So started out, I snapped my chain about 5 blocks from home. The first time I stood on the pedals I peeled what must have had to been the link that was used to put the chain on the new frame. (Upon later inspection, that was it, sure enough) Luckily I had a spare quick-link and I popped the bad one and put on the link and was back on my way only with only minor frustration.
About the time I missed my first turn off my cue sheet, I noticed mad-whack... wait, I hadn't even got to my cue sheet yet. That's right! I got lost when I still thought I knew my way. Anyway -- Whenever I would turn over my pedals with much force, my chain would pop violently. I popped off my bike and threw it in a makeshift tree (bike) stand. Staring quizzically for some time, I figured out that the quick-link was ramping up on to the teeth above the current gear, i.e. the link was too wide for the 10 speed cassette. Great.
So yeah, now I have made the wrong turn and I am on a gravel road on 23c tires on a brand new carbon road frame. Sweet. Reluctant (read stubborn) to turn around I just went faster. Paralleling I-29 I could see a road going up into the hills across the way. Shit, why not. I jumped a fence and ran across the interstate. After a few more miles, I found pavement -- right at the top of Louis and Clark (I know some of you know where this is. And it'd be a good way to get to L&C via Omaha. As long as you don't mind playing chicken with 18 wheelers on the interstate.
Finding myself on track and knowing where I was on my cue sheet I followed it. At least I followed it for a turn or two before I spaced out long enough to miss another turn. Awesome. No sweat. I knew all roads there basically end on Highway 6. And after some good hills, I ended up there. I was able to find the right ratios where the chain wouldn't skip, but I still wanted to take care of it, so I whipped out the trusty Palm Pre and found Xtreme Wheels on the map. Go.
Blaine at Xtreme Wheels hooked me up with a fresh 10 speed link no charge and had no problem letting me do it myself - he said he could tell that I knew what I was doing before I told him I was a half-assed mechanic at the Trek Store. It's always good to find good people in the biz.
New pin in place, I was back on the road but contemplating whether to go down to the Bellevue bridge or swing back up on the BOB down town. I opted for the BOB going on time and had made it to Manawa when for some reason I decided to check my phone. Of course it wasn't there. So back to Xtreme Wheels I went. Sure enough, there it was on the work bench. If I had gone down to Bellevue, I probably wouldn't have checked for my phone and that would have sucked more due to the now driving North wind.
Back on the road, with all my crap, I rode back into Omaha. I was cold, tired, frustrated, embarrassed, but still grinning inside. And just like doing the horizontal polka with a poor dancing partner; I still enjoyed it, had a good time, beat myself up good, and wanted more when I was done. The first time is never perfect, but this one got way too kinky for my liking. It's gonna be an interesting relationship for sure.
3 comments:
hey, since when do you have a DA rear derailleur? Did you steal mine? You know, the one that isn't actually mine?
Man, sounds like a cluster, but you made the best of it. You've got the right attitude by laughing it off.
Hope your next ride goes a bit better.
i lost my sheet once it was fun somewhat i used glenwood water tower as my guide :D
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