So, it's been a while...

My last post was over a year ago. Yikes. To be fair, my life has been a whirlwind of graduate school since then. But I'm through making excuses. 

Let's get to the point, shall we?

The whole "getting fit enough to ride a century on my fixed gear" thing has been going... not very well. In fact, I'm much worse off than when we last spoke. And I can't really give any acceptable reasons why. 

It's been said that change only occurs when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. 

That has happened. 

I'm sick and tired of feeling like shit. I'm sick of being self-conscious. I'm sick of whining about being lonely even though I know I'm disgusting to look at. 

I

am

sick

of

it. 

So change is going to happen; it absolutely has to. And, honestly, I can't wait.

I'll get back to you later this week with more details about how I'm going to go about doing this. 

Later days,

M.

Back again.

More information tomorrow.

Busy busy busy...

busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy...

No post this week.


Sorry!

 - M.

So I guess blog posts...

really happen every 7.5 days or so, as opposed to a set week. Whatever. There really isn't a whole lot to to talk about anyways, as the area has been (and apparently will continue to be) in a perpetual thunderstorm that dumps gallons of rain at a time. That, and I have yet to true the wheel I built a week ago; I am planning on completing that particular project today.

As far as workout regimens go, I haven't been keeping to any, per se. I have not been eating very much though, and drinking at least a litre (English spelling because, dammit, I like it) every day. But get this:

I'm over halfway there.

It's been a month, almost, and I have already closed the gap on my goal by more than half. I've been beating my average by over 2.5 lbs a week! ON TOP OF the set goal!!! If I can keep up half of this pace, by Christmas Eve, I will weigh around 160 lbs.

If any of you need me, I'll be rejoicing here for a good while.

M.

Baltimore...

I'm here! And it's been pretty great thus far. Maybe next week I'll do a post about transitioning, as I've only been here a few days.

Soo biking.

I wouldn't say this is a bike friendly city such as Boston, but I took my first ride yesterday and it wasn't too bad. It was in the middle of a weekday, but still... The other thing is the hills, oh the hills. The gradient isn't impossible, but they last for blocks at a time! And when you have only one gear, and a high one to boot, that suuuuccckks. I meant to buy a scale, but I currently have very little monies.

VERY little monies.

I did something awesome today: I rebuilt my rear wheel using a new spoke pattern! It's called a '3 leading, 3 trailing' pattern, and I saw it the other day here, and decided to try it out today. Well, here it is!

Holy crap, right!?

So now I have to true the wheels horizontally, then vertically, then put the tube and tire back on. Then I have to ride it and hope it holds up: there isn't exactly a consensus that this spoke pattern can withstand the same stresses as your typical 'Cross 3' wheel.

Wish me luck!


Until next week,

 - M.

Older Raleigh bottom brackets...

are an enormous pain in the ass. The reason for this can be found here, or summed up in two words:

proprietary threading.

In short, since Raleigh apparently gave not a single fuck, they decided that almost everything on their bicycles that involved threads (like on a screw, for all of you who aren't mechanically inclined) would be super duper special and not fit any other manufacturers components. In technical terms, Raleigh used threading that was 26 T.P.I (threads per inch), whilst most other manufacturers adhered to 24 T.P.I. This continued until frighteningly recently, but as the late great Sheldon Brown (to whom I owe my entirety of cycling knowledge) said, "Since Raleigh made virtually every part of these bikes, there was no compelling need to match standards used by other manufacturers. (We shouldn't be too hard on Raleigh about this. Making the change would have been very, very costly, and wouldn't have benefited the shareholders in any way.)"

As you may or may not know, Margaret is a Raleigh. Made in the 1970's. So, she has this 'special' proprietary threading all over. Which is extremely, extremely unfortunate; it basically meant that I was going to have a hell of a time updating her components. At first, since I didn't want to deal with all this horse-puckey, I simply cleaned the original bottom bracket components, regreased them, and put new bearings in. Luckily, the cranks I purchased from Eighth Inch fit the taper of the original spindle!

