Preparing for the Every Second Counts Challenge - backward step
This morning I decided to ramp up my riding in preparation for the "Every Second Counts" challenge. I set my alarm last night for 4am, the time I am targeting for most of my rides during the challenge. I should be able to rise at 4am and be out the door by 4:30am allowing me to do 100 km and still be home for around 8:30am.
Step 1
I headed out the door and started North, looking to spin along the Southern Expressway veloway while totally disregarding speed. To get through this challenge I am going to have to ride in a way that preserves my strength and muscle to ride the next day. After 11 km I hit the end of the veloway and was happy with progress.
Just after exiting to Marion road my gears started to slip down and up while spinning. It wasn't to bad so I was thinking I would check my gear adjustments when I got home as this was only my second ride since doing my first full service since I bought my bike 12 months/10,000 km's ago.
Not Going to Plan
I crossed Stuart road and it was annoying so I pulled over to tweak the gears. Before reaching Cross roads I did this another 10 times and...[...READ MORE...]...
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Comment by Roger ... on July 20, 2012 at 19:10 -
been there done that myself.
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Comment by Steven Ellison on July 20, 2012 at 19:16 -
Thanks Roger. I have followed the link you posted on my blog about how to use an SRAM Power Link. I have already ordered a Quick link to check it out ;-) Thanks for your regular comments on my blog too as not many people seem to want to say anything :-( Its nice to get feedback that sugests someone has actually read the post!
Thanks Roger!
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Comment by David Southern on July 23, 2012 at 11:37 -
I think the power link and similar are wonderful inventions. Had a chain that I had assembled break a few years ago on a PP car on the far side of the track from the pits at Murray Bridge (not me driving, one of the kids). Hardly surprising, as there were 3 joins in the chain to get the length needed. (Persuading kids to actually change gears is another matter. And if they do change gears, many of them will grind away, rather than spinning a bit.)
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Comment by Matt Jones on July 23, 2012 at 11:43 -
Just be aware that a SRAM 10 speed powerlink is not re-useable. If you take it off to clean the chain, you *should* replace it.
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Comment by Steven Ellison on July 23, 2012 at 19:15
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Thanks Matt, I was under that understanding anyway but its nice to have it confirmed. I seem to have managed to get it joined correctly this time, fingers crossed, but I have ordered a Quick Link to have a look at it. I will carry it in my saddle bag, maybe inside the kitchen sink LOL
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Comment by Paul H on July 25, 2012 at 21:18 -
Hey Steve, how do you find the veloway in the dark? Ive always wanted to go for a ride at night but have been put off by having to climb the veloway to Majors Rd in the dark.
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Comment by Steven Ellison on July 25, 2012 at 21:30
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Hi Paul, it is very unusual for me to use the Veloway in the dark! I usually ride early morning, like 4:30am and travel via road. I am not keen on using bike tracks in the dark, especially on my own! Having said all that, I have headed North on the Veloway a couple of times in the dark. I have a decent headlight otherwise I wouldn't have. Its ok but I feel vulnerable to attack, not that I have had any reason to be, just my own paranoia ! I like to use the tracks to avoid heavy traffic, in daylight hours :-)
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Comment by Paul H on July 26, 2012 at 22:47
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Yeah agree, not sure I would be comfortable! Thanks, enjoy following your progress, you will see me out on a SSRC ride soon (once footy season is over)
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