I have recently noticed how complacent you become when your equipment works. However, as of late, I have been repeatedly reminded of how frustrating, disheartening, and expensive this bike racing thing can be. It all started when the night before the Tour of Ohio, when I discovered that my carbon steerer tube was cracked. I hate carbon steerer tubes, in my opionion they are not worth the weight savings. I could deal with this. However, a week ago tomorrow, I destroyed my rear wheel and was officially out of rear wheels, but thanks to my gracious boss and friend I am still rolling on some Ksyrium SL's. Once again...crisis averted with not too much out of pocket costs. Then while adjusting stem and headset because of some wierd flex...I noticed that the bolt in the stem had sheared off, we removed the bolt but the threads were trashed. Now I am running a 130 Thomson instead of my usual 120, but I can deal until I replace it. Then today the icing on the cake, I don't know what caused it, a bad shift, carelessness on my part, or something else, but my big chain ring is drastically bent and needs replaced. This was my breaking point....I lost it and didn't even want to ride, however, now that I have had time to relax and take a couple deep breaths I am slightly less upset. I will fix this tomorrow and then pray that nothing else goes wrong and I get through this NRC event in Louisville. I am in desperate need of a new bike, I have been racing this one hard for almost 2 years. However,the funds will not be available until mid to late August so I will just have to cope and hope for the best. But like the title of this awesome blog says...."Keep on Keepin' On!" Plus like I always say, "It's not what you ride,it's how you ride it."
Keep training all, I will see you on the roads, hopefully with everything in working order.
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