Winter Cycling Challenge

Google Reader pointed me to a new post at one of my favorite blogs, Chasing Mailboxes.  MG has issued a randonneuring style challenge:  12 utility rides in 6 weeks.  She has put some interesting rules on this challenge.  For example, no more than 2 rides each “week” and there are specific rides you have to complete.  There is also a minimum distance.  This is not a simple commuter challenge like those done for bike month.  Trips to the mailbox don’t count.

Control:  Any store that is not the grocery store

I missed her coffeeneuring challenge this fall so I decided to give this a try. My first control was a trip to Lowe’s. Braved the morning road insanity to pick up some stone pavers.

These are about 20 pounds a piece, so I had close to 140 pounds.  This is probably the heaviest load that Mongo has carried.  A couple of lessons:

• I need to drop some change and get the Xtracycle Wideloaders.  The bags held the pavers ok but it would be better to get the load down closer to axle level.
• loads that approach the capacity of the Big Dummy cause some challenging balance/steering feedback.  This is especially challenging as the speed increases.

The good news is that the brakes performed well despite the wet conditions.

Next Control:  Library

I think I’ll double up today and do another control.  Have a book on reserve at the library.

Double smug.