The Boston Raleigh Users Group

Beer In Style

2013-05-16T06:38:00.002-04:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/107352718/bike-beer-growler-holder-cover-carrier

Sunday Boston Tweed

2013-05-05T19:52:00.000-04:00

What can I say? Sorry you missed it if you were not there?

What a great group of folks! What a great time! Thank You!

Hidden Helmet Hat

Good Boys Dont Get Flats

2013-05-05T08:17:00.001-04:00

In the Summer of 1959, Me and my brother John set off for a bicycle ride that we would remember for many years to come.

I was seven years old and my brother John, six. My Mom would allow us to go off for the day on what was known to us as a "Bike Hike" as long as we had a destination that she agreed with and promised to walk our bikes across at intersections.
Our Bike Hike for the day was to ride to Sunshine Dairy in Sherborn, 7 miles away, have a picnic lunch, feed the ducks, Buy Ice Cream and ride home.

Mom packed our lunch's with the standard PB&J and 15 cents each for Ice Cream.
No sooner did we start the ride, my brother started eating his sandwich while riding and then moved on to the duck bread. By the time we reached the half way point he had finished all the carry-on food and was looking for more.

Along the way there was a little general store with a "Frostie Root Beer" sign on the outside. It had unfinished wide pine flooring and penny candy. They had one of those ice cream coolers that you opened the top and reached down into for Hoodsies and H Bars. There was a little wooden stool for short people.
My brother spent all his money on a big bag of candy and went out side to sit on the step and finish it off. I remember the look on his face looking into the bag, away from Mom with a huge bag, all on his own. Total Bliss.

By the time we reached the dairy, John was out of money, lunch and duck bread. That was the day my little brother taught me without saying a word that you don't need duck bread to attract ducks. All you need to do is make like your throwing it in, The arm movement alone will make them come.

Things got boring that afternoon at the Dairy quickly. It wouldn't have been right to go straight home at that moment.
The only thing that came to mind was exactly what my Mom would have totally forbidden and never would have allowed us to do if it had been part of the original "Bike Hike" plan.

Our ride would now include an extra leg to Downtown Framingham.
Downtown Framingham was and still is a very busy place. Theres lots of traffic. Cars,Trucks,Buses,Trains, no place for a couple of little kids on bikes, even not back then. Our destination, Woolworth's. Why? Lead Soldiers.

Woolworths had a glass shelfs with regiments of 2" high hand painted lead soldiers. Mostly like war figures from World War One. I remember about 10 different poses, placed in rows of 10 deep. Being in the presents of these nobel miniture troops with out parents to say "Come on, Lets go!" was like heven on earth!
We parked our bikes outside unlocked against the window and went in side. We were in the store at the soldier section for only about a minute when a very large women in a house coat told us we had to leave because we were not with our mother. We couldn't argue back then so we followed her orders.
When we got back to the bikes we found that John's front tire was not only flat, but had completely blown off the rim. (Air Pressure didn't mean much to us back then)
At age seven I could patch a flat but did not bring a patch kit for the job. I did however have a adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.
You need to understand that if we were to call my Mom from Downtown Framingham that afternoon, I would not be alive now to tell this story.
If the tire in the back had flatted, we could just ride it back the 3 miles to the dairy, but this was the front.

I did what needed to be done. I removed my brothers front wheel and stretched his front fork to fit my rear axle,tightened the axle nuts and turned the two bicycles into a tandem.
My Brother John looked at it and said, "Lets Call Mom!"
I yelled, "Get On!" Holding his front wheel in his hands on his handlebars like a steering wheel.
We made it back to the Dairy with enough time to call Mom, have here come get us in a place we had agreed to be and be back to the house for Supper in time for Dad to come home from work.

Forty Nine Years have passed. I remember that my Mom wasn't very happy to come get us in the car. Not part of her plan I suppose. I reminded my brother of our day together and he recalls it as the day that he learned that,
"Good Boys Don't Get Flats!"

The Golden Arrow

2013-04-18T09:22:00.000-04:00

It wasent until I found my first Golden Arrow in the Sherborn Dump back in the early 70's that I really fell in love with a bicycle.

