Several things learned this week, still at least 15 months from take-off.
One, I don’t know my bicycle well enough. The rear tire was full of cracks, bits of glass, and other breakdowns that meant I had three flats in less than a week. I’d examine the tire, not find anything poking my finger on the inside, and say, “It’s still good!”
Narrator: It was not good.
So anyway, new tires. Schwalbe Marathons. The Gatorskin was fine; I think it lasted 13 months. And on these streets, especially NW Portland five days a week since November (holy god, they are still covered with gravel from the snowstorm; PBOT sucks), that is quite an accomplishment.
Also, I visited my grandkids last weekend and yes, one of the wee beasties was carrying the cold nasties. All three adults: sick. Me, missing two days of work and not able to actually enjoy the extra time at home. Given their ages, I’d better say goodbye to them at least a week in advance before leaving for Japan. Even in summer, kids gots germs.
Lastly, I am likely to dither about a lot of stuff as I plan. Switch to hydraulic brakes? Splurge for an internal hub and belt drive system? Mobile solar panels of several battery banks? Which panniers? Do I need a dedicated GPS?
I’m hoping that getting out and riding and camping this summer will answer a lot of questions. I should plan at least one challenging trip, the MacKenzie or the coast or such. See if I can find out what I don’t know and need to learn, buy, fix. Much easier here in Oregon than thousands of miles away.