Bike ride -- Mon. July 7

Decided to give the patched up Motobecane a try, so lowered the saddle and headed out on a muggy evening. Took 9 along to the middle Quabbin entrance and then up to the observation tower, pushing pretty hard most of the way. Stopped clock and climbed tower, then reset and headed back, going over the dam and back to 9 that way. Also pushing, and a shorter, more downhill route. Top single mile was 2:22, 27+ mph, pretty good feeling. Here are the two ride totals:

8.05 miles in 32:44 @ 14.7 mph
6.67 miles in 20:14 @ 19.8 mph

Average the two-way/round trip and it comes to:

14.72 miles in 52:58 @ 16.67 mph

Pretty satisfying, with several sub-3:00 miles, i.e. over 20 mph. Gearing limited top speed a bit, probably hit 35 downhill, but with another gear it could easily have been 40. It's a light and trim machine, steady and easy to ride, even without being set up for me. Of course, the parts are all worn, the chain is crap, and the rear wheel bearings are loose and crunky -- but it still goes nicely. . .