@ascentale @bikenite

A1: Via Rail train betwixt Toronto and Ottawa! Very rainy weather this week (#dlws) so I have to scrub a bunch of gunk off my machine and relubricate the chain and hinges, ugh. What's new is that I'm wrestling with mount standard adapters to fit a Velo 2 computer on my wife's Brompton, and looking into misusing a pair of Minoura clamps to fit a luggage block and bag to the seatpost of my own foldercycle.

@ascentale @daihard A3. The WHOOOSH!

Also, you can do annoying chores and still end up feeling happier and energized, rather than irritated and drained. #BikeNight

@ascentale @daihard @bikenite q5 I consider my fat ebike with its streamers and colored lights to be stupid-fun to ride. It’s great for cargo and commuting and going shopping. My acoustic fat bike is so much lighter and has low gearing, does better on sand and snow so it’s fun for recreating, but not good for utility. Electric bikes allow people of different abilities to ride together = more fun! #bikeNight

@ascentale @grammasaurus @bikenite A2. My only cap is a cute little fleece thing that fits under the helmet to keep the wind out during winter rides. My sunglasses are literally rose-colored, but I hear amber ones are good for low light? #BikeNight

@ascentale @xtaran @bikenite A8. Talk to me about options for towing a kayak. #BikeNight

@ascentale @pete @bikenite #BikeNight A4. My dad is a way bigger bike nerd than me, and my family endorses anything that gets me on a bike. No partner right now. I don't know my cat's feelings on the topic.

@ascentale @t54r4n1 @bikenite #BikeNight A8. I'm sorry, why hwat? Cue sheet? On a bicycle ride? Hwat? I'm not making a movie, here, I'm just riding a bicycle for transportation.

Oh, you apparently mean *directions*? I don't ride to places I don't know how to get to already. I live in a rural New England town, the nearest other town worth mentioning is 30 miles away.

@ascentale @szpon

A4. As a once-upon-a-time road rider, very lightweight shoes with clips for very lightweight pedals.

The shoes were usually hideously uncomfortable, even dangerous, except in the saddle. And my eggbeater Crank Bros…

I don't think they really had any impact on my performance, but the mental boost let me push harder.

@ascentale @MartyCormack

A4) I have two (not recent purchases) that are plenty bright for daylight "notice me when you look up from your phone", though prob inadequate for going 15+ mph on an unlit road or path. I think I paid about $20 each. Axiom and Gearlight. 2.5=3 inches long, have a rubber strap that is easy to detach from handlebar. Note that you will inevitably leave it on the handlebar and someone will nick it, so don't spend too much (had a 3rd front light, guess what happened to it). #bikenight

@ascentale A3. Years ago, I spent 3 weeks in a Beijing for work. I was struck by how often car drivers hit their horns. But it usually sounded like a light “toot”. It took me a while to clue in that what they were doing was saying “I’m here”, in contrast to the angry honks of North American drivers.

As a cyclist, my bell rings are also meant to say “I’m here”, and I’ll even mute the bell with my fingers to reduce any “aggressiveness” in the sound.

@ascentale @ronpar A4. I don’t have an illuminating answer here, but I’m looking forward to seeing pictures

@ascentale @SRLevine@neuromatch.social A6
Style is subjective! But I really think that the stuff from Swift and Outer Shell have a really nice look that blends tech with aesthetic considerations.

https://builtbyswift.com/products/jr-ranger-pannier-set
https://outershell.com/shop/pico-pannier

But when you say “get a rack,” is porteur or a basket an option? O.S has this super cute rack bag.

https://outershell.com/shop/everyday-tote

@SRLevine@urbanists.social I can DM you my pitch for front racks over back racks for city utility!
#BikeNight

@501. Some of the bike people use #BikeTooter, #CargoBike, #bikenight.

@ascentale @uxmark A2 I cycle both for health and for the environment. I’m always touting both benefits on social media when I post about my rides I’m saddened by how few people seem to be influenced by these things. But I still try to lead by example. #bikeNight
I also use these last 2 tags consistently when I post about cycling here: #carbonFootprint #cardio

@ascentale @uxmark A8. Also, I’ve caught myself realizing, “Oh! I left without my helmet on”… only to realize again a few beats later, “Oh, right, I’m driving”.