Tom Frady, Life in the Bike Lane: Numbers are people, too

Most bike riders I know keep some sort of record of how many miles they ride: in a hand-written log, fancy spreadsheet or using one of many phone apps or computer programs. I admit mine is as much an art project as it is a record of my rides. Many (a few, some, only me?) keep a detailed journal with a written narrative of every ride, with photos and charts. While some people (me) may go overboard, there is real value in tracking some aspects of one's bike riding, whether it's formal training or just riding because it is a good excuse to eat donuts three times a week. Plus, if ever questioned by law enforcement and in need of an alibi, I can account for my whereabouts on Nov. 10, 2021, including a written narrative, minute-by-minute progress on the route and pictures of four people who can vouch for me in court. If you are into fitness, recording statistics may help you get out more often or for a little longer. A 29-mile ride? Wouldn't 30 miles (that's 210 in dog miles) look better on your spreadsheet? And, that extra mile is 47 more calories, or 2.35 Hershey's Kisses, burned. Don't we all just love colorful charts? If you don't have time to keep up a chart on your estimated sweat loss during rides, your GPS Cyclo-Computer will do it for you, albeit the graph bars won't represent your favorite jersey. If you don't have the inclination to keep charts after every ride, I have just two words for you: Rechargeable Barometric GPS-Enabled Cyclo-Computer. When you get home from a ride, find a 10-year-old to help you plug it into your computer and set up the Blueteeth. Voila! More information than you could ever want (not possible). Besides the usual speed, distance and time, you've (and by "you've" I mean "me've") got elevation gain, calories burned, training effect, Maximum Average Power and several other metrics you don't need, even if you're a Tour rider. Making notes on service and repairs to your bike(s) can be very helpful. Knowing the shift cables haven't been replaced for two years might keep you (and by "you" I mean "me") riding home from Auburn on a 2-speed. Noting the date and mileage of purchases for your bike(s) is a good idea (save receipts, too) if there is a warranty on the parts. When I bought new wheels, I told the shop owner how many miles I had on the old ones. He asked if he could quote me in his on-line ads. That is an endorsement deal. I just turned pro. No more doping for me (and by "doping" I mean "donuts"). Don't underestimate the power of the written word. In less space than a tweet, you can note the weather, your destination and how you felt after your last chiropractic adjustment. When your doctor asks, "When did your wrist start to hurt?" you can pinpoint the date of that zero-MPH fall you took in the parking lot at Newcastle Deli (I'm not necessarily saying this actually happened to me). It's true. Some "riders" feel more "free" and don't really "care" about all these "numbers." I saw a guy without a speedometer on his bike, once. He is a very dangerous type and should be avoided.