December | 2016 | Steve Tilford

I’ve never watched a complete silent movie. I’ve seen pieces of them, but have never watched a complete movie.

It is strange to think that it really isn’t that long ago when silent movies were just movies. I say that knowing that it has been the better part of a century since they were the norm.

I’m interested in silent movies because that is where my grand parents, on my father’s side met, initially. My grandfather played the violin and my grandmother the piano. It seems strange that a relative that I grew up with did this early in their life

I saw an article that said that 70% of all silent movies are lost That is amazing. And sad.

I didn’t talk to my grandmother much about her experiences playing the piano. I only heard her play it a few times.

One night, late, she came out of her bedroom in her nightgown. She walked to the piano and sat down. And she started playing wonderfully. She did this for maybe 15 minutes, then stood up, without saying a word, and went back to bed. She was in her 90’s by then, and I hadn’t seen her play for many, many years. It was a great life memory for me.

Okay, I have a neurology appointment soon at KU med in Kansas City. I have some questions, so I’m looking forward to it Plus, my iPhone is fixed, so I need to go by the Apple Store and pick it up.

I guess the best Christmas presents are things that someone wants, but won’t buy it for themselves. At least that is what some people say.

I seems like our society has turned disposable. I’m not sure if that is because there isn’t anyone left around to fix things that are hard to fix or it is just more affordable buying it new again. I tend to like stuff that works really well initially and then if it does need repair, it is repairable.

I haven’t thought through all this, but here are a few ideas that might not be too late to get.

I think anyone that doesn’t have a Strava Premium account would love it. It works best for a rider with ability to measure power, but that isn’t all it offers. Plus, Strava is so great in so many respects, it’s a no-brainer paying something for their great service. Here is a link.

Anything that Silca makes will work. They make the best stuff and you have to pay for it. But, it for sure fits into the category of something you might not buy yourself, but want. Sometimes badly. The Silca Superpista Ultimate floor pump is the best floor pump on the market. By far. At least it’s the best I’ve used. I don’t have one yet, but will soon hopefully. Silca is making a frame pump and some tools that are just as perfect as their floor pump. Here is their link.

The guys at Barfly make super cool mounts for Garmins and cameras. Plus other stuff too. Their products are made by cyclists, so they are ahead of the game in that respect. Here is their link.

If your person rides indoors, the Zwift might be the answer. I haven’t used it yet, even though I’ve been nearly forced to the last couple years. I plan to soon. It is a good way for interactive riding. I think it is best with a power meter, or trainer that does wattage, but that might not be correct. The link below explains it. I think there is a 7 day free trial, so maybe start there and see if it is for you. Link is here.

Everyone I know rides with something to record their ride. Garmin started the movement and they still make a wide array of products that work great. You nearly have to have one if you have a powermeter. Plus, Strava only works with a way to record the ride. You can use Strava on your phone, but having a bar mounted unit is way better. Here is their link.

Garmin isn’t the only company to make cycling computers. Wahoo came out with a new unit this year. It is called the Elemnt. It does a lot of cool things. I’ve never used this either, but I’ve heard pretty good things about them. They work great, obviously, with their trainer, the Wahoo KickR. It measures power and it a top of the line trainer. Pretty important for Zwift races maybe. Okay, their link is here.

Socks. I have a sock fetish sort of. Or maybe I’m a sock snob. I try to only wear super nice socks. Cycling and not. I like wool socks. Defeet initially came out with the first wool cycling socks. Actually, Defeet should get credit for all modern cycling socks. Before them, it was pretty much Italian thin socks, or K-Mart nylons. Anyway, they still make super socks and tons of different styles. They are everywhere, but they sell them on their website too. Check them out.

I can’t leave out Donkey Label sock too. Donkey Label sells way more than socks. High rent cycling clothing, skin care products, etc. But their socks are great. Wool and great. If socks aren’t your deal, then their base layers are great too. Donkey Label link.

Okay, that is enough. These are just a few ideas, as late as it is now. All the companies above are great people that have really helped the sport a ton. They’ve all contributed to make our sport much more enjoyable. You can most of this stuff at your local bike shop. Happy holidays.