Re: electric bikes on centuries

02-06-2007, 11:17 AM

"Bill Baka" <bbaka@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:YMSxh.59129$wc5.10351@newssvr25.news.prodigy. net...
> Daryl Hunt wrote:
>> "Bill Baka" <bbaka@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:qtzxh.71358$qO4.54330@newssvr13.news.prodigy. net...
>>> Roger Zoul wrote:
>>>> Bill Baka wrote:
>>>> :: Roger Zoul wrote:
>>>> ::: Bill Baka wrote:
>>>> :::::::: Anything that gets one off the couch.
>>>> ::::::
>>>> :::::: You're not making a strong case for an electric bike!

>>>> :::::
>>>> ::::: Come on, read my last line, getting people off the couch in the
>>>> ::::: first place is a starting point. If an electric assist does it
>>>> ::::: then maybe they can get addicted to riding and buy a real bike.
>>>> :::
>>>> ::: What, after they have already bought an electric bike, you want
>>>> ::: them to consider buying a "real" bike? Too funny. Why not just buy
>>>> ::: a "real" bike and ride it? Just find a piece of flat ground & ride.
>>>> ::: I started out with simple loops @ less than 5 miles, using gears
>>>> ::: that make it very easy to turn the cranks.
>>>> :::
>>>> ::: I'm not suggesting that an EB can't be a road away from
>>>> ::: couchpotatodom, but I'm saying I can think of much better ways to
>>>> ::: get away.
>>>> ::
>>>> :: I have a 300 pound couch potato (computer addict) friend whom I
>>>> might
>>>> :: get out to ride a bit more if he had the electric to fall back on.
>>>> :: He has a nice Cannondale but never rides it. There might be a bit
>>>> :: more of an incentive to ride if he knew that if he got fried he
>>>> :: could just turn on the electric and get home.
>>>>
>>>> 10 to 1 he won't do anything with an EB, either. He full-in into being
>>>> a CP. Getting out of that mindset is his biggest challenge. He's got a
>>>> nice Cannondale right there that he could take easy rides on. As a
>>>> practical matter, he's not going to get fried since it's doubtful he'll
>>>> push himself.
>>> He is becoming a target for me riding over to his house and bugging him
>>> to "Get the bike out." kind of harassment. Two people, both younger than
>>> me, have died in the last two years, and neither would have happened if
>>> they were in somewhat better shape. In his case I am going to remind him
>>> of this and nag. Knowing him we may bike to a restaurant, but I have to
>>> try.
>>
>> Ah, one of the food groups, Chocolate. Yes, if it's a Road Bike, you
>> don't really want to put electrics on it. The rims won't handle the
>> punishment. Nor will the forks or the frame. But if it's a MB then that
>> is a different story and easily adapted. He can have the best of both
>> worlds on a Hybrid (maybe) or a MB (15 minute installation). I don't
>> know how many times I leave the house, get to where I want to go and
>> notice I didn't charge before I left. Guess what, there is going to be
>> some peddling involved on the way back. Also, climbing hills (like it's
>> really ever going to be flat in Western Colorado anywhere) you pedal to
>> extend your range even when you have a full charge. The Low Speed
>> Electric still requires help from time to time to get from point A to B.
>>
>> And, maybe, a bit of help from the lowspeed electric bicycle
>> ([Only registered and activated users can see links. ]) just might get him down a few pounds until he no
>> longer needs the electric part.
>>
> The one thing I have going for me is that it is all flat and he seems
> interested in riding the trail that was railroad and is now paved just for
> biking and walking. It goes about 8 miles and only crosses 2 roads with
> little traffic.
> <SNIP>

Whatever it takes, whateer it takes. I found myself sitting in the recliner
way too much. I am semi retired. But the front steps had to be done in a
sideways fashion. That was enough. I started riding a bike and it saved my
life. Unfortunately, my left knee is swiss cheeze. I couldn't pedal the
bike for as long as I needed to. Hence, the bike with the low impact
electrics added to compensate.

>
>>> Tricky indeed. It always seems to be too little or too much. I usually
>>> wind up with the extra stuff wrapped around the handlebars.
>>> Spring were for art thou?
>>> Bill Baka
>>
>> The summers here hits 105 and better for long stretches. It's a dry heat
>> but 105 and better? You are going to sweat no matter what unless you are
>> wearing NASA underwear.
>
> Yeah,
> It hits 100 for about 30 days out of the summer here. Dry but when it goes
> over 110 the pavement really gets to scorching. This is the area where
> they made a movie and took bets on frying an egg on the road.
> It didn't fry, but came close.

