek road bicycle, but only briefly.
When we went to the store and no Casseroll's were to be had, I eyed up the Lexa S and swiftly we decided it was time and she would be a good friend.
Lexa S is a basic Trek Road Bicycle with the exact same dimensions as The Trek.
So I knew she would be perfect for me.


The first time Lexa was left alone..

We promptly took care of the 'cityizing' when we brought her home.
Yes, after JOKING about it,
we got distracted and drove her into the garage.
The worst part was I was on the phone trying to sell Lil'C!
Lexa got a rough start, but amazingly she was OK!
Note to all, if you have a roof rack, and put a bicycle on it, IMMEDIATELY put your garage door opener in your glove compartment so when you get home you have to dig for it, wonder why, and then the red light will go on that 'oh yes, I have a bicycle on the roof'.

Lexa and I haven't been on many rides because of all the rain we have been having this year and the personal stresses that have been occurring, but we have been together enough to know I love her.
My first love is truly the Trek, but Lexa isn't far behind.

I have made some basic citification modifications (besides the garage bling):
Changed out the florescent green bar tape for a subtle grey.
Added Planet Bike fenders
Added two-sided flat, light pedals.
I had the shop change out the quick release skewers for ones that require a tool to change out.
Added a bottle rack because I drink a lot of water thanks to living in Colorado for nearly a decade, and hey, I get thirsty.
I had the store set her up to my fit kit dims, but have since lowered the seat for city riding.

My only complaints are
that I have to have a small frame, so I can't fit a bottle rack and a clip for my u-lock within the frame triangle. Same issue with putting the lock off the back, too small to fit.
I clip my feet sometimes on the fenders, but no big deal.

What does Lexa S stand for?
Stoic
Silent
Steady
Serene
Strong
Lexa is my strong and steady friend, she stoically waits for me to return, and then silently and serenely we pedal off on simple adventures and everyday escapades.

I still wish for that perfect combination of comfort, speed, agility, and most of all - good design.
But I have learned that is a hard package to obtain all in one.
My good design does not get me as far as I like.
Speed is expensive and should not be parked alone outside,
Combination means leaning towards one side or the other to get the most out of what ideally you want.
I lean towards that fast lovin' lycra gal inside me.
If Lexa had the look of the Pash with the comfort, speed and agility of my Trek, it would be my perfect bicycle.
I used to think that combination would never exists, and I still mostly don't, but every season I see new brands trying, and getting closer.
Perhaps someday, my bicycle dreams will come true...

I have some more Lexa adventure posts coming in combination with another series.
Stay tuned.

repair and respect...

For about the last two months of riding season
(which sadly I have deemed as officially over)
I had this nagging problem when I was out riding.
I ride a lot in this zone, and every time I did,
the bike began to have a mind of its own.

In early September I had a cable issue
that essentially turned my bicycle ride
into a fixie ride for a number of miles
until I could limp into my usual shop.
I thought the change in cables after this would solve the issue,
but it kept getting worse.

Anytime I could bring the Trek in, I wanted to ride,
so I just kept suffering through the annoyance.
Finally, after I rolled 1000, it was time.

H and I like to support good people doing good things,
so Trek was taken to a new shop.
I was a bit nervous because a lot of bicycle shop dudes
don't really speak 'girl speak' and turn to the guy to have a conversation.
Especially when they race together during Cross Season,
or so I feared.

Not Dan.
I told Dan my issues, and it was instantly clear he knows A LOT about bicycles.
I asked him to keep the Trek for a few days to really diagnose the issue.
He came back with another cable replacement
and a gold 'tooth' (ferrule).

And then, the snow set in.

So I haven't been able to get her out for a ride,
but I did officially begin my QTT this weekend
and she shifted with grace.
The forecast is predicting Sunny and 53 on Thanksgiving.
I think you know where I will be...

I appreciate that Dan treated me with complete respect.
And when I had stopped to take my cassette picture,
two groups of male riders yelled out "Everything Okay?"
to me as they passed by.
I always appreciate the bicycling community,
the fact that folks have got my back,
and knowing I am not out there alone.
And yes,
I was MORE thank OKAY,
I was on my bicycle and it was a beautiful day.

