Last year Tony and I did a bicycle maintenance course at Northern Metro TAFE in preparation for our big ride. The instructors were bike mechanics who worked in bike shops around Melbourne
Now with new bikes to assemble here was chance to use our newly learned skills. Oh dear!
As the bikes arrived partially assembled it was matter of fitting the handlebars and seat and connecting and tensioning the brake and gear cables. Missing from the delivery was a small but important bolt for the front derailleur. Both of us visited separate bike shops to obtain this bolt and both us returned with items that were too long. Apparently this bolt is extremely rare. I was lucky enough to find one on another bike in my shed. Tony had to improvise and use the longer bolt and pack it with a washer.
With just over a week to go before departure the bikes are assembled. Now there is just fine tuning. The true test of our bikes and our mechanical skill will commence shortly!
Joe and Tony,
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you putting the bikes together by yourselves, I have seen you both change tubes on our rides. I hope you have given the bikes a good test.
Any way good luck and i hope you have the wind behind you.
Simon
How long will the first segment of your journey take? This is quite a trip! We just took all day yesterday driving from Port Macquarie to Sydney and the day before from Brisbane to Port Macquarie, passing through Coffs of course. It's a long way. We're looking forward to seeing you in Sydney. Pedal safely and happily. Robyn
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you both for getting this far. I'd better get back on the bike because you are both going to be very fit after this & I'll be struggling to keep you in sight for the Around The Bay training. Looking forward to reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteWe have 4 weeks for this leg of the journey. Although we have said we will get to Coffs Harbour we really won't know how far we will go until the last week.
ReplyDelete