At that time I had owned 1 Raleigh 23" Raleigh Sports 3 Speed and a 24" Raleigh Sports 4 Speed, but it wasn't until the Golden Arrow that I realized "The Raleigh" was a bicycle of the highest quality that was looked at for years as one of the finest racing machines.

Before the Golden Arrow I had used my Raleighs as "Woods Bikes". Something to get me up to the pond and save time as well as the wear and tear on my racing bike and lightweight wheelset. Sort of a all purpose bicycle for camping and shopping the dump. Named by my close friend, Jon Currier, "Mobile Unit 1", was my pick up truck of bikes. I could move two complete bikes on my Raleigh Sports and not have to worry about puncturing a Tubular Tire or "Sew Up" as they were known back then.

My first Golden Arrow came in 3 phases. The first was the frame. I noticed immediately the differences in the frame angles, headset and removable chainring. The bicycle had no wheels. Figuring it was a three speed, I shopped the dumps for a set fitting for my new bike.
About a week later back at the Sherborn Dump, I found the wheel set. Fixed and Free, front and rear with the "R" wingnuts. There must have not been enough room in the car for the wheels on the first trip to the dump. The bicycle at this time still had black North Road Bars instead of the Lauterwasser style that it was originally sold with.

26 x 1 1/4 EA1 tires were rare back then I managed to scoop a pair of near perfect Dunlop Roadsters with the wheelset, but bicycle shops no longer sold that size.
It wasn't until about a year later, a roommate of a close friend came across a 30's Raleigh with Drum Brakes that felt the bike more fitting with up right bars, so we swapped.

Me on my Golden Arrow in October of 1977 after crossing into the infield at the flooded track at Watkins Glen for the US Grand Prix

The Golden Arrow as a fixed gear became my primary bicycle. I rode it everywhere. After becoming use to it super laid back feel with its very relaxed headtube angle and extremely raked fork, It became normal to me and felt right.
As time went on I would meet older riders that recognized the bike from having owned one. They too knew the feel of the Arrow and the love for the Raleigh. I learned that the bicycle was made in two sizes, but it was only the smaller 21" frame that was preferred by riders of all heights. The laid back seat tube angle would create the perfect top tube length as the seat was raised for the rider.

Bill Vandel of Vandels Cyclery Back in 1939 on what he remembers as his Golden Arrow. Check out the high gears and the "Bailey Bend" bars.'

The Golden Arrow to this day remains my favorite Raleigh. I have owned three. On a later date I will do a "Part Two" to this story of how I came across my third. It was truly a dream come true!

The Beauty of the Bicycle

2013-04-17T08:53:00.002-04:00

Is there any other more beautiful bicycle than a Raleigh Roadster?
I should say not!
Riders of the road and the Roadster agree!
Adding beauty to any New England scene, the Raleigh Roadster completes the picture! Fitting its background in a timeless manor that actually adds to the view in such a pleasant way!
Bicycles and cameras work well together. Like being on a hunt, finding the best spot and shoot. Bring home the memory to share and save. Remembering a time gone by, easily relived on another great day off riding your Raleigh Roadster!
I hope to see you on the road!

Looks like its Time for a Ride

2013-04-14T10:12:00.003-04:00

It looks like we just may be over the "Snow Season" here in Southern New England. One can only hope anyway.

All though we have seen snow as late as May 10th here, chances are good that we are done with the white stuff for the Winter of 2012/2013.

Sunnier Sundays and salt free roads have me wanting to take out the nicer Roadsters for a spin around town, Heads up and happy, our favorite style of riding make one feel alive again. Its like having come out for the first time when you look down and see that favorite bike that you saved for another year of salt and sand. Like a fine watch, You not only own the Roadster, but holding it foe a future owner to carry forward in time. Its an important responsibility.

Warm weather is picnic time. Planning outings in ones head takes you away from daily troubles and has you thinking back to times when it was great to be out. Thinking how you could make it better and what you could pack, this time around.

