Tuesday Ride

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

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

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

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.