Silver Comet Teaser

My nephew and I explored the eastern end of the Silver Comet Trail in Smyrna, GA today.  This paved rail-trail starts northwest of Atlanta, just outside the I-285 perimeter highway, and heads west toward Birmingham, AL.  There are great facilities at the start, with a bike shop, restaurants, grocery, etc.  Very nice.

We rode about an hour west, then returned to the start when it began raining.  It was my nephew's longest-ever bike ride, yay Jake.  Here are a few touristy photos.

There is also a RUSA 200K permanent which starts a few miles west along the trail.  It's now officially on my wish list for when daylight gets longer...

DIY release mechanism for Sanyo NH-T10 bottom bracket generator

A few weeks ago, I installed a bottom bracket generator on my bike [original post].   At the time, I was in a hurry and did not install the release mechanism.  That means it was engaged all the time.  After my second 200K perm spinning the generator mostly in daylight, I decided I really wanted a release mechanism.

But I didn't want the OEM mechanism.  While the generator comes with a nice latching release lever for the handlebars and long sheathed cable, I won't be turning lights on and off that frequently, I don't need the convenience of remote control, and even I don't want any more things in my cockpit.

So, I made a simple latching mechanism at the generator itself.

Details in photos:  [photos]    35-second video:  [video]

Since I like any excuse to get off my bike during a perm, this should serve me really well...

Do I smell like dog food?

Dogs often chase me when I am bicycling.  I thought it was because of the bike and the motion.

Now they are harassing me at home.  These two barked and growled at me every time I went outside yesterday.  I was even under the car doing an oil change and they stood in my driveway barking and growling at me.  Here's a 60 second [video].

Maybe I need to shower more often...

No. NO! NOOOOO!

Ever go the wrong way down an exit ramp from an interstate highway?

I did yesterday.  We were about 1km from the finish of the RUSA Carthage Coffee Run 200K.  I turned at the wrong traffic light.  Luckily, Rando Maria was alert and screamed at me from behind.  More luckily, her lungs were in great form, having screamed at dogs throughout the day.  Most luckily, I reacted to the third scream.  Thanks Maria!

Here are a few [checkpoint photos]  (Beware, my camera timestamps were off by one hour)

Oh, and notice the gasoline engine in the thumbnail photo.  I really lusted for this rig, spotted at mile 100.

Update:  Another perspective on today's ride: [bike fizxzit]