Election Day

Date: Nov 4 Tues
Weather: 75F,
Mileage: 20
November mileage: 93
Year to date: 2566

Damn, I couldn't have asked for a better ride today. The best was not just macho miles or chi chi style; it was the 'L' had his first derailer/rear mech ride, and the first one with suspect hand brakes. Until now he has been on an inexpensive bmx bike, a single speed with a classic coaster, but he's had problems keeping up with 'Z' and me. The boys' next-door neighbhor friend bequethed us a used Trek kiddie bike with derailer and hand brakes a good while ago, all the while taking up space in the bike storage fac....er, garage. Yesterday I patched a leaky from tube and played around with the shifting and seat.

Today our path took us from the house and over to Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Pk., where the good wife was meeting a friend for a walk. The little man really took to his new wheels, readily pushing a good cruising gear (5th for him) and using the smaller gears to spin mightily uphill. He's got a nice pedal stroke I would say. Speeding up was great, but the slowing down was frightning. It's one thing to get used to hand brake. It's another to get used to mushy, stiff hand brakes which give the feeling of careening over a cliff. Throughout the 6m ride each decline (opposite of incline?) meant fear, horrer, terror and fright. We finally made it to ride/walk with the ladies, and I even got him to go on 2 different trails. He loved/hated that experience, all depending on whether is was up (fine), flat (fine), or down (not fine). I'm just so proud of him for pushing a good gear and getting some time on the "big boy" trails. Now that 'Z' is older and more inclined, I can see the Smith boys putting in a bit of road time. We'll see.

And mentioning 'Z', I've hatched several potential bike plans surrounding my own collection, to be discussed later, but one is that I might set up the Crosscheck for 'Z'. He's only a few inches shorter than I am now (not withstanding his inseam, about which I know nothing). I am wondering whether he may be able to ride the CC with a modification here or there. If he's willing and interested, the CC may become a bike for him to ride if he's interested. It's sure that if 'cross season comes along and I decide to race- something I haven't done is years- I could
take it back for that purpose, but it just may be an option for him. Don't know yet.

After 'L' returned home with mom and bike in truck I did a Cherokee Loop on the C'dale. The trails are beyond dry, compact really, but in good shape. I climbed pretty well, didn't fall over, cleared some logs and had a great time. What a ride, and what a day.

Now let's hope tonight turns out great too.