Feb 23 2008

When I began this blog, I had rather pictured myself as writing to it every day, after assorted rides out. However it hasn't quite worked out like that. It is after all the middle of winter and for most of the time the weather has not been conducive to lengthy pleasure trips, and the every day rides about town have not seemed worthy of record. I do still expect to be writing accounts of pleasant picnic trips when spring arrives.

I am growing stronger, although not at the rate that I've had rather hoped for. But I realise now that I was expecting far too much. It is quite enough that I can now ride for half a dozen miles without my legs falling off at the end of it. And I have actually lost a few pounds in weight. Unfortunately what is required is the loss of a few stone! But I'm sure there is much to come.

I could easily have written an eulogy of TauTag daily. I don't know when I have been so delighted with a new thing before. And she has of course bedded down in several respects. I believe that the Pedelec unit is now running even more smoothly, and I have noticed that it no longer wants to take off at junctions with the mere weight of my foot on the pedal. The brakes also, as splendid as they were a right from the start, have definitely become even smoother.

My saddle experiences have been less happy alas, and I have now ordered a Brooks B-17 leather saddle, which from past experience I am more or less certain will suit me well. I have been impressed by the fact that the sprung seatpost has not objected to my weight and works very well. I have of course tightened it to the maximum as I have the sprung forks. I shall have more to say about these forks another time.

I sold another Agattu a few days ago (where do I apply for my commission I wonder) when a gentleman admired TauTag as I was unchaining her from a post. I had to work very hard to prevent myself from rapturising over her, and point out carefully that although the cost of recharging was virtually nil, the battery life was definitely limited and the replacement cost very high. But none of this deterred him and he spoke of contacting the supplier right away. I don't know him but if he does get one I'm sure we shall quickly become acquainted.

Reading Tony Fleccia's account of his Qbike I have bought the same small black battery horn that he uses. I hope never to use it, but the occasional antics of odd cars are unbelievably foolish. And I may say that it is not elderly drivers who are at fault in this respect.