I've ridden close to 30000 km ( 8000 mi) over the last 27 years. If your fitness level is adequate, cycling is easy and the distance rolls off easily.
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| Note the blinding speed |
I found riding hard this summer. I was forcing things. I would ride up a steep slope and had to press so hard that my calves burned when I got to the top. On the level I usually do 20 km/h. This summer I could hardly do 15 km/h on the level and I was really struggling. Riding against the wind was almost impossible. I worried. Was I that far out of shape? Had age taken it's toll? Did I have some kind of physical problem? I worked hard and hoped my fitness level would come up. I still had to push it and riding was not fun. It crossed my mind that serious cycling was over for me.
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| A steep part of the trail that just killed me this summer |
I oiled and cleaned my chain several times. There was a slight improvement. I changed the seat.
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| Cleaning the chain again |
So a few weeks ago I did another maintenance chore. I thought I better check the tire pressure. To my horror I found out the tire pressure was 12 lbs!
I pumped the tires to the proper pressure and tried the bike. Wow! I had lots of jump! I was back to the regular form. Cycling was very easy once again.
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| Back to the blinding speed |
So all the worry and doubt was brought on by my own negligence in checking tire pressure. I'll remember this lesson for a while.
Just like the my horse. He is quite pokey if his "wheels" aren't up to par! :) Keep peddlin' my friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, a well looked after horse can do wonders for you. I will keep peddlin'
DeleteI have a workstand, full set of bike tools, and know my way around a bike pretty well. If you ever need a tune up, just knock on my back door.
ReplyDeleteTodd
Now you tell me you have all this stuff!! I've been fortunate and have been able to look after stuff except for the tires.
DeleteI was worried there for a bit! Glad it was only the bike:)
ReplyDeleteWell, let's be honest. It is more than the bike but we won't go there.
DeleteI know this isn't meant to be funny but I did have to laugh. I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteWell, you're allowed to laugh at others dumb moves. They deserve it!
DeleteDidn't you feel that? I always check my tires, have always a lot of groceries in the back and I feel the bumping immediately.
ReplyDeleteHolland is far ahead of us when it comes to cycling. Here cycling is just for fun and very few cycle to work or for shopping. I will be smarter next time.
DeleteNow Red, I am surprised you the seasoned rider didn't think of that right away - you musta had a senior moment. he,he Just kidding - I guess I am just in the habit of checking oil n tire pressure whenever we take the motorbikes out, so its second nature, when we switch over to mountain bikes. You olde speedster you, looks like you are blurring along now :)
ReplyDeleteI'm just one complete senior moment!!! I'm going to have to check these tires a little more often if they're going to play tricks on me.
DeleteGlad you were able to solve that little problem! It's great that you cycle so regularly!
ReplyDeleteAnd here all the time I thought it was me!!!
Deleteoh, i wish all our slow-downs in life could be rectified as easily! now, red, you've got a lot of miles to make up!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm within 100 km of my goal and we have lots more good riding time.
DeleteThat is hilarity! Bet you check the air pressure "first" from now on! LOL
ReplyDeleteI've learned my lesson!
DeleteI have found that the tire pressure is the most important part of keeping a bike in shape! You sure made me laugh. The blinding speed part especially. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I know pressure is important and from now on I'll check more often. Well, blinding might be overdoing it just a little.
DeleteWhat a relief! Guess that played on your psyche for awhile. Glad to know it was an easy fix and related to the bike and not you.
ReplyDeleteI do admire your fitness ritual.
Yes, I'm really glad it was the bike and not me.
DeleteSo glad it was a simple matter to improve things. All that worry for nothing. :-) Now enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWell, I really didn't worry about it, but it did cross my mind. I am a low stress kind of person.
DeleteYou live in a great landscape Red! I know what you mean: I pump up my tires every time that i go for a ride. I hope you'll have a lot of fun kilometers!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the Netherlands,
dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com
Most of my rides are 10 15 km and I just jump on the bike and go. I see you do 50 km and for that you have to be prepared. Holland is much further ahead of us when it comes to cycling.
DeleteMy first thought was tire pressure...Hubby has that problem every spring...Glad you figured it out as it makes cycling so much more enjoyable...
ReplyDeleteGood prediction on my story. Yes, tires always have to be pumped in the spring.
DeletePerhaps I should pump up my tyre pressure, it might make my journey through life easier. I don't have a bike - but that is just a minor detail.
ReplyDeleteKeep your life low pressure. Much better that way. High pressure is only good for tires.
DeleteAnother reminder to check the simple fixes first!
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit of a gambler so sometimes I get into trouble.
DeleteI like to set distance goals, especially on a stationary.I have ridden across Iowa 15 times.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of something my computer programming teacher told us once in class "The problem is usually a simple one. Check there first." How nice that it was an easy problem to fix!
ReplyDeleteFor stationary bikes you really need a goal to keep you going.
ReplyDeleteRed that's so awesome that it was 'just' the tire pressure, ride on my friend, ride on!
ReplyDeleteSince I gave myself tendonitis last year, I didn't bike this year. I should have, but I have been negligent!
ReplyDeleteCheers from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Glad you figured out what was wrong Red. Looks like your having a great time keeping fit now ~ beautiful scenery too.
ReplyDelete