UNCLE AL Tale from the Crypt Once upon a time I was the support mechanic for a 2-day mountain bike event with 60 riders.Maybe you think I should be burned at the stake for an indiscretion like that, but I pretended it was Paris-Roubaix with a 10,000-foot pass thrown in and some of the worst weather I've ever seen. Rain, sleet and gritty mud made drivetrains cry for mercy. The riders were of the same breed that braves those nasty Euro spring classics with nary a whimper. Can't say the same for the bikes. There was a cacophony of noise from tortured chains and derailleurs that were nearly unrecognizable under the muck. I could even hear the racket from inside the support vehicle despite the heater humming and wipers wiping. I prom ise you, I was suffering just like those riders. Really . . . no, seriously . . . . By the time we reached the day's destination 65 miles away, it had stopped storming, the sun was out and the bikes had dried. Life was finally good for the riders. That's where I came in. I set up a bike wash on a side street and cleaned the machines as best I could, concentrating on drivetrains and brakes. Then I wheeled the bikes into a heated hotel basement so they could dry. After dinner and a couple of martinis offered by 3 of the riders who'd ridden through hell (how could I refuse?), I returned to the basement to lubricate chains. It was 10 p.m. I've never lubed so many chains at one time. I didn't do all 60, but almost. How I managed to have enough chain lube was purely an accident. I'm not that smart. Anyway, being alone in a dimly lit basement underneath a haunted hotel built in the 1800s caused me to be, well, efficient with my time. It took me only 332 seconds to take care of at least 45 bikes -- possibly a Guinness record or an item for Ripley's. I felt that time was of the essence. The remarkable thing about this experience (apart from the incredible tenacity of the riders) was proof again of how amazingly tough a bicycle drivetrain is. Not a single chain broke, tortured as they were, and only a couple of derailleurs needed tweaking. One bloke's chain was twisted nearly 90 degrees, but I managed to salvage it with a couple of crescent wrenches. Every one of these bikes would need a thorough cleaning and chain replacement after they were ridden back home. That was the right thing to do. T he riders owed it to their plucky machines. I figure they owed it to me as well 'cause I'm not going back in that basement again. Morals of this story: · If you ride in really bad conditions on the road or off the road like in this tale and your chain is put through miles of grit with the lube long gone, replace it. · Clean your bike thoroughly (every nook and cranny), maybe even wax it, then lube it. Respect your bike. It was up to the task and matched your courage to continue on. · Remember the immortal words of Bernard Hinault: "For me, every day is Paris-Roubaix."

Good Deals on Bike Stuff

CCBC Jerseys, T-shirts & Helmet Mirrors: Jerseys - $30, T-shirts - $10, Mirrors (w/club logo) - $10. Call Barry Fluxe at (941) 624-4754 or Email WB8LSV@netzero.net. This is a Club enterprise!! NOTE: Helmet Mirrors are only available to CCBC club members until we can replenish our inventory.

Classified Ads

Rans Velocity Squared Recumbent, 2001. Scram 9.0 gears; 27 speed; Avid breaks, Windwrap Fairing; Cateye computer; mirror; pack; kickstand. So comfortable. Upgrading to another recumbent. $1000. Call Bob Carroll at 941 475 8191.

Trek 7100 limited edition "michelob ultra" - brand new with Michelob paint job, 51cm frame,
blue/silver paint scheme, 21speed twist grip, front and rear suspension. a beer lovers ride come true.  Make me an offer I can't refuse! Mike Nagy, michaelnagy@comcast.net or 941-321-6631.
 

"Trailmate" Three Wheel Adult Trike - Like New  Three speeds  $175.  Nancy Hartley 941 926 4588

Cannondale 21" Older model but in excellent condition. Race bars included. New tires. $350 or OBO. Call at night after 7. Lucia Schatteleyn at 941 697-5547.
 

For Sale - Miscellaneous

Topeak Explorer Rear Rack Light weight (hollow aluminum) and strong! Accepts Topeak MTX and RX bags as well as any rear trunk with straps. Used very little, great shape. $10. Rod Miller - 941-240-6513

Minoura HyperMag Indoor Trainer with Remote resistance control. Like new. Pd $189 asking $75. Alan Levin 941-505-1234 docal1@comcast.net

Shoes - Bernie Rosen (former Cycle Cruiser Member who had a stroke) has four pairs of mountain bike shoes for sale (Lake, Specialized, Diadora and Shimano). The shoes are all new and are US size 12 (Eur 46) Contact Edith at 497-5736 for more info. Price is negotiable as Edith/Bernie just want the shoes to have a good home!

ZIPP 303 Wheelset  *NEW*  and   **FAST** - Brand new set of Zipp 303 clincher! wheels, 650cm.  These are among the fastest and lightest wheels on the market, so if you run 650's on your time trial bike or are a smaller rider with a bike that has this wheels size, then this is a fantastic bargain for you.  New, they sell for $1500 - I'm asking $900.  Be the fastest at your next time trial, or hill climb!! Call Norbert Kraft - 697-3510

For Rent

West Virginia Mountain Retreat
Located in Canaan Valley (highest valley east of the Mississippi River), near Davis, WV adjacent to protected wilderness lands. Visit http://canaanvalley.org/activities.cfm for bike activities including organized rides as well as ski sites both downhill and cross country. Discount to CCBC members. Call Bob Thacker at 941-918-8232

Mobile Home for Rent, Furnished, near Intercoastal Waterway Bike Trail, Venice,Harbor Lights, 55+, May to November, 1 bedroom with sleeper, heated Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Shuffle Board, Fishing Dock, Boat Ramp, Community Center and Bicycle. 8 minutes to Venice beach by Bike. Non Smoker, No Pets,  $800 + utilities. Call Rich at 941 488-9424

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