Another Brisk Fall Day

I ordered more tubes, a fresh patch kit and am awaiting my new shifter.  In the mean time my patched tube held up and my broken right shifter is tolerable in friction mode only.  There was no excuse not to cycle on this beautiful day.  In fact I passed many cyclists enjoying this weather.  I just love the tunnel effect the trees make on these rural roads.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Thank God For Patch Kits

3 miles from home today I got a flat.  Not a big issue as it was the front right tire.  Fortunately, on a trike you don't have to remove the wheel to repair the tire.  Being so close to home I was hoping to add air and make it back.  I was not that lucky.  I reached into my bag for my spare tube and tools only to realize I had no tube.  Panic set in as I realized I had to patch the tube.  I was on the side of a busy road which did not help.  I pulled the tube out placed it on the tire hoping to easily find the hole.  No such luck.  I looked listened and felt to no avail.  Fortunately, a few feet away, was a large puddle of water.  Placing the tube in the puddle I found the pin hole.  I opened the patch kit and was in luck that this old kit still had working glue.  I was soon on my way.  As soon as I got home I found a spare tube and placed it in my bike bag.  I will periodically check the tire pressure on my patched tube.  Tomorrow I will buy more spare tubes and another patch kit.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Sh_tmano Barend Shifters

I just went through my 3rd pair of Sh_tmano barend shifters.  This time the black outer casing and inner ring cracked on the right shifter.  It can only be used in friction mode.  I have 18k miles on my trike and 3 pair of shifters is unacceptable.  I had over 20k on my Stratus with Sram x-9 and never missed a beat.  Shifting gears frequently on a recumbent is like banging gears on a tractor trailer but I expect them to last more than 5k miles.  I just ordered on eBay for $77 shipped, Microshift TT 3x9 shifters from Taiwan.  Hopefully they will be better. 
TRYING TO KEEP RIDING!!!

Fall is Here

I left early today for my ride.  Temps in the low 30's with frost on my car windshield.  I dressed in my warm winter clothes, Sporthill Fusion shirt and pants, wool socks, boots, fleece top, windbreaker jacket and Waltz Ear-Flap cap and wool mittens.  My clothes were spot on and I was nice and comfy for this 42 miler.  Half way into the ride, as the temperatures slowly climbed, I removed my jacket.  The hat and gloves remained on as they have there own natural ventilation and wicking ability.  It was another beautiful Fall day tucked between a rainy yesterday and what promises to be a rainy tomorrow.  With the weather changing, I have to make the most of each day and today was just that.

KEEP RIDING!!!

4,000 Miles

Windy



Beautiful

Today my 41 mile ride brought me to the 4,000 mile mark for the year.  It was a blustery day with winds at 15-20 mph.  I usually prefer hills to wind, although the Streamer Fairing has helped with that a great deal.  For me the bottom line is sunshine and today it was abundant.  I was surprised to see so many cyclists on this windy Tuesday.  The past Saturday had few cyclists and it was a calm sunny day.  Maybe they realize the season does not have to be over. 
My annual goal is 3,000 miles so you can see what an accomplishment this is. Last year I had a record breaking 5,340 miles for the year.  I don't think I will break last years record.  I am 200 miles and 15 rides short compared to last year at this time.   However the year pans out is fine.  It has been a fantastic and enjoyable cycling year.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Where Have All the Cyclists Gone

Today, my ride took me through Freehold and then beautiful, rural Millstone Twsp.  This 41 miler started with temps in the low 40's increasing to mid 50's and winds around 10 mph. As you can see by the picture, it was a great Fall day requiring only a long sleeve shirt, light fleece and long pants.  I was surprised to see only 3 other lone cyclists.  Could it be that many cyclists have hung up their bikes in hibernation for these colder months?  It would be a shame to miss some of the most spectacular, colorful scenery of the year that could best be appreciated by bike.  I for one, will be riding all year.  Each season brings a new and exciting perspective of what to behold while riding my bike.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Not as Planned

I left at 8 am for a meeting and then hoped to continue on for a 35 miler.  The morning temps were warm and it promised to be a clear day.  When I got out of the meeting it was cloudy and much cooler.  I did not dress accordingly and was quite cold.  I returned home for what was only a 14 mile day.  Tomorrow I hope to be better prepared.
KEEP RIDING!!!