Frankenmuth to Imlay michigan 36 miles. 2710 miles from the pacific. Beautiful weather again today. I got some of my energy back. My neck and back spasms are almost all gone. I rode with a guy named John for a few miles. He was on his way to Boston from Seattle. At Millington, he turned south to catch up to his group and I turn east onto the southern links trailways toward Otter Lake. Shortly after getting on the trail Willie made a noise I never heard before. After this many miles together we know each other well. I know it his ever creak and squeek, and he knows mine. At first I thought my chain came off. But I look down and it was still connected to the sprockets. The rear cassette was moving but no power was being transferred to the wheel. It was free willing backwards and towards. Something was broke in the rear axle but I wasn’t sure. I know there are small clutch dogs that act as a ratchet that engages when I peddle forward and disengaged when I stop peddling. This is the brand new hub and wheel that I just purchased last week. I got off the bike and picked up willy’s rear end and drop him on the pavement. It worked, the clutch dogs engaged and I was on my way. But I knew that I had to find a bike shop soon. Just up the trail is where I met Janelle and Erica, my angels of the morning, and my new friends that helped me out. Erica called her friend for some advice about bike shops in that area. When we reached Columbiaville, Janelle loaded my bike in her vehicle and drove me the 15 miles to the bike shop in Davidson. Jeremy the Mechanic at the bike shop went right to work on Willy. The retaining ring that holds the clutch dogs in place had the broken. In less than an hour Jeremy had the wheel spinning just like new, and we were back on the road for a grand total of 20 bucks. And once again I was taking care of by the kindness and generocity of perfect strangers and for that I am truly grateful and humbled.
A sign at the bike shop said ” if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough” Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. I asked the bike shop owner about the sign. And he told me the story about his dream to have his own bike shop. But he was afraid to pursue his dream. Then one day he saw that quote somewhere. The next day he went to the bank and got loan for his business. Al’s Quick Release bike shop was born. It looked to me that Al has a successful business and is living his dream.
Take care freebird

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