Every bike ride these days is a challenge, but worth it.

I’d planned to take in another Bike Happy Hour today, but errands and other chores early in the day took a lot out of me. But it was dry outside, a window between storms that I had to take advantage of. So I did some minor fiddling with my Peugeot and took it out for a little local spin.

The air was crisp and the temperature falling, but the sun peeked through thick clouds and the trees swayed in a light breeze, and I enjoyed myself despite the cold. 

I also enjoyed the handling and ease of the Peugeot since it’s regearing. The sectioned chain gave me no trouble, not even a tiny hitch, and confirmed my position that adding pieces of off-brand chain in the exact same size to expand the length should pose no problem if all the links are properly loosened. There were no issues.

Along the way I ran into a former co-owner from my Citybikes days. It was lovely to see him. He’s embroiled in very difficult, ugly legal proceedings wherein the three other remaining co-owners want to close Citybikes down and liquidate everything, including two buildings and lots of inventory, to divide amongst themselves. N, the fourth co-owner and the only one left from my time there, wants to keep the business going. Three weeks ago, the three news co-owners changed the locks without warning and barred Noel from the shop, a completely illegal move that will make things even messier.

Meanwhile, a group of former owners continues to meet periodically, in hopes of helping to reclaim and revitalize the shop as the cooperative it once was. I am not part of that effort at all, owing to both my ongoing illness and my desire to avoid all things Citybikes (except my happier memories). Still, it was lovely to run into N and I hope he’ll be okay in the end. As for the resurrection of the business, I want no part of it. I am done with all that and happy to be on the sidelines.

I rode home after less than half an hour outside because of the cold, but was glad to ride even a little bit.

Much colder temps are due here by Friday, along with a strong probability of freezing rain and icy roads. So other than a possible short ride again tomorrow, the bike is up on its hook for the next several days.

if you DO a go outside in the coming cold snap, remember to protect your extremities and don’t overdo.

Happy riding.