Unfortunately, this slipshod solution proved impermanent.  I was riding around the block this summer and the non-drive crank arm simply fell off. Upon further investigation, the threads on the ends of the spindle had become stripped because, get this, the crank didn't really fit after all.

 

 

 

Are you fucking kidding me?

 So Margaret was out of commission while I had to find a solution to this problem. I could...

1. Find another replacement spindle, which would have been somewhat difficult AND I would run into the same problem again
   or...
2. Purchase a Phil Wood 26 T.P.I bottom bracket, which I would have to start selling crack or my body to pay for or...
3. Look into this special bottom bracket that Velo Orange makes, that's used for bottom brackets with damaged threads.

Basically, it has metal sleeves that press into the threads in the frame, which wedges the bottom bracket in place. AND IT WORKS! AND THE TAPER IS CORRECT!

It took a lot of sweat, a towel, and a enormous pipe wrench, but I finally got it to almost seat correctly.

So now Margaret has a modern, sealed bearing bottom bracket with an appropriate spindle length for a fixed gear.

Huzzah!

In other news, I'm three weeks ahead of schedule in the weight loss department, which is pretty decent (although I'm sure I'll plateau at some point and it will even out). Basically, I've been drinking a lot more water and not eating so much. Seriously, that's pretty much it. I'm glad I'm getting back into this blog; it's a way to keep myself honest over a long period of time.

Have a wonderful evening,

M.

Tomorrow...

is when I will post what I supposed to do today. It's been a bit of a whirlwind as of late, saying goodbye to old friends before I ship off to Baltimore, so I haven't had time to sit down and write about anything. I'll be documenting the pain in the ass that are old Raleigh bottom brackets, and the solution I'm on at the moment.

Until then,

M.

I'm fairly certain...

that I won't be able to move tomorrow.

In a fit of a combination of boredom and my body getting frustrated with my inability to actually use it, I went for a bike ride that was a decent 5.6 miles. I got that figure using this...

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/

After returning, I did some strength training and really challenged myself with added weight or reps. I also did this crazy thing called the Tabata protocol, or High Intensity Interval Training. Basically, you go all out for 20 seconds, rest for 10, then repeat that 8 times. I know that doesn't sound very difficult, so here:



You don't have to do straight burpees, although they are a fantastic aerobic workout. So, aside from my neck absolutely KILLING ME right now, I feel really, really good. It's so funny what a little motivation can do. And that is exactly what I have been missing all this time. I can only hope that I keep at it when I begin to see results. Speaking of results, I'm going to weigh myself tomorrow morning and every Sunday morning after, and see how close I come to my goal of 1.5ish pounds per week.

Wow, there was very little bike related tomfoolery in this post. I was not expecting that. Well, you all should expect much of that come next week!

Have a pleasant evening,

M.

So here it goes...

Oh, you didn't think that I meant I would post that Sunday, did you?

Ha. Fooled you all, didn't I?

If it isn't already glaringly obvious, I promised a post for Sunday (yes, that Sunday) and then straight up did not deliver. And now I am trying to make up for it with feeble deceit and meek honesty. Friends?

Friends.

Well, now that those formalities have been dealt with, let us delve delve deeper into the issue at hand: I am a terrible person. Actually, let me amend that: I am terrible at being a person. That would be a wholly more accurate statement. I have absolutely no capacity for self-structure, will power, or self-esteem. And these three things make it so I am in a constant death spiral of self deprecation, boredom, and awkward social situations. This blog isn't meant to be a livejournal circa 2002, but I wanted to put down in writing these reasons for me not posting, along with not doing a whole lot of anything else.

So a week ago I talked about change. I was pumped up at the time; caught in a whirlwind of fleeting self-actualization and motivation. It passed, as it always has before. And it always leaves me feeling worse than what I was feeling before. It's consistent failing to live up to, not even who I can be, but who I used to be. And I can blame all of this on a million different things, like my genes or the fact that I was brought up to regard food as a comfort easily obtained, but ultimately it all comes down on me. It's on my shoulders that I just can't fucking deal with being a goddamned human.

