KNOWING IS NOT ALWAYS DOING

     Years ago I wrote a tutorial about the proper way to change a tube.  So I know how to change a tube.  Doesn't mean I follow that procedure all the time, and yes, occasionally it comes back to bite me.  But this isn't about tubes again.  But first a little background.
     Next week I'll be during a three hour race at Pace Bend Park.  Not the six, twelve or twenty-four hour races that are part of the week-end.  I'm not a fan of Pace Bend, but this year have three races there.  It's a ~six mile loop with some challenging climbs.  Last year I used my time trial bike with a 32 cog and managed to get up the hills, but after a few laps the one big hill really slowed me down and my neck was killing me (see Feb 4, 2019 post).  That remains an option, but Plan A is to go with the Trek Emonda and switch out the 11-25 cassette with an 11-30, which is what I did for Nationals in Colorado.  A few days ago I made the switch.
     Removing and replacing a cassette is quite simple as long as you have the proper tools: chain whip, Shimano cassette tool, wrench.  But you have to pay attention.  In the past I've managed to 1) lose a spacer and not notice and 2) put two gears back in the wrong order.  So embarrassing!  Not that I did it, but couldn't figure out why and had to take it to the shop for them to figure out why it wouldn't shift properly.  And 3) replace the wrong lock ring.  Another trip to the shop to find out that yes, you cannot interchange different speed lock rings (I think it was a 9 instead of a 10).  CONSTANT VIGILANCE!  as Professor Moody would say avoids these traps.
     And one more thing to be careful about: replacing the lock ring.  It is very easy to get this cockeyed.  Which is why I always use my fingers up until the final tightening with the wrench.  Except a few days ago.  I put it on and gave it a twist to make sure it was properly seated then wrenched it tight.  I wasn't paying attention.  It crossed my mind that it didn't feel like all the other times in the past, but that didn't generate any action.
     So yesterday on the BSS Research ride, I could hear something rattle in the back.  Keep in mind I'm deaf in one ear and take my hearing aid out of the other when I ride.  I couldn't locate the source of the rattle.  While moving, I checked the bottle cages and the tail-light.  Finally at a short rest stop I got off the bike and checked the cassette.  It was loose.  Well that was eight miles into a twenty-five mile ride.  But once I determined the cause, and that it wouldn't fall off, I settled down for the duration.
     Once home I removed the cassette and carefully replaced everything, this time being extremely careful of the lock ring.  Then I double checked all was tight.
     Check back next week to see if I've gone with Plan A, or return to the TT bike.  And when working on your bike, give it your full attention.