I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
19 September 2024
Today's ride was much better. I went to Vailsburg Park, Newark, which was alive with athletes practicing, men and women walking alone or together. I saw runners, coaches, Pop Warner teams scrimmageing.
My gears worked better today. At least I was not in the highest of 22 gears. I was able to switch to all but the two lowest gears. However, my rear caliper was not stopping. I also need to research which adjustments are needed to my seat and/or handlebars to alleviate the numbness that forces me to release the handlebars. I wore riding pants today, so, well, you know.
I put my bike away, fully intending to bring it out the following Spring.
Life happened. I experienced some new academic, professional and personal challenges.
In 2023, I considered replacing my rig. I was struck by 50-years-of-price-inflation sticker shock. To get the same quality as my beloved vintage Nishiki Sport, I would have to fork over anywhere between $750 and $1,500, the going range for a used or new higher quality bicycle.
This was a long time coming. I have always loved cycling. In 2013, I did a 40-mile charity ride for the St. Barnabas Burn Center. I was working towards embarking on my first century (100-mile) run with the Major Taylor Cycling Club.
That October, or maybe it was the next year, we got an early ice storm. I put my bike away. Yesterday (9/18/2024) was my first ride since then.
More to come....
I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.