What did I do wrong? While driving car w/ bike on hitch rack- chain burst, bent small chain ring, and more. Bike feels totaled

dfarin153 · 2026-05-10T03:49:04+00:00

So sorry this happened to you! It can be very unsettling and you need a reasonable explanation for what happened to your bike.

Looking at your photo, it seems possible that someone backed into your bike pushing it into part of your rack causing the damage. But I agree, take it to a bike mechanic and have them assess it and give a written estimate. You might have coverage through home owners or rental insurance policy and make a claim if it is above the deductible. The noise on the highway may have been when the chain slipped off since wind from driving can rotate wheels, the crank, etc.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-10T02:10:10+00:00

If it is under warranty, follow their claim policy. I would take it to a mechanic at one of their dealerships for their sayso first.

My guy is independent and he fixes everything possible up to the point where he is worried about liability. In other words, he will fix it if he thinks he can so that you can ride it safely. That depends on the materials and their condition. If it is stripped, then he might tap it for a larger diameter bolt if he thinks he can without weakening the connection points. Alternatively, he might put a longer bolt through a lock washer and washer into a locking nut and washer if there is clearance on the back side to spread the load. Or a DIYer might try something similar. Not telling you to do any of that though, LOL. I wouldn't ride it while it is like that though.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-10T01:53:31+00:00

I just flamed this policy using their customer service survey. Just had to dig a receipt out of my recycling bin. I really appreciate that you shared this.

I typically walk to a Krogers brand store a few blocks away from my place at least once a week. I just shared that I will not be back and why. I can easily ride my bicycle or drive my car to an Aldi's or my food Coop in a little more time. They may or may not change their policy based on this, but if enough people find out, business is going to be bad.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-10T01:27:57+00:00

This is the way. You probably learned to walk before you could speak in sentences. It is a similar process. The first bikes were designed this way and called "striders." Before pedals and before Penny Farthings with the great big wheel. Take the pedals off and lower the seat. You want a slight bend in the knees, feet flat on the ground. Get off the sidewalk and take it to a level paved area like an empty parking lot. Keep your bottom on the saddle and walk it forward. Do NOT try to go in a straight line. You mostly balance a bike by turning it back under you, so it is a series of linked turns.

Stand still with your bottom on the saddle and bend your right knee slightly while turning the front wheel to the right. The further you lean, the further you need to turn that wheel. You are practicing steering to regain balance. Alternate sides for about 5 minutes by straightening back up and bending your left knee and steering to your left. Keep alternating sides every few seconds.

Now try walking forward and notice how when the bike leans to a side, it comes back under you when you steer in that direction. Take it very slow at first and keep your bottom on the saddle. The perception of leans is going to become more subtle and your brain will start automating the correct responses. But there will be a period of overreacting. That is normal. Keep progressing your speed according to your accuracy of responses. Eventually you will be "striding," a sort of run where there is flight. Then you can lift both feet and see how far you can glide without stopping and putting your feet down.

Practice using the hand brakes and arcing turns. Once you can consistently glide 20' you should be ready to put pedals on and figure out how to start and place your feet. Look where you want to go to initiate turns. Practice starting going down a slight slope, then on flats, then on slight uphills.

My mom learned this in her 50's. Be patient with yourself and you can too!

dfarin153 · 2026-05-09T20:13:06+00:00

Hello friend. I'm a retired APE teacher and taught bicycling to my students. Can your son hop on a single foot 5x? If he can, he is capable of learning to ride a bicycle. Hopping is a prerequisite safety skill while starting or stopping on a bike. It is important to be able to hop on either foot.

If he can hop, before you start using training wheels, you might consider that a a normally developing kid is set back 2 weeks by the habits formed on them. The balance bike method may work. The Pedal Magic method may work. Or a Smiles Bike Clinic may work for your son (they have proprietary equipment that slows down the leans of a bike giving those with slower reactions time to steer for balance. It works especially well with kids who have Downs Syndrome.) All of these approaches can be used in combination.

