Trip to the bike shop

Took the Principia to the bicycle shop today. I had wanted to swap out the Maxxis Detonator 1" tyres for the Panaracer Tserv 1.75" only to discover a puncture from the inner tube contacting the rim hole. Turns out the rim tape had degenerated. So off to the bike shop.

It also turns out the the FSA headset had rusted badly enough to seize. That explained the strange tendency for the handlebar to snap back to centre, almost like a center detent. This made it difficult to track a narrow path between cars and the sidewalk since it was impossible to steer fractions of a degree off centre without getting snapped back to dead ahead. So it's now a gun metal gray Prestine headset -- x-brand but steering is smooth as butter now.

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Panaracer Tserv 26x1.75

Decided to try the Panaracer Tservs at 1.75" sizing. The Maxxis Detonator 1" tyres are really nice in terms of rolling resistance and are really light. But it takes a little too much concentration to steer clear of drain gratings and road imperfections. I could not locate the 1.5" Detonators and so decided to give the Tservs a shot. I expect the Principia to feel a little less sprightly than before... Let's see what happens. Will install these puppies over the weekend. Need to source some 1.5" tubes.

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Dude's handwriting

This is dude's attempt at good handwriting. He wrote this for spelling practice. There is hope :-).

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Dude rides to church

Dude and I rode our bicycles to church this morning. We kept to the pavement as much as possible and ventured onto the road only when it was safe. We experimented with dude riding in front and behind. It turns out that it's probably safer to have dude ride ahead. That way I can keep an eye on him while watching out for traffic.

Dude was ecstatic after the ride and proudly announced to everyone he bumped into that he had cycled to church. I think he felt a real sense of accomplishment and freedom.

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To work on my bicycle...

Cycled to work on the Principia hardtail today. It took all of 1hr 20mins to cover the 21km in each direction. It was a refreshing change from the usual driving commute despite my rather inadequate physical condition.

Dark clouds gathered towards the evening and I decided to leave work a little earlier than planned to avoid cycling home in a downpour in the dark--a decidedly poor combination. As it turned out, I had a drizzle accompany me all the way home. The Marmot Precip rain jacket kept my perspiration in and the rain water out. I wasn't sure if I referred this to just getting drenched by the rain. In any case, I decided to keep the bright yellow jacket on for visibility in traffic.

Now if only the government would widen the sidewalks or at least build several park connector highways...

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The Sonnet Bliss joins the fold

Honey decided on the Sonnet Bliss.

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Spelling illustrated

Honey drew this on the chalkboard so the dude could learn his spelling words.

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The Principia gets an update

Finally decided to swap the Easton EA50 110mm stem and straight handlebar for an X-brand 50mm stem and an ITM 10 degree swept back handlebar. Reach is about 3-inches shorter now. Easier on my arms and back. Perhaps a straight seat post next?

Here's a Cateye mirror attached to the bar end on the right. Haven't decided if it should point up or down.

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Dude's first bike ride on 2 wheels...

We managed to convince dude to give two wheels another chance last Sunday. I aired up the tires, lowered the seat and pushed him up and down the driveway several times. Then we took off down the street with him pedalling and me jogging alongside holding on to the collar of his t-shirt. He was pedalling solo within 10 minutes.

Lessons learned:

• Learning to balance on a two-wheeled scooter shortens the time needed to learn how to balance a bicycle on two wheels. This saves on the scrapes and bloodied knees.
• If at first you don't succeed, try again. You never know.

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