The next project

I’ve been looking for something new to work on, since the single-speed conversion was so much fun and made a nice ride.

Yesterday, I picked up an older Jamis Exile. It’s not a great bike, but the frame is better than my other one. Even more important: Now I get to learn more about the workings of geared bikes.

It’ll be mostly for the road, though I’m holding out hope that I might eventually get strong enough to take it on trails. I’m not into stump-jumping or flying down rocky hillsides, but something more like the trails at Beaman Park.

The planning begins. Tomorrow: A trip to the bike shop. Tubes and tires, probably slicks or close to it. All cables, but the housing looks okay. Maybe replace the cassette, and tweak the derailleurs.

Biking at Peeler Park

Off to Peeler Park on one of those rare, cool, late-summer afternoons. The bike continues to work well, running almost silently. The park itself is a change from the urban/suburban area surrounding it, isolated enough that we saw deer and wild turkey on the trail.

It feels good to ride again. I’m slowly getting strength back, but not yet ready for extended riding in the drops. Still having trouble looking back, too, because of problems with the fusion. Progress is slow, but noticeable.