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?