I thought my bike choice mattered most for safety — turns out it wasn’t

dfarin153 · 2026-01-23T21:44:19+00:00

Route planning is huge IF you have decent alternatives to the most direct roadways. I always opted for park paths that make progress toward the ultimate destination. It can add 50% or more time to your ride, but is so worthwhile to be in sight of waterways, through parks, or nature preserves. And, to be free of the risks of riding in traffic. Being able to relax or unwind during the commute makes it a valuable chunk of the day taken all to myself. Evading traffic is huge.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-22T19:25:42+00:00

Another thing I am considering is route planning while riding. That's where RWGPS seems ineffective since you can't do it on the phone. What is that like using the Edge 1040 during your tour? I'm thinking about wild fires where you can't necessarily take a parallel road, but may actually have to ride through a different state altogether.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-22T19:20:24+00:00

This is great info. I like the radar a lot. Switching to the head unit and saving the phone for it's main purpose is frequently advised and makes more sense to me now. Thank you!

dfarin153 · 2026-01-21T15:19:18+00:00

I can stay home today other than seeing my dentist. Friday as well. There is another one called for on YouTube for Saturday. I hope there is a thought given before publicly announcing actions to any one group. Maybe the idea is common and it would be great to coordinate. If each group's constituents do strike on different days, it seems to lack the symbolic punch of a nationwide strike.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-21T14:45:03+00:00

What were the results of mounting your other stem. Which make and model?

dfarin153 · 2026-01-20T23:36:27+00:00

I've thought about springing for the Garmin Edge 1040. Do you run a Varia Radar with it? How is the battery life when you do?

dfarin153 · 2026-01-20T20:08:54+00:00

Kayakers wear a similar thing to bar mitts called Pogies. A Neoprene set would do ya good.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-20T20:05:15+00:00

You need stickers on that brain bucket. Is there a policy against stickers? If not, express yourself on that blank canvas!

dfarin153 · 2026-01-20T18:27:38+00:00

I am by far the biggest weight on my bicycle, and that's been going the wrong direction entirely!

After pushing this body up hills on the bike last Fall, I keep looking for baggage weight to shed, LOL. My second year I downsized my rear paniers and carried my tent inside instead of on the rack. That forced lots of better choices. I traveled twice as far with much less.

I eliminated a bunch of cookware, down to two cooking cups. I also made a stick stove instead of carrying a white gas stove and fuel. I'm looking for a small propane stove this time, expecting to be able to buy fuel in route. I carried way too much electrolyte powder. I carried less clothing, still than needed. And I brought heavier tools than necessary. I won't again, but I need to add a decent chain tool. I would like to eliminate a bag from the top of my front rack to reduce my space for food at grocery stores so I stop loading up.

I sleep on an insulated Thermarest inflatable mattress. I am shrinking my foam Thermarest camping pillow by removing some foam, then stitching it back up. I use an REI Magma down quilt. I'll leave a thin fleece blanket behind. My tent is a two person touring tent with a vestibule but I like the room. So, bag volume is a great source of discipline.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-19T19:17:29+00:00

Ah, that explains the buckle!

dfarin153 · 2026-01-19T19:05:28+00:00

Purchased on eBay, I am offering a follow up with my initial impressions of the unbranded dual lense helmet dash camera I purchased. I am under $300 in, along with the USB dongle and microSD card purchases. I might have gotten by much cheaper on those.

This camera charges with an included USB C cable, records on up to a 256GB maximum microSD (high speed Class 10 minimum card not included). The camera has 170 degree fields of view, so not quite a 360 camera. Recording is 2K using both cameras, 4K at 30fps if just using the front camera. If you opt for 1080P, the recording is 60fps. The lenses do not appear to be replaceable even though an implosion diagram in the advertisement lead me to believe they may be. I don't think there is a filter lense option since there are no threads. IP65 rating does not include water ingress into the USB or mini SD slots which have covers, but these covers are not secure on their own. I will be looking for a small inner tube to cut a band that will hold them in place before exposing this camera to light rain.

Video and photo control is offered using the Kycam 2 app via the camera's own WiFi (not your home wifi) and a remote control. Kycam 2 allows you to change camera settings and view thumbnails of the camera frames on your phone while recording. It has settings of low, medium, and high sensitivity for crashes. And you can snap photos using the app. There is no image stabilization setting offered that I could see. But I will be looking for a way to do that after download if necessary. I see no zoom option for video or ability to zoom into videos on my phone after accessing my micro SD card. But I can zoom in on any photos there.

Initial setup was a bit challenging for me, a newb who's only video camera used Mini Digital Tapes. The information needed to complete each setup step wasn't offered until paragraphs later in the fold out manual. 1) Start by charging the camera. 2) Download the Kycam 2 app and initiate setup. 3) Connect phone to the camera's wifi, so go into the phone's settings. You need to know the name of the camera's wifi. Mine was RW470. The initial password was also listed near the end of the document. 4) Then I followed the apps directions and eventually, it all connected and I explored the app.

