Today I rode in the nicest conditions I have all year. Accordingly, I had hoped to ride all afternoon and do 4 round trips to Marsh Park. But this plan was altered by a curious circumstance.
It was challenging to get going. I spent the entire morning at Jack's, getting my new tires and the new chain they determined I needed. Also, I had taken with me a note specifically asking for them to free up that center pin so that it would slide freely. However, this did not happen—I watched Richard apply WD-40 and then simply force the pin with brute strength (which I lack).
Once I got home, I ate lunch and then headed out about 1:00. But I was unable to get that pin to move and thus to lock the center joint in the open position. I had to call Michelle for help, and together we were eventually able to get it into usable condition—but it was about 1:40 before I could actually set out.
The curious circumstance was that, riding in the brilliant, unbroken warm sunshine (69° when I started, 73° when I finished), I was able to wear shorts and a t-shirt for the first time in 2016. However, the cables that run from the right handgrip down to the front brake and gear rubbed against my right bare leg, leaving it quite sore. So I guess I need to build up my summer hide!
At least today's 18-mile ride (in 1 hour and 51 minutes) did put me over 600 miles for the year—a plateau I didn't reach until mid-July last year, with my later start (having gotten the trike on May 2).
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