Derailleur adjustment · 2011-11-08 15:58
Couldn’t switch into the large chain ring.
3 months ago, I had the front shifter replaced. Early on in today’s ride it just wasn’t shifting right, so I rode over to Ultimate Bicycle for an adjustment.
Though it’s only a couple of miles to the bike shop from the McAlpine, I’m not used to riding in traffic anymore. When I do ride on the streets these days, it’s in the neighborhood roads that surround my house.
After the bike was fixed, I couldn’t wait to get back to the quiet trails, where the only worry I have is getting hit by crazy deer. One day I’d like to start riding my road bike again, but for now I’m happy on gravel.
MTB: distance 23.38 miles, average speed 12.5 mph.
Chilly late afternooon ride · 2011-11-06 17:52
After watching the New York City marathon, I got the urge to go out and sweat.
It’s been cold the last couple of weeks, but it started warming up today. I’m not too thrilled about riding in the cold, my body and muscles never quite warm up.
While the main trail is in the open, nice and sunny, the inner trails are under tree cover and quite chilly. This change in temperature just causes my body to shiver, no matter how many layers I might wear.
When it’s cold, I prefer to hike the trails in the McAlpine.
MTB: distance 13.10 miles, average speed 12.1 mph.
Walk Charlotte · 2011-10-27 17:47
The days that I’m not riding, I’m usually walking.
Since my last bike ride, I’ve walked a total of 16.4 miles. My walking distances vary from 2.5 to 3 miles, I try to get out for at least an hour.
If I’m not riding or walking, I’m working on the yard, the weather is the only thing that keeps me inside.
I’ve thought of writing an article on this site whenever I walk, since it’s exercise, but this site is called Bike Charlotte, not Walk Charlotte.
Fixed the broken spoke, this is the second one on the back wheel. If they start breaking more often, I’ll have to make the choice of rebuilding the wheel or buying a new one. I’m not about to pay $16 every time a spoke breaks.
MTB: distance 20.31 miles, average speed 13.3 mph.
What you got? · 2011-10-18 15:09
The last days of warm weather are upon us, so I figured on picking up the pace a bit. Once the cold air hits us, getting up to speed is going to be a lot harder.
Rode my customary 3 laps around the McAlpine, then I ventured into the neighborhood to cool off. The trails aren’t very hilly, but the streets around my house are. There’s nowhere to ride or walk that you’re not heading up some hill, huffing and puffing.
Broke another spoke today, didn’t run over anything, it just snapped. I think it’s about time to replace all the spokes in the back wheel. When they start failing for no reason, it’s wheel rebuild time.
MTB: distance 20.47 miles, average speed 14.0 mph.
Rainy week · 2011-10-17 14:17
Last week, it rained, and rained, and rained.
It felt like we were living in an Amazon rain forest, replete with birds chirping away, content with the wet conditions. There were small breaks here and there, but going riding in muddy conditions didn’t appeal to me.
Today, when I reached the lake area, there were hundreds of middle school runners getting ready for a cross country track meet. Conditions were excellent, nice and cool, sun shining brightly, tailwind at the start line.
Half way through the ride, I took a banana break and watched the start of the race. By the time I looped back to the lake, they had completed the course, so we avoided getting into each other’s way.
MTB: distance 19.44 miles, average speed 13.1 mph.