Challenge completed

About 2 months ago I saw a post on Singletacks.com about the 30 days of biking challenge.  The concept is simple.  Ride your bike very day for the month of April.  I had my ups and downs but it was a great experience.  While I didn't get to ride as much dirt and single track as I would have liked, I still hit 3 new to me trails and totaled 175 miles of riding.  The best part of it all, I want to get back on the bike and ride today.

Day 29 and 30 were mix of heavy rain and wind made my urban riding a little interesting.  But even on the worst weather day getting on the bike even for a spin around the block was almost zen like.  To echo another post on Singletracks.com I learned a lot over the last 30 days.

1.  The cold wind snow and rain are just excuses to stay on the couch.  I still don't like riding in the rain but over all this challenge has made me a lot less of a fair weather biker.

2.  Even on the day you are dreading getting on the bike once your moving everything seems to go away and its really not so bad.

3.  I'm a much better rider now.  There were times I would bail out on hills or not push myself to try something new.  Now I sit down and follow the brand Niner's slogan "pedal damn it."   Sure there were more then a few times my legs were on fire but their was always a cold beer in the fridge waiting for that extra little push.

End of day 30, 175 miles. and I still like riding

In an ode to my good friend Stephanie at http://www.neverthesamespicetwice.com/ My reward dinner;

Montreal seasoned buggers with homemade pickes, homemade cajun chips, grilled asparagus, and a nice cold beer.

I will keep the blog updated as I keep riding.  The first slow roll of the year is this evening.

Go for a ride you'll be glad you did,

Drew

Week 4

Another week in the books.  Didn't get nearly as many miles in as I would have liked.  Had a few family things going on so that cut along with the weather cut into riding time.  The end is in sight only 2 more days left in the challenge.  I can say that so far it has made me much less of a fair weather biker.  Still don't like biking in the rain but cooler temps are not so bad.

Photos form last week;

A few brand new GE locomotives waiting for their ride at the Erie PA Docks

Exploring some single track in Asbury Woods

Sunrise today.

only 2 days to go almost there,

Drew

Week 3

After 2 spins around the block to avoid the rain and cold I got in some much needed longer rides Thursday and Sunday.  My legs are feeling it today but over all it was a great week of riding.  So far I've ridden Right around 150 miles for the challenge.  9 more days to go and on May 1 going to be the first slow roll in Eire.  Perfect way to end the challenge.

Drew

Day 18

Cassie and I went out for a nice evening ride yesterday.  Got to watch the sunset over Presque Isle bay in Erie.

Drew

Day 17

With the day off and the weather almost perfect I headed out on a longer ride today.  There is a local park with some single track and I would like to leave my house ride there then ride around and come home.  Figured today was a good day to at least ride to the park.

The ride out was smooth with no major issues I decided to get in a quick dirt ride while I was there.  The schwalbe big apples that I run on the pavement did surprisingly well in the dirt.  Most the trails were quite wet from the rain and snow we had earlier in the week so I keep the ride shot.

Right after getting back on the pavement I hear the sound of air escaping one of my tires.  I look down and my rear is flat.  Oh well first real issue of the 30 days of biking challenge.  Luckily I keep a spare tube and a Park tools mini pump in my Camelbak pack.

After a quick roadside swap I was on my way again.  t All in all a great day with just under 20 miles of riding.  A little Urban, a quick spin on some dirt and event tied in and errand depositing a check at the bank.

#30daysofbiking Day 17

Drew

Day 9

Sunrise on Day 9

Week 2

I know its been a few days but life has been a bit busy.  Cassie and I rode together both Saturday and Sunday in great weather.  My Monday morning ride was more of the same high 60s perfect for biking.  Spring has finally sprung in Erie PA.  Well maybe, today's ride was in a balmy 33 degrees with rain.  Just a quick spin around the block.

At the halfway point of the Challenge I have logged 80 miles, explored two new trails and ridden in less then ideal conditions  15 days to go.

Drew 

Day 11

Today marks Cassie's and I 6th anniversary of when we met/first date.  What better way to celebrate that going for a morning ride together.  With Lake Erie still mostly frozen there was a good amount of fog along the lake shore resulting in a beautiful sunrise.

Drew

A dirty bike = a clean soul

Finally on the 10th day of the 30 days of biking challenge I was able to ride off pavement.  I decided to explore two areas I've never ridden.  The first was the Howard Eaton reservoir area in North East township PA The second was 6 Mile Creek park.  The teamps were near 70 almost perfect for riding if there wasn't 30mph wind gusts all day.  Still It was a great day to explore two areas I have never ridden.