Sounds to me like you need to have a gulley washer two or three to help out.

>>
>> In the Winter, just layer clothing it and gloves. The face needs to be
>> covered when it hits in the low teens and single digits. Also, FENDERS.
>> It's messy around here when it rains or snows.
>
> Fenders. I almost forgot they exist. Now that I think of it I haven't seen
> fenders on any bike around here. It must be a California mind set.

I just don't care for the old "Brown" stripe in the front and having to
clean my glasses at every stop.

>>
>> Other than that, I ride every day without fail. Rain, Shine, Snow, sleet
>> or fair weather. That isn't something most can say.
>>
> I can't say it. Sometimes it is easier to just go out and run a bit, due
> to the overwhelming junk collection in my garage.
> Bill Baka

Like I said, my left knee won't put up with that for long.

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02-06-2007, 10:19 PM

Daryl Hunt wrote:
> "Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:YMSxh.59129$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy. net...
>> The one thing I have going for me is that it is all flat and he seems
>> interested in riding the trail that was railroad and is now paved just for
>> biking and walking. It goes about 8 miles and only crosses 2 roads with
>> little traffic.
>> <SNIP>
>
> Whatever it takes, whateer it takes. I found myself sitting in the recliner
> way too much. I am semi retired. But the front steps had to be done in a
> sideways fashion. That was enough. I started riding a bike and it saved my
> life. Unfortunately, my left knee is swiss cheeze. I couldn't pedal the
> bike for as long as I needed to. Hence, the bike with the low impact
> electrics added to compensate.

My knees are dead yet even though I has massive reconstruction on my
right leg after shattering the Femur into the knee socket due to a cager
crash (my cage). I am also semi-retired in the sense that work versus
age is making it hard to find a job worth taking. You're 58, OK, we'll
keep your resume (on the bottom of the pile).
>
>> Yeah,
>> It hits 100 for about 30 days out of the summer here. Dry but when it goes
>> over 110 the pavement really gets to scorching. This is the area where
>> they made a movie and took bets on frying an egg on the road.
>> It didn't fry, but came close.
>
> Sounds to me like you need to have a gulley washer two or three to help out.

At this time we actually do need one since we are only at about 30% of a
normal season. LA down in the south depends pretty much on OUR water.
>
>
> I just don't care for the old "Brown" stripe in the front and having to
> clean my glasses at every stop.

No, me neither, but it's the drivers with bad windshield wipers that I
stay away from.
>
>
>>> Other than that, I ride every day without fail. Rain, Shine, Snow, sleet
>>> or fair weather. That isn't something most can say.
>>>
>> I can't say it. Sometimes it is easier to just go out and run a bit, due
>> to the overwhelming junk collection in my garage.
>> Bill Baka
>
> Like I said, my left knee won't put up with that for long.
>
> No, mine wouldn't either, but that is why I run and not jog. Short
sprints on my toes don't put any real impact on my knees but I can only
run so far until I am flat out of breath. If I could only Jog then I
wouldn't run, but I figure as long as I can run at a full run then I
should do it. Not as many people give me that "too many Duis" look as
when I am on the bike. Either way I get some kind of look for being an
adult of some years and "Not acting my age" whatever that means.
At least my hairs is still dark brown and no gray.
Bill Baka

02-07-2007, 07:22 AM

"Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:l4fyh.16271$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy. net...
> Daryl Hunt wrote:
>>> <SNIP>
>>
>> Whatever it takes, whateer it takes. I found myself sitting in the
>> recliner way too much. I am semi retired. But the front steps had to be
>> done in a sideways fashion. That was enough. I started riding a bike
>> and it saved my life. Unfortunately, my left knee is swiss cheeze. I
>> couldn't pedal the bike for as long as I needed to. Hence, the bike with
>> the low impact electrics added to compensate.
>
> My knees are dead yet even though I has massive reconstruction on my right
> leg after shattering the Femur into the knee socket due to a cager crash
> (my cage). I am also semi-retired in the sense that work versus age is
> making it hard to find a job worth taking. You're 58, OK, we'll keep your
> resume (on the bottom of the pile).

