Clipless Pedals or Not

For me NOT. I prefer the ease of using regular shoes or sandals that I find comfortable. My favorite cycling shoes are Sketcher sneakers and now their sandals. They have a very hard long wearing sole that sticks like Gorilla Glue to the pedals and the shoes are light. I had a pair of Lake sandals and with the cleats were surprisingly heavy. I suffer from numb foot especially on high BB bikes and like to be able to move my foot around. Being locked in makes the situation worse. It seems that most cycling shoes are made for very narrow feet. I guess to fit the pedal better. My favorite clipless pedals were Look with it's wide platform, but not suitable for walking. I do many utility miles like to the store and such. With gas prices what they are and being more Eco conscious I find myself using my car less and less when possible.

Now for the pedals. My 1st bent was a Bikee in 1999 and I was not comfortable using my Look pedals for that type of ride. My LBS showed me Odyssey pedals with their big wide platform and not ultra sharp but gripping teeth and they matched the bike. For $25 I was sold. I have not looked back and have those same pedals on my Stratus now 8 yrs old. I bought 2 more pair. One for my SWB Rocket and one for my trike. I have never had leg suck or had my feet accidentally slip off. The 4X3.5 in platform works for flip flops and hiking boots and durability is outstanding.

As I get older, I find myself doing shorter distances(no more than 66 mi), but riding more days in the yr. The ability to jump on my bike without specific cycling wear prompts me to use my bike more for local errands and visits.

With that,

I KEEP RIDING!!!

A Marty Day

For those of you who do not know me, A Marty Day is an endearing term used by my close cycling friends. I suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and tend to get over exuberant over a great ride in great weather to the point my cycling friends now refer to a great cycling day as A Marty Day. Today was such a day. It will probably be one of the ten best Marty Days of the year. Temps in the 70's to low 80's, almost no wind, no humidity and pure sunshine. Shorts, T shirt and sandles. My favorite cycling outfit.



I set out to do 50 miles and decided to make it an adventure and let the roads lead me as they may. As it turned out I found myself in Allentown. It is a quaint town with antique and quilt shops and a great small town coffee shop called Woody's. They make great inexpensive sandwiches and have outside tables and chairs, so you can keep an eye on your bike. Also up the road is a great small park overlooking a beautiful pond with benches. Another great place to stop and relax. Allentown is a hub for motorcyclists and bicyclists as it is surounded by rural roads.

The day was so beautifull I decided to put on a few extra miles, by taking the long way home. It was 56 miles. Taking a short break, I later went to the store making my total for the day 61 mi.

Truly A Marty Day

Beautiful Spring Day

I was finally able to get out and do a 50 miler on this beautiful spring day. Temps in the mid to upper 50's and light winds. New computer, wife, kids, and work set on the back burner. Just me and my bike to enjoy life's splendor and beauty. A gift.

My New Flag

I just finalized the proof for my new personalized flag. I purchased it from Gettysburg Flag Works. I did it online. It was an unusual request so it took them 2 weeks to get back to me with price and proof. Minor changes where made and finalized in less than 24 hrs. Lead time is 2-3 weeks. I should have it in time for the 5 Boro BikeNY ride.

Loving everything about the ride!!

Dog and his best friend Donald

I 1st met these guys on my 1st self contained tour in 2003 with my son. Both dog and duck ran to the fence barking and quaking. It was obvious the duck thought it was a dog. My son and I just laughed. 5 years later they are still best friends only more sedate. I hope you enjoy this short video.

Biking in New Jersey

As a member the The Central Jersey Bike Club I receive a monthly news letter called the HUB. It lists all rides for the month and has various stories and articles. In the February Hub it listed a link to NJ State Transportation on Biking which was offering free cycling maps. The maps were for various rides in the state and The NJ East Coast Greenway portion. This is part of a multi use Trail in progress from Maine to Florida. Also included is a route from High Point to Cape May. CJBC sponsors this ride and is called the Longest Day as it is a 200 mile ride.

I received the route maps and was quite impressed. The High Point Cape May and ECG are larger map books that are made with a light plastic type lamination and quite durable. They also are the size that will fit in a standard map case. All maps come with a road map overview and easy to follow cycling Q sheets.

Just click on the above link and go to free information. Fill out the the required information and maps you would like and in less than 2 weeks you will receive this great guide.

Have fun and Keep Riding

New Sleeping Bag

I just purchased a Northface Allegany Rectangular sleeping bag for touring. It is a synthetic bag that compacts down to 7"X13" and weights just 2 lbs 8 oz and is good down to 40 deg. I just can't do those mummy bags. I have a North Face Kazoo down mummy bag which weights about the same but is good to 20 deg, and stuffs to the same size. I used it once on BikeVa with temps at night in the 70's and I just sweltered all night long. Later, on other bike trips, I decided to try a Fleece rectangular sleeping bag. If the temps were warm (60 or above) it was fine and the fleece was way more comfortable. If it was chillier the fleece just couldn't cut it and I was forced to dress to the max and freeze. Having a full sided zipper that opens up the bag to a quilt is perfect for me. I can move around and squish the bag to conform to my sleeping habits. Those mummy bags may be warm, but, I feel like I'm in a coffin. The coldest night trips I have taken, believe it or not, was on BikeFl in March. The night temps got down to freezing with frost on my tent. All of my other tent touring rides have been in warmer weather. This new bag seems just what the doctor ordered. Light weight, stuffs into a small sack and is good to 40 deg. I purchased this bag at Campmor in northern NJ. I found this to be the best camping type store in the country for price and variety. If you are fortunate to be close enough their in house sales staff is outstanding . If not, their online catalogue is fantastic.

I am not sure what if any organized tours I will be doing this yr. With my old and new Arkel panniers and pods my ICE T is begging to be toured.

Keep Riding!!