October 5th (Morning)

A bit of brisk ride this morning (6° on the Weather Network when I got to the office). I REALLY need that light ASAP… It was rather dark/dim this morning, probably ‘till about 1/2 across the single-track on Frolek’s land when it finally lit up enough to see well. As such, I left late again (any earlier and I’m asking for trouble with not being able to see obstacles on the trail). Still got to work with about 5 minutes to spare, but I’d like more than that to be able to get cleaned up, dressed and what not before 8am!

The ride was pretty good. The bike was running quite smoothly. The new-to-me LX derailleur on the back worked pretty well. A bit slow/tight it seemed on the top 3 or 4 gears, but it still hit every gear within seconds of me hitting the lever, so with a bit more fine tuning it should be fine. The front brake worked GREAT! For the first time coming down the long, straight and steep hill into Peterson’s Creek valley I actually felt like I could stop if I wanted to do so… Not sure what I did differently, maybe it was a result of working out on the new York multi-gym we bought… I’m getting stronger triceps… HAH!!! The back brakes were still somewhat squeally… I’m thinking I’m not going to be able to get rid of that ‘till the new pads arrive (another eBay order I’m waiting on, this one is “only” just over 2 weeks since I won the auction).

I rode down the “cliff” again just before Frolek’s gate. I was a bit off, and started to “panic” to some degree, but then just let the bike take it’s line down and it was good. I noticed that Brian did indeed come out on the weekend and got rid of the tree across the bypass trail and started work on another trail that we will be able to ride come home. I’ll have to for sure get out here this weekend and help complete this section.

I had to put my foot down again on the rocky/dip/90° corner on Frolek’s single-track, partly because I forgot to shift down before coming through! I did manage to continue on after the dab and make the rest of the section. However, after a full week of making the creek crossing and technical climb up the west bank, I didn’t make the climb this morning… Oops! All the leaves have turned yellow/orange down there and the trail is covered in bright colours, I’ll have to try and get a picture of it this afternoon (it was too dark to do so this morning).

About 1/2 way up the climb along Tom Moore trail my left knee starting to hurt and the pain continued on through ‘till the end of my ride. Not excruciating pain by any means, just a nagging pain with each down-stroke.

Well, hopefully my orders come in very soon. Riding without a light isn’t the worst thing that could happen, but I’m not sure how much longer I will be able to keep these rear pads!!!