Sherri

I don't like the sounds of that. I replaced the chain and the rear gear-ring set last year, so it must be the front chain ring or the deraileur(thanks! I KNEW it had a techy name). I'll do some tinkerin' and let you know.... Good luck on yours in the meantime.

My chain started doing the same thing just this month. Doesn't happen once I'm going at speed or up hills(thankfully), only when I start pedalling from a complete stop. The first crank or two I give it skips. It's a worry when I'm trying to beat traffic across an intersection and give it a good crank but go nowhere. I'll need to figure out if it's the chain or the rings that's worn, or if I need to add some tension to the gear shifter thingy on the back.(sorry, I can't remember what it's called).

Is that what they call it when people wear spandex to the mall?

I've been lucky the past two days with that...even though it's been bitterly cold, the road's been bone dry so no black ice. That sun is gorgeous, isn't it? Good on ya for getting out there in it! Careful out there!

Wow, Jens, that sucks. I sure hope you figger out what's going on and feel better soon(and in time to enjoy some of those spectacular surroundings) :kisss: .

That's great, Wayne! I like your insight about the essence of soloing: "you suck and nobody will climb with you."

I'm jealous.

I think you get the prize! At least I had sun on my multi-flat days, and my flats were spread over 30 miles of riding(got the last one on the final mile, but it was small and I was so fed up with changing flats by then that I raced it home before it was dead flat. )

Thanks, Jim, that's a great help. (I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be looking for.) Well, now that puts a whole new spin on things, doesn't it?!

Thanks for the great suggestions, all. The Continental 4000 tires I run are kevlar, and I go for several months with zero flats (replacing them about 2000-2500mi), but soon as they sand the roads...it's another story. That's why I wondered if it's something to do with the sand. Damn sharp sand, it seems. I will check the rim tape, though. (That's not something that I was aware of needing to check. ) What does worn rim tape look like, BTW?? I considered those Slime tubes, Tvash, but they didn't come with the right size valve stem for my tires. But I ordered some Slime Tire Skins and Forte tubes that said "Thorn-resistant."

What's the DOT using for sanding the roads...schrapnel?! I got three flats yesterday. Only thing worse than changing flats is trying to do it when your hands are FROZEN. Not fun.

From some of sends I've seen the cc.comer's kids do lately, I'd say they can spray all they want. Lil' rockstars, all of 'em!

Bug's job can't be all that if he's surfing cc.com at work. Oh, wait, that's true for just about all of us! Still, you're right. Wouldn't want him to lose it for our sake.

Yep, I can relate about the slate(and the beer ). Not that ceramic tile is ever perfectly square, but at least you've got a decent shot at something being straight. Did you seal your slate before grouting? If not, don't worry...you only make that mistake once. And I agree with Sobo and High. Bring back the eye-candy avatars. Dude in the current one is not my type at all.

Hey thanks, guys! And, Coulior, I'm sure your project came out great, too. Slate can drive you to distraction if you're a perfectionist...

Thanks, Thad, and good luck on your move and new business! I hope you are able to do the sort of work that inspires you. Here's one showing a little more fun-with-tile. The tile curves were cut using nothing fancier than a $100 MK 145 Tile Saw . And a lot of patience.

I know. Thanks for putting up a fun thread.

That's why you've got you're own switch to play with.

Nothing wrong with a tight fit.

Looks like somebody broke that purple knob in the middle. Just can't have nice things....

Best to keep a separate one for that purpose.

I do believe we had a conversation somewhat like this in the past. I think we agreed to include Miss Muffy in our love nest. I am still willing to honor this arrangement. Need a hand?

All that hair must get in the way of the balls.

That one about the cracker is the best yet! :lmao: I've always liked: He's a bubble off level. Or, He has a few 'roos loose in the top paddock. In Australia, for dying projects, we used to say: She's spat the dummy, mate. (A "dummy" is what they call a baby's pacifier.)

We got flashed by a girl camping au natural near the trail to Playground Point last summer. Good times.