Trek and I have been together for nearly 4000 miles.
I think in the Spring she is going to need more than a cable.
I am looking forward to giving her some tweaks,
and taking her with me for the next 4000...

backbreaking...

The Trek waiting for some tweaking

At the beginning of my outdoor riding season
I decided it was time for a new saddle.
I chose a Fi'zi:k Vitesse hp.
For years I have ridden on Terry saddles,
this bicycle came with a Bontrager.
I have been riding with womens 'cut-out' saddles
exclusively for years, so I was a bit nervous
to switch to a version without this feature.
Well, the new saddle came, and I have to say,
I instantly loved it.

As I started to seriously ride this season what quickly became apparent
was that my old back issues had resurfaced,
only they were even worse this time.
The old back was something
I had happily not had to deal with on the Trek from day 1.
What changed?

Well, the saddle,
but what really changed is my body.
Aging is challenging.
When I switched the saddle out I was already battling
with a nagging back problem
aggravated by all things,
snow shoveling! gurr....
Now I hate winter even more!
Sitting at a desk all day,
the most unnatural of all things,
certainly is not helping either.

I was in physical therapy for months this year.
My ribs had literally been moved down and pushed out
by a muscle in my back.
In the early season I attributed a lot of my fit issues to my
back, and I still do.
By no means do I think my problems are due to
a poor bicycle fit
or an incorrect saddle.
It has been a really challenging riding season for me physically,
but I have never given up ~ entirely (more on that later).

For years, every bicycle I have purchased has taken
my bad back into account.
I have mentioned before that after years of resisting a road bike
the Trek has been my magic chariot of comfort
much to my surprise.
But finally at about 1200 miles,
many months of tweaking seat and cleat position on my shoes,
and multiple sessions of therapy,
I decided it was time to bring the Trek over to the shop for help.
My back was making my comfort extra challenging this year.
Approaching 1500 miles, I am not sure I have quite gotten it right,
and I often get discouraged by an aging body which seems to retain
pain much longer than it used to.

I have taken the week off of my bicycles,
time to get some things done around the house,
time to recharge the battery,
time for a change of pace.
My back has been acting up all week,
but I am itching to get back in the saddle today.
I have that goal of mine to meet this weekend,
and then I will slowly
give into winter
as the days become
colder and darker.
My rides will be becoming fewer and far between,
I will be focusing on my winter training
and getting this back to a better place.
I look forward to taking care of it
so next season I spend less time in pain
and more time in pleasure.

Life doesn't always roll how we want it to,
but learning how to weather the storms
better equips us
for the journey.

Happy Saturday Everyone!
I'm off for a ride...

meditative solitude...

Yesterday after I got home from my volunteer gig
I instantly hopped on the Trek for a late afternoon ride.
The weather was perfect,
sunny,
warm,
dry.
I knew it was one of the fleeting days of my Summer
and I knew it was one of my last daytime sojourns.

The beauty of my Summer
has been having the bicycle trails to myself.
It has been extremely therapeutic
and restful
to the mind
and to the body.

I smell the fresh pine of the trees,
I hear nothing but the cadence of my pedals,
The Sun shines down on me time and again
and I am in near complete solitude
for miles.

I've been in a groove lately with the Trek.
Analogies like...
flying
meditating
feeling like I am in lotus pose...
come to mind when I crank in the zone down the Greenway
alone.

The Trek and I will roll 900 this week.
(My goal for the year is 1000)
You get to rely on someone when you've been through a lot with them.
You appreciate their reliability,
their poise,
their grace,
the experiences they share,
their ability to quiet your mind,
the knowledge they impart,
and their ability to warm your heart.
They take you places far away
and bring you safely back home again.
Next to being with these guys

there is no place I would rather have been
these last few months
than with the Trek.

If ever I need to rest my mind
warm my heart
take a moment in a busy day,
my Summer is where I will meditate.

nice ride...

