Ritchey WCS Alloy Zero-Offset One-Bolt Seatpost

In the wide world of cycling, just about everyone riding accepts the stock setback of their seatposts without even a momentary thought.  Just get on and ride, then adjust the saddle, and maybe the stem to suit, right?  Well, the point is, we do not have to accept this regime at face value.  Why do bicycle manufacturers expect the consumers to blindly accept the almost universal 20-degree setback, thus leaving riders with the often fruitless game of finding the most comfortable, efficient stem length and saddle position?  Well, we don’t, if one just puts some thought into it.

I finally got tired of being the victim of the post setback I was innocently dealt and had, unfortunately, grown used to, since it pretty much was all which was offered off the showroom floor.  Besides, everyone was running with 20-degrees, anyway, right?  So, a plan of action went into effect.  First, a confession; I really, really like Ritchey seatposts.  They are extremely functional, have an ingenious one-bolt rail clamp system, provide some compliance, and just look darn good, to boot.  However, I almost gave that all up in my search for something with less than a 20-degree setback by going with another manufacturer.  Almost.

Recently I switched to a Shimano PRO Vibe 7S alloy bar and stem, so naturally, I went looking to the PRO Vibe 7S seatpost, as well.  I mean, it looked really good, promised to be stiffer than the Ritchey WCS, and offered a 15-degree setback.  Well, only it didn’t.  The Shimano catalog showed a Vibe 7S offering with the aforementioned 15-degree’s, and a Di2 post, also with 15-degree’s of setback.  Well, the reality of the situation is they only offer the Di2 post, and, as some of you may have already guessed, in only a 20-degree option.  Bummer.  So, back to the Ritchey catalog I went, and BAM!  I came across a WCS, zero-degree offset model.  It was the same WCS post I had come to love, it had the reduced offset I was looking for, however, unfortunately, it did not come in the gloss, red paint which looks so, so good.  OK, black it was to be.

And, the results?  Well, I have put a few hundred miles on the zero-degree offset post, and we, my backside and I, are extremely pleased with the additional range of saddle adjustment (for the record, I use a 120mm stem).  Doing all of the proper measurements for my body geometry, I quickly found my personal “Sweetspot.”  I feel more comfortable on the bike, and most importantly, I feel much more efficient, and my sector times on training routes bear this out.  I am slightly more upright, but I am able to produce more power, more comfortably, for longer periods of time.  What’s not to like about that? 

No longer will I be limited by the 20-degree seatposts of the world.   

The Specs:

• 3D Forged TR741 Alloy
• Available in 27.2, 30.9 & 31.6mm diameters
• Available in 300, 350 & 400mm lengths
• Interchangeable clamps provide compatibility for all popular rail sizes
• 0mm Offset
• 7x7mm saddle rail clamp included
• Saddle Clamp Torque Spec: 12Nm
• Available in black only
• 195g (27.2/350)
• Retail price: $89.95 USD

“My Horse Does Not Like Bikes…”

Those were the words spoken by an equine-astride woman on Saturday whilst a friend and I were headed south on the San Gabriel RiverTrail in the City of Azusa.  Can you imagine that?  Someone actually telling cyclists to get off the bike path so they could pass with royal fanfare?  I don’t think even Moses was that arrogant when he parted the Red Sea.  I know that society as a whole has become clinically narcissistic, but that was one, way over-the-top, selfish episode.

Initially, my thought on the brief encounter with Ms. “Ed” was, “Whatever.”  However, it was about a mile or so later that I let what I had just heard sink in.  And, that was when I became a bit disturbed about the encounter.  When we first saw the two horses coming opposite-direction, my partner and I moved as far to the right edge of the trail as possible to be safe, expecting a quick pass, and forever those riders would be out of our lives.  “No biggie,” I thought to myself.  Yet, the attitude of that rider was as if we were supposed to pull over, stop, and let her and her partner pass. 

Here is the brief, unedited commutation with this trail-fool: “You had better pullover.  My horse does not like bikes.  OK, I warned you.”

Wow, what supreme arrogance of one’s self, and what a foolish misunderstanding of the true nature of the B-I-K-E T-R-A-I-L.  Not that I mind horses, by the way, just don’t tell others legally using the trail to get off of it for your own, personal benefit.  Yes, it is a multi-use trail, however, I cannot locate a source which claims horses are allowed on the bike trail, period.  Far as I can discern, the entire San Gabriel River Bike Trail is a  “Non-Equine Zone.”

