km 422.30

Out and aboot for a cool (-5C) ride yesterday. Rig is running OK, except for the BB knock thing, Definitely found a weak area there. Any consumer who is not diligent with maintenance or mechanically inclined is going to have a soft spot there. Also, the rear wheel was making ticking sounds, probably from the rear hub. This is normal considering the rear dropouts were visibly out of alignment from the factory. Also the soft aluminium rim is beginning to go out of true, despite a gentle and careful riding style (avoiding potholes, no curb-jumping, not bricking it)

On the bright side, the cost of the setup afforded to include a Gore-Tex cycling jacket, a Bell Metro helmet, and two sets of lenses for riding glasses. All in all the kit is bike($99) accesories ($51) and gear($200).

Compare this to the month of January where dad's car was borrowed. In thirty days there was gas($120), parking ($50), and parking tickets ($60). Not including the car payments, maintenance and insurance, as he normally covers that! To be fair, there was the convenience of hopping onto a comfy chair with my favourite radio station playing. And it conveys ability to give someone a lift home, which is courteous.

What is better, what is best? This depends on how far we go, what we must carry, who we meet, when we must be there, the weather that day and the health of the traveller. This is the blend.