Just me here, wanted to stop by and update you all on my mileage for the Clif Bar 2 Mile challenge!
I have currently evaded using my car for 59.45 miles!
I think that all that fresh air is starting to lift my spirits!
Good luck with all of your endeavors
-J
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Southeast Mitten is getting some good rain!
Thought I would share a little video of the water falling from the sky, it is pretty sweet, finally some good rain.
Enjoy.
-J
Enjoy.
-J
2 Mile Challenge Update:
As of this morning I am at 18.5 commuting miles saved by biking!
Hope your day rocks!
-J
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Topeak Model DXP Trunkbag Review
Face it; biking to work, school or running errands straight up rocks! But you know what does not, arriving at your destination with a soggy spot on your back from a poorly ventilated backpack.
Wearing a loaded backpack also tends to cause a lot of unneeded stress on my lower back. This is where I started the search for an alternative to carrying my stuff on my back. The one that most suited my needs was a type of pannier system. After a solid month of internet searches, and posting questions on forum walls I chose a model by Topeak: the DXP Trunkbag.
This heavy duty constructed bag has two side zippers that open to unveil panniers on each side, a true bonus for when you are out and find yourself picking up more than you planned, or when you just need to bring a lot of stuff to wherever you are going.
The capacity is 22.6 liters. This size has proven to be more than enough for me, even on days when I am hauling my laptop, power cord, coffee, school book, pad of paper and a snack. In fact, with such a load I can still make my way to the library and pick up a few of my reserved items as well. The size is great.
As mentioned earlier it is a bummer carrying a large load on your back, and you are often limited to how much you can carry based on the weight. Never fear with this item, the only limiting factor to how much it can carry is the rack strength!
Attaching the DXP to a rack is so easy and convenient that anyone could do it without worrying about the ability of your lashing skills:
I have been using this combo for three solid weeks of daily commuting and I have yet to notice any wobble at all. Once you clip this in it is there to stay, what a great idea.
I bought the additional rain cover, which I have not had to use yet, but when I do I will update this.
I have nothing bad to say about this unit as of three weeks in. I am very happy with my purchase. Some reviewers say that they hit their feet on the panniers when they are extended, but I have not had this problem yet, if you have such a problem there is a good chance that a slight adjustment in the position of the the rack will remedy the situation.
Before using this system I used the Osprey Momentum backpack, but my load for school was getting heavier and heavier, I sweat too much and there was no room to pick anything extra after class. This trunk/ pannier set-up is definitely the way to go, now I can take supplier for class, extras to study and still have room for after/ pre class errands.
If you have any questions please ask, I will happily answer them as quick as I can.
Burn carbs not oil!
-J
Wearing a loaded backpack also tends to cause a lot of unneeded stress on my lower back. This is where I started the search for an alternative to carrying my stuff on my back. The one that most suited my needs was a type of pannier system. After a solid month of internet searches, and posting questions on forum walls I chose a model by Topeak: the DXP Trunkbag.
The capacity is 22.6 liters. This size has proven to be more than enough for me, even on days when I am hauling my laptop, power cord, coffee, school book, pad of paper and a snack. In fact, with such a load I can still make my way to the library and pick up a few of my reserved items as well. The size is great.
See how easily the shoulder strap can be put so that it does not have to be removed
As mentioned earlier it is a bummer carrying a large load on your back, and you are often limited to how much you can carry based on the weight. Never fear with this item, the only limiting factor to how much it can carry is the rack strength!
Attaching the DXP to a rack is so easy and convenient that anyone could do it without worrying about the ability of your lashing skills:
The attached rail on the bottom of the bag simply slides into the corresponding slot on the Topeak rack, and;
Then clips securely into place, making attachment pretty worry free.
I have been using this combo for three solid weeks of daily commuting and I have yet to notice any wobble at all. Once you clip this in it is there to stay, what a great idea.
The bag comes with a shoulder strap (which I leave attached to the unit for ease of use) as well as a movable internal dividing wall (mine is placed in the left of the image). The divider is great to keep items from moving around inside the bag.
The DXP on my Schwinn Trailway Commuter
I have nothing bad to say about this unit as of three weeks in. I am very happy with my purchase. Some reviewers say that they hit their feet on the panniers when they are extended, but I have not had this problem yet, if you have such a problem there is a good chance that a slight adjustment in the position of the the rack will remedy the situation.
Before using this system I used the Osprey Momentum backpack, but my load for school was getting heavier and heavier, I sweat too much and there was no room to pick anything extra after class. This trunk/ pannier set-up is definitely the way to go, now I can take supplier for class, extras to study and still have room for after/ pre class errands.
If you have any questions please ask, I will happily answer them as quick as I can.
