Day 1, The Alps

October 14, 2014
Bourg D'Oisans

I think I need to write up a summary of all of Blaze's issues and how they got resolved because I write my blog but also post updates to Facebook and it all gets confusing to me who knows what.

1. Broken frame. ICE sent replacement frame to Lyon. I was 200 kms away. A local man found a shop that did a repairing weld and I crab-crawled my way to Lyon

2. Rear hub ball bearings. First afternoon out of Lyon, I found it unbelievably difficult to pedal hills. Even the flats were a challenge. Local mechanic who put me up for a few days found the bearings shot and got me and my tire to a bike shop for repair

3. Front end pull. Christophe, the mechanic, spent hours working with me both in his living room and out on the road getting Blaze aligned. Then, ICE sent video which started process all over. Problem is, ICE dealer in Lyon routed cables incorrectly:(

4. Rear dereilleur pressing tire and dropping off on climbs. Did adjustment to stop dropping and got to a bike shop in Grenoble who found the NEW dereilleur mount bent. Luckily dealer in Lyon gave me old one.

5. Rear wheel grind. Rear fender has caused much problems since day one. Piece of crap gear. Many repairs over the years. Christophe tried to get it to stop rubbing, but problem became worse and it was actually shredding rear tire. Finally I threw it away!

6. Front dereilleur chain knotting. This one is intermittent and I think is due to a gunky chain. I try to clean it often but it builds up inside the links. Chain holds onto gear all the way around and doubles up jamming dereilleur. Weirdest thing! I have to loosen dereilleur and pull it up to let chain drop away. Oh well. Quirks!

Yesterday Blaze felt great. Slight front end pull but won't be resolved until cable routing corrected.




(Visited the Chateau of Vizille)

So yesterday was an easy start up into the Alps. Climbed about 1000 ft over 20 miles. Road mostly has wide shoulder until you see this sign



Then I guess you're on your own to fight with the cars! Note arrow on pavement and biker symbol.

Spent the night in a field off the main road with an amazing rock formation for the view



Livin' the life,

BagLady

Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman