I got my camera back from the shop. It was pretty messed up, but it was covered under the accidental damage warranty I purchased when I got the camera. Looking at the camera I got back, it’s clear they just replaced it with a new version of the same model, as there were all kinds of scuffs and cosmetic and functional problems that are no longer there.

I was sort of hoping they’d give me an upgrade option if they had to replace it. Not that there’s anything wrong with this camera, I just wanted an excuse to upgrade to something a bit nicer, since I use it so much.

Last night I did a modified Water Works ride, leaving out the out-and-back to the actual Water Works facility. I took a light with me, but really need to get my lighting situation squared away with the road bike. I have a nice bright light, but its mounting bracket only fits on mountain bike handlebars. I took the camera with me, and it worked fine. The same as before it got all messed up.

The sun, low in the sky

Barn

I took a detour through a residential area. I’ve ridden past here countless times but never gone this way. It was a new, smooth road flanked with new, huge homes and several ponds and fountains. Lovely.

Fountain

Riding

It was only a brief detour, but I enjoyed it. The rest of the ride was pretty routine, and on familiar roads. I finally rode down the big hill on Moore’s Creek Road without touching the brakes, and hit 46 mph. I think I could get going a little faster than that, but wow, I was flying. The Long Haul Trucker felt solid, even at that speed. It was quite a bit cooler in the valley, and I felt almost chilly, but it was a good feeling. The cool air felt good between my toes. I have come to really enjoy riding in sandals.

House

Moore’s Creek Road

My bicycle

Lake Monroe

As I climbed up Moore’s Creek Road, I saw a group of 3 or 4 deer grazing behind some trees, but I couldn’t get a photo.

Moore’s Creek Road

Sunset

Rolling hills on Snoddy Road

It was a fun ride. Short, at under an hour, but I was just glad to get out and ride.

I’ve got over 460 miles on the Long Haul Trucker now, and I’m still loving it. I have some more tweaking to do to the setup to make it a little more comfortable, but even without doing that, it’s a lot more comfortable than my road bike was.

File under: Bicycling, Photography, Road Biking