The Blaſphemous Bicycler

Yesterday, when I was about to leave the office, I noticed my rear tire was almost completely flat. So, I pumped it back up and rode home with no problems. It was flat again this morning. So, I pumped it back up and rode in with no problems.

I guess I have a slow leak. Not really surprising, since the tube in there already has two glueless patches on it.

Ride In:

On the way in today, my computer started acting really wierd. It was reporting a wide range of speeds, even though I was moving at a more or less steady rate. I figure either the magnet came loose, or the computer doesn’t like all the humidity we’ve been having lately.

So, no stats for this ride. I took pretty much the same route as I always do, so I’m gonna say 5.8 miles.

Ride Home:

The tire was flat and it stayed flat, so I changed out the tube.
Elapsed Time: 01:09:53
Max Speed: 22.4mph
Average Speed: 11.4mph
Distance: 13.3 miles

Total:

19.1 miles. 2.1 more than I needed! Woo!

I went for an easy ride around the neighborhood after work today.Elapsed Time: 00:53:56
Max Speed: 31.1mph
Average Speed: 10.5mph
Distance: 10.7 milesThe plan (week 4) only called for 8 miles, so we’re ahead of the game so far.

Ride In:

Elapsed Time: 00:24:44
Max Speed: 38.0mph
Average Speed: 14.0mph
Distance: 5.8 miles

Ride Home:

Elapsed Time: 00:53:13
Max Speed: 20.8mph
Average Speed: 10.9mph
Distance: 9.7 miles

Total:

15.5 miles
The plan called for 14 miles today, so we’re still on track! Woo!

My handlebar tape was getting kind of dirty and nasty, so I decided I’d try shellacing it.

That’s three coats of amber shellac over white cloth tape. I think it matches the leather pretty well.

My hardware store didn’t have any hemp twine, so I jused regular old bailing twine. I kind of like the way it turned out, but then I’ve always been a fan of the “wooly sasquatch” aesthetic.

The best part of the whole thing is that shellac is really just bug poop!