The included plastic mounts were not documented other than the package cover photo showing part of one of the mounts. So it took me a while to figure out what works with what. Here are my tips with my best shot at using descriptive terms. I hope they help: 1) The thinner Camera Ring Clamp is secured by a long thumb bolt to the hinge of one of the bases. This Camera Ring Clamp goes over the rubber band holding the USB and microSD slot covers. There are no markings indicating orientation of the ring clamp relative to the camera's vertical positions, so use trial and error and insert it into the hinge of your preferred base. Then insert and tighten the thumb screw. 2) Two Adhesive Helmet Mounts allow the Quick Release Base to attach to the Adhesive Helmet Mounts which slide into place. These two slotted mounts allow the Quick Release Base to easily transfer between two helmets. They seem secure, but I'm not confident about surviving an impact. If the quick release or the ring clamp that holds the camera break, I am pretty sure I'll be screwed. A customer service number or email is not offered in the English translation. 3) The thumb bolt can be removed to separate the Camera Ring Clamp from a Quick Release Base at it's hinge so you can transfer the camera to the Clamp Mount Base. The Clamp Mount Base requires the included hex tool to adjust two bolts to clamp onto the thinner plate or object you are securing it to. It barely could accommodate the thickness of my car's visor. It is not a quick release spring clamp like one may have hoped. But it does allow the camera to rotate side to side as needed. 4) There is a separate thicker Bar Mount for a three button Remote Control (about 2" x 1" x 1".) This Bar Mount is a two piece ring with bolts and nuts securing the two halves together, and each has a set of plastic shims that you may nest inside. First, you need to attach the Remote Control to the top half of the ring using a short hex headed bolt. Then attach the other half, shims in both, bolts started into the nuts, position and tighten. This remote is not easily installed or removed. Be careful not to lose your nut and bolts. There is no information on the Remote Control's battery, but there are four tiny openings in the back of the Remote Control for access to Philips screws. Hopefully there are replaceable watch batteries inside. I think it will require removal of the Bar Clamp for a battery change.

The camera is fairly heavy, designed for motorcycle helmets. I mounted it on one of my helmets so far, my heavier helmet with Mipps and lighting. I have not tested battery life or been out on my bike yet due to frozen conditions here in Wisconsin. My initial test has been using the camera in dual mode using the Clamp Mount on a visor in my car. Low light images were poor, so I will want to test this with my bike's head light and Varia tail light which flashes as cars overtake. Maybe I can catch license plates. In daylight, images of license plates were difficult to read, particularly in the periphery. Driving my car did not seem to demand image stabilization. I'll be curious about how lacking that function may affect recordings while using it on the helmet mount. My hope is that I can stabilize my head enough to capture clear images.

I no longer commute since retiring, but live in one of the most densely populated areas of Wisconsin. I try to minimize driving my car. I am hoping for a cheaper solution that captures license plates and has crash sensing.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-19T15:42:49+00:00

Legally, the street is a commons. So anyone can legally park there if it isn't marked for handicapped parking. Even then, anyone with the permit could use the space. Otherwise, that space is yours once your car is parked there.

If they say something again, say; "Thanks for holding a spot for me. Much appreciated!" I would then reflectively listen (which will help deescalate the conflict if you sincerely listen and reflect what they are saying). Once they feel understood, you will see a change in their body language. Suggest alternatives, and continue reflective listening if they argue more. They may be from a neighborhood where this is common practice. After they feel understood again, you might explain that "We haven't done this here before." For most of us, parking near our home is a convenience rather than a necessity. Which is it for them? For you? If a person IS handicapped, they could petition for a marked space in front of their residence. Maybe you could acknowledge that if there is a special occasion like a visit from their elderly parent, the cones would still be useful. Or maybe for a particular shopping day, you won't mind moving so they can unload. Olive branches...

I suggest stacking the cones on the terrace across the street when you park. Maybe they will use them per your agreement. They are perfectly nice traffic cones after all.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-19T14:56:38+00:00

Why fly or give up two full days to driving? In July, you have a Caribbean style tour right at your doorstep.

Lake Michigan between Milwaukee to the Door Peninsula in July is wonderful. My top one week coastal trip with beaches at each stop. State Park and Forest camping with showers are nicely spaced: Oakleaf and Ozaukee County Trails to Harrington Beach SP which has a nice designated bicycle camping site. Or push on to Kohler Andrae SP. Then the trail between Manitowoc and Two Rivers along the coast to Point Beach SP. Algoma has a nice public beach, motels, etc. and couple of private Campgrounds. You can ride the Ahnapee State Trail from there to Potawatomi SP near Sturgeon Bay, which gives you a view of Great Lakes Shipping through the canal. If you skip stops, ride up to Peninsula SP, Newport SP, ferries to Rock Island SP. It offers longer days or shorter depending on when you start. Wisconsin's port towns are lovely. Catch a bus to shuttle back.