Taking a break looking out over the Ol' Miss

Once again I waited all week for this.
I knew this time
I would not let the clouds
slight mist in the air
or radar shot
dissuade me.
I HAD to do this.


the radar right before I was set to leave Thursday

You see, if I had a religion,
next to my bicycles
it would be watching weather radar.
My single goal in life
is to spend as much of it as possible
outside.
When I lived in Colorado
the weather was predictable.
Afternoon Showers, but otherwise
mostly nice.
When I lived in California
the weather was predictable.
Rain November to April, and then
not a drop to be seen.
Nice.
Then I moved to Minnesota
and I distinctly remember our first ride upon arrival.
The sky was blue as could be, off we went,
and shortly thereafter
we found ourselves huddled under the awning
of a church.
This is when I really sealed my religion -
Radar.
We became friends with NOAA
when we sailed in the Bay,
because, well,
you had to.
It was the smart thing to do.
NOAA NEVER betrays,
except on Thursday...



July 4, 2009
I rode the Nice Ride test machine
down to the Mill City Farmer's Market
later in the summer we were found on Nicollet Mall

You may remember last year
I spent my downtime doing
a little volunteer gig with Nice Ride.
Well, I received this nice invite a few weeks back:

You're Invited!
Inaugural Ride and Ribbon-Cutting Celebration!

Date: Thursday June 10, 2010 - Bike Walk to Work Day

Immediately I RSVP'd.
I was really looking forward to the launch.
Come the day of the big event,
I'm watching radar all morning,
sort of meditating on my religion at work.
Everyone is talking about the storm to come,
I get stuck in a meeting,
rain drops start to fall,
and I bail.
BIG mistake.
If I had only listened to my own advice!
The rest of the afternoon nothing more happens,
the inaugural ride went off without a hitch weather-wise,
and I missed out on a good time.
Dam NOAA, what WERE you thinking?
I forgive you NOAA,
religion is about forgiveness right?

You were honest with me today,
I had my NICE RIDE,
it was just me and the Trek,
barely a soul or car to be seen,
and I am content,
my church was full.

Trek fitting right in with the NR crew

And Nice Ride?
Trek and I met you formally today.
It was an honor.
We look forward to seeing you around town.
Welcome...

Happy Saturday Everyone!
It was a nice ride...

honesty...

myhyggelig is a place I come to
for meditation
for positivity
for recording my thoughts and interests
for sharing.
I always try to stay positive at myhyggelig.
I am going to preface this post by saying that one could see this post as spewing negativity, but I see it more as honesty.
We all have to work through things in our life and face our own challenges.
I've been mulling over how to go about this post for quite awhile, so here goes...

It's hard to put this all into words. But I felt I should share with anyone considering the option of a Dutch-style bicycle on limited funds. I think it is important to really consider what you will use it for and to be honest with yourself above all about your expectations and reality.
I have been thinking about the Pash quite a bit this summer.
I've always known she was an extravagance, and I think I feel a little guilt because of that. I've always had a little nagging concern in my quest for the ever beautiful 'Dutch-style' bicycle, a concern that the extravagance was not practical. And it's not, at least not in my current reality.

In my quest to obtain the beautiful, I knew, and admitted right up until buying the Pash that there were some things I was compromising - mainly weight and a bike to really get me around town efficiently.

After taking the Pash further afield this summer, I do not really like her for long rides. Maybe it's the lycra lovin' gal in me, the years spent with sportier bicycles, or the American in me who has the need to get places quickly, but for rides further than 4-5 miles the Pash just is not my bicycle of choice. I knew I would feel this way when I got her, but I had hoped I wouldn't.

I love taking her on crafty expeditions (2 miles rt), or to the co-op on occasion (3 miles rt), or perhaps my local superstore when necessary (2 miles rt), but that's about all that is within Pash distance from where I live. I'm not fortunate to live in Stockholm where riding the Kronan seemed like it would get me most places I wanted to go. Here in Minneapolis I feel like I live just about a mile too far out to get to some places I might want to go. Downtown is certainly doable, but I feel like these bicycles work best when your trips are 3 miles or less (each way). Easy, peasy, hop on, hop off, no sweat, no muss. For going to the movies, the bars, the restaurants (all out of a 3 mile radius from my home), I want to look elegant on my Pash, but inside I wish I was riding something more like this...