Planning an adventure is easy. There are enough riders of the Roadster to have a great group. Nice stops in nice places are important. Thinking about places spots great photo opportunity's for visual souvenirs of your event are a must. The bicycles look so nice as they are, but with some fantastic background the finished photos are sometimes worth framing.

Weather you ride as a group or alone, the view you complete with your Roadster have drivers smiling. Its hard not to feel good, adding to the New England scenery with something that looks so proper and looks so right!

Happy Roadstering!

Monson 2013

2013-03-24T06:24:00.000-04:00

Sometimes its not the things I find or the bikes I wish you could buy that are the best part of any swap meet.
The people you see and meet are truly my favorite part. The common interest of old bikes and bike parts connects us. Seeing the new and old friendly faces is truly the best!
People are what I'm looking for when I go to a show and because of it, they smile say hello and thank me for coming.
Its the people that make the event, not the bikes and parts. If it were only a room of stuff, it would not be close to as much fun.

Here are some of the photos from the Monson swap meet from this year. If you have never been, you just might enjoy meeting some of the faces.

SOMA's Lauterwasser Bars

2013-03-11T13:27:00.002-04:00

As close to the real thing as I have ever seen, these aluminum alloy copr of the populay bars from the 30's could lighten up any Raleigh Roadster.

The bars measure 25.4 at the center and 22.2, or 7/8" at the grip. Standard for what we call in the industry, "Touring Levers" Road bike levers could be used if shimmed and shims hidden by bar tape.

The bars should retail for around $65.00. Cheap by comparison to the originals that I last saw on Ebay for #300.

Great Site Loaded with Info.

2013-03-11T10:13:00.000-04:00

One of my readers introduced me to this site this morning. Beautifully laid out, I found it a joy. I hope you do too!

http://www.kurtkaminer.com/TH_ralsport_visID.html

Dr Cutler West

2013-03-03T19:01:00.001-05:00

Two of my all time favorite customers in the 70's were Sheldon Brown and Dr cutler West. Everyone reading this, I think has heard about Sheldon Brown. Cutler, Im not so sure. They're both in the photo below. Sheldon to the right, Cutler to the left.

Sheldon and Cutler West

Cutler was always a pleasure. Very kind and very quiet. He was said to have more money than,, Rockefeller, but rode a women's 3 speed bike. He was a genius and Dr Edward Lands right hand man.

I was living in Cambridge and working at the number one shop on the East Coast. (Ben Olken's Bicycle Exchange) I met some of the most interesting people. I once helped Carolyn Kennedy put a Allen Rack on the back of her Volkswagen Bug to bring her Women s Raleigh Sports back to Hyannis.

Cutler was special. You can see in the photo to the right with Sheldon. Eisenhower jacket. huge beard. No ego. A joy, every time he came in.

They said when he died, they went into his Cambridge home and found Polaroid pay checks used as book marks. Never cashed, Never needed. He road a Raleigh 3 Speed and did quite well.

I was told he picked up the tab at the Bicycle Exchange for the repairs and bicycles for the Cambridge Visiting Nurses. They used Womens Raleighs to get around.

Check this out:

http://books.google.com/books?id=6TTbCT64seEC&pg=PA49&lpg=PA49&dq=dr+cutler+west+polaroid&source=bl&ots=0P_3dZqpa3&sig=c9Z0lxV8VbWeElKj5bVUJdXO5v0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=pOIzUeS_EIrK0AGsk4GwDw&ved=0CEYQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=dr%20cutler%20west%20polaroid&f=false

I will always Remember Cutler. People like him make staying in Bicycles Sales worth more than money. Employees at the Bi-Ex would walk away from people like him. The attract for me was overwhelming and worth every second.

Looking for a New, Old Bicycle

2013-03-03T08:29:00.001-05:00

Shopping for an antique Raleigh can sometimes be as fun as riding one. Prices have been climbing over the past 5 years, so maybe the time is right.
Bikes are found in different ways. Searching on Ebay may not get you the best deal if your a buyer. A world market has more folks shopping that can drive the price higher than what we would consider a good deal. After the shipping costs are added, you could be paying more then the bike is worth.

