Crank, Don't Fail Me Now!

The rooster wasn't even awake when I rolled out of the garage yesterday morning. I knew it was going to be a busy day even without trying to get in a century. This meant wrestling the mattress monster so I could get out of bed and riding before the sun had its first cup. I am glad I did. I got out a bit before 6 AM and had 60 in by 9:25 AM. All this fun was not without troubles or concern from my crank. At mile 6, I look down and the keeper for the crank bolt is sticking out. I take my tunes out of one ear in time to hear it bounce on the asphalt. Ping! I turn around and luckily, it is right in the middle of the road, easy to find. Call it luck, maybe. To me, its a make-up call 7 days later. This time, I could do something about it. I had bought the night before an Alien II (see picture) just in case. As many of you know, I have been lobbying against hauling tools around just in case. In fact, I have made jokes about hauling toolboxes under seats and have made it a point to only carrying the bare bones with me on rides. Just in case never had come for me until last Thursday when I am one-legging it up the hill to my house. I tightened the crank bolt, put the keeper back on, got back into the saddle, and headed down the road. I was not to be denied today!

In Keizer, about 30 miles from home, I stopped again to tighten the crank bolt. The ride home was eventless but fast. I averaged right at 18 MPH. The Oregon countryside was beautiful. Springtime and everything is blooming, growing, and colorful. April century part 1 complete.

Now in the house, I got showered, grabbed two cookies and glass of milk, and out the door to meet with a realtor about some homes. We saw several we really liked and if all goes well, we will be putting an offer on one soon. Patience! More news to follow. House-hunting complete.

Back to the house, load up the car, get some real breakfast, and off to Dundee for opening day of Baseball season - game at noon. The No Name Newberg Minor team proved to be too tough for its oponents, winning 12-6 on some excellent pitching and timely hitting (it is always timely with runners in scoring positions). It has been fun so far this year coaching. Challenging, definitely, but to see how it all came together yesterday, incredible. We have a slew of games over the next month and a crazy schedule but it will be fun. Before we know it, the season will be over and we will be left wanting for more. Baseball game complete.

On the way home, all I can think about is getting the ride done and spending time with Christine. How to balance it? I am seriously slow at time. Here is an excellent example. I am driving, mulling this over, thinking: take her downtown after the ride, restaurant, shopping, some quality time. She must have smelt the rubber burning and asks, "Do you have something against me riding with you?" Sure, great! BRILLANT! Then she asks, "Aren't you hungry?" I was so focused on getting the ride in and all the other activities, I wasn't even thinking about food. We stopped and got some lunch.

We got home and Rob had called as well saying he had a window to ride. Changed, prepped the bikes, and off we went. Other than the occasion hill, Christine did well and put down a personal best of 40 miles. She also helped me complete my century. April century part 2 complete.

What is a century without the traditional Mexican food? Every century, with the exception of Solvang where we tried the post ride BBQ and should not have, Mexican food has been the reward for the suffering. Today was no different. After washing my dirt laden car and sending Cassie off to work (babysitting), we rolled over to Beaverton and sank our teeth into some burritos, chips, and salsa. Mexican food reward complete.

It is good to have a rest day. I am worn out from all the excitement from yesterday.