When I've taken the Pash on my longer treks I feel anything but glamorous when I get to my destination. This summer I've been so sweaty on occasions when I got home I had to immediately take a shower and change clothes - not great if I was actually arriving at an elegant restaurant in a cute dress and shoes (darn humidity!). I wear helmets when I ride with cars, and my hair looks a frightful mess when I take the darn thing off (it's a love hate relationship with the helmet issue too). Sometimes my bad back gets ornery and sore. These things make me sad and frustrated. I don't feel like those girls in those pictures... I admit, sometimes I do, and I LOVE that about the Pash. But, on longer trips, not so much...

I still love the Pash, but I just had to get this out.
Sometimes I feel I treat her more as a work of art that I admire (she still sleeps in front of the fireplace), than as a bicycle I can kick around town in. I'm not sure what is a bigger obstacle, the Pash, or the way I sometimes think about her. I admire the quality and all of the fine accessories on the Pash, that's why I got her. But for a small gal like me taking her further a field does not seem like the romantic picture I had in my head.

My last frustration is that we can't quite get the gearing lined up. It took me forever to get the seat right, and I'm still not 100% sure I've got it. And now the gears keep getting mucked up. On top of that sometimes the skirt guard and/or the fenders are rubbing against the tires. H does not enjoy working on the Pash - she's just too frustrating for him, so I have to sweet talk him into some shop time. We tackled these two issues (gearing and rubbing) a couple of weeks ago, things seemed good, but now again they are off. I wonder sometimes if this bicycle is as quality as I had hoped it would be. I've ridden the Trek over 700 miles this summer, the Pash probably under 100, and I don't have anywhere near the issues on the Trek. This frustrates me.

I love all of my bicycle children, but sometimes I do not love them all equally and at the same time. I do play favorites.
Sometimes I feel like I need three bicycles, which given my current state of employment is silliness!
1. Fast lovin' lycra bicycle for long, long rides (this by far is the best bicycle investment I have ever made. this bicycle has saved my life this summer. saved it, 100%.)
2. Pash for close-by neighborhood rides
3. Urban hip for mid-length city rides, such as going out for a beer downtown.

That said. I still love these Dutch-style bicycles. In fact, on my fast lovin' lycra ride today my heart skipped a beat when I had my first Batavus siting in Minneapolis. Two beautiful people, looking elegant on their beautiful bicycles as they passed underneath me on the path below mine. My instant thought? I want a bicycle like that! Oh wait...I have one. :) So, I'm keeping her, I will always have her, and we love our little trips together. She tests me, she puts me at ease, and most of the time she makes me smile.

Dutch-style bicycle Friends - what are your thoughts? Do you have moments like these? How far do you ride your steady steads? How do you feel about your purchases after having them for awhile? Do you feel you need three bicycles like me?

fall back...

road...bike

Winter Installment 10
Fall back,
go back,
way back...
oh wait,
that's from my yoga class...

*Caution Lots and lots of lycra talk below
I believe in having the right equipment
and no, you don't need all this if you are just hopping on your bicycle to work,
but if you want to wear it, I say go for it!
Okay...shall we proceed?

Back in November
I was sailing along on the Trek.
Refer to the picture above and my new found freedom road.
I had mostly geared up,
but in the 11th hour
I was missing a few key pieces.
I have a habit of living in complete denial
of winter.
I really got away with that in California,
but here it does not work so well.
This year it has done me NO good,
and robbed me of finishing the season
4 miles short of 1400 miles!!!!
4 miles
all because my feet got cold!

The lesson here?
1. Living in denial never does anyone any good.
2. Giving in to reality doesn't mean you are ignorant of it
3. Being prepared helps you enjoy things instead of missing out
4. If you think you need something and it is bicycle related ~ you do.

Winter is really freakin' expensive,
especially when you move from a moderate climate to a very cold climate,
very cold...
I believe this is now my fourth winter in the woods
and I am still building up my arsenal just to get to work in a car,
let alone admitting to myself I might want to actually ride a bicycle in cold weather.
Baby steps...

I had committed myself this year to riding down to at least 30F,
as long as the roads stayed dry
and until they laid the first evil grains of salt on the roads.

