I assume a 3 month journey across America on a bike will have challenges. Unfortunately for me, they are already starting. My plan for April was to have completed 5 rides by tomorrow. I thought I could start at 20 miles, but my first ride ended at 9 miles because I forgot water. And, I was exhausted at the end of the ride, either due to the heat, the distance, or both.
My first ride was delayed six days as I lost the pin for my bike rack. At 400 dollars for the bike rack, and none in stock, I didn’t want to risk the rack being stolen as only two bolts had to be removed. Then, on the first day I didn’t check the inflation of my tires so I couldn’t ride as I was riding on the back rim (after driving an hour to Redding).
The next day I rode 9 miles without water and the ride was an okay first ride. I wobbled like a 6-year old learning to ride a bike, and fell over into pea plants when the motor shut off due to a controller setting. I took yesterday off as I was exhausted and it was a good choice.
Today, I drove to Redding, started on the flat portion of the Shasta Trail, and was feeling good after a mile on the trail. Then, a clunking alerted me to the fact that my left pedal and crank arm fell off the bike. Of course I could not find the missing bolt. Guess tire pressure was not the only thing I should have checked.
I motored back to my car and went to two bike shops. The first was closed as the shop was on a holiday, and the second across town couldn’t help because I didn’t know the brand of the crank arm. After some online searching I found that the crank arm came with the motor AND that the part needed was inexpensive and in stock. I ordered one and just have to wait, wait and wait. My bike is out of commission until I receive the part.
So, I’m going to ride my exercise bike daily, trying to make up for my loss of bike time. Just a setback, and one I can’t stress over. All I can do is get as fit as I can while waiting for the bike part.
However, there may be a covid surge coming up by June, so I will continue to research my backup plan of fishing the Alaska-Canadian highway this summer, and hold off on the bike trip for a year. Regardless, I’m on an adventure this summer.
Tight Lines, Inflated Tires, and Tightened Crank Bolts!