I'm about the same age. I am a Network Engineer in a city that is the end
of techno sunlight. They want to hire me at 8 bucks an hour. Hell, I have
my Retired AF pay and don't even get out of bed for 8 bucks an hour. I
would rather work for myself for nothing. Which I sometimes do. Check out
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] It keeps me off the streets

>>
>>> Yeah,
>>> It hits 100 for about 30 days out of the summer here. Dry but when it
>>> goes over 110 the pavement really gets to scorching. This is the area
>>> where they made a movie and took bets on frying an egg on the road.
>>> It didn't fry, but came close.
>>
>> Sounds to me like you need to have a gulley washer two or three to help
>> out.
>
> At this time we actually do need one since we are only at about 30% of a
> normal season. LA down in the south depends pretty much on OUR water.

Yah, I know. I can't wait for the next round of lawsuits over water between
California and Colorado. Give you a hint, LA needs to learn how to stop
drinking water like a Camel for what it's worth in Court the last couple of
times. BTW, there will be more water coming down this year. We send X
number per X million cubic feet. We have had a good winter.

>>
>>
>> I just don't care for the old "Brown" stripe in the front and having to
>> clean my glasses at every stop.
>
> No, me neither, but it's the drivers with bad windshield wipers that I
> stay away from.

The same can be said for cyclists with dirty glasses. It's all relevant.

>>
>>
>>>> Other than that, I ride every day without fail. Rain, Shine, Snow,
>>>> sleet or fair weather. That isn't something most can say.
>>>>
>>> I can't say it. Sometimes it is easier to just go out and run a bit, due
>>> to the overwhelming junk collection in my garage.
>>> Bill Baka
>>
>> Like I said, my left knee won't put up with that for long.
>>
>> No, mine wouldn't either, but that is why I run and not jog. Short
> sprints on my toes don't put any real impact on my knees but I can only
> run so far until I am flat out of breath. If I could only Jog then I
> wouldn't run, but I figure as long as I can run at a full run then I
> should do it. Not as many people give me that "too many Duis" look as when
> I am on the bike. Either way I get some kind of look for being an adult of
> some years and "Not acting my age" whatever that means.
> At least my hairs is still dark brown and no gray.

Well, Jokem if they can't take a F***.

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02-07-2007, 02:58 PM

Daryl Hunt wrote:
> "Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:l4fyh.16271$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy. net...
>> My knees are dead yet even though I has massive reconstruction on my right
>> leg after shattering the Femur into the knee socket due to a cager crash
>> (my cage). I am also semi-retired in the sense that work versus age is
>> making it hard to find a job worth taking. You're 58, OK, we'll keep your
>> resume (on the bottom of the pile).
>
> I'm about the same age. I am a Network Engineer in a city that is the end
> of techno sunlight. They want to hire me at 8 bucks an hour. Hell, I have
> my Retired AF pay and don't even get out of bed for 8 bucks an hour. I
> would rather work for myself for nothing. Which I sometimes do. Check out
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] It keeps me off the streets

Heh,
I thought IT was supposed to be secure. I'm an analog designer and that
went "poof" because everybody wants to go system on a chip. I work for
myself right now by fixing computers and showing people how to use
things. My dad told me to get a nice secure union job.
Oh well...

>> At this time we actually do need one since we are only at about 30% of a
>> normal season. LA down in the south depends pretty much on OUR water.
>
> Yah, I know. I can't wait for the next round of lawsuits over water between
> California and Colorado. Give you a hint, LA needs to learn how to stop
> drinking water like a Camel for what it's worth in Court the last couple of
> times. BTW, there will be more water coming down this year. We send X
> number per X million cubic feet. We have had a good winter.

I kind of figured California would be leeching other states for water
for LA. The illegals' must be having fun flushing those neat indoor out
houses.
>
>>>
>>> I just don't care for the old "Brown" stripe in the front and having to
>>> clean my glasses at every stop.
>> No, me neither, but it's the drivers with bad windshield wipers that I
>> stay away from.
>
>
> The same can be said for cyclists with dirty glasses. It's all relevant.
>
>
Total agreement.

