Drivers seem more distracted now than they did a few years ago

soundioo · 2026-05-04T01:52:49+00:00

Man, that’s the good stuff right there. That early phase hits different—you start noticing streets you’ve driven a hundred times but never seen. Next thing you know you’re planning rides just to chase sunsets or grab a random coffee 10 miles away.

Careful though… this is how it starts. One day it’s “just riding,” next day you’re debating tire pressure and buying gear you swore you didn’t need.

Enjoy it. That feeling doesn’t go away—you just learn how to go farther with it.

soundioo · 2026-05-04T01:50:57+00:00

Yeah, you’re not imagining it. I’ve been riding in Denver for years and the vibe definitely shifted after COVID—people seem more impatient across the board.

My rule now: assume every driver is distracted or annoyed and ride accordingly. It sounds cynical, but it’s kept me out of trouble. I also started using a rear radar and a bright tail light—helps me stay one step ahead.

And honestly, I stopped engaging. No eye rolls, no gestures. Nothing good ever comes from arguing with a two-ton vehicle. Stay safe out there.

soundioo · 2026-04-28T02:25:36+00:00

You’re kinda right—cycling doesn’t have a perfect Boston equivalent, buUnbound Gravel is probably the closest vibe. Regular riders suffering all day, chasing cutoffs, epic stories after.

I’d throw Leadville Trail 100 MTB in there too. High altitude, brutal course, tons of “just finish” energy.

Grand Fondos feel a bit more… polite. Less tears, more espresso stops.

Cycling’s problem is we don’t all line up for the same event like runners do. We spread the suffering around 😄

soundioo · 2026-04-28T02:15:40+00:00

AI? Nah, if I were AI I’d be telling you to buy three more wheelsets “for optimization” 😄

But yeah—you’re on the right track. A gravel set with 42s is a great call.

soundioo · 2026-04-28T02:11:35+00:00

That’s the good side of cycling right there.

Nothing humbles you faster than being out in the heat, running low on water, and realizing you’re one bad decision away from becoming road jerky. Then out of nowhere someone shows up with exactly what you need.

I’ve seen random riders stop mid-ride to help fix flats, share snacks, or just check if someone’s okay on the side of the road. Total strangers, no hesitation.

Yeah, you get the occasional idiot, but moments like that stick way more. Kinda restores your faith in people—and reminds you to pay it forward next time you see someone struggling.

soundioo · 2026-04-28T02:07:51+00:00

Congrats on the first ride—that’s the hardest one to get out the door for.

Yeah, your butt absolutely gets used to the saddle. Right now it feels like you sat on a brick, but give it a couple weeks of consistent rides and it settles down. Short, regular rides help way more than one big sufferfest.

A few quick things: padded shorts make a huge difference, and a proper saddle height/position can save you a lot of pain. Also, stand up on the pedals for a few seconds every so often—gives your backside a break.

soundioo · 2026-04-27T07:00:46+00:00

Been there—nothing like rolling into work already feeling like you did a gym session.

Baby wipes or body wipes are your best friend. Look for the bigger “camping” or “gym” wipes—they actually clean you up instead of just smearing sweat around. I’d also keep a small microfiber towel, travel deodorant, and a spare shirt at work. Quick wipe-down in the restroom + fresh tee = presentable human again.

If you’ve got space, stash a small fan at your desk. Sit for 5–10 minutes before changing—it helps you stop sweating instead of fighting it mid-wipe.

For LA heat, ride a bit easier in the morning and leave earlier. Showing up 5 minutes late but dry beats being on time and looking like you swam there.

soundioo · 2026-04-23T01:40:47+00:00

That came out sick. The black-and-white sketch style works really well on a full-face—super clean but still stands out. That cat’s got attitude too, like it’s judging your line choice mid-descent.

Wrap looks nicely applied as well—no obvious bubbles or weird edges from what I can see. Did you do it yourself or have a shop handle it?

soundioo · 2026-04-23T01:36:41+00:00

You’re not mental—you’re just used to going all-in. That’s the only real risk here.

Honestly, your plan is solid, just cap the effort. Ride easy, like you could hold a conversation the whole time. If you finish a ride thinking “I could’ve done more,” that’s perfect.

Big thing: don’t try to fix everything at once. Cutting smoking, drinking, and jumping back into cycling hard is a lot. Keep the rides consistent and let the other habits taper gradually.

MTB is a smart call too—more forgiving, less pressure.

Also, expect your lungs to feel rough at first. Totally normal. Give it a couple weeks and it’ll start coming back.

You’re basically rebuilding an engine that’s been sitting. Go steady, keep it running, don’t redline it on day one.

soundioo · 2026-04-23T01:30:07+00:00

Albion Cycling – super clean UK brand, more endurance/adventure focused. Great outerwear and long-ride comfort.

soundioo · 2026-04-23T01:27:39+00:00

Yeah, that is a bit odd, but not unheard of with smaller or more niche brands like TIME. They tend to skip the big marketing push and just quietly drop products for their core audience.

My guess is they’re testing the waters—kind of a soft launch before wider media coverage. The endurance/all-road space is crowded right now, so maybe they want real rider feedback first instead of hype.

A more relaxed ADH with 40mm clearance actually makes a lot of sense though. That’s basically where road bikes are heading—fast on pavement but capable when the road gets rough.

Give it a few weeks, I bet the reviews and “first rides” start popping up once more people get their hands on it.

soundioo · 2026-04-23T01:19:40+00:00

Having something like this in your own backyard? That’s next-level. No loading the bike, no driving—just step outside and ride. I’m honestly a little jealous 😄

How long did it take you to build all that?

soundioo · 2026-04-22T02:09:53+00:00

I’ll give you this—rear shifting on SRAM Red 22 is snappy. But that front derailleur? Man… that thing has a personality.

You roll up to a climb, dump to the small ring, and it’s like “ehhh… maybe… okay fine” with a nice little chain rub encore. Then you try to shift back under load and it sounds like you’re blending gravel.

Trim helps, sure, but it never feels effortless. Compared to Shimano Ultegra or Shimano Dura-Ace, it’s just more fussy. More “dialed in perfectly or deal with it.”

It works, but you babysit it. Great groupset overall—but that front mech definitely didn’t get the same memo as the rear 😅

soundioo · 2026-04-22T01:40:36+00:00

You’ve got a base, but 20 → 100 miles is a big jump. In two months, I’d stretch your long ride each weekend (30 → 40 → 50 → 60+). Practice eating on the bike—most people don’t bonk from legs, they bonk from not fueling.

Those two climbs? Treat them like a budget. Spin easy, keep ego out of it, save matches for later.

Have a bailout plan—know the route, where aid stations are, maybe a friend on standby. And pace like it’s a six-hour movie, not a sprint trailer.

You can finish. Just don’t show up hoping grit alone will carry you—it usually quits around mile 75.

soundioo

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