2025 cycling week 25

June 16-22

Monday & Tuesday were fine. I did Zone 3 on Tuesday.

I went out on Wednesday and found a flat tire. Damn.

I stood there for a moment, weighing my options. I could try to change the flat but past experience says it will take up my whole entire if I can even get it done. I could ride Ryan’s bike. I could walk now and ride later. I could ride one of my other bikes.

Walking now didn’t really work since then I would have to walk at 9 with my neighbor and at 2 with Andy. Ryan’s bike was not a good option because it is not comfortable and why does he like his seat tilted up in the front so much? OK, I will ride one of my analog* bikes. My preference would be for the 1220 because it is lighter and faster. But it is behind the 820. I thought the 820 would work. I pumped up the tires and then realized I needed a water bottle holder since the bottles I use don’t fit in the metal cages I have. I get the extra handlebar mount and strap it on. It is easy enough because it is velcro. Ready to go? I haven’t ridden this bike since I got my e-Bike but it should be fine. Right?

Oh no, it is not fine. When did it get so small? It is about half the weight but seems tiny. I was so wobbly like I hadn’t been riding EVERY DAY since March 1, 2020. I am feeling better but notice my heart rate is still in Zone 3 though this is supposed to be a Zone 2 ride. I get about a mile from home and realize I have no lights! The e-Bike comes with lights so I haven’t thought about the ones for my others bike in almost two years. I don’t want to go back because I am not sure where the lights are and if they are even charged up. I move over the sidewalk since I cannot legally ride in the road without lights. I don’t need them to see and there are enough streetlights. (Then why do cars insist on using their high beams?) I decide to make a short, 6 mile ride. It takes me 35 minutes and even though my heart is elevated, I average only 10 mph. Ugh, what a horrible ride and my hands and lady bits were NOT happy.

After work, I try to change the tire. I am looking for what caused the flat but don’t find anything. I give up since I am putting on a new tire. Getting the old tire off wasn’t too bad and it was the first time I actually accomplished it without help. But getting a new tire back on... I needed more hands or strength or both. I went to Oliver’s. Duncan got the tire on easily enough but then checked to see if it was seated correctly. That took some time. I realized that I would have been so happy to get the tire on that I would not have checked the seating. It was a good thing I lack the strength?

I stopped at Chick-Fil-A and picked up dinner. I got home and ate before I attempted putting the wheel back on. I didn’t even try to mount it while the bike was upright. Gravity works against me that way. I got out the moving blanket and laid the bike down on its side. It only took about 10 minutes. I rode around the block to make sure it worked. I always forget to test the brakes while riding because the first squeeze is just air until the pressure builds up again.

On Thursday, I rode in Zone 3. I was a bit faster and was curious if it was the new tire? Looking at the tires, they seemed OK for tread. Until I got a new one next to the old one. Oh, it was worn down. I still have my front tire to change.

Because my panniers were off, I cleaned and lubed my bike on Thursday after work. I skipped last month and it was more than due.

I was hoping to get in a second ride on Friday because I had to go to the eye doctor (may new glasses broke!). But the summer thunderstorms were in full force. I had to drive my car. Sigh.

I did errands on Saturday and an easy Zone 2 on Sunday. The sunrise was very faded. I didn’t stop to take photos. The Trek Ride Club app quit after 3 miles so my Strava mileage is lower than what I actually rode.

This week 84 miles (Strava) 100 miles (Flow)

This year 2618 miles

Streak 1,940 days

*I hate this term for non-electric bikes.