The Bike

April 3rd

Early Friday, I head off to find a local bike shop. The back wheel is a bit warped and I'm hoping the spoke tension can be fixed up before it causes too much damage. Plus, the brakes are badly in need of tightening and I don't know how to adjust brakes on a road bike as I've only ever had mountain bikes or hybrids.
I choose Commuter Cycles because their website claims they're for the everyday cyclist. And they loan you a bike while your ride is being fixed. Sold.

I bring my borrowed steed over to the mechanic and ask about the wheel. Nope, too old to adjust, he reports after a short glance. Could get a new one, but we don't have any in stock.
"It'd be about $80." He gives the bike a quick once-over, "And, uh, I don't really think it'd be worth it on this one."
Fair enough. How 'bout the brakes?
"Nope, can't tighten them without having them drag on the wheels."
Not at all??
Shakes his head.

He proceeds to point out all the structural problems in the frame, how the bike really won't last much longer. Can he recommend a decent place to pick up a used bike? No, there aren't any in the city [what?!] and tells me most used bikes end up being around $300+ because of the work put back into them.
This is not helpful.
Sigh. Fine.
"Well, I guess I should buy a little grease for my chain, " I say reaching over for one of the bottles on the counter.
"Um, yeah, I'm not going to sell that to you. The chain's beyond any help that stuff'll do. I'll just put some grease on it now."
"Um... thanks?"

I get on my bike and head back to the house, feeling sorry for the old dear and the inferiority complex the mechanic has undoubtedly given it.

***

A few hours later, I'm biking back from the Queen Victoria Markets in a torrential downpour, laden to capacity with produce. I have just gone through a puddle so deep I was pedaling underwater, my chain completely submerged (so much for the grease, Mr. Bicycle Repairman), not wanting to stop for fear of a crocodile attack [a problem in Darwin during the flooding in February, perhaps an unnecessary concern in Melbourne].
I'm thoroughly soaked and my previously lackluster brakes are utterly useless in their soggy state. There will be no yielding on my part through the round-about from Peel to Royal and opt for a collision with the curb over an otherwise imminent one with a taxi.
And it's over the handlebars and onto the cement, my fall softened ever-so marginally by another immense puddle.
(A week and a half later, the bruises on my legs are still visible.)

***

On the upside, I discovered my bag has impressive water-retention properties, requiring it to be emptied over the sink.

Okay, maybe claiming that fact as an upside is pushing it just a little...