ericcox

So I usually commute by bike 3-4 times a week, but the weather & my schedule have not been conducive to it the last few weeks. This morning, I woke up to light mist, and was not going to ride. But it seemed to be clearing and my wife, who rarely suggests that I ride, says, "so, you going to ride in to work today?" Given the number of evening events at work the next few days, today would be it. So I decide to put on the bike gear, and head out on to the roads. Though damp, no more precipitation was falling. And I felt great.

And that was going to be the gist of the post. The first 5 miles of my ride were everything I love about cycling. There was no wind, and due to the weather, pretty much no company. The few people I saw on the bike trail (yes, I ride a multi-use trail on a road bike with pretty much no problems) were regulars with who I shared friendly greetings, including the old couple walking along to feed the ducks off a little bridge. I was riding faster than normal at a lower heart rate; everything was peachy.

Then I noticed that I was skipping a gear in the back. I couldn't get the right gear to keep my cadence up while pedaling along at a decent clip. Still, I was so pleased with the morning I just made a note that I needed an adjustment. So I head up this little hill on the way to work. It is not long, but is fairly steep towards the end. I wasn't really pushing it too hard, and went to downshift and... suddenly there was no relationship between my pedaling and the bike moving forward. I started trying to catch any gear in the bike. Nothing but skipping, wouldn't settle on a cog! At this point, forward movement has almost stopped, so I decide to try for the 34-25 granny gear only to have it overshift and drop (or is that "drope") the chain. Thankfully, I was able to unclip before falling, and had to walk it to the top of the hill. Then it rained on me. The bike shop is across the street, and I will be heading over in a few minutes to have a chat (the bike had a minor tuneup 2 weeks ago).

Even with all the fun, I am still glad I suited up to ride in instead of driving. I got in about 10 good miles, and, for a time, was having a beautiful ride. It also reminded me that in spite of horror stories on MUPs, the one I ride seems to work pretty well with a fair degree of respect between cyclists, pedestrians, & even rollerbladers. So it was still a good way to start the day. Now I have to grade papers...

Brandy

Sounds like you had a great ride and those little mishaps just keep life interesting.

ridethecliche

I'm glad that ended well for you. That could have been really bad if the roads were busy or if your chain got caught between the frame and the crankset. It's happened to me 2-3 times on my MTB when the limit screws weren't set right on the FD.

-VELOCITY-

considering it could have been worse, I think you had quite the adventure.

ericcox

All's well that ends well. The LBS fixed the bike up. The derailleur was out of alignment, probably as a result of one of my 2 sons' coming into contact with it in the garage (if I had to guess). The shop also dialed in the shifting on the front better than it ever has been. And didn't charge me in spite of the problem being on my end. I love my LBS. I guess that's why I'm willing to pay a buck or two more for some items there.

-VELOCITY-

I agree. I find that the more often you go to a LBS and they get to know you, the service improves overall. At least I've found it to be true.