OP
OP
mrbadexample
Senior Member
- Location
- Walsall
Feeling quite pleased today. I knocked off work nice and early, thinking "I might nip out on the bike this afternoon." Then it rained.
Rules #5 and #9 obviously applied, so I went out anyway. I decided to repeat the run to Pelsall where I play darts. As it was daylight, I managed not to go the wrong way. This was pleasing. Another couple of runs and I might remember the route.
I forgot to reset the trip meter, so I've had to guess a little bit. I reckon about 11 miles at around 12mph. Not only that, when I got there I didn't stop and rest while I threw arrows. I turned straight round and came home. So 11 miles without stopping, in the rain. I actually began to enjoy the rain, even though it renders spectacles almost entirely useless. It prevented me from overheating, and meant I was a badass.
I've decided that there's not actually that much wrong with my engine. Sure, it's been rusting in a scrapyard for twenty years or more, but it still runs. It needs an oil change and a bit of a tune up, but apart from that it's not too bad. I've not yet had to stop on a hill, and I've still got lower gears to use in case things get really tough.
My problem is the air intake system. I stopped smoking in January after about 25 years. My lungs hurt. My chest hurts. My heart hurts. I can utterly exhaust myself in about 30 seconds if I really go for it. As long as I plod along steadily, I can cope, but by the time I get to the top of some of the lumpy bits I'm dying. I sure hope that'll get better, and soon.
I tried to do a bit standing on the pedals, too. Still not easy, but I must have managed a metre or two before control became an issue and I had to drop back into the saddle. I think the different weight distribution has a lot to do with it.
Not a bad start to week #2.
Rules #5 and #9 obviously applied, so I went out anyway. I decided to repeat the run to Pelsall where I play darts. As it was daylight, I managed not to go the wrong way. This was pleasing. Another couple of runs and I might remember the route.
I forgot to reset the trip meter, so I've had to guess a little bit. I reckon about 11 miles at around 12mph. Not only that, when I got there I didn't stop and rest while I threw arrows. I turned straight round and came home. So 11 miles without stopping, in the rain. I actually began to enjoy the rain, even though it renders spectacles almost entirely useless. It prevented me from overheating, and meant I was a badass.
I've decided that there's not actually that much wrong with my engine. Sure, it's been rusting in a scrapyard for twenty years or more, but it still runs. It needs an oil change and a bit of a tune up, but apart from that it's not too bad. I've not yet had to stop on a hill, and I've still got lower gears to use in case things get really tough.
My problem is the air intake system. I stopped smoking in January after about 25 years. My lungs hurt. My chest hurts. My heart hurts. I can utterly exhaust myself in about 30 seconds if I really go for it. As long as I plod along steadily, I can cope, but by the time I get to the top of some of the lumpy bits I'm dying. I sure hope that'll get better, and soon.
I tried to do a bit standing on the pedals, too. Still not easy, but I must have managed a metre or two before control became an issue and I had to drop back into the saddle. I think the different weight distribution has a lot to do with it.
Not a bad start to week #2.
I also found I sort of like riding in the rain as well..when it is not too cold anyway. I rode yesterday evening and when I got home my trip meter said 8 miles and I know I had done 16 because I ride the route a lot, still havent figured that out, I never noticed my speedometer not working but it was dark for some of the ride.
However, I kept it upright and made it safely home. I'd done 11.2 miles so I rode round the estate until I got to 12. 
I've been known to ride a couple of hundred yards past my house, then back again, just to get to the next full mile!
