New Chain & Sprockets (6/18/23 Sun)

The Wise Owl hammock and bug net worked out well in the mid 50F (no wind or rain) under an open tarp. I used the 3/4 length therma-rest under me, slipped inside the sheet liner and had the quilt over me with the foot box zipped up. I did use my inflatible pillow and slept mostly on my side. I think I didn't go to bed until 2330, and got up around 1000? It's always light, so I loose track.

After uploading some photos and publishing my prior days blog I started my hunt for tools. The local hostel didn't have what I needed. But I did leave my laundry to be washed for $10. So off to Walmart, Lowes, HD, O'Reilly, and Autozone I went. I even returned a few things after finding better solutions.

In the end I couldn't find a 32mm socket anyplace, but did find a 1.25in socket. I also found a torx set with a T30, needed to remove the clutch slave and front sprocket cover. To confirm the SAE socket would fit I disassebled those T30 accessed items to test the 1.25in socket in the parking lot. My new tools included a file to grind down the chain pins, 1/2in breaker bar, torx set, Rotella T6 oil, AAA batteries (cheap camera food), plus replacement tooth paste and powder.

I ate Arby's at the start of my shopping as a brunch, and found a highly rated Korean restaurant KC''s Kitchen on my way home for dinner.

Back at the hostel I did some prep and probably got started on the installed around 1830. It went smoothly except that my 1/4in sockets didn't have enough leverage to remove any of the five rear sprocket nuts. The hostel did have some sockets and eventually I found a 3/8 drive 14mm socket and working wratchet. I'm leaving behind a $27 1/2 drive breaker bar for the hostel, but everything else I plan to carry home.

The front sprocket had some wear but looked very good. The rear sprocket never got to full points but lost a lot of material. The chain was toasted, and probably what catalized the rapid deteriorization. It had one roller completely missing, and a few more warn through in places. It had stretech at least 2 full links longer than the new one.

The work was completed some time 9pm. I didn't get to test ride until 10pm because this extremely interesting guy showed up and we talked awhile. He signed and gave me a copy of his book. He's probably worth an entire blog. He's an airplane mechanic, pilot with medical training. He's involved in a lot of things up here and has done some very cool things in his life. Not sure why he dropped in to talk with me, but I enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the book.

The test ride proved I now had a working chain and sprocket. Now I only have to keep and eye on my tires. Allowing me to leave for Coldfoot, then Deadhorse in the morning. Assuming I get to bed, sleep and wake up at a reasonable time.

I collected and eventually repacked my laundry, and took a much needed $0.75 shower ($0.25/min).