SpokEasy

Thwarted

\"thwarted

Brake rub thwarted me yet again this morning.

The wind had dropped considerably since last night; and I wanted to go to the salvage store. I still have scads of canned goods; but the constant din in the media about COVID-19 makes me want to keep well stocked. So, I hitched up the trailer.

It didn\’t work out. As soon as I climbed aboard and began pedaling, I heard an odd \”grrk\” noise. Before long, it became harder and harder to pedal; and the headwind was no help.

Finally I stopped to see what was going on. As I suspected, the rear wheel had brake rub. Again. For the last few months using the trailer nearly always results in brake rub! I wasn\’t even halfway to the store; and I decided that it was better to go back home.

Later this morning I went to the bike shop to see what was going on with those brakes. They said something about the quick release not being quite right; and they also said, put the bicycle in an upright position while hitching up the trailer. If the bike is leaning on the kickstand, the wheel gets pulled a bit out of position when I hitch up. The result is brake rub!

So today\’s plan was thwarted; but maybe I can try a Sunday trip to the salvage store. It will be cold again tomorrow; but at least there won\’t be much wind. The store opens later on Sundays, though; and that could mean more traffic.

Or maybe I\’ll let the salvage store wait until next Saturday; and do my long ride tomorrow, as usual. I just got new cleats put on my cycling shoes, and I hope my left foot won\’t come unclipped as I ride!