As for me, personally, I have no problems with sharing the trail with others and their chosen activities (even the runners who are dead-center in the middle of the trail and wonder why “Those darn cyclists” get so disturbed), but to have this kind of active, living, breathing stupidity just set me off, post encounter.  I mean, forgive me for using the bike trail for its intended purpose, Ms. Seabiscuit.

A true gauge of the moral compass of a society is how different people, doing different things all get along with each other.  Supreme arrogance and stupidity upsets the balance for all. 

Plus, last I checked, cyclists did not crap on the bike path.    

How Long Is Three Minutes? To A Motorist, It Is An Eternity. To A Cyclist, It Can Be The Difference Between A Prosperous Life Or Bodily Harm.

Some motorists hate us.  They always will.  Then again, these same motorists hate all other motorists, too.  And, I strongly suspect these people secretly hate themselves, as well.  See, though there are enough on-line and print articles on the subject of “Not all motorists are jerks," remember this one, sobering fact: While it is indeed true not all motorists are out to “Get us,” it only takes one motor vehicle to change your life forever (and, not in a good way).

So, there I was… 

Out on one of my regular training rides, braving the Mean-Streets-of-Death, time, nor its conservation, was the focus of the moment.  I was simply enjoying the freedom of being on my bicycle, taking in all of the benefits of the outdoors and physical exercise.  That’s when my personal survival instinct kicked in, and I immediately pulled out of the bike lane I was in, pulled over to the curb, and I parked.

And, I waited.  And, I waited.  And, I waited some more.  The cars and trucks just kept on coming, without a break.  And, don’t think for a second anyone had “I need to give that cyclist three-feet for their safety,” on their minds, either.  In total, it took three minutes and change before I could safely merge left and take my chance at the signal.  

Why did this happen?  Well, there is this one section of Covina Boulevard, in the City of San Dimas, where you are truly at the mercy of the dumbest motorist-du jour.  It begins innocently enough with a wide, smooth, well marked, though street-sweeper challenged, section of bike lane (the City of San Dimas, and Covina, both seem quite unconcerned with regular street-sweeping service).  However, as you near the 57 Freeway heading eastbound on Covina Boulevard, one is faced with a choice, as the bike lane comes to an abrupt halt, and a “Right-Turn Only” lane begins, thus placing cyclists in a very dangerous position: Stay the course, and get a guaranteed ramming from the motorists coming up from behind you at 45 MPH-plus, all in a rush to make a right turn onto the 57 Southbound ramp, or merge left into the path of the same high-speed traffic and attempt to make it to the number two lane of eastbound Covina Boulevard to avoid getting on the freeway.

It is a dicey proposition at best, and a very deadly one at its worst.  

Two photos of the same location.  In the top photo, notice the light is green for me, however, I dared not assert my right-of-way and merge out of the right-turn-only lane at that time.  In the lower photo, see what was bearing down on me at very high speed.  The smart money was on waiting until all of these vehicles had passed until merging into Covina Boulevard's number two lane to continue straight, without having to merge onto the freeway.  It took over three minutes.

And, that is the whole point of the whole story.  I have heard from far too many motorist about having “…Been delayed by one of those darn cyclists…,” and truth be told, is it really an injustice to a motorist if they have to slow down to safely coexist on the road?  Of course it is not.  It is just selfishness by some being projected onto everyone else.  “I would have been there by now if it weren’t for this damn traffic.”  You can add cyclists into that mix of “Symptoms” of why traffic simply will not part like the Red Sera for some motorists. 

However, all is not lost.

Another example was laid bare last week on another one of my regular training rides.  There was a small, out the saddle, pitch on a particular section of the of a narrow, windy, two-lane road.  The young lady behind me was very patient, and when the road widened, she safely passed to my left.  No problems, no hassles, and between us, complete teamwork.  Her forward progress was interrupted for no more than ten-seconds.  Compare that with my being STOPPED for THREE MINUTES, and I think it is clear who is truly being inconvenienced out on the road.  However, right or wrong, one would be foolish to argue with a bumper.

Expect to be inconvenienced.

Friday's Ride: Yes, Ladies And Gentlemen, There Is A Place On Earth Where Rules Of The Road Still Apply.

