I was all set to get an early start on today’s ride when the equipment gremlins struck. First, the cheap plastic clip broke off the back of one of my rear blinkers. Two blinkers are a must during the dark days of December, so I fashioned a new clip out of metal pipe strapping. It’ll probably last longer than the old one. Not sure what I’d do without pipe strapping, zip ties and duct tape in the toolbox. But unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of my troubles. For some reason, my rear fender, after over a year of trouble-free operation, decided to start acting up today. I noticed it occasionally hitting the tire during yesterday’s ride, so I figured, no problem, I probably just need to tweak one of the struts. No such luck. I ended up having to fiddle with it for 15 minutes to get it to stop rubbing. I had to bend both of the struts at about a 10 degree angle just to get it aligned with the tire. The wheel is straight and true, so I’m not sure what’s up with the fender. When I get the chance, I’ll pull it off, straighten the struts, and carefully remount it. Today I just wanted to get it to stop rubbing so I could leave on my ride.
Today’s conditions were almost identical to last night’s, except for it being light out. The roads are still icky and wet with lots of standing water and gunk that sticks to the tires. Definitely not ideal biking conditions. I’d almost rather it be raining.. at least the rain would rinse the crap off the bike. Weather was overcast and a very clammy 46 that felt more like 40. Wore toe covers, hiking socks, leg warmers, cycling shorts, short sleeve athletic tee, light long sleeve cycling jersey, hi-vis windbreaker, light gloves, and head band. The ride was about as comfortable as one would expect given the dampness. Cold front is supposed to come through today, which will hopefully start to dry things out.