As indicated in my last blog post, I wanted to donate my bike to someone that would appreciate the story behind it and would be able to put it to good use. When I stopped off at "Two Wheeler Dealer" in Wilmington, NC at the conclusion of my ride I was planning to have my bike shipped back home but after the many blessings I received on my journey I decided to donate it so someone else could enjoy it! Today I received an email that made me so happy!
I met with Jonathan at the bike shop and he put me in touch with a gentleman in the community, Frank who assured me that he would do all he could to get my bike to a veteran that would appreciate the bike and the story behind it. Well, Frank came through big time and was able to get "Bobnick" to a US Air Force Veteran, Brian Sims! Brian will be using the bike to get back and forth from class as he begins his studies at UNC-Wilmington. Thanks to Johnathan and Jim from "Two Wheeler Dealer" for making sure Bobnick was all set up and ready for Brian to enjoy. Brian, thank you so much for your service! On behalf of my brother, my son Nick who has enlisted in the US Air Force and everyone that supported me on my bike ride across America, I hope you enjoy your new bike and may God Bless you!
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Checking over my bike I discovered a spoke that came out and others were loose. In the heart of Sisters is a bike shop called "Blazin Saddles" I called them and they said they could take a look at it first thing in the morning. As I approached the bike shop I saw a gentleman on his bike near the intersection. I went up and introduced myself...his name was Brad. He had started his cross country ride on the east coast and had reached Sisters in only 41 days! Amazing!!! Early congrats on completion of your ride Brad! They said it would take an hour or so to get the shop opened and complete the necessary repairs. I gave the gentleman my phone number and walked into town. When I saw Sisters Coffee Company I had to go in! What a neat place! I got my coffee and sat outside admiring the charm of the small mountain town. I headed back over to the bike shop and they were just finishing up with my bike. Everyone in the shop was very pleasant and helpful...highly recommend Blazin Saddles if you find yourself needing repairs or gear in Sisters, Oregon. Next stop was the Post Office so Ryan could ship home some of his gear to lighten his load. He had a lot of stuff and I'm sure it was much easier for him once all that weight was off his bike. We then began our day with a light rain falling. It wasn't as demanding as a couple days ago but just enough climbs to keep us honest, finishing up in Prineville, Or. this afternoon. Miles today 38.4
Elevation Gain - 1,110 Cumulative Miles - 210.9 Next Stop - Mitchell, OR
Because I'm comfortable on my Diamond Back mountain bike I decided to modify it for ride across America rather than buying a new one. Products list:
Click on photos to enlarge Special thanks to Jim, Stacy and Ryan at Bike Touring News for their tips and great work on the bike!
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