I've been taking a lot of time this week to think about my situation. This whole 'century' thing is certainly not going to happen anytime soon; I'm going to need to put in a whole lot more riding, get better equipment, and become more fit before I attempt that feat. So here is my plan for the very near future: Be exercising 6 days a week, be on a regimented and nutritionally balanced diet, and ride as much as weather allows. My goal for my 5 month mark (Christmas Eve [where I see a lot of family at a big party]) is to be 185 lbs. That would mean, with very basic rounding, I would have to drop an average of over 1 lb a week for 5 months. And don't think I don't know that you are doing the maths to find out how obese I am. Because I know.

Oh, I know.

I think, I think, I may have just figured out how to do that. Whenever I have the decision to do something easy and enjoyable right now, or difficult and only enjoyed much further down the road, I will ALWAYS take the former option. Seriously, I'm like a godforsaken 4 year old. But I think I have happened upon how to change that:

I just have to constantly think about what it was and what it will be like to be thin.

I'm fully aware that may not be the healthiest mindset, you know, obsession and all. But seriously, I think that may be exactly what I need to get it through my thick skull. I want to be happy again, and I think that being thin would help me out tremendously.

WOW long post, eh? Well, I have to admit, it's good to be back writing to all two of you who may follow this blog, and all eight of you who are going through the archives as you read this. This is a very under-utilized resource; it keeps me sane and I get to flex and refine my wordsmith abilities. Getting back to the point, I was going to update ya'll on recent bicycle purchases/developments/frustrations, but I think I'm going to can it until next week. And then, I PROMISE, you will get a nice dose of pasteurized blog post by yours truly.

By the way, how fucking good is this? Seriously!



Until next week (or even sooner, if I keep it brief!) my dear friends,

M.

A change...

is a-coming. Hold tight till Sunday, but here is a bit of what's in my head:




Goodnight,

M.

Finally...

Good evening,


I'm fully aware that it has been some time since I have last updated this blog, I also know that exactly none of you have been waiting for this post with bated breath.

It's nice to see you again.

These last couple of weeks have been filled with me packing up my entire life and moving back to the South Shore from Western Mass. Which invariably leads to many many many dull trips on the pike with a truck full of stuff. However, as of about 3 PM today, I am finished and settled back in the house where I grew up.

Huzzah!

With all the packing, cleaning, worrying, and forgetting about things that I have been doing recently, biking has not been a top priority. Also, the weather has been dead set against me taking the beautiful Margaret out. At least I'm over my whole 'dying' phase. I feel pretty good, and now that I am temporarily and happily unemployed, much riding and exercising is foreseen in my immediate future.

In any case, it's good to be home. I promise promise promise to keep up with posts, starting in a week.

Ok?

Cool.


Summer is here, my friends, and it is going to be an excellent one.





And because I'm back near Boston:



Until next time,

M.

Sick... And busy...

Not really anything to report on this week, as I was too sick to function as a relatively normal human being. Wednesday post was missed and I feel bad about that.

I really do.

However, this upcoming week is my final week of work before, what I have just termed it, 'The Last Summer'. I figure, since I won't be working for two months, I will mostly just bicycle around town and get fit and actually make some progress towards this whole century thing. So you all have that to look forward to.

I'm cutting out Wednesday posts for this week and next but I assure you, come June, you will be able to read a quality blog post twice a week from me. For serious.

That's pretty  much all I have to say. Here is a gem that I feel is summing up my life quite nicely right now. Also, the guy on the left at 4:17 MAKES MY LIFE.



Goodnight everyone.


M.

SICK...

Very. So much so, that I cannot form very many coherent thoughts, much less string them together in an honest, thoughtful, and entertaining way. Therefore, no post shall happen tonight.

My apologies, really.


M.

