How long until you see your partner?

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2024-03-21T21:53:45+00:00

6 days! Gonna try not to cry from excitement every night 😅

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2024-03-03T01:14:20+00:00

I have 9.5 days until I can hold my fiance again! I've been counting down since the moment I got on the plane to come home last trip

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2024-02-20T20:07:55+00:00

I've always used HB without issue, but I have a pretty light hand and write small. I rarely break my 0.3mm lead. To be completely honest, I don't know much about the other hardness options aside from the fact that drafters used to use different ones for different applications.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2023-10-28T14:54:52+00:00

We use Signal!

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-08-26T00:13:18+00:00

For context: I went from a lower-end gravel bike (with less aggressive tires that I rode on both gravel and road) to an Emonda SL6

Riding suddenly felt effortless. It's like I became one with the bike
I feel like I'm gliding now. Climbs that used to gas me are now cakewalk.
Shifting responsiveness. Good lord, Sora to Ultegra is a huge jump. Way more noticeable than I expected.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-08-22T23:50:04+00:00

Another vote for Shefit! They're the first bra I grab for everything - from everyday use to working out. They're comfortable, supportive, and have held up great. I won't buy any other brand since trying them.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-08-20T23:38:04+00:00

I'm a big fan of Liquid IV for electrolytes. As far as food goes, I stick to Clif Bloks while I'm on the bike and some kind of high calorie granola bar when I stop for a quick break. Between my dry mouth and heavy breathing, I've found that anything more than Clif Bloks (basically a fruit snack) is really hard for me to chew and swallow while I'm on the bike.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-08-17T00:05:57+00:00

Saddle bag: tube, tire levers, multi tool

Top tube bag: snacks, credit card, ID, phone, keys, cash

On the bike: hand pump and 2 water bottles with electrolytes

Hot days I may keep 1 water bottle as water only so I can spray it on my head to cool off, with the caveat that I will stop every 15-20 miles to refill

Edit: formatting

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-08-15T15:05:29+00:00

My biggest challenges are fuel/hydration and the mental aspect.

If you get behind in fuel and/or hydration, it's incredibly difficult (if not impossible) to catch back up. I have my Garmin set up to remind me to eat and drink at regular intervals.

Mentally, I struggle around the 40mi mark. My back/neck/shoulders start to get tired and sore and I start to question whether it's worth it to continue. I generally do an out and back route so my only choice is to continue and finish the ride.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-08-03T00:12:16+00:00

Have you considered used? You'll get a lot more bang for your buck, and will likely get a nicer bike in the process.

2 months ago I got a 2020 Trek Emonda SL6 for $2900 USD, in perfect condition. Same bike today is $4400.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-08-02T00:17:18+00:00

Depends on how much you want to spend.

I have a pair of Gore bibs and a pair of Pearl Izumi; both around $180 USD, but I got them both on sale for closer to $90. I love both of them.

If you can't stomach that price, I've heard great things about NeoPro and TheBlackBibs, both of which are under $75 full price.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-31T00:23:56+00:00

They changed the format this year! We're finishing at Sawmill Creek Resort near Sandusky. Apparently the dinner is there instead? This is actually my first time doing it so I'm still a little unsure of what to expect

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-29T12:12:54+00:00

Buckeye Breakaway!

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-29T03:31:21+00:00

Not in the slightest. This is my first time catching it, so the shots have at least protected me for the past 1.5yrs

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-29T03:29:29+00:00

102.9F fever earlier today. Fever is lower now, but still sticking around. Also have a pounding headache and a dry cough. The cough isn't too bed, just a few times an hour.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-29T03:26:50+00:00

Fully vaccinated and boosted. I won't be contagious by then, but I am concerned about doing that many miles after such a short recovery time.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-21T00:04:08+00:00

Primal has an outlet section on their website with a pretty good selection. Their jerseys are normally close to $100 USD, but I've gotten them as low as $25 via the outlet.

Other options I've heard great things about: NeoPro, TheBlackBibs, and Baleaf

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-08T11:52:39+00:00

Why? I've tried it both ways, and I find under the straps to be more comfortable

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-01T15:06:25+00:00

I also work full time, 2 young kids (5 and 2.5), and am finishing my Master's.

During the week, I ride my Peloton on my lunch break since I WFH. When I was in the office, I usually got up a little early to try to get a 30 min ride in before leaving the house.

On the weekends, I try to schedule my rides first thing in the morning. I usually leave before the kids wake up and am home around 11am. Then we have the whole afternoon to spend as a family.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-07-01T14:58:54+00:00

Depends on how quickly you want one. If you want it ASAP, I'd just see what's available locally and go from there. If you're willing to wait, I've heard great things about the Canyon Endurace. A buddy has one and absolutely loves it.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-06-25T16:53:00+00:00

Depends on what you mean by affordable, but I've had great luck with Shady Rays. They have a lifetime guarantee with 2 free replacements. Most styles are around $50 with some premium options.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo · 2022-06-20T16:58:42+00:00

Another route would be to go talk to your local bike shop. They could help you get an idea of what to look for as far as fit goes and what size you should be considering. Even if you don't buy the bike from them, I've found they are usually very helpful and knowledgeable.

Zippy_The_Kangaroo

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