Three Things Thursday - Fast, Flats, and Furious

FAST: I recently purchased a pair of Kinvara 2 running shoes. They are considered to be a transition shoe, sort of in the middle between standard running shoes and minimalist shoes. Many people are getting them to run faster, but my interest in them has primarily to do with the potential to reduce injury. One thing I noticed beyond how lightweight they are was that I had to go up an extra half size beyond my normal running shoe. I've talked to others, and most of them seem to be able to wear their regular size, but a few folks, like me, had to size up. Anyway, once I got the correct size, my impression has been extremely favorable. They are lightweight, comfortable, and my first run in them was amazing. I'll do a more thorough review once I've been running in them for a while.

FLATS: After a series of front flats (don't get me started on how awful that has been), I finally decided to put new tires on my bike. They are due anyway and at this rate, I've put way more than a front tire's worth of new tubes in front so it seemed it wouldn't hurt. I got the front tire put on Tuesday. So far, still holding air. YAY! I'll put the rear tire on sometime before this weekend. Until then, I have one bright blue and one fade blue tire on my bike.

For what it's worth, my go-to tires are Vredenstein Fortezza SE from Performance bike store. They have great reviews and are one of their top sellers and the price is terrific especially when they have them on sale. What sold me on them initially is the fact they are described as having a "puncture resistance system that reduces flats by 80%." One of the nasty things about riding in New Mexico is the abundance of 'goathead' thorns that plague cyclists around here. Fingers crossed that fresh new tires will put an end to the flat streak.

FURIOUS: Due to extreme fire danger, all the trails are now closed in the mountains and the bosque, including the paved bike path. This means we are forced out on the road for our runs and rides. While I agree that this was the right thing to do, what has me furious is that they are still selling fireworks!! Apparently there is some issue with the laws; it seems that nobody has jurisdiction to ban the sale of fireworks. All they can do is ban the use. Of course this makes no sense to me. All it takes is one idiot to set off a bottle rocket in the woods and next thing you know our city will be on fire too.