Category: Cycling

Deer Ride with Rossa

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/110 sec, ISO640
 “Rossa and Deer” Cedar Park, 2021

This evening I went with Rossa (my red Bianchi) to go look for some deer. There’s a nearby neighborhood in which I always see them, so I thought it would be a fun ride.

I also fixed up Rossa with the white Retrospec saddle, new white handlebar grips, and a pair of new tires. Everything was very inexpensive, totaling about $50. Add another $5 for the cabling to get her in safe riding condition and I am very happy!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/140 sec, ISO640
 “White Grips” Cedar Park, 2021

I like the red and white color scheme. It’s fun and seems very 80s.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/100 sec, ISO640
 “Rossa” Cedar Park, 2021

And of course we did see plenty of deer on the ride as evidenced by the first photo in the post. If you want to ride along with us virtually, hop on your stationary bike and put the video below on your laptop or tablet. 😁

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/170 sec, ISO640
 “Rossa” Cedar Park, 2021

Sophie’s Handlebars

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5, 1/550 sec, ISO640
 “Finished Handlebars” Cedar Park, 2021

I have finished restoring Sophie’s handlebars. The final version has the original narrow drop bars wrapped with black cloth tape. I removed the safety levers from the brakes, and added brown hoods, and lastly, the bar ends are fitted with cork from wine bottles.

I seriously thought about replacing the handlebars with new, wider bars, but gave up on the idea. Wide bars simply do not match the aesthetic of the classic bicycle shape. They would be more comfortable, but new bars would be the beginning of a whole new cockpit since I’d have to get new brake levers as well. With new stem, handlebars, and brake levers, Sophie wouldn’t be the same bike that I rode from San Francisco to Los Angeles when I was in high school, and I really don’t like that idea.

Still, I am glad I tried the wide bar idea out. If I didn’t, I would always be thinking about them in the back of my mind.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/40 sec, ISO400
 “Bar Width” Cedar Park, 2021

Lunchtime Bicycle Ride

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“Bicycling” Cedar Park, 2021

Here are a few photos and a video from my lunchtime bicycle ride along Brushy Creek Regional Trail. We’re fortunate to live near a beautiful hike and bike route. Please watch the video if you have time! 😊

“Mango” Cedar Park, 2021
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/9, 1/2700 sec, ISO640
 “Birds, Bikes, and Boards” Cedar Park, 2021
“On the Trail” Cedar Park, 2021

Bicycle Work

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/80 sec, ISO3200
 “White Saddle” Cedar Park, 2021

Look! A new seat for Sophie. This saddle is from Retrospec, and I have a black one on Mango. I find it very comfortable, but unfortunately they don’t make them anymore. So when I stumbled across this white specimen, I ordered it right away. I think it goes well with the white cables, and would pair nicely with white handlebar tape. But I am going to try some black cloth tape and see how it looks. If the mismatch is too much to take, then I can even move my black saddle to Sophie, but I think the white looks fun and very 80s. 🤣

FYI, I am waiting on a new, wider set of handlebars for Sophie. Wider will be more comfy, but I’m worried that she’s becoming less vintage… So I’m having second thoughts and might just keep with the original narrow bars. We’ll see!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/50 sec, ISO3200
 “Rossa” Cedar Park, 2021

As for Rossa, I’ve ordered some new shoes (tires) for her and set her up with the frame bag and Sophie’s old seat. I think the Bianchi is looking good! Hopefully by this weekend she’ll have her new shoes and we can go for a spin.

You know, the white seat might look good on Rossa too since she has white cables and the large white Bianchi graphics. Maybe some cheap white handlebar grips and white pedals would look fun?

So. Many. Possibilities!

Twilight Sky

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/130 sec, ISO25
 “Twilight Sophie” Cedar Park, 2021

Do you know the difference between “twilight” and “dusk”? I always thought they were the same. 🤷‍♂️

Anyways, today I went with Sophie on a ride to test out her new stem (it’s good) and we had to stop at one of the neighborhood photo spots. The sky looked awesome!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/250 sec, ISO25
 “Twilight Glow” Cedar Park, 2021

I hope you had a nice day. またね～