Bicycle Repaired

About a week ago I was riding my bicycle in my neighborhood and started and while going down hill, my bicycle started shaking.  I got off my bicycle and checked to make sure the wheels were tightly on and check the rim to see if I bent it.  What I found were the threads starting to show through the side of the rear tire.  I walked the bicycle home since I was close by and spent the rest of the week walking.

Yesterday I cleaned my bicycle and took it to Wooden Wheels for check up and purchase a new tire.  The staff at Wooden Wheels made a few adjustments including recommending and replacing the rear tire.  Plus they gave me a few pointers. 

The problem looks like a lack of air pressure for both tires.  I never bothered to purchase a pump since I live close to a gas station which provides a free air pump.  Looks like I’ll be purchasing a tire pump when I pickup a kickstand for my son.

Busy Spring Day

Today was very busy for our family.  I started doing laundry in the morning while the kids got ready to go out.  Michelle started our taxes and was planning on working them most of the day.  After lunch the kids and I went to Home Depot.  We purchased 4 bags of topsoil weighing in at 40lbs per bag, one 15,000 square foot bag of Scotts Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control, and some Marigolds that our daughter liked. 

I was able to start the edger and trimmer with little problems, and the mower started on one pull.  I usually do the seasonal maintenance on my yard equipment so it continues to work well.  After getting all the yard work done (flowers will be planted tomorrow), I grilled hotdogs and zucchini with a little spice.

I took my son out to a local school that has several grassy hills varying in degrees to learn how to ride his bike without training wheels.  Within 20 minutes he got it down and was able to make it to the soccer field.  After an hour we headed back to the parking lot.  He was able to ride his bike almost to the car before he fell.  I’m very proud of him.  He didn’t get discouraged and wanted to keep trying until the sun went down.

Tomorrow we are riding bikes with the Cub Scouts at a local park to earn the bicycle belt loop.  Hopefully I will be able to get my car washed.  Maybe I’ll grill up some chicken or burgers.

Bike Ride at Carousel Park

On Sunday July 26th I went for a bike ride at Carousel Park in Wilmington, DE.  It was a little warm and humid, but over all a good day for a ride.  The trail was a mix of stone and dirt paths with a few ruts from the horse trailers and hayride wagons.  The scenery included lots of trees and a white spilt rail fence with horses; and the perimeter of the park was surrounded by neighborhoods and the mail road. The park is 217 acres in size with over 6 miles of trails for me to explorer.

I’ve had this bike for 2 years with most of my riding on streets with little to no hills.  This was my first trail ride, and during my drive to the park I kept reminiscing about being a kid and riding my Huffy bike in the woods.  If you wanted to get somewhere quickly, the woods provided all the short-cuts you needed.
The first part of the ride on the Carousel Loop was easy to ride.  Going downhill on the rough terrain at 17 mph was exciting.  After the downhill run, I continued on the path with the high school on my left and the stables and indoor ring on my right.  When I reach one the lowest points in the park, I made a right and followed the Secret Escape Route.  The path takes you around the Blue Lagoon with a slight incline and then merges with the Enchanted Lake Circle path.  As I rode by I could see some people fishing at Enchanted Lake and some kids running around playing tag.
Then came the toughest part of my ride; I made a right onto Enchanted Lake Promenade.  A nice steep .25 mile ride to the top.  I had to stop half way to catch my breath. Once I reached the top I rode to my car when I could get a drink.  I wanted to see the horses one more time before I left so I rode to where they were grazing.  I sat and watched them for about 10 minutes before packing up and heading home.

Although I got my butt kicked by riding this trail, I plan on going back again (hopefully this coming weekend.)  I think I might try the Enchanted Lake Circle for a few laps.

Carousel Trail Guide

Map of the trail.

Good Bike Riding Day

After completing some tasks this morning, I was able to enjoy a nice bike ride in the late morning.  According to my cyclo-computer, I went for a nice 7 mile ride.  This was the second time this year I had time to go out and enjoy the bike.

My wireless cyclo-computer for my bike.

Looking forward to the weekend

Friday and Saturday are looking to be really nice days weather wise.  I am planning on mowing the lawn, having lunch with a good friend, and purchasing some replacement parts for the grill.  Johnsonville bratwurst and a good beer is in the forecast.  If I am lucky, I can get in some bike time too.