Twin Pack

     I'm behind on my postings, so today you get a twin pack.  2 rides, in one posting.


     June 16, 2012

     Got up early, wanted to ride sometime between 8 and 8:30 AM. For some reason when we make a plan like that, the trouble gremlins find out about it and lay in wait for us, doing all they can to delay or completely foil our  intent. Today was no exception.

     Our floor pump has been giving us a few problems lately.  Seems like we can't get  a good seal to get the air into the tire.  It's an inexpensive pump, a Schwinn,  with no built in gauge, that we had from years gone by.  Not designed for high pressure tires like ours.  Today it turned into a thief.  I checked the back tire, it had 80 lbs of air, needed 90, so I put the pump on the valve and Tony went to work.  He did about 20 thrusts, then I checked the air pressure.  It was at 60 lbs.  Instead of going up, it had gone down.  How could that be?  My gauge must be off.  Moved onto the front tires.  The one on the right needed only 5, but after pumping, it needed 10.  Feed up, Tony decided we needed to go to the hardware store and get a new pump and a tire gauge.  The only pump they had was a Bell pump, so I bought that and a tire gauge.

     Came home and checked the pressure on the tires, it was the same as my gauge.  Guess we didn't need a new gauge, after all.  Oh well, it's good to have one in the car.  I'll put the extra one there.  Now for that back valve.  After much effort, Tony finally managed to get the tire up to 90.  Repeated the same thing on the  front ones.   By the time we started riding it was 10:30AM, and the temperature was rising.  Thank goodness there was still a good breeze.   We are getting a high pressure pump on Monday.

     Pedaled towards Dighton,  planning on doing a loop down 20 Mile Road to the trail in Tustin and head home from there.   As we rode down 140th, Tyson the boxer came charging out at us.  This time there was no owner in sight.  Remembering that this dog loves a chase,  and knowing we couldn't out run him on this up hill stretch, we stopped.  "Go home Tyson."  I said in a firm voice, "Go home."  Instead, he came closer, growling now, as the hair on his back raised.  I took out the pepper spray I keep clipped to my side handle bar.  "Go home, NOW."  He came a step closer, still growling. I didn't really desire to spray him, but I needed to let him know that it was not fun to chase us. "GO HOME"   Another growl.  Not wanting to hit his eyes, I took aim for his mouth and let the spray rip.  It found it's target, and that dog took off, like a speed ball, up the driveway.  I  hope he learned his lesson, and will leave us alone from now on.

     Took a break in the shade, at church, and refilled our water bottles.  Pedaled on, turning right at the corner, onto 20 Mile, our favorite roller coaster ride.  We don't do it as often as we would like because there can be  some truck traffic on the road, and there is a shoulder to ride on, for only a short distance.  We were nearly to the top of a hill, when I glanced in my rear view mirror, to see a white dog about the size of a beagle running behind us.  This dog wasn't interested in chasing us, he wanted to go along on our adventure.  As we picked up speed going down the hill, he did his best to keep up, but we soon left him behind.

     The area by the trail is in full bloom.  It flowers wave in the breeze at those who pass by, providing a welcome to all who come this way.

     An ice cream cone sounded good so we stopped at the new shop In Tustin.  They still didn't have any Moose Tracks, or Mackinaw Island Fudge.  They didn't even have chocolate.   Who ever heard of a Dairy Delight that didn't have chocolate ice cream?  Disappointed, our next stop was the little grocery store across the street.  We had gotten good ice cream  there, in the past.  They told us, that in order to help the new shop succeed, they were no longer selling cones.  They had only a meager selection of ice cream bars, and none that appealed to my hunger for chocolate.  So on to LeRoy we went.  We would have to satisfy our craving  at Mr. Pibbs.

     Rode 22 1/2 miles today.

