Wednesday, March 13, 2024

How Do You Get Ready for an Adventure?

Trying out a new, lightweight jacket.

Reservations aside, I find it's the little tasks that seem daunting, so I tend to spread them into manageable chunks, ahead of time. I pile critical items about a week ahead of travel in a corner of our bedroom. 

I run cold, so being warm is paramount. This year I added a lightweight, synthetic, and compressible jacket to my travel wardrobe, which should provide immediate warmth on any cycling adventure. 


I never liked my current toiletries bag, so I took the opportunity to create my own, using lightweight material and, of course, in my favorite color.

The current adventure involves my Dahon. I cleaned the drivetrain and our bike mechanic son tuned the shifting. I'm taking it for one final test ride this evening.


I opened the seam on the flap and added 3+" of webbing.
I primarily use a large front bag to carry almost everything! It's definitely a minimalist hauling system, but works well for Amtrak travel (one bag and my bike folded into a large tote). I knew I needed more front buckle expansion. The flap barely closed before, but now that I extended the top webbing, there's more leeway to stuff extra items and cinch it closed. I'm pleased with the result.

I'm very excited to attend the Philly Bike Expo, starting Saturday. See you there? 

Saturday, February 24, 2024

MYOG Stem Bag Pattern and Comparison with Other Styles

A stem bag adorns my new colorful bike.
Recently I fashioned another stem bag, part of kitting out the Hard Rock for future adventures. I aimed to coordinate with the coolest magenta/purple fade frame so with a yard of purple ripstop and some paracord as my only purchase, it's enough for a few projects. All other materials I've collected over the years: webbing cut from old helmets, backpacks, etc., ripstop saved from ground cloth trimmings, and an old greenish quilted jacket for contrasting lining. I resupply rolls of double-side hook and loop attachments using coupons at Joann's fabrics coupons when needed because, by far, that's the greatest expense.

Ripstop and internal material is pretty lightweight. I sandwiched bubble wrap package in the circular bottom and may need to insert side stiffeners, which should be easy, opening one 3" seam, but I'll test as is for now. New England humidity will be the best test of structure.
I tried a different pattern that's much simpler than previous versions (see rust-color bag below). LearnMYOG presents easy to follow patterns and an online tutorial. 

I love how deep the pouch is yet it clears the paint on the frame. We'll see how the material holds up, rubbing against Jack the Bike Rack.
I was attracted to the deeper style with a bit wider mouth, more in line with the Blue Lug example in the last photo in this blogpost. The pattern's downfall though, in my opinion, is the narrow width external pocket. I can't stick my hand to extract, for example lip balm, so I'll relegate that spot for sunscreen and perhaps utensils. It's not wide enough for a cell phone, but that will go in the main pouch anyway. However, I can adapt this feature for future stem bags and wouldn't hesitate to try the pattern again.

I still love these bags, constructed with four exterior and internal panels - a very time consuming pattern - but they lack an external pocket. These are smaller bags overall, but still highly usable. I put two on my mountain bike when needed for extra water storage. The pattern is from Bikepacking.com.


I like that the bag clears the frame, preventing wear on Rachel's sparkly paint job. 
I sprang for a Blue Lug stem bag a while ago, and I must say, this model is an eyeopener! It swallows a large mouth bottle or numerous small items, plus offers a wide external pocket. It's hook and loop attachments are beefier, not as easy to detach, but I rarely remove it, and in fact because of that feature leave it on when transporting the bike via car rack. If there's any downside to this model, it's the lack of contrast lining, which is a feature I've grown accustomed to on my creations.

There's a plethora of stem bags available, both inexpensive models, and crafted ones by local makers. I recommend supporting the local community. They offer the best selection of colors and features. Expect to pay upwards of $50 per bag, but as I can attest, there's a lot of tedious steps involved, and their expertise is money well spent. These bags will last a lifetime.

Monday, February 12, 2024

Ideas for 2024


2024 plans should rock, another year filled with travel, cycling, and visits with family. 

