This morning I got through a minor surgical ordeal that was far less horrible than I imagined it would be, but I’ve felt pretty spacey all day. A nap this afternoon helped.
Yesterday, Wednesday 13 May, a few hours before I had to begin the preparation process for today’s unpleasantness, I suited up in my torn Ireland Harp jersey and slightly too large Sugoi (sp?) bib shorts for a ride. I chose the Miyata 610 and planned just a quick 10 to 12 mile neighborhood ride. Got about four miles into the ride and realized the front tire was almost flat; I stopped and pumped it back up and was miraculously able to ride again at normal speeds. For about a mile, I rode normally until the tube again leaked so much air its lower volume would have alarmed even the serious alternative cyclists at Rivendell Bike Works. Feeling disappointed, I pulled off the roadway onto the bike path and rode carefully to within a half mile of the house. From there, I walked the bike. Probably, I’ll repair or replace the tube tomorrow.
Feeling like a condemned man as I considered the prospect of today’s outpatient procedure, late Tuesday afternoon I rode the Jamis Supernova from Stepford to Pixley and back again. Only about 25 miles, but I made good time – about 15.3 mph average until getting back in to Stepford on the return leg due to stops for traffic. I was surprised at the speed I made on the Continental Tour Ride tires. For Christmas, I got a new cassette for the Jamis that’s got 32 teeth on the big ring, which makes a big difference on the hills hereabouts; got it installed about three weeks ago at Woody’s. The mechanic was able to install the cassette very cheaply while I waited and then corrected a problem with the right STI shifter that’d been caused by the use of brake cable housing for the shift cable. Getting the work done while I waited and was able to talk bike stuff with someone more knowledgeable than I was pleasant.
Back in Stepford, on the way home Tuesday, I got to visit with a couple of old friends at two stops, and that was also pleasant. At the house, again, my son and I played catch, played with toy lightsabers, and played a lot of catch. All in all, a good day.
Lately, especially since one reader reached out to me information about one, I have been hoping to find a serviceable and inexpensive folding kayak to replace the E68 I gave to my friend Eric back in 2013. Right now, the only boats I’ve got are the behemoth, heavy Pouch RZ96 and the 17’ Grumman aluminum canoe. Neither is much good for solo paddling. Yes, it is about time to get my son in a boat, but he’s still much too small to assist much with assembling and moving Poucher Boote.
Christov_Tenn 