Good news, bad news

[pooks]

The bad news? I only got about 3 miles in this morning before I decided I shouldn't be riding my bike until my husband greases the gears or something. (I'm going to watch what he does so I'll know how, but it's slipping. He's already done it to his, says it's simple. I don't know what's involved because this is a shaft drive bike.)

Good news?

Well, it was a perfect ride. First, to Starbux for a latte and scone while I read a writing book, which spurred several epiphanies on my current project (yay!), also had barrista ask me about my knickers and was able to give her this URL (yay!). She just rode a century Saturday.

Went to supermarket to pick up prescriptions, and not only was I greated warmly at the door when I pushed my bicylce inside with me, I noticed about 20 men (no exaggeration) gathered together talking seriously. The store is undergoing renovation and I overhead an employee explain that they were the "planning team" there to inspect and discuss changes. So I simply shouted over at them (brash, ain't I?), "Hey -- planning team?" They all looked around and found me in my bike helmet, jersey, knickers, walking my bike across the floor. I pointed down at it. "Bike racks? Outside? Okay?"

They looked startled. Nobody actually said, "Good idea." But hey, I got my request in.

Then rode through the bank to make a deposit, then rode to the doc's office to pick up some samples. The only thing that stopped this from being a totally productive ride was I decided I really couldn't tack on the two miles that would take me to the post office and bike. Gears slipping. Oh well!

I coasted a lot so as far as a cardio workout? Not so much. But I saved gas and was very "public" in my efforts green the planet.

Anybody else do any greening lately?

[mimitabby]

I confess that my last ride was not green. DH had to come pick me up because it was dark and my bedtime.
but I impressed everyone at my meeting.

I can't imagine what could be going on with just a shaft drive! I hope it's easy to fix or on warranty

[pooks]

I think it's green even if you get picked up. You impressed everybody. That counts! I read in a blog somewhere that there are two kinds of evangelizing for cyclists. Those who actively are out there fighting the fight, working to make it better for the rest of us, impressing on people how important it is for our world and our nation to embrace cycling --

And those who simply ride and are visible.

I don't think you can discount the second kind. I swear, since my husband and I started riding in our neighborhood we've seen a LOT of people start riding. I think there's a lot to be said for the, "Well, if THEY can do it ... we SURELY can," attitude. <g>

As for the shaft drive thing -- it's evidently no big deal. The gears need to be greased every six months or so. He just did his and said it was easy, and so now he'll do mine.

[mimitabby]

Oh, thanks!! I feel better about my dumb ride now.

and i'm glad your shaft just needs to be greased. hmm, sounds naughty

[pooks]

hmm, sounds naughty

I hope so!

[DebW]

Then rode through the bank to make a deposit

Great story, Pooks. I'm picturing you riding throught the door of the bank, down the aisle, and stopping at the teller's window while still straddling the bike as you make your deposit. Or is there a drive-up window or outdoor ATM?

[Bad JuJu]

DebW, you're such a stickler for terminology--I like that in a person! (said the English teacher.)

[pooks]

I'm picturing you riding throught the door of the bank, down the aisle, and stopping at the teller's window while still straddling the bike as you make your deposit.

I believe I detect a challenge ....

If only it weren't such a small branch, I'd do it!

(Yep, the drive-through. I've done it several times now!)