hey hey

sorry I have been away for so long. I think my last post was just as I crossed into nevada and now here I am in Ely. getting on towards the boarder of Utah. I have met some amazing people along the way and want to take the time to say thanks. All of you are really making this a most grand ride. I did encounter my first major setback. Riding uphill as I came into the last town I downshifted, the gearing skipped and the chain jumped off. That would have been ok but a link bent in the process. I took out the tools which I carry for such an event and set to work in the blazing hot sun along the side of the road(yeah for no trees. I removed the offending link and reconnected my chain and off I went. In all only an hour or so lost. The bike rode fine for the next 25-30 minutes but as soon as I hit the last hill it jumped again and another link broke. I knew then that either my repair left much to be desired (most likely) or my rear derailer was screwy. I limped into town and slept in the park on a picnic bench. I had a serious decision to make. I had two repairs and zero confidence in my ride so I needed a bike shop. Unfortunately there was and is no bike shop for about 100 miles. Without a new chain and someone to inspect my rear derail er I wasnt going anywhere. I pondered this for the evening and woke early to find a solution. I roamed the streets asking if anyone knew of someone going to Ely(there is a bike shop here) and no one was going or knew of anyone. I asked the sheriff the same and they said they could give me a lift 125 mile north to another city but that was the best they could do. No deals there either. So I did what any reasonable person would do. I hitchhiked to Ely. I thumbed down a passing motorcade of trucks, after 4 hours of trying ,with trailers and asked if they could schlep me along and they said sure. We stopped for lunch and they wouldnt let me pay. I tried but they insisted on not only not allowing me to buy them lunch but they went and paid for mine. Talk about people and their ability to surprise. We had a good conversation along the ride and they dropped me at the bike shop. The driver even got out and made sure that they were going to be able to fix my bike, he was going to give me parts from his bike if needed. Luckily the bike shop replace the chain and adjusted the derailer and now I am back in working condition. It is fortunate because I have another 63 mile tomorrow and then 84 after that. I took a hotel and showered for the first time in days and it was divine. Will go look around town now and find a place for dinner. Moral of the story today. People kick ass. Be nice to those in need I may be one of them. Thanks again to everyone who has been so nice and helpful. Y'all are what makes this a great country.