Start time: 12:30 P.M.
Distance today: 27.7 miles
Average speed: 11.8 mph
End time: 4:00 P.M.
Top speed: 22.1 mph
Temperature and weather conditions: Perfect conditions all day.
Total trip distance: 2,672.3 Miles (since start on April 2,
2000)
Today is Monday; the last Monday we will be on the road together. We
had a fairly short distance today because we rode over 70 miles yesterday.
We got a rather late start due to interviews that Danny had with WNYI
radio 102.5, the Spartenburg Herald Journal, the Easley Progress, and
the Greenville Magazine.
Once we left Easley we headed towards Anderson. Sean, Danny, Charles,
and Sadie rode today. Floyd took the motor home in for front brakes.
Lydia returned from Roman’s graduation with Dane, Roman’s 15-year-old
brother. Roman has not returned. We wonder if he is actually coming
back? He graduated magna cum laude and had to visit several colleges
this week.
Danny and Charles spent many hours in The Bicycle Shop before we departed
Charleston. As soon as we arrived in California, bicycle shops were on
the agenda. They are known to lose hours and hours in a shop. Many of
the crew will no longer go with them.
All
the shops are staffed with competent, skilled, professional, and super
friendly owners and technicians. Today’s visit was no exception. We needed
service today. What we received far exceeded our expectations. Robert
Singorino, the manager of The Great Escape on North Ave. in Anderson
was perfect. We left our Trek 5200’s there about 4:00 P.M. Robert left
his shop to drive us back to the hotel.
He must have stopped all his other work. By 6:00 P.M. he had completed
repairs. Danny’s chain would not move up to his largest sprocket, and
his bike did not coast well. The Great Escape found his rear free wheel
loose, his rear tire was worn down, and the tires out of true. A new
golden tire was installed on the back. All the gears were cleaned and
the brakes adjusted. Everything was tweaked to perfection! It’s amazing
how much more comfortable and easier Danny’s bicycle rolls now. Charles’ bike
was not turning and his front shifter was hanging up. The ball bearing
was replaced in the front fork and the shifter was replaced. The last
time this occurred, on another bike, the parts for the shifter were over
$200.00. Robert and his technician also cleaned all the gears and trued
the tires. All the fishing line is out of Charles’ rear gears.
All of this was done at no cost. In addition Robert invited us to come
to his home to wash clothes and enjoy some home hospitality. Trek should
be very proud of its dealer network. Every shop we have visited - and
there have been many - the people have been kind and polite.
The Great Escape stopped what they were doing and completed maintenance.
We can't wait to ride tomorrow. Your efforts will make the last five
days a pleasure. Thank you very much!
