My bike(s) are like a part of me. They are an extension of my body and my mind. As a bike knocks off mile after mile and you pedal through the weeks and commute or grab groceries or try this hill or that dale your bike willingly goes along for the ride.

I went too far. We’ve had lots of rain and I thought the screeching braking sounds were a result of the rain. However, that’s not the case. Prepare yourself for the photos you see.

In my defense, I did hit the 5K mark on my commuter, HollyBerryBike recently and I suspected that I would be addressing the brake pad soon however I didn’t really think they’d sound like the Psycho score turned screech.

The downhill spiral on brake pads is quick. What you suspect becomes reality when dogs howl and birds flee and babies cry as you pass by and you may not even be using your brakes. Today was such a day and I’m grateful that it wasn’t SO bad that fluids leaked and my bike was ruined but was bad enough that I learned my lesson. Again.

But here’s the thing, I’ve gone to the garage a few times tonight and my bike isn’t there. It’s at the shop. It’s having an overnighter and I don’t think we’ve been separated ever, so I feel like a bad bike mom and I know it’s only a night but I miss her.

All the forums and experts say every 5K miles your brake pads should be checked and “possibly” replaced. But it depends on how hard you ride and how much you brake. Commuting adds loads more wear and tear to a bike and in this case, she’s right on time. 5,100 miles.

I have been here before. We’ve all learned lessons about bike maintenance multiple times. I’m here again at the brake pad lesson 101 and it’s all going to be okay. Mark at the shop assured me that I did the right thing and it’s all going to be okay.

She will get rear pads and a new rotor and we’ll be riding into the end of the school year soon enough.

This is Bike Goddess here with a reminder to check your brake pads. Don’t be like me.

Thanks for reading. I know it’s been a beat and I’ll be back sooner than you think with a few exciting announcements. In the meantime if you found this helpful, please give this post a Like and I look forward to another post soon.

Get out there and ride!
Bike Goddess