Cranky

The first two commutes of the week have been on the least expected horse in my corral - the road bike. Of my three bikes, this one shifts the worst, but rolls the best. As I approach Austin Bluffs Parkway each day, I get a good mile or so view of the stop light behavior. This morning was one of those Twilight Zone moments where one can either hump it to run the green light at 40 mph, or take it easy, coasting up to the red and take off as it turns green.

Nothing is more frustrating than choosing the former and losing the gamble. One ends up stopped at a red light (skidmark optional), in the highest gear possible. This makes starting off immensely slow and embarrassing, as it takes one full crank-turn to get across a three lane intersection.

Other than that, several boxes of much-needed bike components will be arriving this week. Pedals, cranks, a rack, panniers, rigid forks and bottle cages for starters.

...and thus begins the austerity program, at least until I can pay it all off. Don't worry Mom, I didn't spend THAT much...