On the Road Again

I got my mountain bike up and running again. I had to get a new rear wheel. I had a little trouble getting the brakes back on it but finally got that. I had also taken the front wheel off after the break down a few weeks ago so I had to put that back on too. It was not until I had them on that I discovered the quick release for the brakes to make the the clearance for the wheels easier without dismantling the brakes. Oh well I guess it is a learning experience.

After I put the wheels on I decided to ride it down the street about 50 yards or so. I noticed right away that the front wheel was making a popping sound. My guess was that the front tires bearings were messed up too. I took the hub apart and sure enough the bearings were out of place I inspected the hub better this time and it seemed to be good. That was yesterday.

Today, I picked up the bearings for the mountain bike at my friend Kory's shop. He was there today, yesterday he was not there. I talked with him for a little bit and then hurried home to put the bearings in. I got them all in and it works and sounds great, no popping noises!

After putting together a few things for a short ride, namely water and my GPS, I took off for a ride. I basically finished the ride I started a few weeks ago when my bike broke down. It was a good ride. I felt a bit winded though. It was only a 12.8 mile ride. I thought it was a bit further than that but I was wrong. The ride lasted 54 minutes moving time, with an average speed of 14 mph. My fastest speed was 30.2 mph. There is a big difference between my wife's bike and my bike. My bike is much more softer on the legs... but my seat sucks! I should invest in some cycling shorts. The graph above is the elevation change and distance I rode. So it was a bit of climb but what goes up must come down.

I think I might wake up early tomorrow and see if I can't knock out a 53 mile ride. I have plotted the course so I'm hoping I can make it. I really don't have a clue on how long it will take me but I figure if I do this in about 4 hours I'm doing well for just beginning