So Much For Permanent #531 Today..

Right about now a few randos are rolling east from Mercer Island, starting the Mercer Island-Redmond-Orting permanent*, and I'm supposed to be with them!! But I'm not, I'm home..

Here's what happened: As I walked out my front door, ready to ride to Mercer Island (this was at about 7), I realize that my dynohub-driven front light isn't working!! (And we'd be finishing at night, so lights are kinda required). What's weird is that I gave my front wheel a few test-spins (to light up my light) in my apartment, as I always do, and everything was fine.

After fumbling with the wires for a while, and cursing the recent change (removed rear light) that had almost certainly caused this, 10 minutes were lost and I couldn't fix it. F*ck!

Having been spoiled by the glow of my Schmidt E6 halogen front light, I was hesitant to grab an old (battery-driven) LED as a last resort (mine are pretty weak), but I broke down a pawed through my "collection" of bike parts/tools, looking for something I hadn't used in about a year.

By the time I found something I could use (and those silly batteries), it was well past 7:30, and I just gave up. Guess I really am spoiled by the E6 light!!

I've only got one ride under my R-12 (one brevet or perm a month for a full year) belt, so I suppose bailing on this ride isn't a huge deal. There's always tomorrow to do a different permanent, but I can't get the paperwork done in time..

Although it would have been fun, and with a great group as always.

Check Mark's blog, and Robert's blog for accounts of all the miles and fun on they'll have on this ride.