The trail around the Howard Eaton reservoir is more or less a grass and gravel fire road.  Nothing challenging but riding right along the lake was very relaxing.  There are a number of singletrack trails off the main loop but they were all very wet.  Hopefully I can return in a few weeks after  the string thaw. and explore a little more.

Riding over the dam

Enjoying the great weather

The second trail I hit up was 6 Mile Creek park.  The area has 2 nice trails that drop into the creek area and offer a nice challenging climb back up.  Looks can be very deceiving.  While most of the trail was dry and in great shape a few patches hidden under leaves were very wet.  The bike got a nice mud bath.  Though its was perfect to get out and enjoy dirt for the first time this year.  

A dirty bike = a clean soul

Drew

and on the 8th day it rained

I knew my luck was bound to run out.  Today was my first ride in the rain.  A cold 36* rain as well.  Thankfully it came on one of my "rest" days.  Just did a quick spin around the block to get a ride in today.  Foul weather is part of the challenge.  Though the rest of the week looks decent I should finally be able to get off the pavement by Thursday.

Drew

Week 1

One week down  I've ridden a total of 35 miles so far for the challenge.  My goal for this coming week is to start upping my distance and my legs are feeling a lot better then they were a week ago.

Cassie I took advantage of a nice day yesterday and got just under 13 miles in.  Today I just got my short 2 mile ride in as Mondays and Tuesday are my rest days.  Also they are my longest days at work so I can't ride in the evening.

The weather looks promising for the later part of the week so hopefully I can swap out the tries and get some singletrack/dirt riding in.

Drew

Day 5

One of my main reasons for taking on the 30 days of biking challenge is to make myself less of a fair weather rider.  While the first few days have been a little cool today was real test for me.  Its only in the low 30s with a wind around 20mph.  At one point I almost felt like it was going to be going backwards on the bike.  I did manage to get 2 miles in.  The bike brand Niner's slogan is quite fitting "Pedal Damn It"

Drew

Day 4

Got lucky today missed the rain this morning when I went out for a ride.  The roads were a little slick but not too bad.  I think I have found my quick ride for the challenge just enough to feel like I did something but quick enough for the days I'm short on time.

The old East Ave bridge in Eire.  

Headed down east ave

I would have had a few more photos but the Go-Pro didn't like the low light this morning.

Drew

Day 3

With foul weather in the forecast I did a nice morning ride on my day off today along the bike path that parallels the Bayfront parkway in Erie.  Still no singletrack or dirt for me yet and with a good amount of rain coming looks like I will be pounding asphalt for the time being.  I also finally remembered to charge the Go-Pro and take a few better photos while riding.

I love the early morning sun and clouds on the ride up the hill

At the top of the hill by Penn State's Erie Campus

Headed back down

Home sweet home on day 3

keep the rubber side down

Drew

Day 2

I opted to get a quick ride in this morning as the weather forecast is calling for rain this afternoon.  While one of the main reasons I have taken on this challenge is to make me less of a fair weather rider I'll still opt for dry vs wet riding.

I headed down to Erie's bayfront area today and there is still a good amount of ice in the bay it is slowly going away.  There is hope for a spring yet.

The USS Brig Niagara resting for the winter.

Day 2 is in the books for me

Drew

Day 1

Happy April fools day and start to the 30 days of biking challenge.  For me Day 1 is in the books.  Got a 2 mile ride in this morning as the sun was coming up.  Hopefully I can get a little longer ride in tomorrow after work.

Photo taken on the old East Ave Bridge in Erie.

1 down 29 to go

Drew

here we go.

Tomorrow begins the 30 Days of biking challenge.  I invite you to sit back relax and enjoy my ups and downs this month.  On second thought why don't you join in and suffer right along with me there is still time t pledge at 30daysofbiking.com.

I will be using the Strava app to track my rides.  You can follow along with the link in the side bar.  My goals are simple finish the challenge beyond that who knows any thing could happen.

Drew

Maintenance, adjustments and modifications

After my ride on Thursday I knew my bike needed some maintenance and a few cockpit adjustments.  After a quick clean and lube on the chain I  started on adjusting my cockpit.  I made the mistake a lot of people make when setting their break and shifter levers, smashing them right up against the grip.  Also had a hard time getting my hand comfortable with the shifters.

Before

After loosing everything up I moved the brake lever so that my hand was fully on the grip and could comfortably pull the lever with my index finger.  Then moved the shifter over.  After a quick spin on the trainer my hands were a lot more comfortable.  Never be afraid to adjust your bike so its more comfortable for you.

