So I went for a test ride yesterday afternoon. The area around my house has huge hills, so I need to ride about a mile away to get to some flat land. I expect the ride to last 20-30 minutes. I've done this before with no issues.
Problem #1: 2.5 miles away from home, my muffler end cap falls off
Problem #2: In the course of my rear tire running over the end cap, the rear tire blows
Problem #3: Since I went on a short test ride, I didn't bring any tools or replacement parts with me
Well, I was lucky, someone was home, and after a quick call and 30 minutes of idle waiting, they bring me an inner tube, tire levers, a pair of gloves, a mini pump, and a bottle of water (by this time it was 95 degrees). I replace my inner tube, pump up the tire and attempt to ride back home.
Problem #4: Within 20 feet, my pedal chain snaps.
At this point I'm cursing and hating life. Really hating life. Luckily, I was on top of a small hill so the momentum of riding downhill was enough to get my motor going. I start riding back home and HOPE/PRAY that I don't have to stop again. Otherwise, it would be super difficult to get my motor going again.
Problem #5: In my haste to get going, I forgoet to open the fuel valve, so after getting the engine going, and now on flat land, I had to stop again to open the valve.
To get the engine going again, I had to get on the bike, snuggle up to the sidewalk curb and use my foot to push me forward. After pushing myself a few times, I finally got the motor going again. Thank goodness!
So, I ride for about 1.5 miles. At this point, there is a VERY large hill that I have to overcome to get home. I figured that I would ride up as far as I could, then walk the rest of the way.
Problem #6: About 20% up the hill, my rear tire blows again.
At this point I wanted to take the bike and throw it down a hill. With no way to start it again, I walked the broken bike up the hill in the crazy Southern California heat. I was cursing all the way home. Moral of this story - NEVER leave home without checking bolts for tightness, checking chain, and have the minimum needed tools/parts to get you home.
Luckily I wasn't hurt or something else more serious didn't happen, but I was so freakin done yesterday. SERIOUSLY done.
Well, today is a new day. I ordered a shift kit (finally), puncture resistant tubes/tires, and a new pedal chain. Hopefully it will solve my hill blues and other problems.
This hobby is a MONEY PIT! I could have purchased a nice used Vespa or some other fully built working moped/scooter for the amount of money I've dumped into this.
Problem #1: 2.5 miles away from home, my muffler end cap falls off
Problem #2: In the course of my rear tire running over the end cap, the rear tire blows
Problem #3: Since I went on a short test ride, I didn't bring any tools or replacement parts with me
Well, I was lucky, someone was home, and after a quick call and 30 minutes of idle waiting, they bring me an inner tube, tire levers, a pair of gloves, a mini pump, and a bottle of water (by this time it was 95 degrees). I replace my inner tube, pump up the tire and attempt to ride back home.
Problem #4: Within 20 feet, my pedal chain snaps.
At this point I'm cursing and hating life. Really hating life. Luckily, I was on top of a small hill so the momentum of riding downhill was enough to get my motor going. I start riding back home and HOPE/PRAY that I don't have to stop again. Otherwise, it would be super difficult to get my motor going again.
Problem #5: In my haste to get going, I forgoet to open the fuel valve, so after getting the engine going, and now on flat land, I had to stop again to open the valve.
To get the engine going again, I had to get on the bike, snuggle up to the sidewalk curb and use my foot to push me forward. After pushing myself a few times, I finally got the motor going again. Thank goodness!
So, I ride for about 1.5 miles. At this point, there is a VERY large hill that I have to overcome to get home. I figured that I would ride up as far as I could, then walk the rest of the way.
Problem #6: About 20% up the hill, my rear tire blows again.
At this point I wanted to take the bike and throw it down a hill. With no way to start it again, I walked the broken bike up the hill in the crazy Southern California heat. I was cursing all the way home. Moral of this story - NEVER leave home without checking bolts for tightness, checking chain, and have the minimum needed tools/parts to get you home.
Luckily I wasn't hurt or something else more serious didn't happen, but I was so freakin done yesterday. SERIOUSLY done.
Well, today is a new day. I ordered a shift kit (finally), puncture resistant tubes/tires, and a new pedal chain. Hopefully it will solve my hill blues and other problems.
This hobby is a MONEY PIT! I could have purchased a nice used Vespa or some other fully built working moped/scooter for the amount of money I've dumped into this.
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