The weather was cool but dry for a change.  Wind was light for a change. I was not lazy for a change.

Xmas was good.  I stuffed myself less than usual.  Two people were baking cookies and treats while I did the xmas turkey in the BBQ. It was yummy.  So today my reserve of guilt built up enough pressure to get my ass in the saddle and a loop around town.

I had a new chain and decided to install it on the Trek as the old one was really worn.  I did not want to wreck my new front rings.  Turns out I had already ruined my rear cassette.  The middle three gears worked fine with a worn stretched chain but did not work well with a new one.  I managed the ride and decided to look at replacement once home.

I had an old cassette from the red bike which is a ten speed rear.  The blue bike is a nine speed rear.  It was the summer bike so nowhere near as worn as winter riding gets you.  So I popped it on ( I have all the necessary tools.)  Strangely all ten speeds work.  The shifter had ten clicks in it.  Hmmmm.

So I seem to have settled into “winter shape”  still got something but not as much.  I expect this as I am only about half as active as summer.  You get out what you put in, but rest is important.

Today there were not that many riders out.  I started around noon and the CORE people start near dawn.  About half the riders I saw were serious type “A”s and half were old farts like me.  The first type  blew by me at speed.  The second type I was reeling in and passing.  Yay me!