     June 18, 2012

     Armed with a new air pump, the gremlins were no match for us, and our ride got off to a smooth start.  Our action today would consist of a ride to Dighton, then a loop down 17 mile Rd, before heading home.  Temps were in the 80's with a light south wind.  It was partly cloudy.  Sure wish we could order riding weather like this for PALM.

     Saw a small turtle trying to cross the road. A truck went by, causing the little guy to pull back into his shell.

I wanted a picture, so we stopped and waited for him to gather his courage again. It took awhile, then slowly he stuck his head out, just a bit, then a tad more, and pretty soon as far as his miniature neck would let him.

He slowly turned his head to the left, staring at us, wondering if we were an immobile object.  Then he turned his head to the right, almost as if checking for traffic, and started across.  I quickly took a picture.  Just then a car came by and the turtle turned around and headed back to where he had come from.  Guess he decided crossing the street in Dighton, was too risky.

     Tony's knee is still bothering him so I tried to be mindful  and choose my gearing carefully, making sure I geared down for the hills, with none of my "Oh I think we can make this hill without shifting down."  attitude.  Going from one ring to the other, was much smoother today, so the tinkering I did with the front  deraileur must have helped. However it feels like I am still going from 3rd to 1st , on my big gear rings. Tony can't see, to tell me what is going on when I make that shift.  I think I'll wait until I can get someone on the back of the trike to see what is happening, before I adjust again.

     Despite my prudent efforts, Tony started complaining of his knee when we were only about a mile down 17 Mile RD, so we rode to the next place we could turn around, and changed direction.  We rode 18 1/2 miles today.

   


     

   

A windy ride

     Winds is ranging from 18-40 MPH, mostly sunny, and we are heading into Cadillac.  Still having some problems getting the front deraileur adjusted for smooth shifting.  I'll keep playing around with it. Seems like it either grinds like mad when it shifts, so I adjust it.  Then it throws the chain when I shift into the middle gear ring, other times I cannot downshift to 2nd.  I have to go to 1st, then upshift to go to the 2nd ring.  It is driving me nuts.  It wasn't any better when the local bike shop adjusted it, than it was when I tinkered with it.  Such a touchy thing.  Eventually, I will get it, or find someone who can.  At least I know how to adjust it now.

     Surely tired of the horse poop on the trail.  I looked on line and saw that horses aren't allowed on the trail.  I keep meaning to call the guy from Friends of the White Pine State Trail, that is  in charge of the section from LeRoy to Tustin, seems like I only think of it, when it's too late in the evening, to call.

     Even with the trees to shelter us on the sides of the trail the wind was strong.

 It was a cross wind, we could feel it working to tire us out.  We were hoping this route would give us a bit of relief from it, but it seems it will be a main event in this ride.


     Had lunch at Mr. Fosies.

 Just as we were getting ready to go in, a guy came up and started asking us about Rollin.  He was from Lansing, and his name was Chip. we asked him  to take our picture.  He was headed up to Traverse City to a relatives cottage. His father-in-law rides a recumbent bike. would like to do a tandem, but the balancing bothers, the guys wife, even though she is on the back.  Chip was thinking that a trike might be a solution for them.  Told him that a regular tandem, also known as a diamond frame, wouldn't work for us because a frame that was big enough for Tony was too much for me to handle safely. I felt like I was trying to balance a freight train, and not being able to touch the ground even with my tippy toes, when i was in the seat, really made me feel like I was riding my big sisters bike.  I couldn't put my leg out to catch us if I had too.  Really a dangerous situation, especially in traffic. As captain, I am responsible for keeping the bike under control, yet I felt on the verge of being out of control much of the time.  
   
 We had given up riding completely, before we found out about trikes.  Couldn't wait to go try one out at Terra Trike in Kentwood, MI.  We could both tell right away that riding something like this would solve the problems we had with a diamond frame.  Couldn't afford to buy a new one, so I posted on Craig's List that we were looking for one, used.  I was surprised when 2 weeks later, I got an email, telling me that a couple in GR, had a tandem Terra trike for sale.  We promptly headed south, so we could try the used Terra Trike .  The medium boom was too long, but Terra Trike could get us another one, so we went ahead and bought Rosie.  Had many greta adventures and miles with her and I'm sure we have many ahead of us, with Rollin too.

