November 2nd, 2014 - Polar Bear Ride, Lewes DE

This was the second Polar Bear Ride of the season, the first being the sign-up ride to Cape May. It was about 380 miles although our Road Captain Jack reported 408 miles (a little rounding up for and extra point).

It was a fairly cold and very windy day. When I say windy I mean we were getting blown all over the place. The most dramatic winds were on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. As we came down the Delaware side the sides of the bridge opened up and the winds were very strong. The bikes were actually leaning way over  sideways into the wind to stay in their lanes.

The ride home was going to be more direct, to get us home before dark. Two of the riders opted to take a more northern route up 95 to avoid going over the Delaware Memorial Bridge again, due to the high winds we experienced before. This is where my ride fell apart; literally and figuratively. Some where after getting fuel in Dover I was shifting (trying to) when I felt the shift lever just flapping around. At first I though the shift linkage had given way again but this time it was different. At first glance it looked like the shift linkage had exploded. The arm that connects the shift linkage to the shift pedal shaft had lost it's screw and had come off. I looked for a place to pull off as quickly as possible because I knew if I stopped I would never be able to get going again in fourth gear. I pulled into an abandoned gas station, cutting off the 'tail gunner' as I did. I knew no one was going to stop as I saw the group keep going with no signs of brake lights. I turned the bike off, took off my helmet and gloves and assessed the situation. I quickly got a handle on the situation, determined that it was 'riggable' and went about searching my tour pack for tools and materials.

Disconnected Shift Linkage

Bungee Cord To The Rescue

Long story short, I pressed the arm back on the shaft and secured it with a bungee cord. Satisfied that it would work, I put on my helmet, gloves and neck gaiter and hit the road. I had lost some valuable time, meaning daylight. This was critical as I only had my prescription sunglasses. My face shield was stuck in the up position so I would have no clear vision protection once it got dark.

I headed north on Route 1 (I was guessing at this point) in the direction of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. I stopped at the first Wawa I saw to use the bathroom and to wash my very dirty hands. (I really need to clean the bike!) I continued north, following the signs for the bridge and crossed back into New Jersey without incident. The severe side winds that we had experienced on the way over had become a strong tailwind for the return trip. I continued on, returning home just as it was too dark to continue with my sunglasses.

Not long after I returned home I received a call from Jack, our Road Captain. He was concerned as to what had happened to me as they noticed upon their return that I was not with them. We discussed the event...no harm, no foul! At least from now on I'll have my mike cord attached so I can communicate with the group.

Besides the mechanical problem, it was a great ride. A little challenging with the high winds, especially on the bridge and technically challenging coming up with a quick roadside fix for the shifter.