When life feel about as exciting as a pair of old socks, you have to force yourself to try out new things. That’s what I’ve been doing and the new thing this weekend was paintball. I know, I know, most people have tried but for me it was a first, and it was really fun. Like flashback to military life-fun. And, of course, I’ve done some riding…

During one of these rides I first felt one of the front brake calipers gripping the rotor more and more tightly until I couldn’t move. It was locked in position and the caliper was really hot, as was the rotor. I’ve experienced this before but unfortunately I had no tools with me so I decided to give the caliper a few kicks to break it loose and it worked good enough to finish my errands and get back home.

I let out some of the brake fluid and the next run started out a little bit better but soon enough I felt it starting to grip again and the caliper was really hot. This time I was prepared so I drained a little bit of fluid out, sacrificing some of the really good, crisp feeling of the front brakes and loosened the bracket bolts just a little bit to give it a little bit of play. That seemed to do the trick, at least for now. As soon as winter comes for real I’ll go over the calipers again because I am sure it’s some kind of dirt or debris keeping the pistons from sliding back properly.

I should be working on the seat too, but between the brake problems, other stuff like keeping my buff body in shape, and actually riding I haven’t had time nor the energy to get anything done. Besides, why wrench when you still can enjoy a beautiful city? One of the night rides was amazing. Chilly but not too chilly, dark and all the neon lights gave the city its special charm that I really love. Tearing into the brakes could mean I would miss out on these moments I need to get through the mundane tasks of my ordinary life.