By Michaleen McGarry
Surrender.
The enveloping spring air lends the mind to drifting. Thoughts of new adventures begin to overwhelm my very essence at the inception of this vernal equinox. Self, cycle, and road are in desperate need of a holiday together. Now. Tend to the task at hand. As William Blake once said, "If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is - infinite." This wisdom holds true for the spring cleaning of a bicycle as well. If the mechanics of a bike are maintained, the paths of travel are boundless.
Be.
Focus on your machine. What is reverberating back at you? Although not psychic, I can guess that your cycle is in need of a good cleaning, lubrication, and once-over for loose parts. To begin this process, give your bike a nice warm bath with a good liquid detergent. Get all the grease off, using small soft brushes to reach the intricate areas. Gently rinse with a garden hose while trying to avoid bearings. Lightly rub the bike down with a soft, dry towel to circumvent rusting. If you truly feel at one with your bicycle, consider a wax job. The sleek, smooth finish of buffing can be felt and heard as the air rushes by you. In that same vein, don't let unnecessary noise negatively influence the season's first trek. Close your eyes - and listen. For areas in need of a lubricant, use your old friend, WD-40.
Lastly, replace the tires. Yes, replace them. The piece of mind you receive far outweighs the cost. For the penny-pinching biker, I offer this alternative: examine the tire tread for damage and decay. If each tread is injury free, pump up the tires to meet the manufacturer's specifications and think good thoughts.Behold. Now that your bicycle is purified, it is time to consider any possible problems that could be alleviated with preventative maintenance.
- Check the brakes for sufficient pad thickness, replace if low.
- Check cables for rust or fraying, replace as needed.
- Check for loose parts. There shouldn't be any play in the cranks. Tighten the bottom bracket, if needed.
- Try to turn the handlebar while the front tire is fixed firmly between your knees. If the steering is loose, tighten the bolt that secures it.
Enjoy.
It is now time to take pleasure in the fruits of your labor. As you chart your course and start toward the final destination, consider the words of Ursula K. Le Guin, "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
