diddlee

This past week has been one for riding. Bev even rode a 25 mile ride on a single bike. That was a record for her. I finally got into the bottom bracket of the black tandem and found the problem. The unit has worn an oval and can't be tightened enough to stop movement in it. I have new parts ordered and can replace it as early as Tuesday. I put the off-road tires back on it so we can get some traction in those wet places. I'll put the Smooth tires back on when we go to Missouri. Today was one of those typical Monday mornings. Everything is a rush to get things in order and get out for lunch and grocery shopping. Then its off to work for me and the beginning of a new work week. I've set myself a new goal. I plan to redo the shelves in the garge so I can tidy up all the stuff in there and make it work better. Part of the plan is a tool bench near the front of the garage. I'll move the freezer to the rear and make a place for all the law mowers and tools.

This morning we tried to find the source of the clunk in the black tandem's drive train. I removed the eccentric and reinstalled it. I also replaced the chain since I just added a new cog and had those new chain rings. Didn't fix it. I still have a clunk each time the crank goes around. The next step will be bottom bracket removal and inspection. That means I have to have a bottom bracket tool and wrench. I should have purchased one of those tool sets with a stand. I had the unit in my hand but without a load on it, everything seemed fine. I might replace the front bb and find it is actually the rear. Then I'd have replaced both. It will be cold tomorrow morning. Just like Easter to have a cold snap. Since I am off, Bev and I can take an afternoon ride instead. The club rides to Sycamore have resumed so that may be our chance to get in a few miles. I should be making a do list for this week. It may be too chilly to do the washing work I had planned. That would leave grass m...

It has been a while since a post. There hasn't been much happening. The weather and responsibilities have conspired to keep Bev and I off the bike. I have been working on a new mountain bike trail but the past week of work has kept me away. The one day I could have done some work, it rained. But with the next week of off time, I'll get back out there. There is so much more I want to get opened up. Jobs around the house have mounted up as well. Lately the septic tank has given problems. I took the plunge and rewired it. That involved digging out the conduit and replacing it up to the access port. Then the drain to the air conditioner had problems. That called for climbing up into the attic. Next we need to redo the bathroom, replace tile, and paint. I have decided to ask Glenn Simmons to renovate the bathroom and get Chris to help me with the bathroom and foyer. For painting I'll have to ask for a reference. As for outside, I have the decks to wash and repaint the doors and ...

Farewell to one of my favorite authors, Arthur C. Clark. Of the many I read, my favorite remains "Rendezvous with Rama". I enjoyed having Frank Poole resurrected in 3001. Thanks for the many hours of entertainment.