My new daily (huge gas saver)
09-27-2009, 05:22 PM
#1
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My new daily (huge gas saver)
Okay, so it's not that new. I've actually had this thing since I lived with my parents. I can't remember how long exactly, but thanks to the Warped Tour '98 sticker I put on there, I know it's been at least 11 years.
It's a Mongoose from the era before they were associated with Wal-Marx. It has a cromoly frame and a rock shock fork as standard. Nothing spectacular but the shock makes it a lot easier to hop up onto curbs, which I find myself needing to do a lot.
Lately I've brought it back up to ridable condition and added some conveniences like the luggage rack and basket, the computer, the air pump, etc. and some safety things like the front and rear lights (it's 6:00 AM when I leave in the morning).
It's a 55-minute ride right now with my fat *** pedaling. I hope to reduce that by at least 5 minutes before I graduate in December. It's 8.33 miles and half of it uphill, wearing my uniform pants and boots. I've already lost 7 pounds since I started last week.
It's a Mongoose from the era before they were associated with Wal-Marx. It has a cromoly frame and a rock shock fork as standard. Nothing spectacular but the shock makes it a lot easier to hop up onto curbs, which I find myself needing to do a lot.
Lately I've brought it back up to ridable condition and added some conveniences like the luggage rack and basket, the computer, the air pump, etc. and some safety things like the front and rear lights (it's 6:00 AM when I leave in the morning).
It's a 55-minute ride right now with my fat *** pedaling. I hope to reduce that by at least 5 minutes before I graduate in December. It's 8.33 miles and half of it uphill, wearing my uniform pants and boots. I've already lost 7 pounds since I started last week.
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09-27-2009, 05:31 PM
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It's a little scenic too. I stopped and took a few pics the Saturday that I made the dry run down to see how bad it was. Not bad. There were a couple little festivals that I rode by as well. Almost the entire ride is between the PCH and the Pacific.
Last pic is the tire I blew on the way back the first time.
Last pic is the tire I blew on the way back the first time.
Last edited by kotomile; 09-27-2009 at 05:57 PM.
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09-27-2009, 06:23 PM
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If it were possible to commute to school on a bike from my house I would, but its 15 miles, 2/3 of it in a busy 2 lane road with woods on both sides and no sidewalk, the other 1/3 is on a 6 lane busy highway also with no sidewalks. You win the award for best fuel economy for a daily driver.
A little piece of Florida in California?
A little piece of Florida in California?
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09-27-2009, 06:27 PM
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The flag's up for pride's sake (represent.), and the FL tag is staying, just renewed it for another 2 years a month ago. I can keep the FL tag as long as I'm in the military with FL as my Home of Record. It makes things a lot easier when you're in The People's Republic of California with a car of questionable legality.
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09-27-2009, 06:31 PM
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If it were possible to commute to school on a bike from my house I would, but its 15 miles, 2/3 of it in a busy 2 lane road with woods on both sides and no sidewalk, the other 1/3 is on a 6 lane busy highway also with no sidewalks. You win the award for best fuel economy for a daily driver.
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09-27-2009, 06:50 PM
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I'm sure the temperature/weather helps make the trip much more enjoyable too. I wouldn't do it in the SE just because of the humidity and heat. Dirty California always has beautiful temperatures.
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09-27-2009, 07:28 PM
#11
7 Lbs NICE...! I'e been swimming and hitting the gem and treadmill lately. I've gaine 9 lbs instead of loosing. LOL........I can't stop eating after a workout.
If I could ride to work I would. But I have to cross the Trinity on Loop 12 and work beside Parklin Hosp. Someone would either rape me or run me over. LOL
If I could ride to work I would. But I have to cross the Trinity on Loop 12 and work beside Parklin Hosp. Someone would either rape me or run me over. LOL
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09-27-2009, 07:59 PM
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Beat my record, 35lb gain in about 3 months 
Since I was like 17 I have been 5' 11'' - 6' and ~165lbs give or take 5, but since I quit work in early July I have been snacking way too much and not moving very much. I still work out a little with weights, but not enough to burn the huge calorie intake. Now I am 23 and 6' and ~200lbs. I've got a bit of a junk food gut I need to work off somehow. A bike ride or 50 would surely take care of it if I could make myself do it. Maybe once it cools off a bit, its still 80's and humid.
Since I was like 17 I have been 5' 11'' - 6' and ~165lbs give or take 5, but since I quit work in early July I have been snacking way too much and not moving very much. I still work out a little with weights, but not enough to burn the huge calorie intake. Now I am 23 and 6' and ~200lbs. I've got a bit of a junk food gut I need to work off somehow. A bike ride or 50 would surely take care of it if I could make myself do it. Maybe once it cools off a bit, its still 80's and humid.
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09-27-2009, 08:17 PM
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Tomorrow I get to ride with these in the basket. The backpack is pretty light but the other thing is an IBA, which is pretty damned heavy for its size (two inch-thick plates will do that). The IBA is also worth about 15 times what the bike is worth, lol.
I'm budgeting in an extra 10 minutes for this load tomorrow.
I'm budgeting in an extra 10 minutes for this load tomorrow.
Last edited by kotomile; 09-27-2009 at 08:36 PM.
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09-27-2009, 08:27 PM
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Tomorrow I get to ride with these in the basket. The backpack is pretty light but the other thing is an IBA, which is pretty damned heavy for its size (two inch-thick plates will do that). The IBA is also worth about 15 times what the bike is worth, lol.
I'm budgeting in an extra 10 minutes for this load tomorrow.
I'm budgeting in an extra 10 minutes for this load tomorrow.
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