Kuroko has needed a bath since our return from Okutama in the rain, and this morning I finally had everything ready and enough free time to get the job done.

A good work stand is not necessary to wash a bike, even in a high-rise condo, but it helps. It holds the bike in place, allows me to get around all sides without having to move the bike, and it allows me to spin the wheels. It will also come in handy when I disassemble the bike for shipping, as I’ll be doing in a couple of days.

It’s not perfect: the cockpit bag is in the way of the clamp. Fortunately there’s enough play that I can get the bag out of the way with just a little velcroing, as that thing is a real demon to get on the bike.

Kuroko was certainly due for a bath.

Fujisan was supervising the work from a safe distance.

(I suppose you could argue that I should be out riding on a day like this and and washing the bike on a rainy day, rather than the other way ’round …)

For the washing up I just used a clean cloth with dish soap and hot water. A brush would have been helpful for some of the tight spots.

Including setting up the stand, it took nearly an hour. But the result is worth the trouble.

Once it’s dried out a little, the final step will be to clean and oil the chain. I picked up a kit for doing this when I was looking at bikes with the Halfakid on Thursday.

I also discovered a cable guide on the floor of the balcony after I was finished. It’s not immediately apparent where it’s come from. I’ll have a closer look when I’m maintaining the chain.