Resistance
Posted May 29, 2009 – 6:01 am in: JournalI struggled last night on my bicycle. I admit I was a little fatigued before starting out, but I never expected to have such a difficult time pedaling that machine. It was not only difficult on the inclines and against the wind, but I couldn’t even work up any speed on the straightaways and with the wind! It amazed and frustrated me. But I endured, and managed to get in a good 45 minutes. Heading back to the barn, so to speak, I dismounted in the driveway using my legacy dismounting tactic of standing on the left pedal and swinging my right leg over the seat. This was something I did as a kid. It just seems so natural and simple that I continued it into adulthood. Besides, I have short legs and it’s sometimes difficult swinging my leg over the seat while standing on the ground. At any rate, once dismounted, I pushed the bike into the garage, huffing and puffing, and noticed some resistance. I looked down and saw that a rear brake pad was rubbing on the wheel.
I adjusted the brake and set off down the street again, in wonder at how easily I now glided along.
What other minor adjustments could I make, mechanically, intellectually, and philosophically, that would decrease resistance and make for a more pleasant ride? I think the opportunities are boundless.
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