Nellie comes home

I took Nellie into my bike shop on Wednesday this week so that (finally) her brakes could be replaced from when I ripped the wheel out (without first triggering the quick release lever). I figured this would be labor intensive and expensive.

Turns out, I just bent the brake pads, nothing more. It cost all of $10 to fix, which the owner of my bike shop wasn't even going to charge. I thanked him but insisted on paying something for the labor. They had cleaned her up too.

I'm thrilled, of course, as I can't wait to get back out on dirt, which is where I'm headed tomorrow. It's going to be foggy, cold and slightly damp - perfect dirt riding weather! I just hope to avoid mud.

While I was at the shop today, I videotaped Oscar (the shop owner) but he was so shy, I decided not to put it on here. I told him he'd be famous. He's the man I've bought all my bikes in CA from, including my first Trek (Fred), Patsy and Nellie. He knows what a nut I am (hello? I treat my bikes as if they are pets with feelings) and suffers my over-the-top antics, all while smiling. Today I was particularly syrupy to him. I'm always happy when I get my bikes handed back to me shiny and ready to ride.

Nellie comes home a happy girl and now the trick is to remember how to take her wheels off...so not intuitive! But there will not be a repeat of ripping the wheel off again. I've learned my lesson for good. Temper control cannot be overstated.