     Rode the rest of the way around the lake.

 When we got to the trail, we headed back into Cadillac.  I wanted to get a few pictures of the J Seward Johnson bronze statues that are on loan to the Cadillac Wexford Public Library, and Friends of the Library.  They will be in town June 1-Aug 31st.  There are 11 of the life size figures, that weigh anywhere from 350 to 800 pounds.  The forms depict  people engaged in the everyday things of life.  Someone throwing away a banana peel, someone else sitting on a park bench.

      My favorite is the little girl sitting in outside the library reading.  I promise to post her picture and a few others later.  Johnson, the sculptor is well known for his work in bronze.  He has pieces in Rockafeller Center, Pacific Place, Paris, Rome, and even Hong Kong.  The sculptures are on loan from the Sculpture Foundation, an educational and charitable organization wanting to provide exhibits and landmark public artworks for communities to enjoy.  Many are certainly enjoying the ones in Cadillac.  Seems like there are people gathered around most of them, taking pictures.  We hope to see and photograph all 11 of them over the summer.

       This one is in the park.

   Here is another that is in the same area.

     When we were in the area that fronts, Lake Cadillac  we saw 11 month old Butter, being carried by it's owner.

 Butter had been for a dip in the lake and was cold.  As I petted her it was easy to see where she got her name.  Even a bit damp, her coat was as soft as butter.  Poor little thing was shivering.  I took her picture quickly so she could once again, be cuddled up in a sweatshirt.  This dog was clearly, loved.

     Beautiful flowers grace the edges of the trail.  So many different kinds.  I searched for this one online, but couldn't identify it.  The lilac color was such a contrast against the tall green grass that grew behind it.

     The ride home was uneventful, and we are grateful for that.  We found ourselves going quite a bit slower, and we decided that we werent' going to do the extra 5 miles we needed to give us 50 miles today.  Our legs were just to worn out from fighting the wind. It was the worst my knees have felt, all season.    We settled for 45 miles.
   


   

Goodbye Rosie

     Today we  rolled Rosie up the ramp of our trailer, and tied her down for the last time.  Her new owners live out of state , between us and them, an agreement had been formed,  we would deliver her to Terra Trike, and receive our payment, which had been sent there.  The buyer had made arrangements to have the trike shop, break her down, box and ship her to him.  

   
     I made sure to include the medium sized boom, and the S & S coupler wrench that is needed to break the trike down into 2 pieces.

   
 Our girl has big adventures ahead of her once she arrives at her new home.  She will be riding in Ragabrai.  The name,  stands for the "Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa."  It started in 1973 and now in it's 40th year.  It is the largest, oldest and longest bicycle tour in the world.  Mileage for the 7 day ride is around 470 miles, with the average day being about 67 miles long.  The ride has a different course each year, but usually begins somewhere in Western Iowa, and ends in Eastern Iowa, by the Mississippi river, where many riders dip the front wheel of their cycles in the water.

     The ride draws 8500 riders and has an entry fee of $150.00.  The tour began when  an avid cyclist, and feature writer for the DesMoines Register was challenged to ride across the state of Iowa, in a week,  and write about it in his column.  The writer invited the public to join him, and the 1973 ride had around 300 people riding.  There were  requests that the August date be changed to July, to allow teachers and others to participate,  and the ride grew from there.

      In the mid 1970's it passed through the small NW Iowa town where my parents lived.  My Mom called me up to tell me all about it.  She said there were bicycles and people all over town, but especially at the school house, where many church organizations had set up tables to feed the riders, but there were so many, that the churches ran out of food.  She was in awe of the whole thing.   She and my step-Dad ran one of the local restaurants in town, she was too busy to take any pictures.  This years ride starts about 20 miles from there, in Sioux Center.   Mom and Dad are no longer with us,  but my niece is going to go and watch the start of it.  Who knows, perhaps, she'll see Rosie.

