by quinn | Mar 31, 2013 | Cycling, English, Travel tips
Two atoms of Al grasping to each other with theoretical forces as the vacuum of energy between them lengthens. Once their gap expands to a certain distance their relationship changes, and the possibility for new relationships opens. A stray molecule of NaCl winks shyly as he passes. Bond. The failed Al relationship causes a schism in the community; neighboring Al families likewise begin to unwed, first a few, then thousands, billions. A threshold is reached and the microcosm instantly becomes macroscopic, and a sound emits into the calm morning air.
The 18-year-old Edco hubs of our Argos tandem spontaneously disintegrated with help—it has been suggested—from the salt air. These failings could have occurred at any point during our 3000km journey, but mysteriously failed post-trip, while the bike was resting. Are aged hubs and salt air suspect enough—or should we think ghosts?
We have new hubs and are in search of a wheel builder in the Greek arcipelago.
Update: Everything was fixed. We are very happy and ready for our next trip.
by Alma | Nov 27, 2012 | Cycling, Digital Nomads, English, Europe, Travel tips
Cost to have one boot zipper replaced? €35! If you have already decided to travel slowly, you might just continue doing everything slowly. Photos of stitching a new zipper into Alma’s boots with a handmade travel awl (a gift from the polymath Zeke Lunder).
by quinn | Nov 6, 2012 | English, Sponsors
Trick question: how many normal bicycle chains does a tandem bicycle have? The synchronizing chain (the front one) is very long and requires combining two normal sized chains. Those, plus the rear chain makes three.
We were a little disheartened to buy three new chains at €20 each when ours needed replacement. That’s why we are very grateful to receive a sponsorship from Tomás Domingo in Barcelona for wholesale pricing on chains and a new sprocket. And, though he was hesitant, I talked the mechanic into loaning me the tools so I could replace the sprocket myself in their stockroom. Mid-way through the job he came in looking a little frazzled and gestured with a knife-stroke finger across his throat: his boss was unhappy with his leniency. Ooops! But we couldn’t have been more grateful. Thank you Tomás Domingo.
