#15: wiped out
I am wiped out. Coming off the Soto S.R. last weekend, I hit the ground running. The last stage was Monday morning (Memorial Day), I rode the RB’s Tuesday right and the Hightailer’s BPAC Thursday ride both of which put me at 50+ miles. So with today’s team ride of almost 50, I have had enough. I think I will rest tomorrow to take a true recovery day. How much recovery do I get on a work day…almost none. So I will take it off, maybe take a short 20 miler in the afternoon since the weather is nice (and hot).
I think my next race will be our team’s race here in Memphis. It isn’t until the end of the month which seems like a long way away. I am temped by the MS/LA championships next weekend down in Nachez or Avery Trace in a few weeks. I probably will just stay home and recover from all the travel in May.
As for the aftermath of the Tuesday night wreck. Dennis is apparently okay after a couple day stay in the hospital. The driver was ticketed for the violation. Between hospital bills and some other bike damage, there are some significant costs associated with this incident.
On the ride today, I hit a piece of metal on N. Watkins. Not really shocking, but it took a neat dime sized chunk out my tire… this chunk of rubber made a nice little flap that hits on the bike frame on every revolution. Unfortunately this was a fairly new tire, but at least it wasn’t too expensive (Hutchinson Fusion Comps). The strange thing is that it cut the chunk out of the rubber leaving the cord and tube below intact….
At this point I have had my bike for about 4 weeks (Kuota Kebel). I like it and like the fact it is a about 1 - 1.5 lbs lighter than my Trek 5200. The white paint on the frame is a hassle keeping it clean, but it looks good when it is clean. The only problem I have is with the front derailleur / chain ring. Occasionally, when shifting the chain will ride up on the small chain ring….between gears. It has happened only about 10 times or so. I didn’t know what it was until Thursday night when I stopped to check things out. When it happens, pedaling doesn’t work since the chain is not engaged. I have heard that it is an issue with the 9/10 combination rings (I have StrongLight 9/10 rings) with the 10 speed chain (Ult. chain). Since it doesn’t happen that often, I am not going to do much with this for now.
