The bike store experience

This is the latest stop in my quest to put my bike to rights for this big trip. I have tolerated little eccentricities in its operation for years, but they are no longer charming, and I'm going to make my bike work right if it kills me. Why, I would even spend a little money.

It's my low front gear that really bugs me. The derailleur doesn't reach the small chainwheel consistently and I'll surely need that for mountain climbs. 

I am not an adventuresome bike-fixer myself, would rather have a professional do it, but many of your bike fixers are not socially supple. They are generally youthful, sometimes with ponytails, and they don't look you in eye sympathetically while you try to explain why your bike is not working right. Instead they look into the distance or idly at the bike while you explain the problem, and by the end of what you have to say you are nearly pleading and are convinced that it's not the bike but YOU that is not working right. 

Somebody should offer a course in how to connect with the afflicted middle-aged biker. Or, elder biker.

There -- I've managed to sound like a cranky old man.  

One way or another I will get this fixed and we will leave Astoria, Oregon, Thursday, May 30, and ride east. 

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My fund drive has almost reached the goal of $5,000 -- just $215 to go!

Claim the crown at JON'S MDA DRIVE.

Thanks many times over to those who have given!