Broken Spoke

A Summary of my weekday riding - I decided on Monday and Wednesday to take the Rustic Canyon route to work. It gets me some uphill training and that is what I need. I have been riding about 2 hours in the morning which is anywhere from 25 - 30 miles. On Monday, I did a lunch ride to Santa Monica and back (20 miles). On Monday and Wednesday I took Sepulveda Blvd home. That is a nice 5 - 6 mile uphill ride. Total ride is around 22 miles. On Tuesday it was around 20 - 25 mph winds and that was scary. I rode much slower than normal and made it home safe. I felt I needed to do this as I wanted some experience riding in the wind. Friday was an easy 46 miles. Mostly flat terrain.

Today I found out the source of the noise from my back wheel was caused by a broken spoke. The group helped me eliminate the noise and assured me that I would be able to ride safely. Sue in our group ended up getting a flat tire just before we ascended Vista del lago. After replacing the tube (it took about 10 - 15 minutes - thanks to Mitch's efforts) we were on our way to Palos Verdes. The group decided to meet at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach so we were all able to decide what pace and how many times we would make the loop around the golf course. I needed to get in some additional miles and a little climbing (not that steep) so I went around twice. After that off to Redondo Beach. After about 15 - 20 minutes we got on our bikes and continued back up North. Jay, Mitch and I continued on the bike path from Marina Del Rey and the two of them ended their ride at Peets in Beverly Hills. I continued up to Benedict Canyon Drive for a little uphill training and back to Muholland before taking Coldwater Canyon down. A total of 90 miles.

Yuko bought batteries for my odometer so tomorrow morning I am going to take a short ride (probably uphill) to see the actual amount I have been riding and not an estimate. I hope that I have been keeping an accurate total as it would be disappointing if I had underestimated what I have been riding.

On Monday, I take my bike in for a major overhaul. I know I need at least one spoke, and Tracy's recommendation of carrying extra spokes took on a more urgent need.