It is a BOB tradition to have a “Tried and Liked” post at the end of each year. Since I became a slightly more vocal member of that community this year, I thought I’d add my own list.

Tried and Liked in 2007

• Carrying my stuff on the bike: I’ve wembled quite a bit in my methodology, going from basket to panniers to basket to saddlebag to small front rack, but for the most part, it’s much more comfortable carrying stuff on the bike rather than your back. I’ve come to the conclusion that the holy grail of bike racking is a porteur rack, but I’m just not ready to shell out the loot for one. Yet.
• Road biking: I picked up the Bianchi Vigorelli, and haven’t turned back. I’ve even tentatively committed to racing (read: red-lining to simply not get lapped) at the Pseudo-drome this year.
• Mountain biking: After biking up the Redline Monocog last month, I’ve been out in Frick a few times, and as I’ve said, golly gee, it’s fun.
• Generator powered lighting: I waffled on getting a bottle/tire generator for about eight months, and finally picked one up in the summer. For commuting, it is absolutely perfect. Yes, it doesn’t really work at all in the snow, and I’ve got to crank up the resistence in the rain, but I don’t have to worry about batteries, and the light output is better than anything for the price I paid. A hub generator may be in my future, too.
• Albatross bars: I managed to find a pair used via the BOB list, and they are the cat’s pajamas.
• Wool: the perfect clothing. And it doesn’t stink.

Tried and Didn’t Like in 2007

• Carrying stuff on the bike: yes, yes, it’s in both lists, but it’s true. Simply chucking stuff in a bag has its advantages.
• Panniers: I’m willing to write this off as my bike’s fault (since it wasn’t designed with panniers in mind), but I didn’t like having all the weight on the rear wheel.
• Carrying my Pelican laptop case in my messenger bag. Despite this, I still do it. This stubbornness is what gets me out the door on mornings when the mercury hovers around zero.

Goals for 2008? Humm….

1. Climb more. The sleeper is awakening, slowly.
2. Actually race my bike at the Oval.
2a. Leave it all on the track (as it were) at least once, even if it means blowing up spectacularly.
3. Do the Wilderness 101 (maybe).

Posted on 3 January 2008