ugh

So, new chain on, headed over t0 quarry ridge to do some fast laps and play around with tire preasure. Had a good convo with one of the guys at the LBS and he had some good advice about what to try.

Of course, the parking lot and trail head are still under 3 feet of water, so I hop up on military ridge and down to the entrance about a 1/4 mile down. Start spinning a lap, hit the first steep incline, shift, stand up, pop, pop, grind, pop....Off the bike, walk up the hill. Get back on start gong again playing with gears, start to build some speed knowing the bigger hill with sand and rocks is coming, AND pop, pop, grind, pop....Off the bike again, walking, walking, swearing, walking. So, I'm like WTF? Look at my cassette, its pretty worn, the old chain was stretched and fit the groves, the new one isn't. So I stop at the LBS and they don't have one in stock, so I ordered it. God I hope it shows up early next week. I want to get some miles on the bike and make sure its working well before I head to Crystal ridge for the Sunburst Showdown in 1.5 weeks. I guess any riding I do until I get the part will be on my cross bike with road tires...Hmm, I wonder if I swap my tires again if I could ride that at Crystal ridge.........Now THAT is an idea :)