Just spinning my wheels

Good morning.

New jerseys ... where's the sun?

* I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of this yucky weather. I went riding yesterday before it started raining again (Friday, May 3) and was dressed in my full WINTER cycling kit. Come on already, it's May. The temperature registered 45 degrees, but it felt more like 30 degrees. The average number of rain days in April in Portland, Maine, is eight. Someone said the other day there were 17 rain days this year. Maybe I shouldn't have purchased those new short-sleeve jerseys over the winter — because I'm never going to be able to use them!

* I'm glad to see the return of the Maine Lobster Ride in July. It was always a popular event and, in my opinion, should never have been dropped by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. I'm guessing they were — and are — more wrapped up in their signature BikeMaine event, which serves fewer cyclists but brings premium exposure. I've done the Lobster century (100 miles) six times and always had lots of fun.

* I was slated to participate this weekend in the Five Boro Bike Tour in New York City, a 40-mile ride with the streets closed off to traffic throughout Manhattan and beyond. But unfortunately I couldn't make the journey. Hopefully, my friends Scott and Jon will take some photos and I can do a Q&A with them about their experience on their return. The weather forecast on the day calls for rain ... what else!

* I'm registered again for this year's Mt. Penn Hill Climb in Reading, Pennsylvania, in August as part of the Radsport Festival. I wonder if I can improve on my 2018 time of 14 minutes, six seconds?

* Cycling tip: With better biking weather coming up, I hope, make sure your bicycle is ready to roll with the ABC Quick Check.

A is for Air ... proper tire pressure.

B is for Brakes ... being able to stop is important.

C is for Cranks, Chain and Cassette ... does your pedaling and shifting feel smooth?

Thanks for checking in.