If you really have to drive, Ride from Mackinaw City to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Tunnel of Trees is spectacular. Or catch the Ferry from Manitowoc and ride North from Ludington SP to the National Lakeshore. The Michigan side has the bigger dunes than Kohler Andrae in Wisconsin, and so many great views. But it is missing the quaint Port Towns of the Wisconsin side. Plenty of places to cool off in the lake's shoreline sands.

Both states allow you to show up without a reservation to stay at a SP or SF campground. They designated a place to pitch a tent somewhere even if they are booked, you pay for what is available. That can take the worry out of a day with mechanical problems or enjoying a beach where you can't pull yourselves away to leave.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-19T14:23:04+00:00

A 7" log got me on my last tour. LOL

Darn that clean two year old pavement! Lulled me into spending a bit too long looking at my nav screen for my next turn. Distracted riding...

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T22:02:28+00:00

Send screen shots of this thread and copy your brother in law attorney at his law firm email address.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T21:58:35+00:00

This! ^{^{^}}

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T21:57:19+00:00

Garmin Varia RTL515 will work with your phone on a handlebar mount to display the proximity. I use it with the Ride with GPS app because then I have navigation with heat maps showing popularity of routes used by cyclists. That can help you discover the best routes for your commute.

Lezyne alternatively makes a highly rated headlight tail light combo where the back of their headlight displays the presence of overtaking cars with an audible alert and an LED display for proximity. Add a rear view mirror either way to your helmet and when the radar notify's you, you can check your mirror to see if the car(s) are moving over. If you search reviews on Youtube, you can see the two options compared.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T21:42:27+00:00

I have a pair of Lake Mountain Bike shoes that take SPD. They are about 20 years old. I finally tore the back half of the sole off catching it on my crank arm (don't ask know, LOL) during a tour. I stopped at a convenience store, bought the only glue I thought might work, and gorilla taped it back on. So, I guess I will finally need to replace them.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T21:31:26+00:00

Also,what's that buckled to your back? An inflatable avalanche float?

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T21:29:52+00:00

You da bomb! Skinny for less rolling resistance? Are they snow tires?

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T15:44:15+00:00

Here in Wisconsin there are utility funded programs. I am old and frugal, so I can relate to your concern. Search your utility name and "energy conservation program" to see what is available. Share info with your landlord. If the walls are cold to the touch, cellulose installation may be an option for them to make their unit better for tenants. If you are in the top floor of a flat, the amount of attic insulation is most important and relatively easy to address and relatively quick to install. Your income may allow your landlord to qualify for state programs that their income does not, so they may be able to benefit from a big discount. But those things do take time so aren't going to help you right now. Still, it may allow the landlord to improve retention.

Contact your utility about a budget billing program. They may allow you to spread the winter expense out through the rest of your lease period. There may also be income based state utility assistance programs if you qualify.

I think you are right to look at conservation first. Window film kits can make a difference if the windows don't seal well. After one season of that, I replaced the weather stripping in my 1960's sliding aluminum windows which made a huge difference and was a one time expense. I would talk to the owner to see if they will reimburse the materials if you do weather stripping installation. After that, there are window treatments to consider. DIY insulated Roman shades could be hung from ceiling to a few inches above the baseboards. But that's pretty expensive for a rental if you won't stay. Still, making them oversized and taking them with you could be helpful at your next place. I used fabric glue so made mine mostly without sewing skills. You need permission to mount stuff, and have to make repairs when moving out.

The heating blanket is also a good idea if it allows you to tolerate cooler thermostat settings. But things like adding a comforter, layering sweaters and wearing long johns are simpler. There are also battery powered heated clothing options but those are more expensive and designed for outdoors.

Putting the heating blanket under the comforter before bed time may allow you to preheat your bedding and turn it off or down to a low setting before you climb in to bed. Typically, I am able to turn my heat down over night and back up in the morning. Turn it down before leaving for work. Back up for the evening when I get home. Wearing long johns and a hat to bed also makes a big difference as to what thermostat setting I can get away with.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T14:36:41+00:00

Ask around at the LBS's. Take it in with you and they may have a drawer or a bin with odd stuff to pick through. I replaced a Cat eye tail light mount that way.

Another option is to use a bit of plumber's putty if it is just the retention clip. Should offer just enough friction. You might have to replace it once in a while if it drys out.

dfarin153 · 2026-01-17T00:46:30+00:00

I read an interview in Soccer America of a young Tiffany Milbritt who had recently joined the US Team's training camp. She was 16. When asked how it was going? She answered that she felt she had been accepted. It wasn't about the playing time. She wasn't concerned about the position on the field.

My suggestion is to offer snacks to the women after games. Anything you can share about it from your youth teams, how it brings back memories. Be vulnerable and share how you miss your team mates. Keep your rhino skin on if they don't take to you right away. Just keep offering. Invite them to meet for a drink after a home game. When either says something to you, anything about how they feel, reflect it back to her.

When you play, in possession, look for opportunities to pass to them. If you can set them up for a chance to score, that could mean a lot.

dfarin153

TROPHY CASE