>
>>> Like I said, my left knee won't put up with that for long.
>>>
>>> No, mine wouldn't either, but that is why I run and not jog. Short
>> sprints on my toes don't put any real impact on my knees but I can only
>> run so far until I am flat out of breath. If I could only Jog then I
>> wouldn't run, but I figure as long as I can run at a full run then I
>> should do it. Not as many people give me that "too many Duis" look as when
>> I am on the bike. Either way I get some kind of look for being an adult of
>> some years and "Not acting my age" whatever that means.
>> At least my hairs is still dark brown and no gray.
>
> Well, Jokem if they can't take a F***.

Yup, that's about the way I handle it. If any of DUI types gets arrogant
I just ride faster and leave them. Amazing how out of shape even a 20
something can be. They don't or maybe can't ride at my speed when I get
a little adrenalin going. I may not be in super shape but good enough to
leave the average riders around hare.
Bill Baka

02-07-2007, 03:51 PM

"Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:0Jtyh.3305$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.ne t...
> Daryl Hunt wrote:
>> "Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
>> news:l4fyh.16271$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy. net...
>>> My knees are dead yet even though I has massive reconstruction on my
>>> right leg after shattering the Femur into the knee socket due to a cager
>>> crash (my cage). I am also semi-retired in the sense that work versus
>>> age is making it hard to find a job worth taking. You're 58, OK, we'll
>>> keep your resume (on the bottom of the pile).
>>
>> I'm about the same age. I am a Network Engineer in a city that is the
>> end of techno sunlight. They want to hire me at 8 bucks an hour. Hell,
>> I have my Retired AF pay and don't even get out of bed for 8 bucks an
>> hour. I would rather work for myself for nothing. Which I sometimes do.
>> Check out [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] It keeps me off the streets

>
> Heh,
> I thought IT was supposed to be secure. I'm an analog designer and that
> went "poof" because everybody wants to go system on a chip. I work for
> myself right now by fixing computers and showing people how to use things.
> My dad told me to get a nice secure union job.
> Oh well...

Not anymore in this area. There is a State College churning them out by the
droves. They do more harm than good coming straight out but they are
willing to work for 8 bucks an hour.

>
>>> At this time we actually do need one since we are only at about 30% of a
>>> normal season. LA down in the south depends pretty much on OUR water.
>>
>> Yah, I know. I can't wait for the next round of lawsuits over water
>> between California and Colorado. Give you a hint, LA needs to learn how
>> to stop drinking water like a Camel for what it's worth in Court the last
>> couple of times. BTW, there will be more water coming down this year.
>> We send X number per X million cubic feet. We have had a good winter.
>
> I kind of figured California would be leeching other states for water for
> LA. The illegals' must be having fun flushing those neat indoor out
> houses.

We have a standing joke here. Flush Twice, LA needs the water.

>>
>>>>
>>>> I just don't care for the old "Brown" stripe in the front and having to
>>>> clean my glasses at every stop.
>>> No, me neither, but it's the drivers with bad windshield wipers that I
>>> stay away from.
>>
>>
>> The same can be said for cyclists with dirty glasses. It's all relevant.
>>
> Total agreement.
>
>>
>>>> Like I said, my left knee won't put up with that for long.
>>>>
>>>> No, mine wouldn't either, but that is why I run and not jog. Short
>>> sprints on my toes don't put any real impact on my knees but I can only
>>> run so far until I am flat out of breath. If I could only Jog then I
>>> wouldn't run, but I figure as long as I can run at a full run then I
>>> should do it. Not as many people give me that "too many Duis" look as
>>> when I am on the bike. Either way I get some kind of look for being an
>>> adult of some years and "Not acting my age" whatever that means.
>>> At least my hairs is still dark brown and no gray.
>>
>> Well, Jokem if they can't take a F***.
>
> Yup, that's about the way I handle it. If any of DUI types gets arrogant I
> just ride faster and leave them. Amazing how out of shape even a 20
> something can be. They don't or maybe can't ride at my speed when I get a
> little adrenalin going. I may not be in super shape but good enough to
> leave the average riders around hare.
> Bill Baka

Adrenalin? Is that what you mix with Gin and Vermouth to make a really wet
Martini?

