Training Day

I can remember now that when I was a kid, "Captain Kangaroo" was sponsored by Schwinn bicycles and Bactine.

That relationship finally hit me today.

The sun was shining. It was 70 degrees. I hit the trail a day early.

I hit it hard.

That's my knee.

Some stiffness. Some bruising. Lots of blood.

Pulling out of my parking lot onto the street, my rear wheel hit a piece of gravel. I was still clipped into the pedals and couldn't get my feet loose. No idea what happened. The fall dazed me. One second I was riding. Next second, I was under a parked car.

Maybe instead of asking for donations, the ADA should just take bets on how far I make it in June. Bet my friends would bet on that!

Didn't get much better.

I tried following a bike route I'd never used before. Across to George Mason then down to WO&D and onto Four Mile Run which would get me to the Mount Vernon Trail. Ran into problems with the front derailleur. Couldn't get it to shift smoothly into first or third gears.

So.

I spent most of my time riding, adjusting the derailleur, riding a little more, tinkering a little more. Finally decided to pack it in and try again Wednesday.

Think I'll also stick with the Mount Vernon Trail for most of my rides. More scenic -- and far fewer traffic crossings. The WO&D section I rode pretty much had me walking and waiting at intersections more than actually riding.

And my office is halfway along the Mt Vernon Trail. I've been taking the bike to the office with me and riding after I get off work. That's worked better than the route I tried today.