On Tuesday I took my bike for a service so that it is in tip top condition for the trip. New disc brake pads, new chain etc. of course it came away running nice and sweetly so I went for a ride and after about an hour and climbing up about the third hill it all of a sudden doesn't like to drop into the 3rd (smallest) crank ring when climbing up a hill. It's is OK when you are cycling on the flat when no pressure is applied to the pedals when changing gear. Anyway I'll have a little go at tweaking it or else it will be going back. I think these things happen as the wires slightly stretch after a service. Anyway, that's enough technical stuff!
Last night my younger brother, Peter, had organised a group trip to Manchester Velodrome. We had a two hour session to ourselves with a coach to give us advice as well. I confess I have been before about 3 years ago but it was really good. For those who haven't cycled on a velodrome before it is a very strange feeling because the bikes are fixed gear bikes that don't let you freewheel and there are no brakes. Also it is a bit of a confidence challenge to ride up the banking on the corners because you think gravity will make you fall off. Well, there was only one crash on the night and I'm pleased to say it didn't involve me. We did a bit of fun racing with a timed one lap competition and a 4 lap team time trial and I was very average in both but it was good fun. Thank Peter for organising it.
For some strange reason I feel the need to post my first ever blog/comment...
ReplyDeleteJust to say that I've successfully taken the rear panier holder and bike stand off my wife's bike and fixed them tomine that I'll be using to cycle with you during the first week.
Also I'm picking up the slick tyres ordered via Amazon which were delivered to a UK address rather than to our home address in France.
Then when the tyres are refitted the bike might be complete!