Disappointment Has Hit
30 Sep 2024
Bike is back on the road/trails, but unfortunately I will not hit my 150 miles by the end of today. The mind is willing, but the time and body is not quite there. This is not the end however, I do plan to keep riding throughout the month of October in order to fulfill upon my commitment of 150 miles. I also plan to cycle regularly so that next year I will be ready to take on this challenge again. So I may be down (a few miles), but I’m far from out, and only getting better. Thanks again to those who sponsored with their generosity of thoughts, prayers, and currency.
Posted 55 days ago
9/27/24 - I Think I’ve Got It
27 Sep 2024
Went out once the rains subsided to find another flat rear tire today. Tried pumping it up, but was unsuccessful. The plan, take the rim down to the bones and do a thorough inspection. Tube - ruined. The valve stem detached from the base. Tire - check. Tire was worn, but nothing stuck through it or floating around inside. Initial inspection of rim checked out okay, but when I removed the spoke cover and inspected the valve hole the edges were basically serrated. When I used to build bikes I would always debur the stem holes on both sides precisely for this reason. That’s the kind of tube damage that cannot be repaired and as in this case is usually overlooked. I dug out my deburring tool and went at it. Then sanded the edge down further to ensure a smooth, dull edge. Went out and did just over 6 miles and the tire pressure seems to be the same as when I left. If the rim still holds air when next I ride I can say I have overcome another obstacle.
Posted 58 days ago
Hitting The Side Roads Again
24 Sep 2024
So I had another flat to fix today. Same rear wheel. I decided to change out the rim and throw in a new tube. Got that done, jumped on the bike, then down the hill I went. As I got off the dirt road and onto the asphalt I noticed a rhythmic thudding with every rotation emanating from the rear wheel. First I thought it was a rock so I looked out for one as I rode. Nothing big that persistent thudding. I pulled to the side of the road and looked at the rim spin as I held it off the ground. Nothing. I jumped back on the bike and rode about another mile. Same thudding. As I rode I noticed from the bikes shadow at the area of the stem there was a bulge. I stopped and again while straddling the bike looked at the rear wheel as I let it spin. Nothing. I got off the bike a took a closer look. That’s when I saw it. A 6 inch area of the bike tire at the stem area was over the rim. It must have come over as I pumped it up and I was so fixated on finding another solution, nail, staple, rock, or some other reason was to blame that I did not notice that a section of the tire bead was not inside the rim as it should be. I considered a road repair by deflating and readjusting the tube and tire. I was about 2 miles out, I had no tools, no pump and should have to walk 2 miles back to home base. That was not an option. I did the only logical thing by decided to continue riding the bike back. I kept eyes on the issue as I headed back and once I arrived made the necessary repair and was happy with the results. I’m now looking forward to my next ride.
Posted 61 days ago
Neighborhood Back Roads
22 Sep 2024
9/22/2024: Doing a little side road riding. Getting the body used to daily riding in preparation for the next week of rides means getting out there on the regular. I’ve got almost 100 miles to go to complete my pledge. It should be an interesting endeavor.
Posted 63 days ago
Back On The Saddle Again
20 Sep 2024
9/20/2024: It’s been a few days since I last rode. Had another flat to take care of and this time I didn’t have a spare to replace it so that took a little doing. After not cycling regularly for quite a few years I am reminded of the importance of general maintenance. I’ll have to look for my bike kit. I have no idea where it could be. The good thing is at least I know how to fix a flat tire. I’ll have to get some brake pads as well. And do a general tune up of a few of my bikes.
Posted 65 days ago
Today Is A Day Of Rest
10 Sep 2024
9/10/24 - Went to bed sore and woke up at about 2am in straight up pain. lol. I haven’t felt this way in quite a while. I’m talking full body, every inch of my being soreness. I got out of bed, made my way over to the kitchen and downed almost a liter of water and some iced tea. I then mixed up a protein shake and downed that as well. After about a half hour of pacing, I went back to bed. Woke up this morning still sore, but not nearly as bad as my night episode. I think my body was craving nutrients. Yeah, I think I may have over did it with the physical activity over the last few days and neglected to up the nutritional support to compensate for the added activity. My mind is willing, but my body isn’t there yet. Today I’ll take a break to recover and put together a real riding regimen that will slowly build up my milage over the next two weeks. I will also take a look at my calorie and liquid intake. I remember the days when I’d jump on the cycle and crank out 50 miles then go do a circuit weight workout followed by a few sets of handball. Yeah, I now know that those days are well behind me. Been off the seat too long. Have accepted that I’m back to basics and I am looking forward to rebuilding my cycling prowess. Like everything, it’s in the process.
Posted 75 days ago
To Kings Ferry and Back
9 Sep 2024
9/9/24 - Great day for a ride. Decided to head back to Kings Ferry on this mild weathered Mid-Monday morning. The day started out interesting when I decided to put some air in my tire and halfway to a comfortable ride pressure the tire suddenly let out a quick hissss and went totally limp. I first thought that the valve may have jammed in the open position so I attempted to inflate it anew only to discover that was not the problem. Then I thought, maybe it’s a tube puncture? I removed the tube and upon inspection I could not find the hole. I recalled that I heard the hisss emanating from the valve area. I inspected and found that the valve stem was detaching from the inner tube. No fixing that. Luckily I had a spare rear rim with freewheel and disc-brake setup ready to go but for air. I inflated the tube dropped it in place, locked, tested the brakes and then hit the road. This run was a whole lot easier than the last. Tried a route that was a little different this time around and found it not as hilly, but much more exposure to road traffic. For the most part, the drivers were courteous, but I’ll have to think on it being a good to route. Another day on the cycle, another question to ponder.
Posted 76 days ago
Riding In The Rain
7 Sep 2024
9/7/24 - Went out for an early morning ride today. It started out great and only got better as I peddled along the East side of the Hudson River. Nothing like the crisp morning air whistling by and empty streets and footpaths. Got to Kings Ferry Marker and watched the shore fishermen cast their lines for a few minutes and then headed over to Lake Meahagh to watch the local crew team get their morning practice rows in. As I sat there inhaling the fresh morning air a light mist started and then rain. It was that pleasant cold rain that lets you know it’s there, but quickly goes up in temperature due to your body heat so it doesn’t cause you to shiver. I took one last look at the rowers and I jumped back on the bike and started my trek back to home base. Luckily, I had my sunglasses, I put em on to keep the tire spray out of my eyes. The cool rain made the uphills actually pleasant. As I got closer to my destination the rain eased off and eventually stopped so by the time I arrived home at least my skin was dry. Another days ride complete and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Posted 78 days ago
After Ride #2
5 Sep 2024
09/05/24: Just completed just over 3 miles on day 2, ride 2. Another beautiful day for a road ride. Weather is cool, low 70’s and traffic was mostly sparse. Still fine tuning this bike for optimal performance. Will definitely need gloves going forward.
Posted 80 days ago
In the beginning…
26 Jul 2024
I’m one month out and getting myself and my equipment in top shape for the bike challenge due to begin September 1st. I’ve got approximately 4-weeks to complete 150 miles. Bring it.
Posted 121 days ago
