Bike lag

I arose at 0500; I work late so usually when a clock reads that it’s because I’m struggling to fall asleep; now I’m struggling to wake up. I could have stayed in bed a few more hours, but my world is about to turn upside-down.

Last night I got word from Kert that they are anticipating my arrival and that they’ve picked up my bike from the mail drop already. I joked with him to go ahead and open up my box and assemble it. Man, that would be nice. As it is I have that to do tonight, as well as install a new crank/chainring set that I ordered to replace the nubby-toothed old rings I shipped it with. I was hoping to get one more trip out of this bike, but during one of my last rides in preparation for this my chain slipped every time I put any real pressure on the down stroke. I’ve been shopping for parts a long time, hesitating making any investment in ASsTROBLASTER, for a set of rings can be costly. Well, God smiled upon me and during my last shopping session a week ago presented to me a direct replacement part from some overstock jobber; three chainrings with crankset offered at $34.

I really try to keep expenses on these trips to a minimum, minding the Fuller Center motto “Living simply, so others can simply live.” This is my first year actually conforming to the suggested list of gear. No blender. No spyglass. No tools, no formal attire for the captain’s banquet. Ok, so I’m trying to conform. I did pack an air mattress, for these old bones leave dents in the church floors if I use the pads provided. I did splurge and buy a replacement rolling duffel bag, for while (again) mending the seams on my old one I just thought it worthwhile. So off to Walmart I went and found the same model that has served me so well. The old one was branded “Jeep” but now it’s “Coleman”, and obviously made in the same Chinese sweatshop. For $42 it fulfills my purpose of being my home for a spell. One nice feature they include with Walmart luggage purchases is pre-TSA screening: first, the cashier rifled through every cranny before approving the purchase, and then Charley (you know, “Checkpoint Charley” as you try to leave) looked through the nooks. I don’t know what the TSA pays their lackeys, but Walmart is thrice thorough for a third the price. Fortunately I was spared the “please follow me” into a room as the guy snapped a blue glove on. Walmart is tough.

My flight leaves before noon and takes another five before destination. It’s going to be a long day. I have a lot of long days, and short nights, ahead. It reminds me of going to China, when I turned my clock upside-down and it took three weeks to adjust. I should be used to this about the time I get back home.

CRANKY!

At MCO: Did I mention I’m not a morning person? I haven’t even boarded my delayed flight and they’re announcing another delay, waiving the cattle prods to remind us to be ready to board at their whim. I’m feeling cranky. It’s probably good my crank is in checked luggage, or it could get ugly.