Craigs List, being local, eliminates in most cases, shipping costs. Prices are more reasonable and sometime, the seller has other bikes they want to pass on. They also may know where to find more.

Swap meets like the Monson, Ma show (March 24th, 2013) are a great place to meet collectors that have bicycles they want to sell or swap, thus the name "Bike Swap". Asking around, you might find out about other locations that have old Raleighs sitting.

Shopping the town dumps and the metal pile takes time. Great bikes can be found, but don't expect to find what your looking for. It seems like now a days there are fewer and fewer being thrown away because the word is out, "That bike is a Collectors Item!" When I ever I hear that said, I say, "Well, your going to need to find a Collector"

I once had a women on the phone tell me that her 1960's Raleigh was worth $1000.00, I said, "Its Not." She then went on to tell me that the guy next door knows all about bicycles and he said so. I said "Sell it to him for $500. and he can then make some money to who he knows will pay $!000." I then went on to tell her that the bike was only ,at tops, worth $100. After a long pause, she said that that the first person to come to her house, she would sell it for $50.

Finding bicycles on the side of the road happens. I once found a 1936 Raleigh Golden Arrow.

Hunting for Raleigh's can be fun. A great way to stay in touch with whats out there and for how much. The best advice to any buyer is that if they find something that they want, Go Get It. because its not going to last for long.

Do you have any good ideas that you want to share?

Tuesday Ride

2013-02-28T11:15:00.001-05:00

Beautiful day for a ride around the block. How lucky we are to have such a lovely block!

The sap is running and their boiling syrup. It seems early, bot things are in full swing!

Enough salt still on the road for a good bike wash at the finish. What a wonderful ride!

The Raleigh Wingnut

2013-02-21T08:51:00.001-05:00

In the shape of two opposing "Rs" The Raleigh wing nut is a thing of beauty and a detail of a time gone by.

I know a few people we could call "Raleigh Wingnuts"

Happiness is a Warm Day

2013-02-18T07:58:00.003-05:00

Or should I say Happiness is a Warm anything at this time of year! Staying warm is an art. Starting with warm clothing and a warm bicycle helps.

If your handle bars are ice cold, so will be your hands in short order. Warming up your bike before you start helps. Bring it in close to the heater if you keep it in a cold place.

Plastic pedals work best to keep your feet from getting cold fast. Plastic conducts the cold poorly. Aluminum cleated pedals unless warmed can send the cold via the cleat right into the shoe. Good winter shoes have a insulated insole to prevent this from happening, but cheep plastic pedals, cleat or not work best for that short winter ride.

Bicycle shops have in great supply things to stay warm, The bigger the store, the better.

Thinking about how to stay warm will have you happier as you enjoy your ride at this time of year! I hope to see you on the road!

Kind Words

2013-02-02T23:03:00.000-05:00

Every once and a while (But not often enough) I get a letter like this from someone that has ether found my Raleigh blog or has been reading it.
So you will know, Its the reason I continue. Its nice for folks to check in and read their story. This letter came to me today:

Hello Scott,

I just found your blog and enjoyed reading about the life of a Raleigh bike enthusiast. I'm just entering back into the world of the Raleigh bike. My folks gave us kids Raleighs for Christmas in 1971. I had the men's bronze-green Raleigh Sport. It was too big for me at the time but I managed to get on it and ride off into the sunset. Most kids in my neighborhood were getting the Schwinn 10 speeds. My Raleigh Sport, or "Green Hornet" as I called it, may not have been the coolest bike on the block but it was a great bike. I didn't know really how great a bike it was until years later when I started riding again. I've recently reconnected with the "Green Hornet" having purchased a near identical Raleigh Sport out of Portland, Oregon. It's going to be my town and pub bike. We have more hills here but the Raleigh should cruise without too much effort.

Thanks again for sharing. I've greatly enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to future postings.

From Auburn, California

Deren Ross

PS. I should be getting my bike next week. I'll share a photo of the Raleigh, me, and the town of Auburn.

