When out this morning for a wet bike ride. It was misting or a slight drizzle, but it was nice. Rode the Norwottuck Trail past the Hampshire Mall. About a mile or two past the mall I thought I had picked up a rock in the front tire a bit later I noticed it was starting to go flat… not a rock but a piece of glass, bummer! Where is that patch kit and frame pump? Something I never got around to adding to my bike. So our only choice… to walk…
The Mall has a Dicks Sporting Goods store so I figured I could pick up what I needed to make the repair there. Bought a patch kit and asked if I could bring my bike in and use the pump… She said yes, alright! Now I gotta get this thing patched. Used my keys as tire levers it worked well… The patch stuck and it held air. So off we go! Lesson learned,time to get a repair kit on the bike. The ride totaled up at about 20 miles so it was a good morning ride…
Things I need for the repair kit:
- Patch kit Read more »
Ktrak Full Kit
Ktrak is a kit that replaces the rear wheel on your MTB to turn it in to a snow machine. They also have an optional front ski. I think one of these kits would be really cool to have. I’m not sure I could drop the $400 + on it though. A lot of the reviews mention how much rolling resistance the track has and that it is useless in deep snow. Before I even think about one of these kits I need to get a mountain bike but I think I would rather just have a good set of studded tires. I have about a 2.5 mile commute to work and would like to ride through the winter. I am planing on building a winter bike over the summer to ride next winter. Christini is an all-wheel-drive motorcycle manufacturer. They now offer AWD bicycles and they look like they would be great in the snow and ice. They are offering 2 full suspension models. I think they cost $1400 + so this would be out of my winter bike budget.
Do you ride in the snow and ice? if so what is your ride?
Along the Rail Trail
Yesterday I decided to take the bicycle out for a change of pace. I was a little worried about it being a little cold so I threw on some layers, a hat, and gloves. I live about 1000 feet from the Northampton Bike Trail. The Northampton Bike Trail Starts at Bridge Rd. near Look Park and continues to the Stop and Shop parking lot on King St. If you are daring you can cross over King St. and follow the trail behind the McDonalds you will have to cross some rail road tracks (use caution the tracks are active). Once you cross over you are now on the start of the Norwottuck Rail Trail. The Norwottuck Trail runs about 11 miles from Northampton to the Amherst/Pelham town line. The main parking lot for the Norwottuck Trail is just off Damon Rd. in Northampton. You can view my map in google for other possible parking locations. This trail has a great mix of country riding. You will find a few businesses on the Trail including two bike shops (Chris’ Bike Shop & Trailside Bicycles), and a few places to get some
Trailside Bicycles
food. Trailside Bicycles offers rentals and is open every day but Monday. If geocaching is your thing you can find at least a half dozen caches just off the trail. I found two yesterday.
Over all my ride was 24 miles and it was wonderfully relaxing. I did however realize that I need a bag for my rack so I can easily carry some stuff with me. Mainly geocaching stuff and some tools would be nice to have too…
cycling | Husky Hiker - Jim Bradley | 
May 9, 2009 10:36 pm | 
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