Nem W. Schlecht

Robby graciously bought me a chain tool last Thursday and I finally ran over to his house tonight to pick it up (we unsuccessfully tried earlier in the week to find one at Scheel’s). Robby, Lily, and Fiona greeted me when I arrived. Lily at first didn’t recognize me, but that didn’t stop her from sitting on my feet while I bounced her in the air. Soon (actually, luckily – my legs were getting tired), it was time for bed for Lily. Unfortunately, she was out of toothpaste, which caused a few tears, but a few minutes later she happily appeared in a princess dress (she was supposed to have her PJ’s on, though).

After coming home, I was successful (after a couple attempts) in getting my chain properly assembled. Luckily, my chain came with the proper ‘pilot rivet’ (it holds the chain together as well as holding and guiding the rivet while its being inserted). Although I did partially break the pilot rivet (it still works), I did get the chain properly assembled.

Got my road bike back from the bike shop. It’s nice to have a tuned up bike – quiet and a firm ride. Only they put somebody else’s chain on my bike (I’ll take it in Monday and get that straightened out).

Just shy of 30 miles in 90+ degree weather with a strong south wind. The first 15 miles really, really, sucked. Coming back was much more fun (I even hit 32mph at one point and was averaging right around 20mph).

I’m a little dehydrated (drinking chilled green tea right now) and fatigued, but otherwise feeling pretty good. I’m also happy that I coat myself with SFP 30 sunblock before I go riding – I would have been burnt to a crisp if I hadn’t been wearing it (2+ hours in the sun with little to no shade).

I’ll be taking it a little easy tonight at the last night of the Fair anyways, as I have to go to my Aunt & Uncle’s house near Ypsilanti. I haven’t seen some of my cousins in some time, so it will be a nice trip.

After lunch with Nachos, I finally took my road bike into Island Park Cycles. My rear wheel needs trueing and I need my handlebar tape fixed up (I’m going to have it double-taped like my old bike). I also asked for a generic tune-up.

This evening I had dinner with Mazz & Mark (grilled steak, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob). Afterwards (Dayna finally arrived) we chatted and I did a little quick work on their sump pump outlet tube.

I was supposed to go to bed early tonight in preparation for tomorrow’s Sun Solaris training, but that hasn’t happened.

On the I29 overpass at 124th Ave S, Fargo. Half point (mile 15 of 30) of my Saturday ride. Beautiful day, calm easterly wind at about 87 degrees.