Thank You Deren Ross and please let me know if you need anything for your Raleigh experience in the future.
We are looking forward to your photos.

One day closer to the 4th of July

2013-01-31T07:14:00.002-05:00

Its days like these when the temperatures come up over 50 degrees that has one wanting to take out that favorite Roadster for a quick spin. Bad Idea. Here's why.
Road salt and sand, although not seen, is covering every road surface. Even taking the time to wash your bicycle afterwards doesn't do as good a job as maybe you think. Small places and parts hold salt and sand. It best to wait for a good rain and drying of the roads before venturing out.

Having a back up bike for days like these is best. The Winter bike should be part of your collection and washed as well after you go out. In short order you may enjoy your Winter riding as much as you would on your favorite Roadster.
As the days get longer and the weather nicer, remember that every day we are closer to Spring and how wonderful it will be!

2013-01-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

2013-01-08T08:57:00.001-05:00

Happy 2013!

2012-12-31T21:29:00.001-05:00

Here We Go! A whole new year to enjoy the bikes and style we enjoy most. Lets see how many adventures we can have. Great times, great friends and the photos to prove it!
2013 will be the 120 birthday of the Raleigh. Great bikes, Great times!
Heres wishing all a Very Happy Raleigh New Year!

My Christmas Story

2012-12-25T07:09:00.000-05:00

I like to think of myself as a good guy. If I can, I will go out of my way to help out a friend or even a stranger in need.
I found out that my friend and cycling buddy didn't have much longer to live, I asked Him if there was anything he wanted for Christmas that he never got.
It didn't take him long to answer. His dream gift that he always wanted to see under the tree on Christmas morning was a Red Bicycle. He said he had asked, but always received something different.
We left it at that. Knowing that he probably would never see his dream come true,I went right to work.
Bikes in my life have seemed to come right when I needed them. It wasn't more then 3 days that I found the perfect Red Bicycle for my friend's dream Christmas gift.
It was a Red 1957 Schwinn Typhoon single speed,coaster brake, in fair condition.
Old Schwinn's clean up beautifully with a little elbow grease. I dismantled the bike, polished every part and put it back together.
The bicycle looked great and with a red bow on the seat,was ready for under the tree. I talked to his Mom and worked things out so we could get it in the house late on Christmas Eve while everyone was sleeping.
The plan was to show up around 11:00 and come through the front door. By that time, she was sure everyone would be sound asleep. She was going to have a place ready for us to put the bike, right in the center.
For me to get the Schwinn over to Sherborn, I would need the help of my younger Brother, John.
John knew my friend and was happy to be part of the plan.
My brother would pick me up at the fanilys house and head over around 10:30 in his El Camino, Bike covered and ready.
We parked down the street and carried the bicycle the last 100 yards so we would not be heard coming into the driveway.
Getting into the house went without problem, John holding the door and with out touching the wet ground , I got the bike in the living room.
The room was dark. Decorated beautifully for the Holidays, the Tree was lit and with the candles in the window, we could see exactly where we were going.
It took a little extra time setting the bike so it looked perfect.
Although the surprise seemed like the thing to do for someone on Christmas, it was really strange to be in someones home, in the middle of the night, in the dark, with everyone in bed asleep.
That's when I broke the news to my brother John. I put my mouth up to his ear and whispered, "I don't think this is the right house!"
My brother turned white as the freshly fallen snow. We ran out the door as quickly and quietly as possible, leaving the Red Schwinn behind under the Christmas Tree.

Thirty five years have passed and to this day we have never found out if we had the right house or not. I assume we did and the gift received, but I never heard back and we never bothered to ask.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Alex Moulton 9 April 1920 – 9 December 2012

2012-12-10T18:14:00.001-05:00

Truly great bicycle designer. He will be missed.

1965 Moulton Standard

It is with great sorrow that Shaun Moulton and The Moulton Bicycle Company announce the news that Dr. Alexander Eric Moulton CBE, distinguished engineer and inventor, passed away peacefully in the company of his family and staff on Sunday evening, 9th December 2012, at the age of 92.