     After dropping Rosie off we headed over to the place where we had bought our flatbed trailer, a few years earlier.  We have been looking for an enclosed cargo trailer since we got Rollin, but haven't been able to find one.  Tony had called Hill Top Trailer this morning,  he found out that there were 2 in our price and requirement ranges.  There was a gleaming black one, that towered above our car, and a shorter white one that had been owned by a cyclist, who hauled his bikes all over the US to ride.  We bought the white one, and decided to name him Herman.

     Herman has both a side door and a spring loaded ramp.  he also has 2 shelves in the front, that will be great for our gear.

     I will post pics of the inside, later.  We traded in our flatbed trailer, and paid the money we had been saving , hooked up Herman and headed north.   Upon arriving home I got to the top of the driveway OK, but ended up parking at the bottom, because I am going to need someone to give me a lesson on how to back Herman into the site next to the garage.  It is pretty tricky to do on the top of our hill.

     Very excited about having this new addition.  Now we can take one vehicle to the start of PALM, with all the trikes/bike in it,  our son-in-law will drive the car and trailer back to his house, after he drops us off.  Another family member will drive the car and trailer to the end of the route, when we finish, and we will load all up and head for home.  So easy.

     Rollin and the other trike and bike in the trailer will stay nice and clean and our gear will be dry when we arrive.  Herman has a light inside and a roof vent.  Welcome to the family, Herman.  You will make our lives so much easier, and it will happen soon.

And this makes 104

     Friday,  June 8, 2012

     Out of state company coming to stay at our house for a few days, wanted to get a ride in before they came.  Started at  9:22AM,  our goal today,  20 miles .   To  Dighton , then  down 17 mile RD, before heading home.  It was quite cloudy and in the 60's when we started our ride. We each had a light jacket on and a slight wind to keep us cool.  According to weather man,  the thermometer will get to 80 today.

     The smell of wild roses filled the air on 190th Ave.  I stopped and took a picture of the pink profusion, unfortunately, it didn't turn out.  Hopefully they will still be blooming the next time we pass by.  Had our snack and a little rest at church, then continued on our way.

      Went past the horses on 17 Mlle Rd. and was surprised to see a billy goat grazing with them.

We stopped to take  some pictures, he and a few of the horses came up to the fence to see us.

       

                                                                                                                                                                                             

     Although there is no pond in the area ,this big snapper was ambling along the road.  Wonder where he is headed?  Whenever I see a turtle, especially on land, I can't help but think how prehistoric they look.  Like something from the dinosaur days. 

          After we took our last break, the sun warmed  us  enough to take our jackets off.  The mountain drive button hasn't come yet, so we worked harder on the hills today.  Tony had to push Rollin and I,  up the 2 largest ones.  

     When we got home, our friend was there.  She is dear to us, someone who has been in my life for 45 years.  We only see each other once a year, so we treasure the time we have together. On todays ride, Tony and I  accumulated 26 miles, putting our total for the week at 86 miles.  

     When we got home the mountain drive button had come, so  after lunch, I set to work trying to figure out how to get it on.   The directions were a bit confusing, plus I tend to make things harder than they need to be.  After a call to the Hostel Shoppe, Scott, their master mechanic,  walked me through the process, and I had it on in no time.  However, I didn't have the right size allen wrench to tighten it all the way.  A friend of mine told me, the button  can come off easily, if not tightened on with an allen wrench.  He lost 5 before he figured out why.  We decided, we will begin carrying at least one extra, and will order another one to take along to PALM.  We will need our mountain drive, there, for sure. 