  • I'm recovering from an accident - breaking ribs (falling down stairs - ugh) - but I'm confident I'll be healed in time for a mid-March excursion to the Philly Bike Expo, and if the weather is agreeable, riding on Philly's trail system. 3 weeks out, I'm feeling much better, walking a bit, riding on an indoor trainer, and lately taking it easy on a nearby rail trail on my Dahon. It feels like spring in Vermont so that's aided my recovery, allowing some fresh air. 
  • In the meantime, I'm creating a stem bag and an under rack pouch on Jack the Bike Rack, moved from Miss Rachel to the Specialized Hard Rock where it fits better. The pouch will allow extra storage for smaller items like my sleeping pad and liner, without risk of items accidentally coming loose on rougher rail trails (it happened on the Erie Canal adventure) while my sleeping quilt is secured on top.
  • I continue to dabble with Gouache painting, exploring techniques. I love bright colors and this medium lends itself well with bold, opaque paint. I'll post images on Instagram: @annie.bikes
  • The Bassi Rachel will get a Soma front rack. The Jack the Bike Rack wasn't an ideal companion - sat too high, obstructing vision - so I'm opting for a double rack and panniers setup on this gem. I'll add fenders to the Hard Rock to finish off its capabilities as a touring machine. 
  • Touring ideas (take two) include a loop connecting the Cross Vermont Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, doable from home! Both trails sustained significant damage from 2023 floodwaters but should be in good shape this year - fingers crossed. It's an opportunity to ride varied terrain, crossing the width of Vermont twice. I plan to load up the Hard Rock and see how it handles its inaugural tour, likely in September.
  • Additional vacation plans. In June I'll visit our eldest son in Colorado. He and his girlfriend will show me Fort Collins's bike trail network. 

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Aesthetics vs Practicality - Frame Bags and their Worth

The single frame bag in my possession, and it's a tight fit. I don't love it, but wallet and lock fits. I carry extra water in the stem bag.

Frame bags were created to allow carrying capacity in all shapes of mountain bike frames. And no wonder! With unique angles, and racks unable to withstand loads on uneven terrain, frame, seat and bar bags meant camping and touring on rough terrain was doable. Among other long distance events, it certainly enabled participants to ride the Tour Divide.

Packing light, Otlieb setup. Carrying the bare essentials in three compartments. Not bad if you can be comfortable in stable weather.

The bike bag industry was born! The big name brands capitalized on this market, but also lots of small makers created fun prints, colorways, and made (still do) customized frame bags. Panniers seemingly fell out of favor, taking a backseat to handlebar bags, frame bag, seat post bags, fork bags, gas tank and stem bags. Phew! Along with that, travelers sought out minimal camping equipment. Hammocks, lightweight sleeping bags and bivvy bags became popular.

Going stylish with matchy, matchy bags from Outer Shell.


Over the top. They look cute, though.

While handy compartments allow ease of access to munchies, food, and electronics if that's your thing, how do you grab a water bottle, or better yet, keep items dry? I'll never understand how camping with many small compartments makes sense, when ducking into a tent during a sudden rain storm. How can one quicky extract items or unlace the bags? I'm skeptical that the bags are completely waterproof. In addition, how do you ensure safety when dashing into a grocery store? There are a lot of zippers tempting thieves... 

I'm happy to see that panniers are making a comeback on mountain bikes. Four panniers has always been the best use of space, and I admit some of those extras, like a top tube or stem bag are brilliant additions, and the added bonus is they can be transferred to other bikes. However, personally I can't see using a frame bag for touring. But isn't it wonderful to have so many choices?

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Riding in Winter - Reset the Mindset

Slow down, be safe, and if you live in northern latitudes, boost vitamin D.


Winter riding conditions in Vermont were waylaid by a month, something that I have mixed feelings about. Dry, warmer temperatures means it's easier to navigate with lights during after work rides. (I rode the Dahon a lot in December.) I venture further and ride multiple routes, and feel safer on dirt paths and trails. For as long as I can. 

On the other hand, frequent snow storms and plummeting temperatures within a week is a shock, and a different mindset takes over. Studded tires go on; snow goggles, bar mitts, and down parka come out; path choices dwindle, and I ride less in the dark, preferring weekend daylight and once a week rides to the office for better visibility. 

Staying warm is less of an issue because of previous years testing my cold weather stamina and figuring out appropriate gear. It didn't take long to adapt to riding on snow either, quickly reminded to lower gearing, loosen grip on the bars, and avoid erratic turns. (Kind of like a metaphor for life: sometimes you need to slow down but keep moving!) 

A destination is also a necessity, preferably at least a 10 mile loop, which seems to be the magic distance for enough exercise. 

Upon reflection, while my biking body prefers warmer temperatures, cold is more seasonable and allows me also to cross-country ski. Plus, sunset is nearly 5pm!