Maintenance diary? - Page 2

01-12-2004, 09:49 AM

"Tom Keats" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:cagttb.5ki.ln@bud.garden.local...
> In article <Et5Mb.20439$5V2.34095@attbi_s53>,
> "Claire Petersky" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> writes:
>
> > Do any of you do this?
>
> Every time I ride over a bridge, the temptation to just
> huck my computer over the rail is that much stronger.
>
> Riding is, and has long been so much a "feel" thing;
> why spoil it with numbers, dates & regimens?
>
> Even shoeboxes full of receipts just take up space,
> and eventually get tossed without being looked at
> anyways. Often, they get smeared and unreadable and
> stuck together when the hot water tank lets go.
>
> AFAIC, accounting is for offices and cubicles;
> riding is for the streets and pleine aire.
>
> One of these days, I'm really gonna fling that computer.
> Maybe make it skip a few times.
>
> I guess I'd have to take the battery out first, and
> properly dispose of it somehow.
>
> I dunno if you've got this Stateside, but Kellog's
> up here is doing this thing where they stick a free
> pedometer in each box of Special K. So, there's
> possibly even more contaminating heavy metals tossed
> into the works. Now, even /walking/ is fraught with
> batteries.
>
> No wonder cougars are mad at us.
>
>
> cheers,
> Tom
>
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Some of us enjoy the numbers from an asthetic point of view, even if we
don't compete.

I enjoy riding my bikes, seeing and photographing the passing scenery (for
example, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ), and enjoying
wildlife, flowers, the changing seasons, etc. But, I also really like
seeing the numbers associated with these activities (how far, how fast, how
much climbing, etc.), and use them to inspire and motivate my training. I
don't see any conflict between these different ways of appreciating cycling.

Perhaps you just need better software ;-).

--
~_-*
....G/ \G
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
CycliStats - Software for Cyclists

01-12-2004, 03:00 PM

On Sun, 11 Jan 2004 22:54:04 -0800, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Tom Keats)
wrote:
>anyways. Often, they get smeared and unreadable and
>stuck together when the hot water tank lets go.

If your hot water tank lets go "often", you might consider getting a
proper technician to repair it.

>AFAIC, accounting is for offices and cubicles;
>riding is for the streets and pleine aire.

Agreed, regarding maintenance. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment
from the computer.

>I dunno if you've got this Stateside, but Kellog's
>up here is doing this thing where they stick a free
>pedometer in each box of Special K. So, there's

I don't know; I eat Rice Krispies.

>possibly even more contaminating heavy metals tossed
>into the works. Now, even /walking/ is fraught with
>batteries.

Well, how are we supposed to listen to heavy metal if we don't have
batteries? I suspect that those battery-free crystal radios [most
commonly seen in kit form at Radio Shack nowadays] don't reproduce
heavy metal very well, nor are they very robust or portable.

>No wonder cougars are mad at us.

That explains it! They're angry that we're listening to Pantera.

>cheers,
> Tom

If I keep up this string of "humorous" posts which are only funny to
_me_ (and barely so, at that), I suspect a cougar will jump out of
my computer and maul me.
--
Rick Onanian

01-12-2004, 03:03 PM

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 10:49:22 -0800, "GaryG"
<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>Some of us enjoy the numbers from an asthetic point of view, even if we
>don't compete.
>
>I enjoy riding my bikes, seeing and photographing the passing scenery (for
>example, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ), and enjoying
>wildlife, flowers, the changing seasons, etc. But, I also really like
>seeing the numbers associated with these activities (how far, how fast, how
>much climbing, etc.), and use them to inspire and motivate my training. I
>don't see any conflict between these different ways of appreciating cycling.

In fact, apart from direct numeric motivation, it's nice to know
that the pretty lake is two miles east of the fun-looking MTB trail,
and so forth.
--
Rick Onanian

01-12-2004, 07:44 PM

Tom Keats wrote:

> ...
> I dunno if you've got this Stateside, but Kellog's
> up here is doing this thing where they stick a free
> pedometer in each box of Special K....

If Kellogg's were true to the predilections of John Harvey Kellogg, they
would include a free enema kit instead.

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

01-12-2004, 07:50 PM

Mon, 12 Jan 2004 10:49:22 -0800, <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
"GaryG" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote, of numbers:

> and use them to inspire and motivate my training. I
>don't see any conflict between these different ways of appreciating cycling.

Tom's not in training. He's really doing it.

The wind doesn't care what the numbers say.

For awhile I was re-zeroing the trip odo when I lubed the chain and
had a vague recollection of whether it was greater or less than the
last time I'd zeroed it.

I lubed the chain when it started to squeak not when some software
told me it was time for oil. Without building in a lot of
sophisticated modelling and entering of data for the weather and road
conditions, a program couldn't tell if the chain needed lube.

I see no conflict with combining one's passions if it enhances their
enjoyment. Guard against becoming obsessionally fetishistic over the
diversions. It's just pulling chain.
--
zk

01-12-2004, 08:02 PM

Rick Onanian wrote:

>>
>
>If I keep up this string of "humorous" posts which are only funny to
>_me_ (and barely so, at that), I suspect a cougar will jump out of
>my computer and maul me.
>--
>Rick Onanian
>
One can only hope!

01-12-2004, 11:18 PM

"Zoot Katz" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> Mon, 12 Jan 2004 10:49:22 -0800, <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
> "GaryG" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote, of numbers:
>
> > and use them to inspire and motivate my training. I
> >don't see any conflict between these different ways of appreciating
cycling.
>
> Tom's not in training. He's really doing it.

Good-O for Tom. Did my post imply that he wasn't really doing something?