Greetings!

It's been a while, no? Well, I apologize for that. This past week has been a blur of very little sleep, good friends (both old and new), aaaaannnnd not a lot of bike riding.

....

I've been finding it difficult to focus on this goal recently; there is just too much else going on. However, I vow to correct it. THE PLAN:

• SLEEP
• Super-duper important, but I have been absolutely terrible at it recently. We're talking 4 or 5 hours a night, average. 
• DIET
• I have been doing a little better on this one, but I'm going to sit down and figure out exactly what I need to eat on a daily basis. And the fact that I have to do that makes me feel unbelievably stupid. Also, I don't drink anywhere near enough water. Way to go me for being lousy at being alive....
• RIDING
• Now that it is getting nicer out, I'm going to do this whenever I can. Also, I just found out that my truck is basically dead, so no vehicle for me this summer! 

So my objective for the next week and a half is to get all that stuff down. Also, I've been playing basketball with my labmates every week, and I have never been so freaking sore in my entire life.


So that's about it for right now.

See you all Sunday!


M.

Long weekends...

cause me to forget to make a blog post in advance, and now I'm too tired. Here, have this for now:


I'll make this up to you on Wednesday, I promise.

Goodnight all,

M.

No sleep...

I've been having bouts of insomnia as of late. I don't know why. Having said that, I'm going to bed and I will leave you with this gem:




Goodnight (hopefully).

M.

The ride home...

Data analysis interrupted by gazing out the window. Not getting very much done, might be better to call it a day; It's 5:30 anyway for 'crissake. Shut it down, pack it up. Say goodbye. Walking the bike down the hall like she's a purebred at a dog show. Best in show, I'd say. Lift her over the shoulder as you walk down the old stairs and through endless sets of double doors.

Outside it is glorious, a rare confluence of sun and warmth and blue sky in a usually dreary April.

Mount the bike as if it's a steed; lean it and swing a leg over, in part because the frame is slightly too tall. Giddy'up. Avoiding pedestrians on the way to the street.

3.

2.

1.

Go.


Heart starts pumping faster going down the first hill. There are two things to remember when riding a fixed gear: the first is that you can't coast. The second is that YOU CAN NOT COAST. Going very fast, to the point where the eyes water and upcoming potholes get harder to spot.

The fear doesn't diminish the grin, it only broadens it.

At the bottom of the hill, pedaling hard to save the momentum to get up the next one. Legs are starting to feel the incline beneath them. At a stop light and sucking more wind than would be preferred. Wait for the cars to pass before turning left.

Potholes.

Straining to get up to speed, from a car waiting to move,

"You're almost there!"

Strangers are strange. But he is right.

No more straining or sticking to the hole-stricken side of the street. Move down into the drops, take weight off the saddle, back straight, neck up. Focus on form. Take the lane. As fast as the cars behind. Better than Armstrong, Schleck, or Contador. Better than anyone at that exact moment. The greatest ever. Power through the intersection just as the light turns green then lay off a bit.

Turn onto the country back road and the mind starts to wander from adrenaline withdrawal. The streets of Baltimore and the cobblestone of Fells' Point. Wonder how feasible cycling will be there. Logistics of moving. Think about summer in Hanover. The trick is, I think, to not fall in love.

Snap back as the smell of the dairy farm is carried on the wind, signaling the final turn of the trip back. Climb the dirt road out of the saddle, like a mountain stage on the Tour.

Reach the apex, take a breath, and sprint. Leave nothing in the tank. The speed is put to a rhythm supplied by the pedal strokes and tension in the chain. It is music, it is beauty. Feel the cool air as the street invades the forest. The house is not far now. Pull into the driveway and dismount on the wrong side of the bike, every single goddamn time.

Lift her up again and walk around the back of the garage. Looking up: squirrels and birds on barren branches. Looking down: grass growing from under the dead leaves. The reflection in the window shows nothing different; inevitable change and a new life.

See you all Wednesday,

M.