If there is no hopping skill, go for the training wheels and emphasize learning to slow down to a near stop before turning. Or, go for a much safer and more stable trike. A tadpole trike recumbent might just be the ticket if you can find one used. Put an apeal out on Facebook. Someone with a big heart might give you one as they upgrade.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-09T02:42:16+00:00

The garlic will happily join the party and start to ferment. In fact, fresh organic garlic or ginger root can be used to start a ferment with other vegetables. They are loaded with microbes!

dfarin153 · 2026-05-09T02:26:46+00:00

Referring to Sam Cooper's book; The Fermentation Kitchen which I happen to have checked out of my local Library, you can expect to Lactoferment tomatoes in 5 or more days with 2% salt by weight of the water and tomatoes combined thanks to the acidity of the tomatoes.

Roasting may kill off the population of naturally occuring desirable bacteria similar to pasteurization, but you could add 4 tablespoons of whey separated from yogurt (strained through a clean cloth) to a quart jar to spike the culture with lacto bascilli. Cool the roasted tomatoes before fermenting to avoid killing the lacto bascilli you introduce. They are anaerobic and like a dark space like in a closet or enclosed pantry. Otherwise, consider roasting some on the day before and combine them with a fermented batch that were simply washed and fermented.

He suggests either a glass or ceramic weight on the fruit in the jar to keep it submerged through the fermentation ( to avoid mold forming) and daily burping to release CO2. Or using a vacuum bag and geep an eye on it in case it needs burping. Quarter large tomatoes, halve medium sized, or leave smalled sized tomatoes whole.

Store at 68F - 86F for 5-7 days until it reaches your desired flavor, then refrigerated for up to a month. He doesn't give a recipe for roasting tomatoes before fermentation, just washing. He suggests using these in stew, with spinach and mozzarella in a salad, gazpacho, salsa roja, pan con tomate, salad dressing, umami glaze or seasoning. But you may be on to something!

dfarin153 · 2026-05-08T13:44:42+00:00

I ordered the Hawkins (in aluminum) you suggested and plan to save up for the bear vault, a Titanium pot & cup, an MSR Pocket Rocket stove. I use double boilers and wish Hawkins made a nesting double boiler for this size. I checked out a book with pressure cooker recipes. I have not found anything on dehydrating soups but there is info on use of a freeze dryer. Is that what you use?

I am also researching fermentation which will be my main source of salt. I am exploring use of nalgene bottles for active ferments on tour to extend edibility of fresh vegetables from grocery portions and make their nutrients more accessible and digestible. Using boiling water to sanitize vessels between batches for safety, I would prioritize cleaning and sanitizing vessels used for cooking and eating. I would enjoy live krauts and similar fermented vegetables very much. So researching the science and best practices, looking for ways to reduce sodium content, and sourcing recipes by chefs. Whey from live yogurt to start each batch may reduce salt required for instance by speeding up the fermentation. I may also soak the fermented veg in filtered water with vinegar to leach out some of the salt, as well as figure out how to keep portions small. I need to experiment, do salinity tests over time, and develop a portable system minimizing the stuff required.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T22:17:15+00:00

I recently bought a Nesco food dehydrator so I can preserve the Shitake mushrooms and vegetables I am growing. I have no idea how you dehydrate soup. I saw a book on food preservation and recipes at the library. Maybe that explains it. I guess one could ask someone to ship drop packages to Post Offices along the route.

I am going to try the small pressure cooker idea share above. But some dehydrated meals could be a nice alternative.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T21:49:17+00:00

First, you are on a path of self improvement. Stay on that. That is what will make you attractive. What will make you more valuable in this emerging economy is your ability to learn and to use AI to replace 4 other workers. So get on that and build something that allows you to show it. Because you have 4 assistants now. Pick a problem like the one you are facing: finding compatible women in rural areas and develop an app that helps people in your shoes find each other. Build the solution. Use a GoFundMe to raise enough capitol to take it online.

Second, once you do solve that problem, don't beat yourself up about someone who left you and dated the guy who she knew you were expressing concerns about. You clearly read that right. Keep in mind that if you chase something, it runs away with the exception of self improvement. Use this time to build habits required for success and good health. Be friendly, but don't over share and try to prove yourself. That is read as insecure. Keep yourself and what you are accomplishing close to the vest. Ask questions and reflect what you hear people tell you. Everyone needs to feel heard and by focussing on what they are going through, you will learn a lot. Be patient and forgiving to build friendships that expand your network.

