Cool! I survived rush hour!

I cut approximately 10 minutes off of last Saturday's run, not that my time was Olympian by any means. No horns or overtly irritated motorists with which to contend, though a couple skirted me a wee bit closer than I thought necessary. (Note to self: really must purchase a mirror this weekend!) I think I could relax my pace just a little too; between the headwind and a few gradients I was huffing just this side of discomfort on some stretches of the route. Dismounting for the trudge up the hill to our apartment (a hill that, at this point, is beyond my endurance threshold, alas), my thighs felt like melons. Gods!, do I have some work to do!

My fellow co-workers made with the appropriate oohs and aahs over Tank Jr. (my pet name for the machine), but the general consensus among the bike-savvy confirmed my suspicions: the bottom bracket needs either tightening or replacement. Crud! I suppose this sort of thing might be expected of a low-end pseudo-mountain bike regardless of it's manufacturer, but with the purchase of any brand-spankin'-new product comes at least a hint of paranoia. Happily my lbs is open Sunday (helping friends move Saturday...urk).

Overall it was very cool. There's a sense of accomplishment that comes with the wind-down after a good ride, and I shall now treat myself to dinner and a cup of cocoa!

After a shower, that is.

-Rob