Burn carbs not oil!
-J
Hot weather is great and all but...
I am done with it. I would much rather hike with the sound of crisp leaves underfoot and the faint wisp of wood smoke in the air that to constantly clomp through soggy humid trails with the thick smell of vehicle exhaust lingering for what seems like ever.
Michigan's Summer month's have two distinct characteristics: they are intense, but short-lived. While in recent years the warm weather has persisted until late September, the nighttime temps still dip to a tolerable range.
Everyone says that they love Summer, however you cannot deny that you equally love seeing that first turned leaf, or the first time you put on a jacket and actually need it, and how about those chilly rainy Sundays that seem to go for days; you cannot help but curl up, grab a book or movie and just enjoy those days.
I have been thinking of cooler times lately as I feel that they bring out the true scholar in me. Maybe it is just that I am programmed to associate school with the Fall, and thus my internal workings can feel the need to absorb knowledge that is coming around the corner. Lets hope that I can harness this scholarly feeling earlier than usual this year as I am now engaged in a year-round program.
Despite not enjoying this heavy weather, I am making the most of it; I am studying outside, leaving the windows open, smelling the fresh-cut grass, taking walks with Chelsea Marie, and enjoying seeing the exponential growth of my beloved plants. So the summer is not all bad :)
I will continue to look for the extraordinary in the everyday!
In other news the 2 mile challenge continues today; gonna rack up another 9 miles with my trip to school and back. If I am feeling ambitious I will also post a review of my new bike bag later on!
Stay cool friends.
-J
Michigan's Summer month's have two distinct characteristics: they are intense, but short-lived. While in recent years the warm weather has persisted until late September, the nighttime temps still dip to a tolerable range.
Everyone says that they love Summer, however you cannot deny that you equally love seeing that first turned leaf, or the first time you put on a jacket and actually need it, and how about those chilly rainy Sundays that seem to go for days; you cannot help but curl up, grab a book or movie and just enjoy those days.
I have been thinking of cooler times lately as I feel that they bring out the true scholar in me. Maybe it is just that I am programmed to associate school with the Fall, and thus my internal workings can feel the need to absorb knowledge that is coming around the corner. Lets hope that I can harness this scholarly feeling earlier than usual this year as I am now engaged in a year-round program.
Despite not enjoying this heavy weather, I am making the most of it; I am studying outside, leaving the windows open, smelling the fresh-cut grass, taking walks with Chelsea Marie, and enjoying seeing the exponential growth of my beloved plants. So the summer is not all bad :)
I will continue to look for the extraordinary in the everyday!
In other news the 2 mile challenge continues today; gonna rack up another 9 miles with my trip to school and back. If I am feeling ambitious I will also post a review of my new bike bag later on!
Chills me right out!
Stay cool friends.
-J
Monday, June 20, 2011
A little something to start the week
Clif bar (makers of delicious and nutritious snacks) will be awarding $100,000 in grants to non-profits that focus on educating and keeping people safe during smart commutes.
The challenge centers on the data that most of our trips are in the range of two miles or less, and by making these by bike we will not only reduce the amount of toxic material that we release onto the Earth, but we will also become healthier.
This is a great cause, and if you you have been biking for your short trips you should sign up and start logging your miles! If you have not been biking, but you have been thinking about it, this is a great reason to take that next step. Your actions will make a difference in so many ways. Please take the time to sign up.
And if your commute is simply too long or dangerous to make it by bike, then follow me at my profile: http://2milechallenge.com/profile/randomstream
Give this a shot!
Have a great week.
-J
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Practice Video Post: a quick trip.
On my way into Ann Arbor yesterday I decided to tackle the hill on Geddes, below you can see the video of how quick I got going by the end of it. Aside from a passing ambulance it was not too bad!
Enjoy my first video post:
The video is a little shaky, I am currently working on a better way to work it with less vibration, maybe I will mount it to my helmet, or try to find a gorilla pod, something to dampen the vibrations.
If you have any suggestions on how to mount it or any settings to change as far a video capturing go that would be great. I have an Olympus Stylus tough 8010HD.
More videos to come, Chelsea is going to roll up her sleeves and make a compilation with music and all of that jazz! Look for it soon.
-J
Enjoy my first video post:
The video is a little shaky, I am currently working on a better way to work it with less vibration, maybe I will mount it to my helmet, or try to find a gorilla pod, something to dampen the vibrations.
If you have any suggestions on how to mount it or any settings to change as far a video capturing go that would be great. I have an Olympus Stylus tough 8010HD.
More videos to come, Chelsea is going to roll up her sleeves and make a compilation with music and all of that jazz! Look for it soon.
-J
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)