Dr. Moulton was an inspiration for generations of engineers, designers and inventors. Educated at Marlborough and Cambridge, Alex Moulton worked at Bristol Aeroplanes as assistant to Sir Roy Fedden during WW2. He joined Bradford on Avon rubber manufacturers Spencer Moulton in 1945, leading a new research team. His collaboration with Sir Alec Issigonis resulted in Moulton suspension, including ‘Hydrolastic’ and ‘Hydragas’ systems, being employed in over twelve million British cars from the original Mini to the MGF.

The Want Advertiser

2012-12-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

Long before Craigs List and even the internet there was the Want Advertiser. A weekly magazine listing everything for sale.
People made money from the "Want Ads" Buy and sell, the magazine would hit the stands every Thursday morning and by noon, everything worth buying was ether sold or being dealt with.
My weekly plan back in the early 70's was to ride to the Maugus Restaurant in Wellesly Ma. and buy the just received magazine next door. While waiting for my breakfast, I would use the phone on the wall to call folks that had posted ads of Raleigh Sports or DL-1's.
After contacting the seller, I would then ask 3 simple questions about the bicycle:
What color is it, is the seat made out of leather and is it a girls or a boys bike.
Most sellers had no idea what size or year it was. The best part of the magazine was that you never saw any Raleigh Sports listed for more then $50.00. Most Sports would be listed for around $35.00. High for the times, it was hard to find any used bicycle listed for anything more then $100.
After deciding if the bike was worth the trip to see it, I would make arrangements to go get it, arranging with the seller to be home when I get there and for me to have cash in hand. At of a time of no ATM's or cell phones, it was no simple feat.
Traveling by bicycle, I would need the tools and the pack to carry the bicycle home. Never was the bicycle any further distance then Worcester. It was a time when bicycles were not allowed on the train. The broken down bike was carried on the my back and bike sometimes as far as 35 miles home to my shop.
A refurbished Raleigh at that time could bring as much as $100 when sold to Harvard or MIT students as transportation. I could turn as many as 2 bicycles a week and with only having to pay $45.00 a month for rent of my room in my Cambridgeport apartment, after the cost of parts, $125.00 was a good weekly wage.
Over time I found some great old bikes that to this day I still own. Getting leads from other riders was a great source of British Roadsters, but the Want Ad was by far, the most dependable source for a weekly supply used Raleighs.

The Want Advertiser went out of business in October of 2008. The magazine that allowed sellers to post their ad and pay by the honor system closed its doors for good. Another business closes its doors because of we now know and love, the internet.

1939 Raleigh DL-1, $30.00 It came with the catalog and a hand written letter from the second owner to the third. I was the forth.

Two Tablespoons a Fortnight.

2012-12-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

Anybody that has dealt with Raleigh/Sturmey Archer for more then 30 years will know exactly where the title of today's post comes from.

Proper care and feeding of your Sturmey Archer gear requires a certain amount of oil over time. As it gets colder and if you continue to ride into the winter, the old can of 30 weight may not be the best lubricant for the job.
Sturmey Archer oil and Raleigh oil has been what seems to me 30 weight motor oil. Thin enough to not get sticky and thick enough to not break down over time.
My oil of choice at this time of year is a little thinner.
Marvel Lubricating Oil seems to do the job nicely. Not readily found its best to get it on line. Not to be confused with "Marvel Mystery Oil" the Mystery Oil is for loosening stuck widgets and too thin for the job correctly over time. That said, as long as its thin, its better then thick.

Thirty five years ago I was asked to help with a video shoot on the top floor of the Raleigh Building on Commonwealth Ave in Boston. Boston Video rented the whole floor for film and video rental for pro needs. They also had a 3 camera studio where we were doing a jazz dance shoot.

I rode my 1963 Raleigh Superb with Claude Butler racks, front and rear, Brooks Pro Saddle Sturmey Archer Sports lam mounted on the fork, and Campagnolo pedals in from Dover. I got in the elevator on the first floor to go up. The door opened at Raleigh and 4 well dressed gentleman got in. They didn't know me, but I knew who they were because we used the Raleigh offices for our CRC of A club meeting with John Allis. They first thought that I would be getting out at Raleigh, but I said, I'm going up.
Quiet, they all looked at me,my cleated black leather lace up shoes and my Raleigh. It was one of the nicest bikes I have ever broken.

