I will remember this day!

It is hard to get Cycling miles in with weather like this !

Hard to believe that in a month I will be complaining about riding in the eastern Colorado / Kansas heat.  

I will remember this day! 

More miles this weekend (about 110 miles)

Putting in some miles in preparation for the upcoming trip.  A short stop a Pea Green...  The wind was a strong but good practice for the up coming midwest ride.

Time for new tires !

I examined my rear tire (Contenental Contacts) and thought that it just might be time to install the new ones ...  this is with 3,100 mile on them. I had bought new Contenental Contacts a few months back so  I had them ready to go.  

I have been waiting to install trying to get the most miles out of them.... but the tube is now pushing through after my 50 plus ride yesterday.

The front tire was not as bad but I replaced them both....  

PowerFilm solar USB charger

I purchased the charger to power up USB devices while on the road.  My main concern was charging my HTC Hero phone that I use for gps, phone, camera and web posting.  Yes, it is a power hog.

In addition to the Hero, I have a iPod nano and a wireless phone mic that all need power. 
What was needed was a way to add power to these items when I was on the road.  it would be real handy on long tours when attaching to the grid may not be an option. 

Results after a few weeks of testing:
The charger actually charges 2 AA batteries in about 2 - 3 hours of direct sun.   I take the charger out of the sun after the indicator shows the batteries have a full charge.  To charge the iPod, I plug it into the USB port, and leave it for about 30 minutes and that pretty well charges it up.   For the Hero, it has been somewhat of a challenge.  Through trail and error, I have found the best way to add power to it.   From the fully charged AA s ,  I plug the Hero in to the charger with the Hero powered OFF.   I leave it connected to the charger for 15 minutes. That adds about 10 - 15 %  charge to the phone.  Leaving it connected longer does not seem to add more charge... in fact I have noticed that it often removes some charge.

It is easy to add new rechargeable batteries to the device.  The flexible panels make it portable and easy to attach to a rack or bag.   I found it easy use, and swap out batteries when they are charged so that there are always power when I need to add power to my USB devices.   It works !

Another photo... unloaded

Still training, another thirty miles, this time unloaded.

Training and Testing

50 mile test ride with the equipment loaded.   Not a bad outing....  Montrose - Delta and Return with 13mph average.   A lot of head wing on the return 'uphill' run.

Pictures of the new Acorn Bags

 

The bags look great and fit nicely !

New Bags Ordered !

I Ordered new Acorn Bags Today !

I can not wait to get them !
They are 'hard' to get.... limit quantity .... available at the 1st of every month.....but from all reports, they are worth the wait.   I will review when I get them and put them on the LHT.