I’m in Murphys for a reason. To get important chores done. They never go away, it seems. It was time to take the lists, make an assessment of what I can and cannot finish and plan my return.
On that list was to replace my stolen bike. And I did. But, it isn’t new! And, I don’t actually have it yet. I went to a bicycle shop, Ken’s Bike and Ski, in Davis, and another shop as well. I rode six different bikes and the one that was comfortable and stood out from the rest, I bought. It maneuvered beautifully, light in weight, fit me perfectly, and I was estactic. I got home, on my own hilly terrain and my calves and thighs seized painfully within a mile. Yesterday, I drove back 121 miles to Davis. The manager talked me into keeping it. I respected his words when he said, “We don’t want to send you home with a bike you are uncomfortable with.” He took a laser measurement of my whole body. He adjusted the bike, seat and handlebars several times. He watched me ride and assessed my positioning and habits and I happily started back home. But, before driving the distance I decided to try the bike on the Davis Bike Paths where one can get a serious bike workout. After a 45 minute ride, serious cramping in my calves and thighs was no longer a problem. But one thumb went numb and one knee tweaked and my shoulders were uncomfortable. These highly engineered bikes require a specialized fit as all of YOU probably already know. I’m a newbie. It’s easier to buy a car than a bike!
And, I must say, the people at Ken’s Bike And Ski were terrific folks to deal with. I just didn’t have the time to spend another couple of days going back and forth for the adjustments they offered me. In the meantime, my son-in-law has given me his old “junker” bike, which never gives me a problem when I ride it. Plus, it will have less appeal to a thief. At Ken’s Bike Shop, I bought a wonderful kryptonite chain lock that can’t be cut with a bolt cutter. I won’t be able to connect it to the motor home until November, so Jim and I will have to share his bike until then.
Today, is revamp the lists, finish up what cannot wait and make return travel arrangements.
On that list was to replace my stolen bike. And I did. But, it isn’t new! And, I don’t actually have it yet. I went to a bicycle shop, Ken’s Bike and Ski, in Davis, and another shop as well. I rode six different bikes and the one that was comfortable and stood out from the rest, I bought. It maneuvered beautifully, light in weight, fit me perfectly, and I was estactic. I got home, on my own hilly terrain and my calves and thighs seized painfully within a mile. Yesterday, I drove back 121 miles to Davis. The manager talked me into keeping it. I respected his words when he said, “We don’t want to send you home with a bike you are uncomfortable with.” He took a laser measurement of my whole body. He adjusted the bike, seat and handlebars several times. He watched me ride and assessed my positioning and habits and I happily started back home. But, before driving the distance I decided to try the bike on the Davis Bike Paths where one can get a serious bike workout. After a 45 minute ride, serious cramping in my calves and thighs was no longer a problem. But one thumb went numb and one knee tweaked and my shoulders were uncomfortable. These highly engineered bikes require a specialized fit as all of YOU probably already know. I’m a newbie. It’s easier to buy a car than a bike!
And, I must say, the people at Ken’s Bike And Ski were terrific folks to deal with. I just didn’t have the time to spend another couple of days going back and forth for the adjustments they offered me. In the meantime, my son-in-law has given me his old “junker” bike, which never gives me a problem when I ride it. Plus, it will have less appeal to a thief. At Ken’s Bike Shop, I bought a wonderful kryptonite chain lock that can’t be cut with a bolt cutter. I won’t be able to connect it to the motor home until November, so Jim and I will have to share his bike until then.
Today, is revamp the lists, finish up what cannot wait and make return travel arrangements.
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