2016/08/20 - Next bike?, A beautiful voice

If it wasn't for cycling, I think I'd go insane. My life otherwise is starting to get out of control.

Two Friday's ago the front derailed on my 29er broke into one two pieces. Luckily I was only a 1/4 mile from home.

This is my favorite bike and I immediately brought it to my cycle shop, fully expecting it to be repaired same-day. Unfortunately they didn't have the part and told me I had to wait until last Thursday for it to come in, but when it did it,wasn't the right one. To make a long story short, I still don't have the bike and I'm going crazy.

In the meantime I tried riding with my road bike. I really love this bike, but I'm not sure I like riding it. I know that sounds crazy, but it's recognizably a top-of-the-line bike, and I love just looking at it. But I no longer like riding on roads with cars and I like the feel of a heavier bike better. 

So I've been riding my old hard tail Specialized Rock Hopper, which I had converted into a delivery bike when I had that insane cookie business idea. 

After removing the basket and kickstand, I had a bike that I could ride on single-track. At first I was worried about the lack of rear suspension with my back-attack phobia, but after a couple of trial days, I was able to get to the top of North Table Mountain. 

Oddly though, I've really started to like the old 26er. It has a lower center of gravity and is much lighter than my 29er. 

There is noticeably less weight on the front wheel, making it easier for me to ride in a straight line when riding uphill at my snail's pace. It think that because there is less weight on the front wheel, the bike doesn't react as much to slight quick turns. 

Anyway I'm liking the feel and now I dream about a tricked-out 26er as my next bike. 

.....

Today I found something that really pleased my poor mom suffering with dimentia. I sang to her. I sang the songs my dad used to sing when I was a boy. 

She kept saying "You have a beautiful voice", which just encouraged me. 

Later in the evening I said to Val "I am told I have a beautiful voice".

Later,

Steve