Temporary Fix & Church Grass
Here’s just a quick update …..
Yesterday, my Warmshowers host took me to three hardware stores to find some threaded rod. Of course, I found what I needed at the last one. You have to love ACE Hardware. The employees are always so helpful.
Afterward, he dropped me off at the local Trek store (bike brand). Shawn, the mechanic, tried in vain to help me. I needed a special part, but I was extremely grateful for his assistance.
Without the correct part, I used the threaded rod to create a new axle. This is not ideal, as it could break very easily, so I am riding cautiously. I will work with one of the bicycle stores on my route to get the correct part.
After all that, I got to re-ride my bike through Mount Vernon. I had no idea that it was a tourist destination. I will have to stop again when I have time.
Then, I finally reached the point where I broke down, but I did not stop peddling. I never want to go through what happened to me in Phoenixville, PA, where I seemed to be stuck for longer than I wanted.
Well, after a couple of hours, I ended up in God knows where. There were lots of cars without license plates and with years of dust on them (all in a vast development). It was then that I realized RideWithGPS was having a bad day. I rebooted the software and followed the “new” directions. I then ended up in an older development where everyone spoke Spanish. Again, I realized RideWithGPS was short-circuiting. I then flipped on Google Maps and went on my way. It was the most dangerous way, of course. And without fail, Google Maps found EVERY hill for me to climb.
While riding along a major parkway (Prince William Parkway) that interconnects with I-95, I put a nail through my tire. So, I spent over an hour fixing that.
Finally, I was on my way. I ignored RideWithGPS and saw that if I stayed on this parkway, I would end up where I needed.
Hours later, after desperately trying to find a place to pitch a tent, I came across the Immanuel Anglican Church. It was a great experience. I slept better on their lawn than I had in a bed for the last two years. Pastor Travis Hines, Tyra Harpster, Melissa, and Danny were so accommodating. As I head out the door, I feel incredibly refreshed and ready for another day.
There’s more to this story, like the homeless guy telling me to go away as I was at another location and the police officer that I had spoken with (a very nice guy). I will hopefully put those details in the book when I finish my tour.
