Going to Angeles Crest from my place requires lots of turns and with a memory such as mine I was quite proud that I remembered the route. Soon I reached the base of Angeles Crest highway. To Red Box it was going to be a 13miles climb. Thankfully, unlike Chantry this was not steep and in fact had some sections that were quite flat. During the ascent, I passed an old lady cyclist who was slow but going methodically and steadily which was very admirable (she was also the only lady cyclist I'd see the whole day).
In total, from my place to Red Box I stopped 3 times to have some energy bars and water. During the last time, I lost balance with one foot in the clips and fell - it hurt a little but my leg warmers protected me quite well. However, when I started pedaling I realized that the saddle was now off centered by about 30 degrees. I brought everything with me, spare tube, lever etc but did not bring the bike tool. So I had to borrow. Unfortunately, there were no other cyclists going up. Fortunately, I only have about 2miles left to go to Red Box where I'm sure lots of cyclists would be taking a break. Yet the 2miles seemed like eons long when I had to sit and pedal in a very awkward position.
Finally I arrived at Red Box where I fixed my saddle, refilled my water bottles and used the bathroom (or rather hole in the ground). Then I started the much anticipated descent. When I was going up, I saw that cyclists going down were pedaling to increase speed so I thought I'd give that a try. I descended on the heaviest gear and pedaled hard. Soon I passed a section which was foggy and misty - that was awesome! I felt like I was in an untouched land exploring it to my hearts content :). Before long I reached the base of the 2. I thought I did it in 15min, that's 52mph! hm probably not right. I was thinking about this and was supposed to make a left, but I saw the turn rather late and a car was behind me going slowly unsure of what I wanted to do. Of course, I could not signal cos I still cannot ride with one hand on the wheel (I most likely can, but what can I say, I'm a chicken) so I decided to double back at the next intersection. However, I cornered too tightly and didn't have time to clip out and hence, the second inevitable fall happened. After I released myself from the tangled mess I saw that my bike chain had fallen off. Oops...I had absolutely no clue how to put the chain back on. It was just way too tight. There were no other cyclists going down so I couldn't ask them for help, nor do I want to call for help unless it's absolutely necessary - it's simply silly to not know how to put on a bike chain. So I laid the bike on it's side and inspected everything, suddenly something moved which released the tension (the derailleur). Phew, I got the chain back on and tested the shifting before beginning my ride home.
I was exhausted when I got home. I showered, relaxed on my bed and unknowingly fell asleep. But I'm so happy to have done many firsts in one day, to have accomplished what I had planned to do and to have learnt by myself how to put a chain back on. :)
I really enjoy cycling, not just for the outdoor fun, the exercise, or the speed but also the culture where cyclists can naturally struck up conversations and are willing to help each other. I'm always happy and humbled when I meet people who are considerate and open even if they don't know me. I'd like to live in a place with more of such people where I'd feel that I am a part of the community. To think if more people are considerate of others, then wouldn't the world be a better place to live in!?