My Most Recent Ride 2012 (Part V in a series)

Went downtown again, but had to cut it a bit short when Loke started to limp. Still managed to find some nice old buildings and rattled down a cobble stone street that gave me flash-backs of my time with the driving instructor since it was where he tested me on hills with a manual transmission.

About 7 miles again and no pictures.

Terii

 

I found a jagwire brake part on the ground: the shoe or bracket that holds the pad. I assumed it fell off mine, but I was not missing any parts. Now I wonder if Jagwire brake parts commonly fall off.

 

I've been riding every day, but until yesterday, it was work, because we were dealing with temps in the 90s and oppressive humidity, even in the early morning.

But, yesterday, the temps dropped, and the humidity went away, and the last two days have been absolutely magnificent! Yesterday, I did 15 miles in 68 degree SUN, and this morning I did 12 in 55 degree coolness.

I'm very glad I made the switch to recumbent after surgery. Otherwise, my bike would've been left hanging in the garage.

 

The lower back tilt gives me more hillclimbing power, and upper back pain. A longer stem might reduce that, but with more tiller effect. I'll raise the back and maybe lower it later for rides in hilly areas.

 

It was already fairly warm when I woke at 5:30 am. It seemed a good idea to take Loke for a run before it got much warmer, particularly since Jens came back from London with a bad cold and unlikely to want to walk our furball. So, at 7:30 I clipped in and off we went.

The trip was around 6.5 miles, maybe closer to 7 as I went through Gamla Uppsala to take a look at the new dig sites. I'm starting to think that there's not an inch of ground for a mile in every direction around Gamla Uppsala that doesn't have some kind of archeology in it.

I would have ridden farther, but I forgot water and even this early it was warm enough I didn't think Loke should go for a 2+ hour run without water. Or me for that matter.

Not a bad start to the day

Terii

 

I got to the shop this morning and when I took one of our DF bikes outside to put in the bike rack(to get attention to the shop) I thought why not...so I hopped on it and rode in the parking lot and down the sidewalk a little bit, round the gas station and up the back street before parking it and rubbing my aching behind after such a short time. Then I hopped on my small Bike E recumbent and took off in the parking lot...whizzing down the back street to a parking lot and turned around to come back and thought what a difference this is and how comfortable by comparison. Not a lot of exercise, but enough to jump start my day.

 

After dental work I was dizzy. Eventually I regained my balance and was ready to ride home, but my legs were more rubber than muscle.

 

You actually tried a DF? Actually, I think about one every now and again, but the memory of all the discomfort comes back. Throw in the fact my tail bone STILL hurts and has been aggravated by my frequent rides, I don't think straddling a bike saddle is wise.

Loke and I went out again today. I'm still loving having the trike in the car for ease of getting it out and assembly. It's quite a pretty day out. On the warm side at 75 F. The few times the sun went behind the clouds, it felt perfect, but with that big ball of fire blazing down, I got hot and took it a bit slow for Loke's sake.

Other than that, just the basic River Loop at 4.6 miles. This means I've gone out every day since Sunday with the exception of one day where I decided Loke's feet needed recovery time. It's been a long while since I've gone out that frequently. Pity they've all been rides of 7.5 miles or less.

Next Thusday, Jens and I leave for a long weekend trip. We're heading a bit north and west not far from a town called Hagfors. Part of the Sverigeleden is in the area and lots of rivers and lakes for Jens to fish. I found an 80 mile stretch of the cycle route that is ALL path. It runs from Hagfors to Karlstad which is the capital of one of Sweden's equivalent of states. I strongly suspect it's an old rail road as long sections of it are arrow straight with gentle curves thrown in occasionally. It cuts off on it's own across fields and Woods too, which is unusual for a cycle path. Generally they run right along roads. That would be a perfect area for a tour. Lots of places you can just stop and pitch camp along side the path with nary a house in sight.

Jens has also asked me to find another place for us to go at the beginning of July!

Terii

 

You guys are probably going to think I'm nuts, but, I swear this is a True story. I was riding this morning, and it was a great ride....nice, cool temp and low humidity...clear blue sky. About 10 miles Into The Ride, I rounded a curve on a county road, and there, standing in the middle of the road, was a coyote. Just standing there, looking at me as I rounded the curve. And it was my favorite kind of curve...downhill, long, sweeping right hand curve where I could dip down into the curve and build some speed.

When I saw him, I realized that he was standing on the outside of the curve, so I could just sweep past him on the inside with no problem, so I kind of kept my hand on the brake, in case he would darted in front of me. As I came up on him..an amazing thing happened. He started loping along with me. And, not for long...for a couple of minutes, he actually just started loping along with me...great, long strides, occasionally looking at me...just keeping pace with me. I was doing about 18 MPH at this point, and, it seemed, to me at least, that he and I shard a minute or two of just letting it alll out and enjoying this glorious morning. As the curve straightened out, he turned off and disappeared into the woods, and I continued on.

But it was an amazing experience. And this was my first 20+ mile ride, post surgery. And I'm still smiling.

 

A magical moment

Great experience! The Coyote is a hint to embrace wisdom & folly*. I would suggest finding a fun-loving riding mate if possible but in any case pursue mentally challenging activities while you play like a child.

*Brief from the Dictionary of animal totems (Animal-Speaks by Ted Andrews)

 

Awesome!





Just
.
.
.
awesome.


I've seen them, of course, but we've never played together.
-----
Dogs have run with me a few times, though they mostly chase.
I've clocked hounds running at about 32-33mph; a Chihuahua at
about 13mph and my pet American Pit Bull Terrier sprints at about 18mph.

 

That would have been so nice. I've had horses do that on a time or two when touring in Florida. I think moments like those are to meant to be cherished.

 

Now that is an amazing experience. I've had horses and cows run with me and trike. Swans were the most interesting, flying along with Loke and I for almost 200 yards before heading up to go over the trees at the end of the field.

I still think the coyote is cooler.

Terii

 

The last few rides were terrific.

With the new chain installed, the rear derailleur hanger
and the rear derailleur hammered back into adjustment
(worn pivot points!)
-the shifting is quick and operation is quiet.
So much so that cogs that were noisy when the bike was
new are now quiet.

When I say, 'hammered' I mean hammered!
That's how I used to adjust silicon bronze Triumph
valve guides... and it works just as well for pushing new metal
from the body of the derailleur into the pivot (where the metal wears) points/holes.

---

I'm almost back up to speed:
Yesterday I chased down a D.F. rider in team colours
and slowed, after catching him
and paced him doing 20mph for a few miles.
We went our separate ways after that bit of fun!

Today I chased down a D.F. rider who passed me
just as I was getting on board my bike in my driveway.
It only took a half mile... then he turned right,
blowing the stop sign and failing to signal his turn.
That's how the locals roll around here.
Anyway, after my stop, I turned left as planned.

My average speed was only 14.5mph yesterday.
I burned up a lot of my reserves, playing with that
racer.

Today, my average was 16.5mph.

 

He was snif'n ya out to see what wine he would need.