Back on the Bike

I took my bike in to get a tune up yesterday and the local Trek shop was very friendly and quick to do it. I also needed a new tire (which I wasn't aware of) but got that taken care of too. So when I came home, I got the bike off the rack and hopped on it and raced around the garage. Little did I know, they didn't tighten the brake cable on the rear right brake handle and I almost killed myself! I've fixed it but holy crap... I almost went face first into the wall! Not only that, but they didn't loosen the tension on my pedals so once I did get my cleats attached, I couldn't get my cleat into the pedal! I'm not sure I'll go back.

So now I have a new quest. I am going to learn to tune-up/fix/whatever else my bike, myself. Why not add another skill to my never ending repertoire of amazing and interesting abilities ;-)

I also got my new decals. Oooohhhh... I am so excited. The site is BikeNames.com. Starting from $7, you can order custom decals for your bike. Turnaround time is quick, I got mine in about 4 days, there may have been a weekend in there too, I'm not sure.

Anyway, I'm excited to take the bike out today. I found the cleat adaptors I was looking for yesterday and finally put the SPD cleats on my Carnacs. I asked at the local Trek store but they didn't have any so they told me to call around. I called 4 different stores around town and each one told me a different thing. One place needed to know what year my shoes where and what model my pedals were! All 4 of these shops didn't have what I needed.

I called REI and asked them if they had SPD adapters and they simply said "YES."

I went in and they had 3 different brands: Shimano, LOOK and SIDI. I asked one of the girls behind the counter if they had an opinion and she recommended the SIDI. So, there you go.

I fixed my brake cable and my pedals (all by myself) and am looking forward to a nice ride, after my call with Coach Mel!

I'm Back

After a week and a half away, I'm back. My grandmother, Josephine, passed away on July 29, 2010. I was gone for about 5 days and have been dealing with the aftermath of her passing. Just a reminder folks, even though Josie lived 94 years, doesn't mean you will AND you would think in 94 years, you would have time to get things organized IN CASE you pass away some day.

Anything could happen at any time so I urge each and everyone of you to make sure your affairs are in order so that those left to deal with your stuff (all while missing you) can handle things easily. I know it's not a great thing to think about but we all die, it's just part of the experience we have here on Earth, so better to spend a few days helping your family at what is possibly going to be one of the saddest parts of their lives.

I'm not complaining but I am just expressing an opinion about procrastination. As Nike says, "Just Do It."