Gravel Grindin
Author: Bake
Having been out of the saddle too much lately I was ready for a little suffering last night. I rode down to Jacob's at 6 and met up with CITA group ride about 6:30. Since the trails have been too muddy lately we opted for a grinding on some gravel south of town. Growing up on a farm I knew I was in for some long slow climbs. On trails around here a climb is usually a short steep that just requires a quick burst of energy, still tough, but way different than a road climb. I was holding on to the pack pretty well at first but I missed the first sprint and got dropped. I was on my single speed and I tried my darndest to catch up but without being able to shift I keep spinning out. Finally the group stopped for a break (left again right when I rolled up) and we were off again. This time I clung hard to the pack, the "go fast" group still tore off but 4 of us hung together. On the way back to town (after a stop at the pub) my bike continued to creak something fierce. I had thought it was my pedals but I lubed those and that hadn't help. Every time I stood to apply power this gawd awful creak noise started. Jacob guessed it was my bottom bracket and I agreed with him. By the time we got close to town the sun was down and it was pretty dark. Following him on the trail I could just barely make out his silhouette against the trail to follow. When we got back to his place we threw my bike on the work stand and tore off the pedals and crank. Once we removed the bottom bracket our suspicions were confirmed....there was no lube left in the chassy. I was grinding metal on metal. No wonder this bike has felt so flipping slow the last few times I've been riding.
Hmmm...that color on metal doesn't bode well...
Can't see me but I'm back there somewhere suffering...
Tomorrow is "Daddies and Donuts" at Kiersten's day-care center. I'll be stopping by on my way to work to visit and have a donut. Word on the street in that the kids have been working on present for their Dads