> The wind doesn't care what the numbers say.

Huh? Or, if you prefer, Eh?

> For awhile I was re-zeroing the trip odo when I lubed the chain and
> had a vague recollection of whether it was greater or less than the
> last time I'd zeroed it.
>
> I lubed the chain when it started to squeak not when some software
> told me it was time for oil. Without building in a lot of
> sophisticated modelling and entering of data for the weather and road
> conditions, a program couldn't tell if the chain needed lube.

I wouldn't recomend lubing a chain based on a programmatic prediction of
need, and my software doesn't attempt to do so. But, I do like to know how
long that chain has been on the bike, and how many miles/km have accumulated
on it. If I'm taking it into the shop, and I know it's getting near the end
of its expected life, I'll ask them to check it and replace if necessary.

> I see no conflict with combining one's passions if it enhances their
> enjoyment.

Agreed.

> Guard against becoming obsessionally fetishistic over the
> diversions. It's just pulling chain.

Hmmm...while I agree that obsessional fetishes can become counterproductive,
it sounds like you're trying to lecture me on how I should enjoy the sport.
As they say, "One man's meat...", "Different strokes...", etc., etc. There
are a wide range of equally valid reasons that motivate people to ride
bikes - fitness, competition, commuting, being out in nature, etc.
Fortunately, the sport is large enough to accommodate them all...including
the innumerate.

--
~_-*
....G/ \G
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
CycliStats - Software for Cyclists

01-13-2004, 10:09 AM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
"GaryG" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> writes:

> Some of us enjoy the numbers from an asthetic point of view, even if we
> don't compete.

As soon as I got my cycloputer, I immediately commenced
maintaining a journal. Not as structured as a spreadsheet
or database -- just an informal recording of my rides and
the numbers, as well as details such as new components,
where and when flats happened, newly-discovered shortcuts
and alternate routes, how far I can go on a single cinnamon
roll, etc. I just use a few delimiters to be able to pick
out dates and sets of computer numbers via custom emacs macros
and some little quick-&-dirty SNOBOL4 and C programs to extract
data, and make input files for stuff like gnuplot.

It just seemed wrong to let all those numbers go to waste.
I got into a similar mindset to where one has a set of
lottery numbers, and is then compelled to play them
all the time -- what if they come up, but one didn't
buy the ticket?

And I was curious about some things, like time & distance
to various regular destinations, how well my map-reading
distance estimates compared to the computer numbers, and
the "winter slowing effect".

So, it became a commitment for me. Or I made it one.
I initially would even record waypoint numbers, until
I had a "What the hell am I doing" moment. Now, I've
cut down to just doing round trips. I also no longer
bother to record weather conditions, unless they're
something really significant.

Of all the bikes I've got, I'm mostly inclined to ride
the main one, 'cuz it's got the computer on it. I
suppose I could get an Enduro-2 and share it across
a couple of other bikes, but that's even more of a
commitment to computers and numbers.

> I enjoy riding my bikes, seeing and photographing the passing scenery (for
> example, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ), and enjoying
> wildlife, flowers, the changing seasons, etc.

That's what I'd rather do. In fact, my intent with the journal
was to try to create a sort of poor man's photo album.

I think there can be great value in writing down one's
impressions and experiences after a ride. But sometimes
I wonder if I'd derive exactly the same benefit if I
recorded all that stuff as usual, and then just deleted
the file.

> But, I also really like
> seeing the numbers associated with these activities (how far, how fast, how
> much climbing, etc.), and use them to inspire and motivate my training. I
> don't see any conflict between these different ways of appreciating cycling.

I'm just griping about how it can become bigger than one
would expect.

> Perhaps you just need better software ;-).

<chuckle> Better wetware, anyway.

What I really need is a camera.

cheers,
Tom

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01-13-2004, 10:16 AM

In article <btvspc$bupi8$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].uni-berlin.de>,
Tom Sherman <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> writes:

> If Kellogg's were true to the predilections of John Harvey Kellogg, they
> would include a free enema kit instead.

Reminds me of that old Saturday Night Live spoof advert
about Colon Blow[*] (and now, new Super Colon Blow) cereal.

I expect sooner or later, someone's gonna choke on
one of those pedometer gadgets and sue.

cheers,
Tom
[*] Warning: may cause abdominal distention.

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01-14-2004, 08:12 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> ,
MSA <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].uk> writes:
> In article <cagttb.5ki.ln@bud.garden.local>, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
> says...
>> Riding is, and has long been so much a "feel" thing;
>> why spoil it with numbers, dates & regimens?
>>
>
> Depends on why you cycle and what you want from it. I can well imagine
> why a computer spoils a leisurely ride, being at one with nature and
> all...but for someone like me who competes, I really couldn't be without
> one.
>
> Horses for Courses.

Randonneurs got by in the old, pre-computer days,
without wiring harnesses and transducers & magnets
cluttering their frames & wheels. I hope some
still do.

I still have my computer (so far), and I still use
it. I often appreciate the speedometer and odometer
functions. The other functions are just head math,
anyways.

But I've caught myself getting too wrapped-up
in it, and too wrapped up in other post-ride,
pre-ride, and between-ride details.

Cycloputers have their pay-offs, but maybe we should
consider some of the trades-off, too. Same with
recording /any/ cycling-related details.

Sometimes it's good to break free of being analytical.
I don't advise it, but I do respectfully suggest it.
Especially for myself <w> That's all. It's scarily,
thrillingly wonderful to be free and adrift and unanchored
by have-to-do's.

If I was competing, I'd rather have a knowledgable coach
with a clipboard and a stopwatch during TTs, than an
on-board computer to distract me, anyway.

cheers,
Tom

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