     Saturday June 9, 2012

     Our guest wanted to sleep in today, so we decided on a morning ride to the Tustin Hardware store for the allen wrench we needed.  Sunny  and 15 MPH winds from the SW, it was probably about 70 degrees when we started riding at 9:30 AM.  What a relief to have the mountain drive button back on.  But since it hadn't been tightened down with the allen wrench yet, I was careful on bumps.  Tony checked a few times to make sure the button was still with us.   We usually  hit the mountain drive  at least once  before we get to a paved road, and then again on the big hill on 155th.   Those are the 2 places Tony had to push Rollin and I up, yesterday.  

    When we rode past the Amish farm, 3 children, the girls in brown dresses and white hats, and the boy in his light blue shirt, dark denim trousers, with suspenders,  were out, playing with 2 bunnies.  The  brown rabbit we had seen a few days ago was there along with  a black and white one. 

     Stopped in LeRoy at the bank, then got on the White Pine trail.   No critters on the trail today, although the cry of a red tailed hawk greeted us as we rode near a meadow.  There he sat, at the top of a tree, looking for prey, in the field below.  

     Miles go by so much quicker when the terrain is flat or just a gradual incline.  Today was no exception.  We were in the Tustin Village limits shortly.  Had to wait a bit at the hardware store, but got some help locating the metric allen wrench that I needed.  After paying my 41 cents to the clerk, I went outside and finished tightening the mountain drive button.  I'll keep the extra button and the tools in my on board,  tool kit. 

     By now it was getting quite warm.  The breeze and shade were welcome as we meandered our way back towards LeRoy.  Stopped in the shade, ate our trail mix and continued on our way.

     I thought I saw a turtle ahead,  stopped to get my camera, it slipped out of the case and hit the pavement, but  thankfully, no harm was done.  As we got closer to the turtle, I could see that it was a pile of horse poop.  There were many of those on the trail today.  I think the Amish  may have been using the trail for a bit of Friday night courting.  Not sure if horses are allowed, but it is certainly tiresome to be riding along and have so many horse droppings.  I was glad we didn't meet anyone and have to ride through the stuff. 

     Tony was hungry for an ice cream cone, so we headed to Pibbs.   Moose tracks was our choice, I opted for  a cone for me and a  Tony had a dish.   After the waitress topped off our bottles with ice and water we got back on Rollin,  and headed for home.  The heat radiated up from the pavement and few trees, along the road, meant little shade for us.  On the front side of the hills, we couldn't feel the breeze, which made us appreciate it even more, on the downhill sections.  We were both sweaty when we finished our 18 mile ride, and happy that our mileage for the week was 104 miles.  Our best  week this season. 

     

   

    

     

     

Our forty eight dollar ride

Sunday, June 3, 2012

     Sunny and on the cool side with temps in the 50's, when we started our ride to church this morning.  It was warm enough to wear shorts, but we each had a jacket on.  We were happy to start our week out with the 16 mile roundtrip ride to church.  Planning to repeat it,  this afternoon, for a graduation, open house.  This will give us 32 miles.  A good start towards our goal of 100, before next Sunday.

     The past few weeks I have been hoping to get a picture of a turtle, it seems like the only time I see one is when it is too dangerous to stop, or when I am in the car, without my camera.  I was happy to find this big fella by the side of the road, complete with the pile of mud behind him, that had hitchhiked out of the pond on his shell.

     Visited with a few people after church, and then headed for home, thinking we might go down 17 Mile Rd. a few miles, so we would have 20 in, by the time we got home.  The  NW winds had increased, and were now at the predicted 20- 25 MPH.  Our legs would get a work out.

     As we head out of Dighton  there is a hill, and then we immediately turn on 19 Mile Rd.   At that corner, when I went to shift out of low,  we threw the front chain.  We wheeled Rollin into the grass, and I put the chain back on, but when I shifted, the chain dropped again.  Time for a closer look.  Tony held the back wheel up, while I shifted, watching to see what the derailleur did.  The cage was pushing the chain, past the next gear ring, causing the chain to drop.  I couldn't remember how to adjust a derailleur, but we were just past a friends house, so we stopped by there to see if he could help.  Alas, he didn't know how to adjust it either.  With all the hills between where we were and home, we decided it would be best to have him drive us to our house.  We would then hook the trailer up to our car, and come and get Rollin.  He would have to go into the bike shop on Monday.

