George R. Hess :: BikeStrong

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George R. Hess :: Live, Love, Ride
BikeStrong@gmail.com (visit my professional site)

Fixed gear adventures ... 2011 Nov 15 ... I've been using the bus system to commute for about a year. It works, but there's a long wait between buses, especially in the afternoon ... when the wait is longer than my whole drive home. My solution was to pick up a single-speed bike and skip the transfer. Ride to the bus, take the bus downtown, then ride the rest of the way to work. Reverse in the evening. Much quicker overall and no more worries about missing the connection.

Riding single-speed is a whole new, fun challenge. I started with a freewheel in October to get used to it, and then switched to fixed (42x17) at the beginning of November. Very fun! I'm having to learn a new way of pedaling and anticipation so that I don't get stuck at the bottom of a hill with no speed, or going too fast approaching a stop. And I really, really want to learn to do a track stand - I'm getting close!!

On Saturday 2011 Sept 10 I will ride 100 miles out of New Bern, NC, as part of the annual MS150 fundraising ride for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I'd like to raise at least $1,500 for the cause this year - I came up a bit short on the same goal last year.

Ride Update: On 2011 Sept 10 I rode 100.1mi (161.11km) out of New Bern in support of National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Thanks to my wonderful family and friends I met my fundraising goal of $1,500 goal!! Final stats for the entire ride are not yet in. Contributions still welcome. (as of 2011 Sept 11).

I rode 161.11km (100.1mi) in 5:29 saddle time for an average speed of 29.5kph (18.3mph). Substantially slower than last year - apparently traveling throughout July and into August has a price.

You can make a donation online using your credit card by visiting my personal donations page at the Society.

If you'd prefer to send a check, please make it out to to "National MS Society" and mail it to reach me during the first week of September - please contact me for an address.

Note: Because of potential conflict of interest, I cannot accept support from any of my current students or advisees, or students who will be taking any of my classes in the future. If you'd like to donate anonymously, I have a container at Global Village Organic Coffee (2428 Hillsborough Street) - you can drop cash in there or ask for Mike (the owner), tell him what it's for, and hand it to him.

Many thanks to all those who donated through Global Village, and to Global Village for a major contribution to this effort! (2011 Sept 9)

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that destroys myelin - the "insulation" around nerve fibers - in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. >>more>>

Nationally in 2010, 77% of funds raised support programs; the other 23% supports overhead and fundraising. >>more>>

This year's ride >>more>>

At the ride start, 2008 - that's me under the yellow arrow, with my three riding mates in the same kit - Peter behind off my left shoulder, David in front to my left, and Trey front left of him.

Read Cycle of Duties for Riders and Drivers, my opinion piece describing how motorists and cyclists might share the road more effectively. Printed in the Raleigh News & Observer on 2006 Aug 21.

My Triathlons

Driving your Bicycle
NC Coalition for Bicycle Driving
Bicycle Street Smarts
Effective Cycling

Inside-Out Sports
Pinarello Bicycles :: (me with mine)
Inside Triathlon
VeloNews

Andy Schleck
Team Leopard Trek

Damiano Cunego
Team Lampre-ISD