Keeping it short...

Good evening.

There isn't a lot to discuss this week, as the weather in Massachusetts is unbearably variable and limits my ability to ride. One day it's snow, then beauty, then rain for ages, with intermittent windstorms and a sprinkling of nice days here and there. With that said, I have been focusing more on diet this past week. I swear, the other day, I bought more fruits and veggies than I usually eat in 3 months. I'm somewhere in the mid 190lb range for weight, but I feel really good. I don't mind looking at myself in the mirror anymore.

For the first time, really, I have become self motivated to better myself and it feels quite good.

Anyways.

That's really all I have to talk about for right now... My life is in an unfamiliar place right now (not bad, just unfamiliar) and I feel this song sums it up perfectly.



For Sunday: A divergence from the usual; a narrative.

Noah, the anachronistic hipster...

is the exact content of a text message I received at 5:19AM yesterday from my friend Matt.


Let me back up a bit.


At some point last week, I was sent an invitation to a party being thrown on Friday by my friends Matt and Kristine, who live near Boston. I live in Amherst. Thusly, I declined.

This smacks of Kristine.

Aside from the 2+ hours it would take me to drive there after work, this party was going to be an "alter-ego" party where you show up, not as yourself, but as your alter ego.

I don't have an alter ego. Or, at least I didn't have one.

I was agonizing over whether or not to attend as the week went on and on. Finally, on Thursday night, my housemate Caitlin convinced me to go. All day Friday I was thinking about what my alter-ego would be. At first came "nerd", then "tough-guy-loner", but it finally came to me: "out-of-touch-hipster".

Meet Noah.

Glasses, messenger bag, keys, belt, shoes, shirt, pants: all old hipster fashions.

Long hair, mandolin on back.

Sailor tattoo I did with sharpie in lab on Friday. Pretty proud of that actually.

After work I was still torn on going, but I ended up leaving at 7ish and got there around 9:30. And I have to say,

Best. Decision. Ever.

I sometimes forget that I need friends and how many quality ones are a phone call or a drive away. I just wanted to use this Sunday's post as a Thank-You to a few folks.


Thank you Matt, for letting me drunkenly explain electromagnetic wave propagation to you and for offering "bite pear".


Thank you Kristine, for being so genuinely proud of me when I told you I was going to Hopkins and for showing me what an "interpretive dance party" looks like.


Thank you Michelle, for all the great conversations we have and for laughing at my dumb jokes.


Thank you Nelson, Pat, and Ryan, for getting Adele permanently stuck in my head.


Yea, that one.


Thanks to everyone who was there that night; it's going to be a glorious summer.


Goodnight all,

M.

Laundry list...

Oh hello, I didn't see you there...

Ohh, it's the deep burn. Oh, it's so deep.

Today I took a rest day, as my entire body is sore from working out on a regular basis. Tomorrow and Friday are going to be glorious out, so I plan on riding my bike to and from work on both days (we'll see how I feel on Friday though....).

Looking over Margaret, now that riding season is upon us, I have come up with a short 'to do' list:

• Straighten Chainline (critical for fixed gears / single speeds)
• This may come down to me purchasing that Phil Wood Bottom Bracket I mentioned a couple of posts ago that would allow me to put in a more narrow spindle (that I purchased years ago)
• Install new chain and fix eccentric front crank
• I think the chain is being stretched and worn out from an overly eccentric front crank (some points in the revolution make the chain tenser than others)
• Take off the red paint on the front fork arms, revealing glorious chrome much like this:

Oh so classy. Only the fork ends would be chrome though, the connecting bit would still be that candy red.

I'm pretty excited about those fork arms, As I just noticed the chrome under some of the red paint that had been scuffed off.

So that's the sum total of the situation thus far. The disparity in effort between actively getting fit and passively getting fat is unfairly enormous, but I'm staying the course and not sabotaging myself; I know this is going to take time and it will be worth it when I come out the other side.


Have a good rest of the week everyone!

M.