Out for a ride last night.. Over the short lumpy circuit (about 15miles
) with some nice screaming downhills.
For some reason I wasn't entirely happy, in part the slight drizzle and
something else I couldn't put my hand on.
And then I realised that I had my hand on it.. My handlebars began to
feel really floppy. Out with the Allen keys to tighten them up/sort
them out and I discovered that my quill->aheadset adapter has a big
crack in it that is allowing the bars to move.
Ho hum. This had to happen on about th emost remote part of the ride.
Check phone - minimal charge and no signal. Check pockets, no money.
Check feet - start walking.
A couple of miles later I reach the next village and have mobile
reception. Enough charge to make one call to SWMBO to arrange a pickup
and explain that I will be later than planned..
45 mins later and she hasn't appeared at our rendezvous (though Blair
of this parish had, and stopped & asked if I needed help. Apologies for
sounding a bit incoherent Blair, I'd got you slightly confused with
someone else.)
So I start walking - and about 30 mins later Blair comes past again,
but this time picks me up and takes me home. (Thanks!) The car had
decided to have a flat battery so SWMBO couldn't come and get me
straight away.
The quill adapter was held together by the binder bolt, otherwise it
could have been quite nasty. At a real pinch it might have been
rideable, but honestly, who is going to risk riding on a stem you know
is severely fatigued..
Bit stiff this morning, not used to all that walking.
...d