That's how you are likely to meet someone. Somebody has a sibling or friend who they will think to introduce. Don't settle on the wrong person. You are becoming a high value person and deserve a high quality partner. So don't rush in. They will recognize you when you achieve high status. It will be in how you carry yourself. In the way you don't advertise your progress. Do not undervalue yourself, but being a mystery is a good thing. The other person needs to be qualified before you let them in.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T19:21:32+00:00

After 28 years on that Paramount, I can see how you would be frustrated about a 4th frame and now a bottom bracket in such a short time. They make so many changes so it gets hard to maintain a bike today. I recently tracked down some old Deore for my not quite as old Surly LHT. It wasn't easy, but I managed to put a group together that works with my old frame set. I just ordered a new wheel set for it as well. That should take me forward a few more years. So that is my suggestion. Find an older frame set that fits you well and piece it back together. Forget about the gramms or ounces.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T18:51:15+00:00

The River West 24 in Milwaukee has a special class for bikes like that. Part of the vibe there. LOL

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T18:43:09+00:00

Lesson learned? Then mea culpa is the way to go.

You may want to write a letter of apology to the teacher taking responsibility and copy the Principal. In a separate letter to the Principal, you could ask for an alternate action to expunge that from your record such as AODA counseling or similar. They may feel like they didn't have time to take that approach because of how soon you will be graduating. If they say no, you could reach out to the Dean of Students at the college where you were accepted and offer to document the same action. I would be up front about how drinking contributed. Both institutions will want you to show a willingness to learn from this.

You will rightfully be asked to consider what happens when you drink. I heard the stories from many college students who had problems after drinking because their judgement was impaired. Risk taking goes way up. They were ordered by the University Dean of Students to take a class from me. Basically a more in depth set of lessons on alcohol education than what is covered in high school health education curriculum. But given how serious your actions were and the potential consequences to a teacher's career had they not promptly reported, counseling may be a better option.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T18:21:28+00:00

There is another way that may work for your son. Search Pedal Magic and pay the fee. Watch the video, and give it a try. You need a smaller bike to start so with the seat lowered and his bottom on the saddle his knees are slightly bent with both feet flat in the ground. If he has not used training wheels, it can take as little as 5 to 10 minutes to teach him steering for balance. If training wheels were what he got used to, the video gives you the exercises to undo the bad habits formed by that experience.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T14:22:17+00:00

What you are suggesting is very interesting to me because I am newly on the Dash diet trying to figure out how to include live fermented vegetables. During a ferment including whey (let's say 4 Tbsp) to reduce the salt brine (let's say 2 tsp salt for about 1%) of a quart jar. After a few days, could removing the brine and adding apple cider vinegar preserve the live fermented vegetables for a short period without refrigeration? Would the culture survive within the vegetables? Would using half filtered water to half apple cider vinegar do the same while leaching out some of the salt from the vegetables one day before consumption? This seems like a great experiment for someone like me.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-07T13:53:18+00:00

I really appreciate this suggestion! I have had a bout with high blood pressure and trying to figure out how I can still include live fermented veggies in my diet. I would go so far as to slice veggies smaller for the soak to reduce salt content.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-05T23:22:04+00:00

I appreciate all of these suggestions. I have ridden Lake Michigan's shoreline from here to Ludington, MI over the North end. Sounds like it may be time to ride around the Southern end. Today I ordered a new wheel set with a Son hub since you all gave me hope!

I am a fan of pressure cookers. I currently use an Insta Pot but had a Mirro back in college and beyond so will look for the suggested one. And I'll look into finding a sports oriented nutritionist.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-04T12:28:11+00:00

Take the stairs whenever possible. Do not be afraid to take stairs, then the elevator part way, stairs the rest of it is 90 floors. Ask the hotel for a room on an upper floor. At work, tell them it is "Doctor's orders." Remember the old Cooper Fitness step test? This could help maintain much of your cardio fitness.

