Category: Cycling

Chilly Ride

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 30.2mm, f/3.6, 1/160 sec, ISO400
 “Piplup and Sign” Cedar Park, 2023

I bundled up at lunch at went for a ride to the nearby hike and bike trail. I wanted to see if there was a lot of tree damage due the the ice storm. On the way there, I rode through our neighborhood and it looked like a tornado had come through! So many trees were broken, and some even were leaning on rooftops.

When I got to the trail, I was only able to ride a hundred meters or so before I had to turn around because the clean up crews were cutting and clearing fallen branches. But I did manage to get a rare selfie! As you can see, it was cold! Still, it was a fun ride and nice to get out after being cooped up in the house for the past three days.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 2.71mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO64
 “Cold Selfie” Cedar Park, 2023

First Ride with the New Rack

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2400 sec, ISO32
 “Piplup at the Lake” Cedar Park, 2023

Today I took Piplup, with her new rear rack, to the lake at the YMCA. I had to adjust the chain (from yesterday’s post) to get the shifting to work correctly, and it took a bit of figuring out, but now that I know how to do it, it seems pretty simple.

Anyways, I really like the black rear rack and black fender. Now I want to replace the silver front fender with a black one. But that’s not urgent. I’ll keep my eyes open for a sale.

I didn’t mention it in yesterday’s post, but the reason I bought a rear rack is because I am planning on doing some bicycle touring with Piplup, and the rear rack is essential for allowing a backpack to be fitted on the bike. And I’ve put my first bike tour on the calendar! It’s still a few months away, but I am looking forward to it.

Bicycle Work

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/10 sec, ISO400
 “Shifting Chain” Cedar Park, 2023

Today I installed a rear rack to my Brompton bicycle. It was a little more difficult than I was expecting, but only because the fender placement wasn’t specified in the instructions. If you don’t position the edge of the fender on top of the frame triangle, it will rub against the tire. Luckily, I recalled that the old fender (which had to be swapped with the rack’s fender) was positioned that way, so I did the same with my new fender

Anyways, the photo above shows the little shifting chain that connects to the internal hub. I wanted to document the correct adjustment position. The installation of the rear rack involves removing the rear wheel so there are several steps that are required and it is good to do them for the first time in the comfort of home, rather than out on the road fixing a flat. Now that I’ve done it, it will be easy to change a tire or fix a flat in case I need to!

Broken Mirror

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/105 sec, ISO1600
 “Broken Mirror” Cedar Park, 2023

Yesterday, I spent some time fitting a mirror to the handlebars on Piplup. I was so happy with my work, and it was very convenient on the afternoon ride. However, today the bike fell over right on the mirror and it broke. 🥲 What a bummer! Less than a day of use before I ruined it…

Night Ride (Lighting Fail)

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/17 sec, ISO1000
 “Piplup at Night” Cedar Park, 2023

This evening I wanted to return a book to the library, so I thought, why not take the Brompton? It was chilly out, so I bundled up and hit the road. How fun!

But about half way to the library, my front light started fading, and soon it was completely out. There were street lamps on my route, so I could see okay, but near the library there’s a short stretch on gravel that is not lit. And to make matters worse, when I came up to the shortcut, there was a barrier blocking my way. It was too dark to see if it was because of construction or something, but I took it as a sign that I shouldn’t press my luck, so I turned around and rode home.

I’ve now packed an extra power bank in the bag so I am never caught with a dead headlight again.

I didn’t return the library book, but riding with Piplup was super fun and when I got home, I felt refreshed!