BUT I had not quite committed myself to buying those booties and warmer gloves I had been pondering seriously for a few months and in the end it cost me those 4 cherished miles and a last beautiful Thanksgiving weekend of riding.
It was just a tad too cold for what I had for weeks been getting away with, and I knew it.
It was go time.
Time to order those key missing pieces.

First, what I did order or already had this year:

A Hat

I am going to say right out that you will see a lot of Sugoi here.
I love Sugoi,
not just because it is fun to say,
but because they make really great quality cycling clothes,
and they DO IT RIGHT for the female gender
.
The hat was the best investment I could have made. It is fleece lined, covers my ears, blocks the wind, and kept my head at the perfect temperature.
The hat seemed to be a good choice once the temps dipped into the low 40's.
Highly recommended even for just riding around town ~ great under a helmet!


Important Top Layer

I am also a huge fan of Craft.
I got a smokin' deal on this top this fall and do not know how I lived without it.
Works great with my vest in warmer temps
or under my jacket in cooler temps.
I love how Craft designs for women,
their tops fit so well.
I would wear this anywhere anytime.

My jacket is something I got on sale last year,
I like the white color.
The sleeves zip off for the days it is warmer out then you suspected
and makes a great vest (see pic below).


Leg Appropriate Gear

Leg warmers are the best.
I've had these for awhile and love them.
For temps in the mid 40's and up these are great,
not so much bulk on the legs, but still warm.

Sugoi Shorts
I wear a shorter inseam short in the summer,
but to wear with leg warmers, I like the 8" inseam.
The warmers stay tucked in and I get more length with the warmer/short combo.
I bought some Evolution Shorts and the padding is supremo on the Trek saddle.
These will also be used for my indoor riding.
Good to have the long inseam in winter also because who cares about the tan line you won't have, right?...


Tights

For cold days I have a pair of Pearl Izumi amFIB tights with wind stop on the front.
These tights are awesome.
Super warm, too warm really if it is above 45.
I do feel less mobile with all my winter gear on, so I hold off on the layers as long as I can,
but once I put these on I am happy as a clam.

Things I added...

I was moving along quite well with just my SmartWool socks and road shoes,
but it was quickly becoming apparent I needed those darn booties.
Worth it for just a few rides? You bet!
The booties came after Thanksgiving weekend,
and so did the cold weather and salt on the roads,
so I have not been able to take these for a test ride yet, but H says they are better than his.


Gloves

I was sailing along fine on my REI gloves from about 10 years ago as well,
but deep down I knew it was the end of the road for these.
I guess I would call myself a serious cyclist now and I needed some serious gloves.
With the bootie purchase I dove in and bought some nice quality gloves.
Haven't been able to test ride these yet either, but I know they will be the bomb.
For other purposes I bought SmartWool liner gloves, and I know I can tuck these into my new gloves when the need arises.


So, that's my get up.
That's me.
That's how I roll.

I look forward to trying it all out in the Spring
after the first rains have washed the salt off the roads.
Until then,
the Trek and I will be one
in the box
watching movies,
but not eating popcorn...

exceeding expectations...

The day started out right.
What was that strange thing in the sky?!
SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trek and I gleefully headed out
for a long Autumn ride.
AT LAST!

Mid-way through it was time for
a photo in honour of our momentous occasion...

We rolled 1300 miles today.
Our first year together,
and my personal best.
What a year it has been!
Trek has been there nearly every step of the way,
when I was down,
when I was up,
and when I was even keel...

I am exalted.
Not in my wildest dreams
did I ever expect to ride any bicycle
1300 miles in one season.
In so many ways
I am a better person for it.
One big collective sigh....
and WOO HOO!


The day just kept giving.
The Sun kept shining and we
headed to the lake.
Bob's been having a rough few weeks,
I think the sun and lakeside viewing
did us all a little good.
I treasure our family time.
So quick to tears I am with my Bob...



All this while everyone else was raking leaves...

May your November also
Exceed all expectations....

jealousy...

It's been brewing for awhile now,
Trek is jealous,
mostly confined indoors,
watching me with
Bernina...
What's a girl to do?
I love them both...

dont' worry Trek,
to be honest -
you are my favorite...
just don't tell Bernina