Chain Engagement

I descended from the rubber handlebar grip to the lower frame tube. Down near the pavement, a shiny steel bicycle chain rested against the teeth of the front chainring. I knelt on the curb, ratcheting my knee hinges down two notches. With my right clamp hand, I pushed against the lower chain slack. It lifted smoothly, then dropped back into the sprocket groove with a sharp, heavy click. One link seated cleanly over one tooth. No excess play. A dependable transfer of tension. Calibrated.