     I was frustrated, because I knew that adjusting a derailleur wasn't that hard.  I looked on You tube, but the videos weren't speaking my language, and weren't much help.  We rode 9 miles.  So much for a good start to our high mileage week.

      As soon as the bike shop was open on Monday, we headed into town, but the tech had 5 bikes ahead of ours, so Rollin wasn't done until 3PM.  We didn't want to wait around that long, so this meant 2 trips into town.  Oh well, at least the derailleur was fixed, and I got instructions on how to adjust the it, should the problem occur again, plus he had his new brake pads on the right front brake.    By the time we got back from town, it was 4:30, and I still had to make supper.  Clients were coming at 6PM, so no riding today.


Tuesday, June 5, 2012
   
     We really wanted, and needed to do a 50 miler today, so we planned an early start.  If we rode into Cadillac, around the lake,  and then headed home,  adding about 5 miles, we would have the mileage we wanted.  Isolated showers were predicted for this afternoon, so I rearranged the rain gear, making sure we had easy access to it.

     Ideal riding weather, temps were in the high 50's when we started, winds out of the NW at about 5-7 MPH, with a high of 70  predicted.  It was partly cloudy.  Pedaled down the driveway at 8:40 AM.  Tony's idea, and my idea of an early start don't always agree, but he's a good sport about it.  We would have been riding at 7AM, if he had his way.  He does know we will get an earlier start on PALM, however, I don't think breakfast is served, until 7AM.  Our plan is to have everything loaded and the bikes ready to go, so we can leave right after breakfast.

     Got on the trail in LeRoy and headed north.  A big part of our reason for choosing the route we did today was so that Tony can tell if his 175mm crank arms are going to work for him, or if he will have to have his 170's put back on.  Both times he has ridden with them we have done mostly hills.  Today would give us a mix of trail and road riding, and hopefully be a better measuring stick.

     Passed a few cyclers on our way,one in bright neon green, going really fast.  But for the most part, the trail was quiet.  Glad that they have the port-a-potty set up along the trial in both LeRoy and Tustin, now.  Those 2, along with the outhouse at the trail head,  near Cadillac, make 3 places to stop.  For some odd reason, riding a recumbent bike or trike, tends to make one have to stop and urinate more frequently.  Not sure if it is the position the bladder is in while riding, or what, but many riders complain about it and are always glad for frequent bathroom stops.  We will all use wilderness bathrooms, if we have to.

     As we rode along we marveled at the wonderful weather conditions,  decided we wanted 6 days, just like this one, for our upcoming PALM bike tour.  Once we got into town, cranked our way along Lake Cadillac.  What a wonderful resource this lake is for the area.  Many beautiful homes line it's shores, and the combination of the trail and the bike lane, make for a pleasant meander along the water. It' has good fishing, and plenty of room for water sports.  Four Winns, a boat building company in Cadillac, tests it's boats there.  The state park brings many tourists to our area.   Lake Mitchell is popular too, but Lake Cadillac  really is the center of the community.


     We stopped for lunch at Mr. Fosies.

This establishment is known for it's Pastie's,  pronounced "Past" (as in the word past.) "ies"  In MI, Pasties originated in the Upper Peninsula, where, years ago,  Welsh miners, would bring them, wrapped in newspaper,  in their lunch pails, to the mines.

 They became  popular for tourists,  and fortunately, some Pasty shops have migrated to the lower peninsula.  The ingredients of a pasty vary, but they usually have ruatabaga, potatoes, carrots, and onions in them, along with beef.   Being vegetarians, Tony and I, choose the non meat version.  Our Pasties made for a nice filling lunch.

