Point The First: The fine folks at Aurora Suzuki, where I picked up my chain and sprocket and chain riveting tool, were kind enough to take back the shattered tool and give me a shiny new one, despite my lack of any reciept or proof that I'd even bought it there. They told me "If this one breaks too, just bring it back here, we'll take care of you." Big kudos for the excellent service. To reward them for their kindness, I bought four quarts of ActEvo 10w40, and a filter, and a set of pads for the rear brake.

Point The Second: I have not been paying attention to the status of my rear brake pads. I thought maybe it was about time to replace them, thought they might be implicated somehow in the rear caliper problems I'd been having, so I bought and installed a new set. The originals were much further gone than I'd expected: the friction pad material was completely gone, and the rear pads were well into the metal-on-metal action. Maybe that's the reason I've been having some sensitivity problems with the rear brake; I expect metal-to-metal binds up much quicker. Anyway, the replacement was easy and quick, and I now have thick new pads. Luckily I got to it before the rear disc was heavily grooved; I think it's okay to keep. I recall that discs are a lot more expensive than pads.

Point The Third: Oil and oil filter change this weekend along with the new pads. Nothing to report. Oil changes have never been hard, and this was no exception.

Point The Fourth: Zoë is down at Lynnwood Cycle Barn, waiting for her new Metzlers to be installed. Riding her there tonight, the new pad on the rear brake felt completely different than the previous situation; very loose. I was able to brake properly, and modulate my pressure on the rear much more effectively. New pads are good. I know my front pads still have some life in them, but I've been watching those much more closely than the rear. New sprockets and chain seem to work wonderfully; no lash on deceleration, and nice smooth power when I roll on. Still, I've been off the bike for a long time, and I need to get out on a longer ride and get back into the swing of it.

I'm really looking forward to getting the Z6s on and seeing how differently the Zoë handles than she did on the Bridgestones she shipped with. I'm sure they were fine tires when they were installed (back in '00 or '01) but it is definitely time for a new set. When she comes back, I've got a Scottoiler to install, and then - this weekend - I need to get some miles under my belt.