Concord Dawn – Man for all Seasons

Well, that was a bad ride home. I did it in great time, however my left ATAC got a bit chompy which meant I almost fell over at the Ngauranga intersection of death. Not wanting to be flailing on the ground still connected to my bike in the middle of a lane with oncoming traffic is one of the reasons I got the Time Z ATAC pedals and cleats in the first place. Maybe it just needs to be broken in a bit or adjusted slightly.

Anyway, there was only the lightest whiff of wind at ground level, the main problem was rain and too many cars. So it’s time for the following:
* Switch back to knobblies on my Durango for the extra grip – more on that soon
* Purchase some protective booties. I thought these were a silly idea, until I arrived home with what can be described as swamp shoes. Back to the loch with you, nessy!
* A front guard to help prevent surface water rooster tail ending up in my face. Though that does cause you to ride in a more aggressive position…
* Shellwear. Fortunately I ordered a Flash Gordon today. I might add a CAN backpack cover to help me survive the dim months

Now, why did I mention “more on that” when I discussed putting the knobblies back on?

(Google Maps original)

The potential job has potential commute routes over the ranges, on top of the boring but deadly motorway routes. That’s climbing and downhill, I’ll be needing plenty of grip. Green = potential routes to work, red = extra potential route home, and the Horokiwi Quarry has a few routes itself. Unfortunately it’s too steep to be a viable to work route, but a bit of downhill to wind down after a day at the office is tops in my book