After trying to figure it all out, one gent said, "You know you need to oil that hub?" And I responded with what I had read from the side of the then, antique can. They all smiled and wished me a good day as I got off the elevator.

But as it said on the can, "Two Tablespoons a Fortnight" it was always a question on how to get a tablespoon of oil through the spokes of your wheel filled with oil and how do you pour it in? Typical British, these are things you are supposed to know. If you have to ask, then just maybe you don't deserve the hub gear at all!

I like to think I know. I never use a table spoon of course, but pour what I think is enough as to not drip out of the hub. Too much won't hurt the hub, just your floor and your pocket having to buy more oil sooner than you would need. Check the link below for a source of Marvel brand oils.

http://www.tooldex.com/product/MA7-005/Marvel-Mystery-Oil-005-Lubricating-Oils/?gclid=CMOnkdn7gLQCFUQw4AoddFMAjg

When Enough is Enough

2012-12-03T08:25:00.001-05:00

I love to explore on the bike. I like riding fast but prefer to take my time and see things. Using the bicycle to get a better look then if traveling by automobile, The bicycle allows me to arrive at every moment.
I was never the fastest person. Even the Police Lady crossing guard knew her job was finished and it was time to go home when I came along walking home from school in the first grade. I was always last. Trash day was all the more reason to go slow. I learned at an early age that stuff being tossed at the end of a driveway was free. One persons junk could be my treasure.
With the new news every day about the ill effects of over doing exercise and the importance of moderation, I feel that my level of speed in travel is justified, See more, enjoy more, find more. The Roadster is perfect for that. Caring the tools for a quick stop at the dump just in case there is that hard to find part, found.

I love riding with good friends, Old and new alike. What a great way to spend a day enjoying the New England countryside.

The other day I was riding with an old friend. We came to an intersection of two busy streets. A spot that one would expect to respect and at least put your foot down for a moment. No. My riding partner went through the red light and did not look back. By the time it was safe, he was down the street too far to hear me and make the corner to cross the foot bridge over the Charles.
I crossed and saw him continue at speed, never once looking back as if he was in some kind of race.
We never meet up again that day.

This behavior is unacceptable in my way of thinking. I have always felt the the best riders can ride with the fastest, have fun with the slowest and obey the rules of the road. Selfish riding techniques are as bad in my mind as selfish drivers.
I met with my old friend a couple of days later and told him we would not ride together again for a long time. Not as punishment, but for the reason that I have better things to do with my rides, It was not the first time he had done it but would be the last.

I have never felt that my blog should be a rant, but I do think that good friends and riders should stick together for the duration of an afternoon ride finishing together for a "Thank you and a "Lets do this again sometime soon."

What do you think?

Dealing With Winter

2012-12-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

Not the best time of year for a collectable antique bike. Sand and salt will ruin a 3 speed as well as any bicycle on New England streets in short order at this time of year.
If you don't notice it now, you will later. All those nicely sculpted screws and nuts that hold your fenders on will become one after a good soaking of water and road salt.
I have ruined many a bike over time. Of course, washing your bike after a ride will keep things right, but I have never had the energy after a good ride to start working on my bike. Its the right thing to do, but at the wrong time.
Funny, I first got into Raleigh Sports 3 Speeds by using them in the winter and not ruin my good bikes. Back in the late 60's it was easy pickings at any near by dump. Wellesley, Mass was a good one to find a selection of what would fit the bill.
I love riding in the snow. Especially when it's sunny. There is nothing like bundling up and heading out for a cycle adventure on a beautiful New England road with snow covered everything. Its just hard on the bike.
I like to use a lesser bike, dump pick as a winter ride. I'm sure years from now I will think, what did I do to that beautiful so and so. Everything in time becomes valuable. Its just hard to remember the justification of the ride when you think back to what you have ruined.
Let's go for a ride!