Day 12: Technical Difficulties

Bike Distance	Avg Speed	Total Ascent	Saddle Time	Calories
40.46 miles	12.9 mph	2188 ft	03:08:22	2643 cal

Late start:

I didn't bother setting my alarm the night before as today was all about taking my time. After all that is why I pushed so hard the day before. That being said, I still was up at 7:45am. The forecast from yesterday indicated a low of 34F for the evening and early am hours and they were spot on. Fortunately, my 20F sleeping bag kept me snug as a bug in a rug. I reluctantly shed the sleeping bag, changed into my riding clothes and packed up my gear. I then fetched my complimentary coffee and ate my "breakfast skillet" meal. The thermometer indicated 51F when I finally departed Madison are around 9:30am.

Early eye candy:

I headed south and immediately started climbing. I knew there would be at least 2000ft of climbing today just not so soon. After a mile or so I leveled out to Firehole Canyon and could see a field of geysers off to my right. I immediately pulled off to shoot some photos. It is hard to believe that I am standing on one of the largest volcanos on earth and it is so magnificent!

I continued south to the Lower Geyser Basin where the Great Fountain Geyser vents. I then pulled off at Midway Geyser Basin Grand Prismatic Spring for a photo. A large group of Japanese tourists flocked around me and were taking photos. I kid you not! Then they wanted photos with my bike. The only English word that was mixed in with their Japanese was "Specialized" (brand name of my frame). It was comical to watch but fun to be a part of. :)

Old faithful:

After 16 wonderful miles were in the books I could see the entrance for Old Faithful. I exited and after 1.5 mikes of winding entrance road I was there. I didn't realize it was so far off the main road! I pulled up to the geyser at around 11:00am to find out that I missed it by 15 minutes. The next release won't be until 12:15. I planned on stopping here for a break before Craigs Pass anyhow so I I'll wait it out.

I stepped inside the lodge cafe which overlooks the geyser and ordered a large chocolate and vanilla swirl ice cream waffle cone and a coffee. I found a nice table near the window and enjoyed my second breakfast. I headed back outside around 11:45am, positioned my bike and sat down on the ground next to it.

Over the past week my bike had gotten pretty noisy. I've done basic inspections but found nothing. I figured I had some time to kill some why not examine it more thoroughly. Within 30 seconds I found one broken spoke on the rear wheel. I spun it and could not believe how wonky it was. How did I not feel it while riding in wondered. No problem ad I have 4 replacements. Good thing I came prepared! I had the wheel and tire off in literally 3 minutes. I then removed the broken spoke and tried to insert the replacement but hit a major snag. The broken spoke was on the drive line side of the wheel which meant the rear cassette (thing with all the gear rings) had to be removed in order to feed the spoke through the hole on the hub.

Cassette removal requires 2 critical tools; a cassette removal tool (like a special socket) and a chain whip (holds the cassette still when loosening with the special socket). I only had the chain whip with me. How (insert cuss word here) stupid of me to forget that! I tried every McGuiver trick I could think off using the tools I had but it wasn't happening. About that time Old Faithful was erupting so I stopped and shot some photos of my dissembled bike with the geyser erupting in the background. So much for the perfect picture! LOL! I reassembled the bike and told myself to take it nice and slow to Grant Village. I only wish I didn't have like 1200ft of climbing ahead of me as the additional torque could cause more spokes to break. Since I don't really know how long it has been broken I figured I could make it up. Coming down is also a problem since I need to ride the brakes in order to keep the bike under 30mph. Excessive braking can also cause spoke fatigue. Let's hope she stays together! :)

Continental Divide(s) :

On this climb I will pass the Continental Divide twice as I snake my way around the mountain! The first is at an elevation of 8262ft while the second is at 8391ft. The climbing was standard issue 4 to 8 percent over several miles. I took it slow and was extra careful when shifting so as to avoid any drive train jerking. Eventually I reached the first Continental Divide. I stopped for a photo along side the sign. I then descended a few hundred feet and once again had to climb to the second. The climbing wasn't bad but my mood was somewhat soured from the spoke. I really just wanted to get to camp and regroup.

Grant Village:

After a nice albeit cautious rolling downhill I reached Grant Village at around 2:30ish. I setup camp in a nice secluded spot and relaxed for a bit. Grant Village consists of a campground, lodge, general store and two restaurants. I wasn't in the mood to sit at camp so I decided to detach my trailer and ride my injured bike to the store. I didn't really need anything but it seemed like a good way to take my mind off my bike problem.

The store is a combination cafe, grocery and merchandise retailer. I was in the mood for something cold to drink so ordered an ice tea and French fries at the cafe. I then perused the grocery section and bought some tortilla chips and a can of local craft beer. I figured a beer would do me good. :) I packed my goods in my pannier and headed towards the campground. Up ahead I saw two guys riding bikes. I caught up with them and said "hello". I then asked if they happened to have a cassette removal tool not knowing if they even knew what the heck I was talking about. :) He said follow me we might have something in the tool box. Sounds promising!

Bike repair 101:

I followed him to the same loop as mine but instead we turned left to where there are 3 vans loaded with bikes and a ton of people eating BBQ. Turns out they do organized bike trips for people and they happen to be on one now. He checked his toolbox but didn't have the tool. Drats! I noticed he had needle nose pliers and some channel locks. He gave those to me and I scurried back for a second attempt. I used my picnic table as a bike repair standard and managed to remove the cassette using the tools and had the bike reassembled in 25 minutes! The wheel is pretty darn straight too! Yay! I rode back to return the tools and they even let me use their air pump! As I was leaving they said I could come back for BBQ. How nice. I thanked him but kindly declined. I don't want to be too much of a mooch!

No appetite:

I took the bike for a short test ride and could still hear rattles. At least the wheel is fixed I thought and rode back a little disgusted. It was now nearly 5:30PM so I prepared dinner. Tonight's menu is Texas BBQ chicken with tortilla chips and a beer. It smelled and tasted terrific but for some reason I was having a tough time eating. My stomach just didn't feel right. I forced it down anyhow as I know I need the calories.

Bike repair 102:

After dinner I decided it was time to go through the bike more thoroughly as all the rattles and squeaks annoy me. The first issue I discover was that the front fork was a little wobbly. It must have worked itself a tad loose from the bearing assembly so I made the necessary adjustment. Fixed! I then noticed that my front wheel was moving in ways it shouldn't when applying and releasing the front brake. The front wheel quick release was actually not tight enough! Holly crap! This has been like this since day one?! Stupid move DK. Earlier in the trip I thought it was the front fender. I tightened the wheel and viola! Good as new! She is much quieter now! :)

Early night:

I have a slight head ache tonight and hope it is from all the bike drama and not from the cold weather ride from the day before. One thing is for sure. I am really looking forward to seeing Swatz tomorrow morning! Night all.... Zzzzz