If you are wondering…
Budget rental is not in the area.
Zeke is sending me new SPOT batteries. Anyone want to send me anything, please send it to Ashford Motel, 26 Ashford Motel Road, Ashford, CT 06278. The earliest I expect to leave is Tuesday, 06/29.
Although I title it #3 [it is the 3rd time I have stopped riding for mechanical reasons], the problem began on Day 01 with loud POPs from the drive train. I heard these before I discovered the left-rear axle bolt was missing. The pop sound was either teeth breaking from the Samagaga Differential of the sound of the force that will result in teeth breaking. I have notices metal dust [actually from the Rohloff] on the floor-board [another + for floor boards]. Today, I picked up metal pieces the size of dental fillings [they are from the differential cog].
The part of the drive trail that has made climb hill a loud, frightening [I’m damaging something] experience is the left side of the Rohloff, the chain that connects it to the Samagaga and the cog that turns the differential. I have pictures [click to see an enlargement~always have a camera]:
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To Trooper Russell, please note I am doing the responsible thing. I did not expect to have had as much of a problem as I did. I can ride hills, albeit, slowly on my quadricycle. Thanks again!!! –jim
Well, it is now the day after [actually Day13]. I posted my route [most of it] from Garmin Connect [My cycling experiences on tour ~ Day12 GC] and I got some much needed rest. I wanted to got this up yesterday, but did not. I received safety assistance from Connecticut Trooper Chris Russell—no blue light for me this time. He was there on the “hilly” roads adjacent to Bigelow Hallow State Park [You really have to wonder about GPS routing sometimes.] where the hills were steeper than my drive train is now handling. There is a problem. I’ll call it Mechanical #3. The chain slips, there is a loud pop and I go no where. I’ve discussed with Ashley and will do so again today. To continue, this must be fixed.
The story here is about Trooper Russell [also a member of the National Guard]. He saw me stopped in a blind curve on a hill [I know better], but when your drive train is not moving you, your choices are limited. I had already pushed Fargo up some of the hills. I also removed the Power Box to see if the absence of that weight made a difference. It did not. Anyway, Trooper Russell stated he would remain behind me, with his flashers on until I reached the summit. Pop, skip, POP, and I finally get there. I thank him, we shake hands, and he is on his way. On one of our earlier exchanges I asked If I could take his picture. He said yes. After I reached that summit, he passed again and asked my name. I gave it and my blog name. Once into my motel, I see he had already posted a comment: [He likes the quad BTW.]
Sir, after we met today on the hill at Bigelow Hollow, I was intrigued to learn more about your ride. When I passed you on the way back down the hill, the vehicle in front was my father-in-law, (who was very impressed with your vehicle), you are obviously making waves wherever you ride. I trust you made it to your motel safely. Good luck on the remainder of your ride. I wonder if another National Guard Law Enforcement Officer of New England will be able to offer you any assistance as you continue your endeavor!
Thanks Trooper for being there and caring. You continue my positive experienced with law-enforcement officers. It is good for the cycling community to see the care and concern you give vehicle operators in your state. Thanks to all of you. Now, I hope to resolve my mechanical problem before returning to the roads.
What a cycling experience this has been…