The Marine Corps Takes Their Driving Safety Seriously.  Thank God someone does! 

After nearly having my life snatched before my very eyes for the umpteenth time by an ill-trained, inattentive motorist, I got to thinking what the world would be like if everyone behind the wheel of a motor vehicle was actually qualified to be there?  I know, dream on, right?  Well, to tell the truth, I have indeed been to that perfect place (you could even call it a Utopia), however, I just had not realized it on the numerous occasions I was actually there.  And, while I am sure this type of facility is not unique to California, I am sure it is true from location to location.

So, just where is this land of vehicular marvel and wonderment?  Is this author just blowing the proverbial smoke in the wind, or is this magical place an actual reality?  Yes, I am happy to report, it truly does exist.  The downside is you have to have a very good  reason for being there, either by becoming a member, or, like myself, actually have official business there.

And, that location is: Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

If there is still one place in Southern California where driving skills and traffic enforcement are purposeful and taken seriously, it is Camp Pendelton, and I am sure it is not alone from a military installation's perspective.  In Pendleton's case, whether it is the smooth, well marked roads, the serious, ever vigilant law enforcement officials, or the active road safety/road share awareness program, those Marines got it nailed down in the name of safety.  And keep in mind, these are the people trained to blow things up from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli.  

Personally, I have been on the base driving a car, riding a motorcycle, and on my road bike.  In all of my visits there, I have never treated with anything less than courtesy and kindness from all other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, runners, or pedestrians, whether they were military personnel or civilian contractors.  In other words, I have never had in the back of my mind the fear of being run-over by anyone while on the property.  I cannot say the same about our public roads.  That being the case, for me, personally, the safest place on Earth, whether in a motor vehicle or on a bicycle, is Camp Pendleton.  As for the Mean Streets of America, we can all only hope.   

Well patrolled, clearly marked, smooth, clean roads, throughout the base seem to roll on, forever. 

  
Sadly, there are still many people in this country which detest the military.  How one can do this while spiting in the face of those which provide the freedom they live under, is beyond me.  Personally, it takes guts to do what the military does, and I do not mind a system where upon meeting, every sentence is closed with the word "Mame," or "Sir."

Semper Fi, Boys. 

If Only We Could Drill This Message Into Motorists' Heads.

Photographer unknown

Spotted On a Metro of Los Angeles commuter bus.  So Simple.  So elegant.  So logical.  And, unfortunately, so very misunderstood by motorists.

If people would only take to heart these six, simple words, it sure would save a lot of lives and spare people a lot of misery.

Be safe out there, my friends.

Tour of Palm Springs Century Ride 2014. The Smiles, The Suffering, The Tragedy.

Heading out into the wilderness.

It was quite a ride, honestly.  However, it was one Tour I may never do again, because there is just no reason to put oneself through that much pain and suffering.  Riding is supposed to be for fun and fitness, not foolishness.  I have done Centuries before, and I don’t mind them, but the 2014 edition of the Tour of Palm Springs, to me, was basically 103-miles of “What the heck am I doing out here.”  Between the high winds, bad roads, and a complete lack of scenery, it was really not what I would classify as a “Memorable” ride.  However, before this begins to read like a whine-fest, it was not all bad.  And, I still got to spend the day on my bike, which last I checked, was definitely a good thing. 

Like any large, organized event, overall there were the good points, and there were the bad points.  Some were things within human control, and many were completely outside any human contingency planning.  The difference, therefore, between a great event and a so-so event, are the management of the tangible details.  For the most part, the organizers of the 2014 installment did very well with the tangibles.  The things outside of their control, however, were the things, for me, that made the ride kinda’ suck ass. 

So, without any further delay, here are my thoughts about the Tour of Palm Springs for 2014. 

Things I liked about the ride: The event staff, including local law enforcement and the California Highway Patrol, were top notch.  Friendly, helpful, attentive, and the on-road support crews went above and beyond the call of duty to assist the riders.  They scored an A+++, here.  The local community was also very enthusiastic, and it was very nice to see local residents outside seated in their lawn chairs cheering the riders on. 

Community support is an extremely important asset if a ride seeks to live to be a Legacy instead of a flash in the pan.  Score a big one for the ride, here.

Catrina, Terry, and Blake taking a breather.

