merino wool rocks!

i recently switched all my backpacking stuff over to merino wool and i love it. i knew back in the day, cyclist wore it.

nothing makes me a sweaty mess like backpacking. and merino wool never stinks. if it develops any smell..i can dunk it in a river, let it dry, and i am good to go. it drys superfast. so sweat wicks and evaps fast and keeps you cool. if it is cool weather, the wool stays dry and you dont have the clammy feeling. all i need now are merino wool boxer briefs and i am done. having a hard time spending the money on expensive underwear. i have a friend hoping that i join him on a across Vietnam bike tour. i think wool would work the best.

not sure if i am doing that trip. kinda costly, with the vehicle support.

Yeah, wool actually do a pretty good job of removing sweat from your body. When I started riding I actually had wool riding shorts, wool socks, and wool jersey. You and I are about the same age within a year or two difference, so you know how long ago that was. It itches a little once I got going, the suffering overcame the itch. There are new materials that do the same and they are thinner so it isn't so bulky and hold its shape better.

Riding across Vietnam would be a blast. How about your wife? is she the support crew?

Come to think of it, when I am on a fun ride, it is so uncommon for anyone to wave and yell hi that I'd probably stare at them, wondering "do I know you . . . "

A slight incline of the head is about all the acknowledgement I see cyclists give each other on the road. Often I don't have the breath to do anything else.

Mountain biking might be different because you're out in the woods or hills. Normally people are friendlier in the backcountry, more reserved in the city.

My favorite gloves are made by SmartWool. Breathe, just warm enough, stretchy, durable, not smelly. They've made me at least receptive to wool jerseys etc.

Check out the sale page at

Portland Cyclewear - highest quality & best prices on merino wool cycling jerseys

Tell you the truth, I really don't wave or do anything. Most of the time, I am killing myself on the bike and have no breath to say much. If I go by someone going the same direction, I sometimes say something, normally because I am flying by them head down. there are so many bike riders on the road when I go out and ride, if I wave at all of them I just might have to keep my hand up for the whole ride.

Woolistic, if you like expensive vintage repros.

Rapha makes nice stuff, pricy as well but well made.

Joe Bob, WE'd get along well.

This is my "anti-roadie" road bike ;)

I roll in running shoes, baggies and an old tatty golf shirt to protect my neck form the sun. I don't understand why so many people look pissed off when I pass them :rolleyes:

(P.S. the tail stripes you sent me worked out fantastic. Thanks for the installation tips).

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1376340093.jpg

Here's the "before the satin black paint pic...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1376340389.jpg

OK, I lied about the "no logos" part

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1376341198.jpg

ear buds while riding?
 

My latest peeve is the guys with their music blaring in their heads while they are riding - when you can't see what's about to mow you down from behind, at least you OUGHT to be listening for it, IMO.

I've had more than one occasion when I heard a car NOT move over for me and dodged a bit to the right for more clearance....and good thing too! Can't imagine not hearing that.....

rant over. carry on.

td

This is a valid point. The guys who are humping along on a stopwatch are "all in" and simply have no wind or energy left for chit chat.

I don't know why they have to have music on when riding. They should get cited for it just like having ear plugs or headphones.

Gone out riding with a few guys and all they want to do is yap and sight seen. They drift into the middle of traffic and have no clue about the car behind is about to run our ass over. Do that when we get off the bike will be more then happy to buy beer and talk to our hearts content.

Why do you think they are pissed? I pass people, and others pass me. I don't get piss and I really don't think they are pissed neither. Their face is motionless just like when I go and pass up someone on the highway driving my car.

Yeah - who chats when riding the bike? It just isn't a talkative sport . . . not golf, or fishing.

you need stickers....like "Die Roadie, Die" or "Logos are fer Weenies"....let me know to help....http://forums.pelicanparts.com/avata...ine=1376148164

I was just going by Vash's disclaimer,

Regarding my "pissed" comment
Joe Bob gets it I think ;)

Its still my "anti-road bike" road bike though...:D

Evidently nothing changes.
Back before competitive road cycling was cool, bikers were still snobs. It was as if everyone else on a bike was the competition and the enemy.
unless they were part of your cycling club of course, then everything was cool as long as you remembered your place in the pecking order.
But ya had to keep your serious game face on. yeah right.
I rode with the Paramount cycling club, they weren't as bad as most.

Back then anyone caught wearing a yellow jersey better be a recognizable champion or he'd end up in the gutter or get a pump through the spokes.
Nowadays every other swinging deek in spandex-drag wears a yellow jersey.

That's funny - my French daughter (we call her) is visiting and brought me the official TdF merchandise KOM jersey and my son the green jersey. I appreciated it, but honestly have no idea where we could ever wear these. My son can get away with the green, maybe, but the polka-dot? On a 50 y/o fatso?

Just got back from a quick hour-long ride at the local parks in 3 towns that are connected via a decent bike and walking path. Was fun except for the guy walking infront of me who decided to make a left without looking and nearly ran me off the road! I have a 'ring ring' bell, and use it often on that path, but in that case, I had no idea this guy was going to dart left all of a sudden. He was apologetic - and fortunately didn't knock me over!

I typically wear spandex with shorts over them (!) and a sport shirt that wicks away the water. I also wear gloves and a helmet whenever I ride. I may look like a dork, but I'd rather wear protection instead of getting hurt more.

I do have a question - in today's ride, a couple of times, a few other riders would come up behind me, and match my speed instead of passing me. Now I am just starting back on biking, and my speed is somewhere between 12 and 15 mph - ie not very fast. So why do they follow me instead of passing me? I am rather wide - but I doubt they are using me as a wind blocker, given my slow speed...

-Z-man.