BicycleFriends ride to Newport Beach (Through Kevin's glasses)

(Kevin Donhoff Wrote)

It started like any other BicycleFriends ride:

Jason texts - "How about a easy ride down the Santa Ana River trail"

Now, I have learned a statement like that leaves much room for interpretation, so I ask "How far?" and "Who is going?", two critically important questions for a rider of my caliber (my classification is something like the pachyderm division, plus I am still getting back into riding condition after 8 months of due to a injury).

Jason texts - "Mike, Meme and maybe one other & it's an easy ride-like maybe 17 mile to beach then back"

Again such a statement leaves room for interpretation, but since Meme is closer to my caliber than Michael or Jason, I was comfortable, plus I have learned to always add at least three miles to Jason's estimates.

We started in Yorba Linda and things were going well until about mile 18, when I encountered a problem with what I thought was my cleat. A mile later we discovered that the treads had stripped from my crankarm, as my pedal fell out. Meme, doing his best Macgiver imitation, tried to fix it with a candy wrapper, sap from nearby bush, and a feather he found on the trail fused with sunlight concentrated through his glasses. WHAT A GENIUS! Well that lasted about two pedals before it fell out and the BicycleFriends crew took turns pushing me the last 1&1/2 miles to the beach (Photo attached). After a pit stop and some snacks, Michael and Jason headed back to the cars, while Meme and I were determined to make the best of being stranded in Newport Beach, not such a bad situation after all.

While waiting for the nearest bike repair to open, I did a google search and found Chicago Bike, and made a call that went something like this.

Man on phone: "Chicago Bike, bring it on down"

I was not sure whether I reached a machine, so I asked "are you open?"

Man on phone: "Yes, bring it on down"

Still not sure, I explained that my Shimano crackarm was stripped and my pedal fell out.

Man on the Phone: "Bring it on down" he then explained I was 3/4 of a mile away.

I told Meme I was not sure how this was going to go down, but figure it was worth a try. Well, low and behold, we found the small un-assuming Chicago Bike store with a sign that offered free air-24/7 and a gentleman out front helping folks with their bike woes. Soon he pointed to me and asked if he could help me. It was then when I met Tony Parry. I must have done something to please the Karma Gods, because not only did he fix my crank with a threaded insert, but he proceeded to provide Meme and I an education about bike mechanics. He emphasized the proper bike adjustments to make riding a city bike or beach cruiser effortless. We even tried on of his 29ers (just might have to buy one). His mantra "if you are comfortable, you will ride a lot more".

Time spent with Tony: Priceless (but he only charged me $25).

MANY THANKS TO TONY.

I plan to get Jason down to examine Tony's vintage bike parts.

If you need work on a beach cruiser, city bike, or any other for that matter, I would recommend checking it out with Tony. I think he will be honest and not pressure you. Plan to spend some time and get an education. He is on PCH behind JackInTheBox.

Chicago Bike

Chicagobike.net

(949)650-4203


After the prolonged rest period Meme and I watered up and hit the SART. The last 5 miles or so were tough, but I made it. Happy to have overcome a mechanical problem and finish my longest ride yet, 43 miles, a little bit more than Jason promised.

Thanks to Meme, Michael, Jason, Tony and the SART for a great day.