Yeah me too!

Oh wow glad you did not crash because of that

Well, the new back end has arrived and been installed. It was, in the end, a very straightforward and relatively simple process requiring no tool more sophisticated than an assortment of Allen wrenches, a couple open end (or box end or ratchet) wrenches, and a hammer.

It helped to have the tool that makes separating the "master link" on the chain a literal snap, and some small screwdrivers to adjust the neutral position of the brakes.

Perhaps the tool that provided the greatest benefit, though, was my computer. It gave me access to the "Yak List" (Bike Friday's online discussion group) so that I could ask a question about a specific step that had me stymied as described in this post, and then go consult the web page to which someone helpfully provided the link.

But seriously, if you can operate a wrench, screwdriver, and hammer you can do this job.

Hi Dave

I enjoyed our ride together as well.

Good luck on next summer's grand adventure. I'll be following your journal and who knows? Perhaps you'll find me on the side of the road somewhere, when you least expect it.

Keith
Finally had a chance to read through much of your journal, should have done it before my ride last week. First, I really enjoyed riding with you a few days ago, always great to ride with someone else.
After my 13 day ride that was also just as tough mentally as it was physically, I am thinking forward to my Transamerica attempt next year. I also no longer bounce back as quick as I did when I was younger. This is especially true after staying in a tent overnight.
Can I make it? Not sure but I will give it a try
Your 1,000+ mile ride is inspiring, you should be proud of what you did
Dave

I look forward to it!

Hi Kelly-

I've started a journal draft, at your suggestion, chronicling the history, decision-making process, and so forth. It needs a little more editing and review before it's ready to be made visible to the world at large but you can look for it in the coming days or weeks.

Still working the decision matrix. Somehow that seems separate from the tour proper. It may be the stuff of a follow on journal centered on wherever the next bike takes me first. I'll probably link that story to this journal along the way.

I appreciate your thorough description of the self doubt process of having bike trouble - been there, done that, don't like it!

Have you narrowed down your choices on a replacement bike? That could be a page or two for the journal? Documenting the process.

Yes. I though it only fair and proper to share so as to avoid the impression that I was in any way "bashing" them.

Great result Keith

Reading between the lines of the emails I got made me think similarly.

The exact same thing happened on my New World Tourist. I had folded it and placed it the trunk of my car so I could sneak in a bike ride when I was not caring for my mother in upstate NY. I pulled the bike out of the trunk and one of the rear forks had sheared off just like yours. I was not a happy camper.

Bike Friday had me ship them the bike and they did the repair. It took a few months.

Makes me wonder if this hasn’t been a common problem for Green Gear.

There is, though they tend to del in complete bikes that get sent to less fortunate areas of the world. When they get higher-end bikes in their donations they often re-sell them to generate operating money. But it's worth thinking about- a much better outcome than simply scrapping everything.

Bad news Keith. Is there a bike recycling charity in your area?
They may be able to reuse the components.

Mike