Long time coming...

I've been slacking off on updates and I apologize. My computer went down and the back-up computer was so confoundedly out of date (Win.98) that it made me neglect my duties as a "blogger". However, the long break has provided me with all sorts of new things to write about so let's get on with it!

Bicycle Upgrades & Repairs
I brought my bike in to the local shop for a full overhaul a few weeks ago. It cost a pretty-penny but was well worth the cash. They deconstructed all the components, cleaned them, greased them and put it all back together again. I also had them replace the brake and shifter cables, something that should have been done a long time ago. This work smoothed out my rides a great deal and I wish I had done it sooner.

A couple of weeks later (after getting paid again) I picked up two new tires and a set of bar-ends. The tires are a mis-matched pair of 32cm's. Normally I run 26 or smaller but for the extra weight on the trip I thought it'd be wise to go with a wider tire. I didn't realize how badly my tires needed replacing until I got out on the new ones. I quickly noticed better handling and braking power. I decided to add bar-ends to my flat bar rather than replace it with a racing style drop bar. The price of replacing the handlebar and all the components that go along with it was just not something I was willing to pay. The bar-ends are working great and I'm very happy with them. I just hope it provides enough hand positions for 7+ days on the bike.

On my first long ride after replacing the tires I encountered a mechanical problem in the drive train! A terrible wrenching sound with lots of grating friction was coming from my bottom bracket (where the cranks meet the frame) Upon inspection I noticed a lot horizontal motion in the bracket. Back to the shop I went. They took it apart and diagnosed a broken segment inside the bracket. They ordered the part for me and did the install-labor for free. Another $30. I'm glad to spend the money now though, rather than have it break in the middle of nowhere Kansas.

There have been other developements that I'll be posting about soon. Including, equiptment gathering and route planing (as soon as I figure out how to post maps on here!)