As 2006 nears an end I am trying to reach the mileage goal I set back in January. I am 47 miles short. Tuesday I went for a ride even though my self-imposed minimum outside temperature was not going to make it. This brought back memories of riding in below 30 degree weather many years ago although it was only 55 degrees. What a south Texas wimp I have become. With several days to go there are still opportunities to cut that 47 mile deficit down. Now if the rain will hold off.
Thanks Internet
Several weeks ago I noticed that the Rock Shox Mag 21 suspension fork on my 1996 Raleigh M800 mountain bike was drooping. The suspension had left. With that age I was fearing the only solution was a costly fork replacement. 10 years of service was more than I had expected so the problem was bound to happen at some point.
Before I jumped to buying that new fork though I thought some research online might give me clue on how to solve this problem. After checking a few Google links I found the service manual for the Mag 21. Reading about disassembling the fork I saw that the air chamber (this is an air over oil type suspension) could be recharged by using a basketball needle and floor pump. The key was to use a needle without a side opening to keep from tearing the rubber seal and to use some grease.
A few cautious pumps on each leg and the fork popped back into full suspension mode. Thanks to the 1996 service manual I found I do not need to buy that new fork.
Now if I could have the same good fortune replacing my kitchen faucet.
Mountain Bike Happenings in Houston
According to Steve Sievert’s Cycling Notebook in the Houston Chronicle today, the Greater Houston Area Off-Road Biking Association (GHORBA) is deeply involved in expanding the miles of trails in the Houston area. The one that interests me the most is the Spring Creek Greenway that will extend from Tomball to Kingwood.
I have wondered why trails could not be made along the bayous in the Houston area.
Another area is the Lake Houston Park the City of Houston recently acquired on the east branch of the San Jacinto River along FM1485 east of US59. While the State of Texas owned the park not much trail work took place but the City of Houston and GHORBA are more aggressive.
Link to the whole article.
San Antonio Rides in February
—Bicycling: Feb. 4, 2007, 9 a.m., Devine Ride, 11, 25 and 40 miles, park and ride off highway 90 in Castroville by Sammy’s Restaurant. (830) 985-3816.
—Bicycling: Feb. 4, 2007, 9 a.m., Leon Springs Leaderless Ride, behind Starbuck’s at corner of I-10 access road and Boerne Stage Road (exit 551).
—Bicycling: Feb. 4, 2007, 9 a.m., Fair Oaks Afternoon Ride, 20, 32 and 45 miles, Fair Oaks Ranch Center. (210) 698-6625.
—Half-marathon, relay: Feb. 4, 2007, 8 a.m., M.A.S.H. Half-Marathon, Two-Person Relay, Fort Sam Houston. (210) 385-8248.
—Bicycling: Feb. 10, 2007, 9 a.m., Boerne ‘is this the last hill?’ Ride, 25 to 70 miles, Fiserve Building in downtown Boerne. (210) 325-2500, (210) 524-9393.
—Bicycling: Feb. 11, 2007, 9 a.m., Woman Hollering Creek Ride, 26 to 70 miles, Judson High School, Converse. (210) 481-1807, (210) 884-9470.
—Bicycling: Feb. 11, 2007, 1:30 p.m., Fair Oaks Afternoon Ride, 20, 32 and 45 miles, Fair Oaks Ranch Center. (210) 698-6625.