Commuting, a random squeak, and a broken screw.

Had a chat with my friend Erik today (who just finished his first half! Congrats!) and he reminded me of my much-neglected blog. Fear not though, I'm still out there - just not online so much these days. My stubborn attempt at spending less time on the computer has resulted in a tan and a host of new activities - go figure.

I've been commuting to work about 4 times a week this month - usually something comes up so that I'm unable to bike one day because of an after-work plan or something, but it's been working out well. I've stopped trying to be the fastest at the commute, and am enjoying the ride now - averaging between 19 and 20 km/hour on the way. I guess you could say the thrill of the cycling computer has worn off.

I've become a master of the clipless pedals, and don't know what I'd do without them. It's a little annoying when riding in traffic (like driving a standard car I imagine) - but that is a small price to pay for the efficiency gained.

My calves have returned to being solid muscle, and my quads are on their way, working from the outside in. I think my legs have gotten thinner overall, at least according to the capri's I've been living in all summer, but I have yet to find the miracle that melts away the inner thigh. Hope springs eternal.

This weekend is Cyclon --- a trip with the Toronto Bicycle Network to the Niagara area for 3 days of biking and socializing. I've been on a couple of the TBN local rides so far and everyone's been pretty friendly, so I'm looking forward to it --- it's always a little odd to go hang out with strangers for a few days. I've been spending some time fixing up my bike in preparation, have yet to find the cause of the newly developed squeak in the drive-train though -- I think I'm just going to end up lubing and cleaning EVERYTHING in the next few days.

That's about it. I learned my lesson with cheapo bike parts the other day when the plastic screws that were holding my portable pump in place (that came with it) broke off at the head. I'm off for a $6 screw extractor tonight in the hopes of digging them out. Definately annoying.