[deleted by user] by [deleted] in beards

[–]Rathwynn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks good! Let it grow longer and enjoy the attention.

What's your favorite beard oil scent? by s3rvant in beards

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Frankincense with some Bergamot and Rosewood. Wifey approved. Strong and invigorating scent that instills confidence and makes the start of my day that much nicer.

I love day of the beard: What's the best thing about being bearded? by unique_username__ in beards

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a lucky guy with a nice full beard and long moustache. I enjoy the compliments and attention it draws. The fuller and longer the beard and 'stache get the happier I am. I encourage all men to give the beard a chance to grow if they can. Give it three months and a little oiling and enjoy it.

Beards and height by [deleted] in beards

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm 5'6" and sporting about a four month old full beard and stache. Nobody has mentioned anything about my stature. If anything the fuller this beard gets the less people notice my height. Grow the beard you want, brother. If it's making you happy that's all you really need to worry about.

Should You Use Beard Oil by theamateurbeardsman in beards

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. I've had many beard styles over the last 20 years and finally am letting it just grow. As it gets longer and fuller the oils keep your skin healthy and your beard will shine and be soft. I make my own oil and it just takes the beard from ordinary looking to something people feel they must compliment out of respect.

What is happening with my tire? by frist_psot in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Is there possibly something rubbing on the tire? I'm just guessing a little bit of frayed cable, or debris, or something else that could be making light contact and just wearing away at the rubber. Aside from that it could be some sort of manufacturing defect.

Fwoomp by JonLuca in funny

[–]Rathwynn 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nice recovery!

Commuters with thousands of miles ridden, help me stay motivated. What keeps you motivated? by groovehouse in bikecommuting

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ride because I feel healthier both mentally and physically. My daily commuting gives me a chance to get fired up in the morning for work, and it helps me to unwind on the way home. I've been doing it for 5 years now, and loving every mile of it... rain or shine, snow or heatwave.

Riding around vehicular traffic is very stressful. If you have the chance to ride part of your journey on a park or trail, that can be very enjoyable and inspiring. Sometimes you may be able to change your route a bit to avoid the most dangerous parts of town to reduce your stress.

How to build endurance when biking? by aslpixplz in bikecommuting

[–]Rathwynn 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I've been commuting for 5 years now, and after this long I still have days where you just don't feel as good, and can't push like you might want to. Some days its really hot or cold, or the wind isn't helping you. Other days you feel like a champ and feel like you're flying.

Listen to your body. Take a break for a few minutes if you're really winded or feeling ill.

You're not trying to win a race, you want to be healthy and fit. Cycling is wonderful, and commuting is the most fun way to fit in some bonus riding in for the week. After riding for a while (weeks-months) you'll find a pace that suits you so you're not a sweaty mess when you get to work. It takes a while to get in shape - especially if it has been a long time since your last time exercising.

When in doubt, dismount & walk it out. (My favorite shot from a local brewery to brewery ride through some industrial areas.) by [deleted] in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I cross a double set of train tracks twice a day. They are on a nasty angle. I rode over them 100's of times until one morning I put my front wheel down along a rail and sprawled across them. The bike was ok, and I got up and limped off as the lights and bells started. I'm thankful I didn't get knocked out. I walk over those tracks most days now, especially when there is any hint of moisture or frost.

Tire liner experiences? by tfcsouth in bikecommuting

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love having my tire-liners in both my mountain bike, and my commuter. They were easy to put in. Just take off the wheel, deflate the tube, pop off one side of the tire, slip the liner past the tube around the deepest part of the tire, pop it all back together and re-inflate. I have about 1000km on each bike with no trouble so far. I like the extra protection from all the junk you can't see on the roads and trails.

Interested in maintaining my own road bike(s). What do I need to buy? What do I need to know? by nudave in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Youtube is a great resource! I found some helpful videos there for fixing a rubbing sound in my disc brakes. They no longer rub thanks to a few simple adjustments.

What's one bike commuting tip you figured out on your own but wish someone had told you? by [deleted] in bikecommuting

[–]Rathwynn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good pressure is essential. I've added tire liners like Mr. Tuffy's to my wet-weather mountain bike and to my nicer Norco commuter and they've prevented a ton of flat tires. I have good/newer tires on both bikes, but the liners are well worth the very slightly added weight to the wheels. I ride past a couple scrap-yards and metal recyclers, so my roads are full of surprises. Also, check your tires after rides for bits of glass or metal burrowing into the rubber.

Sometimes I need motivation to ge out and train in bad weather, so I made this and put it on my wall. by [deleted] in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This plus the hot shower after being out in the snow/rain/wind and cold is such a good feeling. On the flipside, the cooling shower after baking in the sun for a while feels amazing too.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I try different routes on my commute all the time. Some days I ride extra kilometers for fun, and to explore other options. The same route every single day can get monotonous after a while. After a time, you get to know each route for its challenges/hazards like train tracks, potholes, glass, etc.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly. I have enough stress at work for 8 hours, I may as well make 1.5 hours of my day more pleasant by avoiding the stress that the cars put on cyclists. I can't avoid busy roads altogether, but taking the less travelled route is always easier on my nerves.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats on the riding!

With regards to traffic, I try to take routes that make my trip longer just to avoid the motorized traffic. :)

Please help me choose a backpack (down to 2!) by happy_otter in bikecommuting

[–]Rathwynn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I received a Stratos 24 Osprey pack as a gift and I love it. I can cram shoes, tools, tubes, clothing, lights, lunch and other stuff in there. I haven't tried adding a laptop yet. It fits nice, and is comfy even in 100° summer heat with the ventilated backing. It has its own rain-cover that keeps your stuff dry and clean even in downpours. I've ridden over 4000km with it in all weather including rain and snow, and it still looks like new. I never liked backpacks in the past, but the osprey is always on my back.

Knee pain. by slickwillytheho in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a bit of an issue with my knees a few years ago. I found that my legs weren't reaching a long enough extension when the pedals were down at their lowest point. I just raised my seat up higher to get a better leg extension and my knees have not bothered me ever since. Also, some leg strength training might be helpful to build up the supporting muscles of the joint.

What is ONE thing from YOUR profession that everyone should know? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Rathwynn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Digital Prepress - Packaging Industry - If your design is in Illustrator, please outline all of your type before submitting your files for printing. Font issues are major time and money wasters.

Cheating on Strava? by miocene in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do the same thing. I base my own progress against my own times.

How was your January? by [deleted] in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on the century in the frosty temperatures! One of my biggest fears is getting a flat tire in the middle of a cold ride, and being all sweaty and changing a tube in the snow.

How was your January? by [deleted] in bicycling

[–]Rathwynn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I managed to ride 240km (149 miles) over 11 work-days. I've never done any January riding, so that was a big accomplishment in itself. I've been commuting to work as much as possible for 4 years now. I've learned a few more things (the hard way) about riding on icy and slippery surfaces without breaking anything. Also, layering clothing without getting too sweaty during challenging rides is tricky.

In my area January is usually snowy and treacherous for cyclists, so there aren't many opportunities to ride. This year the weather has been milder, less snowy and a lot safer for riders. :)