The upside of letting an unsolved problem stay unsolved

Oh hey sunshine, 

Why is my chain not shifting onto the proper chainring, I pondered  as I did an ABC Quick Check yesterday.

I tried a few different ways to make my chain shift, but alas the chain was stuck on the lower ring. So, I did what sometimes feels nearly impossible. 

I let an unsolved problem stay unsolved. 

If I had a Dr. Seuss rhyme for this it would be: 

Unsolved here

Unsolved there

I do not like it on a chain 

I do not like it when it won’t wane 

I do not like it on a project or on my brain

I do not like unsolved problems here or there

It’s something so, so hard to bear. 

This problem was even more curious because it was on a brand new bike I purchased in December that I’ve ridden maybe 7 times. 

But here’s the thing, sometimes it’s easier to let an unsolved problem be unsolved when I feel empowered with knowledge and choice points.

First, I knew that based on my ABC Quick Check that my bike’s overall mechanics were running fine. 

Tires full of air ✅ 

Responsive brakes ✅ 

A chain and crank free of debris that could shift between the cogs of the cassette ✅ 

Quick releases all secured ✅ 

Bike pedaling fine around my garage, as long as I didn’t shift to my higher chainring ✅ 

I felt empowered to ride because I know my bike’s basic mechanics and have routines to check know my bike is in safe riding condition. 

It would be safe, just a little bit less efficient, as I couldn’t shift between my two chainrings. 

Second, I knew I had choice points.

I could embrace my plans to ride with my cousins and their toddler by riding on my new bike or riding my older, yet sturdy hybrid bike. 

Third, I knew I had resources in the community, specifically, my local bike shop to help me diagnose the issue and get it resolved (I was bracing myself that I might hear that I had to buy an expensive new part). 

In the end, I had a lovely ride with my cousins. We made it up to the stables where their son delighted at the horses and on the way home, I swung by my local bike shop.

They immediately diagnosed the problem. I need to hold the gear shifter down longer and swing it farther in. The issue was my touch, not the bike! 

It reminds me of when I purchased a new car a few years ago. A few weeks into purchasing my car, I hopped on a Skype call with the dealership and I was asking questions like: how do I scan channels on the radio and change the frequency of the windshield wipers?

Asking questions didn’t mean that I didn’t know how to drive safely. It meant I was still getting used to the equipment and needed some guidance. 

And don’t we all sometimes need a safe space to understand the equipment with some supportive guidance! 

It’s one of the big reasons I’m so stoked that Circle and Spoke is partnering with Upshift Workshop to help you feel confident in the saddle with a 3 part series for women and non-binary folk through our City Cyclist Community Clinic Spring 2025 Series.

Investing in your education and understanding of your bike and biking is always a great choice! 

Why? 

🚲You’ll understand what are problems that can remain unsolved for a brief moment and what problems need to be addressed immediately. 

🚲You’ll be able to address common problems when they arise with the proper tools and know how.

🚲 You’ll ride safer and more efficiently so you can feel the joy of biking!

🚲 And what I’m most excited …. You become part of a shared community of awesome folks who are mutually supportive and can become part of your riding posse and life.

Has your bike has been gathering dust through the winter months and you wish you felt more empowered to ride this spring?

Won’t it feel amazing after three sessions to ride away feeling more confident in the saddle because you are more educated and knowledgable about your bike and safe riding?

The series has only three spots left, so if you are wavering on joining, learn the full details and apply today! 

Wheels up,

Ellen

PS- Aside from this series, we are gearing up for a retreat in 2025 and are looking to gather at a campground in the Harpers Ferry area for a weekend of outdoor adventure, rest, reflection and building community with rad women and non-binary folks. 

In order to plan a great weekend, we'd love your input!  Could you take 3 minutes to share your input so we can plan a great retreat for you and the community? Thanks so much!