Posted to BROL & the Big Cat Boards:
It has been a relatively good day. Lots of climbing and a fantastic downhill from Cadillac Mountain–what a rush! Then there was all the climbing. Rafael has done quite well on the hills to the best of my knowledge. I have struggled. I think primarily due the my quad total
weight and that of the trailer. Of course there are those of you who knew that. I’m make some reductions and do my best to close on Rafael. He is now a considerable distance in front of me.
Yes, I had a mechanical about 15 mile south of Ellsworth. The bolt that locks the left rear wheel to the axle came off. The wheel is held on my the brake caliper. I checked them for tightness before I left home, but not after arriving in Maine. Ashley gave me a field expedient solution–a 10mm bolt x 10mm thread pitch. Today, I experienced 4 angels. My first angel offered to go to Home Depot to buy what I needed [I got 3 sets]. He also purchased a larger adjustable wrench to fix the bolt. I have 2 smaller and a special 19mm Park tool to tighten the factory bolt. I replaced the other one to keep from loosing it. Angel #2 brought me a special container to hold the spares. The donated the cost. People can be very nice.
Angels 3&4 saw me riding and invited me into their home for the night. This post is by virtue of their WiFi. I have a lot of riding to do tomorrow to close the gap. If not tomorrow, by week one rest day. Sometimes, tour partners become separated for varying reasons. We are in contact. I expect we will ride together soon.
I may not be able to do much about weight until later in the week.
Thanks!
Jim