      All fueled up and rested, we continued our ride around the lake, intersected with the trail, and headed south.  At our first bathroom stop we saw a couple,walking their dogs.   His name was Lee, she was Sonya.

They had some questions about Rollin.  Having been tandem riders, in the past, the couple had stopped riding that way, partly because Sonya had neck problems.  They had tried recumbent bikes, but weren't completely happy with those either.  They missed the joys of riding together.  They each sat on Rollin, and Lee took a turn at stoker when he and I took a brief spin down the trail.  We explained how  we liked riding along, enjoying the scenery in comfort, and told them that neck rests were available.  I also shared several websites with them where they could find more information, and perhaps find some used   trikes.  It was nice to be able to encourage them that perhaps their days of riding tandem weren't over, and  as each  of us went our own directions,  we felt  good about the encounter.

     Again today, we saw several rabbits along the trail.  Last season we didn't see any, but this year we have already seen 5 or 6.  They are by the tall grass, and hop  in for cover so quickly,  that I can't get a picture of them.  The ones we saw today were light brown with  dark  brown spots on them.

     Making good, time, it seemed we were in Tustin quickly, and a mile past that, we saw a friend of ours who was out walking with 2 other gals.  Of course we had to stop and have a little chat.  They graciously  agreed to a picture.

   
      As we rode past the Amish farm, I saw their pet bunny, tied out, and enjoying some fresh air. It seemed I would get my photo after all.   It didn't seem bothered by our presence, so I quickly captured the image on my camera,  hoping there was no rule against taking a picture of an Amish rabbit.

   
 
     We had 4 more hills to go before we were home.  We started up the first one, and I told Tony to hit the mountain drive.  He did, but nothing happened.  He tried again., but couldn't seem to connect the button with his heel.  I asked him to try and get it with his hand, but he couldn't find it. I explained that it was on the very end of the crank, but his fingers, couldn't locate it.  Finally I unclipped to see what the problem was.  I was surprised to find that the button that sticks out from the side of the mountain drive , was  completely gone.  We figured it must have somehow come loose,  and fell off , probably when we hit a bump or a stretch of rough road.   Not sure why these things, "that don't happen very often," happen to us, but I'm glad it didn't happen on PALM.  Guess this is God's way of going ahead of us.

     When we got home, I called the Hostell Shoppe and ordered a new one.  $48.00 to replace it, including tax and shipping, making todays ride, a bit costly.  The device will be here by Thursday. Comes with a tool to install it.   We rode 50 miles today.

By the way, the derailleur is off  kilter again, and the front brake is still squeaking. On a trike with less than 2000 miles on it, that "doesn't happen, very often."

Goal impossible, planning moves forward

     Rainy day and 50  degrees.   This was supposed to be our day for a 50 mile ride. We would ride in it if we had too, but thankfully, we don't.  If we were touring, the worst part of the day would be to know that at the end of our riding, all that awaits us is a cold tent.  But we aren't touring and my household duties are far behind, so instead, it's a catch up day inside of a nice dry house.

     On the plus side, it looks like we have sold Rosie.  An out of state sale.  Arrangements have been made for the check to be sent to Terra Trike, (about 90 miles from us.) we will deliver the tandem trike, they will give us the check, then package and ship her to her new owner.  The big adventure of Raggabrai, the 6 day, nearly 500 mile bike tour in IA, is what awaits Rosie in her new home.  A task that she is well equipped to do.  It starts in Sioux Center Ia, which is about 20 miles from where I used to live.  My Niece and and great niece, from SD are going to see the start of the tour, that has around 10 thousand riders.  Maybe they will get a glimpse of Rosie.

     The weather doesn't look very promising for our lofty goal of 110 miles this week.   With only 27 miles under our belt, and more rain predicted for tomorrow,  we are far from where we were last week.  We couldn't ride on Tuesday, which of course was a perfect day to ride, because I had an appointment with the podiatrist, who is an hour and a half from where we live.  A mixed bag of news there.  The 2 neuromas I have been getting the sclerosing shots in, are under control, but there is another neuroma in my right foot, that is giving me trouble.  Not enough time before PALM for the sclerosing shots to help, so I might have to bite the bullet and get a cortisone shot.

