Stormy November

02 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Brian Hanson in Cycling

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commute, ferris wheel, Hunqapillar, rivendell, Seattle, stormy, sunset, Waterfront

Stormy November, a set on Flickr.

I always seem to bike more in November than I do in any month during the summer. This year is no different. I did more miles than any month since June. I think the shorter days and beautiful stormy sunsets pull me out. I am also trying to fight the fall hibernation body cycle.

These are some pictures of a recent commute along the Seattle waterfront on my favorite winter bike.

SaddleSack Pair

02 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Brian Hanson in Cycling

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a. homer hilsen, bicycle, bike, bike commute, commute, commuter, cycling, hilsen, homer, Hunqapillar, noodles, rivendell, sackville, saddlesack, Seattle

SaddleSack Pair, a set on Flickr.

The Rivendell Sackville line of saddle bags is the nicest bags I’ve come across. Well built, and great looking aesthetically. They also hold a tone of gear. I keep tools in both of these bags, but have room for a small iPad or laptop, a change of clothes, and in the larger Medium bag, I have hauled that plus a growler of beer with room to spare.

Acorn Tall Boxy Rando and Me

02 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Brian Hanson in Cycling

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a. homer hilsen, acorn bags, bike, bike commute, Boxy Rando, randonneur, rivendell, Seattle

Acorn Rando Commute, a set on Flickr.

I’m currently trading out my older Acorn Boxy Rando bag for the newer Tall Boxy Rando. The main reason is to better color-match my rear SaddleSack on the Hilsen. It’s not exact, but pretty close. The other reason is the regular Boxy was always a bit too small to be perfect. It sat well below the handlebar height, and I had a tough time getting things in/out of it while riding.

No such problem on the Tall. The top flap rests just above my current Noodles bar, and is just perfect. The quality of the bag is the same as the older Boxy. Super!

Acorn Tall Boxy Rando Bag

As with the Medium SaddleSack I have on my Hunqapillar, I leave the bag open (unlatched) while riding so I can get in and out of it easily.

Hunqapillar Harlequin Drops

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

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bar tape, cotton tape, diamond wrap, harlequin wrap, Hunqapillar, nitto, noodles, shellac bar tape

Hunqapillar Harlequin Drops, a set on Flickr.

This was my latest bar work. After a recent fit, I decided to set up both of my main rides with similar cockpits and dimensions to minimize bodily pain. I’ve also been slowly beginning to favor drop bars. I did a dual harlequin wrap on Nitto 42cm Noodles putting the diamonds on the straight parts. This keeps them well-shaped and avoids the warped diamonds you get on curves. I used Newbaums Maroon and Yellow with amber shellac finish (three coats). I also video taped some of the wrap work and hope to edit an post my first video blog soon.

Election Day Ride

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by Brian Hanson in Cycling

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bike commute, commute, cycling, election day ride, fall leaves, fishing pier, harlequin wrap, Hunqapillar, rivendell, sackville, saddlesack, Seattle

A lot of folks rode to the polls today. Here in Washington State, we vote by mail only. I voted a week ago, actually. I did ride today, however.

In the Gravel

On Tuesdays, I drop off my daughter at school, and generally ride to work from there. As it’s on the way to work, it has usually been a short ride day.

By the Fishing Piers

I have been going the longer route along the ship canal, Magnolia, and Myrtle Edwards. The waterfront trail is sublime and largely unused in Seattle. It has been freshly paved in more than half of the miles I ride it, so it’s a pleasant ride. The main reason I go this way is that it’s scenic as hell!

Commute Panda

I was expecting rain today, so the dry spell both ways was a nice bonus. I do feel guilty peeling off the trail and putting my bike in my pickup for the short drive home, however. I always wish I could finish the ride.