I also met some extremely wonderful riders during the event, which was very uplifting, being cycling contains enough snobs, as it is.  There was Lieutenant Commander Terry (retired), Pastor Elena, Blake, astride a mint condition Trek U.S. Postal Service bike, Elizabeth, silent, yet fast, my dear friend Catrina, and most of the all, the beautiful blonde woman whom helped me get up after the wind caught my 40mm front wheel and knocked me over.  I never did get her name, but I will always remember that angelic face.  And, may I never forget the incredible volunteers which staffed the SAG Stops.  They were non-stop cheerful, helpful, and still carried a sense of humor, even after a whole day of dealing with an army of cyclists

The things I really did not care for about the ride consisted of the following: The route, the wind, some of the participants, and a rider killed by a truck.  First, about that crazy route.

                                                                Service road out in the sticks.

The allure of Palm Springs has always been a mystery to me.  It is an unforgiving desert, and nothing more.  Hot in the summer, windy and cold in the winter, it really is not the place to hold a cycling event, let alone a Century.  On this year’s ride, it was the wind which made the ride miserable.  As for the route itself, well, it was nothing remarkable from a scenery standpoint.  In fact, what it lacked in aesthetics were compounded by a lack of reliable course markings so riders could safely find their way.  Small, red arrows mounted on construction barricades, which were easily blown over by the high winds, were really not the way to go.  There were many time when riders had to stop and break out the route slips just to make sure they had not missed a turn.  I know this for a fact, because my group had to do so on numerous occasions.  The Century route took riders on service roads and nasty, dangerous, 50-mile-an-hour-plus, narrow, two lane highways.  Some of the pavement was so bad, I saw numerous broken bottle cages, some complete with bottles still attached.  I know the organizers had no control over the road conditions, but come on, does not anyone evaluate the roads before creating a route for the riders?

                                The wind completely broke apart the peleton.  Check out Catrina's hair!

                                              There's a very good reason these things are out there.

The wind.  There is a reason the Coachella Valley is one of the wind generator capitals of the world.  The riders left the start in a massive pack, but soon the wind broke everyone up, and oddly, people starting pace lining, though there were 45 to 90-degree cross-winds.  I searched in vain for people whom understood what an echelon was, but alas, no one wanted to form one, thus we all suffered.  We then hit headwinds so bad, that even in 34-28 gear mode, we were basically going nowhere.  Toss in the dust, and it was just not a place, nor time, to be riding a bicycle. 

Amazing Observation of the Day; People like to look like racers, ride actual race bikes, and think they are racers, but no one knew how to RIDE like a racer in high winds to conserve energy.  Odd things, human beings be.

                                                          Pedaling out in the middle of nowhere.

While the poorly marked course was an issue, one thing which made following the route easier was the immense (yes, immense) amount of used gel packets, and such, strewn along the way.  So, navigation via route slip and trash became the sure-fire, winning method for staying on course.  This was the ire I alluded to about being displeased with some of the ride participants.  I have participated in plenty of organized events, but the 2014 Tour of Palm Springs took the cake for littering by ride participants.  We can do better than that, folks.

Tragedy strikes.

If case anyone may not be aware, there was a fatality on the Century course.  News filters fast in any recreational peleton, and it soon reached my group, which was two hours behind the time of the accident.  When we reached the intersection of the incident, the scene had been cleaned up, and it was clear to see why the accident happened just where it did.  The riders had a stop sign, while the high-speed cross traffic did not.  Adding to the problem was very poor visibility due to trees and foliage, and poor pavement, which I am sure made riders take alternate lines on that particular stretch of road.  Right now, fault is being batted back-and-forth in the matter, with some witness’s claiming the rider “Blew the stop sign,” while others have claimed the truck “Went around a car which had slowed to let the Cyclists pass.” 

No matter what the outcome, a woman lost her life, and the ride organizers have some “Splaining” to do.

The author at one of the friendly SAG stops.  "How many more miles to go?"

So, all in all, would I do this ride again?  Honestly, no.  And not because of the ride organizers, either.  The combination of travel time to get there (a two-hour drive each way), facing the elements (WIND!), rough roads, scenery akin to the Moon, and dangerous motor vehicle drivers, all combined to make me glad that I did it, but, I will not be doing this particular Century ride, anymore.  

Well, maybe...    

Video: How To Be A Road Biker. A Hilarious, Yet Sadly True, Look At Our Sport.

Video courtesy of NSMB