     Starting to make a list of what we will need to take on our tour.  It will be here soon.  I ordered 2 Light Load towels to add to the ones we used last year.  They worked well, and took up very little room.  If we each have 2, then we have one for swimming, or as an extra, if ours don't get dry.  I also got a couple of smaller ones.


     Tony's Luxury Lite cot came, so we are set there.  Tony is good at putting them up and taking them down, so that will be his job.  Will try to get by with 3 bags.  2 for our clothes and one for gear.  Weight limit for the bags is 50 pounds.

     Have decided to leave Button at our daughters house this year.  It was hard to be concerned about him and his comfort when we were flooded out last year, and  if we have a lot of heat and humidity, it  will be hard on him.  Dogs can over heat, quite quickly, and so does Tony.  If it's hot, I'll have my hands full, trying to keep the 2 of us cooled down.

     I'm planning our snacks differently on this PALM too.  Some packets of Tuna and crackers will be in our bike bag, incase we have a day that our only food resource for lunch is a convenience store.  Junk food does not make good fuel.

  The only miles ridden today were planning miles, but those have to be done too, so I don't consider this rainy day a lost day in preparing for our big adventure.

The shortest ride

May 30, 2012

     Had an abbreviated day at work today, and were eager to get home so we could ride at least 20 miles.  The weather was  partly cloudy and in the high 50's, a day for tights and jackets.   Our mileage goal is higher this week, so this opportunity, was welcome.  We are hoping to get a 50 miler in on Friday.  PALM is only 3 weeks away.

     The gravel was tough to get through today, partly because I was in the wrong gear.  Didn't discover that until we got to the pavement.  Maybe we should have turned around then.  As we rode up our next hill, I could hear that one of Tony's cleats was loose again.  On the corner of 17 Mile Rd, is a big, faded gold, pole barn, fronted by a gravel driveway. There is  enough room to park a few pick up trucks.  It was a safe place to stop.
   
Tony did the usual, turn and pull  of his foot to release the cleat from the clip on the pedal, but nothing happened.  He tried again, still no results.  On the 3rd try he got it out, but the cleat from his shoe, remained clipped in the pedal.  Now to find my tool kit.   Note to self;   move kit to right pannier, away from  traffic.  Much safer to have my rear end sticking out towards the ditch, then the road. After handing many things to Tony, to hold, I reached the bottom of the bag,  and found the case I needed.

      I took out my red handled, needle nose pliers and tried to get the cleat out.  I was challenged to find something to grab onto.  Onto my Park, multi tool, the one I often threaten to leave at home because it adds weight to my tool kit.  Using the screw driver attachment,  I managed to pry the cleat loose, which went flying and hit Tony in the chest, but the screws that held the cleat to the sandal had flown in another direction.  I searched the brown and tan gravel,  knowing my chances of finding the missing these tiny parts were slim.  After 5 minutes we gave up.

With seats only 18 inches above the ground, it is inviting trouble to ride without being clipped in.  Eventually, the riders foot will slip, and can easily be pinned under the trike, resulting in serious injury. We knew this ride was coming to an end.

     Tony's foot slipped quite a few times as we pedaled along, especially when I shifted.  However, he soon learned to anticipate that and hold his foot firmly to the pedal when I changed gears.  If his foot slipped, he would lift his keg.  We were probably a comical sight riding down the road.   Oh well, at our house, we have a saying;  "The entertainment, is free."

     Thankfully,  Tony's pedals are Shimano dual sided, clipless pedals, so he had a place to put his foot, other than on top of the clip.  It was a long ride home.  Added  7 and 1/2 miles today,  the shortest ride we've done in 3 years,  but our hearts were praising God that we made it home with no injuries.  There is good  to be found, even on a short ride.