After with the brake lever adjusted

With the shifter set

Cassie hasn't liked the saddle that came on her Trek 820 from day one.  While it was fine for commuting to class when she bought the bike on longer rides she's not comfortable.  I ran across an Bontrager Evoke 1 WSD saddle on craigslist for $15.  For the cost figured it was worth a shot if she hates its back on Craigslist for $15.

Old Bontrager SSR Saddle

New Bontrager Evoke 1 WSD saddle

Drew,

Thursday ride

Finally a day with above freezing temps and the day off.  I didn't get much of a ride in due a very strong wind but a lot better then my ride last week.  I was able to get 5.5 miles in today and it felt very good.  I rode down to the inlet into the Erie Harbor and back up the hill.

A few more miles under the big apples

Taken on the Pier at the entrance to Erie Harbor

My ugly mug

Looking at the extended forecast its looking like the first few rides for the 30 days of biking challenge will be on tarmac.  Next up giving the bikes a much needed tune up.

Drew

New stuff

UPS came last night and dropped off a box of goodies from JensonUSA.com.  Both mine and Cassie's bikes are in need of some care before April so I picked up some chain lube and grease.  With the 30 days of biking challenge and my work schedule I'm going to be riding in the early mornings and evenings a few days a week on the road so I grabbed a simple rear light as well.  Last but not least I picked up an Azonic generator jersey so I can look and stay cool riding.

Drew.

Around the block

Friday afternoon I finally took the bike for a spin around the block.  Did a little over a mile just to shake off the dust on me and the bike on the road.  Its not much but it felt great to get off the trainer and ride outside.  Next week I plan on giving it a full tune up and lube to get ready for April.

Getting ready

Like my normal day off I was running around a good bit today.  I did take some time to get my Camelbak Mule cleaned and organized so its ready to go for the challenge.  I spent a little time on the trainer and got a good core work out in today as well.  The past week I have really gotten the itch to get out on the trails but between rain and snow melt they are no where near rideable.  Guess that is why I have 2 sets of tires.

Camelbak Mule contents;

 Park rescue tool, Bell multi tool, Park mini pump and 2 29er tubes

I built this over the summer out of some scrap wood.  its been great this winter indoors to keep the bikes out of the way but easy to get to.  One day I will make something a little nicer looking but this works for now.

Is it April yet?

Drew.

Throw back Thursday

After another winter storm and cold temperatures I am looking forward to spring riding even more.  One of the places I want to ride is the Sandy Creek rail trail near Franklin PA.  Last fall Cassie and I rode it twice.  Its about 16 miles end to end threw the Allegheny river valley.  Including a number of old bridges and even a tunnel.  Hopefully I can make a trip down there during the 30 days of biking challenge.

My awesome partner in crime and biking Cassie

The old New York Central Railroad bridge over the Allegheny River just south of Franklin PA.

Sandy Creek

Keep pedaling,

Drew

Spring training

For Christmas my wife and I picked up a Cycleops mag trainer so we could spin and keep our legs in shape over the long snowy winter here in Erie.  I've been trying to spin a few times a week so I'm not gassed by April 5th.  Also I've decided to work on my core strength or lack there of as well.  Currently I'm dong 3 30sec reps of crunches, plank, bicycle kicks, leg lifts and 3 reps of 10 push ups.  Hopefully by April I'm can double what I'm doing now.

Again be sure to check out 30 days of biking and join me in riding every day in April.

Until next time, keep pedaling

Drew

About me.

Might as well introduce myself.

My name is Drew Sabens. I'm currently living in Erie PA with my awesome fiancee Cassie and our two cats Atlas and Toes.  In 2012 I decided I needed a to be more active and decided to start mountain biking.  Last year Cassie and I did the 30 mile bike around the bay ride in Erie and started attending a slow roll Thursday night ride.  This year I'm using the 30 days of riding challenge to really get myself on the bike a lot more often.

And a little about the bike.

Its a 2012 Trek Wahoo 29er.  I've made a few upgrades to it.  Replaced the pedals with DMR V12 flats, ODI grips, Azonic riser bar, Specialized Captains for the dirt and Schwalbe Big apples for the pavement.

Trail mode

City mode

The 30 days of biking challenge

The Challenge,
After seeing a post on singletracks.com I decided to join the 30 days of biking in April challenge.  The concept is simple.  Ride your bike every day for the month of April, weather its around the block or 50 miles.  This blog is going to keep track of my trials, tribulations, and other insanity while I attempt to ride every day in April.

For more information on the 30 days of biking challenge or to join me check out 30daysofbiking.com

Who's ready for April?