Bike Hex

Does this happen to anyone else? It seems like my bike is the fully functional, smooth shifting, tight braking, creak free ride that I expect it to be whenever I don’t have to ride it. Although this is my first race, I have taught mountain biking through my school’s outdoor education program (www.coe.cornell.edu) for 2 years now. Through the whole semester I forget I even own repair tools. Then my classes start up and I can’t leave the house without brakes rubbing and gears jumping. Scouting rides turn into repair clinics. Repair clinics turn into anger management sessions. Anger management sessions turn into frantic trips to the bike shop to get things straightened out ASAP before my next class where something else breaks… Damn hex.

Well, at least I know now that the gremlins that toy with my mechanical emotions at school aren’t just on a vendetta against mountain bike instructors. They’re also out to get rookie racers. This past week has been an emotional roller coaster of bike-mechanic triumph and defeat. Every minor adjustment, lubrication, and tweak is offset by a squeal, grinding, and friction. After my 6 hour singletrack practice run this past Saturday, I’ve been sticking to greenway/bridal trails. I can put in more mileage at a faster pace and, more importantly, go a little easier on my recently temperamental ride. Only six more hours of at least partial functionality. Please? I’m lugging the road bike home with me to get a shorter ride in the night before the race. Not taking any chances...