It is about THIS Bike (cont'd)
by Jeff Campbell
[Editor's note: Jeff came to Laos planning to rent a bike, but he liked the deals in Bangkok so much that he bought one on the spot. It seemed like a good idea at the time. However, the shock on the fork stopped working on Day 2!]
Copacabana Beach? The DomRep? Sure you guys wouldn't prefer the +/- 3C
rain/fog of Brussels? No riding stories from here as I've yet to find my
groove again and lately I never know when the roads here are frozen or not. Will get out soon enough I imagine and have plotted with a few
friends from here to get down and do Mont Ventoux (Provence) in May. But
I'll share with you my "Bike Repair" story and see if you can spot the
differences from Mike's (!). Keep in mind: no ladies, no escorts, no coffee!......
Tour de France Quiz
Can you remember who finished second in last year's Tour de France? If you can, you may do well on this quiz. Chances are pretty good that you will not know the answer to all these questions. If you get just 10 out of 12 (on the first shot...it's the honor system!), I will send you a Far and Away fanny pack and a Far and Away bumper sticker. Good while supplies last. You even get the answer to the first question as a freebie. Good luck.
Wshington Area Bicyclist Association Auction a Big Success
In spite of the heavy snow fall, WABA members and supporters turned out in droves for the annual Winter Gala and Benefit Auction at the Embassy of Finland on February 11, 2006. WABA succeeded in raising over $30,000 for safety and education programs. There were quite a few deals to be had. The brand new Far and Away donated hardshell bike box plus a $200 discount voucher went for the bargain price of $100. There was great music, great food and the venue at the Embassy of Finland was terrific. Everyone had fun.
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Wrenching Tips - Protect your Noggin
Most modern cycle helmets are made from an inner shell of expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a skin of hard plastic on the outside. They are designed to withstand just one serious impact. The foam shell absorbs the shock. So if you have had a fall and even suspect you have banged your head, you should replace the helmet immediately. (But dropping your helmet while unlocking your bike doesn't count; they're not that fragile.)
Irrespective of crash damage, most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every five years. EPS can degrade over time with exposure to heat and sunlight. It depends on the use and how it is stored, but five years will probably be about right.
Safety experts also recommend that the helmet be smooth and round. This is because elongated helmets (i.e., aero design) have a greater chance of being knocked off your head in a crash. Additionally, the more vents there are, the harder the EPS material. Most experts believe that fewer vents and softer EPS material offers more protection. Trumping all this though is the right fit and having your chin strap cinched on tight!
F&A Bumper Sticker Unveiled
Let's assume that there is a little rust on your second favorite mode of transportation...yes, that's right, your car. Let's further assume that it is on your bumper. What to do? Voila! Enter the Far and Away bumper sticker. The Moor's head for Corsica, the Julian Alps for Slovenia, the Spanish Crown for Spain, and, I don't know, a prehistoric bird for Laos. You can also cut it up and use it on your bike to cover all those little scratches and dings that are an unavoidable part of any adventure. Perfect! Trace, you get an unlimited supply!
