astrov

The other issue with going with dad's old bike from the 70's or 80's: http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/4209463612.html Where are you going to get parts for it when it breaks? The internal componentry is probably seized or rusted, to some degree - diminishing the bike's reliability and critically, efficiency. You'll be biking long distances if you ride to Portland and back.

I'll start with a disclosure: I am a rank newb at cycling. I cycle to work on weekdays and rode a fair amount last summer recreationally. New bikes are cheap this time of year. Maybe paradoxically, it's a better idea for you to spend a little more - say, around $500 - to obtain something you'll enjoy riding and has resale value, in the event you don't enjoy it, and do need to sell it - then spend $100-200 on some POS you won't enjoy riding and definitely can't resell. And even if you do enjoy riding said POS, you'll want to upgrade right away because you'll become conscious of its limitations. Example: http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/4258111069.html This appears to be a well-cared for, quality machine. You could probably get that for $500. Your minimum level of componentry that you want to get is Shimano 105, which this bike features. My guess is you need a frame size 54, which is really common, but you might be a little smaller. The Gatorskin tires are going to be more flat resistant than most tires, and you'll need that quality if you ride on Highway 30. Riding on that highway sucks. The shoulders are covered with debris. Last time I was out there I got a nasty pinch flat after hitting a random chunk of asphalt. I recommend the many windy pastoral roads around Skyline - McNamee Road, Rocky Point, Rocky Creek, West Germantown, Cornell, NW 53rd (which goes through Forest Park). There is riding gold in them hills! Were I you, I'd figure out my size by demoing a couple bikes at Performance or River City Outlet, and if not buying one new there (because again, new bikes are cheap right now), see what I can find on craigslist in the $500 range. Below that, I'm sure there are deals out there for people who can buy a frame and parts and put them together, but they aren't obvious to me. I think of it as I think of mountaineering. I could try to summit in pack boots and ski pants with a borrowed ice axe, but my enjoyment of the experience is going to be so minimal that I won't want to do it again. Investing in a road bike has made me more willing to spend money on gear for mountaineering. This guy's presentation skills need work, but I think he makes a point you might relate to. He has a suggestion on a quality economical road bike you can buy:

Anybody know if there's any ice up in them Gates right now? We're thinking about heading up this weekend and debating bringing a rope and a little pro. If it's snow-filled, we won't bother bringing said rope and pro. TIA.

Wear 'em til you learn, son. Wear 'em til you learn.

sorry man. How much would it cost REI to through a left-over GoPro camera up in the corner of that garage and hook it up to a left over hard drive and put it on loop? Next to nothing, I'll bet. that might deter a few folk. I'll bet they spent as much on their disclaimer signs.

any beatards up for a climb this weekend? I will lead SE Corner or you lead YW and I follow. Or whatever other project you have in mind. I have gear, car, and beer money. Usual partners are fishing or something.

I've heard that biking should be avoided by technical climbers because it builds excessive leg muscle. I got a road bike a few months ago and have been riding at least a few times a week. I go on 40~ mile rides frequently and even did 94, somewhat spontaneously, last Monday. I usually incorporate hill climbs in my rides. I recently noticed that my leg muscles look slightly more bulky and definitely more well-defined. (See post in Cafe Sensitivo forum for pics, if interested.) At what point are the aerobic benefits bicycling offset by the additional muscle weight gains in the legs, for a climber? I have no desire to lead anything beyond 5.10+. Physically, I am mostly leg.

Sent a PM. I'm available this week as well.

I strongly recommend getting backcountry sleeping permits ahead of time. Source: Personal experience.

That was funny.

Nice work amigos!

Kimmo, which of Tvash's prescriptions do you disagree with? Look pretty much spot-on to me. Going running now ...

Still here. I made it to about 1:09 last night and will finish tonight. Interesting, thanks.

What's AT?

Alright, this sounds like spam or malware, but I want to know the "1 weird trick" to burn belly fat (or any fat). Supposedly Mark Twight discusses a method for burning fat without burning through your glycogen or blood sugar in the course of a workout in his Extreme Alpinism book, but I had to take it back to the library before I found out what it was. I want to use my workouts to reduce fat and my body weight, but I don't think I can bring the kind of intensity needed to train to fully deplete my glycogen stores and start burning fat reserves. Any suggestions? (And please forgive my crude analogies and undoubtedly incorrect assumptions about metabolism and fitness ... feel free to correct as necessary)

Bacon! Bacon! Bacon!

How did they get that name?

very enjoyable, and concise. "Pack bomb"; love it.

did you ascend over on the climber's right near the WRG canyon? I went that way and didn't see it.

I'll do a lap on SE Corner with you if my date doesn't materialize

Dude, I'm still pissed at you over your Upper Chetco River paddle descent and now this!!! Uncool!

He he, no zombie flesh; I bathed with Tecnu soap!

Team # 2. I will have trash bags and will stop off at home depot to pick up some wood screws and nails.

I hear it's in!

So the pack was dropped off 3 or 4 months ago, and the Vancouverite is now looking to return it to the rightful owner?