Sometimes you just gotta let go. Let go of the fear, and let go of the shame. Killer drivers, blistering headwinds or heck, another bill. Those problems never stop. We keep rolling and pay for it all. Just take it all one ride at a time and it will be fine.

As it turns, I’ve recently been victim of a certain affliction called fixalitis. The obsessive compulsion of tinkering on the bike and trying to fix every cog it and chain link on my bike to make sure that everything flows be.

Clang. The tiniest sound of a misaligned chain can take me off my game, making me tinker. Turning screws, and looking for spanners. Adjusting that headset a bit tigher and loosening it again after noticing that the bars are off centre.

Then it begins again. Dancing with the bars, measuring tape at hand then blinking eyes ‘til the lines are straight.
True. Ok for now, then it happens again on day two.

Spinning the cogs again, and realizing that I need another drop of oil. Maybe three. See it never stops, and sometimes I think its all in my head.

So I’ve stopped tinkering – at least for now – jus’ so I can enjoy the ride again. One day at a time. One gear at a time.

What’s that sound?
Tick.
Will I need a spanner for that?
Clang.

F***!

Who cares.
Just ride.

One gear daily is all it takes.