I haven’t gotten to do much trail riding this year. When I finally got the bike out a couple of weeks ago, the hanger that holds the rear derailleur (the device that switches the gears) snapped off. That was a mile and a half walk back.

After a visit to Amazon and a new part, I discovered that my journey down bicycle repair lane had just started. I ordered a chain only to find out that the gears were incredibly worn down and need to be replaced. After ordering a new cassette (collection of cogs on the back wheel), I found out that the tool that I had would not remove the cassette. Finally after getting the right tool, everything was ready to go.

This weekend I finally got to take the bike out and ride with Dave Heinzel.

So nice and clean. This is what it should look like.

I bought this bike in 2005. It’s big and heavy but rides great.

Dave mastering a hill. Intense.

Dave is a terrific photographer. How could I pass up a chance for an updated Facebook profile picture.

Good to see that some things are still made in the USA.