Back in the Saddle

From Bike Pics

I started bike commuting again on Friday, January 2nd. Thursday night, I wiped the bike down and cleaned the chain. (I'd been slackin'... I hadn't really cleaned the chain since I started bike commuting in July.)

I got a Topeak Explorer rack and trunk bag for Christmas. I don't have the mount points on my seat stays for the rack, so I ordered some rubber-coated clamps to mount the rack. The clamps were in the mailbox when I got home last night. (Along with four spudgers; why does Apple always require some weird tool in order to open their highly-sought-after products?)

After several adjustments, I was able to get the rack mounted on the bike and take it for a spin. Turns out more adjustments were needed as my heal was hitting the panniers on the trunk bag. I tweaked it, lubed the chain again and then went off to do the chores I had been shirking in order to play with the bike.

So how was the ride with a rack? It was weird.

I live near the bottom of a small hill and I have to go up it when I start out in the morning. This normally involves standing on the pedals and rocking the bike a bit. I could really feel the extra weight of the loaded trunk bag because of this. After a couple of minutes, though, I got used to it.

I also couldn't shake the feeling that I had forgotten something. But, no, I had everything I needed; it was just that I didn't have my backpack on my back.

The ride in was pretty cold again today. I was glad to have the fleece balaclava (another Christmas present). I had hoped for something less bulky and didn't think that I'd be able to wear it with my helmet. But, it does fit and I did need it. I may still get another, thinner one for when it is not as cold, but this will do for now.

Three days of commuting in '09, 9 miles a day: 27 miles.