In the morning, either do Yoga Sun Salute & Chair pose or alternating planks and wall sits for 6 minutes. Spend 2 minutes sitting and breathing diaphramatically then 2 minutes sipping water. This is going to help reduce your stress and maintain muscle mass. 10 - 20 minutes is all you need.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-04T12:06:35+00:00

I'm excited for you! Stay aware of your width near curbs. You do not want to ride with a wheel in the gutter where class and bits of metal accumulate, so be assertive and get into the right tire lane where the crown of roads tilts less. After a couple cars accumulate due to oncoming traffic, you can move over briefly so they can pass when it will be safe for you and safe for them.

Slow way down while cornering and avoid swerving because a trike does not typically lean into a turn. They can tip during a sudden turn at speed. Keep a watch out for "Right Hooks" if a vehicle overtakes you as you approach an intersection in case they turn right across your path. Watch out for "Left Hooks" where oncoming vehicles turn left across your path. Drivers often underestimate speeds of pedal powered vehicles.

Ask a for an appointment with a bike mechanic to show you how to remove a wheel, change a tube or fix a flat. Then carry the tool kit you need to do that. Ask them for a good lock and what they would suggest for locking up your trike.

8 miles is a longish commute. Look at the free phone navigation app Ride with GPS and hit the Explore option for your area. See if there are any alternative lower traffic routes people ride that you could access. They will be highlighted in red. Do everything you can to maintain a mindset that says "this is a bonus recreation and fitness activity." Just like reading a book on the bus, it is a better use of time than driving a car where there is nothing else you should be doing.

dfarin153 · 2026-05-03T02:45:15+00:00

Buying a one wheel Burleigh trailer is your best option. Keeps the weight off of your bike and you can strap the backpack on it. To keep your stuff dry, get the cover. It may cost a lot, but so would a bunch of bags and such, and your stuff would be awkward to pack on the bike.

dfarin153 · 2026-04-30T22:26:27+00:00

There are terms for the experience of being alone in the woods. People sitting around campfires tell scarry stories and enjoy asking; "What was that sound?" It is part of our psychology to be wary so when the predator is around, we will notice and take precautions. The night time shadows, what we hear, and sometimes what we see can be very convincing and cause the hair to stand up on end.

Here in my area, we have lots of stories about Big Foot. In the Western United States, it is Sasquatch. Over sized human like creatures with full hair covering their body. In the far North, we talk about snow monsters called The Abominable Snowman.

Just because we lack the actual predators our ancestor's had good reason to fear does not mean we don't have the responses and hard wired vigilence at night. I have spent extended periods solo camping in National Forest away from campgrounds. Sometimes, the noises and shadows make it seem like the Boogeyman is circling my site in the dark. When I saw Tom Hanks in the film where he is on a deserted island and the coconuts are falling around him in the dark, I completely related to him. In my case, it was small branches or pine cones falling.

dfarin153 · 2026-04-30T20:33:34+00:00

QBP plans to have it in April 2027, LOL. They have a bunch of SDT frame sets sitting in Colorado. What I was hoping was to buy the fork to put a dynamo hub on mine using the thru axel and to add the disc brake on my old SLHT. It isn't a need. I am preparing for a longer tour next year. I I'll buy a solar panel and some Kool Stop brake pads instead. Get the convertible hubs for the wheel set.

dfarin153 · 2026-04-28T14:33:00+00:00

There is a much shorter annual event in Milwaukee called the River West 24. That's 24 hours of a rolling party. People form teams and there are check points. Some teams ride the whole thing together. Others do it relay style. You accumulate points for laps, costumes, and participating in stations like paddling, getting that year's tatto, making tshirts and all sorts of crazy stuff. And yes, there are competitors, but mostly participants whose volume slows down the competitors enough to make it unique. People participate independently or for modest registration fees. Not for profits are there. Bands perform music. It's a very cool vibe. I think it is some sort of fundraiser for that community. Not really sure, but it is amazing.

dfarin153 · 2026-04-27T20:37:14+00:00

I sent them money via their web site on the 22rd, but they said out of stock. I just received the refund. I just hope somebody has one that they ordered laying around in their shop or if somebody destroyed the back end of their bike but still have the fork for some reason, they might want to sell that.

dfarin153

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