To the Cape

Jessica Eckhart and I had a nice ride from Cambridge to the Cape at the start of spring. The sun was bright and spring was in the air (in a cold, blustery sort of way). It was a nice change of scenery through towns I I've never seen and sort long stretches of country. We saw more kids in winter jackets out on their bikes than other cyclists (3 spotted, on mountain bikes). The ride culminated in a crossing of the Bourne bridge. The 1st half of the bridge may well have been our greatest elevation gain of the trip. The house below looked very tiny! Heading down the bridge, we strugged to hold our bikes against the wind while breaking hard to prepare for a safe exit off outknown sidewalk by the roundabout. Our efforts were rewarded by the generosity of Caroline's family who shared the comforts of their well heated home and a wonderful meal with us and the NEBC ladies team. Seems like my bike did not share in my aspirations of a ride on the bike path. Before we got out of the Boston metro area (but thank goodness after most of the worst potholes) - a spoke broke on my front wheel. Jessica put her GPS and motivational skills to work. This girl was not about to throw in the towel and spend the rest of the afternoon eating pizza while awaiting rescue. We woke slowly and wobbly 7 miles to a bike shop only to find that they did not carry the spoke, which is not a standard deisgn. They were able to adjust the other spokes so we would have a less wobbly ride to bike shop # 2, which also did not carry the spoke. We continued to ride as Patrick headed down 70 miles with another wheel set. Our plans of riding to Woods Hole were scrapped and we had to settle for full speed ahead for dinner. Subsequently, my plans of financial luxury this summer were scrapped as I consider the cost of a new wheeelset. It had a good run, anyway and there are some miles left in the rear wheel. I had a dream the morning of this ride which left me with an laughable image. To prepare for the ride to the Cape, I tied a big bag of M&M to the bottom of the saddle with a bungee.

Valentine's Day

Nothing says I love you like a new red and white Cervelo.