I dopped my martoonie but I did it woooonnerfullie

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02-07-2007, 07:00 PM

Daryl Hunt wrote:
> "Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:0Jtyh.3305$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.ne t...
>> Daryl Hunt wrote:
>>> "Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
>>> news:l4fyh.16271$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy. net...
>>>> My knees are dead yet even though I has massive reconstruction on my
>>>> right leg after shattering the Femur into the knee socket due to a cager
>>>> crash (my cage). I am also semi-retired in the sense that work versus
>>>> age is making it hard to find a job worth taking. You're 58, OK, we'll
>>>> keep your resume (on the bottom of the pile).
>>> I'm about the same age. I am a Network Engineer in a city that is the
>>> end of techno sunlight. They want to hire me at 8 bucks an hour. Hell,
>>> I have my Retired AF pay and don't even get out of bed for 8 bucks an
>>> hour. I would rather work for myself for nothing. Which I sometimes do.
>>> Check out [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] It keeps me off the streets

>> Heh,
>> I thought IT was supposed to be secure. I'm an analog designer and that
>> went "poof" because everybody wants to go system on a chip. I work for
>> myself right now by fixing computers and showing people how to use things.
>> My dad told me to get a nice secure union job.
>> Oh well...
>
> Not anymore in this area. There is a State College churning them out by the
> droves. They do more harm than good coming straight out but they are
> willing to work for 8 bucks an hour.

And yet the trade magazines call it a "hot" market. The last time I
worked in a cubicle the IT guy had to run his ass off to keep all the
Winders stuff working.
>
>
>>>> At this time we actually do need one since we are only at about 30% of a
>>>> normal season. LA down in the south depends pretty much on OUR water.
>>> Yah, I know. I can't wait for the next round of lawsuits over water
>>> between California and Colorado. Give you a hint, LA needs to learn how
>>> to stop drinking water like a Camel for what it's worth in Court the last
>>> couple of times. BTW, there will be more water coming down this year.
>>> We send X number per X million cubic feet. We have had a good winter.
>> I kind of figured California would be leeching other states for water for
>> LA. The illegals' must be having fun flushing those neat indoor out
>> houses.
>
> We have a standing joke here. Flush Twice, LA needs the water.

Sounds about right.
>
>
>>>>> I just don't care for the old "Brown" stripe in the front and having to
>>>>> clean my glasses at every stop.
>>>> No, me neither, but it's the drivers with bad windshield wipers that I
>>>> stay away from.
>>>
>>> The same can be said for cyclists with dirty glasses. It's all relevant.
>>>
>> Total agreement.
>>
>>>>> Like I said, my left knee won't put up with that for long.
>>>>>
>>>>> No, mine wouldn't either, but that is why I run and not jog. Short
>>>> sprints on my toes don't put any real impact on my knees but I can only
>>>> run so far until I am flat out of breath. If I could only Jog then I
>>>> wouldn't run, but I figure as long as I can run at a full run then I
>>>> should do it. Not as many people give me that "too many Duis" look as
>>>> when I am on the bike. Either way I get some kind of look for being an
>>>> adult of some years and "Not acting my age" whatever that means.
>>>> At least my hairs is still dark brown and no gray.
>>> Well, Jokem if they can't take a F***.
>> Yup, that's about the way I handle it. If any of DUI types gets arrogant I
>> just ride faster and leave them. Amazing how out of shape even a 20
>> something can be. They don't or maybe can't ride at my speed when I get a
>> little adrenalin going. I may not be in super shape but good enough to
>> leave the average riders around hare.
>> Bill Baka
>
> Adrenalin? Is that what you mix with Gin and Vermouth to make a really wet
> Martini?
>
> I dopped my martoonie but I did it woooonnerfullie
>
>
Yeah,
I wish.
Bill Baka

02-08-2007, 08:05 AM

"Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:tfxyh.74398$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy. net...
> Daryl Hunt wrote:
>> "Bill Baka" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
>> news:0Jtyh.3305$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.ne t...
>>> Daryl Hunt wrote:
>> Not anymore in this area. There is a State College churning them out by
>> the droves. They do more harm than good coming straight out but they are
>> willing to work for 8 bucks an hour.
>
> And yet the trade magazines call it a "hot" market. The last time I worked
> in a cubicle the IT guy had to run his ass off to keep all the Winders
> stuff working.

I don't seem to have that problem. I IT for the whole office building
complex. If you do it right the first time and have a standing death
penalty to employees that don't request training then what you described can
happen. A real successful IT needs to be a Technician, a Trainer, a
Discipliarian, and many other things to be successful. Most Corporations
and Universities don't have that luxury. What's bad is, the Hacks that
cause the problem sound more convincing than the experienced IT does. And
the Hack will work for less.

Been nice jabbering atcha. It looks we have completely strayed.

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