Gear Ratchet

Moving along the asphalt gutter, a discarded metal bicycle pedal blocked the expansion seam. Solid cast alloy, studded rubber tread, axle shaft exposed. The threaded steel spindle had room beneath the cage. I unclipped my tactical harness buckle, tested the clearance, and worked a short strip of reflective yellow rim tape around the spindle core. Gripping both sides with my boots braced against the asphalt, I wrenched the pedal body until the bearings spun freely with a quiet, greasy hum. Good rotating pivot. The marker turns smoothly under the slightest cross-draft. Navigation beacon active.