Last night we started at an RV Park that I shall keep unnamed. We were “greeted” by three troublemakers, who together were comical diabolical, like if the “3 Stooges” were reimagined as an adaptation of a gritty graphic novel – harmlessly menacing. The commented on the value of our bikes, which got us thinking about bike security. Worried, we thought what if they have a gun, then realized that they probably do and have used it in prior escapades, only to end up shooting out their wifi, showers or bathroom, all of which are out of service.
The day started well enough. We ate fast and hit the road at a reasonably early hour ( for us) of 8:30. I decided early on that I am going to try something very hard ( for me) off doing century’s Mike at 35 m\h. It was in my cross hairs when, after about 40 minutes, my bike chain slips for the first time. When I looked closer I saw that I was able to peddle, but that the gears would rotate without engaging the wheel. I know that this is often caused by gunk buildup in the hub, but there was no way to remedy it where we were. That meant switching to the recumbent bikes , which I had only ridden once before. Balance is difficult when first starting to ride, and I look like a prepubescent albatross randomly thrusting legs and arms in the intended direction of travel until – miraculously – I am in flight.
I couldn’t imagine riding the remaining 140km on this bike, and I maintained this thought process all day long until we finally made it to our destination for the night, English Bay.
Note: the recumbents use different leg muscles compared to a regular road bike. I discover that I don’t own these leg muscles.
Another long ride tomorrow and the next day. I want my bike back.
One Response
Steve, I sent those trouble makers to meet you guys. I thought it would add another dimension to the narrative. You will meet them again in White River, where they will fail comically in their scheme to steal your bikes (all three of them making off pathetically on a single recumbent) and later on in Sudbury, where you will be delayed in an abandoned nickel mine by their hijinks (plan to make up for an hour max). An annoying distraction to your team, yes, but they are testing well with your followers.