The horror, the horror

They said (the omniscient "they") that you have to be careful with your paint job. They turned out to be right. I was making a few adjustments last week, and after I was done, I noticed that the frame had been touching the wheelbarrow nearby. Granted, I'd been moving the frame around a bit while adjusting it, but nothing too violent. However, there was a violent result:


A giant crater in my paint job! A veritable grand canyon of exposed undercoat! Rending my garments, I fell to the floor and sprinkled WD40 on my head....

Actually, I'd halfway been expected something of the sort, so I wasn't too upset. Still, I'm going to find the best way to touch it up.

On the plus side, I've been riding "The Grey Ghost" back and forth to work for the last three weeks. I've ridden in rain, sunshine, rainy sunshine, and sunny rain.

I've gotten one flat tire already. (The second day I rode to work. Halfway there. In the rain. Walked the bicycle the rest of the way to work and called Rachel to come pick me and the bicycle up when work was done. What a willing and generous wife she is!)

It's four miles each way. It takes me about ten minutes to drive it, and about twenty minutes to ride. I love the fact that I'm getting some exercise, and also helping out the planet a teensy bit. I like realizing that I can't remember when the last time I drove my car was.

I'd like to give thanks where thanks is due:

My local bicycle shop has been generous with their time, advice, and pricing. If you're ever looking for parts, service, or a new ride, you should check out Skagit Cycle Center.

My local library has a great set of books on bicycle repair and maintenance. Those books were my lifeline. Plus, the library is brand new and beautiful! You should check out The Burlington City Library.